Guyana Chronicle E-paper 5-8-2019

WEDNESDAY 8th May, 2019

Pay hike for nurses No.105631

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Public 12 Health Ministry PS announces PAGE

U.S. seeks extradition of ex-cop for drugs 10 PAGE

Shawn Neblett

Texas Petroleum Summit …

‘Big names’ 02 billed to present at Guyana forum PAGE

‘The ties that bind’

Guyanese man accused of murdering daughter 17

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… President hails EU as valued partner in human, economic development

President David Granger shares a toast with European Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Jernej Videtic at the Europe Day celebrations Tuesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel (Adrian Narine photo)

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Dead: Zoey Pereira

… sets car on fire with 3-year-old inside

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Texas Petroleum Summit …

‘Big names’ billed to present at Guyana forum THE Guyana Petroleum Summit, which will feature a number of key Guyanese companies and state players, and which will see presentations from respected industry leaders, will take place in Houston, Texas on Thursday.

The event is to be held at the Marriott Marquis, Downtown Houston. Among the entities participating is TotalTec Oilfield Services. President and CEO of TotalTec, Lars Mangal, said the event is a chance for the various local and international companies to navigate the opportunities of the “world’s most exciting new offshore deep-water oil province.”

“As one of the major new oil regions discovered this century, Guyana will be transformed in the coming years, with the country emerging as a leading global oil producer.”

He said that with the summit, Guyana and international industry leaders and investors will provide a highly informative day of successes, challenges and a view of the future for the deep-water province of the decade.

“The Guyana Petroleum Summit will serve as a platform to navigate this new province,

bringing together ministry officials, international, national and independent oil and gas operators, regulators, investors, contractors and service companies,” he said.

Calling Houston Texas the ‘global centre for the oil and gas industry’, Mangal said that several key representatives from Guyana will be speaking and presenting at the event, including a world-class panel of industry experts. Apart from Mangal, others down to present are Anthony Paul, a local content expert from Trinidad; Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes; former Trinidad Minister of Energy, Kevin Ramnarine; former Presidential Adviser, Jan Mangal; Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson Jr and others representing Chatham House, Schlumberger, the US Embassy Georgetown, Wood Mackenzie, among many others.

Mangal said that the discoveries and rapid pace to production will require the Government of Guyana to work hand-in-hand with some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated multi-national corporations, on an accelerated timeline “to establish a regulatory framework and build infrastructure to support

Standing, from left, in interaction with an international business owner are: Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes; GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Owen Verwey, and GCCI President, Nicholas Boyer this new industry.” He noted that operators, service companies and contractors are rapidly ramping-up their operations, recruiting and training Guyanese, and preparing facilities to support the new business. “The challenges are immense, but the oil industry has a proven history of overcoming. “The key is that all participants work together, collaborate and get things right from the start,” he said.

He noted that the summit will help draw the road map for how Guyana can best harness the economic benefits as it establishes its own oil and gas industry, recognising that the industry giants coming in have their own stakeholders with their expectations.

An interested individual gets information on doing business in Guyana

BUSY BOOTH Meanwhile, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicholas Boyer, told the Guyana Chronicle

that based on the traffic flow, the first day has been really successful.

“You have a lot of people talking, networking, learning, visiting our booths and finding out a lot more about Guyana: this new frontier for the oil industry,” GCCI President said.

He referred to the energy experienced at the Guyana booth as “extremely positive”, which he assured will result in a number of partnerships, both in Houston and elsewhere.

“Clearly there’s a lot of interest in our market and what we were able to do, as a delegation that includes both government and private sector, is answer questions about how to enter the Guyanese market and I think that is going to be the tipping point for firms who were on the fence,” Boyer said.

The GCCI president added that given See page 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Guyana lauds strong ties with EU

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… new EU-ACP pact to be completed soon

By Wendella Davidson

PRESIDENT David Granger on Tuesday evening hailed the strong ties between Guyana and the European Union, even as he looks forward to the new economic partnership between the bloc and the African Caribbean and Pacific States.

The President made the remarks while addressing a large gathering at the Europe Day celebrations held at the Pegasus Hotel. President Granger said Europe’s journey towards greater collaboration, peace and prosperity was triggered in the wake of the World Wars by the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950. He said Europe Day symbolises Europe’s quest for peace through economic cooperation and integration.

Noting that the European Union is grounded in the values of democracy, equality, respect for diversity and human rights, the President said the bloc has emerged as the world’s foremost international integration movement. “The EU embodies the virtues and values of multilateralism. Its efforts at global cooperation have addressed global challenges and advanced development,” the Guyanese leader told the gathering at the Pegasus Hotel.

He said Guyana attaches the highest priority to relations with the European

President David Granger pictured second from right along with (from left to right) First Lady, Ms. Sandra Granger, wife of the Ambassador of the EU to Guyana Ms. Ruth Drizyte-Videtic; Ambassador of the EU to Guyana Mr. Jernej Videtic and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings (Adrian Narine photo) Union which has been a val- which has enjoyed a vibrant gender relations, governance, (2014-2020) for cooperation ued partner in human and partnership with the EU, poverty reduction, rural de- between the European Union economic development, par- commencing with the first velopment, water and youth and the Cooperative Republic ticularly for small, develop- Lomé Convention of 1975. development,” the Guyanese of Guyana supports efforts ing states. “Our long-standAdditionally, he said it leader detailed. at climate resilience and diing relationship has been paved the way, also, for GuyHe said the country’s saster reduction. “Guyana cemented within the ambit ana to benefit from trade and ‘Green’ State Development is optimistic that its strong, of successive Lomé Conven- developmental cooperation Strategy will improve forest historic relations with the tions and the current ACP- with the European Union management and value-added European Union will conEU Cotonou Partnership in diverse fields – includ- production in timber prod- tribute to the continued conAgreement. Guyana is hon- ing agriculture, coastal zone ucts. “The signing of the solidation of collaboration oured to have been accorded management, education, Guyana-EU Foreign Law and to cooperation with the the responsibility to lead the health, housing, infrastruc- Enforcement, Governance wider membership of the Afnegotiations on behalf of the ture development, public and Trade Voluntary Part- rican, Caribbean and Pacific Caribbean. Georgetown, our financial management re- nership Agreement (FLEGT Group.” capital city, you will recall, form and private sector de- VPA) on November 23, 2018 President Granger also was the site for the signing of velopment. “The European in Brussels, allows for the thanked EU Ambassador to the Georgetown Agreement Union Delegation’s presence strengthening of sustainable Guyana, Jernel Videti for his on June 6, 1975,” President in Georgetown has facilitated and legal forest management service as Head of DelegaGranger reminded the audi- the expansion of collabo- and the promotion of trade tion of the European Union ence. He said the ‘agreement’ ration – including through in legally-produced timber.” to the Cooperative Republic marked the conception of the technical assistance, and in According to President of Guyana, noting that his African, Caribbean and Pa- the fields of competitiveness, Granger the 11th EDF Na- tenure has helped to consolcific Group of States (ACP) climate change, electricity, tional Indicative Programme idate the excellent relations

between Guyana and the European Union. “I wish him every success in the future.

I extend warmest congratulations on the occasion of Europe Day,” the President ended.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Ambassador Videti announced that the EU will soon begin an in-country dialogue with Guyana, focusing on policies and strategies to draft the new phase of cooperation. He spoke too, of during his tenure, having approved some EU $83M to shore up areas in several sectors.

“The EU’s partnership with Guyana which is a member of the ACP group is strategic and this year represents an important milestone,” Videti said, adding that a new phase in the partnership will begin in 2020 and will be based on an existing policy framework by the European Consensus on Development which is a blueprint which aligns the European Union’s development policy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Consensus, Ambassador Videti said, highlights important cross-cutting elements such as: youth, gender equality, mobility and migration, sustainable energy and climate change, investment and trade, good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Father, son jailed for killing Mahaica Creek farmer

A father and his son were, on Tuesday sentenced to a total of 85-years imprisonment for the gruesome killing of Suresh Nandkishore, called ‘Ravo,’ who, in 2015, was beaten to death over a plot of land located in the Mahaica Creek.

Justice Navindra Singh handed down the judgement at the High Court on Sukhdeo Dharamdat, 54, called “Toney” and his son, 25-year-old Eshwardat Dharamdat called “Bruddow” The murder occurred on February 3, 2015, at Handsome Creek, Mahaica, East

DEAD Suresh Nandkishore called ‘Ravo’

Eshwardat Dharamdat

Sukhdeo Dharamdat

Coast Demerara. The state was represented by Prosecutors, Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohammed, while the father and son were represented by attorneys-at-law Pamela DaSantos, Brandon DaSantos and Alanna Lall.

A 12-member jury had found Sukhdeo Dharamdat guilty of the charge while his son, Eshwardat was found guilty of manslaughter. Justice Singh explained based on probation report relatives and friends of Sukhdeo described him as a bully and as someone who would have

gone to the ends of the earth to obtain ownership of the land.

Sukhdeo, in court, maintained that he is the rightful owner of the land, even though the court had awarded the Nandkishore’s family title of the land. Sukhdeo was sentenced to 65 years jail for the murder of Nandkishore, as Justice Singh explained that he showed no remorse or regret for killing the man.

Meanwhile, Eshwardat before sentencing, said: “I’m sorry about See page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Reuters reporters freed in Myanmar after more than 500 days in jail YANGON (Reuters) - Two Reuters journalists jailed in Myanmar after they were convicted of breaking the Official Secrets Act walked free from prison on Tuesday after more than 500 days behind bars.

Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, had been convicted in September and

sentenced to seven years in jail in a case that raised questions about Myanmar’s progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates. They were released under a presidential amnesty for 6,520 prisoners.

President Win Myint has pardoned thousands of other

prisoners in mass amnesties since last month.

It is customary in Myanmar for authorities to free prisoners across the country around the time of the traditional New Year, which began on April 17. Reuters has said the two men did not commit any crime and had called for their release.

Swamped by media and well-wishers as they walked through the gates of Insein Prison, on the outskirts of Yangon, a grinning Wa Lone gave a thumbs up and said he was grateful for the international efforts to secure their freedom.

“I’m really happy and excited to see my family and my colleagues. I can’t wait to go to my newsroom,” he said. Kyaw Soe Oo smiled and waved to reporters.

The two were then driven away by Reuters colleagues and reunited with their wives and children. Before their arrest in December 2017, they had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State during an army crackdown that began in August 2017.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019/ 05:00hrs.-06:30hrs.

The operation sent more than 730,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, according to U.N. estimates. The report the two men authored, featuring testimony from perpetrators, witnesses and families of the victims, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for international reporting in May, adding to a number of accolades received by the pair for their journalism. (reut.rs/2KFTSgQ) (reut. rs/2M5benE) Government spokesman Zaw Htay said the decision to release the two was made after the families wrote to government leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “We took the letters into consideration and released them in the interest of the country,” Zaw Htay told reporters. Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler welcomed the news.

“We are enormously pleased that Myanmar has released our courageous reporters, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. Since their arrests 511 days ago, they have become symbols of the importance of press freedom around the world. We welcome their return,” Adler said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was relieved to learn of the release, a spokesman said. The United Nations in Myanmar said it saw the release as a sign of the government’s commitment to the transition to democracy. The U.S. Embassy also welcomed the release and said it was glad the two could return to their families.

‘DIALOGUE WORKS’ Myanmar’s Supreme Court had rejected the journalists’ final appeal in April.

They had petitioned the top

court, citing evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime, after the Yangon High Court dismissed an earlier appeal in January.

The reporters’ wives wrote a letter to the government in April pleading for a pardon, not, they said, because their husbands had done anything wrong, but because it would allow them to be released from prison and reunited with their families. The Reuters journalists were released at the prison to representatives of Reuters and to Lord Ara Darzi, a British surgeon and health care expert who has served as a member of an advisory group to Myanmar’s government on reforms in Rakhine State.

“This outcome shows that dialogue works, even in the most difficult of circumstances,” Darzi said in a statement. Darzi said discussions about the pardon for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo had involved the Myanmar government, Reuters, the United Nations and representatives of other governments.

He said the government, led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, could only consider releasing the pair after the Supreme Court had rejected their final appeal. “I’m very grateful to the president, the state counselor (Suu Kyi) and also the cabinet, for making that happen.” Darzi has been a member of an advisory commission that was formed in 2016 to see through the advice from a panel headed by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan on solving the long-running conflict in Rakhine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

CCJ reserves judgement in case involving Grenadian prevented from entering Trinidad and Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 7, CMC – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Tuesday reserved its judgment in the case in which a Grenadian alleges that his rights to freedom of movement within the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region was infringed when he was refused entry into Trinidad and Tobago nearly two years ago.

“We will take time to consider and inform you when we are ready to give a decision in this matter,” CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders said after hearing submissions from the attorneys representing, David Bain, the Trinidad and Tobago government and the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.

Attorney Ruggles Ferguson had argued that his client, who is also a citizen of the United States, had presented his US passport on arrival from Grenada, on December 14, 2017. He said Bain was denied entry to attend the wedding of a family member and to remain on the island for a few days. The five-member panel CCJ judges heard that Bain was refused entry by immigration officials after he was questioned about past arrests for narcotics, which he strongly denied.

The Court heard that during the incident Bain presented a Grenadian driver’s licence and National Identification Card to establish his Grenadian citizenship for the purpose of invoking the right to freedom of movement as a CARICOM national, he was nevertheless detained and sent back to Grenada.

Ferguson argued that while he agrees that freedom of movement within CARICOM is not absolute, “we are not arguing that it is absolute. “The only issue here is really verification that Mr. Bain is also a CARICOM

national and the fact that his US passport is stamped does not take away that fact. “So what it means is that he becomes entitled to the best of both worlds. That simply is what dual citizenship means. If I go to the United States, I am a US citizen I am entitled to the rights and privileges that exist in the United States. “If I come to Grenada whether on a US passport or otherwise I am still a Grenadian citizen and I am entitled also to those rights and privileges. One does not adversely affect the other,” Fergusson said, adding “that’s the essence of our submission”.

Grenada is a signatory to the original jurisdiction of the CCJ, which was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s highest court. The CCJ also functions as an international tribunal, interpreting the treaty that governs the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM. Attorney Richie Dass, representing the Trinidad and Tobago government, said that

no one has suggested for a minute that Bain is not a Grenadian citizen. “At the end of the day Mr. Bain elected to maintain a US passport. He elected to fly upon it. He elected not to maintain a valid Grenadian passport and for that…he wants damages US$25,000 as a result of that. “We say there should be no entitlement and there’s no breach. It is entirely consistent with the Revised Treaty (of Chaguaramas) for people to have a passport to invoke their rights.. It is entirely consistent with the approach of the Heads of Governments in successive meetings as CARICOM itself has pointed out and it is entirely consistent with the subsequent treaties that this is how it ought to be done”.

Dass argued that there “could be no legitimate criticism of the Trinidad and Tobago government or the receiving officers at Immigration”. He said that Immigration officers were also interested in the matter since it would determine ‘whether their actions are defensible or not. “And so we say they acted properly in all the circumstances,” Dass told the CCJ. In its submission, the CARICOM Secretariat said entry into a CARICOM country is not “unbridled right” adding “it is a right that must be balanced by security to protect. The Secretariat argued that a driver’s

Press attache shot and killed

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, May 7, CMC – Police are probing the murder of government press attache, Ridchy Cayo, who was shot near the police station in Omega on the outskirts of the capital.

In a statement, the Primature said unidentified

gunmen riding motorcycles opened fire on the press attaché on Sunday fatally hitting him in the back. It said he was rushed to the Office of Occupational Accident Insurance, Sickness and Maternity (OFATMA), hospital, but died soon afterwards.

The Primature described Cayo as “:a dynamic, dedicated, passionate press attaché, marked by a sense of creativity and innovation in the field of digital communication, for which he was in charge”. It said with his death, the Primature “lost

a seasoned professional, who will have marked, by its brief passage, the landscape of social media”.

licence is not a readable document “and provides no information…and that right to an automatic stay of six months is something to the CARICOM national not being an undesirable. “One cannot determine if a person is an undesirable by the mere looking at a driver’s licence,” the CARICOM Secretariat said in its submission.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Advancements in education

ONE of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, respected inventor, scientist, political theorist, author, politician, diplomat, and all-round thinker said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Nelson Mandela agreed. The celebrated South African activist, president, and statesman noted that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Similar sentiments have been expressed in one form or another by men and women of all walks of life since the beginning of modern civilisation, and is arguably an accepted truth with which there is universal agreement.

Education is the process of facilitating learning; the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and positive habits. The term ‘education’ is most frequently used to refer to a formal process that occurs in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. However, it has long been recognised that education has a wider, deeper meaning that encompasses all the means by which an individual gains knowledge, and learns to apply that knowledge to real-life situations in

order to solve problems, improve the quality of life, and be a productive member of society. Education, therefore, is, or should be, a lifelong pursuit.

The experts tell us that education is not only the acquisition of knowledge that is contained in books, but includes, too, the learning of practical skills, particularly those that relate to one’s own life and specific needs, as well as the requirements of one’s community, and the refining of the ability to integrate that knowledge and those skills into everyday activities and endeavours. The experts say, too, that education is not just learning how to read and write (literacy), since even a robot can read and write, but an educated human being uses acquired knowledge wisely. It makes a human being much more than the sum of the knowledge with which he or she was provided. Importantly, education may be used not only for elevating oneself, but it can be used to improve other peoples’ lives. Evidently, any society that wants to improve itself must place the education of its citizens high on its agenda.

Guyana is fortunate to have a system of free formal

education, though admittedly imperfect. Our country has, too, leaders who recognise the pivotal role that learning plays in the quest for personal fulfilment, individual achievement, community advancement, regional enhancement, and national development. Just some four months after being elected to office in October 2015, President David Granger observed that Guyana’s education system was in need of major improvements. Speaking at the national awards ceremony for students who had excelled at the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examinations (CSEC), the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), as well as the Guyana Technical Education Examination, Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Cyril Potter College of Education and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Head of State lamented the poor condition of the entire education system, and spoke to the need for general improvement.

His Excellency observed that, “There are problems in the educational sector.” The president noted that every day, five children drop out of secondary school. “What is to become of them?” President

Granger remarked.

His Excellency said that each year, more than half of the students who undertake the NGSA fail, and that this means that Guyana’s secondary education system is not producing the desired results. “It means that half of the students who enter the secondary school system may not be qualified to be there,” the president noted.

President Granger referred to the fact that fewer than half of those who wrote English and Mathematics at the 2015 CSEC examinations passed.

The president mentioned that the Ministry of Education described the situation as unsatisfactory. “This is unacceptable in the knowledge-based world in which we live,” he said. “Guyana simply cannot continue along this trajectory if it is to compete with our sisters in the Caribbean.”

Given the president’s evident concern, one is not surprised that the David Granger Administration took immediate action to remedy the situation. In July 2015, one month after being sworn into office, President Granger launched the highly-successful 5Bs programme. The 5Bs stand for boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast and books.

The initiative was launched

by the president after he paid a visit to the Pomeroon area, where, during his interactions with residents, he learnt of the high cost of transportation for children to get to and from school; that many families simply could not afford it. Additionally, because of widespread and extreme poverty, many parents could not afford to purchase the books needed by their children.

Even more saddening was the fact that many children were forced to stay at home because their families could not afford proper meals. On hearing this, the president decided to take action. The resulting 5Bs programme has been remarkably successful.

Numerous initiatives have since been undertaken by the government within the administration’s holistic education plan. Officials have repeatedly underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to education. The president has pointed out that education must encompass both tradition and transformation. Education, officials say, must include academics, vocational, technical, and apprenticeship programmes.

Adults, as well as adolescents who have dropped out of the system, and younger children, must be given the op-

portunity for self-fulfilment.

Programmes such as the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative are intendede to equip Guyanese to meet the challenges of the future. “Guyana’s capacity to compete in global markets will rely on our ability to innovate. Innovation requires that greater emphasis be placed on education, particularly STEM education.

The greatest innovation in the global economy is in the scientific and information technology fields. STEM education must be emphasised from an early age, if we are to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to foster transformation,” the president said.

Government’s recognition that education is the key to development is the appropriate foundational premise upon which initiatives, programmes, and projects can be conceptualised and implemented.

Guyanese should welcome this comprehensive approach. And, as the government works to provide the opportunities for personal advancement and social development, citizens should take advantage of every available option.

Let us do things that are positive and can certify our unity and diversity Dear Editor, SHARING the commissioning of the Indian Arrival Monument in East Berbice on Sunday, May 5, 2019, proved to be both inspirational and instructive.

Remarks by the Indian High Commissioner and Director General of Indian Council were relevant and useful as they both made a link between Guyana and a group whose

fore -parents who came from India are now constitute to form the largest segments of our society.

The highlight of the event was the address

by President David Granger whose analysis and historical references were par excellent.

Here was a Statesman openly saying the praises of a group of Immigrants who continued to make an important contribution to Guyana. I marveled at the perspicacity of David Granger

when he identified two persons in each category of development in Guyana. No one could have done better.

In particular, he identified for business, two very decent and honourable persons in business, Sattaur Gafoor and Mrs. Lyla Kissoon and other areas of law, medicine and diplomacy.

In sports, he identified Rohan Kanhai and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Those who

heard Shiv’s speech, when the roadway was named to honour him would understand my personal delight. I spent my formative years in the Charlestown, Albouystown, La Penitence areas, which allowed me to learn much from mixing with the descendants of Indian immigrants, who lived in large numbers in these areas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

OP-ED

By Federica Mogherini (High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy / Vice-President) I HAVE always thought of Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe as two sister regions, united by history and culture. We are a family because so many Europeans in the last century found a new home in Latin America and the Caribbean and vice-versa, contributing to making both our regions richer and greater. Through its outermost regions and territories, Europe is also part of the region.

In recent years our cooperation has reached unprecedented levels. And today our two continents are much closer than in the previous decade. In the coming years, it will be essential to continue on the path laid out, but with a renewed sense of urgency. Caribbean countries face specific vulnerabilities: you are particularly exposed the impact of climate change, yet the potential of your econ-

omies is immense. Europe has much to offer its friends in this delicate phase of our common history, and we Europeans need more than ever a strong partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean.

On this basis rests the new European strategy on the future of relations between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Compared to a decade ago, European investments in Latin America and the Caribbean have more than doubled. We have entered into cooperation agreements with 27 of the 33 countries of the continent, and we are about to conclude a new generation of agreements with Chile, Mexico and Mercosur. We are also working intensively with the Caribbean countries for a successor to the Cotonou agreement, which should be a major step ahead in our relationship.

Europe has been close to you in the most delicate moments in your continent’s life. We intervened with our satellites when it was necessary to plan humanitarian

Europe: A unique partner for the Caribbean aid and reconstruction in the Caribbean after the cyclone Irma and other natural catastrophes. We have resumed a common path with Cuba, strengthening the political dialogue and cooperation on a wide range of issues, including sustainable development and human rights.

We have accompanied the negotiations between the Colombian government and the FARC in Havana, and we are contributing with our support to the full realization of the peace agreement. Faced with the tragic situation in Venezuela we are assisting the refugees and the countries that have sheltered them. But not only: together with countries from the region and European countries, we have created the International Contact Group which today is the only international initiative that has established a dialogue with all the Venezuelan parties, with a view to the common goal of a peaceful, political and democratic solution to the crisis through new free and transparent presidential elections.

This type of collaboration will be even more important in the years to come, for both our continents. Your region has an incredible untapped potential, but many social contradictions and fragilities have not yet been resolved.

And Europe is not that different. The fight against inequalities and the creation of a truly inclusive and sustainable development model will be the great challenges of this century. The collaboration between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean can contribute uniquely to the prosperity of our regions. The trade agreements we are negotiating are not simple free trade agreements: they contain mechanisms for the protection of workers’ rights, consumers’ health and the traditional sectors of our economies. The Economic Partnership Agreement that we concluded ten years ago with CARIFORUM has led the way. Europe is not only the leading international investor in the region: we are the only world power to systematically invest in the green

Let us do things that...

During the second World War, my father started the first Indigenous Bank in the City known as the People’s Benefit Scheme. There I developed a great respect for the Indo Guyanese who pooled their savings in the People’s Benefit Scheme. I marvelled at their penchant for deferred gratification and thrift.

I was able to save two of those large ledgers, which from time to time, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the early depositors came to identify the wisdom and ability of their forebearers to save. Dear Editor, at any time you are free to bear witness to this initiative taken during the stress and tribulations of a British colony during World War II. The ledgers are available for scrutiny and you may very well find an old relative who used this unique banking

system. It’s significant that the by-line of the Monument is referred to as ‘Ram and Khan.’ The commissioning of this Monument ushered in the Holy Month of Ramadan, a significant time for Islamic community.

I must have been 12 or 13 years old, but recall a very robust discussion with a group in my father’s drug store, when an Indian Muslim Brother said he didn’t know why all Muslims in British Guiana were referred to as ‘Fulla Men.’ My research showed that some of the slaves extracted from parts of West Africa were from the Fulani tribe who were stout Muslims so when East Indian Muslims arrived with their Hindu Brothers, the rulers simply referred to all Muslims as ‘Fulla Men,’ a description which is hardly used today.

During that very ener-

gised discussion, I remember a very dark Indian, very elegant contending that the system tended to trivialise the Madras people because they were the darkest of the groups; of course, this was before the American Civil Rights Movement coined the term ‘Black is beautiful.’

I wish to make two comments: first, that those who are identified as leaders, and for whatever reason, didn’t make it to Palmyra on Sunday should get hold of the remarks made by the Director General, High Commissioner and the statesman-like address by the President. They will find it both informative and helpful.

Second, I suggest to the Berbice and Georgetown Chambers of Commerce that they would do well to prove their nationalism by having excerpts of the three addresses printed and made available

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to television and radio for the benefit of the wider com-

and blue economy, in digitalisation, in high-quality jobs.

Our strategy contains a series of concrete proposals for the sustainable development of Latin America and the Caribbean – from investments in climate resilient development, to the sustainable use of maritime resources, to public-private partnerships in the most hi-tech economic sectors. We want to strengthen the cooperation we have already started on some issues of strategic importance, such as the improvement of human and citizen security, the fight against organized crime and the improvement of public services.

Europe has every interest in strengthening not only the economic partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean, but also international political cooperation.

The collaboration between our regions has made possible the Paris agreement against climate change and the agreement on Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations. Together, we make for 61 votes in the UN

context. This is the weight we can mobilize to strengthen the joint work on the reform of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, on non-proliferation, on the common security issues that are dearest to us. To do this, we want to dialogue with each country in the region, but also to intensify work with regional and sub-regional organisations. This is why we are strengthening relations with different groups of countries – from CARIFORUM to SICA, from Mercosur to the Pacific Alliance. It is not an interaction between bureaucracies, but a political dialogue between organisations that represent the interests and values of millions of people.

The collaboration between regions is the best way to advance the interests and values of our citizens.

The potentialities of integration between two regions are infinite. We Europeans have decided to invest in our friendship with Latin America and the Caribbean.

munity, but in particular our young people. The two chambers and the media would have done themselves proud if they accepted this as a duty and service to Guyana. Let

us do things that are positive and can certify our unity and diversity.

Regards Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Region 9 REO Carl Parker clears air on tendering process Dear Editor, I WOULD like to put to rest once and for all any speculation that the tender process in the Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo region was not above board. It is quite necessary since this country has a history of unchallenged untruths passing as facts.

As Chairman of the Regional Tender Board, and Regional Executive Officer, I have always endeavoured to be ideal, even in the face of extreme difficulties. However, there are some detractors who are hell-bent on having things go their way all the time.

The most recent such person is Rommel Harrinandan, the brother-in-law of the Regional Vice Chairman and a Teacher at the St. Ignatius Secondary School in his letter “Lethem AFC PR concerned about issues surrounding Regional Tender Board” (SN May 06 2019). He was on a cuss out trip which I will not dignify with a response except to say that as a Teacher his presentation leaves much to be desired; and this is one of the challenges I am faced with. I am faced with Teachers in the system who are passing on that level of education to our children.

Hence the challenges these children have in consistently doing well at school. This quality this teacher displayed is a hang-over from a time in the not too distant past. Better will come.

To set the records straight: I am not, and has never been a pal of Mr. Rommel Har-

rinandan. I was never driven by his father in any part of this country. In opposition, I walked anywhere I went, until I was gifted a motorcycle by Mr. Joseph Harmon in 2011; or catch a bus if I were going to Georgetown.

I was not on any campaign trail with Mr. Harrinandan nor have I slept in any house with him; unless of course, he slipped in while I was asleep. He had a brief affair with my daughter. I never knew about it until the relationship went sour. If that ever did happen, then it speaks volumes of his character.

So Mr. Harrinandan is being delusional on this score.

Secondly, The Procurement Act empowers accounting officers to award contracts in various categories. For regional executive officers, the categories are; 1. Up to $650,000 – three or more quotes without going to Tender Board; 2. $651,000 - $10M – Selective Tendering. That is, three or more persons are invited to tender competitively. The Award must be done by the Tender Board; 3. Open Tender. This can be done for projects $651,000 - $20M. These have to be adjudicated by the Tender Board.

Mr. Harrinandan would have done well had he researched the issue before, as he put it, “I made sure what I am saying here is factual…” Added to that is the fact that the Law prescribes what should happen after Awards.

That include posting the awards at prominent places for perusal by the public and sending

copies to the Public Procurement Commission. Tenders are public business, and this REO has nothing to hide. Had he checked, he would have noticed that there was a copy of the awards on the notice board at the Lethem Post Office, where all and sundry could have taken a very long read. There was no need to have the document “leaked,” as he put it.

Another issue is that, I and I alone as the accounting officer, determine whether or not to use the selective method of tendering. As a long-time resident of the Rupununi, I am aware that the rains, as we are presently having, will be on us and as such it is imperative to push in as much work as possible before that time. It is what is referred to as the “low hanging fruits.”

Had he taken the time to research, Mr. Harrinandan would have known of the timeline between advertising and award. This he would realise would have been an impracticable proposition. I guess he is too bitter with hatred to realise the impact those selective tenderings have had on the economy of the region, which was somewhat stagnated as a result of the few contractors employed last year, some getting as much as seven jobs in one go. This year, seven jobs were given to seven different contractors, which resulted in more residents on the employment list. More families were able to benefit from the public procurement process (no pun intended).

As to calling persons “dunce,” this exhibits his character. I have known many a

Let us all pray for justice for Dr O’Toole Dear editor DR Brian O’Toole, principal and owner of School of the Nations, one of the best private secondary schools of this nation of ours, was shot by a rogue criminal several months ago and to date no one has been caught and charged for that heinous crime.

That incident could have been fatal, but providence decreed otherwise!

I have known Dr O’Toole and his benign family for several decades now, and have known of their unique and highly significant contributions to Guyana.

They have so far contributed sacrificially to this nation in the field of primary, secondary and tertiary education and also employment.

They have given also in many

cases the opportunity for a better tertiary education to many children, who otherwise would have had none, due to poverty.

Many Guyanese children of all racial backgrounds have benefitted from their unique, unalloyed kindness, given with no strings attached, over the decades, to this nation’s children who Dr. O’Toole and his kind and unselfish beautiful wife, Mrs Pam O’Toole, had given to this nation’s children so far.

Mrs. Pam O’Toole is also a teacher and a kind humanitarian to this nation!

Their two kind and generous boys have also emulated their parents, and have done their part of kindness too. Editor, not only I alone, but several thousands of Guyanese of all strata of our society and of all

the races here, are concerned for Dr. O’Toole and his kind family’s safety in this nation.

Their safety are also our concern and we all ask that the actors and architect of that heinous and near fatal crime be brought before the courts to answer for it. Not only is Dr. O’Toole an educator, but also his unique life is one to be emulated by others. In all three counties of this nation they are admired and are emulated for their unique brand of education. Finally, we ask respectfully that the actors and perpetrators of that heinous and almost fatal crime be brought to trial, as justice is the best beloved of all things in the sight of God! Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

men who can neither read nor write, but have displayed aggressive business acumen. There will always be persons greater and lesser than us. That does not give us the right to denigrate them. Many persons, as he referred to them as “unce,” would put him to shame in their respective fields.

I do not care about race, nor any other categorisation when I do my work. I look at the human side of things. This is exemplified in the number of villages, many of whom did not support the coalition, which I have worked with, giving contracts to the Village Councils to stimulate their respective economies. Some of these villages are, Surama, Toka, Shulinab, Mururanau, Masekeneri, Yarong Paru, Tiperu, and Taushida.

From that list Mr. Harrinandan can identify who supported the Coalition and who did not.

I will close by saying that Mr. Harrinandan was very contradictory when he referred to himself as an AFC candidate and an opposition member in the same breath. Maybe his brother-in-law, who has not attended a single Tender Board meeting since I returned to the Region on the 7th January, is putting words in his mouth. I stand by my record.

Respectfully, Carl Parker Regional Executive Officer Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

IAC extends Ramadan Mubarak THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) extends Ramadan Mubarak to all the citizens of Guyana, especially those who are adherents of Islam, the religion of peace, at the beginning of this holy month which is observed by over one billion people globally.

The IAC urges those who are verily observing the religious customs and traditions of Islam, pertaining to this holy month, to practise and teach self-discipline, self-restraint and continue to be generous to the less fortunate while obeying God’s commandments.

The IAC recognises that the observances of the holy month promote great spiritual virtues, teach respect for all of God’s creations and religions, and ensure blessings for the faithful.

The IAC has observed the significant humanitarian efforts by the Prime Minister of New Zealand to provide moral and physical support to the survivors of the terrorist attack on Muslims who were at prayer in two masjids. The IAC calls on all our national political leaders to practise the principles and learn the lessons of this holy month of Ramadan in order to remedy the social ills besetting Guyana and together lead the country towards peace, parity, prosperity and conviviality. On behalf of its members and constituents, the IAC wishes Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

‘Not a moment too soon!’

9

Chancellor hails as timely opening of sexual offences court in the Ancient County

By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric ACTING Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said Tuesday that the opening of a sexual offences court in Berbice couldn’t have happened at a better time given the alarming statistics coming out of the County, and the sensitive nature of the successful prosecution of such offences.

“With the rise in the incidence of sexual offences, these specialised measures are needed now more than ever,” she said. “It has been the observation of experts and the local judiciary that the courtroom can be a harrowing place for victims.

While judicial proceedings are essential in restoring a sense of safety and confidence in the survivors, inadvertently, survivors are victimised when trying to seek justice. Consequently, victims are oftentimes hesitant to come forward and report sexual violence cases due to the procedure,” Justice Cummings-Edwards told those gathered on the foyer of the Berbice High Court, in which building the specialised court is housed, for the commissioning ceremony.

The multi-million-dollar modification to accommodate the court included outfitting the facility with the usual courtroom furniture but with such additional features as a special-measures room which allows the victim to feel safe while still able to closely follow the proceedings without the offender being any the wiser that she’s there in the same court.

The commissioning of the $13M facility in the Ancient County, follows the opening of the first ever such court in all of the Caribbean here in Georgetown at the Demerara High Court.

In her address, Justice Cummings-Edwards noted that Guyana has come a long way in recognising its responsibility in protecting its citizens through the implementation of legislative measures, the core pieces of which are: The Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act and the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. According to Justice Cummings-Edwards, “Given the nature of sexual offences, special responses are necessary for survivors, as the impact of sexual abuse

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards is assisted by Deputy British High Commissioner, Ray Davidson UNICEF resident representative to Guyana and Suriname, Sylvia Fouet at to cut the ribbon to launch the Sexual Offences Court in Berbice

has lasting emotional and psychological effects on the survivors.”

To better drive home the point she was making, she quoted Justice Desiree Bernard, who, while delivering a lecture at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica on November 29, 2006, said, “Sexual violence preys on, and affects one’s emotion, and leaves behind the deepest psychological scars. It is also ubiquitous, in that it can be perpetrated anywhere on any victim, regardless of age, gender, or social standing. The youngest infant is equally liable to be sexually assaulted, as the oldest adult, either in the privacy of the home, the workplace or in dark secretive places away from public view.”

And to cap it all, she quoted Justice Bernard as also saying that “in developing countries, research suggests that rape is an ever-present threat, and sometimes daily occurs for million of women.”

At that point, she reminded her audience of the special needs of sexual offences victims; needs that require specialised skills that can only be developed from dedicated court personnel operating at a specialised court with specialised equipment that respond to such special needs.

“The aim of the Sexual Offences Court is to, at best, minimise revictimisation of survivors of sexual violence, by providing facilities that would support victims as they give their evidence in court. Additionally, the Court is to ensure that the environment is conductive to victims,” Justice Cumming-Edwards said, adding: “As such, the Court is furnished with

the necessary equipment to protect victims from having to see the accused and the persons in the courtroom when giving their evidence.”

Weighing in on the timeliness of the opening of the facility in Berbice was Deputy British High Commissioner, Ray Davidson, who used the case of Frances Andrade, a British professional violinist who took her own life rather than live with the humiliation of being made to look as if she was making the whole thing up, to reinforce the importance of treating with sensitivity the prosecution of sexual offences matters.

Andrade a mother of four, who was 48 when she died, and was 14 when the abuse began back in 1978, committed suicide in January 2013, after testifying against her abuser, her former music teacher, just when the matter was about to come to a close.

“Reliving her experience was a nightmare, as she felt she was being attacked, and at one point she even doubted herself. The pressure and humiliation was too much, and within a week of giving her evidence, she took her life,” Davidson said, adding: “The case prompted a debate into how courts should handle such cases. Special measures have been gradually implemented in the UK to make it easier for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give evidence in court.

“The new system you have here replicates much of what is being done in the UK; it might encourage others who have suffered abuse to come forward and feel comfortable in knowing they will be treated with respect and dignity.”

In her remarks, Sylvia Fouet, UNICEF Resident

A section of the gathering during the launching of the Sexual Offences Court in Berbice

Representative, whose organisation contributed $9M towards the project, noted that the Sexual Offences Court gives survivors the right to be heard and the opportunity to be healed.

“UNICEF particularly

partners to make the Court child-friendly and user-friendly, so that persons will not be afraid to receive justice and healing,” Fouet said.

Among those attending the historical event

were Chief Justice Roxanne George, who chaired the event; Susanna Lovell, Registrar of the Supreme Court, who moved the vote of thanks; and Secretary of the Berbice Bar Association, Adrian Anamayah.

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U.S seeks extradition of ex-cop for drugs THE United States of America has requested the extradition of former member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Shawn Neblett, to face drug trafficking charges over there.

The request comes weeks after another Guyanese was successfully extradited to the US for murder. Reports are that Washington has several other requests lined up and was buoyed by the successful extradition of Troy Anthony Thomas, who was wanted in the United States for murder.

Neblett, 34 of Community Lane, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is wanted in the US in connection to a cocaine bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri on January 24, 2017.

The accused, after being on the run, was nabbed by police at Moleson Creek Corentyne River, while attempting to flee to Suriname.

He was arrested and placed before Principal Magistrate, Faith McGusty, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court late Tuesday afternoon, where local extradition proceedings got underway. A representative of the US Government, Stacy Gooding, explained that the US has already filed the extradition with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP.) Gooding requested that Neblett be remanded for the extradition process to begin.

In court, Neblett explained that he is unaware of the charges he is allegedly facing in the US, while also denying attempting to flee the jurisdiction to Suriname. According to the former policeman, he was travelling to Suriname legally and did not know that he was

Shawn Neblett blacklisted.

Magistrate McGusty remanded Neblett and adjourned the matter until June 6, 2019, for a report on the extradition. According to reports, Neblett is wanted in connection to the almost $3M cocaine bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. On January 24, 2017, a suitcase was found with four packets of cocaine hidden inside.

A little over a week ago, Thomas, who was wanted in the United States for murder, was extradited to that country and faced a federal court abroad.

Thomas, of 32nd Street, South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, U.S.A., had been hiding out in Guyana for a number of years. Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in December ordered that he be extradited to face a charge of murder in that country back in 2011.

The US Department of Justice had requested Thomas be extradited there to stand trial on three criminal charges he allegedly committed in the State of New York.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

‘Big names’ billed to present ...

From page 2

the interest shown on just the first day, the entire contingent is looking forward to the coming days.

The mission focuses on two primary activities which are a booth display with an area for business-to-business (B2B) meetings and a Guyana Night for Information Sharing and Business Networking on May 8, 2019.

Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, representing his firm – the Hughes, Field and Stoby Law Firm – stated that day one of the conference was fruitful for the firm which was able to network with the masses. “Not only have we met some very interesting people, but we have made some very, very useful contacts that I’m pretty confident will result in translating to good business,” he said.

Hughes projected that very soon, several of the connections made during the conference will result in follow-up visits to Guyana for business collaboration. “The interest in Guyana is really peaking,” Hughes began.

“Everybody that has come here, including the people that built the top site for the first FPSO, are extremely enthusiastic about Guyana. People are making plans based our meetings here today to come down to Guyana

and I would say that we have generated a significant amount of interest in Guyana, not only in oil and gas, but as a country for investment.”

Present too was GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Owen Verwey, who emphasised the importance of the country’s representation at the conference. “We’re emerging as an oil and gas nation and we’ve had little or no experience in this area. The opportunity to come here is largely to bring businesses from Guyana to get exposure for knowledge awareness and for a better understanding of what happens in the industry; what is the value chain and who are the major players in the industry,” Verwey said.

Even as the businesses rack-up experience in this regard, the CEO stated that they also have the opportunity to network with businesses in the oil and gas industry as a means to “open doors of opportunity”. Verwey said that even before the booths were open on day one of the conference, persons visited the Guyana location to check out the various booths.

He stated that the level of interest shown is along the lines of what GO-Invest and GGCI expected.

“We saw people at the

booth trying to understand more and more of the opportunities in Guyana and businesses that are here, so that they can seek partnership opportunities and get a better understanding of how to do business in Guyana,” he said. “We’re very happy for that. It’s now past half of the day; we’re going towards the end of the day and we continue to see high traffic here. I think by the end of the next two days we would have made a very big impact in the market itself, particularly for the businesses we brought here, and that’s what we really wanted to do.”

The CEO noted that he has been a part of some of the B2B meetings hosting at the site and he was very impressed by the scales of companies interacting with the Guyanese businesses.

He added that the businesses attending were thus far pleased with the returns of their investment in being a part of the conference.

He also stated that more and more local businesses in Guyana are becoming interested in the oil and gas sector as it continues to work its way up towards becoming the dominant sector. “I have no doubt that when we do this the second time around, we will see far more interest from Guyanese companies

to be here and to seek their opportunities,” Verwey said. Boyer agreed with the line of thought, as he stated: “The local companies are very interested in participating in the sector…I think that the Guyanese [businesses] are up to the challenge in terms of learning the various parts of the supply chain and seeing which pieces of it we can bring onshore.”

The businesses participating in the mission include: Roraima Airways; A&S Enterprises Ltd.; Dapper Technology; Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services; Guyana Oil and Gas Support Chambers; Environmental Management Consultancy; Sterling Products Ltd.; Guyana National Industrial Company; Fohrsight Global Consultants Inc.; Hughes, Field and Stoby; Ramson & Conway & Associates; Guyana National Shipping Corporation; Laparkan Trading; JAPARTS; Rid-O-Pes/ Sandip Disposal; Omni Helicopters International; Guyana Logistics and Support Services Inc.; Massiah Capital; IEM Sales & Services Ltd.; New GPC; Action Invest; Ramps Logistics; Tagman Media; Western Logistics; GTT; Merchant Marine Services Guyana Inc. and CTES.

Hotel owner Erwin Bacchus to stand trial for murder HOTEL proprietor Erwin Bacchus was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the High Court for the August 2018 murder of his neighbour, Jason De Floirmonte.

The case was heard by Magistrate, Judy Latchman.

Bacchus’ attorney made a no case submission but the special prosecutor to the case argued that Bacchus used excessive force and

Jason De Floirmonte

that he should be committed to stand trial. After lengthy submissions, Bacchus was committed to the High Court.

Bacchus, 45, of 260 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, was on $1.5M bail after being originally charged with manslaughter. However, the manslaughter charge was subsequently upgraded to murder on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to reports, on August 4, 2018, around 01:00hrs, De Florimonte, who lived in proximity to Bacchus’s hotel, was seen abusing a young woman.

Bacchus’s employee, a handyman, intervened and De Florimonte reportedly armed himself with a rolling pin and a knife and attacked the handyman, who ran into the compound of the hotel.

Bacchus, a licensed firearm holder, drew his firearm and

Erwin Bacchus fired two warning shots, but De Florimonte continued to attack the handyman.

It was then that Bacchus fired several shots at De Florimonte, causing him to be mortally wounded. An autopsy conducted on De Florimonte’s remains revealed that he was shot three times about his body.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

US plugs US$1.7M into crime-fight system … extends support for Criminal Justice System NOT only has the United States (US) Embassy hailed the ‘Strengthen the Criminal Justice System’ project in Guyana as successful, but it has agreed to a five-year extension of funding to the project to the tune of US $1.7M. The extension of financial support comes through the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and will initially see an additional

US$850,000 going to the project.

Over the years, the ‘Strengthen the Criminal Justice System’ project has resulted in recorded successes in new crime-fighting strategies of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) adopted through the project. It works to improve the investigation of crime scenes; case preparation; trial advocacy and media and public support for justice system reform.

It also aims to develop

the capacity of the Guyanese criminal justice system to collect and analyse CCTV camera digital evidence recorded at a crime scene. The Department of State’s INL Bureau launched the Strengthening of the Criminal Justice System in Guyana project in September 2016.

It is being implemented by the Justice Education Society (JES) of British Columbia, Canada. In response to requests by the Guyana

Police Force, the project continues enable the Force to improve the capacity of GPF ranks to conduct investigations of major crimes and to interview witnesses and suspects in major crime cases.

“The project will continue to build the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and other justice sector entities through training and technical assistance,” a release from the embassy stated.

“Beginning in 2016,

and with an original end date of 2019, the project, so far, has built the GPF’s nascent forensic video analysis (FVA) capacity. The GPF has used FVA methodology and equipment in the successful prosecution of several cases. Additionally, the project has provided training and technical assistance in case management, including major crimes, crime scene management, evidence management and chain of custody, and law enforcement supervisory skills.”

The US Embassy stat-

ed it notes the work of the government to ensure the security of its citizens, counter transnational crime, and increase effective and timely prosecutions. Indicating that it is pleased to collaborate with Guyana on these efforts, the embassy added: “By the end of this project, the Embassy intends for Guyana to have a cadre of police officers and justice sector officials who will successfully pursue and complete effective evidence-based prosecutions.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Pay hike for nurses … announces Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health

PERMANENT Secretary within the Ministry of Public Health, Collette Adams, has announced that nurses across the country could expect an increase in salary before the end of the year.

She made the announcement at a forum in Berbice on Monday, noting that the decision to pay the increase followed much deliberation

and representation being made in the interest of nurses. Adams, who noted that this is “good news” for the nurses, added: “The Ministry of Public Health takes nurses and the nursing profession seriously. We looked at all of the demands, and we try to fix what we can, and I want to bring good news to you nurses, and that is: you will

have your increase in salary.”

Adams assured that the ministry has long sought to have this particular issue resolved. She added that while nurses stand to benefit, the increase will be applied to all healthcare workers in the public health system.

“This increase is because we lobbied, we talked, we took your cases where it ought to

be heard and we were successful and I want to say this is not only for the nurses, but for all healthcare workers, because we are looking to spread the increases across the board to the doctors, the nurses even to the assistant nurses and patient care assistants.”

Additionally, Adams said that this is just the beginning of a push to safeguard the future of the nursing profession in Guyana. More specifically, the ministry is looking to have more specialised nurses in the system. Further, Ad-

ams noted that as the health sector develops there is an increasing demand for complex nursing care, especially at secondary healthcare institutions and the only tertiary-main referral in Guyana, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“When we put a nurse in the theatre, that nurse would have had that training to perform all the theatre work.

We are not looking at nurses generally anymore, the world is changing and we have to look to have a more diverse and developed nursing pro-

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Colette Adams fession… nurses will be paid across the board according to their professional training.”

It was stressed that even as the ministry seeks to do more for the nursing profession, a higher level of service is expected. “If we are going to pay you better, serve us better.”

Third suspect in Stabroek stabbing committed to stand trial Nurses have been promised an increase in salary before the end of the year

TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Wayne Gilbert, was on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, committed to stand trial at the High Court by Magistrate Leron Daly for allegedly murdering Rawle Rodrigues, who was killed during a robbery at Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.

Gilbert, who resides at Lot 30 West La Penitence, had reportedly escaped police custody while at the Golden Grove police station in 2017, after he was found to be one of three suspects in Rodrigues’s murder.

Particulars of the charge stated that on January 20, 2017, at the Route 32 minibus park, he maliciously murdered Rodrigues during an attempted robbery. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The prosecutor in the case is Richard Harris. On Tuesday, the magistrate ruled that there is sufficient evidence to commit Gilbert to stand trial at the High Court, since she had found evidence led by the prosecution to be fully credible.

Afabia Yankana and Akeem Hayman were also committed to stand trial in 2018 for the offence by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

On the day in question, the now deceased Rodrigues was reportedly followed by the three men from the Demico Roof Garden.

On his way to the park, one of the suspects in pursuit of the robbery, stabbed Rodrigues to his chest with a knife.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Child with rare eye disorder to get treatment overseas

THE Saving Hands Emergency Aid Inc. (SHEA) foundation has once again come to the rescue of a child in need.

The organisation, with assistance from its donors, was able to help young Sa-

fraz who is suffering from a rare eye disorder. “Imagine being told that you will no longer be able to see your mother’s smile or all the beauties of the world which you have come to love. This is the reality of Safraz and

his family,” said the foundation.

The rare eye disorder is causing the child to lose his sight. Despite his doctors’ incredible efforts in Guyana to slow or stop the progression of the disorder, they

M&CC launches composting project for city primary schools THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has launched a compositing project for all primary schools in Georgetown.

Primary schools in Georgetown will be taught how to compost as a means of waste separation. The project will also serve to revitalise planting in schools.

According to the Council’s Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine, the council holds the view that the country’s children are the vehicle for change in this regard.

This is the first time that such an exercise is being undertaken by the council and the aim of this exercise

is to combat the culture of littering and improper waste disposal through education and sensitisation of all citizens.

The council also hopes that children would lead the way in behavioural change as it pertains to the recycling of solid waste, reduction of solid waste and the number of times solid waste materials, which can be re-used, go to the landfill site and the recycling of solid waste.

Lectures in the primary schools are expected to last for three weeks and it is expected that the community and the wider populace will benefit significantly.

Father, son jailed for killing Mahaica ...

From page 3 everything that happens, I couldn’t save everybody at the same time.”

However, Justice Singh replied: “I believe that your father put you in a lot of stupidness.”

The judge told Eshwardat that his father was a “bad influence in his life since he now is in jail.” Justice Singh ordered that the time the duo spent on remand awaiting trial be deducted from their sentence from the prison authority Several witnesses were called during the trial, including the victim’s brother, Parmanand Nandkishore. Parmanand explained that, on the day in question, his brother and father, Bhopaul Nandkishore, were repairing a fence on a plot of land.

The witness explained that during that time there was a dispute with his family and the Dharamdat family over the land.

However, as they were working on the fence, Sukhdeo came and asked his father what they were doing. The witness recalled that his father told Sukhdeo that they were repairing the fence on their side of the land. Parmanand explained that Sukhdeo made no objection and left. Sukhdeo however, later returned with his son, Eshwardat, who was armed with a cutlass.

The witness said that the Dharamdats

subsequently ended up in a heated argument with his father and brother. As a result, his father told Suresh ‘let us leave and go home’, but the Dharamdats pushed Suresh and he fell to the ground.

Parmanand told the court that Sukhdeo and Eshwardat picked up a wooden post that was meant for the fence and dealt several lashes to his brother’s head, blows that cracked open his skull. He recalled that his father went to his brother’s aid, shouting, ‘Y’all don’t kill me son.’ The witness added the Dharamdats then turned their attention to his father and him; his father was beaten with a post by Eshwardat, while he was beaten by the same attacker with a cutlass.

In court, Parmanand showed the 12-member mixed jury his wounds sustained from the attack, as he explained that he played dead to survive the onslaught.

As he pretended to be dead, the witness recalled hearing Sukhdeo telling his son ‘we got to kill all them man or we gon go jail.’

Parmanand explained that the Dharamdats pushed his father and brother into a muddy trench and left on their tractor.

The witness explained that because of the injuries his father received at the hands of the Dharamdats he suffers from seizures and memory loss.

Young Safraz

have been unsuccessful. The family reached out to SHEA for assistance.

“We gladly accepted Safraz’s case and coordinated treatment services for him in the US with a world-renowned specialist,” said the foundation. The foundation was able to fund the treatment through a donation from Mr. and Mrs. Balwant Singh, better known as ‘Pepsi’ and ‘Barbara’.

“We would like to ex-

press sincere gratitude to you, Mr. and Mrs. Singh.

What an incredible gift you have given to this child who had very little hope,” said SHEA. The organisation urged persons to continue to contribute towards a worthy cause. Persons who are interested in making a contribution towards SHEA’s efforts could contact the organisation on SHEA@ SHEACHARITY.ORG.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Get Your Documents Ready – GECOM

CITIZENS countrywide must begin to take note of the legal and procedural requirements of house-to-house registration which is on track to commence next month, according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

On Sunday, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, told of the source documents which will be needed for the exercise as well as the consequences awaiting those harbouring fraudulent intentions.

Getting straight to the point, the PRO stated that even if a person has been previously registered he/she will need to do so again, along with first-time registrants.

Each eligible person must present either a birth certificate, a valid passport, an adoption certificate or a naturalization certificate/certificate of registration.

Married women may also be asked to present their marriage certificate while individuals who have had a name change, which is not represented on their birth certificate, must present the certificate along with a deed poll.

Ward emphasized that all documents presented must be the originals and not photocopies.

“Without a source document you cannot be registered and that’s an original source document,” Ward said.

“What we want to get people to understand from now, as this exercise will start in June, if you don’t have your source document because, for example, you lost your birth certificate; or you can’t find your deed poll or your adoption certificate,

go get your documents now so that when the exercise starts you’re in a position to be registered.”

She recommended that as the time narrows down, citizens place these documents safe and at their hand reach for easy access when enumerators pass by.

Ward also provided an answer to the commonly asked question of whether the National Identification (ID) Card can be used as source document.

She indicated that the law does not provide for such.

“You cannot use an ID card to be registered,” she stressed, further explaining: “GECOM is guided by what the law says and registration in itself is guided by the National Registration Act Chapter 19:08. That law specifically states what those source documents are and there is no [provision] for an ID card.”

Questioned on what occurs in cases

where GECOM’s officials visit a residence and the individuals or their documents are absent, the PRO stated that the Commission allows for a re-visitation to the area.

In the case of absent documents, she stated: “We can revisit. The enumerators will make a note and they will say to the person ‘you need to go get whatever document’ and the enumerators will visit periodically to ensure those persons have the documents to do the registration. We will continue following up with that person to see when they actually get the documents so we can do the registration.”

Ward then pinpointed the fact that a resident cannot and will not be registered without being physically present along with his/her documents.

“Nobody can do a registration for anybody, you have to be there to do your registration yourself,” she said.

Getting into the matter of legal consequences persons can face for attempting to register on behalf of another person, the PRO presented a scenario.

She stated the hypothetical case of a parent using another relative to be registered in the place of her son along with his documents because her son is out of town at the time.

“That is an offence by law and persons can be charged, imprisoned and fined for that…we can easily pick up two finger prints that are the same or duplicated in the system so somebody who thinks they can register in Georgetown and then they’ll go to Berbice and register again, it cannot happen. It won’t be allowed to pass the system because the biometric verification system we have will flag double finger prints,” she said.

Should enumerators find someone guilty of fraudulent activity Ward stated that they will be reported and the necessary measures will be taken according to law.

Prior to the holding of elections, as has been the case in the past, there will be a Claims and Objections period for persons away from their residence at the time of the exercise to be placed on the registration list.

Very soon the PRO will be launching a social media, radio, television and newspaper audio/visual campaign to inform citizens of the legal and procedural requirements of house-to-house registration.

Meanwhile, Ward reiterated the need for citizens to take responsibility for getting themselves prepared for the June commencement of house-to-house registration especially if they are currently facing challenges with access to source documents.

“It’s possible there are challenges but GECOM is not the responsible agency to issue birth certificates [and the likes]. It is the responsibility of the individual and the agency with that responsibility to ensure that they provide that service and people access the service,” she said.

On February 19, 2019 GECOM decided, by way of vote, that house-to-house registration, as budgeted for 2019, would commence immediately.

Since then, countrywide training of enumerators and Assistant Registration Officers (ARO) has rolled out in preparation for the exercise which will create a new list of registrants eligible to vote at the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Soldiers get training in close-country warfare

SOLDIERS who recently underwent training on several Guyana Defence Force (GDF) courses over the last weekend successfully completed the Training Corps “Exercise Purpleheart” in the Tacama Savannahs.

Inspector General, Colonel Trevor Bowman, visited the exercise area to witness its conclusion during which the troops demonstrated various elements of military tactics and strategy, GDF said in a release.

Commanding Officer of Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Julius Skeete, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and execution of the exercise and noted that while there are still some areas for improvement, the objective of the exercise was met.

The exercise was designed to allow soldiers to demonstrate their grasp of the principles and practice used in Close-Country Warfare.

… targets hinterland in weekend roll out

Soldiers being told of the schematics of the exercise course

Sugar production stands at 30,905 tonnes

DESPITE its challenges, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has produced 30, 905 tonnes of sugar, so far, for this year.

GECOM ramps up training for house-to-house registration

According to GuySuCo’s Public Relations Officer, Audreyanna Thomas, production is nearing its first crop target of 33, 863 tonnes of sugar.

A breakdown of the production showed that the Albion estate produced 15,462 tonnes of sugar out of its target of 18,511 tonnes. Over at the Blairmont estate production stood at 8,879 tonnes of sugar, surpassing the target of 7,955 tonnes.

The Uitvlugt estate was also able to surpass its production target of 6, 564 tonnes by producing 7,397 tonnes of sugar. As the first crop slowly grinds to close, GuySuCo will be eyeing its second crop target of 73,160 tonnes of sugar.

The estates are expected

to produce optimally as staff attendance continues to be above average at the three estates. At Albion, GuySuCo recorded a 63 per cent turnout while at Blairmont there was a 62 per cent turnout and at Uitvlugt there was a 66 per cent turnout.

The government had expended $9B at the start of 2016 on the sugar industry, but later made another billion-dollar bailout, with members of the National Assembly in October 2016 approving $2B for the cash-strapped corporation.

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) last weekend held training sessions in the hinterland for its Registration Officers (ARO) and enumerators, in preparation for house-to-house registration.

The two-day training took place in Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We had teams in all those regions at central locations doing training and we still have Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to be completed which will be done over the next weekend,” GECOM’s PRO Yolanda Ward stated.

The commission is hoping to wrap up the countrywide training before the Independence holiday weekend.

After which, Ward stated: “Based on evaluation scores, we will start appointing persons to the post to fill the position of AROs, enumerators, clerks and so on.”

Previously, it was reported by the newspaper that the walkouts of opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners at statutory meetings is preventing the hiring of senior staff. These include permanent positions such as logistics manager, Civic and Voter Education Manger and the Assistant Chief Elections Officer.

However, the PRO stated that this will not hinder the house-to-house registration process and several staff members are now competently acting as replacements in certain positions.

“That will not hinder the process because we have staff who have been there for years who are acting in those positions and they have been doing a very good job,” she said. When it comes to the Civic and Voter Education Manger, Ward stated that the responsibilities of the portfolio run similar to that of the PRO which is why she will be taking up some of the responsibilities.

Should things progress as planned, Ward estimates that the actual process of houseto-house registration will begin as early as June, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Cradle of revolution now cradle of hope XI’AN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Yan’an, a former revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is no longer labeled “poor,” as its last two impoverished counties have shaken off poverty, the Shaanxi provincial government announced Tuesday.

Yan’an hosted the then headquarters of the CPC and the center of the Communist revolution from 1935 to 1948. The city is now home to more than 350 sites related to the Chinese revolution.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to end poverty in old revolutionary base areas and improve local people’s standard of living. Xi said a well-off society is incomplete if people in old revolutionary base areas cannot shake off poverty.

The counties of Yanchuan and Yichuan, with a population of 192,000 and 120,000 respectively and both located along the western bank of the Yellow River, have limited fertile valley fields. Villagers there had been plagued by poverty for decades. American journalist Edgar Snow wrote in his 1937 book “Red Star over China” that the area was “one of the poorest parts of China” he had seen.

According to the provincial poverty relief office, poverty-stricken residents in the two counties now only account for 1.06 and 0.58 percent respectively of their populations, meeting the country’s requirement for an impoverished county to cast off the title.

An investment of 6.25 billion yuan (920 million U.S. dollars) from the central and local governments has been poured into Yan’an over the past four years.

To ensure that every household could get rid of poverty, the city has sent a total of 1,784 Party chiefs, 1,546 working teams and 37,400 cadres to live in the villages to help with poverty alleviation.

A total of 693 impoverished villages in the city have shaken off poverty, with 195,000 people being lifted out of poverty.

The cradle of the revolution has continued to undergo tremendous changes over the past decades. Improved environment and infrastructure, booming agricultural economy, increasingly affordable education and healthcare, and multiple career choices for rural residents have rejuvenated the city.

GREENER CITY ON LOESS PLATEAU Located in the hinterland of the Loess Plateau, where 258 million tonnes of mud and sand were once washed into the Yellow River each year, Yan’an used to be vulnerable to drought and floods.

The adverse natural environment and poor industrial foundation has not only affected the city but also instilled in the locals the importance of environmental protection while struggling with poverty.

About 40 km south to the city center of Yan’an, Nanniwan Township is famous for a large-scale production campaign mobilized by late Chinese leader Mao Zedong in the 1940s, urging a revolutionary spirit to reclaim farmland from the uncultivated land to become self-reliant on the grain supply.

Hou Xiuzhen, 73, has witnessed the great change of the town over the past half-century.

As the daughter-in-law of a veteran of the brigade of Chinese Eighth Route Army which led the campaign at that time, Hou and her husband continued to do farm work in the fields cultivated by the brigade after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Aerial photo taken on May 4, 2019 shows tourists walking on a glass bridge at the Huaxi World Adventure Park in Huaxi Village of Jiangyin City, east China’s Jiangsu Province.

The 518-meter-long glass bridge hangs more than 100 meters above ground level at the park. It is made of panes of 35-mm-thick glass. Each glass can hold a maximum weight of 4.7 tonnes. Around 2,600 people can cross the bridge at a time. (Xinhua/Xu Congjun)

Feng Tianxing, 56, from Chunqu Village of Yichuan, said the county government has sent cadres to help them sell apples in online shops.

Apple planting has played a significant part in improving local farmers’ income. In 2018, the revenue from apples accounted for a half of the city’s rural residents’ per capita disposable income.

Feng made over 20,000 yuan last year simply by growing apples. “Apples have been sold out when they were still green hanging on the trees,” said Feng.

“In the 1950s, the hills were covered by farmland instead of trees. But we barely had much grain yield due to the barren soil and arid climate,” Hou said.

With government subsidies, Hou led her villagers to plant trees in the surrounding hills in 1999. Thanks to two decades of reforestation, Nanniwan now has a new look, with all the surrounding mountains covered with green trees in late spring.

“Last year, we successfully planted over 26 hectares of lotus, which attracted plenty of tourists. I had never heard that lotus could grow on the loess plateau. So you know how the environment has changed here,” Hou said.

Growing grains failed to help farmers in Yan’an cast off poverty, but planting trees made it.

The vegetation coverage of Yan’an has increased from 46 percent in 2000 to the current 81.3 percent.

ROAD TO FORTUNE Mashuping, a cliff village on the Yellow River bank, was one of the poorest villages in Yichuan County, where most of its population are living in the mountainous areas.

Until the completion of a road, Fu Changhong from a registered poor household in Mashuping had never been to the renowned Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River, only

30 km away from his village.

The road Fu mentioned is a newly-built highway along the Yellow River, which opened to traffic in 2017.

The north-south highway, stretching 828.5 km along the west bank of the Yellow River, has contributed to the poverty alleviation of the three once poorest counties of Yan’an, including Yichuan and Yanchuan.

“In the past, we had no ways to go out of the village but a narrow meandering footpath,” Fu said. “I used to look at the Yellow River and thought how nice if it were a road.”

About 20 years ago, local villagers started to grow Sichuan pepper trees, seeds of which are a popular seasoning found in Sichuan cuisine. But they had to sell the farm produce at very low prices to dealers who came by motorbikes.

“With the highway, we can sell peppers to factories directly at much better prices,” said Fu. Wang Ruixin, Party chief of Liuwantou Village which administers Mashuping, said the annual per capita income of the village was 10,300 yuan last year, much higher than the national poverty line of around 3,000 yuan.

The highway also means a new possibility to the local apple growers, as they can sell apples to the overseas market via e-commerce.

CAREER SETS SAIL As the deadline to eradicate absolute poverty approaches, China redoubles its efforts to focus on the nation’s poorest people in rural areas with precise and targeted measures.

To train impoverished people and offer them appropriate jobs is one of such measures Yan’an has come up with.

Though the nearest sea is more than 1,000 km away, Yan’an is proud of its sailor education. Nearly 2,000 sailors have graduated from Yan’an Vocational and Technical College over the past decade.

Poorly educated, Yang Yufan saw no future, until he was enrolled in a four-month vocational training course as a sailor at the college. After graduation, he got a job on a general cargo ship in Southeast Asia.

Now, his monthly salary is 1,200 U.S. dollars. He paid off the debt for his parents and built a two-story house in his hometown.

“Sailors trained in the college are very popular by employers for they carry the Yan’an spirit characterized by arduous struggling,” said Yang Yancun, department head of shipping engineering of the college.

The city government has also cut tuition fees to encourage more people from poor households to participate in various vocational training, according to Yang.

Yan’an will continue to help the remaining impoverished people shake off poverty, and strive to enter a moderately prosperous society in all respects with the rest of the country by 2020, said Xu

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Guyanese man accused of murdering daughter … sets car on fire with 3-year-old inside

A GUYANESE man will be charged with murder in New York after he allegedly left his three-year-old daughter to burn, in a car, near a park in Queens. Reports allege that the child was strapped to her baby seat inside a chained-shut, gasoline-covered car that was set ablaze on Sunday.

The full horror of Zoey Pereira’s final moments

tan called 911, the father fled, according to police sources.

The dad doused himself in nearby Baisley Pond Park — then tried to hide from cops as rescue workers fought to wrest his daughter from the wreckage. “The dad was down by the water,” the source said. “The only reason they found him was that a piece of his clothing was on fire.”

Martin Pereira and his family in happier times (NY Post Photo) emerged on Monday, as cops ruled her death a homicide.

Sources say the 39-year-old, Martin Pereira, is responsible for the toddler’s death. “He killed a baby. He burned her alive. He did that to her.

That’s not even human, that’s an animal. That’s a coward,” Zoey’s aunt told The Post in New York.

The dad was locked in a bitter custody dispute with the girl’s mother, and had been threatening to hurt their angelic toddler right before he allegedly left her to burn inside the car that had been rigged-up as a fiery prison, sources said.

Zoey never had a chance.

The little girl was strapped into an infant seat in the back of an Audi A6, and its rear doors were chained shut from the inside in an apparent bid to frustrate attempts to rescue her. The vehicle had been doused in gasoline, and a propane tank in the trunk was set-up to feed into the back seat via a tube, sources said.

A second tank was found outside the car, sources added.

A good-Samaritan saw a flaming Martin flee the car when he pulled over at 155th Street and Baisley Boulevard, and used a blanket to help put out his burning clothes. Martin told him his baby was in the car but while the Samari-

The flaming scrap drew investigators’ eyes toward the water, where they found Martin “stripped down to his underwear,” the source added.

Police handcuffed him and connected him to an oxygen tank while FDNY members struggled to perform CPR on Zoey, the source said.

First responders were able to extricate the girl – but only after the door handles that the chains were affixed to had melted – sources said.

Zoey was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Centre but could not be saved.

Martin Pereira, 39, suffered second and third-degree burns, and was being treated at Weill Cornell Medical Centre in Manhattan. He was in police custody at the hospital, but had not been charged as of Monday evening.

“He’s probably going to be charged with murder,” a police source told The Post.

Another of Zoey’s aunts said Monday: “I hope he dies.” “I’m just being honest.

I hope he dies,” she said, as she stood outside her sister, Cherone Coleman’s Queens home on Monday.

Cherone Coleman and Pereira have been fighting over custody of their daughter, Zoey, according to relatives and police sources. They were engaged, but

Coleman, 36, broke it off about a month ago, police sources said. “He was acting kind of crazy lately since the breakup,” Cherone’s sister added. “And with his behavior, it did cross my mind that he may do something to harm my sister. But it did not cross my mind that he would do anything to harm a child, my niece, his daughter.”

The car in Queens where the toddler was found (NY Post Photo)

Martin had weekend visitation rights and picked up the child from Coleman on Saturday, police sources said.

He later called her to discuss their relationship, but she told him to get lost. On Sunday, Martin phoned one of Coleman’s cousins in California and threatened to hurt the baby, prompting the cousin to call Coleman at See page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Guyanese man accused of murdering ...

From page 17

around 20:00hrs to warn her, sources said.

The frantic mom called police in Nassau County — where Martin lives — then tried the NYPD, sources said.

Coleman was at the 113th Precinct Station when calls about the fire came in.

Martin has a history of violence, according to family

and police. He was arrested once for criminal contempt and twice for aggravated harassment against a different woman in 2013, sources said.

Both parents had reported each other to various children’s protective agencies for maltreatment of Zoey this year, according to police sources. The grim family

portrait painted by investigators stands in stark contrast to the image Martin put forth online. The dad’s Facebook page is dominated by photos of Zoey, including a profile picture depicting the two of them. “I missing her so much [sic],” the dad commented on a photo of the girl posted three weeks ago.

Sunday was just his second weekend alone with the child since splitting with her mother, one of Coleman’s sisters said. An older snap shows Martin, Zoey and Coleman smiling happily together. Bizarrely, Martin posted a photo of the girl just hours before she was killed — showing her sitting with freshly styled hair

in what appears to be a salon with balloons in the background. “She was adorable,” Coleman’s sister said of Zoey.

“She liked her kitchen set, her tea set. She liked cooking for her mom, for her grandmother. She was just – I guess what you would call a normal 3-yearold girl.”

Dead: Zoey Pereira

Kuru Kuru resident remanded for possession of ‘ganja’ FIFTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Rudy Kurt was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for having cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Kurt, who resides at Lot 327 Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on May 3, 2019, at Sherriff Street, Campbellville, he had in his possession nine kilogrammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In court, he was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dhurjan, who made an application for reasonable bail to be granted his client, since he is the sole breadwinner for his 13 children. According to the attorney, on the day in question, Kurt was a passenger in taxi HC 193 running his daily errands as a vendor. He further stated that the cannabis was found in a plastic bag in the trunk of the vehicle.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the defendant confessed that he owned all the bags in the trunk and was taken along with the driver of the vehicle to the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters.

Kurt was remanded him to prison until his next court appearance on May 10, 2019.

CAL partners with UG for Diaspora conference

CARIBBEAN Airlines is partnering with the University of Guyana to host the upcoming Diaspora and Entrepreneur Conference which is scheduled for July 21-25, 2019.

According to a press statement from Caribbean Airlines, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garvin Medera, said Caribbean Airlines is about connecting the Caribbean and this goes beyond the thousands of people they transport daily.

“It extends into the communities we serve, and the diaspora is one of the most important. We are happy to support this conference which will see aspiring and established entrepreneurs from the diaspora meet in Guyana from July 21-25 to collaborate and innovate, which is critical to the development of our entire Caribbean Region,” he said.

On commenting on the partnership, Dr. Fitzgerald Yaw, UG, said: “our partnership with Caribbean Airlines will help diaspora members to participate in this important Diaspora and Entrepreneurship Conference.

This conference will facilitate dialogue and spark innovative collaborations and discussions, as we engage with the diaspora. As an authentic Caribbean air-carrier with strong links to the diaspora, Caribbean Airlines is a natural partner for the University of Guyana”. Caribbean Airlines will provide special concessions to customers who register to attend the conference through UG. The airline operates a minimum of six daily flights to and from Guyana, including non-stop service to JFK International Airport, New York and direct service to other North American and Caribbean destinations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Police working on new leads in Parika businessman’s murder

FOLLOWING the interrogation of teenagers who were in the area when a Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman was shot dead at his home on April, 30, 2019, police said they are working on new leads.

According to information received, the lawmen are making efforts to arrest the two bandits who allegedly robbed and killed the busi-

nessman at his residence.

The 46-year-old, Somdat ‘Rakesh’ Ramgobin, of Parika Backdam, EBE is also a farmer and mechanic.

Reports indicate that the businessman was cooking when the bandits attacked him. One of the bandits, who brandished a handgun, entered the businessman’s premises and demanded cash and jewellery.

Ramgobin after being

Charges likely for duo held in Albouystown businesswoman’s murder T W O s u s p e c t s a re likely to be charged this week as the investigations continue into the murder of an Albouystown businesswoman, who was robbed and strangled to death on May, 2, 2019.

An autopsy conducted on the body of businesswoman, Nalinie Persaud, revealed that she died due to compression to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

Dead: Nalinie Persaud Police said that two of the bandits, who were armed with handguns, had attacked the woman and when they escaped, the businesswoman’s lifeless body was discovered with a rope, which was used to strangle her, tied around the neck.

Police confirmed that cash and jewellery were carted off by the bandits who ransacked the premises. They gained entry by removing a board from the northern wall of the lower flat of the house.

The victim’s husband was assaulted and taken out of the bedroom into the lower flat of the premises, which housed a grocery shop, where he was bound to a chair and duct-taped.

Teen sentenced to two years for ‘ammo’ possession STEVE King, 19, was, on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, jailed for two years by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for illegal possession of ammunition.

Particulars of the charge read that on May 5, 2019, at 36 Miles Backdam, Kamarang, Region Seven,(Cuyuni-Mazaruni), King had a .32 round of live ammunition in his possession without legal authority.

He pleaded guilty to charge.

According to the prosecution on the day in question, the police, acting on information, went to the location where they saw the defendant acting in a suspicious manner.

He was accosted and searched and the ammunition was then found in plastic container in his bag.

struck with a bottle to his head, handed over a sum of cash and directed the men inside of his grocery shop, located at the front, where he had more cash. Police said that as the suspects were

leaving, the unarmed bandit took away the firearm from his accomplice and reportedly shot the businessman and they then escaped in a waiting motorcar. The victim was pronounced dead on ar-

rival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

The body was transported to the Ezekiel’s Parlour and an autopsy revealed that he died of shock and hemorrhage.

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Dead: Somdat ‘Rakesh’ Ramgobin

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Ferrari to bring upgrades ahead of Spain (REUTERS) - FERRARI are bringing forward to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix an engine upgrade originally scheduled for Canada in June as they battle the early-season domination of Formula One champions Mercedes.

Mercedes have won the first four races one-two with five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and his Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who leads the Briton by a single point, having two wins each.

Ferrari were quickest in pre-season testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, however.

Team boss Mattia Binotto said Ferrari were “pushing hard to make up ground.

“We will have a new power unit that we are introducing ahead of schedule, as the second specification was due to be brought to Canada,” he explained in a team preview of Sunday’s race.

“It’s only down to a big team effort with everyone pushing hard to make up ground that we have been able to bring these developments forward.”

The Spanish Grand Prix is the first round of the European season with teams close to their factories again and set to bring some substantial upgrades.

“We are currently behind in the championship and we have to catch up, which we know means that our development work will be the key to this season,” said Binotto.

Ferrari took a new aerodynamic package to the previous race in Baku, with Sebastian Vettel finishing third and Charles Leclerc fifth.

Vettel is 35 points behind Bottas in the drivers’ standings. Ferrari are 74 behind Mercedes in the constructors’ championship.

American Racing Tips Delware Park Race 1 King Nekia Race 2 Banana Kova Race 3 Wappinger Race 4 Ox Bro Race 5 My Eminence Race 6 Timeless Treasure Race 7 Angel At War Race 8 Caldan Race 9 Quick And Rich South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:40 hrs Jive Express 09:15 hrs Certifiable 09:50 hrs Finchatton 10:25 hrs Hafla 11:00 hrs Cumberland

English Racing Tips Chester 08:50 hrs Great Dame 09:25 hrs Manuela De Vega 10:00 hrs Angel Alexander 10:35 hrs Gentile Bellini 11:05 hrs Faylaq 11:35 hrs Pass The Gin 12:05 hrs Gin In The Inn Newton Abbot 09:00 hrs Win My Wings 09:35 hrs Truckers Lodge 10:10 hrs Bullionaire 10:45 hrs Imperial Presence 11:15 hrs Crooks Peak 11:45 hrs Calin Du Brazais 12:20 hrs Flanagans Field Southwell 13:05 hrs Red Invader 13:35 hrs Aphaea 14:05 hrs Ollivander 14:35 hrs Bonneville 15:05 hrs Antico Lady 15:35 hrs Jazz Legend Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 11:50 hrs Galtee Mist 12:25 hrs Pepperoni Pete 12:55 hrs True Self 13:25 hrs Giorni Felice 13:55 hrs Romantic Proposal 14:25 hrs Shennan 14:55 hrs Insane Bolt 15:25 hrs Jolene

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

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Liverpool stun Barcelona to reach CL final (BBC) - LIVERPOOL produced one of the greatest Champions League (CL) comebacks in history by overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate and reach the final.

After Barcelona won the first leg 3-0 at the Nou Camp, few gave Liverpool a chance of scoring the goals they needed to progress, let alone preventing the La Liga champions from scoring themselves.

But an early strike from Divock Origi, who tapped in after Marc-Andre ter Stegen failed to hold Jordan Henderson’s shot, gave the vociferous Anfield crowd the belief that another European fightback from the Reds could be on the cards.

Liverpool pressed against a lack-lustre Barcelona, who struggled to get Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi involved, but the visitors managed to keep the deficit to 1-0 at halftime and leave the hosts with seemingly too much to do in the second half.

However, Georginio Wijnaldum, on as a substitute for

the injured Andy Robertson, made it 2-0 with a low drive nine minutes after the break before the midfielder almost immediately made it 3-0 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate with a superb header.

And Origi, starting the game because of injuries to Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, completed a remarkable victory for Liverpool when he swept Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low corner into the back of the net late on.

The win means Liverpool are into the CL final for a second successive year and they will play either Ajax or Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.

It was deja vu for Barcelona, who were beaten 3-0 in the second leg of their CL quarter-final with Roma last year to exit the competition on the away goals rule, having won the first leg 4-1.

But for Liverpool it was another memorable European comeback that ranks alongside their victory against AC Milan in the 2005 final and their 4-3 win against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield three years ago.

Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club beat T&T club by six runs A FINE all-round performance from Akean Hiles led the Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club (CHCC) to a six-run win over Trinidadian cricket club, Secret Storm, in their second clash of the Evergreen Sports Club T20 Cricket Festival, which is currently underway in the Twin Island Republic.

Akean Hiles scored 29 before he returned with the ball to take three wickets.

T h e v i s i t i n g c l u b ’s opening clash on Sunday was rained out.

In their latest game, on Monday evening, at the Evergreen Sports Club ground, San Fernando, Buxton CHCC won the toss and opted to take first strike.

Led by Hiles, who scored 29, the visitors were able to bat their way to 131-6 in a match reduced to 18 overs.

Number three batsman Hiles, who clobbered three fours and a six, got support from Nicholas Khani (24) who smashed two sixes and a four batting at number six.

Also playing a few shots was opener Owen Andrews 20 (1x4, 1x6).

Secret Storm were led by R. Motilall and K. Rampersaud, who finished with two wickets each.

In their reply, Secret Storm were restricted to 125-5, although A. Ballah had scored a match-high 38.

Pacer Hiles returned with the ball to pick up 3-36. He got support from Rawley Fredericks, who grabbed 2-16 from four overs with his off-spin bowling.

The Marvin Cato led side will play again this evening (fixtures changed due to rain).

Divock Origi of Liverpool scores the first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield yester in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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(ESPNCricinfo) - MUMBAI Indians have beaten Chennai Super Kings for the third time in three meetings this season. They’ve beaten Super Kings on their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, for the sixth straight time in all competitions.

Let’s put that record in context. Between them, all the other IPL teams, put together, have come here 49 times and picked up ten wins.

The latest chapter in Mumbai’s psychological stranglehold over Super Kings came via a comfortable six-wicket win on a pitch affording sharp turn throughout.

Both teams went in with three spinners - a leg-spinner, and off-spinner and a left-arm orthodox spinner each - and Mumbai’s trio outperformed Super Kings

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Mumbai sink Chennai on the day.

While the pitch wasn’t straightforward to bat on, 131 seemed a below-par total considering Super Kings only lost four wickets, and an unbeaten 71 from Suryakumar Yadav steered Mumbai home with

nine balls remaining.

Both captains said at the toss that they wanted to bat first, and the coin fell in MS Dhoni’s favour.

Super Kings came into the match with the worst Powerplay average (20.38) and scoring rate (6.30 per

over) of any team this season, and they proceeded to slip up once again.

Mumbai used all three of their spinners in the Powerplay, bowling them for four out of six overs, and they took out Super Kings’ top three.

Krunal Pandya is congratulated after sending back Shane Watson. (BCCI)

Faf du Plessis picked out backward point with a cut, while Suresh Raina and Shane Watson fell trying to hit against the turn when the length wasn’t in their favour; on this pitch.

It was only really a percentage shot if the batsman got to the pitch of the ball or if it was a rank long-hop.

Watson fell off the last ball of the Powerplay, and Super Kings were 32 for 3.

By the end of the 12th over, the right-handed fourth-wicket pair of M. Vijay - brought in for the injured Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu had put on 33 in 36 balls.

They took no real risks even against the seamers or the off-spinner Jayant Yadav, who between them bowled four of those six overs and conceded exactly a run a ball.

Vijay was out first ball of the 13th over, stumped

attempting to step out and hit Rahul Chahar inside-out.

That brought Dhoni to the crease.

Dhoni and Rayudu ramped up the intent a little, hitting Jayant for a six each and then taking eight off the 15th over, bowled by Hardik Pandya.

But they weren’t prepared to go after the left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya or the leg-spinner Chahar, and they carefully played out the 16th and 17th overs, scoring a total of eight runs off them.

By that point, Super Kings were 99 for 4.

The last three overs went for 32 - decent, but not the explosion Super Kings may have hoped for - with Dhoni launching successive sixes off Lasith Malinga in the 19th but Jasprit Bumrah proving harder to hit either side of it.

Late Nurse hailed as ‘true legend’ (CMC) – CRICKET West Indies has hailed late former West Indies stroke-maker Seymour Nurse as a ‘true legend’.

Nurse, who played 29 Tests between 1960 and 1969, passed away here Monday at age 85 after a long battle with illness.

He also served as a coach and administrator following his playing career, and remained a seminal figure in Barbados cricket.

“Seymour was one of the greatest batsmen ever to play the game and typified all the best of West Indian batting – flamboyant strokeplay combined with powerful hitting and an insatiable appetite for runs,” said CWI president Ricky Skerritt.

“Like most of the West Indian players of his generation, he not only enjoyed playing internationally, but he displayed his batting artistry on every opportunity he got in club matches for his beloved Empire and for Barbados in the West Indies first-class championship.

“Seymour will be fondly remembered not only for the legacy he created on the field of play, but the way he represented the game off the field.”

A stylish batsman, Nurse scored 2 523 runs at an average of 47.60, along with six hundreds and 10 half-centuries. He enjoyed a sparkling first-class career, gathering

9 489 runs at 43.93 with 26 hundreds.

His maiden Test hundred was a double – 201 against Bob Simpson’s Australia at Kensington Oval here in 1965. Nurse made three hundreds in his final four Tests, hammering a career-best 258 against New Zealand in Christ Church in his very last international innings before retiring prematurely at age 35.

Under-19 team in the 1980s, and over the years, I always enjoyed our conversations about the game whenever we had a chance to speak.

“He was always humble and helpful, and never hesitated to give support and advice to young players.”

Legendary former West Indies opener, Desmond Haynes, also paid tribute to Nurse labelling him a mentor.

Late West Indies great, Seymour Nurse.

Skerritt also praised Nurse’s contribution to the game following his playing days.

“On his retirement from the game, he served as a mentor and coach to many great West Indies players and was an astute administrator and selector,” he said.

“I was rather fortunate to work closely with Seymour when he was the liaison officer for the West Indies

“My coach, my mentor … thanks for everything you have done for me,” Haynes posted on his Facebook page.

Sir Everton Weekes, the only living member of the now fabled Three Ws also praised Nurse as a “fine gentleman and a great batsman”.

Nurse is survived by twin daughters Roseanne and Cherylanne Nurse.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Hope’s hundred in vain as Windies crumble

(CMC) – STYLISH Shai Hope stroked his second straight One-Day International hundred and fourth in eight innings but his fireworks were negated by a ragged fielding effort, as West Indies crashed to an eight-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the second match of the Tri-Nations Series here yesterday.

Opting to bat first at Castle Avenue in frigid temperatures which dipped below 10 degrees Celsius, West Indies were restricted to a disappointing 261 for nine off their 50 overs, with Hope top-scoring with 109 off 132 deliveries.

Roston Chase chipped in with 51 while opener Sunil Ambris, who replaced the injured John Campbell, got 38, as West Indies found themselves well poised at 205 for two in the 41st over.

However, fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza claimed three for 49 while left-arm seamers Mohammad Saifuddin (2-47) and Mustafizur Rahman (2-84) picked up two wickets apiece as West Indies lost their last seven

wickets for 55 runs inside the last 10 overs to squander their early momentum.

In reply, attacking openers Tamim Iqbal (80) and Soumya Sarkar (73) lashed half-centuries while veteran Shakib-al-Hasan unveiled a classy unbeaten run-a-ball 61, propelling Bangladesh to their target with five overs to spare.

The defeat for the Windies follows their impressive 196-run crushing of Ireland in Sunday’s opening match at the same venue.

Hope, adjudged Manof-the-Match for another accomplished innings, gave the Caribbean side the early advantage when he put on 89 for the first wicket with Ambris.

The right-hander, who made a splendid 170 on Sunday, struck 11 fours and one six while Ambris faced 50 deliveries and counted four fours.

West Indies lost Ambris and left-hander Darren Bravo (1) in successive overs to be 90 for two in the 18th over but Hope then combined with Chase to add a further 115 for the

third wicket.

Neither batsman really chanced his arm, seeking rather to rotate the strike as West Indies laid the foundation for a late charge.

Hope reached his half-century off 63 balls in the 21st over when he worked Mehidy square for a single and became the fastest West Indies player to reach 2 000 runs in ODIs when he clipped left-arm spinner Shakib to mid-wicket for a single in the next over.

The 25-year-old notched his sixth ODI hundred at the end of the 39th over with a lovely punch of the back foot to the extra cover boundary off Saifuddin.

Chase, who struck two fours and a six off 62 balls to record his maiden ODI fifty, perished two overs later when he top-edged Mashrafe to short fine leg.

His dismissal triggered a slide with Hope following in the 43rd over, picking out extra cover off Mashrafe and captain Jason Holder (4) falling two balls later to a catch at the wicket. West Indies lost their way steadily

and needed Ashley Nurse’s 19 to get past 250 in the end.

Left-handers Tamim and Soumya then handed Bangladesh a superb start when they put on 144 for the first wicket to all but erase any doubt about the result.

Tamim, dropped on one by a diving Chase at cover off seamer Kemar Roach in the second over, faced 117 balls and struck seven fours while Soumya counted nine fours and a six in an entertaining 68-ball knock.

When Soumya found Bravo on the ropes at mid-wicket with a firm pull off Chase’s off-spin in the 26th over, West Indies harboured thoughts of a late surge but Shakib quickly dashed those hopes with a high-quality knock.

The left-hander hit three fours and two sixes, posting 52 for the second with Tamim and another 68 in an unbroken third-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim whose 32 came from 25 balls and included a brace of fours and sixes.

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES innings

S. Hope c Mohammad Mithun b Mashrafe Mortaza 109 S. Ambris c Mahmudullah b Mehedi Hasan 38 D. Bravo c wkp. Mushfiqur Rahim b Shakib-al-Hasan 1 R. Chase c Mustafizur Rahman b Mashrafe Mortaza 51 J. Carter c Shakib-al-Hasan b Mustafizur Rahman 11 J. Holder c wkp. Mushfiqur Rahim b Mashrafe Mortaza 4 S. Dowrich c Soumya Sarkar b Mohammad Saifuddin 6 A. Nurse c Sabbir Rahman b Mustafizur Rahman 19 K. Roach b Mohammad Saifuddin 1 S. Cottrell not out 4 S. Gabriel not out 0 Extras (b-2, lb-8, w-6, nb-1) 17 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 261 Fall of wickets: 1-89, 2-90, 3-205, 4-207, 5-211, 6-219, 7-245, 8-251, 9-260.

Bowling: Mohammad Saifuddin 10-1-47-2, Mashrafe Mortaza 10-0-49-3, Mustafizur Rahman 10-0-84-2, Shakib-al-Hasan 10-0-33-1, Mehidy Hasan 10-0-38-1.

BANGLADESH innings

Tamim Iqbal c Holder b Gabriel 80 Soumya Sarkar c Bravo b Chase 73 Shakib-al-Hasan not out 61 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 32 Extras: (lb-5, w-13) 18 Total: (2 wkts, 45 overs) 264 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-196.

Bowling: Cottrell 7-0-47-0, Roach 7-0-30-0, Gabriel 10-0-58-1, Holder 4-0-27-0, Nurse 7-0-46-0, Chase 100-51-1.

Tabatinga FC whip Titans United in Rupununi FA Champions League quarterfinal THREE second-half goals from Stephen McDonald helped defending champions Tabatinga Football Club whip Titans United in their quarter-final match of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Champions League, which was played on Sunday night at the Saints sports ground in

St Ignatius Village.

Jonathon Lima opened the scoring for the eventual winners in the 31st minute before Ben Realine (Titans United) drew things level four minutes later. A goal from Travis Franklin in the 41st minute carried Tabatinga 2-1 ahead at the break.

In the second half, Nick

Adams made it 3-1, before McDonald scored twice in the space of a minute and sealed the emphatic victory in the 81st with his hat-trick strike.

So far, two quarter-final games have been completed. On Saturday afternoon in Karasabai, the Paiwomak Warriors FC defeated the Sun

Tabatinga FC players: Joel Nieuenkirk , Nick Adams, Travis Franklin and Stephen McDonald.

Guyana Rush Saints whipped Sun Parakeets 5-0 in their first quarterfinal clash.

Parakeets FC, 2-1.

Stephen Glasgow opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before Jasu Xavier made it 2-0 in the 38th. Although Royal Leo pulled one back for his team in the 52nd minute of play, the Warriors held on.

The other male quarterfinals are due to take place this weekend.

On Saturday, Kanuku Harpies will meet the Jaguars FC, while on Sunday the Strikers FC will play Guyana Rush Saints.

Two of the four female quarter-final clashes are also billed for this weekend. The Kanuku Harpies will meet Flash FC on Saturday afternoon, prior to the male clash at home, while on Sunday, Gladiators FC will challenge Paiwomak Warriors FC. Last Saturday, Guyana Rush Saints whipped Sun Parakeets 5-0 after Amanda Cabral fired in four goals (16th, 24th, 31st and 87th) and Rosie Ritchie added the other (65th) while on Sunday the Strikers FC made light work of Titans United, registering a 3-0 win.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday May 08, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Chennai Super Kings & Mumbai Indians (2) Suresh Raina (CSK) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Which team claimed the IPL 2010 title?

(2) Who copped the IPL 2010 Man of the Series award?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

‘Multi’ down LTI 2-1 to repeat as ‘Screw’ Richmond champions

11th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond under 18 football finals MVP Jonathan Copeland of Christianburg Wismar Secondary collects prize from organiser Dillon Scipio

The winning team

By Joe Chapman

REIGNING champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, successfully defended the 11th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden U-18 Schools football title with a 2-1 victory against Linden Technical Institute.

‘Multi’, as they are known, overcame LTI when the two clashed in the final over the weekend at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

The champions were led to their win by the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Junior National goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland, who ventured to play outside as a forward.

In the third place playoff game Linden Foundation Secondary won through sudden death penalties against Wisburg Secondary.

In the semifinals Christianburg Wismar Secondary defeated Wisburg Secondary 3-1 as Jonathan Copeland netted twice and Janeuve Waldron scored the other goal.

LTI edged Linden Foundation Secondary 4-3 on penalties after both sides were even after regulation and overtime play 1-1, Copeland was named the Best Forward as he was the leading goal scorer to collect the Most Goals Award and the Most Valuable Player of the final.

The Multi side dominated the prize giving ceremony their

GFF/EBFA Senior League kicks off THE 2019 East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League, sponsored by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) kicked off yesterday afternoon at the GFF National Training Centre, following a colourful march past of teams, witnessed by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, GFF president Wayne Forde and EBFA president Franklin Wilson among others.

The lone match saw Grove Hi Tech defeat a determined Kuru Kururu Warriors 6-3, to set the tone for what is anticipated to be an exciting league contested by 11 clubs.

Taking part in the march past were the two abovenamed clubs, Herstelling Raiders, Diamond United, Friendship All Stars, Timehri Panthers, Samatta Point/ Kaneville and Agricola Red Triangle.

The referees in charge of matches were also part of the march past. The best-dressed

team selected by Forde and Jones were Timehri Panthers and they were rewarded with a trophy.

Wilson, in brief welcoming remarks, expressed gratitude to president Forde and GFF for fulfilling his commitment to sponsor the senior league. Wilson urged the players to be at their best and be disciplined on and off the field of play.

He said multiple tournaments will be played this season. The KFC U-20 knock-out is underway, the senior league has just started and the NAMILCO Flour Power U-17 will kick off immediately following the conclusion of the U-20 later this month.

Jones, in his remarks, congratulated the EBFA and GFF for the work they have been collectively engaged in towards the development of youths along the East Bank and Soesdyke/Linden Highway corridor.

He told the players that

they should consider it a privilege to be playing on the first artificial turf in Guyana and should feel proud that it is located at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara.

“I want to commend president Wayne Forde and the GFF for making this possible. We would continue to lend support in whatever way we can for the development of football; but of course for you the player, there is an old saying: ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.

“The fact that the GFF would have invested millions of dollars for a facility such as this, provides that opportunity for you to play on an international turf; so what is expected of you is that we see the same discipline that Mr Wilson was referring to.

We see talent coming out from these matches and we get the best out of each and every one of you.”

President Forde, in feature remarks, stated that it was a moment of personal

pride for him and his executive to witness what was unfolding before his eyes.

“It was captured best when Mr Jones stated that to whom much is given, much is expected. The turf that we are on is the outcome of tremendous efforts throughout the body of football. From the global body FIFA, to the confederation body CONCACAF and to your own local body, GFF. “They are members of this fraternity that would have been instrumental in our being here today and we acknowledge them in every aspect for the use and benefits that we have derived from this venue.”

Forde commended the work of EBFA president and his team. He said that the faces he has been seeing at every football event in the association have been consistent - a clear mark of commitment.

He challenged the players to be the best, first and foremost, and the best possible human being.

“A lot of very important life lessons are taught in

players were named the Best Defender through Bani Dow, Best Midfielder Award won by Andre Mayers and also the best Goalkeeper Tyrese Azore.

The Most Improved Player of the tournament award was copped by LTI Jamal Yaw and the Best Coach prize went to Joel Humphrey also of the Linden Technical Institute as the Best Dressed team was Linden Foundation Secondary.

The tournament is played annually in honour of Linden’s first National player, the all-round sportsman Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond.

It is supported by the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation based in New York headed by Ernest Joseph. this game of football. We learn to share, we learn to respect; we learn to be our brother’s keepers. We learn to lose; we learn to win. We have good days, bad days.

These lessons must not be squandered. They will help to mould you overtime.”

He also stated that persons coming into the game are prepared for the challenges of life and leave as much stronger individuals than when they entered the game.

“So the support that the federation is bringing to the East Bank is the support that we bring to all of our nine regional members associations. All associations will receive funding for the running-off of their senior league because we have really seen a decline in senior league football at the association level. So we have taken the responsibility to provide the funding/support to allow this to take place. I am happy as always, that the East Bank is taking a first step in this.

“I want to use this platform and the opportunity to encourage the other associa-

tions who are yet to submit their budgets and their plans for their senior league to do that very quickly.”

Forde also informed that the GFF would be announcing at its Congress on May 25 next, plans for what will be the biggest tournament in the nation’s history, the Federation Cup. It will commemorate Guyana’s 117th anniversary as an organised body - the oldest in the world. This would be an annual Cup. Senior league must be played before association is eligible to participate in the federation cup.

Darren McPherson led Grove to victory with a double (17, 37) with one apiece from Jonathan Bailey (19), Delroy Dodson (25), Nicholai Matthews (43) and Marvin Squires in the 46th minute.

Kuru Kururu Warriors got their goals through Christopher Alleyne who netted an own goal in the 22nd minute with Joseph and Kevon Walker finding the back of the net in the 87th and 91st minutes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Transcend’s 7-a-side Independence Cricket Festival postponed THE third annual Transcend Entertainment Seven-a-Side Independence Cricket Festival, which was to bowl off over the weekend (May 5-6) at the National Cultural Centre tarmac has been postponed because of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the organisers and sponsors.

Organiser Dwight Dodson, when contacted by

Chronicle Sport, revealed that a new date will be announced later in the coming week. He also revealed that as mentioned before at least 20 teams have confirmed their participation.

He also noted that three more sponsors have come on board. They are Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto Works.

Among the teams scheduled to compete are the Village Rams, Tallawahs United, Tarmac, Eccles All Stars, Outlaws and Hangover.

The tournament, which has gained the backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC), is also sponsored by Superbet, Banks DIH, Ramps Logistics Ltd, Imperial Trading, Red Carpet Wash Bay, Regal Stationery and Computer

Third round of Hand-in-Hand U-19 3-Day Inter-county begins today … Demerara vs Berbice to determine champions

Centre, Star Party Rentals, Xavier’s Investment, Movement Auto Sales, Precision Auto Works, W&J Enterprise, Fung-a-Fat Hatchery, Ole’s Jewellery, Seeta’s Bar, Regent Household Electronics, Royal Real Estate, Church’s Chicken, Fireside Grill, Magic City, S&D Enterprises, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto Works.

Transcend Entertainment’s Dwight Dodson (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from a representative of Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service.

GFF/KFC U20 Independence KO Cup –EBFA Leg -Soesdyke Falcons hammer Diamond United 13–2 to book semi-final berth

Tyrone Khan leads the offensive charge against Diamond United.

Action in the Hand-in-Hand U-19 3-day Inter-County tournament. (Delano Williams photo)

THE third round of the Hand-in-Hand-sponsored U-19 3-day Inter-county tournament bowls off today with Demerara facing Berbice while Essequibo take on the Select U-17 side.

The clash between Demerara and Berbice will decide the 2019 champions as Berbice currently lead the table with 17 points while

Guyana males finish second at Inter-Guianas U21 Volleyball Tournament

Demerara are close behind on 16.3.

That matchup will be played at the Lusignan Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.

Berbice are the defending champions and will be led by the likes of opening batsman Alex Algoo, Junior Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson while Demerara’s talismanic skipper Ashmeade Nedd will

look for support from Joel Spooner, Sachin Singh and Qumar Torrington.

Meanwhile the Select U-17s who have represented themselves with distinction are on 10.4 points and will look to continue their good showing against Essequibo (0.2 points) at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

GUYANA’s male team settled for a second place finish at the recently concluded Inter-Guianas U21 Male and Female Volleyball Tournament, which was played in French Guiana.

Defending champions Guyana had stormed into the final of the event owing to victories over the home side and Suriname in the preliminaries, but according to information from

the federation, the officials heavily favoured the home side in the championship clash.

The Guyanese contingent were not the only ones dissatisfied with the calls, the technical official of the French Guiana Volleyball Federation also acknowledged it and promised to get overseas officials for the next event.

Despite the ‘bad calls’, the visitors were able to

Hat-tricks from Mark Barker and Tyrone Khan along with a double from Nickozie Hope guided Soesdyke Falcons to an emphatic 13-2 triumph over Diamond United and a place in the semi-finals of the GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup, East Bank Football Association leg.

All the action unfolded yesterday afternoon as the match was the feature of a double header when eth GFF/ EBFA Senior League was unveiled.

Th e youn g Falcon s , many of whom will be turning out for the senior unit was in a no nonsense mood and scored on the first run down after the opening whistake their opponents to five games in the best-in-three championship clash. Guyana won the opener 25-17, before French Guiana drew even at 25-18. The visitors bounced back to win game three 25-18 with French Guiana again fighting back for a 25-19 win in game four, before they sealed the win with a 15-12 victory in the final clash.

In the two-best-in-three preliminary round of the

tle, Barker finishing after being set the ball by Khan in the 1st minute.

He {Barker} followed up with goals in the 65th and 83rd minute. Khan, a quick and nippy forward was a tormentor of the United’s defense throughout the encounter and on many occasions rather than finish on his own, would set up his colleague to score.

But he banged in three of his own in the 11th, 58th and 65th minute to cement his side’s place in the semis.

Hope was on target for his double in the 40th and 82nd minute while one each was scored by Kevin Sobers in the 6th, Junior Williams (18), Malachi Leacock (45), May 3-4 tri-nation event, Guyana males had defeated French Guiana 25-21, 1725 and 25-19 and Suriname 25-17, 19-25 and 25-21.

Our female team did not fare well and were defeated in the preliminary round by both the home nation and Suriname, who played with more experienced players.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Along with the second

Raymond Khan (50) and Chaim Pathon in the 85th minute.

Diamond United, featuring a number of U15 players and their Coach Orein Angoy said they are preparing for the U15 and 17 leagues, were no push over’s and fought back admirably in spurts. They got consolation goals in the 64th and 69th minute from Carlos Wilkie and Jaheem Small.

The three teams now in the semi-finals are Soesdyke Falcons, Timehri Panthers and Grove Hi Tech. A draw would be done and one team would be gifted a place in the final while the other two would battle it out in the lone semi-final this Saturday. place trophy, Guyana took two individual awards.

Captain Andy Rohoman was adjudged the best attacker, while his teammate Jaleel Roberts finished as the best blocker.

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation Levi Nedd indicated that the trip would not have been possible without the support of Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

Hope hundred in vain as Windies crumble Page

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GFF/EBFA Senior League kicks off

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West Indies batsman Shai Hope

Liverpool stun Barcelona to reach CL final Page

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Grove Hi Tech and Kuru Kururu Warriors (green) battle it out yesterday at the GFF National Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Transcend’s 7-a-side Independence Cricket Festival postponed Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019