Guyana chronicle epaper 01 14 2017

Cops, inmates hurt in crash 5

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Top jurists wanted No. 104793

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–Gov’t advertises for Chancellor, Chief Justice

50 displaced in Cummings Lodge blaze

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Fire destroyed this Cummings Lodge apartment building on Friday night (Ravin Singh photo)

Third term Couples appeal opens nabbed with …chancellor says case not political

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AFC backs rejection of ammo, ecstasy Jagdeo’s list Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

10,000 housing units by 2021 – says Minister Bulkan

By Shauna Jemmott A TEAM from the Islamic Development Bank is expected to visit Guyana this month to discuss with Government, funding for a proposed Ministry of Communities project to

La Penitence, Georgetown, Little and Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, for possible funding from the Islamic Development Bank.

“A team from the bank will be in Guyana later this

Minister Ronald Bulkan addressing the Ministry of Community’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday

construct 3,360 apartment units in three separate communities in 2017.

This announcement was made by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan at the Ministry of Community’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday.

Minister Bulkan said his ministry has submitted the proposal for the construction of 3360 apartment units at

(duplexes and townhouses) are expected to be constructed this year in 10 locations in six of Guyana’s administrative regions (Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10).

In 2016 , some 2015 house lots were allocated, and 221 regularised squatters received allocation letters. While no new turn-key houses were constructed by the ministry, some 90 existing ones were completed at Perseverance and remedial works were completed on 70 houses.

CERTIFICATES OF TITLES/TRANSPORTS At the end of November 2016, a total of 4,803 Certificates of Titles/Transports had been transferred.

The ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) collaborated with UN-HABITAT through a UNDP-funded project to produce a Housing Profile Study for Guyana to develop a National Housing Strategy.

Meanwhile, Minister Bulkan said the construction of a $31M leachate treatment facility at Haags Bosch will be completed this year and new landfill sites will be designed in five of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions,

as his ministry moves to properly manage solid waste and create a clean and green environment.

Minister Bulkan said his ministry’s Sanitation Management Unit has executed several projects under its 2016 Solid Waste Management (SWM) programme and held 25 consultation forums for the composition of the National Solid Waste Management Strategy in all 10 regions.

He said a public awareness programme for SWM, titled ‘Green Generation Guyana’ was also launched to re-socialise children to adopt safer environmental habits, and an inventory and survey of future landfill sites, rehabilitation of the Haags Bosch access road and soil-testing at proposed and existing landfills were also done.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE The Ministry of Communities has also successfully rebuilt systems of local and regional administrative governance, by empowering local democratic organs to advance efficiency and effectiveness with a more decentralised Government service.

Training and other empowerment processes were

done for the development of cohesive, empowered and sustainable communities through collaboration for integrated planning, good governance and satisfactory service-delivery.

Several significant objectives were accomplished last year, Minister Bulkan said.

He said the Ministry of Communities provided training in leadership and conflict resolution to councillors and staff, and an action round-table was held in May 2016 for regional executive officers to stimulate and improve the administrative functioning of regions.

His ministry also collaborated with partners locally and internationally, including CARILED and Counterpart International in strengthening the capacity of its Local Democratic Organs (LDOs).

Bulkan said in 2016, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) throughout Guyana successfully implemented 98 per cent of their capital budgets, with RDC Four expending $438,714M or 91 per cent of a budget of $479,654M, delivering the lowest percentage of implementation, while RDC Nine spent $387,870M or 105 per cent of a budget of $369,406M, producing the highest level of implemen-

tation.

The holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) after a 22-year gap was deemed a significant milestone and a crucial step in restoring and rebuilding a collapsed local governance system.

Three new towns including Lethem, Mabaruma and Bartica were established and a total allocation of $146M in subventions was given to the nine towns to execute mainly infrastructural works, including the rehabilitation of streets, excavation of drains and the purchase of equipment and vehicles.

Last month, Minister Bulkan said the three new towns were given a $3M grant funding to help meet operational costs.

The 62 NDCs were also given $248M in subventions with Regions One, Two, Three, Five and Six completing all targeted projections, while Regions 10 and Four recorded 98 and 99 per cent completion rates, respectively.

An annual National Day of Villages was launched in November at Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara and will be hosted this year in the first Indian Village established in Guyana, Minister Bulkan reported.

month to further the discussions, following which we will have a clearer idea as to how soon the funding can be available to make this a reality,” Minister Bulkan said.

He said the ministry’s goal is to see a total of 10,000 housing units built by 2021, to excellent standards with properly outlined communities.

Additionally, he said, some 800 turn-key houses

A section of the gathering at the Ministry of Community’s Annual General Meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

Top jurists wanted

GOVERNMENT has advertised for suitably qualified persons to fill the vacancies of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice.

The advertisement, which appears in today’s edition of the Guyana Chronicle, comes days before substantive Chief Justice, Carl Singh, who is also acting Chancellor of the Judiciary proceeds on pre-retirement leave. Government has maintained that there is a vacancy for chancellor as Singh was serving in an acting capacity.

According to the advertisement, pursuant to Article 127 of the Constitution, the Chancellor and the Chief Jus-

tice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.

In the vacancy notice, the government said there is a vacancy for the office of the Chancellor and a vacancy for the office of Chief Justice shall shortly arise. Justice Singh is expected to proceed on pre-retirement leave at the end of this month.

The minimum qualifications for the posts, pursuant to Article 129 of the Constitution, are as follows: he or she is or has been a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court

–Govt advertises for Chancellor, Chief Justice

Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings–Edwards

having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court; or he or she is qualified for admission as an attorney-at-law in Guyana and has been so qualified for such period as may be prescribed by Parliament.

Accordingly, suitably qualified applicants who fulfil the criteria set out under article 129 are invited to apply. Closing date for applications is 4: 30 p.m. on January 27, 2017. Applications to be sent by electronic mail to ministerofstategy@ gmail.com or submitted by hand and addressed to the Minister of State, Minis-

AFC backs rejection of Jagdeo’s list

By Ravin Singh THE rejection of the list of candidates for chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by President David Granger has been firmly supported by his party’s coalition partner the Alliance for Change (AFC).

Speaking at the party’s first news conference for the year, AFC’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan said that President Granger acted within his constitutional rights to reject the list of names submitted by the Opposition Leader for the post of GECOM chair.

“My understanding is that the President has found that the first list is unacceptable. And that is wholly constitutional,” Ramjattan said.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted his first list to President Granger last month, but his nominees failed to find favour with the President who said that the list was

“unacceptable.”

Jagdeo had nominated History Professor James Rose and Indian rights activist Rhyaan Shah, both of whom have openly supported the opposition party; along with Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram; Governance and Conflict Resolution Specialist, Lawrence Lachmansingh; retired MajorGeneral, Norman Mc Lean; and Business Executive, Ramesh Dookhoo.

Article 121 (2) of the Constitution states that, “Subject to the provisions of paragraph (4), the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and

proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

Ramjattan, who is also a prominent attorney reference this act, citing the fact that the President acted within the ambits of the law and there is no legal requirement for him (the President) to explain why he found these individuals to be unacceptable. “There is no reasons that are required for the President to give to the opposition leader why he doesn’t want the six names. No court of law can compel him to do that, it is a political question and the issue is non-justiciable.

Whatever reason the President gives, it does not matter because that is not relevant.

It is the fact that he does not find them acceptable” he told

reporters.

Ramjattan said that the next move, as is stipulated by law, is for a second list to be submitted by the Opposition Leader, and, if the President believes that this list too is not acceptable then he can proceed to name whomever he wants, his own volition as the law provides for.

“It is totally constitutional what the President is doing.

They [PPP] want to probably do a piece of mischief,” he added. After his list was announced to have been rejected by the President, Jagdeo then wrote the Head of State, seeking clarity on what constitutes “fit and proper” as the law states.

And although he has not received a formal response yet, the Opposition Leader contended that the President does not want to meet him.

“It’s interesting that I’ve never requested a meeting with the President in two years and he’s

try of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and New Garden Street, Georgetown.

While he was Opposition Leader, President David Granger had maintained that the positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice must be publicly advertised, but the then PPP government had said that such a process is not catered for. “The situation is not a new situation…

It has been on the table for eight years. There are reasons by my predecessors why …I inherited a situation of gridlock and I proposed to President [Donald] Ra-

motar a means of breaking the gridlock and moving forward,” Granger had said back in 2014.

Granger had stressed that his position was one in the interest of transparency. “In the interest of transparency, I would like to see the post advertised and the best person selected for those two posts… I am confident if he accepts that recommendation, we will soon have a chancellor with which the whole population is happy,” he was quoted by the Stabroek News as saying back in 2014.

refusing to meet with me,” he told reporters, adding that if he does have the opportunity to meet President Granger, he would propose taking the matter to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Meanwhile, the AFC leader believes that the President should not meet Jagdeo, given the latter’s disregard for the Head of State since he assumed office. “Absolutely not!” Ramjattan said when asked if he believes the President should meet the Opposition Leader. He justified his position by reasoning that when the President went to the Parliament to give a speech recently Jagdeo walked out. “He [Jagdeo] is destructive about social cohesion. Given the egotist that he is, he believes when he says he wants to meet the President, the President must say yes boy, what time, and where?” the AFC leader contended.

Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance, Dr. David Hinds also agreed with the President’s rejection of the list sent to him by Jag-

deo. Hinds said in a letter that Jagdeo must have known that his list was mostly partisan and that it flies in the face of the spirit of the Carter Formula. “The success of the arrangements assumes that the Opposition would act in an unbiased and non-partisan manner.

The PPP and Mr. Jagdeo, when in office, were never put in the position of having to reject outright any list sent to them by the then Opposition, largely because those lists were generally balanced and included persons who were not known to be overtly affiliated with any of the contending parties,” Hinds wrote. “We definitely want the person holding such a sensitive position as GECOM Chair to be as non-partisan as is possible. To find a list of such persons in Guyana, one must do some looking and must approach that search with non-partisan lens. I don’t think Mr. Jagdeo was as thorough enough in his search or with his consultation.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

East La Penitence man remanded over unlicenced rifle and ammunition

28-YEAR-OLD, Caesar Gonsalves was on Friday remanded to prion by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, one day after being busted by police with a rifle and ammo at this Turn Drive, East La Penitence apartment.

Gonsalves who was unrepresented pleaded not guilty to the charge of being in possession of an unlicensed .45 rifle and .9mm ammunition on Thursday.

In his defence the man said he lives at Turn Drive, East La Penitence and is the manager of Cuyuni Mining Company, but police prosecutor urged Magistrate Mc Lennan to deny bail given that

the ballistic report on the weapon has not yet been made available.

Gonsalves has been remanded to prison until January 24; his case has been transferred to Magistrate Leron Daly.

Meanwhile, at approximately 14:00h police acting on information went to Gonsalves’ home and conducted a search where the gun and ammunition were found in addition to several ecstasy tablets.

In 2013, Caesar was charged at the Providence Magistrate Court for malicious wounding with intent to disable, disfigure, maim or cause grievous bodily harm to a man.

Caesar Gonsalves

The unlienced rifel found.

Privilege nightclub manager charged for overstaying time in Guyana FORTY-YEAR-old Andre Rodgeford, manager of the Privilege nightclub was on Friday fined $15,000

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he confessed to overstaying his time Guyana.

The Trinidad and Tobago national, pleaded guilty to the charge that between January 5 and January 9, 2017, he failed to comply with the conditions of his stay in Guyana.

According to immigration records, Rodgeford was granted a six-month stay here from July 5, 2016 to January 4, 2017.

Police prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Rodgeford came to Guyana on May 17, 2016 through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and was granted a six-month stay, but failed to apply for an extension.

The Trinidadian was held for questioning along with

others, following the shooting in the night- club last Saturday. It was while he was being questioned that police discovered that the man had overstayed his time here.

The unrepresented Rodgeford told the court when he came to Guyana in May last year, he was given a sixmonth stay, during which he was staying at the Pegasus Hotel and was later given the opportunity to manage the Privilege nightclub.

He said he was granted an additional three months extension because of his job and was supposed to obtain another extension; but after

being in police custody for the alleged shooting since Monday, January 9, he was unable to get it done.

Rodgeford told the chief magistrate that he wished to apply for another six- month extension, but she suggested that he apply for a CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) certificate.

The investigation into the alleged shooting inside the Privilege nightclub at Hotel Tower, Main Street, is continuing and according to the police, the victim of the shooting was taken to a private hospital where he was treated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

Police, prisoners injured in collision

By Rabindra Rooplall

EIGHT police ranks and three prisoners were injured after a police vehicle swerved from a GuySuCo lorry and slammed into a pharmacy at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Public Road Friday morning.

The injured were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital. The front of the police minibus PRR 2148 was severely damaged while the sugar estate lorry GEE 9882, which suffered minor damaged, was taken into police custody at the Leonora Police Station, along with the driver.

Owner of the pharmacy located at Lot, 6, Uitvlugt

tered,” the businessman said.

The injured were assisted and taken for medical attention. Vehicles had crashed into the building two times before, and according to the businessman, “if it wasn’t for the barrier and post I had set up the bus would have crashed into the drug store. That is what saved this section and save the police from receiving more serious injuries.”

His garage door and barricade were totally damaged and the wall at the side of the garage had a huge crack.

Eyewitnesses said the GuySuCo lorry was turning into a street next to the pharmacy when the police vehicle which was heading towards Vreed-en Hoop blaring its siren, at a fast rate, did

next to the pharmacy where the accident occurred.

“This morning my mind tell me don’t come out here, so I decide to cut a limb off my cherry tree that was hanging next to an electric wire. So I decided not to walk out my bird in its cage and sit at the exact spot where the accident happened,” Harvey said.

Divisional Commander Leslie James said that a motorbus was transporting prisoners from ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands), when along the Uitvlugt access road, West Coast Demerara, the bus was obstructed by another vehicle.

He said the police vehicle took evasive action and ended “up further south where

The GuySuCo lorry in front of the Leonora Police Station

The Tiwari Drug Store in Uitvlugt into which the minibus crashed Front, WCD, Tiwari (only name given) said during his morning prayers, he heard an impact but did not realise the sound came from his building.

He said his daughter alerted him that a minibus crashed into a section of the building that houses the garage.

“When I come downstairs, I see the bus in the garage and police hollering in pain because some of them were pinned down while some of the guns were scat-

not slow down, resulting in the minibus swerving from the lorry, and crashing into the building.

“If they had slammed into the truck it would have been fatal; the police driver tried to avoid crashing into the truck,” the eyewitnesses said.

Meanwhile, Stewartville resident Vincent Harvey related that he could have been a dead man if he followed through with his usual daily routine of sitting down with his birdcage on the barricade

a collision occurred with a barricade in front of a home, the vehicle proceeded over that barricade and struck a garage resulting in minor damage.

The commander explained that the bus received extensive damage during which a female police rank was trapped.

With assistance of the Fire Department at Leonora, WCD, the rank was extracted and taken for medical attention.

“A number of ranks were injured, some sustained bro-

ken legs, bruises and other minor injuries. Two male prisoners and a female, also sustained injuries,” the Assistant Commissioner related.

Expressing relief that there was no fatalities, James said the injuries received were not life threatening and

all the weapons and rounds were retrieved from the accident scene.

A report will be prepared for advice pertaining to the injured ranks, damage to property and vehicle.

Police said the trailer driver is in custody assisting with investigations.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Treating with city vending

THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council is at it again-- this time with the eviction of a group of beauticians and barbers from the Merriman Mall.

The Council has insisted that the sole reason for moving the operators is their failure to keep their end of the bargain-- that is, keeping their surroundings clean and paying the weekly $1500 environmental fee.

For their part, the beauty workers said they have done everything the M&CC has asked them to do, but they feel there is a hidden agenda to get them off the property to facilitate the setting up of parking spaces under the parking metres project. There is also another side of the story and that is, some of the beauty workers who were taken off the streets and granted permission to ply their trade at the mall had actually abandoned their stations, citing that the area was off the beaten track and actually returned to the America Street area to do business.

City Hall has control over the Merriman Mall and to its credit, it has spent considerable amounts of cash to clean it up since May 2015. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the authorities at City Hall would demand a level of care and discipline from the operators.

However, what cannot be lost sight of is the manner in which officials at City Hall continue to deal with these thorny bread-and-butter issues. The picture of close to a dozen young women standing near their dismantled stations -- some almost in tears -- tells a sorry story and it should jolt the conscience of the decision-makers at the M&CC. We have heard pronouncements to the effect that the women were “untidy” and the likes, but we have never heard what efforts were made to address these matters with them.

This newspaper has said in this column before that there is a huge disconnect between the M&CC and the existing realities in society. The treatment of the vendors -- post-Local Government Elections -- has seen the Council moving them from one area to another, absent any consultation and seeming regard for the impact -- positive or negative -- the decision would have.

In the past, we have seen representatives of the Council in what can be construed as talking down to the vendors rather than seeking way(s) to accommodate them, with the aim of finding common ground and arriving at consensus. And in spite of the public outcry that the Council allow the vendors the right to be heard, it stuck to its position that it will not entertain further discussion on the matter, and its decision is final and binding.

As reported by this newspaper, the barbers and a few cosmetologists, who were said to be keeping their surroundings clean, were allowed to remain on the spot.

But they too told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that they were not provided any details as to if they will be

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Local law school a positive step Dear Sir,

THE recent announcement by the government of Guyana that it has entered into a joint partnership agreement to establish the JOF Haynes Law School is a welcome initiative for the growth of legal education in Guyana and the Caribbean. The study of law is an academic field that has always attracted a large number of students with dreams of having a legal education. Students in the Caribbean can acquire their LLB from a total of five institutions (the three UWI branches, UG and the University of London external programme).

With hundreds of LLB graduates applying annually, the three law schools managed by the Council of Legal Education were clearly unable to cope with the volume of applicants and hence resorted to a discriminatory quota and entrance examination system which resulted in the exclusion of ambitious and hard-working law degree holders from completing the

final two years of practical training that would permit them to become practising attorneys in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas (JHLSA) will allow local, Caribbean and international LLB/JD holders to fulfil their dreams and aspirations manifested in childhood to become attorneys.

The sceptics both in and outside the legal profession are already trying to push the “too many lawyers” narrative. A society should never complain about having an educated population, whether lawyers, teachers, engineers or accountants, as the modern and global world that we live in is driven by the intellectual creativity of our educated citizens. Governments allocate large sums of monies in their annual budgets for education to ensure that they have the best human capital to enhance growth and development in a competitive global environment.

I would like to know if the naysayers would apply that reasoning when addressing the issue of traffic

congestion in Georgetown.

The U.S. has well over 200 law schools with an annual intake of about a 100,000 students, but you never hear elements of that society complaining, as the value of the legal profession in upholding the democratic values and commercial success of that country is well established.

The legal market will be able to absorb and utilise the skills of present and future lawyers as the study of law allows for diversity and specialisation in practice (Human Rights law, Environmental law, Intellectual Property law and Cyber law), along with other numerous areas of interest. A fairly large number of the graduates will move outside of Guyana in seeking the best options for professional growth and remuneration.

Individuals in the legal profession who push the argument that a large influx of lawyers is bad for the legal market are trying to keep the status quo of reducing the profession to the ‘chosen few,’ which goes against the grain of what the AG Mr

We say thanks

Dear Editor,

THANK you for allowing us the space in your newspaper to express our sincere gratitude to the public and your paper for support and assistance rendered to our son, Omkar Persaud, and to inform the public of his present condition.

Omkar, our two- year-old son was diagnosed with cancer in his eyes. His left eye was removed in Guyana. The doctors told us that to save his other eye and his life, he would require treatment in Cuba. We asked the public

for financial assistance as we could not afford the four million dollars which the treatment would cost. We are most grateful that many persons generously donated.

For this we say thank you. We particularly thank the governments of Guyana and Cuba for facilitating the urgent treatment of our son.

We also thank your newspaper for publicising our request. We are similarly grateful for the many kind wishes, prayers and thoughts expressed to our family.

Omkar was treated in Cuba and returned to Guyana

allowed to remain there. The resulting ill-feelings between the two groups have reached the point where some vendors having felt that their confidence was betrayed by councillors and there exists little, if any, regard for them made moves, last year to establish a trade union to represent their affairs with the Council.

Being elected to public office carries expectations of not only adhering to laws and by-laws, but also to temper these with what is just and fair. At the city level, it may require revisiting by-laws not merely as deterrents in dealing with the city or making them more acceptable, but also with an eye that vendors and council can work together to keep the business of the town alive, and all attendant areas that impact their well-being are being observed.

last Friday. He still faces an ongoing battle. Radiation and chemotherapy will continue in Guyana as his fight continues.

However, his chances of survival have greatly improved as a result of surgery and chemotherapy administered in Cuba.

As things stand, we do not require any further financial aid at this time. Unfortunately, we have learned that persons have been using our son’s name to solicit donations. We wish to inform the public that at the present time we are not requesting -- nor are we receiving -- money

Basil Williams SC and by extension the APNU+AFC administration is seeking to accomplish in ensuring that the legitimate expectations LLB holders have of becoming qualified attorneys are met.

The current cost of tuition for two years at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad is five million four hundred thousand dollars ($5,400,000).Local students desirous of going to the twin-island republic still have to budget for travelling and living expenses, which at a conservative estimate will be at about two million dollars ($2,000,000) Once the administrators of the JHLSA set a reasonable tuition fee along with high-quality delivery of the Council of Legal Education curriculum, the institution will succeed financially in its business model and academically, in providing for the legal needs of students in and beyond Guyana.

Regards Michael Baird

from any individual or charitable organisation. Having experienced this ordeal, though, we urge the public to continue to be generous to others who are in need as such tragedies can happen to anyone.

Again, we say thank you to everyone who have assisted our family, who offered words of comfort, and who prayed for a positive outcome. As our son continues treatment, we are heartened by your support and feel confident that he will successfully beat this disease and have a full and normal life.

May God bless you all.

We owe you all a debt which we can never repay.

Regards Keimchand and Casandra Persaud

Street-vending in Guyana is not an industry that attracts persons leaving one area and coming primarily to buy. The industry merely satisfies -- on most occasions -- someone who is passing by, may see something and like it, or may see something that is needed and was being forgotten. The services that were provided by the cosmetologists and barbers on Merriman Mall are not the ones that are equivalent to a beauty shop or other such establishments in a fixed location or building. Treating with street-vending also has to take cognisance of the culture of the industry and the role it plays in the delivery of goods and services to the society. More importantly, decisions must factor in that this sector of our society enjoys its deserving place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

Government pleased with news of oil find ––Trotman

GUYANA is elated by the news of the discovery of additional oil offshore the Stabroek Block find by US oil giant Exxon Mobil.

On Thursday, ExxonMobil announced through its subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production, Guyana Limited that high quality oil bearing sandstone reservoirs were found at its Payara-1 well in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Thursday night said the APNU+AFC administration is “happy” about the announcement and noted that Guyana is not a “one hit wonder.”

“I believe we now can confirm that the basin is an active one that shows potential for more discoveries,” Trotman said. “Whether they would be very large or not is a matter that we need to wait to see but, I think we can now say that we’re heading into an oil and gas industry,” he added.

According to the Business Wire, the company an-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman nounced that the drilling of the well “encountered more than 295 feet (90 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water.”

Trotman pointed out that the find coupled with the Liza discovery, will change the world view on Guyana.

“I believe Liza, its size, and the fact that it is cutting edge, going into ultra-deep waters, it is generating much interest so this is again going to lift Guyana’s image as a country that is no longer seen as

poor but we’re moving from potential to prosperity,” Trotman told GINA. Additionally, the minister is looking forward to the added investment that the find will attract to Guyana.

“Before, if you had one well it didn’t take much to have one well developed. But, now that we have multiple wells, it will lead to multiple explorations and hopefully, producers of petroleum and natural gas in the future,” Trotman reasoned.

ExxonMobil moved its ‘Stena Carron’ drillship to the Payara location last November with initial total depth reached on December 2, 2016. The Payara find will soon be evaluated for development alongside the Liza discovery. Liza 3 has the same high-quality reservoirs as the other two Lizas.

Last year, ExxonMobil’s Liza-2 offshore exploration found high propensity sandstone reservoirs that could produce more than 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable high quality oil.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres located offshore Guyana and this is where the Lizas are located.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

Over 600 Gov’t buildings to receive free WiFi

PUBLIC Internet Access Points (PIAPs) will be installed at over 600 public buildings, including government ministries, to provide citizens with free wifi.

Presidential Advisor on E-, Floyd Levi, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that during the first quarter of this year, work will begin to have the PIAPs installed in the buildings identified. An estimated $114 million has been allocated for this project in the 2017 National Budget.

Levi said that the initiative will increase the opportunities and channels

through which thousands of individuals will access online resources and noted that it is part of the Government’s aim to reduce the digital divide and increase digital interaction with Government.

“When you get there you will have access to the internet. … this project will be started in the first quarter of 2017 and continue to expand for the remaining of the year,” Levi explained.

Additionally, the E-Government Agency will continue to roll out the WiFi projects in schools in the first quarter of 2017; and according to the Presidential Ad-

visor, the project will make learning for students more fun and more interactive.

There will however be limits as to how much time students will be allowed to use a computer to access the WIFI network. He said too that there is also security software in the network that will prevent students from accessing malicious content and inappropriate websites.

He told GINA that the entire government network is filtered with the security software that will block access to harmful and inappropriate websites.

Noting that government

Presidential Advisor on E-Government, Floyd Levi agencies need to communicate with each other, Levi said the way to do that is through the network. He pointed out that the E-Government Agency is responsible for the network and will provide a wide- area networking facility for all agencies budgeted for by the government.

“In 2016, we started that process and in 2017, we will continue that process and …every year, keep adding government agencies to our network,” he stated.

The Ministries of Agri-

culture, Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure, Legal Affairs, Business, Finance, Public Security, Education, Public Health, Foreign Affairs, Presidency, Public Telecommunications, Indigenous People’s Affairs, Social Protection and Communities have already been added to the E-Government networks, along with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Parliament Office, Guyana Police Force headquarters, Youth and Sports -Ministry of Education Annex, Department of Public Service, Citizens Security Programme and The Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, an estimated $90M will be used to provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access for Hinterland and remote communities throughout Guyana. Community ICT hubs and Public Internet Access Points (PIAPs) will be established in Masakenari, Annai, Lethem, Waramadong, Paramakatoi, Aishalton, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Linden, Bartica, Mahdia,

Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Kwakwani, in addition to at least 24 more pilot communities across Guyana.

Levi explained that the agency will be using a local telecommunications company and a private circuit to reach the targeted communities. “We will be using data services that are available at the communications company to take us to those locations very quickly, so in this instance there will be no need for us to run cables to those locations,” Levi explained.

Additionally, he said reaching the remote areas would be done in two sections – one through the network using the privately owned circuit and the second way will be by using satellite-based internet services to even communities that are farther off from the targeted communities’ ones that are mentioned above.

All communities identified, Levi said, will see ICT hubs being established.

Meanwhile, 17 post offices,including those at Kamarang, Acquero, Mabaruma, Ituni and Aurora, will be ICT ready in 2017. Last year, 10 post offices were made ICT -ready.

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Third term appeal opens GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

… chancellor says case not political –– appellants get 7 days to lay over submissions

NOTWITHSTANDING a request by Attorney General, Basil Williams, for an adjournment, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, on Friday commenced hearing an appeal against the decision of former Chief Justice Ian Chang that scrapped presidential term-limits here.

And he also granted leave to the appellants, Williams and Raphael Trotman, who at the time of filing the appeal was Speaker of the National Assembly, seven days to lay over and serve on the respondents submissions in writing.

He also told the Appeal Court during the opening session on Friday that despite what is in the press, the matter is one of constitutional interpretation and not a political issue. He however, did acknowledge that the case does have political consequences.

Williams had requested that the chancellor, who is head of the Appeal Court, adjourn the hearing until February and on Friday Justice Singh referred to the letter by the AG requesting that his absence be excused and acknowledged. Singh told the Court that Williams is both lawyer and politician and therefore his presence will be excused.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that Williams advanced that Solicitor-General, Sita Ramlall, who had filed the Notice of Appeal on behalf of the Attorney General has retired, and as such, he and his team need time to prepare for and take over the case.

Prior to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, Georgetown citizen Cedric Richardson had challenged the Amendments to Article 90 of the Constitution that were enacted in 2001 after the bipartisan Constitution reform process. The amendment placed term-limits on presidents. Chang later ruled that the presidential term-limit was unconstitutional without the approval of the people through a referendum. He also ruled that persons who have become Guyanese citizens by virtue of registration can run for president. Article 90 of the Constitution states: “A person elected as President after

the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once,” and clause (3), which states, “A person who acceded to the presidency after the year 2000 and served therein on a single occasion for not less than such period as may be determined by the National

Attorney General Basil Williams Assembly, is eligible for election as President only once.”

Richardson is being represented by Shaun Allicock, who has been joined

by Senior Counsel,Douglas Mendes.

APPEAL NOTICE In the Notice of Appeal, Ramlal had contended that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected himself in law when he ruled that the National Assembly, which passed Act No 17 of 2001 purporting to alter Article 90 of the Constitution by way of a two-thirds majority vote of all members, was unconstitutional and of no effect, as it failed to comply with Article 164(2) (a).

Another ground for the appeal is the contention that Justice Chang erred and misdirected himself when he ruled that the purported alteration of Article 90 by Act No. 17 of 2001 in substance and effect “diminishes the democratic rights of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President, by excluding from presidential candidates, citizens who have served for two terms as a President.”

Justice Chang had held that the purported alteration curtails the people’s electoral democratic choices and offends the declaration in Article 1 that Guyana is a

democratic State in which sovereignty resides in the people (Article 9) and the alteration of Article 1 and Article 9 could not have been done by two-thirds majority of the elected members of the National Assembly, but by referendum.

Ramlal also contends that Justice Chang erred and misguided himself when he posited that the Proviso to Article 164 (2)(b) of the Constitution affected the purported amendment to Article 90, insofar as it seeks to “trench on and dilute” the pre-existing democratic right of the electorate to elect as president, a person of their own choice and is invalid and without legal effect for reason of non-compliance with Article 162 (2) (a) and or repugnancy with Article 1 and Article 9, both of which require a referendum for the amendment for any alteration.

The fourth ground, according to Ramlal, is that the Chief Justice erred and misguided himself when he held that while the Constitution provides for representative democracy, such representative democracy cannot trench on popular sovereignty from which it derives and which is entrenched by the requirement of a referendum. The final ground of Ramlal’s appeal is that Justice Chang erred in law in not satisfying himself that the court had jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Only recently, this newspaper had reported that there are concerns over Justice Singh taking on political cases so close to his retirement.

He is expected to proceed on pre-retirement leave on January 30, 2017, which should be his last day of work.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior legal mind had warned that Justice Singh, who is also Chancellor (ag), should not be taking on new political cases during the time he should be on pre-retirement leave.

If the term-limit hearing continues despite Williams’s request, it means that Singh, like Chang, would have to come out of pre-retirement to conclude those cases. Chang back in February 19, 2016, in one of the most controversial acts came out of pre-retirement leave and ruled that

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and his colleague, Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, cannot sit as technocratic ministers in the National Assembly.

Government had challenged the ruling and both ministers continue to sit in Parliament.

Meanwhile, Justice Singh will turn 65 years old on February 23, 2017 and according to the rules surrounding the tenure of Chief Justice, his substantive post, he is required to demit office at that age.

“It must be ensured that the Chancellor does not take on any new cases, especially

political cases. It is expected that he would want to start cases and then say he can’t go on leave, as he will have to conclude the cases,” said a prominent attorney.

Questions surrounding the retirement of Justice Singh had surfaced following a letter to the editor of this newspaper by attorney Maxwell E Edwards. Edwards had contended that when Justice Singh demits office, the office of the Chief Justice, whether by compulsory retirement or vacating at the age of 65, or by virtue of pre-retirement leave on January 30, two vacancies will exist. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards is currently serving as the

Chief Justice (ag). She was appointed by President David Granger in December 2015.

The letter writer posited that there will be a vacancy in the Office of the Chief Justice and an extant vacancy in the Office of the Chancellor.

“None of these is, or can be matters of confidentiality, but are plainly matters of public interest and concern,” he stated. The letter writer believes that there is an impending controversy on the appointment of a new Chief Justice and Chancellor, given that by virtue of the Constitution, the President is required to consult with the Leader of the Opposition.

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Couples nabbed with ammo, ecstasy TWO husband and wife pairs are among eight people arrested after police found 16 live rounds and 180 ecstasy pills at two separate Rasville, Georgetown apartments Friday morning.

Police said charges are expected to be laid against the detainees soon. The three females and five males described themselves as being in the bakery and pastry business.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

The ecstasy pills and handbag it which they were found, along with the illegal rounds with money and a laptop

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

Digicel launches ‘Mash Fit’ sessions

DIGICEL Guyana on Tuesday launched its annual ‘Mashramani Fit’ workout sessions at the Guyana Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, where more than 300 persons participated.

The highly anticipated event was geared towards getting persons fit and ready for the road on February 23.

Digicel will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on February 14, and as such, the cellphone giant is focused on promoting health and fitness.

“Health and fitness is something that we advocate strongly and what better way to start the year off than with fitness,” said Digicel

Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara at the launch of the event on Tuesday.

Mash Fit is scheduled to run for a month and the sessions are free. They are conducted by fitness instructor Vanilla Roberts, and registration is done Monday-Friday from 17:00 at GCC Ground.

At the end of the month, prizes will be given for biggest looser, most consistent person and much more.

The large gathering of participants on Tuesday showed off their dancing moves to popular songs as they get ready to get fit for the Digicel Mashramani Float Parade on February 23.

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Preparation begins for Carifesta XIII –– Education Ministry holds first meeting

THE Ministry of Education has begun planning for Carifesta XIII, which is scheduled for August 1727, 2017 in Barbados.

At its first meeting with the main stakeholders on Friday, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, and Special Projects Officer, Lennox Canterbury, briefed approximately 25 officials and creative minds on

the ministry’s expectations.

Guyana has registered to field a contingent to the event which is themed, “Asserting our culture, celebrating ourselves.”

A statement from the Ministry of Education said “the group is expected to chart a way forward to ensure Guyana’s active participation at the regional event in keeping with the overarch-

ing theme of presenting the country as a ‘Green-State’ to the Caribbean and the World.”

Representatives from the Craft, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Film Festival, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Symposia, Storytelling Events, Grand Cultural Market, Trade Fair, Youth Focus and Community Festival will participate in the Region’s

Guyana participates at Carifesta XII in Haiti (Kojo Mc Pherson photo) biggest cultural event in more than 13 categories.

Additionally, the ministry said the group was informed of “additional fringe activities” for artists outside of the government-sponsored delegations. Those include the Caribbean Rum Festival, Trade Fair and Market for producers/suppliers of artistic products, Body and Soul Line (herbs, healthy lifestyles, massages, foods and animation.

There is a tentative proposal in place for several persons to be part of a Steering Committee; those heads of the committee are to work on a blue-print for each category

of participation and were informed by Minister Henry that the blue-print must be guided by the overarching theme of leading the way for a ‘greener world.’

“This is beyond just looking at the colour green in conceptualising the green agenda,” the minister stated, while giving examples of the use of LCDs, renewable energy, the elimination of pollution and the reduction of health hazards.

Meanwhile, a youth calypso is slated for this year’s Carifesta activities and according to the Special Projects Officer, Lennox Canterbury, “Barbados has

promised to send a team of talented scouts to the Guyana Junior Calypso Competition to select a competitor to the event.”

Public auditions for possible participants are set for March 2017 at the Umana Yana and it was emphasised that the criteria and conditions set by the conveners must be able to withstand national scrutiny. As such, it is proposed that before Guyana’s contingent leaves for Barbados,that their package be showcased locally.

All blue-prints must be completed for the next committee engagement set for January 27.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

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Bartica Massacre trial

Siblings recall horror, ‘tear up’ during testimonies

By Michell Outridge ONE of two brothers who narrowly escaped the wrath of the Bartica massacrists “teared up” in the High Court on Thursday while giving his testimony in the case.

Wilbert Chester and his brother Ishmael Chester were employed by Bood-

hoo’s General Store at Parika at the time of the massacre. They both worked on the company’s boat and survived the slaughter.

It got very emotional for Wilbert Chester Jr, when he took the stand before Justice Roxane George SC and a 12-menber jury at the trial when he broke down and cried as he re-

called how he survived, saw the bodies of his colleagues on the stelling and when he couldn’t locate his brother. Wilbert said in February 2008, he was employed as a sailor on a boat called “Little Giant” owned by Boodhoo’s General Store at Parika and the boat used to travel from Parika to Bartica, then to

the Essequibo Coast transporting cargo.

When led by State prosecutor Stacy Goodings on Thursday, he said on February 16, 2008, the boat left Parika for Bartica with himself, his brother, Ishmael Chester, Errol Thomas the captain and a man called “Kirby.”

Wilbert added that

they arrived at the Guyana Power and Light wharf in Bartica at 16:40hrs and informed the store manager of their arrival, then the group returned to the boat.

The next day, February 17, 2008, about 08:30hrs the boat was moored at the TH&D wharf where they were discharging cargo, but it rained and they did not finish until 16:30hrs, then went to the boat to watch 20/20 cricket via a portable television, he said.

Wilbert related that about 18:30hrs the three other men left the boat and went out, while he and his brother remained on board. He said after the trio had returned, he and his brother left the boat and went to the beach at a Duck Curry Competition. The witness added that they returned to the boat about 21:30hrs and after a conversation with his brother, he left the boat and went to the shop to buy cigarettes at the arcade.

GUNSHOTS H o w e v e r, o n h i s way there he encountered a school friend and they went to a Chinese Restaurant and bought Guinness. He said it was while they were outside the restaurant drinking that he heard gunshots coming from the direction of the Bartica Police Station. Wilbert said he ran into the Chinese Restaurant and someone closed the door and he hid there, then when the gunshots subsided he returned to the boat.

STELLING The witness stated that he searched the boat but could not find his brother, then went to the stelling where he saw three crew members lying motionless and he checked for a pulse and only Errol Thomas had.

Wilbert,at this point in his evidence-in-chief, was moved to tears and had to take a little time to compose himself before he continued his testimony.

He added that he took

Thomas to the monument on the road at 1st Avenue and he ran to the police station which is a short distance away, but there was no one there. “The place was empty” and he exited the station and a man came to assist him in taking the injured man to the hospital.

At that point, Wilbert told the court he went in search of his brother but did not locate him, then returned to the boat and got his phone from under the pillow and called his boss, who told him something.

He stated that he went with the friend he was drinking with earlier that night in his car to the store in Bartica, but when he called out no one answered and he returned to the hospital.

Ishmael Chester, brother of Wilbert, told the court in his evidence-in-chief that he left on a boat to go Bartica from Parika and they reached there on February 16, 2008 with himself and three others including his sibling. He narrated a similar story as his brother, but said he stayed on the boat when his brother went to the shop and was watching cricket on a portable TV when he heard gunshots and they closed the door and stayed on the boat.

CRYING AND TREMBLING Ishmael, who survived the massacre, said then a tall man came on the boat and ordered them off and placed them to lie face down on the stelling.

Then about half an hour after a guy came up and said to me: “You get up and run” and he did and jumped off the stelling and ran, but left five men on the stelling. The witness added that he didn’t know the two other men, who were also lying on the stelling, but he was trembling and crying before he was told to get up and run after which he heard gunshots. Ishmael told the court he ran to Boodhoo’s General Store in Bartica and he spoke to the manager, then stayed there until the next day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday January 14, 2017

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Separate oil from politics –– former TT Energy Minister urges Guyana

WITH oil extraction expected to commence by 2020, Guyana has been urged to keep the oil and gas sector insulated from politics.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine made the appeal on Thursday during a public lecture at the Pegasus Hotel (Guyana).

The event was organised by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA).

Ramnarine, who served as Energy Minister from 2011 to 2015, recommended that Guyana establish a State-owned company to manage the country’s oil and gas sector.

“This company’s board and management must be insulated

from politics… because if it is not, you will get a call to hire somebody’s nephew,” he said.

Ramnarine also suggested that Guyana set up three state agencies: one to partner with oil giant Exxon; one to focus on infrastructural development in the country; and the other to focus on marketing products.

He pointed to the fact that new production-sharing contracts in Trinidad has allowed for the ministry to market its own hydrocarbons.

He said whatever State companies are formed; part of the equity should be put on the stock exchange.

But in relation to the actual benefits derived from oil production, Ramnarine believes

that Guyanese have much to celebrate as the discovery will not only benefit the country, but the region and the world at large.

Most of the countries in the region depended on countries like Venezuela for oil.

And according to the former Energy Minister, he holds the view that Guyana’s discovery has the potential to “dramatically change the economy of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean”.

“I said that in 2015 and that view has now been amplified,” he added.

Ramnarine noted that when the Liza discovery was made, it had a significant impact on the

Former Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister, Kevin Ramnarine, during his presentation on Thursday evening at the Pegasus Hotel world of oil and gas.

“It was the biggest discovery of 2015. It is interesting that it is made by one of the best companies in the world.

This is not a company that will drop anchor in Guyana and

leave. Exxon will be in Guyana for over 50 years,” he said, adding that the relationship between Exxon and Guyana is similar to Trinidad and Tobago and British Petroleum.

He said what this means

for the ordinary citizen is that Guyana is going to become richer very quickly, and it is then up to the Government to decide what it wants to do with that wealth.

President David Granger has already hinted at the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for Guyanese.

An SWF consists of pools of money derived from a country’s reserves, set aside for investment purposes to benefit the country’s economy and citizens.

Ramnarine’s presentation was made on the same day ExxonMobil announced positive results from its Payara-1 well offshore Guyana.

Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block and was drilled in a new reservoir.

50 displaced in Cummings Lodge blaze

By Ravin Singh THE relatively quiet village of Cummings Lodge was sent into a state of panic on Friday evening when fire engulfed an apartment building leaving more than 40 students and other occupants homeless.

The 30-room apartment building is said to be owned by Shanta Baldeo and is located at lot 46 Third Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The building was occupied by students of the University of Guyana (UG), Cyril Potter College

of Education (CPCE), Rajiv Gandhi Medical School and non-student residents.

According to Ron Smith, an occupant of one of the apartments, he was at home relaxing when he heard cries of fire from another occupant .

“I heard some of the boys yelling fire! fire! about minutes to nine.

They normally joke about stuff all the time, but I decided to go out and check and it was indeed a fire,” the distraught resident told the Guyana Chronicle while the building was still collapsing.

The blaze started in an apartment downstairs and

is believed to be electrical in origin.

Smith recalled rushing to the pipe after grabbing his bucket, but water was coming too slowly for the occupants to extinguish the blaze.

He said attempts were also made to get sand to contain the blaze, but they could not locate any within the vicinity of that home.

According to the now homeless man, two fire tenders arrived after 21:00hrs, but they were prevented from extinguishing the fire due to the fact that the Guyana Power and

Light (GPL) had not disconnected electricity.

“I think it was because of this, the building could not be saved. Because if the power was off, they [the fire service] could have contained the fire,” he told this publication.

Another onlooker related that the fire tenders were not operational and there were issues with them not having water.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived on scene at 21:30 hrs, none of the tenders were working, despite the remains of the building still being ravaged

by flames.

During this time, efforts were being made by residents and some students to contain the fire through the formation of bucket brigades with the supply of water from neighbours.

Smith, like many others, related that he was unable to save any of his personal belongings, including documents, and material assets including two fridges, a stove, a bed, a microwave, a guitar and a keyboard, among other things.

He said he was unable to save anything because

he rushed out to help the others contain the fire with the hope that it would not consume the entire building.

“It is very difficult for me now because it is like I have to start back over in life. I lost all of my qualifications and documents and everything I’ve worked hard for. It is not being materialistic, but you set targets to achieve things in life to be comfortable and when you lose that in the wink of an eye, it is hard to comprehend,” an emotional Smith said.

Father who allegedly raped 8-year-old daughter collapses in court A THIRTY-THREE- yearold man of Wismar, Linden, who is accused of raping his 8-year-old daughter, was on Friday rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) before he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

The man while being escorted by law-enforcement officials in front of the Magistrates Court rolled onto the pavement.

An officer who was escorting him was heard saying, “The man went good good and soon as he see the court she start with his tricks….nothing ain’t wrong with he.”

The officers strongly believed that the man was playing tricks and as a result he was tak-

The man being assisted by the police en into the court yard, where the accused mustered the courage to hide his face from the media. As he was being taken up the stairs by two law- enforcement officials, the man collapsed and fell into the corridor and lay in front of the chief magistrate’s court

room. While on the ground, he complained about pains, after which froth was seen coming from his mouth.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he received treatment. He is scheduled to return to court on Mon-

day, to answer the charge of rape.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the 8-year-old girl visited the probation office after school and revealed to the resident probation officer that she had been sexually abused. She was then taken to the hospital where doctors confirmed that she had indeed been molested.

The child is now in the custody of her aunt and is assisting the police with the investigation. It has been reported that the child has been the victim of physical and sexual abuse for some time and according to a source, “The little girl just couldn’t take it anymore and yesterday she just walked into the probation office.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Forty-Six complete Self Reliance Workshop in Kildonan - First Lady urges ‘constant learning’ FORTY-SIX (46) women on Friday received certificates of completion following their completion of the Self Reliance and Success in Business workshop at Kildonan, East BerbiceCorentyne, Region Six.

First Lady Sandra Granger, presenting certificates to the women, reminded them that their graduation from the workshop is merely the beginning of their journey as professional businesswomen.

“Because we all know

education is a constant thing, life must be [about] constant learning. Concepts change, the situation changes, so, to grow and develop and be successful we have to adapt and we have to recognise what is going on around us,” Mrs. Granger

Forty -six women on Friday successfully completed the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop at Kildonan, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). Here they pose with their certificates. Seated are (l-r) – Ms. Barbara Pilgrim, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Ms Yvonne Smith, First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, Deputy Director of the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus and Chairperson of the Lands and Survey Committee, Mrs Paulette Henry, Director of Interweave Solutions Incorporated, Mr Wayne Barrow, Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Ms. Kim Williams Stephen and Regional Chairman of Region Six, Mr David Armogan

said.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said the First Lady encouraged those who participated in the programme to work together for the benefit of their communities, as she told stories of other women from across the country who have successfully completed the workshops.

“There’s nothing like unified action. There’s nothing like getting together and [using] the force of people with their ideas and that vision moving forward to get it done,” the First Lady said.

Meanwhile, Director of Interweave Solutions Incorporated, Wayne Barrow, said that he was amazed by the overwhelming response received from the women during the workshop. He explained that during the workshop, the women divided themselves into seven groups aimed at improving their communities “These groups can become a source of encouragement, motivation, and the vehicle of change in the lives of our young people,” Barrow said, as he encouraged the women to persevere.

“We have to think differently if we are to succeed… I see a group of

Participant, Ms Claudette Richardson, receives her certificate from First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger

amazing women, who will succeed as long as they do not listen to the negativity around them. So your charge is to go and do the best you can. You did extremely well and we are proud of you,” he stated.

Deputy Director of the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus and Chairperson of the Lands and Surveys Committee, Paulette Henry, encouraged the participants to enhance their skills. “Every woman has the capacity to do, to become, to grow and I know that all of you here are coming out stronger than you were before. You are strong in the first instance.

This is helping to empower you. This is helping to make

you to become truly self-reliant,” she said.

Participants were elated to have successfully completed the workshop and shared their excitement.

“We can be better women in society and I am happy that our First Lady gave us this chance,” Affida Henry said, while her colleague Annette Jaundoo said, “I think this is a brilliant initiative from the First Lady. I personally benefitted. Many of the things I learned, I will be able to apply in my business.”

Regional Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan and Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Kim Williams Stephen, also attended the ceremony on Friday.

AFC Executive Conference billed for January 28

By Ravin Singh

As the Alliance For Change (AFC) prepares to host its National Executive Conference on January 28, party General Secretary David Patterson, said there are no restrictions barring individuals from competing for leadership positions.

Patterson’s announcement was made on Friday at the party’s maiden press conference for the year, held at its Kitty headquarters.

Asked whether members of the party who are currently serving as ministers of Government will be allowed to contest for leadership positions in the party, Patterson responded in the affirmative.

“We haven’t put any restrictions on ministers. Obviously, if you feel you are capable and you indicate so, you will not be prevented from running. Previous to this, several of us had busy

careers and we managed,” the General Secretary said.

He pointed out too that leadership positions in the party is not a “one-man job” but support staff is needed.

Patterson said that if persons who are nominated realise that there is difficulty in managing their posts, then the party expects them to be honest about it.

Executive member of the party, and current Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes also agreed with Patterson, reasoning that prior to the party securing Executive office, those ministers had careers which they managed well while serving as leaders of the party.

She also expressed that 2017 provides an exciting opportunity for the AFC to look at how the party can be strengthened, how it can plan for the next year, and for members to ensure AFC continues to make a positive

contribution to the political landscape of Guyana.

“One of the focus this year is the opportunity for us to connect even closer with our wide array of membership; being able to get back into communities and being able to contribute generally to the positive direction we would like to see Guyana go,” Hughes said.

The party’s Executive Conference will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School, Region Three.

This will be the first occasion on which the party will host a National Executive Conference outside of Region Four.

The conference will feature elections for 16 positions, including Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and 12 National Executive Members.

The electoral system follows that of an electoral

college and comprises 275 delegates spanning the 10 administrative regions.

According to the party’s General Secretary, delegates must be members of the AFC for a period of no less than one year and one day and be of good financial standing.

He said that the deadline for nominations is noon on Monday, January 23rd, 2017 and nominations from the floor will not be permitted.

A list of all nominees will be announced following the nomination deadline.

He said voting will be done by secret ballot and a returning officer who will be named at a later date will preside over the elections.

The conference will also allow for motions from any member (providing that it is seconded) and any member can attend; however, only the delegates have voting rights.

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

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Twenty-seven complete...

From Backpage

TWENTY-SEVEN coaches, who have successfully completed the CONCACAF Goalkeeping and D. Licence Coaches programme held in October and November 2016 respectively, received their certificates on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

This presentation was made in the GFF’s Boardroom by president of the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) Wayne Forde and Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

In brief comments to the attendees at the simple ceremony, Greenwood congratulated the candidates and informed them that the Federation will explore more technical courses in 2017 to build capacity of the coaches in Guyana, both nationally and at the Association level.

“We’re looking to have a lot more courses throughout the year (which will be)

CONCACAF-based, FIFA-based (and) from the GFF … we’re looking at developing the coach education structure at the GFF (and) linking it (to) the Coaches Association as well. So throughout the year, there will be a structured calendar where there will be seminars, courses and development plans for you as individual coaches.”

Additionally, a coaches’ database will also be developed and employment opportunities will be made available.

“We’re looking to employ TDOs (Technical Development Officers) in the local associations. We’re looking to employ youth coaches as well in the Association,” Greenwood said.

He also mentioned the possibility of national coaches being involved in international study visits.

Meanwhile, Forde noted

that the Executive Committee will place much emphasis on coaches’ education and infrastructure development in the new year. This will see an annual investment of approximately US$750 000 in infrastructural development.

However, he underscored the need for self-development of the coaches to complement the formal training being provided.

“Apart from the training that Mr Greenwood and the GFF will expose you to, you need to take some responsibility to develop yourself; you need to read, you need to research and (use) every opportunity you have to exercise your craft. If there is a school within your district, if there (are) a few kids within your neighbourhood that you can bring into the sport, if there is a club that you should be aligning yourself with, by all means take the initiative ….”

He continued, “I think once you have demonstrated consistently that you are making an effort to improve on yourself, we will meet you … 75 percent or 80 percent of the way because we have an obligation as a Federation to invest in you.”

In closing, the president congratulated the coaches, especially the lone female coach, and recommitted the Executive Committee’s plan to develop coaches in the country.

In providing an overview, chairperson of the session and GFF’s Technical Development Officer, Lyndon France, outlined the number of technical courses conducted during the year The CONCACAF D. Licence course saw the participation of 19 coaches, the Goalkeeping course had 25 coaches, and the E. Licence Course had 24 teachers.

WICB cancels Pakistan security visit, says...

From Backpage

THE Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has apparently convinced the West Indies Cricket Board to turn down a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board for a tour to be hosted in the south Asian country.

According to reports, the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) asked the FICA to look into Pakistan’s security plans, and were given feedback that was less than favourable.

FICA’s response came from its latest security advisory that, in turn, comes from security consultants Eastern Star International.

The risk level in Pakistan, according to Eastern Star, who provides security for various cricket boards, including the International Cricket Council, was “at an extremely elevated state”.

The Pakistan Super League final is scheduled for Lahore in the country, and FICA has already advised players in that final, not to go.

The WICB doesn’t seem to be expecting too much fall-out with the PCB after the refusal, as the Caribbean board announced the region would be hosting Pakistan in two T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests across five venues.

The West Indies’ rejection marks the third after Ireland and Sri Lanka rejected travelling to the country over the last two years.

In 2009, a bus with Sri Lankan players was attacked in Lahore and since then, the International Cricket Council has refused to sanction games in Pakistan.

(Sportsmax.com)

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German’s Restaurant boss donates...

From Backpage

IN AN effort to encourage the playing of Fustal in the East Bank Football

Association (EBFA), owner of the German’s Restaurant, Clinton Urling, made a donation of balls to the association.

Noting that he has been following the progress of football in the association over the past three years, Urling said that he is encouraged by the collective work of the association executive and the clubs in their desire to ensure that players at all levels are active.

“You guys have been doing an admirable job by playing tournaments at

the youth and senior levels consistently and with the donation of these balls, I am challenging you to start looking at this small-sided version of the game that can attract more players and even assist with sharpening the skills of current players.”

EBFA president Franklin Wilson, in accepting the donation from Urling, thanked him for recognising the work that is being done in the association. He noted that the clubs and the association executive have a working

relationship and are always looking for ways to improve and advance the sport in the association.

Wilson also informed that the association is working on bringing all the clubs in line with updated constitutions and elections, Herstelling Raiders FC already falling in line with Circuit Ville Jaguars of Yarrowkabra on the Linden Soesdyke Highway expected to follow shortly.

Wilson promised that the association would be looking shortly at introducing Futsal soon.

Chelsea drop Costa after row over fitness

(REUTERS)-Diego Costa has been dropped from the squad of Premier League leaders Chelsea for the match at champions Leicester City after a row over his fitness, according to media reports yesterday.

Costa, the Premier League’s leading scorer with 14 goals, will miss Saturday’s game following a disagreement with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and a club fitness coach Julio Tous, the reports say.

Costa is said to have not

trained with the rest of the squad for the past three days after a row with Tous over the extent of an injury he was complaining of.

Conte is reported to have sided with his coach in the argument and has left his key striker out of the squad as Chelsea seek to protect their five-point lead at the top of the league.

The latest controversy to surround the famously volatile Spanish international was also reported to be connected with a

30 million pounds ($36.54 million) a year offer the 28-year-old had been made to play in China.

Two Chelsea players, Oscar and Jon Obi Mikel, recently left Chelsea to join Chinese Super League clubs on huge deals.

After an indifferent 201516 season at the end of which he considered leaving the club, Costa has cut a completely rejuvenated figure this season, having until now sidestepped controversies while leading the London club’s title assault.

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27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Rabada, Philander peg back Sri Lanka in third Test (REUTERS) - Two wickets each for lively South African seamers Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander left Sri Lanka reeling on 80 for four in their first innings when bad light brought a premature end to day two of the third and final Test at the Wanderers yesterday.

Sri Lanka still trail South Africa by 346 on a wicket with plenty of pace, bounce and sideways movement, and will rely on the experi-

enced duo of skipper Angelo Mathews (11 not out) and Dinesh Chandimal (3 not out) to rescue the innings.

The tourists had fought superbly to get themselves back into the game in the first two sessions of the day, restricting South Africa to 426 all out from their overnight 338 for three.

Yet with Rabada (2-26) and Philander (2-23) beating the bat at will on a responsive wicket, the tourists face a mighty challenge to stay in

Nuwan Pradeep leads the fightback for Sri Lanka on the second morning, finishing with four for 78.

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (o/n 338-3) S. Cook lbw b Mathews 10 D. Elgar c Karunaratne b Kumara 27 H. Amla c Chandimal b Pradeep 34 J. Duminy c K. Mendis b Kumara 155 D. Olivier c Chandimal b Mathews 3 F. du Plessis c K. Mendis b Pradeep 16 T. Bavuma c K. Silva b Pradeep 0 Q. de Kock c D. de Silva b Kumara 34 V. Philander c Chandimal b Pradeep 0 W. Parnell c Tharanga b Kumara 23 K. Rabada not out 0 Extras: (b-11, lb-8, nb-1, w-4) 24 Total: (all out, 124.1 overs) 426 Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-45, 3-337, 4-346, 5-364, 6-364, 7-367,

the game.

Philander struck first when he removed opener Dimuth Karunaratne for a duck in the first over as he edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and later had Dhananjaya de Silva caught

by Temba Bavuma at point for 10.

Rabada got sharp lift off the wicket and claimed his first scalp when he forced an edge from Kaushal Silva to de Kock when on 13, before a steep bouncer to Kusal

SCOREBOARD 8-378, 9-425.

Bowling: S. Lakmal 30-8-81-0, N. Pradeep 27-8-78-4 (w-2), A. Mathews 20-6-52-2 (nb-1), L. Kumara 25.1-2-107-4 (w-2), R. Herath 14-0-67-0, D. de Silva 8-1-2- 0.

SRI LANKA 1st innings D. Karunaratne c de Kock b Philander

0 K. Silva c de Kock b Rabada 13 K. Mendis c Duminy b Rabada 41 D. de Silva c Bavuma b Philander 10 A. Mathews not out 11 D. Chandimal not out 3 Extras: (lb-2) 2 Total: (for 4 wickets, 28.4 overs) 80 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-47, 3-62, 4-70.

Bowling: V. Philander 9-3-23-2, W. Parnell 6.4-1- 16-0, D. Olivier 6-2-13-0, K. Rabada 7-2-26-2.

Murray faces Marchenko, Djokovic begins defence against Verdasco

(REUTERS) - Andy Murray’s bid for a first Australian Open tennis title will begin on Monday with a first-round match against Illya Marchenko.

The world number one faces the 93rd-ranked Ukrainian in his opener, whom he beat comfortably in the second round of the 2011 tournament, their sole Tour encounter.

From there, three-time grand slam winner Murray enjoys a relatively smooth run to the quarters where fifth seed Kei Nishikori or Roger Federer may await.

Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic will launch his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title with a mouth-watering firstround match against Fernando Verdasco.

S p a n i a r d Ve r d a s c o knocked out compatriot and 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round last year at Melbourne Park and had five match points against Djokovic in their recent clash at the Qatar Open.

Should Djokovic advance,

Current Australian Open tennis champion Serbia’s Novak Djokovic the world number two could face a resurgent Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round. The Bulgarian won the Brisbane International last week and is in ominous form.

Federer, seeded 17th after the longest injury lay-off of his near 20-year career, eases back in to grand slam action against a qualifier.

But the Swiss master’s path to an 18th grand slam title is likely to mean passing a huge third round hurdle against Japan’s Nishikori.

Three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, faces a challenging

first-round clash with Slovak Martin Klizan, with a possible fourth round against tempestuous Australian talent Nick Kyrgios.

Nadal, the 2009 champion and seeded ninth this year, plays German journeyman Florian Mayer first up as he seeks to revive his career after a barren two years at the majors.

A potential blockbuster quarter-final against third seed Milos Raonic looms for the 30-year-old Mallorcan, who has failed to reach the last four at a grand slam since his 2014 French Open triumph.

In the women’s tournament, British world number 10 Johanna Konta faces Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens.

Elsewhere, Serena Williams has been dealt a perilous first clash against Swiss talent Belinda Bencic as the American bids for a record 23rd grand slam title in the professional era.

Williams, coming back after a four-month lay-off to deal with shoulder injuries, could then face former top10 player Lucie Safarova in the second round.

Mendis (41) looped off a glove to JP Duminy.

Earlier, a magnificent spell of hostile fast bowling before lunch from Nuwan Pradeep (4-78) ripped through the South Africa middle-order as he recorded figures of four wickets for 15 runs in seven overs.

Pradeep claimed the prized wickets of home

skipper Faf du Plessis (16) as he squared him up and Mendis held on to a catch at second slip.

T h e m b a B a v u m a ’s wretched run continued when he was caught in the slips by Silva off Pradeep two balls later for a duck, before the tourists snared the big wicket of Hashim Amla for 134.

Amla had completed the rare feat of scoring a century in his 100th Test but Pradeep brought the magnificent innings to a close when he coaxed an edge to Chandimal.

The seamer grabbed his fourth wicket when he had Philander caught by the wicketkeeper for a duck.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Shakib 217 and Mushfiqur 159 lift Bangladesh in record stand (REUTERS) - Shakib Al Hasan stroked the highest individual score for Bangladesh and combined with Mushfiqur Rahim in a record partnership on

the second day of the first Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Shakib (217) and captain Mushfiqur (159) stubbornly de-

nied New Zealand in perfect conditions at the Basin Reserve as they produced a 359-run fifth-wicket partnership and batted their side into a position where

Shakib Al Hasan registers his first double-century in Test cricket.

Both Shakib and Mushfiqur brought up their centuries before tea, with the former tucking a Wagner delivery off his legs for a single and the latter guiding a Southee ball down to third man for his 17th boundary.

Shakib had a let off on 137 when he appeared to have been caught by a diving Watling down the leg side, but television replays showed the ball had momentarily touched the ground as the wicketkeeper landed and the batsman was recalled.

He was also dropped by a diving Ross Taylor at backward point on 189 from Trent Boult, who eventually ended the pair’s stand about 40 minutes before stumps when he had Mushfiqur caught behind by Watling.

Bangladesh’s previous record for the fifth wicket was 267 that Mushfiqur and Mohammad Ashraful scored against Sri Lanka in Galle in March, 2013.

Mushfiqur Rahim lofts down the ground in his 159.

they are unlikely to lose the game.

The previous highest partnership for any wicket for Bangladesh was the 312 by Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes for the first wicket against Pakistan at Khulna in April, 2015.

Shakib brought up his double-century, just the third by a Bangladeshi batsman, when he punched a Colin de Grandhomme delivery behind square for his 30th boundary, then surpassed Tamim’s record score of 206 with a push for a single to mid-off.

A weary Shakib eventually chopped a Neil Wagner delivery on about 15 minutes before the close of play before the visitors ended the day on 542 for seven,

with Sabbir Rahman 10 not out after Mehedi Hasan was caught off the last ball for a duck.

Thursday’s first day was disrupted by regular bouts of rain and then bad light, with the visitors laying a solid foundation of 154-3 after being asked to bat on a green-tinged pitch.

Shakib was on five when play resumed yesterday with Mominul Haque on 64.

Mominul, however, did not add to his overnight score when he was caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling off Tim Southee to reduce the visitors to 160-4, though that was New Zealand’s only success until late in the final session.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st innings (o/n 154-3) T. Iqbal lbw b Boult 56 I. Kayes c Boult b Southee 1 M. Haque c Watling b Southee 64 Mahmudullah c Watling b Wagner 26 S. Al Hasan b Wagner 217 M. Rahim c Watling b Boult 159 Sa. Rahman not out 10 M. Hasan c Southee b Wagner 0 Extras: (b-2, lb-6, nb-1) 9 Total: (for 7 wickets, 136 overs) 542 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-60, 3-145, 4-160, 5-519, 6-536, 7-542.

Bowling: T. Boult 31-4-121-2, T. Southee 31-5-144-2, C. de Grandhomme 20-2-65-0, N. Wagner 36-6-124-3 (nb-1), M. Santner 15-2-60-0, K. Williamson 3-0-20-0.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

2016 Junior Female Tennis Champion Afruica Gentle wants tennis to move forward

By Tamica Garnett TENNIS 2016 Junior Female champion Afruica Gentle wants nothing more than to see tennis in Guyana take off and reach higher heights. She sees a lot of potential in herself and her fellow players, and looks forward to the day when tennis in Guyana gets some good recognition.

“There’s a lot of raw talent in tennis in Guy-

ana. The athletes just need better tennis facilities in order to move forward,” the Inter Guiana Games Girls’ Under-18 champion said candidly earlier this week.

“The athletes just need to be more determined and focused on making it to the international spotlight,” She added.

Having started playing tennis herself at just four years old, Afruica is head over heels in love with the sport.

Afruica Gentle

Afruica Gentle receives one of her many trophies.

“I like playing tennis because when I am on the court I can forget about everything and focus on myself,” said the Mae’s School third form student.

She’s following right in the footsteps of big sister Shawna Gentle, who, at the peak of her game, was Guyana’s top female junior player. Shawna raked in title after title, and hardly ever lost on the local scene. Afruica is doing just that. It was Shawna and her many wins that inspired Afruica to get involved.

“I started playing because I saw my sister playing and found an interest in the sport,” Afruica said.

Just last week Afruica was awarded the title as the 2016 Junior Female Tennis Champion by the Guyana Tennis Association (GLTA) at the body’s annual award ceremony. The award of course was for Afruica’s great performances through the 2016 season.

Last year the 15-yearold won a tall order of titles including being the youngest person to be champion of the GBTI Open ladies’ singles.

She’s also the reigning

Afruica Gentle in action

ladies’ doubles champion, a title she shares with Senior Female 2016 Champion Cristy Campbell. She shared the mixed doubles win with Senior Male 2016 Champion Anthony Downes.

She won the mixed title in the Trophy Stall Doubles tournament.

But before she’s a player, she’s a student.

As hard as being an athlete is in Guyana, be-

ing a student athlete is even more challenging.

There’s the training, the schoolwork, and then of course the lessons.

“Well, it’s a bit hard sometimes because when I want to focus on tennis I have to remember that I still need to produce good grades’ but I’m still always focused on being the number one player.” Afruica happily explained.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

African Cup of Nations football set to kick off today to kick off THE 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations football tournament will kick off at 16:00hrs GMT today when hosts Gabon take on debutants Guinea-Bissau.

Sixty years have passed since the first Nations Cup, which took place in Sudan in 1957, consisted of only three teams and was won by Egypt.

This year’s edition has 32 matches over 23 days, featuring 16 teams - who begin their quest in four groups of four - and will end on February 5 with the winning finalists lifting the Italian-made trophy and

taking home $4M (£3.28M).

Africa remains enthralled by the tournament, which has steadily grown to become the continent’s biggest sporting event, and the 2017 finals are guaranteed to provide a mix of flair, surprise, controversy and historic moments.

HOSTS Gabon welcomes back the cream of African football only five years after it co-hosted the Nations Cup with Equatorial Guinea.

The country was awarded the finals by the Confederation of African Football

as replacement for Libya, which had been due to host in 2013 but swapped years with South Africa which had been selected to host in 2017.

The civil war in Libya meant it had to withdraw entirely and in stepped Gabon.

However, the oil-rich country with a population of 1.8M has been experiencing its own troubles since incumbent President Ali Bongo was declared the winner of a contested election in August.

His victory was followed by deadly clashes on the streets.

Opposition activists have

the lowest-ranked team in the finals, occupying 108th spot in FIFA’s world rankings for January.

But they do have in their side one of the world’s most coveted strikers in Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang. The Borussia Dortmund forward goes into the tournament in scintillating form, having scored 20 goals in 22 games this season for his German club.

Gabonese Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze Ngondet with the Nations Cup trophy

called on citizens to boycott the tournament as part of their plans to highlight their protests against Bongo’s rule.

On the pitch, Gabon are

PLAYERS TO WATCH As well as Aubameyang, many eyes will be on reigning BBC African F o o t b a l l e r - o f - t h e - Ye a r and CAF African Footballer-of-the-Year Riyad Mahrez and Africa’s most expensive player Sadio Mane.

Leicester winger Mahrez will be a key figure in an Algeria team which until recently had been ranked the best team in Africa.

Mane, who cost Liverpool £34M, leads the line for Senegal. The Teranga Lions have never won the event but Mane could be the key to changing that statistic.

Twenty-three players f ro m E n g l i s h P re m i e r League clubs will be in Gabon including Mahrez, Mane, Manchester Unite d ’s I v o r i a n d e f e n d e r Eric Bailly, West Ham’s Ghanaian Andre Ayew, Leicester’s Algerian Islam Slimani and Crystal Palace’s Ivorian Wilfried Zaha. (BBC Sport)

Wade’s maiden ODI century hands Aussies 1-0 lead (REUTERS) - Australia’s Matthew Wade struck his maiden one-day century to help secure a comprehensive 92-run victory over a disjointed Paki-

stan in the first one-day international in Brisbane yesterday.

Blanked in the preceding Test series, Pakistan began well by reducing

Australia to 78 for five in the 17th over at the Gabba.

Wade’s unbeaten runa-ball 100, brought up off the final delivery of the innings, and Glenn Max-

Saintfiet’s resignation unfortunate - TTFA Boss

PRESIDENT of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) David John-Williams has described as unfortunate the decision of national coach Tom Saintfiet to resign.

Saintfiet, a 43-year-old Belgian, resigned on Tuesday, citing a lack of support from the TTFA and John-Williams, who said he was not happy at the decision and will clear the air on the situation soon.

Under Saintfiet, Trinidad and Tobago lost 2-1 to Suriname but more crucially, lost

to Haiti 4-3 in the play-off for the final spot in CFU/ CONCACAF Gold Cup play-off at the Ato Boldon Stadium last Sunday.

O n We d n e s d a y, John-Williams referred Saintfiet’s letter of resignation to the TTFA Technical Committee that recommended that the Board of Directors accept.

Meantime, reports in Trinidad and Tobago say, the TTFA is likely to hire W Connection head coach, Stuart-Charles Fevrier, as the Belgian’s replacement.

The Trinidad Guardian reported that Fevrier said he will accept the job.

“I am a football coach by profession and I will certainly consider any job that I am being offered, especially to work at the highest level of the game,” Fevrier is reported saying.

“It is certainly a difficult time for T&T football.

Sometimes you can turn a negative into a positive and sometimes it may not work also, but if you have to take the job, you have to think positively.”

well’s brisk 60 helped the hosts to recover, however, and post 268 for nine.

Pakistan got off to a decent start but there was no significant partnership in their innings and Azhar Ali’s side were dismissed for 176 in the 43rd over.

Azhar and Sharjeel Khan put on 38 runs in their opening stand before James Faulkner (4-32) claimed the first of his four wickets by dismissing Sharjeel.

To make matters worse for the tourists, Azhar was forced to retire hurt and, even though he returned to

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, January 14, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mark Boucher-SA (147 Tests) (2) Kumar Sangakarra-SL (360 ODIs) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper has made the most Test runs to date?

(2) Which wicketkeeper has made the most ODI runs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Matthew Wade celebrates his maiden ODI century against Pakistan in Brisbane.

bat, the match had slipped out of Pakistan’s hands by then.

Babar Azam’s 33 was the highest score for Pakistan who sorely missed wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed and paceman Mohammad Irfan, both having returned home for family reasons.

Earlier, Australia packed their rejigged top half with explosive hitters but at 170-7 inside 34 overs, it looked like the world champions might not last full 50 overs.

Paceman Mohammad Amir breathed hostility after Steve Smith opted to bat, dismissing the dangerous David Warner and the scoreless Australia captain with successive deliveries.

Debutant Chris Lynn denied him the hat-trick but Australia looked in trouble until Wade joined Maxwell in the middle.

Maxwell was returning to the side after being dropped and fined for speaking out about batting below his captain Wade in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield side.

There, however, was no sign of any bad blood between the duo who raised 82 runs to steady the innings.

Maxwell smashed seven boundaries before throwing his wicket away but Wade

looked unmovable as he hit seven boundaries and two sixes in a gritty knock which earned him the manof-the-match award.

The teams move to Melbourne for the second of five matches in the series tomorrow.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner b Amir 7 T. Head c Rizwan b Wasim 39 S. Smith c Rizwan b Amir 0 C. Lynn c Rizwan b H. Ali 16 M. Marsh c Rizwan b Wasim 4 G. Maxwell c Hafeez b H. Ali 60 M. Wade not out 100 J. Faulkner c Hafeez b Nawaz 5 P. Cummins run-out (Amir, U. Akmal) 15 M. Starc b H. Ali 10 B. Stanlake not out 1 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1, w-9) 11 Total: (for 9 wickets, 50 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-13, 3-52, 4-67, 5-78, 6-160, 7-170, 8-212, 9-235.

Bowling: M. Amir 10-0-54-2 (w3), M. Hafeez 7-0-23-0 (w-1), H. Ali 9-0-65-3 (w-2), W. Riaz 6-0-2 -0 (nb-10), Wasim 10-0-35-2, M. Nawaz 8-0-48-1.

PAKISTAN innings Az. Ali c Warner b Faulkner 24 Sh. Khan c Maxwell b Faulkner 18 M. Hafeez c Wade b Faulkner 4 B. Azam c Smith b Cummins 33 U. Akmal c Head b Starc 17 M. Rizwan c M. Marsh b Cummins 21 I. Wasim c Warner b M. Marsh 29 M. Nawaz b Starc 1 M. Amir c Maxwell b Faulkner 8 W. Riaz c Starc b Cummins 6 H. Ali not out 1 Extras: (b-4, lb-5, w-5) 14 Total: (all out, 42.4 overs) 176 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-47, 3-79, 4-109, 5-129, 6-133, 7-158, 8-163, 9-171.

Bowling: M. Starc 8-0-34-2 (w2), B. Stanlake 3-0-13-0 (w-1), J. Faulkner 7-1-32-4, P. Cummins 8.4-0-33-3 (w-2), T. Head 10-028-0, M. Marsh 6-0-27-1.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Essequibo Cricket Board AGM and Elections … Due procedures were Christiani set for Sunday, says Bacchus setfollowed for -Sunday,

By Rajiv Bisnauth PRESIDENT of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Fizul Bacchus confirmed yesterday that the ECB Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections will be held tomorrow at the ECB hostel, and as usual it will be run in a transparent manner within the constitutional framework of the board.

The ECB AGM and Elections is constitutionally due on or before January 15, 2017.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the ECB, Aotto Christiani, is contending that due proce-

dures were followed regarding the AGM, and as such, he is rubbishing the claims made by president of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee, Prince Holder.

Holder, in a recent article published by Chronicle Sport had claimed that no notice of meeting was sent to the respective representatives but instead the Secretary informed him via a telephone call.

This too, he said, is unacceptable and against the constitution since notices should have been given at least ten days prior to the meeting.

“The usual procedures

Prince Holder

were followed as it regards the notice of meeting. Notices were sent to all eight area committees,” Christiani said.

Asked when the notices were made available to the respective area committees, the ECB Secretary said, “I can’t remember the specific date the Notices were sent out, since some of the Notices were by postal, but subsequently, I made contact via telephone to all area committees informing them of the meeting.”

The eight area committees are: Bartica Cricket Committee (BCC), Central Essequibo

Cricket Committee (CECC), East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee (EBECC), Leguan Cricket Committee (LCC) North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC), Pomeroon Cricket Committee (PCC), South Essequibo Cricket Committee (SECC) and the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC).

Bacchus is expected to return unopposed as president of the ECB for another term.

Each of the area committees manages cricket within its geographical area and is entitled to two votes each at the ECB elections.

Fizul Bacchus

Johnson’s X1 beat Singh’s X1 by 90 runs in second practice match CONTRASTING half-centuries from Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Christopher Barnwell piloted Leon Johnson’s X1 to a comfortable 90 runs win over Vishaul Singh’s X1 in the second practice game played yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The game was part of the Guyana Jaguars preparations ahead of the West Indies

Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 which will commence on January 24 in Barbados and Antigua.

Batting first, Johnson’s X1 reached 289-8, with Bramble smashing his way to a 67-ball 95, inclusive of seven fours and five sixes, while the veteran Chanderpaul made 87 off 115 balls, and Barnwell 56 off 76 balls.

The 42-year-old Chan-

THE sixteen teams that will be part of the 2017 LIMACOL Round Robin knockout football tournament will know their fixtures today when the draw takes place at 15:00hrs at the Bransville Hotel.

The tournament which will begin tomorrow and run until February 26t will be played at various venues.

The first-seed teams are Santos, Western Tigers, Milerock and Police while the second seeds are Winners Connection, Uitivlugt, Riddim Squad and Pouderoyen.

The third-seeded teams are Grove Hi Tech, Camptown, Eagles and Den Amstel while the fourth seeds are Amsterdam United, Ann’s Grove,

Northern Rangers and Mahaica Determinators.

The tournament will feature trophies in excess of $2M and will be contested in a round-robin format initially, before the knockout phase commences.

Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers will progress to the quarterfinal round.

The winning team will take home $500 000 and a trophy, while the second-, third- and fourth-placed teams will collect $250 000, $125 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Additionally, the winners of each group will receive $100 000, while the respective finishers will pocket $50 000, $30 000 and $20 000 apiece.

(Stephan Sookram)

Anthony Bramble

derpaul shared in two crucial partnerships after his side lost openers Assad Fudadin (5), Shimron Hetmyer (11), Leon Johnson (0) and Raymon Reifer (2), early.

Chanderpaul who hit five boundaries, first shared 90 for the sixth wicket with Barnwell before adding an even 50 with Bramble to boost the innings.

Fast bowler Romario

Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 4-62, while there was a wicket apiece for Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Royston Crandon and Raun Johnson.

In the run chase, Singh’s X1 were bowled out for 199 in 45.3 overs.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 85, with four fours and two sixes, while skipper Singh contributed

49.

Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams (3-26) and left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (3-32) were the most successful bowlers.

Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l and Barnwell had a wicket apiece.

Singh’s X1 won the first game by 49 runs on Wednesday. The Guyana Jaguars will depart for Barbados on January 21.

Draw on today for LIMACOL Round Robin football

Flashback! Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca (right) receives the sponsorship cheque from New GPC Finance Manager, Duane Lovell, in the presence of GFF president Wayne Forde on Tuesday.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 14, 2017

Essequibo Cricket Board AGM and Elections set for 31 Sunday P.

Twenty-seven complete Goalkeeping and D. Licence Coaches programme

See page 26 The various awardees pose for a photo with GFF president Wayne Forde and Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

See page 26

WICB cancels Pakistan security visit, says no to T20I tour

Younus Khan walks past the bullet-ridden team bus in Lahore on March 3, 2009

See page 26

German’s Restaurant boss donates Futsal balls to EBFA

German’s Restaurant boss Clinton Urling (left) hands over Futsal balls to EBFA president Franklin Wilson.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2017