Guyana chronicle epaper 08 28 2016

No. 104657

SUNDAY AUGUST 28, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT INCLUSIVE)

No willy-nilly stops Page

3

- Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine warns against unauthorised roadblocks

Racing policeman crashes bus after hitting motorcyclist

S

EVERAL persons were injured on Saturday evening when a passenger minibus driven by policeman Timothy Andrews crashed into a utility pole at Regent and Albert Streets, Georgetown.

Reports are that Andrews, who worked the Kitty/Campbellville route part-time, had challenged another minibus driver to a race, and when that driver told him off, Andrews sped off and, in the process, struck down a motorcyclist.

Once that happened, Andrews seemingly lost control of the vehicle, which swerved several times on the road before crashing.

The motorcyclist and seven persons who were removed from the mangled bus, including the driver, were rushed to the hospital by public-spirited persons. Up to press time, police have said, there were no fatalities.

Driver: Timothy Andrews

‘It was a huge Protect indigenous sacrifice’ children Page17

- but it paid off in the end, says successful visually impaired CSEC candidates

Page 12

- UNICEF official urges toshaos

Injured: Manfro Jeffrey

Attorney General denies obstructing work of Deputy Deeds Registrar 11

Page

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Pork-knocker’s Day held at Bartica THE Golden Beach at Bartica was transformed into a campsite as hundreds from Georgetown and Bartica came together on Saturday to participate in Pork-knocker’s Day activities, culminating a week of events to mark Mining Week 2016.

This year, Mining Week activities were observed under the theme: “Extracting Minerals, Underscoring Safety, Preserving the Environment.”

During the course of the day, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with the Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford. He stated that the turnout was disappointing, especially from small and medium-scale miners. He suggested that the low price of gold and the resultant shock to the industry over the past four years have contributed to the decline

in participation.

Despite the challenges, he stated that “Pork-knocker’s Day is here to stay.”

The chairman stated that in collaboration with the mayor and councillors, they are looking to make the activity a major tourist attraction, with better planning come next year and the years to come.

The booths that were set up were mostly from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and private investors.

The first competition of the day involved bahirs (cooks) preparing breakfast for sampling by judges as part of the bahir competition.

Among the other activities were a mines rescue demonstration, a camp- building competition, cook- up competi-

tion, shovelling competition, and other activities that occur in mining areas.

President of the National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana, Sherwyn Downer, said he was disappointed over the absence of Ministers of Natural Resources, Minister Raphael Trotman and Minister Simona Broomes.

He added that what happened on Saturday was beyond sad, since Pork-knockers Day is a day to show appreciation for workers. Downer also noted that the absence of employers’ camps showed that there is a decline in showing their appreciation for workers.

Downer hopes to see a change, since the onus is on the employers to participate in these activities.

He also called on the two ministers to apologise for their absence from Saturday’s event.

Downer is also calling for more participation of workers’ representatives in the organizing of these activities.

Bartica is acknowledged as the gateway to the resource-rich interior locations.

A woman takes part in the shovelling competition

A visitor examines exhibits

There were a number of games at this year’s Pork-knocker’s Day

3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

No willy-nilly stops - Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine warns against unauthorised roadblocks

By Zena Henry ACTING Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s zero tolerance for ranks that set up roadblocks or randomly stop private vehicles without authorization.

The acting Top Cop made the force’s position clear during a press conference Friday following numerous criticisms by members of the public.

He said that traffic ranks are permitted to stop vehicles on the roadways,only if an offence has been committed and the anti-crime patrol units are permitted to stop vehicles based only on information coming from police stations or the police operations room regarding a person or vehicle of interest.

“We have said that traffic ranks must be on the road for preventative prospects… we have said stop vehicles when offences are committed.” Other than that, Ramnarine continued, “refrain, cease to just willy-nilly stop people and detain them and have a long line of congestion.”

Ramnarine clarified that the anti-crime units (patrols) are on the roadways for that specific purpose and are not permitted to conduct the tasks of traffic ranks. He said for an anti-crime unit to stop a vehicle, they would have first needed to receive a call from operations or the station to respond to a report. “…road blocks must be organized, it must be directed.

The road block must be authorized, and that is to say they received information about the description of a car, or vehicle and its occupant.

“So then you have a set of information that leads you to look for a particular vehicle.”

Ramnarine said that even when an authorized road block is set up for crime-prevention purposes and there is a random search, vehicles are supposed to be pulled to the side of the road to allow for the free flow of traffic.

“So don’t stop every Tom, Dick and Harry who is driving on the road and have four, five lanes held up,” the anti-crime unit was told. “You have a set of information, so

Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine you have reason to stop a vehicle if it fits the description.”

Ramnarine warned ranks that they are not to have road blocks and get involved in what he described as “fleecing people,” demanding something of them if their documents are not in order.

“That’s disgusting, shameful and humiliating,” Ramnarine declared.

He believes that “ranks who do that (fleece drivers) don’t have any pride and dignity and that’s why we take the action to let them go easily.

“We can’t be saying one thing and they are doing something else.”

Ramnarine encouraged drivers to report illegal actions of police ranks who stop their vehicles and demand documents and searches without providing the relevant information that would permit their requests.

He said some persons are “soft and weak,” while others

encourage delinquent ranks by paying them or making a complaint and not following through.

Ramnarine said that it is unfortunate that the force has to continuously speak on the particular matter after having regular discussions with ranks about their conduct while on duty on the roadways.

He said the matter is of deep concern to the force’s administration and preventative measures will continue, especially on the part of Divisional Commanders and the Traffic Chief.

Members of the public have complained bitterly about police ranks who stop drivers while pretending to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles. They demand drivers’ documents, and in many cases demand payoffs if all is not in order.

Complaints have surfaced also of some ranks even confiscating drivers’ documents as collateral after a driver would have promised to return with a bribe.

Statements by the force earlier in the year said no rank is authorised to confiscate drivers’ documents, even when they have committed an offence and are asked to go to the police station.

Hostile police behaviour, and the fact that many traffic ranks hide themselves and vehicle in a bid to catch speeding drivers have also concerned the public.

4

It’s about time!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

––PNCR chairman calls on coalition Gov’t to deliver on election campaign promises

PEOPLE’S National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman Basil Williams yesterday called on the APNU+AFC coalition Government to deliver on its election campaign promise of ‘A Good Life for all Guyanese’.

“Now we must govern this nation of ours for all Guyanese!” he told the packed-to-capacity audience gathered at PNCR Headquarters, Congress Place, for the hosting of the party’s 19th Biennial Delegates Congress.

Williams, whose tenure as PNCR Chairman

has been unopposed, reminded those present that while on the campaign trail in the run-up to the May 2015 general elections, the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change) coalition, of which the PNCR is a major stakeholder, had promised jobs; education; entrepreneurial opportunities; and the right to happiness, peace and security -a mandate it is now bound to fulfill.

THE RIGHT CHOICE

DATE: 27/08/2016 J

02 04 08 13 14 15 19

PNCR Chairman, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams H e a l s o re m i n d ed party supporters in particular that the PNCR had made the right choice by being

27/08/2016

02 03

08 14 23

part of the coalition.

“Comrades, at this, our 19th Biennial Delegates Congress, I am pleased to announce that we made the right turn with Brigadier David Arthur Granger and our coalition partners, APNU+AFC, on May 11, 2015, and secured the opportunity,” Williams, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, said.

He also said this year’s congress is being held at a significant juncture in that party’s history, because it is the first time in 23 years that the PNC Leader is also President of the country.

“It is also the first time in 52 years that the Prime Minister in these hallowed halls is from

27/08/2016

4

9

1

another party…. This is, without question, a good augury,” he declared.

He, however, warned that as a party within the coalition Government, the nature of the PNCR’s approach to its business and operations must ensure change, in that it must be seen as being supportive of, and being the eyes and ears of, the Government.

H e a l s o s t re s s e d the importance of the party being “on the ground at the grass roots and all reaches of the society.”

FIT FOR THE ROLE Williams reminded supporters that President David Granger, the unopposed leader of the party, had introduced two major plans to ensure the party is fit for its supportive role. Those plans are the Declaration of Vreed-en-Hoop and

27/08/2016

5

0

1

the Plan of Action of Regional Development (PARD).

“The increased membership and ‘Congress Houses’ throughout the regions,” he said, “are but just some of the manifestations that these exhortations of the Leader are taken seriously.”

He advised that, in the next biennium, it is crucial for the party to continue with the mandate of the coalition Government -- to remove divisions between the coast and the hinterland, as well as to make Guyana a better country; where there is respect for the Rule of Law, constitution and institutions; the doctrine of the Separation of Powers; and the Independence of the Government, Legislature and the Judiciary.

Williams also saluted those who had struggled with the party over the years but are no longer alive to see the progress of the party. He called on supporters to “be strong and of good courage.”

05 06

27/08/2016 13 16 17 19

20

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Nurses urged to remain respectful and compassionate

PUBLIC Health Minister Dr George Norton on Saturday called on nurses to remain committed, respectful and compassionate.

In delivering the feature address at the Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) annual awards ceremony, the Public Health Minister said while every health care worker is important, nurses share a special bond with their patients. “ N o m e d i c a l s t a ff spends more time with individual patients than a nurse does. Nurses are patient advocates, managers of care, decision-makers, communicators, caregivers, teachers, counsellors, and so much more,” he told the small gathering in the auditorium of the GNA headquarters, Alexander Street, Georgetown.

As such, Minister Norton said it is important to recognise the efforts of nurses – individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to care for their patients.

It was pointed out that in addition to their technical skills, nurses also

bring with them a generous dose of compassion in dealing with patients, who are oftentimes not only in need of constant care but also emotional support and encouragement.

“Whether it is in the hospital setting, at health centres or even in ambulatory settings, nurses safeguard the health of countless persons and for this I applaud you,” the Health Minister said.

“Nurses,through your dedication and commitment, you have touched the lives of many patients and their family members,” he added.

Before taking his seat, the Public Health Minister pledged his continued support for development of the nursing profession, and to further collaborate with the GNA for the betterment of nurses in Guyana.

Meanwhile, topping the list of awardees was Kim Angus-Dennis, who was presented with the Gloria Noel Award. Angus-Dennis of Kwakwani, Region 10, was presented the prestigious award for selflessly providing qual-

ity nursing care.

GNA President Veronica Douglas was presented with the Gillian Butts-Garnett Award, while Demine Joseph was awarded for providing quality nursing care, and Candace James for her outstanding performance as a nursing tutor.

Hully Semple, Nicole Nicholson, Minita Edwards, Shiann Bagot and Jevon Chichester were all recognized for maintaining high standards of nursing care. The association also presented Kamela Kellman and Odessa Noble with tokens of appreciation for their continuous support.

Additionally, eight children, who are parented by nurses and who have achieved over 75 per cent during this

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and Winner of the 2016 Gloria Noel Award, Kim Angus-Dennis, with other awardees year’s National Grade Six Assessment, were presented with bursaries. (Svetlana Marshall)

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

Editorial President Granger’s address to the PNCR Congress

PRESIDENT David Granger is also Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). His address to that party’s 19th Biennial Delegates Congress on Friday, 26th August offers insight not only into the history and focus of the party, but more so what will help influence and shape the policies and programmes of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

The address dealt with several issues such as the legacy of the PNCR and its Founder-Leader Forbes Burnham, interest in a politics of cooperation, pursuit of national unity and social cohesion, and the Green Economy, the latter being the focus of this editorial.

The Green Economy has three planks- Sustainable Development, Labour Policies and the Environment- and development is determined by the Human Development Index (HDI). While emphases in the address were placed on sustainable management of the nation’s resources and greening of the environment, it is believed that the inattention to labour policies was an oversight, given the equal importance all three planks play.

Burnham and J.P. Latchmansingh, the two leaders who came together to form the PNC, had strong ties with labour. Among that party’s general secretaries was the President of the Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union, Andrew Jackson. Evidently, the trade union movement had established links and working relations with the PNC. Where the party at this congress is focusing on the legacy of Burnham it may also be opportune to revisit this relationship, more particularly in light of grumblings coming from trade union quarters that the APNU+AFC Government is perceived as anti-labour and value workers only as vote casters and cheerleaders.

It is the PNC’s legacy, the labour movement would be advised, that had seen the longest serving Minister of Labour, Winslow Carrington, who came out of the trade union and served as President of the then Transport and General Workers Union. It was an appointment that was influenced by the recommendation of the Guyana Trades Union Congress. During Carrington’s tenure, the National Insurance Scheme was established, a Labour Code Commission was put in place from which labour laws ensued, such as the Trade Union Recognition Act, Occupation Safety and Health Act, and Termination Employment and Severance Pay Act. Where the HDI is the focus of development in the

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Ministers who are contemptuous of workers Dear Editor, M I N I S T E R S Vo l d a L a w re n c e a n d K e i t h Scott are contemptuous of workers. Lawrence is a member of the PNCR, and under the leadership of Desmond Hoyte, she rose to the rank of the party’s leadership.

This minister would have been aware of Hoyte’s intolerance of what he called “executive lawlessness” during the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration. She served during Hoyte’s agitation for good governance and stamping out of corrupt practices which had to do with wanton violation of laws, transgression of citizens/ workers’ rights, and disregard for established rules and time-honoured principles.

In 2010, both Lawrence and Scott voted in the National Assembly in favour of a no-confidence motion brought against then Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir. That motion had to do with Nadir’s dereliction of duty in upholding the Labour Laws and ensuring the rights of BCGI workers

consistent with Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act. That motion was brought during the leadership of Robert Corbin as PNCR Leader and Leader of the Opposition.

The current struggles of workers employed by the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to have representation by their union of choice, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU), is not new to these ministers. This struggle started in 2009.

The present engagements being conducted by these ministers with BCGI management on workers’ welfare are clear violation of the laws and their mandates.

First, the workers have a legally recognised union to represent their interests -- a fact which both ministers have taken a deliberate decision to ignore. There action constitutes clear contempt for the law, the workers, and the workers’ trade union.

Secondly, the role of the ministry is this: wherever their exist workers, be they unionised or non-unionised,

Green Economy as against the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it cannot be over-emphasised the human factor and relationships in this regard. Unemployment and poverty are hindrances to human development and these have to be addressed in systematic manners through programmes that have the involvement of stakeholders. And here it could be to the administration’s interest to examine ways of creating employment and economic opportunities with the trade union.

As President Granger alluded to the “egalitarian” philosophy of Burnham in the shaping of a national programme, it is timely to recall during the PNC administrations there was a State Planning Commission and the trade union held the vice-chairmanship and served as members of various sub-committees. Equally, it may be opportune to elevate State Planning from being a unit, which it was reduced to by the Bharrat Jagdeo government, and return it to a commission where national planning could be treated with deserving seriousness.

The downplaying of State Planning also resulted in the downplaying of a National Development Plan and Strategy.

And though the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, recently accused the APNU+AFC administration of not having a developmental plan, the nation also did not see one during the life of his government. In a Green Economy development has to have a human face and sustainable development also requires exploitation of indigenous resources in a safe manner within the confines of environmental and other laws, for the benefit of the people.

Consequently, the nation should see a strategy put in place to address the World Bank’s figure of 21 percent national unemployment, as well as the Caribbean Development Bank’s figure of 40 percent unemployment among the

the role of that ministry is to ensure the laws are being respected and enforced, and, where necessary, conciliate in disputes. It is not the role of the ministers to be negotiating with employers on behalf of workers, of which Scott and Lawrence are guilty.

When the BCGI workers informed the ministers that their greatest concern was not being allowed their right to trade union representation; and Linden Prince, Senior Safety Officer of the management, said the company was never approached by employees for union representation, both ministers should have said then and there that the GB&GWU is the workers’ union.

Further, by law, workers do not have to request of management trade union representation; that request is made to the Trade Union Recognition Board, which both ministers are aware of.

Lawrence also was the one who appointed this Board.

This society needs to be aware that the BCGI workers’ continued struggle to have their rights

upheld under laws has taken another twist, though not new. It is no longer a matter of respecting the High Court’s ruling to reissue letters to commence arbitration, ignorance of the industrial relations practices, or respect for the law. This matter has now moved to the level where gift-taking is alleged driving decision-making at ministerial level.

T h e J a g d e o Administration is not in office, but the self-serving tendencies, executive lawlessness, and contempt for citizens/workers’ rights that were the hallmarks of that administration have become the hallmark of some in the APNU+AFC Administration.

The struggle for good governance must continue.

It was not achieved on 11th May 2015. That date merely marked a new phase in the struggle to bring about a better society, though at times some may understandably question if it was worth the while.

LINCOLN LEWIS

youth, a figure that only addressed persons between age 1624, when almost three-quarter of the nation’s population is 40 years and younger, it says that the unemployment figure among this demographic may be actually higher.

Ways have to be found to ensure persons engage in productive endeavours and the private sector in a tri-sectoral economy cannot do what governments are designed to do, which include creating the enabling environment for employment and economic opportunities.

The current Community Development Councils (CDCs) which were implemented under the PPP/C government has the potential to evolve into strong community economic networking. In pursuing the Green Economy, the CDC’s programme has an element that addresses the environment. Should such activity be fed into the national environmental programme it can create a shift in the manner in which citizens, throughout the country, treat with health and the environment.

There is also the issue of wages/salaries that today cannot keep abreast with inflation and the cost of living.

And whereas the government may argue it cannot pay wages/salaries at market rates, it may be opportune to look at cushioning the disparity with social programmes and incentives. For the retired who have to face the same market prices a programme has to be developed to cushion the effect for this demographic, to ensure that their post-working life is one of dignity which is also an aspect of human development.

The Green Economy can be realised, given that Guyana has what is required to make it happen, what is needed is the political will, commitment, and treating each stakeholder in society as an equal and valued component.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

PNCR to establish Resource Centre

7

–– special congress to be held for party’s 60th anniversary

A MOTION has been passed, during the second day of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) party’s 19th Biennial Congress on Saturday, for the establishment of a resource centre to preserve the works of former and future leaders of that party.

A statement from the party said the motion was passed during the afternoon session of the congress, which was chaired

by James Bond, member of the central executive committee of the party. During that second session, party members took questions and deliberated on motions and

resolutions submitted by its local and overseas groups.

Some 625 delegates and 275 observers from 140 groups participated at the Congress on Saturday. The first session was chaired by party Vice-Chairman Dr. George Norton.

The General Secretary’s Report was also delivered by the incumbent Oscar Clarke, who informed the congress of the party’s current state of affairs, the work of the secretariat, and other major activities that took place during the period of review.

Clarke pointed to the Cummingsburg Ac-

cord, signed on February 14, 2015 between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), and stressed that “our decision was a correct one.”

The General Secretary also said the decision to form the coalition “indeed is the correct one for the future of our party; and in spite of our differences, our coalition Administration has begun to work together to solve the myriad problems which we inherited.”

Clarke, moreover, told delegates of the party’s plans for its 60th anniversary, which is to be celebrated on October 5, 2016. He

said a “Special Congress” would be the centre-piece of the celebration, along with other activities across the country.

A plenary session chaired by party chairman Basil Williams during the first half of the day was addressed by President David Granger, also Leader of the PNCR; the Chairman’s Welcome and the Report of the General Secretary were also examined during that session.

The 19th Biennial Delegates Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) began on Friday at that party’s headquarters at Congress Place in Sophia.

Give qualified teachers due respect and dignity Dear Editor, IN A recent conversation with a young relative, she lamented that she, a qualified teacher, was looking to return to the profession but was having much difficulty.

She sent in an application, and has been checking with TSC for many months. Each time, she is only allowed to speak to a most junior officer, who informed her that they have applications going back to 2013, and that they look at them on a first-come-firstserved basis.

This teacher was told last week that they will call her if there is a need.

If my information is correct, I have the following questions for the Teaching Service Commission: 1: Are there vacancies for teachers in Guyana?

2: How long does it take to process an application?

3: With the new school year about to start, when will applicants know if they have a job?

4: Why does a qualified candidate who wants to join or return to the teaching profes-

La Penitence top students honoured at awards ceremony

sion have to wait for several months?

5: Is there a senior officer available to meet with applicants and explain the process?

I have read in the newspapers and have heard from friends and relatives with children in school that, during the last school year, there have been classes and subjects without teachers in some Georgetown schools.

I have also read that numbers of qualified Guyanese teachers quit at the end of each school year to ply their trade abroad, along with those teachers who are retiring. There

must therefore be many vacancies to fill.

A qualified, trained teacher should not have to wait several months for a teaching position when there are vacancies waiting to be filled.

Please give qualified teachers the respect and dignity they deserve, by processing their applications in a timely manner and communicating with them during the process.

Sincerely, PAMELA RICHMOND

Organise your community’s ‘Voices against Violence’ candlelight vigil Dear Editor, WE, THE members of the organizing committee of ‘Voices Against Violence National Candlelight Vigil’, are seeking your help in reaching out to communities across Guyana to urge them to organize vigils in their respective communities.

We also want to point out that we plan to keep the anti-violence momentum going by organizing at least one activity monthly.

For now, we are asking all organizations and groups in each community to come together and organize a vigil focusing on anti-violence -- on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. This organizing committee is willing to provide guidance and assistance if needed.

Under the theme ‘Connect…Communicate… Care’, this vigil is an initiative that is inexpensive and easy to organize.

More importantly, it is an attempt to get communities across Guyana involved in anti-violence activism, while fostering the concept of communal action for community well-being. In a landscape where social cohesion is conspicuous by its absence, it is hoped that this vigil would catalyze a process of change in this respect.

The overall objective is to begin the

process of the community taking ownership for its safety every which way, and that process is expected to also create the environment for NGOs to collaborate with community leaders and organizations to hold community empowerment sessions and help implement anti-violence training.

For the purposes of this vigil, all of the following are considered acts of violence, either against self or others: trafficking, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic and child abuse, rape, incest, teenage pregnancy, road carnage, dysfunctional relationships, neglect of the elderly, abuse of the mentally and physically challenged. Besides, relationship violence and its dysfunctional socialization -- which are more and more looming as issues of critical urgency -- can and do shape personalities that easily gravitate towards crime and attending violence.

Thus violence should be addressed holistically; and when communities come together, they begin to communicate, connect and care, as they build togetherness while getting their feet wet in the practice of mindfulness. This process is also hoped to enhance NGO/NGO collaboration, thereby enabling more impactful work more extensively and more cost effectively within communities. In this way, help will reach where it’s most

needed, and hopefully positive changes will emerge sooner, rather than later.

To date, 30 partners have organized 33 vigils from Corriverton in Region Six to Lethem in Region Nine and Mabaruma in Region One. There have been vigils in all ten administrative regions and all the towns except one. Another 10 to fifteen vigils are in the making, but we hope that many more will come on stream before September 10.

Voices Against Violence has been endorsed by Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security; Dr. Carl Niamatali, President of the Guyana Society for Cancer Prevention; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, and the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, among others.

For information, or to become involved, call Bibi at 621-6111 or 2232637; Pandit Deodat at 627-4432; Keshni Rooplall at 697-9968; Nazim at 644-1152, or Dolly Singh at 266-5617.

Email caribvoice@aol.com, bibiahamad1@hotmail.com, keshni.rooplall@ yahoo.com, deodatpersaud25@yahoo. com.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice Golden Om Dharmic Youth

Save Abee Foundation Orchid Foundation Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, NJASM, Humanitarian Mission Art of Living (Guyana), Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Imagine Nation Foundation GIVE Foundation Monique’s Helping Hands Guyana Women’s Roundtable Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Crossroad Suicide & Mental Health Awareness Services Galaxy 21 Communications Team MMR Guyana Divya Jyoti Asssociation Seventh-Day Adventists of Guyana Nicosia Sisters East Canje Humanitarian Society Hindus For Selfless Service Rafieya’s International Vision & Hope Tain, Clifton John’s Humani tarian Society Miss Universe Guyana Guyana National Youth Council President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) Stabroek Lions and Leo Corriverton Mayor and Town Council Central PYO

HINDS’SIGHT

8

Dr David Hinds

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

There must be clear lines of separation between party and state

IN THE run-up to the current PNC congress, that party’s chairman, Basil Williams, when asked about the vitality of the party, made a very revealing statement: He suggested that when Government ministers who are PNC members go out on Government duty, they are also representing the party.

The statement caught my eye because it raises anew an old question: Should there be a clear line of separation between party and State? For a party that has had to endure the charge that its declared doctrine of paramountcy of the party over the State in 1974 was the root cause of Government descent into rampant authoritarianism, I find Williams’s statement quite interesting.

Here is the quote from the August 19 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, and it is noteworthy: “Additionally, the PNC chairman said President David Granger, who is also Leader of the party, travels the country and speaks with citizens. That, he said, is also a representation of the PNC. ‘When we go out, we sometimes go out in both capacities -– as Government officials and Members of Parliament (MPs), [to] do party work,’ noted Williams. He said there is a thin line between being a Minister of the Government and a Member of Parliament or party representative. The chairman explained that MPs are expected to act in the interest of the party which they represent. Speaking on the issue, General Secretary of the PNC, Oscar Clarke, said oftentimes President Granger is interpreted to be speaking as President only, but he is in fact speaking on behalf of the party.”

The statements attributed to Chairman Williams and General Secretary Clarke point to a problem that could have some serious consequences for relations within the APNU+AFC coalition. Williams says there is a thin line between the roles of MP, minister and party representative. I disagree with him.

There are very clear distinctions among those offices.

The minister is an officer of the State. He or she represents all of the people of the country, regardless of party affiliation.

The minister is not appointed by the party; he or she is appointed by the Head of Government in his or her capacity as the Chief Officer of the Government. Mr. Granger does not appoint ministers in his capacity as leader of the PNC or APNU; he does so as President. Further, once Mr. Granger had taken the oath as President, he became President of all of Guyana.

His role as a partisan is immediately greatly diminished, and so do the roles of the ministers he appoints.

The role of the MP is much more complex; but, in the end,

it’s similar to those of the President and the ministers. The MP is also an officer of the State, representing both the country as a whole and the geographical area he or she directly represents or is assigned to by the parliamentary leader. Although in our system the party determines who sits in Parliament, once an MP is deemed to be elected, in a real sense, he or she no longer represents the party. So while the MP is expected to also represent the interests of the party in the National Assembly, he or she is not bound to vote along party lines. The MP is ultimately answerable to those who elected him or her.

The role of party representative is straightforward. Often, the leading officers of the party speak on its behalf, and represent it at various fora, such as press conferences and party congresses. The problem is when, as often is the case in Guyana, the three roles are fused into one person -- for example, Mr. Granger is President, Leader of APNU, leader of the PNC; Mr. Harmon is Minister of Government, General Secretary of APNU, MP, and member of the PNC -- when that person speaks, in what capacity is he or she speaking? That person cannot be speaking or acting in more than one capacity at a time. In this regard, it is a good sign that some ministers have declined to run for top posts in the PNC. I am acutely aware that parties have interests and agendas, and they expect their members to advocate for those in the Legislature and the Executive branches. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, I think that is necessary; but I do have a problem with the deliberate blurring of the lines between party and State, as Williams and Clarke seem to be suggesting.

When a minister goes into a community, he or she must state very clearly in what capacity he or she is so doing. This is especially important since we have a partnership Government comprising several parties, and because our political environment is so sensitive. The PNC blurred those lines to its peril, and the PPP took it to scandalous levels. This Government needs to steer clear of that temptation. Mr. Granger and the ministers must resist going down the road suggested by the PNC Chairman and General Secretary. As difficult as it is in the circumstances, there must be clear lines of separation between party and State. We cannot afford to even flirt with the notion of paramountcy of the party again.

But having said the above, I am quite aware that Williams and Clarke are grappling with a real issue that the PNC, AFC and WPA have to confront sooner rather than later: The role of the party when it is part of a larger entity than itself. I make

bold to say that the formation and successes of the APNU and the APNU+AFC Coalition have diminished the identities and appeal of their constituent members. As an electoral brand, the PNC is no longer as potent as it used to be; an entire generation of its constituency is being socialized as APNU, and not PNC. The party, to my mind, is slow to grasp this reality.

As an aside, when I am invited to speak in some so-called PNC strongholds -- as I often am -- some PNC members usually whisper in the communities that I have a partisan agenda that is aimed at building the WPA at the expense of the PNC. I find that very amusing, largely because it exposes a lack of understanding of the changing dynamics of Guyanese politics. I do not ever speak anywhere as WPA if it is not a WPA event. I am aware that when I am invited to speak, it is either in my individual capacity or as APNU. To go to an event and speak as WPA is to insult my hosts and narrow my message.

I have found that narrow, partisan messages are increasingly unwanted among the masses; they know you belong to a party, but they tend to be less interested in your partisan message.

My prediction is that partnership politics will overtake party politics sooner rather than later. This does not mean that parties would become irrelevant; it simply means that they would have to adapt to this reality. Understandably, the PNC is having a hard time coming to grips with that reality, given its sense of bigness. Once you go down the road of partnership, it becomes difficult to calculate which party brings in more votes. Voters respond to the totality of the parties and what that represents. When the masses respond to Mr. Granger with much love, they are not responding to the PNC leader, but to the APNU leader and President Granger. So, too, are the response to Nagamootoo and Roopnaraine. Political time has moved on, and so must the PNC and the other constituent parties of the Coalition. The parties are now challenged to become sources of ideas to drive Government policies and serve as bridges between the Government and the communities.

(Dr. David Hinds, a political activist and commentator, is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Caribbean and African Diaspora Studies at Arizona State University. More of his writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com)

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

My attitude, though despised by self-serving politicians, shall remain ATTITUDE informs behaviour and represents what one stands for. My passion and commitment to fair play, justice and equality in society which are grounded in international conventions, charters and acceptable, time-honoured principles have shaped the approach I bring to social, cultural, economic and political issues.

I am a trade unionist and student of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, and I’m the son of Steven Lewis, who was a trade unionist and fearlessly spoke his mind and taught his children to do likewise.

These have in no small way shaped my attitude.

Both men, whom I consider mentors, stood their ground on matters of principles, even if at times it meant going it alone or being ostracised. For me, these attributes represent strength not weakness. It also says they were prepared to die on their feet rather than live on their knees for their convictions. These experiences shaped me, represent what I stand for, inform my attitude, and are displayed in my behaviour.

As a citizen whose rights and freedoms are not only adumbrated in international conventions and charters, but enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, I’d be darned if I sit silently and allow any one, irrespective of status, to seek to deny me what are guaranteed to me. As a trade unionist and a representative of a stakeholder organisation whose role in society is clearly outlined in the Constitution, I will not sit silently or walk away when good governance is being threatened or not being attained.

This trade union movement laid the foundation for 20th century Guyana in conceptualising, developing and implementing a strategy for self-determination.

Two major landmarks can be noted, namely, in 1905, when workers organised themselves under Critchlow’s leadership, and 1926 at the Caribbean Labour Leaders Conference, that he participated in, which saw a programme put in

place for the empowerment of the Caribbean peoples.

This programme included one-man-one-vote, internal self-government, and improvement in standards of living and conditions of work. When the politicians came in 1949 and formed the first mass-based political party in 1950 (the People’s Progressive Party), they embraced the trade union agenda and worked with the unions and workers in furtherance of same.

When Guyana attained independence in 1966, one of the first international institutions the country joined was the International Labour Organisation (ILO). That same year (1966), the Forbes Burnham government ratified ILO conventions No. 87 and 98 which speak to Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining.

The cadre of leadership that took this country into independence has socialised me to believe that rights and freedoms are sacred and must not be grovelled for. This position is further strengthened by my ancestors’ struggles and what are enshrined internationally and locally.

Some despise my attitude in standing up and demanding that they respect people’s rights, because such conflict with their belief that they have the liberty to transgress same. They fail to understand that attitude grounded in acceptable international principles and practices is bound to come into conflict with any who transgresses rights and violates the rule of law.

Some who don’t like my attitude must be told I don’t like some of their attitudes.

I cannot support growing disregard for rights and laws, and I have to have an attitude of intolerance and am willing to fight and stand up against misconduct.

Those in the Executive who today make the excuse of not wanting to deal with me because of my attitude, should stop hiding behind falsities. You are reminded that when you were in opposition, my attitude in standing up to excesses of the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar gov-

ernments as you cowered, spoke platitudes, or were too timid to speak, served your purpose.

The same attitude that was right then cannot be wrong now, for this attitude is progressive, proactive, will hold all accountable and is grounded in universal principles. Look around the world today - these are principles embraced by governments or see people in other societies calling on their governments to embrace.

My attitude of intolerance to petty politics, corruption, lawlessness, nepotism, abuse of privilege, and disregard for the principles of representative leadership in our system of government shall not cease.

My attitude will call on the people to hold their leaders accountable, and the police to lock up those who break the law, be it the president or rank and file.

This attitude will say to the opposition that in embracing what I say today, which has been the signature of my activism, is indicative that you knew what was right yet did wrong, and I shall continue to hold you accountable for your stewardship of this country.

I have an attitude against growing disregard for the change the people voted for, rights and good governance, increasing greed and corruption. Mine is an attitude that will rail against discrimination and collusion between elected officials and employers in returning conditions to the workplace that Critchlow, Joseph Pollydore, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and my forebears fought against.

As a trade unionist, when I look at where we were from 1905 and are heading today, the periods of Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi and Janet Jagan stand out in a positive light.

I love my attitude. My attitude isn’t going anywhere.

What will be seen is the deepening and reinforcing of actions in keeping with international conventions and human rights.

Everyone must have an attitude for justice and fair play.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Extracting oil and natural gas from Guyana’s maiden oil fields:

Considerations for a regime to enable ‘reduced emissions from avoided fossil fuel extraction,’ and ‘reduced emissions from fossil fuel extraction’

By Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Gary A. R. Best Presidential Advisor on the Environment OVER the past decades, the Republic of Guyana has gained some significant international prominence as a nation that is conscious of its role in preserving the Earth’s climate.

This began in the 1990s with the establishment of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC), which set aside 371,000 hectares of rain forests as a dedicated site for research and development in testing the concept of sustainable foresting; the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which placed most of our natural forests under sustainable management through a payment for ecosystems services bilateral with the Kingdom of Norway; and, more recently, the Green Economy Pathway (GEP), identified by Guyana as its principal vehicle to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the promised good life.

The first two initiatives -- the IIC and the LCDS -- contribute significantly to sustainable management of Guyana’s forest through carbon storage, avoided deforestation, and sequestration. The more recent initiative, the GEP, can anticipate carbon sequestration, low emissions across sectors, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The oil and gas we intend to harvest offshore belong to the family of fossil fuels; so let us look briefly at fossil fuels.

Generally speaking, fossil fuels are fuels formed by natural anaerobic decomposition processes of buried dead organisms, which contain energy through millions of years of photosynthesis actions. These actions occur both at sea and on land.

However, fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal contain high percentages of carbon. When they are harvested for extraction, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, and this contributes to global warming. In other words, the carbon that is produced during extraction operations is far greater than the Earth’s capacity to absorb.

Fossil fuels range from volatile materials with low carbon, such as hydrogen ratios like methane and liquids like petroleum, to nonvolatile materials composed of almost pure carbon, like anthracite coal. Methane can be found in hydrocarbon fields either alone or associated with natural gas.

It is important to note that fossil fuels are considered non-renewable resources even though they are continually being formed through natural processes. This non-technical classification is because fossils take millions of years to form, but their regenerative capacity is vastly outstripped by current consumption rates. What this appears to mean is that we need to slow down the Earth’s rate of extraction so that regenerative and consumptive capacities are somewhat equal.

So how should we harvest them? Given Guyana’s carbon storage and sequestration history, its payment for ecosystem services pilot through the LCDS and its recent commitment to green economy and emissions reductions, it is suggested that offshore oil exploration should be conducted in a sustainable manner, with particular emphasis on carbon storage. In this context, I offer for consideration the concept of a ‘Reduced Emissions from Avoided Fossil Fuel Extraction’ (REAFFE).

Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Gary A. R. Best Under a REAFFE-type regime, Guyana would receive payments for not harvesting its offshore oil and natural gas. In this vein, Guyana would offer to retain its reserves unharvested, crediting for a fee the carbon stored to country (countries) under a current or new emissions trading scheme. Such payments should be a direct transfer into the Consolidated Fund for national development, with particular emphasis on alternative energies as the replacement energy source. Such a move would be consistent with our natural resources’ management thrust over the decades.

I also offer for consideration establishment of the concept of a ‘Reduced Emissions from Fossil Fuel Extraction’ (REFFE). Under a REFFE modality, Guyana would seek to extract as much carbon as possible while harvesting its oil and natural gas resources. Indeed, it is more likely than not that in the not-too-distant future, oil and natural gas and coal producing nations would be mandated to remove carbon during their production phases. Further, it would be less costly to infuse the technology now, rather than through a retrofit at a later stage. After all, based on current figures, Guyana’s oil and natural gas reserves approximate to in excess of sixty years of harvesting. So change in technological extraction is more than likely to be relevant to our future. Fortunately, technological innovation and research have begun.

Let us look at two technologies that Guyana can consider.

Thanks to a novel technology developed by researchers of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the production of energy from natural gas without generating carbon dioxide emissions could fast become a reality. In a joint project initiated

by Nobel Laureate and former IASS Scientific Director Professor Carlo Rubbia, the two institutions have been researching

Towards a Good Life in a Green Economy an innovative technique to extract hydrogen from methane in a clean and efficient way. According to Science Daily, methane cracking itself is not an entirely new idea; in the last two decades, many experiments carried out in different institutions have proven its technical feasibility. Instead of burning methane (CH4), its molecular components -- hydrogen (H2) and carbon (C) -- can be separated in a process called 'methane cracking'.

This reaction occurs at high temperatures (750°C and above) and does not release any harmful emissions.

The second technology is ‘carbon capture and storage’ (CCS). Referred to at times as carbon capture and sequestration, CCS is a process of collecting carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere by industrial and power-generating sources. The collected carbon dioxide is pumped deep underground for long-term storage. Because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, CCS is often discussed as a potential solution to climate change, and it is consistent with Guyana’s GEP and its commitment to reduce emissions.

However, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, the technology is still in the developmental stage, and has not yet been proven effective at commercial scale over the long term. Notwithstanding the stage of the technology, I believe that Guyana should wrap its intended production of oil and natural gas around a REAFFE or a REFFE-type model, in order to secure the good life as promised, and remain consistent as good stewards of our natural capital. We should therefore carefully consider not landing oil or natural gas with embedded carbon onto our shores for further refining activities, lest we threaten that ‘good’ life.

(Comments can be sent to towardsagoodlife@gmail.com)

M

r. Gary A. R. Best is a retired Rear Admiral and former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. He is an attorneyat-law and is the Presidential Advisor on the Environment. He is a PhD candidate at the University of the West Indies. He holds a BSc in Nautical Science (Brazil) and Masters Degrees from the University of the West Indies and the University of London. His research areas include climate change governance, climate change finance, international relations, and environmental law.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Attorney General denies obstructing work of Deputy Deeds Registrar - but maintains she is unqualified for the job

BY virtue of an Affidavit in Answer filed in the High Court, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams has once again denied aversions made by Deputy Deeds Registrar Zanna Frank that suggested he gave directions for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appoint Penelope Whyte to the post of Deputy Registrar of Deeds (ag).

Frank earlier this month moved to the High Court to have the directive preventing her from functioning removed. The Deputy Deeds Registrar alleged that Williams attempted to block the decision of the JSC to appoint her, but instead influenced the appointment of Penelope Whyte as the acting Deputy Registrar, though she is not an attorney.

But Williams has maintained that Frank is unsuitable for the post. In his Affidavit of Response, dated August 26, he has asked for her application for the Writs of Certiorari, Mandamus and Prohibition to be discharged.

According to the Affidavit, Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh, by virtue of a letter dated December 1 and addressed to Williams, indicated that only a Deputy Registrar can act on her behalf when she proceeds on vacation. Baksh, according to the Affidavit, suggested a “virtual shutdown” of the Authority if she were to proceed on leave and not have a Deputy Registrar in place.

Williams submitted that the suggestion by Baksh was “erroneous, since by virtue of Section 13 (2) the Assistant Registrar of Deeds could perform the functions of the Registrar of Deeds, subject to her instructions.”

In November 2015, Penelope Whyte, who is said to have 15 years experience in the Deeds Registry and 29 years in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, had applied to the board for the post of Assistant Registrar of Deeds.

Additionally, by virtue of a letter dated November 16, 2015, Registry Supervisor of the Deeds Registry Aretha Quinn wrote the Secretary of the Board complaining about the trend of sidelining persons for unknown reasons and the need for employees to be treated fairly based on their experience, qualifications and in accordance with workers’ rights.

As a result of the let-

ters, the board at its meeting on December 10, 2015, discussed the content and supported the Minister of Legal Affairs proposal to appoint Whyte the Assistant Registrar of Deeds on the grounds that the holder of the post must have an LLB Degree and two years experience in conveyancing or 10 years experience in the authority.

At the same meeting, a decision was made to write the JSC about the urgency of appointing a Deputy Registrar of Deeds as Baksh’s absence would result in a “back-up of transports to pass” as advised by Baksh.

On January 8, 2016, it was decided that the Secretary of the Board, Shyam Doodnauth, should write the JSC about the urgency of appointing a Deputy Registrar and advised that the board recommend that Whyte, Assistant Registrar of Deeds, be appointed Deputy Registrar of Deeds (ag).

“By letter dated January 12, 2016 to the board, the Chairman of the JSC responded harshly to what it considered an inappropriate and improper request,” Williams said via the Affidavit.

He said he was informed by Whyte that she had applied to the JSC for the post of Deputy Registrar of Deeds after seeing an advertisement in the Stabroek News.

Whyte e-mailed Chancellor Carl Singh (chairman of the JSC) informing him that she had received a call from the JSC’s secretary inviting her to an interview on March 22. She indicated that she would have been out of the jurisdiction. The JSC’s secretary said that the information had been passed on to the Chancellor and she (Whyte) would be informed of his decision.

Whyte never received a response, but indicated that she would return on April 6, 2016, after which she could attend an interview soonest.

The Chancellor replied through the JSC, by letter dated March 31, informing Whyte that the JSC had gone ahead with the interviews as per schedule after being advised that she was going to be out of the country.

“I am further informed

by Ms Penelope Whyte and verily believe that the JSC still had ample time to interview her, but refused to do so and appointed the applicant who did not qual-

Attorney General Basil Williams

Deputy Deeds Registrar Zanna Frank

ify for the post of Deputy Registrar of Deeds in accordance with the JSC’s published requirements,” said Williams in his response.

Williams said he was informed by Baksh that Frank’s appointment was “viewed with dismay by the Deeds Registry staff.”

According to the requirements advertised, the post should have been filled by “An Attorney-at-law with a minimum of three years experience in private practice or within the Supreme Court or Deeds Registry or Land Registry.”

Williams noted that he was unaware of any appointment being made by the JSC and noted that when he saw Frank, he recognised her as one of several lawyers who had been interviewed by a panel of senior officers at the AG’s chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs for the post of State Counsel. She was unsuccessful in her application.

“I am advised and verily believe that the applicant failed to disclose to the Honourable court that the Ministry of Legal Affairs is not responsible for the day-today operations of the Deeds Registry and that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Act No.4 of 2013 in Section 13 (2), provides that an Assistant Registrar shall have the power to perform the duties of the Registrar of Deeds, subject to the instructions of the said Registrar.”

He argued that Frank has failed to establish that he prevented her from performing her duties as Deputy Registrar of Deeds, which she says she has been doing since June 20, 2016.

Meanwhile, Williams argued that averments made by Frank are “inadmissible documentary hearsay,” while noting that he does not pay salaries under the Act. The Deeds

and Commercial Registries Authority was established by the Deeds and Commercial Registries Act and is a corporate body with a governing board. Section 7 (1)of the Act provides the functions of the board as it relates to the Deeds Registry; these include determining job descriptions for officers, hiring, disciplining

and dismissing of officers and determining conditions of service, including remuneration with the approval of the minister.

Section 7 (3) of the Act states that the “Minister may give the board general policy directives with respect to the discharge of its functions under this Act as he considers necessary and the board shall give effect to the directives.”

He said there is no provision in the Act which states that in the absence of the board the Minister of Legal Affairs could exercise the boards’ supervisory function over the Registrar of Deeds. Williams argued that Frank has failed to establish that any order or decision was made by him to appoint Whyte or any other person to act as the Deputy Registrar of Deeds (ag) or Registrar of Deeds (Ag) as alleged or at all.

The Attorney General

added that since all Orders Nisi were granted on the basis of Doodnauth’s hearsay evidence that on June 22, 2016, he appointed Whyte Deputy Registrar and Registrar of Deeds (AG). Williams made it clear that he was out of the jurisdiction. “…I was in the Republic of Korea, continents away,” he said, while pleading that the Orders Nisi should be discharged.

He charged that Frank “maliciously seeks” to involve him in the operation of the Deeds Registry when in fact Baksh and Doodnauth are part of the daily management of the Registry. “In the circumstances, I am further advised by the Attorneys-at-Law and do verily believe that Orders Nisi granted on 15th day of August, 2016, ought to be discharged with substantial costs awarded to the respondent.”

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

‘The onus is on you’

- UNICEF official calls on toshaos to do more to protect indigenous children

By Svetlana Marshall UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Resident Representative, Marrianne Flach, feels that toshaos can do a far sight more where protecting the nation’s indigenous children is concerned, and said as much yesterday.

“Toshaos, you are well placed to ensure that every child has a birth certificate, and to ensure that every child is free from violence, abuse, neglect or any form of sexual exploitation,” she told the scores of toshaos present at the opening of a ‘Capacity-Building’ workshop hosted by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), UNICEF, and the National Toshaos’ Council, and held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, on the lower East Coast.

Noting that there is a clear need for more to be

done for the nation’s children, Flach said this much is evident from the findings of a Multi-indicator Muster Survey conducted by UNICEF and the Guyana Bureau of Statistics.

According to the results of that survey, 12 per cent of Guyanese girls are having sex before the age of 15, and another 15 per cent are beginning child-bearing during their adolescent years.

Flach said that in addition to the disturbing findings of the Multi-indicator Muster Survey, UNICEF is also concerned about the reports and horror stories coming out of the various indigenous communities about the trafficking of children, sexual abuse, forced prostitution and incest.

Stressing that children must be allowed to grow up into healthy adults, Flach, whose areas of expertise are health and nutrition, said it is high time to address these issues and ensure that the

President David Granger meets toshaos at the opening of the National Toshaos Conference Monday nation’s children are well protected.

PROPOSED STUDY As such, to have greater understanding of the challenges facing the indigenous population, UNICEF and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs will be conducting a study on the indigenous women and children of Guyana.

“This study will be key in ensuring and understanding the lived experiences of indigenous women and children,” she explained.

Besides Flach, the workshop, which was designed to help the Toshaos understand the Convention on the Rights of the Child, was attended by Junior Minister of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; RCC Deputy Chairperson, Rosemary Benjamin-Noble; RCC Director, Amar Panday; and RCC Commissioner, Sandra Hooper among other officials.

During an interactive session with the RCC Director, the toshaos not only underscored the importance of understanding the convention, but complained bitterly about the communication gap, the need for Internet access, and the lack of health centres and secondary schools within their respective communities.

One member of the National Toshaos’ Council, who was present at the forum, said it is important to have children live with their parents in keeping

with Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to the Article in question, every child has a right to live with his or her parents, unless it is ill-advised to do so. “You have a right to live with a family who cares for you,” a child-friendly version of the Convention states.

INFRINGEMENTS However, the Council has charged that this right is being infringed upon when children have little or no choice than to live in a dorm in order to receive a secondary education.

“I see parents going home crying… And when you inquire, they say, ‘I sent my daughter to get a quality education, and now she got to drop out at 15, because she is pregnant,’” the councillor contended.

He posited that secondary schools should be erected in close proximity to the respective villages to ensure that the rights of children are upheld.

Another key issue which surfaced was that of incest, with all parties agreeing that leaders and villagers must speak out against it, as well as incidents of child abuse and neglect.

Minister Garrido-Lowe, in response to those concerns, said the government is very much aware of the various challenges facing the men, women and children living in indigenous communities across the country, and that it is currently working on

ensuring that there is Internet access in all public buildings, particularly the schools.

“We believe that one of the biggest gaps right now between the hinterland and the coast is the information gap,” the minister said.

‘WE WILL FIX IT’ As for the issue of children having to live in dorms in order to attend secondary school, Minister Garrido-Lowe said she understands the situation, as she, too, had been separated from her family as a child in order to achieve a secondary education.

“The nutritional problems we have to fix; the overcrowding we have to fix,” she said, adding: “And I can tell you that our new government has a lot of work to do; and we will correct those situations.”

She also encouraged those Toshaos present to take action against persons who are violating the rights of children.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.

The Convention changed the way children are viewed and treated, i.e., as human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of as passive objects of care and charity.

The unprecedented acceptance of the Convention clearly shows a wide global commitment to advancing children’s rights.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

13

ARIES - Although everything seems to slow down a bit on the outside, you’re still running through a maze on the inside. You long for less drama today, but could end up internalising the conflicts rather than preventing them.

Thankfully, there are no boundaries to what you may contemplate if you keep everything to yourself. But don’t expect your silence to go unnoticed. Unfortunately, what you don’t say encourages others to make up their own version of your reality, which might wildly deviate from the truth. As Deepak Chopra writes, “Awareness brings freedom.”

TAURUS - A straightforward approach to communicating your feelings can reduce the pressure in a relationship. You might be so sensitive about your point of view today that you talk as if you’re walking on eggshells. Unfortunately, your caution causes others to think you’re hiding something significant.

It’s not that your message should be altered to change the meaning, only that your delivery could make a big difference in what people hear. Don’t beat around the bush; say exactly what you mean and let the conversation take flight from there.

GEMINI - Your deeply ingrained values come to light today if you witness a social injustice or misuse of power. Although you typically can see both sides of an argument, you’re likely to favour the underdog in most cases. However, be aware there is an arbitrariness to your opinion now, whatever position you choose. You might be better off being the champion of communication, rather than supporting any single point of view. The truth is out there, but it’s not as simple to find as it seems at first. Let your moral compass be your guide.

CANCER - You’re not interested in shaking up the world with your radical ideas today. You prefer to explore all the unlikely possibilities and impossible futures within the safety of your own mind. But this secrecy isn’t about uncertainty or low self-esteem; it’s about your pragmatic approach to making a lasting impact instead of a short-lived blip on someone’s radar screen. There’s no need to waste your energy defending your thoughts on social or personal issues. As Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

LEO - You are operating in stealth mode as you go about your business of creating something special. You intuitively know it’s more important now for you to get it right than it is to be seen on the world stage. Thankfully, your current intentions exude the authority of Saturn and they will ultimately earn you the recognition you seek. Respect is for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it. Speak softly and carry a big stick.

VIRGO - You can be so discerning in your quest for perfection that others criticise your pickiness. But you could surprise your friends today with the inconsistency of your actions. One moment, they think you are withholding your negative judgment, ready to list the reasons why you refuse their invitation to collaborate on a project. However, you could shock them when you say yes, especially if you take their idea and then expand on it. Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

LIBRA - You may appear disengaged and disinterested today, but you’re really exerting more control than anyone realises. One of your greatest skills is being able to listen to what others want and then motivate them to realise their dreams. However, you have your own agenda now and won’t let someone else’s plans take precedence. Nevertheless, it doesn’t look like you’re pulling the strings because you know when to remain quiet and divert the attention elsewhere. Hiding in plain sight can be oddly satisfying, especially when everything just seems to fall your way.

SCORPIO - Your friends are your lifeline to the future now as they reflect your dreams back to you with their love and encouragement. Naturally, spending time in such a supportive community does your soul good, especially when you share values at such a fundamental level. Fortunately, there’s nothing you must do in this immediate moment, other than showing up with an open mind. Today is meant for contemplation, not action. A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.

SAGITTARIUS - The secret to your success is setting your specific goals down on paper now. Although energetic Mars is empowering your exuberant sign, taskmaster Saturn is not ready to let you off the hook. Don’t take your eyes off the distant horizon, but you must simultaneously reassess your plans for the next few weeks. The more you can accomplish now, the easier it will be later on. Literary giant Samuel Johnson wrote, “The future is purchased by the present.”

CAPRICORN - Sunday is a day of rest for many, but you might see it an opportunity to fine-tune your plans so you can gain a strategic advantage.

Unfortunately, everything will take longer than you think, so don’t set yourself up for failure or disappointment with exorbitant expectations. Nevertheless, you’re capable of seeing the future possibilities through a very practical lens, enabling you to simplify the steps needed to accomplish your goals. As Zig Ziglar said, “There is no elevator to success; you must take the stairs.”

AQUARIUS - You seek a deeper level of compassion in your relationships, but you prefer to make this connection via intellectual analysis rather than emotional involvement. It’s not that you are detached from your feelings; it’s just you can dig deeper if you approach interpersonal dynamics objectively.

Nevertheless, you’re still treading on volatile ground where a cool discussion can quickly grow heated. Keep in mind, a healthy relationship will inspire both parties to be their best selves. Trust your heart today, not your head.

PISCES - You might resist if someone is trying to pin down your feelings today. You want to answer their concerns in an honest and caring manner, but find it impossible to squeeze your emotions into words now. Your first inclination is to say nothing at all, but your evasiveness can be even more misleading than any attempt to communicate your truth. Ironically, your self-criticism may be harsher than necessary, so don’t talk yourself into silence. Remember, your initial response is just the opening reply to a volley that will create its own meaning as the conversation continues. Love is a game that everyone wants to win.

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Sunday August 28th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Monday August 29th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday August 30th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

‘Selector Keston’ proves his mettle - takes coveted title in inaugural Digicel ‘Bring the Beat’ amateur DJ competition

“I’m overwhelmed! For me it meant more than just music; it was historic. Being Guyana’s first Digicel ‘Bring the Beat’ champion is what I was aiming for. The title behind it is tremendous, so there’s no way to explain how accomplished I feel” - Selector Keston

By Tamica Garnett AFTER more than 100 contestants had participated in five weeks of intense competition, West Side’s Keston Tyrell, aka ‘Selector Keston’, was the proverbial last man standing when the curtains came down on the Digicel ‘Bring the Beat’ amateur DJ competition early yesterday morning.

For accomplishing such a feat, Tyrell has won himself some $500,000 in cash and prizes.

The event was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac, where the versatile disc jockey proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is truly ready to roll with ‘the big boys’ after persevering week after week and challenge after challenge to capture the top reward -- and bragging rights to boot -- for the next year.

Finishing in second place was another favourite throughout the competition, Berbician Travis Hart, aka ‘DJ Vybz’; while third place went to none other than the amusing Smidjit.

A ‘HISTORIC’ FEAT Describing his win at the inaugural event as “historic”, Selector Keston has said he is very honoured by the victory. “I'm overwhelmed!” he said.

“For me it meant more than just music; it was historic. Being Guyana's first Digicel ‘Bring the Beat’

champion is what I was aiming for. The title behind it is tremendous, so there's no way to explain how accomplished I feel,” he disclosed.

From the ‘get-go’, Keston was one DJ in the competition to always get mad crowd support in almost every round -– each in its own right an event which pushed the DJs to the limit, often challenging them to do much with little, and with restrictions on genres and types of music the deejays could play. But through it all, Keston always managed to stay on top of his game.

Hart was another deejay who deserved his place in the finals. Though he was always garnering noticeable support, the semi-final in Linden was when ‘Vybz’ really captivated the audience with his mixing skills.

Luck was on the side of ‘Smidjit’, whose real name is Cletus Smith. He made it back into the finals after winning a wildcard play-off earlier in the night when the competition kicked off.

With the finals of the competition being held in Georgetown, it was always expected to be a tough night for the deejays, whose continuation in the competition depended heavily on their ability to impress and animate the crowd.

DOWN TO BUSINESS Following the wildcard play-off, things really got down to business, with

each of the six finalists being challenged to play a five-minute mix that must include four random songs that they were given by the judges.

Only three deejays moved on after this round.

The other participants in this round were Linden’s Jefferson Meusa, aka ‘DJ Spotlight’; Shequille Sparman, aka ‘Selector Shaqq’; and Brian Joseph, aka ‘DJ Bentley’. Keston was actually first disc jockey out on the stage in this round, and the 28-year-old quickly established that he had walked with his crew, which helped him garner big support.

DJ Bentley was up next, and a less-than-lukewarm crowd response clearly indicated that he was not making it past this round.

Shaqq followed, and he, too, failed to animate the patrons.

About the middle of Smidjit’s performance, things finally started picking up, and patrons didn’t have to regret they had come out.

Selector Spotlight had good opening songs, starting off with Buju Banton’s “Our Father In Zion”, but he spoiled it all by fusing his music in a kaleidoscope of rushed tunes, the dizzying effect of which had one anticipating his exit.

CROWD GONE WILD And then there was Vybz, who once again had

Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanichara presenting a prize to second place winner, DJ Vybz

Digicel Marketing Manager Ramesh Rupchand presents one of the prizes to winner of the competition, Selector Keston the crowd going wild, with patrons blowing horns and creating flame throwers using insecticides, giving a fitting close to the performance of the final six, and having many believing that he had it in the bag.

Spotlight, Selector Shaqq and DJ Bentley were

collectively awarded the fourth place finish, and received their prizes before the final three took to the stage once again, faced with the test of selecting one song to play under a number of categories, among which were “Kiddies”, “Guyanese”, “La-

dies” and “Fete-a-holic”.

In the end, Keston took the title, but kudos must be given to many of the other DJs, who, though finding many of the challenges beyond them, still showed that they had pretty good mixing skills.

Events and Sponsorship Executive Louanna Abrams presenting a prize to third place winner, Smidjit

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

CIOG lauded for work in support of orphans, vulnerable children

First Lady Sandra Granger receives a bouquet from a student

By Shirley Thomas A COLOURFUL and exciting event it was Saturday when more than 400 children converged at the headquarters of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) on Woolford Avenue for the organization’s annual Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Fun Day. Children were brought, not only from Georgetown and its environs, but from outlying regions of Berbice and Essequibo.

The Fun Day, according to Chairman of the proceedings, Nazim Hussein, has been an annual event for the past 20 years and the CIOG, with its donors and supporters, are continuing to champion the cause of those who are vulnerable, especially those who are orphans and in need.

Emphasizing the importance of responding to the needs of orphans, Hussein noted that the word “orphans” is mentioned 23 times in the Holy Quran and in 12 different chapters. He noted that Islam plays a very important role in the upbringing of orphans.

Islamic Director of Education, Shaikh Moeen Ul Hack, traced the development of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme, which started more than 20 years ago at the CIOG, with approximately 15 Muslim children.

This saw the introduction of the local sponsorship programme, whereby Guyanese at home as well as from the diaspora began to sponsor. More than 100 of the

sponsors of the 425 children come from the United States of America and under 100 are from Canada. The other sponsors are from the West Indies, Europe and some other countries, alongside sponsorship from the Zakat House, State of Kuwait.

Hack noted that circumstances cause children to be left behind, but said it is “Our [the more fortunate] responsibility to show them love and give them opportunities as you would your own children; to ensure they have a brighter and better future, and that they are educated and not abused.”

Among special invitees at the forum were Prime Minister and First Vice-President Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita, First Lady Sandra Granger, United States Ambassador Perry Holloway and Mrs Holloway; and former minister, Attorney-at-Law, Ms Bibi Shaddick.

In an effort to respond to the needs of children coming out of school without a sound education, Hack said that a scholarship programme was established, with the result that most of these orphans are now given scholarships – whether to attend religious schools or the government schools.

They are also provided with the necessary facilities to ensure they acquire a sound secular education; and Hack noted that there has been a “Drastic improvement in the performance of our children at both the National Grade Six and the CSEC Examinations.”

The programme has since been developed to include non-Muslim chil-

dren. “And so in the OVC Programme of the CIOG, they now have Muslim and non-Muslim, staff, as well as Muslim and non-Muslim children benefiting from the programme,” Hack said.

Some of the main activities of the OVC programme initiated since 1993 include a monthly stipend for each child, school clothes and gear, text books, medical examinations, vitamins and financial assistance for extra lessons, as well as exam fees.

The overall monthly payout to the children amounts to approximately $2.1 M. Performance of OVC students this year has surpassed other years, with passes in as many as eight subjects with Grades One and Two. In his brief remarks to the gathering, Ambassador Holloway, applauded the efforts

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo presents a certificate to student Moses Ally (Department of Public Information photos) of the CIOG in supporting the youth in all 10 regions of Guyana, by sending them to school, providing health care and alleviating poverty.

Listing the many countries in which he’s served, the Ambassador observed that children all have something in common.

“I can tell you that in every one of those countries, kids are essentially the same.

They all need to know that there are people out there who care about them.”

He added: “You young people are the future of Guyana. And I have full confidence that Guyana is in excellent hands. We are all God’s children. We were all born equal with inherent dignity.”

The Ambassador referred to a quote by the Prophet Muhammed: “He who wants to have paradise, let him treat

people the way he wants to be treated.”

Meanwhile, First Lady Sandra Granger congratulated the CIOG for the magnificent work it has been doing, noting that they have grown from taking care of 50 children to about 500 at this time.

Mrs Granger commended the fact that the programme has expanded to cater for Orphans and Vulnerable Children who are both Muslims and non-Muslims and moreover, that the programme is now in all 10 regions of Guyana.

“This morning I want to commend the CIOG on its work amongst our vulnerable citizens, because it was also explained to me that children are left with their parents (while the CIOG provides for their financial and material needs), because it is felt that they do better there,

A young boy greets Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita

rather than being placed in an institution, which means that this programme is also supporting the building of strong families,” Mrs Granger said.

She also thanked the children, who throughout the year have benefited from this organization and have done well at school. “It is important that you know that you are recognized as valuable citizens and that you know you have people who care about you, and who are taking care of your growth and development,” the First Lady assured.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he felt honoured to address the gathering and commended the CIOG for having taken a bold step in showing that they love and care for children who might have lost one or both parents, or otherwise could not have been taken care of by their parents. “And they (the CIOG) show this compassion by not only accommodating them), but [by] educating them as well.

The Prime Minister congratulated the CIOG for the great humanitarian work they are doing in providing care and meeting the needs of vulnerable children. He congratulated the CIOG for responding to/or supplying not only the children’s material needs, but also affording them decent moral upbringings to make them valuable citizens of Guyana.

A n d w i t h t h e p ro gramme addressing their psycho-social needs as well, the counselling has ultimately resulted in making them harbour feelings of self-respect and feeling good about themselves.

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

‘It was a huge sacrifice’ - but it paid off in the end, says successful visually impaired CSEC candidates

By Telesha Ramnarine MELIEKA Onika Crawford, Amin Britton, and Crystal Aniasatia Aulder have had to make huge sacrifices to write the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, having all been diagnosed with visual impairments from very tender ages.

But they are all glad that they made the extra effort to sit the exams, especially after coming off with grades that they are quite proud of.

Melieka and Crystal are beginning their studies in International Relations at the University of Guyana tomorrow, while Amin will begin his studies in the Social Sciences next year.

Melieka, 17; Amin, 41; and Crystal, 18, did not write the exams in the usual fashion that the majority of kids did. The exams were specifically tailored to meet their needs, with the very helpful JAWS (Job Access With Speech) programme on their computers that read the questions to them.

In turn, they presented their answers verbally to the in-

totally blind. Interestingly, after those exams were over, her sight returned to the way it was.

She attended East La Penitence Primary School and St. Roses High school. She wrote three CSEC subjects, but did poorly because she could not see. Fortunately for her, she heard of The Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB). “I thought this is a place where I can fit in,” Melieka said, adding: “I came and took the opportunity they gave to write the exams. And I felt comfortable, because these are people who are like me. I don’t have to feel like I am not wanted, because everyone is accepted here.”

Initially, Melieka said, she felt sorry for herself, because she didn’t have a lot of things to work with, such as a computer and a tablet.

“The teachers didn’t understand me; they thought I was lazy, or I just used my problem as a pass-off from doing stuff,” she recalled.

Today, despite the challenges, she feels she is capable of

need an education to move ahead with it.”

AVOID DISTRACTIONS Crystal has limited vision in both of her eyes, having been born with a rare disease called Corneal Dystrophies.

In addition to this, she has numerous other complaints, including damaged eye nerves; she is required to wear hard contact lenses; and she has dry eyes and has to use artificial teardrops. “There’s a lot more that I can’t even remember at the moment,” she said.

According to one doctor’s theory, Crystal was born with the disease, but an incident in her life when she was just five years old spiralled everything out of control. She was playing with a cousin when she was accidentally hit in her eye by a belt buckle.

With limited vision, she attended North Georgetown Primary School and then Charlestown Secondary school. She wrote CSEC just for the heck of it. Not having joined ‘The

Melieka Onika Crawford

Amin Britton

Crystal Aniasatia Aulder

vigilators.

But, as much as it was easy to actually sit the exams, preparing for them was another matter. And more so for Crystal, whose computer stopped working at a point when she needed it most. All of her notes and other valuable information were lost.

As for Amin, who was born and raised in Linden, travelling to Georgetown at least four times a week for lessons was almost a burden on him, financially and otherwise.

Melieka, fortunately, did not have to put up with any such challenges.

In an interview at the Guyana Society for the Blind on Friday, a very positive and confident Melieka, who secured Grades Two and Three in five subjects (Business, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, Office Administration and English) believes that it is important to believe in yourself, even if no one else does.

doing anything. “I think I am capable of doing anything a normal child can do. Don’t ever give up on something you know you can do; all of us have the ability to do well and be successful. And I don’t think you should give up, because someone else gives up on you; you need to believe in yourself in order to gain success,” she advised.

Blind Society’ last year, she decided to have a go at it again.

Crystal feels that she could have done much better, had it not been for the fact that her computer "conked out" on her just when she needed it most. “I tried to study on my phone as much as possible. I had to come to the society to work on my SBAs; I had to leave from home to come here each time I wanted to use the computer,” she explained.

She wrote Human and Social Biology, English, Religious Education, History and Principles of Business and secured Grades Two, Three and Four.

Crystal was able to prepare for the exams using the JAWS software, and the talk-back feature on her phone.

“Put away every distraction,” she advises fellow youths when it is time for exams, adding, “Really focus and study as much as possible, because, in the end, it will really pay off.”

Crystal, like Melieka and Amin, is grateful for whatever help she got from teachers and relatives. “The teachers here believe in us more than we believe in ourselves; they literally went with us throughout the exams.”

Crystal is confident that she will also find success at UG. “I don’t see myself as any less, as I used to when I was growing up. Just how they’re doing it, I’m here doing it as well.

And I can do every other normal thing that they can do.”

Melieka and Crystal are looking forward to being in the same class at UG with three other members of ‘The Blind Society’.

NEVER GIVE UP She has very limited vision in both of her eyes, having been born with congenital cataract. She was around six years old when her condition began acting up, getting worse with each passing year. She has been told that this is something that cannot be cured.

Attending primary school wasn’t so difficult for her, but when it came to writing the Grade Six assessment, she went

GO WITH THE FLOW Amin joined the GSB when he was just around 10 years old. He was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes when he was just a toddler.

This year, he wrote English, Business, Office Administration and Social Studies, and obtained two Grade Ones, a Grade Two and a Grade Three. It was challenging for him, especially as he was not too keen on computers.

But today, even after the rigors of travelling to Georgetown so many times a week for lessons, he can now say: “I took up the challenge, and now I can smile about it.”

His plans are to start university by next year. He could have started with the girls tomorrow, but he wanted some time to be able to save some money for the travelling.

He intends to travel to UG from Linden each day he has to; he doesn’t like the idea of moving to Georgetown.

Amin now works part-time with the Low-Vision Unit for the visually impaired at the Wismar Hill Primary School.

His advice to others is: “The world is changing, and you

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Some of the children participating in a fire drill exercise One of the children receives her certificate of participation

CDC educates children on disaster preparedness

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Saturday held a disaster preparedness camp for children.

The intention was to teach children the basics of what to do in the event of a disaster. The children were taught first-aid, fire safety, water sanitation and hygiene, and solid waste management, the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated.

The one-day camp was held at Camp Ayanganna, the Guyana Defence Force Headquarters, Georgetown, under the theme “Planting the Seed for Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness.”

According to GINA, the camp was the first of its kind and was sponsored by Digicel (Guyana) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Head of the CDC, Colonel (ret.) Chabilall Ramsarup, said that the aim of the camp was to ensure that children are aware and equipped to handle disasters. He pointed out that many times children lose their lives because they do not know what to do when a disaster, such as a fire, occurs.

“I hope we can manage them and ensure that the seeds are really planted on fertile soil so that they can go home, teach their parents, brothers and sisters and schoolmates,” Ramsarup stated.

“We are hoping to do it every August. We don’t just want to do it in Georgetown, we also want to go out in other regions,” Ramsarup added.

UNICEF representative for disaster risk management, Ian Jones, said that it is important for children to be participating in such camps. Jones noted that UNICEF continues to play a major role in the lives of children.

“We are very much involved in making sure that children are fully involved in disaster management,” Jones stated.

Beverly Stuart, a parent whose child is a participant in the camp, said that she was very happy to have her child take part in the camp. “You hear about disaster-reduction preparedness and you think it is something for adults alone, but now we should really involve the young at an early age and they just grow with all the skills,” Stuart said.

Another parent, Orin Porter, noted that children need to know how to respond when a disaster occurs. Porter explained that, “Children are part of that whole response team, they need to know, and they need to understand what they have to do so it is important that they are educated in that area.”

During the camp, the children were placed into groups and were given small prizes after completion of each task.

The CDC continues to implement Disaster Risk Management Systems (DRMS) across all 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

19

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

21

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

23

24

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

25

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Bravo’s final-ball heroics seal thrilling win for Windies DWAYNE Bravo took a wicket with the final delivery as West Indies clung on to claim a thrilling one-run victory over India in the opening Twenty20 international in Florida yesterday.

The contest marked the first full-member international game to be played in the United States since 2012, and the spectators in Lauderhill were treated to an engrossing spectacle, with the 489 runs scored marking the highest aggregate of any T20.

After going for a duck in his international debut back in March, Evin Lewis produced a magnificent 48-ball century in his second match at this level to power the Windies to 245-6.

Despite setting an extremely imposing total, the Windies were left to endure a nervy finish courtesy of Lokesh Rahul’s

(110 not out) maiden T20 century, only for Bravo to dismiss India captain MS Dhoni (43) with the last ball.

Johnson Charles (79) and Lewis immediately set about punishing the India attack with a blistering 57-ball partnership of 126.

Charles racked up seven maximums and six fours in his 33-ball blitz, but was outdone

by Lewis, with five of his nine sixes conceded by Stuart Binny (0-32) in a devastating 11th over.

Ravindra Jadeja (239) ended his wondrous innings but cameos from Kieron Pollard (22) and Carlos Brathwaite (14) pushed the Windies towards 250 and the target of 246 looked well out of reach when Ajinkya Rahane (7) and Virat Kohli (16) fell early.

But Rohit Sharma

(62) and Rahul staged a spectacular rebuilding job.

Rohit needed only 22 balls to reach his 50 but saw his charge ended by Pollard (1-30). However, there was no stopping Rahul - who made sure the Windies paid the price for dropping him in the ninth over and brought up his 100 in the best possible fashion by carving a six over third man.

India went into the final over needing just eight runs but were stymied by the brilliant Bravo, whose display of death bowling ensured they still required two off the last delivery.

And Dhoni promptly sliced the final ball to short third man, sparking wild celebrations among a Windies team that now holds a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

(Omnisport)

Michael Parris Under-16 boxing on today

BOXING enthusiasts will have another night to remember when the Guyana Boxing Association

(GBA),along with corporate youth sponsor,Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) hosts a one- day tournament today.

Dubbed the Michael Parris U-16 tournament, the event will take place from 13:00hrs at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to reports, over 40 youths,drawn from gyms across Guyana,will be participating in the event and keen and exciting rivalry is anticipated.

Among the gyms expected to field boxers are defending champions Essequibo Boxing Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Harpy Eagles, Young Achievers, Pocket Rocket, Carryl Boxing Gym and Rose Hall Jammers.

Among the boxers expected to be on show are; Omar Pollard and Joel Agustin (welterweight), Shaquancy Wright (80-84 pounds) and Shemar Bumbury (100-105).

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 08:25 hrs Purple Mountain 08:55 hrs Tabreek 09:25 hrs Asstar 10:00 hrs Lily Gray

11:20 hrs So Beloved 11:55 hrs Dawn Horizons 12:30 hrs Babyfact

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Beverley 08:50 hrs Fort Bastion 09:20 hrs Maldonado 09:55 hrs Private Matter 10:30 hrs Correggio 11:05 hrs Cape Love 11:40 hrs Plantation 12:15 hrS Limonata GOODWOOD 09:05 hrs Carducci 09:35 hrs Pastoral Star 10:10 hrs You’re Hired 10:45 hrs Giovanni Di Bicci

YARMOUTH 09:15 hrs We’ll Shake Hands 09:45 hrs Alice’s Dream 10:20 hrs Glorious Artist 10:55 hrs Folkswood 11:30 hrs Column 12:05 hrs Musdam 12:40 hrs Dark Wonder IRISH RACING TIPS Curragh 09:10 hrs Lightening Fast 09:40 hrs Butterflies 10:15 hrs In Our Blood 10:50 hrs Skiffle 11:25 hrs Intelligence Cross 12:00 hrs Fit For The Job 12:35 hrs Haqeeba

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Soild top order batting puts Proteas in strong position (REUTERS)-QUINTON de Kock top scored as all South Africa’s batsmen got among the runs in a score of 283 for three on the first day of the second test against New Zealand at Centurion yesterday.

De Kock showed sparkling strokeplay in a brisk 82 as he and Stephen Cook became the first opening pair to feature in a 100-run partnership for South Africa since December 2013.

Cook scored 56, Hashim Amla 58 and JP Duminy was 67 not out at the close along with captain Faf du Plessis (13).

Left-hander De Kock had been sent up the batting order after Dean El-

gar suffered a freak ankle injury on the eve of the Test, and he punished the

He was first man out after lunch, however, pulling Neil Wagner and be-

Hashim Amla stands tall and punches one to the off side during his innings of 56. loose balls as he cracked 10 fours on his way to 50.

ing caught by Trent Boult on the boundary to end a

first-wicket stand of 133.

Cook went 20 runs later, taken in the gully by New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s low catch off the bowling of Doug Bracewell.

Amla survived a close lbw decision when on 17 to reach his 31st test half century before Wagner bowled one that held its line and took an edge to be snapped up by wicketkeeper BJ Watling.

Duminy was given out lbw when he was on 44 but stayed after successfully reviewing the decision. With his place in the Test side under threat when AB de Villiers returns from injury, he will be hoping to get

to his century when play resumes today.

New Zealand won the toss and sent South Africa into bat on surface that did not provide the bowlers with expected assistance. Wagner had the best return of 2-51 off 22 overs.

The outcome of this Test will settle the twomatch series after the first was drawn last week when the majority of playing time was lost to a wet outfield in rain-hit Durban.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings S. Cook c Williamson b Bracewell 56 Q. de Kock c Boult b Wagner 82 H. Amla c Watling b Wagner 58 J. Duminy not out 67 F. du Plessis not out 13 Extras (b-4 lb-3) 7 Total (for 3 wickets, 88 overs) 283 Fall of wickets: 1-133 Q. de Kock,2-151 S. Cook,3-246 H. Amla To bat: T. Bavuma, S. van Zyl, V. Philander, K. Rabada, D. Steyn, D. Piedt Bowling: T. Southee 21 - 3 - 74 – 0,T. Boult 19.4 - 4 - 53 – 0, D. Bracewell 17.2 - 5 - 65 – 1, M. Santner 8 - 1 - 33 – 0, N. Wagner 22 - 4 - 51 – 2.

Cougars FC soft shoe Futsal Rashford snatches victory for Manchester United at Hull tourney continues today SUBSTITUTE Marcus Rashford scored an injury-time winner as Manchester United finally overhauled a stubborn Hull at a sodden KCOM Stadium.

The 18-year-old - making his first appearance of the season - steered home Wayne Rooney’s cross to spark wild celebrations on the away bench.

Moments earlier, David Meyler had blazed over in a rare Hull attack.

But it was a deserved win for United, who had gone close though Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.

United and Chelsea

are now the only Premier League sides with a 100% record from three games, with Manchester City who have two wins from two games - playing West Ham today.

Rashford’s winner was the climax to a performance of persistence and intelligence from the visitors, who changed tack several times before eventually breaking down Hull.

Ibrahimovic arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation for audacity, but, in the first half, it was his physical size rather than mercurial skill that posed most threat.

Offering himself as a

constant target in the box, the Swede headed just over the bar in the 10th minute before an extravagant backheel found the side-netting.

The excellent Curtis Davies blocked the more direct route to goal after the break, but the guile of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the pace of fellow substitute Rashford stretched the Hull defence in different directions and, finally, beyond breaking point.

A back muscle injury which is likely to rule Marouane Fellaini out for several weeks means United will need to show similar adaptability when they meet Manchester City in their next match.

Root’s composed 89 gives England 2-0 ODI series lead

Young Strikers’ Mark Simon, William Farley and Orin Sam​ COUGARS FC Soft Shoe Futsal tournament will continue today at the All Saints ground, New Amsterdam, as the round-robin playoff is set to conclude with four matches.

From 20:00 hrs,Young Strikers will face Unruly Gang while half hour later Port More Boyz clashes with Canje All Star.

The third game of the night will see Banks DIH Ltd taking on Blood Posse,while the final game to conclude the evening’s event brings together Golden Stars and Gunners.

An exhibition game between East and

West Side over-45 Masters will be featured.

Last Saturday evening, Young Strikers were on strike,winning 3-1 over Blood Posse with William Farley, Orin Sam and Mark Simon scoring for the winner.

Canje All Star got the better of their opponent Gunners 2-1,while Banks DIH Ltd was the teacher of Unruly Gang 4-1,while Golden Star defeated Port More Boyz. ​The tournament is organised by Cougars FC and will see cash prizes to the tune of $200,000 and $80,000 for the winners, $60,000 for runners up, $40,000 for third place and $20,000 for the 4th place teams.

(REUTERS)-JOE Root’s composed 89 led England to an easy four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second one-day international at Lord’s yesterday.

Pakistan recovered from a dreadful start, thanks to a century by Sarfraz Ahmed, to post a respectable total of 251 before Root and captain Eoin Morgan shared a third-wicket stand of 112 to lay the platform for the hosts to go 2-0 up in the series.

England opener Jason Roy fell to the second ball of the innings, bowled by Mohammad Amir, but Root looked in complete control from the start while Morgan made a busy 68 including nine fours.

Ben Stokes chipped in with 42 and although England lost wickets at regular intervals, they reached their target with more than

two overs to spare.

Pakistan slumped to two for three after winning the toss, Chris Woakes taking two wickets and Mark Wood one in a fiery opening burst by the England pace attack.

Babar Azam and Sarfraz steadied the innings with a fourth-wicket alliance of 64 before Azam was bowled by Liam Plunkett for 30.

Sarfraz played sensibly in the circumstances and found another reliable partner in Imad Wasim as the wicket-keeper hit six fours on the way to a second one-day international century before he was out for 105 Wasim finished unbeaten on 63. Wood and Woakes took three wickets each.

The third game in the five-match series is in Nottingham on Tuesday.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Kenya arrests three officials over Rio mismanagement

(REUTERS)-KENYA has arrested three top members of its Olympic committee, a Reuters witness said, after mismanage-

Kenya’s chef de mission to the recent Rio Olympic Games Stephen arap Soi. ment of the contingent nearly derailed the country’s participation in the Rio Games.

The east African nation notched up its biggest ever haul of medals in Brazil but doping and organisational challenges had plagued its preparations in the run-up to the event.

On Friday, chef de mission Stephen arap Soi and assistant secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) James Chacha were taken to a police station in Nairobi upon arrival from the Olympics, alongside the body’s Secretary General F. K. Paul, according to the witness.

Another official, Chief Executive of

Athletics Kenya Susan Kamau, told Reuters she too was questioned by police but shortly released.

With six golds, as many silvers and one bronze medal, Kenya finished second only to the United States in the athletics table, making South America’s first Olympic Games its best outing so far.

But its athletics pedigree has been tainted with up to 40 runners failing dope tests in the past four years. Its struggle to convince authorities it was taking the issue seriously threatened its participation in Rio. In April, Kenya’s president signed into law a bill criminalizing doping, as demanded by the World Anti-Doping Agency, to avoid a Rio ban and the government has promised a tighter rein in the future.

At the Games, Kenya’s Olympic committee sent home a sprinting coach after he was accused of posing as an athlete to doping testers. The coach said he had borrowed an accreditation pass to seek a meal in the athletes’ village.

Kenya’s athletics manager was also sent home from the Olympics and is being detained while police investigate allegations that he had warned athletes before the Games about drugs tests in return for cash. He denies any wrongdoing.

Government officials had warned of measures against officials accused of mismanaging preparations ahead of the competition’s conclusion.

On Thursday, Sports Minister Hassan Wario said he had disbanded NOC-K and set up a committee to probe mismanagement. It will report its findings by Sept. 30.

UWI experts begin Queen’s Park Oval investigation FOLLOWING the cancellation of the Test match at the Queens Park Oval over the last weekend the TTCB and Queen’s Park have moved swiftly to determine the reasons for the ground condition being what it was which led to the decision by the match officials to call off the game.

The sodden outfield was of grave concern as the cancellation deprived all stakeholders of an opportunity to witness Test match action in Trinidad for the first time since 2014.

As host, both the TTCB and QPCC regret what took place and has engaged a team of top experts from the University of the West Indies to investigate the matter.

A report from UWI expected by Sept 1 following which the host will provide the WICB with a full report. The WICB is then expected to submit a report to the ICC. The UWI experts have already begun their investigation as QP is making every effort to ensure that this situation will not be repeated

as more and more cricket is being played during the wet season.

This was the first time in Queens Park’s 125 year history that a Test match was being staged this late in the year at the Oval.

This Test was the 60th being hosted at the Oval, the most by any venue in the Caribbean.

Leading up to the test match QP did its usual preparation for hosting an international match having just hosted one leg of the CPL in July where in spite of heavy rain the matches were all played before packed audiences.

For the past two years QP has been hosting matches in the regional four day tournament during the months of November and December without experiencing any issues with ground saturation despite high volumes of rainfall.

All efforts are therefore being made to ensure that future matches at the Oval would not be affected.(TTCB Media Release).

Ground staff at the Queen’s Park Oval opened up the outfield with a pitch fork and used a blower to aid the drying process on the 3rd day of the Test match.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

AAG president expected more from athletes in Rio

By Tamica Garnett PRESIDENT of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hudson,is of the firm belief that the Guyanese athletes who participated at the just concluded Rio Olympics Games could have achieved better than what they put forth in their performances.

Guyana was represented

by four athletes at the Games: Winston George in the men’s 400m, Troy Doris in the men’s triple jump, Brenessa Thompson in the women’s 100m and 200m ,and Aaliyah Abrams in the women’s 400m.

Of the four athletes, Doris was the only one to get pass the initial stage and he made it into the next round of the competition.

Hudson posited that given

the performances that the athletes displayed just prior to departing for the Olympics, he had expected better from them in Rio. He emphasized however, that he was not targeting the athletes themselves, or saying that the lacked the ability to do better, only that he had expected to see better performances from the athletes at such a high profile meet.

“My comment continues to be that all of the athletes in Rio underperformed, meaning they all would have had better performances leading up to Rio”.

“I have the greatest confidence in these athletes to do well, because they’ve done

he was training in the US primarily most of the time; he showed up in Rio and ran 45.77, so how could anyone, including Winston George, be satisfied with his performance in Rio? Doris did 17.18 to qualify for Rio; jumped 16.81m in the preliminar-

and the first female Guyanese to go below the 23 seconds mark in the women’s 200m, where the record now stands at 22.99 seconds. In the 100m, she was the first Guyanese to set a track record on home soil, when she clocked the record at 11.14 seconds at the AP Invita-

AAG president Aubrey Hudson

WINSTON GEORGE

HANNIBAL GASKIN

it before. What I was disappointed in is the performance in Rio, and I want to be very clear on that. I did not wholesale say that any athlete was bad or that athlete was a bad athlete, and shouldn’t be in Rio; I’m talking about their performances.” Hudson said.

Hudson had earlier last week come under some harsh comments from stakeholders, following a video interview that he did with News Room, which was circulated on social media.

Hutson said the backlash was simply a case of persons trying to “make a storm in a little teapot”.

Hudson said his sentiments are supported by the evidence; pointing out that none of the athletes were able to surpass or even equal their season’s best, at a time when it was hoped that the athletes would peak in their performance.

“Winston George did 45.25 in Beijing one year ago(and)he received an Olympic Solidarity scholarship;

ies, and 16.90m in the finals.

I doubt Troy Doris will be satisfied with that.” Hudson opined, adding that: “I know that these athletes can do it, because they would have done it before to qualify. My concern is what inhibited such a great performance in Rio where, for me, it mattered. “ Doris, the best athlete on the team, eventually ended with a creditable overall seventh place finish out of the 39 athletes in his event, after a best jump of 16.90m.

That was after his performance was beleaguered with a number of foul jumps that might have otherwise seen him performing better.

He entered the event with a SB of 17.18m, which is also Guyana’s national record.

Doris was not the only national record holder on the team. George holds Guyana’s men’s 400m record and Thompson has the women’s 100m and 200m records, which she also set earlier this year. Thompson had been enjoying a very good season, breaking the women’s 200m record twice this year,

tional, in June.

In Rio, 20 -year -old Thompson finished seventh in both her 100m and 200m heats, clocking 11.72 seconds and 23.65 seconds respectively. In the 100m, she ended 53 out of 64 entries, and in the 200m, she ended in 59 out of 72 participants.

Nineteen-year-old Abrams clocked 52.79 seconds, finishing fifth in her heats, and 38 out of 57 participants overall.

George,who had a SB of 45.76 seconds, and a PB of 45.25 seconds, clocked 45.77 seconds in Rio, to finish fifth in his heats and 26 overall, out of 50 athletes.

Hudson noted that he was still to receive a report from the coaches indicating if there were any conditions at the Games that may have impeded on the athletes’ abilities to perform better.

He said the AAG is now looking towards forging a better relationship with the coaches to map out the best way forward for the athletes.

Cuba’s Copello, second, Guyana’s Doris fifth in Paris GUYANESE triple jumper, Troy Doris, continued where he left off at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by ending fifth at the Paris Diamond League yesterday.

Doris, one of two Caribbean finalist earlier this month in Brazil, hit 16.68 metres, 10 centimetres behind Poland’s Karol Hoffmann.

Another Caribbean athlete, Cuba’s Alexis Copello fared even better than Doris, hitting 16.90 to fall just short

TROY DORIS of the United States’ Chris

Carter’s 16.92 winning effort.

Colombia’s John Murillo was third with 16.90 as well.

Interestingly, in the final of the Olympics, where Doris was seventh, his longest jump was 16.90 metres.

Christian Taylor from the United States with a leap of 17.86 metres was the winner there, ahead of teammate Will Claye, 17.76, and China’s Dong Bin, 17.58.(Sportsmax.com)

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Mentore charges aspiring cricketers to be well-rounded students of the game

“STRIVE to be well all-rounded students of the game”, were the words of President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Alfred Mentore, instilled upon the graduates of the club’s annual three-week summer camp which concluded last Friday at the Queenstown based club.

Speaking to over eighty (80) students and in the presence of officials of The Ministry of Education, Department of Youth Culture and Sport Permanent Secretary Alfred King, Mentore emphasised the need for youngsters to balance both their academic and cricketing skills in an effort to avoid being a one dimensional individual.

More so, the club President explained to the graduates that their participation in the game is not limited to the field, as they are now opportunities for persons to engage in the areas of coaching, commentary,and statistics,among many more.

Mentore further gave the example of the camp’s best student, Jordon Nelson, who came to the camp not knowing much about the game, but instead of gravitating towards the on-field action, he quickly became abreast with the correct scoring and the rules of the sport.

Meanwhile, King,in his address reminisced on the days with the bat and ball and firmly stated that

… as DCC Summer camp concludes

All Smiles! The cheerful camp attendees along with Club President Alfred Mentore, Alfred King and Coach Garvin Nedd (second row seated) the DCC summer camp should be a model for

Jordon Nelson receives his trophy for best Student from Permanent Secretary Alfred King

other sporting institutions and developing sports men and women.

Head coach Gavin Nedd challenged the young cricketers to build on the knowledge gained and the need to conduct self-training if they wish to reach the summit.

In closing, the club President thanked all the sponsors for their support and looked forward to future partnerships for such programmes.

The camp, which catered for persons from as young as four years old, focused on areas such as public speaking, health and nutrition, the necessity of fitness, the rules of the game, and as well as the technical on-field play.

Several of the top performers received trophies while each attendee received a certificate of participation.

Hikers, Pizza Hut among winners in Lucozade hockey league THE ladies ruled the roost when action in the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Lucozade Indoor league continued on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium.

In Game one, the Hikers dominated their Spartan counterparts 6-1,at the close of play. Charlyn Elliot’s 4th Minute field goal for the Hikers was cancelled out

by Mickelly Rahaman’s 8th Minute goal. However, Tikeisha DeLeon (11th) quicly returned the Hikers lead before Maryann Murray (14th) extended it to 3-1 at halfl time.

On the return, the Hikers scored a further three goals, one each from Lata-

cia Chung (27th), Marisha Rodrigues (32nd) and Kenisha Wills (40th),to seal the game 6-1.

In the second game of the night, the Pizza Hut ladies thrashed their Old Fort counterparts 5-1,thanks to a double from Aliyah Gordon (2nd) and (17th),and Gabriella Xavier’s 18th minute strike which ended the half at 3-0.

Tricia Woodroffe (24th) and Xavier (35th) moved the game out of reach before PC (GCC) old fort pulled one back in the 36th.

Game three was between the GCC Vintage males and their St Stanislaus counterpart.It was a closer encoun-

ter,with the former winning 3-2.

Hilmar Chester’s 10th minute goal for saints was cancelled out by Eric Hing in the 16th; ending the half 1-1.

On the return,however, Hilton Chester’s 22nd minute strike gave St Stanislaus the lead the deserved,albeit brief as Dwayne Scott (24th) and (26th) ensured that GCC took the trophy.

The final game of the evening was a blowout of the GCC pitbulls by their Bounty opponents.

Kevin Spencer’s 3rd and 8th minute strikes gave the bounty side the advantage

they needed before Kareem McKenzia, in the 12th minute, took the score to 3-0 at half time.

Michael Craig put his name on the score sheet in the 29th minute as the pitbulls scored their first goal of the game through Keon Mckenzie, just 50 seconds later.

Craig would return in the 35th for his second ,while Daniel Hooper (35 th and 38th) would complete his double as well. Spencer completed his hat- trick in the 38th leaving the game at 8-0.

Matches continue on Wednesday at the National Gymnasium.

Best Under-15 player Daniel Mootoo receives a pair of gloves from Club President Alfred Mentore,compliments of national cricketer Christopher Barnwell and his new store Sporting Edge

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday August 28, 2016) 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) 7 centuries (2) 5 five-wicket hauls

Today’s Quiz:

(1)What was the result of the WI/India four-match series?

(2What was the highest opening partnership of the series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day Tournament …

West Demerara slump to six-wicket defeat … Lower Corentyne whips Essequibo by an innings and 122 runs

By Rajiv Bisnauth WEST Demerara’s batting collapsed for the second time in as many days as East Coast Demerara crushed them by six wickets, inside two days in the opening round of the Jaguars Franchise League Three-day competition yesterday at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club.

The visitors, faced with a first innings deficit of 60 runs, were bundled out for 105 in their second innings, 25 minutes before the tea interval.

Their nemesis once again proved to be the host spinners, who took seven second innings wickets between them, to cripple the innings.

Gavin Moriah’s fiery pace was also instrumental in the commanding win.

West Demerara’ embarrassment could have been far worst, but opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who got a third-ball ‘duck’ in the first innings, stepped up the

second time around and delayed the inevitable, with a stubborn knock of 43.

Set 46 to win, East Coast Demerara lost openers Rajendra Chandrika (12)and Gavin Boodwah (8),along with Bhaskar Yadram (0) and Chanderpaul Hemraj (12).

H o w e v e r, K a m e s h Yadram, seven not out, and Ramnarine Chatura,four not out took their team to the winning target without further trouble.

Earlier,a West Demerara fightback with the ball had kept the host in check, and they were eventually bowled out just after an hour inside 16 overs into the day’s play.

East Coast Demerara started the day very cautiously, with overnight batsmen Vivian Albert and Ramnarine Chatura trying to defy the opposition attack.

But the inevitable finally happened as off-spinner Richie Looknauth (2-19) got the breakthrough by trapping Albert leg before wicket for two, and the re-

maining batsmen were dismissed cheaply by left-arm seamer Raymond Reifer, medium pacer Mahendra

Pacer Gavin Moriah (left) and leg-spinner Steven Sankar claimed three second innings wickets between them.

Dhanpaul, and pacer Romario Shephard.

Reifer, who finished the innings with 5-24, had found consistent swing to claim the wickets of Paul Wintz (6)

National team secures valuable sponsorship to attend World Chess Olympiad

Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Attorney at Law James Bond with President of the GCF Irshad Mohamad and other team members THE Guyana chess team,scheduled to depart for the 42nd chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan, received a significant donation for their voyage, the latest coming on Friday from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Sport Director Christopher Jones, in handing over his contribution, commended the team for its efforts in gaining corporate sponsorship;and was heartened by the generous response Attorney-at-law,James Bond,also came on board with sponsorship, giving a sizable amount to assist the team with their travel expenses.

Efforts from companies such as Somwaru Travel Service, Kings Jewellery World,

and Amir Khan (11), while Dhanpaul (2-19) and Shephard (1-31), accounted for the wickets of Chatura (12) and

Dr Sengupta and Associates, Hardware Depot, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and William Walker of Oasis Café were significant in ensuring the team’s participation.

The 42nd chess Olympiad will take place from September 1-14, and Team Guyana consists of six males in Candidate Master (CM) Wendell Muesa, CM Anthony Drayton, Haifeng Su, CM Taffin Khan, CM Ronuel Greenidge and Roberto Neto.

It also includes WCM Maria Varona Thomas, Sherrifa Ali, Julia Clementson, Yolanda Persaud and Jessica Clementson as the females.

Muesa will also double- up as the Coach

Steven Sankar (8).

The host then drove home their advantage inside ten overs of the West Demerara second innings, with the early wickets of opener

Ronaldo Reene and skipper Akshaya Persaud.

The impressive Moriah (3-17), bowled Reene without scoring, while Albert (2-8), accounted for Persaud in similar fashion to leave the visitors in a deep hole on 23-2.

The other opening batsman, Tagenarine Chanderpaul,along with Kemol Savory, defended resolutely and took the total to 52 at the lunch interval.

However, their 34-run stand ended soon after the interval when Moriah castled both Savory and Chanderpaul for 9 and 43 respectively. All told, Chanderpaul stroked three fours and two sixes in an innings which lasted 85 deliveries.

After those dismissals ,things went downhill rapidly. Few of the West Demerara batsmen ever looked comfortable and found runs hard to get as the session wore on – struggling in particular to score off leg-spinner

Sankar (3-37), who removed Reifer (23), Shephard (3) and Yetesh Dhanpaul (4).

Khan (2-33) and Albert claimed the final three wickets.

East Coast Demerara will play Upper Corentyne ,while West Demerara will clash with East Bank Demerara in round two.

Meanwhile, summarised scores in the other three first- round games are as follows: West Berbice closed on 166-5 in their second innings, an overall lead of 215, after they dismissed Upper Corentyne for 183 in their first innings.

East Bank Demerara closed on 68-5, a second innings lead of 74, after they bowled out Georgetown for 186 in their first innings,while Lower Corentyne whipped Essequibo by an innings and 122 runs.

Scores in the game, Essequibo 101 and 159, Lower Corentyne 382.

Dilshan contributed as much as Sanga and Mahela did - Mathews SRI Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has put Tillakaratne Dilshan’s contributions on par with those of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, ahead of Dilshan’s final ODI in Dambulla today.

Dilshan was the fourth Sri Lanka batsman to 10,000 ODI runs, and he has the third-highest number of hundreds with 22.

“Dilshan has been an absolute brilliant servant for Sri Lankan cricket over the past 17 years,” Mathews said.

“I think he has equally done the service that Mahela and Sanga did, and we’re going to miss him a lot. Unfortunately, he had called it a day. We respect that decision and the whole team wishes him the very best.”

Several former players have also delivered glowing appraisals of Dilshan’s career. Former team-mates Jayawardene and Sangakkara said Dilshan deserved a grand farewell on Twitter.

Sangakkara was particularly complimentary, stating that Dilshan, along with Sanath Jayasuriya, had been Sri Lanka’s “greatest match-winners”.

Arjuna Ranatunga has also been among the former captains paying tribute, labelling Dilshan’s all-round aptitude a captain’s dream.

In addition to his 10,248 runs ODI runs - ahead of his final ODI - Dilshan has

Angelo Mathews: ‘Dilshan has been an absolute brilliant servant for Sri Lankan cricket taken 106 wickets, claimed 122 catches, and made one stumping during one of several stints as replacement wicketkeeper.

“Dilshan started his career as a middle-order batsman, then he moved on to become an opener,” Ranatunga told the Island. “Opening the batting is the toughest thing in cricket.

There’s a lot at stake for an opener and not many players excel in that discipline. Dilshan had an outstanding career as an opener in all three formats. He was also a brilliant fielder and an intelligent bowler.

All captains wish they have players like Dilshan in their ranks.

“Dilshan could change games quickly. The dilscoop that he introduced has been played effectively by cricketers in shorter formats of the game with great success. Like Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath and Romesh Kaluwitharana, he left his mark in cricket.”

Sri Lanka will play two more ODIs in the series after Dilshan’s exit, and the opening combination in those matches will likely feature two of the three young opening candidates: Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva.

“It’s going to be a tough task to fill his boots but we’ve see the youngsters taking lot of responsibility in the recent past,” Mathews said. “We’re really thankful to Dilshan and our ambition is to try and win this match for him.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 28, 2016

Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic

George, Moore win 200m as Police take lead over GDF

By Tamica Garnett

FRESH off his performance at the Rio Olympics, Guyana’s Winston George yesterday soared to an unquestionable win in the men’s

200m, while teammate, Alita Moore, took the women’s 200m, as a tight battle ensued between Police Progressive Athletics Club and the Guyana Defence Force team on the opening day of the

Police’s Alita Moore cruising to a win ahead of GDF Natrena Hooper in the women’s 200 yesterday

Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic going down at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden.

With 147 points after 11 finals, Police ended the first day of competition with only 23 points ahead of their long time rival,the Guyana Defence Force team.

Nonetheless, according to Police head coach Lyndon Wilson, the defending team remains unfazed by this,as a huge starting lead was not forecasted.

“This is where I was expecting to be after the first day, and then take control on the final day, because what we ensure is that we have athletes in all of the finals so that we can gain maximum points in as many events as possible [today],” Wilson said.

However, always optimistic about his team’s abilities, head coach for the GDF does not believe it’s over until the fat lady sings.

“Yea, I feel we stand a chance because the events that leave to finish tomorrow I feel we have a very strong team for

Olympian Winston George leads Police to a win in the men’s 4x100m relay last night (Delano Williams photos) that.” Chisholm stated.

Following behind GDF in the points standing is the Linden Combined team with 78 points, Mercury Fast Laners (MFL) with 28 points, Super Upcoming Runners with 15 points, and the overseas team with 6 points.

Both Police and GDF amassed major wins as things progressed yesterday. George took the men’s 200m win in a time of 21.5

seconds.However the next two positions went to GDF, as Davin Fraser touched the line in 21.7 seconds and Perry followed with a time of 21.9 seconds.

Moore ruled the women’s event in 25.7 seconds, but it was another second place for GDF after Natrena Hopper clocked 26 seconds.

Police took the women’s 3000m after Joanna Archer championed the event in

12min:02.9s.GDF ruled in the men’s 5000m as Cleveland Forde continued to prove he is Guyana’s best distance athlete, taking the win in 16:30.6s.

In the discus throw, Police’s Julio Sinclair prevailed after clearing 43.31m,while on the distaff end, GDF Tinecia Cort took the win (38.92m), while Bright got a gold for Linden in the women’s long jump after leaping across 5.27m.

Trophy Stall makes massive investment for today’s President’s Cup Horse race meet ... carries prize package of $10M

THE expectations are high for the second ‘Real President’s Cup’ Horse Race Meet which runs off today at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) in Arima Park,West Coast Berbice.

The event is hosted in honour of President David Granger and it is organised by the RSTC in collaboration with the Friends of Rising Sun organization.

Itis expected to attract a large crowd with appearances from notable government and regional officials.

There are eight races carded for the day with a total prize package of GYD $10m inclusive of cash, trophies and other incentives. According to reports from the venue, all systems are in place thanks to the renovation work done at the ground.

The feature A and Lower 1400m race will see questions answered as to which horse is the best race horse in Guyana. The event has attracted 10 starters,with defending champion ‘Just Call Me Boss’ looking to continue its good showing, especially at that venue Looking to upset the champ are the likes of the In-form Princess She Is Not, Score Even, C.P Got Even, Jack in My Style, Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Release the Beast, Plum Plum and the newly imported Light Up Canada running out of the Nand Persaud

In photo Tiana lovell of Trophy Stall handing over the champion jockey trophy along with the President’s Cup to Wayne Campayne of Rising Sun Turf Club.

Karibee Rice stable The winner is set to take away the hefty $1.2M and the massive President’s Cup trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall, Bourda market.

A winner’s prize of $600,000 and trophy is available for the top horse in the event for E and lower, covering 1400m.

The G class 1400M race is expected to be a close encounter with the winning prize being $400,000 and a trophy. The event for two-year-old Guyana- Bred horses over 1100M will see the winner pocketing $350,000 and a trophy.

Major sponsors include Trophy stall, along with the Government of Guyana, Banks DIH, Nand Persaud and Company, Inshan Bacchus Mining and Trucking Service, Jumbo Jet and Gansham Singh Lumber yard of No 6 village, West Coast Berbice.

Other sponsors include Habla Meat Centre, Rising Sun Cattle Ranch, and the Chester Fried Chicken,Bush Lot, among others.

The Government of Guyana and the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) have both given their full blessing to the activity.Race time is scheduled for 12:00hrs with a prompt start.

Michael Parris Under-16 boxing on today

Bravo’s final-ball heroics seal thrilling win for Windies

See story on page 25

See story on page 25

India fell two runs short of reaching a target of 246, Dwayne Bravo denying them victory in an engrossing T20 clash in Florida

Olympic champion Jebet smashes steeplechase world record Ruth Jebet of Bahrain competes as she sets a world record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Evin Lewis is congratulated after reaching his maiden T20I ton in Florida, yesterday.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

(REUTERS)-OLYMPIC champion Ruth Jebet smashed the world record for the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase by more than six seconds at the Paris Diamond League meeting yesterday.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Kenya and runs for Bahrain, clocked eight minutes 52.78 seconds, more than nine seconds ahead of Olympic silver medallist Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi of Kenya who finished second.

The previous record of 8:58.81 wasset by Russian Gulnara Galkina at the Beijing Olympics eight years ago.

Jebet narrowly missed out on the

world record when she won Bahrain’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro this month.

It was clear that the world record was in danger after Jebet completed the first kilometre in 2:56.36.

She went through the second kilometre in 5:54.16 compared to Galkina’s split time of 6:01.20 in her record-breaking run in Beijing.

“I tried many times to beat the world record and today we decided to push each other to go for a good time,” said Jebet.

“I was not expecting such a big difference with the record. I think I finished my season today.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016