Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-31-2018

FRIDAY 31th August, 2018

No.105383

EXXON in 9th oil strike

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JAMES TAKES CHARGE PAGES

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… tasked with leading security reform

Newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Leslie James (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

GTU rejects conciliation talks

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

New top cop charged with leading security reform PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday swore in the new Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, charging him to lead the administration’s efforts in reforming the security sector and to also work vigorously to root out corruption and rebuild and regain public trust.

Speaking at a simple ceremony held at State House, President Granger said that the Office of Commissioner of Police is not a toy, a trinket or a tool of political favour or patronage. He noted that the security of the State and the safety of the Guyanese people rest on the police force and the officers who command it. “Unless those officers are persons of integrity, intelligence and impartiality, this country will never be secure and our women and children will never be safe. This country cannot move forward unless the Guyana Police Force preserves the environment, the peace and security of the State and the people to allow us all to go about our work without being harassed, without being threatened. “ In addition to appointing the Commissioner of Police, President Granger

also appointed four deputy commissioners: “One deputy commissioner for Administration, one for Operations, one for Law Enforcement and one for Intelligence.

Those are the four most critical areas of police operations in this country,” he said. The President noted that these appointments will see the Force being more efficiently managed; provide motivation to members of the Force as officers below the rank of deputy commissioner could look forward to becoming deputies and filling those positions and there will be a high degree of specialisation so that senior officers could be selected for advanced training.

The President noted that the police force, for far too long, has gone through a ‘dark’ period but this must be reversed if the safety and security of Guyanese are to be assured. “Countrywide, this country faces challenges. On our western border with Venezuela, we have [migrants] coming in by the day. On the southern border, we still have aircraft landing, bringing strange substances.

Along our coast, we still have traces of smuggling and piracy, contraband, gun running,

President David Granger poses with new Commissioner of Police, Leslie James ( second from left) along with the other deputy commissioners

President David Granger holds his first meeting with the new top brass of the Guyana Police Force

narcotics trafficking. Along the coastal areas, women are still being attacked and abused, robberies take place, and unfortunately, too many rogue police officers have been found to be involved in these crimes. We have come through a long dark period in Guyanese history. It makes me weep to think about the number of policemen who were killed between 2000 and 2010; never before in the history of the police force and it must never happen again in this country. Never before has the police been so badly used that many of them were accused of being complicit with narcotics traffickers, gunrunners, tax evaders and assorted smugglers.

There are not many but those few have given the Police Force a bad name,” he said.

President Granger noted that the four deputy commissioners led by Commissioner James will have much work to do as the Guyana Police Force is the principal agency concerned with ensuring law

and order and this mandate must be fulfilled. “The Police Act is clear. The Force is charged with the prevention and detection of crime, the preservation of law and order, the preservation of the peace and suppression of internal disturbance, the protection of property, the apprehension of offenders and the due enforcement with all laws and regulations with which it is directly charged. For the Police Force to perform these functions, it cannot remain unchanged.

Things change every day.

The Police Force has to be reformed and you cannot build a new house with old wood. You have to select new materials, people with a new vision, people with a new commitment to break from the old bad habits and to return to the principles of good policing. To be capable, it must command the confidence of the citizens,” the Head of State noted.

He further stated that, “The public trust is important. Security sector reform is essential to maintain a Force, which is committed to citizens’ safety. That is my principle concern. This Government will resist any attempt from any quarter to reverse, to retard or to thwart the reforms in which we are about to embark and I look to this new team to promote those reforms vigorously to ensure that from year to year the citizens of this country see that the Guyana Police Force is there to serve and to protect them. We have to rebuild public trust and I am confident that we have a team of men and women who are going to rebuild that public trust. No more troubles in Guyana! We want every Guyanese citizen, every child to look with pride at the Guyana Police Force.”

Following the swearing in ceremony, the President met with the new top brass of the Force to discuss their mandate and other related issues. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, who is performing the functions of Minister of Public Security; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams; and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Paul Slowe were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.

James is new top cop 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

– scores unanimous agreement between President, Opposition Leader

By Rabindra Rooplall PRESIDENT David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo unanimously agreed to appoint Leslie Albert James as the 12th Commissioner of Police with immediate

responsible for various aspects of the Police Force, for example, Operations, Administration, Law Enforcement and Special Branch or Intelligence. What we have done today is we have not only appointed a police commissioner but we have

be enhanced,” the head of state said.

The President noted that it is his expectation to meet with the new commissioner and deputies to discuss the appointments to each of the four areas identified.

“I was not interested in

citizen’s security.

“This Government will resist any attempt from any quarter to reverse, retard or to thwart the reforms on which we are about to embark and I look to this new team to promote those reforms vigorously to ensure that from year to year the citizens of this country will see the Guyana Police Force is there to serve and to protect them,” he explained.

The appointments pave the way for the Force to be more efficiently managed, including having a system of succession planning, notably training in preparation for high office.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Jagdeo, at his Church

Street office on Thursday, said the President explained the process he used to select the commissioner of police and why was the person acting in the position, David Ramnarine not confirmed.

“He said there were specific reasons why he was not selected and he did not say why….The person who is the new commissioner of police, I have heard nothing adverse about him so far, personally I have nothing adverse about him being appointed,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader said he inquired from the President about the process he used and had asked him for a copy of the Combs’ Reports since he wanted an overview of the thinking be-

hind the security sector and the reforms.

The PPP, he said wants to buy into the reforms and contribute to them because “we would likely inherit them.”

New Top Cop, James said his mandate is clear and he will ensure the laws of Guyana are maintained.

“I will execute the office of the Commissioner of Police, I will assure that citizens in Guyana and in the diaspora to be assured of their respective security,” Leslie Albert James said.

James said he is aware of the crime situation and plans will be made immediately to develop counterstrategies.

Newly-installed Commissioner of Police Leslie Albert James taking the oath of office before President David Granger effect when they met at State House on Thursday.

President Granger said James will be supported by four deputy commissioners, namely Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams.

The four deputies will be responsible for Operations, Administration, Law Enforcement and Special Branch/ Intelligence of the Force.

“My intention is that the four deputies will be

also improved the architecture of the Police Force so that instead of having a flat structure we now have clearly defined responsibilities in those four deputy commissioners. So, things will be better. I am sure there will be better performance in those areas. It will help to enhance the specialisation of the Police Force. It will help to spur the career mobility of officers and I am convinced that the efficiency of the Police Force as a whole will

having a foreigner head the Guyana Police Force. I felt that we had local talent. I think the process has resulted in the best five being selected to lead the Force and I will be meeting later today with the commissioner and deputy commissioners. I think this is the best outcome and they are all fit and proper persons to lead the Police Force,” he said.

The President said his principle concern is security reform implementation and

President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo exchange greetings at State House

CJIA to test new arrivals terminal, boarding bridges THE management of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) will be conducting trial runs of the new arrivals terminal and boarding bridges in the next two days.

According to the CJIA, the objective of these tests is to ensure all systems under the passenger treatment/loading conditions are acceptable to allow the identification of final opportunities for improvements ahead of the proposed official opening of the terminal.

The 4,891 square metres terminal features 10 passport control booths, one elevator, one escalator, two functional boarding bridges, three baggage carousels, a spacious custom area and a public greeting hall to welcome the arrival of family and friends.

In light of this, airport users were urged to adhere to the rules of the CJIA. According to the rules, motorists will now park in the parking lot adjacent to the new arrival terminal building. The fees for the various types of vehicles remain the same.

During this trial phase motorists will not be allowed access under the arrivals canopy to uplift passengers - this is to analyse the readiness of the collection of passengers which was proven difficult in previous experiences.

“It is the extended desire of CJIAC management to ensure the new terminal operations attain the most favorable efficiencies; stress-free and supple passenger movement, and superior service to all its users,” the CJIA said.

A passenger boarding bridge being installed at the CJIA (photo courtesy of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Palin excluded from McCain’s funeral

Sarah Palin, the ex-Alaska governor who served as John McCain’s running mate when he ran for president in 2008, is reportedly banned from his funeral.

According to US media, the request to Mrs Palin who Senator McCain later regretted selecting - was sent through a family intermediary.

A Palin “family source” told NBC News that “out of respect” to the family, “we have nothing to add at this point”.

Mrs Palin was unveiled as McCain’s running mate exactly 10 years ago.

“The Palin family will always cherish their friendship with the McCains and hold those memories dear,” the family representative told a reporter on Wednesday.

The 81-year-old Arizona Republican senator and former Vietnam prisoner-of-war died last Saturday after a battle with brain cancer.

In a pair of tweets after the death, Mrs Palin praised her former running mate as “a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his

beliefs”.

“John McCain was my friend,” she wrote. “I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.”

A McCain family source told People magazine on Wednesday that the decision probably came from his widow, Cindy McCain.

“She is very protective of John’s memory and legacy.

azine, stay-away messages were conveyed through an intermediary to Mrs Palin.

Carla Eudy, a fundraiser who worked with the McCain family for decades, told the magazine that “invitations were not extended” to either Mrs Palin or US President Donald Trump.

Mrs Palin said at the time that his words, which were published in McCain’s memoir The Restless Wave, were “a gut punch”.

She added that his comments hurt “a bit”, but encouraged the ailing senator to find some

foremost an idea, audacious and risky, organised around not tribe, but around ideals,” he said.

Mr Biden added that McCain “could not stand the abuse of power wherever he saw it, in whatever form, in whatever country”.

Palin was chosen by McCain exactly ten years ago on Thursday

Meghan McCain, daughter of Senator John McCain, cries over his coffin on Wednesday

Mrs Palin stumped for McCain in 2010 during his senate re-election campaign

She’s also a grieving widow. I think she wants to get through this as best she can,” the unnamed source said.

According to the mag-

The relatively unknown Alaska politician rocketed to fame after she was selected by Mr McCain in 2008 as his vice-presidential running mate.

In May he published a book, saying he regretted choosing Mrs Palin and should have instead picked his friend and former Democratic senator Joe Lieberman.

“positive aspect in decisions that he’s made in the past - even about that campaign”.

McCain’s body arrived at a Phoenix, Arizona, church on Thursday for a commemoration led by former US Vice-President Joe Biden.

Mr Biden, a friend and former six-term Democratic senator from Delaware, described McCain in an emotional speech as a brother, “with a hell of a lot of family fights”.

“John understood that America was first and

On Wednesday, several thousand people queued for hours in the blazing Arizona heat to pay final respects to him as his coffin was displayed inside the Arizona Capitol rotunda.

A funeral service will be held in Arizona for him on Friday before his coffin is transported to Washington where he will lie in state at the US Congress.

On Saturday a service will be held at Washington’s National Cathedral.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush - each of whom beat McCain in his twin presidential campaigns - will deliver eulogies, and so will former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

AG continues discussions with IDB on justice sector reform

Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and his team on Wednesday met with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank to discuss the overarching needs of Government for the Justice Sector and the activities of the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme.

The representatives of the IDB were Mr. Joel Korn, Ms. Mariko Russell, Mr. Alexandre Veyrat-Pontet and Ms. Derise Williams.

In a release the ministry said the discussions addressed the need to increase access to justice by people in the hinterland and coastal areas; the importance of strengthened probation services; and, the pivotal role of law reform in the Justice Sector Reform (JSR).

Further deliberations were focused on the need for training and development, the need for strengthened mental health systems, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug offenders to society and holistic approaches as it relates to JSR. The SCJS programme is undertaking various strengthening activities in areas which include; the provision of legal aid services, probation services, law reform, police prosecutors, restorative justice, the judiciary and magistracy. The SCJS program seeks to reduce the number of inmates on pre-trial detention for minor non-violet offences whilst simultaneously increasing the use of alternative sentencing.

Attorney General, Basil Williams and his team with the officials of the IDB-funded Justice Sector Support for the Criminal Justice System programme

Kwakwani buses drop fare

–– in light of road repairs

By Vanessa Braithwaite Kwakwani bus and car operators have fulfilled their promise to reduce the fare from $3, 000 to $2,500 when the road undergoes major repairs and is in a better condition.

The buses are now making fewer trips to the repair shop, their vehicles are consuming less gas and their tires are enduring the smoothness of the road.

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph told the Guyana Chronicle he is happy that the drivers kept their word and dropped the fare since commuters were under too much pressure to pay the $3, 000.

He also lauded the Ministry of Natural Resources for looking into the plight of the people and allocating substantial funds needed to do major repairs on the road.

“The trail is very smooth right now and the drivers have kept their word and so residents now have an ease of $500 and I am very happy for that,” Adolph said.

Commuters have related

that the time taken from Linden to Kwakwani is now between 1 ½ to 2 hours, oppose to four and five hours when the road was in a deplorable state.

“The road is very smooth right now, if you leave Linden by eight, before ten you are in Kwakwani, I just hope that the road last,” One Kwakwani-based teacher said.

The Government approved more than $650M from Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) coffers to facilitate the road projects which are critical to miners and forest operators in the gold, diamond and timber industries.

The multimillion-dollar projects are being executed by the Natural Resources Ministry with funding from GGMC and technical assistance from the Public Infrastructure Ministry. The Linden to Kwakwani Road has been identified as one of these. In Region 10, the Rockstone – Mabura Road is also being repaired.

The repair works commenced at the end of the

rainy season, so there were no hiccups in the contractors delivery and drivers and residents are optimistic that this time, the road will hold up, as oppose to times past, when it returned to its deplorable state within

months. The repair works include ditching, excavating, repairs of soft spots and filling with laterite Regional officials are urging residents to monitor the road works being executed by the contractors to ensure it is in keeping with the scope of works since such projects are community proj-

ects and benefit everyone.

“It is everyone’s business… so everyone have to make sure it is to the standard deserving,” Adolph said.

The maintenance of the Rockstone-Mabura Road costs a total of $140.4M and was awarded to MMC Inc.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Addressing teenage pregnancy

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T a recent forum, President David Granger identified teenage pregnancy as a major concern. President Granger’s worry is well founded and should be one shared by all Guyanese.

Teenage pregnancy, unfortunately, is indeed a problem which affects too many families. The problem is a complex one which can have social, economic, and health implications, and must therefore be addressed.

Teenage pregnancy occurs when a girl becomes pregnant and is expected to give birth before her twentieth birthday. The issue has been extensively studied by experts and its effects are well known, but a solution is harder to find. Experts recognise two sets of problems.

In girls younger than 15 years old, health and medical issues dominate as their bodies may not be sufficiently mature to sustain a normal pregnancy, and give birth. In girls older than fifteen, the major concerns tend to be the lack of social and economic readiness for motherhood.

In any case, teenage pregnancy at any age usually negatively impacts the mother, the child, and other family members. According to studies, a baby born to a teenage mother is more likely to be born prematurely, have low birth weight, and have congenital defects.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a child born to a girl between the ages of 15 and 19 years old is two times more likely to die, as a child born to a woman between 20 and 24 years. More alarmingly, a child born to a girl younger than 14 years is five times

more likely to die. Additionally, according to the WHO, teenage mothers are 7 times more likely to be suicide victims compared with other teens.

If the child survives, he is more likely to have lifelong medical and socio-economic problems. Chances are he will have a lower level of education, intellectual delays, developmental and behavioural disorders, lower academic achievement, a higher chance of poverty, and generally, have a lower quality of life. Daughters born to teenage mothers are more likely to become teenage mothers themselves; while sons are more likely to go to prison in their teenage years.

Evidently, the problem is serious and complicated; it has been the subject of studies by medical doctors, psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and other scientists. Many of those specialists agree that cultural factors, low levels of education and poverty are major contributing factors because some teens, as a result of those circumstances, may be more susceptible to abuse or coercion, or lack access to birth control. Also, medical specialists agree that some drugs of abuse have a positive correlation with teenage pregnancy, particularly alcohol, cannabis and ecstasy, all of which reduce inhibition in humans. Obviously, with so many factors contributing to the dynamic, a single solution is unlikely to be found.

In Guyana, for example, domestic abuse–including sexual abuse – is a big problem. And a study in the United Kingdom has found that 70 per cent of teenage mothers reported that they became pregnant following

a rape. A meta-study concluded that teenagers were far more likely to become pregnant if they came from a home which had no father.

All things considered, Guyanese should be worried.

The Linden Hospital Complex had reported that 18 per cent of babies delivered there were from mothers between 13 and 19 years old. A United Nations Population Fund Report found that Guyana had the second highest teenage pregnancy rate in Latin America and the Caribbean.

So, what should be done? Well, there are clear indicators of correlation: low levels of education, lack of access to birth control, poverty, and drug use. The scientific community may wish to pronounce on causation, although most scientists are reluctant to do so without rigorous standards. However, there is an exception; it has been conclusively proven that sex-education that teaches abstinence as the only form of birth control is not effective and has no impact on statistical outcomes.

Experts in many countries agree that there is a programme in the Netherlands that produces enviable results. The programme emphasises values, attitudes, communications, negotiations, and sexual biology. Perhaps, Guyana may consider implementing a long-term programme along those lines. The Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Empowerment initiative of 2016 by the Child Care & Protection Agency in collaboration with non-governmental organisations was too short-lived, being of only one year in duration.

Finance Ministry corrects KN misinformation

James appointment as Top Cop is fit, proper and appropriate

THE Ministry of Finance notes with concern an article “Guyana’s proposed Natural Resource Fund…Govt. ignores IMF’s advice to have rules which prevent reckless spending”, KN, August 29th, 2018.

We take this opportunity to correct what amounts to a misinformed interpretation of aspects of the Green Paper “Managing Future Petroleum Revenues and Establishment of a Fiscal Rule and a Sovereign Wealth Fund” in which a proposed framework for the management of Guyana’s petroleum revenues is outlined in considerable detail.

Indeed, one important piece of the framework is the withdrawal rule (referred to as the fiscal rule in the Green Paper) which needs to be robust to ensure that the three objectives of the sovereign wealth fund (SWF) – stabilisation, savings and domestic spending – are achieved, while safeguarding against the resource curse. The proposed fiscal rule that will govern withdrawals from Guyana’s SWF is described in paragraphs 50 to 57 and Annex Two of the Green Paper.

The proposed fiscal rule benefitted from the input of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during several missions, including one as recent as March, 2018. As a matter of fact, the Ministry of Finance actively sought out the advice and support of the IMF on petroleum revenue management since the preceding year. As a result, the draft legislation has been revised to incorporate feedback received from both entities, contrary to what the article claims.

In addition, the fiscal rule has been subject to rigorous sensi-

THE appointment of Mr. Leslie A. James as Guyana’s Commissioner of Police by President David Granger is seen as fit, proper and appropriate.

Mr. James has, over the years, demonstrated the kind of desired professionalism as a police officer. He is never known to be one who pulls rank or is influenced in the execution of his duties.

James is also a people person, and from those of us who have interacted or worked closely with him, fairness is his consistent hallmark.

While there has been a snide attempt to keep James in the shades, the lamp of his professionalism continued to illuminate a career path that resulted in his beaming today beyond all other svelte-like streams. As we bestow our goodwill upon Mr. James, he must square his shoulders to endure and ensure that competence, incorruptibility, and trust is restored to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). There is no doubt that Mr. James will be able to accomplish this based on his track record.

To complement the efficiency of the GPF, however, the judicial system requires urgent enhancement to marry policing efforts and prosecutions through the application of appropriate sentences. We cannot allow criminals, particularly persons seen as elites or untouchables, to continue to walk free from justice because of glitches, technicalities, and interpretive bungling at the judicial level.

It is one of the most demotivating factors for any hard-working police force, particularly considering the height of risks and stakes.

I trust that a judicial overhaul will be the next high priority focus of the President and coalition government of Guyana.

Dear Editor,

tivity analysis to ensure its robustness to price shocks, a variety of production scenarios, as well as shocks to Guyana’s non-oil GDP. The fiscal rule has been found to be robust to these shocks, which would allow for the objectives of the SWF to be achieved in even the worst case scenarios.

Given the engagements to date, the Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) team of the IMF have noted that: the proposed fiscal rule provides relatively prudent front-loading of budget transfers of oil revenue, while maintaining long-term fiscal sustainability; the rule provides an incentive to continuously diversify the non-oil economy and increase non-oil revenue; the rule also provides for significant accumulation over the long-term of financial savings in scenarios of either high production or high prices.

The Ministry of Finance recognises that various components of the SWF outlined in the Green Paper, including the fiscal rule, may be difficult to understand at first glance. This is why the Ministry has undertaken to provide further explanations of critical aspects of the SWF and will continue to engage with the public on the SWF. We welcome feedback and comments.

Moreover, we acknowledge that journalists have an important role to play in explaining the importance of the SWF to the wider public. As such, we encourage them, should they not be clear on any issue, to contact us prior to the publication of related articles so that they do not promote distortions about national issues.

Regards Public Relations Ministry of Finance

Dear Editor,

Regards Orette Cutting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Kissoon is mad that WPA not prepared to facilitate Roopnaraine’s political demise Dear Editor, I WRITE this letter in response to one of Freddie Kissoon’s expressed opinion that was published in the Friday, August 24, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News (KN), under the caption, “Clive Thomas can damage his credibility”. In sending my response to KN, I am doing so fully aware that the present editorial policy of KN of not publishing letters from me will very likely result in this letter not seeing the time of day in KN. It is important to note that KN has no problem in facilitating Kissoon’s character assassination of certain members of the public while at the same time refusing those who have been maligned by him the right to respond to his wild accusations in KN. If this is not duplicitous behavior, what is?

It has become a habit of Kissoon to use every opportunity to display his dislike of the WPA and more, his personal animosity and I dare say, envy, of the achievements of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. This behavior of Kissoon has its genesis in the period of his early activism in the WPA. In the period referred to, Kissoon was appointed a member of the WPA’s delegation in the early days of the formation of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy(PCD).

At one of the PCD’s meetings, Kissoon made a critical remark about the PPP which offended its representatives. Subsequently, the PPP’s leadership informed WPA’s executive that they were not prepared to continue meeting while Kissoon remains a member of the WPA team.

Unfortunately, the WPA’s executive in an attempt to prevent the demise of the PCD, took a decision to withdraw Kissoon from its delegation. I opposed that decision in the WPA executive. To all appearances, Kissoon learned of Roopnarine’s advocacy on the matter and from that point, he turned against both the party and Dr. Roopnaraine, subjecting them in the process to the most vicious attacks imaginable. That narrative represents the historic beginning of Kissoon’s uncontrollable lack of objectivity in his references to both Dr. Roopnaraine and the WPA. I wish now to address some of the issues he raised in his column. He said that Thomas’s credibility hangs on two things, “… one is political, the other is cultural.” He cited a recent WPA letter dealing with responses to Professor Thomas and the party’s proposal that cash transfers of US $5000 be paid to each Guyanese

household annually. Kissoon is no ordinary reader, he boasts of his intellectual superiority; he is a political scientist and historian by training and a political activist of long standing. Therefore, he is more than capable of understanding context, literally and politically. Yet he chooses to do a disservice to his own credibility by demonstrating ignorance and his political opportunism. He sees in the WPA‘s letter “ .. tones of abuse and crass political opportunism.” He continues, “ I will ignore those sections that throw scorn on those that rejected Thomas advocacy”. “Parts of this letter are so nasty in its propaganda that it constitutes increasing evidence that the WPA has seriously degenerated…”. Readers of the WPA’s letter will note that contrary to Kissoon’s lies and deliberate misrepresentation, the letter said both Dr. Thomas and the WPA welcomed critics of the proposal and demonstrated no hostility to views which were/are in contradiction to theirs.

To the extent that the letter was combative and harsh had to do with its response to Minister Jaipaul Shama’s attack on the WPA, Thomas, and Roopnaraine. Not surprisingly, Kissoon the self-proclaimed political analyst and disciple of “ political objectivity” sees no nastiness or political opportunism in the minister’s missive against Thomas, Roopnaraine and the WPA. Why? Any reputable, fair-minded and objective observer would have recognised Sharma’s uncomradely behaviour in his letter and would have said so. However, those traits are not located in Kissoon’s persona. By any standards, WPA’s response to Jaipaul Sharma was reasonable, given the context.

Again, readers should note that Kissoon premised his self-serving observation on the part of the statement that reads, “We wish to express our unswerving support for the way Roopnarine and Thomas have discharged their duties in pursuit of implementing government policy in the areas of the state which fall under their watch.” Without dealing with the merits or demerits of the WPA’s contention stated above, I wish to point out that Kissoon is so positioned by hate that he failed to pretend objectivity.

For him, Jaipaul Shama’s declaration that the two WPA leaders in the government have been failures is true and appropriate and is stupid enough to believe WPA would have agreed to Sharma’s pronouncement. If we did not defend ourselves against the minister, Freddie, and our detractors would have rejoiced and proclaimed that we are incapable of defending ourselves.

Not prudent to demean trainee teachers Dear Editor,

I CRAVE your indulgence to be offered some space in your newspaper to express my opinion on the concerns raised by some parents regarding the contingency plan that may be activated by the Education Ministry should strike action proceed.

Understandably, a few parents are concerned that trainee teachers or teachers now graduating from the Cyril Potter College of Education may not be competent enough to teach their children. I believe the concern of these parents is based on the lack of experience that these teachers may have in the classroom and in schools generally.

However, I urge parents to be rational. Every teacher has his or her first day, whether during times of an industrial relations impasse or not.

So it would not be prudent to criticise the new teachers, saying that they cannot handle the work since the teachers that will be striking also had their first day as

well. Secondly, parents must remember that strikes do not last forever, hence, the new teachers are substitutes and the substantive teachers for the respective classes will return and continue from where the substitute would have left off.

Debasing the competence of our teachers is debasing the quality of education and training that is delivered at the CPCE, an institution that has been training teachers since the 1920s. The same college that trained the majority of teachers that have indicated their willingness to strike.

At this point Editor, I wish to condemn the comments made by a parent at a recent engagement on the teachers’ strike action that was held by the Ministry of Education at Queens College. The parent said that “The Children will chew them up; ‘them’ meaning the CPCE students.

As a parent, my priority at this moment is the continued progress of my children’s education. During this dispute, I and my children are held as human shields between the

warring factions.

But I am going to point something out. The integrity and focus of that Minister of Education says to me that she does not intend to be sidetracked by histrionics and people who present strategies that are not even based on basic mathematical national economics. I believe that my children’s education path is very safe with this minister because she understands that quality education is for all Guyanese and that includes my children.

For the first time in generations of my family, I see a future for my children in education. The teacher’s union needs to understand that they are part of this transformation and an uninformed demand is very different from intelligent negotiations. May the gods bless the teachers’ union with wisdom and the Ministry with patience. Together we rise, divided we fall.

Regards Tracy Franklin Parent

It is interesting that the only public statement Kissoon know of that was made by Dr. Roopnaraine since his removal from the Ministry of Education is his speech on V.S Naipaul. To quote Kissoon, “…At a PPP-sponsored talk at the Cheddi Jagan Research Institute this week“. His claim that this is the only public speech by the minister is not factual, but my point is that he is attempting to exploit by highlighting the minister’s relative public inactivity since his illness. This is mean-spirited politics devoid of human considerations.

On GuySuCo and the sugar workers who lost their jobs, Kissoon joins Minister Sharma placing the responsibility solely on Clive Thomas. He states, “ Now even if the loss was unavoidable, there had to be a replacement income. But even the workers’ severance pay was not forthcoming”. Kissoon is well aware that the GuySuCo board did not have the resources to provide alternative income for all severed workers and the matter of severance was in the hands of the cabinet and not Thomas and the board. More important, it is public knowledge that the cabinet only accepted parts of the GuySuCo Board’s proposals for re-sizing the industry and diverting its production base. In light of all these factors which Thomas and the GuySuCo’s Board had no control over, he was expected to do miracles.

In closing, Mr. Frederick Kiddoon wrote this column solely in defence of Minister Jaipaul Sharma‘s nasty missive against Thomas, Roopnaraine and the WPA. Kissoon is well aware that much of what that appeared in the minister’s letter was extracted word for word from a column published on Facebook by a former WPA member, now detractor. There is something common to most Indian comrades that broke with the WPA; that is their early glorification of Rupert and their later ultra dislike of him. For the Indian political aspirants at the national level, many have seen Rupert Roopnaraine as a stumbling block to their political ambitions. They could not match him politically in the struggle, but now that he is not in the best of health, they are united in going for the “kill”. And in the case of Kissoon, he is mad that the WPA is not prepared to facilitate Roopnaraine’s political demise.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

GTU rejects conciliation talks … demanding arbitration before calling off strike

THE Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has once again turned down the Government’s offer for conciliation talks just two days before the new school term reopens, referring to the efforts as “a waste of time”.

On Thursday, the Department of Labour invited the GTU to a meeting at 15:30hs at the Ministry of Social Protection. It was attended by GTU President Mark Lyte; GTU General

Secretary Coretta McDonald and other GTU executives. The meeting was chaired by Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle while representing the Education Ministry’s team was Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson.

Coming out of the meeting, Lyte told the media that the GTU is disappointed that the Government had not called the meeting with the aim of

consenting to arbitration but rather to continue efforts towards conciliation talks. “We arrived here today having received a short notice for the meeting and we are committed to being a part of the meeting should we be invited again. It was our hope that the demands of the union would have been laid on the table only to find out that the ministry wanted to continue conciliation talks after we would have indicated to them that we cannot trust the Chief Labour Officer and the Department of Labour to be part of this conciliation talks, since they would have compromised their position. And, so, the union’s position remains the same that unless it’s arbitration, we are not prepared to call the strike off,” Lyte said.

Lyte’s aforementioned lack of trust comes from the basis that Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, along with the CLO and other labour

officials all represented the Education Ministry at previous negotiation meetings. The GTU had, instead, made demands in a recent release suggesting that: “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 and both sides having to abide by whatever decision is made by the arbiter. With no signs of the Government agreeing to such on Thursday, GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald added her voice to the matter.

“I’m not sure why they called us for a meeting here today. Just to waste our time? But the thing is, our teachers are resolute and the struggle continues,” she said.

NEED FOR TALKS Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education in a release on Thursday maintained the need for the conciliatory process.

“The Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour, should endeavor to exhaust all avenues within this stage in an effort to bring the matter to an amicable settlement,” the release stated in reference to Section 4 of the Labour Act Chapter 98:01.

The document stated further that the GTU’s strike should be called off, given the fact the conciliatory process has not yet concluded and the Department of Labour is yet to make a pronouncement on such.

Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte speaks with the media after coming out of an attempted conciliation meeting convened by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Department of Labour (Samuel Maughn photo) In a separate release from the Ministry of Social Protection outlining what occurred during the meeting, it stated that the CLO also maintained that the conciliatory process must be exhausted before arbitration can take place.

“While the GTU maintained that it was not interested in conciliation but arbitration, the Ministry of Education submitted, in essence, that it was prepared to respect the grievance procedure and allow the conciliation process to continue. The CLO reiterated his earlier plea to the union to call off the strike so that the conciliation process can continue but that plea went unheeded,” the document stated.

In support of this call at the meeting, the Education Ministry tabled a Position Paper containing possible Terms of Resumption which the union did not find favour with. These terms included: that both parties be given the opportunity to continue the process of and benefit from conciliation; that all parties

endeavor to work together during the process and that for the subsistence of the conciliator process and until the conclusion of the matter by way of amicable settlement, there will be no loss of pay and /or seniority.

The Terms of Resumption also went on to include that: throughout the process and its conclusion, the GTU will not contemplate, undertake or proceed with any strike action; there should be no form of victimization of either party; that public statements arising out of any process be accurate and shared between parties prior to public circulation and that prior to resumption of work, both parties agree to the chairmanship of the arbitration panel or tribunal should be the Ministry of the Social Protection, Department of Labour so decide.

However, the Social Protection Ministry’s release concluded: “In light of differing positions adopted by the parties, the conciliator reluctantly adjourned the meeting.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Investor confidence strong as ever –– despite some minor hiccups, GO-Invest reports

By Lisa Hamilton

FOR the first half of the year, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has enabled some G$12.5B in investments, but anticipates a “substantial and rapid increase” to this figure, as some G$95B in new projects are still in the pipeline.

The agency now expects over $107.5B in investments this year, although last year it projected investments totalling $154B for 2018, anticipated to create approximately 5,725 jobs.

Thus far, the G$12.5B in executed investments from the period of January 1 to June 30 have a potential to create over 434 jobs across the energy, agriculture, and services sectors.

“Those numbers reflect a bit of a slower start than expected. There are quite a few projects that are in the pipeline that we have been entertaining and facilitating discussions with,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Owen Verwey said at a press conference on Thursday.

He explained further that GO-Invest’s 2018 investment projections were assumptions based on opportunities and indications of interest in investment in several sectors.

However, many of those proposals are awaiting the agency’s approval, while others are at various pipelines of government agencies facilitating the due-diligence process.

Some of these investments lie within the areas of: Agriculture and agro-processing; forestry; oil and gas; and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

In providing an update, Verway said that in the first half of the year, there were

issues with the allocation of agriculture lands which are now undergoing the due-diligence process.

On the matter of forestry, the agency had assumed that the Barama Company Limited’s decision to end its forestry operations would result in their concession opening up to other investors, eligible for fiscal incentives from the government.

“We subsequently learned that the concession was sub-divided into four lots: One for conservation and three for redistribution to other forestry operators,” Verway said, adding: “Out of that, we expect to see significant amount of activities in the forestry sector coming to us.”

He told reporters that all of the foregoing are expected projects to be approved by the end of the year or early 2019.

Meanwhile, with regards to GuySuCo, the CEO said: “There was a lot of discussion on GuySuCo in 2017, so our expectation was that one or two of those estates would be at an advance stage of privatisation by this time; we would have had an application for processing in the first half of 2018, but we’re now seeing that happening in the second half of 2018.

“So, it is happening, as we will see, albeit a few months later than we were anticipating.”

When it comes to investments in the oil and gas economy, Verway said that a number of service providers have accessed the services of GO-Invest for advice on commencing operations.

The agency now anticipates that multiple investments will stream in by the end of the year, as businesses begin to familiarise themselves with the requirements

of the industry.

“We’re now seeing those primary contracts being awarded to the major subcontractors, and because of that, our office is now seeing the applications for the related incentives and the activities for land development coming through to us,” he said, adding: “So, it’s a bit of delay in activity that causes our projections to show up this way. So, we’re seeing those coming through in the second half of 2018 or earlier in 2019.”

Meanwhile, of the G$12.5B GO-Invest has received thus far, 12 are local investments; five are foreign direct investments; and three are joint ventures between both foreign and local investors.

Foreign direct investments, he said, were dominated by the agriculture sector, although services, manufacturing and the information and communication technology sectors all recorded one foreign investment project respectively.

The projects included the manufacturing of precast concrete construction materials, coco peat from coconut shells, and the cultivation of cash crops within the agriculture sector all at a total G$5.02B. Over the same period, the joint-venture investment agreements totalled G$560M of investment in the local economy, most of which were in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Already into the second half of the year, Verway believes that with G$95B of new projects in the pipeline and a steady and growing interest of investors in Guyana, the country is headed in the right direction.

“We’re pleased, in terms

Invitees at the conference at the Duke Lodge on Thursday (Delano Williams photos)

Spearheading the GO-Invest press conference on Thursday are, from left, Public Relations Consultant Christopher Chapwanya; CEO Owen Verwey, and GUYtie Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh of the interests in investing in Guyana that we have seen from the start of the year and at the continuous date.

And, in addition to the many emails and inquiries, we’ve had over 500 walk-in visits

to the office or scheduled visits by professional investors and exporters either looking for assistance or seeking various forms of activities that we can assist them,” the CEO said, adding:

“I think it’s good for the economy to note that the interest is very strong, and people are continuing to look into this direction still for investment opportunities.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Exxon in 9th oil find

AMERICAN oil giant, ExxonMobil has announced its ninth discovery offshore Guyana at the Hammerhead-1 well in the Stabroek Block.

ExxonMobil said the latest discovery marks the fifth on the Stabroek Block in the past year and proves a new play concept for potential development.

Hammerhead-1 encountered approximately 197 feet (60 metres) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 meters) depth in 3,373 feet (1,150 metres) of water. The Stena Carron drillship began drilling on July 27, 2018.

“The Hammerhead-1 discovery reinforces the potential of the Guyana basin, where ExxonMobil is already maximising value for all stakeholders through rapid phased developments and accelerated exploration

plans,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

“Development options for Hammerhead will take into account ongoing evaluation of reservoir data, including a

ies led to the announcement of an estimated recoverable resource of more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels discovered to date, and the potential for up to five floating production, storage and

den, is due to arrive in Guyana in October to accelerate exploration of high potential opportunities and will commence drilling at the Pluma prospect approximately 17 miles (27 kilometres) from

two is targeted for sanctioning by the end of this year.

It will use a second FPSO designed to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day and is expected to be producing in 2022. A third develop-

well test.”

ExxonMobil said Hammerhead-1 is located approximately 13 miles (21 kilometres) southwest of the Liza-1 well and follows previous discoveries on the Stabroek Block at Liza, Liza Deep, Payara, Snoek, Turbot, Ranger, Pacora and Longtail.

Those previous discover-

offloading (FPSO) vessels producing more than 750,000 barrels per day by 2025.

The company said there is potential for additional production from significant undrilled targets and plans for rapid exploration and appraisal drilling.

“A second exploration vessel, the Noble Tom Mad-

Turbot,” the company said.

Liza Phase 1, which is expected to begin producing oil by early 2020, will use the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Construction of the FPSO and subsea equipment is well advanced.

Pending government and regulatory approvals, Phase

ment, Payara, will target sanctioning in 2019 and use an FPSO designed to produce approximately 180,000 barrels of oil per day as early as 2023.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited,

is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

Government had called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and patriotically as Guyana continues its thrust into this new sector and as news and events continue to unfold about the extent of the oil reserves offshore and the manifold opportunities and benefits for the Guyanese people.

Late in December 2017, the government released the full petroleum agreement with ExxonMobil at a high-level forum held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During presentation on the contract, it was disclosed that Guyana stands to gain some US$7B over a 20year period from the LIZA Phase One well alone.

‘Enough with the talk! Let’s do this!’

–– Minister Lawrence tells stakeholder at start of crafting of eHealth strategy

By Navendra Seoraj MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has had it with all the talk about access to information; she believes it’s time for some action, and said as much Thursday.

“We want to ensure that we have the data so that our plans, that our budgetting, that our programmes would not be done in abstract but rather will be data-driven,” she said.

“In that way, we do know that we will be able to be more efficient in what we do and the service that

we provide,” she told participants Thursday at the launch of a two-day stakeholder workshop on the crafting of an eHealth strategy for the public health sector.

She believes that an eHealth strategy would help the ministry save money that could be better spent on other areas in the health sector. And so does PAHO-WHO’s Dr. William Adu-Krow, who earlier said that an eHealth strategy will boost local information systems and provide strategic information for evidence-based

decision-making.

“The strategy will guide all information systems for health in the coming years,” Dr Adu-Krow said, adding: “After the meeting, we hope to have strong methodologies, plans and output to do the work.”

Workshop participants will work collaboratively to determine the specific approach for developing Guyana’s national eHealth strategy, including governance structures, key roles and responsibilities, identification of stakeholders and stakeholder engagement

Stakeholders at the opening of the eHealth workshop on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photos)

methods, key timelines and technical support requirements.

These decisions will be documented by the PAHO-WHO technical consultant in the form of a roadmap and workplan to guide the development of the national strategic plan.

The goal of the workshop is to enable national stakeholders to plan the development, implementation and monitoring of an effective national eHealth strategy, based on the use of WHO-ITU national eHealth strategy toolkit.

Facilitators from PAHO will be sensitising national stakeholders on the framework and process of developing and implementing a national eHealth strategy.

PAHO-WHO has implemented a project for strengthening regional, sub-regional and country capacity for Information Systems for Health (IS4H).

The project is to implement better decision and policy-making mechanisms in member countries, through effective heath systems that ensure universal, free and timely access to quality and open data, and strategic information using the most cost-effective Information and Com-

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence addressing participants at the opening of the workshop munication Technology (ICT) tools.

One of the main objectives of this project is to introduce a renewed vision that helps to establish a general framework of operation, and a common understanding of the specific moments of information systems for health.

The project seeks to define and implement strategies, policies and standards for inter-operable and inter-connected systems and best practices in health

data management for improving decision-making and well-being under the framing of four overarching strategic approaches.

The four overarching approaches are: Universal health coverage; health in all policies; eGovernment ; and open and big data initiatives.

It seeks to build on existing projects, systems and structures and is based on the assumption of incremental strengthening.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

President taps Justice Ramlall

–– to chair Police Complaints Authority PRESIDENT David Granger has written to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to inform him of his intention to appoint Justice William Ramlall as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

This appointment accords with Section 3 (1) of the Police Complaints Authority Act, Cap. 17:02, the Ministry of the Presidency said on Thursday.

Justice Ramlall, a retired judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana, specialises in criminal and civil law, particularly in the areas of analysis and assessment of evidence, the writing of judgements and the interpretation of statutes, among other skills.

He also served as a magistrate for several years; a State Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers; a teacher of Commercial Law and led a successful private practice. The retired judge attended the University of

Justice (rtd) William Ramlall Guyana, where he read for the Bachelor of Laws Part One before proceeding to the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, where he completed Parts Two and Three. He is also the holder of a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School and was a part of several professional training programmes.

Mr. Ramlall’s appoint-

ment is coming months after former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard retired from the position. President Granger hailed Justice Kennard’s work as exemplary.

The PCA was established by the Police Complaints Authority Act in 1989, under former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte’s administration to be an independent, investigative institution, which would receive complaints from members of the public about alleged criminal offences committed by members of the Guyana Police Force.

However, the PCA has never functioned with full autonomy in accordance with the functions prescribed by the PCA Act. The body is neither independent nor investigative, as it relies on the government through the Ministry of Public Security for staff and financing and is also dependent on the Guyana Police Force for the conduct of investigations.

Ex-prison escapee charged with cutlass robberies

FORMER prison escapee, Winston Long found himself before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman on Wednesday, this time charged with robbing two persons with a cutlass.

Long, 21, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara was unrepresented by an attorney when he pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

The charges allege that on August 27 at High Street, while being in the company of others and armed with a cutlass, he robbed Arif Wahab of a $75,000 cellphone and Krishna Seecharran of $4,000 cash respectively.

Police Prosecutor, Quinn Harris told the court that on the day in question, the victims were walking along High Street when they were approached by the defendant and others who were armed with cutlasses. The victims were relieved of their valuables and the perpetrators made their

The Prosecutor objected to Long being released on bail citing the seriousness of the offence.

Magistrate Latchman remanded Long to prison until September 26.

The court also heard that Long was released from prison in March after serving a one-year term of imprisonment for escaping from the Lusignan Prison back in July last year.

Winston Long escape.

The matter was reported and Long was arrested. He was positively pointed out during an identification parade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Gov’t puts two speedboats on Berbice run –– to help ease congestion during commute

OVER 300 commuters who travel daily from Rosignol to New Amsterdam by means of the Berbice River will now receive better service through the donation of two new speedboats.

The vessels, worth $23.2M, were handed over by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) on Thursday at the New Amsterdam stelling.

The boats have been named Blessed 1 and Blessed 2, and will be up and running today from 06:00hrs to 9:30hrs and from 14:30hrs to 18:30hrs.

The vessels were com-

missioned by Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson in the presence of the Regional Executive Officer of Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) Kim Williams-Stephens.

Present, too, were T&HD General Manager, Marcelene Merchant and T&HD Chairman Basil Blackman, who assisted in the cutting of the ribbon to officially commissioned the two vessels.

In her brief remarks, Minister Ferguson hailed the commissioning of the vessels as another fulfillment towards the government’s promise of a good life for all Guyanese.

Officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Regional Democratic Council take photographs near the new vessels

Region Four Education Department donates supplies to students THE Region Four Department of Education (RDC) has presented some 60odd students with back-toschool supplies at a simple ceremony at the BV Quamina Primary School on Thursday.

Nursery, primary and secondary schools students were beneficiaries of the good gesture geared to ensure they are ready for school on September 3.

The project dubbed ‘RDC DoE Back to School Bag Packs’ was sponsored by the Regional Chairman’s Office, the Department of Education and a number of private individuals and companies.

Regional Education Officer (REDO,acting) Tiffany Favourite-Harvey, who initiated the project, was happy to get the initiative off the ground.

She disclosed that a wide range of items were distributed, and noted that as a mother, she can relate to the challenges faced by parents in preparing their children for the new school

year.

Among the items the students received were school bags, books, stationaries, garments, school uniforms, shoes and socks.

Both students and parents thanked the sponsors for their kind support, noting that it was timely.

One parent, Sharon Nurse-a mother of three-- was

moved to tears by the kind gesture.

“As a mother of a 15, 11 and five-year-old… I can tell you that being able to get these things have cer-

tainly saved me the stress and hardships that I am face with,” Nurse said.

Another parent, Norma Singh, who had lost her son some months ago to

REDO (acting) Tiffany Favourite-Harvey along with Regional Vice Chairman Earle lambert and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas with some of the students who received bag packs

drowning, was also very emotional.

She thanked the REDO for what she said was a kind-hearted gesture and understanding of what parents are enduring.

“I can’t stop thanking REDO Harvey for what is happening here, as yet again this Department of Education have truly understood the challenge and difficulties of parents like myself and have stepped up to lend a helping hand,” she said.

Among those in attendance who assisted in giving out the bag packs were the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas and Regional Vice Chairman Earle Lambert.

Harvey, on her part, thanked all the sponsors and was pleased that the good initiative coincided with her birthday.

“This is the best birthday for anyone to have as I can truly give back on a day like today. I can tell you that there is nothing better I could have asked for on my birthday.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

39 complete GDF Platoon Sergeant Course

THIRTY-nine troops, including two members of the Barbados Defence Force recently graduated from the Guyana Defence Force Platoon Sergeant Course 2018-02.

Inspector General, Col. Nazrul Hussain charged the graduates to be practical and professional in their application of the knowledge gained and skills developed during the course, GDF said in a release. He noted that as pla-

toon sergeants, they are now trained as leaders and must demonstrate that their training has not been in vain.

He encouraged them to continue to seek advanced training and skill development so that they can continue to positively impact the development of their units. Col. Hussain also congratulated the graduates and lauded the achievements of those troops who won prizes for excellence. Sergeant Dewayne

Stephens was adjudged Best Graduating Student as well as Best Military Knowledge.

Other awardees include: Aykeem Horne; Kevor Williams and Travis Poole.

The graduates of this course are now equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to train and administer an infantry platoon in peacetime or combat, GDF said.

Inspector General, Col Nazrul Hussain and other officers pose with the graduates of the course

Giving backpacks to the Anglican community

Students being presented with backpacks by Priest Randolph Benjamin and looking on is head teacher Karen Trapp on Thursday. (Delano Williams photo) THE Anglican Bishop of Guyana on Thursday presented backpacks with school supplies to 65 children who will be returning to school in September.

The presentation took place at the Kingston Practical Instruction Centre, Kingston, Georgetown where a representative of Bishop Charles Davidson and his wife Maureen, were there to hand over the backpacks to students.

Priest Randolph Benjamin said he was there to represent the Bishop who is ill and his wife who is by her husband’s side and he was quite pleased to be a part of the event of giving back to the community.

He said that the initiative was that of

Bishop Davidson, who wanted to ensure that children in difficult circumstances were adequately outfitted to go back to school.

The priest added that it was their second annual donation drive on behalf of the Anglican Church of Guyana.

Newly-appointed head teacher, Karen Trapp told the Guyana Chronicle that students from Kingston, Queenstown, St. Winifred’s and St. George’s Secondary Schools benefited from the donation.

She related that the pupils drawn from the four secondary schools totalled 60 and five students from the Kingston community were selected to receive backpacks as well.

Best Graduating student Dewayne Stephens

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Bartica Mayor makes good on promise –– to township’s differently-abled community

A FEW months ago, Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall assured persons from the Disabled People’s Network (DPN) that the Town Council will assist them in getting a space for them to facilitate their meetings and workshops.

This promise brought hope to the lives of the people of DPN, since they would have expressed that they were in dire need of the assistance, and described the mayor’s promise as “a dream come true.”

It indeed was a dream come true for them, as the Mayor and Town Council came through with their promise and

handed over the keys to a meeting room in the bottom flat of the Council’s building, First Avenue Bartica.

The mayor expressed that over the past two years, the Municipality of Bartica would have spent millions of dollars on capital projects in keeping with the green agenda, but he believes in striking a balance, in transforming not only the town, but also its people, including those who are differently-abled.

“While we continue to transform our landscape, we believe that efforts must be made to invest in our people who are

Rixon and Shenella Williams, both differently-abled, and their three children

Mayor Marshall, right, and Chairman of the Bartica Disabled Persons Committee, Godfrey McDonald, left, turn the key to officially declare the office open as officials of the Ministry of Social Protection, councillors and members of the DPN look on

our greatest resource. Consequently, in addition to our scholarship and community sensitization programnes, we have decided to empower our brothers and sisters who are differently-abled. Providing this space for their use is the first of many steps towards ensuring equality,” Marshall said.

He added that he believes that this group of individuals can contribute to the development of the town, and therefore must be given that opportunity. As such, the council will provide those opportunities in more ways than one.

“No longer should our differently-abled friends be excluded or shunned.

We believe in the democratic pillar of inclusiveness and for this, we will work with the DPN for their part in development and our unwavering support is most definitely assured,” said the mayor at the handing-over ceremony.

Their efforts of assisting DPN were recognized by the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, and she has since then donated two sewing machines to the group to aid in their skill development training. The sewing training is set to commence on Monday.

Chairman of the DPN, Godfrey Mc-

Donald, expressed heartfelt thanks to the council for coming through for them. He shared that on several occasions the group had petitioned for a permanent place to conduct their business, but to no avail.

However, they are elated that the mayor has made provisions for them and the new space will be used to keep regular meetings, workshops, skills training and other activities in which the group can take part.

Mr. McDonald, who is visually impaired, admonished other differently-abled persons to know that there is ability in disability and that each of their lives have purpose. As such, he advised them to join the unit and get actively involved.

DPN has a membership of approximately 40 persons, ranging from age six to late 60s, with disabilities in hearing, seeing, speaking, and with autism.

Its purpose is to motivate and encourage its members to believe that they have purpose, to advocate for them to be active and not be dismayed, to teach them ways to help themselves and learn skills to make money.

The group also assists in teaching persons how to take care of their differently-abled relatives or friends.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Bandit caught after robbing Grove supermarket

THROUGH assistance of public-spirited citizens, an armed bandit was caught with the loot after robbing a supermarket at Grove Public Road, East

Ba n k D em era ra o n Thursday.

Reports indicate that a superintendent, after learning of the robbery, coordinated an operation with ranks of the Grove

Police Station, resulting in the capture of the suspect and recovery the stolen items.

The team managed to arrest Deon Chester of Diamond Housing

Scheme, who was seen joining a route 43 minibus, heading to Georgetown after robbing the supermarket.

A search discovered over $100,000 in cash on

his person. Chester was taken into police custody where he admitted to committing the crime.

The supermarket is owned by Chinese nationals.

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Arrested: Deon Chester

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Min. Broomes pays Charlestown –– spends quality time with late home surprise visit Reona Payne’s children

By Gabriella Chapman

MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to the Charlestown home where the children of the late travel agent, Reona Payne reside with their father.

Payne, a mother of three, was in late March this year gunned down in the streets by her reputed husband, ex-GDF Officer, Orwain Sandy.

According to Minister Broomes, seeing that it is the children in these violent relationships who suffer the most, she thought it fit to pay Reona’s a visit so she could find out how they’re coping and comfort their hearts with a few words of encouragement.

On arrival at the house,

FILL THE VOID On hearing this, Minister Broomes gave the child her telephone number so she could call her whenever she felt down, or in need of some assistance.

She also promised the children she will do whatever she can to fill that void left by the loss of their mother, and urged their father to continue being strong for their sakes.

Their father, Richard Alexander Bevaney, who is “sickly”, explained to the minister that the children have been in his custody since he and Payne separated, but that both their mom and stepdad had still been actively involved in their lives.

Sandy, Bevaney said, would most times pick the children up from his home,

Minister Broomes with the grieving family Minister Broomes first sat with the children, a girl aged 14, a boy aged 13, and a sixyear-old girl to get them to loosen up a bit.

She told the 14-year-old that she has a great responsibility ahead of her, as it is she who has to set the example for her younger siblings, especially her baby sister, to follow.

Admitting that it is a tall order to ask of a child, Minister Broomes told the teen that while the going will be tough and challenging, she must not let the situation get her down.

She urged her to love and believe in herself, to take her education seriously, and set goals and work towards achieving them, so as to be a positive influence on her two siblings.

That did the trick, as the shy 14-year-old opened up to Minister Broomes and admitted that she has not been coping too well, and that her grief has affected her performance.

drop them off to school and bring them back in the afternoons.

As to how he’s coping with the situation, since the loss of his children’s mother, Bevaney said: “Words can’t really describe how we feel as a family. The children started acting strange; I had to cope with a lot of trying times with the children.

“One ran away from school; another was fighting in school, doing all sorts of weird stuff during this period.

“But the most challenging thing is having to bear the burden all by myself; we aren’t a group that believe in asking everyone for help, but we believe that God will provide, and he has been doing a wonderful job. And we make the best of what God provides for us.”

He said that since “the church” made an intervention in their lives, they have been guiding and covering them, and getting them all back on

track. And he is trusting God that they move forward and continue to do the right thing and focus on their education at this point in time.

As a word of advice to abusive men, Richard said, “Women have a tendency to lash out sometimes; they have different ways in expressing themselves, but a man needs to know and understand these expressions and not resort to violence.”

Come Monday, the baby will be attending North Georgetown Primary, and the two older kids Richard Ishmael Secondary, so they all can be in close proximity to their home and to each other.

Minister Broomes took with her some back-toschool items for the kids, so they can look forward to the new school term as other children do.

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Minister Broomes having a word with the eldest of Reona’s three children

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Simone Dowding readies herself and children for ‘Emerge 7’ –– A performance for children by children

Owner of Purple Arts Productions Simone Dowding

Dowding teaches a class in the Eucalyptus Garden aback Theatre Guild

By Telesha Ramnarine THE seventh edition of the show ‘EMERGE’, dubbed “a performance for children by children” will be on at the Theatre Guild Playhouse tomorrow, Director and owner of Purple Arts Production Simone Dowding has related.

In an interview with The Buzz, Dowding disclosed that the show, promising a night of excitement and fun for the kids, will begin

promptly at 18:00 hrs.

It represents the culmination of a drama workshop that commenced shortly after school was closed in July.

During this time, the children were taught six disciplines of drama- acting, directing, playwright, costume management, stage management and property management.

The workshop also taught children ranging from ages 9 to 16 the art of listening; stage breathing and stage geography.

Rehearsing for the show tomorrow night

This year’s workshop saw 20 new students who have never been on stage before and five more from last year who attended classes.

For tomorrow’s show, Dowding said the children have written and directed their own plays. It will feature four plays, two spoken word performances and four dances.

One of the plays entitled, “Aunty Leila cleans the City” will seek to address the issues surrounding garbage in Georgetown. The second, “The Fish Pond” is a market scene encouraging agriculture. The third play, “Man Whipped” addresses the problems of domestic violence and focuses on how men, too, are victims who tend to suffer in silence. The fourth play is based on the issues surrounding suicide.

Dowding has observed that with each passing year, people are becoming more and more interested in children’s drama and are coming out to support them. In fact, the sitting First Lady has always been in attendance from the very beginning of the show seven years ago.

According to Dowding, First Lady Sandra

Granger, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green are expected to be in attendance tomorrow night.

Purpleheart or Purple Arts?

Explaining how it all got started, Dowding recalled wanting to do something in theatre after being trained

for many years. She decided to form a company and was in search of a name that would help promote Guyana at the same time.

“I thought of all the fruits and then got to the different types of wood we have. I chose Purpleheart because it is a beautiful wood with a beautiful fragrance and it is also durable. So I said I can name my company ‘Purple Arts’ instead of Purpleheart.”

The company began with the children’s workshop which has continued to this day.

Children pay a small tuition fee but even those who cannot afford the money are taken in by Dowding, who has a fondness for children.

Having graduated from the Burrowes School of Art and other institutions, Dowding ended up with a total of 13 certificates and won Theatre Guild’s Best Actress Award in 2012 for the play “Old Story Times.”

Through her company, she works primarily with children and seeks to provide

them with the opportunities that she never enjoyed as a child.

Having worked on the popular Link Show over the years, Simone has also done “House of Pressure”, “Miriamy”, “Eleventh Finger” and “Jezebel”, just to name a few.

Dowding finds pleasure in giving of herself to others.

“I like to see others live.

I love to give without expecting anything in return. I give because I know how it feels to live without certain things. If I can do something for you and you smile and you’re happy about it, that’s what makes me happy. I give my heart and don’t mind if I get very little in return.

My happiness comes from seeing other people happy,” she said.

Tomorrow’s show is receiving help from Courts Guyana Limited and NALICO/NAFICO. Tickets cost $1,000 at the door of Theatre Guild located on Parade Street, Kingston.

The children’s workshop has been successfully held for the past seven years

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

Look out for 'Braddar' –– A new comedy television show to highlight local talent

LOCAL comedians Chris Gopaul and Sean Thompson are doing their best at the moment to promote “Braddar”, a new television show in the making that will seek to bring awareness to social issues through comedy.

After finding out that an online ‘Guyanese dictionary’ exists, the duo knew right away after a quick search that the word ‘Braddar’, meaning loud and obnoxious, would do justice to describe what exactly they wish to accomplish by means of the show.

In an interview with this publication, Gopaul said the show is going to be a weekly half-hour television programme targeting the entire family. It is “something purely Guyanese,” he said that will address serious social issues like abuse, suicide and alcoholism.

Gopaul and Thompson want to produce funny skits that each features a positive message. “Comedy will be used in a unique manner to bring awareness to social issues in the country whilst simultaneously helping people from across different ethnic, age and religious/

cultural backgrounds to solve these issues,” Gopaul said.

“Braddar already has a huge fan base online with thousands of fans eagerly anticipating our videos,” he continued. The intention is for the duo to host the show every Sunday afternoon on television.

“Guyana ain’t got nothing like it. We want the show to remind the foreigners of home and to make them miss home,” Gopaul said, adding that his intention is really to be able to help people through the use of comedy.

The show will feature live in-studio and pre-recorded skits, and will not necessarily feature news items. Live interaction is also on the cards where the show will feature a call-in segment where viewers are allowed to express their opinions on the content of the programme.

A brief clip will also be shown to highlight persons with different types of talent so as to give them exposure. Furthermore, each programme will end with music from a Guyanese singer as the credits roll up.

Sean Thompson

According to Gopaul, they are now in the process of writing scripts, developing a proper Guyanese intro

Chris Gopaul

and getting various artists to endorse the show. So far, musicians Kwesi Ace and Gavin Mendonca have

teamed up to put together the show’s theme song.

Braddar will also collect short videos from local, undiscovered talent. “If you can play a drum, dance, sing, do poetry, tell jokes; whatever the talent is, we will take your video and make it suitable for television and we will do it all free of cost,” Gopaul explained.

The Braddar team is currently seeking sponsorship for this new and exciting journey and is encouraging businesses to get on board and be a part of “something that is going to be groundbreaking, positive and helpful to all.”

Talking about the show’s background, the duo told The Buzz that Thompson was the one who approached Gopaul and suggested that they start up the show.

Gopaul had been planning something similar with Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius but never got it started due to busy schedules. Thompson, too, had a similar experience and never got his plans off the ground with Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim.

Thompson is a video editor/videographer who has been working with pop-

ular production companies and who has also co-hosted “The Spot Light”, a local talent show.

He is also a full-time actor who was a part of plays like Ronald Hollingsworth’s “Watch de Ride”, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and other plays.

Gopaul, on the other hand, loves the stage and has said that he would do anything to promote local talent in Guyana.

“Acting is not a job. Acting is a part of me that I can’t see myself without it. Acting is never about the money; it’s about respect. Whenever I leave the country, I am proud to promote Guyana to everybody. I don’t hesitate. I also leave phone numbers so that if people want to contact artistes here, they don’t have to go through me,” Gopaul said.

He hopes to take his talent overseas, although he has no intentions of leaving Guyana on a permanent basis. “I really want to go international to be able to showcase Guyana; show people what Guyana is capable of doing.”

Language Lounge hosts interactive picnic The Language Lounge Picnic saw a large turnout of about 100 persons last Friday night at the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre to foster better relations among cultures.

The event was the third Language Lounge Picnic and persons were invited to be present to practice their second- language socialising in Spanish, Portuguese, French,

Chinese Mandarin and Sign Language.

The Language Lounge Picnic featured live music from the local band “Behold the Jury” as well as capoeira demonstrations and other cultural attractions.

According to Davindra Ramnarain called “Keno” Administrative Assistant of the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre within the Brazilian Embassy at 308-309 Church

Capoeira demonstrations being done on the grounds of the Brazilian Embassy last Friday.

Some of the invitees of the Language Lounge event which was held in picnic-style.

Street, Queenstown.

The event was a collaborative effort between several organisations including Spanglish GY, Sign Language by the Deaf Association of Guyana, Chinese Mandarin and the Confucius Institute University of Guyana.

The Language Lounge Picnic was held in picnic style, free of charge. The event featured brief remarks by Administrative Assistant of the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre within the Brazilian Embassy,

Davindra Ramnarain, Counsellor Ronaldo Vieira Head of the Cultural Sector of the Brazilian Embassy and Doraci Porter, Director of Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre.

The coordinators are from Spanglish GY Charlie Tokeley, Christian Vargas and Gordon Roberts.

Invitees told the Buzz that the event was an interesting one and they had the opportunity to interact with many persons from different walks of life and it brought people together in a unique way.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

THE CONCEIT AND FALLACY OF THE ‘ALL GUYANESE SOCIAL MEDIA WORSHIP’ –It’s not real

I HAVE developed and worked in the media B.C (Before Computers) and saw the advent of computers wipe out jobs, close down departments, enhance individual production, replace hand done colour separations, receive my first emails and responded, behaved prehistoric when Hoppy brought my first computer, eventually managed it, then groaned at the support costs but continued, because you either evolve or become fossil fuel.

Google, Facebook, Pinterest, became second nature and I too became enthralled by the idea that social media was an all-Guyanese reality.

The thing is, I walk, stop and chat with people who I’ve known all my life, with past school friends of my children and relatives, then to realise that my partial envelopment by modernisation is my private conceit and does not belong to all my countrymen and women.

I’ve had people confess that they have never touched a computer, heard about Facebook, but can’t see how it’s necessary. I’ve explained but the conversation subtly moves on in a different direction. They watch TV, read some newspapers and debate for hours with friends. Politically, the age of the ‘bottom house dutty propaganda ent over yet’ and many of those left out are angry and willing to believe that they are victims, political, ethnic or social victims and sections of the media and their leader-

ship are prepared to lie to them. They are the cannon fodder, and my friends in the political field have got to pay attention.

If we take a quick look at our Facebook page we would recognise that about a third of the people on the page are overseas, many are not Guyanese either and are on multiple pages. New ideas with a budget and effort don’t spread wildly, regardless of the hype. We can fall back on the efforts to get this nation literate even before Independence, when Education Ministry inspectors visited homes to legally force parents to com-

ter and was told that the information is on the Government website. Without complaining, he left and he contacted me and I after a few days accessed the information. He is literate but is intimidated by the computer, which is not unusual. I experienced that freeze, along with other illustrators when computers came on our scene in the early 90s, demanding that ‘Letraset’ and watercolours must step back to colouring projects on Photoshop.

Somebody managing the state/people interaction must realise how many of

of its official title) to visit the area. They did, but those in need of the service were too embarrassed or intimidated and they never turned up to the village office. So much for the all-enveloping mystique of social media that though it has its captive audience, we must realise the limitations that have existed for some decades, with accustomed limited literacy demand vocations, when those work avenues were widely available, and a previous Education Ministry policy of “No child left behind” that created several thousand literacy-challenged

ply, yet, situations presented themselves where parents and guardians decided, in a majority of cases with male children to cut the literacy programme, to take them out of school to let them earn to supplement the parental errors of the past that resulted in single-parent situations, or the sudden demise of a provider. The overall positives of a social or technical reality and cultural boast does not translate into any financial indulgence by populations hooked on traditional forms of employment which included the waterfront, pork knockers, fishermen, cash crop farming, shovel men, weeders, coalpit-coal providers and cane cutting.

Enforcement couldn’t alter those situations, much less a current choice that demands certain ready abilities of literacy, patience and knowledge-based references. Recently, a village official told me that he went to the regional office to inquire on a mat-

our citizens are illiterate and semi-literate with respect to understanding the procedures of systems.

Earlier this year I had a brief exchange with a Minister and she advised me to write her on the suggestion that in the teaching of probably Office Management, that the legal implications of the Power Attorney, Letter of Administration, the pledging of Transports for legal fees etc. be included in the secondary curriculum. Why? Because many a family have been robbed legally because of mistaken trust to miscreants in proper disguise with credentials. To compound the above, a village chairman desperately appealed to me that he was unsure how to get some villagers to obtain their birth certificates, since the process was like learning to read and write, one that carried a shame issue. I’m talking 2018.

In 2016 he had acquired the aid of the Birth Certificate department (not sure

young Guyanese, as this was executed void of the industrial training composite. In my day you failed in Form One, you stayed there, until you worked your way to barely pass, but there was always Industrial Training providing a way out and a viable economic career.

I drew to the attention of my family a reality about the excitement of TV entertainment shows like EXTRA, which comes from newspaper theme- battle cry. That those shows appeal to a viewer audience whose dramatic entertainment revolves around about no more than a hundred people at the pinnacle of their celebrity careers, dazzling, exciting, enthralling, but as cliquish as Facebook and as necessary to our multifaceted interests. We have got to adopt a multiverse mindset, not restricted to our own galaxy.

Like it or not it’s where we are and there’s no turning back.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

Drake subtly shades Kanye West after rapper calls him ‘Insensitive’ L

ooks like Kanye West and Drake’s feud isn’t coming to an end any time soon.

On Wednesday, West addressed their bad blood which was recently rekindled after the 41-year-old rapper produced Pusha T’s album, Daytona, which includes the song “Infrared” that takes shots at Drake. After Drake released “Duppy Freestyle” -- targeting both Pusha T and West -- in response, Pusha T released his devastating diss track titled “The Story of Adidon.” The scathing track accused Drake of having a secret illegitimate son, as well as unearthed a photo of Drake wearing blackface, which Drake later addressed.

West was conciliatory towards 31-year-old Drake during his appearance on Chicago’s 107.5 WGCI Morning Show, and insisted that he didn’t give Pusha T the material for “The Story of Adidon.” However, he did call Drake “insensitive” for continuing the feud during the time that West was taking a break in Wyoming after receiving massive backlash thanks to his infamous comments that slavery was a choice on TMZ Live.

“We all got love for Drake,” West said. “We understand that he got upset about [“The Story of Adidon”]. I feel that it was insensitive for him to, in any way, stress me out in any way after TMZ, while I’m in Wyoming healing, pulling all the pieces together, working on my music. And you know, we’ll reconcile that one day because we got to, because we got work to do, and these voices is just too powerful.”

He also claimed that the two feuded over a beat, which resulted in Drake sending him purple demon emojis.

“When we talk about the Drake thing, it hits me in a really sensitive place, because you hang around people and they come to your house and be around your family and this and that,” West said. “And they get mad about a beat and send you purple demon emojis.”

Hours after West’s comments, Drake hit back on social

media, Instagramming a picture of him looking unbothered and tellingly captioning the snap with a purple demon emoji.

In June, Drake’s producer J. Prince appeared on Sway in the Morning, and said that he personally called Drake to ask him not to release a second diss track in response to “The Story of Adidon” because it would have gone beyond the music and affected the “livelihoods” of both Pusha and Kanye.

“After speaking with Kanye, I spoke with the brother, and he didn’t want this,” J. Prince said. “I saw this going to a place that I feel would have ended his career if Drake would’ve put out this song that he had on him. And definitely would’ve hurt families, and we’re not in it for that.

That’s not Drake’s character to tear a man down to that extent.”

$5,000 (VIP) It’s Cocktails and Beer Happy Hour at 704 Sports Bar from 19:00hrs-20:00hrs, so head down and cash in on 50 per cent off your next drink!

The Central Georgetown Rotaract presents Open Mic: Unshackled” at The Duke. Come out and enjoy an evening of spoken word, poetry, floetry and creative, artistic performances.

It is bound to be an evening with a difference.

Tomorrow

T

here’s a lot to do this weekend as the summer begins to wind down. So get out there and have some fun! Don’t be cooped up at home

Today

“It’s time to wash down for the summer with “Summa Wash Down” at Giftland car park tonight. Live from Kingston Jamaica it’s I-Octane, Natural Black, live and in living colour, Stitchie Vibes Machine. Supa Ray, Selector Andre and Damien, DJ Fresh, Gully Ras and Diamond, DJ Magnum, DJ Sand and Green Downs will be in attendance. Admission: $1,500,

DJ Darry Entertainment presents a Back to School party at the YWCA. Come out and be a part of this exciting event. Have a great time as you go back in time. Dress casual or in your uniform and get ready to go Back to School. Admission: $1,000 Can’t get enough of the summer vibes? Pulse Entertainment presents “Obsession: The End Of Summer” at the Giftland Mall Strip. Come Fete with us one more time as we and join the partygoers as they close off summer the right way. Bottle specials all night. Music, lighting and decor by Pulse Entertainment. DJ Line up includes Dj Ryan, Ent Kerwin, Ent Rawle, DJ Shizzle. Girls free before 20:00hrs. Admission: $2,000 (at the door before 22:00hrs)

Sunday

If you missed last Sunday night’s Marvelous Sundays at Club Blue Iguana then you missed one of the best Sunday night parties in a long while. It continues this Sunday, with the same great vibes, drinks specials and great atmosphere. Music by Stereo Sonic, Determined Family and DJ Energy the Party King. Everyone FREE before 23:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 31, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Chicklet’s Dream Race 2 Apartfromthecrowd Race 3 Global Impact Race 4 Rymska Race 5 Quiet Company Race 6 Bar None Race 7 Smile More Race 8 Dancing All Night Race 9 Pocket Change Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Holidejavu Race 2 Sparkle Sammy Race 3 Touch Of Disney Race 4 Sheztenthehardway Race 5 Touch Of Emma Race 6 Appella Race 7 Unseen Angels Race 8 Enchanted Tale Race 9 Podgora South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:15 hrs Mogok’s Time 08:55 hrs American Captain 09:30 hrs Okavango Delta 10:05 hrs Stormy Eclipse 10:40 hrs Pen-Chan 11:15 hrs Perfect Timing Irish Racing Tips Curragh 11:20 hrs My Laureate 11:50 hrs Pink Dogwood 12:20 hrs Highway To Success 12:50 hrs Luceta 13:20 hrs Simiyna 13:50 hrs Makitorix 14:20 hrs Sir Eric 14:50 hrs Lost Treasure English Racing Tips Sandown 08:40 hrs Superseded 09:10 hrs Shamshon 09:40 hrs Alrajaa 10:15 hrs Almania 10:50 hrs Wafy 11:25 hrs Extra Large 12:00 hrs Topmeup Bangor 08:50 hrs Full Bore 09:20 hrs Red Giant 10:30 hrs King Alfonso 11:0-5 hrs Rockalzaro 11:40 hrs Friary Gold Hamilton 11:55 hrs Princes Des Sables 12:25 hrs Three Comets 12:55 hrs Flying Focus 13:25 hrs Angel’s Glory 13:55 hrs Zeelander 14:30 hrs Zihaam 15:00 hrs Guarda Svizzera

Triumphant Under-19 cricketers receive warm welcome home … delivered on the GCB’s 5-year plan, says Sanasie

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE national Under-19 cricket team touched down on home ground to a warm welcome yesterday, following their incredible performance at the just concluded Regional Under-19, 50-over championship.

The members of the team, coached by Julian Moore, came out of the Eugene F. Corriera International Airport at Ogle, where they were received

by Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Anand Sanasie and Director of Sport Christopher Jones, a few fans and family members who had assembled to welcome the young heroes.

After a disappointing performance in the threeday competition, where they surrendered their title to Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyanese produced a dominant performance in the one-day format of the tournament to lift the trophy for the fifth year straight, losing just a solitary match to Barbados.

The Guyanese finished with 27.8 points, 5.5 points ahead of Trinidad & Tobago. The Jamaicans ended with 20 points, 1.2 more than Barbados, whose final matches against Leewards

ended in a no-decision following a series of rainy days.

Hosts Windward Islands were fifth with 17.2 points, Leeward Islands were sixth on 8.8 points and Canada finished at the bottom of the seven-team table with 0.6 point.

Sanasie, a Cricket West Indies director, extended kudos to the players and management team for a job well done and urged the young cricketers to continue to work diligently for more success.

Sanasie declared that the team had delivered on the GCB’s five-year play by winning the title for the fifth consecutive year.

“Our five-year plan has been executed by the team and winning this tournament for five straight years was something we had in our business plan,” Sanasie said.

Jones, who was also on hand to extend congratulations to the young cricketers on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, urged the young ambassadors to aim high, as their goal should be to one day represent the senior West Indies team.

Jones noted that the GCB’s five-year plan is indeed up and running, adding that the plan is tes-

timony to the results of the games the Under-19 cricketers would have been playing.

He continued, “We would like to once again continue to support the GCB in its endeavours to ensure not only yourselves but many other young people with the potential like yourselves across the country have equal opportunities”.

The successful captain, Bhaskar Yadram, was understandably elated with his players’ performance, especially after their poor showing in the three-day version of the competition.

He cited total team work, coupled with disciplined bowling, especially in the fast bowling department, was key in Guyana’s one-day success.

Moore, in an invited comment, praised the team for their one-day success, taking into consideration their below par performances during the threeday format.

Windward Islands opening batsman Kimani Melius, was declared the Most Valuable Player and top run-scorer. He amassed 257 runs with a highest score of 102.

Ramdhani wins U-17 gold to complete Triple Crown at CAREBACO Championships PRIYANNA Ramdhani who made the podium her second home in Suriname was crowned the Triple Champion of the Under-17 Regional Individual Championships, after she got the highest points in the Girls’ Doubles and won the Girls’ Singles and Mixed Doubles on Wednesday night.

The CAREBACO Regional Under-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 Championships began last Sunday at the Ring Sports Center

in Paramaribo, Suriname, and came to an end on Wednesday.

Results: Under-17 Girls’ Singles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Chaista Soemodipoero of Suriname: 21-6, 21-7.

Under-17 Mix Doubles Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani and Vance Juteram of T&T defeated Jair Naipal and Erisa Bleau of Suriname: 21-15, 21-7 The Guyanese medal

count is as follows: Priyanna Ramdhani (8): 5 gold (2 Under-19 International 3 Regional), 2 silver (Seniors International) and 1 bronze (Senior International) Narayan Ramdhani: 2 bronze (Senior International) Jonathan Mangra: 1 bronze (Senior International) Mishka Beharry: 1 bronze (Regional)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

Champions League Draw

Ronaldo’s Juventus drawn against Man Utd MANCHESTER United will face a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo after drawing with Serie A champions Juventus in the Champions League group stage.

Ronaldo, who was at United between 2003 and 2009, joined Juve for £99.2M in July after nine years at Real Madrid.

Valencia and Young Boys are the other teams in Group H. Tottenham have been drawn in a tough group to face Barcelona, while last season’s runners-up Liverpool face Paris St-Germain and Napoli.

Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan complete the lineup in Spurs’ Group B and Red Star Belgrade are the

other team to play Jurgen Klopp’s side in Group C. Premier League champions Manchester City were drawn in Group F alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon and Hoffenheim.

Last season’s winners Real Madrid, who have won the competition for the past three years, are in Group G with Roma, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen.

Group stage draw in full: Group A: Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco, Club Brugge.

Group B: Barcelona, Tottenham, PSV Eindhoven, Inter Milan.

Group C: Paris St-Germain, Napoli, Liverpool, Red Star Belgrade.

Group D: Lokomotiv Moscow, Porto, Schalke,

Galatasaray.

Group E: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Ajax, AEK Athen.

Group F: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon, Hoffenheim.

Group G: Real Madrid, Roma, CSKA Moscow, Viktoria Plzen.

Group H: Juventus, Manchester United, Valencia, Young Boys.

The group stage match days: Match day one: September 18-19 Match day two: October 2-3 Match day three: October 23-24 Match day four: 6-7 November Match day five: November 27-28 Match day six: December 11-12

Former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham was awarded the UEFA President’s award before the draw.

Real Madrid, who beat Liverpool 3-1 in last year’s final, cleaned up in the UEFA awards, with their players winning in all the categories.

Keylor Navas won the goalkeeper-of-the-season award, Sergio Ramos was voted the best defender, while Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the forward of the season award.

Croatia international midfielder Luka Modric - a

Amazon Warriors confident but braced for Tridents backlash BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Guyana Amazon Warriors are confident of beating strugglers, Barbados Tridents, but coach Rayon Griffith warned his side would be taking nothing for granted when the two teams clash in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) here tonight.

The contest at Kensington Oval represents a tale of contrasts. While Amazon Warriors lie third in the six-team standings on eight points, home side Tridents have lost four of their last five to sit one from bottom on four points.

However, Griffith is cognizant of the dangers posed by Tridents who beat his side in Georgetown just over two weeks ago, and said Amazon Warriors were bracing for a competitive affair.

“They beat us at home so definitely we’re here to try and get back (revenge for) that victory,” Griffith told a media conference here yes-

terday.

“We know they’re a good side and they have capable players to get the job done but we have capable players to get the job done also.

“It’s all about executing and who finish well and we’re ready for the challenge at any time.”

Amazon Warriors won their two opening matches in Georgetown before losing their third to Tridents.

They bounced back with victory over Jamaica Tallawahs in Florida, lost to St Lucia Stars in Gros Islet before stunning St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by four wickets in Basseterre three days ago Griffith said the campaign had been one which had given the travelling side confidence.

“So far in the camp, things have been going very well for us. We just came off a good victory and we are all enjoying ourselves,” he explained.

“We’ve enjoyed a family at-

mosphere in the squad. We’re up against Barbados and we’re not going to take them too lightly but we’re expecting a good game.”

Victory today will take Amazom Warriors level with leaders Tallawahs on 10 points and virtually assure them of a place in the playoffs.

However, fast-bowling all-rounder Roshon Primus, who played his first match of the season against Patriots, said the focus was on the next game and not the advance stages.

“We’ve done well for the tournament even though we’ve been a bit up and down but the energy along with togetherness is there so we’re pretty confident we’ll come out victorious after Friday’s game,” he said.

“We’re taking it day by day.

We’re not really thinking about the playoffs, we’re just taking it day by day and step by step.”

Champions League winner with his club and World Cup finalist with his country - won both the midfielder-of-the-year and overall best player awards.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham was awarded the UEFA President’s award.

“From winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, achieving a historic result with Croatia,

now this, it is amazing,” said Modric. “They are great feelings and I am happy and proud of everything that I have achieved.

“This year I can say is the best year of my career, collectively and individually. Finally I achieved something I dreamed since I started playing for the national team. We reached the final of the World Cup and even without winning it was historic.” (BBC Sport)

Modric voted UEFA’s Player-of-the-Year

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric with the UEFA Champions League Midfielder-of-the-Season award. (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard)

MONACO (Reuters) - Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was voted Player-of-the-Year for last season by European soccer body UEFA yesterday, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah with Lionel Messi fifth.

The 32-year-old helped Real Madrid win the Champions League for a third season running then led Croatia to the World Cup final.

Ronaldo, who was his Real Madrid team mate last season and has now joined Juventus, was second, with

Liverpool and Egypt forward Salah third.

French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann of France was fourth, followed by Messi of Barcelona and Argentina.

Modric is only the third player other than Ronaldo and Messi to win the award since it was introduced in 2011.

UEFA said the award recognises the best players who play for a European club, regardless of nationality. Players are judged on their performances in domestic, continental and international competitions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

Curran rescues England, but India finish well on top SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - Sam Curran’s 78 helped England recover from 86 for six to 246 all out against India on the first day of the fourth Test yesrerday after the tourists’ pace attack proved too good for their top order at the Ageas Bowl.

The total may still prove to be well short of what was needed to prevent India taking a strong first-innings lead but Curran at least restored some respectability after a dreadful morning session.

England captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to bat in glorious sunshine and with a track that looked nicely prepared for batting.

England lead the fiveTest series 2-1 but were outplayed in the third Test at Trent Bridge and once again yesterday the tourists’ bowling attack combined aggression, move-

ment and consistency as they removed the top order cheaply.

Jasprit Bumrah continued where he left off at Trent Bridge, getting the early breakthrough in the third over with an unexpected delivery bamboozling Keaton Jennings.

Bumrah produced rare inswing to the left-hander which struck Jennings, who had opted to leave the ball, on the pads and the England opener was removed without scoring.

Root was also trapped lbw by Ishant Sharma with a full-length ball which moved in late.

England’s gamble to include Jonny Bairstow as a specialist batsman even though the regular wicketkeeper is nursing a fractured finger on his left hand also backfired.

Batting on six, Bairstow edged another fine deliv-

Sam Curran was last man out for 78, as England scraped their way up to 246, but India’s openers survived until the close unscathed to set the seal on an impressive display (Getty Images)

ery from Bumrah to keeper Rishabh Pant as England floundered on 28 for three.

Alastair Cook made 17 before an attempted late cut off Hardik Pandya flew to skipper Virat Kohli who pocketed the chance at third slip. His 55ball knock included three

boundaries.

The only blemish in an otherwise perfect session from India came when Jos Buttler was dropped on 11 when he edged the ball to offer a low catch to Pant off Mohammed Shami.

Shami did get Buttler (21) after lunch, however,

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings Alastair Cook c Virat Kohli b Hardik Pandya 17 Keaton Jennings lbw Jasprit Bumrah 0 Joe Root lbw Ishant Sharma 4 Jonny Bairstow c Rishabh Pant b Jasprit Bumrah 6 Ben Stokes lbw Mohammed Shami 23 Jos Buttler c Virat Kohli b Mohammed Shami 21 Moeen Ali c Jasprit Bumrah b Ravichandran Ashwin 40 Sam Curran b Ravichandran Ashwin 78 Adil Rashid lbw Ishant Sharma 6 Stuart Broad lbw Jasprit Bumrah 17 James Anderson not out 0 Extras: (b-23, lb-9 nb-2) 34 Total: (all out, 76.4 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-15, 3-28, 4-36, 5-69, 6-86, 7-167, 8-177, 9-240.

Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 20-5-46-3 (nb-1), Ishant Sharma 16- 6-26-2, Hardik Pandya 8-0-51-1 (nb-1), Mohammed Shami 18-2-51-2, Ravichandran Ashwin 14.4-3-40-2.

INDIA 1st innings Shikhar Dhawan not out 3 Lokesh Rahul not out 11 Extras: (b-4, w-1) 5 Total: (no wkt, 4.0 overs) 19 Bowling: James Anderson 2-1-3-0, Stuart Broad 2-0-12-0 (w-1).

Kohli snapping up a catch at third slip, and the Indian paceman removed the dangerous Stokes (23) lbw.

Mooen Ali and Curran put on an 81-run partnership for the seventh wicket before the recalled Ali was removed

by Ravichandran Ashwin for 40.

After Adil Rashid was trapped leg-before

by Sharma, Stuart Broad provided valuable support for Curran with 17 in a 63-run partnership that pushed England towards a total that had looked very

unlikely earlier in the day.

India’s opening pair of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan got through four overs without trouble ending the day on 19 without loss.

India had named an unchanged team while for England, batsman Ollie Pope was left out and seamer Chris Woakes was missing with a thigh injury.

Bairstow’s finger injury meant he was ruled out of wicket-keeping duties for the fourth Test. Buttler took over behind the stumps.

Tallawahs find their way back to the top with win over Tridents JAMAICA Tallawahs are top of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after beating Barbados Tridents by five wickets at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday night to make it five wins from eight.

A third straight home defeat for the Tridents, meanwhile, leaves them facing an uphill battle to reach the playoffs as they paid the price for a top-order collapse that left them too much to do to get back in the game.

The Tridents slumped to 55-5 against a fine all-round bowling performance from the Tallawahs, spearheaded by the superb Oshane Thomas, before Martin Guptill, Imran Khan and Ashley Nurse engineered a recovery to take the final score to 151-9.

But that total was soon put into perspective by a swashbuckling 28-ball half-century for Tallawahs opener Johnson Charles.

Although the Tallawahs’ innings slowed down for a while after his departure for 53, time was on their

side and, despite a couple of alarms, they always appeared to have the chase in hand.

The arrival of David Miller to the crease after Kennar Lewis fell for 8 saw a fresh injection of impetus as he dispatched Nurse for six then four in successive deliveries.

Rovman Powell got in on the act, heaving two sixes and a four into the leg-side in the 14th over from Mohammad Irfan to take the required rate down to just a run a ball for the final six overs.

The 15th over moved the game forward significantly for both sides as a snorter from Wahab Riaz flicked Miller’s glove on its way through to Nicholas Pooran before Andre Russell was run-out four balls later. In-between, Russell launched his first ball for six over square-leg and added a four to fine-leg from a free-hit.

At the end of it all the equation was 24 from 30 but with only five wickets in hand. Powell was still go-

Jamaica Tallawahs pace bowler Oshane Thomas looks on at the wreckage he created from a devastating yorker to Barbados Tridents batsman Shai Hope during the team’s Hero Caribbean Premier League game at Kensington Oval on Wednesday night. (CPL photo)

ing strong, though, and was joined by New Zealander Colin de Grandhomme to steer the Tallawahs past the Tridents’ total without further alarm and with 16 balls in hand.

The Tridents were indebted to Guptill and the 60-run sixth-wicket stand he shared with Imran Khan to keep the game competitive in an innings where all seven bowlers used by the Talla-

wahs finished with at least one wicket.

The Tridents were flirting with total disaster at 55-5, but Guptill finally found a willing ally in Khan and, aided by a rain break to clear their heads, the pair played sensibly and aggressively when possible to slowly but surely drag things back.

Guptill reached 50 in 41 balls on his way to 73 from

60, while Khan and Nurse - who hit Andre Russell for two fours and a six in the final over to lift the total beyond 150 - both added 20 in an innings where nobody else reached double-figures.

Batting had been difficult against both spin and seam with the new ball on a pitch showing some uneven bounce, but the Tridents will still reflect on some self-inflicted wounds.

Hashim Amla was leg-before attempting to sweep Samuel Badree before the ball of the night, and perhaps the tournament, ended Shai Hope’s stay at the crease.

Oshane Thomas has been one of the 2018 Hero CPL’s stand-out performers, and he produced something close to unplayable with a rapid yorker that arced away from the batsman at the last moment to crash into middle stump.

Thomas later returned at the death to rearrange the stumps once more, Wahab Riaz the victim this time.

Steve Smith fell before

the PowerPlay was out, playing away from his body against de Grandhomme and getting a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips.

Worse was to come for the Tridents in the following over when a mix-up saw skipper Jason Holder run-out

by Charles’ direct hit from mid-wicket.

Pooran fell soon after, carving Adam Zampa to long-off where Kemar Roach held a smart running catch.

Serene through it all was Guptill, who hit four fours and three Hero Maximums – two of which cleared the stands – in an intelligent innings that combined aggression with stout defence in tough conditions.

Khan played his part in the recovery, but when he and Guptill both fell to boundary catches in successive overs the Tridents were still short of where they needed to be despite a decent fightback and Nurse’s enterprising late hitting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

August 31 Down The Years

Supercat arrives The man who led a juggernaut

1944 THAT mighty hitter and all-round cool dude Clive Lloyd was born. He bludgeoned 7 515 Test runs with that oversized bat of his but will be remembered mainly as the man who restored West Indies to a position of dominance.

Captain in 74 of his 110 Tests (the first West Indian to win 100 Test caps), he led them to a record 26 without defeat, which included a ‘blackwash’ of England in 1984.

In the one-day arena, he took West Indies to two World Cup titles (1975 and 1979) and to the final in 1983.

His sparkling 102 in the 1975 final is one of the best innings in the tournament’s history.

He joined the Packer circus in-between, before returning to captain West Indies. Before bad knees took their toll, he was also one of the great cover fielders. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Clive Lloyd led West Indies to their two World Cup wins. (Getty Images)

Kerber digs deep to dispatch Larsson in New York

By Rory Carroll NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Fourth seed Angelique Kerber fended off a comeback attempt by Johanna Larsson to dispatch the Swede 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 and punch her ticket to the third round of the U.S. Open yesterday.

The match looked like it would be a cakewalk for the 2016 champion when she cruised through the first set and took a 5-2 lead in the second.

But the hot and humid conditions appeared to wear down the 30-year-old German, who dropped five consecutive games behind shaky serving and a raft of errors as Larsson raised her game.

A 10-minute heat break ahead of the third set rejuvenated Kerber, who seized the momentum as she broke to take a 4-3 lead before smashing a forehand winner to end the 2-1/2-hour battle.

Angelique Kerber

“I think we both really played on a really high level from the first point,” Kerber said. “It was just one or two points that decided the match.”

The German said she struggled with fatigue but added that it was nothing

new at the always challenging fourth and final Grand Slam of the year.

“It’s always a battle here, especially in these conditions,” she said. “You just have to take it point by point.”

Next up is a third-round

meeting with 29th-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, with Kerber having won seven of their 12 career meetings, most recently a straight-sets victory on the grass at the Eastbourne International this year.

Swimming, athletics only sports for YOG

Kenisha Phillips and Deshana Skeete

Jadyn George

Daniel Scott

WITH registration scheduled to close tomorrow (Friday), it is expected that Guyana will be represented in only two sports - swimming and athletics - at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to take place October 6-18 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Athletics will be represented by South American Youth Games gold medallist Deshana Skeete and silver medallist Kenisha Phillips, both of whom qualified for events at the Games. Swimming will be sending Daniel Scott and Jadyn George, who did not qualify for events, but were allotted Universality places.

Both Skeete and Phillips qualified since back in March, with Skeete making the mark for the Girls’ 400m, after clocking 54.15 seconds from her performance at the CARIFTA, just making it past the 54.60 seconds YOG standard.

Phillips will be in the Girls’ 200m, having made her qualifying time on home

soil, when she ran a time of 23.91 seconds in her event at the Super Champs meet, held at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.

For swimming, according to National coach Sean Baksh, due to the age range limitations, the swimmers were selected based on the best swimmers available from a very limited selection pool.

Scott is currently training under his coach at Dorado Swim Club, while George, is currently based overseas and trains on her own in the United States.

The YOG is a quadrennial event that was first held in 2010. The event had been in the pipeline since 2001 and was created by the IOC in July 2007 at the 119th IOC Session in Guatemala City, as a means of giving athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 the opportunity to showcase their skills in Olympic-style competitions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 31, 2018

GCA, Johnson complete successful one-day coaching clinic

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), in collaboration with Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson, yesterday completed a successful one-day coaching clinic, held at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.

Forty-eight elite young cricketers from clubs affiliated with to the GCA, took part in the day’s programme, where they were provided with hints and tips to improve their game, especially in the batting, bowling and wicket-keeping departments, by a team of fully-qualified, highly skilled coaches and former cricketers who deliv-

ered unparalleled cricketing experiences to all the participants.

Technical Director of the programme, former Guyana batsman Mark Harper, said the one-day programme provided an opportunity for the players to both work seriously on their batting, bowling, and wicket-keeping skills as well as their fitness levels, through a specific and carefully planned programme.

Harper, who played 42 First-class games for Guyana gave advice on grips and balance at the crease and the keys to hitting cleanly through the off-side. He also delivered tips on how to improve run-scoring, how

fluidity of movement was more crucial than extravagant footwork and the dangers of moving too far across the stumps, among other batting drills.

Former Guyana and West Indies players, off-spinner Roger Harper and fast bowler Reon King, demonstrated the fast bowling drills to the youngsters, including a run-up that is comfortable, delivery stride and how best to target the top of off-stump.

Meanwhile, former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts gave tips to the young spinners, as well as the wicket-keepers.

Johnson, Guyana’s most

Technical director of the programme, former Guyana batsman Mark Harper gives some advice to a few participants.

successful First Class captain, said the one-day programme is a way of giving back to clubs affiliated to the GCA. “It’s something I’ve

Paul to be rested against Tridents tonight

wanted to do for a while, a form of giving back to clubs in the association that I’ve grown up playing for when I was younger. I was given the same opportunities to learn and develop,

so it’s only right that I give young talented players those same opportunities,” the out-of-favour West Indies middle-order batsman reckoned.

Wilson Toledo begins tenure as GFF Coaching Education Director Jonathan Van Lange

CRTTF Mini and Pre-Cadet championships

Ninvalle, Van Lange through to U-13 KO round

Chris Gayle (R) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots is dismissed by Keemo Paul (L) of Guyana Amazon Warriors during match 19 of the Hero Caribbean Premier League at the Warner Park Sporting Complex on August 25, 2018 in Basseterre, St Kitts. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

GUYANESE Keemo Paul will not play in tonight’s Hero Caribbean Premier League match against the Barbados Tridents at the Kensington Oval.

According to news out of the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp, the all-rounder will be rested after picking up a thigh strain in Tuesday’s match against the Patriots.

The ‘minor’ injury to the right thigh of the all-rounder is nothing serious, the management confirmed.

The player will be available for the September 5 game against the defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders on Wednesday, September 5 in Port of Spain.

FOLLOWING their silver medal exploits in the U-13 Doubles category at the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis (CRTTF) Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships, Jonathan Van Lange and Kaysan Ninvalle continued their good form in the U-13 Boys’ Singles competition yesterday, by advancing from the group stage to the knock-out round (round of 16).

After play resumed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ninvalle who was in Group 5 along with Jamaica’s Joel Butler, Damian Mattheuuw and Dominican Republic’s Bo Ting Cheng, duly dispatched of his competition to top the group and advance to the round of 16.

Meanwhile Van Lange was in Group 4 along with John Marrero (Puerto Rico),

Wilson Toledo kicks off the third match of the GFA-IMC STAG Beer Revival Cup.

Kaysan Ninvalle

Matthew Fung (Jamaica) and Jose Cabral (DR). He also topped his group to book his round-of-16 spot.

Also advancing for Guyana in the Boys’ U-13 competition was Krystian Sahadeo while in the U-13 Girls’ competition, Thuraia Thomas and Nkechi McRae also advanced to the knockout stages.

They will head into action today.

WILSON Toledo, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) newly appointed Coaching Education Director, hit the ground running to assume his appointment last Sunday, when soon after his arrival in Guyana he was on hand to kick off the third match of the GFA-IMC STAG Beer Revival Cup at the GFC ground.

Toledo’s arrival came on the heels of his stint with the senior national team during the ‘Train and Play’ camp held in Brazil in preparation for the Golden Jaguars’ first match of the CONCACAF Nations League next Thursday, September 6 at

the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

The Brazilian national has already begun the groundwork necessary to fulfil his one-year assignment in Guyana by visiting the senior and youth tournaments of the GFA-IMC – the STAG Revival Cup and the Pele Alumni ‘Frank Watson’ U-15 Tournament to observe the talent on display.

Over the next weeks, he is scheduled to meet with the coaches of the Elite clubs and interact with the member associations.

The veteran coach looks forward to the challenge of improving football in Guyana.

Triumphant Under-19 cricketers receive warm welcome home

… delivered on the GCB’s 5-year plan, says Sanasie

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The five-time winning Guyana Under-19 team along with GCB secretary Anand Sanasie and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, upon their arrival at the Eugene F. Correira International Airport at Ogle (Delano Williams photos)

Ramdhani wins U-17 gold to complete Triple Crown at CAREBACO Championships PAGE

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Priyanna Ramdhani (right) and Mishka Beharry.

Amazon Warriors confident but braced for Tridents backlash PAGE

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Guyana Amazon Warriors assistant coach Rayon Griffith (left) and all-rounder Roshon Primus during yesterday’s media conference. (Photo courtesy CPL)

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018