Guyana chronicle e paper 04 14 2017

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SARA bill cleared No. 104883

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017

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-House approves State Asset Recovery bill despite PPP’s walkout

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Big role for Parliament -with new SARA bill as govt debunks PPP’s claims of victimisation

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Attorney General, Basil Williams piloting the State Asset Recovery bill in the National Assembly on Thursday (Delano Williams photo)

GWI recovers Father guilty over $2B in of setting debts son ablaze Page 8

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Farmer nabbed with cocaine in car Page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

GWI recovers over $2B in debts

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) has recovered over $2 billion in debts since the establishment of its Debt Recovery Unit last year.

With an outstanding debt of over $5 billion in 2015, GWI had to act swiftly in order to recover money owed to the company, before the figure grew.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday in Lethem, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles said when he assumed office less than two years ago, the debt issue was a serious problem.

Prior to the establishment of the unit, debt was not being collected by the company’s former administration.

“For years people were not paying and there was no system in place to recover money that was owed,” he lamented.

Although they have been able to recover some of the outstanding debts, more is yet to be done,said Dr. Charles.

One of their first steps to enhance the system was

GWI CEO, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles

to adjust the billing mechanism by issuing bills every 28 days.

In the past, large amount of bills were not being delivered, said the company’s CEO,who noted that they have still not met the 100 per cent delivery, but by zoning the country, they will be able to distribute the bills faster.

It is anticipated that in another two months, each zone will be able to receive their bills on time. The timeliness of the delivery was an issue that had to be rectified because, according to Dr. Charles, by not receiving a bill, persons ended up not paying, and this contributed to the buildup of debts.

“People were not receiving bills, so 75 per cent of the debts we collected were bills from the past and not from the current year,” he said.

METERS FOR EVERYONE Another issue that they

faced was metering. Persons who do not have meters are not obligated to pay, so they intend to “meter” the entire country.

“We get 60 per cent of our revenue from 40 per cent of customers, and those are metered customers… so in order to improve this we will be metering the entire country;so we hope to install a minimum of 40,000 meters this year,” said Dr. Charles.

The company has already procured 25,000 meters and hopes to get the rest as soon as possible.

Meters ensure that two things are achieved: financially efficient operations and conservation of water, the GWI CEO said.

A lot of water is being wasted in Guyana and the consumption of water will drop because persons would then be obligated to manage their water system after the installation of meters.

“I met a no-charge account when I took office.

No-charge meaning persons who were disconnected… when I checked, 50 persons were disconnected and when we did our investigation 49 persons reconnected their systems on their own and were getting free water,” lamented Dr. Charles.

Their services were removed and this is an example for other delinquent persons, said the company’s CEO. GWI is encouraging persons to not tamper with the systems because they will be taken before the court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

SARA bill cleared

-House approves State Asset Recovery bill despite PPP’s walkout

By Svetlana Marshall THE State Asset Recovery Bill was on Thursday passed in the National Assembly even after the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) tried to disrupt the proceedings by walking out of the House during a heated marathon debate.

The opposition called for the bill to be repealed or to be sent to a Special Select Committee but to no avail. However, Leader of the Government Business in the House, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, said the administration was not surprised that the “Jagdeo gang couldn’t stay and fight, they cut and run having being thrashed by government speakers on their misrepresentation of a measure that was within the contemplation of the PPP Government when it signed on to the UN Convention against corruption since 2008.” Nagamootoo said the coalition government is simply undertaking to bring a law to fight theft of state properties that the Jagdeo administration was too timid to introduce.

The bill creates the legal framework needed for the Government through the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) to recover illicitly obtained state properties or any connected benefit derived from the criminal conduct of a public official.

It enables SARA to exercise investigatory powers, authorised by the High Court, to question persons as to the whereabouts of property; to obtain disclosure of bank account information and transaction details; and to effect searches and seizures of properties On Thursday, amid loud heckling from the opposition for him to apologise to Justice Franklin Holder in open court, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams piloted the bill, arguing that it will allow for the recovery of stolen state assets and will act as a deterrent to corruption.

He said the State Asset Recovery Bill, once enacted, will impact the regulatory landscape of Guyana in keeping with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which states that each State party must enforce the necessary measures that will allow for the confiscation of property without

PPP Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill

a criminal conviction.

Guyana ratified this Convention in April 2008 under the leadership of the then PPP Government. “Corruption, Mr Speaker, is morally and ethically wrong and hinders sustainable development and economic growth by deterring both local and foreign investments,” the legal affairs minister posited, while emphasising that the bill will strengthen the country’s ability to combat corruption in which poverty is a by-product.

Quoting the former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Minister Williams said: “Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a Government’s ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice, and discouraging foreign investment and aid. Corruption is a key element in economic under-performance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development.”

Pointing to the Human Development Index, the Legal Affairs Minister said in 2014 Guyana was rated 124th out of 188 countries and territories, while in 2012, its Corruption Index was 28.

He said it is no secret that under the PPP Government there were several instances of mismanagement and misuse of Government’s resources, which led to increased poverty. This bill, he lamented, will guard against future occurrences, and if there are, will provide the legal framework to recover state assets in accordance with the UN Convention.

GOOD BILL

“Therefore, bringing to the National Assembly the Asset Recovery Bill, a bill that implements the provisions of the convention as it relates to asset recovery, demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment and political will, political will not only to its international obligations, but to the people of Guyana who over the years felt the corrosive effects of corruption.”

It was pointed out that after taking office in 2015, the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government embarked on a vigorous campaign to weed out corruption and simultaneously bring the country in line with its international obligations.

As such, the country took the necessary steps to ensure that Guyana became fully compliant with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) by passing and enforcing its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Acts, the appointment of the Director and Deputy Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the passage of Anti-Terrorism and TerroristRelated Activities Bill.

Additionally, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been operationalised. It is expected that the Witness Protection and Whistle Blower Bills are expected to be laid soon.

Additionally, the Government has conducted 36 forensic audits into State agencies and entities that have revealed rampant corruption.

“The audits showed that Government funds were being misappropriated and there was inadequate management of state assets,” the Legal Affairs Minister told the House.

Once assented to by the President, the Government through SARA will be using some of the findings of the forensic audit reports to establish a number of cases in the High Court.

ONLY CIVIL PROCEEDINGS Williams made it clear, however, that the bill allows for civil recovery proceedings at the level of the High Court and not criminal proceedings.

“The bill introduces legislation to combat unlawful conduct and corrupted practices in relation

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes

to properties and other assets owned by the State,” he stated, adding that it also provides the necessary regulatory framework to facilitate the tracing, the freezing, the seizure, forfeiture and the return of stolen assets owned to the State.

But PPP Member of Parliament (MP), Priya Manickchand, said that while the Opposition is in full support of the recovery of stolen state assets, it has issues with many of the provisions highlighted in the bill. The opposition frontbencher contended that there is a clear need for additional consultation and consensus before moving forward with the bill; hence, it should be withdrawn and redrafted or sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee.

As of now, Manickchand claims that the State Assets Recovery Bill continues to receive widespread condemnation from key agencies and public figures, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Human Rights Association and even from Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. She pointed out that Ram, in his weekly column, contended that if the bill is not altered, then it could be challenged in court, while the Human Rights Association believes that the bill risks prolonging ethnically polarised politics.

Questioning why the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is against the bill, the PPP Parliamentarian asked, “Could it be because actions thus far have been against one ethnic group?” Additionally, she said the PPP like the GHRA has issues

with the composition of SARA. She said while consultations were held, many of the recommendations were not acted upon, and as such, no significant amendments were made.

According to Manickchand, if the APNU+AFC Government was serious about transparency and accountability and the simultaneous weeding out of corruption, it would not have voted against the PPP-sponsored motion which sought to have all members of the National Assembly to declare their assets publicly.

However, Manickchand’s argument was also rebutted by the Honourable Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who posited that passage of the bill will change the landscape of the country forever as it is currently faced with an unfortunate situation of State assets that are dispersed all over the country.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK “Mr Speaker, first of all this bill constitutes [sic] to the establishment of the legal framework to give effect to the commitments made to the people of Guyana by the APNU+AFC Administration and by President Granger to stamp out corruption and to restore the principles of transparency and accountability,” Harmon said, stressing that the bill will not only focus on past fraudsters of State assets, but also those in the present and future era which places his Government also on the radar.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, reiterated that no criminal sanctions will be brought against anyone as is being peddled by the PPP. “The focus instead is on investigation and recovery of assets belonging to the State that have been unlawfully procured, it is therefore an action against the property and not the person,” Hughes highlighted, further positing that it is the State’s right to go after its assets as it is in the best interest of all Guyanese.

THEFT IS THEFT “Theft is theft, corruption is corruption, in any way, shape or form and we are bold enough to pass this bill; and we are going to be accountable too, we stand firmly on the theft of State property, regardless of who you are, regardless of which political party

you come from and regardless of what ethnicity you are,” she said.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman scolded the PPP Members of Parliament who had spoken ahead of him over what he considered to be reckless statements. He too pointed out that Guyana had ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption in 2008 under the PPP Government. According to him, it was the intention of the Government at that time to implement the treaty obligation. “Why would you sign on to a treaty you have no intention of honouring or respecting?” Minister Trotman asked.

PPP MP Bishop Juan Edghill encouraged the Government to seek out all aspects of the UN Convention in which continuous reference is made to especially the aspects of preventative measures of corruption. Edghill argued that it is ironic for the Government to speak so highly of fighting corruption but are guilty of same, alluding to rewarding campaign financiers. “That is the highest form of corruption that is taking place in Guyana today, so don’t come to this House and say that this bill is to stop corruption,” Edghill affirmed. As he ‘preached’, Minister Amna Ally heckled, “You should be in church,” but Edghill continued with his protestation and gesticulations in claiming that the bill is highly flawed and that SARA is already cognizant of who it will be going after.

He asked not only for the bill to go to the Special Select Committee, but for it to be completely withdrawn.

At the conclusion of the 12th speaker, Bishop Edghill, Minister Trotman at approximately 21:20hrs successfully moved a motion for the bill to be read for a second time, given that it was Holy Thursday.

But this motion did not sit well with the PPP parliamentarians who opted to walk out of the National Assembly. There were eight additional speakers listed to debate the bill. Some members of the PPP held a post-debate press briefing, at which they bemoaned the action of Trotman to move such a motion that disallowed certain key speakers the opportunity to fairly debate this bill.

Anil Nandlall, who did not get to speak, said the bill will be challenged in court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

US drops ‘mother of all bombs on IS’

[BBC] - The US military says it has dropped the most destructive non-nuclear bomb ever used in combat on an Islamic State group tunnel complex in Afghanistan. The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), known as “the mother of all bombs”, was first tested in 2003, but had not been used before.

The Pentagon said it was dropped from a US aircraft in Nangarhar province. The news came hours after the Pentagon admitted an air strike in Syria mistakenly killed 18 rebels.

It said a partnered force had mistakenly identified the target location as an IS position, but the strike on 11 April had killed rebels from the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is backed

by Washington. The strike in Afghanistan follows last week’s death of a US special forces soldier fighting IS in Nangarhar.

The 21,600lb (9,800kg) bomb was dropped in Achin district on Thursday evening local time, the Pentagon said. It is more than 9m (30 feet) in length.

“We targeted a system of tunnels and caves that ISIS

Syria chemical attack ‘fabricated’ – Assad

[BBC] - Syria’s President Bashar-al Assad says reports of a chemical attack by his forces were “100% fabrication”. In an exclusive video interview with AFP news agency, he said “there was no order to make any attack”.

More than 80 people were killed in the rebel-held town

of Khan Sheikhoun on 4 April, and hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with a nerve agent. Witnesses said they saw warplanes attack the town but Russia says a rebel depot of chemical munitions was hit.

Shocking footage showed victims - many of them children - convulsing and foaming at the

Friday, April 14, 2017 Saturday, April 15, 2017 Sunday, April 16, 2017 Monday, April 17, 2017 Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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fighters use to move around freely, making it easier for them to target US military advisers and Afghan forces in the area,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said, using another name for IS. He said necessary precautions were taken to prevent civilian casualties and “collateral damage”. The area where the bomb was dropped is mostly mountainous and sparsely populated, BBC correspondents say.

Local sources said the explosion was so powerful it was heard in two neighbouring districts.

The US has not yet confirmed the results of the strike in detail, but a local official told the BBC that many IS militants were killed, allegedly including the brother of a senior leader. US President Donald Trump called it “another successful job”. Gen John Nicholson, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, said the jihadist group’s “losses have mounted, they are using IEDs, bunkers and tunnels to thicken their defence.

“This is the right munition to reduce these obstacles and maintain the momentum of our

offensive.”

The governor of Achin district, Esmail Shinwari, told the AFP news agency that the explosion was the biggest he had ever seen and that huge flames “engulfed the area”. IS announced the establishment of its Khorasan branch - an old name for Afghanistan and surrounding areas - in January 2015. It was the first time that IS had officially spread outside the Arab world.

It was the first major militant group to directly challenge the Afghan Taliban’s

dominance over the local insurgency. However, experts say it has struggled to build a wide political base and the indigenous support it expected in Afghanistan. It has also steadily lost territory and fighters to US air strikes and an assault by Afghan forces on the ground. Estimates about IS’s numerical strength inside Afghanistan vary, ranging from several hundred to a few thousand fighters. US forces say their number has been cut in half since early 2016 due to military operations.

mouth. Sufferers were taken to hospitals across the border in Turkey. Mr Assad accused the West of making up events in Khan Sheikhoun so it had an excuse to carry out missile strikes on the government’s Shayrat airbase, which took place a few days after the alleged attack.

“It’s stage one, the play [they staged] that we saw on social network and TVs, then propaganda and then stage two, the military attack,” he told the AFP, questioning the authenticity of the video footage.

Mr Assad also said the Syr-

ian government had given up its chemical arsenal in 2013, adding “even if we have them, we wouldn’t use them”. Since 2013, there have been continued allegations that chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia have been used against civilians, by both the Syrian government and rebel groups.

Turkey and the UK say tests show Sarin or a Sarin-like substance was used in Khan Sheikhoun, which would be the first time since 2013 that a prohibited chemical had been used on such a scale. UK Prime Minister

Theresa May said on Thursday it was “highly likely” the Assad regime was behind the attack.

“Apart from anything else, we believe it’s the only regime that has the capability to make such an attack,” she added.

Turkey, which treated many of the wounded, says it has “concrete evidence” Sarin was used.

The US, UK and France reacted angrily on Wednesday after Russia, Syria’s key ally, vetoed a draft UN resolution condemning the alleged chemical attack. It is the eighth time Russia has cast a veto at the UN Security Council over the Syrian conflict.

However, both the Turkish and Russian leaders have agreed, in a telephone conversation, to support the OPCW investigation. Mr Assad told AFP that he would only allow an “impar-

tial” investigation, involving “unbiased countries... to make sure that they won’t use it for politicised purposes. The US had, until its Shayrat attack, limited its involvement in Syria to removing the so-called Islamic State (IS) from its stronghold in the city of Raqqa.

The Pentagon admitted on Thursday that it accidentally killed 18 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces, its ally in the fight against IS, in an airstrike on Monday, just south of the town of Tabqa, some 40km (25 miles) from Raqqa. More than 300,000 people have lost their lives and millions of people have been displaced since a peaceful uprising against Mr Assad six years ago turned into a fullscale civil war.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Big role for Parliament - with new SARA bill as gov’t debunks PPP’s claims of victimisation

By Vanessa Braithwaite RUBBISHING claims of political witch-hunting by the opposition, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has given the assurance that the State Asset Recovery Agency Bill is not aimed at PPP officials and clarified that when signed into law, the legislation will provide for the director and deputy director of the agency to be appointed by Parliament as well the approval of the body’s work plan.

“Let me take this opportunity to put this policy of politicisation of the agency to rest. The expressed purpose of this legislation is to replace the State Assets Recovery Unit , which now operates out of the Ministry of the Presidency, with an independent agency that is not subject to ministerial oversight, but reports to Parliament to ensure insulation and remove any perception of interference,” Harmon told the House during the fierce debate on the anti-corruption legislation. The opposition People s Progressive Party has been on a campaign to demonise the bill as oppressive, but has failed to highlight the various layers of independence and parliamentary oversight.

During the debate, PPP frontbencher Priya Manickchand had charged that the current make-up of SARU has eroded its independence. “We cannot possibly think that the present director and present officers of that agency can be legitimately called fit and proper in the context of the way fit and proper has been defined.

Fit and proper has to be devoid of political associations,” the former Education Minister argued, highlighting that at a recent press conference one of the officials of SARU said that they would be ready to go after

Minister of State Joseph Harmon providing clarity on the provisions in the State Asset Recovery Bill 2017 stolen state assets the next day after the legislation is passed.

“The current office-holders are “politically motivated and will act as political appointees.”

However, Harmon said the Bill provides for the recovery of state assets through civil rather than criminal procedures for as far back as 12 years. He said government was not about to embark on a witch-hunt, assuring that even persons associated with the current coalition government would face prosecution if in breach of the act.

Manickchand also accused government of setting the stage to target persons who have exercised their constitutional right to associate freely and violate the constitutional right to ownership of property and argued that there are existing anti-corruption laws that could be enforced pending refinement of the Bill by a parliamentary select committee.

Under the legislation, no one will be charged, prosecuted or jailed as part of the process to recover state assets from public officials and other persons linked.

“Mr Speaker, first of all this bill constitutes [sic] to the establishment of the legal framework to give effect to the commitments made to the

people of Guyana by the APNU+AFC Administration and

by President Granger to stamp out corruption and to restore the principles of transparency and accountability,” Harmon said, stressing that the bill will not only focus on past fraudsters of state assets, but also those in the present and future era which places his government also on the radar. Ignoring continuous heckling by the opposition, Harmon continued his arguments in favour of the bill saying that corruption is widespread in Guyana and is practised by holders of public office. “The passage of this bill will establish an agency that will establish an agency that will recover state property proved to be the proceeds of unlawful conduct by public officials and/or any benefit obtained in that regard by way of civil asset recovery,” Harmon said, reiterating that no criminal sanctions will be taken against those found guilty, which is set out in Clause 4 of the bill.

This point was also reiterated by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, who made it clear to the opposition that no criminal sanctions will be held against anyone as is being peddled by the PPP.

Former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, making a passionate case in the House for scrapping of the bill “The focus instead is on ‘wows’ from the other side of investigation and recovery of the House as opposition MPs assets belonging to the state alluded to the recent seizure of that has been unlawfully pro- 15 computers from the Enmore cured, it is therefore an action NDC. “Theft is theft, corrupagainst the property and not the tion is corruption, in any way shape or form and we are bold person,” Minister of Public Tele- enough to pass this bill and we c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , C a t h y are going to be accountable too; Hughes, posited that it is the we stand firmly on the theft state’s right to go after its assets of state property, regardless as it is in the best interest of all of who you are, regardless of Guyanese. Her effort to edify which political party you come the MPs on the other side of from and regardless of what the House, that no one will be ethnicity you are,” she said.

Before zooming in on arrested and that the bill in no way will affect any particular the bill, Natural Resources ethnic group or members of a Minister Raphael Trotman particular political party was scolded the PPP Members of disrupted by loud sarcastic Parliament, who had spoken

ahead of him over what he considered to be reckless statements. Warning that the world is watching, the minister said that certain boundaries should not be crossed.

Trotman told the House that he had certain concerns pertaining to the Asset Recovery Bill, but said following consultations, he is convinced that it cannot be used as a weapon against the opposition, noting that only the High Court could make certain decisions.

In addition to the establishment of SARA, the Bill provides for the Office of the Director to be appointed by the National Assembly on recommendation of a Parliamentary Appointments Committee. The director is required to discharge his/her functions in the way best calculated to contribute to the reduction in crime and recovery of state property.

Notably, the bill protects persons claiming an interest in the targeted property, including an innocent purchaser, by ensuring, where possible, they receive notice of the application, have capacity to press their claims at the court hearing, and have a right to appeal the High Court’s decision.

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Editorial

MORE than 2000 years ago today in faraway Golgotha, or Calvary as it was also called, a mother watched from a distance in anguish and silence as her only child, her son, drew his last breath.

It must have been painful for her to bear, as not only was he nailed and spread-eagled, to a roughhewn cross, but he was also made to endure unspeakable things.

For one, they made him fetch his own cross, gave him wine mixed with gall to drink when he was thirsty, and was made to wear a crown of thorns as they hurled all sorts of invectives at him.

They even spat on him on occasion, and beat him to a pulp. And to make certain he was indeed dead, rather than break his feet as was the custom back then, they prodded him in his sides with their spears, drawing even more blood on top of what he had already lost.

Through it all, he uttered not a word of complaint, except for the final hour when the pain was more than him and he cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Then, just before he gave up the ghost, he was heard saying, “It is finished.”

It is something his mother had known all along would one day happen, even

before he was conceived, for an angel had told her during a visitation one night that she would have a son; that his name would be Jesus; that he would perform untold miracles; that he would be a great man and rule over all the Earth.

But alas, he would be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to save Mankind from sin. So, no doubt, she would have had all the time in the world to steel herself for this day. And gird herself she did over the 30 or so years he lived, showing a resilience as only a mother can, even though he would spurn her time and again as he went about his father’s business as foretold.

But still she persisted, right up to the very end, as she was there at the foot of the cross on hilly Golgotha, just outside today’s Jerusalem, when he died, and again at the sepulchre in which he was buried when he arose three days later.

On the day of crucifixion, the Bible tells us, as Jesus’s eyes wandered over the multitude that had collected together to witness His death, he saw at the foot of the cross John supporting his mother. She had returned to the terrible scene, not being able to longer stay away from her son. The last lesson of Jesus was one of filial love. He looked upon the grief-stricken face of his

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

mother, and then upon John, and said: “Woman, behold thy son!”

John well understood the words of Jesus, and the sacred trust which was committed to him. He immediately removed the mother of Christ from the fearful scene of Calvary, and from that hour, he cared for her as would a dutiful son, taking her to his own home. The perfect example of Christ’s filial love shines forth with undimmed lustre from the mist of ages.

To d a y, m o t h e r s t h e world over are still weeping; weeping for the sons and

daughters they have lost in the perennial battle of good over evil. And the one comforting thought for some is that they would have given them a proper upbringing; brought them up in the fear of the Lord so that they may know right from wrong.

And so, as we celebrate the unique bond between mother and child on this Good Friday, let’s spare a thought for those women out there, especially here in Guyana, who may still be hurting over the loss of an offspring, like Jesus’s mother did all those many years ago.

Leaders must be held to account Dear Editor,

RESPONSE is being made to an aspect of Orrin Gordon’s letter, “A very useful plant was given away with nothing coming to the community” (SN 13th April, 2017). The area being addressed is his comment on the matter of the Linden television station, where he holds the view that I have taken “a young MP [Member of Parliament] to task.”

Gordon knows me long enough to know that when it comes to matters of universal principles, rights, and the rule of law, there is no sacred space or sacred cow to prevent me from going there or holding persons to account. The MP in ques-

tion is Jermaine Figueira, who was part of a group that included Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, Regional Chairman (Region 10) Renis Morian, and CDC Deputy Director Sandra Adams that walked out from the Region 10 Broadcasting Trust Company’s 31st March meeting because their wish for an open vote was not agreed to.

That meeting was called specifically to appoint the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of the board.

The majority of members had agreed that these appointments will be made by votes, and the ballot will be secret. This is a universal and acceptable principle in balloting, which the four wanted to be cast aside, and walked out in protest of it

being respected. Figueira needs no singling out for attention because of age, or protection from being held to account like his colleagues, all of whom were named alongside him in my Sunday column, “The power-grabbing effort to control Linden television station.”

This matter is about being right or wrong and holding public officials, who are paid by our taxes, to do right by the people.

The agreement with central Government to return the television station to the people of Linden/ Region 10 was sealed with their blood, sweat, and tears on 21st August, 2012. Further, I am contending that the act of the four is another deliberate attempt by the

APNU+AFC government to prevent the returning of the station to the people, similar to what the PPP/C government did.

And here are the reasons: first, the government said it was approached and asked to broaden membership of the Trust before the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) can grant the licence. Then the GNBA immersed itself into the internal affairs of the Trust on the false pretext that a conflict exists, and the issuance of the licence is hinged on resolution. The facts are: 1) the Trust is a private entity, duly established and registered under the law; 2) the GNBA under the Broadcasting Act only has jurisdiction or supervisory

authority over a licensee.

The Trust does not have a broadcasting licence. The Trust knows of the proposed assignment of the channel/ frequency which is the responsibility of the Frequency Management Unit. Secondly, the anti-democratic antics by the four to prevent the Trust from proceeding with a vote to elect its leadership, after extending its membership at the request of the Prime Minister, was another strategy to delay and deny.

In summation, the Trust is a legal, private entity and fits eligibility for a licence consistent with Section 23 (1) of the Broadcasting Act; government has no business interfering in the compo-

sition of a private entity and; there was no licence issued, hence, the GNBA had no business in the affairs of the Trust. The government continues to find excuses not to return the people’s television to them, until, like the PPP/C, they can control what the people hear, see and feel about themselves and by extension their selfworth and development.

The growth of this nation requires of its citizens holding leaders to account and being uncompromising in their positions on matters pertaining to their welfare that are protected in the laws.

Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Why the secrecy Towards an intelligent city on the Linden TV documents?

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor,

MR Editor, kindly permit me space in your newspaper to briefly respond to one of your most famous and respected contributors to your Sunday edition under the caption ‘Eye on Guyana’, April 8, 2017.

The unavoidable title ‘The power-grabbing effort to control Linden Television’ captured my attention and it was indeed an interesting read, I must confess. Mr Editor, I was perplexed by some of the coined phrases posited by Mr Lincoln Lewis, such as ‘an orchestrated power grab being carried out to deprive the people of what’s rightly theirs’ and ‘some who hold public offices in Region 10 that are collaborating with a group in Georgetown to hold the people hostage.’ Some very strong words, from a senior man who, evidently still possesses a very active imagination.

I would like to state unequivocally that I am a bornand-bred Lindener and have never nor will I ever endeavour to deny my people, our fellow Lindeners and people of Region 10 what is rightfully ‘ours.’

Secondly Mr Editor, the writer’s comment about me insulting the intelligence of my fellow Lindenders by saying the meeting was aborted because the board members were not in receipt of the Trust’s Articles of Association is not a story as he puts it, nor would I ever be bold enough to possess the audacity to venture and insult my fellow residents.

We are a proud and very intelligent people.

Mr Editor, what is wrong with me requesting information that was promised to be provided several months ago? Wouldn’t it be insulting or moreover irresponsible for intelligent people to make a decision that will impact the lives of thousands of people, without information? The question therefore is why are those very im-

portant documents not being provided? Is there something afoot? Is there something the holder of those documents wants to remain secret?

What is the untold story Mr Editor? Don’t the people of our township/region deserve the right to know?

Balloting rightly so as posited by the writer is indeed secret in any part of the world and it is an accepted norm, so is voting by show of hands or saying yea or nay. What was the point trying to be achieved? It is evident Mr Editor, that the third-hand information provided to this man whom I admire was indeed misleading. The fundamental reason for not proceeding with the proposed election rests on a principal position as stated above. The alleged board members were not being furnished with promised documents to make a prudent and informed decision.

Mr Editor, I purposely said alleged board members because as I am aware, the Trust has only four legal bonafide members, the others who are being proposed to be members, of whom I am one, have no legal standing; if we do, where is the legal instrument to substantiate such, hence the promised documents. Participating in an election of such would definitely be an insult to one’s intellect and it would be a mere participation in a circus act.

Mr Editor, the Honourable Prime Minister has made strident efforts to assist in every regard to bring a conclusion to this issue and his assistance to reconfigure the board was most appreciated, but that does not constitute a legal proceeding to give legal status to the proposed members, does it? The Prime Minister was in the midst when commitments were made to provide the Articles of Association, so all members would be endowed with the knowledge of its content; but to date, as I pen this letter, we are still unaware.

There is no obsession for power and titles as being touted by Mr Lewis, the only obsession is to have clarity of the unknown and bring a speedy closure to this exercise. In conclusion Mr Editor, it would be remiss of me not the question Mr Lewis’s comments about the establishment of the Trust being commenced without one cent from the regional government, PNC/R APNU, AFC and the then PPP/C government, but by kind persons. Who those kind persons were? Were there donations not from Lindeners, members of the region and other supporters of the struggle who are PNC/C, APNU, AFC and maybe PPP/C? Why was the noteworthy financial contributions and technical support of Mr Tony Vieira forgotten? With that significant financial contribution bordering several million dollars of Mr Vieira’s money, was it out of an affinity for the people of Linden, or was it a prudent business undertaking? If it was, don’t the people of Linden/ Region 10 deserve to know, after all, is it not their television station? Why the secrecy?

The efforts and contributions of Lindeners in the 2012 struggle, no matter how small it was, whether you were on the front line or at the back of the line should not be described as lukewarm or non-supportive, especially from visiting outsiders who see opportunity from the hardships of others to satisfy their dwindling ambitions. Only he who feels it knows it.

My contributions to the 2012 struggle are forever recorded in the annals of history, however small or significant as it was. “Label us Revolutionaries not APNU or AFC” July 23 2012 Kaieteur news.

Regards JERMAINE FIGUEIRA Member of Parliament Region 10

RECENTLY, I was privileged to be on a study tour to Colombia and Mexico as part of the Government of Guyana “Sustainable Urban Transport Study” (SUTS) for Georgetown through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI). The study accommodates institutional strengthening in the form of such short tours with a focus on lessons learned and best practices. The tour, for me, provided clarity and coherence of vision and in a way gave vocabulary to ideas I could not articulate before. For such an opportunity I am thankful.

The SUTS in general is based on four major action points, namely: Urban Public Transport Improvement Measures, Provision of Public Transport facilities for Minibus Operations within the Central Georgetown Area, Development of a comprehensive Parking Management plan for Central Georgetown; and the Development of a comprehensive Traffic Improvement Programme for Georgetown.

Our overseas engagement brought us into contact with the public transport regulator in Bogota, Colombia, “TransMelenio”, and also with the largest bus-concession operator, “Consorcio Express.”

In Mexico City we were privileged to connect with the “Secretariat of Mobility,” similar to MPI, and “Metrobús,” similar to Colombia’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system and we also engaged “ECOBICI,” a public bicycle-sharing system.

Additionally, we also had discussions with the World Resource Institute (WRI) and had a networking meeting with the Global Green Growth Institute.

As cities of model mobility, what sets them apart is their mobility hierarchy where the pedestrian has a paramount place, followed by cyclists and motorcyclists and then motorists.

Underpinning both countries’ systems is the concept of shared city space with, for instance, specific lanes for the BRT and bicycles.

Also in practice is an integrated mobility management system.

Because the system is integrated, for example, there is an acute focus on pedestrians as critical, shared users of city space. There is a focus on road safety and consistent improvement of

infrastructure; programmes that focus on awareness of how motorists and cyclists are to treat with pedestrians; pedestrianization of areas, and in areas with a high level of economic activity.

Cycling is an integrated part of their mobility policy with rewards built into the system. For example, city government employees who use bicycles to work for a specified period get a certain amount of free bus tickets. Additionally, the city transportation regulator, TransMelenio, is collaborating with the city and other stakeholders to implement bicycle storage areas at critical bus stations.

This is another acknowledgment that many cyclists ride long distances to work because of economic circumstances; hence, they ride from the outskirts -- the suburbs -- but take the bus for parts of their journey given time and distance. This measure ultimately reduces cost, provides a service and improves the mobility of citizens.

Of critical note here is that cyclists don’t only solve their individual mobility problem but that of others as well; for every person who cycles, one less car is congesting or polluting the city. The same can be said of pedestrians.

Mexico City envisions a city where the pedestrian is the centre of public policy. And it is this public policy which is used to drive change in institutions. Undersecretary for Mobility Laura Ballesteros says, “Change the law to change the vicious cycle, the framework changes and the institution changes.”

In both countries what can be noted as critical is the paradigm shift, followed by relevant programmes. For instance, they are not just managing a public transport system, but Mexico City is managing 23 million journeys daily of which 5.5 million are cars. The city is adamant that to pull people from their cars, to reduce congestion, the roads must be made safer. The city launched its mobility programme in 2014 of which its road safety pedestrian programme is critical as Mexico City aims to be a pedestrian city. It sees mobility as a right of every citizen and a human right, with a vision of 30% car users; 60% users of public transport.

Mexico then has a public transport ecosystem built on public and private mobility, with a “Vision Zero Acci-

dent Agenda”, which underpins its philosophy, “No life lost is acceptable.” The city seeks to limit the number of cars from the city. As against building new roads, and parking lots, it seeks to keep out cars with an efficient public transport system. “We have road deaths because the infrastructure is not oriented to pedestrian usage,” according to the Undersecretary.

In both cities the regulator is independent of central and local governments, but its board is made up of members of both with a 70/30 partnership between Central and Local Government in contributing to the public transport project.

The system places a high premium on transparency and as such, its finances are managed by a separate entity as a Trust from which all expenses are paid.

Mexico City views its alliances with the private sector as critical and also the role that consultation with stakeholders play cannot be overstated. Police in enforcement are not viewed as traffic agents, but as agents of change,” and its education programme is geared for long-term results, with capacity-building for driving exams.

City officials note that political ideology also plays a role. In Mexico City, the leftists seek to implement subsidies and there is a desire to acquire services cheaply. The left may also have a focus of equality where everyone gets a car as against getting the best transport service. Who will pay for it all? “This is the hard work of politics,” they acknowledge, knowing that people will migrate to public transport services because of cost.

Both systems have additional features from which Georgetown can benefit as we seek to cultivate a culture of shared space and sustainable urban transport. The future, they say, will not be in selling cars but selling mobility services, digital services with a relevant framework, budget and planning being important tools to building mobility in an intelligent city, which changes the quality of life of citizens.

Regards SHEROD AVERY DUNCAN, LLB, JP. Councillor, Constituency 14 Municipality of Georgetown

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

President yet to receive new list of GECOM nominees

PRESIDENT David Granger has not received a new list of nominees from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to fill the post of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Minister of State Joseph Harmon has said.

“I can say to you as of this morning, no list has been sent by the Leader of the Opposition to his Excellency the President for consideration,” Harmon told reporters at his weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that two judges and a sitting member of the board of GECOM were

President David Granger

among names shortlisted to be sent to the President.

They include retired justices Claudette Singh and B.S. Roy. Other nominees are PPP Member of Parliament and GECOM commissioner Bibi Shadick, Attorneys Timothy Jonas and Kashir Khan and environmentalist Annette Arjoon-Martins.

In January, President Granger made it clear that he will choose someone who is fit to be a judge as the new chairperson of GECOM. During his weekly recording of ‘The Public Interest’, the President revealed that the Constitution is clear on the required qualifications and it is obvious that what the drafters of the document

No delaying of Shadick’s appointment

-- says Minister Harmon MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, has said there is no truth to the claim that Government is deliberately denying opposition member Bibi Shadick a seat on the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBS) board.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has responsibility for

Bibi Shadick

public information, has been delaying Shadick’s appointment.

According to Jagdeo, the prime minister is unable to go forward with Shadick’s appointment, because he must first get permission from

Harmon.

Harmon in clarifying the matter at his post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, said the inability of the Opposition Leader to submit Shadick’s name on time led to the delay of her appointment to the board. “… after [other] members were sworn in, the Leader of the Opposition then submitted the name of Bibi Shadick as a member of authority,” Harmon said.

He said there is a process that all persons on national boards must go through, and in the case of the GNBA, every board member is recommended by the responsible minister and their names must then go to Cabinet for approval.

When that is done, the names are gazetted and based on that publication, an instrument is created, signed and issued by the prime minister to the board member.

“That is the process through which all other members went, “Harmon said, adding that for the opposition to nominate Shadick on one day and expect her to be seated on the board the next

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

had in mind was someone who had arrived at the posi-

tion of a judge.

The President made the comments after he had deemed “unacceptable,” a list which the Opposition Leader had submitted.

Having had his first list rejected, Jagdeo then requested that the President explain what he interprets as “fit and proper” before a second list could be submitted.

The letter he (Jagdeo) received on March 16, 2017, detailed the “qualities that the candidate to be Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission should possess.”

As reported by this newspaper last month , Jagdeo noted that he had decided

Father guilty of setting son ablaze -- to know fate on May 10

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

day is not how things work.

The minister maintained that the procedure for appointment of board members must be followed, as Government continues to embrace transparency and accountability.

The new GNBA board has already commenced work. One of the issues under scrutiny is the alleged improper issuance of communications licences to close associates of the former Government.

While in opposition, the current Government had complained bitterly about the giveaway of the nation’s communication resource and promised to investigate and revoke licences that were illegally issued.

to return to and consult with civil society bodies which had participated in the December 2016 consultations with him.

Late last month he met with 55 representatives of 33 civil society organisations.

The representatives included religious leaders; members of the private sector; trade unions, including the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); Indigenous organisations, including the National Toshaos Council; the Indian Action Committee (IAC); and the Justice Institute.

DEVINDRA Somawaru, 50, who was on Thursday found guilty of setting his son on fire, will know his fate for committing the heinous act on May 10.

While the jury found him guilty of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm, he was found not guilty of the first count of attempted murder for the actions on May 7, 2015.

Following the verdict, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) field foreman’s eyes welled up with tears as he was led away by Deputy Commander Errol Watts and other ranks to prison.

Justice Bovell-Drakes ordered the convict be remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison, pending a probation report and sentencing on May 10.

During his summing up to the jury, the judge questioned whether the accused was the master of his own mind at the time of the incident, as he had been consuming a lot of beer.

Further, the judge questioned whether the elder Somawaru was running to help the child who was at the time engulfed in flames.

Somawaru, who was unrepresented by counsel, had initially pleaded not guilty, and had opted to give sworn testimony.

In that statement from the witness box, he told the judge and mixed jury that after drinking several beers

Devindra Somawaru

at the Junior Staff Club at Rose Hall Estate and at two Chinese restaurants in East Canje on the night of May 7, 2015, he went home.

When he got home, he poured methylated spirits in a hole beneath the washing sink after seeing cockroaches there, and set it afire.

However, he saw instead that his elder son was on fire and had attempted to extinguish the flames with his hands, which, fortunately was not burnt.

At the time his son had been seated in a couch in the living room.

Somawaru denied that he had kicked his son, who, after being set ablaze, had fallen while attempting to flee.

In evidence, the boy Rickey Somawaru now 13, said on May 7, 2015, accompanied by his father with whom he lived, they went to

New Amsterdam to do some shopping.

On completion, they proceeded home. However, the accused stopped at his work place at Rose Hall Estate and the minor continued his journey home.

DRINKING SPREE As the day progressed, the accused did not return home when expected, and, as such, the victim went to the Rose Hall Estate Junior Staff Club where he met his father consuming Stag Beer with other staff members.

About 18: 00hrs, the witness and his father left the club and proceeded home.

But when he reached home, he continued to consume several stag beers.

Two and a half hours later, the elder Somawaru left the child home, and went to a nearby shop in the vicinity of the Gangaram Village ball field, where several more bottles of beer were purchased.

The accused returned home and continued his drinking spree. Moments later, the accused told the elder of his two sons that he was going out again to buy more beers.

But, the child pleaded with his father not to go as he (the child) did not want to be left alone. The preteen was of the opinion that his father had had enough as he was staggering.

The witness revealed that he closed the door in an attempt to prevent his father from leaving the home, but Turn to Page 16

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

President celebrates Guyana’s heritage -- during kite-distribution exercise at Parika and on East Coast Demerara PRESIDENT David Granger has said every ethnic group that came to Guyana brought their own customs and practices which, together, have formed Guyana’s national heritage and cultural identity.

This, he said, is one of the benefits of living in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society. The head of state made this point as he continued his kite distribution exercise at Parika, East Bank Essequibo and at Buxton and Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

The children also received pens and specially designed exercise books. He was accompanied by Minister of Social Protection,Amna Ally.

The custom of kite-flying was brought to Guyana by Chinese immigrants. Today, this activity has become synonymous with Easter and is a favourite pastime of adults and children alike.

“In Guyana children in all parts of the country, of all ethnicities and all religion fly kites in celebration of Easter, so I am not here on a Christian mission. I am here on a national mission,” the President said.

Turning to the packed auditorium at the Parika-Salem Secondary School, where more than 400 adults and children turned out to meet the head of state, President Granger emphasised the importance of education to ensure the removal of inequality and said that it is for this reason that his Government has placed so much effort on ensuring that every child stays in school.

“Your education is important, that is why we have been providing buses, bicycles and boats to help you to get to school,” he said.

In line with his ‘green’ state thrust, the President spoke of the need for children to understand the importance

of the environment and their responsibility of ensuring that it is protected and preserved for generations to come.

The Parika-Salem community is an agricultural hub and the President told the residents that, “Guyana is a beautiful and bountiful country. There is no need for any unemployment… There is a bright future ahead of you and through agro-processing,

The kite was almost as big as this little lady from the Lusignan-Good Hope community

A former teacher herself, it was very easy for Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally to ensure that the distribution process was done in an orderly fashion

President David Granger telling the children of the Buxton community about the story of Easter. This distribution exercise was organised by Morris Wilson and his wife Jocelyn Wilson, proprietors of the Buxton Gas Station

Linden man charged with armed robbery A MASON was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday for the offence of armed robbery, which he allegedly committed on a Linden grocer and his wife.

Devon De Freitas, 25, of Amelia’s Ward Linden,denied the allegation, which stated that on April 7, 2017 at Central Amelia’s Ward Linden, while armed with a gun, he robbed Stephon Archer of a wedding band

and a gold chain valued $125,000. It is further alleged that on the same day at Central Amelia’s Ward Linden, while armed with a gun he robbed Jennel Archer of a wedding band, a finger ring and $15,000 cash, all totaling $65,000.

An unrepresented De Freitas pleaded not guilty to the two charges. Police Prosecutor, Alwyn Moore told the court that the victims operate a grocery in Central Amelia’s Ward,

every single item that you produce could be processed and packaged and in this way you will be able to employ yourselves,” he said.

Regional Executive Officer, Region Three, Denis Jaikaran, in an invited comment, said that it has been many years since a head of state visited the Parika-Salem community and noted that when word of the event got

Linden. Prosecutor Moore opposed bail for the defendant and cited the nature and gravity of the offence.

He further pointed out that the police are currently investigating a charge of illegal possession of a firearm against the accused. The Chief Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded De Freitas until April 26, 2017,when he will appear at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

around to the residents they were extremely pleased.

Meanwhile, there was a similar atmosphere over at the Lusignan-Good Hope Learning Centre and at the Buxton Gas Station tarmac where hundreds of children came to meet the President and receive their kites.

President Granger, the Ministry of the Presidency said,told the children that Easter is a big celebration

that marks the culmination of the solemn period of lent.

“Lent is a period of 40 days and 40 nights, when we remember the agony and the suffering of Jesus Christ but at the end of the suffering, we rejoice because we have Jesus’s resurrection,” he said.

The kite distribution exercise continued Thursday at Muritaro Village, located some 30 miles up the Demerara River.

The packed auditorium at the Parika-Salem Secondary School

Man sentenced in absentia for gun possession TREVOR Sandy, who had in his possession a Beretta Pistol and two rounds of ammunition when he was arrested in 2015, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The 21-year-old unemployed youth of Lot 58 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Berbice, had been charged separately with being in possession of a gun and ammunition respectively, without having the relevant licences.

Police Inspector Godfrey Playter, prosecuting, had led evidence to prove that on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Main and Chapel Street, Sandy had in his possession one 7.65 Beretta pistol with two rounds of matching ammunition.

On the day in question, at

Trevor Sandy

around 01:30 hrs, the police acting on information, went in the vicinity of the popular Lim Khang Restaurant, where they noticed young men were liming

in the area.

They also observed that Sandy, who is known to the police, had thrown an item under a bus parked nearby.

On checking, they found that the item was a gun, which contained two live rounds.

Sandy was arrested, taken into custody and charges were instituted. However, after bail was granted, he failed to attend his court hearings, and as such, was found guilty in absentia.

Presiding Magistrate,Alex Moore imposed a two-year sentence on the possession of firearm charge, while he is to serve an additional one-year on the ammunition charge.

The sentences will run consecutively. An arrest warrant has since been issued for him.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Climate Change Office launches new logo THE Office of Climate Change (OCC), which falls within the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency,on Thursday launched a new and official logo, which is reflective of Guyana’s push to become a ‘green’ economy.

The logo, which was launched at the OCC’s boardroom at the Ministry of the Presidency, by head of that organisation, Janelle Christian, will now be used in all of the department’s official correspondence, policies and branding.

It is a combination of the three winning designs, from the Office of Climate Change’s (OCC) Logo and Tagline Competition.

Christian explained that in December 2015,when she took over management of the office, it was recognised,

based on engagements with other agencies and the public, that persons were not too familiar with the work of the department.

“There was also no visual identifier with respect to branding all of the outputs and work that we do and so we felt that it was necessary for us to have a graphical identifier or logo as most people know [it] and also a tag line that spoke to the work of the office,” she said.

In this regard, the OCC’s Communications Department engaged the E.R. Burrowes School of Art to have its students participate in the competition. However, challenges were encountered with regard to the students’ interpretation of the department’s work.

This led to further engagements with the students

by OCC officials through

informative sessions to give them a better understanding of the work of the OCC as well as about climate change and its effects.

Christian said that as a result of this intervention, the second batch of entries was very impressive and it was clear that the participants had a better grasp of what the OCC is all about.

She noted, however, that for practical purposes, the winning design could not have been used as a corporate brand logo and, as such, the department sought the services of professionals, who fine-tuned it, in keeping with the accepted standards of a corporate logo and branding.

“So we submitted the winning entrances to them and asked them to put together what they think best repre- and so the logo is a represensented the work of the Office tation of that. We feel that this exactly represents what

the Office does,” she said.

The green in the logo signifies the Government

of Guyana’s ‘green’ policy and commitment to reducing carbon emissions through ‘green’ energy and sustainable forest management (represented by the leaves), a Ministry of the Presidency release explained.

It added that the orange colour, which usually represents warmth or heat, signifies the main thrust of the global effort to reduce emissions to stop climate change and reduce global warming by limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The tagline, which is “Building Guyana’s Climate Resilience” speaks to resilient pathways, which are sustainable development trajectories that combine adaptation and mitigation to reduce climate change and its impacts.

Nandlall fails to move motion Internet, other ICT upgrades to stop land rights CoI for UG campuses

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall’s petition to suspend the standing order to move an adjournment motion to have the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into land issues dismantled, was not allowed by the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland on Thursday.

Nandlall in his letter to the Speaker referenced Standing Order 28:3 and described the motion as one of urgent public importance. However, while the Speaker deemed it important, he said that it was not urgent and therefore labelled it as being out of order.

Upon hearing this, Nandlall got to his feet in an effort to protest the Speaker’s decision.

“I wish to be heard sir”, Nandlall said, after being asked by the Speaker if he is rebutting his decision. “Are you preventing me sir?” Nandlall asked as he tried to present the motion to the House though it was initially rejected. The Speaker’s rejection of same, resulted in

the entire Opposition side of the house standing in solidarity with their colleague. Numbers however did not move Speaker Scotland who said, “there is nothing in the Standing Orders that will allow that to be reversed.”

The CoI into land issues was established on March 11, 2017 by President David Granger to examine all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land-titling, the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans and on any matters relating to land-titling in Guyana.

The seven-member Commission, led by Reverend George Chuck-A-Sang, is mandated to submit its final report, findings and recommendations to the President, on or before November 1, 2017.

However, in his ‘whereas ,’ Nandlall argued that the Commission “was established without any ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent’ consulta-

tions with the National Toshaos Council – the sole and legitimate representative body of the Amerindian peoples and communities, and, the recognised non-governmental organisations representing Amerindians in Guyana.”

The PPP parliamentarian pointed out that the National Toshaos Council and its supporting organisations have all condemned the establishment of the CoI as a mechanism to guide the process of addressing the land issues as they relate to the Amerindian People of Guyana.

It is Nandlall’s belief that the Amerindian Act of 2006 provides a unique, comprehensive and robust legal framework that addresses Amerindian land rights and Amerindian communal land -titling“forever and absolute” with “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” of the Amerindian communities, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, statutes and international law.

THE National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the University of Guyana (UG) will shortly co-sign an agreement to significantly upgrade Internet and other Information Communication Technology (ICT) platforms on all UG campuses and centres around the country.

A release said the collaboration began in late 2016 and involved negotiations between Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes and Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith.

Police Blotter

Farmer nabbed with cocaine in car

About 16:10hrs on Thursday ranks of ‘G’ Division whilst conducting a road block exercise on the Aurora Public Road, Essequibo Coast arrested a 30-year-old poultry farmer of Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, Region 1 and San Souci, Wakenaam Island after a search of his vehicle unearthed eleven pounds of suspected cocaine.

The suspect who has since admitted ownership of the illegal substance is being processed for court.

Duo busted with illegal firearms, ammo Police in ‘A’ Division acting on intelligence stopped a motorcar on the Land of Canaan Public Road, East Bank Demerara about 12:25hrs on Thursday and conducted a search ,during which two illegal weapons (.44 Revolver and a 9mm Pistol) with eleven live matching rounds were found.

Turn to Page 13 The occupants, a 41-year-old resident of Bel Air Park and

UG Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith

The University’s technical team was led by Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Philantrophy, Alumni and Civic Engagement and Communications; Dr. Fitzgerald Yaw, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives; and

Rayman Khan of the Centre for Information Technology.

The NDMA’s technical team was led by Chairman Floyd Levi and included Dr. Samantha Scotland and Director,Malcolm Williams.

The two teams have been collaborating over the past few months and together they conducted a detailed assessment of the existing fibre-optic system on the Turkeyen, Tain and John’s campuses to determine what additional facilities would be required to connect them as a network.

The collaboration has also produced a campus Wifi hotspot system and saw the installation of two stateof-the-art Teleconferencing Suites at Turkeyen and Tain.

These will be used in online delivery of courses between the campuses in Guyana and with international institutions. The campus fibre network will also be connected to the Georgetown fibre-optic network.

At the signing, the university is expected to demonstrate the uses of the teleconferencing suite, a gift from Huawei Technologies of China which the NDMA has reconfigured for compatibility with the local fibre network.

The collaboration between the university and NDMA also includes some key synergies at the Minis-

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes

try’s Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) which is located on the Turkeyen Campus.

The parties have committed to sharing research, instructional skills and materials. The CEIT is funded by the Government of India.

For the Public Telecommunications Ministry, this is a key element in its national ICT initiative which has education as its main pillar, the release said.

It added that from the university’s platform, the administration is gearing to achieve optimal delivery of tertiary level tutelage by upgrading the physical and technological infrastructure and Guyana’s human capital.

The MoU is expected to be signed by Minister Catherine Hughes and Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith this month end.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Two representing Guyana at North West International Quranic Competition residents charged

ABDUL Mu’izz Mohamed and Abdul Mu’min Mohamed are representing Guyana at the eighth International Quranic Competition for memorisation, recitation and interpretation in Kuwait.

The competition began on April 12 and will end on April 18, 2017.

Both of the participants have completed the memorisation of the Holy Quran and are students of the Al Madina Islamic Academy, Anna Regina,

Essequibo Coast.

This competition is hosted by His Royal Highness, The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of Kuwait.

Abdul Mu’izz Mohamed and Abdul Mu’min Mohamed were selected and recommended by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) to represent Guyana at the competition.

11

with wounding man

Hafiz Abdul Mu’izz Mohamed (left) and Hafiz Abdul Mu’min Mohamed

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday remanded two men from the North West District (NWD) for allegedly wounding a man during a brawl at a wake house.

Naresh Robertson, a 28-year-old driver and 20-year-old Ricardo France, a porter, were jointly charged with wounding Dwight Benjamin on April 9, 2017 at Wauna Village, NWD to cause him grievous bodily harm.

The men were not required to plead to the indictable charge. Police Prosecutor Arwyn Moore opposed bail and informed the court

that the virtual complainant is still in a critical condition at the hospital, with a fractured skull and lacerations about the face.

Bail was denied and the men were remanded until May 23, 2017, when they will appear at the Mabaruma Magistrates Court. According to a report, the two defendants along with Benjamin were at a ‘wake house’ in the Wauna Village, when they had a misunderstanding.

The accused men became annoyed, allegedly picked up an object and dealt the victim several lashes about his head.

The victim was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the hospital.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

GHRA bemoans mining activities at Akawaio -- says situation atrocious, calls for national CoI THE Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is calling for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the impact of mining in the Akawaio communities, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven.

The GHRA in a statement said large stretches of the Upper Mazaruni between Jawalla and Imbaimadai, are in danger of becoming unnavigable during the current

dry season even by canoe, much less outboard engines.

This is caused by reckless and illegal dumping of tailings along the banks of the river. Mining on this stretch of the Mazaruni River directly and on the banks of rivers inland to a distance of 30 metres, although illegal, continues to flourish.

“Experienced Amerindian boat-pilots who have traversed the river for de-

cades now have to seek the assistance of miners familiar with the river to navigate the shoals, submerged sandbanks and reefs created by tailings.

“Incredibly, in the present dry season, a person can now wade across sections of the Upper Mazaruni River, something which will become commonplace if mining is allowed to continue unhindered. Indigenous communities living along

the Mazaruni can no longer eat fish from the river, even without the deterrent of mercury poisoning.

“Progress in the communities is visible in many forms - health, education, physical infra-structure, better communications and availability of a range of household goods. All of this progress will, however, count for little if access to potable water is eliminated, or expensive clarification and purification techniques are required for access to safe water,” the GHRA said.

It said availability of fresh water, currently more valuable than oil, is rapidly diminishing on a global scale.

With 23 per cent of the world’s fresh water originating in the Guyana Shield, pollution on the current scale starts to have global implications, the human rights body said.

Water wars around the world are being provoked by countries compromising their neighbour’s water supply. China, for example, by controlling the Tibet plateau, also controls the freshwater sources of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and much of South-East Asia.

COULD BE TERMINAL GHRA said the threat of river pollution to Guyana’s fledgling eco-tourism industry could be terminal.

“Swimming on the western side of the Essequibo, where most eco-lodges

are located is in jeopardy along with sports, fishing, yacht harbours and even bird-watching,” the human rights body said.

It said the strength of the mining lobby in Guyana is formidable, exemplified in former President Ramotar being forced within a month to rescind a temporary ban on new river mining due to clamour from the industry.

Similar pronouncements by the current administration have fallen on equally deaf ears, the GHRA said, noting that political ambivalence, coupled with indifference from the technical agencies responsible for administration of Guyana’s rivers, explain why this problem continues unabated.

“The justice system has failed to enforce constitutional protections in relation to environmental matters.

Efforts by the Kako community to keep the Kakorivera black-water tributary of the Mazaruni by preventing a dredge owner from traversing the river were met initially with a court order seeking imprisonment of the toshao for ‘willful and brazen disobedience and contempt’. Fortunately, as a result of community’s resistance, a clear straight line still distinguishes the black Kako waters from the muddy Mazaruni at the point of confluence.”

EVASIVE Queries to official sources, the GHRA noted,are met with evasion, and the closest thing to an explanation being to blame Amerindians.

The GHRA also noted that while individual Amerindians might be found who will justify river mining, the Village Councils and communities oppose it.

“As their only source of ready income, many Amerindians work on the dredges and mining sites as labourers owned by coastlanders, but have no authority over whether river mining should be taking place or not. Similarly,mining and the condition in which it takes place on community lands is a separate problem from river mining,” the human rights body said.

Guyana recently ratified the UN Convention on Climate Change which calls for a transformative approach to life as a whole, fundamentally challenging the morality of markets as the dominant mechanism for progress.

A green economy implies transformation on an ambitious scale, requiring new governance structures appropriate to the challenge, the GHRA said.

And on that note, it called for a national Commission of Inquiry comprising all local interest and, if necessary, diaspora expertise, as an urgent first step to energise a process of transformative action.

“Such a commission should aim to ensure that people can live and work in healthy, vibrant places and be dedicated to restorative and preventative actions on waterways, lands, protection of wild-life and all other forms of life now under threat,” the GHRA said.

Guyana to participate in PANCAP youth forum THE Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) will host a meeting of youth leaders from 19 Caribbean countries on April 21 and 22, 2017 in Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The focus of the forum will be a discussion on the role of youth in the national and regional response to HIV and AIDS; participants will also be involved in formulating and agreeing on a framework for regional youth advocacy.

The participating countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla,the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Barbados, Be-

PANCAP Youth Advisor, Dr Astell Collins

lize, The Commonwealth of Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Suriname, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The event will facilitate in-depth discussions about sexual health issues affecting young people and the barriers to accessing sexual health services.

The meeting will also seek to identify what knowledge and tools they require to protect themselves from HIV. Turn to Page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

All set for West Berbice expo THE stage is set for the second annual Expo and Trade Fair of the West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC) to be held at the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground, West Coast Berbice,this Easter weekend.

The event will be hosted under the Theme “Building a Diversified Economy” and aims to showcase the diversity of West Berbice, Region Five

(Mahaica/Berbice) and attract investors.

President of the chamber,Imran Saccoor said the much-anticipated and fun-filled expo and trade fair is designed to attract public and private sector businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other interested organisations to exhibit their products and services in support of the chamber’s drive to promote commerce and trade in Region Five.

He disclosed that sever-

al businesses had confirmed their participation in the event and the chamber had received sponsorship from the three major beverage companies: DDL, Banks DIH and Ansa McAL as well as from the Republic Bank.

The expo and trade fair begins at 16:00 hrs on both Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 and ends at midnight on both days.

President David Granger will deliver the feature address

More currency-hoarding

-BoG probes new reports of crooked provided statistical evidence foreign currency trade by the bank to support this

GUYANA’S Central Bank is investigating reports that foreign goods meant for another country, were being paid for using foreign currency sourced from Guyana.

This was announced in a release issued by the Private Sector Commission, whose executive members on Monday met with the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, on the foreign exchange issue and related matters.

Amid rumours about shortage of foreign currency on the local market, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) has been accusing exporters of hoarding foreign currency, resulting in the devaluation of the Guyana dollar. The Central Bank recently in response to calls made by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for the Government and the bank to take steps to stabilise the value of the local currency, said the hoarding of foreign currency by exporters is “evidenced by the large foreign currency balances that are being held in their exporters’ retention accounts.” “Instead of using these balances to complete their transactions, they have been sourcing foreign currency in the market. This has added further pressure on the demand for foreign cur-

rency and reduced the supply to the market. Both of these factors have contributed to the instability and depreciation of the rate,” the bank had said.

The PSC also said that it was disclosed at the meeting that there were some flows of foreign currency to Suriname by businesses that collected US$ in payment for goods. However, the PSC pointed out to the Governor that Guyana enjoyed a stable rate of exchange over several years and the present change is unnerving, but the Governor responded that even with all the speculation in the market, the depreciation of the Guyana dollar was modest. The commission promised to collaborate with the Central Bank in regular monitoring of the system to defend the currency against speculative threats.

Notwithstanding the concerns raised by many in the private sector about the exchange rate of the currency and the value of the Guyana dollar, the Central Bank has maintained that there is no shortage of foreign currency here and that the exchange rate is stable.

The Private Sector Commission also said that at their Monday meeting with the Governor, they were assured that there is adequate supply of foreign exchange and were

position. Also, Dr Ganga explained that the Guyana dollar should remain relatively stable due to the current low price of imports of petroleum and petroleum products which more than offset the decline in export receipts. The Governor opined that one should not pay more than GYD$215 to G$218 for a US dollar, but conceded that there is currently a relatively short waiting period for persons who wish to purchase foreign currency. He also cautioned that demand should be screened to establish legitimacy of the requests.

For the week ending March 14-17, 2017, the weighted average buying rate was G$214, while the weighted average selling rate was G$218. The turnover for the week was US$40.0 million. Total purchases and sales at the bank cambios were US$19.6 million and US$20.4 million respectively, the statement noted. Moreover, the bank had said that the aggregate working balance at the bank cambios was US$13.7 million at the end of business on March 17. One bank accounted for 32.8 per cent or US$4.5 million of the total working balance.

Demand at the end of the week stood at US$8.0 million, with two banks accounting for the bulk of the demand.

Police Blotter

Duo busted with illegal ...

From Page 10

a 22-year-old resident of North Sophia, Georgetown were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation.

Lindener remanded for armed robbery POLICE in ‘E’ Division arrested and charged Devon DeFrietas C/D Swallow, 25, unemployed of 1161 Smith Shortcut, Amelia’s Ward, Linden with Robbery under arms committed on Stephan Archer and Jonella Archer of Friday April 07, 2017.

The accused appeared before Her Worship Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court 1 on Thursday, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded until April 26, 2017. The case has been transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

at the opening on Saturday evening.

The usual vending, chil-

dren’s games and entertainment including live bands, fireworks etc, will be available to satisfy

the needs of the general public.

Tickets for adults cost $500 and children $200.

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Easter a time for renewal, compassion and goodwill -- Gov’t

EASTER offers us, as a nation, an annual reminder that hardships and difficulties may endure , but are not permanent; that liberation and triumph are sure.

The culmination of the Holy Week preceding Easter affords us an opportunity to reflect on life and the need for preparation for a better tomorrow.

On Sunday, we celebrate the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ who bore the cross and died for the sins of his people.

This lesson of the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good remains timeless.

Indeed, it is inescapable

that this season is a time of reflecting not only on sacrifice but on renewal, revival and redemption.

It is also a time for brotherhood, compassion, charity and goodwill. For all Guyanese who look to our future with optimism, Easter comes like the kites we will fly as a resurrection of our hope.

Easter’s lesson is a most apt reminder and message in this time of national preparation for better days ahead for all Guyanese.

As His Excellency President David Granger implored in an address to the National Assembly, “Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past, but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of

those who struggled and died inspire us today and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond.”

Traditionally, we gather as families, congregations and neighbourhoods for prayer, fellowship and celebration.

In Guyana, the highlight of the season is marked by the flying of kites in an unparalleled display of aerial dexterity and congested, ebullient beauty all across our communities.

Guyana’s enthusiastic celebration of Easter through kite-flying is a unique spectacle which we must invite our CARICOM, Caribbean and global brothers and sisters to witness first-hand. For

them, it could very well be a once-in-a- lifetime experience. This is one aspect of Guyana’s radiant and vibrant culture which we, as a nation, often do not fully appreciate and give adequate recognition to, particularly with regard to its potential and social and cultural value.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes all Guyanese, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, an enjoyable Easter season. We implore all to celebrate responsibly and engage in safe kite-flying, boat-racing at the Bartica Regatta and cattle-wrangling at the Lethem Rodeo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Duo remanded on drug charge TWO employees of John Fernandes Limited were remanded to prison on Thursday by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan on a drug trafficking charge after they were busted by the police during a sting operation in Tucville.

Dexter Manning, 45,of West Front Road, Georgetown and Jason Norton, 40, of ‘C’ Field Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on April 10, 2017 at Jackson Street, Tucville, they had 884 grams of marijuana in their possession for trafficking.

Norton’s lawyer, Adrian Smith in his bail application, explained that his client suffers from several health conditions and was released

Happy Easter, Guyana!

Jason Norton

Dexter Manning

from the Georgetown Public Hospital last Friday. Police prosecutor, Alwyn Moore told the court that during a sting operation, ranks intercepted and searched the motor car in which the two men were travelling.

The court heard that the narcotics were found next to Manning in the back seat of the vehicle. The prosecutor opposed bail for both men while an analyst report on the drugs is still outstanding.

They were remanded to prison and will make their next court appearance on May 3, 2017,before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Guyana to... From page 12 The meeting will also provide an update on the new strategic directions required for ending the AIDS epidemic. Youths will discuss their role in the national and regional response and agree on the key elements of a framework for regional youth advocacy.

PANCAP Youth Advisor, Dr Astell Collins, explained that the meeting will be pivotal for creating a strategy for youth leaders to implement in responding to the range of challenges facing young people with regard to sexual health and HIV and AIDS. “Young people, especially among key populations (KPs), in the Caribbean are disproportionately at risk of HIV infection,” stated Dr Collins.

He said: “They face greater barriers to accessing prevention services. HIV prevalence remains high among key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and young people.

At the same time, challenges regarding stigma and discrimination, violations of human rights and gender-based violence continue to hinder

access to services for young people in general. Hence, there is a need to work more systematically with young people belonging to KPs who experience greater challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services.”

Youth leaders from each of the KPs will be represented at the meeting.

The meeting, which is funded by the Global Fund and PAHO, forms part of a wider intervention programme created by PANCAP for Youth Advocacy.

The programme also includes youth advocacy training, facilitating youth leaders’ participation in high-level meetings to influence policy decisions affecting youth and the development of a regional youth advocacy network.

The Meeting of Youth Leaders, the first of these initiatives to be implemented, will be held annually for the next three years.

The PANCAP Coordinating Unit will provide a ‘LIVE’ stream of the opening ceremony and other key presentations and activities on Friday, April 21 via the PANCAP Facebook page.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

15

16

Father guilty of... the accused became annoyed and took off the child’s pants and shirt, leaving him only with his brief.

He then inflicted lashes on him with a long boot.

While this was happening, the child held on to the accused’s feet and this further aggravated the accused, who then picked up a plastic bottle containing methylated spirits and poured the contents on the child.

He then struck a match and threw the lighted stick on the child.

RAN FOR HELP Rickey Somawaru said he had run over to a neighbour’s house after receiving burns to his left side face, arms, neck and thighs.

He was taken to the Reliance Police Station, then the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the Burns Unit of the Georgetown Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he remained a patient for 28 days.

His mother, Shanta Bridgepaul in her evidence from the witness box, said her son was expected to live

temporarily with his father following the intervention of an officer of the Child Protection Agency (CPA).

After receiving a phone call, she visited the New Amsterdam hospital where her son reported that his entire skin was burning.

As a result, medicated ointment was applied by the medical practitioner before the child was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital .

After spending several weeks at the GPHC, the injured lad was taken to

From page 8 the United States and became a patient at the Shriners Hospital for Children, in Boston, which specialises in burn injuries.

Bridgepaul had told the judge and jury that her son was unable to move his neck, his arms, or his mouth, which remained open. One of his ears, she said, was pasted downwards.

However, with overseas medical intervention, the victim can now close his mouth and move his neck and hands. She also informed the court that her son

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017 will have to undergo further ed by the court to stick to his corrective surgeries to rem- questions. edy the injuries he suffered.

Responding to the jury, Meanwhile, prior to the witness noted that while questioning the witness, her elder son was with his the accused told his former father, she visited him at wife that it was sad to listen school, bought his text to her testimony and that he books, and catered for his too feels the pain as he had extra lessons. contributed to the child’s At no time, she said, did formation. her son mention that he But, responding to his was being abused by his questions, Bridgepaul said father. At the child’s current probation officers had to state, the child cannot funcintervene after he, the ac- tion as a normal person, the cused, had given the child a mother said.

Samsung Galaxy Phone.

According to Dr GaThe mother said she was nesh Omapersaud, Rickey unable to think about the Somawaru received second accused as her main focus and third degree burns to was on her son. his face, neck, chest, upAt this point, Somawa- per extremities and both ru said he was sorry for the thighs. The injuries were incident before being direct- listed as life-threatening.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Sugar workers continue protest A NUMBER of cane planters along with Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) officials on Thursday staged a picketing exercise outside the head office of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo).

The exercise is a continuation of the workers’ protest to dissuade the administration and GuySuCo from closing the estate.

According to a release, it is now five weeks since planters have not been able to work following a decision by the sugar corporation to cease planting at the estate.

“GuySuCo is adamantly, and wrongly, maintaining that the planters must take up cane-cutting tasks. This is a difficult undertaking for many planters given a number of factors. Also, in instances when cane-planting is unavailable, the planters are offered certain other tasks which are currently available on the estate, but are not being offered to the affected workers. Such denial is not in keeping with the agreement between the union and the company and is another disrespect meted out by the corporation to its hard-working employees.

The planters are calling on the

Sugar workers on the picket line on Thursday

GuySuCo to provide them with their normal tasks , or to pay

them in lieu of the corporation’s denial,” GAWU said.

GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Ha-

noman, had emphasised that the main focus of the corporation is to harvest as many canes as possible.

He said both male and female workers were encouraged to assist in the harvesting of cane, but some objected.

The women were also asked to weed, but they objected to that too.

Asked whether GuySuCo’s decision to stop fertilising canes at the East Demerara Estate is an indication that the estate will be closed, Hanoman said the future of the industry is in the hands of the Government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

The ‘Triumph Bar and Lounge’ --All about sophistication WHEN looking for the perfect chill spot, there’re obviously a lot of choices these

days. With different themes to choose from, it’s often hard to decide which one to

go with.

But if what you’re looking for is a serene atmosphere with suave music that caters to the sophisticated taste, then tucked away on Barrack Street in upmarket Kingston

away from the hustle and bustle is the Triumph Bar and Lounge.

The chic lounge has been going for some 18 months now, and proprietor Patrick Triumph says he prides himself on the kind of customer base that the bar caters to.

“We are looking for those with sophisticated tastes. We do have events that attract the young people, but we also have a lot of support from the more mature customers,” Triump said.

“What we like to do as well is cater to the professionals, but it’s a place where

you can even meet with your business professionals; you can network and meet with persons in different areas of business,” he added.

The atmosphere of the bar is quite subjective, and can be adjusted to go with whatever mood the customer is looking for, especially when catering out to private functions.

Those who have tried the bar have given it a thumbs up, particularly commending the bar for the level of privacy it avails.

“Great atmosphere and privacy! The cocktails were excellent and not lacking

alcohol! Once the standard is maintained, I plan to visit Triumph often; I will definitely recommend it to everyone,” was one of the rave reviews on the spot’s Facebook page.

And, of course, it’s not just about the atmosphere, but the menu as well.

“I kept my birthday at Triumph Restaurant Bar & Lounge, and the service and food is to die for! Love, love it! Well done! 10 stars is what I want to give you!” said another satisfied customer.

Aside from the bar, the restaurant also does daily lunch specials.

The Triumph Bar and Lounge on Barrack Street, Kingston

Proprietor Patrick Triumh (left) with a few patrons at his Barrack Street spot

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Meet Nadia ‘Feed the Flames’ presents...

Thomas Winter S u r i - G u y : T h e --Visual Arts Educator & Talented Fashion Designer

NADIA Thomas Winter has spent most of her adult life focusing on the Arts, Fashion, and Education.

As a child, she was influenced by her uncle, who is a self-taught artist. Her mother was born and raised alongside the banks of the Berbice River, at Haraculi.

The fact that she came from a generation of selftaught seamstresses was a major influence in her becoming a designer. Nadia spent her early days at her grandmother’s house, the Haraculi and Ebini Ranch, on the Berbice River. She later moved to Georgetown with her parents and sib-

lings where she attended high school, the E.R Burrowes School of Arts, and the University of Guyana.

Nadia began designing in the late 90s while she was at “Burrowes”.

During this period, she was a model for designers such as Derrick Moore.

In 2003, she worked with Hits and Jams creating costumes for their large Mashramani band. They came second in the road march, and this was the first of many ventures for Nadia.

VISUAL ARTS FOCUS In 2006, Nadia and her two sons joined her husband in the British

A piece from the Duo Collection

Turn to Page 20

Eddy Grant releases new single WITH an international music career spanning more than fifty years filled with world chart-topping songs, sold-out tours and awards, global superstar, Eddy Grant, releases the first single, ‘True To You’, from his upcoming album, ‘Plaisance’, scheduled for release later this year.

‘True To You’ is the perfect blend of Grant’s classic signature vocal style and storytelling with Caribbean-fused pop music that makes you want to get on the dance floor and move your hips.

‘True To You’ also introduces us to Eddy Grant, the

rapper, a talent most Grant fans will be unaware he even had, but pleasantly surprised to now know. But this type of fusion has long been a gift of the multi-platinum-selling Grant.

Always connected to the sounds and trends in current commercial music, Grant has consistently managed to add those ingredients to his own sound to create charttopping smashes. From his days in his band, The Equals, Grant’s ability to bring every groove and genre into his Caribbean music and make the sound palatable to the world is unparalleled.

Fearless in his approach to making music, and rebellious in allowing anyone to pigeonhole his sound, Grant, through his slew of hit records bridging decades, loyal fans worldwide, and ownership of the masters to every song he has ever written or recorded, has proven he’s allowed to do as he pleases.

‘True To You’ is out now and available worldwide. (CMC)

Rock Connection

“FEED The Flames” is preparing to head to Trinidad to perform and launch their debut album at the annual Skyy Rock Festival, a huge accomplishment for the local Heavy Metal band.

Before they head to Trinidad, the band will be putting on a fundraiser in the form of a Rock Concert tomorrow at ‘The Other Place’ on Waterloo Street (formerly Jerries).

The band will be performing their original music along with local rock group, “Rock United Musicians (RUM)”, and introducing Surinamese Rock Band, “Revolt”, which will be making its debut here in Guyana.

The Caribbean Rock

Scene has been growing, especially after the first ever Wacken Metal Battle which was held in Suriname last year. The event saw bands from Suriname, French Guiana, Aruba and Trinidad all share the same stage. Since then, bands have been travelling between countries performing with each other. This has created a feeling of family among the bands and rock fans in the Caribbean, as bands now have an opportunity to share their music and their culture with each other.

“Feed The Flames” has previously hosted Surinamese bands, “Morrighon” and “LipsStick” for concerts over the past few years, and now “Revolt”

has been added to the list.

This list will continue to grow as “Feed The Flames” continues to set new standards for live entertainment in Guyana, while following their dream of playing Rock Music for fans who truly appreciate the art form; and for those who don’t know much about Rock n’ Roll, to introduce them to an alternative source of entertainment here in Guyana.

Tomorrow’s event begins at 20:00hrs; admission is $1000.

All rock enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and support these local artistes who seek to make a name for themselves in the Region and worldwide.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

People, nations, religion must all grow up --or drift into trivia or oblivion I HAVE always maintained that I believe in nothing that seeks to contain all I am in its walls; rather, I observe beliefs with respectful curiosity, for severe darkness also dwells in some belief systems.

We should prefer to employ our minds to understand, because belief enslaves, but to understand liberates. And understanding always engages the inner and external dialogue about the imposing world about us, that will entangle us if we expect too much as a result of the comfort zone that we believe, because we are too lazy to enquire.

Understanding does not mean that we ‘know’; we understand birth and death, and that there are consequences to our actions, but we don’t know why.

And, as with birth and death, we don’t know what lay before and what lies after. Our gift is to be able to relate to symbolic language, and to contemplate the infinite realities that confront us; to consistently persevere from Alchemy to Quantum Physics to unveil the symbolic language of ancient religions and their mystery systems.

With science and an open mind, the virile star pupil is always seeking to better learn and understand the sculpture

of God. In this microcosmic world in which we live, we draw examples from the errors of others, especially the young, who are reminders of our own arrogance decades ago. We listen to the logic of confident folly, with the knowledge equivalent of a toddler’s building block and not off the nightmares and confusion of experience.

NOT ENOUGH LOVE Recently, while travelling in a minibus, I heard the young female host of a programme outpouring her truth that a crucial answer to youth problems lies with the fact that parents do not show each other enough love in the presence of their children.

This prompted a woman in the seat before me to remark, “Ah wonder if she got children!” A long suck-teeth followed in agreement from another adult. So I decided not to say anything; but I did reflect on my own life experiences and those shared by friends over the years.

The young programme host had a point, but, like cooking, her point was only one ingredient. I balanced what she said with an experience I had in that anxious age of knowing not what one does not know. Between me and my friends, the term ‘The System’

had become the term that explained all of the world’s problems. I was still living with my godparents who raised me; my father was visiting, and they were discussing the predicament of a young adult who had gotten into trouble and was facing jail time.

Back then, you didn’t voice an opinion when adults were speaking. They, however, invited me in by using this young man as an example of the consequences of right and wrong. With the authority of the youthful sage, I replied that it was the system that had failed him. Both men laughed, and my father asked me, “What about choice?” The conversation got very uncomfortable after that.

I knew the young man: He was not hungry, lived with his siblings, and like most of us, they weren’t rich, but he wanted ‘things’. He wanted a reputation: ‘Saltaire’ pants, ‘BanLon’ jerseys, Clarks and stuff like some other bigger fellows we knew [The same magnet fuels crime today; only, the bait is different].

2014, she collaborated with her niece, Natalya Thomas and launched the DUO COLLECTION fashion brand.

She wanted to move away from the traditional way of fashion designs as she knew it in Guyana. Instead of hand-painted and tie-dye techniques, she wanted her work to have a more regional appeal, and to be sold in stores.

Nadia used her illustrator and graphic design skills to create and devel-

places that I only began to understand in my young adulthood. The source of some gifts to us humans we can never claim to fully comprehend; we can rationalise that which mystifies us with the help of our religious beliefs, or with scientific theories through our cognizant history, but still not truly ‘know’.

This is the Easter weekend, sacred to the Christian community; it envelopes the belief of death and resurrection. This, of course, can be

CONCEPT EVOLUTION The question of ‘Choice’ dismantled my ‘System’ comfort zone. That day began a process of concept evolution; my father and godfather opened a door that would lead to other discussions and

Meet Nadia Thomas...

Virgin Islands. That year, she went into the education field, focusing on Visual Arts.

Over the years, she was able to help nurture and be a role model to the young minds with whom she worked. During this time, Nadia participated in fashion shows, and continued practising the arts as a painter and illustrator. In 2009, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

After many years as a designer and visual arts teacher, Nadia decided to expand her business. In

examples. I had schoolmates who weren’t even interested in ‘Commando comics’, while others couldn’t get enough.

We had group separations even in school; no one home environment was responsible for any particular hobby or curiosity. Growing up. I would confront concepts like “Tek ah chance”, “Is up to you, banna”, and “Suh, wuh yuh gon do?” All relate to the idea of ‘Choice’.

I soon realised that talent and innate skills came from

op the brand’s concepts, prints, and designs. She wanted the brand to reflect her roots, and the pieces to reflect different aspects of Guyana in different forms, such as its Historical structures, Flora and Fauna as well as her Amerindian Heritage. Nadia also used her paintings in the production of the New Collection.

In 2016, Nadia and her niece participated in Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, where they showcased their new prints and swimsuits.

From Page 19

THOMAS WINTER SHOE LINE Later that year, the Thomas Winter shoe line was launched in Guyana.

The shoes can be found at the Giftland Mall in Guyana as well as Online.

A source of pride for Nadia is her young daughter, who is also a budding fashion designer. “My eight-year-old daughter loves to draw and design; I have used her as a model in photoshoots. She wants to design her own clothing; her dad presented her

with a sewing machine for Christmas, and since then, her little mind and hands have been busy at work.

“I am very proud to have an influence on her, and we are working on her new Kids Line, which will be out in a few months.”

Nadia loves to create things. Her passion for the arts is beyond using her skills. Her intention is to continue working and promote art through her designs, as well as teaching others about the importance of the Arts.

As a designer, Nadia considers one of her greatest achievements to

debated on whether it is possible for a man to have died and to have resurrected. I, too, debated this, until science revealed that it can extract DNA from prehistoric bones, and is pondering whether it is morally right to recreate extinct species. Wow! What, then, of they who are reported to have said, “Let us make Man”! Regardless of our relationship and rational understanding of the mystery of religion, we cannot separate that the resurrection of ‘The Christ’ is symbolic to the profound concept of the redemption of ourselves, the redemption of mind, body and spirit through a greater ’understanding’ of life and our purpose, instructed by the revolutionary sermons of The Christ, based on his biographers.

With keen attention, we soon recognise that the most liberating laws that we live by are quietly extracted from the religious textbooks given to our species over the ages and accredited to divine sources.

Something happened 2000 years ago that imbued our active consciousness with the act of forgiveness, the permission to redeem ourselves, to grow and evolve in mind and spirit, that we can doubt, we can reason and eventually understand.

Easter may have become the culmination of an innate philosophy remotely existing within us, but the pageant of Easter has truly exalted it. be her collaboration to create the DUO COLLECTION. “The fact that we were able to break barriers and step out into the international arena is a milestone,” she shared.

Nadia will be one of several artists scheduled to present their work at the Raw New York City Verse Exhibition next Wednesday at American Beauty on 251 W 30th St., New York, NY 10001.

She is also scheduled to take part in New York Fashion week later this year. www.guyanesegirlsrock.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

‘Blowing up’ social media

--Blaze Anthonio’s new hit goes international IF you haven’t heard of the new Guyanese single, “Dem Does Give Blow”, that dropped last weekend, then you’d better get out from under the rock you’ve been living and ask somebody!

Guyanese social media has been blowing (pun intended) up about “Blow” ever since the single hit radio stations and smart-phones nationwide.

More than that, it’s been blaring from CD carts all around Georgetown, so much so that it was almost unavoidable not to have heard this catchy, funny song if you were anywhere aroud central Georgetown anytime this week.

Coming out of AJ Recording Studio, the song and beat was the lyrical craftsmanship of 25-year-old Blaze Anthonio and his musical engineer, Andrian Johnson.

And up to late this week, Anthonio (real name Marlon Ashford Simon) was still trying to take in just how big it has gotten.

“The response was unexpected,” a still excited Anthonio told The Buzz this week.

“I expected it to probably become Facebook- popular,

This weekend is one of those weekend we all live for: weekenders your four day weekend is here! From Friday straight through to Monday you’ve got time to party, recover and party some more!

First off Happy Good Friday to all! It’s that time year to take some time off to get all those kites ready for that family and fun filled Easter Monday! But whenever you’re done planning with the kids and looking for party time there’s a lot of spots with events just waiting for you!

Pulse Entertainment is finally getting their 2017 party season started and they’re doing it big, and of course they’re doing it at Palm Court! It’s going to be all about the soca mood, and did we mention Benjai is going to be there!

Olatunji then picks up where Benjai leaves off when he hits Palm Court on Sunday! We’re not done yet with those overseas artist though, because Jamaica’s Christopher Martin is gonna be back in Guyana! His “Big Deal” concert is set for Monday, but he’s going to have a little club time at Club Monaco on Sunday! it’s overly exaggerative on just what it defines.

BASIC FREESTYLE “It’s a freestyle. Basically, I headed to the studio and I was talking with my engineer, the guy that mixes and records the music, and I said, ‘Ah gaffuh do a remix to Dem Does Horn!’ And he said, ‘Well, hurry up! ‘Cause I have someone else waiting!’

Blaze Anthonio (right) and his musical engineer Adrian Johnson (Photos courtesy Blaze Anthonio)

but from the time it reach the radio it was on a whole other level.

“By the time the post did reach on Facebook, it became an Internet sensation. The feeling is unbelievable to know that the song is known not just countrywide, but in the Caribbean; I’m getting messages from Guyanese and foreigners all over saying that this thing is the funniest thing they’ve heard in 2017. It’s an amazing feeling, but I’m humbled by this feeling.”

The song is about trying to define the characteristic of girls that cheat on their partners, or “give blow” as is the Guyanese saying, but what makes it funny is that

And we just did it,” Anthonio recalled of the moment “Dem Does Blow” was birthed.

Set to the beat of Chaka Demus and Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote”, it uses funny lines that encompasses a lot of unique activities that you just have to be a Guyanese to understand.

The song is a yet another remix of singer Trinidad Ghost’s song, “Dem Does Horn”. Anthonio said listening to “Dem Does Horn”, he came to realise that not a lot of Guyanese really get the term “horn”, which is the Trinidad equivalent of “blow”, so he thought maybe we needed one specific to Guyana.

Egged on by his colleage, DJ Shizzle from 94.1 BOOM FM, Anthonio went for it.

“I was browsing on the Internet,” he said, “and came across Trinidad Ghost’s version of “Dem Does Horn” and then while listening to it, I said to myself, ‘This is catchy, but this is not something we Guyanese can relate to, because we don’t “horn”.’

I wasn’t certain about the remix, but a few persons said go ahead and do it.”

Anthonio has already been performing the mix at parties across Guyana, but he said in several cases, it was rough realising the value some promoters had for Guyanese performers.

“I performed probably at two parties before, but the bookings really started after “Blow” dropped,” Anthonio said, adding: “And it’s amazing to know how many persons are willing to book me now!

But the bad thing about it, though, is that folks have no respect for Guyanese artistes, so they basically want to offer you any little spare change to perform. And that’s disappointing.”

But he’s not letting that rain on his parade. And he’s just going to continue riding on the wave of his current popularity, while he tries to figure out what his next move will be.

Said he: “Honestly, the focus isn’t on a next hit; right now, the focus is on promoting “Blow” and letting “Blow” be an internationally-recognised remix and freestyle.

“I’m not focused on what’s next for now, but I do have something else up my sleeve.”

“Dem Does Give Blow” and Anthonio’s other mixes can be downloaded on his sound cloud page at: www.soundcloud.com/blazeanthonio, while for bookings, he can be contacted on +592-682-3567.

Today

With all the side chick talk going around it’s finally time to celebrate the faithful ladies! Boss lady fridays brings to you “Faithful Barbies” at Club Privilege! Featuring live performance by Blaze Anthonio, performing his hit single “BLOW” and more! Faithful ladies free before 10pm! Admission: $2000 Tomorrow

Touching de road this Easter Saturday? Wanna drink some rum and fete fuh hours? Then you know what? Head down to Palm Court cause Pulse Entertainment is bringing out the good stuff. The lights The cameras The Sound And ohh yeaaaaaa, a phenomenal stage show by soca superstar Benjai, along with Guyana’s Best Deejays, DJ Ryan, DJ Country Bouy!

Ticket $2,000 , pay more at the door!

This Easter Saturday, Worldwide Entertainment brings to you their hit concept “PLAN B” at the famous Club Privilege! Great Vibes, great DJ’s and the same great decor!

Free tequila shots upon entry and lots of other giveaways during the night! Pre-sold tickets are available for only $1,000, $1000 at the door b4 midnight!

“North America and Guyana Link Up 2” is going down at Transport Sports Club!

Music by Blue Ribbon the Boss, Super Ray One Man Band, and Stitchie Vibes One Man Band! Free buffet from 6pm – 11pm! Tickets: $2000

Get ready for “Foreign Links” at La Familia Coutry Club! Lots of giveaways for the ladies so see and be there! Tickets: $2000

Latin Soca Fusion is on at the Vintage Wine & Cheese Lounge on Lamaha Street!

Kids Fest 592 presents “A Whole New World’ a two days Easter and Disney Festival at the Giftland Mall Universal Play Park! There’s going to be something for everyone with the magic show, a talent show, kids pageant, Disney Princesses, face painting, craft and so much more! Admission: $300

Meet the young ladies competing to represent Guyana at the 2017 Miss India Worldwide Pageant when they are officially introduced at the Miss India Guyana 2017 Sashing Ceremony at the Indian Monument Garden! Gate opens at 6:00 PM! Ceremony begins at 7:00 PM

Feed The Flames (Guyanese band) is heading to Trinidad for … but first they’re making a pit stop at (formerly Jerries) for an Epic Night of Live Rock n’ Roll! , all the way from Suriname, will be LIVE along with local group .

Limited Early Bird tickets are only $500! $1000 at the gate.

Sunday

We jamming day into night this Easter Sunday as Palm Court presents Mr. Bam Bam himself “Soca Super Star OLATUNJI” in its “Tadowww Easter Jam”! Take advantage of the Cold Beer Bucket Specials as Selector Carl, DJ Anisah & DJ Shizzle turn up the heat with Live DJ Entertainment! And as night falls, be prepared for the grooviest stage performance!

Admission $2,000 Before 11pm; more after

Aziza Akousa Creek on the Linden Highway is going to be bare vibes with “Creek Bacchanal”! Come out for the queen of the dancehall competition, leggings competition and see who grabs the $25,000 first prize! Gully Ras and Diamond, DJ Garwin, 71 Sounds, Selector Andre and DJ Magnum are going to turn it up day and night!

It nah guh normal inside Club Monaco this Sunday as Marvelous Entertainment presents their big Easter Special called “Big Deal”!! Bare vibes and energy in the club as Stereo Sonic DJ Akeelo and others, alongside Fadda Moey and the Determine Family! So follow the light if you’re bright! Ladies free b4 11pm!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Shahzad charged for doping violation AFGHANISTAN wicketkeeper/batsman Mohammad Shahzad has been charged by the ICC for violating the anti-doping code. Shahzad was tested on January 17 at the ICC Academy in Dubai, in an out-of-competition test, and the sample was analysed at a WADA-accredited laboratory in Salt Lake City. It was

found to contain a prohibited substance, Clenbuterol, according to the ICC. As per the ICC’s anti-doping regulations, Shahzad will be provisionally suspended 12 days after issuing the notice of charges being laid - that is, from April 26. He has the right to request that his B sample be tested within five days from the notice, and

to challenge the suspension within 12 days. If he challenges the suspension, a hearing will take place and the suspension will not be imposed till the outcome of the hearing is known.

Shahzad also has to respond to the charge within 14 days. If he does not respond, it will be considered to be an admission of guilt.

The big-hitting Shahzad, who has played 58 ODIs and 58 T20Is, was last seen in action during Afghanistan’s series against Ireland in Greater Noida, India. In December 2016, he was named the Associate and Affiliate Cricketer-of-the-Year by the ICC, for the period running September 2015 to 2016.

(ESPNCricinfo)

Manchester United held 1-1 by Anderlecht Manchester United were left to rue missed chances as Anderlecht salvaged a late draw to change the complexion of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Leander Dendoncker got in front of Matteo Darmian to head an equaliser with the Belgian side's first effort on goal four minutes from time.

Until that moment United had subdued the hosts, and deservedly led when Henrikh Mkhitaryan tapped in from a tight angle after Marcus Rashford's shot was spilled in the first half.

But the Armenian side-footed wide when well placed after the break and Paul Pogba fired into Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores for Manchester United. the shins of goalkeeper Ruben to leave Jose Mourinho's side vulnerable to the sucker punch landed by 21-year-old Dendoncker.

United's Europa Lea gu e o d ys s ey t h is term has taken in disappointing evenings away to Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and Rostov, and Mourinho's frustration in Brussels will centre on a decent performance undermined by lax finishing and a late defensive lapse.

Since his last foray into second-tier Europ ea n co mp et it ion in 2003, the Portuguese has become accustomed to the bright lights of the Champions League, winning it twice and disparaging predecessor Rafael Benitez's Europa League success after taking over at Chelsea in 2013.

But United's position in the Premier League - four points off the top four with games running out - has forced him to revise his attitude.

For most of the

match, his team seemed focused on the task. Just five games away from booking a return to the Champions League - Uefa's sweetener for winning the competition they looked solid in defence and slick in attack.

For their part, Anderlecht's enterprising young team offered little, deprived of possession and restricted to efforts from distance - but all that changed with Dendoncker's late goal.

United will still fancy their chances of finishing the job at Old Trafford next week, but with more dangerous opponents elsewhere in the draw notably Lyon and Schalke - similar mistakes could easily derail their progress to May's final.

Mourinho claimed that his attackers let down their defensive colleagues in his post-match interview, but it seemed harsh to burden Rashford with a share of the blame after one of his brightest performances of the season.

The 19-year-old -

whose goal return was recently questioned by Mourinho - was heavily involved before being replaced by Marouane Fellaini in the 75th minute.

He roamed dangerously from the left, tormenting full-back Dennis Appiah and threatening with a dipping shot from distance before creating the opener as Ruben failed to grasp his sweetly struck shot His industry in the opposite direction also caught the eye as he diligently tracked Anderlecht's runners.

It was the sort of allaround performance that Mourinho usually demands of his attacking players but, publicly at least, the boss seemed nonplussed.

WHAT NEXT? Manchester United play Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday before the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. Anderlecht play KV Oostende on Sunday in the Belgian top flight.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Two new faces in Guyana Jaguars squad

THE selection panel of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has handed West Indies Under-19 player B h a s k a r Ya d r a m a n d all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford their maiden senior call-up to the national lineup, for this weekend’s clash against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Four-day, starting tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Also making a return to

the squad are middle-order batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj and all-rounder Steven Jacobs. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who was in the West Indies T20 training squad when the last round was played, also returns to the squad.

The five players replace opener Shimron Hetmyer, all-rounder Raymon Reifer, fast bowler Keon Joseph and batsman Vishaul Singh after they were called up as part of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Pres-

ident’s XI to face Pakistan in a three-day warm-up game this weekend in Jamaica. Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is unavailable for this round.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars are now the heavy favourites to win a hat-trick of titles after maintaining their lead at the top of the standings despite sitting out the ninth round of matches.

The two-time defending champions have remained four points ahead of closest challengers Bar-

bados Pride, who suffered a stunning 130-run defeat to perennial arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago Red Force inside three days at Kensington Oval last weekend.

Jaguars are 109.8 points with Pride still second on 105.2.

In that final round, Jaguars clash with a rejuvenated Windward Islands Volcanoes who have now won their last two games on the trot, to move up to fourth on 92.8 points.

Jamaica Scorpions, meanwhile, saw their title chances slip in the last round when they produced a limp performance against Volcanoes to lose by eight wickets in Kingstown.

They lie third on 98.6 points with a difficult assignment against Pride in the final round.

Red Force, who started the last round bottom in the standings, revived themselves with a resounding victory over Pride and are now fifth on 82 points.

They clash with Hurricanes at Warner Park, with their opponents now last on 66.4 points.

T h e s q u a d re a d s : Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (captain), Bhask a r Ya d r a m , K e e m o Paul, Anthony Bramble, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain), Gudakesh Motie, Clinton Pestano, Steven Jacobs and Sherfane Rutherford.

PM Rowley: WI cricket has been ‘hijacked’ PRIME MINISTER Dr Keith Rowley has bemoaned the state of cricket in the Caribbean, and has accused certain members of the region’s governing body, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), of being “hell-bent on destroying West Indies cricket.”

Rowley was speaking on the CNC3 Morning Brew yesterday morning where he spoke on the lack of involvement by CARICOM (Caribbean Community) in

West Indies cricket.

In November 2015, a CARICOM cricket review panel, appointed by the Prime Ministerial Committee on the Governance of West Indies Cricket, recommended the WICB be dissolved and all current members resign.

But, in May 2016, Antigua/Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne openly rejected the call for the dissolution of the WICB, saying that move “would be to plunge

WI cricket into further chaos and confusion.” Yesterday, Rowley pulled no punches when it came to his take on the sport regionally.

“Caribbean cricket has been hijacked by a small clique of people who are hell-bent on destroying West Indies cricket,” said Rowley.

“And it’s my position that unless the question is answered as to who owns that asset, we’re spinning top in mud.” The Prime Minis-

ter admitted, “We are being told in the West Indies, and I have been told to my face, along with my colleague the Prime Minister of Grenada (Dr Keith Mitchell) that ‘you all have no say in this. This is West Indies Cricket Incorporated’. And it is their shareholders that have to please.”

He continued, “I don’t know who the shareholders are. But what I do know, unless there are drastic changes to the current arrangements, West Indies

cricket will never get back to where we want it to be.”

Rowley is hopeful that the 2017 final of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be staged in Trinidad, but admitted that, due to the state of the economy, Government may have to adopt a cautious approach when it comes to the bidding process.

“We are available to make (an) offer, not largesse, but we can make some contributions, if CPL is interested,” Rowley ac-

knowledged.

“There are talks going on. And if they agree that Trinidad and Tobago is the best place and what we’re offering, what we can afford is in their interest then it would be here.

“We can’t provide that kind of money that was provided initially. We just don’t have that kind of money.

We’re competing with others. I hope that the final would be here.” (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

National Library receives laptop donations, compliments of Pele FC Alumni THE National Library in Georgetown yesterday received eight laptop computers, compliments of Pele Football Club’s Alumni to boost their Literacy programme for the youths of Guyana.

At a simple ceremony yesterday at the Library’s computer centre, chairman of Pele FC’c America Alumni, Dennis Carrington, presented the donations to the Chief Librarian in the presence of other staff members of the facility.

Also present were the Alumni secretary David `Doggy’ Chan and treasurer Patrick `Labba’ Barton, a former national player, who represented Guyana at the international level.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony yesterday, Carrington emphasised the fact that education plays a pivotal role in a child’s upbringing and stated that when he and other members of the Alumni were around 12-14 years old, they did not have the benefit of enjoying Information Technology and Communication (ITC) facilities, but yet, “a lot of us turned out to be doctors, teachers, lawyers and nurses,” Carrington stated, adding that opportunities that members of

the Alumni did not enjoy as youths, the organisation wants to give the youths of Guyana to enjoy those opportunities.

Carrington also related that the Alumni will be staging a three-day programme beginning at 09:00hrs on Tuesday at the Carifesta Sports Complex and will be catering to approximately 50 youths, who, at the end of the camp, will be presented with backpacks and school supplies that will assist them (youths) during the new school term.

The Pele FC was founded by former national player and coach Lennox `Mullen’ Arthur, after Arthur, a former midfield player left Santos FC and decided to form Pele, using the name (Pele) after Brazilian great `King’ Pele and this move attracted a number of youth players drawn mainly from schools throughout Georgetown.

Among the notable players that joined were Clive `Oiler’ Watson, son of the club’s first president the late Frank Watson, who was an aircraft pilot, but sadly, Frank died in an aircraft crash in 1973, co-piloting a Cessna aircraft.

Others players that the club attracted are: Terrence Archer who served as the club’s captain from 1985 to 1992. Archer also captained the Guyana national team for a number of years and was an outstanding defence player.

Other outstanding players that represented the club and went on to represent Guyana at the international level were Wendell Manifold who captained the team with distinction for a number of years, Patrick `Labba’ Barton, Ashton Taylor, Gordon `Ulitimate Warrior’ Braithwaite and Terry Nichols among others.

Two years after the club was founded in the Albouystown YMCA building, Pele FC became a dominant force on the local scene and subsequently won local tournaments at all levels of the sport.

In the early 1970s six of the club’s players received scholarships to Clemson University in the United States.

A few years later, those players who received scholarships to Clemson and a few others who migrated formed the Pele Alumni in the U.S. which is currently chaired by Dennis Carrington.

Every five years, they return to Guyana and contribute not only to the development of Pele FC’s members, but also to other clubs and youth organisations with an

aim of keeping youths involved in sports while encouraging Guyana’s youths to secure a sound education.

Current president of the club Robbie Ram-

barran, Carrington and Alumni secretary Patrick`Labba’ Barton will be among other Alumni members handing over the computers to the National Library.

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GCB names Women’s Super50 squad GUYANA will be represented by a strong 14-member squad when the West Indies Cricket Board’s Women’s Super50 competition bowls off on May 1 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana face the Windward Islands on April 20, Trinidad and Tobago on April 22, Barbados on April 24, Leeward Islands on April 26 and Jamaica on April 28. The final is

Shemaine Campbelle scheduled for Sunday, April 30.

The Guyana squad reads: Melaine Hen-

ry (wicketkeeper), June Ogle, Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Katana Mentore, Shabika Gajnabi, Heema Singh, Tr e m a y n e S m a r t t (captain), Akaze Thompson, Plaffiana Millington, Subrina Munroe, Erva Giddings, Mandy Mangru, Lashuna Toussaint and Kaysia Shultz.

The manager is Carol Nurse and coach is Andre Percival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Flying Ace Cycling Club to contest Troy’s Taxi Service 40-mile cycle road race MEMBERS of the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam will on Sunday match pedal rotation when the club stages the Troy’s Taxi Service-sponsored 40-mile road race along the West Coast Berbice roadway.

The event, which wheels off from the Taxi Service base at Bennett Dam, Rosig-

nol, will see the wheelsmen journey to Weldaad Police Station before returning to the place of origin.

The top four overall finishers, the first juvenile, the first two veterans, the first female and the first two 1214 riders will all be rewarded for their efforts. A BMX race is also on the cards.

The 12-14 riders will

be riding from Cotton Tree to the finish line at Bennett Dam. Owner of Troy’s Taxi S e r v i c e , Ty r o n e R a y Kishore, a member of the FACC and a former cyclist, at a simple ceremony, handed over the sponsorship cheque to former national junior cyclist Neil Reece.

EDFA Senior League 2016/17 season

Table leaders Buxton Stars held to 2-2 draw by Golden Stars POINTS leaders in the East Demerara Football Association’s (EDFA) Senior League 2016/17 season, Buxton Stars, had their winning streak halted last Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Golden Stars.

Playing at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara, the home side opened the scoring with a 5th minute strike off

the boot of Samall Woodman and the Golden Grove team maintained their lead until the second session before Buxton Stars’ Dennis Fordyce levelled the score.

Buxton Stars then took the lead for the first time through a Shamar Scott goal and the points leaders were in sight of continuing their unbeaten run, but injury time worked in

Golden Stars’ favour as they earned an equal share of the spoils when Rundell Liverpool scored in the 99th minute.

The other match that was scheduled for that day did not come off as Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise Sports Club failed to show up for the fixture against Ann’s Grove who were awarded a walkover victory.

LABA/Hamid Foundation U-23 basketball

Amelia’s Ward Jets aim to stop firing Kwakwani

By Joe Chapman THE final of the Linden Amateur Basketball A s s o c i a t i o n ’s H a m i d Foundation Under-23 basketball championship will be contested between outsiders Kwakwani and third-ranked Amelia’s Ward Jets from 20:30hrs tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

The first game of the evening will be the third place playoff between beaten semifinalists and number one-ranked Half Mile Bulls and fourthranked Retrieve Raiders.

Judging from the preliminary rounds, Kwakwani, who entered this competition without a ranking, must be the side to beat as they have clearly demonstrated a reputation of running their opponents off the court in the few matches they have played so far.

Domar Gladstone, Troy

Domar Gladstone David, Shafeeq Thomas and captain Leonard Primo will be their main men if they are to cart off top honours in this final.

On the other hand, Amelia’s Ward Jets have a bunch of players who can match their opponents with open court guard Shannon Parish Cadogan being a key cog in their wheel and who must be at his best in taking the charge to Kwakwani.

They also have at their disposal Akini Wilson and Vibert Benjamin.

But the Kwakwani side have depth and should the Jets be unable to stay with them through the four quarters of this contest then Kwakwani could triumph with much gas to spare in their tank.

The Jets will have to get enough fuel to make this trip a successful one and while Cadogan and Benjamin are capable of bringing the match alive, they ought to also have the presence of bench players contributing.

Meanwhile, the thirdplace game between the Bulls and fourth-ranked Raiders should be an interesting match, as the Bulls must have felt they were in with a chance of retaining their 2015 championship.

The Raiders, after faltering against the Kwakwani side will hope for a better showing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

STAG ELITE LEAGUE GAMES Key highlights from president Gianni Infantino visit on ON THIS SATURDAY Tuesday, April 11, 2017 The Stag Elite League (Season 2) will recommence this Saturday at the # 5 Ground Berbice following a break to enable the visit by the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Gianni Infantino, on Tu e s d a y, April 11, 2017.

This is the first match up in Berbice during this second half of the League and will see Buxton United FC vs GDF FC at 18:30hrs and Monedderlust FC vs Top XX FC at 21:00hrs.

The Stag Elite League is the senior league of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and seeks to, among others, provide a space for consistent and competitive

engagement of footballers while facilitating disciplined players of a high technical and tactical ability, to be identified and or selected for national duties.

AMONG THE PRIZES OF THE SEASON ARE: 1ST PRIZE – Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00) 2ND PRIZE – T h r e e Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) 3RD PRIZE – Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) 4TH PRIZE – One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) The overall league Champion and Runner-up Clubs will be awarded automatic qualifying spots at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championships.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: • STAG ELITE LEAGUE (Season 2) DATE: Saturday, April 15, 2017 VENUE: # 5 Ground, Berbice ADMISSION: $500.00 GAME #1: Buxton United FC vs GDF FC @ 18:30hrs GAME #2: Monedderlust FC vs Top XX FC @ 21:00hrsrs Lucky patrons will win prizes compliments of Church’s Chicken, Jialing, Impressions, GFF and Ansa Mc Al • Start of the GFF-Pele Alumuni Frank Watson Intra-Association National U-15 Tournament – May, 2017 • Restart of GFF-NAMILCO ThunderBolt Flour Power National U-17 Tournament – May, 2017 NEXT EDITION: Friday, 14th April, 2017

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

Gayle, Pietersen among marquee names for CSA T20 league CHRIS GAYLE, Brendon McCullum and Kevin Pietersen are among the marquee international players who have been signed up

by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for its new T20 tournament, scheduled to begin in 2017-18.

CSA has announced that the eight players - Gayle, McCullum, Pietersen, Dwayne Bravo, Lasith Malinga, Eoin Morgan, Kieron Pollard and Jason Roy - have agreed to two-year contracts and will go into a mini-draft, with the franchises each bidding to be allocated one. Franchise owners will be asked to consider which cities certain players already have links to before making their picks.

“We are thrilled by the calibre of the top eight international players we have lined up to participate in our new T20 League,” CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said. “They are all stars in their own right and will add great value to the franchise teams they will represent.

“This top quality list of players will set a high standard for our tournament. With each one of them (being) a household name in the world of cricket, we can certainly look forward to some enthralling contests that will grip the imagination of fans in South Africa and around the globe.

“The high level of interest from players and sponsors to

participate in our league is proof of the great attraction of South Africa as a global destination. This is indeed very exciting for the country.”

CSA is hoping to completely overhaul its domestic T20 offering, creating a competition similar to the IPL and Big Bash, with private ownership, foreign investment and a roster of international names. The eight franchise teams will also be allocated a marquee South Africa player.

The threat of Kolpak departures to England was also behind CSA’s planning for the league, which is expected to run in November-December this year.

(ESPNCricinfo)

Kevin Pietersen has taken part in South Africa’s Ram Slam T20 in recent seasons. (Gallo Images)

Jason keen on maiden Test call-up WEST Indies middle-order batsman Jason Mohammed is eyeing his first Test callup, after another impressive series that saw the righthander score two half-centuries against Pakistan in the recently concluded three-match 50-over series.

Mohammed has played eight One Day International matches for West Indies, scoring 289 runs at an average of 41.28. He has cracked four half-centuries this year with a highest score of 91 not out against Pakistan last Friday, to lead the regional team to victory in the first ODI. Mohammed has jumped 86 places on the world ODI rankings, after scoring two fifties against England in March and two more versus Pakistan over the past month.

Mohammed, speaking to Newsday yesterday, said he would welcome the opportunity to play the longest version of the game.

“I guess we have to wait and see. Obviously I would like to play Tests, but it is up to the selectors.

“I think with my good form I should have a chance in Test cricket. If there are others in line, obviously I

his debut in 2011, said: “It was good coming back into the international scene, it is always good to perform and I worked hard leading up to those series (England and Pakistan); and even before that, so it is nice to have the results behind me.”

Mohammed’s prowess could not lead West Indies to a series win against Pakistan, as the regional team lost the series 2-1.

“It was disappointing that we did not win the series, but I think more consistent cricket Jason Mohammed in both bowling and batting will have to wait my turn, but “It would be my first time would have gotten us over I am definitely excited if I am playing Test cricket and I just the line. I think that was the called up to the Test time, and have to wait and see how it main thing. We were not as consistent as we should have I would be looking forward to goes,” he said. the opportunity,” he said.

The Trinidad and Toba- been over the series.”

Mohammed has been Mohammed believes his go cricketer said he will coninclusion on the Test team tinue pushing to play all for- on a stellar run of form can assist the West Indies, mats despite admitting he since the 2016 Caribbean but knows the transition to favours the 50 overs game. Premier League and is aimTest cricket will come with “The selectors have their ing for more production. challenges. own options on who they “It’s been a really good run “I think I will help a little are looking at, to play what for me for the last couple of bit, but myself going into Test format. In the past I think I months to a year.

“Since CPL, I have cricket for the first time it will have deserved a (Test) spot be difficult. but was never given the worked really hard in all three “There are guys who opportunity, but I am still departments of my game and have played before who will pressing and hoping to play it has been really good.

“Hopefully I can keep it be there, so obviously with Test cricket sometime soon.” a mixture of experienced Mohammed, who was going for as long as possiguys and myself, it could be out of West Indies colours ble.” (Trinidad and Tobago a good combination. for a long time after making Newsday)

Narine, Gambhir fire KKR to another thrilling chase SUNIL Narine’s promotion to opener paid dividends for Kolkata Knight Riders as they produced an impressive chase against Kings XI Punjab.

Kolkata Knight Riders produced another devastating run chase to thrash Kings XI Punjab by eight wickets and end their unbeaten IPL start.

Playing at a raucous Eden Gardens, KKR made home advantage count after winning the toss and inviting their visitors to bat, chasing down 171 with 21 balls to spare, having knocked off 184 in 14.5 overs in their opening match of the tournament against Gujarat Lions.

Chris Lynn was the star of that show, but the Australian six-machine was absent through injury, so it was left to the promoted Sunil Narine (37 off 18 balls) to begin the fireworks as captain Gautam Gambhir (72 not out) anchored the innings superbly.

Umesh Yadav (4-33) took three wickets in the space of four deliveries late in the Kings XI knock as a promising start was checked to leave the hosts a gettable target.

Yadav’s success made up for a hapless outing for Trent Boult (0-36), who suffered a dropped catch, misfields and a bizarre all-run four (helped by two overthrows) off his bowling.

Narine shelled a sitter when

Manan Vohra skied Boult to third man, but the opener only got to 28 before he was bowled

by Piyush Chawla (1-36). His score represented somewhat of an apparent wall that Kings XI could not break through.

Hashim Amla (25), Glenn Maxwell (25), David Miller (28) and Wriddhiman Saha (25) played innings of varying paces, but each ended with similar scores and, having successfully chased twice, Kings XI did not prove as adept at defending their total.

The sight of Narine opening the batting in T20s is not necessarily new - he did so playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League - but the Trinidadian announced himself as a top-order danger with three sixes and four fours that put KKR well ahead of the rate.

Narine’s 37 was his second-highest score in any form of cricket and 76-1 represented KKR’s best powerplay total in IPL history.

From there it was all about Gambhir, who moved above David Warner at the top of the run-scoring charts on his way to a 33rd IPL fifty - two behind Warner in a ranking that the Australian remains atop.

And the chase was capped as impressively as it was launched as Manish Pandey (25) blasted Marcus Stoinis over long on for six. (SportsMax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

GT Beer/Petra Futsal final

Battle Royale as Sparta face Back Circle

By Stephan Sookram

THE final of the GT Beer/ Petra Futsal between Sparta Boss and Back Circle will take place tomorrow evening at the National Gymnasium.

Based on the statistics, both teams have found the back of the nets on 19 occasions and have conceded seven goals each, making it anyone’s game on the evening.

Devon Millington has been the most destructive in front of goal, scoring nine of the team’s goals in the tournament, while Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson has supported with, five and Cleon Forrester two.

Sheldon Shepherd and Eusi Phillips have also found themselves on the scorecard for the side.

In the case of Back Circle, Stephon McLean is their leading marksman with five goals.

Selwyn Williams and Akeemo Anthony have also found the nets four times each, while

Sylvester Richardson and Curtez Kellman have recorded two goals each. Off the bench, there are Keron Joshua and Jermaine Beckles, who notched one goal each.

Meanwhile, the third place fixture will pit Bent Street against Sophia in a rematch of the group round. In the earlier meeting, Bent Street prevailed by a 4-2 scoreline.

Prior to the commencement of the final and thirdplace games, several exhibition matches will commence at 20:15hrs. Winners of the tournament will collect $400 000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up will pocket $200 000 and the corresponding accolade.

The third- and fourthplace finishers will collect $100 000 and $50 000 respectively and the respective accolade.

Individual prizes for Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper and Highest Goalscorer will also be awarded.

Big wins for Melanie ‘B’, Turkeyen on opening night THERE were big wins for Melanie ‘B’ and Turkeyen on the opening night of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets football tournament’s East Coast Demerara leg at the Haslington tarmac.

The evening commenced with Plaisance ‘B’ edging Portmore United 1-0 after which Young Jiggers advanced to the next round via the same margin against Uprisings.

Game three was a carbon copy with Lusignan Prison advancing over Nabaclis with Melanie ‘B’ sealing the defence of the Annandale Warriors for a 3-0 win in game four.

In the same breath, Turkeyen routed Mahaica 5-0 in game five before things returned to regular programming, with Future beating Doctor Yard Assassins 2-1.

Top 7 overcame BV ‘A’ 2-1 via penalties after the game

was tied 1-1. Non Pareil also prevailed over Buxton D & J, 1-0 on penalties after a goalless stalemate. Clonbrook made a carbon copy of the earlier game against Bare Root Mafia.

Warren Gilkes gave Plaisance ‘A’ the goal they needed to get past Grove South with ‘C’ Division advancing 3-2 on penalties after their game against Hard Ballers ended goalless.

Victoria Church Yard also moved onto the next round after winning 1-0 on sudden-death penalties while Belfield Ballers needled Haslington Hypers.

Buxton Diamond also moved on to the next round following a 1-0 penalty shootout win over Golden Grove after a goalless affair, while Melanie ‘A’ overcame Haslington, thanks to a goal from William Europe.

Meanwhile, the matches continue tomorrow.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 14, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

STAG ELITE LEAGUE GAMES ON THIS SATURDAY The Stag Elite League ( S e a s o n 2 ) w i l l re c o m mence this Saturday at the # 5 Ground Berbice following a break to enable the visit by the President of the Fédération Internationale d e Football Association, Gianni Infantino, on Tu e s d a y , April 11 , 2017.

This is the first match up in Berbice during this second half of the League and will see Buxton United FC vs GDF FC at 18:30hrs and Monedderlust FC vs Top XX FC at 21:00hrs.

The Stag Elite League is the senior league of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and seeks to, among others, provide a space for consistent and competitive

engagement of footballers while facilitating disciplined players of a high technical and tactical ability, to be identified and or selected for national duties.

Key highlights from president Gianni Infantino visit on Tuesday, April 11, 2017

AMONG THE PRIZES OF THE SEASON ARE: 1ST PRIZE – Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00) 2ND PRIZE – T h r e e Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) 3RD PRIZE – Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) 4TH PRIZE – One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) The overall league Champion and Runn e r- u p C l u b s w i l l b e awarded automatic qualifying spots at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championships.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: •

STAG ELITE LEAGUE (Season 2) DATE: Saturday, April 15, 2017 VENUE: # 5 Ground, Berbice ADMISSION: $500.00

GAME #1: Buxton United FC vs GDF FC @ 18:30hrs GAME #2: Monedderlust FC vs Top XX FC @ 21:00hrsrs Lucky patrons will win prizes compliments of Church’s Chicken, Jialing, Impressions, GFF and Ansa Mc Al •

Start of the GFF-Pele Alumuni Frank Watson Intra-Association National U-15 Tournament – May, 2017 •

Restart of GFF-NAMILCO ThunderBolt Flour Power National U-17 Tournament – May, 2017 NEXT EDITION: Friday, 14th April, 2017

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

Two new faces in Guyana Jaguars squad FAX: +1 592 225 2096

See story on page 30

Sherfane Rutherford

Bhaskar Yadram

PM Rowley: WI cricket has been ‘hijacked’

See story on page 27

Dr Keith Rowley

See story on page 27

Former national player and treasurer of the Pele FC Alumni, Patrick `Labba’ Barton, (second right) presents the Chief Librarian with the laptop computers. Other members of the Pele Alumni, David `Doggy’ Chan (extreme left), Dennis Carrington (third left) and members of staff of the Library look on (Delano Williams photo).

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

National Library receives laptop donations, compliments of Pele FC Alumni FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017