Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10 01 2017

West 10 takes charge of GDF P.

New List No. 104789

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– President formally writes Jagdeo on ‘unacceptable’ GECOM nominees

Page 3

Milk from Bahrain denied entry Page 5

Goldfields produces 151,000 OZs Page 2

Wife killer's 9-year run ends Two modern shopping malls for GT-King Page 8

Back to school again: With project in hand, these three boys of the North Georgetown Primary seem happy to be returning to school following the Christmas holiday (Adrian Narine photo)

Page 4

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Goldfields produces 151,000 ozs – sold 156,000 last year GUYANA Goldfields Inc. last year produced some 151 thousand ounces of gold and sold around 156,000 at its Aurora, Region Seven Gold Mine operation, the company said in a statement on Monday.

The achievement is the company’s upwardly revised production guidance of 140,000 ounces to 160,000 ounces in its first year of commercial production. In a statement the company said it had a record fourth quarter with respect to both tonnes mined and tonnes milled resulting in 45,500 ounces sold in the period. “The month of December was particularly strong with 22,800 ounces sold, a record for the year,” the statement added.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the

company, Scott A. Caldwel said: “With commissioning, ramp-up and over a year of operations successfully behind us, Aurora has proven to be a strong, high grade asset with exceptional cash flow generation.” He added that the company has established an excellent environmental, health and safety track record to date and continues to benefit from strong relationships with the local government and communities. “I would like to thank the entire team on our significant milestone of achieving production guidance for 2016 and look forward to an equally successful 2017.”

Besides, the company said it is well positioned financially to grow nearterm production and ramp up exploration with an unaudited cash balance of

approximately US$70mln at the end of the year versus a total debt balance of US$80mln. The company said it has plans to issue an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report Feasibility Study for Aurora later this month reflecting an expansion of the mill from 5,000 tpd to 8,000tpd throughput.

Besides, it said exploration efforts are expected to ramp up significantly in 2017 with drilling activity to commence at both near mine targets and at the Sulfur Rose deposit (~20km north east of the Aurora Mine) in the first quarter of this year. According to the company due to mine sequencing gold production is expected to be slightly higher in the second half of the year relative to the first half. Similarly, due to the timing of sustaining capital expenditures, all-in sustaining costs are expected to be higher in the first half of

the year relative to the second half. The royalty cost is based on an assumed gold price of $1,200 per ounce.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canadian based mid-tier gold producer primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana.

The 100%-owned Aurora Gold Mine achieved commercial production January 1, 2016 and has a total gold resource of 6.54 million ounces in the measured and indicated categories (62.83 million tonnes at 3.24 g/t Au) as well as an additional 1.82 million ounces in the inferred category (16.93 million tonnes at 3.34 g/t Au).

The company’s achievements come amid total final declaration for last year being pegged at a record high of 705,000 ounces. Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had explained at a year-end press conference

that, in 2016, the Ministry of Finance had projected a gold declaration target of 550,000 ounces, an increase of 21.8 per cent over the previous year’s target; but the MNRE, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) privately worked towards a higher target of 650,000 ounces. He praised small and medium scale miners, who he said delivered the majority of the gold, along with the Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources, which contributed 70 per cent of the gold declared, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Minister Trotman recalled that when the Coalition Administration took office in 2015, it recognised that some changes were needed in the regulation and management of the industry, especially since the GGB had for years had a deficit

of more than $9B. “This demanded a comprehensive review of the 35-year-old organization; which, upon completion, informed us that the Board has to transition into the role of regulator and diminish its role as a purchaser of gold,” Minister Trotman said. The MNRE will therefore shortly be meeting with miners, miners associations, and gold dealers to define the way forward. Minister Trotman emphasised that the MNRE has fought tirelessly for the continued existence of the GGB, since that ministry believes there is merit in having the organisation function as a regulator, to monitor gold dealers.

The minister commended miners for their performance thus far, and noted that the Government will continue to explore best practices to enhance the GGB, GINA has reported.

GRA to tackle under invoicing, commercial fraud ILLEGITIMATE trade such as under invoicing and commercial fraud are expected to be a thing of the past, as the Guyana Reve-

nue Authority (GRA) moves to implement a system that spells positive prospect for the Authority.

During a session on Mon-

– plans to implement new automated customs data system day at GRA, stakeholders were sensitised on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

ASYCUDA is an integrated customs management system for international trade and transport operations in a modern automated environment.

Thus, GRA’s Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Lancelot Wills indicated that the Authority will soon implement the system which, he said, will lend “tremendous” benefits to their customs system. “Through this we will develop a paperless environment and instead, one which

is more technological and automated to suit the modern systems,” said Wills.

And, the implementation of this system will result in the clearing process, for goods and so forth at the wharves and other port of entry, being reduced. It currently takes at least five days to clear an item, when in fact if the

system is applied it will take three days or even 24 hours said the Deputy Commissioner.

This is so because, it will involve less interface with Customs officials and focus more on a standardised system that targets a specific item which the automated system

Turn to page 3 ►

New list 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

– President formally writes Jagdeo on ‘unacceptable’ GECOM nominees PRESIDENT David Granger has written Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, informing him that he finds unacceptable his list of nominees for the post of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and has called upon him to submit a new list.

In a terse statement on Monday Jagdeo said his office received correspondence from the Ministry of the Presidency wherein President David Granger officially informed him that “the six nominees are unacceptable within the meaning of the constitution”

Professor James Rose

The President urged, Jagdeo noted, that a new list of persons who are “not unacceptable” be sent for his consideration. “The Leader of the Opposition will be responding to the President tomorrow and this communication will be made public,” the statement added.

On Sunday President Granger told journalist at a media brunch that the qualifications of the six people submitted by Jagdeo do not match the criteria as set out in the Constitution of Guyana. “The list that was sent to me was unacceptable,” he told members of the media at the annual media brunch on the lawns of his State House residence, Georgetown, Sunday morning. Jagdeo had submitted the names of the six nominees for the post of GECOM Chairman late last month, and said there were

sure that their nominations were in accordance with the Constitution…. It is very important that we have a chairman as early as possible,” the President said.

President Granger does

to Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana, which clearly states that a judge must be appointed to the position. “Subject to the provisions of paragraph (4), the

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

extensive consultations with civil society organisations before the party drew conclusions. Those recommended by the PPP/C were Governance and Conflict Resolution Consultant Lawrence Lachmansingh; Business Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, retired Major General Norman Mc Lean; Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram; businesswoman Rhyaan Shaw; and former University of Guyana Vice Chancellor, Professor James Rose.

In a release from the Ministry of the Presidency last month, President Granger had said he responded to Jagdeo, requesting him to

Major General rtd, Norman McLean

not have to accept the nominees and can send the list back for the Opposition Leader to furnish him with other candidates.

CONSTITUTION CLEAR President Granger in defending his position, referred

Business Executive, Ramesh Dookhoo

Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court, having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the

Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such Judge, or any other fit person to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons not unacceptable to the President submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

After meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political organisation represented in the National Assembly, provided that if the Leader of the opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge,” he stated.

Noting that the word “judge” appeared in the Constitution multiple times, President Granger said the

only thing about the list submitted by Jagdeo is that it comprises six names. Jagdeo on Sunday told Guyana Chronicle that he is yet to receive a formal letter from the President outlining his position on the matter and though he himself has read

Writer, Rhyan Shah

the Constitution, he could not publicly comment on the issue. Dr. Steve Surujbally late last November resigned after holding the post of GECOM Chairman 15 years.

GRA to tackle ‘under invoicing...

From page 2

GRA’s Deputy Commissioner of Customs Excise and Trade Operations, Lancelot Wills speaking to stakeholders yesterday Consultant, Lawrence Latchmansingh

provide the resumes of the nominees, so that he can determine their suitability for the post, according to the requirements outlined in the Constitution of Guyana. “I replied to him right away, because although those six names might be known to the public, I could not be

detects.

Advanced software applications are designed and developed for customs administrations and the trade community to comply with international standards when fulfilling import, export and transit related procedures.

Further explaining the system to the stakeholder present was UNCTAD’s representative, Terence Leonard indicated that Guyana will be the last English speaking

Caribbean country to employ the system in their customs division.

He said that the system has already been adopted by almost the entire CARICOM and a number of other countries worldwide, which totals to a number well over 100.

The advanced cargo information system, he said, received so much support because, it aims to modernise customs operations and help to improve revenue collection.

“It also facilitates trade efficiency and competitiveness by substantially reducing transaction time and costs, and improving security by streamlining procedures of cargo control, transit of goods and clearance of goods,” said the UNCTAD representative.

Guyana has done very well to improve its trade environment, which pushed it up the ranks by 16 points in the world ranking for good trade environment.

As such, he said that when this system is implemented it will help the fight against corruption by enhancing the transparency of transactions and promoting sustainable development by cutting down on the use of paper, through the use of electronic transactions and documents. This will help to advance the trade environment more and boost its potential in the business industry, said Leonard.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Two modern shopping malls Duncan’s for Georgetown – TC King conspiracy trial THE construction of a three-storied shopping mall with special entertainment facility at the New Vendors mall and a similar edifice with parking facilities for farmers, wholesalers and other merchants at Bourda Green are part of City Hall’s plans to solve the vending crisis in Georgetown.

Town Clerk, Royston King said the Mayor and City Council is working with the vendors and other stakeholders to provide accommodation in proper markets facilities. “Our efforts are guided by the vision of His Excellence, President David Granger that all vendors must be placed under a roof.

Currently we are working

with a very tight budget and extremely limited resources,” he said in a statement.

According to King, in the circumstances the Council would be utilising several of its spaces to accommodate the vendors on a temporary basis. “This would be done under strict security and sanitation rules. Those who would be allowed to use the spaces provided must be highly disciplined and comply with all the instructions of the Council,” he said.

Again, King reminded vendors of the following:Only sell in areas identified by the Council for vending, do not sell in or around the Stabroek Market square; have a proper garbage bin to throw away your garbage in the right manner; keep the area where you are selling clean and tidy at all times; bring out small amounts of goods every day; Keep passage-ways to businesses and other public and private places free from boxes, barrels, carts or any other things; do not sell in front of commercial banks; do not store or display your produce and goods on the

Royston king

ground or on roadways; store and display your produce and goods on clean materials three feet (3ft) above ground; use clean water to sprinkle fruits, greens and vegetables offer for sale to the public; do not encroach on public road ways; encourage the person selling next to you to obey the laws and regulations of the city; report to the nearest constabulary outpost persons or known character acting in a suspicious manner in the area where you are selling; remember clean and healthy surroundings would encourage more people to buy from you and your business will grow and most importantly please cooperate with our City Constables and Revenue Collectors, who will be

visiting and working with all vendors to assist them to do the right thing.

Registration of Street vendors will begin on January 20, 2017, at City Hall.

Vendors must walk with their Identification Card and Tax Identification Number (TIN). Registration fee is $3000.00. This must be paid at the City Treasurer’s Department. This process is important to improve sanitation, safer roadways, pavements and other reserves in the Central Business District, improve food and hygiene practices and reduce opportunities for criminal activities.

He said too that at the end of February 2017, all street vendors must be registered with the Council through the Office of the Town Clerk. The process of registration is lawful and necessary to keep the Council informed and help it to maintain order, he said.

Also, Council plans to put all street vendors in properly managed markets and shopping malls within the city of Georgetown. Council has identified the following: Extension to the Northern side of Stabroek Market with an upper storey and appropriate facilities for vending.

begins Jan. 25

COME JANUARY 25, City Magistrate Fabayo Azore will begin the trial against former Board Director of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Carvil Duncan for the charge of conspiracy to steal over $27M from the company.

This was disclosed on Monday when the matter was called for report before Magistrate Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate Court where a total of seven witnesses were expected to be called before her to testify.

On January 4, Magistrate Leron Daly had recused herself from the case against Duncan explaining that she had previously dealt with Duncan’s other matter which she dismissed last November.

Daly transferred the matter to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for reassignment and the Chief Magistrate later transferred the matter to Magistrate Azore for trial.

Duncan is before the court in relation to a charge where he is accused of conspiring with another to steal $27,757,547, belonging to GPL between May 7 and 8, 2015.

It was reported that Duncan and a former senior GPL official Aeshwar Deonarine were part of a multi-million-dollar fraud at the power company. The men are alleged to have illegally transferred close to $28M to their personal bank accounts from GPL. The Government had asked the police to investigate Duncan and Deonarine last July. It was reported that

Former GPL Board Director, Carvil Duncan

the men paid themselves without authorization.

The discovery of the suspicious transfers was made by independent auditors who were probing an account which holds proceeds of oil shipments from Venezuela.

It was while tracking payments to GPL that auditors unearthed the strange transactions.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Deonarine after he fled the country.

November last, Duncan was acquitted by Magistrate Daly for stealing $984,900 belonging to GPL on March 31, 2015 after it was ruled that a prima facie case had not been established against him for the offence.

The magistrate upheld a no-case-submission made

by Duncan’s attorney Glen Hanoman. During his ruling the magistrate dismissed the charge on the ground that the prosecution’s witnesses failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the elements of the offence.

DATE: 07/01/2017 09/01/2017

I 09 10 13 15 21 23 20

04

06

09

13

26

09/01/2017

08

02

05

09/01/2017

05

04

03

09/01/2017 01

08

14

16 17 18

20

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Milk from Bahrain Fly All Ways looking to move to Guyana denied entry A 20FT container of Awal Junior Milk from the Kingdom of Bahrain was refused entry into Guyana after the product was found to be contaminated with vegetable oil and had only 1.5 per cent milk fat, the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) disclosed yesterday.

The container had 7,200 cases of Awal Junior Milk and each one contained 24 boxes of the milk in strawberry, banana and chocolate flavours.

In a statement on Monday, Director of the Food and Drug Department Marlan Cole said that samples of the milk were submitted to the Department for examination on December 22, 2016 and it was found that the milk was contaminated with vegetable oil and contained only 1.5 per cent milk fat.

The Food and Drug Regulations for dairy products mandate that ‘flavoured milk’ must contain 2.5 per cent of milk fat.

“Consent to grant entry of the product into Guyana for consumers to use, particularly children, was not granted,” Cole said, noting that in accordance with Part 1 (Administration) of the Food and Drug Regulations, the Head of the Customs Department and the importer were officially notified of the department’s decision based on the inspector’s report.

Awal Junior Milk is reportedly being produced by Awal Dairy Company WLL, formerly known as Bahrain Danish Dairy Company. The

– so as to better serve its customers

The Awal Junior Milk that was rejected

company was established since 1963.

“Awal Dairy Company is dedicated to produce and distribute the highest quality dairy products, juices and ice creams using the finest available ingredients, which exceed our customer’s expectations in terms of quality, service and value,” the company stated on its website.

However, the Director of the Food and Drug Department told Guyana Chronicle that the name of the importer is being withheld because the investigation is still ongoing. However, he noted that the container was situated at the John Fernandes Terminal Site.

Members of the National Food Safety and Control Committee comprising representatives from the Surveillance Unit, Public Health Ministry (MoPH), Veterinary Public Health Unit (MoPH), Environmental Health Unit (MoPH) and Environmental Officers/ Inspectors from the 10 Administrative Regions and Inspectors from the City Council and Regional Municipalities, would be appraised on the Department’s action during a National Food Safety and Control

Committee meeting today so as to ensure this product is not in circulation.

The Department is advising all importers to ensure written approval is obtained from the department prior to the introduction of any new foods, drugs, cosmetics and or medical devices as required by the Food and Drug Act, Chapter 34:03, Section 22 (II) and (III) and Section 32 (II) and also the Food and Drug Regulations.

Cole said the department will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure substandard items of foods, drugs cosmetics and medical devices are prevented from being released on the local market for use by consumers.

SURINAMESE carrier, Fly All Ways, announced Monday that management is seriously thinking of moving to Guyana, so as to reposition itself to better serve its customers.

“Management is reviewing the possibility of moving its major hub from Surname to Guyana.

“This way, it can easily operate and be positioned to offer non-scheduled charters and scheduled operations at a lower cost,” the company said in a press release Monday. The decision, according to the airline, is all part and parcel of a bigger plan to reorganise its operations and destinations base, by inter alia, suspending scheduled flights and returning briefly to charters, as of January 15.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Capt. Amichand Jhauw, was at pains to explain via the release, “Since its start-up in February last year, the airline has seen significant potential.

“However, like any startup airline, there becomes a period when management should pause and take a

look at the current destinations being served, and its operations base, to ensure there was total efficiency, including cost reduction in every instance.”

At the moment, Fly All Ways’ scheduled flights, which are traditionally done twice weekly, originate in Paramaribo, and service Guyana, Barbados and Haiti.

Another factor which helped influence the decision, Jhauw said, “is the delayed implementation of the Global Booking System, which will allow passengers from all over the world to access the airline’s booking system.

“This way, many persons will be able to make connections in Barbados, Antigua, or St. Lucia to Guyana or any of the new

destinations, thus creating less dependence on regional traffic only.”

So as not to cause customers undue worry, Jhauw said Fly All Ways will honour all of its current bookings, and continue to move passengers to their respective destinations.

He also hastened to explain that contrary to rumours going the round, the company is not going out of business, but simply pausing its scheduled services to re-position its operations and personnel in areas where passengers can be better served.

“The Charter operations on which the company started will continue to function,” Jhauw said, adding: “This does not mean ruling out continued charter services to the airline’s current destinations.”

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial The Police Force

THE 2016 Report of the Guyana Police Force shows overall marked improvement in its performance compared to 2015, and is deserving of notice, commendation, and continuity. There must be reason(s) responsible for such performance.

The Force has in part credited its successes to improved public confidence where persons have aided in intelligence gathering that contributed to bringing perpetrators to justice. In the past there were claims of interference into the day-to-day activities of the Force. At one point this resulted in a legal clash between then Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe and the then Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj where the court was asked to adjudicate the matter. The matter had to do with the minister instructing the officer to return a firearm to a person that was still under criminal investigation. The officer’s refusal to comply with the minister’s order led to him being instructed to take up an assignment outside of the police force.

Constant interference into the day-to-day management of the Force can lead to a level of malaise given that officers placed in position of authority to make decisions are denied same. In so doing intelligence gathering and other forms of activities hinged on crime-solving are likely to be compromised.

Training forms an important component in the management of the police force and it has been noted in the report various facilitation. The persons involved in committing criminal activities are drawn from the society. These persons are exposed to new techniques in aiding and abetting them in their illegal activities. For the Force to combat and reduce criminal activities the police will have to be equally exposed to the types of training that are applicable in today’s complex society. It may be instructive to note that while the statistics have not been revealed, whether due to limited employment opportunities across the board, the force is now benefiting from better and brighter minds.

At the same time it cannot be ignored the gusto with which the current Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum has embraced his task. Both Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, who acted as commissioner when the substantive was on leave, have also brought a level of confidence to the society.

With the absence of overt political interference and ridicule of performance by their substantive minister, such could also be a contributing factor that has imbued in the officers a sense of pride that they have an obligation to serve and protect. In fact, Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has publicly called on the Force to say what it needs to get the job done and he would make the tools available.

While there is an acknowledged 16 percent decline in serious crimes, 19 percent decrease in armed robberies, a greater percent of cases brought before the court and other positive indicators, the increase in road accidents cannot escape attention. A 10.3 percent increase, taking into consideration this type of crime results in the loss of limbs and lives and destruction to properties that carry costs, special attention may be needed in this area.

Also, though the police have done well in bringing charges before the court, where cases are being thrown out for lack of proper preparation and presentation of the evidence, attention for improvement is urged. It is important for confidence-building that the society, including

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Time for changes at NDIA

Dear Editor

THE picture of a flooded Buxton in the Guyana Chronicle of Sunday January 8, 2017 is confirmation of the absence of technical competence within both the Ministry of Agriculture and more particularly within the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). Everyone in Guyana is aware of the fact that Buxton was the last community to become floodfree after the Great Flood of 2005.

Both the NDIA and the Ministry of Agriculture are further aware and refer to Buxton as being situated in a “basin”. In spite of these facts the NDIA and Ministry of Agriculture continue to treat this as a non-issue for a reliable and appropriate response.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA proposes under the Flood Risk Management Project to construct pump stations at Lusignan, Enmore and Buxton on the East Coast Demerara. There are no areas, currently flooded, within either Lusignan and/or Enmore at the exact time that Buxton remains under water. In spite of this, the NDIA and the “wise men” within the Ministry of Agriculture see it fit to build pump stations in Enmore and Lusignan which will provide twice the capacity of the pump station in Buxton. A summary of the pump station sizes and number of pumps to be installed, taken from NDIA public domain documents, is detailed in the table below.

Lusignan and Enmore, both not currently flooded or known to be flood-prone, will be provided with twice the pumping capacity in the form of two (2) pumps, as compared to one (1) pump for Buxton which is now flooded and established to be flood-prone. This coupled with several other flawed designs by the NDIA is evidence of

the absence of engineering and technical capacity within both the Ministry of Agriculture and NDIA. The more alarming concern however is the continued inability of the APNU/AFC coalition government to acknowledge that changes are mandatory at the Ministry of Agriculture and the NDIA if this entity is to provide sound technical advice and service to the people of Guyana. This ill-conceived and technically indefensible solution to the drainage problem of Buxton, proposed by the NDIA, has been personally brought to the attention of several senior members of the APNU/AFC coalition.

These individuals are still to request that the NDIA design be altered to reflect the situational realities.

The NDIA and Ministry of Agriculture will continue their reign of unbridled incompetence if not reined in by the powers that be. This unbridled incompetence is reflected in the inability of drainage infrastructure to satisfactorily respond to rainfall and impacts on the development costs to the country since resources must be expended to correct flaws in projects executed by the NDIA such as the failed approaches to the Hope Bridge.

The powers that be, must now mandate the NDIA to detail the engineering basis for providing twice the drainage capacity to Lusignan and Enmore, areas not currently flooded, as that provided to Buxton which is now flooded. Failure to so mandate, will demonstrate the inability of the APNU/AFC government to rein in the excesses of the Bharrat Jagdeo led PPP

government and to begin the steps necessary to reverse the marginalisation of the African Guyanese communities.

Regards Charles P Ceres

Lack of leadership main bugbear for sugar industry Dear Editor THE major factor contributing to the loss in the sugar industry remains leadership that failed to bring common sense to the changing global mar-

ket conditions. All this loose talk of workers and weather is just that: idle talk. Jock Campbell and the Bookers Boys in the 1960’s and 1970’s also had major weather and workers’ challenges, but

those brought before the court, feel that justice was served and appeared to have been served. And though there is always a period when it appears as though crime is rampant and people are inclined to despair and publicly bash the police force, statistics can aid in allaying fears. That being said, outside of the divisive political mileage crime unfortunately continues to attract, on occasions like these people are imbued with a sense of confidence that the force still exists to serve and protect them and is doing likewise. Public confidence that the police are doing their job has a ripple effect in every aspect of human

yet their production was generally over 300,000 tonnes of sugar.

Guysuco’s senior leadership failed to handle two fundamental issues over the last decade – the aftermath of the 2005 floods that brought havoc to the fields and fix that albatross around the neck of the industry –

the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

If stability was brought to these two issues very early during the Raj Singh era, Guysuco would have had much more time and resources to climb up the value-chain into the sugar derivatives market, which is where it ought to be (ethTurn to page 7 ►

engagement.

Whereas crime is an aspect of society, its minimisation works to the benefit of society. The investment climate becomes more attractive, people are more likely to go about their daily business, including engaging in financial transactions with less fear, the forging of better community/police relations aids intelligence gathering and other crime fighting measures, and those inclined to break the laws would want to rethink their position, given that the possibility of being caught and brought to justice is greater.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

“Crabman” remanded for attempted murder THE 34-year-old man who brutally attacked his former girlfriend, her mother and her sister on Christmas Eve,was on Monday remanded to prison after appearing at the Springlands Magistrates’ Court.

Shamar Ally Mohamed also known as ‘Crabman’,appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh to answer to two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Mohamed,who was represented

by Attorney Chandra Sohan,was not required to plea to the indictable charges of attempted murder.However,he pleaded not guilty to the assault charges.

According to the facts of the case as presented by Prosecutor Dehard Browne, on 24th December 2016 at #70 Village, Mohamed,with intent to murder,chopped his former girlfriend, 23-yearold Bhartie Udho, and her mother,44-year-old Amika Udho. He also assaulted Bhartie’s sister,18-year-old Alisa Ali,in the process.As a result of the attack,Bhartie

lost an arm and received several chops about the body.Her mother Amika also received several chops about the body and lost a few fingers during the attack, while Ali suffered lacerations about her body. Both Bhartie and Amika are still hospitalised.

Ally’s lawyer in his application for bail on the assault charges,told the court that the police’s allegation that his client was evading them is untrue,since his client was unaware that he was wanted by the police. However,the prosecutor objected to bail noting that Ally is a flight risk and has been in hiding since the incident occurred. He further cited the nature and gravity of the offences leveled against Ally coupled with the fact that one of the victims is still hospitalised and he is likely to face other charges.

Magistrate Rabindranauth refused bail after hearing both sides and remanded the accused until 26th January 2017. Ally on Christmas Eve at around 20:30 hrs. trapped Bhartie with a rope

around her neck and pulled her to the ground as she and a few members of her family were making their way out of a street a few houses away from where they lived. He then whipped out a cutlass and started to chop her. As her mother and sister tried to intervene they too suffered the wrath of the hire car driver.

In the aftermath of the attack,the man’s former girlfriend,23-yearold Bhartie Udho,suffered several chop wounds about her body,and also to the head and lost an arm and two fingers.Her mother 44year-old Amika Udho received several chops about the body including the neck and lost her right middle finger in the attack as well.

The younger daughter of Amika,18-year-old Alisa Ali also suffered several hits about the body after coming to the rescue of her mother and sister. Ally,who hails from Canje,went into hiding and was captured in the New Forest area in the vicinity of the Brotherson pump on 5th January 2017.

South African pilot charged for overstaying A 35-YEAR-OLD South African pilot was on Monday granted $75,000 bail

by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore after being charged for overstaying his time in Guyana by over a year.

Daniel Fredrick Krugur denied the charge which alleged that between December 21, 2015 and January 7, 2017

at Georgetown, he failed to comply with the conditions of a permit to stay in Guyana, which stated that he was permitted to stay in the country from December 07, 2015 to December 20, 2015.

Krugur’s lawyer told the court that the foreign national was living in the Port Kaituma area with his reputed

Gold miner remanded on drugs charge A 52-YEAR-OLD gold miner was on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a drug trafficking charge.

It is alleged that Clive Fields called ‘Blackie’ on January 6, at Black Water Landing, Konawaruk River, had 70 grams of cannabis for the purpose of traffick-

ing.

The unrepresented Fields of One Mile, Wismar Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. The Police Prosecutor did not relate the facts.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Fields and transferred the matter to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court for January 17.

wife, who is a Guyanese.

The Magistrate released Krugur on $75,000 and adjourned the matter until January 30. He also has to report to the Brickdam Police Station weekly.

Lack of leadership main... anol, refined sugar, alcohol, sugar tourism, agro-energy and so on).

Let me be absolutely clear - RAW UNREFINED CANE SUGAR PRODUCTION IS DEAD in Guyana.

But yet since 2016, all Team Hanoman has done at Guysuco is complain, continue producing raw unrefined cane sugar, failed completed to reposition the sugar industry up the value-chain and is now wasting billions on a doomed agriculture adventure – producing rice on sugar cane lands. Utter insanity! In the normal world, people like Hanoman would have been shipped off to the farthest island away from civilization with no fuel on the boat for the return journey.

This Granger administration, which has access to more enlighten strategies, refuses to move away from this doomed strategy, which is taking the sugar belt to the point of self-implosion.

Do not take my word for it, look at the productivity and production in the industry in 2016 compared to all the years since 1990; the lowest and the worst in 26 years.

A house divided will never succeed and today Guyana is on the road to total and absolute failure if this pig-headedness continues under an aloft and arrogant Noel Holder, who remains clueless strategically on what needs to be done to the sugar industry.

But I must commend the Granger administration for

one green shoot of success on the sugar belt, what happened at the end of 2016.

Under the instructions of President Granger, Minister Ramjattan was asked to lead a delegation to engage stakeholders on the solutions for the sugar belt; 500 days too late, but better late than never. I celebrate this initiative and want to commend the Granger administration for taking this vital step into bringing common sense decision to bear on the challenges in the industry.

Under Errol Hanoman, Guysuco continues to suffer from a defective transformational leadership that has failed catastrophically on many levels from getting a grip of the systemic challenges in the field to bring stability at Skeldon Sugar Factory to moving the industry up the value-chain.

Divestment is a fool’s strategy, it will just end up is

From page 6

ghost towns on the sugar belt, which is no good for Guyana socially and economically.

I am again calling on President Granger to engage competent talent in the industry and seek skillful analysis of critical performance data to drive a stabilisation strategy in the industry. Since the intellectually bankrupt Raj Singh has left the industry, the condition of the industry has gotten even worst, which mean that the current leadership at Guysuco is even more intellectually bankrupt at stabilising the sugar industry. When will they bring real talent into the industry and stop playing politics with the lives of 15,000 families in rural Guyana?

Regards Sase Singh

8

Police probe alleged shooting at Tower Suites

POLICE are reviewing surveillance footage in an alleged shooting that occurred outside Tower Suites, Main Street, Georgetown early Sunday morning. No one has been detained.

Reports disclose that the circumstances of the report and shooting are sketchy and the management of the hotel is cooperating with the police in the investigation.

Last December police apprehended two bandits who had robbed an accountant outside the Tower Suites.

Police say that the employee, who is an accountant with the hotel, had just returned from making a substantial withdrawal from a city bank.

The accountant was about to disembark in front of the hotel when he was approached by one of the robbers, who discharged a round from a firearm. The bullet also struck a security guard who was in the vehicle and broke a window.

The bag containing the cash was snatched and the robber escaped on a waiting motorcycle.

The injured guard was rushed to a private hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later discharged.

The police say that mobile patrol acting on information pursued the suspects, who tried to elude the lawmen and ended up in the Sussex Street Canal in the vicinity of North East La Penitence.

The motorcycle and a significant amount of cash were recovered. One of the suspects admitted to dropping the firearm in the canal, the police said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Police intercept cannabis being shipped to North West

A 23-YEAR-OLD man was arrested Saturday after two boxes with cannabis were intercepted by ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch.

Police said on Saturday about 13:20 hrs ranks re-

ceived information that there were two boxes containing illegal substances located at a Sussex Street Wharf waiting to be shipped to Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD).

Acting on this information, the boxes were searched and 13 kilograms of cannabis were discovered. One male is currently in custody assisting in the investigation.

The Cannabis that was found in the boxes

Row over cellphone causes Wife killer's 9-year run ends ruckus at NA prison – several inmates wounded during fight A FIGHT on Sunday over the use of a cell phone has led to several inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison nursing injuries.

According to information Asif Hamid 22, of Corriverton and Tameshwar Jagmohan of Black Bush Polder were reportedly involved in a fight over a cellphone. Jagmohan is one of five accused in the Black Bush Triple murder.

A source told the Guyana Chronicle that Hamid and Jagmohan scuffled and during the fight Haniff dealt him several punches. The men are on remand facing murder charges at the peni-

tentiary.

Meantime, the brothers of Jagmohan, after realising what transpired retaliated and launched an attack on Hamid who was sitting at a table with another inmate identified as Devenand Dhadhari 18, of Betsy Ground, East Canje. The brothers Ramnarine Jagmohan and Neshan Jagmohan reportedly beat, stabbed and chopped Hamid with the use of an improvised weapon.

The duo was charged with killing Davendra Deodat, 34, called ‘Dave’, Owner of Cool Runnings Trucking Service of Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne

in October 2013.

Additionally, Dhandhari who is also facing a murder charge was in close proximity and was not spared the brunt of the attack as he was also beaten. After prison officers were able to break up the fight the men were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Dhandhari was treated and sent away.

However Hamid was admitted and remains a patient and is said to be in a stable condition.

Commander of B Division Ian Amsterdam told the Guyana Chronicle that statements were taken and investigation is in progress.

Prison director on pre-retirement leave DIRECTOR of Prisons, Carl Graham has proceeded on pre-retirement leave and there have been several administrative changes as a result.

Sources confirmed that the changes took effect as of yesterday. Deputy Director, Gladwin Samuels will be acting in the capacity as director. There are reports that Graham, 55, maybe be seeking an extension of his contract.

Superintendent Alston Scott will also be rotated in managerial positions.

Under Graham’s tenure

Director of Prisons, Carl Graham

was the infamous 2016 prison riot that left 17 inmates of the Camp Street Prison dead.

President David Granger had ordered an immediate establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the circumstances and causes of this tragedy to ensure that there is never a recurrence.

One of the commissioners, Justice James Patterson recommended the need for an effective surveillance system in the prison yard to monitor and record both prisoners and officers’ conduct. During the Justice Patterson-led CoI, prisoners spoke openly about alleged corruption at the Georgetown Prison.

Charles Chapman called ‘Frenchie’

AFTER being on the run for almost nine years, alleged wife killer Charles ‘Frenchie’ Chapman confessed to police that he killed his reputed wife Savitri Arjune on January 27, 2008 at Herstelling , East Bank Demerara after a misunderstanding.

Deputy Commander of ‘B’ Division, Errol Watts told this newspaper that Chapman’s last known address was Limlair Village, Corentyne, where he was arrested for wounding. But an alert policeman stationed at Whim Police Station, knew the suspect and recalled that he was wanted for murder and informed his superiors.

Chapman was taken to Central Police Station, in New Amsterdam where he submitted a written statement confessing to the crime

Dead: Savitri Arjune

which left Savitri Arjune, a mother of two dead after she sustained a stab wound to the heart, among other injuries.

On the fateful day, just after 06:00hrs Arjune, who had shared an eight-year relationship with the suspect left her home at 382 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara ,with the intention of catching a minibus to get to work in Georgetown. As she walked along a partly deserted roadway, the suspect emerged, allegedly armed with a knife, which he used to inflict the fatal wounds.

The woman collapsed and he calmly boarded a minibus, which was parked nearby and drove to Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, where he left the vehicle.

The incident stemmed from allegations of infi-

delity. Chapman, a former seaman and a soldier, claimed he had left his wife and children and had commenced a common-law relationship with the now deceased woman. However, she squandered his money and rejected him. Thereafter he became the ‘laughing stock’ of her family. As a result he got annoyed and committed the heinous act. Subsequently, he fled to Suriname, where he remained a fugitive for many years before returning to his homeland, where he stayed at Limlair Village.

Meanwhile, after submitting his statement late yesterday afternoon, he was whisked away to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters where a charge of murder will be instituted.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Ceres slams NDIA for flooding in Buxton – NDC chairman blames it on dam breach, unattended kokers

By Svetlana Marshall CRITICAL changes are needed within the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), if they are to provide sound technical advice and service to the people of Guyana, Geotechnical and Groundwater Hydrology Engineer, Charles Ceres has said.

According to him, the fact that Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara, is still flooded is a confirmation of the absence of technical competence within both the Agriculture Ministry and the NDIA. Ceres said it is common knowledge that Buxton was the last community in Guyana to become flood free after the Great Flood of 2005.

“Both the NDIA and the Ministry of Agriculture are further aware and refer to Buxton as being situated in a “basin”. In spite of these facts the NDIA and Ministry of Agriculture continue to treat this as a non-issue for a reliable and appropriate response,” the engineer lamented.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA proposes, under the Flood Risk Management Project, to construct pump stations at Lusignan, Enmore and Buxton on the East Coast Demerara, however, Buxton would have least capacity when compared to the other two villages.

“There were no areas, currently flooded, within either Lusignan and/or Enmore at the exact time that Buxton

remains (under) water. In spite of this, the NDIA and the “wise men” within the Ministry of Agriculture see it fit to build pump stations in Enmore and Lusignan which will provide twice the capacity of the pump station in Buxton,” the Engineer said.

According to information emanating out of NDIA, the pump stations at Enmore and Lusignan will be equipped with two pumps each while the station at Buxton will have only one pump.

“Lusignan and Enmore, both not currently flooded or known to be flood prone, will be provided with twice the pumping capacity in the form of two pumps, as compared to one pump for Buxton which is now flooded and established to be flood prone. This coupled with several other flawed designs by the NDIA is evidence of the absence of engineering and technical capacity within both the Ministry of Agriculture and NDIA,” he emphasised.

For him, it is time for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government take the necessary actions.

“The more alarming concern however is the continued inability of the APNU/ AFC coalition government to acknowledge that changes are mandatory at the Ministry of Agriculture and the NDIA if this entity is to provide sound technical advice and service to the people of Guyana,” Ceres further stated.

According to him, the ill-conceived and technically indefensible solution to the

Geotechnical and Groundwater Hydrology Engineer Charles Ceres

drainage problem of Buxton, proposed by the NDIA, was brought to the attention of several senior members of the APNU/AFC coalition.

However, these officials are still to request that the design be altered to reflect the situational realities.

“The NDIA and Ministry of Agriculture will continue their reign of unbridled incompetence if not reined in by the powers that be.

This unbridled incompetence is reflected in the inability of drainage infrastructure to satisfactorily respond to rainfall and impacts on the development costs to the country since resources must be expended to correct flaws in projects executed by the NDIA such as the failed approaches to the Hope Bridge,” the engineer further contended.

Over the past week, Buxton has been inundated with water, however, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Deon Abrams, on Monday told Guyana Chronicle that the water has receded significantly since swift actions

Vendor asks for ‘small sentence’ – gets 12 mths CITY Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Monday sentenced a 39-year-old pushcart vendor to 12 months in prison after he admitted to a charge of breaking and entering.

Damion Austin of Sophia confessed that between January 4 and January 5 in Georgetown he, broke and entered the dwelling house of Toney Fanner and stole two cell phones, two laptops, an earphone, a power pad, an Access textbook, a shoulder bag and an I-pod – totaling

$1.1M. According to the defendant, he along with two others broke into Fanner’s home and stole the items. Austin further explained that he was given one of the cell phone and a laptop as his cut from the theft.

The prosecutor told the court that on January 4 about 19:15 hours Fanners secured his two-story home. However on his return on the next day (January 5) he noticed the back door ajar and the items mentioned in the charge

missing.

The victim made a report at the Kitty Police Station where an investigation was launched and based upon reports Austin was arrested.

The suspect confessed to the crime and took them to various locations to recover some of the stolen articles.

“Your worship ah request a small sentence….

I don’t want to waste the court time,” Austin said as he begged that magistrate for leniency since he is the father of four children.

were taken on Sunday.

According to him, sections of Buxton were flooded because the doors of two krokers were left opened.

Abrams noted that the situation was further compounded by a breach in the East Sideline Dam. It was explained that as a result of the breach, water from the Company Dam flowed into the East Sideline Dam resulting in Buxton

being flooded. However, the breach, Abrams said, was sealed on Sunday. Additionally, the two pumps operating within the village was complemented by a third pump brought in by NDIA. “The water has receded, maybe, there is a little bit of water at the back of the village, but the water has generally receded,” the NDC Chairman assured.

Commenting on the is-

sue surrounding the pumps, Abrams said while there are two pumps operating within the Buxton Pump Station, they have been there since 1927. “They are very old,” he emphasized while noting that their capacities have reduced.

The new pump proposed under the Flood Risk Management Project is expected to boost the capacity of the pump station but Ceres has expressed concerns about this proposal.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

West takes charge of GDF BRIGADIER George Lewis’ brief stint as Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force has ended and today his successor, Colonel Patrick West will assume the position at a military ceremony billed for Camp Ayanganna.

West will first be promoted to the rank of Brigadier and then sworn in as the tenth Chief-of-Staff around 07:00h at the Executive Room at the Officers Mess

at Base Camp Ayanganna.

The Change of Command Parade in honour of Lewis, is scheduled for 1600 hours.

Lewis was sworn in as the 9th Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) by Commander-in-Chief and President, David Granger on October 2, 2016 shortly after being promoted to the rank of Brigadier. He took the oath of office before the Prime Minister (ag) and Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and his predecessor Brigadier Mark Phillips.

West in 2010 became Guyana’s first officer to have earned two masters degrees simultaneously; one in Military Arts and Science and the other in Administration. That year he returned from the US where he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the

Central Michigan University, through the bilateral co-operation agreement between the GDF and the US Military.

The institution educates and develops leaders for full spectrum, joint, interagency and multinational operations, acts as a lead agent for the army’s leader development programme and advances the art and science of the profession of arms in support of Army operational requirements.

Col. West recorded phenomenal performance in all his assigned duties and was also lauded for his immeasurable contribution to the success and professional development of the Army, Air Force and International Military students last year, while taking advantage of every opportunity to enhance his own professional development.

Col Patrick West will today be elevated to the rank of Brigadier and later take command of the military

One month to move 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

– Mayor says she's had it with Merriman Mall barbers, cosmetologists

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has reached the end of her tether with barbers and cosmetologists on Merriman Mall, between Cummings and Light Streets.

They are not keeping their end of the bargain, which is to keep their surroundings clean, she told the Guyana Chronicle following Monday’s statutory meeting at City Hall, and as such she’s left no alternative but to ask them to leave.

“They have to clean up their act; they have another month to find somewhere to move,” she said.

The City Council had relocated these individuals from off the streets to Merriman Mall, and had even provided tents for them to ply their trade, on condition that they would pay an environmental fee of $1000, and keep their surroundings clean.

As the mayor explained to the Guyana Chronicle, their relocation to Merriman Mall was just temporary, but because of their untidiness, remaining on a permanent basis is now out of the question. “We tried to assist them by relocating them; we gave them a tent at our expense, but now they have to remove,” she said.

The matter was first raised at the statutory meeting, with Chase-Green say-

Barbers on Merriman Mall who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday

the mayor has been contemplating to move them.

“Where she want us to go now? In space?” one barber questioned.

The barbers said that they pay their own money to weed their surroundings and clean the trench behind them that runs along Church Street.

Another barber said that they make it a point to empty their garbage at Bourda Market, because the garbage disposal facility was removed by the City Council after the business people on Church Street started abusing it.

The barbers complained of the social rejects (junkies) who would sleep on Merriman Mall and dirty the place once the vendors would have left.

Some tents have been observed empty and broken

ing that what the vendors have done to Merriman Mall has only served to embarass the Council.

“We will not tolerate it. The Council agreed, by a recommendation from the Markets Public Health Committee, that they should have been gone long ago; we tried our utmost to ensure that no one is left without sending their child to school or providing them a meal by having them there, but it is not in the best interest of the city, the condition that place is being left in,” Chase-Green told councillors.

She said many of the

The barbers and cosmetologists said they spend their own money to keep their working environment clean

said vendors have not even been fulfilling their obligation to pay the environmental fee. “They have three barbers there who have the place looking good compared to the female cosmetologists; the men showing the women them up on that place. We can’t tolerate that kind of lawlessness,” the mayor further lamented.

Some barbers and cosmetologists have abandoned the stations granted to them by the City Council to go back to the streets (Photos by Telesha Ramnarine)

NOT MOVING The barbers and cosmetologists in question are, however, adamant that they will not be removing from the said location, and that they are not even aware that

down, and one barber surmised that the vendors for these left this location to return to the streets to ply their trade. When the rain falls and throw down the tents, there is no one there to clean up.

One vendor, a cosmetologist, said she is willing to work with the guidelines provided by the City Council but she said she will not be moving from the facility.

Another barber said he feels they were tricked into moving to Merriman Mall just so that things would go smoothly for the jubilee celebrations.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

‘Parliament View’ vendors relocated to Russell Square – delighted with new spot

By Navendra Seoraj VENDORS, who over the past months had occupied the area referred to as ‘Parliament View’, have now been relocated to Russell Square, Stabroek, where the ‘Dread Shop’ was demolished last May by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Over 100 vendors occupied ‘Parliament View’,

a spot which was temporarily acquired by the M&CC in June from land owner, Hareshnarine ‘Chiney’ Sugrim.

However, vendors were expected to move in September last year but the businessman granted a three-month extension which expired on December 31, 2016.

Sugrim had indicated that he intends to begin construc-

tion of a seven-storey parking lot with a food court on the ground floor, and had threatened to move the vendors last week.

The M&CC arrived at a decision in the nick of time over the weekend to have the vendors placed at Russell Square, Stabroek.

A source from the Council disclosed that the spot is yet to be confirmed as a permanent one but for the time being, the vendors will occupy the spot.

Though the majority of

Vendors at Russell Square

the vendors are now located at Russell Square, some of them who retail confectionary and fruits have been placed at other points around the area.

The now empty space where the ‘Parliament View’ mall was located

VENDORS DELIGHTED During a visit to Stabroek, vendors expressed joy at what

they described as a “better” spot. One clothing vendor indicated that they were suffering at ‘Parliament View’; so the move is highly appreciated.

“We just here one day now and business done pick up back… I feel so nice to see my customers coming back

and so… ah glad man, ah glad… I hope that we get to stay here permanently,” said one of the vendors.

Several vendors who expressed satisfaction with the new site are hoping that they will be allowed to settle down to ply their trade comfortably.

CEO visits schools as part of Maths plan rollout CHIEF Education Officer (ag), Marcel Hutson on Monday commenced visits to primary schools in and around Georgetown as part of the roll out of the Mathematics Emergency Plan.

This plan indicates the concern expressed by the Head of State, President David Granger, and illustrates a plan of action to improve students’ performance in Mathematics at the Grade 6 level.

According to a Ministry

of Education release, during his visits to the Graham’s Hall, Sophia, and Redeemer Primary Schools, Mr. Hutson spoke to the students and teachers of the respective Grade Six classes. This interaction is important because it sets the pace for the work both teachers and students are expected to put in while preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) set for April 12 and 13, the release stated.

“This exam determines your future...it is, therefore,

important that we do well at Maths,” Mr. Hutson told the students and teachers. In this regard, teachers and students must work hard and go the extra mile.

While the parents have a notable role to play, Mr. Hutson urged the students to balance their school work and play while at home.

This initiative has seven strategic points of action.

These are:Strategy 1 – Training in Content & Methodology for Teachers

Chief Education Officer interacts with students of Redeemer Primary School

Students of Sophia Primary School

Strategy 2 – Facilitate Fortnightly Cluster Meetings in all Regions Strategy 3 – Recruitment of Mathematics Coordinators and Monitors Strategy 4 – Training of School Administrators to Supervise the Teaching of Mathematics Strategy 5 – Administering Diagnostic Assessment in Selected Regions

Strategy 6 – Public Relation/Parental Involvement Strategy Strategy 7 – Acquisition of Resources (Teaching Aids) While explaining each action, Hutson highlighted that thus far over 800 teachers are going through training throughout the country. However, it is important for the teachers to respond positively and

buy-in to the initiative’s focus on classroom management and delivery. It is hoped that in the process Head Teachers and District Education Officers will become instructional leaders. “Forty-eight million ($48M) has been invested in this project... we have to make full use of this opportunity,” the Chief Education Officer declared.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

First self-reliance in business workshop for 2017 opened at Kildonan MORE than 40 women on Monday joined First lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger for the opening of the twelfth Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop for 2017, at Kildonan East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six. Speaking at that ceremony, Mrs. Granger said that women should value their skills and use it to empower themselves to avoid dependence on their partners. “One of the things that I feel is important, is that women begin to understand themselves, and to recongnise what is in them,” Mrs. Granger said.

Mrs. Granger also stressed the importance of the women’s ability to develop their communities. “The other thing that is good about this workshop… [is that] it starts you out; you could know noth-

ing about business management, financial management, business plans and all the rest of it... But [when you complete this workshop] you will know how to run a business at the most basic level,” Mrs. Granger said.

The First Lady thanked former Minister of Social Protection, Mrs. Volda Lawrence for her support through that Ministry, under which the workshop has received funding. During the five day period the women will learn the basic steps involved in planning and developing business ideas, which is comparable to the format provided by Small Business Bureau.

They will also form small groups to focus on the predominant social issues affecting their communities. Director of Interweave Solutions Incorporated Mr.

Wayne Barrow said that these group initiatives are a major success coming out of the workshop as it allows the women to be empowered to directly impact their own communities.

“We want to get people out of poverty. That’s the First Lady’s aim; to get you out of poverty to a level where you are self-reliant. When we speak about self-reliance, we’re talking about the ability, the commitment and the effort to provide for yourself, and for your family. It is important that you know what you’re about before you start thinking about money…as long as you have these principles in place, you’ll be able to run your business effectively,” Mr. Barrow said.

Echoing the sentiments of Mr. Barrow, Regional Chairman of Region Six, Mr. David Armogan said

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger told the group of women that “It is important that you understand yourself’ at the opening of the twelfth Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop

Part of Business Development is being able to identify the Six Ps of Business; the women pictured here were able to identify the Six Ps during the opening of the twelfth Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop

that the First Lady’s initiative is a great one, reaching rural communities, and is very beneficial to women.

He said that rural communities can gain from this type of initiative, since those are the areas mostly affected with women who have been relegated to their homes.

Mr. Armogan further urged the women to take advantage of what is being offered to not just develop themselves but also their community at large. “Once you come together and do things together you’re able to move your community

upwards,” Mr. Armogan said. Also present at the opening of the workshop was Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Ms. Kim Williams Stephen.

The Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop has over the last year trained over 300 women to be successful entrepreneurs and empowered women. This is the first workshop for 2017 and is expected to continue next week with another workshop in Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara.

(Ministry of Presidency)

CARICOM/UN Women sign MOU on Gender Equality and Empowerment THE Caribbean Community Secretariat on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women to support the Community’s work on gender and regional statistics.

The MOU on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women includes collaboration in the provision of Caribbean-wide data, statistics and analysis on the implementation of the gender dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action known as the SA-

CARICOM Secretariat and UN Women sign MOU: L-R (sitting): UN-Women rep. Ms. Toni Brodber, CARICOM Secretary-General, Amb. LaRocque & Hon. Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guyana and Chair of the Community Council. L-R (standing) Mr. Neville Bissember and Barbara Vandyke, Office of the Secretary-General

MOA Pathway.

In his remarks, CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque thanked the UN for its continuing role in assisting member states’ developing and advancing the work of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General said that some of the work will focus on developing model legislation and regional-specific tools to address behaviour change to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and to ensure strong evidence-based advocacy.

The UN-Women representative, Tonni Ann Brodber, in her remarks drew attention to the financial and health costs of gender-based

violence, one of the most egregious forms of gender inequality, which she said countries could not afford.

Thirty to fifty percent of all murders are intimate partner violence related... [and] it is not just gender based violence, but the fact that we are not tapping into the potentials of our young boys and young women, she emphasised.

Ms. Brodber commended CARICOM for its leadership on the issue and reiterated the support of UN_ Women. The signing took place during the official opening of the Thirty-Ninth meeting of the Community Council of Ministers. (Caricom Secretariat)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Bartica Massacre trial

‘I was sickened and saddened by the Bartica killings’– witness

By Michell Outridge A MAN convicted for the Bartica massacre, but now turned state witness has said he was sickened and saddened by the killings, and that he never knew the mastermind of the crime, Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins, until he picked him up

after the incident.

For the second day, Clebert Reece, who is serving a 35-year sentence, testified in favour of the state in the trial in the High Court before Justice Roxane George SC and a 12-member jury on Monday.

As Defence Counsel Roger Yearwood continued his cross examination of Reece, he put it to him that when he gave his evidence-in-chief in court, he testified that he didn’t set the boat alight after they had reached Sherima Crossing, because he wanted the men to be traced and discovered while they were camping out in the area.

He related when questioned that he was saddened and sickened by the Bartica incident, and wanted to tell his story to the police when he was first arrested and spent 13 days in the lockups, but admitted that he didn’t tell the police of his involvement. The state witness added that on May 27, 2008, he was a participant in an identification parade, and was not told he was picked out in the line-up. Nor was any allegation put to him then.

Reece stated that a day after the identification parade he was placed on $100,000 bail and didn’t go to the police until he was arrested.

He told the court that he never met Fineman before he picked him, along with others, up at Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, when he transported the group to and from Bartica via a speed boat.

Reece recalled he dropped off the group at an island at Parika but said he doesn’t know the name of that place, it was inhabited and the only way of getting there was by boat. When grilled by Defence Counsel

Roger Yearwood, Reece told the court it would not have been easy to take the police to the location where the men were and it was put to him that he gave the police a statement on the Bartica incident because he wanted to gain their trust but he denied such.

Reece said he wasn’t promised a deal when he gave evidence nor did he expect any and testified of his own free will, although he was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment when he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for the murders of nine civilians and three cops in the February 17, 2008 killings in Bartica.

Defence Counsel Saphier Husain while cross examining of the witness on Monday was very animated and his applications were over-ruled by the trial judge.

His cross examination will continue on Tuesday after he asked for some time. He asked Reece whether he was ever convicted before the Bartica incident and he said he wasn’t and his involvement in the incident was under duress because he was afraid of Fineman and his group.

Reece told the court that his instructions came from Fineman through his cousin Michael Caesar and others and when Fineman killed five men on the Bartica Stelling he did nothing because of fear. The witness said he was not armed and did not hurt anyone in that incident and had worked eight months with Chunilall Baboolall called “Vulture” before the incident.

On trial are Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie”, Dennis Williams called “Anaconda” and Roger Simon called “Goat Man,” each

indicted for 12 counts for the murder of nine civilians and three policemen at Bartica on February 17, 2008.

However, two of the five accused, Michael Caesar and Clebert Reece, have since pleaded guilty to manslaughter separately and have been sentenced. Mark Royden Williams, is being represented by Roger Yearwood, Dennis Williams’ lawyer is Saphier Hussain and Roger Simon’s attorney is Peter Hugh. During the February 17, 2008 rampage, nine civilians and three cops were gunned down by a group of heavily armed men, who descended on Bartica at nightfall.

Those who lost their lives were Bartica residents Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian and Irving Ferreira; policemen stationed at the Bartica Police Station, Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Middlesex, Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen and Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Rawlins, according to the police, led the gang on the rampage in Bartica as well as the one that converged on Lusignan on January 26, 2008. Rawlins was killed during a Joint Services Operation on August 28, 2008. With his death and the arrest and prosecution of the five suspects, it appeared as though the police had closed their investigation.

The state is being represented by Diana Kaulesar and Stacy Goodings while the Defence attorneys are Roger Yearwood, Saphier Husain and Peter Hugh.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Treatment of child with eye cancer hailed a success

Little Omkar Persaud and his mother, Casandra Persaud

“THE treatment was successful”, these were the words expressed by Casandra Persaud, the mother of Omkar Persaud, the two year old who was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare Eye Cancer more common among infants.

Ms. Persaud who seemed upbeat about her son’s successful treatment, shared her experience with Roraima Staff as she disembarked Easy Sky on their return from Cuba. The toddler and his mother departed Guyana to undergo treatment in Cuba on December 15, 2016 in hopes of saving his right eye from the infection after his left eye was removed in 2016 after deterioration brought on by the decease.

Omkar Perasaud and his mother, Casandra returned to Guyana on Friday January 6, 2017 to the warm welcome of the Roraima staff and

her family members at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The treatment which was estimated at the cost of US$20,000 was made possible through the generosity of Roraima Airways, the Ministry of Public Health and the SHEA Foundation.

The remainder of treatment for the toddler will continue in Guyana.

Ms. Persaud expressed her admiration and appreciation to Roraima, the Ministry of Public Health and the SHEA Foundation, who came forward to assist her son, a release from Roraima said. She also hailed Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Halim Majeed, who remained supportive throughout the period of her son’s treatment in Cuba.

According to America Cancer Society, “Retinoblastoma is a rare disease, accounting for only 200 to

Day Night Tuesday, January 10, 2017 - 03:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs Wednesday, January 11, 2017 - 04:00 hrs | 14:30 hrs Thursday, January 12, 2017 - 05:00 hrs | 14:30 hrs

300 diagnoses each year in the United States. It is more common in infants and very young children than in older children. The average age of children when they are diagnosed is 2. It rarely occurs in children older than 6. About 3 out of 4 children with retinoblastoma have a tumor in only one eye. In about 1 case in 4, both eyes are affected. Retinoblastoma occurs about equally in boys and girls and in different races and ethnicities. It also occurs equally in the right or left eye. Overall, more than 9 out of 10 children with retinoblastoma are cured, but the outlook is not nearly as good if the cancer has spread outside of the eye”.

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

English Racing Tips Southwell 08:15 hrs Englishwoman 08:45 hrs Swendab 09:15 hrs L’Inganno Felice 09:45 hrs Wick Powell 10:20 hrs Foprt Jefferson 10:50 hrs Pulsating 11:20 hrs Big Amigo 11:50 hrs Space War Lingfield 09:00 hrs Label Des Obeaux 09:30 hrs Peggies Venture 10:00 hrs Lord Heathfield 10:30 hrs Druid’s Folly 11:00 hrs Coole Charmer 11:30 hrs Point N Shoot 12:00 hrs Daytime Ahead Wolverhampton 10:10 hrs Sky Ballerina 10:40 hrs Nuala Tagula 11:10 hrs Eurato 11:40 hrs Ardamir 12:10 hrs Heads You Win 12:40 hrs Revolutionary War 13:10 hrs Scribner Creek South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:40 hrs Love Tryst 09:20 hrs Tora Tora 09:55 hrs Open Road 10:30 hrs Khaleesi 12:05 hrs Nation Builder American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Indy Fire Race 2 Ervsayslethergo Race 3 Curtis Race 4 Only The Truth Race 5 Spirit Special Race 6 Joker Man Race 7 Cast a Doubt Race 8 T R Crew Race 9 Tree Top Lover

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Ronaldo crowned FIFA’s best player...

From back page in central Zurich, this year took place in the much more modest setting of a television studio on an industrial estate near the airport.

Ronaldo previously won in 2008, 2013, 2014 with Messi second on each occasion. Messi won from 200912 and then again in 2015 with Ronaldo second on every occasion except in 2010 when Andres Iniesta was runner-up.

Ranieri said he was “crazy” after winning the coach’s award ahead of Fernando

Santos, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title.

“I am crazy now,” he said.

“What happened last season in England was something strange; the football gods said Leicester must win.”

Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the Fair Play Award for conceding to Copa Sudamericana title to Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose team was decimated when a plane taking them to the final crashed, killing 71 people.

“We did nothing more

than what we had to do .... handing them this trophy as a gesture of hope,” said club president Juan Carlos de La Cuesta.

American Carli Lloyd won the women’s playerof-the-year award for the second year in a row.

Mohd Faiz Subri, of Malaysian Super League side Penang, won the goal-of-theyear award for a 35-metre free kick in which the ball dipped and swung in a bewildering fashion to leave the goalkeeper stranded.

Englishman Grave is new WICB...

From back page

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Hoping to expand its commercial footprint, improve its management and develop a better relationship with players, the West Indies Cricket Board announced yesterday that Englishman Johnny Grave will take up the position of chief executive officer (CEO) from February.

Grave replaces Michael Muirhead in the post, following the Jamaican’s decision to step down last October, and was appointed following what the regional governing body described as “a rigorous recruitment process led

by PricewaterhouseCoopers Barbados”.

“I am delighted to have been given the honour of becoming the new CEO of the WICB,” said Grave in a WICB media release.

“I am genuinely excited

by the opportunity of improving cricket at all levels within the region and am looking forward to working with the many stakeholders who are committed to the long-term development of West Indies cricket.”

Grave is currently employed with the Professional Cricketers’ Association in the United Kingdom, where he spent the last nine years as commercial director, and has also held several senior leadership roles at English county side, Surrey.

“Johnny has a proven track record of success in his career to date, and a huge amount of relevant experience and will add exceptional value to the organisation,” said WICB president Dave Cameron.

“Johnny was the unan-

SENIORS Winston Missigher, Ashanti Scott and junior athletes Kezra Murray and Matthew McKenzie all scored wins at the first athletic event of the year, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) second cross country run, which was held at Bay Rock, Linden last Sunday.

Under-14.

Murray and McKenzie respectively championed the girls’ and boys’ Under-20 groups. Coming in behind Kezra was Collia Rowe, while next in was Delicia Tinnitus.

On the boys’ side McKenzie beat out Ricky Williams and Anfernee Headecker, who were second and third respectively.

With a time of 15 minutes 22 seconds, Joanna Archer was first across the finish line in the girls’ Under-16 race, six seconds later Kissanna Glen crossed the line.

Murphy Nash topped the boys’ Under-16 race with a time of 12 minutes 45 seconds, a race

imous choice of the interview panel and clearly shares our vision for the future of West Indies Cricket.”

Indeed, Grave’s background appears to make him a perfect fit for the job, given the WICB’s tenuous finances, and never-ending disputes with players over pay, as well as terms and conditions of engagement which have undermined performances on the field.

The WICB said the top priorities for the new CEO would be the management and oversight of its US$40 million budget, the creation of new commercial opportunities, helping to drive revenue into the whole game, along with an increased focus on player relations, and improved performances on and off the field.

Missigher, Scott among winners...

From back page

Missigher edged out Nathaniel Giddings on home turf, for the men’s open win, while Marlon Nicholson took third place. Scott prevailed over Assata Eastman for the women’s open win. Cassie Kirton was for third.

Both the open and juniors (Under-20) categories ran a distance of 8km. In the youth category there were a 3km run for Under-16 and a 1km race for

that Nicholas Daw took 13 minutes 26 seconds to complete. Mark Solomon managed in 15 minutes 20 seconds to make it to third place.

For the Under-14, Joel Williams, Benel Ogle and Joshua Bennett took first to third, respectively for the boys.

On the distaff side Aaliyah Headley, Kellannie Glen and Attoya Harvey were the first three across the finish line.

Approximately 100 persons participated. The event was sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and beverage company Banks DIH under their Rainforest Waters and Powerade brands.

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Foo excited to be in national colours again

By Rajiv Bisnauth

MORE than five years after his last senior appearance, all-rounder Jonathan Foo is excited to be back in the national set-up, and insists that the hard work has actually paid off.

The 26-year-old has been named in the Guyana Jaguars 14-man squad for the January 24 to February 18 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 in Barbados and Antigua.

Commenting on his return Foo said, “I’m happy to be back in the team, I have been working hard especially in the three-day competition, been working hard on my batting and I was expecting to be in the one-day team so I’m going to keep working hard on my fitness.

“I think I’m fully mature now, I have not played for Guyana a while but I have a clue on what is going on with my batting and personal game, the former Guyana Under-19 player pointed out.

Loss of form denied him the chance of adding to his three List A caps, and after I missed out on selection for a prolonged period, the Berbician rediscovered his form during last year’s Jaguars Franchise League three-day tournament where he scored 580 runs, inclusive of two centuries.

His effort did not go unnoticed, and Foo credited his Albion Cricket Club teammates and manager for the encouragement.

“The guys at Albion such as (Veerasammy) Permaul, (Anthony) Bramble,

Jonathan Foo last appearance in a List A game was back in October 26, 2011 against Trinidad and Tobago.

(Devendra) Bishoo, (Gudakesh) Motie and manager Vemen Walter really kept me going, I was out from playing for Guyana for a while and I was really down so they keep encouraging me to score runs as one day I will be playing again for Guyana”, he revealed.

Commenting on the improvement of his fitness Foo said, “Actually I’m very pleased with my fitness, over the years I have been unfit and I’m really pleased with it now.

Foo joins West Indies Test opener Rajendra Chandrika and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, West Indies A team pacer Ronsford Beaton and former West Indies youth captain Shimron Hetmyer, as the players who were not featured in last year’s squad.

The five have replaced recent West Indies A team players, middle-order bats-

man Vishaul Singh and leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie, fast bowler Romario Shepherd, opening batsman Kevon Boodie and all-rounder Royston Crandon who were all part of last year’s squad.

The Guyana Jaguars will do battle in Group B, which comprises last year’s losing finalists Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions and ICC Americas.

Meanwhile, title-holders Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, the West Indies U-19s, and visiting English County Kent Spitfires have been installed in Group A. When the action bowls, the Guyanese will be aiming for a 10th regional 50-over title, the last of which was achieved in 2005 when they defeated Barbados in near darkness in the final of the KFC Cup at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Prior to that, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003.

The Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain), Anthony Bramble (wkp.), Shimron Hetmyer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Steven Jacobs, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz and Jonathan Foo. Management Staff: Esaun Crandon (head coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach) and Ernesto Gonzalez (physiotherapist).

V Net Communications continues ties with Keemo Paul V Net Communications of Delph Street, Campbellville last Friday renewed its sponsorship deal with all-rounder Keemo Paul.

Managing Director of the business entity Safraz Sheriffudeen made a presentation to the player.

Sheriffudeen said he is happy to continue his support of the talented cricketer and wished him well in the future. He added that Paul has shown tremendous improve-

Managing Director of V Net Communication Safraz Sheriffudeen (left) hands over the sponsorship package to Keemo Paul.

ment and is urging the player to remain committed.

Paul, who has been selected as one of the three overage players for the West Indies Under-19 in the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament, expressed gratitude to Sheriffudeen and V Net Communications.

V Net Communications provides satellite communications to remote areas in Guyana such as satellite internet, satellite phones and VOIP services.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Maradona delighted at Infantino’s 48-team World Cup plan

Former Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona

(REUTERS) - Diego Maradona is delighted by plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams and Argentina’s former captain said yesterday that it would rekindle interest in the tournament.

The FIFA Council is expected to approve a proposal to expand the finals from 32 to 48 teams, starting in 2026, when it meets today.

Maradona, one of the greatest players to grace the

game, has been a long-time critic of FIFA but the two sides buried the hatchet last year after Gianni Infantino was elected president of the global soccer body to replace the disgraced Sepp Blatter.

“I’m delighted by Gianni’s initiative because it gives chances to teams that otherwise would start the qualifiers knowing they had no chance of getting to the

World Cup,” Maradona told reporters after a veterans’ match at FIFA headquarters.

“It gives each country the dream and it renews the passion for football, it appears to me to be a fantastic idea,” added Maradona, who captained Argentina to World Cup success in 1986.

He had also previously criticised Infantino, saying it was “very wrong to go from drawing the lots to running for FIFA president.”

The remark was a reference to Infantino’s previous role as general secretary of European soccer governing body UEFA, where his duties included supervising draws for European competitions.

He said it was important for the sport that FIFA’s image improved after it was battered by a corruption scandal that has seen 40 individuals and two sports marketing companies indicted in the United States.

“We want a FIFA that is clean so people come back to the stadiums; with so much corruption people have got tired of always seeing the same thing,” said the 56-year-old.

Maradona was a frequent critic of Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter and claimed there was “a mafia” inside FIFA.

Warner hails Australia for responding to ‘kick up the backside’ DAVID Warner has described Australia’s Test series defeat to South Africa as a “kick up the backside” and is delighted with the way the team have responded.

Losses to the Proteas in Perth and Hobart last November - the latter by a humiliating margin of an innings and 80 runs - resulted in the resignation of chief selector Rod Marsh and sweeping changes to Australia’s side for the third and final Test in Adelaide.

Those alterations have so far paid off, Steve Smith’s side having recorded a consolation victory over South Africa before sweeping Pakistan 3-0 in a series that saw newcomers Peter Handscomb and Matt Renshaw impress.

Warner, a centurion in

each of the two most recent wins, told Cricket Australia’s official website: “Losing the Test series on home soil is probably the kick up the backside ... we got it handed to us and we needed to bounce back from that.

“The Australian fans were not happy with us and what we were doing. We know as a team we weren’t good enough.

“The batters took more of the responsibility, which we should have, and we’ve bounced back.

“There was a lot of talk about them coming here and their spearhead quicks knocking our top order over and it was going to be easy for them.

That was the talk in the media.

“I’m just glad we turned up and played the best cricket that

we could.”

After a five-match ODI series against Pakistan, Australia’s next Tests will come on a tour of India - the top-ranked nation who thrashed England 4-0 in a recent home series.

“To be brutally honest, they (England) played very well,” Warner added. “They batted deep, they got big runs on the board. India just got bigger runs on the board.

“So for us as a team to take some positives out of that ... the challenge is to try and bat longer periods.

“We’re going to have to take 20 wickets to win the game, simple as that, and we’re going to have to adapt straightaway. No excuses.”

David Warner

Wiese joins South Africa exit on Kolpak contract

By Mark Gleeson

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - David Wiese became the latest South African cricketer to forego future national team selection, after signing a socalled Kolpak contract to compete in county cricket and bringing to an abrupt end to his international limited overs career.

The 31-year-old fast bowler has played 20 T20 matches for South Africa and six one-day internationals but is no longer eligible to play for his country after penning a three-year deal with Sussex.

A player becomes eligible for a Kolpak deal when he gives up the right to play for his country and is not classed as an overseas player in country cricket.

Last week, South Af-

rica’s Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw caused a storm when they quit the international arena to sign for Hampshire on Kolpak contracts.

The contracts are named after a Slovak handball player who won a ruling that gives anyone with a work permit from a country which has an associate trading agreement with the European Union the same rights as an EU worker.

The exodus of cricketers and rugby players from South Africa to Europe for better paying careers is a rapidly growing problem for both sports, who struggle to hang on to their players because of the weakness of the South African rand.

Abbott, Rossouw and Wiese have all fallen out of selection for South Africa’s T20 side, which was named

David Wiese

by Cricket South Africa yesterday.

PLAYERS RESTED Farhaan Berhardien was appointed stand-in captain and six uncapped players were named in the squad to play Sri Lanka later this month as South Africa rest senior players.

Berhardien takes over from Faf du Plessis as skipper for the first two games in the three-match series which takes place on January 20 (Pretoria), January 22 (Johannesburg) and January 25 (Cape Town). A captain for the third game will be named later. du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada are among those being rested as South Africa have a heavy programme of Tests and limited overs matches this year.

“This is the last chance we have to (rest players) as the ODI series that follows (the three T20 internationals) is an important part of our build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in England in the middle of the year,” said selection convener Linda Zondi.

The six new caps in the T20 format are Jon-Jon Smuts, Theunis de Bruyn, Mangaliso Mosehle, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi.

Squad: Farhaan Behardien (capt.), Theunis de Bruyn, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heino Kuhn, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle, Lungi Ngidi, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Two-week camp for Windies FICA head says Pakistan Women’s team in England security threat `excessive

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – West Indies Women’s team will have a two-week camp in England as part of their preparation for the International Cricket Council’s Women’s World Cup later this year.

The Windies are the most improved team in women’s cricket and will look to add the 50-over title to the ICC World T20 title they won at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in

April, 2016.

They were runners-up when the 50-over World Cup was played in Mumbai, India four years ago.

West Indies secured one of four automatic qualification spots for the eight-team tournament, which starts on June 26 and runs until July 23, with the final at Lord’s.

Bristol and Derby will host the semi-finals while Leicester and Taunton are the

West Indies Women’s players celebrate victory in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Tournament last year. (WICB Media photo)

other venues.

The others automatic qualifiers for the World Cup are: Australia, England and New Zealand.

The final four teams will be decided after the ICC Qualifiers tournament in February in Sri Lanka.

Josina Luke, the WICB’s Project Officer, Women’s cricket, outlined the details behind the camp and the team’s preparation for the World Cup. “We made arrangements for the team to assemble in England in early June for their camp ahead of the World Cup. We want to offer them all the support we can as we look to add the 50-over title to the T20 title,” Luke said.

“This should provide them with ideal preparation as they get acclimatised to the conditions and look to win another major international title.

“The team has improved a lot since the last World Cup in India, when they reached their first international final. We are good contenders to win this time around.”

Wigan boss returns to Manchester United in FA Cup

(REUTERS) - FA Cup holders Manchester United will face Championship side Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round after the draw was made yesterday.

The match-up will mean a quick return to Old Trafford for Warren Joyce, the club’s former reserve team manager who left United after 10 years to join Wigan last November.

Second tier side Wigan have struggled since producing one of the competition’s biggest ever upsets when they beat Manchester City 1-0 in the final to win the FA Cup in 2013 and currently lie second from bottom in the Championship.

Unusually, the draw did not throw up one confirmed clash between Premier League teams although Arsenal could face Southampton if the Saints beat Norwich City in the replay and Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace, who also have more work to do after a 0-0 draw at Bolton, could face Manchester City.

Liverpool, who were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by League Two side Plymouth Argyle on Sunday, will play Wolves if they win their replay while league leaders Chelsea will entertain Championship side Brentford, the second time in four years the west London neighbours have been paired together in the fourth round.

London’s other derby pits

Wigan Athletic manager Warren Joyce

Millwall, who beat Premier League side Bournemouth in the third round, against Premier League side Watford.

The Midlands will also host a fierce local tussle between fast-improving Championship side Derby County and Premier League champions Leicester City.

Eight-time winners Tottenham Hotspur will be pleased with a home draw against League Two side Wycombe Wanderers while Sutton and Lincoln, the two non-league sides left in the competition, will be disappointed not to have secured Premier League opposition if they win their replays against Wimbledon and Ipswich respectively.

Sutton have been paired with the winner of yesterday’s final third-round tie between Cambridge and Leeds United, while Lincoln would face Championship leaders Brighton.

The games are scheduled to be played over the weekend of January 27-30.

and unmanageable’

LONDON, England (CMC) – Head of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations Tony Irish described the security threat to foreign players and teams in Pakistan as “excessive and unmanageable”.

Irish’s comments come in light of the Pakistan Cricket Board extending an invitation to the West Indies Cricket Board to tour the country for two Twenty20 Internationals in March at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

“The Pakistani players don’t have a players association so aren’t affiliated to FICA,” Irish told Wisden India. “Players from around the world affiliated to FICA do, however, and seek advice from FICA relating to security risks of playing in various countries.

“We rely on reports from our independent security consultants. In the past, the consistent advice from the security experts has been that risks to foreign players and teams of playing in Pakistan are excessive and unmanageable.”

International matches in Pakistan have been sidelined

Head of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations Tony Irish

over the last seven years, following an attack on a bus transporting the Sri Lanka team to a match that saw six players injured and the same number of police officers killed.

Two years ago, however, Zimbabwe became the only full member of the International Cricket Council to visit Pakistan for a brief limited-overs series – and that trip too, was marred by a suicide bomb blast outside the Gadaffi Stadium during the final match.The PCB, however, is eager to revive international matches in the country, and a security delegation from the

WICB is expected to visit the country later this month, as well as Giles Clarke, who heads the ICC’s special task force on Pakistan cricket, to assess the situation on the ground.

Clarke’s visit is significant, as it follows a PCB proposal to the ICC Executive Board late last year in Cape Town asking the governing body to compensate them for international teams not touring Pakistan.

Irish said FICA continues to make its own security assessments to keep players around the World informed of the situation.

“We are in the process of obtaining an updated report from the security consultants and will provide recommendations to players as soon as we have received this,” he said.

“Players play in T20 leagues as individuals and, therefore, each player makes an individual decision on whether or not to play in this match in Lahore. FICA’s role in these circumstances is to provide players with information and recommendations which may assist them in making that decision.”

Narine fails to prevent Sixers from losing

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC) – Sunil Narine delivered a tidy spell after he surprisingly opened the batting for Sydney Sixers, but failed to spare his side from a six-wicket defeat against Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League yesterday.

The West Indies Twenty20 star spinner grabbed 2-30 from his allotted four overs, as the Renegades successfully chased 171 for victory in the 21st match of the tournament played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Narine made the breakthrough for the Sixers in the eighth over after the Renegades had a brilliant opening stand from Daniel Hughes and fellow left-hander, outof-favour England batsman Michael Lumb.

He had Hughes caught at deep square leg for the top

score of 41 and out-of-favour Australia batsman Nic Maddinson stumped for 26 at the height of the chase.

Narine had little impact down the stretch though, as the Renegades won with three deliveries remaining to clinch their second victory of the season.

Earlier, Narine opened the batting for the second-placed Sixers, after they were put in to bat, and made just four before he gave a return catch to Australia fast bowler Jackson Bird in the first over.

Out-of-favour Australia batsman Aaron Finch hit the top score of 57 from 44 balls to lead the Sixers to 170 for six from their allocation of 20 overs.

The BBL continues today at the Melbourne Cricket

Ground, when Melbourne Stars face Adelaide Strikers, whose line-up includes West Indies T20 star Kieron Pollard and Barbados-born England all-rounder Christopher Jordan.

Narine and the Sixers will take to the field again on Saturday at the SCG, when they face city rivals Sydney Thunder.

Sunil Narine

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Jean-Baptiste’s extra time brace moves Haiti to next Gold Cup stage COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago (CMC) – An extra-time brace from Andrew Jean-Baptiste saw Haiti continue on the road to a place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, following a 4-3 victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday.

Following a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, Jean-Baptiste’s double strike in the last 10 minutes of extra time gave the Haitians all the points in the Caribbean Cup contest at the Ato Boldon Stadium in this central Trinidad town.

Under tournament regulations, every match must have a winner, even if a penalty shoot-out is required – and Jean-Bap-

tiste ensured the visitors withstood the T&T assault which was led by Shahdon Winchester’s hat-trick, including an extra-time strike, and progressed to the next stage.

The result meant that Haiti now face a two-game series against the fifth-place side in the Central American Cup, which opens Friday in Panama City, for a place in the Gold Cup. A scoreless second half of regulation time and first period of extra time led the two teams into a nervous second period of extra time – and gave the Soca Warriors their final chance to gain a two-goal margin of victory required for progress.

Jean-Baptiste’s double strike in the last 10 minutes of extra time gives Haiti all the points.

T&T were rocked after six minutes, when Jean-Baptiste connected with Charles Herold’s leftside corner kick and headed past T&T goalkeeper

Hughton Hector to give Haiti a 3-2 lead.

With local fans filing out of the stadium in numbers, Winchester completed his hat-trick to bring T&T level two minutes later, when he swept Radanfah Abu Bakr’s flicked header off a long ball into the back of the net.

Jean-Baptiste settled the matter with three minutes remaining however, when his header at the right post – courtesy of Herold’s left-sided free kick – flew past Hector.

Earlier, a spirited firsthalf saw the two teams on level terms at 2-2 following a double from Winchester, and strikes from Derrick Etienne and Kervens Belfort

for Haiti.

Winchester gave T&T the lead in the first minute, when he netted from the top of the six-yard box off a Nathan Lewis feed.

With the Soca Warriors still trying to reorganise and get a replacement on the field for their injured captain Carlos Edwards, Haiti equalised in the 20th minute, when Etienne curled a right-footed effort into the far-side netting from the left side of the penalty area, following a quickly taken free-kick from Belfort.

Winchester regained the lead for the home team five minutes later, when he slotted into a gaping net with his

right foot from 12-yards out, after referee Ricangel De Leca of Cuba whistled Haiti goalkeeper Guerry Romondt for time-wasting and Aikim Andrews put the ball down and slid a pass across the area without hesitation.

But Belfort levelled for the Haitians in the 39th minute, heading Herold’s left-sided corner kick past Hector from three yards out.

Another 72 minutes of attrition followed before the Haitians earned their a playoff victory over T&T for the second consecutive year on January 8, following a 1-0 win in a single-game playoff for a berth in the Copa America Centenario.

Christian to captain DCC in UWI T20 tournament Club Crusoe (Tobago), who will be back to defend their crown. Other participating teams are: Merry Boys, Munroe Road, T&T Police, T&T Defence Force, Moosai Sports, Central Sports, Cane Farm, Duncan-Buggy Haynes United, Queen’s Park Cricket Club, and UWI. The UNICOM-sponsored event, which will be played at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, SPEC, located in the campus, will see teams compete for $70 000 worth of

FORMER Guyana and West Indies wicketkeeper Derwin Christian will take charge of a strong 16-man squad when the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) feature in the fourth annual University of West Indies (UWI) National T20 tournament at UWI’s Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), Trinidad and Tobago.

The Queenstown-based club, which includes two guest players Gajanand Singh and Kellon Carmichael, departed on Sunday.

Also competing in this year’s championships are

The Demerara Cricket Club squad prior to their departure on Sunday

Hutson ready to work in any position if not re-elected president

By Tamica Garnett INCUMBENT Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) president Aubrey Hutson says that while he is hopeful of being re-elected when that body hold its elections later this month, if he does not retain his post he will be looking to work with the fraternity in any way possible.

The AAG’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) with elections of office-bearers is scheduled to take place on January 22, at 10:30hrs at the Natural Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue, where approximately nine clubs

will vote for a new executive, which includes the president, two vice-presidents, the treasurer, the assistant treasurer, and five council members.

“I have indicated to clubs that I am available if they so desire to reelect me,” Hutson said when contacted by this publication yesterday.

“If not re-elected this is in no way the end of my involvement in athletics. Whether I am president or not I will always be ready to talk to athletes to give them guidance, and furthering their career as an athlete.

“I am ready to go back to working with clubs, even

if not Running Braves, I’m willing to start working on opening up more clubs. The sport really and truly needs to expand,” he further said.

If Hutson doesn’t win the presidency he’s willing to work in any other position for which he may be nominated and elected to serve.

“I don’t know if nominations may have come in for me for other positions, but whatever they would have nominated me for that’s the only thing I can go up for,” he added.

Nominations for the executive positions closed last Friday, January 6. Hutson

Aubrey Hutson

said though he has heard of a few possible candidates through the grapevine, he has not seen the nominations himself as yet.

“I’ve heard of many people who are interested in it but I really don’t want to give my

prize money, with the winning team receiving at least $35 000 in cash and a champion’s trophy.

The DCC squad reads: Derwin Christian (captain), Kemol Savory (wicketkeeper), Gajanand Singh, Kellon Carmichael (guest players), Jahron Byron, Cohen Ismond, Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Steven Sankar, Kemo Paul, Andrew Lyght Jr, Sagar Hatheramani, Carlton Jacques, Dexter George and Cleon McEwan.

… AAG elections set for January 22 mouth liberty to say if that information is true because I didn’t hear that information from the persons themselves.”

Putting together the nominations and verifying the eligibility of the constituting clubs will be the work of the AAG Secretary General, Mayfield Taylor-Trim.

She explained with nominations closing off only last Friday she is yet to look over the lists of nominees for the various posts, notwithstanding she hopes to get to it by today.

Hutson explained that the clubs have a lot of liberty, as the constitution provides for anyone to fill a post on the executive, barring only that they be nominated by a club eligible to vote.

“The persons could be anybody. The person doesn’t have to come from a club, the nomination has to come from

a club,” Hutson explained.

For each of the elected posts, each club will have one vote, with voting done by secret ballot.

The AAG elections are quadrennial. The current administration therefore entered office back in 2013. Hutson, a business owner, took over the presidency from then Deputy Superintendent of Police, Colin Boyce.

Apart from Hutson, the current executive comprises vice-presidents George Norton and Paul Arthur, treasurer Niall Stanton, assistant treasurer Sheryl Hermonstine, and council members Yvonne October, Silus Brummel, Keith Campbell, and Buster Wright.

The positions of General Secretary and Assistant Secretary are decided upon by the executives.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Jean-Baptiste’s extra time brace moves Haiti

P.23

Ronaldo crowned FIFA’s best player in the world

… American Carli Lloyd won the women’s player-of-the-year award again

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA’s player-of-the-year award for the fourth time yesterday, beating his old rival Lionel Messi who was pulled out of the ceremony only a few hours earlier by his club Barcelona.

Italian Claudio Ranieri won the coach-of-the-year award for leading rank outsiders Leicester City to the English Premier League title.

Ronaldo was rewarded for his performance in 2016 when he won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and then Euro 2016 with Portugal. Five-time winner and fourtime runner-up Messi was second and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann third.

Barcelona said that tomorrow’s game against Athletic Bilbao would take priority over the ceremony and that none of their invited players would travel, which disappointed Ronaldo.

“I would like Messi to have been here today but they have an important game tomorrow and we can understand that,” he said after accepting the award from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

“I don’t have much more to say, I think the awards speak for themselves,” he added. “I’m very happy and I can say that 2016 was the best year of my career, the trophy shows that people aren’t blind and watch the games.”

FIFA, which organised the award jointly with France Football magazine from 2010 to 2015 when it was named the Ballon d’Or, rebranded it as ‘The Best’ this year after splitting with the French publication.

France Football continued with its own award which was also won by Ronaldo last month.

The ceremony, previously held at the Kongresshaus theatre

The FIFA best players in the world - Ronaldo and Carli Lloyd

See page 19

Johnny Grave

Englishman Grave is new WICB chief executive officer

See page 19

Missigher, Scott among winners at first athletic event of the year

See page 19 And they’re off! Some of the participants in last Sunday’s Cross Country held in Linden

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

TUESDSAY, JANUARY 09, 2017