Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10 02 2017

Court throws out Trump’s travel ban Page 2

Gang Smashed No. 104819 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

… Eight Berbicians nabbed for Corentyne killings

Page 3

… gun, other items found

… suspects aged- 19-34

Dinesh Madray, 20 called ‘Dutty’

Satesh Mahadeo 19,called ‘Baba of Hampshire’

Shannon Batson, Rose Hall

Zaher Abdul 28, called ‘Gold Teeth’ Marlon or ‘Pollow-Gun’ was found at his home

Bigger protest

Mark Doman called ‘Marky’ of 190 Nigg,Corentyne-Driver of getaway car

–– but advocates share differing Page views on parking meters 5

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

Linden rolls out 2017 work programme

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Mayor and Town Council has unveiled its work programme for 2017 that will be financed by the $16M subvention from Central Government.

Making priority on the list is the commencement of construction of a municipal pound to house stray animals, which costs $1 M and the extension of the Christianburg cemetery, which will be done to the tune of $3M. “Because of the reduction in available spots for burial, this will allow it to extend to accommodate 2000 spot for burial that may be able to suffice for one year,” Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland said.

On public infrastructure, the Council will spend $2M to construct an access road to the Mackenzie Market and $1.5M to repair bridges and

add reflectors to speed bumps on streets in several communities on the Wismar shore, including Silver Town, Green Valley and Victory Valley.

“This will aid in making access safe for residents of these communities and in turn increase productivity, especially in areas where persons need quick access to the central business district,” Holland explained.

Several streets will also see the placement of street lights as a means of strengthening security and placement of barriers to allow heavy-duty vehicle drivers to use their correct back routes when journeying to and from interior locations.

Other projects on the agenda are the purchasing of a constituency bus for $3M so that all eight constituencies will be served more effectively given the fact that

currently there is only one bus available, which is stymieing progress and the commencement of a land reclamation project.

“This project will focus on the cleaning and clearing of illegal dumpsites developed across Linden and the installing of ‘No Dumping’ signs and the creation of legal community dumpsites. This will foster a cleaner environment, enhance the aesthetics of the environment and most importantly reduce communicable diseases,” Holland articulated.

In this regard, Cevon’s Waste Management has already cleared several illegal dumpsites in Linden as a means of severance repayment to the Council for also dumping illegally.

The Council will be garnering funds from other avenues such as rates and taxes and the Kara Kara toll booth

to execute other important projects in the area of garbage collection.

Last Saturday, Mayor Carwyn Holland attended a meeting in Newark, New Jersey, USA and highlighted the issue of garbage collection, while noting that assistance to purchase compactor trucks will be deeply appreciated.

Despite these strides, the LMTC is still cash-strapped and indebted to several entities, including the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which it owes $250M. Holland is calling on Central Government to bail out the Council from this debt since its current income is not enough to clear it.

The Council is also calling for an increase in the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge share. It is currently getting 25 per cent of the funds garnered.

Court throws out Trump’s travel ban A US appeal court has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to reinstate his ban on visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeal said it would not block a lower-court ruling that halted the order.

Trump responded with an angry tweet saying national security was at risk and there would be a legal challenge.

But the unanimous 3-0 ruling said the Government had not proved the terror threat justified the ban.

“The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States,” the ruling said.

It also rejected the argu-

ment that the President had sole discretion to set immigration policy.

“Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all,” said the ruling. “We disagree, as explained above.’’

Trump responded to the ruling by tweeting his dissent, and then gave an audio statement saying it was a political decision. The Justice Department, which made representations to the appeal court on behalf of the White House, said in a statement it

was “reviewing the decision and considering its options”.

The Executive Order, at the end of his first week in office, sparked protests and confusion as people were stopped at US borders.

Lawyers representing the US Government had argued that the ban was a “lawful exercise” of presidential authority.

But two US states said the ban was unconstitutional and discriminated against Muslims.

The case is now likely to end up at the highest court, the US Supreme Court.

(BBC New)

3

Gang Smashed … Eight Berbicians nabbed for Corentyne killings GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

… gun, other items found … suspects aged- 19-34

By Nafeeza Yahya POLICE have arrested eight Berbician males for the killing of a Berbice businessman on Wednesday and investigators believe that the group might be behind a string of other criminal activities that have blighted the Upper and Lower Corentyne region.

Up to press time the eight men- with age ranging from 19-34 years were being grilled at a police station in Berbice. The police have also managed to recover a gun believed to be the weapon used in the robbery, at the home of one of the suspects. The weapon, a .32 snub-nosed revolver was found at a home in Hampshire. Ballistic tests will be conducted to determine if indeed the weapon was used in the robbery.

Among the suspects detained are: Abdul Azimulla of Hampshire Village, the gun was found at his residence; Shannon Batson of Rose Hall Town, he was seen with the motorcycle prior to the robbery; Satesh Mahadeo 19, called “Baba” of Hampshire Village; Zaher Abdul, 28 called “Gold Teeth”; Dinesh Mallay, 19

called “Dutty”; Mark Doman called “Marky” of 190 Nigg driver of the getaway car and two other suspects.

According to information received, several of the suspects were recently released from prison. In addition, the police have impounded a

are believed to have played a part in planning the robbery, while two of the suspects executed the robbery.

Divisional commander, Ian Amsterdam said that the bike was stolen on 2nd of February, 2017 in Belvedere.

The bike’s number plate was

The .32 Snub-nosed revolver that was recovered at the home of a suspect Toyota Premio PVV 9465 said to have been used as the getaway vehicle after the bandits ditched their motor cycle at Friendship village. The bike was also recovered on Wednesday afternoon. The men in custody

given as CH 9999, however the bandits used a fake plate.

Among the suspects detained is the person who allegedly made the fake plate; the person at whose home the bike was being kept prior to the robbery, as well as a lad who

was used to purchase gas for the bike and the driver of the getaway car, among others.

Additionally, surveillance footage from a business within the general area, where Jagdeo had earlier delivered cards reportedly showed a car fitting the description of the one impounded by police slowly trailing the businessman.

Amsterdam noted that his ranks worked throughout the night and managed to put the pieces together to strike early Thursday morning.

“We were able to get details such as where the bike was being kept, who planned the robbery and where the weapon was kept before the robbery…we took one of the suspects back to the home where the weapon was kept and were able to retrieve it,” the commander said.

Meanwhile, in a statement police said a post-mortem examination of Jagdeo’s body revealed that he died as a result of hemorrhagic shock due to gunshot injuries. Two warheads were extracted from the body.

In respect of the murder of Leelawattie Mohamed, of Tain Settlement, Corentyne, on Tuesday, a post-mortem was also performed on the body on Thursday and the cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds, laceration of the brain and fractured skull. A 25 year old Tain, Corentyne resident is in custody assisting with the investigation.

The alleged getaway car Businessman Danian Jagdeo, known as ‘Damion,’ was shot three times at point-blank range in a shop at Adventure Village.

The 36-year-old father of four of Lot 12, Section G, King Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne, was a phone card agent, who serviced the entire East Berbice, Corentyne area from Moleson Creek to New Amsterdam.

At approximately 15:30hrs on Wednesday, he was making his rounds when he stopped at the Country Chef Food Shop and Soman’s Grocery in Adventure village. This newspaper understands that one of two

bandits followed Jagdeo inside the shop and immediately opened fire on him. He was shot in the region of the abdomen, chest and back. He was taken to the Anamayah Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The gunman relieved Jagdeo of a bag, which contained an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of phone cards, before escaping with his accomplice, who was waiting on a motorcycle some distance away.

Jagdeo leaves to mourn his wife and four children.

Investigations are ongoing.

Free parking Bank of Guyana employees

VEHICLES parked around the perimeters of the Bank of Guyana (BoG) will not be required to pay for parking, Georgetown Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen, has said following a meeting with representatives of the bank on Thursday.

Only recently, employees of the bank had their vehicle wheels clamped by agents of Smart City Solutions for allegedly double parking.

Soon after the incident, bank officials approached the M&CC to negotiate for

parking arrangements.

After much deliberation, a decision was made in the favour of the bank to have free parking around the area.

“The bank occupies spaces around their building for parking, where there are parking meters… so after three meetings with the bank we have agreed that for vehicles parking on the northern, western and southern side of the bank, a sticker will be provided and they’ll park for free,” said the Mayor.

Vehicles parked around the perimeters of Bank of Guyana (BoG) will not be required to pay for parking

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Agricola fire leaves 5 homeless

By Ariana Gordon

everywhere full in fire.”

A FIRE of unknown origin on Thursday afternoon completely destroyed a two -storey house in Cato Street, Agricola, leaving a family of five homeless.

The fire, which started at approximately 16:50hrs, reportedly began in the lower-flat of the house and quickly spread to the upper-flat, completely destroying the property.

The occupants of the house, Mickesha Marcus, 23, and her reputed husband Sherwin Alstrom, along with their three children: aged five, three and one were not at home when the fire started.

A distraught Marcus, who was holding her youngest child, told Guyana Chronicle that she was at a nearby house when she was informed that the house was on fire.

“I ain’t went home so I ain’t know…” the teary eyed 23-yearold mother told Guyana Chronicle.

Marcus said she has been

DUCKS DISAPPEAR The distraught man said he also rears poultry for a living and lost a few ducks as a result of the fire. He, like his reputed wife Marcus, maintained that they have never experienced electrical problems.

“We never had electrical problems… nobody din cook, everybody been outside, me girl been plaiting me neighbour hair and I deh looking after me animal,” Alstrom said.

He, like Marcus, could not estimate the loss, but said, “I had every lil thing in ma home… every lil thing I had, every lil thing gone. Is nah fuh sey I deh inside or them chirren deh inside playing, dem ain’t got nothing, deh low for them chirren play with—everything deh high. One child went with me and two with dem mother …can’t sey dem went inside playing with nothing.”

While he was unsure of his next move, the father of three said his family will find somewhere to lay their heads.

Meanwhile, Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Colin Sparman, told reporters

A distraught Mickesha Marcus holds her youngest child as she walks closer to the destroyed house on Thursday afternoon

living at the location for quite some time and never experienced any electrical problems there.

She said the only appliance that was plugged in when she left her home earlier in the day was the

A crying Sherwin Alstrom stands with his reputed wife Mickesha Marus as a representative of the Guyana Fire Service collects information from the couple

refrigerator.

“Is only the fridge was plugged in, nothing else…I ain’t get to save nothing, all my things, even my money, my children clothes, nothing,” said the sobbing woman as she looked at her youngest child, who was positioned on her left hip.

As firemen battled the fierce fire that escalated due to heavy winds, tears flowed down the young mother’s eyes.

“I ain’t got nowhere to go,” she said as she wept, but noted that she could not estimate the losses as the property was not hers, but a relative who resides in the US. She disclosed that the house was fully furnished.

“My chirren ain’t even got clothes,” the distressed woman said as she looked a short distance away where her reputed husband was providing information to members of the Guyana Fire Service to aid in their investigations.

Sherwin Alstrom, 38, who has lived at 151 Cato Street, Agricola all his life was hard hit by the fire.

He told reporters that he is a horse cart operator and was in the village gathering feed for his

horse when he was told that his house was on fire.

“I went up the road, I did doing me lil work what I does do every day. I does work horse cart so I was rounding up my feed and them thing and I deh up the road and a big woman tell me the house on fire. By the time I run and come the whole downstairs, upstairs

that at approximately 16:50hrs, the Fire Service received a call indicating that a house was on fire at Agricola. Three vehicles were immediately dispatched, one from West Ruimveldt and two from the central fire station. The three vehicles contained approximately 3500 gallons of water.

“When we arrived here the entire building was engulfed in flames and it was threatening the building close to the north… immediately we went into firefighting operations and tried to stop the fire from spreading.

“Because it is a wooden building and because of the high wind at this time, the fire spread rapidly and we had to put systems in place to ensure we cut it off before it went further. The two buildings that were threatened was one to the east and the other to the north,” Sparman explained.

The fire was eventually suppressed and confined to the building of origin.

The building north of the destroyed six-bedroom house was damaged, and the occupants with the help of the firefighters, were observed fetching buckets of water to cool the building as inside contained heavy smoke.

Firefighters attempt to quell the fire which destroyed the 151 Cato Street, Agricola house

DATE: 08/02/2017 09/02/2017

G 04 11 15 18 22 28 21

06

09

11

12

21

09/02/2017

09

09

05

09/02/2017

05

05

08

09/02/2017 01 05

08 15 16 17 18

Bigger protest

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

By Ravin Singh

DESPITE being able to mobilise what was arguably Guyana’s biggest non-political mass movement in the country’s recent history, protestors against the metered parking system have not taken a unified stance in relation

MAPM for instance, has been consistent in its call for a revocation of the contract between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown and Smart City Solutions (SCS) – the company contracted to manage and operate the meters.

MAPM is protesting the lack of transparency with re-

-- but advocates share differing views on parking meters

cess that was done to select SCS. If they can’t produce these things, then we’re asking that the contract be revoked,” Gaskin said.

He said the issue is not about fees alone, but deals with transparency and accountability.

DO IT PROPERLY

A section of the crowd during the peaceful protest outside of City Hall, against the recently-introduced metered parking system in Georgetown

Protestors lining Regent Street with their placards, which shows strong objection to the parking meter rates

to a solution.

Organised by the Movement Against Parking Meter (MAPM), the second of a series of peaceful protests saw about 1000 citizens of all walks of life braving the midday sun on Thursday to publicly register their disapproval of the recently-introduced metered parking system.

Lasting for one hour, the peaceful protest featured many prominent Guyanese, including political activists, businessmen and lawyers.

It ended at 13:00hrs with the singing of the National Anthem.

However, after speaking to some of these individuals, it was clear that the movement has not agreed on a unified stance in relation to what the solution should be.

gard to the contract, the fact that there was no bidding process and the exorbitant fees attached to parking.

Parking fee is currently $58 for 15 minutes.

Speaking on behalf of MAPM, Marcel Gaskin said that reduction in the fee will not be accepted, as they want a revocation of the contract.

His statement comes just one day after President David Granger would have met with Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen and Town Clerk, Royston King, requesting that there be reduction in the “burdensome” fee.

“We’re not accepting a reduction. What we want to see is the feasibility study, the impact study, the due diligence of SCS and the evidence of the tender pro-

“Go back to the drawing board and do it properly, that’s all we’re saying,” he added.

However, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, who was also part of the protest, shared the view that the fees

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan urging the Georgetown City Council to listen to the people

should be reduced.

“A reduction in the fee from $32,000 a month to what? $2000 a month? I’m happy with that,” Ramkarran said. On Tuesday, the former Speaker wrote on his blog, ‘The Conversation Tree’ that if the City Council decides to reduce the fee, then it should be supported by MAPM. On the other hand, political and social activist, Freddie Kissoon, who also stood on the protest line, said he has an ideological objection to the meters in the context of Guyana’s economy.

“If an economy can afford for people to pay for parking, then so be it. This economy cannot afford and does not allow for its population to pay for parking. The people who would pay for parking are not in the upper

class only. They are normal working-class people,” he said.

Kissoon explained that theoretically, parking meter is a modern thing and people will pay for anything as long as they can afford it. However, he noted that Guyana’s economy simply “cannot sustain it”.

He added that no analysis was done six months ago, and if it was done, then those responsible for the implementation of the project would have seen that it would lead to this – mass protest.

“People are protesting what they see as an imposition. It is suicidal for normal working-class people, who work in town to have to pay this,” Kissoon told reporters.

gnnleditorial@gmail.com 6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Editorial

In solidarity with Haiti PROBABLY one of the most impacting and sobering news for newly-elected President, Jovenel Moise, on his inauguration is the affirmation that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) stands in solidarity with Haiti. Without belabouring the political challenges that faced the country’s 58th president, Haiti needs all the solidarity it can get.

A country whose tragic history of slavery had seen a 12-year sustained revolution that brought about their independence in 1804, became a source and force of inspiration for the oppressed and enslaved around the world.

Emancipation came to the British Commonwealth in 1838 and the United States in 1865.

Haiti came to represent the light at the end of the tunnel, the inspiration to keep fighting against systems of oppression, and the dream for liberation. That the country fell on hard times is in significant part due to the

excesses of earlier political leadership none can deny.

At the same time this history is also tainted with a people having to pay France millions of franc yearly for their freedom. The above being said, while the past is prologue and could serve as lessons for Haitians as it relates to the quality of governance they want to have, it cannot be ignored, the natural disasters within this decade that have wreaked havoc on this famed island and its people.

The 2010 earthquake threw Haiti back significantly, and just as the society was getting on its feet it was knocked down again in 2016.

Outside of being in what is considered the Hurricane Zone, the country is reeling from the crude exploitation of its natural resources and holds the unenviable position as the world’s most deforested land. No country has infinite resources and management of its finite resources requires prudency.

In the case of Haiti its inherent natural resources, from

where its wealth and citizens’ growth and development are hinged, depletion makes the situation difficult for current and future generations.

Friendly nations have taken a humanitarian position in making contributions toward alleviating the socio-economic plight in the short and medium term.

As a member of CARICOM, it would help if Haiti knows it can benefit through partnership efforts that can sustain it and its people in the long term. When President David Granger, in his speech at the inauguration event, made known that the most important thing to CARICOM is to help in the revival of the Haitian economy; it indicates recognition that the economy is in shambles and Haiti needs CARICOM’s helping hand.

The recognition that Haiti has a big market and where its population is bigger than all the remaining countries in CARICOM combined, putting together a strategic approach may be required.

Guyana, under the leadership of President Granger, is positioned as a model country in creating new pathways to development through a Green Economy. Haiti’s current crisis and where it needs support that recognition could not have come from a better leader than the President.

Where undoubtedly a massive reforestation programme would help Haiti, as Guyana pursues its programme of sustaining our pristine forests there can be transfer of technology and skills to aid needed efforts at reforestation. The clear and present danger to the environment as posed by climate change and where alternative sources of energy are being pursued to counter global warming, Haiti can benefit from the experiences of CARICOM countries that have embarked on such projects.

Food security is a major threat to the holistic security of the Caribbean Region. Billions of US dollars diverted yearly on food importation,

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

apart from its substandard nature scarce foreign exchange could be diverted for more crucial issues, and more importantly the saying that those who feed you control you is still applicable.

Exploring indigenous arrangements to assist Haiti in feeding itself can also be to the benefit of member-states. Guyana, Belize, and Suriname have vast landmass which could be made available to produce food for the region. This can be done by using mechanism with-

in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy to create opportunities where land could be made available to Haitians to produce food. Such a programme can be developed and facilitated by the United Nations and even friendly Western countries. As President Granger rightly said, the most important thing is to help the Haitian economy and CARICOM is in solidarity with this. Where there is the will the way can be found.

OP-ED

Wetlands: A Natural Safeguard against disasters The Wider Caribbean region is prone to natural hazards and technological disasters. Each year we experience active hurricane seasons and sometimes large amounts of rainfall.

This often results in severe flooding as well as damage to infrastructure and production, which in turn, affects economic growth and productivity.

Fortunately the Wider Caribbean also possesses rich natural resources that can help to mitigate and even minimize the impact of disasters. One such natural resource is yes, our wetlands.

Wetlands provide an important source of fresh water for humanity and is home to more than 100,000 freshwater species, which continue to increase in number. Across the Caribbean region you are likely to find various wetland types such as: marshes, lagoons, swamp forest, mangroves, corals, rivers and other coastal wetlands. Their functions include: providing habitat for animals and plants, purifying waterways

through a natural filtering system as well as storing water for future use.

They also have disaster mitigation functions such as: controlling/regulating the flow of water, protecting our shoreline from coastal surges, absorbing excess rainfall to reduce flooding, and providing windbreak.

This allows coastal areas a natural, protective buffer from hurricane and storm damage.

Scientific estimates show that 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since the 1900s and the remaining ones are being degraded faster than any other ecosystem.

Mangrove forests too, are disappearing at a rate of 1 to 2 percent per year, a pace that surpasses the destruction of adjacent coral reef and tropical rainforest ecosystems.

Some of the most degraded ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean are mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs, resulting in the loss of valuable ecosystem services, such as sew-

age treatment by mangrove wetlands systems and the eco-tourism essential for many Caribbean economies.

A survey of 220 Eastern Caribbean coastal wetlands (predominantly mangroves) between 1989 and 1991 revealed that virtually every site visited in the 16 islands showed evidence of damage, and more than 50 percent showed severe damage (Bacon 1993). As a result, these losses, combined with increasing fragmentation of mangroves reduce their viability and the quality of the services they provide.

Overall, the region is losing mangrove forests at 1 percent per year, although the rate is much faster on the Caribbean mainland (1.7% per year) than it is on the islands (0.2% per year). The region’s fisheries are declining at a similar rate, as most commercial shellfish and finfish use mangrove for nurseries and/or refuge.

Further to this, few Caribbean states have legislation or enforcement capabilities to protect or manage

mangrove, although at least 11 international treaties and conventions could be applied to conserve or sustainably use these forests.

If wetlands are allowed to function as intended then our governments could avoid spending millions in the restoration process following disasters. By serving as a source of food or income, wetlands enable local communities to be more resilient and less vulnerable to disasters.

The Wider Caribbean region stands to benefit from conservation and protection of their wetlands; whether as a source of energy/ food, recreation/tourism opportunity, and waste-water treatment facility or simply for its aesthetics. Currently, wetlands now face great threat as a result of burning, overfishing, pollution, housing developments on swamp lands, drainage through agriculture, as well as the cutting down of trees for timber and charcoal.

On a more positive note, Caribbean countries such as

Anguilla, Aruba, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, have maintained their mangrove areas relatively constant over the past 25 years. As a result of increased awareness in the region, the annual rate of mangrove area loss has decreased in the last five years in 24 countries within the Caribbean.

The Ramsar Convention and UN Environment’s Caribbean Environment Programme, through its Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) protocol continue to work with several local, national and regional groups and organizations to conserve and sustainably manage the use of wetlands and their resources; yet national commitments have to be made to reduce the threat of humans on wetlands.

World Wetlands Day celebrated this year on February 2, under the theme “Wetlands: A Natural Safeguard against disasters”, provides the perfect opportunity to get involved in the conservation of our Caribbean wetlands.

We should stop draining or filling wetlands and clearing mangroves for agricultural purposes and housing developments, destroying coral reefs, and burning peatlands.

We can support our local and regional environmental groups as they seek to protect and conserve our natural resources. We can all commit to simple actions to preserve our wetlands by saving water, recycling trash and reducing harmful waste, use as little fertilizer as possible and avoid the use of toxic pesticides. The preservation of wetlands is everybody’s business, for World Wetlands Day and beyond.

The article is a combined effort of the United Nations Environment, Caribbean Sub-regional Office, and the UN Environment Caribbean Environment Programme, located in Kingston Jamaica. Together they promote and enhance environmental sustainability in the Wider Caribbean region.

Send comments to unep. caribbean@pnuma.org and rcu@cep.unep.org.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Well-coordinated private/public sector development strategy critical Dear Editor:

Last Wednesday I participated in the AACCLA’s Outlook on the Americas Conference at the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida which brought together government ministers, private sector and non-government organisation representatives to discuss trade, investment, commercial and other development issues in the Americas. Among the keynote speakers was Admiral Kurt Tidd, Commander, US Southern Command.

I raised the issue of Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory and maritime space and President Maduro’s sometimes provocative military maneuvers towards Guyana especially against the backdrop of the recent discovery of significant oil reserves within Guyana’s geographic space. I questioned whether such manoeuvres on the part of Venezuela might not constitute a threat to the peace and stability of the region.

Further, I alluded to the fact that not only the Maduro Administration but other groups in and out of Venezuela, including its Opposition Party, maintain that the claim is valid and have said that they count any oil reserves in Guyana’s geographic space as Venezuela’s.

Admiral Tidd responded that Venezuela’s actions, in his view, are intended more to divert its population away from the myriad of domestic issues confronting the country than to threaten Guyana. However, he said that Guyana has solid partners in the hemisphere on its side and could pursue the development of its oil industry with confidence. This is an encouraging response as I am sure that Guyana could count the United States among those solid partners to which the Admiral referred.

On another note, it was the consensus of the conference that the private sector has a critical role to play in the future development of the Latin America and Caribbean region and governments

have begun to ensure that an enabling environment, including appropriate incentives are in place to facilitate an expanded role for the private sector. Governments which fail to so do would be risking their own peril.

One example of the extent to which governments in the region are going to support their private sectors is that of Honduras, according to its Minister of Economic Development, Arnaldo Castillo who explained that his government pays a portion of certain private sector workers’ salaries for up to a period of six months.

While I don’t expect this type of incentive to be offered to the private sector in Guyana, I am of the view that the Government of Guyana needs to heighten its engagement with the private sector as a collective, not only through the Private Sector Commission, but with participation of all the regional Chambers, other private sector organisations including those in the Diaspora with a view to hammering out a

Ramotar responds to AG Dear Editor,

I have noticed the response of the Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams, in the Chronicle Newspaper, to the piece I wrote in relation to issues in the Ministry which he heads. I wish to thank him publicly for acknowledging that so many persons have left the Ministry since the change of government and in particular, his Ministry. It has been a virtual exodus. It is indeed more than passing strange that in the present economic environment where there is no job creation, no programme for such either, that so many people have left their employ.

I note also Mr. Cecil Dhurjon’s response as well.

I know Mr. Dhurjon still has substantial benefits for his long service to the Ministry and the country. It is apposite to recall that Mr. Dhurjon’s wife is still in the employ of that Ministry. I have no

desire to jeopardise either the jobs nor the receipt of benefits for anyone. Further, I say not.

In relation to the Attorney General, I have seen his explanations for the exodus of so many in his employ.

I do not wish to respond to them. I will merely recite his recent known actions.

You, the readers, will decide on how credible and what weight you wish to put to his most recent explanation. This is the same man who denied that he ever sought to compulsory acquire two private lots in Carmichael Street when this was publicly advertised in the Official Gazette. This is the same man who, together with his colleagues in the APNU+AFC, voted against the AML/CFT Bill brought by the PPP/C administration.

That placed our country in grave danger of being blacklisted. Yet Basil Williams shamelessly and barefacedly blames the PPP/C.

This is the same person who blamed the PPP/C for the more than one billion dollar judgment that the Courts awarded to the Rudisa Company. The whole country knows that it was Williams and all of his colleagues in the APNU+AFC that voted against the Bill being passed in the National Assembly by the PPP/C government. The failure to pass this Bill led to a humongous cost to the country.

This is the same Basil Williams who placed his name on a case when he was never a party in the case involving Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Opposition Leader and Magistrate Charlyn Artiga.

He refused to take the advice of the Solicitor General and the Deputy Solicitor General not to do so.

Further, I say not.

Donald Ramotar Former President

clear development strategy for the country over the short, medium and long term.

This strategy should include agreement on, among other things, acceptable levels of taxation including VAT, investment incentives for both local and foreign investors, foreign currency management and identification of the relevant education and training for the current and future workforce. Such a strategy is critical if meaningful private sector led development is to take place in Guyana.

From my gleaning of what is happening in many other countries in the region, the train has left the station and Guyana, notwithstanding its significant oil and gas reserves, must run, catch the train and get onboard.

President David Granger has been speaking of the need for more Guyanese to become involved in entrepreneurship. He is right. But the production of plantain chips etc. on a sustainably profitable basis needs to be part of a plan that includes export markets. Here is where a

well-coordinated and communicated private/public sector development strategy is critical.

Finally, the conference also discussed US relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. It was generally felt that the United States must ensure a heightened strategic relationship with LA&C that would promote investment in, and trade with the region. Responding to a comment that President Trump had not pronounced on CAFTA/DR (Central America/Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement) like he has on NAFTA, Nicaragua’s Minister of Development, Industry and Trade, Orlando Salvador Solorzano noted that CAFTA/DR “is an agreement that has worked to the mutual benefit of the US and Central American countries.” The meeting also discussed the growing influence of China and Russia in the region and suggested that the US heighten its engagement with countries of the region including increased bilateral and multilateral

assistance as well as private sector participation through investment and trade. Ministers of Government from Argentina, Peru, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic as well as private sector representatives from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica were among the participants.

As I have said in previous letters, the Caribbean needs to step up its lobby in the US and involve its Diaspora as part of that effort.

Guyana can perhaps play a leading role in the CARICOM effort in this regard since the US now has a Secretary of State who knows of Guyana, knows where it is and can find it on a map.

Secretary Tillerson’s maiden address to his staff at the State Department is very encouraging especially in light of some of the tweets that have come from his boss.

Regards Sincerely Wesley Kirton

What is this man’s credential?

Dear Editor

Mr. Sherwin Downer has again surfaced in the papers, this time claiming to be the spokesman for ‘Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry or BCCI’, pronouncing on mining matters as if he is some expert in this industry or is even a miner. He ‘BCCI’ spokesman has written several articles criticising the government, the Finance Minister, the GRA and the 2017 budget.

I would therefore like to ask, what is Mr. Downer’s credential? Is he an esteemed economist: An accountant perhaps? Is he an expert in mining matters? Does Mr. Downer know bush? Does he have a dredge? How many years has he toiled in the

mining industry? From whence has he accumulated this expertise to be able to pronounce publicly on these matters with such high esteem so as to have his pronouncements published in the daily periodicals?

Secondly, no one in Bartica is familiar with the BCCI. What is the ‘BCCI’? When was it formed? Which companies make up its membership? How many members does it have? Who are the ‘BCCI’ executives and so forth and so on?

The ‘BCCI’ has an official sounding name but I suspect it is no different from those fake sites that pop-up on the internet professing to be legitimate businesses whose true purpose is to scam consumers or release fake ones.

This is the same Sher-

win Downer, a known PPP activist, who was rewarded with the position of press officer for the Bartica IMC. He claimed in 2016 to be the President of the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG). This turned out to be a scam for which he was arrested and remanded to Camp Street Prison for fraudulent conversion.

I would suggest to my fellow Guyanese to be vigilant and not be deceived. Google ‘BCCI’.

Call the numbers. Do your own research.

BCCI is not a legitimate entity; neither is its spokesman Mr. Sherwin Downer.

Regards Olga Fredericks Bartica Resident

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

Food Safety, Animal Welfare bills sent to Special Select Committee

By Svetlana Marshall

IN light of concerns raised by the Opposition the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and need for full support of the House, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder referred the Food Safety Bill to a Special Select Committee.

The bill was deferred on Thursday after a late night debate in the National Assembly on its importance and possible loopholes or stringent measures. The bill, when passed, will not only pave the way for the establishment of a Food Safety Authority but will prevent the spread of food-borne diseases through control of the production, preparation, handling, storage, and transportation of food.

In defending the bill, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who opened the debate, said for Guyana to be a part of the world-wide food system whose goal is food security, there needs to be a massive overhaul of the country’s food laws.

Such an overhaul with the introduction of a Food Safety Authority, he said, will lead to the production, consumption, importation and exportation of safe and heathy foods. In doing so, Guyana will be following in the footsteps of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in maintaining consumer confidence at a high level to alleviate concerns.

He told the House that the authority will place major emphasis on surveillance and inspection of food and food-related diseases in Guyana.

“Heavy and increased surveillance will be practiced regarding the production of foods and the use of ingredients. This is to curb the spread of health-related diseases and ensure that the food-related products being imported, exported or used for sale within the local market, meet the health standards put forward in this bill,” he explained.

It was made clear in the House that any food that is deemed unfit for consumption will be retracted and will be destroyed.

Additionally, Minister Holder made it known to his colleagues on both sides of the House that the Food Safety Authority introduces,

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to Guyana, numerous cautionary and solution-oriented methods and stipulations that have been prescribed by international bodies such as Codex Alimentarius, a subsidiary of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and whose food safety standards act as a global marker for food producers and consumers.

It also brings the country in line with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – a subsidiary of the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).

OPEN NEW DOORS “Mr. Speaker, by upgrading food safety standards to meet those of Codex, Guyana will be opening up new doors to trade and negotiations regarding food hygiene, residue of pesticides and veterinary drugs, and prevention of chemical and microbiological contamination, among the members of Codex,” he told the House through the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland.

He said Guyana, more than ever, needs to restructure its food safety system in order to be recognised internationally – a move that can see the country tapping into more foreign markets.

The Agriculture Minister told the National Assembly that the bill, which will aid in the prevention of foodborne diseases through the control of the production, preparation, handling, storage and transportation of food, will lend to the reduction of the high levels of di-

arrheal diseases in children under five.

In further building his case to the House, the Agriculture Minister alluded to three specific effects that would materialise following the implementation of the bill.

“Firstly, traceability practices will be implemented to follow the growth of plants and animals throughout all stages of production…. Secondly, strategic advances will be taken in the area of risk assessment; to identify food-related hazards, characterise them into groups and to assess the mobility of diseases as to identify the health risks that are attached to producing and marketing certain foods,” he explained.

He added: “Thirdly, along with the introduction of biotechnology to aid in the production of food products and Genetically Modified Foods (GMO’s), the need arises for policies to be put in place by governing the use of food and food ingredients obtained via genetic engineering.”

Former Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton, in endorsing the Food Safety Bill, emphasised that the bill will play a critical role in preventing the spread of food-borne diseases.

“Food-borne diseases, either infectious or toxic in nature, are caused by agents that enter the body through the ingestion of food. For this reason, a robust food safety control system is very important to all of Guyana, but particularly, in the area of public Health and agriculture as it is directly related to the protection of the Guyanese citizens against food-borne illnesses,” he told his colleagues on both sides of the House.

It was pointed that reports out of the Public Health Ministry indicates that in 2007 close to 14, 000 cases of gastroenteritis, a food-borne disease, were recorded in Guyana. In 2008, approximately 32, 000 cases were recorded.

Turning his attention to the Food Safety Authority, Minister Norton, who now heads the Ministry of Social Cohesion, pointed out that the authority will monitor all areas including livestock and crop production, food process-

ing and manufacturing, meat and fish processing, inspection and sale, water production, bottling and sale, restaurant and supermarket inspection and street vending, amongst other areas.

TIGHTER CONTROL “Another key function of this Authority would be the control of entry of food through border ports and ports of entry. The authority may, at any time, order that any food that is imported into Guyana be

PPP MP, Dr Frank Anthony held at a particular place until an inspection or re-inspection is conducted. One can remember not so long ago, the incident of the Lailac milk which had to be recalled because it was found that the carton in which it was imported had a viable expiry date while the cans had a date that was expired as well as difficulties in finding out exactly where it was manufactured. These cans with milk were actually found to be infested with worms. I remember the difficulties encountered in getting this product off the shelves of shops and supermarkets,” Dr. Norton explained.

In supporting her ministerial colleague, Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry told the House that the bill is key in light of the fact that international trade of good is growing exponentially as countries depend on each other to secure an adequate and varied supply of foods.

“Mr. Speaker, in the

context of trade, food safety is of paramount importance for culture and the development of the creative industries. Here in Guyana, cultural products such as cassareep, farine, wines and even syrups made from local fruits could be given a boost with the possibility of export due to the establishment of enabling legislation to regulate and certify their production,” Minister Henry told the House.

Additionally, she endorsed the notion by the agriculture minister that the bill will assist in standardising Government institutions and policies, which according to her will contribute significantly towards ensuring that agriculturalists and businessmen and women are clear about the their obligations to protect the health and well-being of consumers.

NO NEED FOR HASTE However, former Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, who now sits on the opposing side of the House, said food safety is an important issue that should not be dealt with in a manner of haste.

He said while the Food Safety Bill is a “beautiful one” which lays a good foundation for the food industry, it can be built upon and improved.

His concerns surrounded the establishment of the Food Safety Authority and the powers that will be handed down to the food inspectors operating out of that authority and other officers.

“For example, we have the posts of the food analysts and the food inspectorates and inspectors, quite necessary but at the same time, the devil is in the detail... with them having severe powers including the seizing and sequestering of certain products,” he pointed out.

According to him, “these things have created some discomfort”. On this note, Dr. Ramsarran advised that the Food Safety Bill be referred to a Special Select Committee.

This was also the view of most of the PPP Members of Parliament who addressed the House on the Bill, including Dr. Frank

Anthony. Dr. Anthony said while bringing the bill to the House is commendable, the Government should allow for further consultation.

Laying his concerns down, the PPP MP said the bill seeks to remove food from the Food and Drug Act 34:03 No. 10 of 1997, and placing it under the Food Safety Authority. Additionally, he pointed out that it is being removed from under the purview of the Public Health Ministry to the Agriculture Ministry.

“Policing foods and monitoring foods for safety standards have always been with the Ministry of Public Health for close to 46 years and really we never really had any major outbreaks,” he contended. He is of the opinion that key sectors and agencies are expected to be placed under the authority but there is no clear explanation as to how it will be done. Dr. Anthony told the House sending the bill to a Special Select Committee will address all the inefficiencies addressed.

The concerns expressed by the Opposition were not in vain as the Government in a surprised moved, agreed to have the bill sent to a Special Select Committee.

The National Assembly also sent the Animal Welfare Bill to a Special Select Committee to allow for national consultation and input.

The bill intends to reform Guyana’s animal welfare laws in ways that are synonymous with European Union (EU) standards so as to promote trade, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2016 seeks to reform the way animal welfare is approached in Guyana by presenting more contemporary regulations that should be followed in order to improve animal health and safety.

The bill also includes several requirements that ensure the protection and wellbeing of domestic animals, especially with regards to their shelter, food supply and humane treatment.

In order to see that the provisions are carried out and in the manner proposed, the bill provides for an Animal Welfare Commission to be formed.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

Marijuana easily accessible, consumption desirous –– study finds, Ramjattan says situation ‘deeply troubling’

By Ariana Gordon

THE Guyana Household Drug Prevalence Survey Report 2016, has illustrated disheartening and troubling findings and demands there be increased sensitisation on the effects of the use of licit and illicit drugs here.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Thursday described the findings of the report as “an outrage” at the launch at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The survey’s objectives were to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substances in households in Guyana and to detect the patterns of use of these substances.

“My intention here is not to create a moral panic, but in all honesty, and I wish to repeat words I used at the School Survey launch, these statistics paint a picture which shames us all. It is an outrage! And we must do something about it,” said Ramjattan.

According to the minister, the findings of the survey have been corroborated by statistics presented by the country’s traffic chief which shows that from January 1 to 15, “the cases made out of driving under the influence of alcohol tripled.”

“There was 89 in early 2016. It is now 228 in early 2017,” disclosed Ramjattan.

“Drug use among households across the country is a most welcome piece of information any country should want.

These cold, hard facts about the state of our households as it relates to households use of licit and illicit drugs, that is tobacco, alcohol, marijuana among others, tells a worrying story.

Behind these statistics too we will come to know what we have become, and what we can do about it.”

MARIJUANA The report indicated that 40 per cent of the respondents believe that it is easy to access marijuana, while 19.8 per cent believe that it is easy to access cocaine, 9.1 per cent believe that ecstasy is easy to access, and 10 per cent of respondents believe that it is easy to access crack.

Meanwhile, the report states that 65.5 per cent of the respondents believe that drug use has increased in Guyana in the past few years, 46.7 per cent believe that drug use will get worse in the future while 56.4 per cent of respondents believe that drug issue is among the core concern of the Government and 92 per

cent of those who participated in the survey indicated that they do not know of any drug awareness or prevention programmes in their neighbourhoods.

According to the findings, 21.5 per cent of respondents from Region Three and 24.5 per cent from Region Seven said there is a great deal of drug dealing in their environs.

Alcohol binge drinking is high as statistics show that 64.2 per cent males and females 46.3 per cent of the respondent engage in same.

Meanwhile, Minister Ramjattan linked the use and misuse of drugs to violence and noted that they act as a catalyst for each other. Citing several studies, Ramjattan said drug consumption is linked to drug abuse, delinquency, anti-social behaviour in adulthood and educational failure.

He said the domino effect of drug abuse becomes an “economic burden to the State” as both the health and criminal justice sectors are directly affected.

The Public Security Minister said there are several negative consequences of drug abuse, including mental health problems and behavioural disorders, crime, loss of productivity because

of increased absenteeism, loss of life years and lower quality of work, negative consequences on family through unstable and problematic childhood and increased risk of divorce.

Admitting that extensive studies have not been done here on the costs and impacts, the negative consequences cited above from a survey conducted on Norway “must ring a bell and warn us that here in Guyana we too suffer from these adverse consequences and probably even many-times worse.”

WORRYING “I say so because in this household survey, surprisingly, respondents seldom reported any ill-effects of their drug use. On the contrary, many highlighted what they considered as desired effects of drug use, in particular marijuana use,” the minister stated.

Additionally, he said many respondents associated with a treatment centre noted that the very centre face many challenges including the lack of financial resources to scale-up interventions and treatment, lack of trained specialised human resources and the capacity to monitor patients on treatment to as-

sess progress toward rehabilitation.

In view of the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for regular sensitisation on the harmful effects of licit and illicit drug use and noted that materials developed should cover both the desired effects and the serious consequences associated with drug use.

“Prevention messages should be appropriate for different age ranges and the needs of individual drug users and should provide alternatives to drug use,” he stated.

It was noted too that drug addiction should be of greater priority in health promotion and disease prevention programmes similar to that given to diseases such as HIV/AIDS. There should be continuous training of persons who have shown an interest in the field of treatment and prevention along with the establishment of more treatment and rehabilitation centres across the country, creation of more recreational centres and spaces for individuals appropriate to the various stages in the life cycle, creation and implementation of mentorship programmes for youths coming from communities and households that display risk factors for illicit drug, increased paren-

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan tal involvement so as to prevent youths from drug use, and there be media campaigns targeting youths, Ramjattan said.

“All of these and much more we have to do. But we must never be daunted by the task at hand. To enjoy this country in a couple of years, mean we must put in the efforts now. I am glad that with studies and surveys like these our efforts will be more clinical, more evidence-based,” said Ramjattan, who noted that the recommendations of the Household Drug Survey will be added to the efforts being made by the Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016 to 2020, which is being executed largely by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force.

The survey was done in collaboration with the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Inter American Drug Abuse Commission and followed a major survey of drug use among secondary school students which was launched in 2015.

‘Way too high’

–– Gaskin supports calls to lower parking meter fees

By Navendra Seoraj MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin has joined the masses in calling for a reduction in the parking meter fees, contending that they are “way too high”.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Gaskin said he fully supports the calls from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and other members of civil society, which have been clamouring for a reduction.

The current parking meter system in place stipulates that between the hours of 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs, drivers, once desirous of parking, are mandated to pay in designated areas of the City, fees ranging from $570 to $11,400, VAT inclusive.

The rate for parking is $50 for every 15 minutes, plus VAT. And, although VAT has been reduced from 16 to 14 per cent, the company is still charging 16 per cent.

According to the busi-

ness minister, from all indications, “not enough thought” was given to the impact of the project on certain categories of road users.

“I have a staff of 20-30 persons who drive and have to park and I don’t think, given their salaries, they can afford to pay the fees charged by the company to park every day.”

And, similarly other entities and businesses are affected because not only staffers are feeling the

squeeze but customers as well, he said.

On that note, Gaskin said a more careful analysis of the project is needed before it is fully implemented.

Following a meeting with Government and City Hall officials on Wednesday, it was disclosed that within 72 hours, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CCC) will re-open consultations on the controversial parking meter project with a high possibility that

the parking fees will be lowered as against the scrapping of the entire contract.

“We will meet within the next 72 hours to discuss the way forward,” City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told reporters shortly after exiting a meeting with President David Granger at State House on Wednesday.

The mayor said based on the discussions, she has agreed to hold further consultations on the parking meter project.

These consultations

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin will be held with the executing agency –- Smart City Solutions, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the business community and citizens who may have concerns.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

GPOC teams up with US Company in online mailbox delivery service

By Shirley Thomas The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), in collaboration with PAK YA , a M i a m i - b a s e d Freight Forwarding Company, on Thursday officially launched its ‘Online Mailbox and Delivery’ service, under the trade mark ‘Swift Shipping’, with its slogan being ‘Bringing it Home’.

est providers of delivery service in the world, and a major player in the delivery of e-commerce transactions worldwide. Further than that, delivery was one of the biggest problems faced by e-commerce players, and that customers require a reliable, affordable and flexible service. Hence the GPOC responded to the challenge, partnering with PAKYA.

COST Meanwhile, the PMG said that Swift Shipping is mandated to function within the pillars of affordability, reliability and flexibility.

And when it comes to cost, packages can be shipped to Guyana via Swift Shipping for only US $6.25 for the first pound and US$3.00 for each additional pound.

Shipped packages can be uplifted in Georgetown,

Persons getting registered for GPOC online shipping.

Ms Martha Ramos, congratulating the Guyana team tasked with seeing the eventual rolling out of the service and referred to them as ‘fantastic’ having put a lot into it to bring the service to the people of Guyana, adding “I am very comfortable that all the citizens of Guyana will be able to enjoy this service going forward. .”

“In Miami we have a major hub; we do pretty much all transportation logistics services. We’ve a fourth platform, servicing air, ocean, ground and warehousing services.

We’re fully licensed and are certified by the Federal Maritime Commission [to transport] via . We are also certified by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) which is a Division of the Homeland Security.

“We are experts in e-commerce and service about 40 flights per day, out

At the launching of GPOC’s ‘online facility ‘Swift Shipping (from left: Board member, Nicola Trotman; President of PAKYA, Martha Ramos; Board Member, Martin Gaul; Minister Catherine Hughes and Post Master General, Ms. Karen Browne.

The launch was “Swift Shipping will Mahaicony, Weldaad, Fort conducted in the foyer offer online shoppers a free Wellington, Rosignol, New of the GPO Building and mailbox service at its ware- Amsterdam, Skeldon, Mc addressed by Minister of house accommodated by Kenzie, Essequibo, AcquePublic Telecommunica- PAKYA, Miami Florida, ro, Mabaruma, Matthew’s tion, Catherine Hughes; USA, and customers will Ridge and Port Kaituma.

President of PAKYA, Ms. be given the option to conCustomers can get Martha Ramos; Post Mas- solidate their packages for registered for the free online ter General; Karen Brown shipment to Guyana. Ship- mailbox service by email, with an introduction to ments will be received once ing ecommerce@guyposy.

Swift Shipping being done weekly and eventually twice gy or customercare@guyby the International Air per week as the volumes post.gy or by calling phone Mail Management (IMAU) increase.” number: 226-3127.

Manager, Tiffani Ferrell.

President of PAKYA, Brown said that “Swift Shipping’ is expected to capitalise on the corporation’s geographical strength and boost its revenue.

With the decline of mail volumes there is stiff competition in the shipping sector, adding that there are tremendous opportunities for postal operators to support e-commerce. And with international postage of packages and small parcels having seen rapid growth, the GPOC is poised to come on stream as a flexible partner. She outlined that at the Universal Postal Union an e-commerce forum was held in 2014 in Switzerland, at which the potential for e-commerce in the postal industry was highlighted.

Browne added that the post is among the larg- A section of the gathering present at the launch in the foyer of the GPOC Building

of Miami throughout the world on a consistent basis, so we are servicing many of the countries of the Caribbean, Central America and South America. We work with many post offices as well as private sectors, so we have a lot of experience in handling the purchases.

It’s very easy to become a customer. You register on line. We give you your code and you can shop away and we will bring it home for you.”

Minister Hughes expressed excitement, “The lives of most people in developed and developing countries are centred today on modern technology,” she outlined. “We depend on smart phones, smart TV, computers and tablets that are equipped with intelligence that was in somebody’s imagination fifteen years ago.”

“She alluded to the emergence of smart houses, with smart refrigerators, smart stoves and smart T.Vs, all controlled by the owners’ phones.

By the same token, she said, today when the mail delivery person comes or brings a packet to the door, the occupant can speak to him or her from the supermarket, the office or wherever he or she is, and tell that person where to place that package.

In this regard, she expressed excitement over the fact that the Ministry of Public Telecommunication is responsible for bringing such a level of technology to Guyanese. She alluded to the wide field of ICT accessible locally and the flexibility it has to accommodate more and more new

programmes, citing: new apps, wrapped up speeds and intelligent household supplies, and said that the ministry is working hard to provide an enabling environment in this area that e-commerce can thrive in.

Guyana, the minister said, is planning on putting systems in place that will allow for its participation in electronic commerce or e-trade, fully utilizing the special features available to do. Other options being looked at include the implementation of facilities and programmes with e-commerce and tele-medicine and truly interactive online public services for our citizens.

The minister also cited great strides being made in the development of an online passport system and other initiatives.

“We are aiming to become a fully digitized society and a fully digitized government … and as soon as we complete the full expansion and upgrade of our fibre-optic e-network, we will have sufficient broad-band capacity and speed and Guyana will have a few smart houses,” Minister Hughes projected.

“In the meantime, today’s launch signals that we have joined the world e-trade network in a bigger way, since the development of online shopping has come into being, thereby ensuring that the GPOC moves ahead with its planned transformation to better serve our customers in this digital age,” Minister Hughes concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

440 cases of children –– recorded in sexually abused first half of 2016

By Rabindra Rooplall

SOME 2,238 reports of child abuse, among which 440 cases of sexual abuse were reported in the first half of 2016 to the Child Care Protection Agency (CPA).

This is according to United Nations Children’s Fund (UICEF) Guyana, Suriname representative, Sylvie Fouet, who was at the time speaking at a training for police ranks on the Sexual Offences Act (2010) at the Police Force Training College, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Thursday.

She told the forum, attended by Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally, Research officer of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, Oliver Profitt, Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Williams, Director of Social Services Whentworth Tanner, senior police officers and participants, that there is need for greater protection of children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

Noting that in Guyana the rates of violence are beyond alarming, Fouet said a 2016 analysis of children and women indicate that there is need for enforcement of legislations since the lack thereof cast the police in an unfavourable position.

“You the Police Force are held accountable when handling cases of violence against children…. There is need for increased capacity and manpower within the Police Force, there is need to ensure that all reported cases are investigated and addressed in a timely manner with the least possible trauma to the victims,” she said.

Adding that there is a knowledge gap on the root causes of abuse of children and weak reporting mechanism, the UNICEF representative said the situational analysis has found that Guyana has no electronic or distinct centralised data systems for cases relating to children.

The present system is decentralised and paper-based.

She explained that case management can be strengthened to facilitate the flow of information and ensure the confidentiality of the information.

UNDERREPORTING “Underreporting is also an issue and it is due to the gap of the protective systems… victims and witnesses may be afraid of being stigmatised, creating a double burden on them, afraid of suffering additional forms of violence, or not having the necessary support,” the

UNICEF representative noted.

She said an assessment with the Ministry of Social Protection and UNICEF done in June 2014, highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust in law enforcement.

Further, children living in the hinterlands and coastal communities did not feel that police officers or their parents could protect them from violence and abuse.

Emphasising that there is need for the rebuilding of trust in law enforcement, she said police are always the first contact persons for victims and UNICEF is eager to continue its support in finalising the national plan of action on sexual offences and domestic violence.

According to Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, over the years Guyana has seen a significant rise in the number of reported cases of victims of sexual crimes.

Noting that this must be addressed with urgency, the minister said violence amongst all females transcends social, ethnic and religious boundaries.

“The costs faced by society as a result of domestic and sexual violence are enormous.

Children are losing mothers and families are losing daugh-

ters to this heinous crime and let us not forget the negative economic impact on our nation’s resources,” Minister Ally said.

The minister said any form of violence results in a range of health problems and the consequences of both primary and secondary victims can be devastating.

“Children are significantly more at risk of health problems, poor school performance and behaviour disturbances.

The Guyana Police Force is accountable to all persons who file complaints about domestic violence and sexual assault regardless of age, sex, race, religious background, employment status, perceived sexual orientation or disability,” Minister Ally said.

Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Williams, said in 1993, under the women’s rights campaign, a draft Domestic Violence Bill came into existence and became law in 1996; In March 1999, the first batch of 23 participants at the Felix Training College underwent training in domestic violence training.

Williams said there has been continuous training over the years, and the Guyana Police Force has improved greatly in handling cases of domestic violence.

Trigger-happy cop remains under close arrest

ASSISTANT Superintendent (ASP) Rovin Das remains under close arrest as investigations continue into the shooting of a man at Rebecca’s Lust, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Monday night and for also allegedly hiding a quantity of marijuana under a tree.

Shot and hospitalised is 46-year-old Bertrand Robertson.

Police reports indicate that at around 23:30hrs that night, the officer was returning to Georgetown from Berbice when he felt sleepy and decided to park his vehicle in the corner of the Fair Field Public Road, ECD, to rest.

He alleged that he was awoken by someone knocking on the window glass of the driver side, where he was seated and he lowered the glass and saw the suspect (Robertson), who enquired as to his presence there, to

which he explained.

After the explanation was given, the suspect allegedly removed the car key from its ignition and as the officer attempted to retrieve it, Robertson drew a hatchet so the officer immediately drew his service revolver and discharged two rounds hitting him in the left ankle.

Robertson was escorted to the Mahaicony Hospital where he was treated and sent away. The officer is assisting with the investigation.

The weapon along with two spent shells recovered at the scene and the hatchet, have been lodged.

Meanwhile, it was a twist of tales when the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of Robertson.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, the victim disclosed that crime has been on the increase in the area, and along with a few other villagers, he formed a vigi-

ed to stop and see what the driver’s motive was… after quite some time went by, I went off to get two more of the villagers so that we can go speak to the driver,” said the victim.

However, upon approaching the car, without any questions being asked, the officer allegedly lowered his window and discharged two shots at the men, both of which struck the victim.

The men subsequently ran away from the car and Assistant Superintendent contacted the police, said (ASP) Rovin Das Robertson, but when they turned to look, Das was allante group.

On the night of the inci- legedly acting “suspicious” dent, he alleged that he was and seen hiding a parcel driving when he noticed the under a nearby “sucker tree”.

Later when police visitvehicle, driven by Das, pulling over to the corner of the ed the scene, they found a parcel of marijuana, which road at Fair Field.

“We getting a lot of rob- has been lodged at the poberies in the area these days, lice station. The officer is so when the vehicle pulled being investigated for both over, the lights came off and the shooting and the discovsomeone came out, I decid- ery of the drug.

Region 9 REO charged with sexual assault

11

… granted bail

REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court on Thursday charged with sexual assault.

It is alleged that during the month of June 2016, at Yupukari, Central Rupununi, he sexually assaulted a 19-year-old elected official of Region Nine. Parker pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $200,000 bail. He will return to court on February 16, before the Chief Magistrate.

He was represented by Attorney Jerome Khan, who claimed that the accusations against his client are politically motivated, aimed at having him removed from office.

“The allegation came as a shock and surprise….The Lethem area is in total shock that Parker is being accused of something like this,” the lawyer told reporters outside of court.

According to the lawyer, the accusations stemmed after Parker refused to allow the complainant to grant contracts to her friends in the region.

“The damage is already done….they want to see him convicted,” the lawyer said.

He also pointed out that the matter was reported to the police in December 2016, while the alleged crime occurred six months prior in

June.

According to the lawyer, in the past months, his client has been “viciously trialed” on social media It was reported in the media that over 1200 residents of Region Nine (Upper

Region Nine REO, Carl Parker Takutu-Upper Essequibo) had petitioned President David Granger, calling for the removal of Parker who they accused of discriminatory practices and “unprofessional misconduct.”

The petition, dated April 11, 2016, was sent to President Granger on April 13, 2016, and copied to several Government Ministers and non-governmental Organisations (NGOs).

12

Minibus ‘tout’ confesses to robbery … jailed for 2 years

RAYMOND Rodrigues, a Kitty bus-park tout, was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, after confessing to a robbery charge.

Rodrigues of South Sophia, admitted that on February 6, 2017, at ‘B’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara, he stole a hand bag valued $5,000 containing one Samsung cell phone valued $40,000; $240; $20Euro; $2US; $1TT and three exercise books, property Raymond Rodrigues of Grace Huston.

According to police prosecutor, David Goodridge, on the day in question at about 21:30h, the victim and the accused were passengers in a route 48 mini-bus that was travelling from Georgetown to ‘B’ field Sophia. The woman disembarked the said minibus and the accused came out behind her, covered her mouth and relieved her of her articles.

The man made good his escape south into the said access road. Huston raised an alarm and neighbors came out, gave chase and caught Rodrigues with the victim’s bag and articles.

They took him to the Turkeyen Police station where he was handed over to the police.

Robb Street vendor remanded on murder charge RYAN Singh, a vendor of Robb Street, Georgetown, was remanded to prison on Thursday, by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, for the capital offence of murder.

Singh was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that on February 2, 2017, at Robb and Alexander Streets, he murdered Adrian Duncan called ‘Timehri man’ or ‘Human.’

Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt did not relate the facts in court; as such Magistrate Latchman remanded Singh until February 16, when he is scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

According to reports, on February 2, 2017, Singh was at his stall along Robb Street, when he observed Duncan ‘feeling’ his pocket. Singh then realized that his sunglasses and sliver band were missing.

Singh reportedly confronted Duncan and accused him of ‘picking’ his pocket. Duncan became annoyed and armed himself with a piece of wood and attacked Singh.

It is alleged that Singh then pulled out a knife and stabbed Duncan to his neck and arm.

Duncan was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

6 months jail for man who abused wife

MAGISTRATE Zamilla Ally-Seepaul sentenced a 35-year-old man to six months imprisonment after he confessed to causing grievous bodily harm to his reputed wife.

Troy Marshall, of ‘D’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara pleaded guilty to the charge that he inflicted grievous bodily harm to Belinda Williams on August 15, 2016 at ‘E’ Field Sophia.

An arrest warrant was issued for Marshall since October 2016, and after being on the run for some four months, he was finally nabbed by the police.

According to police prosecutor, David Goodridge, Marshall and Williams are reputed husband and wife and on the day in question, at about 3:00hrs they had an argument and the wife prevented Marshall from entering the house.

In the process, Marshall bit the woman on her hands three times and slapped her about the body.

She managed to get- away from him and ran onto the road but he followed her and pushed her into a trench.

The court heard that he tried to drown the woman in the trench when a neighbour intervened.

The woman made a report to the Turkeyen Police station.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

GRDB fraud is massive-UK expert

By Svetlana Marshall

BRITISH Financial Investigation expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington said the multi-million dollar scam involving the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), is a massive one.

Last Friday, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) raided GRDB’s Kingston Office after a forensic audit into the entity revealed that there were glaring financial irregularities involving the millions of dollars which passed through its account unit from the Petro Caribe Fund under the previous administration. The audit was conducted for the period 2011-2015.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of an Anti-Corruption, Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Seminar on Wednesday, Dr. Sittlington, who is advising SOCU on the case, said there is evidence that a crime had been committed. “I wouldn’t underestimate the size of this case; it is a massive case,” he said.

Dr. Sittlington explained that although the auditors at Nigel Hinds Financial Services have detailed their findings in the forensic audit report the raid was conducted to acquire the supporting evidence.

“It is a matter of gathering those documents as evidence, because you cannot use the audit as a case in court...Because the audit was produced with the documentation from the board, we had to gather that same documentation as evidence under a legal process,” the British Financial Investigation Expert further explained.

He noted, however, that during SOCU’s operation to extract the required evidence, the employees were very cooperative. “The staff were excellent and very very, compassionate and helped us in our role, knowing that we have a job to do,” he posited.

In addition to the multi-million dollar scam at the GRDB, SOCU has launched investigations into National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) under the previous administration in addition to ‘Pradoville Two’ – the controversial housing scheme.

In the ‘Pradoville Two’ matter, it was found that plots of land were transferred at values that were not reflective of market prices at the time and, the valuations provided were “unusual for the time and location.”

On the other hand, the audit into NICIL revealed that some $257M were spent on the development of the

housing project, and the value of land there should have been $82.8M per acre; but the lands were sold for significantly less.

During development of the project, a transmission tower belonging to the National Communications Network (NCN) was removed and relocated by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to facilitate the development of the area.

“Instead of accumulating all the costs associated with the Sparendaam Project — including the market value of the land — in a special account to be applied in arriving at the price to be charged per house lot, NICIL’s Board and Cabinet were complicit in charging the related costs of $257.049M to NCN in the form of equity investment, and to CH&PA in the form of receivables,” a section of the audit report into the entity stated.

However the question that lingers is: “Is SOCU equipped to successfully investigate these white collar crimes?”

According to Dr. Sittlington, SOCU currently has the skills required but the unit is short on human resources.

“They do have the skill but they don’t have the manpower and the problem is that there is only a small number

of skilled officers,” the British Financial Investigation expert explained.

He said while there is a batch of new officers on board, they all need training. As such, the unit is prioritizing its work. “It is a matter of prioritizing tasks, gathering what they need. And I think one of the good things is that we have in-house lawyers, we have the special prosecutors assisting with cases… so it could be a lot better ,” he posited.

In January, six Attorneys-at-Law were appointed

to serve as special prosecutors following Cabinet’s approval. The attorneys are serving as special prosecutors on several high profile cases, including but not limited to, the range of forensic audits conducted by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration when it came into power in May 2015.

They are: Michael Somersall, Hewely Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Patrice Henry, Compton Richardson, and Trenton Lake.

13

British Financial Investigation expert Dr. Sam Sittlington

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

GuyExpo likely to be rebranded

By Navendra Seoraj

DISCUSSIONS have begun on the possible rebranding of Guyana’s biggest trade show, GuyExpo with a meeting spearheaded by the Ministry of Business at the Grand Coastal International Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.

Over the years, the exhibition has attracted a num-

ber of local and foreign investors who go all out to market their products and services. Last year some 500 exhibitors participated.

But, after introspection, the Ministry of Business has concluded that there is need for the rebranding, restructuring and re-organisation of GuyExpo.

Over the next two days, officials of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) and Ministry of

CEDA Competitiveness and Innovation Manager, Christopher McNair, speaking to the gathering at Grand Coastal International Hotel on Thursday

Friday, february 10, 2017- 05:00 hrs / 14:30 hrs Saturday, february 11, 2017- 05:30 hrs / ----- hrs Sunday, february 12, 2017- 05:30 hrs / ------ hrs

Business will be working to make this objective a reality.

The Ministry’s Events Coordinator, Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, said the annual event should be made a fair that promotes local goods and services but, also one which involves regional and international companies.

And, this, she said, is an opportune time to rebrand and create investment opportunities for local businessmen/women.

Her views were fully supported by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin.

“We want to make it a GuyExpo that is focused on business development and not just on entertainment,” the minister said, but noted that the task ahead will be

“long and hard.”

He said the Government

will work towards making the expo attractive to foreign investors who they hope to introduce to small businesses.

Although a date for GuyExpo has not yet been set, the minister projected that this time around, the general idea is to provide “match making” opportunities for small businesses.

“The Ministry envisages that some small businesses can be brought to a level that would see them working with diaspora companies,” said Gaskin.

The Ministry intends to work with them in order to ensure that they (small businesses) are prepared for the kind of event (GuyExpo) the Ministry envisions.

CEDA Competitiveness and Innovation Manager, Christopher McNair, of Jamaica, noted the need for fostering local and for-

eign relationships, and said much advantage has not been taken of GuyExpo.

“Trade shows play a big role in economic growth and development… it gives countries an opportunity to position their industries and sectors in the minds of consumers to achieve a competitive advantage,” said McNair.

Guyana, he said has to truly bring out the vision of GuyExpo in order to use it as a tool or tactic of Government’s National Development Plan.

CEDA over the past five years has been contributing immensely towards the development of Guyana’s commercial sector. They have worked with 350 companies in Guyana and disbursed grants totaling €320,000 to 13 firms.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, and McNair in discussion at the meeting at Grand Coastal International Hotel

Cane-cutter gets 7 years for chopping comrade

By George Barclay CANE-CUTTER Bhajan Nauth, 55, who was in a drunken state in 2013, when he wounded fellow cane-cutter Jerry with intent to kill him, was on Wednesday sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

At his trial at the Demerara Assizes, Nauth did not waste the court’s time. He pleaded to the lesser count of felonious wounding.

Presiding Judge, Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, who heard the guilty plea, imposed the 10- year prison term on Nauth, but deducted three years, because of the plea and the time he had spent in incarceration.

The accused was therefore sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

The facts of the case disclosed that cane-cutter Herbert Jerry was on Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Diamond Squatting Area, in the Georgetown Magisterial District, when he was wounded by the accused, who had earlier claimed that he wanted to kill someone.

One eyewitness said he saw the accused deal Jerry several chops that day. He said Jerry suffered lacerations to the left upper back and a punctured wound to the left lower part of the abdomen. This was confirmed by a medical report.

And in an oral statement to the police, the accused had said, “Big man leh me tell you the truth. Meh ben a drunk and meh get hungry so ah get meh Caharee on the fire to get something to eat, when this man started to kick down meh Caharee. Me get vex and den me did what I had to do.”

Police investigations led to the recovery of the cutlass which was used to inflict the wounds.

The prosecution disclosed that before the injuries were inflicted, the accused was heard to say that he wanted to kill someone.

At the same time, the virtual complainant was passing when the accused ran up to him and said, “ah gon murder you.”

According to the prosecution, Nauth proceeded to chop the VC. The accused was escorted to prison to begin his sentence.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

GPHC’s oncology department to have own building

By Vishani Ragobeer

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC), Allan Johnson, has confirmed that the hospital will be constructing a new building for the oncology department.

At a Balloon Commemoration Ceremony held in the compound of the hospital in observance of World Cancer Day last Saturday, the CEO highlighted that the oncology department will have its own

New design for wash bays in City A NEW design for wash bays around Georgetown is being developed by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and is expected to be presented to operators next Wednesday.

According to M&CC Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, with the operation becoming more prevalent around the City, the Council is on the move to ensure it regulates the system early in order to avoid problems in the future.

Part of the regulations will include the correct structure which the operators will need to ply their trade.

Lewis said the City has already created a plan of what the physical structure of a wash bay is expected to look like.

As it relates to the drainage system, she pointed out that operators will be required to set up a system which will allow them to filter and reuse water.

This will not only cut costs but also ensure that drains are not clogged by debris and contaminated by chemicals.

Operators have welcomed the recommendations but said they are hoping to receive assistance from City Hall to reorient their operation.

The City Council on February 1, met with all owners and operators of car wash bays operating within the City of Georgetown “to bring them in line with the required standards of the City as stipulated in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.”

According to the Council, “those owners and operators, who meet the requirements determined by the Council will be inspected and regularised while those, who fall short of those standards will not be permitted to operate within the City.”

building.

“The department has outgrown their space and this year we will put down [a] separate building for them,” Johnson said then.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Mr Johnson noted that the

construction of the building has been included in the hospital’s budget for 2017. However, when questioned when the construction will commence and when it will be completed, the CEO vaguely answered and noted, “before the year is out.”

The department was recognised with providing exceptional cancer diagnoses and treatment services to the public, with the CEO noting that breast cancer has been reduced by 31%, which is a decline from 125 persons diagnosed in 2015 to

86 patients being diagnosed in 2016.

Also attributing to the strides made by this department, General Medical Officer (GMO) attached to the Oncology Unit of the hospital, Dr Latoya Gooding, attested that 100% of the

persons who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer have received some form of cancer treatment here.

Dr Gooding, backed by the CEO, said that treatment and diagnosis for cancer at the oncology department are free.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

‘Keep yo

–– GuySuCo urge

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is urging Wales Estate workers to keep their jobs rather than to request severance and then seek re-employment.

The Corporation issued the call after receiving information that some persons are advising the employees to request severance and then seek re-employment.

According to GuySuCo, this advice is counterproductive and highly illogical since it needs the services of these persons.

The severance is a oneoff payment, and the Corporation said employees need to seriously consider what happens after the severance

payment is expended.

And on that note, it has contended that continuous employment and the numerous benefits is a better option.

GuySuCo had announced that after much consultation with workers and the unions, 650 workers will be retained, some of whom will operate at Wales and some at Uitvlugt.

The release also noted that the move by the workers is confusing since they had protested to retain their jobs, and are now protesting to be put out of those jobs.

This is happening in light of the Uitvlugt Estate being scheduled to commence First Crop on February 11, 2017

Guard living in Ha

–– after it was raide

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE health post in the small Amerindian community of Haruru, located in Upper Berbice, Region 10, can now be deemed the residence for security personnel hired by the Regional Health Office, Regional Democratic Councillor, Elymawell Barkoye has contended.

According to Barkoye, the health post has also been raided by a female health worker attached to the facility. The worker brazenly took away a fridge, cooking gas cylinder and a mattress and has them at her private residence.

Barkoye revealed that one night he did a check of the facility and after contin-

uous banging on the gate, the male security personnel finally came out in his undergarments in a state of shock, as if he was awaken from a deep sleep.

Councillor Barkoye bemoaned this practice and called on the Regional Health Office to construct a security hut earliest in the compound for the guard to reside during working hours as the outpost should not be his living quarters.

He requested that during

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

our jobs’

es Wales workers and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union’s (GAWU) delegation and employees from the Wales Estate being informed that work will be made available to the cane harvesters, along with the cane transport employees.

Workers were also informed that tools will be distributed on Thursday, February 9, and work will be available as from Friday, February 10, at Uitvlugt Estate, GuySuCo said.

The Corporation also expressed disgust at the behaviour of GAWU. “We are frustrated and fed-up of these games which GAWU has become so accustomed to engaging in.

GuySuCo has concluded

that GAWU is not interested in the well–being of our employees, rather their thrust is more about self-preservation, keeping GAWU in business.

Therefore, they continue to use tactics of appealing to the emotions of various sections of the public; what is ironic is that now that GuySuCo is doing what GAWU so vehemently fought for, GAWU is rejected it.”

ANTI-GUYSUCO TACTICS According to the Corporation, GAWU is using anti-business, anti-management, anti-discipline and anti-GuySuCo tactics to exploit employees from

aruru health post

ed by health worker that time, the building should be kept locked. The issue was raised at the recently held statutory meeting, and Barkoye, who is also a village councillor, asked the regional health officer about the other items that were taken away by the health worker and when they will be returned.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong,said she is aware that the items were taken away and has given or-

ders that they be returned earliest.

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, who bemoaned the situation, told the RHO that the items should be returned forthwith as robbing the Government will not be tolerated.

He said he hopes that the items are returned before an audit is done by the States Assets Recovery Unity (SARU) and legal action is taken against the worker.

Wales Estate “to gain mileage and for self-preservation”.

It said since January 2016 when the announcement was made to transition the Wales Estate out of sugar, GAWU commenced a campaign against GuySuCo. GuySuCo claimed that the union mobilised civil society, private sector, residents from the Wales community, influential leaders, and regional and international trade unions around the notion, that the Government and GuySuCo wanted to get rid of the sugar industry and that this process

had started at Wales.

“For instance on March 7, 2016, the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), based in Switzerland, sent a letter to the Minister of Agriculture which was also widely publicised in the local press; the letter was titled ‘Concerns: Closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Demerara’.

“And, on May 6, 2017, GAWU and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) se-

cured an injunction against GuySuCo which restrained the Corporation from implementing decisions relative to making workers from Wales Estate redundant. That injunction has since been withdrawn.

“GuySuCo nevertheless continued to making positive strides, one such by declaring that as a part of the Corporation’s strategy to transition into a sustainable business, the Uitvlugt Estate is being upgraded to increase its production from 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes of sugar annually. However, this is one of the estates that de-

pend heavily on manual labour since the weather patterns (primarily heavy rainfall) are not suitable for mechanisation,” the release said.

GuySuCo believes that Uitvlugt Estate has a lot of potential to become one of the more productive estates but said GAWU would have to encourage the employees to take up the offer of employment.

In this way, it said, the estate’s production will be boosted significantly and this will assist in enabling GuySuCo and the sugar industry to rebound.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

‘Who laff last’ --New comedy promises ‘quite a treat’ THEY say that satire was sent to pierce the public’s conscience, and challenge decision makers by encouraging moral or political reflection through the use of critical humour.

For this reason, satirical comedies have for years enjoyed a massive following from the local Guyanese theatre goers.

And, come February 2427, Guyana will receive quite a treat in the form of ‘Who Laff Last’.

Directed by Ron Robinson, ‘Who Laff Last’ will be an annual production providing a satirical review on Guyanese current events and social situations.

Robinson, in an interview with The Buzz, said that the show promises to be a hit, and that his team, which includes Production Manager, Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, is working to ensure that Guyanese are thoroughly entertained.

“Lots of people come back home for Mashramani, so the show will ensure that they have a good laugh before they go back,” Ron said.

“It will be all about Guyanese situations, personalities and issues; and Guyanese will certainly be entertained by the content.”

Ron said that the last year has been rich with

material worthy of satirical focus, such as the Pope London videos, the Parking Meter debacle, the Budget Debates and other topics.

ALL IN GOOD FUN But, most of all, while the show will hit some tough spots, Ron admits that it is all intended for good fun.

Having been involved with the Link Show for over 30 years, Ron holds wealthy experience in making light humour of heavy topics.

“I am always very careful to make sure that we don’t disrespect anyone, whether it’s the President or the Opposition Leader. But if they have done something publicly that we can satirise it, so they shouldn’t get annoyed, because it is something they have done,” he said.

Production Manager, Lloyda Nicholas maintains that the show will not make any political statement, or target any particular person or view.

“People use comedy to laugh at people they don’t agree with, and, in a sense, it may be considered criticism.

“But this show is not about that; it will be making fun of things that have a serious tone, but you just have to laugh at it,” she said.

The show will, instead,

seek to marry social commentary with political satire. And, she is certain that it will be successful, because it is a genre that has been missing from the public fore for some time.

SORELY MISSING “I believe that satirical comedy is sorely missing.

You do see the desire for satirical comedy, because when you look at social media, people are making jokes about serious events that affect their everyday life,” she said.

With the prominence of social media and the Internet, she said that people now also have greater access to satire in new forms, such as memes, but that theatre remains the birthplace of the genre.

“It is about storytelling; and that is something that will never grow old,” she said.

‘Who Laff Last’ seeks to be a “modern, fast- moving and unapologetically honest show that makes fun of every and anything”, and with a “crème de la crème” line-up of actors, the likes of Michael Ignatius, Sonia Yarde, Marke Luke Edwards, Nathaya Whaul, and the well-loved Henry Rodney who has returned from the United States following medical treatment.

Natural Resources

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

‘ready fuh de road’

THE Ministry of Natural Resources is “ready fuh de road” come February 23 when the Mashramani float parade takes centre stage down the streets of Georgetown.

The Ministry on Wednesday launched its ‘Mash Band’ in the compound of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), and no one seems more excited about the festivities than Minister within the Ministry, Ms Simona Broomes, who was there on behalf of the subject Minister, Mr Raphael Trotman.

Sporting a painting of the National Flag on her face, a jovial Minister Broomes led Wednesday’s mini-fete as her ministry showcased a few pieces from its band to sounds of blaring soca music.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to say to all Guyana, ‘Look forward for it! We com-

ing down the road!” she proclaimed.

The ministry will be entering in the Medium/Full Costume and Semi-Costume categories.

Min is ter Broomes boasted that the band will be looking to cater for 160 patrons, and encouraged employees to take part and grab their costumes early.

ABSOLUTELY FREE Members of the public desirous of doing so can also be a part of the ministry’s procession, and it’s all absolutely free of cost.

Persons need only go in and register to get one of the costumes; there’ll be several to choose from.

The band, which is being coordinated by award-winning costume designer Neilson Nurse, has taken its theme from the Ministry’s own

Mashramani sub-theme, “Maintaining and promoting rehabilitation of our forest resources towards a ‘green’ economy”.

Neilson also took guests on a tour of the ‘Mash Camp’, where he is designing all of these exciting costumes.

The main female costume will be the “Queen” costume, while the main male costume will feature the “Cock of the Rock”.

Explaining the concept behind the costumes, Nurse said: “With the ‘Queen’, we’re playing with the whole idea of the story of ‘In the heart of a seed’. So, she actually bursts open, and you get a new plant within.

POLLINATION “Along the route, her costume continues to expand (because we’re using the concept of pollination) with the

butterfly and wind which assists with that.

“With the “Cock of the Rock”, we wanted to use something unique to Guyana. Most people would prefer the Canje Pheasant, but to my mind, that is overdone; so we wanted to bring out another majestic bird, and the Cock of the Rock is one of those birds.”

Not yet done, he also talked a bit about the Float. For the design of this, Neilson combined several of the industries that come under the ministry’s purview.

“For the Float, we’re looking at the whole forest and reforestation,” he said. “It’s a float with revellers; you will see them mining, and if you follow the storyline, the water from the mines flows into the river, which introduces the offshore mining and so on.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes (out front) at the launch of the ministry’s ‘Mash’ band on Wednesday (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Amplify your ‘Mash’playlist!

--with these home-grown goodies

WHO says Guyanese can’t produce good music?

Mashramani is near, and the local artistes are proving that they have what it takes to fill your playlist with Soca tunes that are Carnival-ready!

Here is a list of songs that you should look out for from some of your favourite local artistes: Vanilla’s ‘MASH UP DE PLACE’: If you haven’t heard this song by now, then you must be living under a rock. Vanilla’s ‘Mash up de place’ proves that this artiste has not lost her touch, and is still the Road-March Queen.

The song is easily one of the more popular tunes on the radio right now, and has gained much airplay as a result having been featured as Song of the Day, Song of the Week, and Booming 9 on the radio.

The music video, which was launched only a week ago, has also gained almost 2,000 views so far.

Jumo’s ‘STIR DE POT’: You know Mashramani wouldn’t be complete without ‘Rubber-Waist’ Jumo Primo adding to the mix.

Using a healthy infusion of African drums, Jumo’s ‘Stir de pot’ introduces a dance that mimics the title quite appropriately.

It’s not your traditional Soca tune, but something about it brings about a feeling of nostalgia that is sure to make you get up and dance.

Creole Rock’s ‘MASHRAMANI’, Ft. Vanilla: We

know you’re accustomed to Soca this season, but local artiste, Gavin Mendonca has proven that he can do things his way, and you’ll still like it. And this is what he has done with this track.

Teaming up with Soca Queen, Vanilla, Gavin brought his unique Creole Rock sound to compose a tribute to Mashramani in a way that only he can: With guitar, the Guyanese accent, and lots of momentum!

If you like different, then this is the Mashramani song for you to add to your playlist.

Randy LaFleur’s ‘GI MI MORE’, Ft. Coco: This one is yet another feel-good song, and pays homage to true Guyanese culture by infusing some of the old with the new.

Here, LaFleur brings an interesting twist to the famous folk song, ‘Uncle Joe’ by using the same melody mixed with a catchy Soca beat to create the perfect road-march song.

Vanilla’s ‘WE RUN THINGS’: This is Vanilla’s second Mashramani-themed song for the season, and has also been getting some airplay since its launch.

It’s just as catchy is its predecessor, and even as a newcomer, has already begun to pick up the pace.

Jumo’s ‘JIGGLE IT’: Jumo is true to form in this Soca track. It pays homage to many familiar songs, but Jumo adds his signature touch in his recently-released music video.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Meet

Marlon Jacobs The ultimate party promoter

By Clestine Juan

MARLON Jacobs is best known as the promoter for some of the best conceptparties held year round, attracting hundreds of patrons to different venues across Guyana.

Under the ‘Freedom Family’ brand, the 24-yearold promoted the very popular ‘Bad & Boujee’ lingerie party alongside the summer theme party, ‘Hookah and Bikini’, two of the best parties that were held last year.

Building a reputation for himself, having been in

the business for the past few years, Jacobs is not just a party promoter but he also has a degree in Electrical Engineering and another in Computer Science from the University of Albany.

A former St. Joseph High School student, Jacobs could best be described as a ‘diehard party lover’, and thanks to his popularity, he’s easily the life of any party.

The young promoter grew up on the East Coast with his grandmother when both of his parents left for the US. He, too, would later migrate while he was in

Third Form.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN And that’s where his love for party promoting all started; in 2014 while a college freshman to be precise.

As he recalled, it was a friend who came up with the idea of hosting a party, while he was tasked with finding a theme for the event.

“When promoting,” Marlon explained, “I always try to stay connected with current trends, whether it’s popular slangs, songs, or clothing, and name my events based on what’s in demand.”

For instance, the concept for his last production, “Bad & Boujee”, which was held at Palm Court, came from the title of a hit hip-hop song in America.

Not trying to downplay the intense work he and his team mates put in to make his endeavours a success, Marlon said: “I know that my events are successful when the club is sold out and everyone seems to be free of stress; free to do as they please. After all, they’re at a freedom party.”

Noting that feedback is very important during promotions, Marlon says it’s the positive reviews on social media that help push Fredom Family events.

He rather likes the quote, “Fame is not freedom”, as, to his mind, the more popular one becomes, the less private is their personal life.

STRIKE A BALANCE He tries to strike a balance between his ‘personal life’ and his ‘party life’ to make sure the two never

The simple and humble Marlon Jacobs

mix.

“One thing that separates me from other promoters is that during my events, I try to greet everyone; to thank them for their support, because they had choice to do

Marlon Jacobs and two patrons at the ‘Bad & Boujee’ party at Palm Court

many other things but chose to support me,” he said.

But with all the time and energy used to plan and promote these parties, do promoters really find the time to party at their own production?

“Yes,” Marlon said, adding: “Apparently, they enjoy the good vibes too.”

As he went on to say, “I always enjoy my own events as much as the patrons that attend them.

“And if it wasn’t a good event, I myself make it known that we could’ve had a better vibes. So, I’m honest with my work.”

LOOKING AHEAD Lately, the Freedom Family had done events in Berbice and Georgetown, with an upcoming event, Hookah & Bikini, which will be held in Linden.

“I want to do what no other promoter has done, and host my event in every County in Guyana,” Marlon said, adding that he plans raising the entertainment bar in Guyana.

After all the fun and excitement in party promoting, he recently hosted the radio show, ‘Spill the tea’ for a season which lasted six months and aired on 6vibes.

The radio show featured live call-in interviews with listeners, while the content of the show was very raw, featuring real-life stories on hot topics such as sex, breakups and relationships.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Children’s ‘Mash’ competition finals get off to spirited start

SCHOOLCHILDREN from the 11 education districts converged Thursday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) for the start of the final leg of this year’s Children’s Mashramani Competition.

This two-day event will see the culmination of a week of regional competitions. The aim of this competition is to give school-aged children the opportunity to celebrate Guyana’s Republic anniversary in the performing arts.

Taking the packed to capacity NCC audience through the programme of events were

Television Personality, Travis Chase, and Playwright/Actress Mosa Telford.

Together, they kept the audience alive, engaged and excited, urging them to support each performance with resounding applause.

“Having so many children from across Guyana taking part in these activities is a good thing; it helps them to better understand and appreciate one another’s culture,” declared Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry.

She commended the children who took part in the

competition in the past week, and also applauded those who prepared the children for their performances.

While recognising the role of the parents/guardians for allowing their children to participate in the competition, Minister Henry emphasised that this experience will be remembered throughout the children’s lifetime.

“The Ministry of Education recognises the importance of a balanced or rounded education.

In this regard, the Ministry will continue to plan, coordinate and execute such activities with the

THE Mashramani celebrations are heating up as things wind down to that much-anticipated February 23 parade, with the bulk of the cultural activites set to play out this weekend.

Things get off to a cute start on Saturday, with the children’s parade taking centre stage. Then later in the evening, there’s the senior calypso monarch competition for the older ones.

Sunday sees a continuation of the ‘Mash’ vibes, and it’s time to give our senior citizens some attention, while there’s also going to be some masquearading.

But it’s not all about the ‘Mash’ vibe, as next week is Valentine’s.

And, whether you’re single or not, there’s bound to be something for each and evey one of you, as quite a few places hope to get the ball rolling from this weekend!

TODAY

The National Hockey Women are planning a TRAFFIC JAM at the Palm Court! And it promises to be colourful and full of vibes! So come kick-start the Mash Season! Leh We Fete!

Fete! Fete!

Tickets are $2000, and the action starts at 21:00hrs!

TOMORROW

The Mashramani Children’s Costume and Float Parade is taking to the streets of Georgetown beginning at 10:00hrs, and the annual colourful event will definitely be something to see.

The parade will start off at Parade Ground and end at the National Park. And, of course, it’s all FREE!

It’s the Senior Calypso Monarch Semi-finals! And if you’re in Linden, then the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground is the place to be!

A total of 20 contestants are competing for one of the 10 spots in next Friday’s finals at Demerara Park, where they will pit their skills against the reigning champion, Lester ‘De Professor’ Charles.

Guyanese songstress Timeka Marshall turns 28 on Tuesday, and this Valentine’s baby is keeping a pre-birthday bash at the Palm Court with a party called, “Dream”! Tickets are $2000, and you can look out for a chance to win a Trinity costume to be a part of Palm Court’s ‘Mash Band’.

No Valentine? Show Love to the Wine! Java Coffee Bar on Duncan Street presents “Wine and Canapes” in a pre-Valentine celebration for the singles.

Enjoy Jazz and Live Music with Obikwa wines, paired with deliciously crafted food! Wines are $1500 a glass, and $4000 per bottle.

Aura Bar and Lounge presents ‘Loversland’, a pre-Valentine’s Day cocktail mixer starting at 21:00hrs.

Singles are $2000, while it’s $3000 for couples. There’ll also be FREE cocktails for ladies at the entrance!

DJ Energy and DJ Reality will be there to give you the time of your life, with Dancehall and Soca non-stop.

Bring a date, or meet one; just don’t miss this fun! It’s going to be epic! Free photoshoot for the best dressed couple!

SUNDAY

Concert for the Elderly at Prominade Gardens! This year’s ‘Mash’ promises to cater for everyone, and the Concert for the Elderly will be specially tailored to be about our senior citizens!

The Mash Masquerade Competition is going down at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground as the Mashramani festivities continue.

highest level of proficiency,” Minister Henry posited.

One of the main sponsors for the calypso competition in particular was the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), which has moved from just sponsoring the National Calypso Competition in the Children’s Mash Competitions to sponsoring the competition at the national and

regional levels as well.

Pamela Binda, the Marketing Manager of GBTI, indicated that the Bank is proud of performing its corporate responsibility by sponsoring the competition. With that in mind, Binda reconfirmed GBTI’s commitment to future competitions.

The Children’s Mash Competition ends tomorrow with the

Children’s Costume and Float Parade.

These celebrations are being observed under the theme, “Guyana, a ‘Green’ State: Moulding our Youth; Sustaining our Future.” The overarching theme is “Celebration with Liberty, Dignity and Greater Unity”. (GINA)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 10, 2017

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

GFF launches youth-focused Academy Training Centres

By Tamica Garnett

EARMARKED as a “true game changer”, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ Scotiabank Academy Training Centre (ATC) was officially launched yesterday at the Umana Yana.

The extensive and comprehensive ATC’s initiative will see the implementation of a nationwide youth development programme create a clear pathway for players to move from grassroots level straight up to the national teams, at all age group levels.

“Today marks a giant leap towards realising that dream of success, as we embark on a new era of hope for football in Guyana. This nationwide network of GFF/Scotiabank Academy Training Centres will play a major part in our plan to transform football in Guyana,” declared GFF president Wayne Forde.

Forde pointed out that such a widespread programme has never before been undertaken in the football fraternity in Guyana.

In attendance to help usher in the groundbreaking initiative were several other GFF executives, as will as Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Sports Commission chairman Ivan Persaud.

Persaud called it a “very solid programme, saying that players “will ultimately leave the programme being a better person”.

The ATC programme is expected to focus on the overall

well-being of the young players including nutrition, behaviour, fitness and sports psychology.

It will involve scouting for new talent, coaching young players through coordinated weekly sessions and recruiting coaches and referees to work in each specific region.

This will not only create a constant supply of players, but also ensure that the players are of the best quality.

“Football has the potential to be the number one sport in Guyana for many years to come.

With this programme, the GFF is putting our nation where it belongs - in the vanguard of youth football development in the Caribbean,” said Forde.

To carry out the programme’s mandate and ensure its success, the GFF will employ a team of nine full-time Technical Development Officers and 14 part-time Youth Development Coaches, in addition to the six-member technical staff, led

by GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

A broad overview of the programme, its structure and objectives were delivered by Greenwood during his address yesterday.

The academies, of which there will be an initial 13, will be distributed across the GFF’s nine member associations. Associations from Bartica, Georgetown, Essequibo, Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Coast and West Coast Demerara will all have one academy each. More extensive areas will have more than

one, with Berbice getting two, and the Rupununi starting off with four.

The programme is specifically tailored to suit differing age levels, with academies for five specific age groups, namely grassroots sessions with boys and girls aged 5-11, Under-13 boys, Under-15 boys, Under-17 boys, and Under-17 girls.

Each group will provide a maximum of 16 players at a time.

Both the players and the staff’s continual inclusion in the programme will be merit-based.

Greenwood will be tasked with reviewing academy intake and overall performance on a regular basis to ensure fairness, quality, and consistency.

Funding for the programme will come from the GFF, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and Scotiabank.

Scotiabank will be supplying an initial fund of $600 000 worth of annual bursaries to cover school supplies for ATC participants. The bursaries are expected to go to those exemplary players with the best attendance at school and at the academies.

Scotiabank’s Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani spoke on behalf of the company.

“Scotiabank enjoys giving back to the communities.

Through ATCs we hope to give our boys and girls the opportunity to realise their dream of a career in football,” she said.

Western Tigers stun Uitvlugt 3-2 in Limacol football Cont. fr. back page

With that draw, Grove have moved into the second spot in the group below Winners Connection and above Milerock who both have a game in hand.

A win for Milerock with a margin of less than three goals would take both them and Winners Connection through to the next round in a onetwo order while a win of more than that offers Grove the chance to sneak through.

A draw would allow both Linden teams to progress with Winners atop and Milerock second.

On the converse side, a win for Winners will put Milerock out and let Grove through making Group A an interesting fixture.

However, those two fixtures are not until Sunday but when action returns tonight at the GFC ground, Santos will try to move from the third spot in Group C when they play bottom-team Pouderoyen from 18:30hrs.

A win for Santos by a three-goal margin will ensure them momentary second spot while a draw or loss will seal both leaders Den Amstel’s

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 12:15 hrs Blue Jasmine 12:55 hrs Mighty Mississippi 13:25 hrs Enchanted Drawing 13:55 hrs The Money Man 14:25 hrs Roy’s Taxi 14:55 hrs Roy’s Power 15:25 hrs Storm Kitten 15:55 hrs Northern Storm

Kempton 09:40 hrs Grand Coureur 10:10 hrs Agamemmon 10:40 hrs Captain Buck’s 11:10 hrs Vyta Du Roc 11:45 hrs One Of Us 12:15 hrs Politologue 12:50 hrs Whatswrongwithyou

English Racing Tips Southwell 09:30 hrs Stonecoldsoba 10:00 hrs Trenchard 10:30 hrs Fujin 11:00 hrs Lady Nayef 11:35 hrs Elusivity 12:05 hrs Start Seven 12:40 hrs Mimic’s Memory

Bangor 09:50 hrs Testify 10:20 hrs Antartica De Thaix 10:50 hrs Dashing Oscar 11:20 hrs Bears Rails 11:55 hrs Ballycash 12:25 hrs Storm Warning 13:00 hrs Grand Vision Irish Racing Tips

and current second spot holders Ann’s Grove’s places.

Any result for Pouderoyen would not affect the standings of the top two.

In the second fixture of the evening, the Police will play Riddim Squad. A win or draw for Police will take them into the lead of Group ‘A’ while Riddim Squad need to win by more than five goals, if they are to move into the second spot, and more than six if they want to take the lead.

A draw will not affect the standings.

Dundalk 12:55 hrs Sebastian Bach 13:30 hrs Pique Sous 14:00 hrs Heartful 14:30 hrs Admodum 15:00 hrs Fizzy Friday 15:30 hrs Guanabara Bay 16:00 hrs Bottleofsmoke 16:30 hrs Carvelas American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Rimanisempreforte Race 2 Mission Leader Race 3 Stroke Play Race 4 General Bellamy Race 5 Chico Grande Race 6 Zabaione Race 7 My Fair Lily Race 8 Valhalla

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Kohli, Vijay make tons as India dominate (REUTERS) - An insatiable Virat Kohli smashed his 16th Test century and Murali Vijay registered his ninth to steer India to a commanding 356 for three against Bangladesh on the opening day of a one-off Test in Hyderabad yesterday.

India lost opener Lokesh Rahul in the first over of the match but were in a strong position at stumps after Vijay (108) added 178 runs with Cheteshwar Pujara and captain Kohli extended his recent run of powerful batting.

Kohli was on 111 at stumps, his fifth 50-plus score in the last seven Test innings, helping to put India, currently the

M. Vijay celebrates after reaching his ninth Test hundred against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.

top-ranked Test team, on course for a big first-innings total.

Ajinkya Rahane, re-

turning from a finger injury, was batting on 45 at the other end, having played second fiddle to his skipper in their 122-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Playing their first Test on Indian soil, Bangladesh got an early breakthrough when the sprightly Taskin Ahmed dismissed Rahul for two with the fourth delivery of the match.

While others might have left the fuller delivery well outside the off-stump, Rahul went for an expansive cover drive without moving his feet, only to drag the ball onto his stumps.

Vi j a y a n d P u j a r a shrugged off occasional discomforts to help India overcome the loss with

Virat Kolhi smashes his 16th Test century. their fifth century stand of the current home season.

Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan induced a couple of edges but could not separate the batsmen despite some occasionally comic running between the wickets.

In one such mix-up,

both batsmen found themselves at the same end. But Mehedi could not collect a throw and dislodge the bails at the non-striker’s end which could have sent Vijay, then on 35, back to the pavilion.

Vijay brought up his fifty in 82 balls and went on to hit Shakib Al Hasan straight back for the only six of his knock which also contained 12 boundaries.

Pujara edged Mehedi to Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim after a composed 83, and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bowled Vijay around the leg after the tea break.

There was no real respite for the tourists,

however, as Kohli scored freely against the limited bowling resources of a team ranked eight places below India.

The right-hander needed 130 balls to bring up his fourth century in seven Tests, reaching the mark with his 10th boundary.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings L. Rahul b Ahmed 2 M. Vijay b T. Islam 108 C. Pujara c Rahim b M. Hasan 83 V. Kohli not out 111 A. Rahane not out 45 Extras: (lb-5, nb-2) 7 Total: (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 356 Fall of wickets: 1-2 L. Rahul, 2-180 C. Pujara, 3-234 M. Vijay Bowling: T. Ahmed 16-2-581 (nb-1), K. Rabbi 17-1-91-0 (nb-1), S. Sarkar 1-0-4-0, M. Hasan 20-0-93-1, S. Al Hasan 13-3-45-0, T. Islam 20-4-50-1, Sa. Rahman 3-0-10-0.

Hurricanes continue impressive run with another victory LEEWARD Islands Hurricanes continued their im-

pressive run through Group A with a four-wicket win

Azhar quits as Pakistan ODI captain, Sarfraz takes over (REUTERS) - Azhar Ali has stepped down as Pakistan’s one-day captain following the team’s heavy defeat in Australia with wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed taking over the job, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said yesterday.

The former world champions rank a lowly eighth in one-dayers and speculation was mounting about the future of Azhar’s captaincy following the team’s 4-1 series loss in Australia last month.

“Azhar Ali recently called on PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and informed him that he wished to relinquish the captaincy of Pakistan’s ODI team mainly because it was affecting his batting form,” the board said in a statement.

“PCB thanked him for his dignified leadership of the team and informed him

that his standing in the team would not be affected by his relinquishing of the captaincy,” it added.

Sarfraz, 29, took over as Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain last year.

Under Azhar, Pakistan slipped to ninth in the oneday rankings before moving up a place to qualify for this year’s Champions Trophy, a top-eight tournament, in England and Wales.

Sarfraz Ahmed

over Windward Islands Volcanoes on Wednesday night at Coolidge.

Hurricanes did it in style as well, completing the highest successful chase in the competition this year by overhauling Windwards’ total of 293 for 8 with eight balls to spare.

Skipper Kieran Powell continued his stupendous form by striking 80 off 84 balls to begin the chase, his fifth 50plus score in six innings.

Along the way, Powell crossed the 500-run barrier for the tournament. Powell added 112 for the first wicket with Montcin Hodge (46) and another 52 with

Jermaine Otto (37) for the second before he eventually fell in the 32nd over to Liam Sebastien.

Nkrumah Bonner fell in the 34th over to Delorn Johnson to make it 190 for 4, leaving 104 to win but man-of-the-match Rahkeem Cornwall entered and struck a blistering 74 not out off 50 balls to get Leewards across the line. Cornwall teamed with Akeal Hosein for an unbeaten 89-run seventh-wicket stand to seal the match.

Hosein finished unbeaten on 26 off 24 balls and helped set up the win in the first innings by taking 4 for 57 with

his left-arm spin.

His spell included the wickets of Devon Smith, who came into the match with just 30 runs in six innings but finished with 101 for his seventh List A century,

and Sunil Ambris for 53 off 36 balls, the wicketkeeper’s sixth half-century in seven matches putting him second behind only Powell for the tournament runs lead with 375 runs.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES innings T. Theophile c Cornwall b Tonge 19 J. Charles c wkp. Hamilton b Tonge 18 D. Smith b Hosein 101 A. Fletcher c Hosein b Peters 41 S. Ambris stp. Hamilton b Hosein 53 K. Mayers b Tonge 16 D. Johnson c Powell b Hosein 7 L. Sebastien not out 13 K. Hodge lbw b Hosein 0 A. Alexander not out 15 Extras: (lb-2, w-8) 10 Total: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 293 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-42, 3-175, 4-209, 5-248, 6-259, 7-267, 8-267.

Bowling: Tonge 10-1-75-3 (w-1), Joseph 4-0-24-0, Cornwall 10-140-0 (w-3), Hosein 10-2-57-4 (w2), Campbell 10-0-50-0, Peters 6-0-45-1 (w-2).

HURRICANES innings M. Hodge c wkp. Fletcher b Mayers 46 K- Powell b Sebastien 80 J -Otto b Sebastien 37 N- Bonner b Johnson 8 J- Hamilton b Hodge 10 R -Cornwall not out 74 O- Peters c and b Hodge 3 A. Hosein not out 26 Extras: (lb-3, w-5, pen.5) 13 Total: (6 wkts, 48.4 overs) 297 Fall of wickets: 1-112, 2-164, 3-175, 4-190, 5-202, 6-208.

Bowling: Williams 7-0-59-0 (w1), Johnson 9-0-52-1, Mayers 9.4-0-55-1 (w-2), Hodge 9-0-48-2, Sebastien 10-1-44-2, Alexander 4-0-31-0 (w-2).

Points: Hurricanes 4, Volcanoes 0.

Kieran Powell top-scores with 80 to cross the 500-run barrier for the tournament.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

At least one new synthetic track for completion by year end

By Tamica Garnett

ASSESSMENT works for the construction of two synthetic track facilities - one in Region 6 and one in Region 10 - have already begun, and Director of Sport Christopher Jones says the administration is looking to have at least one of the tracks completed by year end.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is currently doing evaluations for the two tracks, in addition to the assessment for a multipurpose sports facility in Region 7. The construction is expected to begin as soon as all necessary preparatory hurdles have been cleared. Once green-lighted, the project will go to the tender board.

“We are striving to have

completion this year. It’s going to be completed this year, I can’t say for both but I know for sure one will be,” Jones told Chronicle Sport in an interview earlier this week.

“We’ve been on the ground to get a feel from the people on the ground, as to where those tracks should be laid.”

Things are looking par-

The National Track and Field Centre, currently Guyana’s only synthetic track facility

ticularly good in Region 6, where Jones recently held discussions with the New Amsterdam Mayor Kirt Wynter, who wasted no time, and, according to Jones, has already suggested a possible location, and had contractors submit drawings for the proposed facility.

In Linden, however, an exact location is still being considered. Many thought the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground facility would have been the best location, but Jones said last year that that may not be possible because the MSC facility houses a 300m track while a synthetic track will be 400m.

However, Jones said he has since been approached by the facility’s personnel who submitted a proposal suggesting that a track just may be able to fit.

“After learning about government’s intention to place a track in Region 10, the body of the MSC went ahead on their own to prepare drawings to show that a track can fit in that facility.

So they would have invited me to come and see those drawings and have a conversation with them as it relates to the track being laid in their facility.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones Those proposals submitted by them, have been further submitted to the PS, and the Minister for their own perusal.” Jones related.

However, there’s another proposed site in Bayroc, Linden, which has been suggested by Region 10 Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira. Jones says once Figueira has submitted the necessary proposal for that site, both locations will be thoroughly assessed by the Department of Sports’ contractor.

“The final determination will be for the Minister and the PS, but I will make my recommendation after receiving both, based on what I see,” Jones declared.

“If we had received both of those proposals already consultants for the Ministry would have already been in the regions to do their groundwork. So essentially they are waiting for us to

say go, and they can do their assessment. We want to push on it as early as possible,” Jones assured.

Once the assessments have been completed and the contractor submits the bill of quantities, the project will go to tender for bids to do the initial construction work. The initial works can be done by a local company. However, an international company will have to be hired to lay the rubberised track.

Guyanese first got confirmation of plans to construct new synthetic tracks across Guyana when Minister responsible for Sport, Nicolette Henry pointed out that some $210M had been set aside for proposed synthetic track facilities to be laid in Regions 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10.

To date, Guyana has only one synthetic track facility - the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara.

This facility cost $1.084 billion and it was officially commissioned in April, 2015.

When the track’s location was first unveiled, many stakeholders were not too pleased, and questioned the rationale behind putting the track in an area hardly known as an attraction point for athletics enthusiasts. The government-funded initiative was spearheaded by then Minister of Sport, Dr Frank Anthony.

NSC supports RHTYSC Ministry of Public Health supports Petra/Milo U-18 football Community Day of Sports

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed their partnership with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) for a Community Day of Sports, planned for March 5 at the Area ‘H’ ground.

The NSC has contributed $400 000 towards the event, which is being held as part of Guyana’s 47th Republican anniversary celebrations.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, stated that the Community Day of Sports will include cricket, athletics, volleyball, basketball and football tournaments.

The five overs-a-side cricket tournament will be played among eight teams: Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘A’, Rose Hall Town Bakewell ‘B’, Rose Hall Canje, Young & Restless, No. 19 Kennard Me-

morial, Courtland, Tamarind Root (Hampshire) and Fyrish.

The volleyball tournament, which will be organised by national coach Levi Nedd will include four female and six male teams.

In the basketball tournament four teams will vie for championship honours, while six teams do battle in the football tournament.

Promising athletes, both males and females will also be given the opportunity to participate in several events.

Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith disclosed that staff members of the NSC will be actively involved in assisting the club, since the NSC has planned to host a Community Day of Sports in every region of Guyana, in an effort to promote sports at the grassroots level.

Students of various schools pose with their footballs during yesterday’s presentation ceremony.

By Stephan Sookram

THE Petra-organised Milo Schools Under-18 football tournament received a much needed boost yesterday when the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) signed on once again.

Commencing on Saturday, the tournament will now be played with the aim of

reducing violence, according to the Chronic Diseases Unit representative Dr Troy Sagon.

“We stress exercise, in which this Under-18 competition plays a major role.

Exercise helps in the decrease of stress, it boosts the immune system and increases thinking for you to think more rationally and decrease

the tendency to become more violent,” he said.

He contended that the Ministry is on board with the tournament in this regard, stating that they are impressed with the work of the Petra organisation.

Meanwhile co-Director of the Petra organisation, Troy Mendonca, stated that they are all about devel-

opment and their aim is to ensure that as many youths as possible stay away from violence.

Meanwhile, the respective schools were yesterday presented with balls for training ahead of the Milo-sponsored tournament.

The tournament which features 32 teams begins tomorrow.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Referee mishap at Nitro Series leaves headliner Bolt fuming

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - The second instalment of the Nitro Athletics Series ended in a farce in Melbourne yesterday, with a referee error that initially awarded the Australia team top ranking for the night by mistake, leaving headline athlete Usain Bolt fuming.

In the final 4x100 metres relay event at Lakeside Stadium, Australia were disqualified for a botched baton change and Bolt’s ‘All-Stars’ won the race comfortably.

But the hosts were erroneously awarded points that left them at the top of the table at the expense of the Jamaican team.

The mishap was eventually corrected, awarding the night to the ‘All-Stars’, but not before the live broadcast of the event had finished and most of the crowd of 6 500 spectators, including IAAF president Sebastian Coe, had filed out of the stadium.

Bolt, who ran the third leg of the relay, was incredulous. “(It’s) because it’s Australia. It’s biased!” Bolt yelled at trackside officials before the result was corrected. “I’m going to protest that - it makes no sense.”

“I don’t know what happened. I thought if you were DQ’d you’d be out (of the race) for sure or even lose some points; but you can’t not lose any points,” he said.

Organisers said the error

… MPs pass no-confidence motion to reform 154-year-old institution

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - The English Football Association was warned “the clock is ticking” after a motion of no-confidence into its ability to reform itself was passed during a British Parliamentary debate yesterday.

While Sports Minister Tracey Crouch ruled out immediate intervention into the running of the world’s oldest soccer federation, she warned that it was in danger of losing £30 million ($37.54 million) of public funding and that legislation could be brought in to force change.

Jamaica’s Olympic champion Usain Bolt runs during the second night of the Nitro Athletics series at the Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

(REUTERS/Hamish Blair) lay with an Australian referee. the runners leave the track the series, but he held out Bolt was paid a seven-fig- in error, wrongly believing the possibility he might ure appearance fee to commit she had been knocked out r u n i n t h e 1 5 0 m e t r e s to all three meetings of the se- for crossing the line last sprint in the series finale tomorrow. ries in Melbourne this month behind the other runners.

Adding to the confu“I’ll probably have to and given a stake in the comsion, New Zealander Ca- double up depending on pany running the event.

The series’ opening mille Buscomb, running how this meeting goes,” night last Saturday was for the ‘All-Stars’, ran he said.

“I’m not in the best hailed as a success, with back on to the track to resolid television ratings and join the race which was of shape, but the more I a decent crowd. But the or- won by Australia’s Heidi run the better I feel. For me I’m just taking it a ganisers may hope to move See. Eight-time Olympic month at a time, trying on quickly from the second.

The scoring problem gold medallist Bolt, in to enjoy that it’s my last followed confusion during his farewell season, has season. I’m not trying the women’s mile elimina- run only in the relays in to overthink anything or tion race, which saw one of the opening two nights of trying to stress myself.”

Suarez to miss King’s Cup final after two-match ban (REUTERS)) - Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will miss the King’s Cup final against Alaves in May after being banned for two games following his sending-off in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

The suspension was handed down by the Com-

British Sports Minister says clock ticking for the FA

petition Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) yesterday and applies to cup matches only.

The Catalan club had anticipated a one-match ban and had already said they would appeal after Suarez received a second yellow card in the 90th minute of Tuesday’s semi-final for

“striking his arm against a rival player in a reckless fashion”.

The Uruguay international was punished for the dismissal, as well as for not going straight to the changing room after leaving the pitch.

Barcelona defender Ser-

gi Roberto will also miss the Cup final on May 27 after he was sent off for two yellow cards during Tuesday’s encounter at the Nou Camp.

Holders Barca beat Atletico 3-2 on aggregate to reach their fourth straight Cup final.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 10, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shimron Hetmyer (Guy) (2) Shian Braithwaite (WI Under 19s) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which Guyana bowler has been the first to claim a

4-wicket haul in CWI Nagicor Super

50 2017?

(2) Who are the two on-field umpires that stood in the

first game of the tournament?

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

British Sports Minister Tracey Crouch Crouch said the current model of the 154-year-old institution “does not stand up to scrutiny”.

“Reform is required,” Crouch told lawmakers, who described the organisation variously as “shambolic” and “ancient”.

“But I repeat that the governing body has every opportunity to bring that around itself.

Therefore I believe a vote of no-confidence in the FA today is six weeks premature.

“But they should be aware the clock is ticking fast and that failure to reform will lead not just to the withdrawal of public money but further consideration of legislative, regulatory and financial options to bring about the change needed.”

The motion was tabled by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee which argued that the FA had failed to demonstrate that it was willing to improve governance since the government issued new guidelines six months ago.

Chief among the criticisms of the FA are a lack of diversity and a failure to represent the modern game.

The FA’s 122-member council contains just eight women and only four from ethnic minorities. The vast majority are aged over 60, with 12 in their 80s.

Several lawmakers supported calls for fans’ groups to have representation on the council.

Clive Efford said the FA was “extraordinarily weak

at times and unable to wield any power over the Premier League and Football League.”

FA chairman Greg Clarke has to present a programme of reforms, aimed at bringing the organisation into line with the Government’s Code of Governance, by the end of March.

He has vowed to stand down if he fails.

“Greg Clarke said if it doesn’t comply he would have failed and he would resign,” Crouch said.

“It is true he would have failed but it would be as a consequence of his own board and council failing him and not because the government set an unreasonable challenge of achieving good governance.

“It’s up to the FA if they wish to play Russian roulette with public money. They will lose.”

Damian Collins, chair of the select committee, said the FA was in “stoppage time trailing 1-0”.

“No change is no option,” he said. “Reform will be delivered to them if they don’t reform themselves.”

As lawmakers aired a variety of grievances in a near-empty chamber, the FA took to social media to champion the various grassroots schemes it has supported across the country.

“We accept that our governance needs reform and that many of the points to be raised in today’s debate are valid,” it said in a statement posted on its website.

“But we strongly reject the allegation that we are not performing our duties.”

Clarke needs to get his reforms, including the addition of two female directors to the board this year, past the FA’s council by the time the new code comes into effect in April.

Former chairman Greg Dyke said on Wednesday the “old men” blocking change at the FA are “stupid enough” to fight reforms -- a view echoed by lawmaker Nigel Huddleston.

“I sense his hands are tied and a sense of institutional inertia pervades the governance of football in this country,” he said.

Clarke, a former Leicester City chairman, reacted to the debate, saying he respected the opinions of Parliament.

“As previously stated we remain committed to reforming the governance at the FA to the agreed timescale of the minister,” he said on Twitter.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 10, 2017

Hetmyer misses ton as Jaguars brush aside ICC Americas

CAVE HILL, Barbados (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars wrapped up a disappointing preliminary round campaign in the Regional Super50 by brushing aside ICC Americas by eight wickets, in their final Group B outing here yesterday.

Already eliminated from advancing to the final four, Jaguars used the opportunity to notch their fourth win of the tournament by easily chasing down 171 at 3Ws Oval.

Opener Shimron Hetmyer, returning to the lineup after missing the last two games, missed out on a maiden hundred with 94 while fellow lefthander Assad Fudadin hit 54 – his second half-century of the competition.

The pair put on 142 for the first wicket to negate any chance of an upset, as ICC Americas slumped to their sixth defeat in seven outings.

Hetmyer, the successful former West Indies Under-19s captain, hammered ten fours and four sixes in an aggressive 76-ball knock while Fudadin faced 66 deliveries and counted four fours and two sixes.

Jaguars galloped to their 50 off just 48 balls and reached 100 in the 19th over, with Hetmyer undertaking the bulk of the scoring.

In fact, he raised his half-century off 49 deliveries and then required another 27 deliveries to motor into the 90s before falling short of his landmark.

He perished in the 26th over with the score on 158, 19 deliveries after Fudadin had departed.

Earlier, ICC Americas were bowled out of 170 off 48.1 overs, after choosing to bat first.

They were undermined by left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (3-15) and leg-spinner

bin Zafar combined in a 67run partnership, to rescue the innings.

Dutta struck two fours off 77 balls while bin Zafar cracked a four and a six off 63 balls but the partnership though productive was a slow one and ICC Americas were

SCOREBOARD

Shimron Hetmyer hammers ten fours and four sixes in an aggressive 76-ball knock.

Devendra Bishoo (3-28) both of whom finished with three wickets apiece.

Nikhil Dutta top-scored with 38, Saad bin Zafar weighed in with 36 while Nitish Kumar got 31.

Openers Akeem Dodson (2) and Kamau Leverock (5) both fell cheaply to leave ICC

Americas struggling on 12 for two in the fifth over before Kumar and Alex Amsterdam, who made 25, put on 55 for the third wicket.

Once they were separated, another slump ensued where ICC Americas lost four wickets for nine runs in the space of 24 balls and this time, Dutta and

Digicel, GFSCA team up for softball tournament … Event dubbed ‘triple treat’

SOFTBALL fans will have a chance to get in on the action as mobile service providers Digicel launched its Tr i p l e Tre a t S o f t b a l l and Duck Curry competition yesterday at its Kingston head office.

The softball tournament, which will bowl o ff o n M a r c h 5 a t t h e Perseverance beach ground, will conclude on April 1 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground with three events, according to Digicel’s Communicat i o n s M a n a g e r Vi d y a Sanichara.

Registration for the tournament commences today and will conclude on February 28 with the tournament hosting a total of 24 teams and, according to Sanichara, “It is to create an i d e a l a t m o s p h e re f o r families.”

Digicel’s Retail Sales Manager, Richard Das,

took the opportunity to invite all the teams, who had participated last year, to register again.

He said that following t h e M a r c h 5 b o w l - o ff of the tournament, the competition continues every weekend leading up to the final at the Anna Regina ground.

only 136 for six in the 40th over.

When left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul removed Dutta to a catch at the wicket in the 43rd over, the innings declined again, as the last four wickets fell for 27 runs.

Das said the draw for the fixtures will be held on March 4 at the Speed Talk Mobile, which is the Anna Regina Digicel store.

The softball aspect will be held under the auspices of the Guyana Floodlights Softb a l l C r i c k e t A s s o c i ation (GFSCA), whose president Ramchand

Ragbeer expressed pleasure at being associated with Digicel and the residents of the Essequibo Coast.

Apart from softball cricket, there will be Duck Curry competition and Stage Show to give persons the ‘three times the fun’.

It is the second edition of the event.

Digicel’s officials, including Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara (second left), Richard Das (third left), Louanna Abrams (second right), stand with GFSCA officials at the Launch yesterday. (Adrian Narine photo)

ICC AMERICAS innings K. Leverock b Wintz 5 A. Dodson c Hetmyer b Jacobs 2 N. Kumar lbw b Bishoo 31 A. Amsterdam c Johnson b Bishoo 25 S. Wijeyeratne lbw b Bishoo 2 N. Dutta c Permaul b Reifer 38 T. Allen run-out 1 S. bin Zafar c wkp. Bramble b Permaul 36 T. Patel c Permaul b Reifer 7 J. Singh not out 5 C. Pervez b Reifer 2 Extras: (w-13, nb-3) 16 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 170 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-12, 3-67, 4-73, 5-74, 6-76, 7-143, 8-162, 9-162.

Bowling: Wintz 7-1-43-1 (w-6, nb-2), Jacobs 10-0-33-1 (w-1),

Reifer 5.1-0-15-3 (w-3), Bishoo 10-1-28-3 (nb-1), Permaul 101-29-1 (w-2), Barnwell 6-0-22-0 (w-1).

JAGUARS innings A. Fudadin cAmsterdam b bin Zafar 54 S. Hetmyer c bin Zafar b Dutta 94 L. Johnson* not out 13 C. Barnwell not out 3 Extras: (lb-3, w-3, nb-1) 7 Total: (2 wkts, 28.1 overs) 171 Bowling: Jasdeep Singh 4.21-20-0 (w-1), Pervez 3-0-21-0 (w-1), Allen 3-0-32-0, Dutta 7.4-1-34-1, Kumar 2-0-13-0 (w1), Patel 4-0-19-0, bin Zafar 4.1-0-29-1.

Points: Jaguars 5, ICC Americas 0.

Hetmyer misses ton as Jaguars brush aside e 31 See Pag ICC Americas

GFF launches youth-focused Academy Training Centres

See story on Page 27 At the unveiling of the official logo for the GFF/Scotiabank Academy Training Centres are (from left): NSC chairman Ivan Persaud, Scotiabank’s Jennifer Cipriani, GFF president Wayne Forde, and GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood. (Adrian Narine photo)

V i n c e n t e b r e a k s Western Tigers stun Uitvlugt 3-2 in Limacol football GABA 3-point record … Grove Hi-Tech, Northern Rangers play to 0-0 stalemate IT was the prolific performance of Dominic ‘The Logo Kid’ Vincente that lifted his Dynas Ravens side over Eagles 110-47 in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League of Champions 2017.

In the first division matchup played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Wednesday, Vincente scored 54 points inclusive of 14 three-pointers to lead the Ravens to victory.

However, it wasn’t just scoring

Dominic ‘The Logo Kid’ Vincente

points where Vincente made his impact; he had two steals, four rebounds and two assists in the game. Ryan Gullen and Lawrence De Costa supported Vincente with 14 and 19 points while adding 13 and 9 rebounds respectively.

For the Eagles, Kevin Higgins was the lone double-figure scorer with 12 points also adding 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile in the Under-23 games, Dynas Ravens lost to the Plaisance Guardians 92-62.

For the Plaisance side, Anton Fileen scored 15 points and 10 steals in addition to 4 rebounds.

He was supported by Terrence Daniels, Nigel Bowen who each had 14 points. Delroy Critchlow and Akeem Crandon also scored 13 each.

For the Ravens, Sebastian Luke had 16 points, while Anfernee Jervis scored 11 with Akeem Morrison and Murtland Ward both scoring 10.

The league continues at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

By Stephan Sookram

WESTERN Tigers continued their unbeaten streak in the 2017 Limacol round-robin football tournament by producing a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Uitvlugt when action continued on Wednesday evening at the GFC ground.

By virtue of playing undefeated, Western Tigers are the first team through to the next round and will pocket $100 000 for topping Group B. From the start, Uitvlugt understood the daunting task that lay before them - to dethrone the undefeated and try to secure one of two spots in the next round of the tour-

A Grove Hi-Tech player collects the ball on his chest during the side’s stalemate with Northern Rangers. (Adrian Narine photo)

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

nament.

And they got the start they wanted. Trayon Bobb’s 15th minute free kick was one from the story books, when his curling left shot zoomed into the top right corner of the goal as the keeper and defenders stood rooted to the spot.

They got a further boost four minutes later when Bobb again, down the right wing, cut inside before delivering an expertly weighed throughball to Jamaal Harvey that was skilfully converted, putting Uitvlugt on the path to victory.

However, Western Tigers were by no means finished as a set piece two minutes into the injury time of the second half produced their first goal of the game after a deflection off Andrew Murray from a set piece rounded the left side of the goal.

They drew level through Linden Pickett in the 53rd minute with the battle on for the tie-breaker.

The heart-wrenching

game finally slid the way of the Tigers four minutes into the second half’s injury time when Jumane Somerset slotted home, much to the cheers of the crowd.

The fight for the second qualification in Group B tips more in favour of the Eagles, who are tied with Uitvlugt on three points and goal differences (0) but have a game in hand.

At least a draw in the Eagles United vs New Amsterdam United fixture, carded for this weekend, will allow Eagles to progress to the next stage but an outright loss could work in favour of Uitvlugt.

In the earlier match, Grove Hi-Tech and Northern Rangers played to a onegoal stalemate with Grove’s Denzel Crawford scoring two minutes into the first half’s injury time and the response from Tefon Daly coming in the (77th).

Turn to Page 27 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017