Guyana chronicle E Paper Feb14, 2018

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No. 105185

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Carjacking Crackdown … six more nabbed in 10-hour operation

… two cars, truck, and shell of other vehicles found

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PM's heart surgery successful Cop killed, other Prison officer 19% drop in ranks injured in busted with ganja in NA jail serious crimes Lethem accident P AP GA EG E

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Police Inspector, Ian Welch

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

PM's heart surgery successful

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo is recovering from heart bypass surgery which his family noted on Tuesday was

successful.

The prime minister’s wife Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and family members expressed appreciation to all well-wishers. Government in a statement attributed to Minister of State Joseph Harmon noted that Prime Minister Nagamootoo is resting and recovering with Mrs Nagamootoo, his children and other family members by his side.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is expected to make a full and complete

recovery in the coming weeks before returning to Guyana. “The Government of Guyana wishes Prime Minister Nagamootoo well as he recuperates and extends its support to Mrs. Nagamootoo and the family during the recovery process,” the statement read.

“The Government of Guyana, on its own behalf and on behalf of the people of Guyana, extends its deepest appreciation to the surgeons, doctors, nurses and other medical

professionals in Guyana and in the United States, who provided excellent care to the prime minister,” the statement noted.

Harmon stated in a release on Monday that Nagamootoo recently underwent a routine medical examination in Guyana which revealed that he has some cardiac issues. In a statement the Alliance For Change said it is heartened that Nagamootoo had a medical issue detected at an early stage and is undergoing medical care to remedy the situation.

Meanwhile, the Alliance For Change said it was pleased to have received the reassuring news that Prime Minister Nagamootoo successfully completed heart by-pass surgery in the United States.

“The party wishes Prime

Minister Nagamootoo well in his recovery process in the coming weeks and looks forward to his full and complete recovery.

The party extends its support to his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and their children Maria, Angela, Adela and Ernesto along with their grandchildren and other relatives who are by his side at this time.”

According to the party, it eagerly anticipates Nagamootoo’s return to Guyana following his full recovery over the coming weeks and the continuation of his selfless and tireless work in improving the lives of all Guyanese. “The AFC, once again, offers its sincere thanks to the medical professionals in Guyana and in the United States who provided care of the highest quality to Prime Minister

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Nagamootoo throughout this process.

The party thanks as well the Guyanese public for their prayers and good wishes and encourages all to keep Prime Minister Nagamootoo in their prayers.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Seven trials, five convictions at new Sexual Offences Court LESS than three months after it opened its doors for operation, the Sexual Offences Court is reporting that it has heard some seven cases and has recorded five convictions.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George told the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently that the operation of the court is moving ahead smoothly. Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall currently presides over the Sexual Of-

fences Court.

“We think the court is working fairly well, we are going to do an analysis of the stats of the court in the coming weeks to have a formal assessment of how it is working, but from all reports, it is going fairly smoothly,” Justice George told the DPI. The average length of a trial is approximately four days.

The longest so far has been eight days and the shortest three days, the Chief Justice

said. Justice George noted that the courtroom is a purpose-built facility where judges are required to manuscript the evidence manually.

It also has an audio-visual room for witnesses to testify.

The Sexual Offences Court is housed in the Supreme Court. It represents the commitment of the judiciary to be responsive to the concerns raised in society about the conduct of trials of sexual offences cases. Chancellor of

the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards at the opening of the court in November last year, said that victims and witnesses of sexual offences require specialist treatment.

She added that if the process is not handled carefully, it can pose secondary trauma to them.

As such, the idea of a special court dealing with everyone involved was birthed. A court that would provide justice for all, she noted.

The court has a panel

of eminent judges including Justices Simone Morris-Ramlall, Jo Ann Barlow, Navindra Singh, James Bovell-Drakes and Brassington Reynolds whose functions are rotated. Witnesses also have a special room to give their testimony, while a panel of support staff is being overseen by the Chief Justice.

Looking ahead, Justice Cummings Edwards has said the service will be taken to

Berbice and Essequibo, the two-sub registries that have Supreme Courts. “They are also looking at training for the persons involved in dealing with the sexual offences matters.

Training will be provided by two Trinidad and Tobago specialists with experience in sexual abuse and psychology and a judge who is a veteran in trying sexual abuse matters,” she said.

TRAGEDY struck a party of policemen on patrol on Tuesday afternoon, in Central Rupununi resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to four other ranks.

Dead is 36-year-old Ian Welch, who was recently posted to the division, taking up the post of Second in Charge of the Number 3 Sub Division in the area.

In a statement police said the accident occurred

about 17:15h at Rattle Snake Hill,Trail Road, Central Rupununi. The driver of Force Vehicle PVV662 was Constable Lyzandel Northe.

Other ranks in the vehicle were: Corporal Fitzgerald Adolphus, Special Constable Ryan Doris and Rural Constable Chavez Francis.

They all sustained minor injuries and have been treated, but are being kept for observation at the Lethem Regional Hospital where

Inspector Welch was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said that an investigation has so far revealed that the ranks were on patrol duty when the vehicle which was proceeding along the trail ,experienced a ‘blow out ‘of its right rear wheel after which the driver reportedly lost control and the vehicle turned-turtle twice before it came to a halt. Inspector Welch who was seated in the front pas-

senger seat sustained severe injuries. Welch, 38, married and of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne,Berbice joined the Force on May 5,1999.

He was recently recognised by the Force after being adjudged third placed winner of its Quarterly Essay Competition. His body is presently at hospital‘s mortuary and a post-mortem is expected to be done today.

Following the incident, the inspector was pulled from the

wreckage and placed to lie on the roadway which is mainly loom. He was fully dressed in his uniform and appeared to have sustained severe lacerations to the face and other parts of the body. Prior to his posting in ‘F’ Division, Welch worked in ‘B’ Division, where he held supervisory positions at the Rose Hall and Whim Police Stations.

He was subsequently transferred to ‘F’ Division after the removal of a senior

officer out of that division after the police launched a probe last year into alleged illegal operations.

Welch also served as a tutor for recruits, lecturing on traffic-related matters. Sources within the police ‘F’ Division confirmed that all weapons which the team of policemen went out with on their operation have been accounted for as well as the ammunition.

Cop killed, other ranks injured in Lethem crash

PPP signing bonus challenge puzzling … Min Sharma says UN ruling vindicates decision to keep US $18M in escrow

By Zena Henry JUNIOR Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma is convinced that the ruling by the United Nations to refer Venezuela’s spurious claim over a large part of Guyana’s territory to the World Court has vindicated the government in its decision to keep the US$18M signing bonus from Exxon Mobil out of the Consolidated Fund for emergency purposes.

Despite acknowledging the law that requires the government to place all relevant funds into the state’s account, Sharma insists that there are several “real” issues being considered, given that the money is needed for an urgent national issue.

Sharma was at the time responding to the opposition’s decision to mount a legal challenge against the government for not placing the money into the Consolidated Fund. Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire last month ruled as flawed, an application by head of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), Troy Thomas, for the High Court to order Minister of Finance Winston Jordan to immediately depos-

it the US$18 million signing bonus into the Consolidated Fund. When the matter was called, Justice George-Wiltshire said the application was procedurally flawed and told Thomas’s lawyer, Christopher Ram, to withdraw it or she would strike it out.

The application which was filed by Ram was seeking, among other things, an order from the court directing that Jordan account for the bonus in the amended estimates of revenues of the public sector for the years 2017 and 2018.

He also argued, according to the newspaper, that failure to do so is a violation of the constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA). The PPP’s court challenge filed

by Attorney Anil Nandlall is along the same line.

President David Granger had made it clear that his administration acted legitimately by accepting the US$18M signing bonus from U.S. oil giant, ExxonMobil, and placing same into an escrow account at the Bank of Guyana. He said that the money was received to address national security matters. “I am the head of government, I am responsible, I am aware of it and it is a legitimate Gov-

ernment of Guyana exercise; and I am aware that it is [at] Bank of Guyana in Escrow; once it is an Escrow account, it means that it cannot be used for purposes for which it is not intended,” he said in response to questions on the issue. The President maintained that there was nothing wrong or illegal done, stressing that “It is a legitimate Government of Guyana practice and the money has not been dishonestly acquired and has not been used for purposes for which it is not intended.” He explained that the money was received at a time he believes that was necessary, given “some national security implications.” “It is a legitimate exercise, it is to be used for certain matters which we perceive to be of national security interest and [at] that point in time it was the thing to do, so that we can have access in the event of a national security emergency,” he said.

TERRITORIAL CLAIM Meanwhile, Sharma told the newspaper that government has already explained that the money from Exxon would be used to address Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory. This was

around the time the United Nations was winding down its intervention in the matter, and the possibility of going to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, was very real. The money would be necessary to pay lawyers to fight Guyana’s case and address other matters in this regard.

The government came in for stiff criticism from the opposition and some members of the public. Sharma agreed however that should the government put the money into the Consolidated Fund, they would have to first change the money into Guyana currency and then convert it back to U.S. dollars when it is ready to be used. This transaction however, would not only cause the changed U.S. dollars to go into circulation, but it would decrease the actual amount of money to be regained, since the U.S. dollars will be bought back at a higher rate. This transaction could also be risky, since the possibility exists that when it is time to change the money back into U.S. dollars, the quantity might not be readily available.

Sharma went on say that to place the money into the Consolidated Fund could

lead to more delays, since parliamentary intervention through a supplementary provision would have to be made to retrieve the money for the case. Sharma stated nonetheless that given this matter of grave concern, he is puzzled at the reaction of the opposition party. “Now at this point, at this time they choose to do it when the UN has cleared the way to the World Court over this border issue. The ruling of the secretary- general coincides with government’s decision which now vindicates us for having to use this money,” Sharma declared.

He described the opposition’s choice to file a case in the Supreme Court as “hypocritical” and “unpatriotic,” before reminding of former president Bharrat Jagdeo’s public declaration some years ago, to give a part of Guyana’s territory to Venezuela.

Sharma noted further that it was the last Administration who on several occasions was called out by the then opposition for keeping large sums of money out of the Consolidated Fund. In some cases, the opposition had taken the then government to the court for failing to adhere to the law and placing large sums

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma of money into the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL), for example. In this case, Sharma defended, government is dealing with a serious and urgent matter, one of national security. He said there is enough evidence and reason for the government to keep this sum easily accessible.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that currently, the US$18M is being kept in a “special interest-bearing account.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Zuma defies call to resign Iced sensors linked

SOUTH AFRICA was plunged into political turmoil on Tuesday when the country’s ruling African National Congress announced it had demanded the resignation of President Jacob Zuma -- but that the 75-year-old veteran had refused to go.

The decision by the ANC, the party once led by Nelson Mandela, to announce the “recall” of Zuma was the culmination of a marathon meeting that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Top ANC officials, including party leader Cyril Ramaphosa, tried to persuade Zuma to step down in the face of a corruption scandal that has sapped support for the party.

But despite hours of talks, Zuma refused to budge. ANC officials admitted they had no idea whether Zuma would bow to the their recall demand -- which has no constitutional effect -- or cling on to power

and face a vote of no confidence in parliament organized by opposition parties.

It was obvious on Tuesday that Zuma was reluctant to go. ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule told a press conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday that Zuma had agreed to stand down -- but only if he could oversee a transition period of three to six months.

The ANC top brass rejected his offer.

“South Africa’s going through a period of uncertainty and anxiety as a result of the unresolved matter of transition,” Magashule said, adding that the decision to demand Zuma’s resignation was a difficult one “taken after exhaustive discussions.”

Zuma sings and dances with his new wife, Thobeka Mabhija, at their wedding ceremony in January 2010. It was the fifth marriage for the polygamous Zuma. Magashule

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said he had not given Zuma a deadline to respond to the recall demand, underlining the ANC’s weakness in the face of the 75-year-old party veteran’s ongoing determination to cling to power.

South Africa President, Jacob Zuma

If he refuses to quit, the ANC will be forced into the ignominious choice of siding with the opposition in a vote of no confidence in parliament, or put forward a motion of its own. The president’s term of

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office lasts until next year, and only parliament can remove him before then.

A confidence vote is scheduled for February 22 but opposition politicians have launched a court action to force the vote to bring it forward to this week.

One of the opposition groups, the Democratic Alliance (DA), said Zuma could simply ignore the recall notice. “Unless he tenders his resignation, this recall is not worth the paper it is printed on,” the DA said in a statement. It declared its support for the motion of no-confidence drawn up by another opposition group, the EFF. Political headache for ANC The political crisis is a headache for the ANC, which has been trying prise Zuma out for months. It dumped him as party leader in December, narrowly electing Ramaphosa, a millionaire former union leader, over Zuma’s preferred successor, his ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Despite a growing clamor from opposition parties and signs that the ANC is losing electoral support over the protracted drama, divisions within the ANC have forced Ramaphosa to tread cautiously. For years, the ANC has put party unity first, even as it became apparent that Zuma was an electoral liability.

Zuma has been mired in a slew of corruption scandals and survived opposition parties’ attempts to oust him.

His ability to survive them earned him the nickname “Teflon President.” Zuma faces more than 780 allegations of corruption relating to a 1990s arms deal. Zuma denies all the corruption allegations against him. More recently, he has been accused of using his friendship with three Indian businessmen brothers, the Guptas, to cloud his judgment. (CNN)

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to Russia jet crash

SPEED sensors that were iced over may have caused a passenger jet to crash near Moscow, killing all 71 people on board, investigators say.

The faulty instruments could have given the pilots wrong speed data, Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee said. The Saratov Airlines jet went down minutes after take-off from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport on Sunday.

More than 1,400 body parts and hundreds of plane fragments have been recovered from the crash site.

which killed 228 people.

More than 700 people are involved in the search operation, struggling through deep snow. The emergencies ministry is collecting DNA samples from victims’ relatives as part of the identification process of the 65 passengers, including a child and two teenagers, and six crew.

The Antonov An-148 was en route to Orsk in the Ural mountains and lost contact at 14:27 (11:27 GMT), without sending any emergency call. Russia’s Investigative Committee said the plane was intact when it crashed and that an explosion happened on impact. Flight-tracking site Flightradar24 said it descended at the rate of 1,000m (3,300ft) per minute. The jet, which was reportedly seven years old, was being flown by an experienced pilot who had 5,000 hours of flying time. In 2015 the regional airline was banned from operating international flights, after inspectors found someone other than the flight crew in a cockpit.

The airline appealed and changed its policy before resuming international charter flights in 2016.

Antonov aircraft were first developed in Ukraine, but are also made in Russia.

The twin-engine model involved in Sunday’s crash had its first flight in 2004.

In 2011, one broke up midflight during a training flight in the Belgorod region in southern Russia, killing all six crew members on board. (BBC)

WHAT ARE THE INVESTIGATORS SAYING?

A preliminary analysis of the on-board flight recorder indicated the plane had problems two-and-a-half minutes after it took off, at an altitude of around 1,300m (4,265ft). The instruments began displaying different speed readings, probably because of iced speed sensors while their heating systems were shut off, the committee said. When the crew detected the issue, they switched off the plane’s autopilot. They eventually took the plane into a dive at 30-35 degrees.

WHO WERE THE VICTIMS?

Russian media reports said the plane’s captain had rejected a de-icing treatment on the plane before takeoff.

The procedure is optional and the crew’s decision is based mainly on the weather conditions.

Iced-over speed sensors, known as Pitots, were cited as the likely reason for a 2009 Air France plane crash,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Banks DIH unveiled as sponsor of Children’s Mash

BANKS DIH Limited has increased its sponsorship to $2M to the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts Department,catering for over 2,000 children during the 2018 Children’s Mashramani Costume Float Parade on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson said that the ministry is pleased to be associated with Banks DIH. He said that the company has been a loyal financial supporter of several government initiatives over the years and continues to demonstrate its willingness to support. “We want to really say thanks for coming on board and for yet another significant venture,” Hutson said, adding: “Guyana is a diverse country in terms of races and this activity, every year, gives us a chance to recognise that there could be unity in diversity.

Mashramani is not just another activity that is relevant and important to our nation, but it gives our people an opportunity to work together regardless of which race they belong.”

In response, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, said that based on observations of previous years, the company was impressed to increase its sponsorship and has plans to go even higher in coming years. He thanked Hutson for acknowledging the company’s support of the education sector and hailed Mashramani as a beneficial investment.

“We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with the Ministry of Education through its Unit of Allied Arts in sponsoring the 2018 Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade,” he said, adding: “We look forward to seeing the Children Costume Pa-

rade growing from strength to strength. This is truly a worthwhile investment.” Saturday’s parade will receive sponsorship under the Malta Supreme and Rainforest Water, which Peters highlights as products which promote healthy living, can be enjoyed by children country-wide and is ideal for the occasion.

Meanwhile, Acting Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, thanked Banks DIH for their “generous” contribution, commenting that celebrating Mashramani has always presented Guyanese with the opportunity to momentarily look back at the past, while planning for the future.

She said that the government attaches great importance to arts education and will continue to focus on strengthening the field, improving cultural literacy and educating the young generation to value the arts as a life-long pursuit.

“We invite everyone to be a part of our activities, because we’re showcasing our children. We know that our children are the future and we want to let parents know that the arts is not a waste of time,” Barker-King encouraged, adding: “Members of the public, do not encourage our children to wine. It is not a wining competition; they’re there to showcase the costumes.”

On Saturday, 17 February, 2018, the float parade will begin at 10am sharp at the Parade Ground, move east into Middle Street, north into Camp Street, east into Lamaha Street, North into Albert Street and then to conclude at the National Park. The nursery bands will, however, begin from Lamaha and Camp Streets.

Over 54 schools from all 10 administrative regions and the Georgetown educational district will compete in the

categories of nursery, primary, secondary, individual presentation, other children’s organisations and regional presentations. Apart from the general theme, ‘Let’s celebrate and cooperate Republic 48’,

Ministry of Public Health’s Food Policy Division has sponsored the Rama Krishna Primary school. The finals of the Children’s Mashramani competitions will commence on Thursday, 15 February,

2018, with the Dance and Masquerade competition then on Friday, 16 February, 2018 with the Calypso and Dramatic Poetry competition, both at the National Cultural Centre. Apart from

these, there were also skipping and gymnastics competitions and the regional winners will perform at a national competition to be held in May, during the country’s Independence celebrations.

Acting Administrator for the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, solidifies the donation by means of a handshake with Communications Manager of Banks DIH Ltd, Troy Peters.

Included in the photograph are: (from left) Head of the Physical Education Department at the Unit of Allied Arts, Nicholas Fraser; Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson; Non-alcoholic Malts Brand Manager at Banks DIH, Clayton McKenzie and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education, Mondale Smith (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

the parade will be guided by sub-themes such as: Nursery – ‘Portraying Celebration of our People; Primary – ‘Celebration of our Flora and Fauna’; Secondary – ‘Celebrating our Industries’ and other children’s organisations – ‘Celebrating our festivals.’

The Ministry of Education has, in addition, given support to St Sidwell’s Primary, South Ruimveldt Secondary and Kingston Secondary to be a part of the competitions.

Similarly, the Ministry of Communities has assisted St. Winefride’s Primary and FE Pollard Primary; Creditinfo Guyana has assisted St. Andrew’s Primary, while the

GTT begins free modem change in Berbice

CUSTOMERS in the New Amsterdam and Rose Hall Berbice areas should soon begin experiencing significantly better online experiences, more stable and stronger Internet connections, along with better technical support as a result of a GTT project to change their current modems to new ones.

According to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), the modem changeout programme will be done from Friday, February 16 until Sunday, February 18 and is the first part of a wider ongoing project, which will be done in phases in several other areas of Guyana.

The process is a simple one whereby customers are sent appointment invitations via email, SMS and calls, encouraging them to take their modems to the GTT’s New Amsterdam office.

Invited customers are required to take their current modem along with the power cord and present their national Identification cards.

Those who are not account holders must present a written authorisation along with their IDs and that of the official account holder, in a process which GTT is promising would take no longer than five minutes.

Every customer who keeps his/her window of appointment for the change-out will receive $3,000 credit on their April DSL bill. Similar invitations will be sent to customers as the project moves to other communities.

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

48 years of Republicanism GUYANA will soon be observing its 48th Anniversary as a republic. A republican form of government is one in which ultimate power resides with the people.

When Guyana became a republic in 1970, for us it meant transferring ultimate power from a monarchy to the people of Guyana.

In that regard, our move to republicanism represented a consolidation of our independence, which was attained four years earlier. Guyana was the first Anglophone Caribbean country to declare itself a republic, and is today one of three countries in the sub-region with that status; the others being Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago. Republican status was not only an aspiration, which started with

the resistance exerted by the first enslaved. It was a continuous struggle waged for centuries, with an earlier significant marker on the 23rd February, 1763, this as we know, marks the rebellion by Cuffy and the other enslaved in Canje, Berbice.

This was a struggle deeply rooted in the inalienable right of man to be treated as equal in dignity and respect. Some have argued that this rebellion failed, but failure only happens when one’s dream and struggle for the right to self-determination dies.

In spite of the odds and hurdles, once persons are prepared to never relent but keep hope alive, they can overcome. Forty-eight years after, celebrations in various forms (calypso competition, children’s costume competition and

so forth) mark this significant milestone in our development.

Our national observances, we believe, should be moments for national reflection on the proverbial road travelled, and should be times when the country engages in serious introspection and recollection. This year’s republic anniversary comes two years after we celebrated our 50th Independence Anniversary. As we observed above, in a real sense, republicanism is an extension of independence.

We have to admit that as we moved further away from the ethos of independence and republicanism, the nationalism which they engendered has waned considerably. One major factor in this regard has been our intense political divide, which is exacerbat-

ed by our ethnic diversity.

The deep partisan political culture has often stood in the way of national cohesion and purpose.

This condition has severely hampered our ability to translate our republicanism and independence into socio-economic equality and development. The absence of the leadership of the political opposition from the recent republic observance must once again summon us to the realisation that we have a lot of work to do to make our national motto a reality.

The vacuum created by our lack of political unity has been filled by a sense of alienation on the part of the wider society. Many of our older citizens -- the independence generation -- have moved on or have retreated into the shadows, while some members of

Jagdeo lacks the moral high ground to represent sugar workers Dear Editor, IN another desperate attempt to be seen as relevant to the political environment, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that his party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be paying the legal fees for sugar workers to resort to the courts with regards to the non-payment of their full severance pay.

Editor, as a leader Bharat Jagdeo lacks the moral high ground as far as seeking to speak for and on behalf of sugar workers.

This latest pronouncement

is as false and hollow and immoral as the man who utters such an intention. As the leader of the party and former government that has destroyed the livelihoods of thousands within the industry, how can he now offer legal representation?

And for what? How can he accuse the government of sending the sugar workers to the “breadline, as he so scandalously claim?

Where does his conscience exist? Does he have any?

What has he offered as solutions to the GuySuCo debacle, despite being invited to do so? Leaders of his ilk do not exist in other jurisdictions, because they

are never tolerated, nor trusted; and are not given any space in the media to speak. Seeking to initiate court action on behalf of the sugar workers against the government, can best be seen as an attempt to undermine the position of the GAWU leader who engaged the government on the very issue for which Jagdeo is now offering paid legal representation.

From a purely layman’s perspective, it would seem to me that there was an agreement between the coalition government and the GAWU as to the methodology of payment of severance to the affect-

ed workers. This position would have been accepted

by GAWU, which is recognised as the legitimate representative union body for the sugar workers.

How can this be challenged in court?

Apart from seeking to undermine Komal Chand, as the union leader – it is also a purely political strategy which sole design is to drive a wedge between the GAWU and the coalition government’s working together to steer the crippled industry to safer shores.

Regards EARL HAMILTON

our younger generation have generally kept their distance from any serious commitment to the nation.

We must not allow the vibrancy of nationalism to be replaced by political party loyalty, extreme ethnic polarization and a growing individualism.

We feel that the arrest of this national slippage demands the involvement of all our citizens.

We need to differentiate between party loyalty and national imperatives; which views the interest of the nation as paramount to those of

the party and which is prepared to move beyond the crippling politics of party domination. Our people have to move beyond sloganeering and reach for a substantive politics that speaks to more than our raw political emotions. If our republicanism must mean anything substantive, it has to begin to invest in, and articulate, the sovereignty of the people, in whom ultimate power resides. This means that the people -- all of us -must be empowered in all dimensions.

Justice delayed is justice denied Dear Editor, THE ‘Me Too’ movement started in October of last year and I was confident that it was only a matter of time before it reached Guyana.

We may be surprised about just how many women and boys were sexually molested and harassed with impunity in this dear land of Guyana.

In the sports arena there is no difference.

There is a particular football coach who is known for preying on young boys. As a matter of fact, ask anyone close to football about this and the name of the coach will spring out of their mouths.

This coach on numerous

occasions could be heard boasting about who and who he conquered. On the other hand, it has now been reported that several female football referees are being molested by officials.

I write this letter not to disgrace football and the efforts of the present executive of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), but rather just to ask that an investigation be done and the culprits punished.

Justice delayed is justice denied. Hopefully, other associations would take note and do the same thing.

Regards R. TRIM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Duncan signals no-confidence vote against King Dear Editor,

The longer I listen to Town Clerk Royston King; the longer I contemplate on his actions, the more I am convinced that we can no longer countenance his brand of administration over the Capital City, Georgetown.

Editor, when we, the people, elected the APNU+AFC Government in 2015 we had high hopes that the government we were electing would give us a clean break from the past. It was the mandate and expectation carried in the expressions, “It Is Time!” and “Vote for Change”.

what should happen in such a situation. At the Meeting, Councillor Akeem Peter was elected by Councillors present to carry out the responsibilities of Mayor and hence Chair the meeting.

The Act is clear that the person so elected is to discharge those functions until either office holders have resumed their respective post. I am advised that Councillor Peter was told his election was only to Chair the meeting, and he would not be accorded none of the privileges of his elected post after the meeting. The Town Clerk, again sets his

Town Clerk, Royston King

The hope of change buoyed us. It was the deep desire shared by the majority of Guyanese and precipitated regime change. It was a new dispensation which unleashed Local Government Elections (LGE) in 2016. Yet events since the election of the “new” City Councillors have caused the reasonable man to conclude that at the local government level, we were not to have a change but an exchange.

LGE was an opportunity for the promise of democratic renewal to be made real, yet it was not to be in full measure or any meaningful way. Our city is managed from crisis to crisis; we lurch from scandal to scandal, the latest being the Bel Air Park and Farnum Play Grounds.

At Monday’s (12/02/2018) Statutory Meeting I stood in awe as our Town Clerk, when quizzed on who instructed the appeal of the Bel Air Park Play Ground court matter he declared he was under no obligation to inform Council. He deemed it as an “administrative matter” and as such perhaps within his exclusive jurisdiction. This is madness!

Editor, allow me to draw to your attention as well the fact that both Mayor and Deputy Mayor were overseas when our recent Statutory Meeting was held.

Our guide, the Municipal and Districts Councils Act, Chp.28:01 dictates precisely

own precedents. What is more alarming here is that a short time ago the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had cause to write (21/09/2016) to the Mayor in a similar scenario and which correspondence was copied to the Town Clerk, which he ignores.

Editor, please allow me to rehearse here what our subject Minister said: “With regard to the appointment of the Deputy Mayor to the position of Mayor, the law is similarly clear. Section 17 of the Municipal and District Councils Act Cap 28:01, sets out under what circumstances the Deputy Mayor must be elevated to the office of Mayor and given access to the funds of the municipality.

There can be no doubt that the letter and spirit of the law contemplates that there must at all times, be a Mayor within the jurisdiction of the municipality and common sense would reveal that this would more so apply to the capital city. Therefore, it is expected that whenever the Mayor leaves the jurisdiction, the Deputy Mayor shall act.” Underline: “there must at all times, be a Mayor within the jurisdiction of the municipality”. We can all appreciate the very spirit of the learned Minister’s clear utterance. The Town Clerk actions then must be deemed insane!

The Council is no longer in charge at City Hall,

the Town Clerk is in full command. The things which should occupy our attention: the President’s brilliant vision for capital towns as engines of growth for their regions, the Sustainable Urban Transport Project for Georgetown, the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy and allied projects never find their way into Council discussions.

Page 18 of our 2017 Budgets speaks to factors which

contributed to the low level of achievement at City Hall, listing several areas, including, “Lack of an overarching strategic vision”, yet we have not spent a minute over the last year addressing same.

We are a city adrift without rudder, sail or compass.

From the revulsive document called a parking meter contract to the active plans to build houses for senior members at City Hall, including the Mayor

and Town Clerk, and all the major issues in between which never meet the level of Council for approval as they should, Her Worship continues to squander the tremendous opportunity given to her to transform our city, while the Town Clerk continues with his rogue actions, unchecked.

Editor, if the cries emanating from the people continue to go unanswered we will have to apologise

to the PPP for our indictment of this management of the capital among other issues and be not worthy of that sacred act of the people in their ballots cast and their vote. With this letter, I therefore signal my intention to move a vote of no-confidence against the Town Clerk.

Regards SHEROD AVERY DUNCAN City Councillor

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An Education Revolution

By Ronald Austin Jr

A REVOLUTION does not occur every time something changes. Further, too often, this word is associated with the idea of some forcible overthrow of a particular system.

This is not the aim or intent of the usage of this concept for this column. When I speak of a revolution in the education system, I seek to converse about radical change of content based on a pedagogical approach that speaks directly to the issues of consciousness, knowledge of self and culturally responsive teaching.

The awakening of consciousness is a much-needed educational model in societies such as Guyana. Some may argue that we no longer live in times of the oppression of the past, therefore, such an approach might be antiquated. Tell that to Paulo Freire, who was the most prominent advocate of critical pedagogy,“One cannot expect positive results from an educational or political action programme which fails to respect the particular view of the world held by the people.

Such a programme constitutes cultural invasion, good intentions notwithstanding,”

writes Paulo Freire in his magnus opus, ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’.

The Freirean approach, simply put, as I understand it, means that the legacy of imperialism and the oppression of a particular ethnic group cannot be ignored when we seek to educate people. He advocates and I readily agree, we must seek to lift the consciousness of individuals then educate. Further, he rightly posits that a Eurocentric education model should not be unfairly employed to enlighten non-Europeans about the world. This speaks to the issue of raising consciousness.

I am not aware of any subject other than Caribbean History that promotes consciousness in education in Guyana’s education system. If there is, I stand corrected in the face of any evidence that may contradict this assertion. Caribbean History, which is introduced in Grade 9 or Third Form and it is not a compulsory subject, it is optional, most students could leave school without learning about the glory of their ancestors.

For example, the indigenous student might pass through the school system in Guyana and never gain knowledge about the glory of the Maya Empire or the great

achievements of the Aztec empire. The Afro-Guyanese student could pass through the education system, completely devoid of information on the massive accomplishments of the Ashanti Empire or the rise of Timbuktu.

The Indo-Guyanese student could leave the education system without an iota of information on the emergence of India from the Indus Valley. The central point I wish to verbalise is that on a student’s journey through Guyana’s education system, this information should not be missed; it is inextricably linked to consciousness and could imbue learners with a much-needed sense of confidence. Insofar as this focus is not a priority in the education system, I say, there is a need for an education revolution.

Wait a minute! Let me take a step back. There is a reason why Paulo Freire, son of middle-class parents born in Recife, Brazil, was arrested in July of 1964.His approach was considered to be revolutionary. After all, we cannot ignore the fact that Freire was influenced by Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, Ivan Illich and Franz Fanon et al. I will readily admit that if teachers are not skilled enough to handle these issues in a plural

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

society, the effects could be disastrous.

Who will stand in a classroom in modern Guyana and repudiate long-established Euro-centric teachings? Who is so brave as a Caribbean History teacher to tell students that Toussaint L’Ouverture is portrayed as the hero of the Haitian Revolt because he was far more pliant to the French. The triumph of the Haitian people in 1804 was in the end, marshalled by Jean Jacques Dessalines, but yet he is labelled a savage and given little mention in Caribbean History books such as ‘Emancipation to Emigration’. Who will ensure that teaching materials for the primary schools in Guyana do not use a New Zealand milk maid to illustrate spelling instructions?

People are squeamish about this kind of liberation teaching method, it is viewed as rocking the education boat, but it helps when students can see pictorials and examples that speak to their story. It drives consciousness. Nobody wants to depart from established facts and pedagogical norms for fear of being labelled with that dreaded word, ‘Revolutionary’.Paulo Friere’s methods of teaching the most marginalised and the oppressed once yielded unfathomable results. In 1963, in the city of Angicos, Friere made 300 people literate in 40 hours. How? He divulged information that created a thirst for knowledge by firstly raising consciousness. If there are positive results, why fear an education revolution?

European imperialism and the exploitation of the indigenous peoples, slavery, indentureship were all tumul-

tuous historical developments that bestride the subconscious of most ethnic groups in Guyana, like a Colossus. The legacy of these painful experiences still resides within the spirit of the various ethnic groups in Guyana. The knowledge of these experiences and teachers to guide and put it all into perspective should be a sine qua non to Guyana’s education system.

In 1933, Dr. Carter G. Woodson published ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro’ in which he argued the case of blacks in America being culturally indoctrinated, rather than being taught in schools in America.

He challenged them to become autodidacts, he encouraged them to go forth and gain knowledge of self.

“Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: that which is given to him, and the other which he gives himself.

Of the two kinds the latter is by far the more desirable.

Indeed, all that is most worthy in man he must work out and conquer for himself. It is that which constitutes our real and best nourishment.

What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind like that which we teach ourselves”, Dr. Carson writes in the ‘Mis-Education of the Negro’. There is a school of thought that may wish to argue that all of these concerns belong to another time in history and might not be relevant in today’s ‘liberated’ world.

I would argue that wherever education exists, at any point in history, knowledge of self has its irreplaceable value.

This call for an education revolution is driven by the

sentiments expressed by Dr. Carson.

The Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese and many other great civilisations made it their business to ensure that their images and structures reflected their cultures.

Why should the average Guyanese student sit in a class and be subjected to images far removed from their cultural reality. Why should primary school students sit in classrooms and receive spelling tips from a New Zealand Milkmaid?

Why can’t we create pictorials of an average Guyanese pastoral Milkmaid?

This culturally responsive teaching speaks to the pedagogy that empowers students intellectually, socially, emotionally and politically by using cultural referents (Lanson-Billings:1994).

There is undoubtedly a sense of empowerment when you see images that identify with you. Critics would argue that this could be promoting ethno-centrism in a plural society such as Guyana. I beg to humbly differ and will simultaneously caution that these teaching methods should be executed by skills teachers. The education revolution of which I write and advocate should include pictorials and image referents not only in classrooms, but also in the general ambience of the school setting.

Not every tweak and change is a revolution, an education revolution has to be profound and make an inescapable impact. Further, an education revolution seldom occurs if it is not guided from the highest level of the state.

Carjacking crackdown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

… six more nabbed in 10-hour operation

… two cars, truck and shell of other vehicles found

By Rabindra Rooplall AMID an all-out war against carjacking police in ‘A’ Division rounded up another six suspects and seized two cars, a truck and the shell of another vehicle during a 10-hour long operation at Kuru Kururu, on the Soesdyke-Linden, Highway.

An electrician and a mechanic are among the six persons arrested during the operation which began early Tuesday morning. Tuesday’s operation comes days after police had smashed the gang, which seems to be headed by an ex-policeman. Crime Chief Paul Williams on Sunday had urged owners of vehicles not to let their guards down as the fight is not yet over.

“Do not be relaxed, I don’t

think it’s totally over, it simply means that it is being quelled because of our proactive approach and we are able to suppress it, but there are still persons out there who are lurking and are just waiting for the opportunity to strike,” Williams told Guyana Chronicle.

He explained that the police have been able to put a dent in the carjacking rings after carefully accessing the trend in the various divisions and among persons who were arrested for armed robberies. He said the police have been able to determine that in many instances, persons involved in robberies are also into car theft. He noted that when they arrest suspects and impound their vehicles, checks would normally find the colours, chassis numbers and other

components of the vehicles do not match the information on the registrations.

Meanwhile, with regard to Tuesday’s arrests, police said the suspects are reportedly employed by the ex-policeman who is in custody along with others assisting with the investigations. According to the police, two motorcars along with a canter truck which is registered to a Barr Street, Kitty resident, loaded with the shell of a silver Toyota Spacio and a quantity of vehicle parts, suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained were seized and lodged.

Over the weekend several taxi drivers who operate at the Soesdyke Junction, East Bank Demerara, were also taken into police custody for questioning and their

vehicles impounded at the Brickdam Police Station as investigations continue into a spate of carjackings and stolen vehicles. On Monday, certifying officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) commenced assisting the police in checking the vehicles. Information pertaining to the ownership of vehicles and the dates they were imported is provided by the police. Additionally, the police said that there are a number of unauthorised workshops throughout the country. The operators of these places will have to provide the cops with details regarding the origin of spare parts. Police will also be examining taxi bases to see if any stolen vehicles are in operation.

On Friday last, a former policeman, a husband and wife and four women, were taken into custody following the discovery of several suspected stolen vehicles and parts at North Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara and Monument Hill, Kuru

Some of the vehicles the police seized in the operation

Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway. It is believed that the vehicles might have been hijacked and stripped of their parts which are being sold.

Police ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit swooped down on the North Vryheid’s Lust premises occupied by a 29-year-old taxi driver and his 25-year-old wife, where they found several car mirrors with engraved licence plate numbers doors, lights, wipers and other vehicle parts for Toyota Allion, Spacio and Premio motor cars. As a result, the couple was taken into custody after the husband provided the police with conflicting stories as to why the suspected stolen vehicle parts were piled up at his residence. When he was first questioned by ranks, the man claimed that apart from being a taxi driver he is employed with an auto spares company for which he was storing the items.

However, after it was put to

the taxi driver by the cops that the auto spares company does not buy, sell or import used vehicle parts, he changed his story. This time, he claimed that he was not employed with the auto sales company and that he was just storing the parts for the company.

Meanwhile, on the aforementioned day the ex-policeman and four women were detained after police ranks in ‘A’ Division went to a property at Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu, and conducted a search during which a quantity of vehicle parts and several vehicles suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained were found. The items have been lodged at the Timehri Police Station. One of the several photographs released by the police, showed a number of the vehicles and spare parts that were seized.

Police have so far taken possession of vehicles such as Toyota Runx, Nissan Bluebird, Toyota Allion and Toyota Premio.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

19% drop in serious crimes ‌ but fatal accidents increase by 20% THE Guyana Police Force said it has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of January, 2018 relative to the same period last year.

However, it has recorded a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents.

There was a tie in respect of murders and the same for robbery under arms when

firearms were used. A 13 per cent decrease in robberies where no instruments were used; a 50 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used; a 50 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation; a 50 per cent decrease in larceny from the person; a 24 per cent decrease in rapes; a 52 per cent

decrease in burglaries; a 9 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny and a 45 per cent increase in robbery with violence.

Meanwhile, regarding traffic management, the police said there was a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents and a 14 per cent decrease in deaths at the end of January, 2018, relative

to the corresponding period last year. Serious, minor and damage accidents have decreased by 17 per cent, 15.3 per cent and 13 per cent respectively in that order.

Speeding, speeding/ driving under the influence of alcohol and pedestrians

crossing in the path of approaching vehicles were the main causes of the fatal accidents. Persons charged with traffic violations between January 01-31, 2018 amounted to 8,201. “The Guyana Police Force wishes to publicly

acknowledge the cordial relationship that exists among its members and civil society and urges the general public to continue to support law-enforcement initiatives, so as to ensure safer communities for all and sundry.�

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

CSEC students to sit diagnostic examinations FIFTH form students who will be writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination this year, will sit an English and Mathematics Diagnostic Examinations today, Wednesday, February 14th and Thursday, February 15th, 2018.

The examination prepared by the Ministry of Education, will cover the content that is expected to

have been taught to date. The test will be administered to all students writing the CSEC examination.

Teachers for the two subjects will utilise the results from these examinations to effectively re-teach and give students practice exercises that will aid them in mastering the content, the ministry said in a release. The teachers who will be marking the examination scripts have been

furnished with the relevant marking schemes for each subject area.

The Mathematics Paper 2 and Paper 1 examinations will be written during the morning and afternoon respectively, tomorrow, February 14th, while the English `A’ Paper 2 and Paper 1 examinations will be written on Thursday, February 15th, 2018 in the similar manner.

Both examinations are

being treated as national assessments which will be administered as per timetable and under strict examination conditions.

Immediately after the assessment, the scripts will be marked at each school by a pool of markers using the marking schemes provided.

Two years for having a spent shell A MINI-BUS conductor was on Tuesday sentenced to two years’ jail by Magistrate Faith McGusty for being in possession of a component of ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.

Anthony Pereira, 23, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, after being on trial was found guilty of having a .32 spent shell in his possession on September 29, 2017 at Croal Street, Georgetown.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris.

According to reports on the day in question, the police on patrol duty in the area conducted a search on the defendant and the spent shell was found in his pants pocket.

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Gold Board approves eight dealers … SSS Minerals Trading Inc. dropped from list

AS at February 9, 2018, there were eight licensed gold dealers who are authorised to act as agents to the Guyana Gold Board in the trading of gold in accordance with the Guyana Gold Board Act Chapter 66:01, Section 9.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed of the development yesterday by a source close to the board.

The eight authorised

gold dealers are Mohamed’s Enterprise, Eldorado Trading, Pure Diamonds Inc., Excel Minerals Inc., Dinar Trading Inc., Adamantium Trading Inc., the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Holdings and Gold Bar Inc. Not among the list was SSS Minerals Trading Inc., whose owner Siddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul was implicated in a multimillion-dollar fraud early in 2017. Rasul was charged with six counts of

obtaining money by false pretence, after he was fingered in a $956M fraud at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

As a result of that incident and subsequent instances of impropriety at the Guyana Gold Board, the agency put in place a number of stringent measures, including documentation required for doing business.

All authorised agents when transacting busi-

ness must present as applicable a national identification card, passport or driver’s licence, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Proof of address (utility bills or bank statements), GGMC mining documents (e.g. Production Sheets; Mining Privilege; Dredge Licence; Traders’ Licence or GRA Licence to Barter) and Authorisation/power of attorney if selling on behalf of another.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Man found dead in Nabaclis trench

THE body of a 53-year-old man was found floating in a Nabaclis, East Coast, Demerara (ECD) trench Tuesday afternoon.

He was identified as Terrence James called “Dog Hand”, of Lot 16 Sancho Street, Golden Grove, ECD. Enquiries disclosed that the deceased was a known alcoholic.

Reports indicate that on Monday, James was seen consuming alcoholic beverages at Far East restaurant located on the Nabaclis Public Road and in the evening he left the bar. However, a welder came out of his yard the following day and saw the body floating in the Nabaclis trench, which runs north to south and is situated to the eastern side of his home.

The body was found floating face down and it was clad in a yellow jersey, a pair of cream three-quarter pants and a red and black food bag hanging around his left shoulder. The police were summoned to the scene.

There were no marks of violence on the body which was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour, where it is awaiting a post-mortem.

Mother appeals for daughter’s safe return THE mother of Danika King, 14, who has been missing since last Friday, is appealing for her safe return home.

Shimika Williams, a mother of six, told Guyana Chronicle that she misses her daughter and wants her home since it is difficult for her siblings to cope without her.

King had left home for Naraine’s Bakery on Sheriff Street to buy snacks even though she had no reason to do so since food and snacks were in the house.

After more than an hour had passed and she did not return home, a search was launched for her but to no avail.

Williams added that Danika did not take her school uniform but she packed some clothes Missing: Danika King and sneakers and apparently left home with same undetected.

The mother related that she suspected that her daughter had been planning to leave home for some time after she checked her clothes and observed some were missing.

The Tutorial High School student has never left home for long and her mother believes she was encouraged to do so.

Williams in a bid to locate her daughter has obtained her cell phone records and will hand over same to the police.

According to the mother, her daughter is an average teenager and could be rebellious at times.

Williams is appealing to members of the public to assist her in any way possible to locate her daughter who was last seen leaving her Campbellville, Georgetown home dressed in a flowered dress.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Region Two to get state-of-the-art boat landing

By Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two is to be gifted yet another transformative project this year which will afford persons the opportunity of travelling in

budget, and will be overseen by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, according to Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson.

During an interview with the media recently, Hopkin-

Public Infrastructure will be submitting a plan of the project to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The team, he said, will be present at the RDC statutory meeting and will provide councillors

recommendations as they see fit. Hopkinson said he has seen a preview of the “layout” and he is certain that it will receive positive reviews from the Region Two RDC. The new landing will be equipped with a port for entry and exit, while a special area will be dedicated to the differently-abled.

An information desk is included in the project and is one of many that were listed under the region’s capital budget.

It will replace the dilapidated and obsolete structure

that is presently at Supenaam. At the moment, passengers travelling by speedboat face great discomfort whenever the vessel has to be offloaded, as the current structure is shaky and cannot withstand pressure.

Some of the boards from the walkway of the current stelling are also dislocated or missing.

Interviews conducted with speedboat operators have revealed that the project will be a beneficial one.

Boat operators said that at the moment, they have to

assist passengers to the boats and sometimes it is of great inconvenience to them.

They welcome the project, and anticipates its completion. “A boat landing will be a big plus for Region Two,” one boat operator said.

“It’s the first structure that will welcome visitors; I hope that special attention can be given, especially when it comes to the building and the materials.

“I am particularly happy, and I will personally be monitoring the project.

Essequibo needs this.”

Young thief robs schoolboys at Burnham Court

The Supenaam Landing, in its dilapidated state safety and comfort.

This year the region will be expending some $34M on a state-of-the-art boat landing at Supenaam. The facility is to be funded under the region’s capital works

son said that the Ministry will be collaborating with the region on the project, in terms of providing technical advice and guidance.

As early as next Tuesday, a team from the Ministry of

with essential information concerning the project.

That will begin the first consultation for the project, and councillors will be given the opportunity to voice their concerns, as well as make

A YOUNG knife-wielding bandit robbed three St. John’s College students on Burnham Basketball Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown on Tuesday.

The three teenagers lost their electronic gadgets, laptops and cash.

Reports indicate that the teens were on their lunch break and were playing at

the basketball court at the time of the robbery.

The perpetrator, who was seated on the bleachers, took out a knife and moved towards a 14-year-old and demanded money. The teen allegedly told the robber he had no money and the knife-wielding bandit then ordered the youth to fetch the haversacks of the others.

As he was obeying

the command, the other youths then went over to the bleachers where they were startled upon realising it was a robbery.

They were all robbed in the process and the bandit then rode away calmly on a blue bicycle.

The robbery was reported to the school and the Brickdam Police Station as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Ithaca residents bemoan slow pace of D&I works aback village

RESIDENTS of Ithaca have been expressing deep concern about the “misguided priorities” and slow pace of work of the contractor for the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) Project aback of the village since workmen arrived there in mid-January.

Some of the residents are members of the Ithaca Agri-

cultural Land Development Coop Society on the West Bank of Berbice.

Chairman of the Society Mr Desmond Weekes said that shortly after the arrival of his workmen, the Contractor for the $148M project had gone into undertaking work that residents deemed to be unnecessary at this stage of the project.

“His workmen started

off on cleaning the façade drain at the front of the village. There was no need for that drain to be cleaned now.

We don’t have a drainage problem in the village. The work is in the back dam at the project site not in front.

He said that the Coop wanted the contractor to go to the project area and drain areas that needed to be drained and clean the bushes that

needed to be removed as a priority, so that people can begin to cultivate these lands as quickly as possible.

He said: “We had the devil’s own job pointing out to them that we don’t have a problem with drainage in front of the village. And even though they eventually agreed to deploy a machine into the critical area over two weeks ago, there is still no

machine there to date.”

Weekes said that members of the Co-op were frustrated and annoyed by the attitude of the contractor, adding that some members feared that he might declare that he has run out money even before the most essential works had been done.

His views were echoed

by Secretary of the Society Mr. Cromwell Williams who stressed that the façade where the contractor is “frizbuzzing or wasting time” with a single machine is easily and quickly drained.

“We told them we don’t have a problem with this drain. Yet they insisted on this course of action. It is non-productive since while they are working on a non-issue, we cannot plant because the real area which is in the back-dam is still heavily vegetated and poorly drained. This is where they ought to be.”

He said that during a meeting with the contractor’s representative and supervising consultants these officials had agreed to deploy a machine to the back-dam.

“That meeting was on February 4th; to date February 13th nothing has happened. We are totally dissatisfied. We plan to take our complaints to officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and to take further action if we don’t

see some serious positive movements on this project very soon,” he said.

H. NAUTH and Sons General Engineering Contractors had won the $148M contract for constructing drains, canals, access dams and hydraulic structures for the Rural Agricultural Infrastructural Development project (RAID) aback Ithaca, West Bank Berbice.

Residents of the community expect to benefit from new drainage and irrigation infrastructure, plus land-preparation equipment and technical advice which will help to boost agricultural production on 900 acres of hitherto unproductive land and improve livelihoods in the village.

The opening up of unused fertile lands aback Ithaca is being made possible under a loan granted to the Government of Guyana by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).

Buxton, Triumph and Mocha villages are the three small-scale farming communities in Region Four which will benefit from similar D&I systems and agricultural support under the scheme.

Efforts to make contact with the contractor, the Supervising Consultant and relevant officials of the Ministry of Agriculture for a comment on the developing controversy at Ithaca proved futile.

Chopped man with cutlass, goes behind bars for two years A 50-year-old man will be spending the next two years behind bars after he was found guilty on a wounding charge

by City Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Shawn Griffith, of Middle Road, La Penitence, was on Tuesday found guilty of wounding Kenton Valet on November 18, 2017, at Stabroek Market with intent to maim, disfigure and cause grievous bodily harm to him.

Shawn Griffith The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris.

According to reports on the day in question, Griffith and Valet were involved in an argument when the accused armed himself with a cutlass and dealt the man several chops about his body.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

International Day of Women and Girls in Science…

Under-representation of women and girls in science must change

ON Sunday nations around the world celebrated ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ with topics such as gender equality rising to the forefront of the conversation.

According to data, less than 30 per cent of the world’s researchers are women who continue to be deterred from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

To shed light on the issues faced locally, the Guyana Chronicle made contact with a few women and organisations, such as co-founders of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams and Ima Christian, both of whom are of the view that although Guyana has progressed, much more room remains for improvement.

According to Abrams, the under-representation of females in the fields of science and technology experienced locally is a fundamental issue that can impact Guyana’s development if not properly addressed. “In terms of Guyana, 50 per cent of the population is women. The vast majority of new jobs in the future will be technology jobs and so, if you lock out 50 per cent of the population from engaging and participating in those jobs, you’re essentially reducing the productivity workforce,” she said.

“You’re actually slowing down the development of your country if you don’t have all of the minds who can be engaged, working on solutions, solving problems and working in the industry,” Abrams added.

Meanwhile, Christian, a Computer Science student at Stanford University in California, recalled some of her experiences whereby her insight was completely overlooked during class activities, and which caused her to think more on the matter.

“I have been in situations where the guy that I’ve been partnered with, in my section, would just take the pencil, take the paper and start writing out his logic without even consulting me…or would raise their hands and said what they thought without asking me what were my thoughts or how would I approach this issue,” the young

Addressing matters of under-representation and stereotypes which affect females in science are: Co-founders of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams (left) and Ima Christian (right) (Photo by Samuel Maughn) woman recounted. These are only some of the encounters that she says have helped to solidify her resolve for encouraging young girls to be determined to continue to excel in the field nonetheless.

Abrams, who has worked in technology for several years, says although similar experiences have made her into a fighter, this is not how it should have to be for women and girls around the world.

“It made me had to fight, fight, fight all the time. I was willing to do that because I had sort of been trained that way but you shouldn’t have to do that,” she said, adding: “At the very early stages, parents have to intervene and they have to stop making differentiations between boys work and girls work…all those things are counter-productive…they stymie kids and impact them mentally and it disadvantages them as they progress later.”

At the same time, Christian said that girls ought not to be afraid of failure as it was a necessary ‘rite of passage’ in the pursuance of success.

“We often teach girls that if they fail at something the first time, that’s probably just not for them…when really, these fields are about failing until you get it,” Christian said.

“Instead of viewing it as, ‘she’s not getting it, therefore, this isn’t for her’, we want to help push girls into thinking this is just part of learning. [To think]: ‘This failure that I’m experiencing right now does not define my career or the trajectory of my life or what I am or am not

good at,’” she encouraged.

Science transcends numerous boundaries and helped countries address a number of inter-connected global challenges. One of these, crucial to the achievement of criminal justice, is the study of forensic science. Two young females employed at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), Forensic Toxicologist, Tomica Bacchus and Forensic Chemist, Charis Griffith told this newspaper that both girls and boys have the potential to pursue their ambitions in science.

“Everyday things are changing, the world is evolving, science and technology is advancing so the more young people we have pursuing science then it would be better for Guyana and for the region,” Bacchus said.

Her colleague, Griffith added that she is pleased to witness Guyana’s gradual improvement as women are being empowered to be involved despite existing stereotypes.

“Guyana is moving past that [stereotypes] because I’ve had some male friends who were saying that ‘the woman’s place is in the kitchen’ but then I’ve also had female friends who have been pursuing [scientific careers], becoming doctors saying that their place is not the kitchen alone, they can do other things,” Griffith said, further encouraging: “So, as a woman you can do whatever you want to do, just know what it is you want and go after it.”

Bacchus, who initially See page 19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Closure of Central High put on hold

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) said that the closure of Central High School has been put on hold following a meeting with key stakeholders.

In a terse statement, the ministry said it is currently exploring other avenues to have the children of that institution housed comfortably.

This position follows a meeting with the Central High School Board, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and officials of the MoE. Last week, the Board of

Directors of the school had called on the ministry to clear the air on the future of the school, since they were informed that the institution will soon be moved from its location at Smyth Street, Georgetown. Officials of the school were informed that the ministry has plans to “phase out” the school but students and teachers were not told where they will be housed once the process commences.

“We had several meetings with ministry officials… last year we met with the current Minister of Education but we have not heard anything

Under-representation of women and girls ...

From page 15

studied Laboratory Science in the hope of saving lives, later developed a passion for forensics to help out in the judicial system where she says many persons may be jailed wrongfully, be it not for this field of science.

She then petitioned for the necessary authorities to pay more attention to local scientists and to place additional spotlight on positive role models in the field, so that more women can be motivated to excel.

“We need to encourage each other and have a lot more educational speeches whereby we can encourage young girls or women to reach their full potential... we need the ones above us to push more for us or to listen to our voices as young scientists… support

us, allow us to show and execute our skills and the knowledge that we would have gained,” she implored.

At the same time, Griffith, who studied Chemistry at the University of Guyana, calls on the government to continue allotting scholarship programmes to the field, as it continues to help women like her to pursue their dreams.

“They [the government] should continue on their scholarship paths because I received a scholarship from the government…I wanted to be a part of that group of people that are normally behind the scenes like Forensic Scientists.

They actually help individuals who may have lost their voice or those who are wrongfully jailed.”

Forensic Chemist, Charis Griffith (left) and Forensic Toxicologist, Tomica Bacchus (right) from the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) speaking on the need for women and girls in science to be supported.

positive as to where they are going,” Chairperson of the school’s Board of Directors, Ruth Howard said on a picket line last Wednesday.

On that day members of the school’s board and parents had conducted a peaceful protest in front of the Ministry of Education on Brickdam. Howard had said then that the protest was their last recourse in an attempt to get the attention of the ministry and other relevant authorities. She said too, that the school’s performance at the Caribbean Secondary Examination

Certificate (CSEC) exam has been exceptional for the past few years.

“In addition, we have suggested to them to move us to the Enterprise Primary School which was built for 1000 students but only has 200 students… that idea was rejected,” she lamented. Howard said parents of the over 1000 students at the school are beginning to worry about the future of the school and their children.

She urged the ministry to meet with them and talk about the plans for the future.

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GAP backs gov’t on border controversy

THE Guyana Action Party (GAP) has declared its full support for the Government of Guyana in its quest to nullify Venezuela’s spurious claim of Essequibo as its territory.

In a release, the party said “we note that many of our hinterland communities are located in this area. Their lands, homes, and livelihoods are under constant threat. It is time to remove the dark clouds of uncertainty.” GAP said it has noted that through continuous, wise, and steadfast approaches by government, the United Nations (UN) secretary-general

(SG) has now moved the issue forward from the Good Offices Process to that of referring it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“We call upon our government to continue to make preparations to ensure that our country gets the best representation at all levels. We ask that all citizens and organisations stand together in a unified manner to support our government on this issue.

It is time for us to show the world that we are One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

‘Think outside the box’ … Economics students urged by Global Seafoods Distributors

Students of Tutorial High pay rapt attention during a ‘pep talk’ by CEO of Global Seafoods Distributors Inc., Allison Butters-Grant on Tuesday.

By Michel Outridge

Pupils touring the processing area of the facility.

A GROUP of pupils from the Tutorial High School Home Economics class on Tuesday morning had the

opportunity to tour Global Seafoods Distributors Inc. at Lot 8 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where they got a first-hand look at the types of fish available locally, cuts of fish, preservation and the processing of fish.

The guided tour was conducted by no other than Chief Executive Officer Allison Butters-Grant, who gave the 13 students a ‘pep talk’ before the actual tour of the facility.

She told the students that the fish processed at the facility was caught directly from the Atlantic Ocean by fishermen and their job was to add value to the product for resale.

Butters-Grant stated that the fish was prepared, processed and served from the seas to the plate and those included fish nuggets, fillet, steak, whole gutted and pre-seasoned, pan-ready fish products.

She said, “Since we ‘eat what we sell,’ all of our products are backed by a high standard of processing.”

Butters-Grant pointed out that as Global Seafood Distributors continued to build capacity within, they sought to entertain learning institutions, gearing students with a knowledge-sharing advantage in an area in where there is so much oversight and associated stigma.

As such, she accepted a request for a tour of the facility, during which students

were exposed to the fish-processing industry where supply and value chain were involved.

The CEO added that they were the only business to have an in-house salted-fish facility where the fish is dried indoors instead of outdoors exposed to the elements.

As Butters-Grant led the tour into the facility, she provided step-by-step information on how things were done from scratch. She encouraged the group to be receptive to reading and educating themselves in preparation for the future.

Butters-Grant said her business was certified and all her employees were suitably trained in good practices to provide quality products for both local and foreign consumption.

Meanwhile, Home Economics Teacher Nordis Clarke told the Guyana Chronicle that she made a request to Butters-Grant for the tour in an effort to sensitise students on how things were done at the facility and all objectives were achieved, since the request was granted.

Clarke added that she was pleased that the students got the opportunity to see how fish was processed before it is seasoned and packaged.

The pupils said that they had benefited from the tour of Global Seafoods Distributors Inc., and they were ‘now in the know’ as it related to fish-processing, etc.

Venezuelan drowns in Cuyuni River A 32-YEAR-OLD Venezuelan is now missing after the boat he was in developed engine problems and capsized in the Cuyuni River Monday afternoon.

He was identified as Orlando Jose Morales Rojas.

Reports indicate that Rojas was with three other Venezuelans delivering 15 drums of fuel from El Dorado, Venezuela to San Martin, Venezuela.

On the journey, the boat developed a problem with its engine, resulting in the vessel submerging at around 17:00hrs Monday.

The three other occupants swam to safety but Rojas went under water and is feared drowned.

Guyanese law enforcement responded and statements were taken.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Prison officer busted with ganja in NA jail A 26-YEAR-OLD Prison Officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison who was on the authority’s radar, was Monday evening arrested inside of the Prison with 528 grams of cannabis and 20 packs of cigarettes.

A case file is being prepared and sent for legal advice.

Meanwhile, police acting on information received went to a location in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam Berbice about 12:00hrs Tuesday and found

hidden in a clump of bushes, a five-gallon plastic bucket containing eight parcels of compressed cannabis. The illegal substance which has a total weight of 3665 grams is lodged as investigation continues.

No arrest was made.

The parcels of cannabis found hidden in a clump of bushes

Bandits flee with businessman’s gun, cash BANDITS broke into the vehicle of a 34-year-old businessman and stole his .32 Taurus pistol and almost $400,000 in cash after he had parked the vehicle on Winter Street in the vicinity of the NIS office Monday morning.

Reports indicate that the businessman of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara visited a bank in the city where he conducted business and later stopped at the NIS, Brickdam Road office where he parked his ve-

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hicle, PVV 4583, leaving his cash and firearm with eight live rounds inside.

After transacting his business and returning to his silver grey Toyota Premio motorcar he noticed the small glass on the left rear side of the window broken. Upon closer inspection the cash and firearm were discovered missing.

He visited the Brickdam Police Station where a report was made and police are continuing their investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Two remanded for murder of money-changer TWO Freeman Street, East La Penitence residents were on Tuesday charged for the murder of America Street money-changer Shawn Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’, who was gunned down in Georgetown recently.

Kerwin DaSantos called ‘Buffy’ and George Hope called ‘Gregory,’ both 24-years-old, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and were not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on February 4 at America Street, they murdered 47-year-old Nurse during the course of a robbery.

The unrepresented men were remanded to prison until February 21.

On Sunday, February 4, Nurse was shot in the head after he refused to Kerwin DaSantos comply with the suspect’s called ‘Buffy’ demand that he turn over whatever cash he had on him to do business with that day. Reports are that after Nurse was shot to his face, the robber made good his escape.

The police were able to make the arrests after reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding buildings.

Just last year, Nurse was robbed but was later able to identify two of the persons who had allegedly committed the offence.

George Hope called ‘Gregory’

Man reportedly admits to stabbing ex-lover LEONARD “Snakie” Grant, 36, of West Bury Village, Essequibo Coast, who reportedly stabbed his wife on Monday after he claimed she provoked him, has been arrested and is in police custody.

Reports have indicated that Grant has admitted to the stabbing which occurred around 16:00 hours at the Charity waterfront.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, Shenella Marks, 23, of Dredge Creek, Upper Pomeroon River, was stabbed four times about her body.

She is said to have received a stab wound to her left lower back, two to her right side just below her arm pit and one behind an ear. Marks underwent emergency surgery at the Suddie Public Hospital where she remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Marks and Grant were in a relationship for nine years that produced a son Orlando Grant, eight, but due to constant abuse allegedly by Grant, the couple were separated.

They have a number of domestic abuse matters pending in court and were ordered by the court to keep the peace.

On Monday, Marks reportedly was about to enter a boat when Grant approached her from behind and dealt her several stabs before fleeing the scene.

She was rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity but was subsequently transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital, where her condition has been listed as stable.

The weapon used in the stabbing has been recovered by police and Grant is expected to be charged shortly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Wednesday February 14th, - 04:00 – 14:30 hrs Thursday February 15th, - 04:30 – 14:30 hrs Friday February 16th, - 05:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Ex-football coach Barry Bennell guilty of sex abuse EX-FOOTBALL coach Barry Bennell has been found guilty of multiple sex offences against boys in the 1980s.

Bennell, 64, was convicted of 36 charges including indecent assault and serious sexual assaults against boys aged eight to 15.

The jury at Liverpool Crown Court could not reach verdicts on seven counts after four days of deliberation. They will continue discussions today.

The judge directed them to find Bennell not guilty on three other counts.

During the trial prosecutors said Bennell was a “predatory and determined paedophile” who molested young boys on an “industrial scale”.

They compared Bennell to the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, while his victims described his home as a “paradise” for young boys, where they would play games and be given takeaway food.

‘HOLD’ OVER VICTIMS Boys were abused at

his home - where he had arcade games and exotic pets including a puma and a monkey - on trips away, and in his car on the way to and from training.

The youth scout and junior football coach was associated with a number of clubs including Stoke City, Manchester City and, most notably, Crewe Alexandra.

“power hold” over them.

One of Bennell’s victims Chris Unsworth told the court Bennell had raped him “about half a dozen times”.

He was a junior footballer playing for his local club and Bennell at the time worked as a scout for Manchester City.

Bennell was convicted of all five charges against Mr Unsworth, when he was aged between eight and 14.

THREE JAIL TERMS Bennell, who is now known as Richard Jones, appeared in court via videolink due to illness.

The jury was told Bennell had previously received three jail sentences in the UK and in the US after being convicted of abusing boys.

He chose not to offer any evidence or witnesses Chris Unsworth told the court he had been in his defence and had told abused by Barry Bennell police he was suffering from cancer, which in turn had as a child. caused memory problems.

In their evidence to the His barrister accused the court, his victims said they complainants of inventdreamed of becoming pro- ing stories about him and fessional footballers and “jumping on the bandwagas a result Bennell had a on”. (BBC Sport)

Twenty goals scored in Milo U-18 round-robin day five T W E N T Y g o a l s w e re scored on the fifth playing date of the Milo Schools U-18 Football tournament at the Ministry of Education ground on Monday afternoon.

Saturday’s games, which were washed out by rain, were played yesterday in the round-robin phase.

Annandale Secondary railroaded Carmel 10-1 in a purely one-sided affair where Omari Glasgow was the star of the show.

Glasgow made light work of a side that suffered defensively to score four times, in the 14th, 31st, 42nd and 46th. There were two braces as well from Troni Semple

(23rd & 25th) and Jemar Robinson (11th and 59th).

Marick Alli (5th) and Trevor Fiffee (29th) were also in on the goal-scoring frenzy with strikes of their own. Carmel did manage to score a consolation through Darren Niles in the 63rd.

Chase Academic Foundation also registered a 6-1 win over Friendship Secondary.

Jeremy Garrett scored the opener in the 11th and paved the way for back-to-

back goals from Ronaldo Rodriquez in the 29th and 30th minutes.

Stephan Reynolds (37th), Rondel Peters (55th) and Keane Lawrence (68th) were also on target with Jamal Scott scoring Friendship’s consolation goal.

The Business School were also 2-0 winners against South Ruimveldt with Akeem Lewis and an own goal gifting them three points.

Matches continue today.

We have the ... standard. She jumped 5.58m.

Meanwhile, Anthony Williams has qualified for the same event in the Boys’ U-20 category. He leapt some 7.10m while Ronaldo Greene also passed the qualifying mark (6.80m) with a 6.88m jump.

Hutson is also looking forward to athletes “showing their true potential” at the next two trial meets. With the inclusion of U-17 events at this year’s Games the AAG is excited at the prospect of having athletes such as Deshanna Skeete eligible for selection. She was absent from Sunday’s trials as she was away in Barbados competing at

Continued from back page

the Relay Fair where she led her CWSS Club to the 4x400m relay and 1600m medley gold.

Guyana’s golden boy Daniel Williams had an impressive 200m run, clocking 21.40s to qualify for the Boys’ U-20 event with ease.

The standard for that event stands at 21.80s. He ran impressively in less than favourable conditions, only .08s off of his PB (Personal Best) record of 21.32s.

Guyana’s contingent to the Bahamas will comprise the best two athletes in each respective event in the different age categories.

The next CARIFTA Trial meet will be held on Sunday at the same venue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Rohit century carries India to top of ODI rankings PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) - Rohit Sharma’s century helped India wrap up the One Day International series against hosts South Africa with a 73-run victory at St George’s Park yesterday.

India took an unassailable 4-1 lead in the six-match series as Sharma finally came good with the bat, scoring 115 after India were asked to bat first and amassed 274 for seven wickets in their 50 overs.

South Africa, who needed victory to keep alive their hopes of levelling the series, were all out for 201 in response.

India replace South Africa at the top of the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings.

India’s ODI series victory came after they lost 2-1 in the three Tests played between the two countries last month.

Sharma had struggled with his batting on tour but

got India off to a storming start as he finally found form.

He was dropped on 96 by Tabraiz Shamsi before going on to make his 17th ODI century, reached off just 107 balls.

lot and I knew that the runs would come,” he said after being named man-of-the-match.

But his dismissal, for India’s fourth wicket, precipitated a mini collapse as 21-year-

Rohit Sharma records his 17th ODI century.

“It was a long time coming. I just had to keep myself in a good frame of mind. I didn’t feel I had to change a

old fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi took four wickets in quick succession to finish with figures of 4-51.

India’s last 10 overs produced only 55 runs and handed South Africa a gettable target at a run rate of 5.50.

But the hosts were 65-3 when AB de Villiers went cheaply after a rash shot in the 13th over and once Hashim Amla departed for 71 after a needless run-out, home hopes were dashed.

A cameo 39 from wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, who had been the hero of South Africa’s victory in the last match, could not stem the inevitable.

Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the tail to finish with 4-57 in his 10 overs.

“We lost wickets in clumps and never got any momentum although it was a decent tally to chase,” South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram said.

The last match of the series is at Centurion in Pretoria on Friday and will be followed by three Twenty20 clashes.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings Shikhar Dhawan c Andile Phehlukwayo b Kagiso Rabada 34 Rohit Sharma c Heinrich Klaasen b Lungi Ngidi 115 Virat Kohli run-out JP Duminy

36 Ajinkya Rahane run-out Morne Morkel

8 Shreyas Iyer c Heinrich Klaasen b Lungi Ngidi 30 Hardik Pandya c Heinrich Klaasen b Lungi Ngidi 0 MS Dhoni c Aiden Markram b Lungi Ngidi 13 Bhuvneshwar Kumar not out

19 Kuldeep Yadav not out

2 Extras: (b-1, lb-9, w-7)

17 Total: (50.0 overs)

274-7 Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-153, 3-176, 4-236, 5-236, 6-238, 7-265.

Bowling: Morne Morkel 10-2- 44-0 (w-1), Kagiso Rabada 9-0-58-1 (w-1), Lungi Ngidi 9-1-514 (w-2), Andile Phehlukwayo 8-0-34-0 (w-1), JP Duminy 4-0-29-0 (w-2), Tabraiz Shamsi 10-0-48-0.

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Hashim Amla run out Hardik Pandya

71 Aiden Markram c Virat Kohli b Jasprit Bumrah 32 JP Duminy c Rohit Sharma b Hardik Pandya 1 AB de Villiers c MS Dhoni b Hardik Pandya 6 David Miller b Yuzvendra Chahal

36 Heinrich Klaasen stp. MS Dhoni b Kuldeep Yadav 39 Andile Phehlukwayo b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Kagiso Rabada c Yuzvendra Chahal b Kuldeep Yadav 3 Morne Morkel lbw Yuzvendra Chahal

1 Tabraiz Shamsi c Hardik Pandya b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Lungi Ngidi not out

4 Extras: (lb-6, w-2)

8 Total: (42.2 overs)

201 all out Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-55 y, 3-65, 4-127, 5-166, 6-168, 7-196, 8-197, 9-197.

Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 7-0-43-0, Jasprit Bumrah 7-022-1, Hardik Pandya 9-0-30-2 (w-1), Kuldeep Yadav 10-0-57-4, Yuzvendra Chahal 9.2- 0-43-2 (w-1).

GASA Mash Meet on this weekend Rashid’s five-wicket haul dismantles Zimbabwe THE Guyana Amateur Swimming Association’s (GASA) annual Republic Anniversary Swimming Championships, popularly called the ‘Mash Meet’, is set to kick off from this Friday at the National Aquatic Centre, to mark the body’s first local meet of the year.

The meet, which runs through the weekend, is expected to see the best of Guyana’s swimmers out to participate. Additionally, the long course meet is also expected to be a starting point

for many of the youngsters who hope to qualify for the upcoming CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

The meet will also enable the selection of a squad to be trained to represent the country at the annual Goodwill Swimming Championships.

The complete weekend schedule is as follows: Friday: Morning session (05:30hrs): 1500m freestyle, 200m backstroke Afternoon session

(15:30hrs): 400m IM, 100m backstroke, 200m butterfly Saturday: Morning session (05:45hrs): 800m freestyle, 200m breaststroke Afternoon session (14:00hrs: 200m IM, 50m butterfly, 100m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 400m freestyle Sunday: Afternoon session (14:00hrs): 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 100m breaststroke, 50m freestyle.

Boult helps Kiwis to 12-run win over England WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - Trent Boult grabbed two wickets on successive balls to help New Zealand to a 12-run win over England in their Twenty20 tri-series match at Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday.

Left-arm seamer Boult bowled Chris Jordan and then Liam Plunkett on the final two deliveries of the 18th over to reduce the visitors to 168 for eight in their pursuit of 197 for victory.

Adil Rashid kept out the hat-trick delivery on the first ball of the final over but there was too much for the leg-spinner and Chris Wood to do and they finished on 184 for nine.

“It was a must-win for us in terms of the series,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said in reference to their seven-wicket loss to Australia in their opening match. “This is a very strong England side

and we had to play some really good cricket.”

Australia have already qualified for the final at Eden Park on February 21 after winning all three of their matches so far.

Williamson anchored New Zealand’s 196 for five with 72 while he also shared in an 82-run second-wicket partnership with Martin Guptill, who scored 65 from 40 balls.

Mark Chapman, who has also played international cricket for Hong Kong, and debutant Tim Seifert then did what they had been brought into the side to do with quick-fire cameos in the middle order.

Chapman scored 20, while wicketkeeper Seifert hit two sixes in his six-ball innings of 14 to take the hosts to the equal highest Twenty20 international score on the ground.

“We were able to build partnerships throughout that

gave us momentum and the two debutants were outstanding,” Williamson added. “They showed their power which allowed us to get an above-par total.”

Alex Hales got England’s run chase off to a fast start with 47 from 24 balls before Dawid Malan gave England hope for victory as he scored 59 from 40 deliveries.

Malan’s dismissal in the 17th over, with the visitors needing 39 runs for victory, effectively ended their chances.

“It was maybe 10 to 15 runs too many ... and we didn’t bowl as well as we could have,” England captain Jos Buttler said.

“We got a fantastic start with Alex and that partnership with Malan, we needed to just extend a bit longer then we didn’t get those cameos in the middle order.”

New Zealand face Australia in the next game of the series in Auckland on Friday.

RASHID Khan claimed 5 for 24 - his third five-wicket haul in ODI cricket - to dismantle Zimbabwe for 154 in 34.3 overs and usher Afghanistan to a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Rashid struck twice in his third over to remove Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl. By then, Zimbabwe had lost half their side for 117. When Rashid pinned Craig Ervine lbw, Zimbabwe slumped further to 126 for 7. The leg-spinner went on to blast out the

tail and finish with figures of 5 for 24 in 8.3 overs.

Sixteen-year-old Mujeeb Zadran, who had made light work of the top order, ended with 3 for 45 in his 10 overs.

Only three Zimbabwe batsmen passed 20 with Craig Ervine top-scoring with 39.

Chasing a slim target, Afghanistan lost their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah to Tendai Chatara inside eight overs. However, a 69-run third-wicket stand

between Rahmat Shah and Nasir Jamal stabilised the innings. Both batsmen went on to bring up their half-centuries as Afghanistan made deep inroads into the target.

While Rahmat fell to Ryan Burl 56 off 52 balls, Graeme Cremer brought Nasir’s 51-run effort to an end in the 27th over. Najibullah Zadran then wrapped up the chase in the following over with backto-back fours. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Stephens emerges to challenge Somwaru

By Rajiv Bisnauth

DIRECTOR of Regional Health Services in Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens, stepped forward yesterday as a candidate for Sunday’s presidential election of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), emerging as the first open challenger to former president Dhierandranauth Somwaru.

Stephens’ decision is likely to split the votes, and at the same time will pose a serious challenge to Somwaru, whose candidacy has offered a focus for criticism at a time when the game in Berbice lacks the diligence in administration.

Stephens believes his plans moving forward are superior to those of Somwaru, and as such has taken apparent aim as favourite in the race.

“Obviously if elected it

will be a challenge for me since one thing that is hard to comprehend is change. I will be new to the administration of the BCB, but I do believe my plans are ‘more’ superior to those of Somwaru,” he said during an exclusive interview.

Dhierandranauth Somwaru

The Regional official said if elected, he will shift most of his attention to the grassroots level, especially the school system where there is the foundation for a bright

future.

“I believe a lot needs to be done for cricket in Berbice. If you look over the years not much has been done for cricketers, especially at the grassroots level.

Jevaughn Stephens (DPI, Guyana photo)

The school system is another issue. The first division system is also another issue, so if elected the overall level of the sport will be looked at with the aim of carrying Ber-

bice cricket to a new level,” Stephens opined.

However, Stephens is of the opinion that the input of all stakeholders will be vital for the revival of the sport in the Ancient County.

High Court Judge Navindra Singh, ordered new elections on December 18 last after the result of the October 8, 2017 elections was annulled by the Court.

The elections in which Somwaru was declared the winner were tarnished with widespread irregularities from majority of the clubs and sub-association members.

They had claimed that the elections then were not held in keeping with the Cricket Administration Act, which subsequently led to the filing of legal proceedings.

Sunday’s elections will be held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall from 11:00hrs.

Walton’s special 169 blows Hurricanes away CHADWICK Walton scored a savage innings of 169 that paved the way for a massive Jamaica Scorpions win in their Cricket West Indies Regional Super50 Festival game against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Monday.

Walton’s innings helped the Scorpions to 329-7 off their 50 overs, leaving the Hurricanes with an uphill task - a task they failed to accomplish as they crumbled to 181 all out, a ball into the 42nd over.

Choosing to bat, Walton lost opening partner Steven Taylor for 10 and watched as Rovman Powell was run-out for one.

It was only when Andre McCarthy came to the crease that things settled down for the Scorpions. His 36 from 53 deliveries was extremely beneficial to Walton, who unlike his teammates, scored freely, going

at a run-a-ball until he got to three figures.

Brandon King offered some support after McCarthy fell, scoring 38 from 46 deliveries, until he chanced his luck once too often.

Enter the fray Andre Russell, the big right-hander was almost as savage as Walton had become, though an over where the latter struck Justin Athanaze for four consecutive sixes was unparalleled.

Russell took 23 balls to score his second half-century of the tournament, an unbeaten 51 that was punctuated by the last ball of the innings going screaming over mid-wicket for a flat six.

In reply, the Hurricanes never really threatened, losing Montcin Hodge for one, and opening partner Kofie James for 18.

There was some fight from 11:55 hrs Nicole’s Milan 12:25 hrs Timewaitsfornoone

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Keacy Carty, who scored 33, and Terance Ward, who made 43, but it wasn’t enough, especially against the bowling of McCarthy, who ended with 5-26.

Odean Smith bowled very quickly for the Scorpions, beating his victims for pace to end with 3-15.

There was also a wicket apiece for Powell, 1-35, and Fabian Allen, 1-54.

The result means the Scorpions move to 15 points in third place in Group B but still find themselves two points behind Kent on 17. The Guyana Jaguars lead the group

on 18 points but have played a game more than Kent and the Scorpions.

Region 2 to host Inter-Ministry Day of Sports

By Elroy Stephney A HOST of activities have been planned by the Region 2 Administration in celebration of Mashramani 2018 under the theme: ‘Let’s Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48’.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer Roopkumar Persaud

Among them is a grand inter-Ministry Day of Sports to be held on Friday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

The sporting disciplines will include cricket, football, volleyball, dominoes and athletics. Among the participating entities will be RDC Region 2 comprising Councillors, Police, Health, Department of Education and the Essequibo Technical Institute.

In an invited comment, Deputy Regional Executive Officer Roopkumar Persaud indicated that the Administration

is committed towards fostering a harmonious and cohesive relationship among communities as well as state and private corporations.

He further disclosed that sports play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps especially during this festive season when the nation will be celebrating its 48th Republic Anniversary.

He is encouraging the general public to participate and interact with staff and other officials of the Administration.

Those expected to attend include Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, Regional Vice-Chairman Nandranie Coonjah, Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson, Assistant Regional Executive Officer Yvette Hastings-Tafares, Principal Personnel Officer Bibi Rameeza Mullah, Administrator Morris Walcott and Youth Officer Herald Alves.

Trophies and other incentives will be presented to the respective winners. The first activity bowls off at 11:00hrs.

Meanwhile, some of the participating players include former Essequibo inter-county batsmen Ramesh Narine, Basil Persaud, Narendra Mandolall and Avinash Persaud representing their respective ministries.

Smartt replaces injured Selman for New Zealand tour

Chadwick Walton

SCOREBOARD SCORPIONS innings C. Walton c James b Burton 169 S. Taylor c wkp. Clarke b Mathew 10 R. Powell run-out 1 A. McCarthy c James b Warde 36 B. King c Athanaze b Warde 38 F. Allen run-out 6 A. Russell not out 51 G. Wallace c Hosein b Henry 6 O. Smith not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-9, nb-2) 12 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 329 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-28, 3-127, 4-194, 5-233, 6-278, 7-312.

Bowling: Mathew 5-0-22-1, Henry 10-1-83-1, Athanaze 7-0-52-0, Hosein 10-1-41-0, Warde 10-0-60-2, Burton 4-0-49-1, James 4-0-21-0.

HURRICANES innings M. Hodge c Powell 1 K. James c wkp. Walton b Smith 18 K. Carty b Smith 33 D. Thomas c McCarthy 20 T. Warde lbw b Allen 43 J. Athanaze c Salmon b McCarthy 26 S. Burton b McCarthy 6 A. Hosein c Russell b McCarthy 10 J. Clarke b Smith 4 M. Mathew c wkp. Walton b McCarthy 1 N Henry not out 3 Extras: (b-1, lb-5, w-8, nb-2) 16 Total: (all out, 41.1 overs) 181 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-58, 3-59, 4-127, 5-131, 6-160, 7-165, 8-176, 9-176.

Bowling: Lamont 6-0-15-0, Powell 5-1-35-1, Salmon 7-1-21-0, Smith 5-1-15-3, Allen 10-0-54-1, Wallace 1-0-9-0, McCarthy 7.1-0-26-5.

WEST Indies women have picked seamer Tremayne Smartt as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Shakera Selman, for the upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand. Smartt hasn’t played international cricket since West Indies’ tour of India in 2016.

Tremayne Smartt

Her inclusion is the only change from the squad that had been named for the home series against Sri Lanka.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chairman Courtney Browne said that continuing the momentum from the series win against Sri Lanka would be cru-

cial in the lead-up to the side’s World T20 defence in November.

“We will be hosting the ICC Women’s World T20 event later this year and as defending champions we will want to put on a good show in front of home supporters and win again,” Browne said. “This tour will help us assess where we are and tighten up on those areas that need close attention.”

The squad will come together in Barbados for a preparatory camp before travelling to New Zealand where they will have another camp. The three-match ODI series will get underway on March 4, followed by five T20Is. West Indies women squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt.), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt.), Merissa Aguilleira, Britney Cooper, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Tremayne Smartt.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Windies to play Rest of the World XI at Lord’s in hurricane relief match

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies will take on an ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord’s in May, to raise funds for the rebuilding of stadiums in Dominica and Anguilla damaged by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.

The Twenty20, scheduled for May 31, will be

broadcast live on Sky Sports and has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a full international.

Cricket West Indies has partnered with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the England and Wales Board to stage the match,.

“Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated parts

of the Eastern Caribbean and we have been considering how CWI can best show support for our region in the most impactful way,” CWI president Dave Cameron said.

Tottenham battle back to earn 2-2 draw at Juventus

TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur recovered from conceding twice in the opening nine minutes to secure a 2-2 draw away to Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie yesterday.

Gonzalo Higuain struck for Juve after two minutes and again from the penalty spot after nine, as Tottenham were rocked, but the visitors responded in impressive fashion.

Harry Kane fired home in the 35th minute to halve the deficit - the first goal Juventus have conceded in 2018 - before Higuain wasted the chance to score a hat-trick when his penalty on the stroke of halftime hit the crossbar.

on Federico Bernardeschi gave the referee an easy decision to point to the spot.

Higuain duly converted despite Lloris guessing the right way and getting a touch on the ball.

The rest of the half belonged to the visitors as they shrugged off the double blow to dominate possession.

With Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele pulling the strings for Tottenham in midfield, Juve retreated and they were indebted to veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon for two fine saves to deny in-form striker Kane.

There was nothing he could do though when Dele

Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele applauds the fans as Harry Kane shakes hands with Eric Dier after the match REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Tottenham were rewarded for their endeavour when Christian Eriksen’s free kick levelled it up in the 71st minute, meaning the Londoners will fancy their chances of knocking out last year’s runners-up in next month’s second leg at Wembley.

Tottenham arrived full of confidence after winning their group containing last year’s winners Real Madrid, but they suffered a dreadful opening 10 minutes.

Juventus, unbeaten in their previous 26 home matches in Europe, took the lead after two minutes when a clever free kick by Miralem Pjanic picked out Higuain who swivelled to volley right-footed past Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham had barely put two passes together when they fell further behind seven minutes later from the penalty spot.

Ben Davies was caught napping and his clumsy foul

Alli picked out Kane in the 35th minute and the England striker drifted past the keeper before coolly sliding home.

Tottenham had a huge let-off on the stroke of halftime when they were caught on the counter-attack and Douglas Costa enticed Serge Aurier into a desperate lunge to concede another penalty.

Higuain took the ball but rather than celebrate a firsthalf hat-trick his penalty rattled against the crossbar.

Juventus played more like the away side in the second half with Tottenham again pressing, although the hosts went close with Lloris saving well from Bernardeschi and Mario Mandzukic then heading straight at the French keeper.

Eriksen, arguably the best player on the pitch, levelled for Tottenham in the 71st minute when his low free kick deceived Buffon and nestled in the corner.

ECB chairman Colin Graves

“I would like personally to thank MCC for agreeing to host the match

at Lord’s, and ECB, especially their president Giles Clarke, for their kind and generous support of this initiative.

“I am sure the match will be highly entertaining and competitive, as well as a great platform for us to raise much-needed funds.”

ECB chairman Colin Graves said his members were always ready and willing to assist in the ongoing relief efforts in the region.

“To have two category 5 hurricanes in the space of two weeks was unprecedented and everyone around the world was shocked by the destruction which was caused,” he explained.

“The ECB and CWI

have always enjoyed a fantastic relationship and we are keen to support them and the people of the Caribbean in this fundraising initiative.”

MCC chief executive and secretary, Guy Lavender, said the event revived memories of a similar match hosted at Lord’s just over half-a-century ago, when Sir Garry Sobers led a Windies side against a World XI skippered by Australian Bob Simpson.

“MCC is delighted to be able to host this very special match. The last time that a match between West Indies and Rest of the World was held at Lord’s was in 1966,” he recalled.

“MCC has enjoyed a

warm relationship with the people of the Caribbean for over a century, and is proud to be able to play a part in providing relief for the areas that were devastated by last year’s hurricanes.

“I am looking forward to seeing a capacity crowd to help raise funds to restore important cricket facilities.”

Last September Hurricanes Irma and Maria barrelled through the Caribbean leaving billions of dollars in damage and resulting in over 50 deaths.

Windsor Park, the Test venue located in Dominica, was badly affected after the country took a direct hit from Maria.

Enthralling quarter-finals action anticipated for ‘Magnum Mash Cup’ Futsal tourney

By Rawle Toney

FOLLOWING the results of the round-of-16 matches, fans who will turn up at the National Gymnasium for tonight’s quarter-finals should brace themselves for some riveting futsal action, when play in the Legacy ‘Magnum Mash Cup’ tournament continues.

Showstoppers, the impressive side from the West Side, will come up against Bent Street in the opening game while the second game will bring together Linden’s Swag Entertainment and Silver Bullets.

Leopold Street and Gold is Money will square off in the penultimate game of the evening and the proverbial Futsal kings, Sparta Boss, will clash with Ol Skool Ballers in the evening’s final game.

In the Round-of-16 play, Showstoppers, behind a helmet-trick from Trayon Bobb (4th, 7th, 16th and 22nd) defeated Back Circle 5-3.

Stephon Jupiter was the other goalscorer for Showstoppers, while Back Circle’s goals came from Jermaine Beckles (11th and 18th minutes) and Stephon McLean (24th).

Colwyn Drakes was in fine form for Swag Entertainment, scoring a hattrick (11th, 13th and 14th) and leading the Linden side 5-3 past Alexander Village.

Silver Bullets, another side from the Mining Town, sent pre-tournament

favourites Future Stars packing with a 2-1 win.

H o w e v e r, t h i n g s didn’t go so well against Linden’s NK Ballers, who went down 2-1 to Ol Skool Ballers and in the fifth game of the evening, Bent Street were barely made to sweat in their 4-0 win over Team Extreme.

Omallo Williams and Okeene Fraser both scored a double and Tyrese Forde scored a single goal in Leopold Street’s 5-2 win

against Albouystown ‘B’, while Sparta Boss brushed aside Ansa McAl All-Stars 3-1.

Meanwhile, fans were kept on edge in the Gold is Money versus North East La Penitence clash, as the two sides traded goals, until the dust settled.

Jamal Pedro had placed the eventual winners (Gold is Money) in the lead just two minutes into the contest - a lead they enjoyed

throughout the first half, until Keifer Brandt pulled one back for North East in the 17th minute.

Brandt then put North East La Penitence in the lead six minutes later, but Colin Nelson scored two goals down the stretch for Gold is Money to win.

The winner of the tournament will pocket $400 000, second place $200 000 and third place $100 000. The final is set for Sunday.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Pride book semi-final Super50 place after Chase maiden ton

Roston Chase drives during his hundred against Hampshire yesterday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

LUCAS STREET, Barbados (CMC) – Roston Chase stroked his maiden regional one-day hundred but rain had the final say as title-holders Barbados Pride formally booked their spot in the Regional Super50 semi-finals with a 17-run victory over English County Hampshire here yesterday.

Sent in at the Windward Cricket Club, Pride racked up 253 for six before rain ended their innings at the rural eastern venue, with four balls remaining in their allotted 50 overs.

Chase stroked 105 from 120 balls while all-rounder Shamar Springer hit 49 and

captain Kraigg Brathwaite, 42.

Former Barbados and West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards bowled outstandingly to finish with four for 35.

Set a revised target of 198 off 31 overs, Hampshire were 107 or five when the rains arrived to end play prematurely, still 17 runs short of the Duckworth/Lewis par score of 124.

Opener Joe Weatherley was leading Hampshire’s revival with an unbeaten 54 as the remainder of the batting struggled.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse was the leading wicket-taker with three for 37.

It was Chase who grabbed

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday February 14, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Monday’s quiz: (1) 10th (2) Zimbabwe Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the length of a standard cricket pitch?

(2) What is the width of a standard cricket pitch?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

the headlines early on, however, with a knock that underpinned the Pride batting effort.

The Test right-hander, batting at number four, struck seven fours and two sixes and anchored a couple of handy partnerships to lift the innings out of trouble.

Pride suffered two early blows when the pacy Edwards removed left-handed opener Omar Phillips (4) and Jonathan Carter (8) cheaply inside the first five overs.

However, Chase partnered with Brathwaite in a 95-run, third-wicket stand, before adding a furrther 117 for the fourth wicket with Springer, to put Pride back on top.

Brathwaite faced 80 balls and struck four fours before he played on to Edwards in the 28th over and Springer counted two fours and a six in a 56-ball knock before cutting seamer Gareth Berg

to point in 46th over.

Chase was fifth out in the 47th over, bowled missing a drive at pacer Bradley Wheal.

Hampshire’s run chase was put immediately under pressure when they lost Thomas Alsop in the fifth over, caught behind for four driving at pacer Chemar Holder with the score on 24.

Captain James Adams followed four overs later for 15, caught at extra cover off Nurse and when Sean Ervine (6) and Lewis McManus (1) fell in successive overs, Hampshire were languishing on 64 for four in the 13th over.

Weatherley, who faced 70 balls and struck three fours and a six, added 23 for the fifth wicket with Calvin Dickinson (11) and was involved in a 20-run stand with Bradley Taylor (9 not out) when the rains arrived.

SCOREBOARD PRIDE innings K. Brathwaite b Edwards 42 O. Phillips c Alsop b Edwards 4 J. Carter c Dickinson b Edwards 8 R. Chase b Wheal 105 S. Springer c Organ b Berg 49 T. Walcott not out 7 J. Holder b Edwards 2 A. Nurse not out 12 Extras: (b-4, lb-7, w-11, nb-2) 24 Total: (6 wkts, 49.2 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-17, 3-112, 4-229, 5-229, 6-234.

Bowling: Edwards 9.2-1-35-4, Wheal 9-1-57-1, Berg 10-1-49-0, Taylor 10-0-47-0, Weatherley 8-0-35-0, Organ 3-0-19-0.

HAMPSHIRE innings J. Weatherley not out 54 T. Alsop c wkp. Walcott b C Holder 4 J. Adams c J. Holder b Nurse 15 S. Ervine c & b J. Holder 6 L. McManus c wkp. Walcott b Nurse 1 C. Dicksonson stp. Walcott b Nurse 11 B. Taylor not out 9 Extras: (b1, lb1, w5) 7 Total: (5 wkts, 20.3 overs) 107 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-50, 3-63, 4-64, 5-87.

Bowling: C Holder 4-0-21-1, Drakes 4-0-24-0, Nurse 6.3-0-37-3, Holder 4-0-11-1, Walsh 1-0-7-0, K Brathwaite 1-0-5-0.

U.S. senators raise concerns about extent of sexual abuse in sports

WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters) - U.S. Senators investigating sexual abuse in sports said yesterday they were concerned about “potential systemic issues” involving abuse after written responses from the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics did not provide significant new details about how they responded to accusations of abuse.

The Senate subcommittee is waiting for responses from the national governing bodies of 53 other Olympic sports, from swimming to figure-skating, to help determine the extent of abuse.

U.S. Senator Jerry Morgan (Republican)

The U.S. Senate opened its investigation on January 25 after the first sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, the former doctor for USA Gymnastics’ national team who has pleaded guilty to molesting female athletes.

Nassar was sentenced in January and February in two separate hearings to 40 to 175 years and 40 to 125 years in prison.

Senators Jerry Moran, a Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat,

said in a joint statement that they wanted to know if officials at the sport’s national governing body and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) could have stopped Nassar’s abuse.

“After our initial review, we remain concerned about potential systemic issues within these institutions and plan to seek additional clarification,” the senators, who oversee the Senate’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, said in the statement.

USOC and USA Gymnastics did not reply to requests for comment about the senators’ remarks.

The senators shared copies of the written responses from the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, where Nassar was also employed and treated young athletes.

The president and the athletic director of Michigan State University have resigned, and the school said last week it would fire a dean who oversaw the college where Nassar worked.

Around 200 women, including Olympic gold medal-winning gymnasts Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber, gave searing courtroom statements at the sentencing hearings about Nassar’s abuse, leading to the resignation of the entire board of USA Gymnastics.

An early focus of the senators was a complaint by one gymnast that she was coerced into signing a non-disclosure agreement with USA Gymnastics after she complained about Nassar’s abuse.

Rain forces abandonment at Kensington Oval

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Persistent rain resulting in a wet outfield forced the abandonment of the 30th match of the Regional Super50 between Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Kensington Oval here Tuesday.

The Group A, day/night affair was scheduled to get started at 2 pm but heavy rains which swept across the country just after midday ensured players never took the field.

Match officials eventually called time on the game at 6:30 pm.

Red Force entered the contest second in the standings on 20 points while Marooners were one from bottom on five points.

Both teams gained two points from the no-result.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Warrican’s all-round display puts Sammy confident Windies Windies A on course for victory will make World Cup

LEFT-arm spinner Jomel Warrican followed up an unbeaten half-century with a seven-wicket haul as Windies ‘A’ gained ascendancy against England’s Lions on Tuesday’s third day of the first unofficial Test between the two countries at the Trelawny Stadium in Jamaica.

(39) and Nick Gubbins (20) put on 52 runs for the second wicket before both were dismissed by Warrican to leave England on 75 for 3, a lead of just 46.

From there on Warrican and Rahkeem Cornwall 3 for 55 scythed through the England batting line up as the last seven

Jomel Warrican bagged 7 for 33 .

Warrican took 7 for 33 off 23.3 overs as England crashed to 132 all out, a lead of 105.

At the close Windies ‘A’ were 31 for 1 from 4.4 overs, needing another 75 for victory. John Campbell was the batsman out for 15 caught

by Liam Livingstone off the bowling of Jack Leach. Kieran Powell is not out on 16.

Trailing by 27 on first innings, England had an early sign of things to come when they lost opener Keaton Jennings for a duck to Rahkeem Cornwall when the score was on eight.

However, Haseeb Hameed

wickets fell for 57 runs. The last five fell for just 14.

When play resumed on Tuesday, the Windies A on 232 for 8, still needed another 20 runs to overhaul England’s first innings score of 252.

Shane Dowrich resumed on 90 and Warrican on 54.

Dowrich pushed his personal tally to 119 and Warrican 71 as they stretched their partnership of 118 to 161 before the former was dismissed with the score at 275. His knock took 222 balls and included 10 fours and a six.

Warrican’s 71 came from 182 balls. (Sportsmax).

SCOREBOARD LIONS 1st Innings 252 WINDIES A 1st Innings (overnight 232 for eight) *K Powell c Jennings b Porter 0 J Campbell c Jennings b Roland-Jones 0 J Blackwood c Livingstone b Porter 35 S Brooks st Foakes b Leach 12 Vishaul Singh c wkp Foakes b Coughlin 10 +S Dowrich c Gubbins b Livingstone 119 R Reifer c Hameed b Leach 6 R Cornwall run out 4 J Louis lbw b Leach 6 J Warrican not out 71 K Joseph b Livingstone 0 Extras: (b8, lb2, w1, nb5) 16 TOTAL: (all out, 96 overs) 279 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-50, 4-54, 5-76, 6-89, 7-94, 8-114, 9-275, 10-279.

Bowling: Porter 16-2-47-2, Roland-Jones 14-2-48-1, Leach 34-784-3, Coughlin 8-2-17-1, Crane 10-0-43-0, Livingstone 14-1-30-2.

LIONS 2nd Innings *K Jennings wkp Dowrich b Cornwall 0 H Hameed b Warrican 39 N Gubbins c Blackwood b Warrican 20 J Clarke c wkp Dowrich b Warrican 31 L Livingstone b Warrican 1 +B Foakes c Powell b Cornwall 20 P Coughlin lbw b Warrican 11 T Roland-Jones lbw b Cornwall 2 J Leach not out 0 M Crane c Singh b Warrican 0 J Porter c wkp Dowrich b Warrican 0 Extras: (b2, lb1, nb5) 8 TOTAL: (all out, 59.3 overs) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-60, 3-75, 4-81, 5-118, 6-120, 7-124, 8-132, 9-132, 10-132.

Bowling: Cornwall 25-5-55-3, Reifer 4-1-13-0, Warrican 23.3-1233-7, Joseph 2-0-7-0, Louis 1-0-5-0, Campbell 4-0-16-0.

WINDIES A 2nd Innings (target: 106 runs) K Powell not out 16 J Campbell c Livingstone b Leach 15 TOTAL: (1 wkt, 4.4 overs) 31 Fall of wicket: 1-31.

Bowling: Porter 2-0-11-0, Livingstone 2-0-16-0, Leach .4-0-4-1.

Position: Windies A require a further 75 runs for victory with nine wickets intact.

Former Windies T20 captain Darren Sammy

FORMER West Indies T20 skipper Darren Sammy has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to book a spot at next year’s World Cup ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Windies failed to secure automatic qualification to the 2019 world cricket showpiece after falling outside of the top eight teams by the September 2017 cutoff date. In order to punch a ticket to London, the team must now finish as one of the top two at the 10-team qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

The Windies participation in the tournament was dogged by controversy even before it began with four prominent players Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell declining to make themselves available for the competition.

The World Cup squad, however, contains several other experienced players with likes of Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuel, Devendra Bishoo and Kemar Roach set to make the trip. Sammy wished the two-time champions luck.

“I wish the guys all the best and I hope we finish in the top two and be a part of the World Cup 2019. It will be very sad if we can’t qualify. I have confidence that players could pull through and qualify for the prestigious tournament that we have always been part of,” Sammy said.(Sportsmax)

Warrican’s all-round display puts Windies A on course for victory

See page 39

We have the cream of the crop for CARIFTA Games - AAG’s Hutson

Daniel Williams qualifies for the CARIFTA Boys’ U-20 200m with ease.

By Michelangelo Jacobus IN an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson revealed that the association has high hopes for the Guyanese contingent at the CARIFTA Games scheduled for the Bahamas from March 30 to April 2.

“Despite it being very early in the season our chances at the CARIFTA Games this year are looking better than in previous years, I think we have the cream of the crop of the young athletes right now,” Hutson explained.

He further pointed out that it is encouraging for the AAG to see four athletes qualify on the first trials meet held just two days ago

on Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora.

“Even more intriguing and exciting was the fact that our athletes in the field have put their hands up and stepped up their game, especially in the jumping pits where we saw three athletes qualify for the long jump event.”

So far Chantoba Bright

and Toyan Raymond have qualified for the Girls’ U-20 Long Jump passing the 5.50m CARIFTA qualifying standard in that category, Bright had a best effort of 6.04m while Raymond recorded her best jump at 5.75m. Princess Browne also made the qualifying

Turn to page 34

Chantoba Bright has already secured her spot on the CARIFTA team for the Girls’ U-20 Long Jump.

Twenty goals scored in Milo U-18 round-robin day five Ex-football coach See page 34

Barry Bennell guilty of sex abuse See page 34

One of the many goals scored during the 10-1 drubbing of Carmel Secondary at the hands of Annandale. (Adrian Narine photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Ex-football coach Barry Bennell WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018