SEE INSIDE
First study to document Caribbean challenges
See inside:
History maker, El-Masri hopes to inspire Guyana ► Page II once again
The art of Dudley Charles at Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC ► Page III
Graduates with
Ph.D.
D-day for parking meters Shenese Bobb is the first female local kick boxing champion at age 20 ► Page X
in Public Safety ► Page
II
No. 104857
SUNDAY MARCH 19, 2017
Price: $140
(VAT Inclusive)
...City Council summons extraordinary meeting to deal with suspension order
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Since the installation of metered parking in Georgetown, motorists have been shunning the system. This is the state of the city at Camp and Regent Streets around 17:00 hrs on Saturday afternoon (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)
Kariako University receives land of Guyana title document Press soon Page 14
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BIT graduates 69 at Linden
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Region Five Officers trained in procurement and stores regulations By Clifford Stanley
THE Regional Administration of Region Five Mahaica/Berbice) recently staged a one-day training forum for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, store keepers and store attendants and overseers and assistant overseers within the region on systems of procurement and regulation of stores. The venue was the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. The main objective of the program was to equip these officials with the knowledge to discharge their responsibilities within the procurement and storekeeping departments within the Regional Administration with greater efficiency, professionalism and accountability. The resource persons
were Regional Executive Officer, Ovid Morrison; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Govind Singh and Field Auditor of the region, Ms. Colette Stuart. Over three dozen staffers participated in the workshop. The main focus was on the Stores Regulations which were made under the Financial Administration and Audit Act ( Laws of Guyana Cap 73:01) in June 1993. During the programme Regional Executive Officer Morrison told the Officers that the administration was expected to be unflinching in its insistence to adherence to standard operating procedures which have been designed to ensure efficient management of the procurement system and management of stores. He said that the objective of the training was to ensure that all were on the same
Resource persons REO Morrison, (centre); DREO Govind Singh (left) and Field Auditor, Collette Stuart (right), during the one-day training programme
page with respect to the expectations of efficiency and accountability demanded by the public they serve. He told the participants to always observe the two critical tenets of professionalism
and accountability for the management of the resources and services made available by Central Government for delivery to the residents of Region Five. The Region Five training
programme followed on the heels of a two-day workshop by the Ministry of Communities in January last, which targeted Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Deputy Regional Executive Officers
(DREOs) and Regional Engineers from across the 10 regions. Run off in January last under the theme, “Action roundtable for regional development: Results-based management, procurement and project management,� it addressed the system of procurement and the importance of developing quality controls that can tangibly measure and serve as performance indicators for their projects. Participants at the Region Five workshop felt that at the end they had learned much about approved procurement systems and stores regulations and would as a result be able to discharge their duties with greater confidence and greater degrees of professionalism.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
D-day for parking meters ...City Council summons extraordinary meeting to deal with suspension order By Telesha Ramnarine THE parking meter contract is more than likely to be suspended tomorrow (Monday) at an extraordinary meeting that has been called by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Town Clerk Royston King has reportedly asked Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who is currently carrying out the functions of Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, to summon the meeting. Up to late Saturday afternoon, councillors were being notified of the meeting to be convened at 14:00hrs. Contacted yesterday, Duncan said King urged him
to convene the meeting on the basis that the controversial parking meter project is urgent and needs attention. The mayor is slated to return from her official visit overseas on March 25. Duncan had told the Chronicle on Friday that there was nothing precluding the City Council from moving ahead to implement Cabinet’s recommendation immediately. “We can go ahead now. We can go ahead and suspend the thing. Why keep stalling and asking for clarity? The mayor can call me from the U.S. and I’m sure the town clerk has been in contact with her. This is not rocket
Town Clerk Royston King
science.” According to him, at the
meeting tomorrow, at least 16 out of 25 votes would be required for Cabinet’s recommendation to go through. “[The]Majority are APNU councilors, so I don’t know who will vote against the recommendation of Cabinet,” he said. Meanwhile, the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction and disgust that in spite of central Government’s suspension of the parking meter bylaws, Smart City Solutions (GeoPark), continues to “bully” citizens in the streets of Georgetown into paying for parking. “The usual clamping
exercises and intimidation tactics could be seen in full force. With the official suspension of the by-laws by Minister Ronald Bulkan, the company cannot enforce the parking rules that they had previously put in place and they have no legal basis upon which to collect money or clamp the vehicles of citizens,” the MAPM said in a statement. “The civil society group strongly urges all citizens to not submit to any form of intimidation and further, calls upon the local Police Force and the judicial system to protect the people of Guyana. “Nowhere else in this world can a company of
Guyanese origin disregard the laws of a foreign country and its Government in this way without consequences. What or whom has emboldened Smart City Solutions to enslave our people and get away with it? If this is allowed to continue, it speaks volumes of how badly our national systems have failed us. “The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) acknowledges the three-month suspension from Government and sees it as a positive first step in the right direction. The movement continues to call for a complete revocation of both the parking meter contract,” the statement said.
Venezuela’s recent claims aim to influence Good Office process – Minister Harmon THE Government of Guyana remains faithful to the Good Offices Process to resolve the long–standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela amid new claims being made by Venezuela. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, made the reaffirmation in response to questions from the media at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing. Regional and local media reports indicate that Venezuela’s Energy and Petroleum Commission is contending that Guyana violated the Geneva agreement of 1966 and Article 10 of the Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela with its oil exploration within the Stabroek Block offshore
Guyana. In a report in a Venezuelan newspaper, El Nacional, the Commission claims that the area being explored by ExxonMobil and its partners was declared Venezuelan territory under the 1966 Agreement. “Statements that are made by the parties in Venezuela, I suppose are statements that are meant to influence the process,” Minister Harmon said. The Minister added that Guyana remains committed to seeing the resolution of the matter. “We are very faithful to our commitment under this arrangement we would not wish anything to be done to derail that process,” Minister Harmon said.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
Last month, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced the appointment of a Norwegian diplomat as his personal
Representative in the Good Offices Process on the border controversy. The Geneva Agreement of February 17, 1966, saw Guyana and Venezuela referring to the Secretary-General for a decision to settle the controversy that had arisen as the result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between Venezuela and what is now Guyana, is null and void. If the dispute is not resolved by the end of the year, the UN Secretary-General will choose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the next means of settlement. “We’ve always said that there is an agreement and
therefore it should be dealt with by the International
Court,” Minister Harmon noted.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Engine test ‘new birth’ of rocket industry –– says North Korea’s Kim Jong Un NORTH Korea has conducted a test of a new high-thrust engine at its Tongchang-ri rocket launch station and leader Kim Jong Un said the successful test was “a new birth” of its rocket industry, the reclusive North’s official media said on Sunday. The engine would help North Korea achieve world-
class satellite launch capability, KCNA said, indicating the test was of a new type of rocket engine for long-range missiles. The United States and China pledged to work together to get the North to take “a different course” and move away from its weapons programs after U.S. Secretary
of State Rex Tillerson met his Chinese counterpart on Saturday. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests and a series of missile launches, in defiance of U.N. sanctions, and is believed by experts and government officials to be working to develop nuclear-warhead missiles that could
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un provides field guidance at the construction site of Ryomyong Street in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on March 16, 2017 (KCNA/via Reuters)
reach the United States. Kim Jong Un has said North Korea is close to a testlaunch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. KCNA said the test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, where North Korea has conducted long-range rocket tests. South Korea’s military declined to comment. The Washington-based think tank 38 North said last week satellite imagery indicated activity at the site’s vertical engine stand, possibly in preparation for a rocket engine test. “The rail-mounted environmental shelter has been moved up against the engine test stand since February 5, either for maintenance or to position a rocket engine for testing,” 38 North said in a note. It said North Korea had installed the environmental shelter in late 2015 to conceal detection of test preparations. KCNA cited leader Kim as saying the significance of the test would soon be evident.
“He noted that the success made in the current test marked a great event of historic significance as it declared a new birth of the Juche-based rocket industry,” KCNA said. Juche refers to North Korea’s home-
grown ideology of self-reliance. “He emphasized that the whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries,” it said. (Reuters)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
‘Healthiest hearts in the world’ found
THE healthiest hearts in the world have been found in the Tsimane people in the forests of Bolivia, say researchers. Barely any Tsimane had signs of clogged up arteries - even well into old age - a study in the Lancet showed. “It’s an incredible population” with radically different diets and ways of living, said the researchers. They admit the rest of the world cannot revert to a hunter-gathering and early farming existence, but said there were lessons for all. Tsimane is pronounced “chee-may-nay”.
age 75, two-thirds of Tsimane are CAC-free compared with the overwhelming majority of Americans (80 per cent) having signs of CAC. The researchers have been studying this group for a long time so it is not simply a case of the unhealthy Tsimane dying young. Michael Gurven, a professor of anthropology at University of California, Santa Barbara, told the BBC: “It is much lower than in every other population where data exists. “The closest were Japanese women, but it’s still a different ballpark altogether.”
increase the risk of heart problems by causing inflammation in the body. One idea is that intestinal worms - which dampen immune reactions - could be more common and this may help protect the heart. WHAT CAN I LEARN? Professor Gurven said: “I would say we need a more holistic approach to physical exercise rather than just at the weekend. “Bicycle to work, take the stairs, write your story on a treadmill desk.” Dr Thomas said: “It could be to maintain health we need
The healthiest hearts in the world have been found in the Tsimane people in the forests of Bolivia, say researchers to be exercising much more than we do. “The modern world is keeping us alive, but urbanisation and the specialisation of the labour force could be new risk factors [for an unhealthy heart]. “They also live in small communities, life is very social and they maintain a positive outlook.” Dr Gavin Sandercock, reader in clinical physiology
They are also far more physically active with the men averaging 17,000 steps a day and the women 16,000 There are around 16,000 Tsimane who hunt, fish and farm on the Maniqui River in the Amazon rainforest in the Bolivian lowlands. Their way of life has similarities to human civilisation thousands of years ago. It took the team of scientists and doctors multiple flights and a canoe journey to get there. They are also far more physically active with the men averaging 17,000 steps a day and the women 16,000. Even the over-60s have a step count over 15,000. It makes most people’s struggle to get near 10,000 seem deeply insignificant. “They achieve a remarkable dose of exercise,” says Dr Gregory Thomas, one of the researchers and from Long Beach Memorial medical centre in California. The scientists looked for coronary artery calcium or “CAC” - which is a sign of clogged up blood vessels and risk of a heart attack. The scientists scanned 705 people’s hearts in a CT scanner after teaming up with a research group scanning mummified bodies. At the age of 45, almost no Tsimane had CAC in their arteries while 25 per cent of Americans do. By the time they reach
They also smoke a lot less, but they do get more infections which could potentially
(cardiology) at the University of Essex, said: “This is an excellent study with unique findings. “The Tsimane get 72 per cent of their energy from carbohydrates. “The fact that they have the best indicators of cardiovascular health ever reported is the exact opposite to many recent suggestions that carbohydrates are unhealthy.” Professor Naveed Sat-
tar, from the University of Glasgow, said: “This is a beautiful real life study which reaffirms all we understand about preventing heart disease. “Simply put, eating a healthy diet very low in saturated fat and full of unprocessed products, not smoking and being active life long, is associated with the lowest risk of having furring up of blood vessels.” (BBC News)
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Editorial
The people’s sword and shield
P
RIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo at a Social Cohesion Validation Workshop held last Thursday, enunciated the role of the people in the management and decision-making processes of the State, as outlined in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. He reminded all that this article is the people’s sword and shield, which suggests intimation that the article cannot only be used to demand the people’s involvement from their government, but also protection against governments that want to exclude them. The purpose of our political system, as written in the article, outlines that “The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” This article which came out of the constitutional reform process was arrived at given that it was felt, among other things,
that “measures and arrangements for the improvement of race relations in Guyana include the contribution which equal-opportunities legislation and concepts drawn from the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society can contribute to the cause of justice, equity and progress in Guyana.” Where its conceptualisation has its genesis in the dissatisfaction at the outcome of the 1997 elections by the then opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and, more importantly, the fear and/or frustration of a significant segment of the population living under the administration of a party they had not supported to form the Government, gives greater credence to make it work, regardless of who is in government. There is no intention to argue the merits or demerits, validity or invalidity of these views, save to say that civility requires that where such fears, real or perceived, are expressed, they are worthy of addressing. For years, the society has been told — and some have come to accept — that ours is a winner-take-all politics, whereby the party which has not secured the Executive, and its
SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
supporters, are denied. Whether this has merit or not is not the intent or attention save to say where Article 13 requires involvement it must be allowed to work. For this article lays the platform, via the nation’s supreme law, to establish and foster a political solution built on the involvement of all, irrespective of our diversity, but inclusive of the political party supported. Government’s social cohesion push suggests that inclusionary democracy can be activated in its fullest and become the fillip in the process of nation-building. This means that the preference, harboured in certain quarters, to foster a politics of dissent or of “our time” does not negate, or should not obscure, the overwhelming desire of the ordinary man and woman to proceed on the road of inclusion. Whichever way it is looked at, a diverse nation stands to gain more when all feel that their voices are heard, their opinions and inputs valued, their choice of representatives respected, and their taxes invested in them, irrespective of political or apolitical interests. It need not be forgotten amidst the present court rulings and conversations about the constitution and its amendments, from
which Article 13 and the presidential term limit flowed, were the result of the people’s involvement. These amendments were conceptualised and developed across the political divide and inclusive of the apolitical, done in congenial and consensual atmosphere, that not only saw large participation but also trust. Guyanese were led to believe by their political leadership, on both sides of the aisle, that a person can serve not more than two terms as president, yet today the society is split, by the machinations of a few with scurrilous political agendas, on a matter that was settled more than a decade ago by unanimous national and parliamentary support. Few, if any, relish living in a nation constantly racked by divisions, conflicts, and acrimony, under the fear that the law will protect some and not all, and all are not subject to the same law. This is not a healthy relationship in building social cohesion and as the prime minister so reminded we, the people, are moulders of our destiny. It is a destiny worthwhile moulding, where all will live in peace and harmony. Reply Reply to All Forward More
Ramotar seeks an apology More responsible reporting Dear Editor, IN the print media (Stabroek News) of March 16, 2017, it was reported that representatives of the Chinese Company, Hong Kong Golden Telecom Limited (HDGT), were in Guyana and recently put forward a proposal for payment of the outstanding five million U.S. dollars for the sale of the 20% shares of GTT owned by government. This has now finally proven beyond doubt that the whole top leadership of the APNU regime was deliberately fooling the Guyanese people when they asserted that that money was paid to Guyana before the 2015 general elections. In March last year, Minister Trotman sensationally claimed that they had evidence the money was paid to the PPP/Civic government. He confidently said Minister Harmon had obtained documents to that effect on his infamous trip to China. Even though that statement was categorically denied by author of this letter, and a challenge was put out to produce the documents, no less a person than the President confidently repeated this fabrication In May 2016, on one of his carefully orchestrated programmes, the “Public Interest,” answering a question of the whereabouts of the
five million U.S. dollars, he said; “You have to ask Mr. Ramotar where the money is.” He further said; “I don’t know where it is. I would like to find out, but the money went missing under the previous administration and it is certainly missing and that is what Mr. Harmon’s mission was all about. We are trying to find out ourselves.” Now that the matter has been clarified, I wish to point out that this has been the modus operandi of the APNU+AFC in and out of government. They pile up lies after lies against the PPP/C officials hoping some would stick. They were certainly successful in fooling a lot of people. This proves conclusively that their attacks on the PPP/C about corruption are highly exaggerated and mostly half-truths and lies. It is time for them to turn away from this immoral type of behaviour. If they have any decency left, the minimum they should do is to apologise to the PPP/C officials, and the Guyanese people at large, for deliberately misleading them to believe that the money was stolen. Regards DONALD RAMOTAR Former President
on suicide needed in Guyana
Dear Editor I READ online that in northern Sri Lanka in 1980, two young girls committed suicide by eating Yellow Oleander seeds. Yellow Oleander is a common ornamental shrub that grows in most parts of the tropics and is cultivated across Sri Lanka in gardens and hedges. In 1981 there were over 20 cases of oleander poisoning, apparently motivated by the publicity of the first two suicides of that nature. In 1982, there were over 46 cases.In the following years, there were hundreds of cases. After yellow oleander became linked with suicide in Sri Lanka, the number of suicides has climbed at steady rates and health services across the island have been overwhelmed by new cases. And this is not even counting attempted suicides. Such spikes in the emulation of suicides after a widely publicised suicide are caused by what is known as the Werther effect.
According to David Meyers in his book titled, “Social Psychology,” one of the earliest known associations between the media and suicide arose from Goethe’s novel “Die Leiden des jungen Werthers” (“The Sorrows of Young Werther”). Soon after the novel’s publication in 1774, young men began to mimic the main character by dressing in yellow pants and blue jackets. In the novel, Werther shoots himself with a pistol after he is rejected by the woman he loves, and shortly after its publication, there were many reports of young men using the same method to kill themselves in acts of hopelessness. Since then, there have been many more reasons to link media reports of suicide with increased suicide rates. And many studies have confirmed that there is indeed a link, and that there is such a thing as copycat suicides. The WHO release titled, “Preventing Suicide: A resource for media professionals” speaks to the idea of
imitation of suicides thus-: “Over 50 investigations into imitative suicides have been conducted. Systematic reviews of these studies have consistently drawn the same conclusion: media reporting of suicide can lead to imitative suicidal behaviours. These reviews have also observed that imitation is more evident under some circumstances than others. It varies as a function of time, peaking within the first three days and levelling off by about two weeks, but sometimes lasting longer. It is related to the level and prominence of coverage, with repeated coverage and ‘high impact’ stories being most strongly associated with imitative behaviours. It is accentuated when the person described in the story and the reader or viewer are similar in some way, or when the person described in the story is a celebrity and is held in high regard by the reader or
See page 7
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Jinnah Rahaman is bereft of ideas
Dear Editor,
ON March 16, 2017, a letter writer in the Kaieteur News, Mr. Jinnah Rahaman, in an article titled, ‘Minister of Agriculture not performing,’ made some wild accusations levelled at Minister Holder. Some of these are: ‘Agriculture is a failure under Noel Holder’, the minister’s ‘failed performance’ and ‘dismiss Holder.’ What is remarkable and interesting is the fact that the article itself dealt more with Jagdeo, Nandlall and Ramotar, so I find the headline somewhat misleading, but I will deal with the conclusion arrived at by Mr. Rahaman that Minister Holder should
be ‘dismissed’. Letter writers should know that before they arrive at certain conclusions in their arguments, they should furnish evidence to support such conclusions. However, no evidence was provided to support his argument. But this did not surprise me, since Mr Rahaman has a gift for making such baseless and ridiculous conclusions. On April 7, 2009, a letter writer concluded that, ‘One Jinnah destroyed India’s unity, another trying same with RPA’, then another letter writer wrote that, ‘Jinnah Rahaman’s letter is riddled with inaccuracies’, and yet another letter writer on December 1, 2015, concluded that,’Jinnah
Rahaman’s appointment is a huge mistake’ (this was in relation to his appointment as a community development officer). Therefore, it would seem to me that Mr Rahaman never seems to get his facts right and would normally twist and distort issues to gain publicity and political recognition. I wish to remind Mr Jinnah that the local government system is meant to ‘involve as many citizens as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live and ensuring popular participation in organising the political, economic, social and cultural life of those communities.’ When the NDCs and the RDCs function effectively, then a lot can
be achieved. At the RDC level there is an Agriculture Committee which must ensure that the needs of the agriculture sector are met in an effective and efficient manner. Roads, dams, infrastructure, drainage and irrigation are some of the issues which must be raised and resolved at the RDC level. Moreover, capital works and repairs and maintenance works must be budgeted for in the annual estimates. In addition, there are bodies such as the GRDB, NAREI, Water Users Associations and the NDIA which must function in their respective roles and those that are not functioning must be brought into focus, so that the subject minister can act
decisively. In this country, the reports to the relevant subject ministers are so doctored that they fail to give any beneficial insight into what is really happening. Mr Rahaman provided the public with some specific areas where the Minister of Agriculture has failed and at the same time provided the public with what the NDCs and the RDC are doing in his region to promote the economic well -being of the agriculture sector. Therefore, Mr Rahaman is truly naive to believe that a lower interest rate loan alone is what is preventing the progress of the agriculture sector. Every player in the sector must do their part. Mr Rahaman must understand that
the Minister of Agriculture cannot unilaterally establish the agriculture bank which he feels is the panacea- it must be the Government’s decision. So why dismiss Holder? As a self-proclaimed ‘agriculture advocate,’ Mr Jinnah is bereft of ideas and should cease to make himself an object of public ridicule! I do feel that the man in his Quixotic moments truly thinks that he can make a better Minister of Agriculture! Yours sincerely, GOBIN HARBHAJAN Region Six, APNU+AFC Regional Democratic Councillor (RDC)
More responsible reporting on suicide ... From page 6
viewer. Particular subgroups in the population (e.g., young people, people suffering from depression) may be especially vulnerable to engaging in imitative suicidal behaviours. Finally, and probably most importantly, overt description of suicide by a particular method may lead to increases in suicidal behaviour employing that method.” Today, there is no question as to whether media reports of suicide cause increased suicide rates. Across the world, where suicide rates are lower, the one major method used to prevent suicides is controlled and responsible suicide reporting. In just about every country, media guidelines are strict. For example, in the United States, a set of “Recommendations for reporting on suicide” put together and developed by a long list of entities engaged in suicide prevention and suicide research prominently reads thus, “More than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. The magnitude of the increase is related to the amount, duration and prominence of coverage. “Risk of additional suicides increases when the story explicitly describes the suicide method, uses dramatic/ graphic headlines or images, and repeated/extensive coverage sensationalises or glamorises a death. Covering suicide carefully, even briefly, can change public misperceptions and correct myths, which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help.” In Australia, the media guidelines are clear. While the standards encourage general reporting and comment on issues relating to suicide on account of their ability to help improve understanding of causes and warning signs, and to deter
people contemplating suicide, they also advise that – “In deciding whether to report an individual instance of suicide, consideration should be given to whether at least one of the following criteria is satisfied: (a) reporting the death as suicide is clearly in the public interest (see note 2); or (b) clear and informed consent has been provided by appropriate relatives or close friends (see note 3); or (c) no appropriate authority (such as the police, a school principal or public health authority) has requested that the report be withheld or delayed to avoid a high risk of inducing further suicides.” They also say that:”In deciding whether also to report the identity of the person who has died by suicide, account should be taken of whether at least one of the following criteria is satisfied: (a) identification is clearly in the public interest; or (b) clear and informed consent has been provided by appropriate relatives or close friends.” And further that – “The method and location of a suicide should not be described in detail (eg, a particular drug or cliff), unless the public interest in doing so clearly outweighs the risk, if any, of causing further suicides. This applies especially to methods or locations which may not be well known by people contemplating suicide.” Most of the recommendations coming from the WHO include practices that have been encoded in guidelines in most countries across the globe. The recommendations include: “Taking the opportunity to educate the public about suicide; avoiding language which sensationalises or normalises suicide or presents it as a solution to problems; avoiding prominent placement and undue repetition of stories about suicide; avoiding explicit description of the method used in a completed or attempted suicide; avoiding providing detailed information
about the site of a completed or attempted suicide; wording headlines carefully; exercising caution in using photographs or video footage; taking particular care in reporting celebrity suicides; showing due consideration for people bereaved by suicide; providing information about where to seek help; and recognising that media professionals themselves may be affected by stories about suicide.” Almost every country in the world has provided guidelines for media that cover such topics as suicide reporting. But locally the only guidelines that exist are with respect to elections reporting. No part of the WHO recommendations has been locally encoded in any form. Yet, according to the 2014 World Health Organisation report, the suicide rate in Guyana is five times higher than the world average. This puts Guyana at the top of the list with 44.2 per 100,000 people, the highest suicide rate in the world. And, again, this does not even take into account the number of suicide attempts recorded, and unrecorded. It is estimated that there are between 1,500 to 2,000 attempted suicide cases each year, or about one attempt every five hours, in Guyana. This is depressing news, especially for people who are already depressed in Guyana. And Guyana has a high percentage of depressed people. But while it is important to fight to reduce depression, in and of itself, it is also important, at the same time, to make every effort to not render depressed persons, especially suicidal persons, more depressed, and more suicidal, with news of suicide. Especially news which not only details the names of the deceased persons and their appearances, but also give information about what method was used to effectively commit the suicide.
Guyana is small, and just as a family history of suicide leads to more suicides, suicide in such a small community will likely lead to more suicides, especially where the circumstances that each person in the community faces is practically equal and uniform. That is, unless the news of each suicide is reported in a controlled and responsible manner. But that is exactly what is NOT happening in Guyana. Up to very recently, almost each day when Guyanese open the local newspapers, they are bombarded with news that someone from their own community facing circumstances and hardships very similar to theirs, is dead as a result of suicide. And further, they get a good idea from the reports, in pictures if not in words, as to the methods used to commit the act. Up to recently, again, attempts to convince media operatives in Guyana to desist from their present practices through workshops on the topic have proven futile. News of suicides seems to boost viewership and ratings for news entities generally and this does not exactly deter their irresponsible behaviour. In fact, it can be argued that it seems that media operatives in Guyana are aiming to do the opposite of that for which the WHO recommendations aim. Recently, after much effort on the part of many, the media outlets have significantly reduced their reporting of suicides. But there is nothing at present stopping any one media outlet from going back to business as usual. Almost every country in the world has media guidelines and opted not to introduce legislation to curb the issue of irresponsible suicide reporting. But in those countries, the media guidelines are strict and the media entities comply with them fully. Only in New Zealand has there been a move to legislate on this matter.
There, the Coroner’s Act has been amended to block the reporting of deaths as suicides until the Coroner deems the death to be a suicide. This seems to be not only a sensible approach, but from a legal perspective, it helps investigations into all deaths before a general errant conclusion can be had that it was a suicide. At one point in time, the Act went so far as to even block reports of “suspected suicides.” As the law stands in that country at the moment however, a death may be reported as a “suspected suicide,” provided that the report follows the usual guidelines. It goes without saying that Guyana, having the highest suicide rate in the world, would be better off blocking both reports of suicide AND suspected suicide. Some arguments in favour of local legislative intervention include - 1. Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the world and risking any other form of intervention would be ineffective and deadly. 2. Media guidelines do not dictate to journalists what to do. Rather, they aim to empower and encourage journalists to collaborate with researchers and public health policy makers to help save lives by reporting in a responsible manner. They further do not guide the actions of non-media entities that may wish to report a suicide. Hence they would not suffice. 3. Many workshops have been held with media entities in Guyana regarding suicide reporting in particular, much to no avail. 4. There is no harm in using legislation to tackle this great issue in Guyana and in fact, there is indeed precedence elsewhere for legislative intervention. 5. Guyana would be the first country to pass a Suicide Reporting Act to effectively save the lives of its citizens in a dire situation. Many countries have in-
deed managed to reduce their suicide rates without statutory restrictions on media. But they have strict media guidelines on the issue and their suicide rates are not the highest in the world. Guyana cannot afford to risk a less strict approach. Some may argue that reducing the dialogue about suicide may have a negative effect on how we learn more about its other causes and how we work to prevent those causes. But legislative intervention does not aim to curtail all talks about suicide and suicide prevention. It is specifically aimed at fighting irresponsible reporting. Debates will still be encouraged about suicide, but will be restricted from involving mention of details of individual suicides. It is in these premises I propose that a Bill be drafted and introduced to the Parliament to curtail the reporting of deaths as suicides or suspected suicides, whether by media entities or members of the public, before the Coroner deems the death to be a suicide. The Bill will also guide reports of deaths, whether emanating from media entities or members of the public, so that they do not reflect even the suspicion that a death may have been a suicide, before the Coroner deems the death to be a possible suicide. The Bill should further guide the reports of deaths properly deemed suicides, so that they do not give rise to further suicides. I am positive that with a Bill we can better guarantee the safety of our citizens from this plague that has gripped us for so long. I charge those who have the power to pass a Bill of this nature to do so at the earliest. Regards John M. Fraser LL.B. Legal Assistant Legislative Drafting Division Attorney General’s Chambers
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
The power of legitimate protest: The Parking Meter project must go THIS past Thursday, I joined the silent protest against the parking meters. It is no secret that I have long argued that under the two previous governments, resistance and protests were criminalised. It is one of the most unfortunate developments in our post-colonial experience. Coming out of centuries of colonial bondage when the right to resist was not recognised, one would have thought that the independence leaders would have frowned upon using the state to silence and outlaw what is an inherent right of free peoples. It is one of the unfulfilled promises of our independence—we are never going to realise our full potential as a civilised society until our politicians get used to the accommodation of resistance as a central component of democracy. I am quite aware that un-
checked protests could get out of control and lead to social distress that could harm the collective. Hence, the need for the balancing act—the balancing of the right to resist and protest with the responsibility to ensure the security and well-being of the state and society. As we move into the next period in Guyana, both the opposition PPP and the governing Coalition has the responsibility to sustain that balancing act. To its credit, the current government has steered clear of encroaching on the right to resistance and protest—at least overtly. This is a marked improvement in our governance praxis that must be encouraged. Hence, the PPP should, in its quest to regain power, not unnecessarily push the society to the edge. Equally importantly, the Coalition must ensure that its policies do not border on the inhumane and its leaders
avoid the kind of disrespect and unnecessary “hard-ears,” zero-sum attitude we have seen from City Hall regarding the parking meter contract. It certainly is heartening to see citizens gather every Thursday and sustain a protest action that shows signs of mushrooming into a movement. I am not unaware that there are sinister forces operating behind the scenes to use the parking meters protest as part of its agenda to undermine and topple the government. But one should not throw out the baby with the bath-water. The presence of agents of disorder does not necessarily amount to the absence of a legitimate critical mass of people dedicated to peaceful change. I truly believe that in the main, the parking meters protestors are genuinely interested in staying the hand of the city government and not in undermining
the government. My own discomfort with the parking meter project is the undemocratic way the Council went about it. I am not opposed to parking meters both as a form of modernisation and as a source of revenue for the city. But governors must always be mindful of the socio-economic and political costs of their policies and actions. In any credible democracy, the first order of business as far as governance is concerned, must always be the consultation in word and deed of those whose lives would be directly and indirectly affected by the proposed action. Such consultation broadens the pool of opinion, enriches the democratic culture and legitimises the policy or action if it is decided to pursue it. It is commonplace to meet with elites and call it consultation, but real democratic consultation is incomplete if it does
not include the wider society, especially those who are not normally consulted on matters of high importance. The citizens of Georgetown were not properly consulted and when citizens raised their voices in protest, they were met with the arrogance of power. From that point, the project was doomed—it lacked the support of the citizens which translates into a lack of legitimacy. There is no way the situation can be normalised short of a complete scrapping of the project— there is too much bad water under the bridge. In the context of the slew of taxation in the current budget, another relatively exorbitant financial imposition by government was bound to be rejected. These are not the days when only the rich drove cars—today many low-income people privately own cars. So, the imposition of
parking meters at relatively high rates is a further assault on their already low wages. So the city leaders were off-mark when they declared that the protest is driven by the “big shots” in our midst. The “big shots” may be the organisers, but that does not mean the protest is confined to them. It is now no secret that central Government is uncomfortable with the project. From urging reduction of the fees, to prohibiting the Council from installing meters on streets over which it has direct control to the three-month suspension, the signals are clear. There seems to be resistance from its allies at City Hall. But in the end, the writing is on the wall. The sustained protest, along with central Government’s intervention, has rendered the project in its present iteration unimplementable.
University of Guyana Press soon THE University of Guyana (UG) and Ian Randle Publishers (IRP) of Jamaica signed an agreement on Thursday to establish The University of Guyana Press as the publishing arm of UG. According to a release, the press will create an outlet for the scholarly work of faculty and student researchers, as part of efforts to boost research and scholarship at the nation’s sole national university. The agreement takes effect on April 1, 2017, and will be in effect for an initial period of three years. According to UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, “the establishment of the press is both history-making and an important part of enhancing the brand of the university. It is an integral part of my renaissance vision for our
university.” The University of Guyana attaches great importance to this collaboration with IRP, which is the largest scholarly and commercial publisher in CARICOM. The agreement was signed on behalf of the university by Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, and IRP Board Chairman, Ian Randle signed on behalf of IRP. The ceremony took place in Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, at the end of the presentation of the second Vice-Chancellor’s Renaissance Lecture which was delivered by Randle on “The Publishing Pillar of the Renaissance Bridge.” Present for the historic occasion was Professor George (Ken) Danns of the University of North Georgia, who accepted the Vice-Chancellor’s invitation to serve
IRP Board Chairman, Ian Randle (left) and Vice-Chancellor, Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
as the founding chair of the International Editorial Board of the press. Both UG and IRP noted their intention to actualise the agreement fully to ensure the publication of deserving works by university faculty and students as well as scholars in the diaspora, especially on matters related to Guyana and the Caribbean.
Both Vice-Chancellor Griffith and Chairman Randle are committed to having the first UG Press titles available before the end of 2017. In his remarks at the event, Vice-Chancellor Griffith announced that the press will publish both books and journals, including “Transition”, a journal that has had a troubled publication history,
and at least two new ones. He has in mind a “Journal of Entrepreneurship”, to link with the proposed School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, and a “Journal of Diaspora Engagement”, as the scholarly arena of the proposed Regional Centre for Diaspora Engagement. Randle also gifted the
University Library with 200 books, worth US$15, 000. The Vice-Chancellor received the donation on behalf of the university. He thanked the IRP chairman for his kind expression of personal friendship and institutional support. He noted that “not only is Ian a friend of long standing and the publisher of my seventh book, but he is committed to enlarging the educational boundaries of Caribbean people through the availability of educational and popular material.” The Vice-Chancellor seized the opportunity to present Randle with the instrument of appointment as an Education Resource Ambassador of the university. Also inducted as a UG Ambassador was Roxanne Reece, Director of Fly Jamaica, which was one of the co-sponsors of the Renaissance Lecture.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
President attends memorial service for Guyana’s former UN Ambassador Georgetown, Guyana – PRESIDENT David Granger last evening, attended a special memorial service held in celebration of the life of the late Mr Noel Gordon Sinclair, an eminent diplomat who once served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN). The service was held at the St.
George’s Cathedral. The service saw the attendance of a number of dignitaries, including Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin; former Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green and his former colleagues; Ambassador Colin Grandison of the CARICOM
President David Granger signing the Book of Condolence for the late Mr. Noel Gordon Sinclair
From left: Former Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland and President David Granger during the memorial service for the late Mr. Noel Gordon Sinclair
2 held in gun, ammo, cannabis find
A 33-YEAR-old man and his spouse have been arrested after police in ‘A’ Division discovered an unlicensed 9MM Wesson Pistol with three live matching rounds and 12 grams of suspected cannabis during a house search Friday night. The search was done on a house at ‘E’ Field, South Sophia, at around 22:30 hours, police said, pointing out that at the time they were acting on information received. Below are the contents discovered in the house at Sophia.
Secretariat; Director-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Audrey Waddell and Ambassador Elizabeth Harper. Born in 1940, Ambassador Sinclair had a long and distinguished career in the Foreign Service. He served as Third Secretary in Guyana’s Embassy in Caracas, a Second Secre-
tary at Guyana’s Embassy in Washington from 1969 to 1972 and First Secretary in the country’s High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia, from 1976 to 1979 before assuming the role of Permanent Representative to the UN in 1979. He died on February 4, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
President David Granger is escorted by Reverend Andrew Carto out of the St. George’s Cathedral after the service
West Berbice Chamber of Commerce Region Five Expo and Trade Fair AS part of the drive to promote commerce and trade in Region Five, the West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC) will be hosting its second annual two-day Expo and Trade Fair on April 15 and 16 next to showcase the region’s diversity and attract potential investors. President of the Chamber, Mr Imran Saccoor, disclosed that the event will be hosted under the Theme, “Building a Diversified Economy” and the venue will be the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. Saccoor disclosed that the Chamber was delighted to stage this initiative, since it believed that the investment represents development for the region and will go a far way towards exposing businesses within the region to
additional markets, near and far. He said that the much-anticipated and fun-filled Exposition and Trade Fair is being designed to attract public and private sector businesses, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other interested organizations to exhibit their products and services.in support of the Chamber’s drive to promote commerce and trade in Region Five. The usual vending, children’s games and entertainment including live bands, fireworks etc, will be available to satisfy the needs of the public. Saccoor said that the Chamber is encouraging businesses to book their booths early. Booth spots in the main exposition auditorium with sizes 10ft *8 ft are available for $20,000: for the two
FLASHBACK: A scene from the first WBCIC Expo and Trade Fair held last year March 26 and 27at the Bath Settlement Community Ground
nights. In addition, spots are available around the venue for larger companies who are desirous of establishing their own external booths. Admission to the event is $500: adults and children $200: The Expo will be open from 16.00 hrs daily and will close at 00:00 hrs (midnight)
over the two- day period. Saccoor said that interested partners and sponsors are asked to come on board. For more information, interested persons are asked to contact members of the Chamber on telephonenumbers 592-3287977 and 611-005 5 or email wbcic2015@gmail.com
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Imran Khan’s condemnation of racial bigotry and Government’s response HAVING read Imran Khan’s article in this newspaper “Is it OK to be black in Guyana?” (14th March 2017), this young man is applauded for publicly dealing with a thorny issue that the politicians continue to circle the wagon on. His article, which represents an aspect of his life, was prompted by a story where two black men were allegedly profiled and physically attacked by Indians in Canal No. 1 Polder, West Bank Demerara. Race as an identity in our society is not only a problem in that it creates a situation of us versus them, but also conditions acceptance to deny or downplay one’s identity, and allows some to use it as a front to justify acts of oppression and marginalisation. Racism is like an elephant in the
room, imposing and with the power to trample and destroy. It is a birth defect of our society which will not be fixed unless we are prepared to have frank, honest, and open discussions as equals, and establish the institutional framework to address it. This issue attracts international attention and is fought at the highest institutional level. The United Nations (UN) not only condemns it, but has declarations in place to eliminate it, which member-states are expected to enshrine in their laws. Guyana is a member of the UN. The lack of will and commitment by the political leaders in taking the opportunities available to confront this elephant gives the impression that they are comfortable with the state of race relations. Guyanese must not settle
for government’s expression of condemnation when any of us is targeted by another because of our identity. Dameion Gordon and Vernon Beckles, who were allegedly attacked, not only must the law take it course in investigating and bringing the culprits to justice, but the institutional strengthening to minimise and eliminate such acts must be put in place. And this must go for all who experience a similar fate. The Constitution of Guyana allows for the establishment of an Ethnic Relations Commission and Human Rights Commission. Successive governments have refused to discharge their constitutional responsibility to establish these bodies. How can they then condemn bigotry when they have refused to put the mechanisms in place to take it on? Every
day these commissions are not established gives impetus to those who think they are vested the authority or right to determine how the other is treated. The reluctance of political leaders across the political divide to act, makes you wonder if their non-action is either weakness or if they are comfortable retaining the status quo, where individuals and groups are pitted against each other, for them to come out after the fact to merely condemn. Why a society like ours, where treatment of each other based on race remains a problem and find political fodder, often to the detriment of the masses, must we be accepting mere condemnation without hearing when systems will be put in place to establish what are constitutionally required? We not only have the
politicians using Babu Jaan to stoke racial fears and hatred, but the continued disrespect and disregard for the appointment of constitutional bodies is another way of doing the same thing. In the absence of the institutions to address these matters and have the people offer their inputs from which laws, policies and programmes will flow, any expressed concern about intolerance when you have the power to fix it makes a mockery of the people. For too long all we keep getting is condemnation which is not followed through by meaningful action. The police is left to deal with such cases in a fractured society where sections can take sides not based on the rule of law, but that of identity. This also gives justification to engage in retaliatory
action and vigilante justice. It is time the politicians stop circling the wagons, issuing inconsequential condemnation, feeding off the fear, and put the mechanisms in place to address the problem and safeguard the people. No longer must the blame be placed at the feet of the people. The blame must be squarely placed at the feet of those whom the people have elected to protect them and are failing to do so. Our intolerance must not only be with those who have abused, but also with those who are failing to safeguard us, irrespective of who we are. It is time the government, opposition, and every member of the National Assembly take the time to see to it that the commissions are established. It is time to stop the talk and walk the walk.
Minister Ally calls on CARICOM countries to fulfil commitments to women (GINA, Guyana) - MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally,has urged developed Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to fulfil their commitments for the official development assistance with increased priority to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Gender Specialist, Ministry of Social Protection, Hazel HalleyBurnette and G uyana’s Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Michael Ten-
Pow, were at the Sixth-first Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, at United Nations Headquarters in New York The Minister was at the time speaking on behalf of CARICOM countries at the Sixth-first Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The session was held on March 13, 2017, under the theme: “Women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work.” Minister Ally told the gathering that CARICOM wishes to reiterate that a significant factor which affects
Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Gender Specialist, Ministry of Social Protection, Hazel Halley Burnette and Guyana’s Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow at the Sixth-first Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, at United Nations Headquarters in New York
the ability of member states to meet their goals and targets, including in the area of advancement of women, is that of inadequate resources. The Minister pointed out that in January 2017, the Secretary-General of CARICOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN-Women to support the Community’s work on gender and regional statistics. She said this MOU will allow for the collection of Caribbean-wide data, statistics and analysis on implementation of the gender dimensions of the SustainTurn to page 11 ►
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BIT graduates 69 at Linden By: Isaiah Braithwaite
SIXTY-NINE (69) youths from Region 10 graduated from the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) executed by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The graduation which was held on Friday at the Linden Technical Institute saw the attendance of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott; Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce; Region 10 Chairman, Rennis Morian and Regional Executive Officer- Region 10, Gavin Clarke. Courses offered during the training include auto mechanics, welding and fabrication, catering and cake decoration, information technology and office procedure, personal computer re-
pairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, care for the elderly, catering and commercial food preparation, and other life skills. Minister Scott encouraged the graduates to take into consideration the cooperative movement, stressing that it is the way to go. Minister Scott noted that the Coop movement has the ability to be an economic driving force for the development of Linden. He pointed out that over the years, Linden has produced persons who have contributed significantly to the development of Guyana. With the graduation of the youths from the skills training programme, Minister Scott indicated that “Linden is once again on the move.” The Minister also congratulated parents of the youths for encouraging them
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, handing over a certificate to one of the differently abled graduates
(From left to right)- BIT Technical Officer, Richard Maughn; Assistant Director, National Community Development Council (NCDC), Sandra Adams; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott; Region 10 Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce, along with the 69 graduates of the BIT Youth Empowerment training project
to pursue lifeskills. Region 10 Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, said that the graduation of the youths marks the achievement of a milestone. The training programme also saw several persons with disabilities participating and graduating. MP Figueira also commended them, stating that, “we have in the midst some young people who are differently abled, who are graduating with you today, and I believe that is indeed commendable.” The MP added that, “It goes to show that when opportunities are provided and they are grasped, irrespective of our abilities that some might want to judge, if we take that time and employ the efforts that are needed, I believe success will come despite the disadvantages
Minister Ally calls on CARICOM... able Development Goals (SDGs). “It is therefore necessary for efforts to be made with regard to official development assistance with increased priority to gender equality and the empowerment of women,” Minister Ally emphasised. The Minister of Social Protection highlighted that women play a critical role in the socio-economic and
political development of the Caribbean. She added that member states of CARICOM are working assiduously towards achievement of the internationally agreed development goals and objectives relative to gender equality and the empowerment of women. “As small states, we believe that providing women and girls with equal access to quality education, health-
care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. As such, the theme of this year’s session is indeed relevant…in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” Minister Ally underlined. The Minister explained
that there have been improvements in women’s economic and social status including the gender gaps in education, access to healthcare services, labour force participation and political engagement. However, despite these accomplishments in many countries when women succeed in entering the labour market, they still face disadvantages compared to men.
some of us may have.” The MP also encouraged the graduates to take advantage of the lending institutions and make use of the skills by becoming entrepreneurs. The skills acquired by the youths, according to MP Figueira, can create niche markets in Linden. “You have a skill, a skill that is needed in our community and our country, but that skill I believe should not be given to an employer, but for you to create your own employment,” the MP explained. The Assistant Director of Youth,Leslyn Boyce, said that she was extremely proud to see the youths graduating from the BIT training programme. “Just seeing you walk out there, I felt a joy in my heart,” Boyce said. “I am a testimony. I was a school dropout. I was a teenaged mother and I can tell you today, I am at the University of Guyana pursuing my masters… Do not be products of circumstances, be a product of decisions you make,” Boyce charged the youths. Meanwhile. Regional Executive Officer Gavin Clarke, also congratulated the youths on their achievements. “What you would have achieved here today, is not anything small, it is great… and you should be proud of yourself.” However, the REO noted that what they have achieved should not be the end, but encouraged them to use it as a stepping stone to achieve greater things. Clarke noted that the Regional Democratic Council will continue to support the youths’ development in the region.
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Additionally, while Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV has been eliminated, the health of women, teenage pregnancy and barriers to women’s access or permanence in the labour market remain great concerns, Minister Ally said. She added that challenges in domestic violence remain a problem. The Minister highlighted several other problems
women are faced with including unemployment and underemployment, discriminatory social norms and inequality in the sharing of family responsibilities. However, she affirmed that member states of CARICOM will continue to support and strive for the attainment of women’s economic empowerment and health. (By: Ranetta La Fleur)
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Robbers strip car to shell A TAXI driver is counting his losses after robbers stole his silver grey 212 motorcar from in front of his Lot 28 East MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara home last week. Surujlall Mamass, known as “Dave”, said at around 13:45hrs on Monday, he heard when someone drove off with the car, but by the time he made it outside, it was too late. The man placed an advert in the newspapers and
with the help of a resident; found the shell of this car HB 5488 aback Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, on Thursday, March 16. “I found the car in the bare shell alone. Everything strip from the car; the door, bonnet, engine, everything gone,” the frustrated taxi driver told the Guyana Chronicle. According to Mamass, surveillance cameras in the area captured two men stealing his car; however, due to
Surujlall Mamass, known as “Dave”
The bandits completely stripped the car
the place being dark at the time, it was difficult to see the faces of the perpetrators. The driver said even though the police set up road blocks at Vreen-En-Hoop, La Grange and at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, when the incident occurred, he is not satisfied with the pace of the investigations. “Up to now, the police them nah do nothing to assist me in searching. All wah them tell me, go and search, when me find the car, give them a call. They tell me to go and search,” Mamass lamented. He believes that if the police were more proactive, the car could have been found the same day it was stolen.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
US-based Guyanese launch think tank on national policies By Zena Henry A group of corporate and professional Guyanese based in the United States is on the verge of launching a cross border think tank called The Roraima Institute (TRI). The non-profit organization which is registered in the US is said to be the brainchild of a number of well -established Guyanese recognizing the need to lend their expertise and skills back home. TRI Director, Paul Nehru Tennassee, told the Guyana Chronicle that the overseas-based organization was specially formalized to aid Guyana in assessing its development, while creating policies that would have positive impact on the overall growth of the nation. He said that TRI is especially interested in working with the poorer class of persons living in the country so they too can access the benefits of an advancing country. Tennassee said that in April of 2016, more than 80 Guyanese from across the US met at the University of the District of Columbia at a conference called “Guyana: Aspirations for Real Change -2016 and Beyond” to engage in dialogue on how they can render their skills back home. “The conference was to spark a non-partisan dialogue and make recommendations about how Guyanese at home and abroad can support sustainable development in the country.” Tennassee said that the conference’s participants were accepting of the brain drain issue and felt that as contributors to this reality, they should do more to contribute and build bridges for Guyanese at home and abroad to collaborate. Tennassee is in Guyana for the second time conducting research and recently released
Paul Nehru Tennassee, Professor at University of the District of Columbia, USA
a report on the issues affecting Guyanese, particularly those at the grass root level. The Director said that listening interviews were conducted in regions three, four, six, seven and nine, providing insightful and useful perspectives from diverse groups from across the country. Based on five main questions that pointed to the quality of life and activities done to improve the quality of life in the country, Tennassee said it was found so far, that many young people were having problems with jobs, while those employed are still finding difficulty in making ends meet. Farmers and manufacturers, he said, are having problems marketing and promoting their goods among many other issues discovered. Tennassee noted however that Guyanese abroad are eager to offer assistance, where he (Tennassee) for example, is interested in providing pro bono training and classes in the academic areas of Civics, Government and Corruption among several other areas which he teaches at the University of the District of Columbia in the US. Tennassee pointed out that TRI will be funded by corporate and pro-
fessional Guyanese. “These are people using their own money to do well for their country,” the Director insisted. He said too that local business people are also being lobbied to get on-board and also provide assistance in getting the work of the institution going. Tennassee went on to say that since the organization is non-profit, all its activities and even financial record will be made public as to how much money is injected into the organization and what it was used for. Outside of this, Tennassee said come August, TRI will be organising a national conference titled “The state of the Guyanese grass roots- how all of us can benefit from the oil revenue.” He said the idea is to take an earnest look at what is happening with the Guyanese poor, while finding sustainable ways in lifting them out of their situations. Tennassee recognised the many issues plaguing the Guyanese population such as its racial division and political issues. He noted however that Guyanese must take a step in helping each other to advance their lives saying it is “our moral and historical obligation.” He said, “We are not a people of royalty, we come from a period of slavery, indentureship and conquest, so all of us have a common origin. If there are those of us who are left behind, for whatever reasons; below the poverty line, they don’t have a good education; then we have a responsibility to see how we can come up with policies to lift them up.” Tennassee said that TRI is in its early stages but they envision working closely with the Guyanese population to meet their desired end.
Teen model killed by train during photoshoot From Cosmopolitan AN ASPIRING model was struck and killed by a train in Navasota, Texas on Friday while posing for a photo-shoot on the tracks that she hoped would help launch her career. Authorities report that Fredzania “Zanie” Thompson, 19, and her photographer were standing between two sets of tracks at a railway crossing taking photos at around noon. According to The Eagle, one set of the tracks belonged to BNSF and the other to Union Pacific, and the teenager was standing on the former, facing towards an oncoming BNSF
train. She then tried to cross the tracks in order to avoid it, but was struck by a Union Pacific train coming from the opposite direction on the other set of tracks. Buzzfeed reports that Thompson was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Witnesses state that despite both trains blowing their horns, she did not see the oncoming train behind her. “This horrific incident is the reason they don’t want individuals and kids playing on rail tracks, because trains come intermittently and you don’t know when they come,” Navasota Director of Public Safety
Shawn Myatt told Buzzfeed. Speaking with The Eagle, Thompson’s mother Hakamie Stevenson, said that her daughter was a student at Blinn College, but decided to put her education on hold in order to pursue a modeling career. She added that her daughter was also a star volleyball player, hair and makeup expert, and a role model to her younger siblings. Thompson, who would have turned 20 on Monday, was also engaged to her 25-year-old boyfriend, Darnell Chatman, who said the couple had recently found out they were expecting. In honor of Thompson’s memory, friends and family
have created a memorial in her honor, and her friends have shared one of the last photos taken of her from that day - showing Thompson smiling while posing on the tracks. A funeral was held for Thompson at Brosig Auditorium.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Chinese businessman beaten, robbed KE TOUNG Wu woke up early Saturday morning to start his daily chores but as soon as he opened his door, he was greeted by two armed men, who immediately attacked him. The 45-year-old Chinese businessman resides at Lot 36 Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, where he owns and operates the ‘Lucky Supermarket.’ Commander of ‘D’ Division, Leslie James, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the robbery occurred approxi-
mately 06:45hrs on Saturday. He said the businessman was attacked by two men who were armed with a metal bar. According to the Commander, Ke received a laceration to the head and received five stitches after visiting the Leonora Diagnostic Hospital. This newspaper understands that the bandits managed to cart off $600,000 in cash, and according to reports, they demanded that the businessman hand over the keys to the gate, after which they opened the padlock and
The bandits were captured on surveillance cameras
Ke Toung Wu was assaulted by the bandits [Fareeza Haniff photos]
escaped in a minibus. During the course of the robbery, the businessman panicked and scaled the fence to his neighbour’s yard, where he sought help. When this newspaper arrived at the scene, investigators were still trying to figure out how the bandits gained entry. The men were not masked as investigators managed to secure surveillance video from a resident in the area. While no one has been arrested as yet, the Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that one of the bandits was identified as “Spanna Toe” while the other is known as “Tattoo Boy” from Parika, East Bank Essequibo. This is the third time that the Chinese businessman has been robbed.
The ‘Lucky Supermarket’ where the incident occurred
Toddler left alone with mom’s dead body for days – survived on cereal spilled on floor A three-year-old girl spent several days alone in an apartment with her dead mother’s body, surviving on nothing but cereal that had been spilled on the floor, according to multiple reports. The girl, who has not been identified by authorities, thought her mother was sleeping, said East Hartford Police spokesman, Lt. Joshua Litwin, according to the AP. Her survival, he said, was “remarkable.”
The girl was found Monday after a social worker went to check on her because she hadn’t been to daycare for several days, according to NBC Connecticut. After the social worker got the girl to unlock the door, she discovered the child’s mother dead in a bedroom, according to the Hartford Courant. Litwin told the paper the child had been alone for “definitely more than a couple of days.” On Wednesday, au-
thorities identified the mother as Twanna Toler, 37, the AP reports. Deputy Chief, Beau Thurnauer, said police are investigating, even though there were no outward signs of criminal activity or forced entry. The child was taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center for evaluation. She was dehydrated but otherwise in good condition, police said. Authorities are waiting for the results of an autopsy by the medical examiner’s office to find out how Toler died.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
NEW GPC says KN ‘drug contract’ story erroneous THE NEW GPC Inc. has said that the story which appeared in the March 18 edition of Kaieteur News headlined “$1B drug contract awarded 3 days before 2015 elections… New GPC fails to deliver – Ministry of Public Health” is erroneous. The company in a release said the news item is a word for word reprint of an identical story carried by the newspaper on May 12, 2015, under the headline, “US$12.8M drug contract to NEW GPC.” The company noted that
the only addition is the claim that NEW GPC did not deliver any of the pharmaceuticals which it had won the bids to supply. “NEW GPC would like to make it pellucid that it has supplied all drugs for all its contracts with the Government for 2015, including all rollover contracts. The delivery notes and other necessary documents are available as proof of this statement and available for inspection. The Auditor General’s Office, which would have conducted their audit during 2016, can attest to the veracity of this
statement,” it noted. The release also noted that the $400 million contract for drugs to the Georgetown Hospital as reported in another section of the media that was supposed to have been awarded to NEWGPC for emergency supplies for 2017 is also not true. The NEW GPC had obtained an order for $20 million of medical supplies in 2017, which were already delivered, the company claimed. “We do not know if this was an ‘emergency’,” it said.
Kariako receives land title document
Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, handed over the titled document to Toshao Limbert Henry in the presence of Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine; Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams; Wayne Wilson, Secretary, and Claude Alleyne, Treasurer of Kariako Village Council
(GINA Guyana) THE community of Kariako has received its land title document granting it absolute ownership of over 51,000 acres of community land. Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, handed over the document to Toshao, Limbert Henry, on Saturday. The document was handed over in the presence of Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Secretary of the Village Council, Wayne Wilson, and Treasurer of the Kariako Village Council, Claude Alleyne. At the handing-over ceremony at the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Minister Allicock urged the community’s leaders to ensure proper management of their land. He said, “It is
about proper management, I hope the councillors now will be able to put things in place, to ensure you have health, education and everything in place; your economic development in place.” Kariako is a small indigenous community in Region One and has a population of over 600 people. Its main economic activities are mining and small-scale farming. The community has been awaiting its certificate of title since 2004. Toshao Henry said that the title document will allow the community to push its development. “It’s a joy to finally see our certificate of title, and today, we have received it from the ministry. We have been waiting for it for a long time,” he said. Under the Guyana REDD
+ Investment Fund (GRIF), Government in 2013 signed a US$10.7M document for the implementation of the Land Titling and Demarcation project. The project came to an end in 2016. However, the ministry requested an extension in the 2017 budget. This resulted in $165M being earmarked for advancing of the remaining identified areas for land titling. In 2016, almost 1,000 square kilometres of land was demarcated in Regions One, Seven, and Eight. This project, which is being spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to protect Indigenous rights and create livelihood opportunities for residents. (By: Synieka Thorne)
SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
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AUNTY CARLA – she made it through persistence, faith GINA, GUYANA - CARLA Hopkinson, fondly referred to as “Aunty Carla” is an indigenous woman of Carib origin. She is from a small village called Dogg Point in Bartica, Region Seven. She is a wife, mother and grandmother. Aunty Carla makes cassava bread, cassareep, tuma, piwari and a variety of craft items for sale. This industrious woman knows that “no work is easy” and she urges women to work alongside men in areas of logging and farming. Aunty Carla told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that “she grew up seeing her parents making the very things that she now handles. She said that her parents were farmers and fishermen, so she knows about the tough life from a very tender age. AUNTY CARLA AND HER PRODUCTS Aunty Carla has been living in Bartica for 42 years.
She is not a resident of the town by birth, and while being employed at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) for 27 years her Indigenous way of life is still very much alive in her heart and it is evident from the way she lives. Her business is self-integrated. She has two cassava farms in Dogg Point village. The raw material for her cassava bread and all the other products made from that staple comes from her farm. Materials for her craft items come from surrounding indigenous villages. Her cassareep comes in 24-ounce bottles, and is on sale on ‘market day’ in Bartica which is on a Saturday, and when there is village day. Items such as the tuma and cassava bread are sent into the ‘back dam’ for sale. In her line of work, her husband plays an integral part. He takes his wife’s finished products to the market to be sold. He handles all the transportation, she said.
Aunty Carla takes pride and joy in everything that she does. “If I have to grate cassava, I will get up at five and bathe and go over to my working area and begin to work. My lunch would catch me right in this area.”
you smell like a smoked fish. On a busy day, my house sees me till night. And the work doesn’t stop there because even though I have orders to take care of, I still have to take care of the home, ensuring that it’s clean and food is cooked among other things.” Aunty Carla said that her children were her priority. She told GINA that she has six children alive. She said that educating them was at the
Aunty Carla displaying two of her products
She said that the process is long and sometimes tiring, depending on the quantity of the orders. “You are in the smoke all day, and at the end
top of the list for her and her other half. She would ensure that her children have food and all that is necessary to attend school. She would also
ensure that her husband was taken care of to go to work. “I would ensure that his clothes are pressed, lunch is kept warm and the house is clean because as you know men like to come home to a clean house and a warm meal.” She added: “I am proud of myself from where I started to where I am now. It has not been easy, but God has blessed these two hands of mine and it would be selfish of me to go back to Him and not have done anything with it,” Aunty Carla said. She told GINA that since the commencement of her business she has built her house, and she also has a grocery shop. Like Aunty Carla said, her hands are blessed. She is also versatile in cooking such foods as fried rice, curried chicken and roti, dhal puri, pholourie, and cassava ball. Aunty Carla’s cassareep can last a lifetime. The process to make one bottle takes three hours. The cassava is grated, placed in the matapee where the juice is extracted. The juice is then placed on the fire and the “cream” is taken off and that liquid is cooked for hours until it reaches the
consistency of the cassareep. Her craft items which are on display and for resale throughout the year include fans, matapees, graters and shifters; they are completed at different times due to the size and quantity of the orders that are placed. In terms of market for her products, Aunty Carla said that if assistance were offered to her to have her products and work become more recognisable, she would accept. She said “Guyana has beautiful items to offer, not just internally, but on the international scene as well.” Aunty Carla is also encouraging persons to be thankful for what they have and what God provides on a daily basis for them. This proud, strong Carib woman entrepreneur encourages others, especially women, “to get up and get going and ask for advice.” She noted that young people were not humble enough to ask for advice. However she would still like them to know that life is about learning. Aunty Carla can be contacted on 679-4673 for orders. (By: Gabreila Patram)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
City Hall tapping age-old technologies to save costs By Telesha Ramnarine
THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) this year plans on making full use of certain age-old technologies, such as the use of the composter and the bio gas digester, that could result in saving costs for cooking gas and electricity. In fact, head of M&CC’s Solid Waste Management Department Walter Narine is so passionate about the initiatives that for this year, he wants to assist every school in Georgetown to obtain a composter. Furthermore, he has big plans to use a biodigester to power the entire Solid Waste compound at Princes Street, thus reducing its dependence on Guyana Power and Light (GPL). For the longest while now, City Hall has been heavily indebted to GPL for electricity costs. “What we’re attempting to do over the next week is to set up one small-scale composter in every school which will aid in our school programme this year. We want to provide them with bins, teach them how to do composting and also give them the composter.
Head of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine
So all they need to do is throw their waste into the composter, give it a gentle turn and within another six weeks, you have compost. “If they do that every day, then they have the compost generating and there is no cost to the school; we know how cash-strapped the schools are,” explained Narine in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently. Narine said he will be approaching a few private institutions for funding to help with the project since it is one that is not budgeted for 2017. METHANE GAS “We are also setting up a biodigester which basi-
cally breaks down the food waste or your cow or horse manure and produces methane gas,” Narine informed. Methane gas can be used for cooking and power generation. Again, schools with cafeterias will be able to benefit from this technology so that they will not need to spend money on cooking gas. The intention is also for it to be used in all of the municipal compounds. “What I want to do is to convert the methane gas into electricity and power this compound with the current and take us off the grid. We have direct access to the organic waste, which is from the municipal markets. A lot of people could do it but they don’t have access to the waste. For them to do it, they will have to incur transportation cost which we don’t have to. That’s where we have an advantage,” Narine expressed. He continued: “We in the municipality don’t really need the gas to cook but households can do that to allow them to be less dependent on cooking gas. If you do make this connection to your septic tank; your septic tank produces methane gas
An image of the composter to be given to schools
daily and it is being wasted; you make the connections and you don’t have to buy cooking gas at all.”
A diagram of the biodigester
A DISCOURAGEMENT Narine observed that one of the reasons Guyanese do not really tap into this technology is because it has to do with human faeces. “And they don’t want people to hear they’re cooking with that. From the time they hear about it, they laugh and make all sorts of remarks. But when you have no food to put on your table, those people who laughed and encouraged you not to do it won’t give you anything.” These two initiatives will come in good for the municipality, Narine noted
and the M&CC stands ready to share them with other agencies who are interested. “People are not exposed to the technology. They would need technical advice on how to set it up because methane gas is very dangerous if the vessel is not sealed properly.” Narine said he will be looking to set up a team from his department that can install the biodigester for anyone who is interested. “They can call us, we can go and teach them the technology and set it up for them. They will have to pay for the materials of course. You make this small investment and you don’t have to buy cooking gas anymore.”
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Firm providing business services launched
BUSINESS persons now have at their disposal Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm managed by chartered accountants Chateram Ramdihal and Floyd Haynes when it comes to sound management of their enterprises.
Under the motto “We serve for your success,” the two highly qualified professionals are offering services including in accounting, auditing, taxation, event management and management consultancy and training. The newly formed com-
pany is the brainchild of local chartered accountant, Chateram Ramdihal and his overseas-based business partner, Floyd Haynes. The launching took place Friday night at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, and was attended by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes; Attorney General Basil Williams; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; members of the chartered accounting firms, relatives and friends. Minister Gaskin told the gathering that the partnership will effect a skills and knowledge transfer between the diaspora and local Guyanese in the finance and accounting fields. It will create opportunities for further professional development and training for local staff, since the Guyanese diaspora is a tremendous resource, he added. Ramdihal, who worked for many years with the Government, including the Attorney
General’s office and other accounting firms, said he decided to launch his own business after becoming a licensed accountant. He said the business idea had been in the pipeline for a year, but came to fruition after Floyd Haynes came on board. Ramdihal said too that with significant growth, Guyana is poised for development and wants the business to be seen as a partner, not as a competitor. According to him, he and Haynes have something in common, which is love for Guyana and wanted to combine their expertise to provide a world- class service to Guyanese. Their office is located at 128 Carmichael Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
Chartered Accountant Chateram Ramdihal
Chartered Accountant Floyd Haynes
Ramdihal is a senior accounting and financial management executive with more than 17 years experience in finance and operations management in both the private and public sectors. In 2015, he established his own firm, Chateram Ramdihal Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm, where he led a diverse team of professionals. Over the years, Ramdihal has proven his ability to improve operations, impact business growth and maximise profits through achievements in financial management, cost reductions, internal controls and productivity and efficiency improvements. Haynes, who is a Guyanese-born professional with more than 30 years of experience as a business executive, said has partnership with Ramdihal will assist local businesses. Haynes holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Haynes is also an adjunct professor in finance and is a public lecturer in leadership and management. He is the founder and President of Haynes Incorporated, a Washington-based accounting and management consulting firm. The firm brings together the expertise of partners along with the support of 14 professionals, semi-professionals and support staff in Guyana. Ramdihal and Haynes exemplify a made-for-Guyana model by combining their experience locally and in the diaspora to provide worldclass, value-added support to their clients.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Energy efficiency Earth Hour 2017
By Yasmin Bowman
FUNDAMENTAL to Guyana’s pursuit of a Green Economy, and by extension a “good life”, must be the effective and structural development of its clean energy sector to meet its increasing energy demand. It is still customary for us to meet our energy needs by expanding generation supply with absolutely little or no regard for energy conservation and/or energy efficiency. Although these are both energy-reduction techniques, it is necessary to make the distinction. Energy conservation and energy efficiency both mean using less energy, but energy conservation refers particularly to the human behaviour that results in using less energy or no energy at all – involving activities such as turning off lights when leaving a room, and carpooling. On the other hand, energy efficiency speaks to the technological applications that support managing and restraining the growth in energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency, “Something is more energy efficient if it delivers more services for the same energy input, or the same services for less energy input”, such as efficient light bulbs, fuel-efficient vehicles, and even smart grids. Generally, there are two distinct approaches used to meet the increasing demand for energy: either supply more energy, or improve energy end use and supply efficiencies. Although both are significantly important, it is the latter approach that deserves attention in Guyana, thereby prompting this commentary. It is certain that virtually all Guyana will benefit once all sectors exploit their opportunity to reduce the amount of energy they use. The benefits are immediate and can come in many tangible forms, such as reduced carbon emissions and economic cost, protection against rising energy costs, reduced investment size of new energy projects and deferred demand for construction of new energy projects. Adopting a strategy and policy that emphasises energy efficiency and conservation is the most economically and environmentally sen-
sible dual-purpose way of supporting Guyana’s Green Economy. The International Energy Agency has assigned energy efficiency as the largest role in reducing carbon emissions to mitigate climate change in the long term. Our energy policies ought to be dynamic and responsive to Guyana’s Green Economy agenda. Policy instruments are effective and proven as energy-saving tools. For instance, in 2001, a drought in neighbouring Brazil created an energy crisis that severely threatened its hydro electricity supply and forced the Government to enforce drastic energy-saving policy measures. The actions achieved a reduction of energy consumption by a commendable 25% in just over two months, and it did so without causing blackouts. Policymakers were later astonished that after the energy-saving programme concluded, electricity consumption remained static. Let us now conceptualize in Guyana a similar exercise whereby 25% energy-saving performance is achieved in the electricity sector. This would translate to an average savings in electricity generated of 227.299 GWh and approximately US$49
million annually, at 2012 estimates. The impact of these numbers must be understood and contemplated for what it’s worth in the pursuit of a “good life” in a green economy. Transforming to an energy-efficient society involves so many different factors. It means all stakeholders, including citizens and the Government, must take decisive and deliberate actions to adopt an attitude consistent with energy-conservation practices, while promoting and encouraging the use of energy-efficiency applications. It also means individuals are conscious about reducing their own carbon footprint through reduced energy consumption. These actions would not only protect the environment, but would also support green technology and growth. According to Albert Einstein, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”. Making this transformation will result in new opportunities, increased efficiency, and financial savings; and an even more productive and healthier public to work and spend money in the resulting green sustainable economy. Energy efficiency in Guyana still
Sunday, March 19, 2017 - 09:00 hrs Monday, March 20, 2017 - 10:00 hrs Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - 12:00 hrs
faces many barriers, whether regulatory, legal, institutional or technical. Accepting this as fact, there ought to be the will and the want to not only reduce or remove these barriers altogether, but to do so in an expeditious manner. While Guyana remains a country with great potential
for energy savings, there must be an embrace of all the readily available institutional support for energy efficiency and conservation, both regionally and internationally. The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
(CREEE), the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), and the UN post-2015 development agenda that is designed to double rates of energy efficiency by 2030 are all excellent initiatives available to support energy efficiency in Guyana.
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Lights green for GMR&SC Statue for reaction Drag meet today sprint legend THE South Dakota Circuit will become a battle ground today when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosts the Reaction Drag race meet, commencing from 09:00hrs Following a successful day of testing yesterday, the club through president Rameez Mohamed confirmed to Chronicle Sport that everything is set and ready for the event. “Today (yesterday) we sent our guys up early to ensure that the systems were working and in order to ensure that we have a
smooth day of racing, and they have confirmed that they are ready,” he said. The GMR&SC boss added that, “up to when I checked, we had about 70 registered competitors or thereabouts and it’s going to be an action packed day of racing. We have a special surprise for fans on race day and they are not going to want to miss this.” “The Surinamese guys are here and they are itching for competition. They have already sent out stern warnings to the guys of the various classes but I have
a feeling that our guys can hold their own.” The club is pushing to ensure fans get into the venue hassle free and as such, tickets will be sold at the gate. However,Mohamed encouraged persons to get to the track early if they are to secure prime seating for what is considered one of the hottest calendar events. Meanwhile, the Surinamese team has indicated their readiness for the venture, with their team itching to take to the strip. Several members were hyped yesterday after a test and tune.
They will come under fierce competition,however,from the Mohameds Enterprise GTR Godzilla and Nizmo as well as the Toyota Caldina of Shawn Persaud, the RX-7 of Peter Dabi and the former king of the strip,Rondel Dabi and his Toyota Supra. Team Wreckers, which consists of four cars is also going to be in contention along with a host of other competitors. Races start from 09:00hrs with free runs and Qualifying at 10, followed by Elimination at 11.
Big wins for Carmel, Sir Leon Lesson In Milo U-18 football THERE were big wins for Carmel Secondary and Sir Leon Lesson when the Petra organised Milo U-18 football action continued yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. It was a destructive effort from the Carmel Side as they hammered Brickdam Secondary 12-0,thanks to a hat-trick from Shaquille Cox who scored in the 9th, 14th and 37th minutes, as well as a pair of braces from Darron Niles (17th and 20 th) and Romel Maxwell (19th and 28th). Single strikes from
Shaquille Baptiste (2 nd), Ryan Fredericks (3 rd ), Shawn Harvey (12th), Stefon Duke (46th) and Romel Smith (51st) also ensured that the win came by a huge margin. In game two, South Ruimveldt overcame Christchurch 3-2 with Nergal McBean’s hat-trick (55th, 57th and 60 th ) bettering Christchurch’s Patrick Joseph’s double in the 19th and 40thmin. Game three saw Queenstown beat out Cummings Lodge 4-3 with a brace from Denzel Ross (36th and 52nd) and singles
tries from Jermaine Padmore (26th) and Shaquille Stephens (50th) Cummings Lodge had Keon Hamer-(14th), Britton Capriano (19 th) and Leonardo Wilson (21 st ) each on target. Meanwhile, Sir Leon Lesson had a clear win over Richard Ishmael 5-1,with a hat trick from Adrian Aaron (5th, 10th and 16th) and single strikes from Meshach Barratt (41 st) and Tyrese Forde (42nd). Richard Ishmael had Shemar Albert (21 st) on target. Matches continue today.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS Carlisle 10:15 hrs Fattsota 10:45 hrs Gino Trail 11:20 hrs Modulus 11:55 hrs Kaki De La Pree 12:25 hrs Lord Ballim 13:00 hrs Carlton Ryan
12:45 hrs Bob Ford 13:15 hrs Blue Bullet
10:40 hrs Chirico Vallis 11:10 hrs Concordin 11:45 hrs A Toi Phil 12:20 hrs Kilcarry Bridge 12:55 hrs Ontopoftheworld 13:25 hrs Minellafordollars
FFOS LAS 10:00 hrs Act Four 10:30 hrs Ninepointsixthree 11:00 hrs The Omen 11:35 hrs Alf ‘N’ Dor 12:10 hrs Shaluna
IRISH RACING TIPS Limerick 09:50 hrs Logical Song 10:20 hrs The Green Lady 10:50 hrs Mon Lino 11:25 hrs He Is Top Class 12:00 hrs Slowmotion 12:35 hrs White Arm 13:05 hrs Double Scores NAVAN 10:10 hrs Baltazar D’ Allier
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:55 hrs Smart World 09;30 hrs Dale House 10:10 hrs Buster Crown 10:40 hrs Spanish Captain 11:15 hrs Tropical Wonder
Usain Bolt at Independence Park … Jamaica Government describes the move as “lasting tribute” KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) — Government will erect an eight-foot statue of Usain Bolt at Independence Park in honour of the sprint legend who plans to retire this August. Describing the move as “a lasting tribute”, Sports Minister Olivia Grange said the statue would be finished by Jamaica’s Independence Day on August 6, in time to mark the final race of Bolt’s career at the World Championships in London from August 4-13. “The Government of Jamaica has been recognising and saluting Bolt’s achievements throughout his career, and even as we speak we are completing a lasting tribute to this great son of Jamaica — an eight-foot statue that will be mounted at the Independence Park Complex,” Grange said. We are on schedule to complete this statue by Independence Day and to have the mounting coincide with Bolt’s final race at the World Championships in London.” The 30-year-old Bolt is the finest sprinter in history and will lower the curtain on a glittering career at the World Championships, just days before his 31st birthday. Last year, he became the first-ever athlete to sweep the sprint double at three successive Olympics when he dominated the Rio Games, en route to a record nine Olympic medals. He also holds the 100 metres World record of 9.58 seconds and the 200m mark of 19.19. Grange said Bolt had left an indelible mark on the sport and also on the world. “We have said it many times: he is extraordinary, wonderful, he is fun, and he is truly amazing but I am not sure that we quite understand yet what a privilege it is for us to live in the time of Usain Bolt … to be around during the time of this legend,” Grange pointed out. “In a way, he has spoilt us, not only Jamaicans, but he has spoilt the entire world. He represents tremendous talent, hard work, and he knows how to have fun. He has become the face of this sport and a genuinely great guy.” She added: “He is supportive of other athletes, admires other athletes, and breaks and sets records like they are nothing. He is the biggest superstar … a superstar but very humble, and he is someone that you want to see succeed every time he does something.”
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Pujara, Cummins shine on tense third day By Amlan Chakraborty RANCHI, India(Reuters)-Top order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara compiled an industrious unbeaten century to keep India on course to match Australia’s first-innings total of 451 in the third test on Saturday. Australia paceman Pat Cummins made a successful return to Test cricket after five years in the wilderness, oozing hostility and claiming 4-59 on a placid track to help restrict the hosts to 360-6 on day three of the contest. Pujara was batting on 130 at stumps, the first century by an Indian batsman
in the four-Ttest series, having spent nearly seven hours at the crease to consolidate his team’s position in the contest. Wriddhiman Saha was giving him company on 18 with India still 91 runs behind. Pujara is a steady accumulator of runs in an Indian line-up of mostly flamboyant stroke-makers and his solid defence stood him in great stead as his 11th Test century underlined the virtue of playing along the turf, minimising risks. The 29-year-old hit 17 boundaries in his composed knock, often threading the ball through gaps and letting
the exceptionally fast outfield carry it across the rope. Australia bowling coach David Saker said the contest was interestingly poised after a hard-fought day. “It’s great Test-match cricket,” Saker, who was England’s bowling coach from 2010 to 2015, told reporters. “We really put them under a lot of pressure. They absorbed it, especially Pujara who played a fantastic innings.” “We’re still ahead of the game but they are getting closer every over... we’ll be coming out pretty strong tomorrow.” Resuming the day on 120 for one, Pujara and Mura-
Cheteshwar Pujara’s century, India’s first of the series, helped whittle down the deficit to 91 at stumps.
li Vijay raised their sixth century partnership of the season to lead India’s strong reply. Playing his 50th Test, Vijay, then on 58, survived a bat-pad catch when the inside edge went undetected and Australia could not challenge the not-out decision having exhausted their reviews. The opener did not make the most of the reprieve, however. In the final over before lunch, Vijay jumped out to a Steve O’Keefe delivery only to be stumped for 82, which included 10 boundaries and a six. Virat Kohli walked out after lunch to thunderous applause, having stayed away from the field since injuring his shoulder on Thursday, and there was silence as he departed after facing 23 balls that yielded six runs. Armed with the second new ball, Cummins induced Kohli into a loose drive and Australia skipper Steve Smith took a sharp catch at second slip. Ajinkya Rahane belied his reputation as a watchful batsman with a ramp shot more suited to limited-overs cricket, feathering a Cummins delivery to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. Karun Nair lost his offstump to Josh Hazlewood and Ravichandran Ashwin could only glove a Cummins snorter to Wade in the final session. Vijay dismissed suggestions that India had lost momentum towards the end. “Not really, I think the game is evenly poised,” the opener told reporters. “If we can get closer to the target and maybe if possible get a lead from there,
Pat Cumins was Australia’s best bowler on the day, finishing with 4 for 59 in 25 overs. it would be a good game in hand.” The four-Test series is
level at 1-1 with Dharamsala hosting the final match from March 25.
SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 451 (S. Smith 178no, G. Maxwell 104; R. Jadeja 5-124) India 1st innings (Overnight: 120-1) L. Rahul c Wade b Cummins 67 M. Vijay st Wade b O’Keefe 82 C. Pujara not out 130 V. Kohli c Smith b Cummins 6 A. Rahane c Wade b Cummins 14 K. Nair b Hazlewood 23 R. Ashwin c Wade b Cummins 3 W. Saha not out 18 Extras (b-14 lb-3) 17 Total (for 6 wickets, 130 overs) 360 Fall of wickets: 1-91 L. Rahul,2-193 M. Vijay,3-225 V. Kohli,4-276 A. Rahane,5-320 K. Nair,6-328 R. Ashwin To bat: R. Jadeja, U. Yadav, I. Sharma Bowling: J. Hazlewood 31 - 9 - 66 – 1, P. Cummins 25 - 8 - 59 - 4 S. O’Keefe 43 - 11 - 117 – 1, N. Lyon 29 - 2 - 97 - 0 G. Maxwell 2 - 0 - 4 - 0
Returning Cummins exceeded expectations, say Australia bowling coach By Amlan Chakraborty RANCHI, India, (Reuters)-Pat Cummins exceeded expectations in his first Test match in more than five years and the speedster will pose a sweet selection headache for Australia, bowling coach David Saker said on Saturday. Long touted as a future leader of the pace attack, Cummins made a stunning seven-wicket debut in South Africa as an 18-year-old in 2011 but has since been beset by injuries. After a fractured foot
ended spearhead Mitchell Starc’s India tour, the selectors took a gamble of sorts by plucking Cummins out of domestic cricket and planting him into the team for the third test against India. The right-arm pacer grabbed the opportunity with both hands, breathing fire on a placid track and claiming four wickets to help restrict India to 3606 in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 451. “I thought last night he bowled particularly well but today he backed that up and to produce some of the balls
Australia bowling coach David Saker
he produced to get wickets is pretty exciting,” Saker told reporters at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium. “Hats off to the selectors to go with him. “Ball speed in India is a big thing because the wickets don’t generate any pace. But he was way higher than the expectations we had. We know what talent he is but it’s so pleasing to see him go so well.” Cummings oozed hostility with the second new ball on Saturday, dismissing India captain Virat Kohli and
the dependable Ajinkya Rahane while sending back Ravichandran Ashwin with a sharply rising delivery. With the born-again Cummins joining Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the mix and James Pattinson waiting in the wings, Saker said Australia now had an embarrassment of pace riches. It will be a bit of a headache for the selectors,” Saker said. “To be strong in world cricket and especially the Australian team, you need a good crop of fast bowlers
and we’ve got that at the moment but we’ve had a lot of problems getting them on the park. “There are still other back-up bowlers. Jackson Bird is here, he does a fantastic job when he’s called upon. Peter Siddle’s been outstanding for long periods of time. (Uncapped) Chadd Sayers again, probably one of the (most) unlucky fast bowlers in Australian cricket. “We’ve got a good crop so that’s exciting for me and the Australian cricket team.”
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Maharaj spins South Africa to SCOREBOARD eight-wicket victory in second Test (REUTERS)-Keshav Maharaj took career best figures of 6-40 as South Africa romped to an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand on the extended third day of the second Test on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Hashim Amla and JP Duminy guided the tourists to victory in an additional 30 minutes of play at the Basin Reserve, the latter firing the boundary that saw the Proteas ease past the 81-run victory target to 83-2. Amla finished on 38 not out and the winning four gave Duminy an unbeaten 15 but it was a victory set up by their disciplined bowling unit, who had dismissed New Zealand for 171 in their second innings after tea. While Mahraj took the spoils and the man-of-thematch award, it was, however, a first innings partnership between Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock that was the match-turning moment. De Kock and Bavuma combined for 160 runs to rescue the Proteas on the second day, when the hosts
had reduced them to 94 for six after they had scrapped to 268 in their own first innings. The South African wicketkeeper counter-attacked to
Saturday with the Proteas reaching 359 for a lead of 91. Fast bowler Morkel then tore the top off New Zealand’s batting line-up with the first
Keshav Maharaj’s 6/40 was the fifth-best haul by a South Africa spinner away from home. score 91 and was ably supported by Bavuma’s 89. Their partnership tired the New Zealand attack out to the point where Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander were able to produce a 57-run final wicket partnership that only ended on
three wickets. Vernon Philander’s nagging line and length and Kagiso Rabada’s pace put the hosts under immense pressure that allowed Maharaj to attack on a wicket that was assisting turn but deliveries were not exploding off it.
Maharaj instead just kept floating the ball up, varying his pace and waiting for the impetuous shots from New Zealand’s batsmen to come, which did at regular intervals. Jeet Raval was the only batsman to provide any resistance as he was peppered by Morkel’s bouncers and took several blows to his hands and body. Raval, who survived three chances after he had passed 50, top scored with 80 before his dismissal to Maharaj after tea sparked a slump where New Zealand lost their last five wickets for 16 runs. The real concern for New Zealand, however, will be to balance their approach against the pace trio and then face the slower bowlers, with even part-time off-spinner JP Duminy taking a career-best 4-47 in the first innings. South Africa have also called in off-spinner Dane Piedt for what are expected to be spin-friendly conditions in the third test at Seddon Park in Hamilton, starting on March 25.
NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 268 (H. Nicholls 118; J. Duminy 4-47) South Africa 1st innings (Overnight: 349-9) S. Cook c Neesham b Southee 3 D. Elgar c Neesham b de Grandhomme 9 K. Rabada b Southee 9 H. Amla c Nicholls b de Grandhomme 21 J. Duminy c Nicholls b Wagner 16 F. du Plessis c Watling b de Grandhomme 22 T. Bavuma c Neesham b Wagner 89 Q. de Kock c Watling b Neesham 91 V. Philander not out 37 K. Maharaj c Williamson b Wagner 1 M. Morkel b Patel 40 Extras (b-4 lb-5 w-12) 21 Total (all out, 98 overs) 359 Fall of wickets: 1-12 S. Cook,2-12 D. Elgar,3-26 K. Rabada,4-59 J. Duminy,5-79 H. Amla,6-94 F. du Plessis,7-254 Q. de Kock,8-290 T. Bavuma,9-302 K. Maharaj,10-359 M. Morkel Bowling: T. Southee 27 - 7 - 98 - 2(w-1),C. de Grandhomme 23 - 7 52 – 3, N. Wagner 22 - 1 - 102 - 3(w-1),J. Patel 14 - 1 - 57 – 1, J. Neesham 12 - 2 - 41 - 1(w-2) NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings T. Latham c Duminy b M. Morkel 6 J. Raval stp deKock b Maharaj 80 K. Williamson c de Kock b M. Morkel 1 N. Broom c de Kock b M. Morkel 20 H. Nicholls b Maharaj 7 J. Neesham c du Plessis b Maharaj 4 B. Watling c Duminy b Maharaj 29 C.de Grandhomme b Maharaj 0 T. Southee c Duminy b Maharaj 4 J. Patel c deKock b Rabada 0 N. Wagner not 4 Extras (b-10, lb-1 w-5) 16 Total (all out 63.2 overs 171 Fall of wickets: 1-16 T. Latham,2-26 K. Williamson,3-64 N. Broom,4-86 H. Nicholls,5-90 J. Neesham, 5-155 J.Raval, 7-161 de Grandhomme, 6-167 Southee, 9-167 Patel, 10-171 Watling Bowling M. Morkel 11 - 0 - 50 - 3(w-1), V. Philander 12 - 3 - 28 – 0, K. Rabada 17 - 5 - 38 – 1, K. Maharaj 20.2 - 7 - 40 – 6, J. Duminy 3 - 1 - 4 – 0. SOUTH AFRICA 2nd Innings S. Cook c Neesham b Southee 11 D.Elgar C Watling b Wagner 17 H. Amla not out 38 J. Duminy not out 15 Extras (w2) 2 Total 2 wickets 83 Fall of wickets: 1-18 Cook, 2-48 Elgar Bowling: T. Southee 6-2-17-1, C.de Grandhomme 8-1-20-0, N.Wagner 8-2-18-1.
Bangladesh bowlers reduce Lanka to 268-8 after Karunaratne ton (REUTERS)-Seamer Mustafizur Rahman and
spinner Shakib Al Hasan picked up three wickets
Regal Sports Softball to commence on March 26
registration closes on Friday TEAMS interested in participating in the 2017 edition of the Regal Sports Softball tournament have until Friday to register;this is according to chief coordinator Mahendra Hardyal, According to Hardyal, while entry to the tournament is free, no late entries will be accepted. The tournament will be played in the Open and Over40 categories. The Open category will be 15 overs aside, while the Over-40 will be of 20 overs contest. According to the playing condition, the small supreme balls will be used for the Open category, while the white balls will be used for the Open segment. The playing condition also outlined that teams will need to provide their own balls, in addition they will have to offset the umpires’ payment. The winning teams in each category will take home $100,000, while the losing finalists will earn $25,000. Preliminary matches are slated for Everest, GNIC and DCC.
apiece to help Bangladesh reduce Sri Lanka to 268-8 in their second innings for a lead of 139 on the fourth day of the second test on Saturday. The hosts, who conceded a first-innings lead of 129, appeared to be in big trouble in their second essay despite opener Dimuth Karunaratne’s fine 126, his fifth Test hundred. Sri Lanka were reduced to 190-6 at one point but fought back with useful partnerships from the lower order to boost their hopes of a 2-0 win in the two-match series. Dilruwan Perera was unbeaten on 26 with Suranga Lakmal 16 not out and the pair have already added 30 for the ninth wicket to dampen Bangladesh’s hopes of a maiden win against Sri Lanka in
their 100th test. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan struck with his first ball of the day to dismiss Upul Tharanga for 26 and break Sri Lanka’s flourishing opening partnership after they had resumed on 54-0. Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis (36) added 86 for the second wicket as Sri Lanka stayed on course to set Bangladesh a challenging target to chase on the final day. Mustafizur and Shakib brought Bangladesh back into the match by inducing a mini collapse which saw the hosts reduced from 143-1 to 190-6. Karunaratne and Perera then added 27 for the seventh wicket before the former became Shakib’s (3-61) third scalp of the innings.
Dimuth Karunaratne raises his bat after scoring his fifth Test century in Colombo on the 4th day.
SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 338 (D. Chandimal 138) Bangladesh 1st innings 467 (S. Al Hasan 116, M. Hossain 75, S. Sarkar 61, M. Rahim 52; R. Herath 4-82, L. Sandakan 4-140) Sri Lanka 2nd innings (Overnight: 54-0) D. Karunaratne c Sarkar b Al Hasan 126 U. Tharanga b M. Hasan 26 K. Mendis c Rahim b M. Rahman 36 D. Chandimal c Rahim b M. Rahman 5 A. Gunaratne lbw b Al Hasan 7 D. de Silva c Rahim b M. Rahman 0 N. Dickwella c Rahim b Al Hasan 5 D. Perera not out 26 R. Herath lbw b T. Islam 9 S. Lakmal not out 16 Extras (b-4 lb-7 w-1) 12 Total (for 8 wickets, 100 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-57 U. Tharanga,2-143 K. Mendis,3-165 D. Chandimal,4-176 A. Gunaratne,5-177 D. de Silva,6-190 N. Dickwella,7-217 D. Karunaratne,8-238 R. Herath To bat: L. Sandakan Bowling: S. Roy 16 - 4 - 36 - 0(w-1),M. Hasan 22 - 0 - 67 - 1 M. Rahman 19 - 3 - 52 – 3,S. Al Hasan 30 - 8 - 61 – 3, Mosa. Hossain 3 - 0 - 10 – 0, T. Islam 10 - 1 - 31 – 1.
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Golden Jaguars look to topple Martinique’s unbeaten streak By Santokie Nagulendran
IN keeping with their promise to arrange games every FIFA International window, it was announced earlier this month by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) that Guyana will face Martinique in a friendly game to be held on the 28th March 2017,at the MSC ground in Linden. This is the first International game to be played in Linden in six years and the mining town will surely welcome the return. While this is a friendly game, it is a valuable and critical test for Guyana.Their opponents Martinique, a French territory not affiliated to FIFA, maintained a 100% record in the 2017 Caribbean Cup qualifiers last year;a remarkable feat made all the more impressive when you consider they defeated Trinidad and Tobago, arguably the strongest team in the Caribbean, during that momentous run. Notably, they only conceded two goals in their six qualifying games, a stark contrast to Guyana: in Guyana’s six qualifying games they conceded twelve goals. This game will therefore be a challenge for Guyana;can they infiltrate the strongest defense in Caribbean football whilst preventing their opponents from scoring?
Martinique have qualified for the 2017 Caribbean Cup and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup;a remarkable feat for such a small island.They
Will Vurlon Mills who has had recent success for the Trinidad and Tobago side San Juan Jabloteh be called up? have qualified for five Gold Cups in total, and will use the game against Guyana as preparation for their important tournaments later this year. It is a significant coup for Guyana to have managed to attract such a high-calibre side to Guyana to compete. The last time these sides met was in 2012, and the game finished 2-2, with Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams and Dwight
Peters netting the goals for Guyana. Fast-forward to 2017 and Martinique have an abundance of talent in their squad, spear-headed by former Real Madrid midfield player Julian Faubert, supported by prolific striker Kevin Parsemain, whilst winger Langill, who plays for Legia Warsaw in Poland, compliments the fearsome attack. Martinique have yet to confirm their squad, but it will likely be made up predominantly of local-based players from leading clubs ‘’Golden Lion’’ and ‘’Colonial’’. Striker Kevin Parsemain, who plays for Golden Lions, has had stints abroad, playing in France and later on at Seattle Sounders in USA. Now back to playing football in Martinique, he has a terrific scoring record for his country, netting 24 goals in 38 games. He is the player Guyana needs to contain to have any hopes of victory in this battle. Since Jamaal Shabazz resigned in November 2016, no replacement Head Coach has been announced yet for Guyana, although that decision must be made imminently. Wayne Dover, who has been Assistant Coach for the national team with Jamaal Shabazz, must surely be the favourite to take over. Due to the withdrawal of four clubs from the Stag Elite League, there
The Martiniue national team will face the Guyana team next Sunday at the MSC ground. was an exodus of players from the league into association football, and thus, the likes of Colin Nelson, Trayon Bobb, Devon Millington, Delon Lanferman, Kester Jacobs and Hubert Pedro will all be in contention for callups despite not featuring in the Elite League. Players from GDF, Fruta Conquerors and Victoria Kings will also be strong contenders to be called up to the squad based on their team’s respective performances in the first half of the Elite League. 17-year-old Jeremy Garrett of Fruta Conquerors could come into the team due to his strong performances in the League Leaders competition which concluded last week, while veteran Anthony Abrams also
could play to add experience. GDF’s Delwyn Fraser has been exceptional as central midfielder for the undefeated club side this season, and has therefore also pressed a strong claim to make the side. It will also be interesting to see what the overseas composition of the team will be .Will overseas-based players be called up? Vurlon Mills has had recent success for Trinidad and Tobago side San Juan Jabloteh in the CFU Club Championships, while Daniel Wilson and Quincy Adams are currently enjoying stints in Suriname. With finances usually restricting the recruitment of USA and European-based players for friendly games in the Caribbean, it seems unlikely that
the likes of Neil Danns, Sam Cox, Brandon Beresford and Kai Mckenzie-Lyle will feature, meaning it is an opportunity for local players to step up and pose a significant challenge to one of the strongest teams in the region. The game is also a significant milestone for the town of Linden, Martinique are the first international side to visit since Barbados came and lost 1-0 in 2011, while it also presents an opportunity to once again play in a town which has such a rich footballing history. Just as importantly, it will also be a big game for Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, who will be looking to roar back to life against a rampant Martinique side.
GCA/NBS Second Division cricket …
Transport win last over thriller by five runs By Rajiv Bisnauth
TRANSPORT Sports Club (TSC) produced a disciplined bowling and fielding effort to edge hosts Everest Cricket Club by five runs in the second semifinal in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) sponsored New Building Society (NBS) second division 40over cricket tournament yesterday. Chasing 160 for victory, Everest were bowled out for 155 in 39.4 overs, with all the Transport bowlers having excellent returns. Ostyn Batson and Shawn Massiah had (2-22) and (234) respectively, while Kevin Ross, Charwayne McPherson, Azim Azeez and Devaughu Nanda all chipped in with a wicket apiece. Akshaya Persaud produced an excellent allround performance, but it was not enough to guide Everest across the final line. Persaud first produced a brilliant spell with the ball
to claimed 3-20 before he hugged the limelight with the bat, hitting an entertaining 80 off 87 balls. He smashed four fours and two sixes.
The right-handed Singh then joined McPherson and they knuckled down to their task on a slow, dry-looking pitch and rebuilt the innings, with sound and
... through to final against Demerara Cricket Club
Singh’s innings was decorated with three fours and two sixes.
Akshaya Persaud was fluent through the off-side in his match-winning innings (Photo: Adrian Narine) After deciding to bat, Transport Sports Club rallied on an attractive half-century from Sunil Singh, to pose a challenging total of 159 made in 35.3 overs. Singh’s 51 was the mainstay of the innings after the visiting side lost opener Chemroy Kendall (7) in the sixth over to Aveshkar Ramgobin (1-28), at 27-1.
stylish shotmaking. The pair added 60 runs for the second-wicket before they were undermined by off-spinner Richie Looknauth and left-arm spinner Persaud. Looknauth, who produced a brilliant spell to claim (3-24) from his eight overs,removed McPherson (24),then Nanda (10), and Singh in the process.
Things then went further downhill for the visitors, and the remaining batsmen failed to show any sort of commitment with the bat. Persaud and medium pacer Azad Mohamed both bowled with great control, picking up five of the remaining wickets. Mohamed finished with 2-27, while Dwayne Adams was the other successful
bowler, with 1-19. Rafael Singh (10) and Azeez (11) were the other batsmen to reach double figures. The run chase then started disastrously for the hosts when Adams was run out for one and Travis Mohamed was taken at the wicket off Nanda without scoring, at 3-2. However, Persaud and Khemraj Ramdeen then showed good composure to pull their team out of trouble. The left-handed pair seized the advantage and took the score to 60. In the process they put together 57 runs for the third-wicket before Shawn Massiah provided the visitors with two breakthroughs when he removed Ramdeen for 35 and Looknauth (5). At the other end, Persaud kept on batting unperturbed and did not allow the bowlers to settle down.However,the
visitors broke through again with the wickets of Govin Sookdeo (8) and Azad Mohamed (6), at 108-6. With 44 runs needed off 36 balls, Persaud decided to accelerate, hitting McPherson for 15 off the 35th over to ease the pressure somewhat. The hosts then lost Randy Dhanraj (9), but Persaud in company with Rajin Sookdeo, took their team within eight runs of victory before off-spinner Ross removed the dangerous Persaud, while Ramgobin was run out. The hosts were left with seven to get off the last over but Sookdeo buckled to the pressure and was eventually stumped off the fourth ball bowled by Batson, leaving the hosts heart-broken. Transport will now meet Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the final at a date and venue to be announced.
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Mohammed, Carter and Permaul call ... no place for up to Windies T20 squad Gayle and Bravo ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC0 — Batting superstar Chris Gayle will take no part in the four-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan starting later this month, after being left out of 16-man squad announced Saturday. The left-handed Gayle also did not play in the threematch series against the Pakistanis last September in the
United Arab Emirates, after advising selectors he was unavailable for selection. However, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) release on Saturday offered no explanation for Gayle’s omission from the squad which will be led again by all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite. Jamaican Gayle has been a key member of the West
VEERASAMMY PERMAUL
Indies T20 set-up and remains one of the world’s premier batsmen in the shortest format. He averages 35 from 50 T20 Internationals with two hundreds and has already plundered nearly 10 000 runs in T20s overall. Gayle last appeared for West Indies in the Twenty20 World Cup in India last April when he helped the Caribbean side win an unprecedented second title. Also missing from the squad is experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo who played in the last series in the UAE. He was extremely critical of the WICB following the Windies’ 3-0 whitewash in the UAE, contending their abrupt firing of head coach Phil Simmons had demoralised the unit. The 33-year-old underwent surgery last January for a hamstring injury sustained in the Australia Big Bash and has been recovering since. Also missing from the Windies’ last outing are
Casemiro guides leaders Real through Athletic test By Richard Martin BARCELONA, (Reuters)-Real Madrid went five points clear a the top of La Liga after coming through a testing game at Athletic Bilbao to win 2-1 thanks to Brazilian midfield lynchpin Casemiro’s strike on Saturday. Karim Benzema fired Real ahead in the 25th minute with an exquisite firsttime finish from a Cristiano Ronaldo cross after Casemiro had begun the move with a clever long ball from the halfway line. Athletic worked hard to get back into the game and, after Real keeper Keylor Navas produced a brilliant save to deny Inaki Williams, veteran striker Aritz Aduriz headed the home side level from close range in the 65th minute. Casemiro restored Real’s
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Ramos celebrate goal by Carlos Casemiro. REUTERS/Vincent West lead in the 68th, however, by controlling a Ronaldo’s flicked header from a corner and calmly taking his time to tuck the ball into the net from close range thanks to some
careless defending. Real lead on 65 points from second-placed Barcelona, who have also played 27 games and host Valencia today.
batsman Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles, while marquee all-rounder Andre Russell is unavailable due to a doping whereabouts suspension. Batsman Lendl Simmons, who missed the last series through medical reasons, has returned and joins other seasoned campaigners in off-spinner Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels. Meanwhile, Jonathan Carter and Jason Mohammed have forced their way into the squad, presumably based on their form in the recent one-day series against England. They are two of three new faces with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul a surprise inclusion after having not suited up for West Indies in two years. He oddly makes it into the squad ahead of fellow left-armer Sulieman Benn who snatched 18 wickets in the recent Regional Super50 but has once again been ig-
JASON MOHAMMED
nored by selectors. Impressive all-rounder Rovman Powell, yet to make his T20 debut, has retained his place in the squad. Test and one-day captain Jason Holder has also kept his place in the squad despite having not played a T20 in 16 months. West Indies face Pakistan in the first T20 on March 26 at Kensington Oval before clashing in the remaining
games at Queen’s Park Oval from March 30 to April 2. SQUAD — Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Samuel Badree, Jonathan Carter, André Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton, Keswick Williams.
Sharjeel loss a blow for Windies series, admits Sarfraz LAHORE, Pakistan, (CMC) — Opener Sharjeel Khan’s absence from Pakistan’s limited overs tour of West Indies later this month will be a big loss for the side, captain Sarfraz Ahmed has said. Sharjeel was provisionally suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board over his alleged role in a spot-fixing scandal during the first week of the just concluded Pakistan Super League. The 27-year-old has emerged as a potent force in recent months and was the side’s leading batsman on the one-day tour of Australia in January. “It’s saddening when you lose some players who are perfect for the setup. Sharjeel was the type of player who we needed as he was perfect for the contemporary run-and-gun style of cricket,” said Sar-
fraz following a training session in preparation for the upcoming series. “He isn’t with us anymore so of course it will af-
Suspended Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan. fect us but I have full faith in the newcomers and they will translate their domestic form at international level.” He added: “The West Indies tour holds immense
importance for the team. Sharjeel’s absence will make a difference but hopefully the other openers will step up and not let us feel his absence.” Pakistan take on West Indies in a full tour which runs from March 26 to May 14 and included four Twenty20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals and three Tests. In the limited overs squad named this week, selectors included the likes of veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, both of whom Sarfraz said a lot would be expected from. “The presence of senior players like Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik is very important for the team. We will leverage the capabilities of those players who are in form,” Sarfraz stressed.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Fudadin, Reifer hit half-centuries in Jaguars 246 for eight
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) — Assad Fudadin struck a half-century in his first game of the season while Raymon Reifer gathered his second and 10th overall, as Guyana Jaguars batted the entire second day to eke out a small lead over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here Saturday. At the close, Jaguars were 246 for eight in the seventh round contest of the Regional four-day championship, with Fudadin having top-scored with 57 and Reifer unbeaten on exactly 50. Nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo scored 39 while Veerasammy Permaul got 24 and Vishaul Singh, 22. Pacer Marlon Richards
Assad Fudadin top scored with 57 was the best bowler with four for 34 while off-spinner Bryan Charles supported with three for 70. Heading into day three
at Queen’s Park Oval, tournament leaders Jaguars lead by 44 runs. Resuming the day on 38 for one in response to Red
Force’s disappointing 202 all out on Friday’s opening day, Jaguars were inspired mainly through three partnerships. The left-handed Fudadin, returning to the side after missing the opening six games, struck nine fours in a knock lasting 135 balls and just over 2-1/2 hours while Bishoo counted five fours off 131 deliveries in a shade over three hours at the crease. Both perished as Jaguars lost three wickets for 13 runs in the space of 53 balls but the in-form Reifer took control of the innings to anchor two solid partnerships and keep the twotime defending champions ahead of the game. First, he put on 47 for the sixth wicket with Vishaul
to put Jaguars in touching distance of their target before adding a further 42 for the eighth wicket with Permaul, to build a lead for his side.
The left-handed Reifer has so far faced 126 deliveries in a little over 2-1/2 hours at the crease and struck six boundaries.
SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st innings 202 Jaguars 1st Innings (overnight 38 for one) S Hetmyer c Pierre b Charles 15 R Chandrika c Cariah b Richards 17 D Bishoo c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 39 A Fudadin c & b Charles 57 L Johnson c wkp Katwaroo b Richards 7 V Singh c Mohammed b Pierre 22 R Reifer not out 50 A Bramble lbw b Charles 4 V Permaul lbw b Richards 24 R Shepherd not out 1 Extras (b8, w1, nb1) 10 TOTAL (8 wkts 100 overs) 246 Fall of wicket: 1-27, 2-47, 3-136, 4-144, 5-149, 6-196, 7-201, 8-243. To bat: K Paul. Bowling: Richards 20-9-34-4, Philip 5-1-25-0, Charles 31-8-70-3, Imran Khan 18-0-63-0, Pierre 11-0-29-1, Mohammed 15-5-17-0. Position: Jaguars lead by 44 runs.
Volcanoes facing heavy defeat against Barbados Pride BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) — A shocking late evening collapse left Windward Islands Volcanoes on the verge of a heavy against Barbados Pride, heading into Sunday’s penultimate day of their seventh round clash. Trailing by 31 runs after doing well to dismiss Pride for 324 in their first innings, Volcanoes then stumbled to the close at Kensington Oval on 34 for five — ahead by just three runs with their top order already wiped out. Fast bowler Miguel Cummins, with three for 16, and part-time off-spinner Roston Chase with two for 16, combined to wreck the innings in just 14 overs. Captain Kevin Stoute had earlier stroked a top score of 61 — his 11th first class half-century — as the hosts, resuming on their overnight 22 without loss, carved out a narrow
first innings advantage. Starting the day on eight, Stoute produced a breezy knock, stroking nine fours off 82 deliveries, while Shamarh Brooks made 42, Chase, 39 and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, 38. Left-handed Anthony Alleyne chipped in with 35 while tail-ender Jomel Warrican weighed in with an unbeaten 29. Stoute put on 75 for the first wicket with Alleyne who struck seven boundaries in a up temp 47-ball knock, before putting on a further 39 for the second wicket with Omar Phillips who made 23. Pride lost West Indies batsman Shai Hope (8) eight balls before lunch and then Stoute, nine balls following the resumption, as the innings declined to 129 for four. However, Brooks
Fast bowler Miguel Cummins … grabbed three wickets late in the day.
struck seven fours in a 62ball innings while Chase faced 71 balls and counted five fours, as they put on 79 for the fifth wicket to rally the innings. When Pride slipped to 245 for six at tea, Dowrich added 43 for the seventh wicket with Ashley Nurse (22) and 31 for the eighth with Kemar Roach (4), to take their side into the lead. Batting a second time, Volcanoes were in trouble when Tyrone Theophile edged Cummins to Nurse at second slip without scoring in the third over and Taryck Gabriel swung Chase to Brooks at square leg in the next over to fall for four. Devon Smith (11) and Keddy Lesporis (2) perished in successive overs from Cummins and Sunil Ambris bungled a cut at Chase and was bowled for five.
Kenya escapes threat of IOC ban By Isaack Omulo NAIROBI,(Reuters)-Kenya’s national Olympic committee has escaped the threat of suspension after failing to adopt a new constitution but funding will continue to be withheld until further notice, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Saturday. The IOC froze financial support to Kenya nine days ago, after the country’s troubled
national committee (NOCK) failed to adopt a revised constitution, and said it would discuss the matter at its executive board (EB) meeting in Pyeongchang this week, leading to speculation that it might ban the country. However, IOC Deputy Director General Pere Miro said a Kenyan undertaking to bring in the new constitution at a meeting later this month meant the IOC had stayed the threat of further action.
“The IOC EB noted, with disappointment, that your NOC failed to adopt its revised constitution at its meeting on 7 March 2017,” Miro said in a letter to NOCK President Kipchoge Keino. “However, the IOC EB welcomed the recent positive developments, as mentioned in your letter dated 14 March 2017, in particular the firm commitment from your NOC to rectify the situation and the resolution signed by the members
of your NOC Executive Committee to support the adoption of this revised constitution at its next Extraordinary General Assembly already reconvened by your NOC on 28 March 2017. “In view of this significant progress, no further action will be taken at this stage by the IOC. Nevertheless, the IOC EB has confirmed that all payments of subsidies to your NOC continue to be on hold until further notice,” said the letter.
SCOREBOARD VOLCANOES 1st Innings 293 Pride 1st Innings (overnight 22 without loss) A Alleyne lbw b Shillingford 35 K Stoute lbw b Sebastian 61 O Phillips c Gabriel b Peters 23 S Hope b Shillingford 8 S Brooks c Theophile b Mayers 42 R Chase c Theophile b Lewis 39 S Dowrich c Gabriel b Lewis 38 A Nurse c Lewis b Peters 22 K Roach b Lewis 4 J Warrican not out 29 M Cummins c Lesporis b Shillingford 0 Extras (b14, lb1, w5, nb3) 23 TOTAL (all out, 76.5 overs) 324 Fall of wickets: 1-75, 2-114, 3-127, 4-129, 5-208, 6-216, 7-259, 8-290, 9-301, 10-324. Bowling: Lewis 14-2-56-3 (w4, nb1), Shillingford 26.5-3-98-3, Sebastien 12-1-58-1, Peters 11-2-55-2 (nb2), Mayers 13-4-42-1 (w1). VOLCANOES 2nd Innings D Smith c wkp Dowrich b Cummins 15 T Theophile c Nurse b Cummins 0 T Gabriel c Brooks b Chase 4 K Lesporis c Chase b Cummins 2 S Ambris b Chase 5 R Cato not out 2 L Sebastien not out 5 Extras (lb1) 1 TOTAL (5 wkts, 14 overs) 34 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-16, 3-20, 4-27, 5-27. Bowling: Cummins 5-1-16-3, Chase 7-1-16-2, Warrican 2-1-1-0. Position: Volcanoes trail by three runs with five second innings wickets intact.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday March 19, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Jeff Stollmeyer-104 (vs AUST, Sydney, 1951-52) (2) Ritchie Richardson-106*(vs PAK, Sharjah, 1991)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What are the best bowling figures by a WI captain in a Test innings? (2) What are the best bowling figures by a WI captain in an ODI innings?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
31
SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 19, 2017
Linden Mayor appointed patron of Martinique clash
THE Guyana Football Federation(GFF) has appointed Mayor of Linden,Carwyn Holland,as the official patron of the upcoming international friendly match between Guyana and Martinique to be played on Tuesday, 28th March in Linden. The clash between the Golden Jaguars and a powerful Martinique side,warming up for its fifth appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup,marks the return of international football to Linden after a six-year hiatus. GFF president Wayne Forde made the patronage announcement during a preparatory inspection visit to Linden on Friday. “Mayor Carwyn Holland, on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation Executive Committee, you are now the official patron of the international friendly – Guyana versus Martinique,” GFF president Forde said following a meeting with Mayor
GFF president Wayne Forde presents the GFF pennant to Mayor of Linden,Carwyn Holland,in the presence of other GFF and MSC officials Holland. “Congratulations to the Linden community. This is an exciting opportunity for Linden to show itself a worthy recipient of such an important friendly match.” The game is scheduled
for 20.0hrs on Tuesday, 28th March at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, with tickets priced at 1500 GYD. The GFF is encouraging all fans to wear yellow to show their support for the Golden Jaguars.
“We want to thank you on behalf of the people of Linden – the home of football in Guyana – and I can assure the people will be coming out in full numbers and we will be looking forward to wearing our yellow,”
Mayor Holland said. “It should be a great day for all of Linden and a great day for football in Guyana.” The GFF delegation, including Executive Committee member Keith Ojeer; Technical Director Ian
Greenwood;Competitions Director Ian Alves and Marketing and Sponsorship Director Dario Mcklmon also met representatives of the Mackenzie Sports Club to discuss logistical planning for the clash.
Bristol meets with GBA executives Trophy Stall best jockey trophy up for grabs on staging Boxing Day card at KMTC’s Phagwah race meet today
USA-based boxing promoter Seon Bristol has returned to Guyana to hold discussions with the executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) relating to the staging of a card on Boxing Day 2017. Bristol yesterday met with GBA president,Steve Ninvalle,Treasurer Dexter Patterson and Technical Director,Terrence Poole to start ironing out plans for the competition. Bristol told Chronicle Sport yesterday that the card would be named `Sons of Champions’ and would feature some of the top names in the sport. “It is being called sons of champions as we have several former champions who now have children participating in the sport. For those former champions who do not have children in the sport , then we will ask that they adopt one for this card,” Bristol stated. Two weeks ago, the former amateur boxer and nephew of former Commonwealth light middleweight champion Kenny Bristol declared that he was saddened that the country had no card last Boxing Day. “My intention is to make USA based boxing sure that there is a fight-card promoter Seon Bristol on December 26th. It used to happen but for some reason has not in the recent past. I am not going to point fingers but intend to rectify the situation,” Bristol had said. He disclosed that his Bris ”O” Promotion Company attempted to host a similar event last Boxing Day but was persuaded against doing so after being informed that there was a professional card planned for the same day. Bristol recently collaborated with the GBA to stage this year’s first International ‘Nuff Cuff’ tournament which was a success. “I have said before that I am willing to do whatever it takes to assist in moving boxing forward. After today’s meeting with the GBA executive I am even more confident that we are on the right track and boxing will return to its rightful date and place.”
PROPRIETOR of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Ramesh Sunich, on Thursday presented the Top Jockey trophy for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Phagwah horse race meet scheduled for today at the club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. According to Sunich, Trophy Stall, since its establishment, has been sponsoring the top jockey trophy for this and other race meets. Sunich said he is committed to this sponsorship, not only for the KMTC, but many other horse race organisers. He further stated that not only does he support horse races, but many other disciplines. Asked why his interest in sponsoring horse races, Sunich informed that his late father was one of Guyana’s top jockeys in the days of the D’Urban race track and he used to be at D’Urban Park on the Sundays when there were races there. Tomorrow’s feature event which covers one mile, is open to horses classified `C’ and Lower and will carry a first prize of $900 000. The second-, third- and
Trophy Stall Managing Director Ramesh Sunich (right) is seen presenting the Best Jockey trophy to Justice Cecil Kennard. fourth-place finishers will earn $450 000, $225 000 and $112 000 respectively. A five-furlong race is open to non-winners of the class `L’ division and the winner will pocket $100 000 while the other top three performers will earn $50 000, $25 000 and $13 000 respectively Another five-furlong race is for horses classified `L’ who are also non-winners and the winner will receive $100 000, while the
second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will earn $80 000, $25 000 and $13 000 respectively. A first six-furlong race is open to horses classified `L’ and Lower three-yearold Guyana-bred horses and the winner will receive $150 000. Horses classified `E’ and Lower will also contest a six-furlong event with the winner pocketing $400 000. A $110 000 first prize is up for grabs for horses
classified `L’ Open over six furlongs, while threeyear-old Guyana-bred maidens will also do battle over six furlongs for a $200 000 first prize and horses classified `J’ and Lower will battle over six furlongs for a first prize worth $140 000. The other event on the day’s card is open to top horses classified `H’ and Lower and they will run over seven furlongs for a first prize worth $250 000.
Linden Mayor appointed patron of Martinique clash See story on page 31
Lights green for GMR&SC reaction Drag meet today See story on page 25
Bikes are sure to be in action once the lights go green tomorrow Usain Bolt holds the 100 metres World record of 9.58 seconds and the 200m mark of 19.19.
Statue for sprint legend Usain Bolt at Independence See story Park on page 25
… Jamaica Government describes the move as “lasting tribute”
Big wins for Carmel; Sir Leon Lesson In Milo U-18 football See story on page 25
Part of the action during the Queenstown and Cummings Lodge matchup
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SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017