Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12 01 2017

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Col Hussain second in command of GDF

No. 104791

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

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‘Not playing politics’ …President Granger to provide clarification to Jagdeo Page 3

Strengthening Security …Pres Granger meets with delegation from U.S. Southern Command

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President David Granger converses with Military Deputy Commander of the United States (U.S.) Southern Command, Lieutenant- General Joseph DiSalvo , before their meeting at State House. Ambassador Perry Holloway and Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman are left and second from left respectively. [Adrian Narine photo]

JOF Haynes Fire flattens Gov’t slams Law School by CAL for ‘cash Patentia Housing next year cow’ remark Scheme bond Page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Strengthening Security …Pres Granger meets with delegation from U.S. Southern Command THE Military Deputy Commander of the United States (U.S.) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Lieutenant-General Joseph DiSalvo, paid a courtesy call on President David Granger on Wednesday at State House.

He was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Perry Holloway, and a team from his organisation.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, during the meeting President Granger and General DiSalvo discussed regional security with reference to transnational crimes and the

strengthening of regional security mechanisms. Guyana’s Head of State also used the opportunity to update the delegation on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and on the country’s ‘green’ state agenda.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General DiSalvo said that with Guyana’s impending economic boom, as a result of the development of the petroleum industry, there will be even more security-related challenges and assured the President of SOUTHCOM’s support, particularly as it relates to the formulation of a

President David Granger meets with Military Deputy Commander of the United States (U.S.) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Lieutenant-General Joseph DiSalvo and Ambassador Perry Holloway with members of the delegation from SOUTHCOM at State House

sustainable national security programme.

Additionally, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and newly appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Patrick West, were also present at the meeting. SOUTHCOM is a joint military command, which supports U.S. national security objectives throughout the western hemisphere in cooperation with domestic and international partners, in order to foster security, ensure stability, and promote prosperity throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean and the global community.

Police hunt third suspect in sugar worker’s death TWO persons are in police custody as investigators hunt for a third in connection with the murder of a 37-year-old Uitvlugt Estate worker which occurred on Monday night.

Police have so far arrested a porknocker at Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, Region One on Tuesday. The stepson of the deceased has also been arrested.

Dead is Kawall Shivn-

auth called “Rupesh” of Wine Bush Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital after being discovered at an Anna Catherina, WCD rum

shop with suspected stab wounds about his body.

Reports revealed that the sugar worker had an altercation with three persons, including his teenaged stepson,as he was about to exit the shop.

He was reportedly lashed behind his head while another man pounced on him and stabbed him

Dead: Kawall Shivnauth

repeatedly.

Residents raised an alarm and the police were alerted. Shivnauth sustained injuries to his lower abdomen. Shivnauth celebrated his birthday Sunday last and according to reports, an old argument he had with his stepson resulted in the fight that led to his demise.

Col Hussain second in command of GDF GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Nazrul Hussain, is now Inspector- General of the army, which is equivalent to the Deputy Chief-of-Staff, sources have confirmed.

Colonel Hussain heads the Department of National Events at the Ministry of the Presidency. Brigadier Patrick West, who previously held the post of Inspector-General, was promoted on Tuesday as the new Chief-of-Staff by President David Granger.

Brigadier West was also conferred with the National Award, the Military Service Star (MSS) in recognition of his 33 years of dedicated service to the Force. Brigadier West takes

Colonel Nazrul Hussain

over command of the force from Brigadier George Lewis, who was sworn in on October 3, 2016.

Colonel Hussain is tasked with the planning and execution of all national events in the country. President Granger had noted that national events are occasions for the country and Guyanese people to feel pride and patriotism for and the events must therefore be planned and executed in such a manner, that those feelings are expressed and felt by all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

GECOM STALEMATE

‘I'm not playing politics’ …President Granger to provide clarification to Jagdeo PRESIDENT David Granger has noted that the Constitution is very clear on the matter of the appointment of a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and that he is committed to fulfilling the constitutional requirement within the ambit of the law.

The Head of State, who was at the time responding to questions from members of media at State House, said that government has no interest in playing politics with the matter and will provide the clarification that Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, needs, as requested in his letter to the Head of State, sent on January 10, 2017.

“I am not playing politics, I am serious about the

appointment of the Chairman of GECOM and as far as I can say, the Constitution is very, very clear. Mr Jagdeo did write to me and he asked for some clarifications. Well, it has now gone into the legal zone and we are going to ensure that he gets the legal clarifications that he needs, but in terms of the names, I am not in the business of naming names at this stage. I am in the business of satisfying the constitutional requirement for the appointment.

“The law will prevail and we will continue to engage the Leader of the Opposition as is required under the Constitution… We are looking at everything under the legal framework, not within the framework of politics or

“So the point is, even if the Constitution had been breached, or a nomination has been made in breach of the Constitution, 10 or 20 years ago, there is no need to repeat it, so that’s not a precedent. I am accepting now as President that the constitutional provisions must be applied” – Pres Granger personalities,” the President was quoted as saying in a release from the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to the release, the Head of State emphasised that regardless of what had obtained in the past, the responsibility has now been vested in him as President of Guyana and the provisions of the Constitution will be

followed.

He noted that any breaches that may have occurred in the past must not be allowed to persist.

“My understanding is that at all material times a member of the legal profession or several members of the legal profession were on the list, but my acceptance of the nomination …does not

President David Granger

necessarily mean that I must accept the six names that were submitted. So it doesn’t follow the law of what you would call the ‘non sequitur’ [a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement].

“So the point is, even if

the Constitution had been breached, or a nomination been made in breach of the Constitution -- 10 or 20 years ago -- there is no need to repeat it, so that’s not a precedent. I am accepting now as President that the constitutional provisions must be applied,” the Head of State said.

Though the list provided by the Opposition Leader does contain the name of Mr Christopher Ram, who was admitted to the Bar in 2009, this is the first time a Senior Counsel or a person qualified to be a judge or a former or current judge has not been included on a list submitted by an Opposition Leader.

President Granger had said that the list of nominees provided to him is unacceptable and falls short of the constitutional requirements.

President accredits Nepal, Iran ambassadors – says there’s much to learn from both countries PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accredited as ambassadors to Guyana Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki and Mr Mostafa Alaei,of the Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Islamic Republic of Iran,respectively.

Underscoring the fact that there’s much to be learnt from both countries, President Granger said Guyana and Nepal share common vulnerabilities to the adverse effects of climate change, and as such his government has taken note of that country’s promotion of community forest management.

He further explained that like Guyana, a low-lying coastal state susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels, floods, drought and environmental hazards, Nepal, which is a land-locked state, also faces increased climate-induced threats.

“We are both rich in hydro-electric potential. Our two countries can learn from each other’s experience in developing climate change adaptation plans, and in promoting renewable energy development,” he said.

“We feel that there is much for Guyana to learn from your country in forest conservation, and from the challenges in conserving our natural assets,” he told Dr. Karki.

He said that since es-

tablishing diplomatic ties in 1994, the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations, and it is expected that this appointment will serve to reignite the opportunities for deeper cooperation between them.

OUR COMMON VALUES “Our two republics are united by common values of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs; cooperation for mutual benefit; respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security,” the president said.

In response, Dr Karki said that Nepal places great importance on the relationship it shares with Guyana, since their ties were established on goodwill, understanding and strong bonds of friendship 23 years ago.

“These values are multi-faceted, and they encompass a broad spectrum of political, socio-economic, cultural and many more dimensions,”he said, adding: “We are optimistic that Nepal and Guyana will be table to take our relationship to a new height. The bonds that we build will be based on trust and mutual benefit that are consistent with our potentials and the aspirations of our people.”

President David Granger receiving Letters of Credence from newly-accredited non-resident Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Guyana, Mr. Mostafa Alaei

PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP Meanwhile, on presenting his Letters of Credence, Iran’s Mr Alaei said the relationship between Guyana and his country has always been characterised by peace and friendship, and based on the goodwill and benevolent aspirations of their respective governments.

As such, he said, the potential for the strengthening of ties between the two countries holds great promise.

“Clearly, this relationship carries with it great potentials to be realised within a wide spectrum of political, international and economic affairs,” Mr Alaei said, adding:

“At the national level, both countries possess vast resources of particular and specific importance, in different forms, needed for development.

Noting further that both countries complement each other, Mr Alaei went on to explain that there are many areas within which both countries could support each other and combine their efforts to advance common interests within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations (UN).

“In this context,” he said, “both governments, in our view, possess capacities and capabilities to even harness their abilities in the interest of South to South Cooperation.”

In welcoming him to the

Newly accredited Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Guyana, Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger during the simple ceremony at State House on Wednesday

Guyanese diplomatic fold, President Granger underscored the fact that since Guyana established diplomatic ties with Iran in June 1985, both nations have always maintained cordial relations.

“There exists several possibilities for us to expand our cooperation, especially in the fields of agriculture, food production technology and hydro-electrical energy generation, thus expanding the existing capacity and furthering South-South cooperation,” President Granger told Ambassador Alaei.

He was keen to note, too, that as Guyana continues to advance its “green agenda”, Ambassador Alaei’s appointment can serve as the catalyst

for the enhancement of relations, particularly in this area.

Said the president: “Guyana is establishing a “green state”; this emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services, and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

“We are committed to a low-carbon, low- emission trajectory of development; more can be done to take advantage of the opportunities to bring our two countries and peoples together.

Mr Alaei, who replaces Ambassador Hojattolah Soltani, will be based in Caracas, Venezuela.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Trump accuses U.S. spy agencies of Nazi tactics Reuters - PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump escalated a fight with U.S. spy agencies on Wednesday, just nine days before he takes over their command as president, and accused them of practices reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

The Republican said leaks from the intelligence community led to some U.S. media outlets reporting unsubstantiated claims that he was caught in a compromising position in Russia.

“I think it was disgraceful, disgraceful that the intelligence agencies allowed any information that turned out to be so false and fake out. I think it’s a disgrace, and I say that ... that’s something that Nazi Germany would have done and did do,” Trump told a news conference in New York.

For the first time, Trump acknowledged that Russia likely hacked the Democratic National Committee and the emails of top Democrats during the 2016 presidential election.

“I think it was Russia,” he said,

pointing out that other countries were also hacking the United States.

Trump’s comments about spy agencies such as the CIA are likely to intensify tensions between the intelligence community and the president-elect, who initially disparaged its conclusion that a Russian hacking campaign was aimed at boosting his candidacy against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, called a dossier that makes salacious claims about him in Russia “fake news” and “phony stuff.”

MEMO AND REPORTS Two U.S. officials said the allegations about Trump, which one called “unsubstantiated,” were contained in a two-page memo appended to a report on Russian interference in the 2016 election that was presented last week to Trump and to President Barack Obama.

Trump said, without offering evidence, that the news he had been briefed on the memo “was released by maybe the

(U.S.) intelligence agencies.

Who knows? But maybe the intelligence agencies which would be a tremendous blot on their record if they in fact did that.”

CNN reported on Tuesday about the existence of the memo. BuzzFeed published a fuller 35-page document produced by Christopher Steele, a former British foreign intelligence official, that outlined the allegations of compromising behaviour by Trump and alleged links between the businessman and people in Russia.

The claims were included in opposition research reports that were made available last year to Democrats and U.S. officials.

One U.S. official said investigators had so far been unable to confirm material about Trump’s financial and personal entanglements with Russian businessmen and others whom U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded are Russian intelligence officers or working on behalf of Russian intelligence.

Some material in Steele’s reports has proved to be errone-

ous, the U.S. official said.

In the news conference, Trump declined to answer whether anyone connected to him or the campaign had contact with Moscow during the presidential campaign, and said he had no loans or business deals with Russia.

He defended his goal of better ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability,” he said.

The New York real estate developer complained about leaks from meetings he has with intelligence agencies and suggested they were to blame.

“I have many meetings with intelligence. And every time I meet, people are reading about it. Somebody’s leaking it out,” he said.

PROTESTERS OUTSIDE, CHEERING AIDES INSIDE The long-awaited news conference was a freewheeling affair, with Trump aides cheering from

the sidelines at one point and the president-elect angrily refusing to take questions from a CNN reporter.

Outside, about a dozen protesters gathered behind a police barricade across the street from Trump Tower, holding signs with the slogans “Dump Trump” and “Allegiance To America Not Russia” as Fifth Avenue traffic streamed by.

It was Trump’s first news conference in about six months. About 250 reporters jammed into the lobby at his Manhattan offices where Trump also slammed drug company pricing policies.

Questions extended to many issues that will face him when he takes office.

He vowed to soon begin negotiations with Mexico on building a border wall and said he will nominate a Supreme Court justice to fill the seat left by the death of conservative Antonin Scalia within two

weeks of taking office.

He also said he would offer a plan to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care law once his choice for health and human services, Tom Price, is confirmed by the Senate.

Trump gestured to large stacks of manila folders as he described how he will separate himself from his global business operations, which includes hotels and golf courses as well as assets like a winery and modeling agency, to avoid conflicts of interest once he takes office.

He also talked about how he plans to bring manufacturing jobs back from overseas plants, slamming drug companies for “getting away with murder” on pricing.

U.S. stocks slipped to session lows, before recovering ground, as healthcare stocks took a beating following Trump’s comments on drug pricing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

St Vincent PM remains opposed to economic citizenship Caribbean News Now PRIME Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has reiterated his disdain for the economic citizenship programmes being operated by some member states of the OECS. Gonsalves in his latest comment on the matter emphasised that his country’s citizenship is not for sale.

“The highest office in the land is that of citizen, higher than prime minister, higher than governor general. It is not a commodity for sale.

The passport is the outward sign of the inward grace of citizenship and that too is not for sale,” he said.

However former prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas denies that

St Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

the CIP represents the selling of citizenship.

“The country’s citizenship for St Kitts and Nevis definitely is not for sale.

As we continue to say to my former colleague, the

St Kitts programme was an economic development programme. It was an investment programme that invited persons to invest in the country; no one was really selling the passport. I know of course it is interpreted in layman’s language to be the selling of the passport but one needs to look at the economic development benefits that have been derived from the programme at this time and one would understand clearly that it is an economic development strategy, it is an investment programme that allows the investor to be incentivized to become a citizen of a country that you have invested significant amounts,” Douglas said.

Gonsalves is not buying that explanation.

Brazil gang threatens rivals in songs BBC - A Brazilian criminal gang suspected of instigating a deadly riot in a prison in the northern city of Manaus on 1 January has used a funk song to ‘declare war’ on its rivals.

In the song attributed to the Familia do Norte (FDN) gang, a man gives details of the killings and says that “the war has only just started”.

It goes on to threaten members of rival gang First Capital Command (PCC).

The song was shared on social media in the days following the riot.

Investigators have said that they believe that the riot was triggered by members of the Familia do Norte gang.

Most of the 56 inmates killed in the riot at the Anisio Jobim jail belonged to the PCC. The song, entitled “Funk about the FDN’s massacre”, also appears to back up investigators’ suspicions that the Familia do Norte was acting on the behest of another gang, the Red Command, when they attacked the PCC. Until recently, the Red Command and the PCC were abiding by a truce, which allowed each gang to control

Relatives gathered outside the jail to wait for news following the 17-hour riot

drug trafficking routes in certain regions of Brazil.

But security experts who monitor gang activity think that the truce crumbled in 2016 as the PCC tried to expand its operations into the north of Brazil.

In its lyrics, the funk song praises a new alliance between the Familia do Norte gang and the Red

Command.

It also refers to the rupture of “the friendship” between the Red Command and the PCC. It goes on to describe the weapons used in the killings, such as rifles and a grenade, and to boast about the violence inflicted, including decapitating PCC members.

BBC Brasil’s Felipe Souza says it is not the first time Familia do Norte has used funk songs to threaten its rivals.

He says that in 2015, the gang shared a song in which it denounced members who had split off to form a new gang as “traitors”.

Three members of the off-shoot were subsequently murdered.

He contends that citizenship is too precious to be used as a bargaining tool.

“When people tell me I can make a lot of money from it, there are lots of things you can make money from which you would not necessarily get engaged in. But as I say, I am not criticising any of my brothers in the other countries who want to go there, that is their right, we agree to disagree in this one,” he emphasised.

However regional broadcaster, Vincentian Jerry George, told WINN FM that Gonsalves’ position on the matter is hypocritical.

“You cannot have it both ways and that is the problem I have in our region. The people get up on one stand and make these statements

and then you see what they are doing. There is no official programme in St Vincent of citizenship by investment but the prime minister (Gonsalves) feels he has a right to give passports to whom he wants to give passports to.

How different is that? In fact because of that approach we don’t have a clue as to who has Vincentian passports. So yes, you go out front and say officially I have a problem with it, but you do it covertly.

Does it make it any difference?” George asked.

George is supportive of regional states having economic citizenship programmes.

“The idea of citizenship by investment is a very good idea. It’s a difficult business to manage I would say, that

because most of our Caribbean countries do not have the resources, especially to do due diligence but the idea is a good one. That is why countries like Malta and other countries recognised it and ran with it, it’s good. When some people come across by thinking that simply because a citizenship by investment programme means that it’s either illegal or flawed, no, it has to be managed properly,” he continued.

The CIP programmes of St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica were criticised in a recent edition of CBS’ 60 Minutes as not being transparent enough, and not paying enough attention to the due diligence aspects of the programmes.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Finding a GECOM Chairman

ON Sunday January 8 at the Annual Media Brunch held at State House, President David Granger addressed the proposed appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Incumbent Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, resigned with effect from November 30, 2016, but has been asked by the President to stay on until his replacement is found.

Last November, President Granger wrote Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, requesting that he submit a list of nominees “not unacceptable” to him consistent with Article 161 (2) of the Guyana Constitution, which would allow him to extract one to be appointed chairman. This article stipulates who are likely to be among the persons to be considered. The persons are from among those who are judges or who had held the position of judge in any part of the Commonwealth, or are likely to be among this group, or “any other fit and proper person.”

It is the President’s view that the present list submitted to him is found to be “unacceptable.” Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the matter, suffice it to say there is a view that disagrees with the President’s, most notably the Leader of the Opposition, whose role it is to submit the list of nominees.

And while the opposition has expressed concern about the way forward and the President under Article 161 (2) paragraph 2 has the authority to appoint in the absence of an agreement of someone from the list, he has requested the Opposition Leader to submit another list which would afford him wider consideration. The act of requesting another list indicates that the President is looking for consensus, rather than holding to a position as perceived by the opposition that he intends to appoint someone not recommended by the Leader of the Opposition. This action augurs well for our politics.

Our society is still tending the scars of recent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) governments dealing with issues in which the opposition, interest groups, and individuals may have raised concerns. Whatever decision the PPP/C governments took on any issue they conceptualized -- whether right or wrong and regardless of what evidence may have been presented to them -- their track record has been one where public opinion that did not sit with theirs didn’t matter. And here is where the nation is urged to pause, lest we miss an aspect of our politics -- however minute -- that should it be nurtured can help us to grow from strength to strength. It is not the intent of this editorial to analyse the merits or demerits of the exchanges that have brought us to where we are presently on the matter.

It is the intent to draw attention to an aspect of our political culture where listening to alternative views has not been a common feature.

The Leader of the Opposition, who held the presidency for 12 years, would not find it difficult to admit that was not something he would have welcomed or would have reacted to positively. His was a leadership known for verbally abusing and denying persons and organisations who dare challenge his view, decision-making, or management of the State. There was a general perception that fear pervaded the land as a result of his attitude and behaviour

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Jagdeo GECOM list mostly partisan Dear Editor

I AGREE with the President’s rejection of the list sent to him by Opposition Leader, Mr. Jagdeo. Mr Jagdeo must have known that his list was mostly partisan and that it flies in the face of the spirit of the Carter Formula.

The success of the arrangements assumes that the Opposition would act in an unbiased and non-partisan manner. The PPP and Mr Jagdeo, when in office, were never put in the position of having to reject outright any list sent to them by the then Opposition, largely because those lists were generally balanced and included persons who were not known to be overtly affiliated with any of the contending parties.

We definitely want the person holding such a sensitive position as GECOM Chair to be as non-partisan as is possible. To find a list of such persons in Guyana, one must do some looking and must approach that search with non-partisan lens. I don’t think Mr Jagdeo was as thorough enough

in his search or with his consultation.

Now we are in uncharted waters, because we have never been down this road before. I am very opposed to the President acting unilaterally.

That would be against the spirit of the Carter Formula and would send the wrong message about the government’s mode of governance. But it would also be politically suicidal, because it is precisely such an outcome the PPP seeks—I don’t believe sending such a partisan list was accidental. The President must [not] fall into that trap; he must do everything in his power to resist the temptation to act unilaterally.

Unilateralism should be an absolute last resort.

The ball is now squarely in the PPP’s court. Mr Jagdeo has taken a good first step in seeking to meet with the President, something he should be doing more often. The President should grant the request. I see such a meeting achieving two things—a commitment from the President that he would not act unilaterally and a commitment from Mr Jagdeo that he would

send the President a non-partisan list.

The key here is consultation. If Mr Jagdeo cares about the integrity of the process, he would initiate a fresh round of consultations. During the PPP’s time in office, the Leader of the Opposition had other parties to consult with. But with the tables turned and the other so-called minor parties being part of the governing coalition, the PPP has to consult wider. It must include more stakeholder organisations in its consultation; there are a whole range of interests that were not consulted the first time around. I am not aware that Amerindian and African-Guyanese interests were consulted. Also omitted were women’s Interest Groups, the academic community, Youth groups and the full range of religious interests. In the end, both sides must display a sense of fairness and statesmanship—the stakes are too high.

Regards David Hinds

Can we have a Palms for Berbice?

Dear Editor,

AS indicated in the media last Friday, the Social Protection Ministry will expend $60M on the ‘Palms’ in Georgetown, particularly to install “elevators at the Brickdam, Georgetown facility.”

Implicit in the report was that the elevators will more specifically serve the staff attached to the Palms, by sparing them the effort of climbing the stairs connecting the three floors of the building in order to deliver laundry and food for the inmates.

We must compliment the Government for trying to improve working and living conditions of the staff and the inmates; but given the need to properly prioritise the expenditure of the limited taxpayers’ funds available, one is tempted to question the wisdom of providing more ‘sophisticated’ conditions for ‘privileged’ citizens in/ around Georgetown when citizens in other locations, for example, in/around New Amsterdam have no such facility.

As far as I know, the ‘Dharm Shala’ in Berbice, situated under the Canje

bridge which connects New Amsterdam with the Corentyne coast, is the only facility in Berbice that attempts to provide the kind of service available at the Palms in Georgetown. However, this facility is in a most deplorable state; the yard is a bushy swamp surrounded by tall mangrove trees growing along the Canje Creek, which overflows into the yard and provides a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes and reptiles.

The inmates sleep on cots sometimes with wet mattresses or without; those on the ground floor often step out of their cots onto wet floors in order to get to the dysfunctional toilets and/or the dining hall. Added to the constantly damp, bleak physical conditions, are the constant noise and banging sounds from the steady 24-hour day & night traffic over the Canje Bridge, which overhangs the dilapidated Dharm Shala structure.

Thanks are indeed due to the Ramsaroop family in Georgetown who have been assuming responsibility for the Dharm Shala over the many decades of its existence; thanks are also due to the countless other benevolent persons who have been making contributions

and persons felt it was safer to be silent than to speak out.

And though our politics has its ups and downs -- and some may argue more downs than ups -- if the political leadership can present assurance that the people can count on and rely on them to ultimately do right by them, it is a breath of fresh air. The President’s act of requesting that the Opposition Leader submit another list is evident; he is responding to other opinions, which has not been a feature of recent politics, though it remains one the citizenry has

and volunteering in other ways to keep the Dharm Shala going. However, their magnanimous efforts in maintaining the structure at its current location are now tantamount to throwing good money into a site and structure that have long hit rock bottom and are now unsalvageable.

The $60M earmarked for elevators at the Georgetown Palms might be all that is required to construct a Palms for Berbice in a more appropriate location; the old New Amsterdam Hospital site readily comes to mind ; better still might be the open space available around the old Mental Hospital compound, which is between the current Dharm Shala and the current New Amsterdam Hospital compound. I am personally prepared to work along with a team of Berbicians to raise any supplementary funds that may be required.

Over to you, our new Minister of Social Protection, whom I think is a fellow Berbician!

Regards Nowrang Persaud

been requesting.

In spite of the various expressions of identifying, and ultimately finding the candidate to be appointed, where our political leaders can cultivate and apply that sense of servant leadership and humility to listen to the people, including dissenters, and act in a manner that would lend to assurance that all views matter, is helpful. This opportunity must be seized and built on for our common good, not ignored or squandered in the midst of the noise.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Norton salutes Chinese on 164th Anniversary of arrival SOCIAL Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton has hailed the contributions of Chinese in the development of Guyana and called on citizens to participate fully in today’s observance of Chinese Arrival Day- which was only last week designated by President David Granger.

Norton made the comments in a message to mark the 164th Anniversary of the arrival of Chinese here.

The full text of his message follows: Guyanese through the length and breadth of the country join today to celebrate the 164th Anniversary of the arrival of the Chinesea day so significant that His Excellency President David Granger saw it fit that it be designated as Chinese Arrival Day. As we observe this day for the first time in our country, I wish to offer a few words as the Minister of Social Cohesion and by extension, one who is a part of a Government, which fosters and promotes National Unity. The Chinese have made substantial contributions to our beautiful country since their arrival on January 12, 1853 and it is vital that we acknowledge these contributions and ensure that as we foster a unified country, we preserve the Chinese Culture.

For the entire period of 1853 to 1879, a total of 13,541 Chinese landed in Guyana. These persons were diverse in their own right, since they came from various regions, spoke different languages and had varying religious beliefs. They came as the smallest group of indentured labourers and were distributed to the sugar plantations in the three counties of Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo. Fortunately, families were kept together in the distribution.

Engrained neatly in the fabric of the Guyanese Society are contributions by Chinese that include the tasty cuisine that continues to be popular in Guyana and which is talked about in many other countries, folklore and the

Dr George Norton

language which continues to be spoken by natives and is even taught here at the Confucius Institute.

The Chinese were astute businessmen, who operated grocery stores and were druggists, butchers, hucksters, cart and boat cab owners, barbers, laundrymen among other things. Their contribution to commerce can still be seen today with various businesses across the country. We must also not forget that the Chinese were able to contribute to the development of sport in Guyana as well. Some might remember the Chinese Sports Club, which is now known as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club. Among the sporting disciplines of the club were cricket, tennis, hockey and basketball.

The club, however, shone at hockey and in 1961, eight of its members were selected to tour with the national hockey team which won the first and only Quadrangular Hockey Tournament among British Guiana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. The club went on to have the leading hockey team in Guyana, winning all the hockey tournaments in 1974.

Chinese have been fully integrated into the Guyanese society and have been able to excel in virtually every area, including in academia, the legal and medical fields.

Some notable Guyanese Chinese are: the first President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the late Arthur Chung; former Chief Justice, Ian Chang, entrepreneur Stanley Ming, general surgeon, Mr. Wallace Lee and

Mathematician, Claude Lee. Chinese, like all other ethnic groups in Guyana, must be recognised for their sterling contributions and must be integrally involved in every aspect of building our beautiful country. Guyana is commonly referred to as the land of six peoples, owing to our rich ethnic diversity, but we must remember that we are one people, in one nation, working towards one destiny. As we celebrate the arrival of Chinese in Guyana, let us use this time to reflect on our rich diversity and pledge to work together to foster and promote Social Cohesion.

The vision of the Ministry of Social Cohesion is a unified Guyana where diversities are embraced, conflicts are resolved, networks and collaboration with stakeholders strengthened and decision-making processes result in equal opportunities and benefits to all. We continue to work towards creating enabling environments to forge and reinforce strong family, community, national values and relationships, in order to enhance and sustain socio-economic, cultural and spiritual well-being as well as enriched livelihoods for all.

While I may have only recently assumed office as the Minister of Social Cohesion, I wish to take this opportunity to assure all Guyanese that I will ensure that the ministry fulfils its mandate and that we build a socially cohesive society.

However, we cannot do this alone, and we have engaged and will continue to engage Guyanese in order to foster and promote social cohesion. Persons must be cognisant that this is a continuous process and social cohesion will not be attained overnight. Let us all continue to work together to ensure that we build a Guyana where all Guyanese, regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs, geographic location, cultural beliefs, ability or socio-economic backgrounds have the best life possible.

Happy Chinese Arrival Day to all of Guyana!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Massive fire erupts at Bartica dumpsite while equipping the Bartica Town Council with machinery and equipment to curb our waste-management chal-

lenges,” the mayor noted.

He also used the opportunity to call on residents and stakeholders to

support the efforts of the municipality by disposing of their garbage in a responsible manner.

Murder accused gets 15 years for manslaughter

By George Barclay The Byderabo dumpsite on fire in Bartica

A MASSIVE fire broke out on Wednesday at the Byderabo dumpsite in Bartica, affecting hundreds of residents in the area, after a commercial bank set alight loads of documents.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the fire erupted on Wednesday while employees of Scotia Bank were destroying documents at the dumpsite. Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, told this newspaper that the fire gradually spread to other sections of the dumpsite.

“Hundreds of residents are now being affected by the fumes,” he disclosed.

At round 17:00hrs, Marshall said he received a phone call informing him that the Byderabo dumpsite was on fire.

“I immediately called the fire service, who was quick to state that their truck is not working,” he recalled.

With little options left and a fear that the fire would further spread, the Bartica Mayor and Town Council formed a water brigade to bring the fire under control. Up to about 19:00hrs

they were still battling the flames.

Marshall said the Council is becoming very concerned about the “irresponsible” behaviour of some residents, and in this case the financial institution. He said Government in 2016 spent millions of dollars to restore the dumpsite, which was considered to be an environmental and health hazard.

“It must be noted that central Government has spent millions of dollars on the Byderabo dumpsite,

TWENTY-nine-year-old Sudesh Makeram, who claimed that he knifed his lover Rajkumarie Persaud to death because she had admitted to infidelity and her willingness to end the friendship, had pleaded not guilty to murder but later changed his plea to manslaughter.

Before changing his plea midway at the hearing before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on Wednesday, the accused had made it known that his lover -- a married woman who was living with him -- had admitted to him that she had “made back” with her husband and “meets him sexually.”

Defence Counsel, Miss Sonia Parag, including in her plea of mitigation what she referred to as provocation and self-defence, pointed out that the police had to take Makeram to the doctor for an injury to his chest.

The star witness for the accused, Rural

Sgt Cobeer Persaud, had admitted that although he had taken the accused to the police station in September after the alleged killing, he did not charge the accused nor did he caution him. Also, he did not tell the police of the confession statement until eight months after the killing.

Makeram, of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, went on trial on Monday for the murder of his lover, Rajkumarie Persaud.

On resumption Wednesday, defence counsel disclosed that the accused wished to changed his plea and with the application to the court was able to so do.

The prosecution, led by Shonette Austin, Tamieeka Clarke and Manael Moore, presented the case for the prosecution.

Justice Barlow in handing down the sentence began her sentencing with 25 years.

But by deductions of 10 years for incarceration, change of plea, and mitigation etc, the accused was sentenced to 15 years.

Ramjattan threatens licence revocation – for breach of 2AM curfew

By Rabindra Rooplall PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has warned owners of clubs, bars and nightspots to adhere to the 2:00 AM curfew, promising that failure to do so will result in sanctions, including revocation of licence.

The aim of the curfew, among other things, is to curb alcohol abuse and crimes.

The minister’s sentiment came in light of an investigation into an alleged shooting inside “Club Privilege”, Main

Street, Tower Suites last Sunday.

Three persons are in custody as investigators try to enhance the surveillance footage from the hotel which is not clear.

The club was reportedly opened beyond the curfew. Minister Ramjattan on Wednesday told the Guyana Chronicle that the curfew is geared to minimise incidents that may pose a danger to society.

“This drinking causes a lot of drivers to make accidents… driving cause a lot of

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

vexation that sometimes lead to arguments that ultimately lead to gun violence and then shootings,” he said The minister is awaiting a report from the police in connection with the shooting which is allegedly being covered up by the management of the Club.

He noted that covering up or concealment of a crime, is a crime itself, punishable by revocation of licence, and pointed out that he intends to send a stronger signal to nightspots owners who contravene the 2:00AM curfew.

According to Ramjattan, there is much documented evidence which indicate that

persons who abuse alcohol or drugs are more susceptible to committing acts of violence and self-harm.

“If persons had died in the nightclub, people would have wanted to know what is the Government doing about it, but the Government has strategies in place and when it’s not followed, lawlessness prevails,” the minister noted.

Two of the persons arrested in connection with the shooting are employees of the hotel. Reports indicate that the evidence of the shooting was allegedly tampered with.

But investigators have managed to obtain multiple statements from persons who

were at the club at the time of the shooting.

The management of the nightspot has denied the shooting ever occurred.

According to reports, in the wee hours of Sunday morning gunshots rang out inside the club, sending patrons scampering for safety.

Not one was seriously hurt, however, one person who was grazed by a bullet while in the club made a report to police, prompting an investigation.

Following the report, police visited the club and found spent shells, even though the crime scene had been cleaned.

Police yet to arrest suspect in recent Sophia fire POLICE are yet to apprehend the suspect in last Saturday night’s fire that left 10 persons homeless in “A” Field, Sophia.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle has confirmed that arson was the cause of the fire that razed the building that houses multiple apartments.

The suspect, Leon Anthony Turpin, called “Turpin”, is reportedly the jilted lover of the owner of the house:a wooden oneflat, 35 x 50 structure built on government reserve and

divided into four apartments.

Yonette Roberts, who owns the house and who conceded that it was built on State land, said she has been living there for the past 15 years with her family.

The family at reference comprises six adults and four children; and now that they’re homeless,Roberts is asking the government to provide her with a house-lot so they can start life anew.

Roberts conceded, too, that she and Turpin had been in a relationship, but

that was a long time ago.

She said she has every reason to believe he’s behind the fire, since he’s been threatening,ever since they separated,to burn the house down, but she’d never taken him seriously.

The mother of four said they are temporarily being accommodated by friends, and is asking the public’s help in whatever way possible so they could pick up the pieces.

One neighbour said that some of the children could

Yonette Roberts points to what remains of the house in which she and her family once lived

have died had it not been for persons assisting in getting them out of the burning

building.

“I saw when the building started to burn, and these

people were inside and unaware of what was happening,” the neighbour said, adding: “And I started to make noise to alert them. All of dem children were inside the house, and all of dem could’ve died in that fire.”

According to the families, the apartments were fully furnished with every conceivable necessity.

Anyone willing to assist the Roberts family may contact the matriarch, Yonette Roberts on 680-9752.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

JOF Haynes Law School by next year

By Ravin Singh

GUYANA continues to make active strides in becoming the Region’s breadbasket, with the latest move paving the way for establishment of a local law school – approval for which was given more than 20 years ago.

Just two years before the country is expected to commence oil production (2020), it will establish its very own law school, which will provide an opportunity for holders of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree to acquire their Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

The school will bear the name JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas (JHLSA) after the late outstanding Guyanese Jurist, JOF Haynes. The process was initiated and formalised on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Guyana and the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) and Law College of the Americas (LCA), in what is described as a public-private partnership. The partnership was approved by Cabinet.

The Government of Guyana will hold 30 per cent shares, and will contribute only the land where the school is to be built, while its partner will hold 70 per cent shares and will foot all other costs. The school is likely to be located at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

According to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC, who signed on behalf of the Government, Guyana was given permission to establish the school over two decades ago by the Caribbean Legal Education Accreditation body, but this was never done by successive governments.

The country has, however, over the years resorted to sending 25 of its LLB holders to the Trinidad-based

or Hamilton, who added to Williams’s contention that the school will serve as more than just a hub for those wishing to be admitted to the bar.

He emphasised the fact that as new economies emerge in the Caribbean, modern law practices and studies have emerged and the school will be designed to cater for such needs.

“Law is the catalyst for modernising any economy….

The establishment of this law school will provide opportunities for business” he said, pointing out that persons can benefit from investments in apartments for foreign stu-

scored the role of the school as not only an academic institution, but also as a mechanism for cultural integration.

Professor Dennis Gayle, Executive Chancellor of the UCC, also weighed in on the possibilities of the law school, noting that it will bridge the significant gaps between the demand for legal education in the Region and the provision of such education. He said one of the advantages of the school is that it will allow increased access for more law students, given the challenge of space availability at other law schools in the Caribbean.

cation delivery is encouraged and fostered in Guyana.

“After so many years, it is satisfying and fulfilling to see this coming to fruition… and not to sound boastful, but there is much that Guyana has to offer that other Caribbean countries cannot, so this is a necessary step for us,” the minister said.

Speaking at the ceremony too were Courtney Wynter, Chair of the LCA, and University of Guyana’s (UG’s) deputy Vice-Chancellor, Barbara Reynolds, who both agreed that the introduction of this school into the education system in the Region will

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC, expresses the view that the law school will be a success, since it will serve students from across the Region

Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), while the others have been unable to practise law because of their inability to acquire the LEC. The hefty cost attached to acquisition of the LEC has been cited as one of the primary factors which have prevented students from acquiring an LEC. However, this school is expected to provide the same level of education at a cheaper cost compared to similar institutions across the Region.

In relation to the number of students who have not been able to get the LEC, Minister Williams lamented that the numbers have probably climbed to the thousands by now, which he said is “very unfortunate.”

Just last year, the AG brokered a deal to have the 25 Guyanese students accepted in the HWLS after inheriting a situation of uncertainty as it relates to placement of those students. And with the existing agreement expiring in 2018, he said that the law school is expected to be completed the same year, and will provide a long-term solution to the problem. He could not provide a numerical value for the project, since a feasibility

study is yet to be done.

“So it was very important that this question of a law school be addressed. Dr Trevor Hamilton of the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) sold us his idea, which I had to sell to Cabinet and I think that a bright future beckons for this law school,” Minister Williams said.

He expressed too, that he is confident, notwithstanding an impending feasibility study, that the school will be a success, since it will serve students from across the Region. JHLSA will operate under the Council of Legal Education which would then make it a law school with regional, regulated oversight.

Having regional accreditation, graduates of the school would then be able to practise in jurisdictions across the Caribbean.

The minister also expounded on the broad-based approach the school will take, in terms of training prospective lawyers in non-traditional areas such as those dealing with cybercrimes.

NO FISCAL BURDEN ON GOV’T Lauding the initiative too was the UCC’s Dr Trev-

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring into effect formal arrangements to commence establishment of the law school. He is flanked by Mr. Courtney Wynter (left), Chairman, Law College of the Americas (LCA); Dr Winston Adams, Group Executive Chairman, University College of the Caribbean (UCC); (standing from left) Professor Dennis Gayle, Executive Chancellor, UCC; and Dr Trevor Hamilton, Advisor on the law school venture

dents.

He explained too that the partnership will be operated as a business, which means there will not be a fiscal burden on the government to provide any form of subsidy.

Dr Hamilton also reflected on the fact that students from the Region have to travel to South Africa to pursue their Masters. As such, he under-

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, plugged the need for education to be a priority for any government, since he believes it is the foundation of all other sectors. Elated that such a school will boost the performance of his ministry, Dr Roopnaraine committed to providing support to ensure that this kind of modern edu-

put many hearts at ease.

Wynter in particular emphasised that the strength of the institution will be its capacity to end the situation which caused qualified professionals to not explore legal practice, because of restrictions. He shared the belief that this agreement challenges historical practices.

‘Frenchie’ charged with wife’s murder AFTER almost seven years on the run, Charles ‘Frenchie’ Chapman was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates Court for the murder of his reputed wife, whom he allegedly killed in 2009.

The 61-year-old farmer was nabbed on Sunday in Limlair Village, Corentyne,

where he was arrested for wounding, but an alert policeman stationed at Whim Police Station knew the suspect and recalled that he was wanted for murder and informed his superiors.

Chapman was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that he on March 21, 2009, at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, murdered

his reputed wife, Savitri Arjune.

The unrepresented man was remanded until February 3, 2017, since the police file is still incomplete. Deputy Commander of ‘B’ Division, Errol Watts, had told this newspaper that based upon reports, Chapman was taken to Central Police Station, in New Amsterdam where he

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

On the fateful day, just after 06:00hrs Arjune, who had shared an eight-year relationship with the suspect, left her home at 382 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, with the in-

tention of catching a minibus to get to work in Georgetown. As she walked along a partly deserted roadway, the suspect emerged, allegedly armed with a knife, which he used to inflict the fatal wounds. The woman collapsed and he calmly boarded a minibus, which was parked nearby, and drove to Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara,

where he left the vehicle.

The incident stemmed from allegations of infidelity. Chapman, a former seaman and a soldier, claimed he had left his wife and children and had commenced a common-law relationship with the now deceased woman. However, she squandered his money and rejected him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

City Hall ready for forensic audit anytime – says mayor; takes umbrage at criticism by PPP councillor

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has taken umbrage at People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Bishram Kuppen taking to the press to express his concerns that his calls for a forensic audit into the City Council finances have been disregarded.

Kuppen wrote to the press earlier this month voicing his dissatisfaction with several things at the municipality, including the fact that three motions calling for the audit were denied by both the Mayor and theTown Clerk,Royston King.

At Monday’s statutory meeting, though, ChaseGreen said: “Since 2012, I’ve said that we are open to an audit whenever and by whoever. I want it to be clearly

Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green

said that I have no-objections to any audit. Since 2011 I have been calling for an audit for the City Council. When the PPP was in Government, they did not take heed and now in 2016, you’re hearing all the cries for an audit. I still don’t have any objections.”

Meanwhile, in his letter, Kuppen said his reason for calling for the audit was the

Bishram Kuppen

numerous accusations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against the Council and the fact that hundreds of millions of dollars were being collected and yet the City was always reporting financial difficulties, while core services were not being provided.

Kuppen also referred to the $8M donation from the Chinese Government which

was given to assist the cleanup campaign in Georgetown and which was assumed to be going to the City Council.

“When the Chinese Ambassador inquired how the money was spent, Town Clerk Royston King said that the money was not received at Council and that he would launch an investigation. We later learnt in the press that the money was received by the Global Friendship Foundation, which was headed

by former Mayor Hamilton Green and another former Council employee.”

Kuppen said he wrote to King to get information on the results of his investigation but got no response.

The mayor on Monday, however, said she took all necessary action with the matter and did all that she could possibly do.

“I brought the man, had the man sitting on the bench for more than 12 hours and then we realised that the money was not paid to the

M&CC. The money was paid to a private place. The money was not paid to us by the Chinese Ambassador. It was paid to a private organisation with the intention that that money be spent for us. But there’s nothing I can do; I did all that I can. We called in the national police.”

Chase-Green lamented that it is unfortunate that councillors, who are expected to work as a team, are still divided and take to the press to address their concerns.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Gov’t pledges to go after human traffickers MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, in a message to mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day said government is dedicated to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking and will pursue all perpetrators wherever they op-

erate.

Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing National Human Trafficking Awareness day under the theme: “Put the right back into rights.”

“Human trafficking strips all victims of their rights: the right to make

their own decisions; the right not to be violated in any form; the right to trade their labour freely; the right to wages when they work; and the right to communicate freely with whom they choose among a long list of others,” the Social Protection Minister explained.

She said that the ministry will work assiduously to ensure that perpetrators are found, arrested, tried in the

court of law and jailed. The Social Protection Minister highlighted that human-trafficking cases have increased between 2015 and 2016, regardless the efforts of the government.

“Reported cases have climbed from 30 to 41, a 36.7 percent increase, while the number of victims soared from 65 to 103 from 2015 to the first 10 months of last year, a spike of 58.5 percent.” She urged that citizens of Guyana become aware of the signs of human trafficking which includes limited social interaction, lack of access to education or to their parents or guardians and also prevention from communicating with people, especially if the “boss” is around to call the public security.

Meanwhile, Acting Coordinator, Counter Trafficking Unit (C-TIP) Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin, said that the C-TIP unit will advocate the phrase “Hu-

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally

man Rights” to be valued through various campaign activities. The Acting Coordinator explained that the ministry acts as the frontline to investigate human-trafficking reports on where they will meet with the victims to guide them about their rights as well as the investigation and court procedure.

Last year, Guyana recorded 47 cases of suspected human trafficking, which accounted for 110 alleged victims. The country has been promoted from the U.S. Tier Two Watchlist to Tier Two, which is commendable.

Guyana has secured two convictions in two TIP cases in the courts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Caribbean to pilot COAST insurance to protect fisheries sector – more than 4000 Guyanese could benefit

By Ravin Singh EFFORTS are being made by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) to qualify Caribbean countries to activate the Caribbean Ocean Assets Sustainability Facility (COAST) – an insurance scheme which aims to protect the fisheries sector.

This is according to the CRFM in a statement issued on Tuesday, during the hosting of a working group meeting in Belize to advance the implementation of the risk insurance facility for fishers in the region. The COAST insurance scheme will offer an opportunity for countries to buy insurance to help protect their fisheries sector, and hence their food security from severe weather, while promoting resilience to a changing climate and encouraging the conservation of marine environments.

The COAST initiative is being implemented within the context of the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which provides a useful framework for considering the requirements for country-led, climate-smart food security strategies in the fisheries sector. According to the statement, a review of the progress made towards the activation of COAST was made when Fisheries Ministers from CRFM Member

Meeting in the boardroom at the Ramada Belize City Princess were; (L-R) Carmen Silva, Economic and Policy Analyst, and J. Nathan Bland, Political and Economic Section Chief, both of the US Embassy in Belize; Daniel Oerther and Anushree Banerjee, Foreign Service Officers of the Secretary of State’s Office of Global Food Security; Milton Haughton, CRFM Executive Director; Peter A. Murray, CRFM Programme Manager – Fisheries Management and Development; Jose Angel Villalobos, Senior Insurance Specialist, and Miguel Angel Jorge, Senior Fisheries Specialist, both of the World Bank; as well as Sherlene Audinett, CRFM Executive Secretary

States met in the Cayman Islands in October of last year.

The body explained that the purpose of this two-day meeting is to chart the steps necessary to qualify a pilot country or countries, to purchase the COAST insurance product from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) before the start of the hurricane season on June 1, 2017. And according to Julia Duncan, Secretary of State’s Office of Global Food Security, COAST will provide

180,000 fisherfolk and associated industries in the Caribbean access to insurance for losses from severe weather.

In the Caribbean, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is a major economic contributor to domestic markets, with earnings of almost US$420 million in 2014.

In relation to Guyana, more than 4,000 individuals who are directly employed in the fishing industry stand to benefit from this arrangement once it takes effect.

These statistics were pro-

vided last year by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder who said that the sector employs approximately 15,000 people with 4,000 to 5,600 persons being directly employed.

Jamaica has already expressed interest in COAST, which has also been supported in principle by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Ministerial group, and the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk

Organisations (CNFO). In 2016, Guyana’s fisheries industry recorded a positive growth of 11 per cent.

According to the Agriculture Minister, increase in aquaculture will become necessary as a substitute for seafood as the ministry has realised that the marine resources are being challenged.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that over the years, over 20 new aquaculture farms come on stream, while, for the first time in its 50-year history, deep sea fishing will

be done in Guyana.

The minister also hinted at the formulation of a Fisheries Advisory Committee, which he said will result in more meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the sector. Additionally, he noted that 2017 will also see increased contact between the Fisheries Department and Fishermen’s Cooperatives which will result in improved management of the facilities to better provide for the needs of the fisherfolk.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Fire flattens Patentia Housing Scheme bond

By Tamica Garnett

POPULAR West Bank Demerara businessman, Frankie Satnarine, is counting his losses after an early-morning fire flattened his Lot 21 Patentia Housing Scheme bond, which contained millions worth in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

The fire is suspected to be the work of arsonist(s).

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Satnarine estimates his losses at some $60M. Neighbours observed the fire about 06.30 hrs, and according to Satnarine, it was his brother who relayed the sad news.

The entire two-storey

building was destroyed; nothing was saved. The home of next door neighbour Frederick Williams also sustained minor damage.

Quick response from the Guyana Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

“Sometime between 06.30-07.00 hrs, my brother said he was riding and saw

Neighbours bustling to put out the raging flames

some smoke. When he got there he said the grill was broken into, and there’s a fire inside, but there’s nothing he could do, the fire was already large. By the time the fire tenders arrived, the building was up in flames. Nothing was saved,” Satnarine said.

Satnarine and several neighbours share the opinion that the fire was the work of

arsonist(s), allegedly from a group of five commonly known “junkies” in the area.

They were arrested for trespassing on the premises a few days earlier.

“There’s no electricity at the building and I’m thinking somebody must have lit it. The police were in there the other day and they saw some guys in the

yard, and lock up two of them, but three of them were released, and when they passed the neighbours heard them saying that they gon bun down the place.

But nobody giving the police a statement, the police came and ask who said that, but they [the neighbours] are not talking,” the businessman related.

Thick smoke billowing from the early-morning fire as neighbours look on (photo credit: Sharaz Aswin)

Justice Singh officially appointed SC

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday presented to Justice Claudette Singh, her Commission of Appointment as Senior Counsel. Justice Singh was named among the nine legal practitioners to be vested with this honour.

However, she was unable to attend the ceremony last week when peers were awarded ‘Silk’, as she was overseas.

With some 40 years of experience, Justice Singh is one of the only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in the history of independent Guyana

‘Drunk’ cop granted bail …after caught in Soesdyke house POLICE Detective, 24-year-old Paramanand Sookdeo, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with attempt to commit a felony.

Sookdeo, of Tain Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne,Berbice, was represented by Bernard De Santos and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on January 8, 2017, he entered the dwelling home of Nandkishore Persaud at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, with intent to commit a felony.

His lawyer however told the court that his client was intoxicated at the time of the incident and it was all a misunderstanding. In his bail application, De Santos explained that on the night in question, his client was consuming alcohol at a house with some friends in the area where the alleged incident occurred.

“Sookdeo left, went to the public road and was unable to recognise the house where he was drinking with his friend in his drunken state,” De Santos told the court, as he explained that the officer was recently placed at the Timehri Police Station a

The police officer after being bound and beaten by the Soesdyke homeowner

mere two months ago and is not familiar with the area.

He further noted that in a drunken state, the officer missed the house and went into the wrong home nearby and attempted to call out for his friend, but no one answered, causing the man to venture into the premises.

“The occupant from the home came down and was under the impression that Sookdeo was a thief and gave him a sound trashing….. But it wasn’t till he identified himself as a police then they stopped beating him,” the lawyer stressed.

De Santos further conTurn to page 16 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

New health care, security systems at Night Shelter THE Night Shelter, located at Arapaima Street, East La Penitence is to be upgraded with new healthcare, infrastructure and security measures. The new systems are to ensure better healthcare for the homeless people who use the facility.

Efforts to improve the Shelter include erecting better fences, improvement to the security system with the installation of closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and a newly built security hut, building staff capacity and providing more efficient medical interventions.

The Shelter, operated by the Ministry of Social Protection, recently introduced a medical examination system to check for infectious diseases. This is to prevent the spread of diseases and

istrator posited that these systems will ensure a safe and clean environment for homeless persons to be integrated and live comfortably.

The medical examination will inform the Night Shelter of the health condition of the person and how best they can be treated.

Additionally, plans are underway to collaborate with the Palms Geriatric Home

for an on-call doctor to attend to occupants who need medical attention. Also, living quarters have been upgraded and divided into three sections. Persons who are ill are placed in one section to give them some amount of privacy and to protect the other occupants.

There are nine persons currently living at the Night Shelter with TB.

Veerasammy pointed out that while it is a shelter and anyone in need has the right to be there once a bed is available, the shelter has the responsibility to take some necessary precautions. “This environment is what you call a fertile ground for any occasion to arise, most of which can be negative,� she said.

(GINA)

Administrator of the Night Shelter, Sheila Veerasammy

protect the health of all those at the shelter.

Administrator of the Night Shelter, Sheila Veerasammy explained that when a person wants to reside at the Night Shelter, an interview is conducted and the person needs to provide proof that they are homeless.

A medical examination is

carried out and in some cases a police clearance is requested. Veerasammy explained that these systems were implemented because many persons living on the pavement have tuberculosis (TB) and hypertension and persons oftentimes commit crimes and want to hide out at the shelter. The Admin-

Two of the three living quarters at the Night Shelter

King steps in!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

…removes derelict vehicles, spare parts from gov’t reserve

By Clestine Juan TOWN Clerk Royston King and a team of officials from the Georgetown municipality Wednesday evening removed several derelict vehicles and spare parts lodged infront of Ram’s Auto Spares and Trucking Services on Third Street, Alberttown.

King told the Guyana Chronicle that the placing of derelict parts was done along the city’s reserve by the businessman, which caused the clogging of drains nearby along with traffic congestion.

“We have given ample warning to the business owner, Deokaran ‘Ram’ Sanasie on several occasions and he had refused to comply,” the town clerk said.

He further explained that last Saturday he had spoken with the businessman and some of the items were removed, while promises were made to remove the remainder by Monday.

“Ram promised to remove the stuff ….. Now today [Wednesday] he didn’t do it, so the council going to do it for him,” King said.

Workers priming the derelict parts before removal [Samuel Maughn photos]

The seized parts will be impounded at City Hall, where the businessman would have to pay a fee for removal. Several spare parts and vehicle accessories were removed while the businessman pleaded with the town clerk for a second chance.

Two tractors and a forklift were left by the council for the businessman to remove.

According to the town clerk, the removal of derelict equipment and vehicles are part of efforts to reclaim government reserves.

The town clerk said that businesses should have a social conscience and be mindful of their social responsibilities.

Gov’t slams CAL for ‘cash cow’ remark THE Government of Guyana is seething following an article which was published in a Trinidad daily newspaper, Newsday, and which was reproduced in Tuesday’s edition of the local newspaper, Kaieteur News.

The article, headlined “Guyana-NY route is one of our cash cows” in the Kaieteur News quotes Caribbean

Airlines (CAL) Executive Fazal Karim, who revealed that the Guyana-New York route for CAL was one of the regional airline’s most profitable routes. A highly placed government official who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle said that the government is immensely displeased that CAL has callously described the Guyana/ NY route as a “cash cow.”

“It shows utter contempt and disregard for the Guyanese people and the country as a whole,” said the government official, who preferred not to be named.

The article reads, “[n] oting that routes previously run by Air Jamaica and taken over by CAL were not doing well, and apart from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana to John F

Kennedy International Airport in New York, which is one of our cash cows as it were,” Karim was quoted as saying.

However, the Guyana government official noted that “For years Guyanese have been complaining about the quality of service being meted out to Guyanese, the astronomical fares and the imposed inconvenience with

regard to in-transit passengers and purchase of duty-free items being confiscated at Piarco.

“Even with these issues still ongoing and what some have described as unreasonably high prices for tickets, for CAL to display such vulgar contempt by describing the Guyana route using such crass language is unacceptable and the government

takes a very dim view of it,” the official said.

The government official further explained that the matter is engaging the attention of the government and a decision will be taken as to how it should be addressed. Caribbean Airlines was granted flag-carrier status for Guyana under the previous PPP/C administration in 2012.

Bandits pounce on Good Life Supermarket

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur TWO bandits have robbed the owners of the newly-opened Good Life Supermarket at Belvedere, East Berbice, Corentyne of $600,000, an iPhone and other valuables on Tuesday evening.

The young Chinese couple, who opened their supermarket a few weeks before the Christmas holiday, told Guyana Chronicle that they are traumatised by the incident.

Police have detained four persons in connection with the robbery which was captured on surveillance camera. According to a police source, the robbers disguised themselves in black clothing, kerchiefs tied around their mouths and hoodies.

One was armed with a

the time at the cash register behind the counter, ran to her husband’s rescue only to be kicked by the bandit who was hitting her husband.

The robbers demanded valuables and after failing to get a response, the robber with the cutlass broadsided the Chinese couple while his accomplice with the gun stood guard.

The cutlass-wielding bandit then went upstairs to the

living quarters of the couple and reportedly ransacked it while looking for valuables.

Upon his return, he ordered the Chinese woman to open the cash register and took away the money.

Police were summoned to the scene but by the time they arrived, the bandits had already made good their escape on a motorcycle.

‘Drunk’ cop...

The Chinese supermarket that was robbed Tuesday evening

cutlass and the other with a gun. They stormed the supermarket around 19:00 hrs and

ordered shoppers to lie on the floor. The shoppers complied but the male Chinese owner

did not and was gun butted several times to the head.

His wife, who was at

tended that Sookdeo has instructed him that criminal charges of assault will be filed against Persaud and other persons who beat him during the ordeal.

The magistrate released the cop on $75,000 bail,

From page 14

which was not objected to by police prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers. The magistrate then adjourned the matter until January 19, 2017 and ordered Sookdeo to report to the Whim Police Station every Friday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Former Prisons Director freed of sex charge at the prison, even if he is asked to by the higher authorities.

“People don’t like you there, people came together to ensure that I didn’t run out my term…. They all conspired against me,” Trotz said, as he walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Former Director of Prisons, Welton Trotz

“I will go back to church, talk to my people and make a decision now. The court has been fair in my opinion, because the magistrate listened to all the evidence and it was proven beyond a doubt what the woman alleged didn’t take place” – Trotz

By Clestine Juan THE sexual assault charge against former Director of Prisons, Welton Trotz, was dismissed on Wednesday by Magistrate Fabayo Azore due to the lack of sufficient evidence.

An obviously relieved Trotz said, “There is justice in the courts of Guyana.”

Trotz was before the Georgetown Magistrates Court since October 28, 2015 and was released on $100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge.

The trial was held in camera. The matter was prosecuted by Sergeant Simone Payne, while Trotz was represented by Attorney, Patrice Henry.

A junior female rank had alleged that Trotz made sexual advances towards her sometime before the

May 11, 2015 General and Regional elections. The junior rank told her husband about his advances, and those were subsequently reported to the police.

“I said when I was charged I know I would have been vindicated, because I didn’t do anything,” the former Prisons Director told reporters after being freed.

When questioned about his next move, Trotz said: “I will go back to church, talk to my people and make a decision now…. The court has been fair in my opinion, because the magistrate listened to all the evidence and it was proven beyond a doubt [that] what the woman alleged didn’t take place.”

The former Prison Director made it clear that he will not return to work

17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Gastroenteritis outbreak contained MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings and a team of medical officials are scheduled to be in Region Nine this weekend to check on reports of gastroenteritis.

They will join medical personnel who are already in Region Nine and who have managed to contain the gastro outbreak. They are scheduled to visit Aishalton, Awarewaunau and Shea villages.

A team of doctors and en-

vironmental assistants along with an Infectious Disease Staff (IDS) Nurse is in the Region to ascertain the cause of the outbreak, in addition to treating those who have been affected by gastro.

The number of reported

and diagnosed cases remains at 58. Meanwhile, Toshaos along with Community Health Workers of the villages have been informing residents of best practices to prevent further spread of the disease.

Stool samples have been taken from residents and sent to the Lethem Regional Hospital for tests. Data gathered will be used to help prevent future outbreaks of this and other diseases in the hinterland

region. A few weeks ago, the former Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton took medication to the region, including those for the treatment of gastroenteritis. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Alpha, Slingerz barred ... petition, (we inform you that) Alpha United Football Club and Slingerz Football Club are not eligible to participate in the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Club Championship.”

The genesis of this development began when Alpha United FC and Slingerz FC, along with two other clubs, objected to the expansion of the Elite League. Subsequently, the GFF engaged in extensive consultations and negotiations with the clubs in question in an effort to ad-

d`ress their concerns.

These consultations proved futile and the GFF reached out to CONCACAF who then provided comprehensive constitutional guidance that confirm the GFF’s authority to “draw up regulations governing the conditions of participation and staging of competitions organised by the Federation.” This interpretation by CONCACAF, sent to the clubs on November 24, 2016, was acknowledged by the clubs but not contested.

The clubs, in the said letter of November 24, 2016, were formally notified that their actions would affect their standing with the GFF. In pursuance of the GFF’s statutory obligation, CONCACAF was then formally informed on December 13, 2016, that four clubs had withdrawn their participation in Season 2 of the Elite League.

This then led to CONCACAF on January 9 advising the GFF that Alpha United FC and Slingerz FC

T&T’s football thrown into chaos ...

veiled last month, John-Williams issued him with an ultimatum of winning the next two World Cup qualifiers or facing the axe.

“If he doesn’t get the job done on the 24th (against Panama) and 28th of March 2017 (against Mexico), he will be looking for a job and I make no apologies for saying that,” John-Williams warned at the time.

On Wednesday, the TTFA said the search for a new

head coach would start immediately.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association wishes to advise that Tom Saintfiet issued a letter of resignation as head coach of the National Men’s Senior Team to TTFA president David John-Williams on Tuesday night,” a statement said.

“The TTFA president then referred this letter to the Technical Committee of the TTFA and the Committee

recommended that Saintfiet’s resignation be accepted and be ratified by the TTFA board.

“The Technical Committee has advised that a replacement for the post of Men’s Senior Team head coach will be found in the shortest possible time and the TTFA will make an announcement on this in due course.”

Saintfiet was a controversial choice to replace Stephen Hart who was fired last De-

23 Continued. fr. Pg 28 were ineligible to participate in the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Cup Championship and directing that the clubs be so informed.

This the GFF did on January 10.

The GFF is particularly saddened by this turn of events as, ultimately, it is the players who are most affected. However, we encourage the clubs to recognise the need for their players to participate in active football.

Continued. fr. Pg 28 cember, after the T&T’s poor start to the CONCACAF final round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

He had never held a high-level coaching position nor stayed in one for an extensive period. In fact, his appointment as T&T coach represented his eighth posting in the last nine years following stints with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Yemen, Malawi, Togo and Bangladesh.

Free kick specialist Messi fires Barca into cup last eight

By Richard Martin BARCELONA,(Reuters)-Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as holders Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 yesterday to overturn a deficit from the first leg and advance to the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup. A Luis Suarez volley put Barca ahead in the 35th minute while Brazil international Neymar earned and converted a penalty three minutes into the second half to score his first goal since October and put Barca in front in the tie after losing the first leg 2-1.

Athletic responded immediately though, substitute defender Gorka Elustondo crossing for Barcelona-born Enric Saborit to head home in the 51st minute. The goal emboldened the visitors for a 10-minute spell but Barca withstood the pressure.

Messi had squandered two free kicks in the first half but avoided the possibility of extra time and penalties by curling a dead ball in off the post in the 79th, his second set piece goal in four days.

“We didn’t lose our composure, we created lots of chances and I think we deserved to go through,” Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters after a first win in 2017 following the defeat in the first leg and Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Villarreal.

“We controlled the game today and Athletic practically had no chances.”

Barcelona had been livid with the referee’s decisions in the first leg after Gerard Pique and Neymar were denied penalties and Bilbao’s Aritz Aduriz was fortunate not to be shown a red card.

The Nou Camp exploded with rage yesterday when Neymar was harshly ruled offside

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as he squared for Suarez to find the net.

Barca channelled their sense of injustice to craft a brilliant opening goal, however, Messi wriggling free of two players in midfield to slip the ball to Neymar who turned his marker and crossed for Suarez to acrobatically volley home.

It was the Uruguayan’s 100th goal for the club since joining from Liverpool in 2014.

Barca struck again at the start of the second half when Neymar cut into the area from the left and danced past one defender before falling over the body of Eneko Boveda and winning a penalty.

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The Brazilian coolly converted to score for the first time since the 4-0 win over Manchester City on Oct. 19.

Neymar hit the post later as Athletic grew tired and the Basques were condemned to another cup defeat at the hands of Barcelona, who beat them in the final in 2009, 2012 and 2015 and sent them packing in the last eight last season.

Barca join Alaves, Alcorcon, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad in the quarter-final draw which takes place on Friday, with Real Madrid, Eibar and Celta Vigo, who all take heavy advantages into their second-leg games today, aiming to join them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

African Nations Cup impact keenly felt by European clubs

By Mark Gleeson LIBREVILLE, (Reuters) -

The impact of the African Nations Cup on clubs in Europe is again likely to

be keenly felt over the next weeks with teams losing significant players to the tour-

nament in Gabon, which gets under way on Saturday.

Clubs in England and France have lost 89 players to the three-week event, with Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish clubs also hit as their African players head to Gabon.

Just under two-thirds of the 368 players at the Nations Cup come from Europe – a total of 232 from 28 different countries - and the rest are from African clubs with a handful from

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly

teams in Canada, China, the Middle East, the United States and Vietnam.

English champions Leicester City, struggling to stay away from Premier League relegation this season, have lost three regulars to the tournament as they prepare to face leaders Chelsea and then go on tricky trips to Southampton and Burnley.

Riyad Mahrez, named African Footballer-of-theYear last week, his Algerian compatriot Islam Slimani and the Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey could all be still away by the time Leicester host Manchester United on February 5.

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Liverpool sees both sides having to do without an important element of their line-up. Defender Eric Bailly is playing instead for cup holders Ivory Coast at the finals with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane leading Senegal’s challenge for a first African title.

Jose Mourinho has already expressed his frustration after the Ivorians did not allow Bailly to stay for their last league at West Ham on January 2, insisting instead he joins their pre-tournament preparations.

FIFA regulations allow a call-up a fortnight before a continental championship and so effectively players with a country that reaches the final four of the Nations Cup are away for five weeks. They are then likely to need some rest before returning to club action.

Liverpool have sent a physiotherapist to travel with Mane, keen to get the striker back unscathed from Gabon.

In France, leaders Nice must do without Ivorian Jean-Michael Seri, who has

been among their top performers this season. They would also have had to do without Younes Belhanda, but the Moroccan broke his toe last month and will not return until the end of January, ruling him out of a trip to the Nations Cup. Struggling Lille with five players in Gabon, and Angers - also in the bottom half of the Ligue 1 table - lose four regulars with tough games against Girondins Bordeaux and St Etienne over the next two weeks.

The timing of the tournament remains a massive source of irritation for club coaches but a cacophony of complaints every two years is brushed aside with disdain by the Confederation of African Football, determined the competition will not move from its slot in January.

“The Nations Cup is an aberration for the players who are (at clubs) in Europe,” said Stade Rennes manager Christian Gourcuff, who last year left his job as coach of Algeria to return to France, summing up the mood of many.

Manchester City charged by FA under anti-doping rules (REUTERS) - Manchester City have been charged with allegedly failing to ensure their anti-doping ‘club whereabouts’ information was accurate, the English FA said yesterday.

It said the Premier League club had until January 19 to respond.

No further details were given.

Regulation 14 of the FA anti-doping regulations requires all clubs to provide, on request, training dates, starting and finish times, where training is taking place and players’ overnight addresses.

“It shall also be a breach of this Regulation 14 by the Club if the information contained in such reports is either initially inaccurate or has not been updated by the Club as necessary to ensure it remains accurate,” the rules stipulate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Solomon kept his cool to create cricket’s first-ever tied Test

By Brydon Coverdale

(CRICINFO) - He stands at backward square-leg, closer in than usual. Everyone is closer than usual. Frank Worrell has made sure of it. Australia need one run to win; the West Indians must attack.

Worrell reminds Wes Hall not to bowl a no-ball and calms his men, some of whom flap about in the excitement of the moment.

Joe Solomon needs no such quieting.

By his nature he is unflappable.

Three balls ago, Hall

Laconic and iconic: Joe Solomon now 86, is still cool had a run-out chance from point-blank range, three stumps to aim at. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, he would hit.

This is the one in a hundred. Next delivery, Hall ran towards midwicket, almost collided with Rohan Kanhai, and dropped a catch off his own bowling. Pressure does funny things, even to great players.

Joe Solomon is not a great player. He scored 65 and 47 earlier in this match, but will end his career with one Test century and an average of 34. As a batsman he lacks flair. As a fieldsman he is dazzling. His aim is true, honed by years of pelting stones at mangoes as a boy back home in Guyana.

Last over he threw down the stumps from midwicket to run-out Alan Davidson.

Two deliveries remain in the match. The scores are level. One run for an Australian victory, one wicket for the first tie in Test history.

As Lindsay Kline faces up to Hall, he simply wants to put bat on ball, and run. The pressure is immense. But there is no more level-headed West Indian on the field than Joe Solomon. And when Kline nudges the ball behind

square, Solomon is ready.

He sees the ball coming his way; he has no time to think. He acts on instinct, runs to the ball, picks it up, aims at the one and only stump he can see.

And, like he did in the previous over, and like he did with all those stones aimed at mango stalks, he hits. His team-mates leap in joy. Kline’s partner, Ian Meckiff, is run-out. History has been made, and Joe Solomon made it.

He has lived in New York since 1984. For some years he split his time between his two homes, while he coached in Guyana. He still travels back to Guyana once a year, and stays for a few months.

Back home he worked in the accounts office for the sugar estates, and later coached the company’s cricket team. Cricket has always been part of Solomon’s life.

And yet, like Solomon himself, the signs of cricket in his house are understated to the point of forgotten. There are a few cricket books on a shelf, most with Caribbean themes. There is a solitary photo, a head-and-shoulders profile shot of himself as a young cricketer. It is on the bottom shelf of a display case, hidden behind trinkets.

Besides friends and family, does anybody know that an important cricketing figure lives here?

“The family next door are from Bangladesh,” Joe Solomon says. “They know who I am.”

Solomon is as laconic as he is iconic. If one word will do, he will not use two.

If no words are necessary, he will not utter one. He lets the thing speak for itself. He is introspective and unassuming. He was at the heart of one of cricket’s greatest moments, but even now, 56 years later, he plays it down.

“You don’t think about it,” he says. “You just go and pick it up and ...,” he mimics the throwing action.

As easy at that. Of course, it was Solomon’s second direct hit in two overs. No man had a greater impact on the outcome of the tied Test than Joe Solomon. How did he come to have such a sharp eye and sure arm?

“There used to be a mango tree near where we used to live, just hanging over the fence, more or less,” he says.

Dramatis personae: Solomon is at far left with Ian Meckiff, Lindsay Kline and Wes Hall at the 40-year reunion of the participants in the tied Test. (Getty Images)

“The mangoes used to be hanging over, so I just pelted them.”

Asked to name the best fieldsmen he ever saw, Solomon nominates Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher. It is perhaps no coincidence that they came from the same small village as Solomon.

In fact, the cricketing output of tiny Port Mourant, Berbice, is remarkable: Solomon, Kanhai, B u t c h e r, A l v i n K a l l i charran, Ivan Madray and John Trim, all emerged from there to play Test cricket.

“We all used to pelt down the mangoes,” Solomon says.

As a batsman, Solomon lacked the glamour of some of his contemporaries, but he knew how to accumulate runs. Though he was a late starter in first-class cricket, debuting at 26, he proved his credentials quickly and emphatically. His first three innings in first-class cricket were centuries: 114 not out against Jamaica, 108 against Barbados, 121 against the touring Pakistanis.

From there he was straight into the West Indies squad to tour India. He received half pay from the sugar estates while on that tour, and on every subsequent tour was lucky enough to receive full pay. In his fourth Test he scored an unbeaten 100 in Delhi, and averaged 117 in the series.

“I could bat spin fairly well,” he says. “You look at the bowler’s hand, what he’s doing, leg-break, off-break, how he’s pacing it. I would look at his hand, use the feet and then play it. I made a Test hundred in India. I made 96 against India in Barbados. I

got caught. I thought I’d hit a six and I was caught at backward square-leg.”

Although he made useful runs in the tied Test, Solomon’s batting on that tour is best remembered for the minor controversy in the second Test, at the MCG, when he was out hit-wicket as his cap fell on the stumps. So popular had the West Indians become with the Australian fans after the tied Test that the crowd booed at Solomon’s dismissal.

“I don’t know what happened,” Solomon says. “Up to now, I don’t know. It never happened before. I played back to Benaud, played the ball and my cap fell on the stumps. They said I am out.

That’s the rule, you’re out.

It was just one of those things.”

Remarkably, it was his second hit-wicket dismissal in consecutive Tests, and the one during the tied Test rankles more with Solomon.

“I can’t remember hitting the wicket,” he says.

“It was on the third run they gave me out. The wicketkeeper showed the umpire the bail was off. We’d run three already. You’d think after you hit the wicket and take off for the first run they would show you and appeal to the umpire. But on the third run they gave me out.

It was not fair.”

Still, it is a minor irritation from an otherwise perfect tour, a series that revitalised Test cricket after the dour play of the 1950s.

Benaud and Worrell encouraged their sides to play attractive, aggressive cricket.

Such was the reverence in

which Worrell’s men were held in Australia that, even before the series finished, the Australian board announced that from then on, the teams would play for the Frank Worrell Trophy.

“He didn’t get ruffled in the field,” Solomon says of Worrell. “He could see where people were hitting.

He could see it quickly. If a fella hit a four or bat long, he didn’t get ruffled.

He’d say, ‘It’s his day’, or something like that. ‘Everybody has his day.’

“He died early too.

He was a nice fella. Besides cricket, he would talk about different things we should do in life. He was broad, it wasn’t just cricket.”

Worrell died of leukemia aged just 42, the first of the tied-Test cricketers to pass away.

There is no reason to expect it will come soon. He remains slight of frame, is fit, and plays golf regularly.

But he is 86, and naturally with the passage of time comes the loss of friends and loved ones. He is a widower.

He is also one of 12 surviving players from the tied Test. Since Solomon travelled to Brisbane in 2000 for the 40th anniversary, five more of his cohorts have passed away: Alf Valentine and Gerry Alexander from West Indies, and Norm O’Neill, Benaud and Kline from Australia.

The West Indian team celebrates as Joe Solomon threw down the stumps from square-leg to run out Ian Meckiff with only two balls to go and Test cricket witnessed the first ever tie on December 14, 1960.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

‘Silent Warrior’ Amla set for century of Tests

By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Hashim Amla is set to join an elite group of South African cricketers when he makes his 100th Test appearance in the third and final match of the series against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg starting today.

The elegant right-hander has been battling poor form in recent months but his influence on the side remains unquestioned as he becomes the eighth player from South Africa to notch up a century of Test caps.

One of the coolest customers in cricket and a

Hashim Amla is set to join an elite group of South African cricketers when makes his 100th appearance in the third and final Test today in Johannesburg.

hugely popular figure in the dressing room, Amla has

established himself in the pantheon of modern South

African greats, equally as influential as the likes of Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers.

His recent dip in form, leading him to score just 195 runs in his last five Tests, has dropped his average below 50, but with 25 tons, including 311 not out against England in 2012, he has been a key part of the team’s success in the last decade.

“He has a wonderful sense of calm,” South African opener Stephen Cook, who played with Amla in the national Under-19 side, told reporters.

“When a situation becomes tricky or some of the players become a bit

hot-headed, Hashim will be the guy who’ll bring balance back.

“He contributes so much, he starts with 30 runs before he even comes in to bat.”

The 12 years since Amla made his Test debut have not been without challenges, his technique was questioned early on after a faltering start to his Test career, while 12 months ago he resigned as captain after a home series loss to England.

A devout Muslim, he has also had to endure racial and religious slurs, and was infamously called “the terrorist” live on air

by Australian cricketer-turned-commentator

Dean Jones during a Test against Sri Lanka in 2006.

It was a slur repeated by a fan in Hobart during the Australia series last November, but none of these incidents have managed to ruffle the man dubbed the ‘Silent Warrior’ by his South African teammates.

He’s a fantastic person.

You can look up the stats and read all the records but that only tells half of the tale,” Cook added.

“The person behind the batsman is more important to me. I was taught you’re a human being first and then a cricketer. Hashim epitomises that.”

Club Crusoe secures UWI-UNICOM T20 semis spot War of words continues ... will clash with either DCC or Police quarter-finalists between PCB, FICA

By Brij Parasnath

DEFENDING champions Club Crusoe kept alive their chances of successfully defending their UWIUNICOM T20 crown by securing the first semi-final berth of the 2017 competition.

The Tobago-based team fought bravely to overpower Central Sports by four runs in a closely contested quarter-final encounter at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial ground, St Augustine campus on Tuesday.

Having batted first, Tobago’s champion team chalked up 161 all out in 19.2 overs.

Their bowlers applied tremendous pressure and were backed up by very good fielding as they restricted Central Sports to 157 for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

In the semi-final carded for tomorrow evening from

18:00hrs, Club Crusoe will clash with the winner of the fourth quarter-final match between Demerara Cricket Club (Group C winner) and Police Sports Club (Group B runner-up) which was contested last night under floodlights at the same venue.

The DCC team, playing in the tournament for the first time; have shown tremendous fighting spirit and is highly favoured to topple the Police outfit and clinch the other semi-final berth.

The winner of the tournament will collect TT$35 000.

Club Crusoe’s Rachad Forde emerged as the overall hero and was voted Man-of-the-Match for his brilliant all-round performance. He struck three sixes and three fours in his 42 runs (22 balls) and then displayed his genuine allround ability by claiming

two wickets for 26 runs from his four overs.

In addition to his heroics with both bat and ball, Forde showed his prowess in the outfield and held on to five catches and was involved in a run-out, a direct hit that prevented Central Sports from creating a major upset.

Christopher Vincent topscored for Club Crusoe with 62 that included five sixes and four fours off 37 deliveries while Vikash Rampersad smashed three sixes in his 20 runs.

Jahron Alfred claimed three wickets for 15 runs off 3.2 overs and was supported by Rakesh Maharaj (2 for 15, 2 overs) and Varoon Samaroo (2 for 26, 4 overs).

In reply, Central Sports made a valiant effort to overhaul the Tobagonians’ score but fell short and were eliminated. Kjorn Ottley got 39

(REUTERS)-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has urged his fans to find their voice when they host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, telling them to not just “come to the theatre” but “play with us”.

United defeated Hull City 2-0 at Old Trafford in the first leg of the League Cup with second half goals from midfielders Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini.

The Portuguese, however, was not impressed by the subdued atmosphere in the first half which re-

flected the lacklustre performance from his players on the pitch.

“I think in the first half the players have to do better, I have to do better, the fans they also have to do better,” Mourinho told the British media.

“Maybe I didn’t do my job well, maybe I should have brought more tension to the dynamic to prepare the game.”

Mourinho expected striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to feature against Liverpool after missing the Hull clash with illness, though defend-

er Marcos Rojo is in doubt after he picked up an unspecified injury during the FA Cup win over Reading last weekend.

“Zlatan is ill so I think no problem, I think he will be fine (for Liverpool),” the United manager added.

“I don’t know (about Rojo). I’m not saying he’s not ready to play, I’m saying that I have my doubts.”

Manchester United are sixth in the league after 20 games with 39 points, trailling second-placed Liverpool by five points.

that contained six fours off 29 deliveries while Alex Antoine hammered three sixes and a four off 13 balls. Alfred made 28 off 27 balls.

Former Trinidad and Tobago’s senior pacer Navin Stewart supported Forde and scalped two wickets for 31 from four overs while Zard Clarke took two for 22 from 3.3 overs.

Summarised scores: CLUB CRUSOE 161 all out in 19.2 overs (Christopher Vincent 62, Rachad Forde 42, Vikash Rampersad 20; Jahron Alfred 3 for 15, Rakesh Maharaj 2 for 15, Varoon Samaroo 2 fie 26) versus CENTRAL SPORTS 157 for 9 off 20 overs (Kjorn Ottley 39, Alex Antoine 28, Jahron Alfred 28; Rachad Forde 2 for 26, Navin Stewart 2 for 31 and Zard Clarke 2 for 22).

Man-of-the-Match: Rachad Forde (Club Crusoe)

Mourinho demands more from United fans against Liverpool

THE war of words continues between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) with the latter defending its decision to warn international players against travelling to Pakistan based on a recent report.

Earlier this week FICA circulated a memo to players and players’ associations warning of “an extremely elevated” security threat in Pakistan declaring that “an acceptable level of participant security and safety cannot be expected or guaranteed”.

The PCB were quick to issue a report that called the statement “careless and cavalier” and questioned the credibility of the report which it labelled “a sweeping negative statement about the security situation” from “thousands of miles away”.

In response to the PCB’s claim about being able to

name one credible source, the FICA pointed that advice was received from Eastern Star International (ESI), a firm that has provided advice to the ECB, CA, NZC and the ICC among others and who recently gave the goahead for England’s tour of Bangladesh.

FICA’s response has come in light of the PCB announcing that the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) would be held in Lahore this year, and the possibility of the West Indies playing a couple of T20 internationals in the country in March. Pakistan has been a no-go for international teams since an attack in 2009 on the Sri Lanka cricket team.

The last full member team to tour the region was Zimbabwe in 2015.

On that occasion a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device outside the stadium in Lahore ahead of the second ODI series, killing himself and a policeman. (Sportsmax.com)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday January 12, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mark Boucher-SA (555: 532 catches & 23 stumpings) (2) Kumar Sangakarra-SL (482: 383 catches & 99 stumpings) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest Test score made by a wicketkeeper to date?

(2) What is the highest ODI score made by a wicketkeeper to date?

Jose Mourinho

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

GNRA’s 150th anniversary requires ‘a fuss’

By Stephan Sookram NOT many associations can boast being a century old, much less to own that and be halfway into another. heck the country’s Independence anniversary isn’t that long - just under a third of that to be exact.

Being the proverbial gem of Caribbean Rifle Shooting, the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) celebrates 2017 as its sesquicentennial year; something that isn’t a cakewalk by any means.

They have survived several presidents, Independence and Republican status, two Royal visits and the West Indies cricket team winning several World Cups (the last of course being very serious).

And the executive of the body knows this and they are already looking at a grand week of activities to showcase exactly how much of a ‘big thing’ this anniversary is for them.

With a rumoured budget of just about $20M to host 100 plus of the world’s finest shooters, from across the

Flashback! President David Granger being presented with the championship trophy by the GNRA captain Mahendra Persaud, while members (from L-R) Ryan Sampson, Dylan Fields, Lennox Braithwaite, Terrence Stuart, Paul Slowe and then-Brigadier General Mark Phillips look on.

Caribbean, the Americas and Europe, the gentlemen planning this seemed to have borrowed my grandmother’s (God rest her soul) handbook of ‘get little, live long’.

But they are by no means going to let one little figure spoil their chance to show off

Guyana to the best marksmen in the business, let alone showcase on home soil, their skill to those visiting.

Mid last year, the body gifted its eighth short range trophy to President David Granger and officially inducted him as the patron of the body

STAG Nations Cup Football to restart on Sunday at Grove

FOLLOWING unprecedented rainfall during the Christmas season, w h i c h re s u l t e d i n t h e organisers of the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football championships having to halt proceedings, competition is set to restart on Sunday with the final two round-of-16 matches.

Teams from five associations (Berbice, East Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank and West Demerara), affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), have been battling one another from December 14 when action got underway for a place in the final with a top prize of $2M at stake.

Second place attracts $1M while third place will get $500 000 and fourth, $300 000.

On Sunday evening, Grove Hi Tech will play New Amsterdam United in the feature match at 20:00hrs with Den Amstel matching skills with Ann’s Grove in the cur-

tain-raiser, the respective winners booking the final two quarter-final spots.

Already through to the quarters are Western Tigers who have earned a date with Pouderoyen, while Santos will tangle with Uitvlugt Warriors.

Police will battle the winner of the Grove Hi Tech/ New Amsterdam United clash and Riddim Squad will oppose the winner of the Ann’s Grove/Den Amstel match-up.

Te a m s w a l k i n g t h e

plank are Mahaicony Thunderhawks, Flamingo, Golden Stars, Young Achievers, Northern Rangers, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Cougars, Rosignol United, Herstelling Raiders and Mahaica Determinators.

Semi Finals - Sunday January 29, 2017 GDF T h i r d P l a c e – S u nday February 5, 2017 TBD Final Sunday February 5, 2017 TB

to which he replied, “I would like to recommit myself to supporting this sport. It is an area in which Guyana has achieved prominence in the Region.”

And while the government, through the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, has donated

Bolt, Thompson nominated for Laureus Award for LauUSAIN Bolt, the long-reigning king of track and field, and the sport’s new sprint queen Elaine Thompson have been nominated for the 2017 Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman-of-theYear Awards respectively.

Bolt, 30, created history at the Olympic Games in Rio,

Also nominated are Real Madrid star forward and winner of the 2016 Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, who also won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Male Player-of-the-Year awards; basketball superstars 2015/2016 NBA champion LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and run-

ner-up Stephen Curry; long-distance king Mo Farah and UK tennis star Sir Andy Murray.

On the women’s side, Elaine Thompson, the IAAF Female Athlete-of-the-Year nominee and the favourite to win Jamaica’s RJR Foundation Sportswoman-of-the-Year Award, won the 100 metres and 200 metres at the Olympic Games in Rio. She also won a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay.

The IAAF World Indoor 60-metre bronze medallist and first-time Laureus nominee is in the running for the women’s award against American sprint star Allyson Felix, the Olympic 400m silver medallist, four-time Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Simone Biles, U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky, who also won four gold medals in Rio; UK cyclist and Olympic gold medallist Laura Kenny, and Germany star and world number-one Angelique Kerber.

If Bolt wins the award he will join Roger Federer as a four-time winner of the award.

The eventual winners, as voted for by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, will be revealed in Monaco on February 14.

(Sportsmax.com)

inclement weather adversely affected the conditions of the pitch, rendering it unsafe.

Nevertheless, during the holidays, players were urged to keep fit and were seen complying, in antic-

ipation of the resumption of both the domestic and international seasons.

Match-time is 16:00hrs at the National Park Rugby Field and all players and officials are asked to be punctual.

Award,” Bolt told SportsMax. tv.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win the Sportsman-of-the-Year Award three times and I’m very pleased to be in with a chance to win another, so thanks to the media who voted for this nomination.”

STAG NATIONS CUP 2016/17 Final round-of-16 matches - Sunday January 15, 2017 MATCH

TEAMS

TIME

VENUE

11

Ann’s Grove vs Den Amstel

18:00hrs

Grove Community Centre Gr.

12 Grove Hi Tech vs NA United 20:00hrs Quarter Finals - Sunday January 22, 2017

Grove Community Centre Gr.

MATCH

TEAMS

TIME

VENUE

13

Santos vs Uitvlugt Warriors

18:00hrs

Leonora

14 Western Tigers vs Pouderoyented 20:00hrs Quarter Finals - Wednesday January 25, 2017

Leonora

MATCH

TEAMS

TIME

VENUE

15

Riddim Squad vs Winner of 11

19:00hrs

GDF

16

Police vs Winner of 12

21:00hrs

GDF

Usain Bolt (right) and Elaine Thompson

Brazil in August 2016, when he became the first sprinter in history to win gold in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4x100m relay at three consecutive Olympic Games. He said he is honoured by the nomination.

“It is always humbling to be nominated for the Laureus

North vs South Rugby on this weekend THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will be resuming its domestic season on Satur-

$1M to the cause, that total is only a fraction of what it will take to pull off a celebration of a centennial nature, much less a sesquicentennial ceremony.

Having spent many Sundays at the range, that sort of funding may be just substantial enough to pur-

day, January 14, 2017.

The tournament dubbed ‘North vs South’ will be exciting, as the na-

tional players, along with the vibrant youth ruggers, will be combining in trialling rivalry.

chase rounds for the locals to participate, not even their prestigious invitees.

Don’t get it wrong, the government’s support of the event is wonderful and I’m sure the members of the association appreciate it but considering the glory that team has brought Guyana.

One can only hope that the donation made by the Honourable Junior Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, is only a part of the ‘package’.

Then there’s the argument that will come which implies government should not have to bear the burden of such a tournament, also an agreed fact that the private sector must stand up and be included.

But the fact of the matter remains that $20M is required if Guyana has to invite the best marksmen in the regional. $20M is what the GNRA needs to raise.

Knowing the gentlemen that constitute the current executive, no doubt they are already striving to secure that sort of funding.

Due to the intensive rainy season, the union was forced to halt all scheduled matches as the

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 12, 2017

Bolt, Thompson nominated for Laureus Award

See P

age 27

Alpha, Slingerz barred from 2017 Caribbean Club Championship ALPHA United FC and Slingerz FC are barred from participating in this year’s Caribbean Club Championships according to a release yesterday from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

CONCACAF has informed the GFF on January 9 last that Alpha United FC and Slingerz FC will not be allowed to participate in the 2017 Caribbean Club Championship since the Regional Body has deemed that the clubs are not in good standing with the GFF. Both clubs, by virtue of being the top two place-finishers in the Season 1 of the Elite League, qualified to participate in the Championship.

However, CONCACAF ruled that because the clubs are not in good standing with the GFF, in accordance with Section 111 art. L, of the Caribbean Cup Championship Regulations, and “with the aim of properly safeguarding the integrity, smooth operation and running of the com-

Turn to Pg. 23

2015-2016 Stag Elite League champions Slingerz FC

T&T’s football thrown into chaos as under-fire coach Saintfiet quits after five weeks PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s football was thrown into chaos yesterday when men’s head coach Tom Saintfiet dramatically quit the post after just five weeks and four games in charge, citing a lack of support from the country’s Football Association.

In a statement dated January 10, the 43-year-old Belgian said his appointment had been “second-guessed” from the first day by FA president David John-Williams and with critical 2018 World Cup qualifiers beckoning in March, did not believe he

could succeed “in this environment”.

Saintfiet’s sudden departure leaves the FA scrambling for a third head coach in two months following the sacking of Stephen Hart last November.

“I would like to inform you all that I have decided to resign, today, Tuesday January 10 2017, as national team coach of Trinidad and Tobago,” Saintfiet said.

“Given the mandate to guide the team past Panama and Mexico in the coming World Cup qualifiers of March 2017, I have come to the conclusion that I can’t be

successful in this environment.”

“From the first day of my unveiling, I did not get the

support of the TTFA and its president, support which is needed to be able to do my job in a professional and

Belgian Tom Saintfiet … has resigned after just five weeks in charge.

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

successful way. I never got the chance to work with the players or staff requested.”

He continued: “Perhaps I should have taken this decision right from day one of my appointment, after the president openly second-guessed his own choice of employing me. But I gave him at the TTFA the benefit of the doubt.”

“It was an honour and privilege to work for a beautiful nation like Trinidad and Tobago and I wish the players, staff, TTFA, fans and the whole football family the very best.”

Saintfiet made an un-

flattering start to his tenure, losing three of his four games in charge. In a two-match series away to Nicaragua last month, T&T lost the opening friendly 2-1 before winning the second game 3-1.

Significantly, however, T&T last week lost both games in the Caribbean Cup playoff series, to miss out on any chance of qualifying for the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.

They went down 2-1 to Suriname and then succumbed 4-3 to Haiti.

When Saintfiet was un-

Turn to Pg. 23 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017