Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-30-2018

THURSDAY 30th August, 2018

No.105382

Consultation on top cop today 09 PAGE

Bulkan for meeting with parking meter committee See page 11

Give conciliation a chance …gov’t urges GTU to consider conciliation, call off strike

…as union presses for arbitration

See page 03

Woman charged

for allegedly murdering son …magistrate orders psychiatric evaluation See page 03

Enmore resident, Brenda Ferreira slowly walks down the court steps at Cove John after being arraigned before a magistrate for allegedly murdering her son

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Youth group to give LGEs another shot …leader says not much has happened in Georgetown

By Lisa Hamilton “Think things through and don’t just go blindly putting your x,” is the message of the leader of the Youth For Local Government (YFLG) group contesting the 2018 Local Government Election (LGE).

Clayon Halley, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday confirmed the YFLG’s intention to contest for all the constituencies within the Georgetown Municipality.

Two years ago when LGE was held on March 18, 2016 after an absence of about two decades, the youthful YFLG had stood up and contended against several well-known parties and groups for the first time.

However, the polls did not go in their favour and although the YFLG in joining the race once again, Halley told the newspaper that this was not always his intention.

“I didn’t feel as though I wanted to contest this year

because of personal reasons based on what happened the last time but after talking to some of the residents in the communities, after realising that really and truly in most constituencies nothing has really been done and persons are really asking for us to contest again because they really feel as if they want something different [I conceded],” he said.

He further explained: “It doesn’t mean that on my personal level I wasn’t interested but I had to weigh it out because of work and family and all of that. But at the end of the day, like many other persons, I want to see change, I want something different and I believe that there are a lot of young people out there who are capable of bringing the change that we desire to see.”

Change may also be coming to the YFLG’s structure as Halley revealed that this time it may be considering an alliance with other groups.

These, however, would have to remain under the

Leader of Youth For Local Government (YFLG) Clayon Halley

YFLG as they have already submitted their symbols by the deadline put forward by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“We have been in talks with a few other groups who are willing to merge. We haven’t concluded this conversation as yet but while I welcome that move, because different groups reached out, is because…people are now

realising that as citizens we need to come together to make a difference because we can’t just leave it up to these parties to do this for us,” he said.

Revise plans This time round, YFLG intends to revise some of its previous plans for the city with aims to present a much solution oriented plan.

One of the changes it wants to implement can see each independent councilor being provided a constituency office for better management of their constituency.

“I feel that independence would have helped a lot of councilors to function better than they actually did and that is one of the things we will still push for because with the absence of that the community in itself is not open to working with a councillor who they don’t see or know. I spoke to a few people yesterday and some of them have not met their councilor since the last elections,” Halley said.

The YFLG also intends to put forward strategies for the management of the council’s finances; dealing with debt and generating income.

“You have to diagnose your problem in order to fix it and I think the main problem that we have with the present council is the fact that they

didn’t have a plan or a vision for what they were going to do. So they just when in there and sat and whatever they thought of doing they did,” he stated.

Halley said that the group had even previously put forward a plan to get rid of the country’s garbage though an overseas company willing to purchase waste for recycling and upcycling purposes but the council was uninterested.

It would have seen collaboration between other municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) while the company was also willing to facilitate community service programmes.

“Those are some of the things we want to look at. We know garbage is an issue and we know garbage collection carries a cost so if we can find a way to either sell that garbage or ship it out of the country for that to be used to develop communities, that is something we should jump on,” he said.

Halley says that nothing will be stopping the group from contesting even as it will soon roll out plans to boost the turn out for both young and old voters.

“It’s a challenge for us, being a small group, to try and generate a large number of votes and to try and

encourage a large number of people to join us. More than likely, we are going to heavily depend on the young people…but I believe for everyone, including the parties in this, it is [important] for us to really try and encourage and pull people to come out and vote,” Halley said.

As November 12, Election Day, approaches the young leader left few words of advice. “We have to move away from a place where we just run behind a name and what we’re accustomed to and be critical in our thinking and in our suggestions.

Critical enough that it allows us to examine what people have done, what they’re doing and whether or not those things have impacted our lives in a positive or negative way,” Halley said, continuing: “Ask serious questions, ask hard questions. I think that’s something that we fail to do as citizens…people need to understand that not everything that you hear that sounds nice makes sense. It is critical to analyze what people are saying…I do hope that people would, this time around, think things through and don’t just go blindly putting your x.”

Major works for sinking Mackenzie/Wismar bridge FOLLOWING complaints

by Lindeners that the Mackenzie/Wismar bridge is sinking, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) has invested millions of dollars into major rehabilitation works to the infrastructure.

These include cleaning, sand blasting and tightening of nuts and bolts. This is even as feasibility study for a new bridge is currently being done. Chief Executive Officer of LINMINE Secretariat, Emit Alves, said that the repairs will be ongoing so as to make the residents feel safe.

The work is currently being

done in sections. A floatable raft was constructed so as to effectively meet those high spots and to strengthen the structure and its nuts and bolts.

The Mackenzie/Wismar bridge committee member Lennox Gasper said that he is grateful that MoPI would have responded to the pleas of residents to strengthen the bridge. “With this extensive work, we are hoping that the bride will ease regular weekly closure, and we will be seeing maintenance done more on a monthly basis” Gasper noted.

While the old bridge is being strengthened, he still wel-

comes a new bridge into the town. “I am happy that plans are afoot to ensure that we have a new bridge because there is an influx of transportation and a usually long line of vehicles that are on either side, hence we need to have that two way flow of traffic,” he noted.

The 51-year-old bridge links the communities of Wismar and Mackenzie.

The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding in the amount of USD4.4 million to help Guyana enhance its transportation sector and support the development of interior communities. Some of the funds will be used to finance the construction of the new bridge.

Works ongoing to strengthen the Mackenzie/ Wismar bridge

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Give conciliation a chance

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…gov’t urges GTU to consider conciliation, call off strike …as union presses for arbitration

THE Ministry of Social Protection has urged the Guyana Teachers’ Union to allow the conciliation process to move on as it seeks a solution over the impasse on salary increases for teachers.

However, the union says they will not agree to move forward to the conciliation stage, as it has been compromised and has insisted that they are willing to call off the strike “immediately” if the issue moves to arbitration.

“The ball is in their court.

We have indicated to them that if they call us midnight tonight we'll be ready [to call off the strike], once they decide to go to arbitration,” GTU President Mark Lyte said on Wednesday, after exiting a conciliation meeting held at the Department of Labour (DoL) headquarters on Brickdam.

“We’re sticking to arbitration, because the conciliator ought to come from the Department of Labour and they would have compromised their position by being at the two [negotiation] meetings.” Wednesday’s

meeting, organised by the Department of Labour, was expected to be the first round of talks with the Department of Labour as the conciliator; however, it was considered to have ended in deadlock with the GTU asking for the process to move to arbitration, but the Ministry of Education wants conciliation to continue.

The meeting was chaired

by Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle, while heading the MoE team was Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson. After the GTU maintained that they want to move straight to arbitration, the meeting was adjourned to a yet-to- be-determined later date and time. The MoE and GTU were expected to move on to conciliation after the two negotiation meetings, held earlier this month, between the two bodies ended in a deadlock over salary increases and other issues.

However, the GTU is contending that since the Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, along with CLO Charles Ogle and other labour of-

GTU President Mark Lyte (left) and MoE CEO, Marcel Hutson, during an intermission at yesterday’s Department of Labour meeting (Samuel Maughn photo)

ficials were all present on behalf of the MoE at the negotiation meetings, the conciliation process has been compromised. “They [MoE] are insisting that they want conciliation, we are insisting that the conciliation process has been compromised, which to some extent has been admitted to by the Ministry of Labour. And it is the MoE now to decide to meet the GTU terms and once those terms are met, we are prepared to call the strike off immediately, should those conditions be satisfied,” Lyte

Broomes outfits Victory Valley students for school OVER 75 children residing in the Linden community of Victory Valley were outfitted on Wednesday with back-to-school supplies including backpacks and stationery by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes.

Over the last few months, Broomes has been very active in the community. Chairman of the community’s CDC Anthony Roberts said that he had approached the minister for help after being cognisant that many parents cannot afford to send their children to school with new supplies.

Nursery, primary and secondary schoolchildren and their parents flocked the community centre to benefit from the donation. In her short address, Broomes said that following the President’s vision to have an educated society, she is playing her role in assisting parents to ensure their children return to

Minister Broomes distributing backpacks and stationery to the children of Victory Valley

school, so as to get an education. The parents and children expressed their gratitude to the minister for lending a helping hand to the grassroot persons. “The minister is always lending a helping hand, she has been doing a lot for us, we have a lot to be thankful for. Many parents here today cannot

afford to send their children back to school with new stuff and so the children, only a few days before they return to school, can smile that they will go back with new bags and other stuff,” one parent said. Minister Broomes plans to do more drives before the re-opening of schools on Monday

further informed.

Speaking on the issue last week, Scott said he did not believe that his presence during the negotiations stage should bar his department from being the conciliator.

Further, in a press release issued following the adjournment of Wednesday’s meeting, the Ministry of Social Protection, under which the Department of Labour falls, outlined that the conciliation process is still necessary, before the process can move to arbitration.

“The Ministry of Social

Protection maintained that the grievance procedures as contained in the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) subsisting between the parties provide for the exhaustion of conciliation before arbitration can be contemplated. The Ministry of Social Protection also maintained, that before any progress could be made at conciliation, the current strike action initiated by the union must be called [off] after a memorandum containing Terms of Resumption has been signed by the parties,” the release informed.

The GTU maintained that they are not agreeing to move forward to the conciliation stage. They came to yesterday’s meeting issuing a brief to the MoE, which laid out a list of terms that, once met, would see them calling off the strike, which began last Monday.

The demands, as per a release issued by the GTU, are: “The extant issues be referred to an arbitration panel; the chairmanship shall be agreed upon before the resumption of work; the status quo ante shall be respected

by everyone involved in this situation; there shall be no victimisation by either party; there shall be no loss of pay and seniority.”

The arbitration process would see the use of an independent party coming up with a solution to the dispute. Both sides will have to abide by whatever decision is made by the arbiter. For this arbitration process, the GTU is calling for the appointment of a chairman, mutually agreed by the MoE and the GTU, in addition to a nominee from the GTU’s side and a nominee from the MoE. The committee will be tasked with making an award that is “just and on the evidence taken.” Moreover, the award shall be final and binding on both parties, MoE and GTU. In the interim, Lyte called upon the teachers to continue the struggle. “We are still hopeful as a union that we are going to have a resolution to this problem and we ask our teachers to remain resolute behind the union in our decision on the way forward,” he expressed

CH&PA to collaborate with private sector to assist Kwakwani residents

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is seeking to collaborate with the private sector to address the housing needs of some Kwakwani residents.

During a recent outreach to the community, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood visited several families who are currently occupying a number of houses in a district known as the “Camp Area” to assess the condition of the structures.

After a first-hand view of the living conditions of the families, the minister reported that “the structures are rotten, so there is no way that we can even change the columns. The roof is rotten… and as the government, we have to find a solution.”

Minister Adams-Patterson-Yearwood said she has been advised by the ministry’s engineer that the building can

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood (centre) with her team and persons who occupy the houses

be saved. To this end, the minister said she will be seeking the support of other agencies to assist with the rebuilding process and provision of aid to the families. She explained that most of the persons who occupy the houses are unemployed and their children do not attend school regularly.

“My plan is to speak to Food For The Poor to deter-

mine if we can collaborate in addressing this issue. We are also looking at another area in Kwakwani with the intention of erecting twenty-five (25) low-cost houses.”

Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson-Yearwood gave her assurance that an intervention will be made to address the issue with the Kwakwani families.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Hurricane Maria: Puerto Rico mayor derides Trump actions (BBC) The mayor of the Puerto Rican capital San Juan says President Donald Trump’s response to the hurricane that devastated the US territory last year is a “stain on his presidency”.

Carmen Yulin Cruz’s comments came a day after officials said 2,975 people had died in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria last September.

The revised death toll is nearly 50 times the previous estimate of 64. “The Trump administration killed the Puerto Rican with neglect,” she said.

Speaking to CNN, she added: “The Trump adminis-

tration led us to believe that they were helping when they weren’t really up to par.”

The territory has struggled to repair its infrastructure and power grid since the storm, and is asking US Congress for $139bn (£108bn) in recovery funds.

Ms Cruz criticised Mr Trump personally for his response to the crisis, referencing a photo op during which the president threw rolls of paper towels to a crowd of hurricane survivors.

On Wednesday Mr Trump defended his administration saying: “I think we did a fantastic job in Puerto Rico.”

“We have put billions and

billions of dollars into Puerto Rico and it was a very tough one,” he continued, adding “I think most of the people in Puerto Rico really appreciate what we’ve done.”

“I only hope they don’t get hit again,” said Mr Trump. “Shame on President Trump for not even once - not even yesterday - just saying: ‘Look, I grieve with the people of Puerto Rico.’” said Ms Cruz.

“This will be a stain on his presidency for as long as he lives. Because rather than come here to support us, he came here to throw paper towels at us, and we will never forget and we will

Puerto Rico has struggled to recover from the effects of Hurricane Maria

always remember.”

President Trump praised the federal response to the hurricane-ravaged island in the weeks following the storm. But critics accused him of showing more concern for residents in Texas and Florida after they were hit by hurricanes.

But on Wednesday Mr Trump contrasted the two responses, saying “Puerto Rico was actually more difficult because of the fact it was an island”.

During a visit to Puerto Rico in October, Mr Trump suggested officials should be “proud” the death toll - at the time only 16 - was not as high as “a real catastrophe” like Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Wednesday 29, August, 2018

02 07 08 10 23 24 19

M

02, 08, 18, 20, 24

2, 7, 7

2, 2, 3

05, 06, 12, 15, 18

7, 3, 2

5, 5, 9

06, 18, 21, 23, 26

4, 9, 3

4, 9, 9

11, 15, 16, 18, 20

1, 4, 5

9, 6, 2

03, 05, 10, 18, 19

5, 8, 6

9, 1, 2

WHY THE CHANGE IN FATALITY NUMBERS? The authorities have faced criticism for underreporting the toll of Maria - the most powerful storm to hit the region in nearly 90 years.

Until Tuesday, the official figure was 64. It was limited to those killed directly by the hurricane, crushed by collapsing buildings, drowned or hit by flying debris.

The island had previously acknowledged the death toll was probably much higher. In the wake of the disaster, some experts estimated as many as 4,600 deaths.

The latest findings - accepted by the island’s authorities - were made in a report by experts from George Washington University, which the governor commissioned.

This counted those who died in the six months following the storm as a result of poor health care and a lack of electricity and clean

water. Repeated power cuts also led to an increased number of deaths from diabetes and sepsis.

Doctors are also said to have “lacked awareness” on how to appropriately certify deaths attributed to natural disasters.

WHAT DOES THE REPORT SAY? Researchers tracked the number of deaths using death certificates and other mortality data between mid-September 2017 to mid-February of this year. The Caribbean island is home to 3.3 million people, some 8% of which have since left the island, the study said. It also said that those from poorer backgrounds in Puerto Rico were 45% more likely to have been killed in the aftermath of the hurricane.

The governor of Puerto Rico said he would sign an executive order to create a committee to examine and put into practice the report’s recommendations.

01, 07, 10, 12, 15 02, 09, 13, 15, 16

24, August, 2018

02, 04, 05, 12, 15

01 02 03 09 15

01, 06, 13, 14, 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Argentina asks IMF to release $50bn loan as crisis worsens

(BBC) Argentina’s government has unexpectedly asked for the early release of a $50bn (£37.2bn) loan from the IMF amid a growing economic crisis.

President Mauricio Macri said the move was designed to restore confidence in the Argentine economy.

The Argentine peso has lost more than 40% of its value against the US dollar this year and inflation is rampant.

The IMF confirmed on Wednesday it was looking to strengthen the arrangement and changing its phasing.

“I stressed my support for Argentina’s policy efforts and our readiness to assist the government in developing its revised policy plans,” Christine Lagarde, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director, said in a statement.

Investors are concerned Argentina may not be able repay its heavy government borrowing and could default.

Correspondents say the decision to speed up the IMF bailout smacks of growing desperation. When the terms of the loan were agreed in May, President Macri said he expected the economy to recover and did not plan to

use the money.

HOW DID WE GET HERE? The world’s highest interest rates and backing from the IMF have failed to reassure investors. The Argentine peso is still losing value despite all attempts to meet investor concerns.

Other emerging markets such as Turkey and Brazil are also suffering from the devaluation of their currencies this year, but Argentina’s situation is particularly troublesome.

The country has not been able to lower inflation, which is the highest amongst G20 nations. And the government is failing to enact the economic reforms it promised the IMF, most of them aimed at curbing public spending and borrowing.

President Macri was elected on the promise of reviving the economy, but so far it seems little progress has been made. Everyday life is getting more expensive for Argentines, as the prices of many goods and services still bear a close relation to the US dollar.

And the combination of spiralling inflation and public

eliminate any uncertainty.”

He added that further measures to rein in government borrowing would accompany the move.

The opposition blames President Macri’s centre-right policies for the recession

spending cuts means wages are not keeping pace with prices, making most people poorer.

WHAT DID THE PRESIDENT SAY? “Over the last week we have seen new expressions of lack of confidence in the markets, specifically over our financing capacity in 2019,” Mr Macri said in a televised address.

“We have agreed with the International Monetary Fund to advance all the necessary funds to guarantee compliance with the financial programme next year.

“This decision aims to

WHAT DO HIS OPPONENTS SAY? Mr Macri’s decision to ask the IMF for help in May was criticised by many within his country.

The IMF is widely loathed in Argentina and blamed for the country’s 2001 economic collapse after it pulled the plug and denied financial support.

The country’s opposition blames Mr Macri’s centre-right policies, including the end of capital controls and cWhat is the IMF’s view?

Argentina, which has been plagued by economic problems for years, asked for assistance from the IMF in May after its currency hit an all-time low.

The country committed to tackle its double-digit inflation and cut public spending as part of the deal.

IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said at the time that the plan had been designed by the Argentine government and was “aimed at strengthening the

economy for the benefit of all Argentines”.uts to social programmes, for the economic crisis.

After speaking to President Macri on Wednesday evening, she said that she had instructed her staff to work with the Argentine authorities to strengthen the agreed arrangement and re-examine the planned phasing.

She also said she was confident the “strong commitment and determination” of the authorities would be instrumental on steering the country through the difficult financial climate.

Have we been here before?

In 2001, Argentina’s government defaulted on its debt and left the banking system largely paralysed. The effect on Argentines was devastating, with many seeing their prosperity quickly disappear.

Those who experienced it fear a return of government restrictions imposed back then to prevent a run on the banks.

Under the constraints, which lasted for a year, people could not freely withdraw money from their accounts, making life very difficult for ordinary Argentines.

Ahart Energy VP: Govt must find a way to repay Petrotrin debt (Trinidad Newsday) Vice President of Energy for Ahart Solutions International Randall Mohammed said government must find a way of paying off Petrotrin’s debt and said their silence on the matter is one of growing concern to stakeholders in the energy sector as well as the public.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Mohammed suggested that in addition to the sale of the refinery to help repaying its debt, the company can form agreements with engineering, procurement and construction contractors for exploration and production of gas. He said while creditors would be interested in a bankable business plan, there may be some concern if they are leading exploration and production.

“It would be interesting to see how they treat with the plant and equipment. I suppose some of it could be sold as scrap metal. My recommendation for exploration and production is that Petro-

trin should enter into technical service agreements with contractors to explore and produce in return for a fee.

“In this way Petrotrin retains title to the resources without the burden of exploration and production.”

Mohammed also said investors should be prepared to lend assistance to this initative or follow the example of Brazilian Petroleum company Petroleo Brasiliero (Petrobras) and rearrange assets to repay its debt.

“Our local financial sector should be positioning themselves to facilitate. The other option is to take the approach as Petrobras. They have decided to divest some of their oil and gas assets to finance their US $21 billion debt.”

Mohammed also said suggestions of privatisation also carry risks as falling prices of domestic crude oil, the ageing plant and large debt would make such a transition unattractive for investors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Bringing order to the bus parks

JUST last week a minibus conductor was stabbed by a driver at the Stabroek bus park during an argument over a passenger. Illegal but persistent minibus touting has long been in survival mode, despite adverse public opinion and intermittent police crackdowns.

This persistent nuisance exhibits various shades of criminality, including the growing and blatant disrespect for authority and should not be allowed to continue.

Amidst the country’s progressive emphasis on tourism, the recent public outrage against sexual abuse, and a growing need for public order, the authorities should condignly terminate this aberration.

The Guyana Police Force must treat this aspect of what is euphemistically referred to as the ‘minibus culture’ as a clear and present danger to our travelling public, re-

gardless of age, ethnicity or nationality. The most targeted and vulnerable appear to be schoolgirls, nubile women, and tourists.

A letter-writer in one of our dailies recently lamented his disgusting and unsettling experience when he witnessed a young schoolgirl being tugged by minibus conductors and touts in the vicinity of our iconic Stabroek Market Square. The letter-writer noted that the girl was visibly upset, naturally, but the worst part of what was an assault in legal terms, was the braggadocio of one of the touts, who announced to a bus conductor that he had “touched her inappropriately.”

Unfortunately, in many incidents of harassment by minibus touts while soliciting passengers, citizens generally take a vow of silence and decline the role of ‘my broth-

er’s keeper’ or ‘my sister’s keeper,’ and don’t even sound a voice of censure.

In fact, in the so-called ‘minibus culture,’ touting, loud and ribald music, fondling and other aspects of harassment, as well as reckless driving have become the new normal. While there have been sporadic condemnation of minibus touting by individuals, and half-hearted police clampdowns, the problem has not yet drawn any notable attention from civil society.

There is need for concerted and outspoken opposition against this wanton disregard for minibus passengers, who support what essentially is a public service being provided by private sector entrepreneurs.

Some touts are seen engaging in a ritual tug-o-war, but instead of a rope they grab the bags and even the persons of besieged passen-

gers, sometimes after a 25yard dash to the unsuspecting targets.

This tactic disregards the right of each passenger to decide which minibus to choose, while the absence of a regulated queuing system for minibuses persists.

Meanwhile, it must not be overlooked that minibus touts are part of a self-employed, low-level hustle.

However, it was estimated that a minibus tout can pull in over $10,000 per day, depending on passenger traffic and weather conditions. And that’s tax-free earnings, without actual overheads or need for any skillset.

According to news reports, there have been occasions when touts were charged and appeared in court before a magistrate and those who pleaded guilty were ordered to pay fines ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Those who pleaded not guilty were placed on bail and scheduled to return to court on various dates.

The police raids are at best rare, on-again-off-again ventures, which yield no lasting change in the modus operandi of loading minibuses in the city, quite unlike the civil practice seen in our CARICOM neighbours.

Another aspect of minibus touting that is not readily discernible is the extortion scheme, whereby bus drivers and owners are required to pay a sort of tithe for the service, even unsolicited, of having their vehicles loaded by strong-arm tactics.

There have been instances when some young men utilise this avenue of catching a quick dollar, but sooner rather than later upgrade themselves to emerge as more productive individuals in sustainable economic pursuits. Many oth-

ers, too many, however, are louts who shirk their social responsibility and get caught in the dependency culture, taking refuge among the underclass.

When all is said and done, it is the police who must face the major challenge of uprooting this loathsome and law-breaking practice of minibus touting, summoning up the will and manpower to ensure its termination, once and for all.

Perhaps it would be useful if a multi-disciplinary approach is taken in dealing with this problem. Touts can be targeted by social welfare officers, in addition to faith-based and civil society organisations that can make an attempt at motivating some behavioural change. We need not rely exclusively or merely on law-enforcement intervention.

Mark Lyte must be his own man Dear Editor MARK Lyte must lead the cause of Guyana’s teachers from his own inner convictions and not allow himself to be the feed ego of the same now opposition creature whom his colleagues think he believes in, and who was also present in the customs protest in the 1990s when this same character was a busy presence. During that time, no one knew that he was an agent of the PPP, a secret deal was done outside of the

workers’ knowledge by that union head.

I was there at the GPSU when the truth came out and the workers aired their agony that the union head called the ‘Black Clothes’ to assault, threaten and intimidate customs’ workers, some were incarcerated.

That adviser Mark was pretending then to advise on behalf of the workers, but was instead consolidating the defeat of the workers’ interest to the then PPP government he had pledged his soul to.

Today, you can easily become the tool of

a political agenda that cares nothing for your reputation, and the credibility of our reputations is all we will contribute while we live, to posterity, neither is this adviser interested in the fortunes of the teachers, he advises only to suffice passionate political hatred, with your naivety as the tool towards the means to an end.

To fight for the interest of vulnerable people is a noble and lonely task, not an ‘Extravagant Vocation of Perks and treachery’ as many union leaders have fallen into. I say to you negotiate

reasonably, I caution you, work with your colleagues and negotiate the best possible package; understand at all times that negotiation is a balanced p ro c e s s . D o y o u r s e l f o n e f a v o u r : presume you’re a Sultan and ask your invasive, but invited Vizier, what his Master and his Court had done for Teachers, Nurses, and public servants during their terrifying regime?

Regards Barry Braithwaite

Security guards still to be paid Dear Editor KINDLY publish this letter in your widely read newspaper so that the government and those in authority can see and know of the suffering that we the security guards

employed by Sentinel Security Inc in Region Three have to endure.

As security guards employed by Sentinel Security Inc., we are responsible for guarding and protecting all government properties

including all schools, hospitals and health centres, including its employees in Region Three. The problem is that we have not been paid our salaries for the months of June, July and August, 2018.

Up to the time of writing

this letter, no one has had the common courtesy to tell or inform us of what is going on and/or when we will be paid. Right now not only we the security guards are suffering, but our entire families, our children cannot have food to eat,

light bill is going up and as single parents (mothers) we cannot pay our house rent; soon we will be kicked out on the streets for not paying our rent.

Kindly help us by publishing this letter, so that someone can come

to our rescue, including the Food For The Poor organisation, so as to prevent our children from starving.

Regards Suffering security guard

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Clinton Conway must share his views on the relationship between “police station culture” and police excesses Dear Editor, THE recent killing of Mr Estevan Costa Marques, a Brazilian miner in the Puruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni –Mazaruni) by a member of the Guyana Police Force, (GPF) and the autopsy report that revealed that he died from a gunshot to the back of his head, caused me to revisit a letter I began writing in response to one written

by Mr Clinton Conway, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ret’d).

In his letter published in the Monday, August 06, 2018 edition of both the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, under the respective captions, “Determining what is reasonable use of force by the police is highly subjective” and “ Damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” was a timely intervention into the debate on police killings. It is to his credit, being a former senior member of the force who had a major role in the training and education of police officers, that he continues to show interest in that institution and to offer his expertise on matters relating to law enforcement.

Given his experience and knowledge of police and

law-enforcement matters, he speaks to the issue of what is, “reasonable use of force by the police” with authority, as demonstrated in his letter. In support of his contention, he quoted from the following sources: (a) International Association of Chiefs of Police (b) Guyana Police Force, Force Orders 33/69 (c) Graham v Connor (d) The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (USA) model and (e) use of force expert Nowicki. These are welcome sources of information which the public will find helpful in understanding the complexities of this issue.

Hopefully, it may also serve as a sober reminder to all police officers on what is the established professional best practice on the use of force by the police.

Mr Conway’s salient point is that policemen are at times faced with situations which offer little time for reflection, and officers may act spontaneously, resulting in fatalities. Every society recognises the hazards faced by police officers in the execution of their duties, and view their actions with some degree of understanding.

However, this does not mean that police officers should be given a free pass when they

commit criminal acts.

In Guyana, we are dealing with a situation where police officers often resort to the use of force unnecessarily -- and frequently, deadly force. This is an ageold problem that exists for more than 50 years. In the colonial days, police officers were more circumspect with the use of firearms. Police shootings, and more so fatalities, were once and far. The present reckless use of lethal force by some police officers is an abuse of the privilege to subjectively determine the reasonable use of force in a given situation.

Often when such abuses occur, the public gets the impression that the internal structures and procedures of the force are inadequate to hold officers accountable for their actions.

As a nation, we have failed to effectively manage the force. The internal and external supervision has proven to be unable to hold officers to high professional conduct when it comes to the use of deadly force. This failure jeopardises citizens’ civil rights and the right to life when citizens come into contact with some police officers.

I have paid close attention to the above matters

for many decades and like most Guyanese of my age, witnessed the evolution of the present crisis in relation to police conduct in the use of force. The fact that only a few police officers have been charged, placed before the courts and convicted for murders committed in the execution of their duty demonstrates that the problem is not simply a police problem.

In this environment, the talk of “Damned if they do, damned if they don’t” seems inappropriate, given the known evidence when it comes to incidents where citizens-- law-abiding or criminals-- are killed by the police. We have to face the fact that in the Guyana Police Force there are many criminals/scoundrels who commit heinous crimes. However, they are not subject to summary execution under the pretext of enforcing the law.

Former Assistant Commissioner Mr Conway may agree with my position that the Guyana Police Force and successive governments and the courts have collectively failed to create the social, legal and political environment to effectively hold accountable, officers we armed with deadly

weapons, and gave them the privilege to determine when the use of force, deadly or otherwise, is justified. It is my considered opinion based on my long involvement as a political activist and my role in the struggle against police oppression, that police officers generally are aware of the rules of engagement and the law, when it comes to the use of force. The problem is not ignorance of the law on the part of officers.

The breakdown lies in the complicity of senior officers, who under pressure to get results in crime- fighting, often overlook the law and rules of engagement, and cover up the criminal actions of those whom they have a responsibility to supervise.

There are other important factors that contribute to ‘the shoot to kill’ behaviour of some police officers.

In this letter, I am deliberately not addressing matters such as police collusion with criminals and the subsequent execution of these criminals by officers in order to cover up their involvement with these elements.

An objective study of the force’s internal culture will reveal that many practices in the stations undermine in a significant way the

professional conduct of its officers, both junior and senior, when dealing with crimes by ordinary citizens – more so the poor and the powerless. The evidence will also show that the social prejudice and contempt that the police have developed over time for this section of the society creates the attitudes that perpetuate police brutality and killings.

Not surprisingly, this reckless disrespect for life has now spread beyond the police institution and is quickly becoming a way of life, influencing how citizens use their firearms. A good example is a recent incident where a citizen allegedly pumped four bullets into the chest of a neighbour to settle a domestic matter. This is a troubling development and a reflection of the growing disrespect for human life in the society.

In closing, in the interest of public education and in order to widen the debate on police shootings, I take this opportunity to ask Mr Clinton Conway to share his views on the relationship between “police station culture” and police excesses.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

An open letter to my fellow teachers Dear Miss & Sir,

FRIENDS, I stand with you. We are at a place that is not desirable, but we are here nonetheless. I will readily admit to you that I am not the most impartial commentator, my feet are firmly planted in governance, but I forever remain an eternal teacher.

I spent 12 years in the system, albeit, at the private level, but don’t you dare say I don’t know the struggle. Private education is no paradise and besides that, I served as a commissioner on the Commission of Inquiry into the education system. I have seen teachers work in the most dastardly conditions, from lack of toilet facilities to practical ovens for classrooms.

I know you are not asking much, you just want to go to class without the stress of rent, Courts or GPL bill headaches

on your head, but friends, the money is simply not there. There is no country in the world with our GDP that can afford this.

In countries such as Finland, where teachers are the highest paid, their budgets allow for this. I have seen the heart of His Excellency on education, it beats for education, there is no way he would have his finance people sitting on this money and not instruct them to pay teachers. In policy documents and speeches, His Excellency references the importance of education, from the Green Development Strategy Paper to speeches on the ‘Four Horsemen’ that keep holding Guyana back.

Friends, I also wish to make clear that your duties as fulltime parents, teachers, counsellors, advisers and frankly babysitters in some regards, your cause is noble and just. No one in his/her right mind ought to deny you your due. I am comfortable in saying that if it were fiscally possible for any government

to afford this, I say without fear of successful contradiction, this demand may have been readily met. I strongly suspect it is simply not sustainable, this I believe this is the fiscal truth and nothing but the fiscal truth.

Most worthy citizens who toil to produce every profession in our nation, we are on the cusp of unprecedented economic horizons. I will publicly advocate that as we benefit imminently from this newly found natural resource, you should be given budgetary priority. Continue to go forth and walk with your heads held high wearing the badges of arguably the most revered profession. I remain forever with you Regards Ronald Austin Jr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

THAG rakes in $5M in development funds thus far SINCE the launching of its Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has raked in close to $5M in voluntary contributions from visitors staying in the country.

Now, the body believes that with more resorts, hotels and lodges on board, there is the potential for Guyana to collect up to USD$100,000 per year.

The TDF was launched in March 2015 and hotel, lodge and resort guests are asked to donate just US$1 for each night of their stay. The money goes entirely towards the TDF. A letter is provided to guests in their room or at the front desk which clearly states that it is a contribution which, if they would prefer, will be removed from their final bill.

To date the contributions have come from the Cara Lodge; the Guyana Marriott and Roraima Duke Lodge, securing $ 2,761,760; $ 1,940,522 and $48, 506 respectively. Although similar initiatives are being conducted in other Caribbean countries where they have raked in even more, the TDF was established locally by former THAG President Shaun McGrath.

Of the funds collected they will be dispersed to three main areas which will see 60 per cent being spent on marketing,

20 per cent on product development and 20 per cent on capacity building and training.

Thus far, through the TDF, THAG has awarded $400,000 to the Protected Areas Commission to effect signs in the Botanical Gardens; $155,952 towards Guyana Restaurant Week banners and $160,000 to facilitate Action Coach, Social Media Marketing for two months.

tional accommodation establishments to come on board, some of which were previously skeptical about the process and how they would benefit.

“Some people looked at it as, ‘Well if everyone is not doing it, someone is going to take my money and use it for someone else’. But actually it’s not your money; it’s the money of your guests, so it doesn’t cost the hotels a red

Nonetheless, funds received thus far have been used to promote the country as a whole through Destination Guyana which has seen many, even those who aren’t members of THAG, benefitting in return.

The TDF is managed by a special committee comprising representatives from the public and private sectors who ensure that projects undertak-

Former and present presidents of the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Shaun McGrath (left) and Mitra Ramkumar (Delano Williams photo)

McGrath says that the programme has been working exceptionally well with 7075 per cent of visitors being willing to pay.

However, THAG is still working to encourage addi-

cent. So, I think people have seen the value to it and when they see the social media marketing campaign kick they will see that there is a distinct value to doing this,” McGrath said.

en by the fund are transparent.

HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE NEEDED Of the three areas to benefit from the TDF, capacity building and training takes

special interest. For many years THAG has been lobbying for the establishment of a hospitality institute where overseas trainers would provide their services to tourism areas such as hotel staff, cooks, transportation operators and more.

“I think there is a lot more to be done and I think the hospitality institute is the way to do it. It is a national effort that has to be put in to encourage kids when they leave school to go into the hospitality sector and realise that that is a very valuable sector to be working in,” McGrath stated.

Hospitality training is even more important now as the country rapidly approaches first oil which McGrath is certain will see many more visiting the country for five star services and experiences.

“That is going to create a whole new demand for rooms, bars, restaurants and everything…and that requires staff, but at the moment there are no training facility for those and that needs to be done. THAG does what it can, using some of the TDF funds, but it really needs to be done [at] a national level,” he continued Meanwhile, President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, revealed that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has already approved funding for the construction of the Hospitality Institute but allocating a

plot of land is slowing down the process.

“What they have said to us is that they will have to meet again with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and probably Lands and Surveys to get on with it. We will be sending off a correspondence to the ministry independently to seek a meeting to see where it’s at because this is something we really need to push,” Ramkumar said.

He believes that the oil and gas industry, which is a highly skilled capital industry, will not create many jobs directly but rather jobs will come from the “trickle down” effect of the sector through areas such as tourism.

“What is going to really enable those people and benefit those people is an industry, which is the tourism industry, that can create this massive employment because it’s a labour intensive industry,” he said, adding: “The school drop-outs are a target group for this institute and single mothers-- the vulnerable.”

It is hoped that at the institute, persons attending will be able to work and study to implement and practice new skills as they learn them.

Speaking on these plans as well as the TDF, McGrath said: “This is developing the sector, not just THAG or THAG members, it’s developing the sector.”

Woman recovering painfully after dog attack INGRID Wilson, an elderly woman living in Lamaha Park, was attacked on Sunday morning by three dogs.

Though she has received treatment, her recovery is very painful.

“We went to the doctor (on Tuesday) and the doctor said she got to exercise the mouth to speak and get things to chew before the mouth comes back as normal,” Cherry Ann Mayers--Wilson’s daughter--told the Guyana Chronicle.

But there is more to Wilson’s story than just this. In fact, she received some 70 stitches-- many evident on her face and mouth-- and has bite marks hidden under bandages across her body.

As Ingrid was unable to speak, Cherry shared that the woman is required to visit the doctor again next week to remove the stitches. It will take another month, however, for the elderly woman to recover.

The daughter was unable to recount what transpired that fateful Sunday morning, since she was at work then, but John Grant, Wilson’s neigh-

bour and longtime friend of her son, witnessed the attack and came to the woman’s rescue.

Grant told the Guyana Chronicle that he was standing on the road when the woman walked past him. He lives close to Ingrid’s son, whom the woman was going to see.

woman, she fell to the ground and they continued their attack on her.

“I was the only person out to rescue her. I run and help she out and that was it,” the young man said. “After I run to the rescue, the dogs them run back inside.”

Thereafter, Ingrid -bloodied and bitten -- was

Ingrid Wilson with the stitches on her face after being attacked by three dogs.

“When she reach the house two doors away from me, the dogs--three dogs-run out and hold on on she,” Grant recalled.

As the dogs attacked the

taken to the hospital.

The owner of the dogs, shared that her older children went to the doctor and the relevant authorities with Ingrid and her family.

Giving her own account, Bayley said: “This happened Sunday morning around 06:15; the lady was passing and probably one of my children left the gate ajar and the dogs ran out and bit the woman.”

She, however, stressed that both parties went to the relevant authorities and according to Bayley, “They [Wilson and family] said they don’t want a story and I said I don’t want a story… and I compensate her with $200,000.”

Cherry Ann Mayers confirmed this by saying: “She [Lawrence] compensate us the money, because my mother said she don’t (sic) want a court story to go up and down; (instead) she just wants to take her treatment and done.”

Right now, the woman can only consume liquids through straws and only just regained her ability to move around her fingers.

“She catch sheself from that day to now,” Mayers said, adding that the woman is recovering, albeit painfully.

Wilson and her daughter Cherry Ann Mayers.

John Grant, who came to Wilson’s rescue as she was attacked.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Consultation on top cop today –– President, opposition leader to meet on top post

President David Granger

FIVE assistant commissioners of police have been shortlisted

by President David Granger for the top cop post and a meeting is expected with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo today to discuss the appointment.

Acting top cop David Ramnarine was not included in the final list. Those shortlisted are Assistant Commissioners Maxine Graham, Lyndon Alves, Leslie James, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams.

Also interviewed for the top post were ACPs Clifton Hicken and Marlon Chapman.

The meeting is expected to be held at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, at 11:00hrs. In the aftermath of the meeting, it is expected that the new top cop and his deputies will be announced.

Reports indicate that the President did not identify his preference for the substantive position of commissioner of police.

Article 211 (1) of the constitution states: “The commissioner of police and every deputy commissioner of police shall be appointed by the President, acting after meaningful consultation with the oppo-

sition leader and Chairman of the Police Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with other members of the commission.”

Recently, President David Granger had said that he wants an “unbribable” person to be appointed following the retirement of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Newly appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe, had said that the commission will be looking at persons who are competent and who can command the respect of the officers and the public.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Vehicles traversing interior roads to adhere to specified weight limits – scales to be installed to monitor vehicles weight THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are taking the necessary steps to ensure vehicles traversing interior roads adhere to the specified weight limits.

According to Manager of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Special Projects Unit, Arun Richard, a number of scales have already been acquired by the Ministry of Public

Infrastructure and will be installed shortly. “I would say within about three months they will be installed. We are still to define which sections of the carriageway we are going to put the scales on, but they are going to be strategic, so that they can have a wide effect. For example, one placement can be used to determine vehicles that will use maybe several roads like Linden for example,” Richard told the Department of Public

Information (DPI).

The move to install scales comes at a time when the GGMC has ramped up maintenance efforts and recently awarded contracts valued at almost $700Million for the upgrade and maintenance of interior roads from Linden to Kwakwani and Linden to Lethem.

In addition, Richard says stakeholders of the mining and logging communities have indicated their will-

Annandale pensioner died from bludgeoning to head – autopsy AN autopsy on the battered body of Krishnachand Dabee, 72, who was found on Monday evening in his yard at Lot 149 Annandale South, East Coast Demerara, revealed that he died from blunt trauma to the head, a fractured neck and spine.

The pensioner was found lying at the bottom of the rear stairs of his two-storey, wooden house. His body bore injuries to the head and near the right eye. There were bloodstains on the ground next to a water barrel where the body was found and a blood-stained stone was found near the body.

Reports indicate that his body was discovered by his 40-year-old daughter, who is a lecturer at the University of

Dead: Krishnachand Dabee

Guyana.

It is alleged that his daughter was trying to make contact with him on his landline phone, but it went unanswered after several calls.

She then immediately visited the Vigilance Police Station and made a report. A police team was dispatched to Dabee’s address and on arrival, found him lying in his

yard face up with injuries to his right eye and to the back of his head.

The police made checks in the house and discovered that it was ransacked.

One neighbour said the pensioner and his wife lived in the home and about one month ago, they were tied up and robbed. The woman, who was hospitalised, did not return to the house. Instead, the neighbour said, she (wife), moved into a senior citizens home and her husband, had since lived alone.

“The wife sees who were the bandits and never wanted to return home.

She sick since then. She expected that the bandits would have returned and they come back and kill the man now,” another neighbour said.

ingness to comply with the new arrangements, which will rely on the law rather unofficial agreements.

“From a transportation engineering perspective, we would rather rely on the strength of the system as opposed to a gentleman’s agreement; and this is why we have resorted to install-

ing scales and advocating for the more responsible use of the road. So, I am thinking to have an enforced system in place that would be the ideal situation to aim for,” he added.

According to the special projects manager, the interior roads are unpaved and are therefore susceptible to being damaged if improperly used. He said a major problem is the overloaded vehicles

traversing the roads, particularly during the rainy season. There is nothing worse that can happen to a road than it being used outside of its design specification…. the vehicle is overloaded and you have additional axle weight beyond the design of the road, which leads to rotting and failures.

Adherence to load limits is important,” Richard said.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Le Repentir ‘back to a jungle’

By Telesha Ramnarine

TOWN Clerk Royston King has said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will have to enter into ‘special’ contracts with contractors to have Le Repentir Cemetery cleared and restored.

“The cemetery is back to a jungle,” observed Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green at Monday’s statutory meeting. “It was once looking very beautiful and clean. It’s now in a terrible state and we will have to look at it again,” she said.

King told reporters after the meeting at City Hall that draft contracts have already been submitted to the Finance

Committee. The committee has since requested more details.

In an invited comment, Chase-Green told the Guyana Chronicle that the situation at the cemetery is back to ‘square one’, owing to the recent rains . But she said the cemetery will again be placed on the council’s budget for 2019.

The mayor said plans are still in place for expansion of the cemetery, its fencing, and maintenance works, but that all of it hinges on garnering additional finances, which the City Council has been unable to do.

In February this year, the M&CC had said it wants to spend $100M each year to

keep Le Repentir in good order and has included a ‘maintenance clause’ in its contract with Chung’s Global Enterprise.

Works were done to upgrade roads, clean drains and remove overgrowth and M&CC’s intention was to have such works maintained.

“We spent about $240M in the past and still had to go back shortly after to do maintenance work. So now we have included a maintenance clause, so that works can be ongoing all the time; like an ongoing cleaning regime,” Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis had said.

After major works on Le Repentir Cemetery earlier this year, it is now back to a ‘junglelike’ state

TO OPEN AGAIN

Works were done to upgrade roads, clean drains and remove overgrowth, but the M&CC is unable to maintain such works.

Roads that were opened to the public in times past had to be closed, because of the state of disrepair and overgrowth that had developed in the cemetery, but Lewis informed this newspaper that the municipality is working to have such roads opened to the public once again. At the moment, though, they are closed again.

Since residents continue to dump refuse in the cemetery, the City Council also wanted to re-implement guards and armed rangers.

In view of this, Lewis said the bridges will have to be repaired and lighting will have to be installed.

While there is a definitive plan in place to bring these facilities on board, she said everything hinges on finances, because the municipality is covering the cemetery project with its own finances.

Assistant City Engineer Rasheed Kellman had spoken about plans that the City Council has to replace the current fence with one that caters more to the needs of the cemetery. Plans also include expansion of the cemetery, Kellman noted, to deal with the current overcrowding.

The proposal entails that the cemetery will be extended to the unused

and densely vegetated land between Cemetery Road and Mandela Avenue. The extension is proposed to begin from the area closer to Mandela Avenue and the total dimensions of the extension will be 3000 feet to 600 feet, which will be divided into six plots. A number of works must be done to the land, including clearing away the dense vegetation.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had said that the estimated cost for this extension is around $45$47M, but that there will be an official tendering process due to the size of the project.

Bandits attack Bounty Supermarket ONE of two armed bandits on Wednesday afternoon walked into Bounty Supermarket located on Alexander Street, Kitty, and relieved two cashiers of an undisclosed sum of cash.

It happened about 15:30hrs when the place was open for business as per normal. The robber whipped out a gun and brandished it, causing the two frightened employees to empty the cash registers and hand over an undisclosed amount of money. The bandit, after committing the armed robbery on the business establish-

ment, calmly walked away and hopped onto a waiting motorcycle which sped away from the scene before the police were summoned.

At the time, customers were in the supermarket but they were not robbed.

The robbery took place within the space of a few minutes. The supermarket is outfitted with security cameras and up to press time the police said no arrests have been made but an investigation is active as they are reviewing the footage in an effort to identify the suspects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Bulkan to meet with parking meter sub-committee tractual agreement, a special committee convened by the council had made four recommendations, but only one group of recommendations was approved. That committee was led by Councillor Malcolm Ferreira.

While that special committee recommended that the metered parking system with Smart City Solutions be continued, it did not make any recommendation for the continuance of the contract in its original form.

This parking meter along Water Street, Georgetown, is assisting vendors to ply their trade

COMMUNITIES Minister Ronald Bulkan said he wants to convene an initial meeting with the sub-committee formed recently to look into the controversial parking meter project.

Bulkan told the Guyana Chronicle, in an invited comment, that he is hoping that this meeting will take place in two weeks’ time.

Just last Monday, Town Clerk Royston King told reporters he was confident that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will hear from Cabinet very soon on the way forward. He said he understood that Cabinet was taking its time in examining every aspect of the project.

Cabinet has so far discussed the request by the M&CC to peruse the new set of by-laws that was forwarded to the ministry for Bulkan’s signature.

According to the minister, Cabinet subsequently made a decision to establish a sub-committee comprising the Ministries of Communities, Finance, Public Infrastructure, Business, and Legal Affairs to look at the by-laws.

The committee is tasked with discussing the concerns raised by central government, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and other agencies, and then to bring a recom-

mendation back to Cabinet.

No timeframe for coming up with a recommendation was fixed.

“It is a project that is clearly needed on our streets,” the town clerk had told this publication, as he noted that the M&CC was not even entertaining the thought that the new set of by-laws will be rejected. “We’re not thinking that; we remain very optimistic.”

King maintained that the new rate, being $150 per hour and VAT inclusive, is reasonable and noted that the figures cannot be set too low, so that nothing will change in relation to the traffic congestion on the streets.

SIGNIFICANT DROP The significant drop in the fee from $500 per hour was among agreements reached with Smart City Solutions – the foreign company given the concession to install parking meters in Georgetown – based on recommendations proposed by a special committee and approved by the council.

In the final report submitted by the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee (PMRC) and chaired by now Deputy Mayor Akeem Peter, it was explained that following the abrupt end of the project which was initiated in May 2016 by way of a con-

The PMRC was then formed and tasked with renegotiating the contract, based on the single group of recommendations.

According to the final report, the renegotiation committee held 15 meetings, of which three were exclusive negotiations. Based on those negotiations, the committee and Smart City Solutions agreed to modify 13 aspects of the contract, including the reduction of the parking fee and the introduction of an

oversight body.

“The new fee structure is $150.00 per hour VAT inclusive and $800.00 for eight hours VAT inclusive,” the committee stated in its report. It was also agreed that drivers pay for time instead of space, thus allowing them to move from location to location until the time paid for is exhausted. This will allow for transferability of time from meter to meter.

Additionally, the parties have agreed to have

vehicles registered under the central and local governments included in the exempted vehicles. In the case of residents, passes will be issued. “It was agreed that a Residential Pass will be issued for parking from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday will be free all day. However, a nominal fee will apply and the Residential Pass is restricted to the vicinity in which the resident resides,” the committee explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

‘Church has role to reignite villages’ ‒ President Granger President David Granger on Sunday attended the 165th anniversary of the Zoar Congregational Church in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, where he urged the church to use this occasion and the tradition of Congregationalism to re-ignite the beacon of spirituality and hope for its communities; re- integrate with the communities by participating in social, civic and economic initiatives; re-invent oppor-

tunities for young people by working with cultural and sporting groups and re-engage with neighborhood democratic councils, other churches and civil organisations to arrest social decay.

In his address, the Head of State said that Zoar Congregational Church – one of the earliest churches established in Plaisance – has been a source of spiritual and material sustenance for villagers. Plaisance Village, in turn, he said has

supported the Church’s work as much as the Church has supported the Village.

“Plaisance and Zoar have had a long and symbiotic relationship. The Church has been a vital force in community life and I urge that on this significant celebration that the Church and congregation, together with friends and supporters, think about ways and means of transforming this community even further than the way the Congrega-

tional Church transformed Guyana… The Church has a role to foster encourage and promote village life so that people will stay, produce so when you pass through Plaisance you must see evidence of economic vitality, young people at work. Everything you can produce in this village,” he said.

Providing a brief history of the community, where the church is located, the Head of State said that Plaisance was

President David Granger being escorted into the Zoar Congregational Church in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara

founded after 1838, during what was called the Village Movement when freed Africans pooled their scant savings to purchase disused cotton and sugar plantations on which they established villages and human settlements. “Before then, there were just a string of plantations and it was your fore fathers during the Village Movement, who transformed these plantations into what we now know as Guyana. It is the most significant development historically to take place in this country. These villages had a single and simple architecture – church, home, school and farm. That is the foundation on which those fore fathers who couldn’t read but had the intelligence, established these villages. Every child had a home, every person had a farm and every child went to school,” he said.

Noting that Plaisance was transformed by its pioneer proprietors from a plantation to a human settlement, President Granger said that villagers could be proud of the community’s achievements, history, spirit, origin and relations just as members of the church can be proud of its history. Out of these villages, the Head of State said, were great expectations, where nothing that was needed or wanted could not have been produced.

“There was nothing you could want that was not produced by these villages. These villages were rich in fruit, vegetables, provisions, sugar cane and other cash crops. In addition, Plaisance produced carpenters, cabinet-makers, gutter-smiths, masons, painters, plumbers and tailors – and these men were held in high esteem. Its schools graduated brilliant sons and daughters who became attorneys, businesspersons, civil servants, doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers and other professionals. The village once had a vibrant business sector, which included small manufacturing, shops and stores. These were not accidental achievements.

They were the results of hard work, of the intelligence of the fore fathers who set up the pillars– the family, the farm, the

school and the church. Those pillars must be reinforced if the village is to enjoy a renaissance,” President Granger noted.

Speaking of the legacy of congregationalism in Guyana, the President said that of all of the Christian denominations in Guyana, none of the denominations did so much for the freed Guyanese as much as the Congregational Church. It was the Congregational Church, he said, over 200 years ago which started to minister unto the Africans of the colonies even when they were still enslaved.

“Guyana is eternally grateful to the Congregational Church. I would go so far as to say that without the Congregational Church, the Village Movement would not have achieved what it achieved.

It gave the freed Africans a sense of purpose, a sense of dignity and it is that dignity, that yearning for freedom that propelled them. The Church wasn’t an instigator but it gave the freed Africans a vision. It is not an accident of history that most of the Congregationalist churches of Guyana – what I refer to fondly as the A to Z of Congregationalism, from Arundel to Zoar – are over 150 years old,” he said.

Mission Chapel Congregational Church, almost 200 years old, is the oldest Church in Guyana; Albion Chapel in Fyrish, is 180 years old; Freedom Congregational Church in Stewartville, is 176 years old; Ebenezer Congregational Church in Den Amstel, is 175 years old; Smith Memorial Congregational Church will celebrate its 175th anniversary this year; Arundel Congregational Church will celebrate its 174th anniversary this year; and the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Ann’s Grove, is 156 years old.

“Congregationalism bequeathed a fine example of religious independence and autonomy in which its local churches are governed by the congregation and not by a hierarchical clergy. This gave villagers confidence in their own ability to manage their communities.

SEE PAGE 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Chinese investors willing to take risks ‒ Ambassador Karran GUYANA’S Ambassador to China, Bayney Karran, while underscoring the importance of investment to national development said investors must be held accountable.

“One should certainly exercise caution with one’s international interlocutors. In Guyana, we have had some bad experiences with some companies and this is very much in the public mind,” Ambassador Karran said in a press statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday. He said local authorities must ensure that investors follow the law.

“When investors don’t operate like good corporate citizens, the onus is on us to ensure that our laws, regulations and customs are applied and enforced.”

Referring to Chinese companies operating here, the Guyanese diplomat explained that many of them are not only more open to doing business in states such as Guyana, but also are willing to take the greatest risks for such investments. “One has to have a balance between what is coming in and what we can

utilise. It is up to us to filter the good ones from the bad, because Guyana is open to all investors… We have to be careful that we don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” he said.

Guyana and China recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) that was launched in 2013 by the Chinese Government. It aims to enhance the orderly free-flow of economic factors and the efficient allocation of resources. It is also intended to further market integration and create a regional economic cooperation framework. This has been widely criticised as a move by China to ensure global market dominance.

In the face of suggestions that this could render Guyana indebted to China, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said the MoU was not a loan agreement, explaining that it merely represents an intention embraced by the two states. Moreover, he explained the incentives of Guyana’s engagement with China as one where “China is prepared to engage without

FROM PAGE 12

Church has a role...

My presence here is a reassurance to village life and the importance of villages... I ask the Church to take this message to the congregations, not be concerned only with religious services but services of an economic and social nature. The celebration of this 165th anniversary of the establishment of the church should be more than the passive observance another historical milestone – more than a birthday party. It should be a call to action. The Congregational Church was born to change society and it did so in fundamental ways. It can do so again,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Guyana’s Ambassador to China Bayney Karran

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

multiple-layered political and other conditions.”

Minister Greenidge also emphasised that China’s

general inclination to fund infrastructural projects complements Guyana’s intent to take advantage of the MoU for related development.

“China views infrastructure projects in the context of a bid to build regional and global networks and views such projects in the long term and this initiative is a means of laying a claim to such arteries,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister pointed out that “recent work undertaken

by William & Mary College

suggests that developing states have received significant additional responses, thanks to the B&RI and that few of the 68 states which have accessed it have suffered the kind of horrors that are being promulgated”. While some countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have experienced some difficulty with their projects, the Guyanese Foreign Minister said not all responsibility can be laid at the door of the Chinese initiative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Youth group wants Andyville to see the light

By Lisa Hamilton WHILE conducting health outreaches to communities in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), the Healthy Living Club of Linden stumbled upon a community of some 300 households without electricity.

Although it functions mainly to provide healthcare and basic necessities, the club is now advocating for the provision of electricity to the community called Andyville on the Wismar shore, which is home to a large population of youths.

“They need electricity. That is one of the cries of the people. Dr Van-West Charles (Managing-Director of the Guyana Water Inc) was instrumental in them getting water, but presently, the issue that remains is light. It is a young, emerging community,” Chairman of the Club, Colwyn Allen, told this newspaper.

Allen is a nurse serving as the Quality Assurance Officer at the Linden Hospital Complex.

Meanwhile, the Healthy Living Club was birthed two years ago out of a radio programme he had hosted, whereby residents and listeners began calling in for more medical attention that Allen could provide on his own.

Allen decided to reach out to Andyville after he learnt that the roads there were in such poor condition that, recently, an ambulance was unable to reach a woman in dire need of emergency care.

“I said, you know what, let’s get a medical outreach, round up the people and we will come in,” he said.

Last Saturday his club along with over 100 volunteers visited the area, where they tested persons for high blood pressure and blood glucose levels and those found with the conditions were referred to the Wismar Hospital.

The team could see that the community was an impoverished one and that most of the residents were squatters.

However, the community has been awaiting regularisation since 2016, but challenges with the road sizes, the sizes of house lots and more have stymied this process with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, “They’re squatting, but in the process of getting legalisation there. The executives for the Civil Defence Commission went in to the Lands and Surveys Commission and they were given permission to so stuff... so, things are

happening but things are happening very slow,” Allen said The residents, in their desperation for development, have also agreed to allow the process to go on despite the fact that some houses may need to be demolished for proper facilitation of the process.

In the meantime, while on their outreach, the club also distributed personal items such as clothes and shoes.

Over their existence, the Healthy Living Club also rendered assistance to Kwakwani, Bamia, Victory Valley, Spikeland, Block 22, Anarika and Rock Stone.

In these locations they

Nurse Colwyn Allen (centre) stands along with volunteers of the Healthy Living Club.

A health volunteer attends to a member of the Andyville community in Linden

distributed school bags, medication, performed dental checks and HIV/AIDS testing, working in some cases in collaboration with the US Embassy.

Much of the other financial assistance or items donated have come from establishments and individuals such as Banks D.I.H, Kool Runnings, Bread Shop, Rite Care Pharmacy, Mayfield Greene Variety, Neil Henry, Phyano David and Elizabeth Russell.

“The vison of this club is to reach the far end areas in Region 10, because in those

places the residents do not have accessibility to quality health care, so we take health care to the people,” Allen said. He added: “We get volunteers to go into the persons’ homes and do basic health care needs for the patients like helping them to cook, clean up, with gardening and so forth.”

Allen hopes that even as the Healthy Living Club continues to render its services where most that communities, such as Andyville, will receive the attention they need.

Cane Grove residents to get rehabilitated main road soon AFTER several years, residents of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, will soon benefit from a newly rehabilitated main access road.

During a community meeting held at the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, on Wednesday committed to repairing the road.

Minister Ferguson explained to the Council that though the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will give the necessary support to NDCs and municipalities, it has an annual budget with programmes catered for.

“I said to the council that whatever savings we

have from the 2018 budget, we will see how best we can assist. We may not be able to do the entire stretch of road in 2018.

First, my Region Four district engineer responsible for miscellaneous and bridges will return to the community and meet with the Chairman and Councillors. He will also assess the affected area, do the necessary measurement and cost and we will take it from there,” Minister Ferguson explained.

It was brought to the minister’s attention that the residents in the Cane Grove area do not pay rates and taxes and the NDC receives a subvention of $4Million from central government.

and the government working more closely in the future for the advancement of the community.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson

Minister Ferguson encouraged the NDC to change this policy so that the community can benefit from greater development. She emphasised the importance of the NDC

Chairperson of the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Nemawattie Baldeo

The residents were encouraged to go out and vote at the upcoming local government elections and reminded also that it is an opportunity to elect councils and councillors who will ensure the progress of their respective communities.

Chairperson of the NDC, Nemawattie Baldeo, is pleased with the outcome of the meeting. She expressed her satisfaction with knowing that the main access road will be rehabilitated.

“We are grateful for Minister Ferguson’s commitment to helping us. We really need help with the road, especially for our older people, school children and pregnant women who have to walk distance.

Moreover, it’s predominantly

an agricultural area and we need our road fixed to transport our produce, especially since it’s the only road we have to access anywhere,” Baldeo explained.

Other issues raised at the meeting focussed on housing and water which Minister Ferguson promised to raise with the relevant subject ministers.

This visit to the Cane Grove NDC is a part of series of meetings with various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) on the East Coast Demerara, Minister Ferguson has on her schedule. Earlier in the year, Minister Ferguson met with representatives from the Plaisance NDC. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

President Granger pledges support to GPF band – in honour of its 160th anniversary PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday pledged his support and that of the Government of Guyana, to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) military band at a special luncheon, which he hosted at the Baridi Benab, State House, to celebrate the band’s 160th anniversary.

In his brief remarks, President Granger noted that the GPF band has become a national institution, which has served the Guyanese people well.

“The force has built up a formidable reputation not only in Guyana, but also in the Caribbean and even as far as the UK and it has

produced a great number of talented musicians. The band has had an important role in the development of Guyanese culture, because it is the best band in the land. The fact that the band has been awarded a National Award signifies the seriousness with which the state has taken the role which the band has performed,” he

President David Granger addressing the audience

President David Granger interacting with members of the Guyana Police Force band

said.

The President expressed the hope that the band can become decentralised, with a presence in all of the 10 administrative regions.

“The band doesn’t just have a proud past, it also has an important future.

Youngsters who are interested in playing music in all of the villages and regions are encouraged to emulate the Guyana Police Force military band. It will be such a great thing to be able to go to a region and see that every region has a major police

division and every police division has a band. Some of the members may be volunteers, young apprentices.

I would like to feel that the police band as a national institution shouldn’t do so much travelling as it has to do now. It should be able to stimulate the growth of divisional bands throughout the Police Force. It is possible that young people can be encouraged. On the part of the Government of Guyana, I commit myself…This is a national institution and it deserves national support from

a national president,” he said.

Woman Superintendent, Charmaine Stuart, Director of Music and Culture with the Guyana Police Force band, said the band has planned activities in Linden, Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara in observance of its milestone. Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr David Ramnarine, as well assistant commissioners of police and other senior officers of the force were also present. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Thirty-six Lethem youths certified by BIT FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of a three-week Information Communication Technology (ICT) Workshop, which saw 36 adolescent and out-ofschool youths certified by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The workshop took place at the St. Ignatius Secondary School, St. Ignatius Village, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

Mrs. Granger encouraged the students to grasp the opportunities that their new certification affords them. “This programme is all about employment and preparing our young people for employment… People are becoming obsolete in certain skills and we have to think ahead…

You are the ones who will inherit this new technology and you are the ones who will have to seize the day in that respect,” she said.

The First Lady also congratulated the 24 graduates of BIT’s Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator Training Programme who shared the graduation ceremony

with the ICT participants.

Chief Facilitator, Mr. Fitzroy Younge lauded the First Lady’s initiative as it complements the Government’s vision for youth empowerment in Guyana. “The objective of the programme was to

empowerment, the ICT skills acquired would enable these young people to perform effectively in various sectors of Guyana… First Lady… you are serving our country with deep compassion and empathy, you are indeed an

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger poses with, from left, ICT Salutatorian, Ms. Nikita James; Most Improved Student, Mr. Daniel Ruffino; and Valedictorian, Ms. Phabiula Rodrigues

Thirty-six students received Information and Communications Technology (ICT) certification upon completion of the First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger’s ICT Workshop in Upper Essequibo - Upper Takutu (Region Nine).

provide the opportunity for adolescent and out-of-school youth… to access training in Information Communications Technology. In keeping with the government’s vision to emphasise youth

elegant and gracious person for making these classes available, not only to the youth in Lethem, but to [the youth in] all the regions of Guyana,” he said.

Chairman of BIT, Mr.

Clinton Williams encouraged the graduates to apply their ICT skills in a wide range of sectors. “Sometimes we do these programmes without realising that [the skills acquired] can be used in a number of ways…In the business environment…

ICT can be used… in data processing… Technology can be used also in education. The fact that we have to pull [information] from the internet suggests to you that [you can] find anything that you want to find if you follow this programme and further develop yourself…

Graduates, it is said that skill

is wealth, use your new skills wisely to enrich your lives and that of your family and make us all proud of having made this investment in you so that… we all, in fact, can experience the good life in return,” he said.

Most Improved Student, Mr. Daniel Ruffino, in an invited comment had a word of encouragement for youths who might be intimidated by initiatives like this. “Part of it was… challenging, but I overcame that challenge…

Once you start, don’t give up,” he said.

Valedictorian, Ms. Phabiula Rodrigues said that

girls have a place in the technology arena. “I was never expecting to be in this position today, but I worked hard… [In] the class; mostly it was the girls dominating the boys.

Yes, we can work hard and accomplish whatever [challenges] come our way,” she said. The workshop was conducted through a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Social Protection, and the BIT and saw the participation of youths from St. Ignatius Village, Lethem, Quarrie, and Tabatinga.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Security at Green’s home for review TOWN Clerk Royston King has said the issue of former mayor Hamilton Green continuing to benefit from the services of the city constabulary will have to go back to the legal affairs and security committee for review.

King told reporters following Monday’s statutory meeting that the matter will be placed on the committee’s agenda and that it should be discussed within the next two weeks.

He recalled a decision was taken by the city council some years ago for services to be provided to Green.

“Since that time, individual councillors have raised concerns to services we continue to provide and suggested that the matter be returned to the committee,” King said.

During the meeting, Councillor Gregory Fraser raised concerns about the level of absenteeism in the city constabulary department, and the number of sick leave days that are being reported.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo noted that of the small number of security guards working in the constabulary, a number of them are females. Hence, when City Hall took a decision to no longer pay the guards for

Former Mayor Hamilton Green

overtime, this resulted in the high rate of absenteeism.

King responded that the payment of overtime to the guards has resumed because many of the council’s locations were left vulnerable after the guards refused to work. He said the city council was trying to cut its overtime bill.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen offered that it is only “right and fair” for the guards at the former mayor’s residence to be returned to the city council since Green has already received all of his benefits.

The city council, amid its current financial crisis, is continuing to pay for security services at the home of Green.

The town clerk last year said a motion was brought to the council requesting that Green benefit from these services and that a motion will now have to be brought if they are to be cancelled.

In August 2016, a majority of councillors voted in favour of a motion to have the services of the city constabulary extended to Green. It was moved by Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and seconded by Councillor Heston Bostwick at a statutory meeting.

Chase-Green had said the former mayor served for 20 years in succession and his is a unique case.

When this motion was passed, Green was already benefiting from the services as he never stopped doing so after demitting office as mayor months before.

It is also alleged that apart from round-the-clock city policemen posted at his residence, Green also enjoys the services of a chauffeur and gardening staff.

Remote Area Medical founder dies STAN BROCK, the founder of Remote Area Medical (RAM), a medical volunteer mission which has been operating in Guyana for several decades, died on Wednesday in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, at age 82.

According to the organisation’s website, Brock began his medical mission in 1985.

“Mr. Brock has been a tireless advocate for those in need, and through his leadership, RAM has provided free care to more than 740,000 individuals,” the organisation noted.

Brock travelled to Georgetown, British Guiana in 1952 at the age of 17. He found work at the Dadanawa Ranch, managing the world’s largest cattle ranch operation encompassing 4,000 square miles of rain forest and savannah. Dadanawa at that time contained over 30,000

Longhorn cattle and wild horses within the ranch.

He later became a certified bush pilot and it was during those early years that his vision for a medical outreach started, following an injury in the Rupununi.

After achieving national fame, Brock founded Remote Area Medical – in 1985—keeping his promise to the Wapishana people in Guyana. RAM was initially founded to serve as a safety net provider of free medical care in remote areas of developing countries like Guyana, but almost immediately after beginning operations, Brock began receiving requests to operate medical clinics in the US. RAM still operates a free, year-round, air ambulance programme in Guyana, providing emergency medical transportation to villagers in need of immediate health

care services.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the past utilised the Lethem Hospital in the Rupununi to conduct surgeries, including hysterectomies.

The Ministry of Health in the past partnered with the organisation in supplementing efforts with medication, blood, injections and other tools, while the team provided the skilled personnel. Additionally, Guyanese nurses, with theatre skills, were also mobilised to work along with the RAM team.

“Without Brock, RAM would not have been able to prevent pain and alleviate suffering for so many people. While Brock’s death is a great loss to the organisation, RAM will continue championing his legacy and caring for those in need,” the organisation noted on its website.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Water ‘draggers’ no longer in Linden RESIDENTS of the mining town of Linden are grateful for the intervention by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman who ordered a potential mining operation in the Upper Demerara River district to halt and to have an investigation done, following concerns raised by residents of Linden about water pollution.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian reported to this newspaper that the “draggers” have left the town following the minister’s instructions and he along with the residents are forever grateful for this timely intervention. Trotman had requested a report on the matter from Acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison and requested that the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] also play a role in the investigation.

Morian also related that the minister assured that such a situation where min-

ers would appear without following the necessary procedures will not happen again. He reiterated that the residents and the RDC are not against investments but the environment must not be held at ransom and the residents’ health must not be at risk, just to bring in a few dollars. He also said that any such mining operation of such magnitude must see the residents benefitting, whether it is by employment or payment of royalty, etc.

Last month, the two “draggers” were intercepted while on their way to the Great Falls area to do gold and diamond mining by regional officials and the police. The “draggers”, a pontoon of sorts used to help flush out the minerals, were docked aback Watooka. A few Brazilian miners were taken into custody in relation to that matter but were later released.

Investigations have revealed that the two vessels belong to Pure Diamond Mining Company

and were issued licences to mine by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice) officials are, however, adamant that no mining is to be done in the Demerara River because such an activity poses a significant environmental threat to the 18,000 residents of Linden, since it is their main source of water.

Morian had also called for the GGMC to get its act together and for the inclusion of, or consultation with, the local agencies in matters such as these. Last year, the Ministry of Natural Resources prevented mining in the Parish Peak, Upper Berbice, following concerns over contamination of the environment.

A Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) survey in 2014 had determined that the area is important for biodiversity, as the Upper Berbice River region comprises pristine lowland forests containing diverse and abundant wildlife.

The two water ‘draggers’ that were intercepted by regional officials

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 30, 2018

Remorseful mother charged with son’s murder

A REMORSEFUL mother of two who allegedly killed her three-year-old son last Saturday has been charged with murder and appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old mother of two, Brenda Ferreira, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. She was unrepresented and the court has ordered that she undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The evaluation report is expected to be submitted to the court when she returns on September 12, 2018.

The housewife is accused of stabbing her three-yearold son Ramdeo Ferreira to death.

He was found in a bloodied state on a bed in the family’s wooden shack at their Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Neighbours said the suspect, who was armed with a knife, was seen chasing

Ramdeo in the yard. Minutes later, ranks attached to the Enmore Police Outpost responded to a report that she had stabbed the toddler.

The mother of two had related that she had a dream that she was going to die and she did not want to leave Ramdeo behind, since he was her favourite child. It has also been reported that Ferreira is several months pregnant and concerns have been raised as to how the child will be raised.

One prison official related that such a situation is nothing new for the prisons and after giving birth, Ferreira will be allowed to join and attend a clinic at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

When she is due, she will deliver her child at the New Amsterdam Hospital. She will live in a separate section of the prison if it is deemed that she is capable of caring for the child in a proper

manner.

If upon evaluation, she is deemed fit, she will be allowed to keep the child for 12 months. The child will be cared for by the state.

Former murder accused, accomplice remanded F O R M E R m u r d e r a ccused Leon Duncan called “Whistle,” appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with robbery under arms and two counts of assaulting a peace officer on August 25.

Duncan, 28, of Festival City, North Ruimveldt and his alleged accomplice, Wayne Lawrence, 20, of Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, were both remanded to prison.

Duncan, when he appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman, pleaded not guilty assaulting a peace officer and was granted bail in the sum of $30,000.

The matters were transferred to Court Five and they are expected to return to court on September 26.

It is alleged that Duncan was shot in his right thigh Saturday last, after he re-

Leon Duncan

portedly tried to relieve an off-duty policeman of his service pistol.

A prompt response by the off-duty police constable also resulted in the apprehension of Duncan’s accomplice, who allegedly had gun-butted and robbed a female vendor of a sum of cash outside the Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

The policeman in question was seated in a route

42 minibus on Water Street in the vicinity of the Central Fire Station, when he heard screams of “thief” and immediately saw the suspects, one of whom he knew as “Whistle,” fleeing the area and entering a waiting motorcar.

The policeman followed the vehicle which stopped in Leopold Street, Charlestown, where the men exited and proceeded inside a house.

The policeman then went to the Brickdam Police Station, reported his observation and along with other ranks, returned to the house.

They found “Whistle” and in the process of arresting him, he grabbed the policeman’s weapon and tried to disarm him. In the melee, a round was discharged which struck the former murder accused in the upper right thigh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Gaskin upbeat about potential of new exhibition GuyTIE

LOCAL and foreign nationals will be exposed to Guyanese products stretched across several business sectors this September at GuyTIE 2018, where over 60 exhibitors will be on show.

The event will be held from September 19th -22nd at the Guyana Marriott Hotel and comes through the collaboration of the Ministry of Business and its private sector partners. It aims to promote local investment opportunities; to prepare export-ready firms for export markets and to highlight Guyana as a profitable business destination.

As such, buyers have been registered from as far as India and Korea; Latin America and the Caribbean, even as buyer registration remains open, the Ministry of Business said in a release.

Meanwhile, exhibitors will include large multi-national firms to small and medium-sized enterprises in both the manufacturing and services sector.

The sectors to be represented include agro-processing; chemicals and pharmaceuticals; construction; food and beverage; food processing; forestry and wood products; information and communications; printing and publishing; printing and packaging; tourism, arts and craft; and other services.

Speaking at the event’s launching in May, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had stated: “We’ve been thinking for some time on how we can improve the GuyExpo model and it’s not that we had anything against GuyExpo, but I don’t think that GuyExpo was achieving the kind of outcomes that we, as the government, are looking for.

“It was successful in its own way, but we wanted a model that is more focused on matching exhibitors with potential international buyers and promoting exports, and GuyExpo was more like a business-to-consumer type of event.”

In addition, GuyTIE’s Steering Committee in collaboration with their partners will host a series of

seminars geared towards business development and capacity-building at the fourday event.

There will also be presentations on ‘Achieving Success at Trade Shows’ and ‘Trade Show preparation and Export Marketing,’ while arrangements are being made to facilitate one on one B2B meetings between buyers and exhibitors on the first two days of the expo.

The general public, however, will have the opportunity to purchase tickets through a special promotion to view the business exhibition on the final day. “Exhibitors have recognised that participation at GuyTIE is an excellent opportunity to expose their business and to have the chance to display and showcase their products. The committee has also revealed that there is a waiting list of more than 15 companies who are all hoping that booth space becomes available and that they too will benefit from participation in the largest and most exciting Business to Business (B2B) trade exhibition ever held in Guyana,” a release from the GuyTIE Committee stated.

Those partnering for the success of the initiative include: the Caribbean Export Development Agency; The Guyana Office for Investment; Guyana Tourism Authority; The Private Sector Commission of Guyana Ltd; Small Business Bureau; The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association and the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

At the same time, several sponsors have already come on board and include Demerara Distillers Limited; ENetworks; GTT and BK Holdings Limited; Banks DIH; Caribbean Airlines Limited; Massy Group of Companies; GAICO; Digicel; Comfort Sleep; Sterling Products Limited and Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry.

The Steering Committee believes that GuyTIE 2018 will be a tremendous success and will work to benefit Guyana in a major way.

“These partnerships will create incentives for the pri-

vate sector to develop their export capability. It will also develop the sector to provide a better service and open up

markets for joint venture participation.

This public and private-sector collaboration

also exposes the private sector companies to stateowned enterprises as well as government. It will,

without a doubt, boost Guyana’s competitiveness within the CARICOM Region,” the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Green Machine fall 86-7 against Paraguay at Americas Rugby Challenge

By Rawle Toney

SELWYN Henry scored a try and Ryan Gonsalves made good of the conversion, but that was all Guyana had to cheer about in their 86-7 drubbing, suffered at the hands of Paraguay, when the Americas Rugby Challenge continued yesterday in Medellín, Colombia.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport after the team went down for the second time in as many matches in Colombia, Gonsalves said the Guyanese defence was the common denominator that contributed to the lopsided result, adding: “We were too scrappy on second and third phase when defending.

“These top sides are solid and very compact in both attack and defence. We really need to get ourselves out of this disappointing performance for the first two matches.

“The level here (in Colombia) is totally higher than what we’re accustomed to, but we are not far away just

need to clean up on the basic mistakes we continue to make in the last games which cost us, especially in our defence.

“In Paraguay we had some more possessions but failed to execute and finish try-scoring opportunity when the opportunity presented itself,” Gonsalves explained.

The scrum-half further noted, “The team is very disappointed and will use the remaining days before our final game against Mexico on Sunday to clean up the errors that cost us and look for the win.

“This is a learning experience for the entire team playing 15s rugby at this level. We can only build from this and adjust to it. Work to improve on our weaknesses and build on our strengths.”

The final round, on Sunday, September 1, will see Mexico clash with Guyana, and Colombia take on Paraguay as the closing match. The winners will be the team accruing the most tournament points.

Ninvalle, Van Lange cop U-13 Doubles silver at CRTTF Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships WIDELY regarded as the next generation’s top talents, Kaysan ‘Baby Face Assassin’ Ninvalle and Jonathan Van Lange secured silver medals for Guyana on Tuesday in the U-13 Doubles category at the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation’s (CRTTF) Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships currently being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The dynamic duo faced Trinidad and Tobago in the preliminary round and duly dispatched them in a five-setter, coming out victorious at 3-2. They then faced

the number one seeded team Dominican Republic ‘A’ and fought valiantly to come out on top in another five-setter at 3-2.

In the semi-final Ninvalle and Van Lange defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 to book their place in the final. They then faced Dominican Republic’s ‘B’ team where they battled in yet another five-setter. However, this time they were on the wrong end losing 2-3 and settled for silver.

Guyana’s players will head into the Singles competition today.

Venus eyes potential clash with Serena NEW YORK (Reuters) Venus Williams beat Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-4 7-5 in the U.S. Open second round on Wednesday to set up a possible third-round match against her younger sister Serena.

Venus, seeded 16th, powered through the first set but appeared to lose energy toward the end of the second in broiling conditions inside the newly built Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The 38-year-old American said the crowd’s encouragement had helped her.

“I felt the energy, definitely,” Venus said. “That love-40

game at four all was not looking good and you guys really

Serena and Venus Williams

got me through that.”

Asked about the possibility of a match-up against her sister, Venus said it was a tough draw. “(Serena is) definitely fully capable of winning tonight’s match,” she said. “So hopefully I’ll see her Friday.

“Obviously, it’s early in the tournament, so both of us are going to be looking forward to continuing to play better.”

Venus Williams won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001 while the 36-year-old Serena, seeded 17th, has lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows six times.

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Federer cruises into US Open second round

FIVE-time champion Roger Federer breezed into the US Open second round with a routine victory over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka at Flushing Meadows.

Federer, 37, needed one hour and 52 minutes to win 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Swiss great hit 56 winners compared to just 17 from his 177th-ranked opponent.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner will play France’s Benoit Paire in the second round in New York.

“I’m very happy with how I played tonight. It is particularly tough for us Europeans because we don’t get this type of humidity. You are sweating so much you don’t know what has hit you,” Federer said.

“It is tough so you are happy when you survive a day like this.”

Federer, playing in the US Open main draw for the 18th time, is bidding for an eighth men’s final in New York which would equal the record set by Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl.

The Swiss dominated the

tournament between 2004 and 2009, winning 41 successive matches before losing to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in the final nine years ago.

quest by dispatching Nishioka with his usual effortless grace in what was largely a straightforward win.

Federer broke his oppo-

Five-time champion Roger Federer

Since then he has only reached one final - when he lost to Novak Djokovic in 2015 - and says claiming the US Open trophy again this year is a “bigger priority”.

The second seed started his

nent’s serve in the first game of the match, then again in the fifth, while allowing Nishioka to win just seven receiving points in the first set.

The onslaught continued in the second set as Federer

raced 3-0 ahead, before he clinically turned three break points for Nishioka into a hold with the help of three aces.

Understandably Nishioka’s spirit diminished further as the Australian Open champion, enjoying himself with a full repertoire of shots, continued to dominate.

After wrapping up the second set, Federer continued to be aggressive in the third and again grabbed a double break to lead 4-0.

Sloppiness surprisingly crept into his game as Nishioka saved a match point at 5-2, before Federer missed an overhead volley at deuce which was wrongly called in and not challenged by his opponent.

Federer conceded the game amid confusion among the crowd on Ashe, and then was broken for the first time in the following game when Nishioka converted his sixth break point of the set.

But he regained his composure to wrap up victory and continue his flawless first-round record at Flushing Meadows. (BBC Sport)

Anderson ‘will never be beaten’ says McGrath …Australian legend’s tribute to English seamer as he seeks to overhaul wicket-taking record

AUSTRALIAN pace legend Glenn McGrath says James Anderson will “never be beaten” once he claims Test cricket’s fast-bowling wicket-taking record.

McGrath holds the current record with 563 Test scalps, but Anderson is just six behind, and could claim the record in England’s fourth Test against India, which begins this weekend in Southampton.

told Sportsmail.

“It is only a matter of time now before he gets there and I will be getting in touch with him as soon as he does to say well done. I have an awful lot of respect for Jimmy. Good luck to him. I believe once he goes past me he will never be beaten.”

Anderson has already played 17 more Tests than McGrath, and bowled near-

my last Test series in 200607. I noted how he swung the ball both ways conventionally, because it’s a real art form,” said McGrath.

“Not many have been able to do that. I can only really think of Wasim Akram, who is another great of the game, who could do that as skilfully.

“When the ball is swinging he’s as good as anyone out there, but when it isn’t he comes back towards the

burra ball that, to me, is not nearly as good to bowl with.

“It took him a while but he’s done that now.

“Once Jimmy goes past me it will be interesting to see where he wants to set the bar.

With the nature of the game these days, and the amount of Twenty20 cricket, I believe no fast bowler will ever go past him.”

McGrath said Anderson, at 36, was capable of reach-

Pakistan tour schedule revealed for Australia and New Zealand AUSTRALIA’S first Test series since the controversial tour of South Africa has been confirmed, with Tim Paine’s team taking on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the schedule for October’s Qantas tour of the UAE on Tuesday, with Australia to meet the hosts in two Tests and three T20 Internationals between October 7 and 28.

The first Test will be played at the Dubai International Stadium from October 7 to 11, with a four-day break before the second Test begins at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi from October 16.

Three T20Is will follow in Abu Dhabi (October 24) and in Dubai (October 26 and 28).

Australia will acclimatise with a four-day tour match against Pakistan A, at the International Cricket Council’s Academy in Dubai from September 29 to October 2.

Justin Langer and Tim Paine will be hoping the tourists fare better than their most recent tour of the UAE in 2014, when Australia were soundly defeated in both Tests, by 221 and 356 runs respectively.

The PCB also confirmed the schedule for its home series against New Zealand in November, as well as ‘A’ series against both New Zealand and England.

Pakistan will play New Zealand in three T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests from October 31 to December 7, with matches to be played in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

QANTAS TOUR OF THE UAE September 29-October 2: Warm-up match v Pakistan A, ICC Academy, Dubai October 7-11: First Test, Dubai International Stadium October 16-20: Second Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi October 24: First T20I, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi October 26: Second T20I, Dubai International Stadium October 28: Third T20I, Dubai International Stadium PAKISTAN v NEW ZEALAND October 31: First T20I, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi November 2: Second T20I, Dubai International Stadium November 4: Third T20I, Dubai International Stadium November 7: First ODI, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi November 9: Second ODI, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi November 11: Third ODI, Dubai International Stadium November 16-20: First Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi November 24-28: Second Test, Dubai International Stadium December 3-7: Third Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday August 30, 2018)

Glenn McGrath

“Records are nice and I’ve been very proud to have taken more wickets than any fast bowler in Test history, but any high is there to be beaten and I will be equally proud of Jimmy when he goes past me because the fast bowlers’ union has to stick together, whichever country we come from,” McGrath

ly 2,000 more deliveries in Test cricket. The Australian finished his 124-Test career with an average of 21.64, winding up in Sydney after the 2006-07 Ashes whitewash. Anderson’s average is a shade below 27.

“I’ve always said Jimmy was class, ever since I played against him in what became

James Anderson

pack a little bit. That was certainly the case early in his career but he’s developed his skills as he’s gone on and become much more effective overseas.

“When Jimmy plays at home with the Dukes ball he’s second to none, but he has had to learn how to operate overseas with the Kooka-

ing 600 Test wickets, and overtaking India spinner Anil Kumble’s 619, which is third on the all-time Test wicket-taking list.

Sri Lankan Muthiah Muralidaran sits atop that table with 800 Test wickets, with Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne second on 708. (Cricket Network)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday July 12, 2018) 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) Mitchell McClenaghan (Stars) (2) Chris Lyn (TKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) A franchise- Antigua Hawksbills-once played in the CPL.

How many games did they contest?

(2)

Who has struck most sixes in CPL cricket to date?

How many?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Essequibians delighted after ICC clears Beaton to resume bowling

By Elroy Stephney SCORES of Essequibians have expressed delight after learning of the news recently that West Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resume bowling after he was previously banned for a suspect bowling action.

Beaton, who was born in Montserrat but grew up in Essequibo, is revered in the county for his fast bowling prowess. He seamlessly rose through the ranks representing the national team at the Under-19 level and was subsequently selected to the West Indies Under-19 World Cup side.

He was later selected in the senior Guyana team then for West Indies ‘A’.

After that he gained a senior West Indies oneday cap, playing two oneday internationals against New Zealand last December. Beaton also featured in the Bangladesh Premier League and is a member of the Trinbago Knight Riders in the current Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament.

Speaking with Chron-

icle Sport after the announcement, Dave Chaitram, a resident of Reliance where Beaton resides, disclosed that he is relieved and overjoyed by the news since he is a role model for the community and has inspired many due to his meteoric rise within the sport.

cess with his remode;led action”. Another cricket enthusiast from Anna Regina was high in praise after learning of the good news. She was always hopeful that Beaton would pass the test and return to the centre stage where she enjoys witnessing him

Ronsford Beaton

He further stated, “Beaton will return to the game stronger mentally and will enjoy greater suc-

in action on the television.

Meanwhile the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) through its

executive body has extended warm wishes to Beaton stating that the revival of his career will have no boundaries as he seeks to join the greats such as the late Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose as the beacon of fast bowling supremacy in the Caribbean.

The statement also called on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as well as the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) to swiftly ensure that Beaton receives the best post-guidance technically and secures a better relationship between him and the Boards.

The statement came in the wake of disturbing comments made by the acting president of the GCB and president of the ECB, Fizul Bacchus, who was dismissive about Beaton’s attitude at the time when he was reported by the ICC. His comments were widely condemned. Notwithstanding, Essequibians are faithfully rallying behind their star sportsman and for him to successfully re-enter the international arena without delay.

England recall Moeen, Curran; Buttler takes gloves MOEEN Ali and Sam Curran have replaced Ollie Pope and Chris Woakes, while Jos Buttler will take the gloves for England in the fourth Test against India.

In-form all-rounder Moeen will play his first Test since facing New Zealand in March, with 20-yearold batsman Pope dropped as England attempt to seal a series win at the Rose Bowl.

Curran comes back into the side in place of the injured Woakes (thigh) after the all-rounder was unfortunate to be left out for a thirdTest defeat at Trent Bridge.

Buttler takes over behind the stumps from Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a broken finger in a loss in Nottingham last week which kept the five-match series

alive, with England leading 2-1.

Bairstow is fit to take his place in the side as a specialist batsman and is set to come in at number four in a contest which begins today.

England captain Joe

Root said: “Chris Woakes is not fit to play this week and Ben Stokes has a slight issue, so for the balance of the side Moeen Ali comes in for Ollie Pope.

“Jos Buttler is going to keep. It’s a lot to ask Jonny

Moeen Ali

to do it with a broken finger, but he’s fit to bat. We have to do the best thing for this team to win the game. There are no guarantees in international sport.

“Moeen Ali has done exactly what you’d want him to do, he’s been scoring runs and taking wickets in county cricket and should be full of confidence.

“We’ve bounced back from difficult defeats before and that’s the challenge for us to do it again here.”

ENGLAND TEAM: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root (captain), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Suart Broad, James Anderson. (Yahoo Sport)

United States great Dempsey announces retirement UNITED States great Clint Dempsey has retired from football at the age of 35.

The Seattle Sounders striker announced he is hanging up his boots in a statement yesterday, ending a distinguished playing career.

Clint Dempsey

Dempsey started out at New England Revolution and played for Fulham and Tottenham in the Premier League before returning to MLS in 2013, joining the Sounders.

“After a lot of thought, my family and I have decid-

ed that this is the right time for me to step away from the game,” Dempsey said in a Sounders statement.

“I’d like to thank all of the team-mates, coaches and support staff that I’ve worked with throughout my career.

“It has always been my dream to make it as a pro.

I’m grateful to have been on this ride.

“I would like to thank all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career with the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham, Seattle Sounders and the US men’s national team.

“Y’all have always made me feel at home, and it is something that I will always remember.”

Dempsey is tied as the top scorer for the United States, alongside Landon Donovan on 57 goals, while his tally of 141 international appearances puts him third on the all-time list for his country.

T&T javelin thrower Walcott shuts down 2018 season TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic medallist Keshorn Walcott has called time on the 2018 season in a bid to fully recover from multi-surgeries ahead of two major competition years.

The 25-year-old competed in seven meets this season, throwing a personal best of 84.96 in June, in Port of Spain.

The thrower also claimed gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, with a distance of 84.47.

Despite a successful season, where he finished in the top spot four times, Walcott admitted that recovering from two elbow surgeries, which he underwent last year, has been difficult.

“After much deliberation, we have decided to end this short-lived 2018 season. This is to facilitate the much-needed preparation for the next few seasons ahead of us,” Walcott said via

social media platform Instagram.

“Some difficulties involved the recuperation from two operations on my elbow in 2017 … one taking place in February and the other in August,” he added.

T&T Olympian Keshorn Walcott

“The time and effort it takes for the process of recovery and getting back to top form is never finite. As such, I believe it is in my best interest as an athlete to end this season early to get some much-needed rest to ready myself for the next few seasons.”

(SportsMax)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

GKMS backs team Guyana at CRTTF Pre-Cadet Championships in Santo Domingo GRACE Kennedy Money Services (GKMS), the agent of Western Union in Guyana, is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to the country and, as part of its observance of this milestone the entity is assisting the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in its bid for supremacy, in the Caribbean Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championships, currently taking place in the Dominican Republic.

The GTTA has assembled 16 of its most talented, disciplined, scholastically-inclined and brightest players to represent the country at these games and has reached out to corporate Guyana for assistance in sending the young charges to the August 24 to September 1 championships.

According to GTTA president, Godfrey Munroe, the

players selected represent the next generation and nursery of Guyana’s future champions.

The players have been consistent in tournaments, while demonstrating great work ethics at a tender age.

“We believe that our Boys’ 13 years-and-under team includes a very formidable group of players who are strong candidates for medal performances and selection to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Hopes programme,” Munroe stated.

To this end Grace Kennedy Money Services presented a sponsorship cheque to the association prior to the team’s departure for the Dominican Republic. The sponsorship will assist in the air fare and accommodation of a team member, who is also fulfilling

Members of the GTTA, flanked by Western Union’s Dennis Heywood (left) and Tina Seabra, at the presentation ceremony.

his dream of representing the Golden Arrowhead.

The presentation was made by Western Union’s Marketing Assistant, Tina Seabra to GTTA treasurer Nkechi McRae and other members of the team at the GKMS office on Water Street, Georgetown.

The Caribbean Cadet and Junior Championships is for girls and boys between ages 11 and 13 years-and-under in the Caribbean region. lt is a signature competition on the GTTA’s and Caribbean’s calendar of events, since it forms the basis for regional table tennis supremacy and incubator for the development of young emerging table tennis talents – the platform from which all of the region’s table tennis stars commence their journey.

Ramdhani through to CAREBACO U-17 gold medal matches in Suriname

Bolt struggling to reach football fitness levels

Mishka Beharry won bronze in the U-11 category while Priyanna Ramdhani (righ is through to the U-17 Singles and U-17 Mixed Doubles Finals at the CAREBACO Regional Championships in Suriname.

Usain Bolt will be hoping to impress when he plays in a friendly match for the Central Coast Mariners today.

PRIYANNA Ramdhani has sailed through to the finals in the Under-17 Girls Singles and Under-17 Mixed Doubles at the CAREBACO Championships in Suriname. In addition she secured a gold medal in the Under-17 Girls Doubles Round-Robin with the highest points while Mishka Beharry got the bronze in the Under-11 Girls Singles Round Robin.

The CAREBACO Regional Under-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 Championships began on Sunday at the Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Results are as follows: Under-11 Girls Singles Round Robin MATCH 4: Mishka Beharry lost to T’Shelle Barnes of Trinidad and Tobago 21-5, 21-2 MATCH 5: Mishka Beharry defeated Megan Chen

of Suriname 21-14, 21-12 to take the bronze medal.

Under-17 Girls Singles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Kayleigh Moenne of Suriname 21-11, 21-5 Under-17 Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani and Vance Juteram of T&T defeated Danny Chen and Chaista Soemodipoero of Suriname 21-12, 12-21, 21-16 Under-17 Girls Doubles Round Robin: MATCH 2: Priyanna Ramdhani and Robyn Sobers of Barbados defeated Fiona Li and Demi Sjauw Koen Fa of Suriname 21-11, 21-12 MATCH 3: Priyanna Ramdhani and Robyn Sobers of Barbados lost to Erisa Bluea and Chaista Soemodipoero of Suriname 22-21.

19-21, 21-10.

GOSFORD, Australia (CMC) – Former sprint superstar Usain Bolt has admitted that he is finding it hard to adjust to the level of fitness required for him to become a professional footballer.

Bolt made the comments ahead of his first trial match this week for the Central Coast Mariners, where he hopes to fulfil his dream of having a soccer career.

According to reports, the 32-year-old, eight-time Olympic gold medallist’s lack of football fitness was evident and he appeared to tire quickly, resting more than his teammates, during an intensive session at the team’s base in the town of Gosford, 75 kilometres (47 miles) north of Sydney, on Tuesday.

“The most challenging thing for me is the stop and

go because I’m not used to picking up speed, going back down, then back again,” Bolt said.

“It’s all about practising and getting used to the system. I have time so will

just learn the ways and keep pushing.”

The Mariners are hoping to turn Bolt into A-League

material in time for the start of the 2018/19 season in late October, with the club say-

ing he can stay indefinitely to prove his credentials and earn a playing contract.

The club will play a pre-season friendly tomorrow against an amateur side and Bolt is expected to get his first taste of a competitive game, but only as a substitute.

“I imagine he’ll get some minutes on Friday,” said club coach Mike Mulvey.

“The things we are asking him to do are things that he hasn’t done for quite some years.

“He has played football as an athlete in-between athletic meets so he has rudimentary skills. There’s no problem about that.

It’s about being able to do it at the speed that we do it. It takes time to adjust,” he added.

GFF/FIFA Refereeing Assistance Programme commences THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/FIFA Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP) commenced yesterday at the Critchlow Labour College, in Georgetown.

Preceding the session was an opening ceremony with remarks from GFF’s president Wayne Forde and Peter Prendergast, FIFA’s technical instructor and facilitator of the session.

The programme will feature 35 referees including four Targeted Referees and those from Tier One and will

Participants and facilitators of the GFF/FIFA Refereeing Assistance Programme

consist of classroom and field sessions. A fitness test is also scheduled for today.

The RAP is a capacity-building programme which seeks to create uni-

formity among elite referees and to enable same to meet the demands of the game.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

Guyana Chess Federation pays courtesy call Windies drop Devon on Director of Sport, Christopher Jones Smith for India Tests … recall Sunil Ambris and Alzarri Joseph

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) with (from right) Frankie Farley, James Bond and Grand Master Victor Bologan

THE possibilities of the creation of a National Chess Strategy were discussed yesterday when Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) officials paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.

The GCF executives were accompanied by Molodovan Chess Grand Master, Victor Bologan. The GCF was represented by its president James Bond and vice-president Frankie

Farley.

The National Chess Strategy is aimed at fostering the growth and development of the board game in Guyana.

Grand Master Bologan committed to assisting the GCF with the Chess in Schools Programme by providing access to materials, inclusive of books and DVDs to ensure success in the programme’s execution.

Crandon elated at WI ‘B’ team coaching job … Bramble to lead squad in Canada Cricket Summerfest tournament

By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA’S most successful First-class head coach, Esaun Crandon, was given the responsibility of coaching the West Indies ‘B’ team at next month’s Canada Cricket Summerfest tournament.

This was announced by the Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies last Tuesday.

The team will play a series of four T20s (including a warm-up) along with two 50over matches, and Crandon, the Guyana Jaguars four-time Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day winning coach, said it gives him a proud feeling and an opportunity to be involved in West Indies cricket, an opportunity he is quite pleased about.

“Definitely, I’m elated of the opportunity given to me to coach the team. So I’m looking forward to a very exciting tournament with some exciting players in the squad,” the former national cricketer beamed.

This tour by the Windies ‘B’ team is the second one to Canada, after they participated in the inaugural Global T20 League in July, where they finished as the losing finalists.

However, Crandon is optimistic for a good showing from his team.

“As I said on many occasions, once the team plays as a unit and players execute their plans well; success can be achieved during this tournament.

Anthony Bramble

He added, “I had the opportunity to coach the Guyana Jaguars in 50-over cricket.

Obviously we have to go and adjust to conditions as a group and prepare well and execute well as a group.

“I have had an opportunity to view the Canada T20 League. I have a fairly good idea about their pitches …, plus we have some guys who will be going back to Canada and they can share their experience with the new guys, so it will be good when we get up there”.

Guyanese Anthony Bramble was named captain of the team while Neil Barry Jr is appointed as the physiotherapist and will be on his maiden trip at this level.

Esaun Crandon

Meanwhile, CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said the upcoming Windies ‘B’ Tour to Canada will provide another opportunity for our young players to gain experience in the shorter formats.

“The itinerary comprises both Twenty20 and 50-oversa-side formats and has allowed CWI to have a look at players who are not involved with the ongoing CPL. This tournament has the potential to assist our player-development processes by exposing more of our younger players to more competitive environments,”

Adams said.

The full squad reads: Anthony Bramble (captain), Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Sheeno Berridge, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Derval Green, Jahmar Hamilton, Sherman Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Kimani Melius, Jeavor Royal and Jomel Warrican.

Team Management Unit: Esaun Crandon (head coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (coach), Alexander Forde (strength & conditioning trainer), Neil Barry (physiotherapist) and Avenesh Seetaram (data capturer).

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES: August 29 - T20 warmup - Toronto Bear vs Windies ‘B’ - Maple Leaf Cricket Club (MLCC), Toronto September 1 - T20 Canada ‘A’ vs WINDIES ‘B’ – MLCC September 2 - T20 - Canada vs Windies ‘B’ – MLCC September 3 - T20 -Toronto Bears vs Windies ‘B’ - MLCC September 5 - 50 overs/ side - Canada vs Windies ‘B’ - MLCC September 7 - 50 overs/ side - Canada vs Windies ‘B’ - MLCC.

Sunil Ambris

THE West Indies selectors have left out 36-yearold Devon Smith from a 15-member squad, picked to take on India in the twomatch Test series starting October 4.

Sunil Ambris has been recalled to the outfit at the expense of Smith, who had returned after three years for the Sri Lanka Tests.

Smith scored two fifties in the nine innings he played on return, but in five of the other seven appearances, he managed only single-digit scores.

Smith’s axing means that the Windies would return to the opening duo of Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite.

Ambris, who usually bats in the lower middle-order, will look to continue his good form from the ‘A’ series where he scored a hundred against the Indian outfit.

However, on the international scene he experienced an unceremonious start, getting dismissed hit-wicket before retiring hurt in his second and last encounter.

Windies also brought back young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who last played in England last year, while Jomel Warrican arrives to reinforce the spin department, one that has heavily relied on Devendra Bishoo.

Courtney Browne, chairman of selectors, congratulated the team on their recent success in the Test series against Bangladesh.

“The panel congratulates Jason Holder and his team on the excellent performance against Bangladesh. As the team embarks on a tough tour of India the successes against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh should hold them in good stead during the India series,” Browne said.

“The panel welcomes back Sunil Ambris who missed the last couple of series due to injury, along with Jomel Warrican who adds a second spin-bowling option to the attack.”

Windies will travel to India on the back of a comprehensive 2-0 series win against Bangladesh.

“The last time these two teams met, India won the four-match series 2-0. Prior to that, on their last tour of India in what was Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement series, the Windies were thrashed twice in as many games.

Squad: Jason Holder (c), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.

A jubilant Guyana team celebrate after capturing the Regional Under-19 50-Over title.

Guyana crowned Regional Under19 50-over champions Ninvalle, Van Lange cop U-13 Doubles silver at CRTTF Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships See Page 23

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Guyana’s lastround victory over the Windward Islands, coupled with Trinidad and Tobago’s heartbreaking loss to Jamaica, helped them to capture the Regional Under-19 50-over title here yesterday.

Both teams headed into the final round of matches with a similar record of four wins and one loss, but Guyana were crowned champions after they soundly whipped the Windwards by seven wickets, while T&T lost by four runs to Jamaica.

Guyana’s victory was spurred on by a spirited bowling performance by opening bowlers, Joshua Jones and Qumar Torrington, along with Kevlon Anderson.

Jones struck with just the second ball of the innings, dismissing Jaheil Walters for a duck without a run on the board and 12 runs later he also accounted for the wicket of Teddy Bishop.

And once Anderson was brought into the attack, he quickly snapped up the wicket of top-scorer Jahseon Alexander for 22, to spark a middle-order collapse which saw the Windwards lose their last seven wickets for 54 runs.

Anderson was the main instigator, finishing with figures of 4-26 and he received good support from Torrington (3-26) and Jones (2-23).

Guyana were actually in early trouble at 14 for two at one stage, before a 63-run partnership between Sachin Singh and Kevin Sinclair carried them to safety, with Sinclair top-scoring with 39 and Singh stroking an unbeaten 27.

Needing a win to have any hope of doing the double after capturing the 4-Day title, T&T fell agonisingly short.

They looked to be on their way to victory when Justyn Gangoo (3-4) and Crystian Thurton (3-17) ran through Jamaica’s middle order to rout them for just 107 runs.

But Sanjay Browne and Kirk McKenzie had other ideas, as they reduced T&T to 73-9. However, the last-wicket pair of Jayden Seales and Gangoo put on 30 runs to carry their side within a whisker of an unlikely win.

It was not to be, though, as Roberto Simpson trapped Seales lbw for 24 to spark wild celebrations among the Jamaican players.

The day’s other match between Barbados and the Leeward Islands ended in a no-result due to inclement weather.

Barbados were seemingly on their way to victory, having posted a total of 174 for six in their 20 overs then restricted their opponents to 33 for four before the rains came.

Guyana ended with 27.8 points. T&T were second with 22.3 points, Jamaica third on 20 points, Barbados fourth on 18.8 points, the Windwards finished fifth on 17.2 points, with the Leeward Islands (8.8) and Canada (0.6) points bringing up the rear.

Green Machine fall 86-7 against Paraguay at Americas Rugby Challenge See 23 e a P g

Part of the action between Guyana and Paraguay in the Americas Rugby Challenge

Kaysan Ninvalle (left) and Jonathan Van Lange copped silver in the CRTTF Mini and Pre-Cadet U-13 Doubles competition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Windies drop Devon Smith for India Tests

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See page 27

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018