Guyana chronicle e paper 05 05 2018

SATURDAY 5th May, 2018

No.105265

Troubled Seas ‌ Guyanese, Surinamese fishermen dock boats in fear of pirates

‌ three bodies brought to shore so far

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Driver to spend 9 years 17 for causing 12 deaths

$240M pump station commissioned on ECD PAGE

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Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder tests newly commissioned pumps at Friendship/Vigilance, East Coast Demerara in the presence of regional, neighbourhood and government officials

GPL fined for poor performance

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No interference

amongst themselves what their different roles are and how they could make what we have a justice system that is fair and opened. This opportunity is really important,” the Commonwealth Secretary-General added.

It was further explained that the workshop, which was organised by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the Commonwealth Secretariat and

nificance of the training. “One of the purposes of having these conferences and other conferences like this across the Commonwealth, is to pool our knowledge and expertise and to understand where the differences are and also the similarities, because sometimes we may be expressing things in a different way, but we are in fact saying the same thing” the Commonwealth Secretary-General said.

Legal Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretariat Shadrach Haruna

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

Head of Countering Violent Extremism Unit Mark Albon (Photos by Delano Williams)

independence and integrity or that of the prosecutors.

At the Commonwealth Secretariat, she said a Latimer House Toolkit has been developed. “A toolkit has been created in the secretariat based on the Latimer House Principles relating to judicial independence which has been developed over a period of time to ensure the harmonious balancing of power and the interaction between Parliament, the executive and the judiciary in our democratic societies,” Baroness Scotland noted.

She said the Commonwealth Secretariat is cognizant of the challenges judges and prosecutors face in the discharge of their duties and the workshop had served to address some of those.

“Detailed discussions on judicial and prosecutorial functions in this area have been conducted for and among the judges and the prosecutors separately. So the judges have been talking on one side, the prosecutors are talking on the other side.

They are in the same place, so we can share information,” she explained.

“It is really important that both sides freely discuss

the Government of Guyana, covered a broad spectrum of international requirements relating to the implementation of AML/CFT standards as set out by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and CFATF. As countries enter the Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation by FATF, it is important that they are technically compliant and effective in the implementation of the AML/CFT legislation.

“We have to increase the likelihood that the crooks will be caught. Secondly, we have to relieve them of the burden of their ill-gotten gains, because the two things that they enter into crime for is the money, and they think that they wouldn’t get caught, so we have to increase the likelihood that they will get caught,” Baroness Scotland urged.

She posited that some persons are of the opinion that money laundering is a victimless crime, but it is not.

“This money laundering and fraud and dishonesty, it has victims and the victims are the old, the poor, the disadvantaged and those who are in need of support,” she stated, while underscoring the sig-

Combating violent extremism Commonwealth Head of Countering Violent Extremism Unit, Mark Albon, during the press conference also underscored the importance of combating terrorism, and violent extremism.

CFATF is the last of nine FATF Style Reporting Bodies (FSRB) to host a workshop for judges and prosecutors. In the past, the CFATF in conjunction with the Commonwealth Secretariat has held programmes for judges (in Jamaica, in 2012) and prosecutors (in St. Lucia, in 2015). However, with focus on the Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluations, the workshop is being held to boost regional judicial and prosecutorial services. Judges and prosecutors from Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; Saint Lucia; St Kitts and Nevis; St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago and other member states were present at the workshop held at the Pegasus on Thursday and Friday.

…Commonwealth SG assures workshop did not infringe on judiciary’s independence

By Svetlana Marshall SECRETARY- GENERAL of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, has said that the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) work-

shop for the judges and prosecutors was critical to the fight against money laundering, terrorism, and violent extremism.

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) objected to joint training of judges and prosecutors here, contending

that such a move creates the perception that the judiciary is taking directives from the executive with respect to the AML/CFT regime. But Baroness Scotland at a news conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Friday, with sup-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

port from Legal Adviser of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Shadrach Haruna, said the workshop will not infringe on the judiciary’s

Troubled seas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

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…Guyanese, Surinamese fishermen dock boats in fear of pirates … three bodies brought to shore so far

By Nafeeza Yahya

IN the wake of the deadly piracy attacks on 20 fishermen in Suriname, some fisherfolk in the neighbouring country and their counterparts here have docked their boats temporarily out of fear of the high seas criminals. Members of the fishing community are contend-

ing that the “sea is unsafe.”

Speaking with Surinamese Mark Lall, Secretary of Fisheries Collective Association related that all the boats that were at sea came in and are refusing to go out “Everything that is outside came in”. He continued, that while he understands the rationale behind the actions of the men it will have serious repercussions,

A relative of one of the missing fishermen stands outside the building where the bodies are being kept holding a picture of her loved one

since some 6500 persons are directly dependent on the industry for their livelihoods. ““We are going to notice the spin-off effects in the coming period. The fish processors will not have fish to process, the workers will have no work, the fish transporters will have no cargo, the buyers will have no products and the local market will not have fish” Lall told the media.

The boat owners however are asking for a guarantee that the lives of their crew will be safe as well as their boats and other property protected before they return. To this end, Lall said a meeting was held with the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) Lekhram Soerdjan, who pledged to look into the concerns raised by the men. He further said assistance will be provided to the next of kin for the missing men, according to Lall. Another meeting was scheduled for Friday) evening to work out the issues.

Meanwhile, since the men have docked their boats the price for fish has gone up by some 30%, according to reports coming out of Suriname and it is expected to climb more, if the men continue to remain ashore.

Authorities in Suriname on Friday afternoon man-

Coast Guard and Police escort the body of one of the fishermen aged to bring two more bodies to shore. Thus far three bodies were brought to land and are currently awaiting identification. This newspaper understands, family members of the missing men turned up in their numbers to get a glimpse with the hope of recognising their loved one but up to press time was unable to do so. The bodies which were brought into Paramaribo by the Suriname Coastguard on Friday morning were previously located, but challenges in the terrain prevented rescuers from retrieving them. Twelve fishermen remain missing. They are: Vickey Persaud, Ramesh Sanchara, Glenroy Jones,

Tikaknauth Mohabir, Bobby Ibrahim, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony Couchman, Rajkumar Bissesar, Sunil called “Paddock” and Olenski Maxwell.

Five of the initial 20 fishermen have so far emerged alive, while four have been discovered dead. On Friday, the Suriname police invited relatives of the missing fishermen to visit the department Kapitale Delicten at Havenlaan Zuid Number1 and take along identification documents including ID cards and passports in a bid to ascertain the identities of the men.

President David Granger on Thursday called the incident a

massacre and announced that a day of mourning will be formally observed for the men who were killed. Between Friday night and Saturday morning last weekend, four boats with 16 fishermen were attacked by pirates off the Suriname coast in what is seen as a “revenge attack” masterminded by siblings.

The men’s brother was murdered by gunmen late in March and reports are that the siblings , led by one “Sinbad” and his brother Nakool Manohar called “Fyah” , are allegedly behind the attacks since the men, believe that fishermen were behind the murder of theirbrother.

Commonwealth SG applauds Guyana’s preparation for first-oil GUYANA received high praise from Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland for being proactive in addressing critical areas to guard against corruption ahead of oil production in 2020 At a press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Friday, Baroness Scotland said the country is not reactive but rather proactive in the development of its oil and gas sector.

“Guyana is not waiting for it to happen before they begin asking for advice. The Government and the people

of Guyana have been asking for assistance in terms of how we structure the new development, so that it is in place before the money comes,” the Commonwealth Secretary General told reporters.

Since 2016, the country has been receiving economic advice from the Oceans and Natural Resources Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat on the drafting of laws and the establishment of the institutions and fiscal rules for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The SWF Legislation is compliant with the Santiago Principles and International Best Practices.

According to Baroness Scotland, the types of guidelines and mechanisms that are being instituted will make it very difficult for corrupt practices to grow. “I know that Guyana wants to have the most robust system in the world, and the secretariat is very determined to be alongside all of you here and to ensure that Guyana shines,” she said, while recommitting Commonwealth’s support to the people of Guyana.

In March, the Natural Resources Ministry organised a high-level caucus for Cabinet Ministers creating an opportunity for them to engage

global thinkers and experts on natural resource management.

The caucus formed part of the Government’s agenda to prepare for oil production in 2020, and beyond.

The caucus, which was facilitated by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, featured world renowned experts Sir Paul Collier, noted Professor of Economics at Oxford University; Sir Shridath Ramphal, Caribbean Statesman and International Advisor; and Eric Parrado, former Manager of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Chile, among other international experts.

In April, Commonwealth Economic Adviser, Natural Resources Division, Dr. Daniel Wilde briefed Cabinet on the critical sections of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) legislation. According to Dr. Wilde, the country is on the correct path with regards to the establishment of the SWF legislation.

In February, United States (U.S.) oil giant ExxonMobil announced its seventh Oil Discovery Offshore Guyana, adding to its discoveries since 2015. Pacora-1 well encountered approximately 65 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone.

The company’s Ranger -1 well encountered approximately 230 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing reservoir, located some 60 miles northwest of its Liza Phase One project within the Stabroek Block.

That discovery, Exxon had said provides a new play concept for the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block.

The Ranger-1 well discovery adds to previous world-class discoveries at Liza, Payara, Snoek, Liza Deep and Turbot, which are estimated to total more than 3.2 billion recoverable oil-equivalent barrels.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

PUC fines GPL for poor performance

By Ariana Gordon THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has fined the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) five per cent of the total value of the dividend payable to the company’s shareholders for the year 2017. The decision of the PUC which is dated April 25, 2018, followed an assessment of GPL’s Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSpT) for 2017.

In its ruling, the PUC chaired by Dela Britton, said in a previous order the commission had cautioned that it was not appropriate to make any award of a monetary penalty on the company, noting that it had expected the power company to make a “concerted effort” to fulfil its mandate of providing a safe service at a reasonable price to consumers.

“Unfortunately, our expectations of an improved service did not materialise.

The commission, in fulfilment of its obligations and having considered the extent to which the company has failed to meet the OSpT, together with the impact on

the licensees’ consumers, hereby fines the company in the amount of five per cent of the total value of the dividend payable to the company’s shareholders in the just concluded calendar year,” the Order stated.

The commission has committed to monitoring the operations of GPL and said it will demand reporting on its standards as it deems fit.

Meanwhile, in its report, the commission acknowledged that the operating standards of the power company are set within the framework of the company’s existing infrastructure and cash flow limitations.

Falling down on standards “However, some of the standards fall far short of what constitutes an efficient utility. It is the commission’s fervent hope that there will be incremental improvements in the quality of service to consumers in 2018 and beyond,” the PUC stated.

At a public hearing held on March 27, 2018, at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, GPL was afforded an opportunity to present its reviews and whether

the Standards for 2017 were achieved and if not, to provide reasons why the identified targets had not been achieved. It should be noted that the OSpT constitute the standards and quality of ser-

Availability. Those OSpT are to be reviewed by March 30 of each calendar year and the commission is responsible for determining whether the company has failed to achieve the said targets.

GPL CEO Albert Gordon (centre) flanked by his deputies and senior officials at the PUC public hearing at Cara Lodge on March 28, 2018

vice that GPL is required to provide in accordance with section 25 (2) of the PUC Act. There are eight standards and targets: Customer Interruptions, Voltage Regulation Meter, Reading Issuing of Bills’, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, System Losses, and Average

According to the Act, should there be failure to realise any targets, the impact of the failure is to be determined by the commission on both the consumer and on the company. As a result of the failures, the PUC is empowered to impose monetary penalties on the company in

an amount which ought not to exceed 25 per cent of the total value of the dividend payable to the company’s shareholder(s) in the calendar year under consideration.

Shortfall of generation In the case of customer interruptions, and the System Average interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) the aim is to limit the average number of outages a consumer had experienced during the year to no more than75.

However, the average number of outages experienced by a consumer for the year 2017 was 128. As a result, the identified standard was not achieved. GPL in its defence said there was a shortfall of generation as a result of a failed alternator on one of the 6.9 megawatt sets. The company reported that it took approximately six months before the set became operational. Additionally, there were also extended maintenance periods for two other 6.9-megawaff sets. During the routine maintenance of these sets, it was discovered that the failure of the alternators was imminent.

A decision was then taken to have both of the sets repaired and as a consequence, the maintenance period was extended by a further two weeks. It was noted that the reserve capacity of the company is not significant.

“When there are unexpected generator failures, coupled with the normal maintenance schedules, where the sets are withdrawn from service, the company may experience a generation shortfall that increases the frequency of outages to consumers.”

GPL also noted that the transmission system is unstable, and that the instability resulted in no fewer than 25 disruptions during the year and that these failures were in no way due to human error. It was a result of the increased disruptions there were increased power outages.

Similarly, SAIDI is geared at limiting the duration of outages that a consumer experienced in 2017 to no more than 85 hours. However, the average duration stood at 133.18 hours. The PUC noted that the company’s performance in this regard has deteriorated over the years and noted that it was foreseeable that there would have been the consequential generation shortfall and that the company should have made adequate provision to mitigate this.

Voltage regulations According to the standards GPL is required to maintain in stable conditions, voltages of + 5 per cent of the nominal voltage and + Turn to page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Let us intensify our roles in building this nation- Min Norton

Today, we celebrate the true essence of our nation – our ancestors and their arrival to these shores.

Guyana is a product of six peoples – our first peoples, the Amerindians, along with the Europeans, Africans, Portuguese, Chinese and East Indians. Together, they birthed a culturally distinct nation, and as we bask in the glory of all that we are as a people, it is im-

portant that we honour our ancestors, who transformed a land that witnessed their blood, sweat and tears, into a place that each of us can now find solace.

I believe that even before we attempted to become ‘One People’ of ‘One Nation’, we were all following ‘One destiny’. It seems more than a mere coincidence that six very different peoples, with their own cultures, traditions

PUC fines GPL for ...

10 per cent following a system disturbance but from the inception, GPL has said that it would be difficult to monitor and report on the voltage supplied to each customer.

As was the case in previous years, the standard was not measured.

Nevertheless, the company said a planned programme for the installation of Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters will begin soon and when it does, it would be in a position to randomly access data from the registry of these meters which would enable the company to inform on voltage fluctuations.

“The information provided from such random samples should determine whether the company’s voltage delivery is consistent with the standard,” the company disclosed. As an alternative to the Standard, GPL committed to complete 100 per cent of customer voltage complaints due to network reconfigurations, vegetation, upgrade of lines, additional transformer, among others in no more than 30 days.

GPL has reported that this target was not met. No explanation was offered for not meeting the target. In accepting the company’s explanation for not measuring voltage delivered to consumers,

the PUC noted the intent of the company to comply with the standard when consumers are switched to AMI meters.

“There is compelling evidence to suggest that the voltage received by consumers in some areas is not consistent with that which the company has been contracted to deliver. This, together with the failure to meet the consumer interruption standard, must have been a source of frustration to consumers that the company should be cognizant of and should expeditiously take appropriate and urgent steps to ameliorate,” the PUC said.

Meter Reading For 2017, GPL was required to read 97 per cent of maximum demand consumers (that is commercial consumers) and 90 per cent of non-maximum demand consumers (that is residential customers). The standard with respect to both was not achieved.

For maximum-demand consumers, 9l per cent of the meters were read; and for non- maximum demand consumers, only 88 per cent of the meters were read.

The power company said it did not meet the operating standard with respect to non-maximum demand

and beliefs could be so neatly amalgamated to create one single identity – that of the Guyanese. I describe it as sheer brilliance, perhaps orchestrated by a divine force.

Arrival of the East Indians May 5th calls for double celebration, as it marks the 180th anniversary since the arrival of the first batch of Indian immigrants. They came as indentured labour-

from page 4► consumers, because its representatives could not have access to the premises or the placement of some meters within the customer premises prevented the reading of same.

In the case of not meeting the standards set for the maximum-demand consumers, GPL pointed to occasional failure by the hand - held devices to read the data stored in some of the meters. The company explained that the hand-held devices, which use radio frequency waves to communicate with meters, were unable to access the data that sits in the registry of the meters and the meters may be defective.

As such, given the timeline to deliver the bills to the consumers, there is a short window (normally two days) for corrective action and this generally results in a higher than intended estimation of bills. In 2017 there was a shortage of maximum-demand meters that frustrated the process of replacing defective meters. The PUC applauded the power company for a satisfactory performance as it relates to non-maximum demand, while in the case of maximum demand customers, the commission had said GPL has failed consistently

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ers in 1838, on two ships – S.S. Whitby and the Hesperus. Between the years 1838 and 1917, a total of 240,000 Indians arrived.

They weathered the cruelties of indentureship, and when that system ended more than a century ago, approximately 70 percent of the Indian immigrants who came, chose to persevere and make Guyana their home. Today, their descendants account

for approximately 40% of the country’s population, and have made invaluable contributions to the growth of every facet of this nation – academically, politically, culturally, etc.

The Indian culture is an integral part of Guyana’s vibrant identity – from the foods and clothing to the religions and holidays. Guyanese of Indian origins have been

successful in keeping their traditions and practices alive, while remaining respectful of those of their brothers and sisters of different ancestry. On this occasion of Arrival Day, let us all pledge to intensify our roles in building this nation. Our ancestors did that for us, and we now, owe it to those who may come after. Let us unite to build our country.

to achieve the standard notwithstanding the fact that the total number there in is very small. “The Commission is of the view that the company should take pride in its performance and to ensure at a minimum it achieves this standard in 2018.”

was 35 days. The company explained that its collection cycle had improved over the previous year, but noted that the late payments from the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) with respect to street lighting, the municipality of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) resulted in the shortfall. GPL noted that the Standard is very challenging as it gives 21 days credit to consumers and a further grace period of seven days before taking action to enforce compliance.

sets was responsible for the standard not being met. In response, the PUC said it attaches significant weight to this standard and was disappointed that the standard which is not challenging was not met. The commission reminded that a system loss of 1per cent costs the company approximately $200M. Failure to achieve the standard by approximately 2 per cent results in a loss to the company and by extension to its consumers of approximately $400M. “While there is recognition that they are legitimate constraints faced by the company, we do not consider such constraints as material and meter shortages as one unit.” From the inception of GPL in October 1999 to the end of 2017, the cost of system losses to the company and by extension to consumers was more than US$400M, the commission reminded. “The commission has placed significant weight on system losses within the context of the OSPT and as such, an under-par performance casts a shadow on the overall performance of the OSPT,” said the PUC.

Issuing of Bills After meters have been read, GPL is required to issue maximum-demand bills within seven days, and non-maximum demand bills within 10 days. However, the company has reported that on average maximum-demand bills were issued within five days, and non-maximum demand bills, within 8 days after the meters were read. The standard with respect to both was met.

Accounts payable Here, the power company is required to settle with its creditors within 26 days and according to the company, the standard was met as it took on average 26 days to settle its indebtedness with its creditors. Meanwhile, in the case of accounts receivables, GPL was unable to meet its target. The standard commits the company to a 30-day cash collection cycle and it was reported that that cycle

System Losses The standard sets system losses at 27.6 per cent of dispatched power for 2017. For the reporting period system losses were 29.6 per cent of dispatched power. In defence of its failure to meet the standard, the power company said there was a shortage of essential materials and meters.

Meanwhile, GPL was required to achieve an average availability of 80 per cent, but the company reported an average availability of 78.24 per cent and explained that the unexpected failure of a number of generation

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Arrival Day and its importance IN the 19th century, Guyana as a country was formed and much of Guyanese life today is a continuum of that century. Many of the buildings, the streets of the capital and our institutions were products of that time. But the most notable fact of that century was the peopling of Guyana.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the country’s population was less than 100,000; by the end of the century, it had quadrupled. This increase of population was largely due to the importation of indentured immigrants, the overwhelming majority of whom came from India. The first Indian indentures set foot on the soil of Guyana on 5th May, 1838 and it is this anniversary we commemorate as Indian Arrival Day. From May 1838 to 1917 when indentured immigration ceased, approximately 240,000 Indians were brought to Guyana. Of these, approximately one-third returned to India in terms of their indenture contracts, one-third died in the colony without seeing their homes again and a third remained in Guyana. It is appropriate at this point to mention the reason indentures were brought to the colony. Emancipation of the slaves who laboured on the European-owned sugar plantations occurred in 1834, but the freedmen were compelled to remain on the plantations for a further period to ensure that the plantations continued to be functional. That period was known as the Apprenticeship System, which came to an end in 1838. The African freedmen departed from the estates in increasing numbers and set themselves up as independent subsistence farmers, and more importantly, bought abandoned sugar estates which they established into villages. This was known as the Village Movement and villages such as Buxton, Victoria and Queenstown in Essequibo were founded. There was accordingly a growing labour shortage on the plantations and the planters desperately tried to recruit indentured workers from Malta, Madeira, the West Indian islands, India and China. The planters regarded Indians as the most suitable and so Indian immigration was continued.

The contract of indenture between the indentured servant and the planters remained much the same over the 80 years of Indian indentureship with minor changes. The main clauses of the agreement were that the worker was recruited for five years at an agreed wage, was transported to Guyana and returned at the end of his/her contract; housing was to be provided and medical assistance.

The indentures were given the impression that they were going to an El Dorado when in fact, they were going into a new slavery. The planters never bothered to respect their contracts. The workers worked from sunrise to sunset, were paid a wage which barely kept them alive, their food was poor, their housing was the logies the slaves once occupied, there were no recreational or educational facilities and the estate hospital was a place where little or no treatment was offered. There were no schools, since children were expected to be engaged in child labour. The workers were often maltreated or beaten by the overseers.

The culture and religions of these indentures were held in contempt. Life for the indentured workers was not a happy one.

These conditions inevitably led to constant labour disputes, which from time to time erupted into massive strikes.

Between 1872 at Devonshire Castle estate in Essequibo and 1948 at Enmore, there were eight massive strikes due to unbearable conditions. Instead of addressing the causes of these strikes, the planters had the authorities declare these strikes “riots” and had the police suppress them violently, killing several workers. Despite this milieu of oppression, poverty and discouragement of initiative, many of these indentures gradually lifted themselves out of the morass and led the way for the indentured community to make profound contributions to the social, economic and political life of the country, becoming among the main creators of modern Guyana. For one, they were responsible for nearly half of the Guyanese people.

They enriched the national culture by the introduction of new

foods and ways of cooking. Most of the common vegetables are often called by their Hindi names attesting to their indenture introduction and foods such as dhal-puri, have become common snack foods.

Indian music is widely heard and popularised by the films, TV soaps and live performances and is now part of the corpus of Guyanese music. But probably their greatest social contribution to Guyanese life has been their introduction of Hinduism and Islam as organised religions. Guyana now has a unique place in the world of having the three great world religions -- Hinduism, Islam and Christianity living side by side in the greatest amity and supportive of each other. There have also been quiet and important exchanges between these great faiths, as for example, the assumption by most Guyanese that all religions lead to God. The economic impact of Indian indentures was first seen when sugar production was increased four-fold a few years after they began working in the industry. They were also responsible for developing other agricultural industries such as rice, dairy farming and milk production, coconut and cooking oil production and the expansion of market gardening and making available at affordable prices ground provisions, bananas, plantains and vegetables. They also went into deep-sea fishing. Their efforts greatly helped in Guyana’s food security. A large number of indentures settled in Essequibo and their numerical presence and industry affirmed Guyana’s possession and ownership of that county. The 5th of May therefore commemorates one of the most important anniversaries of Guyanese history.

No reasoned debate on the Cyber Bill

Dear Editor

DAILY, we are witnessing the great hypocrisy and dangerous contradictions that highlight a society that is filled with political self-seekers. Their only reason for living is to continue in their frantic attempts to drag this country down to the abyss, to continue on the old decrepit road of whipping up bogeys -- a political un-enlightenment that can only continue the division of the country.

Editor, I write with reference to the Cyber Crime Bill and the controversy surrounding same; and this is more about the principles and steps that led up to the Bill, than the inherent issues on whether it is outdated, and constitutes a threat to freedom of expres-

sion and democracy in the process. The latter is another opinion for another letter.

First of all, I must commend the government for seeking to craft a bill from a variety of other examples, with a team even visiting the United States for attending a cyber-crime conference.

Further, given the seriousness of such a bill, the government made it available on its website for public input. This was followed by adjustments, taking the public views into consideration. It was then “reposted’’. There was also a public consultation at the Pegasus Hotel before moving on to the National Assembly, then to a Parliamentary Select Committee, where there was an equal number of government and opposition party MPs, for further scrutiny,

and I believe, fine-tuning of the Bill.

Editor, I submit that this was a Bill that solicited public views by way of invited comments, coupled with an open public forum. This was a democratic process that was initiated by the government, and responded to by the public, and not a take- it- or- leave-it, high-handed attitude.

Thus, we now have to examine as from which direction the objecting choruses now emanate, for it boggles the mind that there are objections from the same quarters, who would have had the opportunity to make their positions known.

If the current noises/objections in whatever form, are from sections of those who had subscribed to invited comments, then it meant that

they were either dishonest in their contributions, or did not deliberate properly before their posted comments. As to the Pegasus meeting – there were ghosts in attendance! I am certain, that neither has not been the case.

It boggles the mind, too, that the PPP contingent had sat at such a seminal stage and not object to those parts of the Bill, that they now so do. Thus, for Jagdeo to claim his parliamentarians “lapsed’’, in not objecting to the Bill is a bird that cannot fly. In fact, such a statement is as asinine in its entirety as it is fraudulent. But this is the PPP/C’s understanding of representing its constituents.

How can Anil Nandlall, the PPP/C’s legal spokesperson, ever claim that his professional duties clashed with

attending the committee’s deliberations? Is this man for real? Does he understand that as a member of parliament he is a sworn representative of the people? I am certain he does; however, his answer does convey where his true loyalty lies!

His claim, also, that Sedition as an offence has been outdated for some 130 years, meaning that it had not been used for prosecution, is a filthy, big lie that ought to be confined to Freedom House.

At least, I have not forgotten that it was the PPP/C administration that issued such a charge against Benschop, Oliver Hinckson, and Waddell.

But Nandlall is among the many PPP/C spokespersons who continue to take advantage of the apparent memory lapses, or convenient mem-

ories of their constituents, riding rough shod over their supporters’ failure to ask the hard questions of their party.

It is a tragedy that continues to benefit the wicked lies, vile propaganda, and immoral political behaviour of the PPP/C. This is a continuation of the rightwing movement, in conjunction with the PPP/C opposition against the coalition government. These media are becoming a pathetic voice, for rather than serving the truth – they continue to slavishly genuflect to dangerous interests that serve their agenda. I do not ever recall, reading or listening to any rebuttal of Nandlall’s claim.

Regards Earl Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Arrival Day Messages

PNCR salutes contributions of Indo-Guyanese THE People’s National Congress Reform joins all like-minded groups, here at home and in the Diaspora, in celebrating the 180th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana.

This occasion offers the opportunity for the nation as a whole to recognise the important role that our East Indian ancestors and fellow compatriots have played in the development of Guyana.

The party also believes

that this is also an opportunity for the nation to understand that we all share a common destiny and that racial harmony, tolerance and understanding are essential to the further and overall development of this country. The development of Guyana can no longer be deferred. It is, therefore, essential that all stakeholders, especially political parties, and all relevant social groups and organisations, make a firm commitment

to exercise honesty, maturity and good judgement in order that this nation can put an end to racism, which has often stymied the development of our society and nation. The PNCR, therefore, calls on all our citizens to reflect on the significance of this occasion and to take to heart the lesson that racial harmony and understanding are the keys to our survival and long-term development.

Use occasion to reflect on resoluteness of our ancestors

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival Day, observed on May 5. It is a day of much significance and one that has been designated to commemorate the arrival of all Guyanese ancestors, who came to our nation’s shores at various points of our history.

Arrival Day also affords us the opportunity to be imbued with a tremendous sense of pride and reflect on the selfless and invaluable contributions our ancestors and their descendants made to the development of our nation.

Their untold sacrifices and resoluteness, which must not

Barrington Braithwaite’s letter was a breath of fresh air

Dear Sir,

READING Barrington Braithwaite’s letter of the April 6th Guyana Chronicle, was a breath of fresh air, against the prognosticators and their attempt to see everything in this country in a bad light, especially when it does not fit into their own version of what they want, or what should be or ought to be.

It is my belief that newspapers in this country do a disservice to their readers. There is no balance in putting out the necessary information, especially from columnists and scribes alike.

These newspapers have their favourites of course, who can write whatever they please, but there is no rebuttal except from the occasional letter-writer. These columnists’ biases are exposed, but it matters not, the drum roll continues ad nauseam.

If anyone believes that the newspapers don’t have a dog in this fight is being naive.

One particular scribe, still miffed about his ouster from the state-owned newspaper, and obviously still carrying a grudge, said in Stabroek News April 15, “Unfortunately Guyana will remain a dysfunctional state for a long time.” This intellectual sees Guyana as abnormal or impaired and would be so as long as the coalition is the government. He goes further, “after three years in office, Guyana’s democratic architecture remains as fragile as it was when the PPP left office.

“In his brilliance, he sees a dictatorship slowly creep-

ing into Guyana. He even suggests that the regime “must break the cycle of authoritarian governance.”

Put that all together and what do we have, but the recipe for a failed state, or in other words an unimaginable wasteland.

He is however not alone in his wild accusations. Another scribe claims that the blushes of the coalition leaves open the possibility of a PPP resurgence. After 23 years of misrule (some with this scribe as minister) he writes as though the citizens are just chafing at the bit to return the PPP to government. He even claims that the PPP is still a formidable party; that is correct in describing them, they do leave fear and dread in their wake. If either of these scribes dares to admit that the present government has done somethings, it’s a whisper and grudgingly done, but it’s nowhere near enough.

When these people write it seems as though they have forgotten what they had pontificated about at one time or another. It either makes you

want to burst out laughing (but it is too grave for that) or cringe at their depiction of the political administration in this land.

In KN 14 March, 2016, one of the scribes reading from his paper on the Grenadian revolution said, “ I argued that the Caribbean has stood still in development terms, partly because our governments have avoided revolutionary changes.” Another writer in KN 3 May, 2018, after wailing about imported bottled water in the country, made this astonishing statement, “We have not produced Transformative leadership since colonialism.” Revolutionary? Transformative? Both adjectives are synonymous with Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

He was all of that and more.

He embodied revolution and transformation. That is what he tried to give, but it was too advanced for the racist haters.

Writing in KN on Sunday, April 29, “My Contrary Politics etc, etc,” the scribe tries to give the impression that he is impar-

tial, that he calls it as he sees it. But only the negatives. Let me assure him that the people who think that your writing helps the PPP’s cause are not from South Gardens or Park.

We think of your writings quite differently in this neck of the woods. The Philistines are at the gates.

Regards Milton Bruce

be allowed to be forgotten, led to the building of a strong nation and to improved standards of living for future generations.

The determined efforts of our ancestors, despite the hardships they faced, to remain steadfast and to preserve their cultural traditions have led to the creation of a rich and colourful mosaic, which is our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Guyana.

This diversity has become our hallmark.

As we all observe this day and pay homage to our ancestors, who braved dark seas during their arduous journey, our party urges reflection of their valiant efforts so that we can all continue to be inspired and

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be better able to contextualise the value of our gains.

Inspired by the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors, we must remain determined to build upon the gains that have been made to: ensure that our country remains a place for all of its sons and daughters; to safeguard our hard-won freedoms; to ensure that peace is not compromised; and to ensure that the safety of our people is paramount.

Our party would also like to commend all those who have worked steadfastly over the years and those who continue to do so in the promotion of activities designed to foster greater awareness and preserve our history, values and cultural traditions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

NBS ordered to pay Rodrigues Architects Ltd. $15M

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday ordered the New Building Society Ltd (NBS) to pay Rodrigues Architects Limited $15M for consultancy services that the company provided relative to the construction of the Bank’s headquarters located on North Road and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

High Court Judge, Rishi Persaud had made a monetary judgment in the action brought against NBS by Rodrigues Architects, and NBS was ordered to pay the applicant $15, 897,625 together with interest thereon at the rate of six per cent per annum from November 27, 2008 to September 29, 2015, and thereafter at the rate of four per cent per annum until fully paid and costs in the sum of $100,000.

Justice Persaud had also ordered that there be a stay of execution for a period of six months from the date of the order. However, no judgment has been delivered to provide reasons for the order.

As a result, NBS through its attorney Nikhil Ramkarran appealed Justice Persaud’s decision and applied to Justice of Appeal BS Roy in Chambers for a stay of execution of the order, or in the alternative, an order that NBS be allowed to deposit the judgment sum into an interest-bearing account at a commercial bank.

Rodrigues Architects Limited in turn applied to the CCJ for special leave, pursuant to s 8 of the CCJ Act 2004, against a decision of the Full Bench of the Court of Appeal of Guyana given on December 2, 2017.

The stay of execution was granted until the hearing and determination of the appeal and the Justice of Appeal ordered that the judgment sum be lodged by the society with the Registrar and deposited in an interest-bearing account.

Rodrigues Architects then appealed to the Full Bench of the Court of Appeal for a discharge of the stay of execution while requesting that a stay of the order be refused. That application was dismissed.

Meanwhile, when the matter was heard before Justices Wit, Hayton, Anderson, Rajnauth-Lee and Barrow at the CCJ, special leave to appeal to CCJ was granted and the appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal allowed.

Director and shareholder of the Rodrigues Architects, Albert Rodrigues guaranteed repayment to NBS of monies received should NBS’ appeal against the award be quashed.

Rodrigues had also undertaken to refrain from encumbering or alienating or disposing in any way howsoever his interest, rights and title to the property known as A-126 Robin’s Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, Guyana which he owns by way of transport numbered 1579 of 1982, such

of $200,000 to the company.

In arriving at its judgment, the court examined the arguments advanced by NBS in its application for the stay of execution before Roy JA. NBS contended that if the judgment sums were paid out to the company, there was no reasonable prospect

or alienate property owned by him and valued well over the judgment sum without the court’s leave.

“The Court was of the view that in such circumstances, (Justice of Appeal) JA’s decision went against principle and the weight of the evidence and accordingly

undertaking to expire if the Society’s said appeal fails.

If however, the appeal succeeds, Rodrigues has leave to encumber, alienate or dispose of his interest, rights and title to the said property for the purpose of enabling him to repay the said guaranteed monies, while once the said monies have been repaid the undertaking shall, in any event, expire.

The CCJ in effect ordered, among other things, that the order made on February 5, 2016 by Justice of Appeal Roy granting a stay of execution be discharged; that the company is at liberty to recover from the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the judgment sum of $15,897,625 to be lodged by NBS with the Registrar for deposit in an interest-bearing bank.

Additionally, it was ordered that the deposited sum with interest thereon paid to the company shall be set off against the aggregate monies due to the company from NBS under the judgment of Justice Persaud, and that Rodrigues Architect is free to execute judgment against NBS to recover the balance of aggregate monies after receipt of the aforementioned deposited sum and interest from the Registrar. NBS was also required to pay costs to the tune

of recovery if its appeal was successful. It was found that the modern approach to an application for a stay pending an appeal included not only whether the applicant satisfied the court that if the judgment sum was paid that there was no reasonable probability of its recovery but also, included consideration of whether the applicant would be ruined if the judgment sum was paid out.

After its review of the affidavit evidence, the CCJ found that Justice of Appeal Roy “had in principle erred in granting the stay of execution and the Court of Appeal should have so declared.”

“The Court found that there was no evidence to support the Society’s bald assertion that there was no prospect of recovery, nor as accepted by the Court of Appeal was there any material or notes from the trial upon which the assessment of the prospects of the success of the appeal could have been undertaken,” a summary of the judgment said.

The court noted too that Rodrigues, the company’s director was prepared to guarantee that he would personally repay the judgment sum paid to his company if NBS won its appeal. Rodrigues also undertook not to encumber

granted special leave to prevent a substantial miscarriage of justice and allowed the appeal,” the court stated.

The CCJ also determined the principles to be applied by a court when faced with an application for a stay of execution of a money judgment, along with the factors that should be considered when exercising discretion to grant a stay of execution of a money judgment and found that the exercise of judicial discretion is not an arbitrary one.

Rather, the court determined that it is one that takes place within relevant parameters that enable a judge to determine whether the applicant for a stay has satisfied the court, that having regard to all the circumstances of the case and the risk of injustice, a stay ought to be imposed.

The court also considered how an application for a stay of execution of a money judgment should be approached and emphasised that a stay of execution was the exception rather than the rule, while noting that the onus was on the applicant to make out a case for a stay which required the court to answer the “essential question whether, in all the circumstances, there was a risk of injustice to one party or the other of the parties if it

grants or refuses a stay”.

It was determined that to answer this question, the first issue for consideration was whether the applicant for a stay can satisfy the court that the appeal has a good prospect of success or a “good arguable appeal”. If not, then no stay should be granted.

The court cautioned that judges must be alert to defendants who use tactical appeals to try to avoid paying out for the years it may take for the appeal to be heard. Additionally, it was highlighted that judges must also appreciate that making orders without delivering a reasoned judgment will make it very difficult for defendants to obtain a stay by showing a good arguable appeal, except in rare cases where a court order may be regarded as self-evidently revealing a reason against which a good arguable case can be made.

In the judgment delivered

by Justice Wit, it was declared that while, ideally, a judge should not make an order without contemporaneously providing a comprehensive written judgment, where due to the judge’s commitments such a judgment cannot be provided for some time, the judge should ensure that brief notes are made to enable the delivery of a short oral judgment which outlines the main reasons for giving a money judgment against the defendant. The judge is also required to state that a comprehensive written judgment will be subsequently provided if an appeal is filed.

The Court said the second issue for examination was whether the defendant could show he would be ruined or his appeal would be stifled if forced to pay out the judgment sum immediately, instead of after an unsuccessful appeal.

“Where this is not the case, the Court is of the view that prima facie, a stay should not be granted unless an af-

firmative answer is given to the third issue,” the court said while noting that in such circumstances, the onus was on the defendant to provide full, frank and clear details of his financial position.

On the question of whether the defendant could establish there was no reasonable probability that the claimant would be in a position to repay the monies paid to him by the defendant to satisfy the money judgment if the defendant’s appeal succeeds, the court found that where the defendant can establish that no such probability exists, prima facie a stay should be granted.

The onus however falls on the defendant to produce some evidence of the claimant’s financial weakness sufficient to make it necessary for the claimant to rebut it. “No stay should be granted where the claimant’s financial position is sound,” the court reasoned.

Moreover, the CCJ determined that it is not a requirement for the grant of a stay that terms be included that the claimant’s assets of corresponding value are frozen, not to be unencumbered or disposed of in any way without the leave of the court, unless the claimant consents or his connection to the jurisdiction is tenuous or his situation is particularly precarious.

The risk that the claimant will be unable to enforce the judgment if a stay is granted and the defendant’s appeal fails was also considered, and the court was of the view that in such circumstances it might be best for the defendant to pay the sum into court to await the outcome of defendant’s appeal.

However, this should be a last resort so that the claimant can have the monies available for entrepreneurial or investment opportunities.

Attorney Timothy Jonas appeared on behalf of Rodrigues Architects Limited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

‘Only God’s grace kept me alive’ –– says survivor of harrowing high-sea ordeal

SHERWIN Lovell, 40, one of five Guyanese fishermen to have faced certain death at the hands of blood-thirsty pirates and lived to tell the tale, is counting his lucky stars to be alive after such a harrowing ordeal.

Lovell, who was rescued on Thursday morning in neighbouring Suriname, where the drama unfolded at sea sometime Saturday, said it took him all of six days, walking in unfamiliar territory, before he could get help. “I am convinced it is only the Grace of God that kept me alive,” he said.

Speaking from a Surinamese hospital where he has since been admitted, Lovell said as soon as he realised that the pi-

rates, or “ransom men” as he called them, meant business, he jumped overboard.

He said the last he saw of his colleague fishermen, they were being mercilessly chopped about their bodies by the pirates.

He said that even after jumping overboard, he wasn’t sure he would make it to shore in one piece.

“I feel all my eyes getting dark, but all I wanted was to get to shore,” he said. “The only thing that kept me alive was thinking about my friends, my family, and about my mother.”

After being in the water for two days, he finally made it to land, but his troubles had only just begun as the place was deserted. And to crown it

all, he had no idea where he was.

But that did not deter him, Lovell said, so he mustered what little courage and strength he had left and carried on, wandering for several days more through a muddy swamp before encountering a man whom he asked to call the Nieuw Amsterdam Police Station.

Unfortunately, the poor man did not have enough credit to make that call, so it was back to square one for him.

It took him another few miles of walking around aimlessly before he could finally make contact with the police, though they did take their time getting to him.

“You know how long I had to lie down on that

mud! The police boat come, went different directions; it even had a chopper flying overhead,” he recalled.

Lovell was reportedly found in an area called Braamspunt, some 30 miles from where the attacked occurred.

Meanwhile, the Surinamese Police and Coastguard are continuing the search for the missing fishermen who are all said to be Guyanese.

Shirwin Lovell

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

Police ranks among first to be trained on use of Kitty roundabout OVER 13 officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department received training last Wednesday on the proper use of the soon-to-be- commissioned $78.9 million Kitty roundabout.

The officers are a part of the first set of training being conducted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Maintenance, Traffic and Safety, Transport Department and Planning and Design Engineer Department.

The new roundabout is being constructed with the intention of improving traffic flow and better regulating drivers, who are travelling on the East Coast of Demerara, Carifesta Avenue or in the vicinity of Kitty.

In keeping with its intention, the officers were were educated on the dos and don’ts for motor vehicles, pedal cyclists and motor cyclists; pedestrian crossings; the speed limit when approaching the roundabout and the right of way when in circulatory lanes.

They were also briefed on the movement of traffic on the Kitty Public Road, JB Singh Road, Carifesta Avenue and the seawall roads.

To aid their understanding, the 13 officers were presented with booklets entitled, ‘A Guide to Using the Kitty

Roundabout’.

Speaking on the relevance of the construction, Chief Transport and Planning Officer Patrick Thompson said that it was an engineering decision to improve the circulation of traffic at the Kitty junction.

He said too that under certain conditions, roundabouts can prove to be more efficient than traffic signals, further explaining: “A traffic count was conducted by the department and it was discovered that based on the volumes that were circulating at the different legs of the junction, where one leg was having 15 seconds and another 20 or 30 seconds.

“When the condition changes during off-peak hours, vehicles are made to stop at an intersection, while over on another lane it is empty.”

Adding to this, Maintenance Traffic and Safety Project Coordinator Kester Hinds, said that it was fitting that the GPF Traffic Department is the first to be trained as through the training, they would be better able to educate drivers.

Soon, Hinds said, public relations campaigns will begin in the media to sensitise the public on the use of the

roundabout. Similar training was provided to the Guyana Fire Service and Medical Emergency personnel on Thursday.

The construction of the roundabout commenced earlier this year and is expected to be completed by mid-May, ahead of schedule.

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Officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department during the Kitty roundabout training (photo by Andrew Weekes)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

Ball in Jagdeo’s court –– says Pres. Granger on appointment of substantive Chancellor, Chief Justice

By Svetlana Marshall THE ball is in the court of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, President David Granger said in response to the appointment of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice.

Jagdeo in February rejected President Granger’s nominees for the two top judicial appointments, contending that after requisite due diligence, he was unable to offer his support for either of the candidate.

The President had nominated Justice Kenneth Benjamin as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chief Justice, following recommendations from a panel of eminent jurists who had conducted interviews with a number of candidates for the posts. The Guyana Constitution provides for full agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment of both the chancellor and chief justice.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

On Thursday, President Granger told reporters that the decision is now in the hands of the Opposition Leader.

“The ball is in the court of the Leader of the Opposition.

I have made my proposals to him, he has simply rejected them. He has not made any counter proposal, so there is nothing to discuss,” President Granger said.

It was the hope of the President that he and the

sultation with the Opposition Leader.

According to Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana, “the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Guyana has been with-

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

President David Granger a workshop organised by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Guyana for judges and prosecutors at the Pegasus.

Though Jagdeo rejected Justice Benjamin and Justice Cummings-Edwards for the posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively, the Constitution provides for the President to appoint them in acting capacities after con-

Opposition Leader could have moved forward on the substantive appointments.

Subsequent to Jagdeo’s rejection, President Granger disclosed that he was seeking legal advice on the issue. On Thursday, he told reporters that he is well advised.

“I know what needs to be done. I am well advised. But I have to wait on the Leader of the Opposition to respond to my proposals,” the President said.

At the time, the President was speaking on the sideline of the opening ceremony of

Justice Kenneth Benjamin

13,189 students to sit CSEC, CAPE SITTING of the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations begins on Monday with over 13,000 Guyanese students registered to participate.

According to information received from the Superintendent of Examinations within the Ministry of Education, Ms. Sauda Kadir, twelve thousand two hundred and sixty-six (12,266) candidates have been registered to sit the examinations this year, as compared to twelve thousand six hundred and eighty-four (12,684) candidates in 2017.

Further, she said that this year nine hundred and twenty-three (923) candidates will be writing the CAPE examinations, while eight hundred and fifty-one (851) wrote it

in 2017. Therefore, thirteen thousand one hundred and eighty-nine (13,189) candidates will be writing these two examinations this year. According to Ms. Kadir, all systems have been put in place to ensure the smooth sitting of these examinations.

The CSEC subjects to be written on Monday, May 7th are Visual Arts 2 (General), Music 2 (General), Electronic Document Preparation and Management 2 General, Chemistry 3/2 General and Textiles, Clothing and Fashion 2 Technical. English A and Mathematics will be written on Tuesday May 8th and Wednesday May 9th respectively.

The CAPE subjects to be written on Monday are Literatures in English Unit 1 Paper 2, Physics Unit 1 Paper 2 and Integrated Mathematics Paper 2.

out a substantive Chancellor since 2005, when the then Chancellor, Desiree Bernard, retired and took up the post as judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) the same year. The non-appointment of a substantive chancellor and chief Justice is a result of the government and opposition sides not agreeing to the can-

didates for the post.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, during a Bar Association dinner last November, had underscored the importance of having a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice in place soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Lack of evidence absolves sister of brother’s death AFTER spending the last year undergoing a preliminary inquiry (PI) for the murder of her brother, 25-year-old Debbie Hansraj has been freed from the capital offence due to the lack of evidence.

Hansraj walked out of the courtroom with tears of joy while surrounded by her mother and other relatives on Friday afternoon, when Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore made her ruling.

She was freed from the charge which read that between April 17 and April 18, 2017, at Covent Garden Sea Dam, East Bank Demerara, she murdered her brother Vishal Hansraj.

Freed: Debbie Hansraj

The state was represented by police prosecutor Demonic Bess, while the defendant was represented

by Attorney-at-Law, George Thomas.

According to reports, the stabbing stemmed from a heated argument between

the siblings, after Vishal had confronted his sister who had allegedly wounded their mother.

Reports indicate that Vishal had armed himself with a knife and attempted to injure his sister, who in retaliation relieved him of the weapon and used it to stab him twice.

Both of them were reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, after which he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed the following day.

Disorderly duo caused ruckus at Kitty Police Station APPEARING before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday were two men separately charged for behaving disorderly at the Kitty Police Station.

Colin Simpson and Delon Jackson were

separately charged with behaving disorderly on May 4 at the Kitty Police Station.

Both men pleaded guilty to the charge and were fined $10,000 each or in default,serve two weeks’ imprisonment.

(L-R) Delon Jackson and Colin Simpson

Jailed man teaches friend a harsh lesson NEVILLE Haynes was on Friday sentenced to 24 months in prison on an unlawful wounding charge.

It was alleged that on April 27, 2018 at Longden Street, Haynes unlawfully and maliciously wounded Collin Moore with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the prosecutor, the virtual complainant and the defendant are known to each other. On the day of ques-

tion Haynes and Moore, along with another friend known as ‘Red Man’ were at a stand next to the defendant’s bicycle. The defendant fell asleep, and after he woke up, Moore and ‘Red Man’ were gone along with his bicycle.

The defendant met up with ‘Red Man’ and asked for his bicycle and he was told that the other man had gone with it.

The defendant then confronted the third man and they both got into a heated

argument. The defendant armed himself with a knife and gave the complainant one chop on the left side of his face. This caused him to receive 27 outside stitches and 13 inside.

The magistrate before sentencing the accused asked him if he wanted to say anything and he replied: “Dat gun teach he not fuh thief from he friends.”

Magistrate Leron Daly then sentenced him to 24 months in prison.

Republic Bank print-out had a clear picture

A TEENAGER appeared, on Friday, before Magistrate Leron Daly on a simple larceny charge.

It was alleged that between April 18 and 21, 2018 at Georgetown the youngster gained access to Areca Forde’s Republic Bank account and stole $147,000.

The man pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to Prosecutor Sanj Singh, the virtual complainant and the defendant are known to each other.

From work, Forde went to her home at Parfaite Harmonie to collect her wallet which contained her National ID card and bank card. She found her

wallet containing her card at the back of her home.

She journeyed to the bank at Vreed-en-Hoop to withdraw some money from her account, but she observed there was a balance of only $700. She made a report at Brickdam Police Station and an investigation was carried out.

Republic Bank provided a print-out which showed the accused withdrawing the money out of the complainant’s account. The accused was later arrested and he admitted the offence.

Bail was granted in the sum of $40,000. The matter was adjourned until May 11, 2018.

No place to live, so choice items stolen – cops say SEON Bert was on Friday remanded to prison on a break -and -enter and larceny charge.

It was alleged that between April 30 and May 1, 2018 at North Road, Seon Bert broke and enter the store of Nigel Pile and stole 24 chairs worth $600,000, one mattress worth $85,000 and one air-condition unit worth $185, 000.

The 35-year- old man denied the charge that was read out to him.

The prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant, citing that he had no fixed place of abode.

According to police facts, Nigel Pile operates a rental service and on April 30, 2018 he secured his business place with chairs and other items and went

home. However, on May 1 Pile went to his store and observed someone had broken and entered the store and items were missing. An investigation was launched and the accused was arrested.

Bail was refused by Magistrate Leron Daly and Bert was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned until May 25, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

New pump station for Buxton soon –– Min Holder announces at commissioning of one at Friendship-Vigilance

By Lisa Hamilton

SOME 150,000 residents of the East Coast Demerara villages of Friendship-Vigilance are set to benefit from a newly commissioned G$240M drainage pump station intended to provide flood relief and increased agriculture activity.

At the ceremony on Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said that with Guyana’s low-lying coastal region coupled with the growing threats of climate change, flood risk management should be everybody’s business.

Recalling Guyana’s past experience with

which will be equipped with two pumps to discharge water at an even faster rate.

Making remarks, too, was Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Forbes Abrams, who also called for residents to make agricultural advancements while taking care of their environment.

He told the gathering that the pump station comes at an opportune time when the community was at its wits end with the reoccurring flooding situation. “[The project] has come at a time when we’ve all become tired of the constant loss of crops, the dislocation from our dwellings, the discomfort from having to trek through

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder tests newly commissioned pumps at Friendship/Vigilance, East Coast Demerara in the presence of regional, neighbourhood and government officials the devastation floods of 2015 and 2017, Minister Holder said it was because of this that the government, through its agencies, installed a number of pumps, pump stations, sluices, kokers and canals to mitigate the effects.

These works are a part of the US$11M Flood Risk Management Project (2014-2019) implemented by the ministry’s Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal area to catastrophic flooding.

It stems from the Conservancy Adaptation Project (CAP), which was developed after the country’s intense flooding in 2005, and is funded by the World Bank.

In his feature address, Minister Holder acknowledged that farmers are often greatly affected by flooding, which is why the new infrastructure also aims to increase crop harvest by minimising loss.

To further achieve this, he called on community members to work collectively to keep waterways free of solid waste and other forms of blockages.

“Today, farmers and residents can be assured that the fear of flooding would now be minimal; I urge you to ensure that your drains and canals are kept free of weeds to realise the full benefit of this increased pumping capacity,” he said.

The station has a capacity to pump 31,700.6 gallons of water per minute off the land and into the sea.

The minister also revealed that through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), another pump station is being constructed in the community of Buxton

several feet of water and the fear of diseases associated with flood conditions,” he said, adding: “We know for a fact that these communities have been victims of neglect for several decades. I am hopeful that this pump, and the ongoing drainage works that are taking place in the backlands will finally rid us of the perpetual problem of flooding.”

Abrams announced that 180 acres of land will soon be cleared in the community’s backlands and as such youths present were urged to get on board and “restore agriculture to the prominence it once held”.

Speaking to the local habit of the careless dumping of garbage, he advised attending residents by stating: “We need to desist from making our canals a dumping ground for dead animals, and for whatever we need to discard from our homes, our yards and our factories.

“We also need to recognise that we, too, have a role to play in keeping these canals clean and clear of weeds and bushes so that they can be a free flow of water to the pumps and to the sea.”

Also present at the ceremony were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDIA, Frederick Flatts; Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Hector Butts; and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four Chairperson, Genevieve Allen.

As recent as last month, the Lusignan community received a G$360M pump station, while the G$412M Hope-Enmore pump station is soon to be commissioned followed by the G$400M East Demerara water conservancy.

The new pump will release floodwaters into the Atlantic Ocean (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

PSA applies only to Exxon, its affiliates –– GRA boss says, everyone else will be subject to taxes

COMPANIES outside of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil will be subject to paying their taxes while performing duties or providing services within the oil sector.

According to Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, “The PSA only relates to the Contractor (ExxonMobil) and the affiliated companies.”

Consequently, companies and sub-contractors and their employees would be subjected to the various tax legislation under the Income Tax Act; Income Tax (In Aid of Industry) Act; the Corporation Tax Act; and the Property Tax Act, thereby allowing for PAYE deductions, Withholding Taxes and corporate and other applicable taxes.

Statia gave this explanation during a presentation to Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Limited (CAGI) last Monday to show how the GRA is gearing to protect the country’s tax dues

in the upcoming oil and gas industry.

He said that despite certain exemptions within the PSA, the sizeable component by sub-contractors “will enhance revenue collection, thereby allowing for Guyana’s take to be within 25 to 30 per cent of the oil revenues.”

Statia said that based on spinoff industries in the downstream activities of the sector, the impact on the economy and its tax take will be remarkable.

Various commentators had argued against tax exemptions for the American oil company, claiming that Guyana stands to lose a lot as a result.

But as Statia told the gathering, “The uniqueness of petroleum taxation when compared to the taxation of other goods and services lie in the industry’s special characteristics: Its contribution to national economies, the high operating and development costs, high uncertainty in exploration activities, the volatility of oil prices, the inability of government to fund its own explora-

tion, the political and economic climate, and hostile neighbouring countries who harbour territorial claims which allow for increased risk, are all factors that warrant the demand for a higher rate of return by investors.”

TERMS OF AGREEMENT He said that under a PSA or contractual term agreement, the oil company is appointed by the government as a contractor, with the latter retaining ownership of the natural resource.

The parties, he explained, agree that the contractor will meet the exploration and development costs in return for a share or a fee for this service, if production is successful.

Statia said that while the contractor has no right to payment in the event of a failed discovery, it is allowed to recover the costs it has incurred if the commodity is found.

“This is known as Cost Recovery or Cost Oil,” he said, adding: “In respect to the accounting for exploratory costs, successful drilling costs are usually considered to be a part of the cost of oil and gas reserves, while unsuccessful exploratory costs are usually written off.”

Development costs, on the other hand, apply to things like building a producing

system of wells and related equipment and facilities, hence they are capitalised as part of the cost of the oil and gas.

“This certainly would have been the thinking behind the pre-contract costs of US$460.2M, which represents exploratory costs as stated in Annex C, Section 3(K).”

Statia said that given the nature of Guyana’s “hybid agreement” with Exxon, the nation stands to benefit from both a share of production in the form of profit oil, as well as a fixed 2 per cent royalty on Production Petroleum providing for both concessionary and contractual terms.

Cost, as in cost oil, he said, will be recovered from the value of production to the extent of 75%, with all recoverable costs being carried forward indefinitely until fully recovered.

Statia said that Guyana stands to gain considerably should oil prices increase, or when the cost of production decreases.

“Apart from these production (royalty) and profit-based instruments (share of profit oil),” he said, “bonuses and annual rental payments are also features of the PSA, which are aimed at ensuring up-front revenue for the State of Guyana while encouraging investors to explore and develop contract areas more rapidly.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

Berbice driver gets 108 years –– but will serve only nine, for causing horrific accident of October 2010

JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds on Thursday imposed a total of 108 years on 42-year-old Chaitram Moonsammy, after a mixed jury found him guilty on 12 counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

However, he will only serve nine years, much to the disappointment of the relatives of the deceased, who had to wait eight years to see this day.

The court heard that on Friday October 29, 2010 on the Suzanna Public Road, Corentyne, Moonsammy drove Motor Lorry GLL 8863 in a manner so dangerous to the public as to cause the deaths of: Oudit Narine Babulall, 33, of Number 48 Village, Corentyne, driver of the ill-fated minibus with which the lorry collided; Salmaa Razac, 23, of Main Street, Cumberland, East Canje; Marques Ault, 14, of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne; Cindy Jaggernauth of Nigg Settlement, Corentyne; two-month-old Josiah Khan and his mother, Talika Mendonca, 21, of Kildonan Village, Corentyne; Patricia Asgarally, 28, of Albion, Corentyne; Salmar Juman, 40, of East Canje; Orlando De Mattos, called “Lando”, 32, of Manchester Village, Corentyne; Nazaradin Mahinudin, 19, of Betsy Ground, East Canje; Chetram Ramphal, 30, and Janet Baker of Bush Lot, and Number 19 respectively, both Corentyne Villages.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Reynolds said: “Notwithstanding psychological and emotional issues suffered by Moonsammy during the seven-and-ahalf-year wait for a trial, in the public interest, against what it must be weighed, the Court must determine its sentence.

“Further, I appreciate that as a father of four unmarried children, the youngest being

16 years old, I am mindful of the parental responsibility. It is against that backdrop that I thought that a different approach would have made a difference at this point in time.

“The loss of life continues to be a concern of us all road users; we can ill afford to lose one, much less 12. There is no telling what contribution those 12 would have made to the development of our country.

“Considering the psychological issues of Mr Moonsammy, I say it is the consideration of this court that he undergo a period of nine years in respect of each of the twelve counts. A year will be deducted for psychological consideration; with this sentence you will be out of prison by age fifty years, and play a meaningful part in the lives of your children.

The sentences will run concurrently.”

In his unsworn statement from the dock, an unapologetic Moonsammy pleaded innocence, saying it was not he that was driving dangerously, but the driver of the minibus.

“The minibus was attempting to overtake a car,” Moonsammy said, adding: “On seeing that, I applied brakes; but because the road was wet, the lorry began to slide. The minibus attempted to get back in its lane, but it collided in my lane. The right side of the minibus came into contact with the truck. I did not go in the minibus lane.”

Not so, according to eyewitness, Tamika Fraser, who was injured in the accident.

She testified to seeing the truck travelling in the opposite direction and in their carriageway moments before a collision.

She recalled sitting in the third row of the 15-seater minibus, and peering ahead to see how fast the vehicle was going when she saw

Fisherman refuses to let cops take fingerprints ...granted $40,000 bail

A 32-year-old fisherman on Friday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, in relation to his refusal to let investigators at Criminal Investigation Department headquarters take his fingerprints.

Davon Herbert, of Garnett Street, Newtown, Kitty, appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and denied that on May 2, 2018 at CID HQ, while being investigated for the charge of break and enter and larceny, he refused to have his fingerprints taken by a detective.

The magistrate granted Herbert $40,000 bail and adjourned the matter until May 15, after Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh raised no objection to bail.

this truck coming towards the bus in which she, along with sister Tathia Mendonza and her nephew Josiah Khan, then one month, eighteen days old, were travelling.

Within moments, she said, there was an impact, which caused the bus to catapult three or four times before coming to a stop.

She said that on going in search of her relatives, she

found her nephew lying on the ground with a mat over his body.

“I shook him, but he was already dead,” Fraser said. “Other persons were scattered along the roadside. I called for my sister several times, but there were no responses. I later saw my sister lying motionless on a bridge which was not easily accessible.”

She refuted Moonsam-

my’s claims that a car was ahead of the minibus, or that the minibus had veered into the lane of the truck, or that the bus was speeding.

Meanwhile, at the initial hearing, Defence lawyer Mursulene Bacchus had advanced preliminary legal submissions in an attempt to stay the trial. However, those submissions were overruled, and the trial commenced.

Chaitram Moonsammy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

APA study points to land demarcation concerns in Region Eight -illegal mining/logging cited as threats to the future of indigenous communities there THE cancellation of logging and mining concessions on titled and untitled lands obtained without free and prior informed consent, flaws in the village demarcations as well as discussions with villagers living close to the Kaieteur National Park are several recommendations made in a report on land tenure issues within Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).

The recommendations were made in an assessment undertaken by the Amerindian People’s Association

(APA) which was undertaken over a two-year period, between 2015-2017 in the region. The body received support from the Forest People’s Programme (FPP) and the Rainforest Foundation US. Speaking on the findings of the study, Michael McGarrel of the APA noted at the presentation ceremony of the assessment at the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street on Thursday, that it covered 22 settlements, 15 of which are titled. McGarrel said that

the communities are located in the North Pakaraima Mountains, although most consider their customary lands to extend towards the South Pakaraimas down into the low-lying areas.

According to the findings of the study, 15 titled villages are experiencing problems with mining activities or the movement of unauthorised miners within their legally recognized title. It was noted that the villages of Micobie, Campbelltown and Karisparu are overlapped by mining

concessions while the villagers at Monkey Mountain reported the presence of illegal miners who do not have concessions, while the village of Kanapang has reported the presence of miners travelling from Brazil into Guyana on the road that passes right through the Village.

“Micobie and Campbelltown, in particular, have had many mining concessions imposed on their title areas in the past, without their knowledge and consent,” the report stated. It was pointed out that

Executive Director of the Amerindian People’s Association , Jean La Rose as she speaks on the background of the project.

Michael McGarrel of the APA presented the findings of the assessment.

since many of these were issued before the villages were officially granted titles, the government considers them as legal, since the title documents of Campbelltown and Micobie include a clause excluding ‘all privately owned lands legally held.’

It was stated too that of the 18 communities visited, 15 reported “some sort of land and resource conflict “ with third parties and the report stated that most of the issues relate to mining or forestry while some relate to the presence of shops on cattle ranches.

According to the findings of the report, two villages, namely Chenapau and Micobie , are experiencing increasing conflicts with protected areas that overlap their

wak and Karisparu in the areas close to the villages.”

Most of the villagers visited were worried that, with the way things are developing, their food and water security will be at risk in the future,” the report stated.

The extensive report also provides insight into the dwindling of food sources overtime in communities within Region Eight. According to the report, as the populations of most Amerindian communities are growing, there is increasing pressure on resources within the title.

“This is made worse by the fact that the titles of all the villages only cover a small part of their customary lands and exclude areas that are suitable for farming. Pollution caused by mining also

An NGO representative receives a copy of the report from Sharon Atkinson of the APA.

customary lands; Chenapou with the Kaieteur National Park and Micobie with Iwokrama National Protected Area. It was noted too that the plans for construction of the Amaila Falls hydropower project has been an issue of “ great concern” for the people of Chenapou, Kamana and other communities over the past few years.

For years, residents living at villages close to mining areas within the country’s hinterland have been at the mercy of miners, mainly as a result of pollution of the main waterways. The report stated that many of the communities that depend on customary areas around Siparuni, Potaro, Tipuru and Moruwa reported that commercial mining and logging are increasingly affecting game, fish and waterways that have always been healthy and abundant.

It was reported that residents of the village of Monkey Mountain reported that there is heavy pollution caused by mining in the Echilebar area, Chenapou in Echerak and also at Campbelltown, Maik-

compounds this effect in several cases,” the report stated.

In addition, it was noted that at the village of Kopinang, residents mentioned that changes in climate are affecting their crops.

It was noted that at some villages, recommendations were made to the effect that villagers should make greater efforts to pursue sustainable use of the resources.”Many communities have had such customary rules for generations, but some residents think the villages need to remind themselves of these practices,” the report stated. Executive Director of the APA , Jean La Rose, in providing a background of the project, noted that it comes on the heels of a similar assessment which was undertaken previously between 2012--2016 in Regions One (Barima/Waini) and Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam). The APA with assistance from its partners, is currently undertaking a similar study at villages in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

Qualfon hiring in Essequibo

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… Accommodation will be provided along with other benefits Guyana were being offered the same employment opportunities.

On a weekly basis, she mentioned, Qualfon Guyana usually hires close to 40 employees. Based on feedback and persons visiting, they would be hiring over 100 persons from the region.

“Our aim is to reach out to the remote areas. We un-

Branding Coordinator Allison Boucher speaking to some of the interested youths in Region Two.

By Indrawattie Natram QUALFON Guyana is expected to hire approximately 100 persons from the Essequibo region to work at their Plaisance location in the coming weeks, according to Branding Coordinator Allison Boucher.

The mobile recruiting team hosted a screening workshop on Friday at the Anna Regina Town Council.

Boucher during an interview said that the mobile recruiting team wants to offer Essequibians similar job op-

portunities as those persons living in the capital city of Georgetown.

To make the hiring process simpler, she said, Qualfon Guyana will be providing accommodation free of cost for those out-of-town employees. She said the accommodation will serve as a dormitory for workers and will have all the necessary amenities including water, electricity and internet.

She said the recruiting process is an ongoing one and persons from various remote areas throughout

JetBlue still undecided

– about flying to Guyana at this time AMERICAN low-cost carrier, JetBlue says it has no decision regarding flights to Guyana at this time.

In recent weeks, the travelling public has been anticipating moves by the airline to operate here, following the announcement earlier in the year by another US carrier, American Airlines that it plans operating flights between Guyana and Miami come December 2018.

“We are always looking to expand and fly to the places people want to go, however, we have no decisions regarding Guyana to announce at this time,” JetBlue’s Corporate Communications offices told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday in response to a query.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge noted at the conclusion of a parliamentary tour of the CJIA last Friday that the executives of “a particular airline” had approached government officials in Miami about operating in Guyana.

While he did not name the airline, media reports in September 2015 indicated that Greenidge met with

executives of JetBlue on the sidelines of a conference in Florida that month.

On Friday, Greenidge said the interested airline’s team indicated that they will be looking at the traffic and facilities, and will make the decision after acquiring additional aircraft.

The company, he said, has indicated that while it had enough aircraft, it was examining other factors such as safety and fuel issues. With the CJIA expansion nearing completion, that interest is expected to materialise, the minister noted.

The CJIA expansion project has a December 2018 deadline. However, in the months prior to the benchmark, various aspects of the project are expected to be completed.

Operations are expected to commence from the new modernised facilities such as the new departure terminal from where regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines, launched its operations earlier this week.

derstand that unemployment is a huge problem; as such we want to offer opportunities to persons” Boucher said. The persons would be hired as Customer Services Representatives and will be expected to undergo four weeks of training.

Qualfon Guyana is a Business Process Outsourcing company that is private-

ly owned and is managed

by Chief Executive Officer, Mike Marrow. The company has been in the business of servicing since 1995 in Guyana.

Qualfon was founded by Mr Alfonso Gonzalez who is the current chairman. Employees on the job are offered chaplaincy programme, milk subsidy, emergency

programmes for special needs affecting workers, interfaith activities and chapels/reflection room, bereavement support, post hospitalisation support along with daycare service.

To qualify for a Customer Service Representative one must complete fifth-form secondary education.

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Arrival Day Messages

Reflect on how far as a people we have come – GAWU AS our country once again observes Arrival Day, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes the opportunity to extend greetings and best wishes to the people of Guyana.

The observances always serve to remind us of the rich diversity and the unique

multi-cultural composition of our nation. Indeed, it adds to the specialness of Guyana that people of different backgrounds can co-exist in harmony and unity as they all seek to improve their lives, a goal linked to building our country which will surely augur well for future generations.

While Arrival Day – May 05 – though largely associated with the arrival of East Indians, the day reminds us of all indentured immigrants brought to our land. Our research advises us that outside of the East Indians, the Madeiran Portuguese came in May 1835, the Chinese in 1853, as well

as a few other ethnicities during that phase of colonialism. We are aware that the colonialists brought also labourers from Malta, Ireland, Germany and England.

Arrival Day also reminds us of the reasons for the indentureship system. The then immigrants who replaced

the emancipated slaves were made to toil in the fields of the sugar plantations to enrich the foreign owners of the plantations. Indentured labourers and their families were forced to exist in inhumane and atrocious conditions. And, like their compatriots, they were forced to engage in several struggles, which gave us several martyrs, in order to bring about small improvements and meagre benefits in their lives and work conditions.

Today as we celebrate Arrival Day, the GAWU cannot fail to observe that the industry that occasioned our diversity is under severe threat. We are disheartened to note that the sugar industry, a large source of sustenance for thousands of Guyanese, has been minimised. For the workers and their families, the cane farmers, the shop owners, the market vendors, the bus drivers and others, the Sword of Damocles hangs over their heads as they are thrown into a state of great uncertainty.

It is disturbing that, at

this time, their heirs of the labourers along with other fellow workers are forced to contend with harrowing circumstances arising from closure. It is especially disturbing for the union that such thoughts are entertained, especially when they are unnecessary. Sugar, we reiterate, has all possibilities of success but, among other things, requires the active and material support and confidence of the powersthat-be.

As we celebrate Arrival Day, the GAWU urges all Guyanese to spare a moment to reflect on how far as a people we have come, the challenges we overcame, and the successes we have recorded. At this time, when we ought to be looking to reach new and higher plateaus, we see concerted efforts that will very likely reverse much of the progress we have made and rightly can take pride in. Let us resist such efforts and get back on the development track.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, May 5, 2018

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IAC recognises important contributions of Indo-Guyanese THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes all Guyanese a Happy Arrival Day, and, especially, calls upon all citizens to remember the 180th Anniversary of the Arrival of East Indians to Guyana.

The IAC, an organisation which promotes and preserves Indian culture and deals with the issues and concerns of persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, over the years has provided Guyanese with historical information regarding the arrival

of just over 239,000 Indian immigrants who came to this country aboard 245 Coolie Ships, which made a total of 534 voyages across the Kaalaa Paanii between 1838 and 1917.

The IAC also has clarified and corrected statistical errors pertaining to the arrival of the first two Coolie Ships, the WHITBY and the HESPERUS which, between them landed a total of 423 persons, including 382 indentured males, 14 indentured females, 21 children and 6 Christian

Anglo-Indian interpreter/ superintendents. The IAC, as the organisation has done over the years, continues to recognise the endeavours by these Indian immigrants and their descendants, the persons of Indo- Guyanese origin, to develop this country.

The IAC, which has recognised important contributions by giving awards to persons from Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, is aware that tens of thousands of East Indians have made valuable efforts in

all fields of human activity in this country, including business and commerce; banking and finance; the sugar and rice industries; coconuts and other crops; fishery and livestock; mining and quarrying; forestry and sawmilling; education and academia; medicine and law; journalism and communications; accounting and insurance; private and national security; the hospitality and aviation sectors; the alcohol and beverage industries; sport

and entertainment; culture and religion; and politics and governance.

The IAC is saddened by the surge in criminal activity in recent years and is shocked and horrified, that on the eve of this significant commemoration, in excess of a dozen Guyanese fishermen have been brutally murdered by pirates, believed to be other Guyanese fishermen.

Today, when the IAC looks back, the organisation is amazed at how those groups of seemingly help-

less Indians, many of whom were illiterate, speaking in different tongues, following different customs, belonging to different religions, belonging to different castes, over the generations, managed to fuse together, while seamlessly merging into the wider environment to become the strong pillar of Guyana, a young nation born out of sweat and toil, along with similar endeavours of the other ethnic groups that comprise this nation.

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FIFA Team to visit the North Pakaraima football tournament in August

FIFA’S Director of Member Associations for Africa and the Caribbean, Véron Mosengo-Omba, Senior Manager/FIFA Development Officer Stacy Lewis-Daniels and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde yesterday paid a courtesy visit to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

The meeting was held at the Thomas Street office of the minister where she was informed of FIFA’s forthcoming attendance at the North Pakaraima football tournament scheduled for August 19-26.

Following the visit, Mosengo-Omba commended the GFF president and the minister for the work being done: “We had a very good meeting. GFF is doing a very good job. The objective of GFF is not to limit football but to take football to

the rural areas, in the rainforest.

The minister is very supportive of this initiative to promote football among the indigenous people.

“FIFA is also in support of this and, by extension; the FIFA president supports that too. Hence, I replied positively to the invitation to attend the North Pakaraima football tournament and to play with the footballers of that Region. This will be documented and shown to the world how football development is done.”

Forde said the FIFA team will visit the Pakaraima Region, in part, to afford FIFA a firsthand view of the unique challenges Guyana faces in football development and administration, especially in the hinterland communities: “Guyana will never realise its true potential as a football nation until such time that we make the game accessible to our indigenous brothers and sisters.

“The GFF’s goal is to highlight the unique challenges we must confront in order to

implement a sustainable hinterland football development programme that will guide the investment strategy of the GFF, government of Guyana and FIFA. The minister briefed the guests of the ministry’s investment in sport and sport development among the indigenous population and some of the unique experiences/challenges of the hinterland communities.

The North Pakaraima Region is a densely forested area in Guyana, which is the home of some indigenous tribes.

This tournament is the premier sporting event of this vastly uninhabited rainforest connected by miles of unforgiving trails and treacherous rivers.

Villagers journey for days at a time, sometimes as many as five days, to experience the excitement and true spirit of the beautiful game.

The GFF extended an invitation to FIFA, including its documentary team, in March 2018 to attend the North Pakaraima football tournament.

Minister Norton to seek ...

Continued from back page

Board..

However, Dr Norton during an exclusive interview earlier in the year had pointed out that he is in the process of appointing a new Cricket Ombudsman who will eventually pave the way for the long overdue GCB elections.

“I have informed Cricket West Indies (CWI) of my intention. That is Mr Dave Cameron (president of Cricket West Indies), who acknowledged my letter, because I am trying to communicate with all the stakeholders, and I thought that CWI is an important stakeholder. The same thing was done to the president of the GCB. A letter was sent to him, and of course local stakeholders since I just want the cricket issues to be settled in the most appropriate way,” Minister Norton had revealed.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has not had a proper constituted or what many observers have labelled “free and fair” elections for the past ten years.

Staging of the GCB elections was faced with a major setback with the resignation of Guyana’s first-ever Cricket Ombudsman Dr Winston McGowan.

Dr McGowan was appointed in 2005 by the-then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony and his appointment was subsequently approved by the-then Cabinet.

He was previously charged with overseeing the elections of the various county boards and the GCB, in accordance with the Cricket Administration Act which was successfully passed in the National Assembly by the previous government in May 2014, and assented to by then President Donald Ramotar in August of that year.

The GCB has not held elections since 2009 owing to the numerous court injunctions.

Meanwhile, Lewis was the most successful candidate, gaining majority of the votes, against retired Chancellor Justice Cecil Kennard.

Lewis began reading for an LLB Law degree at the University of Guyana (2002), after which he graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School, in Trinidad and Tobago (2005).

He is no stranger to the GCB, having served as a member of the GCB Disciplinary Committee for multiple years through which he clearly became acquainted with the constitution governing the GCB. Not only was he affiliated with cricket, but he served on the electoral panel at the Guyana Football Federation. As a consequence, delegates at the recently held GCB’s extraordinary meeting saw him qualified for this position.

Lewis is expected to fulfil his duties using his knowledge and proficiency in law and legal operations of the GCB. He will be tasked with conducting the verification of cricket clubs across Guyana and to ensure that elections are properly constituted. He will also act as the returning officer, if necessary.

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40 days to go …

Nigeria’s Bryan Idowu: World Cup will help Russia’s racism problem

N

IGERIA international Bryan Idowu has opened up about his experiences of racism in Russia.

He could be playing in the World Cup next month for Nigeria.

I d o w u , whose Nigerian father came to Russia as a student, made his international debut at left back in November and scored against Argentina. If chosen for Nigeria’s World Cup team, he could end up playing Argentina again, and in his hometown.

As a young player for Zenit St. Petersburg, a club with a far-right fan base, Idowu was abused by a supporter while returning from training.

“There’s no black in Zenit’s colours,” he recalls the fan saying. “’What’s going on there, and why are you in the kit?’ My friend got angrier than I did. I just responded with a smile.”

Other locals, however, urged him to become “the first black guy at Zenit,” before he ended up leaving the club to find first-team football.

FIFA is investigating Russia over monkey chants aimed at France players during a friendly in March.

Last month, the Russian Football Union fined two top clubs, Zenit and Spartak Moscow, for racist chants.

Idowu, who plays for Amkar Perm, told The Associated Press he’s been racially profiled by Russian police -- at one stage so often that he and a friend placed bets on the subway on which of them would be stopped and searched.

He’s also been racially abused twice on the field,

and believes fans view monkey chants as a tactic to help their team.

“I think most of them do that to put pressure on a player psychologically, maybe so he doesn’t want to keep playing,” Idowu said.

“It could just be because someone finds it funny. ...

Sometimes I’m walking along (the street) and there are five guys, or a guy with his girlfriend, and one of them

celebrated his departure with a banner reading, “Thanks, West Brom” with a picture of a banana.

A major Zenit fan club published a manifesto calling for an all-white, all-heterosexual team in 2012 shortly after the signing of Brazil forward Hulk.

Monkey chants remain common at games, partly because they’re harder to track on surveillance systems, said Pavel Klymenko of the FARE Network,

Bryan Iwodu making his debut for Nigeria

which helps UEFA and FIFA investigate discriminasees me and makes a joke so his friends will laugh.”

Despite the recent cases, Idowu said racist in- tion and racism cases. He added other fans don’t incidents have become less common in the last five tervene because they are scared of far-right groups. years.

“It’s very easy to get your head hammered in the “It’s really changed strongly,” he said. stands if you publicly disagree with something that’s “(Russian) people speak with friends from oth- going on,” Klymenko said. er countries and “The culture of violence they go abroad and the dominance of the farmore often and right groups with violence is a meet people there, major problem.” and they just beAhead of the World Cup, come more posthere hasn’t been enough emitive. The World phasis on anti-racism education Cup will help with alongside enforcement and sancthat.” tions, said Klymenko, who is Observers who writing a guide with safety tips track racism in for foreign fans.

Russian football Speaking last month to the say it remains high AP, World Cup organising comby European stanmittee chief executive Alexei dards but is becomSorokin said football racism in Idowu playing ing less blatant.

Russia was no worse than in in Russia Peter Odem“many countries”. wingie, another “The situation with racism Russian-Nigerian player, left Lokomotiv Moscow has improved significantly,” he said. “It’s not depictfor West Bromwich Albion in 2010. Lokomotiv fans ing the mood of the society.”

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LeBron masterclass leaves Toronto clinging on

ECB assembles team to participate in female Inter-county tourney

… Tournament bowls off tomorrow

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) in game two of the second round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Cavaliers beat the Raptors 128-110. (Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)

By Frank Pingue TORONTO, Canada (Reuters) - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James delivered a masterclass on Thursday that left the dispirited Toronto Raptors wondering if there was anything they could do to slow down the game’s greatest player.

So dominant was the threetime NBA champion at times during a stellar second-half performance in Game Two of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, it looked almost as if he was experimenting with difficult shots just for the fun of it.

“That drains you mentally and physically,” Toronto coach Dwane Casey told reporters.

“He was having one of those nights but we have to keep the scoreboard moving as

much as possible at the other end.”

James scored a gamehigh 43 points to power the Cavaliers to a 128-110 victory over the Raptors and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to Cleveland for the next two games.

It was an all-too-familiar script for a Toronto team that has been eliminated from the NBA playoffs the last two years at the hands of James and the Cavaliers, including a fourgame sweep in last season’s conference semi-finals.

This Toronto team had higher hopes of overcoming their previous playoff shortcomings, though, after changing their approach this season with a more balanced attack and an effective bench that helped them finish top seed in

the Eastern Conference.

Toronto now face a tall order in Cleveland, where they are 0-5 in postseason appearances and will be desperate for a win today as no NBA team have successfully recovered from being down 0-3 in a bestof-seven playoff series.

“We thrive off adversity, every single guy on this team,” said Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan, who had a team-high 24 points.

“We’ve been in tough situations before and, you know, sometimes when you’re put in tough situations, that is what brings out the best in you and that’s the point we are at now.”

The Raptors got off to a decent start and led by as many as nine points at one point during the second quarter but they also struggled defensively and

limped into the half leading by just two points over a Cavaliers team that were smelling blood.

From there, Cleveland opened the second half with an 18-5 run and never looked back as they stepped on the Raptors’ collective throat to take total control of the series.

For his part, James said he and his team mates were not about to get complacent even though they are heading home with a comfortable series lead.

“We will not put our guard down, I won’t, so that will trickle down to everybody else,” said James, who also had 14 assists and eight rebounds.

“We’re not satisfied. We came to play some good basketball up here and we look forward to more of a challenge.”

Arjune cops Ganesh Parts inaugural golf tourney IT was a thrill and sweet glory for Munaf Arjune last Tuesday as he won the inaugural Ganesh Parts golf tournament held at the Lusignan Golf Course.

He was very happy that the tournament was on his birthday and he drove, chipped and putted his way to the 1st place in the exciting tournament.

Almost a full house of tournament players turned up for this inaugural tournament and while the more familiar names did their best, it was Munaf’s confidence and cool demeanour that clearly won the day.

According to Munaf, who hadn’t been in the top places for quite a while, “The good feeling I had for my birthday just made the golfing nice, then too I played with president Aleem the day before (on Monday) and received some good inspiration and coaching.”

The fierce competition resulted in some 14 golfers bunching in the Net range of

Winners at the Ganesh Parts inaugural golf tournament

68-74. Prize-winners were Avinash Persaud – Best Gross 70; Roy Cummings – Nearest the Pin (about 10ft); Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud – Longest Drive; and Best Net placers: 4th - Kassim Khan 69/10; 3rd –

Ian Gouveia 69/15; 2nd – Mike Mangal 68/8 and 1st – Munaf Arjune 65/10.

Others in the top lineup were Avinash Persaud 70/2; Richard Haniff 70/13; Hilbert Shields 70/18; Brian

Hackett 71/19; Patrick Prashad 72/9; Bridgelall Harry 72/16; Haresh Tewari 73/18; Aleem Hussain 74/11; David Harry 74/12; Joaan Deo 74/17; and Ayube Subhan 74/18.

female child/children out of the region.

THE Essequibo Cricket Bacchus, who is also the Board (ECB) will field a acting president of the GCB, female Inter-county team further mentioned that based for the upcoming Guyana on the decision of the parents Cricket Board (GCB) cricket or guardians, the ECB was tournaments, which get un- reluctant to take up that derway tomorrow. added responsibility.

The disclosure was made However, Christiani said on Thursday by secretary of then the issue was a straight the ECB, Otto Christiani, who forward one, adding that there pointed out that the board had is no female cricket played worked feverishly over the past in Essequibo, and as such the months to improve the state of board could not have fielded female cricket in the county. a team.

But with additional pressure from the cricketing public in Essequibo, female cricket has been in the forefront of the board’s agenda for the past few months.

Further, the Inter-county tournament will feature two formats, the 50 overs and the T20 versions. In the 50-over version, Demerara will take on Essequibo in round one on Sunday at the Lusignan Community Centre (LCC), before Otto Christiani Essequibo face off against This new development Berbice the following day at World Cup came after the ECB Brazil had vs the Portugal same venue.

Berbice will 1966: then Back Orlando, found itself in a colossal mess play(L-R), Demerara on April 9.

Brito, Denilson, Andforlast February, when it Manga, had Meanwhile, the T20 Rildo, Fidelis Front (L-R): failed to assemble a female mat will take place on three Americo, Jairzinho, squad to participate inMassuer this consecutive days with EsseParana year’s GCB Under-19Lima, T20 Silva, Pele, quibo battlingAnd Demerara and Inter-county tournament.

Berbice on May 11 and 12 reBack then, president of the spectively at Everest Cricket ECB, Fizul Bacchus, indicated Club ground, before Berbice to Chronicle Sport, that the and Demerara square off on failure to assemble a team lay April 13 at the GCC ground, solely on the parents or guard- Bourda. The team with the ians, whom he said are very most points will be declared skeptical about sending their champions.

Tomorrow is closing date for KMTC Pre-Independence race meet entries

THE closing date for entries for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) horserace meet is tomorrow and interested racehorse owners/trainers can contact Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Justice Kennard (6237609/225/4818, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010), Dennis DeRoop (640-6396) or Compton Sancho (602-1597) for more information.

The seven-race programme will be staged at the club’s racing facility, situated at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice on May 13 and will commence at 13:00hrs.

The feature race is open to horses classified H and Lower and carries a first prize of $240 000. The other top three finishers will earn $120 000, $60 000 and $30 000 respectively.

Other races on the day’s card include events for L Class non-earners of $50 000 from January 2017 and the winner will receive $100 000.

K Class and Lower horses will compete for a $140 000 first prize money, while two-year-old animals will vie for a top prize of $100 000. `1 Class non-winners will compete for a $120 000 first prize while horses classified J and Lower will have $160 000 for grabs for the winner.

The L Class Open event will have $130 000 on offer for the winner.

All races at the meet will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

AIU confirms Kiprop positive test, rejects allegations

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, England (Reuters) - The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed yesterday that Kenyan former three-time world 1500 metres champion Asbel Kiprop had tested positive for the banned blood booster EPO, and rejected some of his extraordinary allegations against officials.

Kiprop, 28, said on Thursday in a lengthy statement that his urine sample might have been tampered with by dope testers who, he said, not only tipped him off about their visit in November last year but also took a payment from him.

The AIU, an independent body that manages all doping-related matters for athletics, conceded yesterday that he had been given advance notice but said it was satisfied there had been no interference with his sample.

“These allegations have been investigated by the AIU. The AIU is satisfied that there has been no mix-up or tampering with the sample,” said its statement.

Kiprop’s case is now with an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) disciplinary tribunal and he could be banned for four years if found guilty of doping.

Around 50 Kenyan athletes have failed tests in recent years including

three-time Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo and Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong.

One of the more eye-catching claims made

by Kiprop, a senior police officer, was that he had paid the testers an unspecified amount of money

even the irregular advance notice I was given.”

AMBASSADOR ROLE The AIU statement did not address that allegation but added: “The advanced notice of testing given by the doping control assistant could not reasonably

FLASHBACK: Asbel Kiprop of Kenya, gold medallist, poses on the podium after the men’s 1500m event during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, August 30, 2015.

(REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon)

and did not consider it untoward.

“I did not at the time expect that the request for the money had anything to do with the sample,” Kiprop said.

“At that time I did not see the money as inducement or bribe for anything.

I gave it in good faith thinking they may have some need known to them. In retrospect, I now clearly see the money as having a relation with the sample collected on that date, and

have caused EPO to be present in Mr Kiprop’s sample and, as such, the departure does not invalidate the (test) ... This will ultimately be a matter for the tribunal to determine.”

Kiprop said the testers, who first visited him at his disclosed whereabouts in Iten on November 27, had suggested he admit to doping so that he could be given an IAAF anti-doping “ambassador role” - an allegation the AIU flatly rejected.

It said that, before open-

Jeffrey finding form in the USA Cycling Circuit GUYANA’S National champion Raynauth ‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey is nicely coming into form in the USA. Racing for the New York-based Team Foundation, Jeffrey placed 2nd in Thursday’s Healthy & Happy Racing Thursday Night FBF Series behind

another Guyanese Jermaine Burrowes and 8th in Tuesday’s I WILL Foundation Series.

Jeffrey raced at the Speed Week and USA Crits Races last in South Carolina and Georgia. Raynauth and his team will race today at the

Orchard Beach Crit.

Up next on May 12 for the East Coast Demerara native is the challenging and prestigious Bear Mountain Cycling Classic. The course comprises an approximately 14-mile loop with several climbs for 6 laps.

Leggie Shadab Khan takes 6-77 on opening day of tour match PAKISTAN leg-spinner Shadab Khan took 6-77 to help dismiss Northamptonshire for 259 on the opening day of their second tour match in England.

Khan dismissed five of Northants’ top seven batsmen including top-scorer Adam Rossington (90), and ran-out number three batsman Luke Proctor.

The 19-year-old made one Test appearance for Pa-

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has played one Test and 17 one-day internationals for Pakistan

kistan in 2017, taking 1-90 against West Indies.

Pakistan finished the day on 6-0, trailing the hosts by 253 runs.

The tourists are without leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who was ruled out of the tour with a hip injury.

Pakistan play a oneoff Test against Ireland on May 11, before their two-match series against England begins on May 24.

(BBC Sport)

ing proceedings, AIU investigators had given Kiprop the chance to “admit any offence promptly or to provide information about doping in athletics that could amount to ‘substantial assistance’”.

“This is standard practice (and) any suggestion that there was anything improper about this conversation is categorically untrue.”

Kiprop was informed of the failed test on February 3.

“I will be the last person to commit such an atrocious unsportslike thing,” he said, adding that he was perplexed how his “innocent sample turned positive”.

He added that it would have been “less than clever” of him to dope seven months before his next scheduled competition in Qatar on May 4, and that he could easily have dodged the test.

“I could choose to miss the collection without any consequences,” he said.

Consequences for missing a sampling meeting arise only after missing three

times. I had not missed previously.”

As part of IAAF head Sebastian Coe’s reforms of the body, doping matters have been dealt with by the AIU since April last year.

Kiprop, the third-fast-

est man in history over 1500 metres, was world champion in 2011, 2013 and 2015, and promoted to gold at the 2008 Olympics after Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi tested positive for doping.

Trojan Cycle Club 60-miler pedals off today in Berbice

THE Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice 60-mile cycle road race, in observance of Indian Arrival Day, will pedal off at 14:30hrs today from the corner of Chapel and Main Streets, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The event, which is open to all racing cyclists countrywide, is being sponsored by the Berbice Chamber of Commerce Development Association (BCCDA).

Cash prizes and trophies will be on offer for the first six finishers in the open category, as well as the first three veterans, the first four juniors, the first three juveniles and females. There will also be a number of prime prizes up for grabs.

The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana or a representative from the High Commission is expected to witness the proceedings as well as the Chairman of Region 6, the Mayor of New Amsterdam and other dignitaries.

President of BCCDA, Ryan Crawford, said the activity is being held to commemorate the day and it is part of BCCDA’s effort in giving back to the community.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

Ireland bank on pace for debut Test against Pakistan

South Africa’s Caster Semenya wins the women’s 1500m.

(REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari)

Semenya breaks her own national 1500 metres record despite controversy (REUTERS) - Caster Semenya put aside the controversy over a planned rule change in athletics regarding hyperandrogenism to win the women’s 1,500 metres and break her own South African record time at the Diamond League meeting in Doha yesterday.

Semenya won in a world-leading time of three minutes and 59.92 secs ahead of Nelly Jepkosgei of Kenya and Habitam Alemu of Ethiopia. She set a national and Commonwealth Games record of 4:00.71 in winning the gold medal last month.

The South African has been in the spotlight after the sport’s governing IAAF approved an eligibility rule to limit the advantage of female

athletes who, like Semenya, have naturally higher than normal levels of testosterone.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) last week confirmed new rules, starting from November 1, which effectively give Semenya a choice of taking medication to restrict her testosterone or move to longer distance events.

The double Olympic and triple world 800 metres champion did not let the controversy affect her performance on a dominant evening for Africans in the middle distance events as Kenya swept the podium in the men’s 800m.

Emmanuel Korir blasted away from his compatriots on the final straight to win in a

time of 1:45.21. Elijah Manangoi finished second with Nicholas Kipkoech in third.

There was a tight finish in the women’s 3,000m as Kenya again ruled the track. Caroline Kipkirui finished four-tenths of a second ahead of compatriot Agnes Tirop after a tense final lap in the evening heat, with Hyvin Kiyeng coming third.

Commonwealth Games 400m champion Isaac Makwala failed to reproduce his Gold Coast form as he finished third in a race won

by Steven Gardiner of The Bahamas in a national record of 43.87 secs, with Qatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun coming home second.

Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast won the women’s

100m in a personal best of 10.85 secs, beating 2016 Olympic champion Elaine Thompson of Jamaica who was third with Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor finishing second.

American 20-year-old Noah Lyles won the men’s 200m in a meeting record of 19.83 secs with world champion Ramil Guliyev of Turkey finishing third.

American Sandi Morris won the women’s pole vault with Britain’s Holly Bradshaw coming second.

There were also wins in the men’s events for Pedro Pablo Pichardo of Cuba in the triple jump and home athlete Mutaz Essa Barshim in the high jump.

Rangers name former England captain Gerrard as manager (REUTERS) - Scottish club Rangers named former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard as their manager on a four-year deal yesterday.

The former England captain, who has coached Liverpool’s Under-18s after hanging up his boots two years ago, replaces Graeme Murty for his first role in club management.

“I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers. I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition,” Gerrard, 37, said in a statement on Rangers’ website.

“I can’t wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved.”

Gerrard made 710 appearances for his boyhood club during 17 years at Anfield. He scored 186 goals for Liverpool, winning two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League. He also won 114 caps for England, with 40 as captain.

“From the very beginning, talks have been extremely positive and we believe that Steven is the right man to drive Rangers

forward,” Rangers chairman Dave King said.

Reinvigorating Rangers will be a big challenge for Gerrard. The Glasgow club have won a record 54 Scottish

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 05, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-RCB (2) Murali Vijay (CSK)-95 Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in an IPL final to date?

(2) What is the highest individual score in an IPL final to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

New Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is surrounded by the media after the press conference.

(REUTERS/Scott Heppell)

league titles but are struggling to recover from the financial problems that saw them reformed in the bottom tier of Scottish football in 2012.

Rangers are third in the Scottish Premiership, 13 points

behind their ‘Old Firm’ rivals Celtic, who beat them 5-0 at the weekend to claim their seventh straight league title.

Murty was sacked on Tuesday in the wake of that embarrassing loss.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola welcomed Gerrard’s first foray into management. “I admire his courage to do that huge challenge to go to Rangers ... I wish him all the best,” the Spaniard said.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino said the toughest task facing any new manager is to get the players on board and communicate ideas clearly but the Argentine backed Gerrard to succeed.

“Steven was an amazing, great player and it’s sure he has the experience to manage.

I wish him all the best because it will be fantastic for football to have him as a manager and one day challenge him.”

Gerrard’s new role will see him go up against his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who is now in charge of Celtic.

William Porterfield leans into a cover drive.

(Getty Images/Sportsfile)

By Danyal Rasool

AN experienced squad, led by long-time captain William Porterfield, will face Pakistan at Malahide Cricket Club when the two sides meet next week in what will be Ireland’s first Test match.

Cricket Ireland’s 14-man squad includes many stalwarts of the Irish game, including the O’Brien brothers, Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling. Left-arm spinner George Dockrell, who has struggled for form and had a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign in Zimbabwe, was left out.

Ireland’s best chance of troubling Pakistan in home conditions lies in the quality and strength of their seam bowling, and unsurprisingly, players with that skill-set feature heavily in the squad.

Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh, Stuart Thompson, Tyrone Kane, and Kevin O’Brien are all handy options in their own conditions. Less than a week ago, Pakistan were bowled out for 168 against second division Kent - their troubles to handle seam bowling particularly evident.

Despite this being their first Test match, Ireland probably won’t go into it with eleven debutants. Veteran fast bowler Boyd Rankin has played one Test - for England - over four years ago. That came against Australia in Sydney, the fifth match of a series. England lost 5-0.

Ireland will become the 11th side to play Test cricket, after the ICC last year approved them, along with Afghanistan as ICC Full Members. They have been a consistently impressive side around the fringes of the top ten for the past decade or so, and Pakistan, of all nations, need no reminding of their potential to cause an upset.

In the 2007 World Cup, Ireland stunned Pakistan in the group stage by three wickets, knocking them out of the competition on St Patrick’s Day. They claimed a Full Member scalp in each of the following World Cups, beating England by chasing down 329 in 2011, and trouncing West Indies in the sides’ opening game in 2015.

Squad: William Porterfield (capt.), Andy Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wkp.), Boyd Rankin, Nathan Smith, Paul Stirling, James Shannon, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 5, 2018

The winning Berbice team pose with officials of the GCB and representative of sponsor Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Company.

Berbice complete Inter-county double with limited-overs title win FOLLOWING their emphatic triumph in the Guyana Cricket Board-spons o re d , H a n d - i n - H a n d Inter-county Under-19 three-day tournament, Berbice completed the double by claiming the limited-overs version yesterday, with a four-wicket victory over the Select

Under-17 lineup at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

A final, which was rescheduled twice due to the inclement weather, was always in Berbice’s favour, taken into consideration the way they played throughout both tournaments.

Berbice won the toss and

Tough but not impossible for Beaton to remodel bowling action - Stephenson

Ronsford Beaton FORMER Barbados player-turned-coach Franklyn Stephenson believes it could be tough but not impossible for Windies pacer Ronsford Beaton to remodel his bowling action.

Beaton was suspended from international cricket last week after failing an independent assessment of his action, after being called during a One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in December.

In hopes of remedying the situation, the 25-year-old Beaton has joined up with the ongoing Cricket West Indies (CWI) bowling camp in Antigua. Beaton, who made his debut for the Windies ODI team in New Zealand, has claimed one wicket in two matches.

While admitting it will be tough for the player to remodel his action based on his age, Stephenson admits it will ultimately come down to the player’s attitude.

“It is an individual thing to work on something like that; it is going to take a lot of discipline. Obviously, he is going to have to rein himself back and still have the discipline to keep that change he is seeking to make, even in pressure situations,” Stephenson told Barbados Today.

“Because he is not a youngster now that is just starting cricket, every time he bowls, somebody is trying to hit him somewhere to the boundary.

So, he has got to be on top of his form, he is going to have to strive to produce that extra every time. So yes, it can happen, but it is not going to be an easy thing.”

(Sportsmax)

decided to field.

The Select Under-17 team built their innings around Seon Glasgow’s 51 with eight fours and a six and Andre Seepersaud’s unbeaten 46. They eventually were bowled out for 133 in 42.5 of the reduced 48 overs.

Bowling for Berbice,

Keith Simpson took 4-33 while Kevlon Anderson assisted with two wickets.

Javid Karim, Leon Swamy and Trevor Stanislaus collected a wicket each.

The Berbicians comfortably reached their target, scoring 137-6 in 37.2 overs.

Javid Karim top-scored with 38 off 73 balls while Kevin

Sinclair chipped in with 28 off 33 balls. Nigel Deodat, in his efforts to defend his team’s total, claimed 3-27.

At the presentation ceremony, Bhaskar Yadram was awarded for the most runs in the tournament while the most wickets went to Ashmead Nedd both from the Demerara team.

The MVP trophy went to Kevlon Anderson for 14 wickets and 239 runs during the tournament.

With the Under-19 tournament completed, the GCB now turns its attention to the 2018 Senior Female Inter-county tournament which commences tomorrow.

Gayle hits another fifty but Kings XI Punjab go down INDORE, India (CMC) – Chris Gayle notched yet another half-century to extend his purple patch of form but Kings XI Punjab slipped to a six-wicket loss to the beleaguered Mumbai Indians, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here Friday.

Sent in at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Kings XI gathered a decent 174 for six from their 20 overs, with the left-handed Gayle top-scoring with exactly 50 from 40 deliveries.

Australian Marcus Stoinis chipped in with an unbeaten 29 while opener Lokesh Rahul got 24 and Karun Nair, 23.

Gayle, with one hundred plus two half-centuries in four previous innings, was again in good touch, lashing six fours and two sixes in a patient knock.

He put on 54 for the first wicket with Rahul and added a further 34 for the second wicket with Yuvraj Singh (14) before perishing in the 12th over, miscuing a heave at Aussie seamer Ben Cutting and holing out to deep mid-wicket.

The knock also took the 38-year-old West Indies star past 300 runs for the tournament with 302 at an average of 43.

Stoinis then provided the late impetus for Kings XI, smashing a pair of fours and sixes in a 15-ball innings.

In reply, Mumbai were driven by a top score of 57 from Suryakumar Yadav as they reached their target with an over to spare.

Yadav struck six fours and three sixes, and received support from Krunal Pandya who hit a 12-ball unbeaten 31 and Ishan Kishan who made 25.

Mumbai were without the out-of-form West Indies star Kieron Pollard who was dropped for the second time in three matches.

He has scraped 76 runs at an average of 15 this season.

The victory was only Mumbai’s third in nine outings and they lie sixth on six points while Kings XI’s defeat was their third, leaving them fourth on 10 points.

Suryakumar Yadav slammed an unbeaten 57 with six fours and three sixes

FIFA Team to visit the North Pakaraima football tournament in August See Page 29

… pays courtesy call on Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

From left: Stacy Lewis-Daniels, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations For Africa and the Caribbean Véron Mosengo-Omba; Minister of Indigenous Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe and GFF president Wayne Forde

Gayle’s cradle celebration

Minister Norton to seek legal advice on GCB’s appointment of Cricket Ombudsman

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) move to appoint a Cricket Ombudsman on Thursday evening at an Extraordinary Meeting has now put the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana, in further dismay with Minister of Social Cohesion with

Chris Gayle reached his fourth fifty in five games and brought out the cradle celebration.

(See story on page 35) ©BCCI

the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, set to seek legal advice on the way forward.

According to a GCB’s release yesterday, Attorney-at-Law Stephen Lewis was appointed the new Cricket Ombudsman.

However, according to a close source from the

Minister of Sport Dr George Norton

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

Minister’s office, the GCB may be acting illegally with the appointment of Lewis.

“The matter is being looked at ... with the minister seeking legal advice,” the source said last evening.

The GCB went ahead with the appointment owing to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act #14 of 2014, Article 10 of the Act, which states that “there shall be an authority known as the Cricket Ombudsman who shall hold office for a period of three years after the Ombudsman has been elected by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting at an extraordinary meeting of the Guyana Cricket

Turn to page 29

Attorney-at-Law Stephen Lewis THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2018