Guyana chronicle E paper April 7 2018

SATURDAY 7th April, 2018

No.105237

Three held for threatening to kill President

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President David Granger

Weeping Sandy charged with murder PAGE

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A tearful Orwain Sandy being escorted out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court compound following his arraignment

US$4.175M health project unveiled PAGE

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DR miner killed at Black Water backdam

THE police in ‘F’ Division are investigating an alleged robbery/ murder committed on Pedro Pablo Rosario, 55 years, a miner of The Dominican Republic, which occurred at a mining camp in Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, by three armed men early Friday morning.

Police said an initial investigation has revealed that Rosario was relaxing in a hammock at the watch camp, about 30 feet from the dredge, when one of the suspects pounced and discharged a round hitting him. The three suspects then proceeded to the dredge, held the other employees at gunpoint, removed two mats from the sluice box and escaped.

The investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Report from high-level task force handed over to Minister of Education

A REPORT addressing important issues in the education sector was handed over to Education Minister Nicolette Henry by a high-level task force.

The task force was put together last November to address salary negotiations and other issues affecting teachers. The matters addressed included non-salary issues, allowances, de-bunching and matters highlighted during the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector, in addition to the GTU Multi-Year Agreement.

On Friday when the report was handed over to Minister Henry at her Brickdam office, the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Vibert Welch said after three months of intense deliberations, a number of favourable recommendations have been tabled.

According to him, the recommendations made in the final report will likely attract more persons to the teaching profession and encourage those who are already in to remain. The permanent secretary said the high-level task force is optimistic that Cabinet would look favourably at the recommendations put forward.

President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte, said he is pleased that the re-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry receiving the report from the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Vibert Welch. port is finally completed and the classroom is recognised. ceremony, Minister Henry tary, Coretta McDonald; handed over. Lyte said after Like the PS in the Education said that she will go through Finance Secretary, Hector three months of deliberations, Ministry, Lyte said the GTU the document in its entirety Butts and representatives members of the GTU are sat- is anticipating a favourable along with her Cabinet col- of the Ministry of Commuisfied with the proposals and response from Cabinet on the leagues. She said that after nities, Ministry of the Presrecommendations made. issues to be addressed. this process, hopefully, all of idency and Department According to the GTU The report will be pre- the recommendations can be of the Public Service, were present at the handing-over President, it is important sented to Cabinet by the Min- implemented. that the work of teachers in ister of Education. During the GTU General-Secre- ceremony.

Students shine at STEAM fair … activity ‘important’ for MoE’s annual events calendar

THE Ministry of Education on Friday morning held its closing ceremony for the five-day national Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fair at St Joseph High School, where winners were awarded.

The event was held under the theme: “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics paving the way for a ‘green’ and sustainable society.” It had a large turnout of participants from far and wide, who showcased their varying talents by way of projects on display, accompanied by an oral presentation.

In his remarks, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technology) Patrick Chinedu told the gathering that the biennial event is a much-anticipated one and this year the students did not disappoint, but came out with very innovation projects.

Meanwhile, Senior Education Officer

Carol Benn, said that the turnout was good and termed the activity as important for the ministry’s calendar of events, since it highlights the best projects undertaken by students across the country.

She related that the national STEAM fair was designed for students to expand their scope in the five disciplines that the event encompasses, as well as to sharpen their skills and communication while at the same time making new friends and embracing new challenges.

Benn added that the students’ participation had many benefits, given the many projects on display. She said that the ministry is proud of all the students who had invested many long hours and days to complete their projects.

Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Education, Vibert Welch, told the large crowd of students, teachers, parents and others that he was very

impressed with the projects on display, admitting that he felt a sense of pride.

Further, he described the students as talented, given their high level of output.

He added that it was a job well done and he was indeed pleased by the good articulation of the students during the oral presentation of their projects.

Welch stated that in the 23 categories of exhibits in the STEAM fair, the displays were excellent and it goes to show the thirst of the students who are willing to embrace science and technology which are ever-changing.

He disclosed that because of how well the students did, Guyana has been asked to participate in Brazil next year. He said too that Region Four has indicated its willingness to host the next STEAM fair.

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, last week underscored the importance

of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in the development of the country’s future generation at the 2018 National STEAM fair opening.

Speaking at the event hosted at the St Joseph High School, the minister explained that the national fair forms part of the ministry’s strategy to promote science and technology in the school setting.

Guyana’s 14th biennial National STEAM fair spotlighted the importance of such a forum to the growing young generation.

Guyana only recently adopted the Arts into what was previously known as the Science fair and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fair; and the Ministry of Education is currently exploring all options for the development of these areas in schools nationwide.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

90,000 Three held GWI forbattling threatening unmetered customers to kill President

THREE persons have been arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate President David Granger, police confirmed on Friday.

In a release police said a 65-yearold male from East Coast Demerara and two other persons are in custody as investigation continues into threatening phone calls made against the life of His Excellency President David Granger, which were received on the 911 system at Brickdam on the 20th March, 2018.

Not the first time persons have threatened to kill President Granger. Late last year an inmate of the Lusignan Prison was charged after he called the 911 emergency hotline and threatened to kill the President.

It was reported back then that Alim Ally, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for as-

sault, was charged with four counts of threatening language. It is alleged that on November 19 at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara, he called the 911 system at Brickdam Police Station and threatened to kill the President. It is further alleged that on the same day, he called the system and threatened to shoot up the Brickdam Police Station.

It is also alleged that on November 10, Ally called the 911 system and threatened to kill the President and made threats to the police station on the said date. Ally, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to all of the four charges. On the dates mentioned on the charges, it is alleged that Ally told the 911 operator that when he leaves the prison, he would kill the President. He even provided his name to the other party during the calls.

In April also last year reports surfaced in the media of an alleged plot to kill the Head-of-State.

During the said period, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had disclosed that Cabinet and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were aware of a reported threat made against President Granger’s life. President David Granger had ordered a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged assassination plot against him. “ Any plot or attempt to cause harm to His Excellency must be something that is in the public’s interest. So it is not a matter of not having confidence in any particular entity, but it is the right of the President to determine if he requires any deeper level of inquiry into any matter,” Minister Harmon explained.

90,000 unmetered customers affecting GWI’s non-revenue water

FROM a total of one hundred and eighty-thousand (180,000) customers across Guyana, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has in its system some 90,000 clients who are receiving water without meters, thereby contributing to a shortfall in its revenue.

The large number of unmetered customers is also driving the water company’s non-revenue. This was disclosed on Friday by the company’s Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako, during a water treatment and quality-monitoring session with the media, at the company’s

Vlissingen Road headquarters. According to Shako, non-revenue water includes water that is lost due to leaks and customers using more water than they are being billed for.

“When we are billing these customers on a monthly basis, we are billing them on a fixed charge. We make an assumption; an estimate that we [sic] are using around 10 cubic metres of water a month. We have been analysing this water over the years and we have installed monitoring meters, to assess how much water they have been using.”

He said the unmetered customers being billed for

10 cubic metres of water per month, are actually using 40 cubic metres, thus hiking the revenue water. It is for this reason, he said, that GWI is pushing ahead with the metering process, so as to allow for bills per consumption. He explained that if the water company is able to bill the 90,000 unmetered customers for 40 cubic metres of water per month, GWI would be able to use that money to address the physical aspect of revenue water. “When GWI said it is working on its non-revenue water, that is the aspect that we are looking at.

We have to get persons billed for what they consume, and that is important.” GWI’s

Managing-Director, Dr Richard Van-West Charles, said that the company is still experiencing some difficulties with accessing meters, although it has been ahead in the process. In 2017, the utility company announced its plans to install some 40,000 meters in an effort to reduce non-revenue water.

“The difficulty that we have is the procurement process with respect to the meters and it is in our strategic plan, so that it will help us to move up.”

According to Dr Van-West Charles, without metering, the company cannot arrest the revenue lost in this regard. (DPI)

Owner of 'veggie' restaurant remanded

THE owner of a popular vegetarian restaurant was on Friday remanded to prison, accused of trafficking in narcotics.

It was alleged that on April 4, 2018, at 57, Robb Street, Bourda, Prince Lamaison had in his possession 836 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the police facts

presented in court, on the day in question, police ranks acted on information and went to the said location, where the defendant managed a restaurant named Isuns. The police made contact with the defendant who was locked in a room. When the room was searched, they found a black plastic bag on the floor next to a cupboard where the drug was

found.

Under caution, Lamaison said: “Officer is me own.”

In court, the 44-year- old man pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison by senior Magistrate Leron Daly. The matter was adjourned for April 27, 2018

President David Granger

One charge leads to another – no bail

EMMANUEL Larry, on Friday appeared before a city magistrate on a robbery with violence charge It was alleged that on April 5, 2018, at Longden Street, Georgetown, Larry robbed Christopher Rambarran of one cellphone worth $ 44,000 and $27, 000 in cash, and used personal violence during the incident.

According to prosecutor Sanj Singh, who objected to bail due to the serious nature of the offence, on the day in question the virtual complainant was walking along Longden Street when he was approached by the defendant who was in the company of others.

His valuables were then taken away.

A police officer who was in the vicinity saw the act and held onto the defendant. A search discovered the stolen items in his possession.

It was further alleged that on the same day at Brickdam Police Station while in custody, a further search was conducted on Larry and he was found with 16 grams of cannabis in his possession.

The 23- year-old man who resides at East La Penitence pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly; the matter was adjourned for April 27, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

Armed robbers blow up Nigerian banks

- leave 12 dead ARMED robbers on Thursday blew up the entrances of five banks in central Nigeria’s Offa town with dynamite, in an

operation which lasted for more than an hour after the close of business, and left six policemen and six civilians dead.

Kwara State police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi told BBC Yoruba that the police are investigating, and working with the bank managers to ascertain how much was carted away.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with graphic pictures of

killed policemen and residents posted on social media.

Operating in commando-style, the heavily armed gang of about 15 first attacked the Owode Police Station where they killed the policemen, before raiding the banks within the market

area. They also blocked roads leading into Offa.

They then split themselves into teams and stormed the five commercial banks, where they reportedly made off with huge amounts of money.

Police have recovered some of the vehicles sto-

len during the raid, Mr Okasanmi said.

Officers were unable to stop the robbers, because they were firing sporadically in a densely populated business district, he added.

Robberies like this one have become a regular occurrence in Offa.

Massive protest in New York --after police kill mentally ill man HUNDREDS of people took to the streets in Brooklyn, New York a day after police shot and killed a black man with mental health issues.

Saheed Vassell, 34, was shot dead on Wednesday after police received calls of a man who appeared to be wielding a silver pistol and aiming it at people.

Officers and bystanders mistook the metal pipe in his hands for a gun, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said.

“If he was a white kid, he would not have died,” his aunt, Nora Ford said.

“Oh my God, I’m so angry!” she added during the Thursday night vigil not far from where Vassell died in

the Crown Heights neighbourhood.

Video released by police show that in the moments before his death, Vassell had been brandishing the bent pipe-like a gun, and had pointed it at people on the street.

Directly before officers fired off 10 gunshots, Vassell put both hands on the pipe and aimed it at them in a way that police later described as

a firing stance.

“The suspect took a two-handed shooting stance and pointed an object at the approaching officers, two of whom were in uniform,” NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan said at a news conference, adding that they had received multiple 911 calls from onlookers.

None of the officers were wearing body cameras at the

Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 9:30hrs

The victim’s father, Eric Vassell out on the streets Thursday

time of the incident.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said “the officers responding only understood, for the best of our knowledge so far, they were dealing with a situation of someone armed who had been aiming that weapon”.

But on Thursday night, protesters said that Vassell was never commanded by officers to drop the weapon.

“If the police saw something in his hand, tell him, ‘Drop it; hold your hand up,’” his mother, Lorna Vassell, said during the vigil-turned-protest.

Witness Jacccpot Hinds told CBS News: “I seen the police car [come] in, police jump out and pop, pop, pop, pop.

“They didn’t say ‘Freeze!

Stop! Do anything! Put your hands up!’ Nothing! Straight

gunfire come out the gun.”

Vassell’s parents said their son was bipolar, but would not harm anyone.

State Senator Jesse Hamilton, who represents Crown Heights, demanded that Vassell’s death be properly investigated.

“We are mad! Too many of our young men are dying on our streets!” Mr Hamilton told the crowd as they gathered outside the police 71st Precinct, shutting down multiple lanes of traffic. “?Having a mental health issue shouldn’t be a death sentence,” he added.

Several New York protesters noted that Vassell’s death came as the nation marked the 50th anniversary of the murder of civil-rights hero, Martin Luther King Jr. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Berbice teens, female accomplice –– for security guard’s murder remanded to prison

TWO teenagers were yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of Munisperen Monien, the security guard at Sukhram’s General Store, popularly known as “Fat Lady Store”, in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne,Berbice.

The lads, Yuvraj Singh, 17, of Guava Bush, Albion Front, East Berbice, and Carlos Ballers, 19, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, were not required to plead to the indictable charge when they appeared at the Albion Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Renita Singh.

The pair was unrepresented and remanded until April 23.

Also appearing before Magistrate Singh was Ballers’ mother, Lalita Ballers, and she, too, was remanded after it was found that she was an accessory to the crime.

Word is that Lalita had knowledge of the crime, and allegedly helped her son to cover it up. She was also found to have been in receipt of some of the missing money.

The lads, who were both employed at Sukhram’s, were charged after detectives were able to get a confession from them on Wednesday evening.

Reports are that they had initially

confessed to planning the robbery, but not committing the murder. However, after being taken back to the crime scene on Thursday, and subjected to intense grilling, they broke down and reportedly gave detectives a detailed account of how they carried out the robbery and murder.

Last Saturday, Monien’s lifeless body was found in a pool of blood and with his throat slit at a back entrance to the store after calls to him went unanswered.

The man is believed to have put up quite a struggle with his assailants, since blood was splattered all around, his limbs were broken, and he had a severe cut on the head.

Further checks revealed that the assailants gained entry to the heavily secured premises by way of a hole in the back fence, and made their way into the store.

There were no signs of forced entry, and padlocks which were supposed to have secured the doors were allegedly left unlocked, pointing to an inside job.

The manager reportedly informed the police that some $1.5M in cash that was hidden in the store was missing.

Lalita Ballers as she was being escorted to prison As a result, the police initially detained seven persons, including the teens, the manager and other members of staff. Two other persons were detained on Monday.

The police have come in for high praise for being able to quickly solve yet another high-profile case within a short period of time.

Venezuela arrests Trinidad –– T&T gov’t nationals at sea monitoring situation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government said Friday it is in contact with Venezuelan authorities after three nationals were detained on Thursday and are due to appear in a court in the South American country “at a date and time still to be confirmed”.

The Ministry of National Security said that it wanted to assure citizens that the “incident appearing on social media allegedly involving Trinidad and Tobago nationals being chased

by Venezuelans in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago is currently engaging its attention”.

It said that contact had been made with the Venezuelan Embassy here, and “the matter is currently being addressed.”

According to the statement, “The latest information is that three Trinidad and Tobago nationals are in the custody of Venezuelan authorities, and are due to appear in a Venezuelan court at a time and date still to be confirmed.

“Based on information received from the Venezuelan authorities thus far, several Trinidad and Tobago vessels were pursued

by Venezuelan vessels, for fishing illegally in Venezuelan waters. The chase apparently encroached into the waters of Trinidad and

Tobago.

“It should be noted that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea makes it illegal to enter the waters of a sovereign state without permission of that state. Further, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard maintains a steady presence on the South Coast of Trinidad as part of its routine operations,” the Ministry of National Security said.

It said that regarding the incident, “The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard reported that during routine operations yesterday, two unidentified pirogues were observed crossing between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago waters.

“However, it appeared that when the chasing vessels observed the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard vessel, they retreated to Venezuelan waters. The Coast Guard vessel, in accordance with international law, did not pursue those vessels into Venezuelan waters.

“This matter will continue to be monitored by the Ministry of National Security, with emphasis on the protection of our Trinidad and Tobago nationals in accordance with the law,” the Ministry of National Security noted.

Man on sex charges back in court THREE months after 30-year-old taxi driver Thurston Semple was charged for sexually assaulting two sex workers, he was on Friday charged again with penetrating a woman without her consent.

Semple of Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, is charged with sexually assaulting the woman on August 31, 2017, at Quamina Street, Georgetown, and engaging in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent.

He was released on $100,000 bail and will return to court on April 17.

According to a report, Semple picked up the sex worker from a city hotel and took her to a hotel as he agreed to Thurston Semple pay her $5,000. He then tied the woman up and forced her to perform oral sex.

It is alleged that the man then went away leaving the woman in the room without paying her.

Meanwhile, in January, Semple was charged and released on $400,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for two similar offences.

According to reports, Semple, while working his hire car around Georgetown, would pick up sex workers and agree to pay them $10,000 to perform sexual favours.

The man allegedly would take the victims into a house and tie them up before sexually assaulting them.

Then he would leave them without paying and still tied up.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

Honouring our commitments WATER and electricity are vital necessities for the daily existence of mankind. There is no argument that water plays the greater role in sustenance of our daily lives.

However, apart from the two examples, there is the fact that it is an incontrovertible element for both human life and human activities. It has even become a source of conflict between nations, because of its dwindling sources of supply; and is being predicted as the future cause of wars among nations.

Guyana has made significant strides in terms of both these precious quantums being available, to citizens in most of our regions. From the traditional bottle and kerosene lamps that were of common use in so many rural homes especially, the last 40 years have ushered in exponential improvements in terms of electrical illumination for homes, and is continuing under the Unserved Areas Electrification Initiative, and the construction of transmission stations to facilitate the service.

For the past two years, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has been engaged in ensuring communities that were without this essential, is linked to the national grid. It is surprising that for all of the billions reported by the last administration to have been invested on both water and electricity, that there are still many, many communities that have been without these two important amenities.

Many of our coastal highways, formerly without illumination, are now brightly lit at nights, bringing much comfort and assurance to communities in terms of safety to both self and property; and motorists, in terms of being able to better

negotiate, safely, the traffic.

On the same plateau of better and improved utility services, potable water is now available to more communities and homes, than at any other time of this nation’s history.

The period 2016 to current, has been remarkable for the many communities throughout Guyana, that are now receiving water for the first time, as is now the relieving experience of the hinterland communities, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, the Corentyne and recently for Highbury, Light Town, and Deutichan, just to cite a few examples.

Although it is the state’s obligation to supply such amenities to the population, citizens have to realise that to provide such services, is costly to taxpayers. Both services require multi-billion dollars to provide. This means that citizens, who legitimately access any of the two services, or both, from the respective service provider, become customers and are therefore expected to pay their fair billing share for the services received.

Unfortunately, the latter obligation appears not to be understood clearly, or is deliberately ignored, as reflected in the respective attacks, carried out by two defaulting customers on disconnection crews from the GPL, and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in two different communities recently.

This reflects an erroneous belief on the part of some citizens that such utility services can be had, without cost to the user. It is a mindset which has been costly to both public utilities that have suffered losses in billions of dollars in revenue,

due to illegal connections.

This is plain theft, which can only have negative consequences for both companies. Therefore, the reminder must be stated, quite unambiguously, that refusal to pay, coupled with illegal service, amounts to denying urgently needed revenue for refurbishment and expansion, and an improved quality of services to the nation.

Given life’s many challenges, there are circumstances that do prohibit timely payment of bills. This has led to advisory facilities at both services that are there to guide customers on such matters. However, for those customers who receive such utilities for their use and benefit, and refuse to honour their due, as well as resort to violence when just action is taken against their refusal, are definitely unconscionable, and deserving of the loudest condemnation.

They are outside of the legal parameters, in every manner of action, are therefore lawless, and should be prosecuted accordingly.

The sugar industry still remains too important for rash decisions Dear Editor, REGION SIX RDC Councillor Mr Haseef Yusuf in letters appearing in the April 04, Guyana Times and Kaieteur News titled, “Save GuySuCo another $45B” and “Halt the trial and error approach to GuySuCo” respectively, contended that the entire GuySuCo should be privatised. While the GAWU agrees that Mr Yusuf is entitled to his view, like any other person, we, at the same time, do not share his view point.

The privatisation of GuySuCo offers the Guyanese people no assurance that the estates would remain operational. We need just to look at what happened in Jamaica when it took a decision a few years ago to privatise its

industry. When that industry was privatized, the private investors had promised brighter days ahead. But February 01, 2018, the Jamaica Observer reported Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry Donovan Stanberry as saying, “The country has not seen the economic benefits of the privatisation of the sugar industry that was anticipated when renewed efforts to divest started in 2005.”

The Jamaican experience is not an isolated situation, as the world has seen similar situations playing out. Even in Guyana, the privatisation experience has not been necessarily positive, with quite a few of the entities privatised in the latter 1980s and early 1990s having either folded up, or are operating on a smaller scale. Certainly, one does not get

a great deal of confidence that the situation would be any different with respect to the sugar industry. Moreover, when taking account of this government’s track record regarding transparency, the confidence barometer dips even further.

While we agree and share Mr Yusuf’s view regarding the return on investment regarding the $32B the government said it injected into GuySuCo, we do not believe we should throw the baby out with the bathwater.

The GAWU has consistently questioned how the massive sum was utilised and up to this point, all we have heard is a deafening silence.

Regarding the $30B financing secured, we also have several questions and look forward to engaging the Special Purpose Unit about

the plan that will guide the huge sum secured.

The sugar industry still remains too important for haphazard decision-making as recent experience has thought us. The industry’s transformation from a sugar to sugar cane industry offers it the best chance for success. Such transformation, we contend, must be guided by a plan grounded in reality and implemented by knowledgeable personnel with the involvement of the workers and their representative organisations.

Regards Seepaul Narine General-Secretary GAWU

The narcissism of some municipal officials Dear Editor,

QUITE recently, I had the chance or should I say, the misfortune of witnessing first-hand the irritating level of narcissism of some of Georgetown’s municipal leaders.

Whilst standing in line in the immigration area at a popular North American airport on my way back to Guyana, I observed the ‘King and Queen of Georgetown’ enter the same immigration area and attempted to utilise the protocol services and dedicated VIP

facilities that have been set up in that airport to accommodate foreign dignitaries.

These facilities are used by heads of state, including presidents and other heads of governments and royal parties, including reigning monarchs from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

This is an expediting service that speeds persons through security, check-in, and passport control.

Clearly, these two narcissists are well below those categories, but apparently do not recognise that fact.

Narcissism falls along the axis of what psychologists call personality disorders, one of a group that includes antisocial, dependent, histrionic, avoidant and borderline personalities. But by most measures, narcissism is one of the worst, if only because the narcissists themselves like the two I refer to are so clueless.

The whole episode was indeed very embarrassing, as they had to be escorted from this area by security personnel and placed in the regular immigration line where they

belonged.

I first was amused at witnessing the illusions of grandeur of these two individuals, but then I became sad at how clueless these globe-trotting municipal officials were. But one can only conclude that it was a necessary and timely reminder to them, that they are merely big fish in a small, dirty pond.

Regards Anu Bihari

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

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Brutal murder of guard shows need to rework Security Services Act Dear Editor, I HAVE a question: how can people be so cruel that they would slash a poor man’s throat as he works to make a few dollars to meet his basic daily needs?

According to articles in the Kaieteur News, Munesh Prem Ayasammy Monien, who worked as a security guard at Sukhram General Store and Agro Chemicals at Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, was murdered while on duty.

Since his body was discovered with a gaping head wound, slashed throat and seemingly broken legs, it is clear that he was attacked with animalistic brutality and suffered a horrible death.

Reports stated that over $1M was stolen from the store and 11 persons, including some employees, are in custody and one person had confessed up to press time.

This is blood money and it is a curse to those handling it, knowing how it was obtained.

What sort of sub-human creatures would pounce on this man, losing sleep for a few dollars, and murder him savagely just for their personal enrichment?

It always pains my heart when security guards (and others) are murdered, especially when they are brutally murdered on the job. It hurts more when their families get little or no compensation.

This brings me to an important point: Guyana’s Private Security Services Act needs to be reworked to give more protection to security personnel and provide compensation for workplace injuries or deaths, even for private watchmen.

This Act, passed in 2009, was made possible by the founder members of the Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations (GAPSO). It specifies provisions for security guards and outlines the essential requirements for security companies.

For instance, any person or persons wishing to operate a private security business must get a licence to do so and pay an annual fee for that licence. Under the Act, “private security” means security provided by a company to protect or guard a person or property.

Further, the Act describes a private security agency as a person(s) engaged in the business of providing security services of private security guards to any industrial or

business undertaking, company or society, or any other person or property.

But many watchmen get no protection on the job and do not even get National Insurance Scheme (NIS) coverage. I would not be surprised if the murdered guard’s employers did not pay NIS contributions for him, which would have entitled his dependants to some type of NIS relief.

I strongly believe that GAPSO needs to put pressure on the government and the commissioner of police to rework Guyana’s Private Security Services Act to make it compulsory for employers of watchmen to provide them with protection. It should also specify the minimum level of protection.

Even though I was a founder member of GAPSO and served as its president, secretary and treasurer, for a variety of reasons I am not an active member now. I would be willing to disclose these reasons if any media practitioner wishes to interview me.

Nevertheless, I think it is appropriate to put pressure on the government and the commissioner of police, who is the administrator of private security services under the Act, to make it mandatory for financial and other provisions to be made to protect watchmen and guards and secure their interests.

The Act should embody full NIS coverage for watchmen and guards. This is highrisk employment; therefore, the Act should make it mandatory for their employers to set aside at least $1M to $2M to cater for emergencies.

These funds are critical to assist security personnel in the event of injury on the job, or to give to their families if they die in the course of duty. If this is too much for those engaging the services of watchmen and guards, then they ought to engage a private security service that makes such provisions. In addition, these workers should get special coverage from the NIS, which should be first in line to give compensation to them in the event of injury on the job, or to recompense their dependants if they die in the course of duty.

I founded RK’s Guyana Security Services and administered it for 39 years. I took out insurance for our security personnel; the first company to do so, setting the pace for others to follow. I am always happy to do this for security personnel because without them, how would businesses such as mine survive?

Even though all operators of such businesses are aware of this, not all of them pay their workers’ NIS contributions. Amazingly, such businesses are still able to get the necessary NIS compliance certificates, so that they can bid for government contracts (corruption!).

Security personnel are hardworking citizens. They are responsible for our survival and successes and we have to respect them and protect them.

The revised Act should specify that people who employ their own security staff are providing a private internal security service.

Therefore, they have to get a licence that must be renewed annually at a cost. To do so

without a licence is illegal, especially if the security staff are deprived of NIS coverage.

I am calling on the commissioner of police to guide the Ministry of Public Security and government, so that they can tweak the Act appropriately to reflect this.

Furthermore, some aspects of the current Act are not wholesome, because it was drafted by someone

from India who I believe based it on Indian culture and sub-continent systems that do not work in Guyana.

It hurts my heart and tears my mind apart that watchmen have no protection when they work with private organisations and some legal security services are known to be stealing the NIS contributions and tax contributions and claim they have special protection and that even the Department of Labour and NIS cannot do them anything. This is indeed a sad thing and I am prepared to do something about it.

I am experienced in the local security industry where

I have been operating since 1979. I am willing to talk to the relevant authorities and media in relation to this and give some free ideas based on my experience. My advice might save the life of at least one guard or watchman. Will anyone take up my offer?

RK’s Guyana Security Services extends condolences to the family of the watchman.

Regards Roshan Khan Snr CEO/Chairman-Founder RK’s Guyana Security Services

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Multi-million SMART Health Care facilities project launched

FIVE hospitals in Guyana will be upgraded to withstand natural disasters under the United Kingdom (UK) funded ‘SMART Health Care Facilities Project.’

The SMART Health Care Facilities Project, which is being implemented in seven countries across the Caribbean Region, was launched here in Guyana on Friday by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in collaboration with the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the Public Health Ministry.

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence; PAHO/ WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, were among officials who launched the project in the boardroom of the Public Health Ministry.

With an injection of approximately US$4.175M, the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, the Leonora Cot-

tage Hospital and the Lethem Regional Hospital will be retrofitted as part of the SMART Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project.

Depending on the availability of funding, the Paramakatoi Health Centre will also be retrofitted.

Minister Lawrence, in putting the initiative into perspective, explained that two years ago DFID included Guyana in its SMART Hospitals Initiative, which will see healthcare institutions being designed to help reduce mortality, morbidity and economic losses from natural disasters. “…Under the DFID pact, we are not building any new facilities, but retrofitting some existing hospitals under the terms of the agreed compact,” she told reporters during the launch, emphasising that when completed, the identified hospitals will be well equipped to withstand the various effects of climate change.

It was noted that the identified hospitals at Diamond,

Mabaruma, Leonora and Lethem were selected on the basis of strict selection criteria, agreed under a tripartite arrangement brokered among DFID, PAHO/WHO and the Public Health Ministry. A total of 71 health facilities were assessed before the hospitals were shortlisted.

“When evaluated using the Health Safety Index (HSI), almost all of the selected institutions received a classification of ‘C’, meaning that urgent intervention measures are needed. Put forthrightly, the hospitals’ current safety levels are inadequate to protect the lives of patients and staff during and after a disaster. Since none of them obtained the minimum score required to be classified as a green facility, then all must be retrofitted,” the Public Health Minister explained.

In addition to being redesigned to withstand natural disasters, the hospitals will become energy- efficient and this would result in a slash in operating costs.

High Commissioner

Public Health officials, including Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence [third from left] pose with slogans of the SMART Hospital facility shortly after the media conference, where they announced the five facilities to be retrofitted by 2020. (DPI photo)

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow; Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, during the launch on Friday (Adrian Narine photo) Quinn, in his address, said interventions, at a reasonable and going forward, the projunder the 38 million-pound cost-to-benefit ratio. The ect will include Contingency UK project, the identified UK-funded SMART Health Plan Training, Conservation health facilities in the region Care Facilities Project, is one Plan Training, Training for will become more efficient such initiative that facilitates Maintenance Staff for the fain the utilisation of resources such interventions. cilities selected, Knowledge, and at the same time more “A ‘safe hospital’ is one Attitude and Practice Surresilient to natural disasters. whose services remain accessi- vey, Occupation Satisfaction He noted that the proj- ble and functions at maximum Survey, and Consultation ect, which will wrap up in capacity and in the same infra- with the Community on the 2020, comes at a critical time, structure, during and imme- design,” Dr Adu-Krow dispointing to the excessive diately following the impact closed. overtopping and high tide of a major event…In “green” One of the objectives of which resulted in the flood- hospitals, air quality improves, the project, Dr Adu-Krow ing of the Leonora Cottage water and energy costs de- added, is that the concept of Hospital. When the hospitals cline, and people’s working Smart Facilities will be adare retrofitted, the High Com- conditions improve through opted by other sectors, such missioner gave the assurance enhanced physical access to as Education and Tourism. that they will be able to op- hospitals, improved access to In total, 50 health facilities erate during and after natural safe water and improved safety in Grenada, St Vincent and disasters such as floods, in conditions,” the PAHO/WHO the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, the case of Guyana. representative explained.

Dominica, Belize, Guyana “The refurbished facilHe noted too that in addi- and Jamaica will be retrofitities will be more resilient tion to the 71 health facilities ted. It will conclude in 2020. and more efficient. They will which were assessed by 25 Regional Advisor, Dialso be cheaper to run…and it professional government of- saster Risk Reduction & is our hope that the ministry ficers, including engineers, Special Projects PAHO/ will be able to put those sav- training sessions were also W H O ( B a r b a d o s ) , D r ings back into the respective conducted. The 25 govern- Dana Van Alphen; Interfacilities to ensure that future ment officers were trained national PAHO Consulmaintenance needs are met,” ahead of the assessment. tant – SMART Hospitals he posited.

Additionally, a batch of 57 Initiative (Guyana), RawDr Adu-Krow, in his contractors were educated le Jordon; and Climate address, pointed out that about the project and the Change and Disaster Risk healthcare facilities are con- procurement procedures to Reduction Adviser (DFID sidered ‘smart’ when their be followed.

Caribbean), Simone Banisstructural and operational “Currently, we are evalu- ter, were among the other safety is linked with green ating bids from design firms officials present.

Motion filed in court to stop extradition matter THE defence attorneys for Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted in the United States (US) in connection with a 2011 murder, on Friday filed a motion in the High Court to stop processing of the extradition matter, which is currently being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The attorneys, Nigel Hughes, Bernard DaSilva and Darren Wade on Friday filed the application at the High Court, where it is fixed to be heard before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on April 13 at 10:30hrs.

The lawyers made an

application for a declaration that Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus possesses no authority in law or otherwise to enforce the provision of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States of America for the mutual extradition of fugitive criminals signed on December 22, 1931.

Additionally, a conservatory order restraining the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and/ or the Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus from proceeding with any processing leading to and which may result in the extradition of the applicant

from Guyana (Thomas).

The application further listed a declaration that the extradition proceedings conducted by the magistrate in relation to the applicant was a breach of his fundamental protected rights as guaranteed by article 139 and 1474 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The basis of the application made by the lawyer is that the magistrate, being a creature of statute, is not empowered to interpret and or apply the provisions of a treaty, which had not been incorporated into the provision of the domestic laws of

Guyana.

The matter, before Magistrate Isaacs is currently ongoing at the Providence Magistrates Court. This has been adjourned to April 11.

Thomas, 31, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, was nabbed by police during an operation on Wednesday, March 14; the operation had commenced since January 31, 2018. According to reports, on December 11, 2011, 20-yearold Keith Frank was shot once in the torso in a flash of violence outside a South Richmond Hill party. Frank, who moved to Queens from

Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) began looking for Thomas in connection with the shooting.

However, within hours he allegedly fled the jurisdiction and crossed over to Canada from New York State.

In Canada, he is said to have used travel documents belonging to a relative and boarded a Caribbean Airlines flight, arriving in Guyana in the early hours of the morning before the bulletin could reach Interpol (International police).

Troy Anthony Thomas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Lindo Creek CoI…

Sloppy police probe big challenge for CoI-attorney THE failure of the Guyana Police Force to take initial statements from ranks who were hunting wanted man “Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins and his criminal gang in the general vicinity of the Upper Berbice River back in 2008, is proving to be a real challenge for officials seeking to ascertain whether the police had any part to play in the murder of eight gold miners in the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (COI).

The Commission’s lawyer, Patrice Henry told the Guyana Chronicle that while the commission has been conducting interviews with some of the ranks who were involved in the 2008 operation, there are no existing statements that could be cross-referenced with the information that the ranks are providing now.

Henry told the newspaper that some 30 ranks of both the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the police force have been identified as having been a part of the search parties at the time hunting Guyana’s most wanted fugitive and his associates.

Henry said that most of the ranks have been subjected to interviews, but noted that, “the challenge is because there was no proper investigation (on the part of

the police) the ranks never provided any statements.”

NO CAN DO The difficulty, Henry continued, is that in the interviews, and even if these ranks are placed to testify, “you can’t challenge a man if he turn and says he can’t remember, or says to you it was 10 years ago, Sir.” Henry was at the time answering questions from the newspaper as to whether the commission had received the identities of the ranks who were on the joint-service operation within the Upper Berbice River area, in particular, the Christmas Falls location where the ranks clashed with the ‘Fine Man’ gang and the Lindo Creek location where the miners were murdered and their bodies burnt; and whether these ranks were going to be placed on the stand to give an account of what they did while in the Upper Berbice area.

Henry said that despite the claim that an intense search was being conducted for the criminal gang, it is the police’s defence that they operated in the Upper Berbice area, but the search parties had not ventured to Lindo Creek and surrounding hillside in search of the hiding men. There is

no statement available from members of the search parties as to whether or not they would have encountered anyone outside of the criminal gang during the operation in the Upper Berbice location.

There is also no statement from the individual ranks indicating what they would have done during their time in the Upper Berbice area, whether based on instructions from their superior(s) or other.

TIME SEQUENCING Henry said that while this aspect of the case proves a major challenge to his getting to properly cross-examine the ranks, the COI would have to depend on time sequencing and other such important information provided in the testimonies of witnesses.

When lawyer representing the interest of the Lindo Creek victims’ families, Nigel Hughes took the stand at the COI Wednesday, he told the commission that he received information from one of his clients that ex-policeman-turned career criminal, Uree Varswyck, who was fatally shot by the police after escaping from the Camp Street Prison in 2017, was reportedly part of the Joint Services’ team that went into

Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River, looking for the ‘Fine Man’ gang.

“He also asked me to indicate that another senior rank of the Guyana Police Force, who is still in the Force, was also on that team that went into Lindo Creek,” Hughes told the commission. The families’ lawyer opined that the police were “uninterested” in investigating the Lindo Creek massacre at the time, as they seemed more interested in identifying the victims, using the help of regional firms than finding out who had slaughtered them.

This, the lawyer said, was despite repeated offers to the police, the Home Affairs Ministry and the GDF to allow UK- government-owned Forensic Science Service to come to Guyana and conduct an independent investigation that would allow for the identification of the victims and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their death.

Should the police be found culpable in the murder of the Lindo Creek gold miners, Henry is positive that one of the recommendations out of the Commission would be for criminal charges of murder to be laid appropriately, as this is also required by law.

Former deputy SG appeals dismissal –– AG chambers wants PSAT chairman to recuse self

THE Public Service Appellate Tribunal on Wednesday heard the application filed on March 7, 2018 by former Deputy Solicitor General of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ms. Prithima Kissoon.

In her application, Ms Kissoon alleges that she was wrongfully terminated by the Public Service Commission in breach of her right to a fair hearing and rules of natural justice.

Former Justice of Appeal, Mr. Nandram Kissoon, who is Chairman of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal (PSAT) and Ms Kissoon’s uncle, presided over the proceedings.

Thereupon, the AG Chambers

issued a release stating that in keeping with the old adage that “not only must Justice be done but it must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done”, Ms. Oneka Archer-Caulder and Ms Judy Stuart-Adonis, representing the State, have made an application that the Chairman, Mr. Nandram Kissoon and uncle to the Appellant (Prithima Kissoon) do recuse himself on the grounds of bias.

The AG Chambers said in its release that Mr. Kissoon has acknowledged that he is indeed the uncle of the Appellant, but is insisting that the State file an affidavit in answer with submissions addressing the issue

of bias.

The matter comes up for hearing again on April 24, 2018 at 14:30h.

The AG Chambers has said that it is worth noting that Ms. Prithima Kissoon filed proceedings, not so long ago, in October, 2017, in the High Court for the identical reliefs as those in which she is currently seeking before the Appellate Tribunal. “Premised on this fact, Ms. Archer-Caulder expressed her concern to the Tribunal that appears that the Appellant may be forum shopping,” the release concluded.

Ms. Kissoon was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Nigel Hughes.

Weeping Sandy charged with murder … court grants request for psychiatric evaluation EARLY Friday morning, interdicted army Captain Orwain Sandy walked through the gates of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court handcuffed and crying uncontrollably as he made his appearance to face the murder charge of allegedly killing his reputed wife during a heated argument last week.

Sandy, 36, of Section ‘C’ Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, who served as Special Assistant to the Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman and was not required to plead to the capital offence.

The army captain broke down in tears as the magistrate read the charge to him that on Saturday, March 31 at First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, he murdered Reona Payne.

Attorney James Bond disclosed to the court that Sandy had been a psychiatric patient at the Georgetown Public

Interdicted GDF Captain Orwain Sandy Hospital for the past two years. He made an application for the defendant to be subjected to a psychiatrist’s examination while on remand.

Bond added that an independent psychiatrist will be provided to attend to Sandy. The magistrate granted the lawyer’s application and remanded Sandy to prison until April 24.

The courtroom was filled with the families and coworkers of Sandy and also relatives of the dead woman, including her ex-husband and their three children.

According to reports, Sandy after committing the act, surrendered to police at the Ruimveldt Police Station on Saturday, March 31. A post-mortem report revealed that Payne died from 14 gunshot wounds to her body-- 13 to her chest and one to the head.

The police have confirmed that Sandy used his service firearm during the shooting. Police sources also related that the soldier had on one occasion lodged his firearm at the police station during a domestic dispute.

One source said the soldier had suspected that Reona Payne was being unfaithful and was conversing with someone from overseas. It was reported that on Saturday, Sandy had planned to drop Payne off at her place of work when she received a phone call from the same person from overseas.

When the soldier questioned her and asked her to desist from railroading their relationship, an argument ensued and in the vicinity of the masjid in First Street, Alexander Village, Reona grabbed the soldier’s firearm and threw it out of the car.

According to the source, Sandy stopped the vehicle to retrieve the weapon and Payne exited too, and after picking up the gun he fired in her direction, emptying the entire magazine.

The Chief-of-Staff has ordered the Inspector-General of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to conduct a Board of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The GDF sought to assure Guyanese that Sandy’s action does not mirror the behaviour of other soldiers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Major unions want GuySuCo remain under NICIL

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), are against any attempt to place the Guyana Sugar Corporation back under the Ministry of Agriculture.

In a joint statement, the two umbrella trade unions said like many Guyanese and even those beyond our country’s shores, they have been following very closely the developments in the sugar industry in recent times. “As is now well-known, some 7,000 workers have lost their jobs following the closure of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates in the last two (2) years. Despite repeated calls and sincere advice not to proceed in this direction, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), under its previous

leadership, proceeded with what could only be described as a disastrous policy that has severely undermined the social fabric in several sugar communities and has hovering clouds of despair over thousands of ordinary Guyanese,” the union said in their statement.

Against this background, FITUG/GTUC said they were extremely dismayed to learn that attempts are being made, or possibly a process has been put in motion, to reverse a decision to transfer responsibility for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) from the Ministry of Finance and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) back to the Ministry of Agriculture. “Our organisations must pointedly say that it cannot support such a move, recognising the clear failure of its past leadership.

Our nation has seen sugar production declining by over 40 per cent between 2015 and 2017, in spite of the support provided by the state; at the same time, the workers and their representative organisations have been treated in a most distasteful and disdainful manner and have seen several hard-won benefits simply taken away; and we cannot forget the massive failure of the resuscitated and short-lived GuySuCo Other Crops Division, which despite millions being expended, has not gotten off the ground and former cane fields converted for seed paddy at Wales are slowly being overtaken by bushes and vines.”

According to the union, “certainly the sugar industry, which is so important for many reasons, cannot afford to be placed back in the hands of

those who provided such ruinous leadership. Our bodies sincerely contend and strongly believe that moving in such a direction will only serve to inflict further harm on the sugar industry, which is now nearly four (4) centuries old – the oldest economic endeavour in our country. This is not in the interest of the Guyanese people, especially the tens of thousands who depend on the industry’s operations. Such a reality, we hold, will bring about irreplaceable harm to our country and set back our progress and development.”

The union said while they are aware of allegations that NICIL hasn’t had the proudest of records, “we, at the same time, note attempts being made to resume operations at the three (3) recently closed estates. FITUG/GTUC, while pleased with this development, also cannot fail to express our concern over the contractualisation of the 1,000 workers who, reportedly, have been re-employed. Though we understand this is a temporary arrangement, we at the same

time cannot turn a Nelson’s Eye to the expansion of such informal employment relations in our country. Our bodies call on those contractors to ensure that workers NIS payments are honoured and, that as we celebrate Occupational Health and Safety Month, the re-employed workers receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We also look forward to other rights, which are either guaranteed through our local laws and international conventions being upheld.”

The FITUG/GTUC said they are also aware of the recent $30B financing secured to improve the viability of the remaining GuySuCo estates.

We welcome this initiative and look forward to learning about the plans to realise the viability objective, which is necessary and needed in these times. “While our bodies believe that a workable plan must involve the workers and their organisations who are critical in reaching the desired ends and goals, we believe the present direction in which the new leadership is taking the sugar

estates is one whereby many lost jobs would re-emerge. In such circumstances, the stakeholders would unavoidably be involved in the thrust to make the industry sustainable,” the joint statement read.

The unions said the large decline of the industry in 2016 and 2017 has caused “us to lose hope and faith in the old management team that did everything to alienate the workers and their unions. Their programme was one of denying workers and citizens a loaf of bread, whereas the current team is, seemingly, demonstrating its desire to maintain the scope of the industry. At this time, the FITUG and the GTUC cannot lend a supporting voice to the intrigues playing out in the corridors of power regarding the sugar industry.

Moving back, it is generally recognised, is not usually a step in the right direction.

Our organisations strongly uphold that it is time to end the hopscotching approach to the sugar industry in the interest of all concerned.”

Police witness recalls processing crime scene –– as ‘South Central’ murder trial continues AS the “South Central Hotel” murder trial continued in the Georgetown High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury on Thursday following a voir dire (a trial within a trial), Lance Corporal Dwayne McPherson testified.

According to the State’s case, between November 13 and 14, 2013, the accused Brian Leitch, called “Big Foot”, allegedly murdered hotelier, Joseph Jagdeo called “Joey”, at his place of business, the South Central Hotel located on South Road, Lacytown.

In his opening address, State prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that between November 13 and 14, 2013, the accused allegedly murdered the deceased and stuffed his body under a bed.

The State is represented by Mandel Moore and Lisa Cave while the defence attorneys are Lawrence Harris and Hewley Griffith.

The police witness told the court that he was on duty at the Crime Lab at CID headquarters as a Crime Scene Examiner on November 13, 2013 when a request was made by Sergeant Phillip Bowman of CID Brickdam Police Station for a Crime Scene Examiner and a photographer to visit an alleged crime scene at Lot 218 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

As a result, McPherson and Constable Charles left for the Brickdam Police Station equipped with a crime scene

Murdered: Hotelier Joseph Jagdeo, called ‘Joey’

kit and a digital camera.

The police witness related that upon arrival at the crime scene, he met and spoke with Sergeant Bowman who gave him certain information which caused him to go to Room 10 of the said property.

McPherson said that whilst in Room 10, he instructed Constable Charles to take photographic exposures of the said room.

After his examination of Room 10, he observed a motionless body of a male of East Indian descent under the bed.

The witness said that in order for him to get a closer look at the body, he removed the mattress from the bed, and whilst doing so, that he observed what appeared to be blood stains on the mattress.

McPherson told the court that he removed the covering of the mattress and placed it

in an evidence bag which he sealed and affixed with his signature and regulation number.

That done, he said he then examined the body and observed that while there were no marks of violence, the hands and feet were bound.

He told Constable Charles to take photos of the body, after which they returned to the Crime Lab at CID HQ where he submitted an analysis form and the evidence bag to ASP Vishal Jaigobin.

McPherson told the court that on February 25, 2014, he uplifted the said evidence bag and analysis form and took it to the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where it was marked and tendered and he did the same on Thursday at the Georgetown High Court.

Under cross-examination by defence attorney Hewley Griffith, the witness was asked whether he spoke to anyone at the hotel and he said he didn’t, nor did he examine the door of Room 10.

McPherson was questioned whether he had the key to the room, and he replied in the negative and also stated he did not examine the window in that room.

The police witness added that he had no need for the room key, because when he got there, the door was already opened.

ASP Vishal Jaigobin identified the analysis bag and its contents as the same he processed at the Police Crime Lab.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Remembering Wilson Harris –– to mark World Poetry Day

IN observation of World Poetry Day, an evening of poetry in celebration of the works of the late Sir Theodore Wilson Harris was hosted on Thursday evening at the Umana Yana.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, and produced by the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and the National Drama Company.

Sir Wilson Harris was a Guyanese poet, novelist and essayist whose work was highly influenced by Guyana’s rainforest and sa-

vannah landscape.

He died on March 8, 2018 at the age of 96 at his home in Chelmsford, England.

Although World Poetry Day was celebrated internationally on March 21, the evening was filled with international, regional and Guyanese poetry in line with the theme, ‘Heart of the Forest’.

Poetry reciting came from representatives from the Embassy of Mexico, the High Commission of India as well as Chairman of the National Library Board, Petamber Persaud and local dramatist, Mark Luke-Ed-

wards.

In his message, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Aundrey Azoulay, said that poetry is “a creative, transformative power”.

With that in mind, he felt that World Poetry Day is an opportunity to celebrate the wealth of the world’s cultural and linguistic heritage, while drawing attention to disappearing and lesser-used languages.

“Poetry is not limited to the artistic aspect; it is also a tool for formal and informal

Local dramatist, Mark Luke-Edwards doing an excerpt from Harris’ ‘Palace of the Peacock’ (Photo by Adrian Narine) education,” Azoulay said, adding: “This is why UNESCO encourages and supports artistic education since it strengthens intellectual,

emotional and psychological development.”

He then invited the audience to create, invent and share languages in poetry while celebrating the diver-

sities of all cultures.

Entertaining music throughout the evening came from Ricardo Stanton of the Majek Fingers Drumming School.

NAREI helps coconut farmers get more –– with regular training on vagaries of the industry AS the local coconut industry continues to expand, agricultural institutions are ensuring that farmers are not left behind by sensitising them about the bottlenecks in the industry, and how to increase their productivity.

Some of the institutions that have pioneered the training process are the National Agricultural Re-

held at the institute’s Mon Repos location. The facilitators utilised coconut palms and fallen nuts, as well as the nursery as training tools.

As NAREI’s Dr Oudho Homenauth once told the Guyana Chronicle: “The industry continues to make leaps and bounds as we continue to develop the roadmap which was introduced in 2016. The roadmap

farms and Essequibo farmer, Alfro Alfonso, and that the rooster brand, a recent addition to the local market, the hydrate and other varieties of water are very popular locally.

According to the report, Dr Homenauth had indicated that while it was projected that 5,000 acres of land would have been cultivated with coconuts by 2020, it

Farmers undergoing a spot of training recently at NAREI (Photo courtesy of NAREI) search and extension Institute (NAREI) and Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

According to a press statement from NAREI, several coconut farmers have benefitted from training to identify and select quality mother palms and nuts, select seedlings and prepare a nursery.

Owing to NAREI’s inhouse research on coconut production, the training was

for the coconut industry was a joint effort of both the public and private sectors and has been adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture.”

He was also quoted by the paper as saying that based on a survey, the coconut continues to be our major non-traditional export; exports which amount to some US$5M annually.

He’s also reported that coconut water is now being exported in larger quantities to the Caribbean by Henvil

was anticipated that that amount will be surpassed.

“There is an increasing demand for planting materials,” he said. “As such, nurseries have been established at Mon Repos, Wakenaam, Charity and Hope Estate.

“These have the capacity to produce 50, 000 seedlings annually, and satisfy about 800 acres annually. Private farmers have also begun their own seedling production.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

Teen amongst three arrested with firearms, ‘weed’

RANKS from ‘C’ division (East Coast Demerara) in the wee hours of the morning on Friday caught three armed bandits napping in an intelligence-led operation in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

According to the police, the operation resulted in the arrest of three men from Sophia, one of whom is a 16-year-old, and seizure of a .40 Taurus Pistol with six live rounds, two .32 special revolvers with four live rounds, and 70 grams of cannabis sativa.

The 16-year-old, the police say, is being investigated for an alleged robbery under arms committed on a resident of the Sophia on Thursday

Arrested: Christopher Marques night.

The adults have been identified as 28-year-old Christopher Marques, and 40-year-old E. Crawford, both of Sophia.

Arrested: E. Crawford Charges are expected to be laid soon upon the completion of police investigation.

When contacted, Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Edmond

Cooper confirmed the arrests, and urged that residents take a more active role in helping police their communities by reporting suspicious activities therein.

Noting that it’s a delicate balance between instilling trust and at the same time responding to crimes and actively working to prevent them even before they happen, Cooper said: “But when communities feel like the local police department is invested in them, it creates a greater sense of trust. In these cases, community members are more likely to see something, say something, and contact their local law enforcement when something isn’t quite right in

The firearms that were seized to serve and protect them their neighbourhoods.

“They learn to see law from those who wish to do enforcement as being there harm in their community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

‘Nations’ fundraiser on today –– to help foster more international partnerships

THE School of the Nations will today host a fundraising concert called “Nations Extravaganza” with the aim of boosting international relationships.

Head of the Student Council, Othniel Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle that

the event is a music and comedy show that will feature the entire cast of ‘Nothing to Laugh About’, including Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, Chris Gopaul, ‘Loli’ and Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius.

The musicians will include Kwasi Ace, Jumo, and Blaze

Antonio.

The show will be held in the school’s compound at New Market Street and begin from 18:00h. It is being organised by Lewis, local entertainment personality Maria Benschop, and Nations’ Director, Dr. Brian

A typical day at School of the Nations O’Toole.

“School of the Nations is on a journey to becoming a true school of nations. We have developed partnerships with schools all around the world. Together, we hope to share resources and experiences to build a strong network of schools that can create social change,” a statement from the organising team said.

In Canada, partnerships have been established with the London International Academy and Nancy Campbell Academy, and a group of 10 students from ‘Nations’ subsequently travelled to London as part of a threeyear student exchange to do a Winter STEM camp.

“They are currently making plans to launch a robotics club at School of Nations, and are also assembling a 3D printer. LIA students hope to visit Guyana this summer to boost the robotics club,” the team reported.

Earlier this year, ten students of the Nancy Campbell Academy visited Guyana to put on drama and dance workshops. “These were not your average break-down dances,” the organising team said. “They performed dances addressing social issues like racism, substance abuse and gender inequality. This July, we hope to send a group of about eight students

to Nancy Campbell Academy to become immersed in the universal language of dance to be able to put on their own workshops here in Guyana.”

Last year, Dr. O’Toole travelled to Gambia to facilitate partnership with Starfish International Academy.

Their mission is to empower Gambian girls by providing them with an advanced education that is focused on service to humanity.

“We hope to give 25 girls from Gambia the opportunity to study ABE Level 2.

Nations is the top centre for ABE in the Caribbean, and top five in the world, so we believe that our expertise and experience can reach those in need across the world,” the team said, adding: “We are also part of a transformational school network under the 100 million healthier lives initiative. Under this network, we communicate with the Marefat High School in Kabul, Afghanistan and the Algoma School District in Wisconsin, America.

Together we share our experiences and knowledge to contribute to the overall goal of seeing 100million healthier lives 2020.”

The head of the Marefat School Aziz Royesh is currently in Guyana for the Caribbean Conference on

Educational Leadership.

He was nominated for the ‘Global Teacher of the year’ award in 2015 and became a teacher to create hope for youth in a Nation struggling with poverty and war.

“In order to help overcome the culture of violence, hatred and pessimism in the region he saw a need to rebuild the Afghan education system with a focus on civic education and female empowerment. He is now here in Guyana to share his experience with our teachers and this is exactly the lengths that we hope these international partnerships will take us.

Now, we hope to bring a number of students from Afghanistan to Guyana to do the ABE level 4 course.

All of these partnerships are in keeping with the motto of Nations to make a difference today and tomorrow. All of these partnerships are the reason we are raising funds - we need your help to contribute to the overall wellbeing of a global community,” the team said.

Tickets are going for $1000 and are available at The Giftland Mall General Store, Giftronics and Sportsmax, Gizmos and Gadgets, Payless Variety Store and School of the Nations University Office.

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GWI courts media

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

–– in bid to enlist help disseminating ‘credible information’

By Lisa Hamilton

MEMBERS of various media houses here were invited on Friday to engage with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on the topic of the company’s aggressive push for optimal water quality in areas countrywide.

Attending the meeting at the GWI headquarters was Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and all of GWI’s Regional Managers.

According to Dr Van West-Charles, the meeting was intended to develop a closer relationship with the media, to update the public on projects and to ensure the dissemination of credi-

Dr Van West-Charles said the media could be of great help in this regard, seeing that they are au fait with these issues based on information they may have acquired.

QUARTERLY MEETINGS He said the company plans hosting similar excises as Friday’s quarterly in its quest to link its resources with that of other agencies, cooperating for the overall development of Guyana’s water security.

This being the case, monitoring water treatment and quality in the Georgetown area was the subject matter of Friday’s first meeting, which saw a presentation coming from

meeting WHO standards and eliminating the likeliness of stains and discoloration to customer household appliances.

And with the installation of mixers and motors, both lime dosage and pH balances were optimised, while pall rings were used to increase oxygen transfer to water by some 80 per cent.

Additionally, the GWI has installed 24-hour minilabs throughout the country for monitoring purposes, which entails the analysis of samples on an hourly basis to detect changes.

The water company has also reported that there are no E. coli contaminants in the water being provided to citizens,

GWI’s regional managers at the meeting on Friday (Photos by Adrian Narine) ble information.

Said he: “I decided on this because, just recently, there were two articles which were written and which, after I read them, I realized that, in essence, they were based on misinformation.

“I think that GWI needs to really find the space whereby we can have a constant engagement with the media in terms of understanding where our programmes are going, what is the impact of the programmes, and what are some of the challenges to the communities that exist.”

The first to acknowledge that GWI may not be aware of the many challenges facing the various communities, especially in the hinterland regions,

GWI Head of Water Quality, Deon Anderson.

Anderson explained how the GWI was able to improve its service to meet the standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) required guidelines since it began operating under new management in 2015.

He said that in the past, the company was plagued with poor iron removal systems, which resulted in the water being “aesthetically unpleasant”; inadequate water oxygen levels; low-filter media depth; and inoperable and inadequate lime dosing systems.

But with consistent treatment, he said, GWI has been able to increase its iron removal levels from 24 per cent to 96 per cent,

but said that should any be detected, immediate interventions will be made to disinfect, resample and restore optimal water quality.

TESTING AND CLEANING According to Anderson, water testing and cleaning is also being done extensively in schools throughout the country, with focus being placed predominantly on Nursery and Primary Schools.

“At this age,” he said, “you would typically see the children while they’re playing, they go to pipes and they drink water directly from there.

“And, therefore, it’s the mandate of the organisation to have the water quality in

each of these learning institutions guaranteed safe and consistent.”

GWI hopes to soon place water quality information on its website, telling customers, based on their area of residence, whether it is safe or not to drink water directly from their taps.

Yet, to get to the point where this is possible countrywide, challenges of power supply, aging pipes, delays in equipment procurement and unmetered customers are interrelated, and must be addressed.

Meanwhile, anticipating that the looming oiland-gas sector will result in a population increase, the GWI intends to work closely with the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) to improve supply in accordance to demand.

The company hopes to train Indigenous People in the hinterland region to build Slow Sand Filters for better water quality, and to introduce water-filter con-

GWI’s Managing-Director Dr Richard Van-West Charles speaking on the subject of water quality at Friday’s meeting with the media struction into the science curriculums at schools.

Plans are also underway to develop interconnected water systems, to clean old

water lines, and to provide potable water to all remote communities and those which still depend primarily on rain water.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

Hamilton set for five-place penalty in Bahrain

(BBC) - MERCEDES’ Lewis Hamilton will start the Bahrain Grand Prix with a five-place grid penalty for breaching rules over gearbox changes.

Governing body, FIA’s rules state that drivers cannot change gearboxes within a six-race period.

The defending champion needs a new gearbox for Bahrain after problems in the opening race, his team said.

“We had a hydraulic leak in the Melbourne race and were fortunate to finish the race,” Mercedes said.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t repair it within the six-race cycle.”

Hamilton finished second in Melbourne, behind Sebastian Vettel. The Bahrain Grand Prix, the second race of the F1 season, takes place tomorrow (Sunday), with final practice today from 13:00 BST. From back page ...

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GFF’s support for 2026 ...

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entire Caribbean.”

Despite having 31 associated countries in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), only 25 will be eligible (six are not affiliated to FIFA), meaning that the Caribbean’s vote will be vital to USA, Canada and Mexico, especially taking

11:15 hrs Takingthepeace

into consideration that as presenters of the bid, they (USA, Canada and Mexico) will not be eligible to vote.

While other continental confederations are likely to vote in blocs, CONCACAF is seeing its support for the North American bid split.

In a report published by ESPN, interim president of the CFU Randolph Harris, has cautioned that recent statements by the governments of St. Lucia and Dominica supporting Morocco’s bid to host to the 2026 World Cup don’t necessarily mean that is how the countries will vote.

ESPN reported last month the race between the North American bid and Morocco was already much closer than expected, despite the joint bid having the required infrastructure already in place. This was due in part to lingering resentment over the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigations into FIFA corruption, which ensnared several Caribbean soccer administrators, including former CONCACAF presidents Jack Warner and Jeffrey Webb.

The policies of US President Donald Trump, including a travel ban against mostly Arab countries, have also caused difficulty for the bid.

The announcements would seem to indicate that the North American bid’s base of support among CONCACAF countries isn’t as strong as it might have thought. At the minimum, it would indicate that resources are needed to shore up support among CONCACAF countries.

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11:50 hrs Sabina’s Destiny 12:25 hrs Just Cruised In 13:00 hrs Shadow Man 13:35 hrs Make Me Happy Irish Racing Tips Navan 09:10 hrs Hawaam 09:45 hrs Court Queen 10:55 hrs Flat To The Max 11:30 hrs Warnaq 13:05 hrs Definite Doyenne 13:35 bhrs Prospectus English Racing Tips Kempton 08:30 hrs Lihou 09:05 hrs Tomily 09:40 hrs Boundsy 10:15 hrs Smart Call 11:25 hrs Kings Shield 13:00 hrs Author’s Dream Kelso 08:50 hrs Just George 09:25 hrs Taxmeifyoucan 10:00 hrs Baywing 10:35 hrs Donna’s Diamond 11:10 hrs Oak Vintage 11:45 hrs Haul Us In 12:20 hrs Cultram Abbey Fakenham 09:15 hrs Ashkoul 09:50 hrs Heresmynumber 10:25 hrs Act Of Valour 11:00 hrs Theatrebar 11:35 hrs Step Back 12:10 hrs Movie Legend 12:40 hrs Before MidniGHT

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

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68 Days to go…

MESSI’S history at the World Cup: 2006 debut, 2010 Maradona pairing and 2014 final heartbreak When the ball starts rolling in this summer’s Russia World Cup, all eyes will be on Argentina’s standard-bearer Lionel Messi.

A talent without parallel, Messi has won everything there is to win at club level with Barcelona, but international success has so far proved rather more difficult.

A single Olympic gold medal in 2008 and an U-20 World Cup medal represent the No.10’s entire trophy haul with his nation, while he has finished on the losing side in four senior finals.

It is the World Cup, however, that has brought him most pain, with Argentina falling short of the big prize on multiple occasions, despite boasting the best player on the planet in their ranks.

Now, as Messi looks to make it fourth-time lucky in 2018, Chronicle Sports looks back on his previous appearances in the world’s biggest football extravaganza.

GERMANY – 2006 In an age before Twitter and instant viral updates, the name Lionel Messi was only just becoming familiar to the football world outside Spain back in 2006.

Messi was just 18 going into his first World Cup, and rather than a starter the youngster was a wildcard pick in a team coached by Jose Pekerman and stacked with world-class talent.

After sitting out Argentina’s first game, Messi became the Albiceleste’s youngest-ever World Cup player when he came off the bench in the 74th minute against Serbia & Montenegro.

He needed just a handful of minutes to assist Hernan Crespo for his side’s fourth of the game, and later latched onto a Carlos Tevez pass to make it 6-0 in a team performance that has gone down in history.

Messi’s wonderful cameo was rewarded with a start in the final group game against Netherlands, a 0-0 draw that ensured Argentina would go through at the top of Group C. He then almost proved his team’s supersub in the last 16, scoring after coming off

World Cup in the quarters, without a goal to his name.

BRAZIL – 2014 Handed the armband during qualifying by new coach Alejandro Sabella, Messi finally ended his World Cup goal drought 65 minutes into the group phase.

The No.10 skipped through the Bosnia & Herzegovina defence to put Argentina 2-0 ahead; and Sabella’s men held on to take victory in their opening game.

He was once again the hero against Iran, scoring the winner in injury time with a fine, whipped strike, and added two more for good measure in a 3-2 thriller to beat Nigeria and send the Albiceleste into the last 16 with a 100 percent record. And while he may not have found Lionel Messi at the 2006 World Cup the net against Switzerland, he played in Angel Di Maria the bench against Mexico late South Africa 2010 was the was an ageing Juan Sebastian crushing 4-1 win over South to decide the clash deep into on with the score poised at first international tournament Veron, while at centre-for- Korea, a game in which Hi- extra time.

1-1; unfortunately, the strike to feature the Argentine as ward a 20-year-old Gonzalo guain netted Argentina’s Higuain’s strike early was ruled out for offside, one of its biggest stars.

Higuain at least promised first World Cup hat-trick on decided the quarter-final although Maxi Rodriguez’s The Barcelona wizard, plenty of threats in front of since Gabriel Batistuta’s tri- in Argentina’s favour over blockbuster hit ple against Ja- Belgium, leading Messi into in extra time maica in 1998. his first-ever last four clash. would make His own goal, There was no way through the difference. however, re- the Netherlands defence in mained elusive, 120 minutes of tense footIn the and the pattern ball, but Messi was on target quarter-final, would repeat it- in the shoot-out and misses an opponent self in a Group from Ron Vlaar and Wesley that would ‘C’ dead rub- Sneijder meant the Albicesoon become ber to close off leste marched on into the depressingly the first round, final. The dream all-South familiar for when Martin American final would not Messi and ArDemichelis and happen, however: instead of gentina awaitMartin Palermo Brazil they would once again ed. Germany found the net meet Germany, who had disheld the South against Greece. patched the hosts 7-1 in Belo Americans to T h e l a s t Horizonte the previous day. a 1-1 draw af16 saw more For the third tournament ter extra time, of the same, running, Die Mannschaft eventually as Messi came had the measure of their prevailing on to prominence frustrated opponents. Messi penalties. Mesas a provider once again failed to hit the si, meanwhile, rather than a target and could only look remained kickscorer. Leo set at the trophy from afar, after Messi gets a shot away under pressure from Boateng at the 2014 World Cup ing his heels on up Tevez for Ar- Mario Gotze’s extra-time the sidelines, gentina’s open- strike decided matters in the and Pekerman’s decision to however, was already feel- the net. er, with Carlitos and Higuain Maracana. The Golden Ball ignore his young wonder kid ing the pressure of carrying Argentina’s liabilities adding two more in a routine award for best player was in favour of Julio Cruz when his nation alone. Mercurial were not evident during a 3-1 win over Mexico. scant consolation for a player he hauled a tiring Juan Ro- playmaker Riquelme had brilliant group stage. Messi The wheels would then who had given everything to man Riquelme off would be quit international football was denied repeatedly by come off in spectacular fash- take the big prize home to slammed back home. the previous year and at 31 Nigeria, seeing four shots ion, once more against Ger- Argentina. was prematurely out of the saved, but an early goal from many: a dishevelled, shellIncredibly, after three SOUTH AFRICA – 2010 picture, robbing Messi of a Gabriel Heinze nevertheless shocked team was thrashed World Cups, Messi is still With Messi at 23 and creative partnership that had saw Maradona’s men safely 4-0, with Messi as powerless waiting for his first knockswiftly establishing himself proved so formidable in the past the Africans in a 1-0 win as anyone else to stop a dam- out goal. Will 2018 prove as one of the finest players in 2008 Olympics.

Messi then had a hand in aging rout. Once again, La fourth time lucky for both the history of world football, The only support given all four of his side’s goals in a Pulga was returning from a him and his nation?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

11th IPL begins today - Chennai return after ban (REUTERS) - THE 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off today (Saturday) with two reinstated teams and a new broadcaster, in a fresh testament to its undiminished appeal to India’s incurably cricket-obsessed masses.

Few expected the Twenty20 tournament to climb out of the morass of spot-fixing and illegal betting it descended

into five years ago, which eventually led to bans on its Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals franchises.

The IPL not only survived but its brand value actually grew to an estimated $5.3 billion (£3.7 billion), according to New Yorkbased corporate finance ad-

Arun Lal unveils the IPL trophy at a function in Kolkata, Kolkata, April 5, 2018

visory firm, Duff & Phelps.

Last September the league sold its media rights to Star India for $2.52 billion, the biggest television deal the game has seen.

“This is perhaps what makes the IPL brand what it is,” cricket historian Boria Majumdar, told Reuters of the league’s robust financial health.

“Controversies notwithstanding, cricket continues to be of the very highest quality and retains centre stage.

“This is what draws fans to the IPL every single day year after year,” said Majumdar whose new book, ‘Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians’, will be released by India and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, Virat Kohli today.

Sponsors are naturally keen to play ball.

“As a sponsor, we spend money for publicity,” Mahesh Gupta, chairman of

Kent RO Systems, told Reuters.

“IPL is a platform which has the widest reach and quickest reach. It gives you the best return on investment. So we invest there.”

The water purifier brand has come on board as the title sponsor of Kings XI Punjab franchise and plans to spend 500 million rupees (£5.5 million) on promotion during the IPL. Gupta said the sponsors are aware of the past scandals but believe the league had adequately addressed those concerns.

“There were issues and they were rightly examined.

In any event you’d have good people and bad people but the good people have outnumbered the bad.

“Small issues cannot affect a bigger brand. It (IPL’s brand value) has not been affected. It’s become stronger and stronger and I think

this season, with change in the broadcaster, it is looking even more attractive.”

IPL’s commercial success has inspired several franchise-based leagues even in other sports, while consolidating cricket’s stranglehold over young athletes.

“It has made franchise cricket a lucrative career option. Not playing for India isn’t the end of the world anymore,” explained Majumdar.

“Playing well in the IPL allows a cricketer to be a star, get endorsements, get real serious money. It turns him into an overnight celebrity of sorts.”

Chennai returns to take on Mumbai Indians in today’s tournament opener, featuring two IPL heavyweights who share five titles between them.

Rajasthan mark their comeback against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, with both teams forced into a late leadership change following Australia’s ball-tampering controversy in South Africa.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith stepped down as Rajasthan skipper, while David Warner relinquished Hyderabad captaincy following the scandal.

Cricket Australia has banned both of them for 12 months, while they have also been barred from this year’s IPL. Ajinkya Rahane will lead Rajasthan instead, while New Zealander Kane Williamson will skipper Hyderabad, as the lone foreigner leading an IPL team in the April 7-May 27 tournament.

Walsh happy to continue as Bangladesh interim coach CMC – FAST bowling legend Courtney Walsh says he is happy to continue as Bangladesh head coach in the interim, until a full-time replacement is found.

The Jamaican recently oversaw the Tigers campaign in the Nidahas Trophy where they twice beat Sri Lanka in the preliminaries to reach the final before losing to India in the final.

“I know they are looking for a head coach but if I am asked, I will be happy to continue,” Walsh said.

“The sooner we can get the coach, the better. We can get the momentum continuing. My concern will be about getting the person now and get our planning going.

My main concern is the success of the Bangladesh cricket team.”

Sri Lankan Chandika Hathurusingha quit the head coach post last October midway during the tour of South Africa, in frustration over the team’s performance.

The 55-year-old Walsh, who joined the Bangladesh setup in September 2016

on a three-year deal, was then installed as interim head coach in February.

After leading the preparation for Nidahas Trophy, Walsh said he was pleased with how the team went even though they let themselves down in the final.

“It [Nidahas Trophy] was very good.

You couldn’t have asked for more. We were disappointed with the final but it was a great achievement,” said the former bowling star.

“Those things don’t happen every day.

We gave it our all. You could see how much it meant to our guys. I was happy with the commitment.”

Walsh, who ended his stellar 132-Test career with a West Indies record 519 wickets, said there was still work to be done in the pace-bowling department.

“We’ve not been consistent. I saw the improvement in the camp before the ODI series. Improvement is possible with more practice, fitness and thought,” Walsh said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

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Mixed fortune for table tennis team, squash gets disappointing result GUYANA’S table tennis team suffered mixed fortunes, but for the squash team, things didn’t get according to plan, on Day Two of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Trenace Lowe, Priscilla Greaves and Natalie Cummings defeated Vanuatu 3 – 2, for their first win, following their opening day loss to England. However, the Guyanese women were humbled by Singapore 3 – 0 in the quarter-finals.

Like the women’s team, Christopher Franklin, Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan and Joel Alleyne won their first game yesterday (Friday) 3 – 1 against Ghana, but folded 3 – 0 when they came up against Canada in the roundof-16.

Meanwhile, in squash,

Jason Ray-Khalil went down in straight sets (7-11, 6-11, 9-11) to Jules Snagg of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the men’s singles plate round of 32.

Taylor Fernandes suffered a 3-11, 4-11, 4-11 loss to Sri Lanka’s Mihiliya Methsarani in the women’s singles plate quarter-final and Mary Fung-A-Fat suffered similar fate to Meagan Best of Barbados 3-11, 9-11, 8-11.

Over in swimming, Jamila Sanmoogan’s time of 28.86 seconds saw her finishing last in her 50 metres freestyle heats.

Sanmoogan will also compete in the 50 metres butterfly and 100 metres freestyle. (Rawle Toney)

Guyana’s table tennis team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Stage set for GBBFF’s Novices Bounty Towels on board GHB’s Championships says Marks Second Division Competition

-Competitions kick off today

By Michelangelo Jacobus “EVERYTHING is in place, the stage is set and the venue is secure” was the revelation made by President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Coel Marks.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport about the federation’s Novices Championships set for tomorrow ( Sunday) at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Marks said that he is pleased by the response from athletes and especially noted, that this year there are a lot of female entries along with the customary influx of contestants in the men’s ‘Physique’ category.

“The athletes are very enthused and the large number of contestants we have this year, we hope it can translate over to the seniors (Championships). We still have body builders coming in nicely, we are encouraging persons to come out and see the new talent and maybe even get involved in bodybuilding themselves.”

This year’s Novices Championships promises to be bigger and better than previous editions.

In terms of sponsorship, Marks maintained that the federation itself is bearing the brunt of the financial backing of the championships along with Fitness Express who are usual sponsors in that regard.

The reason for the federation taking charge in the financial aspect is because the administration would want to focus their ‘outreach’ for the more marquee Senior Championships later in the year, which is the flagship event for the GBBFF. In addition, Coel’s Boutique and Gandhi’s are sponsoring trophies and individual prizes.

As the championships keep growing, the GBBFF has now shifted the Novices meet to the NCC from the customary Theatre Guild venue, to facilitate the growing audience of fitness and bodybuilding fans, as well as competitors.

The Novices Championships will kick off at the NCC from 19:00hrs under the theme ‘Simply the best… better than all the rest’.

Tickets to the event cost $1, 500 and can be purchased from the NCC, Fitness Express, Space Gym and Fitness 53.

POPULAR household brand Bounty Paper towels distributed by Ansa McAl, has joined the list of hockey sponsors for 2018 as the year’s first second division competitions kick off at the Saints ground on Carifesta Avenue, today.

The Bounty Paper towels second division leagues will see both male and female competitions on show, and will also expose the junior talents alongside the veterans of the game.

Powerhouse ladies side Pizza Hut GCC will seek to defend their 2017 second division title in the female competition. On show once again this year, and likely to make an impact, are defender Dacia Woodroffe, midfielder Carina Moller and striker Sandy Roopnarine.

The ever-improving Saints ladies are sure to offer a strong challenge this year, led by Tikesha Deleon and Rene James. Old Fort’s talented siblings, Candacey and Tamala Glenn, along with Kenisha Wills of Hikers will spearhead their respective team’s efforts, while newcomers the Bingo Spartans round off the ladies entrants.

The men’s competition

Flashback! Action in the ladies’ competition last year.

saw a veterans GCC side take the trophy in 2017 and the champion GCC Sequel, led by Dwayne Scott, is back again to test the up-andcoming stars of the game.

Bounty GCC posed the toughest challenge last year with junior nationals Kareem McKenzie, and Meshach Sargeant, controlling the midfield. This year the Hikers Cadets are likely to make a stronger run at the title with the improved Garnett brothers, Tivesard and Shomere, adding to the experience of

team-leader Colonel ‘Scooby Doo’ Heywood.

Talented junior national Omar Hopkinson, and defensive dynamo Stephan King, will represent the Old Fort challenge this year while Saints has fielded two teams in Yonnick Peters’ Senior Saints and the Saints Splinters.

Matches start today from 15:00hrs at Saint Stanislaus College ground and will run every Saturday and Sunday, until May 20th.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

‘Reds’ laces into Cricket West Indies selectors Calls for major changes ahead of World Cup

By Stephan Sookram A cricket commentator has laced into the selection panel of Cricket West Indies (CWI), calling for immediate sweeping changes in the team ahead of the 2019 World Cup, in England and Wales.

Former veteran broadcaster Joseph ‘Reds’ Pereira, who spoke exclusively to the Guyana Chronicle while in Guyana last week, has contended that the side needs to undergo a major transformation.

“You can’t be happy with the way they have per-

formed and they were really below par in just about all the areas,” he said.

“There’s no point in the board saying we have a master plan and we are going to win the World Cup. If we perform like that against what we had in Zimbabwe, when we reach India and Australia and South Africa and New Zealand, all of a sudden, we aren’t going to have a magic wand to turn rock into gold,” he added.

“For example, I do not have Marlon Samuels going to England next year, I think

Former veteran broadcaster Joseph ‘Reds’ Pereira (Adrian Narine photo)

I’ll use [Roston] Chase who

GABF National Club Championship bounces off tonight

Kobras ’Travis Burnett (L) and Michael Richards from Eagles are ready for tonight’s showdown.

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) National Club Championship will ‘tip-off’ tonight, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The 12-team tournament will feature four games being played on the opening night, with the first game set to start at 16:00 hrs, between Kobras and Eagles.

Defending Champs Bounty Colts is set to face Linden’s Half Mile Bulls in the second game at 18:00

hours, while last year’s finalist Victory Valley Royals will square-off with Republic Bank Nets at 20:00 hours.

An encounter between Plaisance Guardians and Ravens will bring the first day’s action to a close, when they meet at 22:00 hours.

The team coming out on top will pocket $600 000, second place $400 000 and the team finishing third $300 000.

Participating teams: Group ‘A’ – Colts, Guard-

ians, Bulls, Raiders, Ravens and a side from Berbice. : Group ‘B’ – Royals, Nets, Kobras, Jets, Eagles and Pacesetters. Only the top two teams from each group will advance.

The Tournament MVP, according to the GABF, will walk away with $200 000. Other consolation prizes include: the player totalling the most points $100,000; most rebounds -$100 000; and the most improved player -$100 000.

is very capable with the bat,

can turn the ball over and will not absorb or soak up so much dot balls.”

“I certainly wouldn’t have Carlos Braithwaite.

I think I’d want to take Andre Russell as my all-rounder, once he is fit and available; I have Russell in place of Carlos Braithwaite.”

He noted that Devendra Bishoo would be an omission from the squad as well, as he needs some work with a quality leg spinner to achieve his full potential as a test bowler Jason Mohamed, `Reds’ said, has passed his time but batted for left- arm spinner, Kavem Hodge,

who, he says, is more than talented enough for the unit.

Speaking about talismanic opener Chris Gayle, `Reds’ said, “I don’t see Gayle getting any better, health-wise.”

Captain Jason Holder, along with players like Kemar Roach, Kesrick Williams, Miguel Cummins and Sheldon Cottrell, were all players that `Reds’ said, should be in the side.

“We cannot keep playing virtually the same team we had in Zimbabwe because we just weren’t putting it together and we were so poor in so many areas,” he asserted.

Vickery moves into SemiFinals at Monterrey Open Trashes World No.17 Rybáriková in straight sets

Sachia Vickery advanced to the Semi-Final of the Monterrey Open.

THERE seems to be no slowing down of Sachia Vickery, who, since the start of 2018, has been moving upwards in the tennis rankings and on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit.

Following her climb to No. 91 in the world at the latest WTA rankings, Vickery dumped Magdaléna Rybáriková out of the Monterrey Open, beating the 2017 Wimbledon semi-finalist and World No. 17-ranked in straight

sets (6 - 0, 6 - 3), when the two met yesterday (Friday) in the Quarter-Finals.

Vickery will next play the winner between Monica Puig and Tinea Babos.

Puig, the 2014 Olympic Champion, had lost to Vickery (7 – 6, 6 – 2, 6 – 1) when the two met at the 2014 Stanford tournament which was won Serena Williams. Vickery was knocked out in the quarter-finals in that tournament by Varvara Lepchenko.

Vickery, 22, proved that her steady improvement in the sport is no fluke, when she disposed of Irina Falconi in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, to reach the Round-of-16 at the Abierto GNP Seguros tournament in Monterrey, Mexico.

The player, born to Guyanese parents, Paula Liverpool and Rawle Vickery, in her next match at the tournament, easily got rid of Ana Sofía Sánchez, also in straight sets, 6 – 3, 6 – 3.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 7, 2018

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Uprising could break jinx tonight, Buxton Diamond in ominous form IN the tournament’s short history which begun in 2013, no team east of Haslington has been able to defeat those situated west of the designated venue.

But the young and enterprising Uprising unit that hails from Golden Grove is in an excellent position to break that jinx this evening.

The occasion is the semi-finals and final of the East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition which will be played, at the Haslington Tarmac.

Only Plaisance -‘A’, Beterverwagting –‘A’&‘B’ and Melanie-‘A’&‘B’ have had the distinction of being declared champions in the tournament’s history, but that could all change this evening should Uprising play to its

true potential.

They face the defending champion Melanie-‘B’ in the second semi-final, and this encounter could provide fans with the kind of excitement that is associated with the street format. Many persons are of the view that Uprising has the tools in its arsenal to register an upset.

However, even if they manage to get past the reigning title holders, they will have to deal with the winner of the Buxton Diamond versus Paradise-‘A’ clash, and the survivor of this encounter is another potentially dangerous and worthy opponent.

The two games have the quality to be classified as virtual finals and fans will definitely witness an enthrall-

Heated clashes as Corona Semi-finals on tonight

ing end-to-end action.

With another large turnout anticipated, it is now up to the organisers and teams to provide the loyal fans with the atmosphere and on-field excitement, to erase the disappointment of Easter Monday’s postponement which was caused by persistent rain.

While much has been said about Uprising’s chance to shine, the same could be said about Buxton Diamond that has quietly reached this far in a convincing fashion, and no one should be alarmed if they go all the way.

On the other hand, the champs have looked purposeful and resilient in every match, and they too could have the final say in this

Part of this year’s Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition.

year’s competition.

With the opportunity to make history by becoming the first team to win the tournament back to back, that is enough motivation to make them click

Paradise-A has not made it this far by fluke and while not many fancy them to win the tournament, that alone could instigate the kind of determination that opposing teams find difficult to repel.

Also carded to take place is the Plate final which carries a winning prize of $50,000 and a trophy.

However, all eyes will be on the battle for the ultimate prize of $400,000, bragging rights and a place in the national playoffs.

The losing finalist will take home $150,000, while third and fourth place finishers will be given $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.

The organisers have extended thanks to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), residents of the East Coast communities and those from other areas for their support and discipline throughout the tournament.

DCC trump TSC in low scoring encounter to lift Toucan/GCA trophy -Van Lange, Persaud lead the way

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The semi-finals of the Corona Futsal Tournament which is also sponsored by NAMILCO will take place this evening at the National Gymnasium

THE National Gymnasium will come alive this evening when the Corona Fustal Tournament, also sponsored by NAMILCO, hits the semi-final stage.

In the first of the two feature games of the night, Alpha Warriors will play Leopold Street.

Alpha will need to continue its winning form to produce the goods against a Leopold Street that are no strangers to playing big games.

Leopold Street on the other hand must not get ahead of themselves but play quality futsal if they are

to secure a spot in the finals, as the smallest mistakes can prove futile.

The second semi will pit the likes of Bent Street against Sparta Boss. Sparta by virtue of finals pedigree are the ones favoured to advance in this round, but they must also play as though their lives depended on it.

Bent Street is wary of the challenge that lies ahead of them and is expected to be in a hostile manner from the whistle, to try and unsettle their opponents.

Prior to those two games however, there will be four exhibition games.

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) survived an early innings wobble to eventually claim an emphatic six-wicket win over Transport Sports Club (TSC) in yesterday’s Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Toucan Distributors U-15 50-over final.

Playing at their home ground (DCC), local boy Jonathan Van Lange steered his side home with a patient but well composed 41 not out while his teammate, Akash Persaud, stood firm at the other, also ending unbeaten on 29 to ensure that their side successfully chased down TSC’s 128 in just 35.4 overs.

TSC who were earlier sent in to bat mustered 128-8 in their allotted 50 overs with national player, Shemar Yearwood, holding the innings together with 68 (4x5 and 6x1). He was backed up by Jonathan Adams (14) and Fidel Colins (09). Yearwood and Adams combined for their side’s highest partnership of 39 for

Shot! DCC’s Jonathan Van Lange drives through the off-side during his innings of 41 not out

the fifth wicket.

Meanwhile DCC’s bowling was led by right-arm quick Myhien Khan with 2-9 while Shivkumar Permaul (1-6) and Ezekiel Wilson (1-16) were the other two outstanding bowlers.

In their chase, DCC had

some early hiccups at the top of the order with TSC’s Alvin Mohabir (2-15) and his brother, Dave (1-30) causing some trouble with their spin bowling.

When Persaud joined Van Lange the score was 43-4 and their side looked

to be in trouble; however Persaud came out looking to take the attack to the opposition bowling and survived some early LBW shouts. He, however, held his nerve along with Van Lange and together they grinded out a gritty but determined partnership to safely see their side home in the 36th over. TSC also gifted their opponents a whopping 31 in extras (24w, 5nb and 2b).

At the closing ceremony, GCA President Roger Harper thanked the sponsors, players and parents for ensuring that the tourney was a success.

Andrew King, CEO of Toucan Industries said that his company will continue to support the event next year, adding that sports is integral and as such players should continue playing and embracing cricket.

Avinash Persaud of Everest and Arian Persaud of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) swept the majority of awards for runs, wickets and exceptional fielding throughout the competition.

GFF’s support for 2026 FIFA World Cup bid wide open – Forde

By Rawle Toney IN an attempt to make the bidding process more transparent, there will be an open ballot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, after FIFA’s Council approved the voting regulations for the game’s most specular event.

The FIFA Congress will convene on June 13 in Russia to vote on the host of football’s showpiece, with Morocco and a joint North American bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico, being the only bids in play.

“GFF has not been directly approached by any of the two groups bidding to host the World Cup,” president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, told Chronicle Sport when contacted to ascertain his federation’s support.

Speaking exclusively to

this publication, the usually candid Forde explained that the GFF, at the moment, does “not have a position yet regarding our direction in terms of who we will vote for. However, once we have sufficient information by the two parties, we will be better able to meet as an executive and decide. We weren’t lobbied, but when that happens, we’ll deliberate and make a decision.”

Asked by Chronicle Sport if the GFF will take into consideration that they have never played the USA

or Canada, and only faced Mexico when the Golden Jaguars reached the penultimate stage of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier, Forde acknowledged in the affirmative, but said there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration.

The GFF boss said the current CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani, would’ve made significant strides in bridging the gap between the usual powerhouses in the confederation and their Caribbean counterparts.

GFF president Wayne Forde

Forde also noted that he’s hoping to see from the two candidates, how the revenue from the World Cup in 2026 will directly

impact the confederation where Guyana is an affiliate, stating “when you consider where Guyana is located, we certainly want

to know how this is going to benefit us and we want to see an equitable arrangement to lift the Turn to page 26►

DCC trump TSC in low scoring Heated clashes as Corona Semi-finals on tonight 31 encounter to lift Toucan/GCA trophy PAGE

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‘Reds’ laces into Cricket West Indies selectors Calls for major changes ahead of World Cup

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Vickery moves into Semi-Finals at Monterrey Open 30 PAGE

We are the best of Demerara! GCA/Toucan Distributors U-15 50-overs champions DCC, pose with their winning trophy (Adrian Narine photo)

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SATURDAY APRIL 7, 2018