Guyana chronicle e paper march 29 2018

Cops 09 charged for prisoner’s escape PAGE

No. 105229

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

President orders probe into seawall killings

‘We’re not silent’

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Chairperson of the GNNL, Geeta Chandan-Edmond flanked by directors of the board: from left, Hilbert Foster, Troy Edmondson, Editor-in-Chief, Nigel Williams and other directors, Sherod Duncan (first from right and next to him Arron Fraser) (Adrian Narine photo)

$30B bond secured to revive sugar industry 03 PAGE

‘Exxon contract to be reviewed in four years’

Chronicle returns to profitability

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– Trotman

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New mayors, 05 deputies sworn in PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Drive the ‘Made in Guyana’ label – Harmon urges manufacturing sector

By Alva Solomon THE local manufacturing and services sectors have been urged to place marketing emphasis on the “Made in Guyana” label.

At the same time, Min-

ister of State Joseph Harmon called on the sectors to widen its membership to include small processors whose products have been appearing on the shelves within the Caribbean region and further afield.

Harmon made the call during an address to the members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Pegasus

Hotel in Kingston. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin also attended the event.

Harmon said that many persons in the Caribbean region would examine the labels of products on the shelves to see where it was manufactured. “What is wrong with us,” he asked,

shores are around the region.”I want to suggest to the GMSA that you expand your membership and include these little producers that are doing things every single day and are finding markets on their own,” Harmon said.

He noted that if the pro-

Minister of State , Joseph Harmon addresses the gathering as Minister of Business , Dominic Gaskin (left) and executives of the GMSA look on.

(Delano Williams photos)

work with the government on these sensitive issues to take action and implement solutions, as he noted that Guyana is attracting lots of business from further afield.

Executive Member of the GMSA, Ramesh Dookhoo also noted that anti-dumping legislation is needed to protect consumers.

The Minister of State told the gathering that government is also working with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission to enforce compliance with Consumer Affairs Act to target offences such as price-fixing conspiracy as well as the dumping of inferior and harmful products on the markets. He said misleading advertisements are also among the elements which leave consumers at the mercy of errant private sector operatives.

“These initiatives will

A section of the gathering at the event

noting that in Trinidad and Tobago, the manufacturing sector rose rapidly via funds from the petroleum sector. He said too that the raw materials for the value-added products found in the region were sourced here in Guyana.

“We got to take that raw material and turn it into value-added,” he urged the sector’s members, noting it should be an important “tagline for the GMSA. He said that during one of his experiences, he saw persons purchasing a product in Barbados and when he examined the label of the product, he recognized that it was produced at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara.

Harmon said many more products from these

ducers are brought into the mould of the GMSA, they can even improve their outputs via packaging and other areas of branding.

SMUGGLING AND DUMPING During Wednesday’s proceedings, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Eddie Boyer told the gathering that a concerted effort has to be undertaken by all stakeholders to address the issue of smuggling and product dumping of inferior items on the markets. He said that the two must be looked at in the context regarding the value of the products, and he named cement as one such product. Boyer said that sector is ready and willing to

minimize unfair competition, reduce processing time and improve service delivery to the private sector,” Harmon said.

He said he recalled last year when the authorities took steps to clamp down on the dumping of inferior products on the local market , many of those in the private sector “cried foul when people are bringing items that were mislabeled and passing off on the Guyanese consumers…we were castigated about that .” The Minister of State noted that it is the responsibility of the government as well as the GMSA to ensure consumers are protected from vile practices which take place and pass as legitimate business.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

President orders probe into seawall killings

‘We’re not silent’

GOVERNMENT has ordered an investigation into the circumstances which resulted in the death of three alleged bandits at the Georgetown seawall on March 15, President David Granger disclosed on Wednesday.

Police shot and killed 46-year-old Dextroy Cordis, called “Dutty” of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and 57-year-old Errol Adams, also known as “Dynamite,” of Buxton, ECD. The police in a statement said that the men had trailed a customer from a commercial bank and were about to commit a crime when they were confronted.

Police said the men shot at them first and they returned fire, killing them.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony at State House, the Head-of-State said the matter was dealt with at the level of the National Security Committee. “It is my instruction that on any occasion where there is the death of a person by unnatural means, that, that death should be investigated… particularly in the Defence and Police Forces.”

The president said too that some action was likely

to be taken “to have the file sent to the DPP to determine whether there is any blameworthiness in the death of the persons.”

The Guyana Chronicle had first reported that government was likely to order an inquest into the seawall killings. The source told the newspaper that several members within the administration were concerned about how the trio was killed and as such, reminded of their position prior to taking office.

“That doesn’t look good and we will need an inquest. This is something when in opposition we fought against,” the source told the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile, President Granger assured reporters that his administration was not asleep on the matter.

“We are not silent. The response that we have made is decisive and effective that the commissioner of police has received clear instructions about the investigation,” he stated. President Granger said too that the Coroner’s Act was clear and required that an inquest be held, should there be an unnatural death.

“I don’t have to order an inquest; I expect an inquest… the law is there,” said President Granger. “As far as I am concerned, there should

be no controversy -- the death of any citizen under abnormal or irregular circumstances should be investigated,” the President continued.

In December 2015, the President had given the assurance that his administration would reform the rules for Coroners’ Inquests, noting then that the coroners appointed would not necessarily be district magistrates.

This, he said, would enable the state to ensure that all unnatural deaths were investigated. “So even in a case where persons assumed to be criminals are shot, we will have inquests and there will be greater care exercised by the police authority to ensure that the policemen do not act unlawfully,” the President said back then on his weekly television programme, The Public Interest.

On the said programme, the President said it was his desire to see due process and persons arrested and taken before the courts. “Is there a gang leader? Are there guns, and whom are they coming from? If you kill them, you don’t know these things,” the President had said during the interview.

Meanwhile, autopsies last week confirmed that the men were shot multiple times with at least two of them sustain-

ing some six bullets. Since their deaths, Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine said the killing of the men was justified. However, on Monday an eyewitness, Devon Lyte, surfaced and made statements contrary to that of the police.

Lyte, accompanied by lawyer Nigel Hughes, told a news conference that he was a labourer working on the roof of the Guyana Softball Association building on March 15 at the time of the killings. The young man told reporters that at the time of the shooting incident, he was working with two other men on the roof when, just before midday, he noticed that the police had blocked off the road at the top of Camp Street.

Moments later, he said sounds of gunshots rang out and upon looking across to the seawall, he saw two cars being driven along the seawall road.

“A black car was in front and it was being followed by a silver car. The shots were coming from the silver car.

The black vehicle which was in front, stopped, then I saw one person come out of the black car and stood up at the front driver side door [Kwame Assanah]. I then saw one person come out

of the silver car. He walked towards the black car. I then saw the person from the silver car start to beat the person who had come out from the driver’s side and was lying on the ground. He beat the one person while he was on the ground. Then after 20 minutes I heard rapid gunfire,” Lyte related.

He continued: “About 10 to 15 minutes after the shooting, policemen from Camp Street started to run up the road. There was a photographer with them. They went to the scene and I also saw the ambulance arrive.”

The eyewitness also said that at the time when he heard the rapid gunfire, there was one person standing over the same person who was lying on the ground. Further, he said that he did not see any motor cyclist fleeing the scene during the shooting as claimed by the police.

However, the police have maintained that ranks who were trailing the black car had come under fire from the occupants and during the confrontation, the men were killed, while two other men who had appeared on a motorcycle, opened fire on the police. The police further said that ranks managed to shoot one of the men on the motorcycle, but the rider was

President David Granger

able to escape, while only one handgun was recovered at the scene.

When asked if he had noticed any exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspected bandits, Lyte said “I won’t be able to say whether the guy shot at the police or the police shoot at their own vehicle.”

Lyte further noted that before the shooting, there was no other vehicle at the scene, other than the police vehicle and the black car.

The families of Assanah and Cordis have also challenged the police’s version of the incident and have called for a thorough investigation.

$30B bond secured to revive sugar industry

By Ariana Gordon THE National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU) has secured a $30B syndicated bond to aid in the revitalisation of the country’s sugar industry.

“We have made strides in the international markets to secure a syndicated bond for $30B. I am pleased to announce we have been very, very successful and we have very good rates,” announced SPU’s head and Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Colvin Heath-London.

London told Guyana Chronicle that the entity will be receiving the cash in two weeks’ time and will have a five-year repayment period.

Heath-London said he was

not in a position to disclose specifics on the securing of the bond or the terms related to same. Syndicated bonds are deemed the most common way to sell debt and it is widely used by companies, governments and other organisations.

A group of banks are usually paid to demand from other investors and so if the entire bond is not sold then the banks must buy that which is left. Through this process, the borrower can be confident of raising the entire amount desired.

REVITALISED In an interview Wednesday, done for the Ministry of Finance’s television programme Dollars and $ense, Heath-London said the sugar industry has to be revitalised to be successful. “One of

Chairman of GuySuCo and Head of the SPU, Colvin Heath-London

the things we have to do is recapitalise GuySuCo. It has always been my firm belief that we should not be dependent on the government and by extension taxpayers for our viability,” said the SPU

head.

Heath-London explained that preliminary discussions have been made with some of the banks GuySuCo is indebted to “with a view of them taking a hair cut in terms of what is owed to them.” “The banks seem to be very favourable and myself and the technical team are working towards bringing this to fruition,” said Heath-London who noted that the goal is to make GuySuCo debt-free in the medium to short term. “We can’t keep spending on the industry just to try to maintain the production of sugar and to revitalise,” stating that GuySuCo needs to bring on board more capital projects.

He said the company has to be re-energised to look at markets and move away from only a sugar-producing

company to a value added company where it should be market and sales driven.

In the interview which is aired every Thursday on TVG and HBTV9 at 20:00hrs, with rebroadcasts on HGPTV67 on Sundays at 18:00hrs, NTN69 at 16:30hrs and NCN on Tuesdays at 20:05hrs, Heath–London said it means GuySuCo has to produce what the market wants and move away from being a raw sugar manufacturer to a value sugar product manufacturer. “What we are trying to do now is have a paradigm shift, where we shift from being just a production sector to a sales business and marketing model.

This is the only way we can be profitable and survive,” said the SPU head.

He said it is the plan of the company to start co-gen-

eration that would allow GuySuCo to earn revenues to produce electricity for the national grid, to get involved in sugar juices such as molasses and cane juice, additional packaging for concentrated markets and start “plantation white sugar”.

These projects Heath-London said will be different and viable income streams for the company.

“So we can be in the short and medium terms on the road to profitability,” he said noting that GuySuCo has a future here.

Meanwhile, the acquisition of the syndicated bond comes exactly one month after the SPU said it was seeking $30B over a four-year period to provide much-needed capital injection into the Albion, BlairTurn to page 14 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Chronicle returns to profitability AFTER two years of losses, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) has returned to profitability with company chair, Geeta Chandan-Edmond hailing the performance as “quite an achievement”.

Chandan-Edmond, who has been at the forefront of reform at GNNL, announced the good news at the company’s Annual General Meeting held at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown on Wednesday.

At the end of December 2016, GNNL recorded its best performance in the last decade, raking in a profit before tax of $63.7 million, a remarkable turnabout from the $1.54 million loss recorded in 2015.

“We are optimistic that we will continue the profit-making trend in the coming years as we diligently pursue measures to enhance revenue and keeping our expenses minimal,” Chandan-Edmond said.

She pointed out that during the year, the company, robustly in pursuit of its receivables, achieved an 18 per cent reduction over that

of 2015, thereby minimising risks of bad debts and allowing for a healthy bank balance of $127 million at the end of 2016.

This figure represented a 102 per cent increase from the previous year.

Persons who owe the company, she said, are being encouraged to enter into direct agreements to repay their debts within specified time periods.

standing balances are carefully monitored, Chandan-Edmond told the gathering as she thanked members of the board, managers and staffers for their diligent work in returning GNNL to profitability. “Our company would not have been in this strong position had it not been for our committed and dedicated staff. One of our core strengths is the capability and experience of our GNNL Board of Directors, management and long-serving employees following the AGM on Wednesday

Ivelaw Hall who has 38 years of service to GNNL receiving a token of appreciation from Chairman Geeta Chandan-Edmond at the AGM Wednesday

“Court action is being initiated against those persons who refuse to enter into such agreements, as well as those who enter but breach them,” the chairman said.

A system has been implemented to ensure out-

team. This is born from a culture of empowering and developing our talents to succeed at every level and encouraging accountability, innovation and excellence,” the chairman said.

During the year, sev-

A section of the gathering at the AGM at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photos)

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eral departments were rehabilitated, thereby lifting staff morale. Employees benefitted from local and overseas training; bursaries were awarded to children of staffers and vendors; and the company enjoyed cordial relations with the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union—the union representing its workers.

Award winning journalists were also honoured.

The Guyana Chronicle, the chairman said, has a responsibility to report the news without bias and with less sensationalism than its competitors. She noted

that it is also the duty of the newspaper to report on all sectors and segments of development and to promote national unity.

Chandan-Edmond praised the commitment of staff, managers and board members throughout the year and urged advertisers, vendors, readers and other customers, locally and overseas to continue to support the nation’s newspaper.

During the AGM, 26 long-serving employees whose services range from 10 to 38 years were honoured with gifts for their dedication and hard work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

President David Granger; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; and Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan pose with the newly sworn-in mayors and deputy mayors at State House (Ministry of the Presidency)

New mayors, deputies sworn in …President says citizens’ right to determine who administer their towns

WITH the 2018 Local Government Elections on the horizon, President David Granger on Wednesday swore in the newly elected and re-elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors, reminding them that it is the people who will ultimately determine their fate as administrative leaders of the nine capital towns.

Speaking at the ceremony at State House, the Headof-State also called on the Mayors and their Deputies to not ignore their responsibility to serve all their constituents, regardless of political affiliation and to lead the process of transforming the Towns into centres of commerce and industry and provide the services of the state to the people in collaboration with the other levels of Government.

“The Government of Guyana functions at three levels: national, regional and local. All three levels must collaborate to ensure the efficient delivery of public services to our citizens.

All three levels must be competent in order to ensure good governance. Capital towns are located at the local level of our system of Government. They play a pivotal role in animating

development at the regional level. Town Councils, effectively administered, will help build strong regions. Capital towns, administered by Town Councils, are no longer part of the old, archaic system of counties,” he said.

As Guyana aligns itself to become a state of economically powerful regions characterised by universal access to public services, the President said that Town Councils, therefore, must retool their administrative systems to become the engines of enterprise, employment and economic development. He noted that capital towns are the main centres of commerce and industry, the principal ports or terminals of international trade, the seats of public administration and the main settlements of their population. “Regional Councillors, regardless of their political affiliation, must work collectively for the common good of their municipality and their region. Regional chambers of commerce must be encouraged to function; regional agricultural and commercial exhibitions must attract investment,” he said.

President Granger said that his Government will ensure that Local Government contin-

ues to function in the interest of the people and empowers ordinary citizens to more increasingly become involved in the administration of their own communities. This, he said, is being made possible through regular elections. “Regular municipal and mayoral elections promote democratic renewal.

Municipal elections, held in March 2016, will be held again this year. These elections will afford citizens the right to determine who administers their towns and how. Mayors and Deputy Mayors are vital to the entire system of governance.

They must commit to ensuring the delivery of public services within their municipalities and act in the interests of their constituents, consult their constituents and citizens in the decision-making processes which are likely to affect their well-being and conduct their duties, at all times, in accordance with the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana and remain faithful to their oath of office,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Maxine Welch-Hendricks, Deputy Mayor of Lethem, who has retained her office, said that she will be working with the Mayor to not only beautify

the town but to embark on several infrastructural development projects, including road works and the construction of a gymnasium to benefit the young people, as well as programmes targeted at youth empowerment. Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall said that he is elated to be re-elected, as he noted that the Council will continue its work to impact the lives of its residents. “We are looking at the construction of a disability centre. We will continue to work on infrastructural projects, but we also want to embark on projects that affect the lives of our people. We will also be having scholarships for our young people and we will focus on youth entrepreneurship. We will also start the installation of street lights and continue on our education on the ‘greening’ of Bartica and what is expected of them,” he said.

The Mayors who were sworn in are: Ms. Patricia Chase-Green (Georgetown), Mr. Rabindranauth Mohan (Anna Regina), Mr. Gifford Marshall (Bartica), Mr. Kerry Jarvis (Lethem), Mr. Krishnand Jaichand (Corriverton), Ms. Waneka Arrindell

(Linden), Mr. Henry Smith (Mabaruma), Ms. Winifred Heywood (New Amsterdam) and Mr. Vijay Ramoo (Rose Hall).

Mr. Darshan Persaud (Anna Regina), Ms. Nageshwari Lochanprasad (Bartica), Mr. Akeem Peter (Georgetown), Ms. Maxine

Ann Welch Hendricks (Lethem), Mr. Wainewright Bethune (Linden), Ms. Astrille Gamell (Mabaruma), Mr. Compton Grant (New Amsterdam) and Mr. Dave Budhu (Rose Hall) were sworn in as the Deputy Mayors. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

GTT’s Innov8 conference IT was not the cosplay, though that was quite a sight this weekend, and it wasn’t the vast video gaming room either that made the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company’s Innovate conference special.

Was it, then, the quality of the workshops? Or perhaps the broad and entertaining advertising effort?

No, it was the looks on the faces of young people as they rushed excitedly to and fro in the Marriott Hotel’s conference facilities.

Last weekend there was a palpable charge in the air, an energy that we do not often see on Guyana’s streets.

It was good to see young people in their element,

exploring possibilities in the technology industry.

This innovate conference was billed as the first of its kind and the largest such event in Guyana thus far, and for the most part the conference lived up to its billing. There was a wide range of workshops on important topics in the technology industry, from finding your niche to largescale projects in the works.

Guyanese youth need more conferences such as these, perhaps hosted by many companies as well, or in combination with those who have some presence in the technology industry.

This is because these conferences not only help build

Guyana’s technology industry, they add an element of unbridled hope and enthusiasm each youth deserves to taste -- if only for a moment.

Belief in possibilities can only serve our country as young people who are inspired will surely turn their energies to making their dreams a reality, pushing Guyana’s businesses into the future as they do so.

This is an essential element to modern business competitiveness, as recent technological innovations have not only led some firms to dominate international markets, but spurred their growth to such a degree, that many of the world’s largest companies are technology-based.

Guyana still trails many analogous countries in supporting the technology industry, but strides are continually being made, such as GTT’s recent fibre-optic push and the efforts of the companies driving the prevalence of local cable television access. Guyanese would do well to note that contrary to popular perception, fast internet access in the United States is behind many countries due to the slow adoption of fibre optics.

Once our infrastructure is built up, the youthful energies that were on display last weekend will certainly make themselves heard across Guyana’s economy.

We can, in the meantime, at least look to support these young people through emphasising programmes which encourage their development, recognising the many elements of that growth, from classroom experiences to experimental research.

The local technology industry may still be

finding its feet, but it was heartening to see such enthusiasm and positivity at the innovate conference. For at least a few moments, these young people were transported to a world of innovation without end. And isn’t the belief in a world without end what youth is all about?

WPA not asking to be treated with the same importance as the AFC Dear Editor,

I refer to my letter that was published in Stabroek News on Sunday, March 18, 2018, under the caption, “WPA should put on its political agenda whether it makes sense to remain in APNU, coalition government” and in Kaieteur News, on Monday, March 19, 2018: captioned, “The WPA may have to consider its future in the coalition”. In both instances the letter dealt with the firing of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis who were columnists for the state-owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

Since the letter was published a number of persons have contacted me expressing support for the positions I had enunciated. They also shared with me their concerns for what they see as the deterioration of relations between the PNCR and WPA, both of which are founding members of the APNU. In the course of these discussions, three observations that were made by different persons, stood out. However, their insistence that the matters we discussed should be exposed to the wider public was what I found most interesting. In the end, I conceded to their request, hence

the narrative that follows.

The first observation was made by an elderly gentleman, who is not a political activist, but is a person who since the early 1950’s has paid more than an ordinary interest in national politics. In our conversation, he pointed out that the problem the WPA is having both in the APNU and the coalition government, is that in the discussion that led to the formation of the APNU, the PNCR’s negotiating team was led by Mr. Robert Corbin, the then leader of the party, who understood and believed in the concept and importance of coalition politics, a position not necessarily shared

by Mr. David Granger who only emerged as the Leader of the PNCR months after the discussions had begun. He was adamant that President Granger feels that he is not bound by either the letter or spirit of the agreements reached between the WPA and Corbin. I countered by pointing out that the negotiations were party to party and not between leaders.

His response was that I am being naive since the PNC is a leader driven institution and the leader’s views and positions whether right or wrong, usually prevails.

Given my lack of knowl-

edge of the internal workings in the PNCR, I am unable to confirm or deny the gentleman’s observation. In keeping with the political convention in coalitions that internal party matters are the business of individual parties, it is, therefore, inappropriate for me to indulge in how the `PNCR conduct its business. However, I must admit that the observation coming from an elderly citizen, demonstrated a level of political consciousness that is more than remarkable, given the state of national consciousness.

The second observation I wish to address is the contention that President David Granger’s attitude to the WPA may be rooted in his preoccupation, with his view that the PNCR Founder Leader, former President Forbes Burnham has not been given the acclamation he deserves, and that consciously or subconsciously Granger sees the WPA as, if not the problem, certainly as a large part of the problem.

I don’t know if this is a fair or correct assessment of the President’s position and I am hard-pressed to decide what, if any weight, to put on it. But I do believe it will be politically unwise of me to dismiss this suggestion outright. Since I

have been around long enough to be aware that in the PNCR circles, there have been and continue to be, concerns that the late Founder Leader of the PNC and President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham, has been demonised by the political opposition, which included the WPA. In light of this prevailing view, it is more than likely that President Granger shares the same opinion. But to what extent his present actions are influenced by that consideration is an open question.

Whatever is the President’s position on that matter it is one he is entitled to. It is not my intention here to express an opinion as to whether or not Mr. Burnham has been accorded his rightful place in Guyana’s historic political landscape and the respect and acclaim his contribution to Guyana’s development deserves.

At the end of my testimony before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, I placed in the public record my position on Burnham. I said then that I have moved on, and Burnham is not a political or a personal problem for me in the present equation. I also said that I have forgiven him for any wrong he has done to me personally or politically

and meant every word of it.

My contention now is that the PNCR leaders, who are either in or out of government, if they are serious in their concerns about Burnham’s image and legacy, have to be mindful of the way they are perceived in the governance of the country. In a real way, Burnham’s legacy and his final place in the nation’s history lie solely in the political conduct of those who have laid claim to be his disciples. In a major way, their success or failure in government will determine the Founder Leader’s Legacy.

While Burnham and Jagan as the founding fathers of the nation, who are both deceased, can in some respect be excused for their political shortcomings, the same cannot be said for the present leaders across the political divide, since they have the benefit of learning from the pitfalls of the previous leaders.

The third and final observation was that unlike the AFC, WPA has no Cummingsburg agreement to relate to and President Granger is taking advantage of this situation. His sole concern is with the political deal that he struck with the AFC, and not the agreement that led to the formation of the APNU. For

Granger, the imperative of real politic, given the strategic position of the AFC in determining the life of the coalition government, is what he is concerned with. He can justify his actions as being political prudent. In response, to this argument, I said that the WPA is not asking to be treated with the same importance as the AFC in the APNU+AFC government.

We were part of the Cummingsburg negotiations and understand the modalities. I emphasized that our concern is with the internal relations in the APNU and the apparent doctrine that prevails in the government, that the cabinet is not accountable to the political parties that the Guyanese people voted for. In short, WPA rejects the cabinet usurping the party’s responsibility to make policies. As things are the parties play no role, the cabinet dominates. When the common people raise political issues like those mentioned above, it boggles the mind that they are capable of showing greater political wisdom, than their political leaders.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Good faith political dialogue in the national interest Dear Editor,

It is time to look forward, put aside continuing campaign for political points, and transcend the blame game.

Let us be frank and admit that in reality, we live in a fractured, divided, wounded and bleeding country related to the politics of race and ethnicity in the contest for political power and domi-

We need stop signs at all the corners in Queenstown

Dear Editor,

I write in support of Mr. Peter Bouchard’s call for Speed Bumps at the corner of New Garden & Crown Streets, Queenstown.(S/N Monday, March 26th, 2018).

At a minimum however, we need stop signs at all the corners in Queenstown as almost all have faded.

I am sure if these markings are done, it will help. I believe this falls under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure so maybe someone from that Ministry can look into the matter.

Regards Bish Panday

nance by the PPP and PNC for over sixty years. How long must this nation wait for the political conflicts and contests between these two dominant political forces come to an end for the national good? Do we need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (like South Africa) to bring healing to this nation? Do we need the Secretary General of the United Nations to provide a facilitator to stimulate the dialogue process and mediate differences as may be necessary?

Political dialogue between the leaders of the PPP and the PNC on governance and on social and economic matters should be promoted and adopted as a matter of high priority for the national good. The objective is to foster confidence, high trust, mutual understanding, cordial and civil communication and good relations at the national level. The objective is also to find agreed solutions to political governance and socio-economic problems and issues, and to forge national consensus for political governance and national development. The promotion of political and social justice in the Guyana could be achieved if the PPP and the PNC are involved in the search for appropriate solutions through genuine dialogue. They have the major responsibility in the success of the dialogue process.

Genuine political dialogue between the PPP and the PNC offers potential opportunities from which all can gain. The parties are challenged to commit themselves to engage in determined dialogue, based on the principles of mutual trust and good faith. Success in the mutu-

al outcome of political dialogue also requires national commitment and national political will.

The building of confidence and trust, their maintenance and sustainability require a high degree of commitment and national leadership.

In Guyana the real challenge is to develop national consensus in the form of national accord on political governance and an agreed programme for social, economic, and human development in the interest of the national communities. National consensus agreements provide the framework for strategies to achieve good political governance, international competitiveness, higher standards of living, improved social protection, a stable currency, investment-friendly policies and a more development-conducive political and social climate in environments which uphold and respect fundamental rights and freedoms at all levels in the national community.

The outcome of political dialogue can promote effective management of the economy in a climate of good political governance with participation of civil society. It is crucial for agreeing on measures for balanced economic, social and political developments. The Governing Authority of the national Assembly and the Government bear a heavy responsibility for ensuring that good governance, “The manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development” reflects fairness and effective political, economic and social justice. A country that is committed to such good political

governance will ensure that there is genuine participation by the political and social partners who must demonstrate credibility, transparency, and accountability in the administration and management of national affairs.

The challenges in terms of national strategies is to promote a mature political culture, economic growth, social, political, and human development, call for actions at the national level.

It is for the Government, the political parties, private sector, the labour movement and civil society in Guyana(a) to respect, promote and realize in good faith the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in our national Constitution and laws, UN

Conventions, and Regional and other International Treaty obligations; and (b) to adopt through genuine and sustained political dialogue, changes in political governance and the management of national socio-economic and political affairs. These must be promoted in a paradigm shift - from the prolonged confrontational and divisive posture to one which cultivates consensus and cooperation in the national interest.

Let genuine dialogue between the PNC and the PPP begin afresh without delay to achieve national consensus to move this country forward as a united nation. My list for genuine dialogue include: building confidence and high

trust, agree on a shared vision for Guyana, constitutional reform aimed at creating a broad based, inclusive Government which can elect the President by two thirds vote by the National Assembly and which caters for one Vice President, allocation constitutionally of ministerial portfolios based on the proportional strengths of the parties forming the Government, electoral reforms, fixed national election date, and an agreed programme for political, social, economic and human development for the national good for all citizens.

Regards Samuel J. Goolsarran

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Child rapist gets two life sentences … destroyed girl’s life from 10-years-old A TEARFUL Sheldon Lynch was on Tuesday sentenced to two consecutive life sentences after a 12-member jury found him guilty on two of four counts of rape of a child under age 16.

The sentence was imposed in the Sexual Offences Court in the Georgetown High Court before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall who told the court that the accused will be eligible for parole after serving 35 years on each life sentence.

The judge said that she considered the nature and circumstances of the offenc-

es, adding that the victim was very fond of the accused until he changed their relationship; when he started to treat her as if she was his woman.

Justice Morris-Ramlall noted that the accused exploited the girl’s innocence at the tender age of 10 as he violated her repeatedly.

She also pointed to the impact the incidents had on the child’s life, stating that she was a long way from recovering, even if she does.

Moreover, the accused failed to show any remorse for his actions even after he was found guilty on two counts.

The judge also observed that the accused did not ask the court for mercy and had no regard for the two guilty verdicts. However, she considered his plea through his attorney who stated that Lynch was the father of two and would like a lenient sentence so that he can return to society and make good on his obligations as a father.

After more than two hours, the jury returned with unanimous guilty verdicts for the first two counts, while the verdicts on the other two counts were in the proportion of 8 to 4.

When asked if he would

like to address the court, the accused said he was speaking the truth when he said he had done nothing. He then started to cry and begged the judge to listen to him.

Meanwhile, in his plea of mitigation, Defence Attorney Clyde Forde told the court that the accused was 46-years-old and the father of two children, ages six and three, and a severe sentence would take him away from seeing them.

The lawyer stated that Lynch would lose the opportunity to be a good parent to his biological children and asked the court for mercy on behalf of his client.

Speaking on behalf of the virtual complainant (VC) was Renasha Callender from Blossom Inc. who is a social worker.

The accused, Sheldon Lynch being led away to jail on Tuesday

She told the court that the life of the VC had changed after she was raped on sev-

eral occasions when no one was at home, and she lost her childhood at age 10 when she became very afraid because the accused threatened her.

She added that the incidents had left the VC scarred for life and when it became known, she was taunted in school, resulting in her dropping out of the school system since she felt ashamed.

The VC related that she was having difficulty having a boyfriend and could not cope with a relationship, as such she had attempted suicide on several occasions.

She also hoped that the accused was punished for what he did to her.

According to the indictment, Sheldon Lynch was charged for four counts of rape of a child under age 16.

Trotman fetes children at LHC for Easter

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman distributing kites to children at LHC

MINISTER of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman on Wednesday with an entourage visited the Linden Hospital Complex and shared kites and gifts to spread Easter holiday cheer.

The minister, his wife Teresa Trotman and fellow Alliance for Change Region 10 officials, visited the paediatric ward and the hospital’s Little Friends Child Care and Drop-in Centre. He interacted with the children, nurses and caregivers. The minister said that he was in Linden in a private capacity to check on the construction of a house for a family in need and took the opportunity to visit the hospital.

Public Relations Officer of the LHC, Toshanna Allicock, expressed appreciation to the minister for his thoughtful gesture and felt confident that although the children were hospitalised during the Easter holiday period, the gifts will lift their spirits. Easter kite flying will be enjoyed on Monday in many countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

‘ExxonMobil contract to be reviewed in four years’ – Trotman ALL terms of the ExxonMobil Petroleum Agreement will be up for review in four years, said Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman.

However, the minister defended the much-criticised contract, maintaining that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect contract’. He said that the signing of the agreement with ExxonMobil was made in the interest of attracting investors to Guyana.

Trotman , speaking to the press yesterday, said that up until 2015, for many years there had been no discoveries of oil in Guyana and the country is still not completely ‘de-risked’, realities which must be taken into consideration.

He noted that what is more important is for the country to shift its focus to more pre-eminent concerns such as how best to utilise the volume of money it will be receiving to safeguard a better life for its citizens.

“We’ve been going through the finances with the International Monetary Fund only last week and they tell us that we are going to be earning billions of dollars.

“I think now the more important question is what do we do with what we are going to earn and how do we prepare for future generations in terms of health care,

roads, bridges, the opening up of the country,” Trotman stated.

The minister said that in the future, the government will have improved opportunities to negotiate different terms for any new contracts due to the country’s changing realities.

Minister Trotman indicated that after some years of experience in oil production, there may be a number of things the government will want to address when the ExxonMobil contract is up for review.

Responding to allegations rumoured to have originated from the Bank of Guyana, that the US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil to Guyana has been transferred or spent, Minister Trotman said: “I’m not aware of that.

I know that the money was set aside for a specific purpose and the Minister of Finance has been speaking to Cabinet about this over a year on how it is going to be disbursed.

Once we qualified for our appearance at the World Court…then that triggered some release of funds, but that’s a matter for the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance.”

The Natural Resources Minister said although there is much commotion surrounding the number of blocks awarded to Exxon-

Mobil, the said number was decided upon in 1999 by the then government which made the decisions for strategic reasons. “[They] ensured that the blocks span the two extremes of our boundaries.

In 2015 and 2016, the new government saw wisdom in that and so we did not interfere with the size of the block and neither do we intend to,” he said.

“Despite all that is claimed, the Minister of Natural Resources, or whoever is the minister at the time responsible for petroleum, does have the authority, under law, to vary sizes of blocks,” said Minister Trotman.

The minister said that there are a few blocks remaining, some which are located near to the shore and others deep offshore.

Trotman also addressed comments made by Trinidadian Engineer Richard Small, who stated that Guyanese should be involved in engineering, design and fabrication on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel being constructed in Singapore.

In response, the minister said that there is presently no Guyanese that has experience in FPSO construction, but a team will be heading to Singapore in the next few months to make observations.

Cops charged for allowing prisoner to escape TWO police constables attached to the Charity Police Station in ‘G’ Division, Region Two, were on Tuesday slapped with negligence charges for allowing attempted murder accused, Kyle Goddette, to escape lawful custody.

The officers made their first appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam at the

Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

Both Emogene Dainty, woman police constable (21479) and policeman Adrian Persaud (24177), pleaded not guilty to the charge and were placed on self-bail.

According to police prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack, the file concerning the matter was sent to the Director

of Public Prosecutions and charges were recommended.

It is alleged that on February 6 at the Charity Police Station, while on duty, the officers allowed the prisoner to escape. Goddette was in police custody for setting his ex-partner Susan Culpepper alight.

The matter will be called again on April 16.

In addition, there are presently 12 Guyanese in Brazil being trained for the same purpose.

On the Local Content Policy for Guyana’s oiland-gas sector, Trotman said that a final draft has been sent in by Trinidadian Energy Consultant Anthony Paul, with which the government will continue to work, with April as the proposed

deadline.

Meanwhile, the formation of the Department of Energy is underway, as discussions are proceeding with President David Granger and models have been generated for future finalisation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Environmental safety a priority – says Trotman as stakeholders discuss draft oil spill plan

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA can operate as both an oil producer and as a ‘green’ economy, provided its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) is fully developed, says Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

He made these remarks during a stakeholders’ consultation on the NOSCP held at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Thomas Lands, Georgetown on Wednesday.

The meeting was con-

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman addresses the audience at the Stakeholder Consultation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) (Adrian Narine photo)

vened in order to deliberate, evaluate, and modify, if necessary, the main components of the draft framework of the plan which must be implemented for the protection of Guyana’s maritime area.

Presenting an overview of the draft, Director of Maritime Safety at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Captain John Flores said the plan takes on a consolidated approach of both planning and prevention.

Flores took the time to explain the various ways in which oil spills can cause harm to the flora and fauna of countries, while providing evidence which showed that even after clean up measures, the destruction of oil spills can still remain.

These are evident in sand and tiny particles which collect oil and stick together and can come into contact with beaches and sea creatures several years after the initial oil spill.

As such, the Government of Guyana has both national and international obligations to develop a contingency plan even as it awaits the development of its petroleum sector, which will not come without its risks.

The draft stipulates that there should be a national authority responsible for the coordination of responses; a national focal point through which reports are received and disseminated and national response agencies.

In addition, a National Oil Spill Management Committee must be set up for the completion of the draft, the training of personnel and to provide advice to the Government on contingency planning.

The Maritime Safety Director, in his overview, pointed out that to date Guyana only has one piece of legislation--the Environmental Protection Act--which

guards against the harming of the environment.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman congratulated Captain Flores and the staff at the CDC for their efforts to formulate the draft.

He indicated that the issue of oil spills is a common topic which justifies that no effort should be spared in preparation for and prevention of the unfortunate occurrence.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES Trotman added that while the standards of oil industries are very high due to past dire experiences, the government will still take precautionary measures to guarantee the safety of its environment.

“We expect that in 24 months when we got to production in the first quarter of 2020, we will meet not only the minimum standards expected, but we will go past that and dare to say to ourselves and particularly to the world, that we are ready for any eventuality,” Trotman said.

The minister was keen to note that some individuals question how it is that the government can embark on a ‘green’ economy initiative while emerging as an oil producing nation.

However, in response to these concerns, he pointed to counties such as Norway, which have successfully managed both the protection of their environment and the production of oil.

“Norway has branded itself as one of the best places for the preservation, protection and respect of the environment and the world and yet Norway is one of the world’s top producers of petroleum,” the minister said.

He added: “I believe as Guyanese, we have grown accustomed to being cynical, to be doubting... we

have good men and women in this country who can do, who have been doing and who will continue to do, and we’ve got to stop doubting ourselves [thinking] that we’re incapable. Lesser countries than ours have done this and we are going to do it as well. ” Trotman recognised the presence of Environmental Activist, Annette Arjoon and highlighted her efforts in advocating for the creation of a NOSCP plan which will help to protect marine life.

The draft under discussion also includes plans for the creation of sensitivity maps which will highlight the most vulnerable areas in Guyana, such as Shell Beach which is located in Region One. The natural resource minister said the importance of developing a national oil spill plan continues to grow as the country gears up towards developing all of its remaining oil wells.

He indicated that the government intends to collaborate with countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, the United States (US) Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to facilitate training.

“We are not operating in isolation, we are working as a member of an international body of nations, each with its own unique circumstances and facts, but at the same time there is commonality and we are getting help and assistance,” Trotman said.

The draft, when completed, will be reviewed by the Cabinet following the vetting of other experts as well as public and national consultations to ascertain it meets international standards.

So far, IMO auditors have referred to the document as an “adequate framework” which must be built upon and exercised as the country works towards a 2020 deadline for the completion of the plan.

Vendor on robbery charge A VENDOR appeared Wednesday before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a robbery charge.

It was alleged that on March 26 at Light Street, Alberttown, Clarence Noel robbed Balcharan Singh of $27,000 in cash.

The 36-year-old defendant who re-

sides at Farm, pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read out to him in court.

The prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the file was incomplete.

However, bail was granted in the sum of $25,000 and the matter was adjourned for April 25, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

‘Code’ to allow renewable energy to feed into national grid …GMSA calls on Government to improve power generation; Govt recognizes the problems and is addressing them, Minister of State says

WHEN the recently completed grid code is reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), local renewable power suppliers will have an opportunity to be connected to the power grid.

This was noted on Wednesday by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon while he addressed members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at the body’s Annual General Meeting at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The establishment of a grid code is a move being undertaken by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) which will facilitate the introduction of renewable energy from intermittent sources, which include wind and solar and non-intermittent sources--biomass and hydro.

At the meeting on Wednesday, outgoing head of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, during his address to the gathering which included Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin as well as major

President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta

business sector operatives, called on the authorities to urgently address the country’s electricity problems.

“We urgently need to see the needed-improvements, power generation, transmission and distribution systems as well as rapid action to advance mature and feasible initiatives for renewable clean energy,” said Nokta.

Minister Harmon said that the issue of supplying stable electricity has engaged

Linden garbage woes will now be a thing of the past THE Linden Mayor and Town Council will now be in possession of five compactor trucks and two tractors and former Mayor Carwyn Holland said that Linden’s garbage-collection woes will be a thing of the past and residents will no longer have to pay private companies to collect their garbage. For the first time in years, the municipality in 2017 was able to purchase two spanking new compactor trucks, which are currently on the wharf and are expected to be in Linden in a few days.

The Chinese Government through Bosai Minerals Group Guyana will also be gifting the municipality a compactor truck and the Council has already passed within their budget $1.5 M to repair one of the two compactor trucks that is not functioning properly.

With five working trucks and two tractors which the Council already has, Holland said that one of the major ills of the Council has been solved and is happy that he was able to accomplish this during his tenure.

“I want to be thankful to God that during my tenure, I would have seen an increase

Former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland

of the compactor trucks and we were able to purchase two compactor trucks. I believe that this is the first time in decades that we were able to purchase two compactor trucks…..which is a remarkable achievement,” Holland told the media on Wednesday.

With the Council’s trucks being in a state of disrepair, almost 90% of Linden’s residential garbage is collected by Cevon’s Waste Management. This service costs each household $1,600 monthly. “It is my belief that Linden people deserve Turn to page 17 ►

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

successive governments over a period of time. He expressed the belief that government would now be able to address such issues “in fundamental ways” and provide meaningful and decisive solutions to the country’s energy problems.

He said that government recognizes the importance of energy and each time there is a power outage, time, money and resources are lost.

Minister Harmon noted that in the medium and long term, Guyana remains on a path to diversify its energy mix and to strengthen the power generation sector.

He said the government has been actively engaged in discussions regarding the commercial use of natural gas from offshore Guyana as a transitional fuel.

He said there is an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway and the use of natural gas appears to be one of the issues “that we have to deal with”. However, he assured that it is considered a “transitional arrangement “ noting that while natural gas is cheap and clean, it is not a renewable resource.

Minister Harmon told the gathering that GPL has invited expressions of interest for

the development and installation of a 50 megawatt natural gas power plant. In addition, various renewable projects are underway and under exploration, including solar and wind power projects.

As regards the grid code, he noted that after being reviewed, GMSA members who can provide renewable power would have an opportunity to supply power to the national grid.

Minister Harmon described the power grid as “the nuclear of the initiatives” and according to him, efforts are ongoing to strengthen its operation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Jury finds ‘Bush Bull’, ‘Black Boy’ not guilty – of Whim businessman’s murder

By Jeune Vankeric ELTON Haynes, called ‘Bush Bull’ or ‘Tan’, and Carlton Akeem Bourne, alias ‘Black Boy’, couldn’t believe their ears on Tuesday when the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

And this was after deliberating for just over two hours.

Not waiting to be told twice after Justice Sandil Kissoon said, “You are free to go,” the pair literally ran out of the Berbice Assizes courtroom, the shock still etched on their gaunt faces.

The particulars of the case is that Elton Haynes and Carlton Bourne, between November 6 and 7, 2012, allegedly murdered Winston Ragnauth, called ‘Tony’, in the furtherance of a burglary.

The state’s case, presented by Prosecutrix Ms Tuanna Hardy, was based mainly on the caution statement given by both of the accused.

In Haynes’ case, he reportedly said in his caution statement, as recorded by Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, that on November 6, 2012, that he, Bourne and one Hanniff went to ‘Jimmy Shop’ at Liverpool Village, where they made plans to go to Whim and rob ‘Ragnauth Rum Shop’.

According to the statement, Haynes said: “At about 21:00hrs that night, we went into Ragnauth shop and stick him up before robbing him of foodstuff and cigarettes.

“I had a knife, and Ragnauth was fighting back.

And I just tek the knife and

cut he throat.”

Bourne, who was captured a year after the incident, reportedly told Detective Thomas in his attestation, which was also admitted into evidence, that after spending six months on remand for robbery with violence, he went to Jimmy’s shop where he met Haynes, whom he repeatedly referred to in the statement as ‘Tan’, and he told him he had something for them to do.

“I ask him what,” Bourne reportedly said in his statement. “And he said, ‘We guh rob this shop of a couple millions.’

“That night around midnight, meh pick up meh bike and met him at the shop. He break a part of the bond, and opened the front door. I entered the shop and saw the owner sleeping in a room.

“I started to search for money and gold.

‘Tan’ woke up the man who started to scream. I see ‘Tan’ tek a cutlass and chop de man on his neck.

“I ask him why he did so, and he responded, ‘He had to dead.’

“I got scared, collected two boxes of cigarettes and guh way. I tell my mother what happen, then I went to town. He found twenty something thousand dollars in a drawer.”

However, damning though the foregoing statements were, the men, in their unsworn statements from the dock, denied killing the businessman.

HE WAS FRAMED Haynes alleged that he was framed by the investigating rank, Detective Sergeant Thomas, whom he has known for a while; they had both served in the Guyana Police Force, and he was known for doing such things.

Haynes also denied ever giving Thomas a caution statement, much less signing any such document. He argued that if a statement was indeed given, it would have been in his own handwriting, and not Thomas’s.

Haynes said that in late 2012 he was doing some construction work at Sophia, in Georgetown, when on November 11, 2012, he set out for Berbice after receiving a phone call from his mother.

He said that after dropping off some foodstuff at Paradise, in West Berbice, he travelled to Canje and later Liverpool.

He said that it was whilst walking in Liverpool with some relatives of his that he was picked up by the police.

Bourne, on the other hand, who hails from suburban East Ruimveldt, said from the dock that he had never known the co-accused before.

According to him, he was visiting an aunt in Berbice during 2012 when he was arrested by Emmanuel Ragnauth, son of the now deceased businessman, and slapped with a robbery-with-violence charge.

For that, he said, he would spend the next six months on remand.

Then, in 2013, after being involved in a fight at Agricola and taken to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, he was told that he was wanted in Berbice.

Bourne said that during December 2013, he was transferred to the Whim Police Station, where he met Detective Constable Ragnauth and Detective Sergeant Thomas, who questioned him about the murder.

He claimed that during the interrogation, he was repeatedly beaten in the abdomen by Thomas to confess to the crime.

GRA accepting draft management accounts in absence of audited accounts COMPANIES filing corporation tax returns for the Year of Assessment 2018 (Year of Income 2017) and until further notice are permitted to submit draft management accounts in the absence of audited accounts and in certain other instances as predetermined by the commissioner-general at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

This directive is aimed at reducing the numerous requests of the auditing profession and accounting firms for extensions beyond April 30th of each year -- the due date for filing. This change will also reduce the incidence of late filing of corporate tax returns and alleviate the imposition of penalties and interest resulting from such late filing.

It should be noted that, in accordance with Section 10 of the Corporation Tax Act, Chapter 81:03, corporation tax shall be paid at the rate of 45 per cent of chargeable profits of a telephone company, 40 per cent of the chargeable profits of a commercial company other than a telephone company and 27 and one-half per cent of the chargeable profits of any other company. For companies that are engaged in commercial and non-commercial activities, the rate of 27 and one-half per cent applies to the non-commercial activity, while the commercial activity of the company shall be taxed at the rate of 40 per cent.

Further, under section 10A, of the said Act, where for any year of assessment

the corporation tax payable by a commercial company is less than two percent of the turnover of the commercial company in the year of income, there shall be levied on, and paid by the commercial company, a corporation tax (in this Act referred to as “minimum tax”) at the rate of two percent of the turnover of the commercial company. Provided that when proven to the satisfaction of the commissioner-general, that the rate of two percent of the turnover of the commercial company or a company engaging in commercial activities, exceeds the 40 per cent rate of tax, then the corporation tax payable shall be limited to the corporation tax assessed and payable at the 40 per cent rate.

National STEAM fair billed for April THE National Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Fair 2018 will be held at St. Joseph High School, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, from Wednesday, April 4 to Friday, April 6, 2018.

The theme for this year’s fair is: “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics paving the way for a Green and Sustainable Society.”

In a release, the Ministry of Education said that this biennial event provides an opportunity for the winners of each regional fair to showcase their efforts which resulted from creativity, re-

search, enquiry and problem solving skills.

The fair is aimed at popularising Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in schools, colleges and in the wider society. Through this medium, young people are sensitised towards developing their confidence in applying science to build a strong foundation for National and Global Energy Management.

Exhibits from Primary, Lower and Upper Secondary, Sixth Form and Out of School will be highlighted in 24 categories including: Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Technology, Social

and Behavioural Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The participants will be given an opportunity to engage in scientific discussions at this event, as they explore the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics in nation building. This aspect is an integral part of the STEAM fair programme which aims at developing better citizenry, as well as, foster and develop good communication skills.

Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education, will deliver the feature address and declare the fair open.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

GPL experienced 25 shutdowns last year … New CEO describes network as ‘unstable system’

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) entire system experienced 25 shutdowns in 2017 as a result of network and infrastructure issues.

This was disclosed Tuesday by recently appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Albert Gordon during a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

Also in attendance were Deputy CEO (Admin) Renford Homer; Deputy CEO (Technical) Elwyn Marshall; Corporate Secretary to GPL’s Board of Directors Lorraine Bancroft; Divisional Director of Loss Reduction Parsram Persaud and other senior GPL officials.

“Normally, if you have a system that goes down once in 25 years it is a cause for concern, but GPL had 25 shutdowns in one year, that is not a reflection of the

GPL CEO Albert Gordon (centre) flanked by his deputies and senior officials at the PUC hearing at Cara Lodge

management or operations, but it’s the nature of the configuration of the system,” the CEO said.

He explained that there are many challenges especially with the network itself, drop in infrastructure and configuration of the network which has caused many of the power outages.

“Normally what you would want is to generate the power then send it up into a transmission network that is stable, and then distribute from the transmission

network to the customers; that is not what we have at Kingston,” Gordon said.

As such, he said businesses and even persons who would want to incorporate renewable energy on a large scale into the existing GPL system are unable to do so because it would make the system more unstable.

“We cannot put a large amount of intermittent renewables such as solar, wind or hydro on an already unstable network,” he said.

Further, the CEO ex-

plained that when a large unit goes out or one is up for maintenance and there is a system shortfall, the remaining generation capacity sometimes is unable to take off the load because the spinning reserves are small.

“Shortage in generation capacity is a challenge. The nature of the units is also a concern given the type of technology that is predominant in the system and we have to try to address some of those,” he noted.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES Adding that the system must be transformed and integrated, Gordon said the way to go is to use smart technologies to reform the existing GPL systems.

Gordon, who is a Jamaican and has been on the job for two months, said GPL

has a bright team that works under significant constraints.

However, he said that there have been substantial investments in capital projects and changes in the operations overtime, but there is still a lot more to be done and GPL is now trying to accelerate that transformation.

Gordon said GPL’s infrastructure must change along with generation replacement and upgrades.

“The transmission infrastructure is inadequate, there is need to develop transmission networks as we need more substations, more high voltage lines, and we are overly reliant on distribution network which has aged and become overloaded,” he said.

He said there is need to improve customer service along with the environmental standards and most importantly a reliable power generation.

Also, the CEO said it is necessary for certain communities to be regularized.

This requires a combination of state agencies’ interventions.

“We plan to work with the government to get that done … we want to focus on sustainability and financial viability in operations,” he said.

Deputy CEO (Technical) Elwyn Marshall said over the next three years about 80,000 smart meters with supporting infrastructure

will be installed under the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) and GPL internal meter replacement programme.

Marshall further said the utilisation of new smart metering technology will allow monitoring of voltage levels at individual consumers while the AMI meters which are capable of utilising radio frequency to transmit data will also be installed at relevant points in the network.

In addition, there will also be rehab of distribution networks through PUUP and the construction of express feeders from Edinburgh, Vreed-en-Hoop and Onverwagt stations.

Further, he said new generating plants will be commissioned at Bartica and Anna Regina.

Divisional Director of Loss Reduction, Parsram Persaud, said GPL plans to upgrade over 300km of low voltage and primary network to improve technical efficiency.

As such, he explained that load balancing on low voltage and primary network will improve technical efficiency while more secure networks will be installed to prevent power diversions.

Gordon, who has over 30 years of experience in planning, development and operation of electric, water and sewerage utilities, took up the post on February 1, 2018.

$30B bond secured to... mont and Uitvlugt estates.

The sum is aimed at covering infrastructure maintenance, upgrades and development of new co-generation capacity to support operations of the estates and sell power to the national grid. The unit said it was confident in its business case for GuySuCo and expects positive results with respect to securing funding for the sugar operations. It is the SPU’s responsibility to secure funding for GuySuCo’s current and short-term operations.

SPU took control of the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales estates, when government decided to close operations early this year in order to maintain the viability of the sugar industry.

In January 2018, the SPU was tasked with having the estates valued and preparing them for sale, but Minister Jordan said that in order to add to the process of selling the estates or at least attracting a buyer(s), the two

estates should be reopened.

“We cannot keep them closed and moth-balled, because when the buyers come they would probably not be as impressed as if they were working … once in operation they (investors) could also see that they are valuable properties to acquire,” Jordan told reporters.

The APNU+AFC coalition government upon assumption of office in May 2015 said it discovered the extent of debt facing the sugar corporation. A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established into the operations of GuySuCo found all of the corporation’s earnings were being spent on wages and salaries, a situation which could not be sustained by government bailouts.

GuySuCo was for years being bailed out by the government and in the first six months of taking office, the coalition government provided $16B to keep paying wages and salaries. GuySu-

From page 3

Co earned about US$90B annually but that was not sufficient to pay wages and salaries. Further, the decision to restructure GuySuCo stems from several factors, including the financial challenges presented by high production costs and low world market prices following the removal of preferential sugar prices to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries by the European Union (EU).

It was also discovered that the Skeldon factory was producing at US 60 cents per pound and selling at US 15 cents; Albion produced at US 20 to 25 cents and selling at US 15 cents; Rose Hall produced at US 45 cents a pound, selling at US 15 cents; Blairmont produced around US 22 cents, selling at US 15 cents; Wales produced around US 55 cents, selling at US 15 cents; Uitvlugt producing around U.S. 30 cents, selling at US 15 cents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Corbin-Lincoln sworn in as puisne judge

By Ariana Gordon STRESSING the importance of an independent Judiciary, President David Granger on Wednesday appointed another puisne judge--Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

Corbin-Lincoln, daughter of former People’s National Congress (PNC) Leader, Robert Corbin and Chairman of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), Carol Corbin, is a former Master or Chamber Judge in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

She has over 20 years’ experience as a litigator, solicitor and a judicial officer.

The 41-year-old has had much success in handling large case management, litigation, pre-litigation, case analysis, and client advisory matters.

President Granger said his decision to appoint Corbin-Lincoln follows advice provided to him by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Article 128 of the Constitution says “The Judges, other than the Chancellor and the Chief Justice, shall be appointed by the President who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.”

Article 128 (2) states that if the office of any judge is vacant, any judge is unable to perform the functions of his or her office, is acting as Chancellor or Chief Justice or a Puisne Judge is acting as a Justice of Appeal or the Chancellor advises the President that the state of business of the Court of Appeal or High Court so requires, the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the JSC and appoint a person to act in the office of Justice of Appeal or Puisne Judge,

as the case may require.

Corbin-Lincoln’s appointment is effective March 28, 2018. Meanwhile, President Granger in his address to a small gathering which included Chancellor of the Judiciary, members of the JSC, Registrar of the Supreme Court and Ministers of State and Legal Affairs, made it clear that “Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law would be compromised without an independent, impartial and incorruptible Judiciary”.

He stressed that by mandate of the Constitution, all courts and all persons pesiding in the court shall exercise their functions independently.

“The independence of the judiciary is a principle which guards against the interference of the Executive and Legislative branches in the work of its Judiciary.

It is necessary to protect citizens’ rights to ensure that legal issues are settled fairly. Independence of the Judiciary emphasises that the three branches of government--Executive, Legislative and judicial--respect each other’s constitutional roles and functions.”

MUST BE RESPECTED AND PROTECTED That independence, the President said, must be “respected and protected by the government of the Republic.”

“It has no interest in interfering in the work of the Judiciary or in undermining the rule of law. Integrity of the Judiciary requires in part that judicial vacancies are filled expeditiously and on the basis of merit,” said President Granger.

The President said too that the appointment of an adequate complement of

judges is necessary to ensure that justice is not delayed and is delivered in a timely manner. He made it clear that he acted dutifully in accordance with the Constitution in administering the oath of office to Corbin-Lincoln.

“Judicial officials are expected to exemplify the qualities of independence, impartiality and integrity.

“They must guarantee the independence of the institution which they serve by resisting any attempt at Executive and Legislative encroachment. They must guarantee the impartiality of their decision by guarding against bias, prejudice and against favouritism,” he stressed.

The head-of- state made it clear that members of the Judiciary must guarantee the integrity of their own reputations by acting in a manner which upholds the dignity of their office.

“This ceremony today aims at filling a vacancy in our judicial system [and] is

a serious reaffirmation of the supremacy of our Constitution. It is a means of ensuring the independence of, impartiality and integrity of the Judiciary,” said President Granger.

Meanwhile, Corbin-Lincoln told reporters after taking the oath of office that she hopes to bring her years of experience to bear in Guyana. In 2014, she served as a Master or Chamber Judge in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. She has served in that position up until her appointment here as puisne judge.

ALWAYS WANTED TO RETURN HOME When asked what prompted her to return to Guyana, the newly appointed Puisne Judge said, “I always wanted to eventually return home and the opportunity came and I thought it was a good time to come home and contribute to the jurisprudence. I was already doing that in the Eastern Caribbean but Guyana is home

Newly appointed Puisne Judge, Fidela Corbin-Lincoln takes the oath of office before President David Granger on Wednesday

and the opportunity came and here I am.”

According to her curriculum vitae, Corbin-Lincoln also served as a magistrate (ag) in the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Antigua from January 2013 to March 2013.

Prior to that appointment, she worked as an attorney at Simon Rogers Murdoch’s law firm in Antigua for approximately four years.

Puisne Judge Fidela Corbin-Lincoln (second right) stands with President David Granger (centre); Minister of State, Joseph Harmon (right); Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (second left); and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams on Wednesday after taking the oath of office (Delano Williams photos)

There she specialised in commercial litigation including banking, insurance, company and employment litigation. She also advised clients, including banks and other financial institutions, companies and individual clients on a range of legal areas while reviewing and advising on commercial contracts and agreements.

Corbin-Lincoln, who has followed in her father’s footsteps, also worked as a manager at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom from 2008 to 2010; as a senior solicitor at the Refugee Advice Centre, United Kingdom in 2008 for about eight months and as a solicitor at Ziadies Solicitors, also in the United Kingdom from 2004 to 2007.

Prior to her departure from Guyana, she worked as an attorney with McKay and Moore Legal Practitioners and as an intern at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The new Puisne Judge holds a Masters of Law (LLM) in International Commercial Law from Kings College, University of London.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Blood bank commissions US$95,000 apheresis machine

By Lisa Hamilton

THE donation of blood plasma and platelets to patients in need has now become faster, easier and much more efficient following the acquisition of Guyana’s first-ever apheresis machine worth US$95,000.

Commissioning the machine on Tuesday at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) located at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Karen Cummings.

Also present were GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Lewis; Director of the NBTS, Dr Pedro Lewis; and members from the Puerto Rico-based Isla Lab, the company through which the Trima Accel-Automated Blood Collection System was acquired.

The new apheresis machine is commissioned at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). From left are Regional Manager of Isla Lab, Sandra Vega; Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Dr Pedro Lewis; Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Isla Lab Product Specialist, Lizmariel Vega (Photo by Delano Williams)

Explaining the purpose of the apheresis machine, Isla Lab Product Specialist Lizmariel Vega said when a person makes a donation and the machine begins to draw blood, a solution is added to the blood which prevents it from clotting while going through the process.

The machine then spins the blood to separate the red cells, plasma and platelets and, depending on which is needed, the plasma or platelet is then transferred into a bag, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.

This new system will redound to the benefit of Guyanese not only in the capital, but in all 10 administrative regions, based upon the requests made by health officials.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Lawrence said the government is certain that the machine is a worthwhile investment towards the improvement of health services offered to Guyanese.

She thanked Dr Pedro Lewis, the Ministry of Finance and the general public for their roles in obtaining the equipment and encouraged the public to visit the NBTS to donate blood.

“When you pay your taxes, this is what we get. We can take leaps and bounds when you pay your taxes because that is what your money gives to us.

“I want to encourage you to use the blood bank to come and donate, so that you can be one of those persons who show that you care by giving blood, so that someone else can continue to have life,” Minister Lawrence said.

GREATER EFFICIENCY She went on to state that the timely manner in which the machine operates will be pleasing not only to Guyanese but to doctors, nurses and other attendants who must

respond quickly in cases of emergencies.

The apheresis machine, which has a life span of over five years, will provide four to six times more platelets than previous methods and will ensure a better quality of blood platelets received.

Meanwhile, Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, agreed with previous remarks, stating that the new machine will ensure the efficient provision of blood products most needed by patients in Guyana.

She added that the NBTS will continue to benefit from government assistance, training programmes and other initiatives which boost the quality of service it provides.

“Providing safe and adequate blood should be [an] integral part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure. Guyana and the Ministry of Public Health recognise and acknowledge this significant need,” she said, adding: “We’re happy to commission this apheresis machine; we look forward to more efficient acquisition of blood and blood products as we seek to maintain optimal levels within our blood-banking system.”

Dr Pedro Lewis thanked the ministers for the interest shown towards the blood bank and agreed that even with acquisition of the machine, the NBTS still depends on the public for blood donations.

He lamented that many times blood donations are only given special attention during times of emergency or crisis.

Within the next day, the team from Isla Lab will complete its three-day theory and practical training session with the medical staff at the facility, while the machine’s maintenance checkups are scheduled for every six months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Better NGSA results expected with added resources, efforts Minister Henry (left) and Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson (right) try to relieve the students of the jitters with positive words of advice (Adrian Narine photo)

Education Minister Nicolette Henry gives the students of St Margaret’s Primary a pep talk before the exams (Adrian Narine photo)

Linden garbage woes will... a break from all these bills and all these things that face us. Linden has been impoverished for so long, I believe no one in Linden should be paying for garbage collection once everyone hold their rates and taxes; once these things [are] coming in, I believe we should provide a service to our community and I think we can become the first town to achieve this,” Holland said.

With the swearing in of the new Mayor Waneka Arrindell and Deputy Mayor Wainright Bethune on Wednesday in Georgetown, Holland said that he is leaving office with a complete heart that he would have accomplished a lot. In addition to better garbage collection, Holland said that Linden’s economy is better off than in 2016 when he was sworn in. The town, he said, was starved for investment, but with networking and collaborative efforts, investors are now coming to Linden and things are looking up.

As it relates to the economy of the municipality, the return of the toll booth has resulted in a significant

amount of income for the Council and many projects were undertaken. One of the major accomplishments for the Council since the return of the booth, is the increase in salaries for workers and the Council’s ability to pay off debts as well as to honour workers’ NIS payments.

“Today that is a thing of the past and the Council is in a far better financial position and is able to execute many projects in the town,” Holland said.

As a young mayor, his interest in youths has been deemed overwhelming. From the forming of a youth group to personally sponsoring many, Holland posited that the development of youths is his passion and even after demitting office, will continue to be a catalyst for youth progression. Similar energies were also directed to the elderly. “I feverishly worked with youth groups on several projects, assisted with scholarships, personally sponsored activities for youths, found jobs for many, founded the Linden Youth Leaders Group and all of this was honouring the

From page 11

promise I made at my swearing-in ceremony, where I promised to expend much energy incorporating youth and youth initiatives in my daily activities…..during the Christmas season I cleaned up the yards of many elderly persons on the Wismar shore, who could not afford to pay for such services as part of the Elderly Care Project which I launched.

The project also has a component whereby doctors and nurses are hired privately to do periodic check-ups of the elderly.”

As it relates to sports, Holland believes that he had done a lot. Only recently, he held the Linden Games and the Carwyn Holland swim meet.

Carwyn Holland will remain a municipal councillor and President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM). He said that he did not run for a third term, since he wants to further his studies, but will continue to serve his community and hometown as he was doing even before being elected mayor.

MINISTER of Education Nicolette Henry has said that significant efforts and resources have been expended to ensure that improved results are achieved at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) exams.

She said that with great confidence during a visit to the Rama Krishna, North Georgetown and St Margaret’s Primary Schools, where she met students who were getting set to write the NGSA exams on Wednesday.

“I am aware that it was a significant day for them and I am confident that they will do well, making their parents and teachers proud,” the minister said.

Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson who was also a part of the visit, wished the students good luck.

He encouraged them to relax, read the questions and then answer them. Hutson also advised them to move on to another question, if they encounter difficulties

in proffering an answer to a question.

The NGSA is written yearly and is the examination that dictates which secondary school a child will attend after completing his/her primary education.

The four subjects that the assessment covers are Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and English Language. The examination concludes today with 14,551 children recorded to sit the two-day exercise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

GPL managers protest welfare matters SCORES of managers from the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) on Wednesday protested outstanding welfare and other matters in front of the power company’s Main Street office.

The Chronicle understands that another such protest is planned for today (Thursday) at the same location and that more ‘definite’ actions will be pursued, should there be no positive response from the company.

The utility company

wrote the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Wednesday seeking a meeting on April 4, but the union is saying that the matters in question have been outstanding since 2016.

Union President Patrick Yarde believes that GPL hurried and wrote a letter seeking engagement when it got word of the protest.

“We are disgusted with the unprofessional and insensitive manner in which GPL has been treating with its workers, especially the Human Resource Officer

Paul Persaud,” Yarde told the Guyana Chronicle.

The union has been lodging complaints from time to time and has even copied letters to the government on the issues facing the workers. Last December, Yarde said he met with GPL’s management and felt the parties had reached a stage where the issues were going to be corrected.

“If you can treat your managers that way, what does it say about how you will treat the rest of employees?” Yarde pointed

out.

He said a commitment was made at the December meeting that the matters would have been dealt with expeditiously in January and a legally binding agreement was established on how the parties would have proceeded from then

on, with GPL eventually breaching the terms.

“We will not be putting up with this nonsense anymore. We will stand firm. A curriculum was issued and I signed it. This is an initial step to signal to the general public the plight of these workers,” Yarde explained.

Public Relations Officer at GPL, Chevon Sears, said she was unable to comment on the issue and directed this publication to the executive management.

The chief executive officer of the power company could not be reached for comment.

Strange looking seaweeds clog E’bo shorelines SEVERAL shorelines along the Essequibo Coast are currently inundated with masses of strange-looking seaweeds.

The seaweeds, also called sargassum, was noticed by fishermen as well as residents living in areas such as Paradise, Devonshire Castle, Golden Fleece, Perseverance and Zorg.

According to residents from these villages, although the seaweeds are not life-threatening, they would like an investigation to be launched by the

Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture. Reports were already lodged with local environmental officers in Region Two who have taken samples.

During interviews conducted with fishermen at the Golden Fleece seashore, huge masses of seaweeds were noticed floating up the shoreline for almost three weeks now. One fisherman, Vijay Ganpat, said that it was hampering his catch, explaining that often times the seaweeds would entangle

his seine. Other fishermen echoed similar sentiments.

Only recently fishermen were forced to return from sea in an effort to remove the seaweeds.

Information reaching Guyana Chronicle suggests some boats were finding it difficult to conduct fishing activities due to the floating seaweeds, which some suspect is coming from the Atlantic Ocean floor. It has resulted in a steep drop of catch in the fishing industry, particularly in Region Two.

Seaweeds entangled in a fisherman’s seine

Seaweeds along the Zorg village shoreline

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Countrywide Milo football has borne fruit - Mendonca

By Stephan Sookram

“THE decentralisation of the Milo U-18 football has had a positive effect for future editions of the schools tournament,” so said the organising body’s co-Director Troy Mendonca when he addressed the media, during a briefing ahead of the tournament’s 2018 final.

“The idea of opening up this tournament to be more or less a countrywide tournament has borne fruit.

I think that everyone involved, all the stakeholders, would be happy to witness the final, come Saturday,” he said.

In this Saturday’s final Buxton Youth Development will take on Sir Leon Lessons at the Ministry of Education ground. Defending champions and favourites Chase Academic Foundation, Morgan’s Learning Centre and Christianburg Wismar were all booted out of the tournament.

Mendonca said, “Over the two months, we saw a lot of football being played and after we would have completed the round-robin stage, from then, no one, I think could have safely said who would be the eventual winners and that spoke volumes for the tournament.”

“We’ve worked very hard over the last couple of months to (get to) where we are, notwithstanding some difficulties and challenges that we would have faced during the time. But I want to compliment the staff of the Petra organisation,” he continued.

The sponsors, he noted, like Beepats through their Nestle Milo brand and the Ministry of Health through their Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, have continued to support this development.

Both captains were elated to be in the final and thanked the organisation for sticking to its guns and hosting the tournament.

FIFA probes racist abuse at Russia-France friendly ZURICH (Reuters) - FIFA said on Wednesday it was probing racist abuse directed at French players

by Russian fans during a pre-World Cup friendly between the countries.

A Reuters photographer at pitch level for France’s 3-1 win on Tuesday night in St Petersburg heard monkey chants directed at French players on several occasions, including when N’Golo Kante came to the sideline for a throw-in.

“FIFA is collecting the different match reports and potential evidence in regards to the discriminatory incident reported in the media, including the one from the Fare observer who was present at the game,” FIFA said in a statement, referring to a network that combats discrimination in soccer in Europe.

The incident sparked calls to persevere in the fight against racism in soccer with less than three months before the World Cup. French Sports Minister Laura Flessel-Colovic wrote on Twitter: “Racism

does not have its place on soccer fields. We must act together at the European and international level to stop this intolerable behaviour.”

Russia has pledged to crack down on racism as the country faces increased scrutiny ahead of this year’s World Cup, which it will host from June 14 to July 15 in 11 cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi.

Racist and discriminatory behaviour is not uncommon in the Russian Premier League, including among fans of Zenit St Petersburg.

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the club last week for racist chants during a recent Europa League match against RB Leipzig.

Zenit last year were ordered by UEFA to partially close their stadium after fans displayed a banner praising former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal, during a 2-1 home win over Macedonian side Vardar Skopje also in the Europa League.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Spain impress collectively; Brazil and Argentina need Neymar and Messi?

T

HE first is negative: There are fewer genuine contenders than in 2010 or 2014. This is partly the consequence of some high-profile absences. Netherlands and Italy are usually among either the favourites or the best-placed outsiders, while Chile were many people’s dark horses ahead of the previous two editions.

When combined with a sense that the likes of Colombia, Uruguay and Portugal are probably weaker than four years ago, plus questions over the ability of England and Belgium’s head coaches, there are perhaps only five countries who look well-placed to win this competition.

The second is positive: The quality of those favourites appears considerably stronger than prior to 2010 and 2014, when there was a dearth of genuinely top-class teams. Germany, Brazil, France, Spain and Argentina all have obvious strengths. More pertinently, compared to 2014 when every side appeared flawed in some way, weaknesses are often more difficult to identify.

Here’s an assessment of the favourites’ performances in friendlies during the international break.

SPAIN

Two high-quality performances - first in a creditable 1-1 victory at Germany and then a 6-1 thrashing of Argentina - underlined Spain’s strength in depth, their quality of attacking options and their continued commitment to exciting, pass-and-move football.

While we’ve become accustomed to tiki-taka under Spain over the last decade, this side feel more like the attack-minded Euro 2008 winners rather than Vicente Del Bosque’s more conservative, patient outfit.

Julen Lopetegui is demanding quicker passes into attack and more late runs from midfield, while continuing to play with as many as five playmakers behind a centre-forward. Andres Iniesta played a beautiful assist for Rodrigo’s goal against Germany, while Isco grabbed a hattrick against Argentina. David Silva and Thiago Alcantara

- Assessing the contenders to win the World Cup results in two obvious conclusions

76 days to go …

Spain’s strike squad

also looked impressive.

The major question mark is who plays upfront. Having often turned to a false nine in previous competitions, Spain are likely to play a genuine centre-forward in Russia.

With Rodrigo and Diego Costa opening the scoring against Germany and Argentina respectively, this week hasn’t been decisive in that respect. Iago Aspas looked less certain, while Alvaro Morata wasn’t even in the squad.

What was most impressive about Spain’s performances, however, was their pressing. For a good Costa chance in the second half against Germany then his goal against Argentina and Isco’s first in the same game, Spain pressed quickly and decisively to turn over possession and immediately create a chance.

They appear more dynamic and only a weakness at set pieces appears a major issue. They looked nervous against Germany in this respect then conceded to a Nicolas Otamendi header against Argentina. But overall, Spain appear to be the best side around.

GERMANY

For the reigning world champions, it was an international break of two halves. The 1-1 draw against Spain felt like a genuine festival of football, a match that was notable for its high-tempo nature - somewhat rare in the international game - as much as the actual result.

Germany’s performance in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil, however, was extremely poor. With Joachim Low making several changes, it can probably be written off as a relatively irrelevant showing, but a first defeat in 23 matches shouldn’t be overlooked.

In truth, it’s difficult to work out precisely what Germany will have learnt this week, which isn’t entirely out of keeping with the side’s friendly performances going into the World Cup four years ago.

There remains a question mark upfront: Leipzig’s Timo Werner is an extraordinarily quick centre-forward, who is brilliant at racing in behind the opposition defence and he looked very lively against Spain. However, few - if any - of Germany’s opponents in Russia will play an advanced defensive line.

The Plan B was Mario Gomez, who started against Brazil before being replaced by Sandro Wagner. With those two, Germany depend too much upon hopeful crossing towards two immobile thirtysomethings, who hardly get the best from their talented playmakers.

also omitted Paulo Dybala and Javier Pastore, alternative No. 10s, from his squad.

Messi is essentially playing his old Argentina role with Barcelona - the classic No. 10 in a 4-4-1-1 - and will therefore be well prepared for his task in Russia. But the real question mark is about Sampaoli.

An excellent coach in the Marcelo Bielsa mould of heavy pressing and attacking football, it’s nevertheless questionable whether he’s capable of shaping this Argentina side in his image.

From the way Spain repeatedly breached his side’s defensive line, you sense he might be better with a more cautious approach, but that’s simply not how Sampaoli’s thinks.

FRANCE

They remain a similar side to who triumphed four years ago, with great quality in midfield but question marks at full-back and upfront. Low’s tactics will be designed to hide those weaknesses once again.

BRAZIL

The problem with assessing Brazil’s performances this week is obvious: They were without Neymar, around whom they will base their World Cup tactics. In a way, however, his absence was positive. He had started every game for the two years heading into the 2014 World Cup semi-final and then he was ruled out through injury.

Brazil collapsed both tactically and psychologically. Learning to play without the PSG man was probably very useful.

That said, Brazil require his invention, dribbling and movement between the lines. Without him, this is a relatively straightforward, simple side: Willian and Paulinho are upand-down players, the former assisting the latter for a headed goal against Russia.

Overall, Brazil appeared rather too dependent upon crosses.

Philippe Coutinho, for all his talent, has a habit of drifting around on the periphery rather than influencing games like Neymar.

Brazil are defensively solid, with holding midfielders Casemiro and Fernandinho far superior to the options at the last two World Cups. Dani Alves and Marcelo remain the best full-back pairing around, too.

Tite’s job is finding the right balance between defence and attack; it feels like Brazil will end up being broadly functional and then depending upon Neymar’s magic.

ARGENTINA It’s arguable that Argentina go into the World Cup boasting both the best player and the best manager in the competition. The problem last week, though, was that Lionel Messi missed the 2-0 win over Italy and the 6-1 defeat in Spain, while manager Jorge Sampaoli had previously said he didn’t really want to play either game and would have preferred a simple training camp.

It’s clear Argentina don’t have a Messi replacement. Giovani Lo Celso and newcomer Maxi Meza offered some flashes of inspiration, while Ever Banega pushed forward from deep to score against Italy. But these represent considerable drops in quality and, while that’s inevitable when talking about Messi, Sampaoli

Among this quintet, France were unique in not playing any of the other major contenders, instead, facing Colombia and Russia. The first game was an embarrassment as France went 2-0 up but then collapsed alarmingly to lose 2-3, before they rebounded with a 3-1 win vs. the World Cup hosts.

France have their best generation of talent since they won the World Cup and European Championship in 1998 and 2000 respectively, but questions remain about their preferred attacking structure.

Against Colombia, it was almost 4-2-4: Olivier Giroud started upfront with Antoine Griezmann just behind, with Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar wide. Giroud opened the scoring and Lemar rounded off a fine team move to net the second, but France appeared vulnerable defensively and were opened up far too readily.

Against Russia, Didier Deschamps tried something different entirely by going for an incredibly quick front three. Ousmane Dembele and Anthony Martial started either side of Mbappe, who thrived in his centre-forward role, opening and closing the scoring with two goals from Thierry Henry-esque inside-left positions, either side of a fine Paul Pogba free kick.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Hurt Australia seek to start new chapter at The Wanderers

By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Australia must overcome significant batting changes at the top of their order and the shame of a ball-tampering scandal if they are to avoid another piece of unwanted history against South Africa in the fourth Test at The Wanderers starting tomorrow.

The match is the last in what has been a tempestuous series, with South Africa leading 2-1 following their emphatic, and now infamous, 322-run victory in Cape Town, a game that will forever be remembered for an audacious attempted cheating by their opponents.

South Africa are seeking a first home series win over the Australians since 1970 and will be heavy favourites as they take their settled squad into the fixture against a touring side in chaos.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith, his deputy David

Warner and Cameron Bancroft have all been sent home in disgrace for their roles in the tampering scandal, replaced by openers Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

All are likely to slot straight into the side, with Renshaw, who made his debut against South Africa in 2016, to add to his 10 Tests, Burns, who played the last of his 13 Tests against the Proteas 17 months ago, and Maxwell (seven matches) showing form in domestic cricket.

Australia will have just one training session having cancelled practice yesterday, while the new arrivals will have to quickly overcome any lingering jet lag.

SURPRISE CAPTAINCY The extraordinary elevation of wicketkeeper Tim Paine as the team’s 46th Test captain is a remarkable tale, even considering the circumstances, having last year considered quitting the game after

Reliance Ground Committee to sponsor Easter T20 blast

Tim Paine will become Australia’s 46th Test captain tomorrow at The Wanderers.

finding himself out of the Tasmania side.

It is ironic that Paine made his Test debut alongside Smith against Pakistan in 2010, but while the latter soared, he stagnated, only for their roles to be dramatically reversed this week.

Paine admits the fourth Test will not just be about how the Australian team perform but how their behaviour is viewed by the watching world as they look to put the recent scandal behind them.

“The one positive that may come of it is guys are going to get an opportunity to play for their country,” Paine told reporters.

“The whole opportunity for us going forward now is something we can learn from, and something we can try to

control (is) how we are seen going forward by our Australian public, and become the team that we want to become and they want us to be seen as.”

South Africa have kept the same squad that did duty in Cape Town, with their only real question being what to do about the number six batting position, where Theunis de Bruyne and Temba Bavuma have both failed in the series so far.

It will be a final international match for fast bowler Morne Morkel, 33, who announced his retirement from international cricket prior to the series.

His match-winning aggregate of 9-110 in the last Test took his tally of wickets to 306 in 85 Tests.

BCB Elizabeth Styles Under-21results

Inshan leads Blairmont Community Centre to victory with brilliant 82 THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Saturday started to execute its promise to play cricket at all levels, as play in the Elizabeth Styles Under-21 50-over tournament bowled off at venues across the Ancient County.

The tournament is being played on a knock-out basis.

In the first round of matches, Blairmont Community Centre defeated Young Achievers by 145 runs. Blairmont were 233 all out from 37 overs, with Zameer Inshan topscoring with a blistering 82 (8x6, 5x4) while Nigel Deodat supported with an attractive 51.

Bowling for Young Achievers, off-spinner N. Persaud took 3 for 48, R. Daniels 2 for 41 and L. Dhana 2 for 30.

The visitors in reply were bowled out for 88 in 22 overs.

Only N. Persaud offered any resistance with 29. Deodat returned with the ball to take 3 for 5 from 4 overs while Keijon Gangoo 2 for 13, Ramveshwar Samaroo 2 for 29 and Seon Glasgow 3 for 25 offered support.

D’Edward Sports Club beat Bush Lot Rising Star by 6 wickets at Bush Lot. Bush Lot Rising Star were dismissed for 71 in 26 overs, as Yougendar Budhu 34 and Daniel Vivakanand 13 were the main

scorers.

Hall Canje by 8 wickets. Rose In response, Wasim Is- Hall Canje Cricket Club made han lashed a quick-fire 51 as 123 all out in 34 overs as D’Edward reached 72 for 4 Z. Lindee topscored with 25 in 16 overs to win easily. Y. while Alex Algoo had bowling Budhu took 3 for 21 for the figures of 8-1-45. Alex Algoo home team. a National Junior cricketer Kildonan Cricket Club, returned with the bat to score making a welcome return an impressive 62 and, together to Berbice cricket at the ju- with Trevon Stanislaus 33 not nior level, out, led their team to 127 were brushed for 2 in 24.3 overs. Berbice aside by TamUnder-15 Player took the arind Root two wickets to fall for 18 Cricket Club at runs in 4.3 overs the Hampshire At the Kenground. nard’s Memorial Mohin Goground, located pilall top-scored in Bush Lot, with 24 while AngeCentral Corenlino Ramdihal suptyne’s Ramnaported with 16, as rine Memorial Kildonan were bowled Club defeatout for 78 in 20.1 overs. ed Big Star Bowling for Tamarind by 168 runs Root, Ramnarine Main a one-sided hadeo took 4 for 15 and affair. Batting Ricko Ramsammy 3 for 3. first, the home team Skipper Brandon Praamassed 183 all shad then blasted 51 not out in 30 overs, as out (6x4, 4x6) as he led Amanullah Amit his team to a 10-wicket topscored with 61 victory. Mahabir Suraj while Keemo Laysupporton hit 30. e d w i t h Blairmont’s Zameer In reply, Big Inshan led his team to 16.

Star were shot out At the victory with brilliant 82 for 15 runs in just 7.2 Rose Hall overs as pacers Gobin Canje ground, Young Warriors Mangroo’s 5 for 3 and Naresh Cricket Club defeated Rose Noothsingh’s 5 for 6 bowled

well on a pitch offering some resistance.

Tucber Park defeated Kendall’s Union Sports Club by 73 runs. National Youth Player Steve Deonarine struck 57 while Brandon Corlette supported with 55 as the visitors ended on 223 from 42 overs.

Mark Barker took 5 wickets for 30 runs.

In response, Kendall’s Union was dismissed for 150 as Joshua Singh took 3 wickets for 25 while Leon Swammy and Joel Davis both claimed two wickets. Mark Barker stroked 55 while H. Harris supported with 27 for Kendall’s Union in a losing battle.

The tournament continues on Saturday with the second round of matches.

The matches are: Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets vs Paradise Cricket Club at Area ‘H’ Ground Blairmont Cricket Club vs D’Edward Cricket Club at Blairmont Young Warriors Cricket Club vs Tamarind Root at Rose Hall Canje.

Tucber Park Cricket Club vs Upper Corentyne at Kendall’s Union Albion Cricket Club vs Ramnarine Memorial at Albion.

EASTER weekend T20 Blast is the label given to the Reliance Ground Committee-sponsored cricket competition, scheduled for the Reliance ground on Sunday, April 1.

Four teams namely Reliance Hustlers, Reliance Masters, Cotton Field and Young Achievers Sports Club will compete for cash prizes and trophies. Several top local players such as former national T20 batsman Ramesh Narine, former youth players Nathan Persaud and Rovendra Parasram, along with former Essequibo senior inter-county players Elroy Stephney, Latchmikhant Narine and Narendra Mandolall will participate.

Also there will be a T10 exhibition tournament involving female teams from Cotton Field, Bush Lot and Reliance. The facility was recently upgraded and proceeds from the day of activities will be utilised to erect a pavilion, sightscreens and rooms for both male and females.

Stakeholders have also undertaken to sponsor the erection of stands around the ground which is becoming a popular venue for hosting sporting activities in Essequibo.

The village is renowned for producing a number of outstanding local and international cricketers including West Indies one-day International fast bowler Ransford Beaton, Alfred Maycock, Clain Williams, Rovendra and Shivnandan Mandolall, Mahendra Boodram and Lawrence Farnum.

Much excitement is anticipated. There will also be a well-stocked bar, music by Prem Mega Sounds and trampoline for the children. Admission to the ground is free.

Wins for Queenstown, Good Hope in ECPFA Under-15 tournament

By Elroy Stephney

ANOTHER round of Under-15 football action was witnessed last Saturday and Sunday, as the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon Football Association (ECPFA)-sponsored tournament continued in Essequibo.

On Saturday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Good Hope FC had the better of Devonshire Castle FC by a 2-0 margin.

On Sunday at the same venue, Queenstown FC upset hosts Henrietta United FC, winning 2-1. From the outset, Queenstown FC controlled the game with better ball control and superior passing.

They then quickly got on the score sheet when Sherwin McLennon pierced the net in the 15th minute following his powerful long range shot just outside the 18-yard box.

Stunned by the early setback, Henrietta FC then gathered some momentum and began to play reassuringly. They began passing around the ball nicely and found some rhythm. A wonderful header inside the box in the 32nd minute by Den-

zil Haynes accounted for the equaliser for Henrietta United FC which ended the first half of the 70-minute encounter 1-1.

Both teams resumed the second half confidently and played smartly. More opportunities were then created as shots kept the goalkeepers busy.

The decider arrived when Queenstown’s Shamar Hubbard successfully found the back of the net in the 57th minute to seal a hard-fought victory.

Officiating in the match was referee Jamal Allicock.

The next round of matches will be contested this weekend at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

The ECPFA is also appealing to the sporting public to support the young and aspiring footballers by attending the matches.

At the game on Sunday, a number of parents were in attendance to provide moral support and were in jubilant mood including GFA executive Maxine Stewart who has been instrumental in successfully coordinating the competition.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Australia must stop ‘butting heads’ with opponents - coach Lehmann CAPTAIN Steve Smith and deputy David Warner have been banned for a year and Cameron Bancroft, who used sandpaper to scratch the ball, misses nine months.

Lehmann - who insisted he will not resign - said the trio are “not bad people” but “made a grave mistake”.

“Previously we butted heads but that’s not the way to go forward,” he said.

“The team has been seen quite negatively in recent times and there is a need for us to change some of the philosophies about the way we play.

“We do respect the opposition but we push the boundaries. So we’ve got to make sure of respecting the game, its traditions and understanding the way the game holds itself around the world.”

Lehmann was cleared of any wrongdoing by Cricket Australia’s investigation and will lead the team in the fourth Test against South Africa, which begins tomorrow in Johannesburg.

He was “hurting” for Smith, Warner and Bancroft and he worries about them “immensely”.

He hopes people will give them a second chance. He

had no prior knowledge of the plan. Australia are “not 100% mentally right” to play in the fourth Test Bancroft was caught tampering with the ball during the 322-run third Test defeat by South Africa, with Cricket Australia confirming he used sandpaper on it after being shown how

by Warner.

An investigation found Smith and Bancroft had made “misleading public comments” on Saturday when they claimed yellow tape was used instead.

Lehmann insisted the first he saw of it was on television screens and that his response was to contact the 12th man via walkie-talkie.

“There were a couple of expletives in there,” he said. “Then I spoke to the players at tea time and said we would deal with it at the end of play, which happened.”

A u s t r a l i a ’s t r a i n i n g session was cancelled on Wednesday, with Lehmann saying that his players were “upset” and “hurt” by the events of the past few days and the departures of Smith, Warner and Bancroft.

“There is a human side of this,” he said. “These are young men and I hope

people will give them a second chance. Their health and wellbeing is extremely important to us.

“I worry about the three guys immensely. We love all of our players and they are going through a really tough time.

treated amid a “tornado of hysteria”.

As well as their bans, Smith, 28, and Bancroft, 25, have also been suspended from captaining Australia for at least the next two years.

And Warner, 31, will not

Australia coach Darren Lehmann apologises for ball-tampering.

“We understand the enormity of it and the public perception. We have to try and win the fans back over and play the best cricket we can.”

AUSTRALIANS CAUGHT IN TORNADO OF HYSTERIA’ Former Australia bowler Shane Warne said the three players had been harshly

be considered for “any team leadership positions in the future”, Cricket Australia said.

However, he has apologised to “the Australian public and the cricket family” and acknowledged that he “needs to change” given that Australia’s aggressive style of play has been a key feature of his tenure.

Parker tells Joshua as big fight looms: those belts are mine

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Joseph Parker went face-to-face with Anthony Joshua yesterday and said he had yet to decide how he was going to win the unification battle of the undefeated world heavyweight champions.

New Zealander Parker (24-0) had no doubt he would do so, however, in front of 80 000 persons at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.

“I feel it’s my time,” the bespectacled WBO champion, looking sharp in threepiece suit and tie, told a crowded news conference at Sky television’s London headquarters.

“I’m here to take those belts back. I’m here to be part of history.

“I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet. I don’t know if it’s a knockout or points or a decision. I’ll see how I feel on fight night.

Those belts are mine.”

The taller Joshua, the WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion, boasts a 20-0 record and is

the overwhelming favourite.

The 2012 Olympic champion was equally certain he would emerge triumphant, portraying Parker as another step in his own life journey and not even the toughest opponent.

Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua. I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out for sure.”

Joshua, who had said on Monday he expected Parker to be overwhelmed, has won all his previous fights by

er said. “He’s not a god.

He’s a human being.

“I know if I catch him clean, he’s out. He looks angry, he looks nervous.

I’m not nervous. I’m ready for this, I’m confident.”

Despite his status as the poster boy of a division whose other big name is American Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC champion Joshua spoke also of the fear of losing.

“It keeps me motivated,” he said. “One minute you’re the man, and the next you’re not.”

With the two contenders remaining polite and respectful several seats apart, it was left to U.S. big fight announcer Michael Buffer Anthony Joshua (left) and Joseph Parker go to crank up the hype. head-to-head (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge) “This Saturday we That was Ukrainian knockout and has boasted will take one more step Wladimir Klitschko, whom that no human can stop him. closer to the goal of a Parker, who said he fighter being called the he beat at Wembley in April would be surprised if undisputed heavyweight last year.

“I’m definitely prepar- Joshua could catch him, world champion,” he ing for a 12-round fight, 110 detected a whiff of arro- said. percent,” said the chiselled gance and said he was no “Champion versus stepping stone for some- champion, undefeated Briton.

“But let’s say I’ve got one else. fighter versus undefeated “Of course he can be fighter. Somebody’s O has 20 quid (pounds) in my pocket and I’m looking at beaten,” the New Zealand- got to go.”

Speaking at a news conference restricted to Australian media, Lehmann also said: Writing on Facebook, Warne pointed out that South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been charged with ball-tampering twice, and bowler Vernon Philander once.

“The list of players who have been charged with ball-tampering is long and contains some of the biggest names in the game,” Warne wrote.

“The jump to hysteria is something that has elevated the offence beyond what they actually did, and maybe we’re at a point where the punishment just might not fit the crime.

“My punishment would have been to miss the fourth Test match, a huge fine, and be sacked as captain and vice-captain. But they should still be allowed to play after that.”

WHAT DOES THE CRICKET WORLD THINK? ► Former England captain Michael Vaughan: “Steve Smith is a good guy who made a huge mistake.

He needed punishing but I think this is too harsh. Bancroft was led astray and deserved punishing, but again, too harshly, in my opinion.

The other guy, I really don’t care about ...” ► Ex-Australia captain Michael Clarke: “Too many reputations on the line for the full story not to come out. Cape Town changing room is a very small place.”

West Indies bowler Tino Best: “I honestly believe everyone is overreacting. Look there isn’t a proAmerican Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Broomhill Race 2 Mr Sultana Race 3 Cryogenic Race 4 Sound Values Race 5 Adosinda Race 6 Cocktail Skirt Race 7 Ox Eyed daisy Race 8 Grace Appeal Race 9 Blings Express Race10 Bitacora Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 09:05 hrs Dorydalis 09:35 hrs Sweetlight D’Oroux 10:15 hrs Wild Sam 10:45 hrs Fintara 11:20 hrs Valseur Lido 11:50 hrs Luckyinmilan 12:20 hrs Ask Henry South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:30 hrs Blazing Winter 09:05 hrs Believe It 09:40 hrs Sirtain 10:15 hrs Some Song

fessional player who hasn’t done it, cricket is tough especially on flat wickets.” ► South African batsman Hashim Amla: “What kind of cricket do you want to play? It has probably given the ICC a lot more headaches and the opportunity now is for the governing bodies to show us, where is this line?” ► Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar: “Cricket has been known as a gentleman’s game. It’s a game that I believe should be played in the purest form.

Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game. Winning is important but the way you win is more important.” ► Lehmann would have stopped it’ - analysis Cricket commentator and analyst Simon Hughes on BBC Radio 5 Live: Warner seems to be pretty much the culprit. It seems reading the statement that he conceived the plans and persuaded Bancroft to implement them and Smith was a causal bystander but agreed to it. He should have taken a stance and said, ‘this is ridiculous’.

If it’s true that Lehmann had no involvement they’ve really made a big mistake because if they had spoken to him about it he’d have said ‘it’s a no-no guys’ and ‘we’re not doing this’.

Even though he’s presided over an era of Australian cricket which is pretty abrasive and uncomfortable he knows right and wrong and would have said: ‘it’s against the rules of the game, let’s forget it’. (BBC Sport) 10:50 hrs Torpedo Officer 11:25 hrs Last Battle English Racing Tips Wetherby 09:00 hrs Cosy Club 09:30 hrs Away For sales 10:05 hrs Roxyfet 10:40 hrs Isle Of Ewe 11:15 hrs Bob Mahler 11:45 hrs Blakemount 12:15 hrs K O Kenny Towcester 09:10 hrs Schap 09:45 hrs Dontmindboys 10:20 hrs The Green Ogre 11:55 hrs Looks Like Power 12:25 hrs Captain Drake Chelmsford City 09:55 hrs Espadrille 10:30 hrs C Note 11:05 hrs Tanseeq 11:35 hrs Rivers Of Asia 12:05 hrs Volturnus 12:35 hrs Nag’s Wag 13:05 hrs Black Truffle

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Smith, Warner banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia … Bancroft gets nine

By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Sacked Australia captain Steve Smith and David Warner have both been banned for 12 months for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, Cricket Australia (CA) announced yesterday, after uncovering a web of lies told by the players after they were caught.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months following the scandal, which has outraged the fans, jolted the sponsors and prompted CA to send the players home from South Africa.

The trio will be allowed to compete in club cricket, but cannot take part in state or international games for the duration of their bans.

“David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future,” CA said in the statement, having fingered him in developing the plot.

Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, and even then it will “be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public”, according to CA.

Each player must also complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection, while it was confirmed that the cheating had been confined to the trio only, exonerating team mates and coach Darren Lehmann of any wrongdoing.

“This is a terrible situation.

There are three guys going home that have been offered sanctions that are life-changing,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland told reporters yesterday.

“There is a rebuild that needs to happen to reinstate the faith and the confidence, and I guess the pride that the Australian public had and should have in the Australian cricket team.”

SANDPAPER USE A key finding was that Bancroft had in fact used sandpaper to rough up the ball in the third Test at Newlands, and not sticky tape as he stated, though Sutherland doubted this showed the cheating had been planned prior to the match or the days’ play.

“I’m not sure it’s normal procedure, but I do understand that sandpaper is often in the dressing room or in the players’ kit bags,” he said.

Warner was also found guilty of “provision of advice to a junior player (Bancroft) regarding how a ball could be artificially altered including demonstrating how it could be done”.

Part of the findings against Smith and Bancroft were that they had mislead both the umpires on the field of play, and the public in a press conference as to the “the nature, extent and participants of the plan”.

While Smith and Bancroft were both found guilty of “knowledge” of the plan to cheat, a CA statement credits Warner with the “development” of the plot, suggesting he was the instigator.

All three have the right to appeal their sentences.

Sutherland also said that there would be a review into the team culture and conduct of players.

“Questions (are) obviously being asked of lots of people as to why or how that might have happened,” he said.

“That’s part of the purpose of later discussion and review. We’ll clearly take on board whatever comes out of such investigations.

“We cannot have this happen again. It’s just unquestionable and so obvious. If there

Bravo credits Dhoni belief for death bowling prowess WIINDIES all-rounder has credited Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his emergence as a specialist death bowler.

The 34-year-old Bravo has become noted for his efficiency at the end of T20 innings. In fact, IPL stats show that the player has picked up the most

Dwayne Bravo celebrates taking a wicket for CSK CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 29, 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 yesterday’s quiz: (1) West Indies & Afghanistan (2) Afghanistan Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times the WI & PAK have engaged each other in

T20 Internationals to date?

(2) Who has scored most runs in WI/PAK T20 Int’ls to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

wickets during the death overs in T20 history, with 201 wickets coming at 9.50 and a strike rate of 11.31. Since 2012, Bravo has taken a wicket every 10 balls during the slog overs in the IPL. Bravo attributes a huge part of that success to the faith shown in him by Dhoni at CSK. The all-rounder was part of the CSK squad between 2011 and 2015, scoring 706 runs and taking 79 wickets and twice won the award for the highest wicket-taker.

“He has shown a lot of faith in me, the trust. For me, it’s all about preparation. I always like bowling to MS in the end (in practice sessions) as he is one of the best finishers in the game and I challenge myself by bowling to him,” the West Indies all-rounder said.

“I always give him a scenario, sometimes I win and sometimes he wins,” Bravo was quoted as saying by the CSK website.

“As a leader, he is one of the best that has ever played the game, he allows players to express themselves, allows them to learn from their mistakes. He’s very cool, very calm.(Sportsmax).

Sacked Australia captain Steve Smith (right) and David Warner

are things that allow little things to turn into big things that allow this to happen, then you’ve got to go back to the core and find out what the little things are and address them.

That is what we’ll be doing.”

FINANCIAL FALLOUT Smith and Warner have also been stood down from their Indian Premier League

(IPL) teams for 2018, representing a significant loss of income after the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad had paid $1.84M respectively for their services.

“We have decided to bar them from this season. The replacements will be made available to the two teams,” IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla told reporters.

There is more financial fallout possible with multinational electronics company LG (066570.KS) having already said they will not renew a sponsorship with Warner, while several other partners of Cricket Australia are reviewing their positions in light of the embarrassing scandal.

Brazil on form but history shows restraint may be wise SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil’s 1-0 win over world champions Germany gave the South Americans a modicum of revenge for their 7-1 semi-final humiliation four years ago but the confidence boost comes with a caveat for the fivetime World Cup winners.

ed beating the Germans at home helped Brazil regain their rightful place in the world elite that many felt was questioned after the disastrous end to their home World Cup in 2014 and poor performances at consecutive Copas America.

“There’s a little bit of

Germany and Brazil players shake hands after the match. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

Coach Tite was delighted with the way his players overcame the Germans in Berlin, particularly in the second half, when the under-strength home side fought hard for an equaliser.

The performance ended Germany’s 22-game unbeaten run and bolstered Tite’s record of just one loss in 19 games.

Both coach and players played up the psychological aspect of the win and insist-

a feeling we’ve regained some self-esteem,” Tite said.

“There’s a component of pride.”

Thiago Silva echoed that sentiment immediately after the game, insisting the most successful World Cup nation be taken more seriously.

“This shirt demands more respect,” the PSG defender said.

Students of history, however, may cringe at the overt shows of confidence less

than three months before Brazil take on Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E. Historically, Brazil tend to do better at the World Cup when they go there as underdogs.

In 1970, 1994 and 2002 the Selecao was slated at home by fans and the press and yet they rose to the occasion, most memorably in 1970 when a Pele-led side wowed the world with one of the most memorable teams ever to play the game.

Conversely, the much-favoured teams of 1982 – with Zico, Socrates, Falcao and Junior - and 2006 - featuring Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho - crashed out early.

Tite is nothing if not shrewd and he will focus on maintaining a balance between encouraging his side and keeping their feet on the ground.

He has already named 15 of the 23 players he will take to Russia and Douglas Costa’s performance against Germany almost certainly guaranteed him a spot.

But with a settled first team and healthy competition for the remaining places Tite’s most important job may not be choosing who gets a seat on the plane. It’s about preparing their heads for when they get there.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 29, 2018

Vieira concedes great start to racing season

Guyanese duo getting warmed up for Commonwealth Games competition GUYANESE Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck are already Down Under and getting primed for what is expected to be stern competition at Gold Coast 2018, which will take place at the Belmont Shooting Complex in Australia.

The pair left Guyana last Friday and arrived over the weekend. They wasted little time in getting in much needed practice ahead of the competition which has two components, Pairs and Individuals.

Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud was originally part of the team but unfortunately fell ill during January and is currently recuperating in the USA. With Persaud not being able to attend, Goodluck was drafted into the team.

Official practice is set for April 5 with the first match (Pairs) on April 9. The first stage of the Individual competition is on April 11.

Matthew Vieira stares at his chequered flag after one of his victories last Sunday. (GTRidez photo)

By Stephan Sookram MOTOR-cycling prodigy Matthew Vieira says that last weekend’s National Race of Champions has laid the foundation for a great year ahead.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, the former Caribbean champion contended that a clean sweep of the Superstock category is just the start he needs.

The young Vieira added, “It feels fantastic to be on top, to go back to winning ways and it’s been a great start to the year and I am

happy with the points that I have acquired.”

“It’s a lot better than last year when I was plagued with a lot of crashes and injuries and now I’m here and ready. I’m here to stay,” he added.

The change in his riding attitude is obvious to any person who has followed his progress throughout the year. He has a more cautious and patient approach to riding.

“I was not planning on racing this meet but I saw there was a shortage of bikes and there wouldn’t be

a bike race, so I told myself I have to try and keep the sport going for the spectators and because I love the sport and I don’t want to see it die in Guyana.

“I told myself to get up and go out and I’d like to thank Cyril’s Garage and Houston Industrial Services (HIS) for making it possible for me to go out and dominate.”

He also acknowledged that he may take to the Caribbean Circuit once more with the hope of being a two-time champion.

“I was not planning on

touring this year but I think now, with the way that the bike is working and the physical condition I am in I may just change my mind.” “(However) it all comes down to sponsorship and if I manage to secure enough for the tour, I need more sponsorship to make a voyage like that and I’m hoping that companies come forward,” he said.

Vieira produced an excellent return to form to achieve three wins from three races at last weekend’s opening round, securing maximum points.

Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck pose with the Gold Coast 2018 Mascot in Australia.

CWI yet to confirm or name squad for Pakistan T20 series BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Tickets for the highly anticipated threematch Twenty20 series between Pakistan and West Indies went on sale in Karachi yesterday but with the first match set to bowl off Sunday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) are yet to confirm the series or announce a squad for the historic tour.

The series will represent the first time a major Test-playing nation will tour Pakistan, following the 2009 terrorist attacks on a Sri Lanka team bus which injured several players and left several of the security forces dead.

Since then, Pakistan played their home series in the United Arab Emirates.

The series against the Windies comes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks to revive tours of a country once marked by

the volatility of separatist violence.

To date, however, CWI are yet to even acknowledge the staging of the series which bowls off in four days, or make any public pronouncements on the security situation

in Pakistan.

Last August, the Dave Cameron-led body said they were “advancing discussions” on the prospect of a series in November of that year.

CWI said then the proposed tour would be “sub-

ject to the safe conclusion of the ICC World XI team’s three-match series in Lahore in September (2017) and affirmation of manageable security by the ICC-sponsored international security company overseeing the

West Indies set to face Pakistan in a three-match Twenty20 series.

security arrangements of the World XI in September.”

That series was eventually scrapped due to smog and the unavailability of Windies players, with a similar tour in early 2017 quashed previously because of security fears.

Further, there has been no word on the availability of key West Indies players especially with the Indian Premier League starting April 7.

Key members of the squad like captain Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis are all expected to turn out in the IPL for their respective franchises. All three represented West Indies in the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe which ended last Sunday.

Doubt also remains over the availability of Sunil Narine after he was reported for an illegal action during the

Pakistan Super League this month, while Kieron Pollard will be similarly in doubt after pulling out of the T20 series in New Zealand last December and also making himself unavailable for the qualifiers.

West Indies last toured Pakistan 12 years ago when Brian Lara’s side lost a threematch Test rubber 2-0 and conceded the ODI series 3-1.

However, following the successful staging of the ICC World XI series in Lahore last September, the ICC praised the PCB on security improvements, paving the way for future international tours.

World champions West Indies will play all three T20 Internationals at the National Stadium in Karachi on April 1, 2 and 3 and international media reports said ICC general manager Geoff Allardice would be attending the series.

age

P See

27

Vieira concedes great start to racing season

Guyana’s CARIFTA Games contingent off to The Bahamas … Hutson optimistic of medal haul

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The Guyanese contingent shortly before departure; the overseas athletes will join their compatriots in the Bahamas later this week.

THE largest Guyanese CARIFTA Games contingent to date departed the ‘Land of Many Waters’ for the 2018 CARIFTA Games in The Bahamas yesterday.

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a small but significant briefing at their Light Street, Georgetown office just before the team’s departure.

At the briefing, AAG president Aubrey Hutson revealed that he, along with the executive body, is pleased to have been able to select the largest contingent (18 athletes) so far to represent Guyana at the Easter Weekend CARIFTA Games.

He maintained; “We are proud to have selected what we believe to be the largest contingent for CARIFTA and I’m very optimistic that we will do well, so to the athletes I just want to wish them well.”

Meanwhile, one of the two coaches, who were selected to accompany the athletes, coach Moses Pantlitz, exuded confidence in his charges, saying that it will be the best CARIFTA team to date, given the level of talent.

Newcomer to the international scene, coach Niall Stanton, felt that the team was well prepared for the Games.

“I think preparation was good. We did what we could and with regard to acclimatising, we had the athletes training at different time periods during camps; but it’s the Caribbean so I don’t expect much of a difference … we have 18 athletes and I think we are capable of bringing back 18 medals.”

The squad was selected by the AAG based on performances and times worthy of podium spots at last year’s CARIFTA Games.

The Games will begin on March 30 and finish on April 2.

The squad is as follows: Daniel Williams, Chantoba Bright, Deshanna Skeete, Shaquka Tyrell, Princess Brown, Anthony Williams, Tremaine Brown, Jermaine Simmons, Murphy Nash, Tortque Boyce, Kenisha Phillips, Cordell Charles, Avon Samuels, Joanna Archer, Onasha Rogers, Kissana Glenn, Kezra Murray and Claudrice McKoy.

Countrywide Milo football has borne fruit

- Mendonca

See Page 22

Guyana Sports Hall of Fame to be launched today AN event to launch the newly-formed GUYANA SPORTS HALL of FAME will be held at the Umana Yana today from 18:00hrs to 21:00hrs.

Attending this event will be the Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport Dr George Norton, who will be the main speaker.

An invitation has also been sent to President David Granger as well as other official functionaries and special invitees.

The Master of Ceremony will be sporting icon Mr Joseph (Reds) Perreira.

Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca stands with the two finalists for the 2018 Milo schools football tournament. (Adrian Narine photo)

Smith, Warner banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia

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See Page 26

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018