Guyana chronicle epaper 09 26 2016

Miners cry foul No. 104686

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

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–– Over Govt’s decision to return titled lands to Indigenous peoples

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These youths captivate the gathering at St Cuthbert’s benab during a lively skit in observance of St Cuthbert’s Mission’s Heritage and Jubilee Village Day on Saturday (Ministry of Education photo)

Mexico rice deal being finalised 16 Page

Controversy Stripped healthy for 3 schoolgirls democracy

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–– Sherod Duncan says City Hall challenges have not broken his spirit

being taunted

Miners cry foul

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

–– Over Govt’s decision to return titled lands to Indigenous peoples

By Vanessa Braithwaite

EXECUTIVE members of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGMDA) have described as unfair Government’s decision to return titled lands to Indigenous peoples.

Speaking at the GGDMA’s annual general meeting last Thursday, past president of the association, Patrick Harding, said the Indigenous peoples are vying for lands filled with mineral wealth, agriculture and forestry, and not lands to merely develop their culture.

“They don’t want lands for culture or whatever; they want lands that people mine, and that’s a fact… We are Guyanese just like the Amerindians,” Harding argued.

He noted that the GGDMA has been fighting the issue for a while; has engaged Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; and, according to Harding, will represent and stand in solidarity with the miners who have been affected by the situation.

Harding pointed out that the decision was made by the previous administration,

but was picked up by the now Government, who went ahead and granted the lands to the Indigenous communities.

Harding said he has no personal biases against the Indigenous peoples, as they are good Guyanese and are well respected by miners; but the crux of the issue lies in the unfairness of the decision taken by Government.

“Why aren’t we getting the equal treatment? Why aren’t these lands titled and given to us? Miners have been there before; it is on their strength [that] the Am-

Former GGDMA President, Patrick Harding erindians [have been] settling on the lands. We are the ones who developed those lands; we put infrastructure on those lands, and to say you are taking it away from

one Guyanese to give it to another Guyanese is totally unacceptable.”

One miner operating in the Region Seven mining district has said some Indigenous folk presented to miners documentation which claims they are the legal owners of vast plots of land in the Imbaimadai/Kurupung area. These lands, the miner claimed, are untouched and have vast mineral wealth; and according to him, the claimants cannot work the land.

The miner has also opined that the documents of the claimants are fake, because they were given out by the previous Administration close to elections.

“I feel those documents are false, and [this is] nothing

else but a political sting so as to gain votes,” the miner affirmed, and called on the executive members of the GGDMA to make representation on the matter.

GGDMA executive member Andron Alphonso was also unhappy with the Government’s decision.

“You have families of miners who are living on some of these areas longer than any Amerindian ever set foot on these lands,” he claimed.

An Indigenous miner who identified himself as Hopkinson, after listening to the deliberations, said that though the Indigenous peoples may be given titles to the lands, they do not own the minerals in the land, but only have surface rights.

He revealed that miners would have to pay the Indigenous peoples royalty for the land, since the only Indigenous peoples who own the mineral wealth of lands are those in possession of titles before 1908.

“I have some land like that, and even if I want to buy the sand, I have to get permission; and the Commissioner can give permission to miners,” he said, noting that it is mandated in the Amerindian Act. Though there have been calls for the Act to be revised in order to give Amerindians sub-surface rights to the lands, Hopkinson said, this is impossible, as those calling for such a move will have to change the entire Constitution.

Controversy healthy for democracy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

–– Sherod Duncan says City Hall challenges have not broken his spirit

By Tamica Garnett

DESPITE the quarrels with Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has said there has been no challenge that breaks his spirit to the extent of regretting his decision to be a part of City Hall.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Duncan said though the situation ‘is even worse than [he] thought”, and now more than ever, he believes his presence at City Hall is needed.

“I have no regrets (about) being part of the City Hall. It is a challenge that I have accepted -- to do all I can to make a positive difference for our national capital city, Georgetown. I cannot say I was surprised by the challenges I have encountered,” Duncan declared.

He reminded that City Hall has always been a place of controversy, trials and setbacks

agement Committee period; and the advent of Mayor Hamilton Green saw tremendous hurdles… In 2011, then Councillor Patricia Chase-Green moved a no-confidence motion against him, and this was a gentleman who had brought her into City Government. And let’s not forget the Carol Sooba epoch and the tremendous setbacks under the previous Central Government. So I am not surprised by the current challenges,” Duncan explained.

Duncan believes that if one were to weigh the challenges that occurred previously, it would be found that things are much better now.

HEALTHY FOR DEMOCRACY He said controversy is “healthy for any democracy”. “Thinking back to a few short months ago, when councillors and the Town Clerk were pulling mics and chairs from each other, and offices were barred and

Duncan suggested the contract was shrouded in secrecy, and questioned the integrity of the company awarded the contract, Smart City Solutions Inc (SCS).

Chase-Green hit back by daring anyone questioning the transparency of the contract to take it to the legal authorities.

Councillors were split in their support of either Duncan or Chase-Green, the latter of whom had the backing of Town Clerk Royston King.

Government later intervened, and the Mayor agreed to halt the project to accommodate a review of the state of things and take certain recommendations into consideration.

COMPANY IMPLODING “I’m not happy with the parking meter fiasco. Daily, before our eyes, the private company, Smart City Solutions, seems to be

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan says he never expected City Hall to be ‘an easy place’ over the years, and it is against this backdrop that he never expected his time at City Hall to be an easy one.

“It has always been a challenging environment. Over the years…, it (has been) a very challenging place, exacerbated [by] the challenging times in which we live. The era of Mayor Campton Young had its peculiar set of challenges; then there was the Interim Man-

padlocked unceremoniously, those days, thank God, are behind us,” he said.

Following election to office in April, things first began to look awry within the newly-minted administration at City Hall with revelations in early June that Duncan and others had different views from Chase-Green and King over a contract that sought to establish parking meters around Georgetown.

imploding,” Duncan commented.

Amidst the parking meter debacle came grievances in sections of the media by Duncan as it pertains to the accommodations and amenities afforded his office.

Notwithstanding all this back-and-forth controversy playing out in the media, Duncan said, he gets along with the Council and Mayor on more issues than he disagrees with her.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan “The public gets to see the few things we disagree on, and not the 98 per cent of the other things we do agree on in moving Georgetown forward. The challenges have given me greater resolve to stand firm for what I believe…,” Duncan said.

According to the 37-year-old, his relationship with the Mayor “works well professionally”, and “the success of that relationship doesn’t mean we have to always agree. The success will be measured in the fact that Georgetown must win in the end,” he said.

Regardless of the existing challenges, Duncan said, it has not really changed what he seeks to achieve as Deputy Mayor. “The current challenges have not affected the things I hope to accomplish per se. I have seen a new tone at City Hall. I have (acquired) a deeper understanding of how to manage a capital city. I continue to engage individuals and the private sector, even Central Government.

The engagements have been meaningful -whether in getting our roads repaired, whether introducing programmes to reduce crime and violence, or whether it’s fundraising for our young people to ensure that they have the resources they need for the future they want.”

Now, as he looks to the future of the municipality, an enthusiastic Duncan sees opportunities for continued change and growth of the local government body. “We are six months into a three-year tenure. I see hopeful signs of change; young shoots of change that need water and lots of sunlight.

I remain hopeful and very optimistic that if we stick to challenging ourselves on the issues, and not personalities, our work will endear us to the people and Georgetown with be a great city once more.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

For some, it’s voting Clinton

- and keeping it quiet ONE would expect voters from the heavily Democratic Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill to pick presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov 8 general election. Just don’t expect them to advertise it.

Like lawns and windowsills in liberal pockets across the country, much of the neighbourhood is bereft of pro-Clinton signage in the final weeks before the election.

It’s a stark contrast to the 2012 and 2008 campaigns, when President Barack Obama whipped up a frenzy of support from Democrats and his signature “Hope” and “Forward” signs were ubiquitous.

The scarcity of lawn and window signs is an indication of the Democratic nominee’s struggle to generate enthusiasm among left-leaning voters, a challenge that’s borne out in polling data, and could potentially haunt her

if voters fail to turn out on Election Day. Clinton leads Republican challenger Donald Trump by four percentage points among likely voters, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Friday.

But Americans of all political stripes have been more critical of Clinton than they were of Obama when he was running for his second term four years ago, according to the daily tracking poll.

Among Democrats, 78 per cent say they have a favourable view of Clinton, lower than the 89 per cent favourability rating Obama had at this point in the race in 2012. Clinton’s favourability drops to 28 per cent among independents versus Obama’s 47 per cent.

Nancy Kimmel Viola, a 63-year-old social worker who lives about a mile away from Clinton’s campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, keeps a “Bernie 2016” sticker taped to the front door of her Carroll Gardens home, a vestige of her support for the unsuccessful bid of Senator Bernie Sanders. While she plans to vote for Clinton, she

confesses that her “heart’s not in it”.

“I have to vote for her.”

Viola said. “Having Trump in there is too scary.”

In Denver, residents in the Democratic stronghold of Park Hill posted many yard signs over a local zoning issue, but few for the presidential race.

“Most of us around here will vote Democratic, we always do, but we’re not overly enthusiastic for Clinton,” said resident Pablo Marron. “But we are united in our opposition to Trump.”

‘HOLD YOUR NOSE’ In the heavily Democratic Denver suburb of Northglenn, banners for local office-seekers littered a major roadway, but there were no accompanying Clinton signs.

In the affluent liberal Washington DC suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland, signs for the Democratic nominee appeared only roughly once every 10 blocks.

The lack of enthusiasm isn’t just hitting the Clinton campaign. Americans from both major parties say they are generally less interested in voting this year than they

A photo of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is seen on a window in the Carroll Gardens neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, U.S., September 23, 2016. (Picture taken September 23, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

were in 2012, according to the Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll, which compared results gathered during the first 20 days of September with the same period of 2012.

The Clinton campaign did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

Clinton’s online store displayed roughly a dozen different signs and banners for sale, ranging from an 11inch by 17-inch sign, sold at $10 for a pack of two, to a four-foot by six-foot “Hillary

for America” banner, which retailed for $100.

Sales data was not immediately available and a request for comment from the store went unanswered.

For some, there is a “hold your nose quality” to this election, said Matthew Dallek, associate professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

“The lack of signage” in liberal enclaves may indicate, Dallek said, “that there just isn’t this sort of enthusiasm that existed for Obama.”

But there are some blocks that buck the trend.

On a street in Gowanus,

Brooklyn, no fewer than four homes bore pro-Clinton signage, including a life-size cutout of the Democratic nominee, which rests in the windowsill of retired lawyer Chris Morrison’s home. The beaming cardboard Clinton prompts many passersby to take pictures, said Morrison, a staunch Clinton supporter.

“You don’t see as much signage this time around. In this neighborhood I don’t get so concerned (because everyone is) more or less on the same page,” said Morrison, 66.

“I worry when I go to some other places.” (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

Caribbean leaders warn of region’s economic collapse

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, told the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday that, along with climate change and lingering indebtedness, Caribbean islands face another existential threat from the withdrawal by global banks of correspondent banking relations to their financial institutions.

In the global campaign against money-laundering and terrorist financing, very strict penalties have been imposed on banks by regulatory bodies in North America and Europe for any infringement of the stringent regulations.

“In this environment, where even the slightest infraction could expose a bank to a fine of hundreds of millions of dollars, many have chosen to withdraw essential correspondent banking relations from financial institutions in the Caribbean, Central America and Africa,” he explained, adding: “They call this process de-risking. I call it economic destruction.”

Browne said while this trend is prevalent in a few regions, it will spread with global consequences unless checked by collective action.

“We would be severed form the world’s trading system, unable to pay for basic services we purchase, or to receive payments for gods and services we sell to other countries,” he explained, stressing that this “growing cancer” would likely lead to economic collapse, poverty and high crime in small countries and worse still, would force underground the financial transactions that are being regulated by law enforcement agencies, creating huge opportunities for money laundering and terrorist financing.

“This would undermine the very global, multilateral cooperation that is required to fight these scourges,” he said, and noted that of all the terrorist financing and money laundering cases that have been prosecuted, not a single one of them involved Caribbean financial institutions.

Given their size and limited choices for economic expansion, small island states like Saint Lucia have looked to the more advanced economies for innovative means of economic development, the country’s prime minister, Allen Chastanet, also told the United Nations on Saturday, among many speakers from the region whvo said they now find themselves being penalized as tax havens by

the very architects of such strategies.

Having adopted programmes created by wealthy countries, such as citizenship by investment’ programmes, and financial services and trusts, small island states have been “left to dance between the raindrops, criticized by the very same countries and branded as tax havens.

“A painful example of such exclusion is the inescapable fact that while we continue to feel the negative effects of the 2008-2009 global financial and economic crises, we are not involved in the solutions to the problems,” he said, noting that while the G20 has designated itself the forum for collective international economic cooperation, Saint Lucia, like the majority of UN member states, is not a member of that bloc, “nor were we consulted on its appointment as the arbiters of our economic fate.”

The G20 also has a serious legitimacy problem, Chastanet continued, noting that aside from being unofficial and non-inclusive, many of the countries at the table represent the champions of the economic and financial systems and policies that led the world into the crisis in the first place. (Caribbean News Now)

Mexican protest over same-sex marriage

THOUSANDS of people in Mexico City have protested against a government proposal to legalise same-sex marriage, which they say would undermine traditional families.

Organisers said they were not opposed to gay or

change the Constitution.

Same-sex marriages are legal in some Mexican states, but Pena Nieto wants it to be allowed across the country.

Last year, the Supreme Court declared that a ban on such unions imposed in

thought,” said Mario Alberto Romo, a spokesman for the group.

Demonstrators are calling for a meeting with Pena Nieto to debate the issue.

LGBT rights supporters turned up at the march to show their backing for Pena

A gay activist marches alongside members of the National Front for the Family to show his support for same-sex marriage

lesbian rights, but wanted to defend family values and the institution of marriage.

The demonstrators called for a meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Gay and lesbian activists staged rival protests.

Public opinion in Mexico, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, has been split since Pena Nieto announced in May plans to

many of Mexico’s states was unconstitutional.

Leaders of the National Front for the Family, which organised the march, say they are not opposed to LGBT rights.

But they argue that Mexico has fallen victim of an ideological battle that threatens family values and the institution of marriage.

“In a democratic society you cannot impose a single

Nieto’s proposal to legalise same-sex marriage, but police said there were no clashes.

Some of them carried banners that read: “I’m gay and I’m a Catholic” and “We also have families”.

Four Latin American countries have already legalised same-sex marriage: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and most recently Colombia. (BBC)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Guyana’s representation at the UN

PRESIDENT David Granger, accompanied by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and team last week presented Guyana’s case and positions to the 71st Annual Session of the United Nations (UN).

Guyana is particularly threatened by climate change, given our vulnerability to sea- level rise. It was therefore a positive step undertaken by the Government in being among the first 60 nations to ratify the Climate Change Agreement signed in Paris earlier this year. The Agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to 2C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration of keeping it to 1.5C. Though reservations may exist as to Guyana’s capacity and capabilities to achieve the goals within the Agreement, particularly those that have specific timelines, nothing is impossible when people come together and commit to achieve.

The APNU+AFC administration has committed to a developmental agenda built on the Green Economy. In short, this economy focuses on Sustainable Development, Labour Policies and the Environment.

With the ratification of the Climate Agreement it will require putting systems in place to ensure compliance.

Compliance ultimately is dependent on the people’s involvement. Each stakeholder and individual has to know what the goals are, and their roles and responsibilities in achieving these.

Knowledge of the environment and the importance of conforming to universally acceptable standards require effective mass-based education and training, targeting from the least amongst us to the most certified. It would help if such is pursued as a matter of national import, given timeline requirements in some areas of the Climate Agreement.

Sustainable development which relies on exploiting indigenous resources in a responsible manner in pursuit of the nation’s development is not new to society. It would be recalled that the nation once pursued the Feed, Clothe and House Programme (FCHP). Though there remains a blue print and persons with institutional memory that helped pilot and steer this programme, roadblocks to success cannot be ignored.

None can deny that the FCHP continues to attract negative thoughts and publicity. Some can argue, with some justification, that such is driven by narrow partisan interests and ignorance. Where it may be a herculean task to change the view in the former instance, though it should be striven for, the latter instance requires education as to the benefits to be derived and providing needed support mechanisms, technical and financing.

In the area of Labour Policies, the only mass-based or-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Two Moruka school -girls facing nightmare Dear Editor, I RECEIVED a telephone call today Sunday, September 25, 2016,about 9.00 am from the mothers of two Amerindian girls who are attending the Santa Rosa Secondary School and are living in the dorms in Moruka, that their daughters were stripped naked and searched by two male policemen who are working at the Moruka,police station.It was alleged that some money was missing by the dorms mother;she then called the headmaster to report it, who in turned informed the school welfare officer.It was brought to my attention that the welfare officer, instead of finding out who stole the money or if any money was indeed missing at all in the dorms,immediately summoned the police to the dorms to harass the two students,ages 13 and 16.

According to the parents and the two girls, the two male policemen asked the girls to strip naked in the presence of the school welfare officer.These

girls refused to take off their clothes,saying that they were having their monthly menstruation. After they refused, the two policemen threatened to throw them in the lock -ups.The welfare officer also told the girls that she saw nothing wrong in them taking off their clothes with their menstruation,she too gets it.

Before the strip-search started, the policemen took away the girls’ cellphones so they couldn’t make contact with their parents as to what was happening to them.These girls became traumatised and began to cry; the parents told me that the police officer then began to undress them in search of the money. While all this was ongoing, some schoolboys who are also staying in the dorms were peeping at the girls being undressed.

The parents claimed that this is not the first time that girls were strip-searched at this school; it was reported to the regional education officer and other top officials of the region and nothing came out of these matters.

These girls told me that

they are being taunted on a daily basis by boys who were peeping them while they were being undressed by the policemen; they feel as if they should stop going back to school and move out of the village. They told me that they were innocent and no money was ever found on them or in their lockers and that they were totally embarrassed at having to be undressed in front of two male policemen. This is a scar for life,according to the parents of these two young girls.The police in the interior have increasingly usurped powers they previously hadn’t had.

Precedent has meant little,and so has the law.The rule of law is broken by the school welfare officer and the two policemen and justice for these 13 and 16-year-old Amerindian school girls itself is being held in pawn. These Amerindian schoolgirls were humiliated,intimidated,harassed and their privacy was invaded.The parents and people of the Santa Rosa community therefore call upon the Minister of Education and Police Commissioner (ag)

Mr David Ramnarine to investigate this matter urgently and bring an end to bullyism.This type of egregious overreaching behaviour by these policemen and the school welfare officer has already poisoned the school system.

In Guyana,we fought against police tyranny,we struggled so that we could be free in 2015,But instead of freedom for our children,an even greater police tyranny has been imposed upon them in schools.One student told me that he is willing to talk to the authorities about what he saw and the parents are asking the media to go there and investigate this matter.I first saw the strip-searching of these two girls on Facebook,but I never took it seriously until the parents called me to report it, knowing that I usually write on matters affecting Amerindians in the Stabroek News and the Guyana Chronicle newspapers as the Essequibo news reporter.

Yours faithfully, MOHAMED KHAN.

Upper Hadfield St a new ‘race course’ for minibus drivers Dear Editor UPPER Hadfield Street, between Vlissingen Road and Mandela Avenue, was recently repaired and resurfaced after being in a deplorable state for several months. The road had deteriorated rapidly due to its overuse, particularly by heavy-duty equipment and machinery that were employed for construction of Jubilee (former D’Urban)

Park.

Creditably, the Minister of Works kept his promise to fix the road after the grand 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The road’s upgrade is a welcome relief to Hadfield Street residents and other users who access other nearby communities using it as a route.

Hadfield Street’s upgrade, however, has been attracting a frightening nuisance. Several route 41 and 48 mini-

ganisation this country has to achieve this is the trade union.

Development cannot occur, be sustained, and improved without the involvement of workers. Seeing workers, employers and government collaborating as partners in development would be beneficial to all.

The Guyana Government has joined fellow right-thinking governments in condemning the refugee and migrant crisis and committed to play a role in helping to resolve it. Coming with such commitment, in addition with the expectation held that countries would complement their commitment with action, the world and the UN also expect governments to avoid situations in their countries that can add to the problem. Conflicts and disasters, natural or man-made, are features of human existence and reality. Recognition of these as in the instance of man-made conflict must see efforts at avoidance or minimisation. This undoubtedly requires human engagement on the principle of mutual respect and desire to collectively succeed.

On behalf of the people, President Granger made a spirited and passionate claim to the UN Assembly to have the

buses have opted, out of their prescribed Road Service itinerary, to make Hadfield Street their new race course. Invariably, minibuses from those zones can be seen filled with passengers accelerating along this undesignated carriageway at alarming speed.

This seems to be a spinoff from the practice by many route 41 and 47 minibus operators who violate the route 46 zone by traversing and collecting passen-

gers at liberty along Joseph Pollydore Street, creating unfair competition for the hapless Lodge minibus operators. I trust that Mr Dion Moore and someone from the East La Penitence Police Traffic unit will take cognizance of this article and deploy the relevant units in an effort to curb this growing malpractice.

With best regards, ORETTE CUTTING

vexing issue of the Venezuela border controversy resolved once and for all. Having before tried various diplomatic approaches, it continues to be seen that the Government of Venezuela holds a view inconsistent with the October 1899 Arbitral Award that made Essequibo ours. The conquistador era is behind us, the Award remains final and binding, and Guyana’s desire to have any doubt erased in the world’s highest court (International Court of Justice) is expected to finally put the unjust claim to rest. Undoubtedly, aspects of this country and people’s development have been stymied by the controversy.

As Guyana continues to distinguish herself in the international arena, it cannot be ignored on the home front that work has to be done. The issues stated require the involvement of all the people. It suggests also that there has to be growth in our politics beyond ignoring our laws, sidelining stakeholders, and un-necessary non-cooperation. This country belongs to all of us and all must feel wanted, be treated with respect, and allowed to invest in its growth and development. Doing this not only helps the country, but also the UN’s ideals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Unbridled arrogance on display

Dear Editor,

ON September 24, I witnessed, nay felt the brunt of unbridled arrogance and naked abuse of power. I pray that this is not a microcosm of what is regularly meted out to the poor and powerless in this dear land of Guyana.

I got to the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) at 11:59hrs and was denied access though the closing was advertised for noon. I pleaded with the two ladies on duty (one in security uniform) to let me through, since the last vehicle was in sight about 60 metres away heading east. My request was denied. They claimed to have

already radioed the registration number of the last vehicle. Traffic continued heading in a westerly direction for a further 3 to 4 minutes before the final vehicle exited the bridge.

I remained parked first in line on the northern carriageway behind the closed gate. At no time did the bridge authorities indicate anything untoward about how I was parked. In fact, a white Nissan minibus with uniform policemen inside drove past me through the gate for west-bound traffic, veered left and parked some distance in front of me inside the gated area at the beginning of the bridge itself. After about 45 minutes, I alighted from the

vehicle to chat with Nazim Hussain, who had pulled up on a scooter in the left hand corner.

About two minutes into our conversation, to my consternation, I heard a bellowing voice from behind me shouting, “driver move your vehicle you’re blocking the traffic.”

I saw a green Toyota Tundra GMM 8914 about three vehicles behind the parked white double-cab pickup truck I was driving. I didn’t at first notice the person who was ordering me to move, and then this man of African heritage, regaled in gold-looking jewellery, sporting a blue jersey leaned out the window of his vehicle and continued his tirade about me

Addressing parking at the Supenaam car park Dear Editor, EARLY in 2012, during which time I was a member of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two (Pomeroon / Supenaam), I suggested at a R.D.C. meeting that to ease the traffic congestion at the Supenaam Car and Mini Bus Park, more parking space can be provided by placing a concrete culvert, sand fill and cap the drain in front of the area stretching from the Guyana Forestry Commission building to the Amerindian Hostel.

This idea was discussed at subsequent meetings, including the meetings of the Works and Agriculture Committee, a statutory body of the R.D.C. of which I was also a member at

the time.

It is certainly important to note that in February of 2013, I had resigned as a Member of the R.D.C. and all the other committees; Namely Works and Agriculture, Local Government, and Land Selection. That was after I had taken up an appointment in Region # Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) and was unable to ground with the people as often as I used to, thereby giving them the level of representation they had become accustomed to, and well and truly deserved.

I am not sure if any further discussion had taken place at any meeting or forum from then to now; anyone looking at that area in question, at first glance, would agree how good a sug-

gestion it was and definitely is, because by placing a culvert, sand fill and capping, you will be beautifying the area, preventing the public road and state property from eroding during heavy rainfall, and most importantly creating parking space for about 60 more vehicles and in so doing, significantly reduce the total confusion, due to the traffic congestion. It is a wonderful idea that both the R.D.C. and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council should explore. It was done at Charity where there was a longer, wider and deeper drain; it can and must be done at Supenaam.

Regards ARCHIE CORDIS

Establishment of onshore oil base offers great opportunity Dear Editors IN one of the dailies I read that the recent worldclass offshore oil discovery

by ExxonMobil Co, (the world’s largest Publicly Traded International Oil and Gas Company) has firmly launched Guyana’s Hydro Carbon Industry and that the Government of Guyana was proposing in association with the private sector to construct an onshore base with associated infrastructure in order to support and serve the

fledgling off shore oil and gas sector.

I would like to seek some clarification as it relates to the whole question of “ In Association with the private sector “ Is it intended that this association would take the form of the establishment of a Government/ Private/Public Entity whereby the Government would offer to the Public a Government-sponsored Initial Public Offering (IPO) or that the chosen private sector company (Private Company) would launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or any

other form of public offering?

I believe that the proposed activity, the establishment of an onshore base offers to the Government and the private sector an early opportunity to diversify the ownership base of the proposed entity and at the same time provide access to capital and give Guyanese a chance to own shares in an entity that is intended to support and serve the fledgling offshore oil and gas sector.

Regards DUNSTAN BARROW

blocking an entranceway. I couldn’t fathom what he was referring to. I continued to discourse with an equally confused Nazim.

The man exited the (unmarked) Tundra (in addition to the jersey, he had on blue denim jeans and sandals), came to about five metres of me, shouting in a threatening manner that I was obstructing access, while pointing in the direction of the old road north of the DHB. I was shocked and taken aback by his aggressive manner. Feeling surreal, I asked why he was barking at me. I stated, between his tirades, that I was totally unaware of creating any obstruction or infraction, as well as being in a position to cause inconvenience to anyone. I was barely able to explain further that I am parked in that position because I happened to be the first person behind the barricade. He loudly indicated a desire to proceed in the direction of the old access road north of my vehicle. Thinking I’m finally getting some sense of what he was trying to con-

vey by his boisterous rant, I took leave of Nazim with a view to exploring the possibility of shifting for “Mr. power house” to proceed unhindered in the direction he appeared to be indicating. This was almost an hour into the bridge closure and there was a build-up of vehicular traffic spanning several lanes.

To my surprise, the uniformed guard opened the very barricade she had retracted for the minibus with policemen and the man in his green tundra drove and parked behind the said bus lined up to drive over the DHB. It dawned on a perplexed Nazim and I that the threatening, boisterous behaviour was never about me blocking the man’s access to the old road. A lady, Ms Tiffany Jackson, whom I was giving a lift over the bridge, was traumatised by the incident. I concluded that through a hand of fate, I unconsciously messed with the ego of a bigoted man who was unable to roll up unhindered in high-chested pomp, past the barricade to demonstrate to those in view,

a veneer of raw, unbridled power. He had profiled me as a simpleton driving a pickup to be picked on and bullied.

I overheard him instructing the security guard to take down the registration number of the pick-up and send same to him along with photographs for him to transmit to the traffic department for me to be prosecuted. (Oh how I shuddered in my boots, bam ba laty, bam bam). I approached the said security officer and asked her if she, as the uniformed officer had any problem with where I was parked from the time I arrived. Her answer was no. I further enquired about the identity of the man who was flaunting his authority and power. After some hesitation and my unrelenting insistence, she muttered, “a policeman, a senior policeman.”

Heaven help us!

Regards DERRICK CUMMINGS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Child abuse on increase --Minister Hastings Williams says all have a role to play in prevention

JUNIOR Communities Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams has commented that “child abuse is real”, and has called on all to play a role in eliminating the scourge.

Making this appeal to residents of several Upper Mazaruni communities in Region Seven during a recent outreach to the region, the minister noted that, based on reports, incidents of child abuse are on the increase in every administrative region of Guyana, and the hinterland regions are showing signs of more vulnerability in this regard.

“All (parents, community leaders, businesses and the police) must become involved” to stop this problem, the minister said, as she called on community leaders, parents and residents to put prominence on this issue by making it a topic of discussion at every forum.

And aside from this, she urged residents to not be silent, but to report all suspected cases of child abuse.

During the three-day visit,

Students at the meeting at the Jawalla Primary School in Region Seven the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported, Minister Hastings-Williams and her team held engagements with children, parents, community leaders and councillors of Kamarang, Jawalla, Kako and Kwebanna.

Issues discussed concerned child rights, preventing child

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, addressing the meeting at Jawalla

Residents at the meeting at Kako

abuse, and better parenting.

Blossom Incorporated representative Tiffany Griffith, who also addressed the residents, reminded them that children are all special, and “are going to be the leaders of tomorrow’s generation”.

Griffith explained that parents, communities and the Government each have a responsibility to discharge in relation to ensuring that children become their best selves for their future roles.

Griffith pointed out that the responsibility also includes ensuring that children are “well taken care of”, including from all forms of abuse. “Abuse is any form of punishment or wrongdoing that has been done to a child,” Griffith explained, and urged the children at the meetings to report those instances to “somebody whom you think you can tell, and who would not cause you more harm”.

The outreach sought to raise awareness about child abuse and the role the community can play in intervention and for its prevention.

The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) recently reported that more than 2,238 cases of child abuse have been reported. According to CCPA Director Ann Greene, the most reported cases of abuse are neglect, followed by sexual abuse.

Blossom Incorporated is a registered non-governmental

organisation within Guyana; it works separately and in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection to build and strengthen the relationship between children and families, and to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of all children.

The meetings were part of activities in observance

of Child Protection Week (September 18 to 24). During the meetings, Minister Hastings-Williams also spoke briefly on the issue of Indigenous Heritage and Education Month, both of which are also being observed in September.

In addressing these two celebrations, the minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to the development of Indigenous people, including a pledge to work to bring access to, and improve the quality of, education offered in the hinterland, so that it is on par with what is offered on the coastland.

“The Government is committed in ensuring that every child has access to quality education, despite their geographical location,” the minister assured.

The minister also resolved to bring to Cabinet’s attention a number of issues and concerns that were raised during the engagements, including improving the living quarters of Government workers in the hinterland.

Students of Jawalla Primary viewing the travel exhibition

Representative of Blossom Incorporated, Tiffany Griffith, addressing the meeting at Jawalla

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

Schoolchildren and the mini-bus culture

By Margaret Burke

IN GUYANA today, there are some grave distractions that are occupying far too many schoolchildren and removing their focus from the learning experiences that are so crucial to their overall growth and development, and also that of the country.

There is no one causal factor for this problem facing young people in today’s society. There are problems all over the world, but this particular problem facing Guyana seems to be unique; and even if it were not, there is still need to urgently address the situation.

Education Month (September) 2016 was launched under the theme “Each child matters: Stakeholders unite for the enhancement of education.” Reports that surfaced after the launch indicated that stakeholders being talked about include a rightly accepted set of people, some through the organisations

their children unavoidably take every school day, some utilizing additional time because of having to go to and from lessons.

THE SCHOOL Other than the home, the school is the second most influential place of learning for every child.

from the curriculum, and causing many of them to lose their focus.

THE ‘MINI–BUS CULTURE’ While there are a few large buses plying the Soesdyke/Linden route, and a few more scattered across the country -- some di-

the ‘engine’ which moves many of these buses – especially those that transport schoolchildren.

Very little has changed, though some mini–bus operators (drivers and conductors) have become more subtle while others still defy this order by using more sophisticated equipment to

Schoolchildren and others waiting at the bus park Many children are sent to school at least five days per week to learn.

rectly there to help school children -- the major form of public transportation in

play the music, which at times also includes the DVD player – to make things more

subjected to such loud and explicitly vulgar music, which cannot and should not be mentioned in this newspaper, what kind of mental preparedness could they have as they enter the school doors to get engaged in academic work and to learn?

But the problem does not stop at just ‘noise’ in some of these buses; and this is even more worrisome. There is the aspect that is called “small up yourself,” in which case these schoolchildren are encouraged to sit very tightly, and in some cases to even sit on each other. All this time, the explicitly vulgar music is being played – at times being interpreted by DVD or small screen TV, which would have interpretive actions on display.

Persons have even reported that in addition to the explicit music and interpretations, schoolchildren are sometimes subjected to actual sexual intercourse happening in the bus.

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cases, those who are taken to school by parents or under other supervised conditions can be -- and in many cases are still -- affected by this situation at school, at the level of social interaction.

The problem of peer pressure and learned behaviour will still be an obvious factor, from which some children may find it hard to escape.

“CORK-BALL” AND “PIT-BULL” In addition to the issues already identified, persons from the school administration have to contend with the situation of lateness.

Many of these same children are sometimes very late for school, because they will not go into any of the socalled “cork-ball” buses that may stop to transport them to school; it must be “pitbull” or nothing. Some of these children are observed standing up all over the place – sometimes in groups -waiting for the “pit-bull” to

Schoolchildren attempting to board already overcrowded mini-buses they represent. These include parents, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious organisations and development partners.

Well, how about the mini-bus drivers being seen as stakeholders too? This is a new twist to the whole scenario, but perhaps one of the most important twists because a very large percentage of parents depend on this form of public transportation to take their children ‘safely’ to and from school each school day. It therefore stands to reason that parents ought to care about what takes place during that short or not-so-short journey that

It is the desire of most, if not all, parents to see their children reach the pinnacle in terms of education – learning and achieving in the academics, sports, culture and the arts, and so on. And even though some children may not get the best meals, clothing, and even the best shelter, most parents still desire the best for them.

The Government, too, has good intentions for the children in school, and seeks to demonstrate this in various ways. However, this plan must be widened to talk about, educate, and even attack where necessary, some of the ills of the society that are ‘pulling’ or ‘pushing’ children away

Guyana for schoolchildren as well as workers and other adults still remains the mini-bus.

In addition to transporting passengers, these buses also create a much needed source of income for both drivers and conductors or conductresses. Added to all of this are the auto dealers, who constantly sell these buses; and also the Government, to whom much tax/ duty has to be paid. Clearly, all are involved.

However, the ‘mini-bus culture’ cannot be underestimated. The Guyana Police Force has been paying some serious attention to the social problem of loud, explicitly vulgar music that has become

explicit.

In Georgetown, many of these buses ply the East, West, North and South Ruimveldt routes, besides the Kitty/Campbellville route, among other areas.

The same thing occurs in many other parts of Guyana, including many areas on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.

SCHOOLCHILDREN So obvious it is that some of these mini-bus drivers and their conductors are determined to prey especially on the young, more vulnerable commuters that they sometimes refuse to pick up adults.

Now, when children are

SUBTLE DESTROYER OF OUR CHILDREN Any sensible adult making their journey in a bus in which the situation still persists leaves that bus feeling a grave sense of sadness and violation; being seriously concerned at the destruction of our schoolchildren who have to use these buses to go to school – to learn!

This very ‘instrument’ that was encouraged into Guyana to bring transportation relief to children and adults, in some cases, is subtly becoming the destroyer of these children. For those who do not travel in the mini-bus, make no mistake: in many

‘devour’!

The other major problem is the likelihood of accidents occurring. With the loud noise, there is speeding – speeding of a packed bus of schoolchildren. Many adults have observed that 25, and in some cases 30, children would be (willingly) packed into these buses.

One way or another, identifying these noncompliant drivers and conductors – which is not difficult -- would go a long way in ‘saving the day’ for many children, who have great potential which can still be salvaged. Guyana can ill-afford to have an expanding set of delinquent young adults.

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Sex talk MOST people on planet earth right now are here because of one act, the act of copulation - otherwise known as sex.

I say ‘most’ because some women are able to have babies through artificial insemination. Even though most of us are products of the ‘sexual act’ some adults clearly have a serious issue about imparting the knowledge of sex and reproduction to their children although it really is such a natural on-going process.

Babies are born, grow old and die and we make more babies to replace them.

It is so easy to want to say to adults who find it hard to talk to children about sex, ‘Get over it! This is 2016, the average 10 year old probably knows more about sex than you do’. But the truth is, if you were brought up in a household where sex or anything associated with it was a big

‘taboo’ then you probably need some help in getting your mind and thoughts into prospective. And if you have children, the day will come when you will need to have that ‘all important’ conversation, about the ‘birds and the bees’ as it is often classically portrayed.

Here are some pointers to help you: * Be open with your child from very young; answer any questions your child may ask about reproduction or their sexual organs in a child-friendly, child-appropriate way. Don’t fob them off with excuses or through embarrassment. * There are several child appropriate books or web sites where parents and children can find out about reproduction and parents can learn how and when to approach the subject . The concept is only as ‘taboo’ as you make it.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

* Having an open discussion with your teenage child, doesn’t mean that he/she will automatically want to have sex. But it does show that you care enough about your child’s emotional, psychological and physical well-being to make sure they have accurate information. * Be aware of the natural progression of a child’s body. Some children are slow developers, while others have a growth spurt and seem to mature overnight. If relevant information is imparted in a timely manner, the child will understand why and how their body is changing and preparing for its reproduction function. * Explain to your child that this stage of their life is for learning and developing.

Once they are fully grown and established they can then make informed choices about a life-long partner, and intimate relationships. * You must put things in prospective for your child, firstly to respect his/her developing body, secondly to value their education and cherish these developmental years and thirdly to realise that the sky is the limit,

they can achieve anything in life that they put their mind to.

Young people and children need to be guided, as sexual lyrics, sex in movies and sexual paraphernalia seem to be everywhere we turn, and we can’t brush it under the carpet. Sex is part of our physical make up, we have sexual organs and at one point or another during our lifetime we will use them, but parents need to hit home the fact that the time for sexual activity is not during developmental or adolescent years.

So we are calling on fathers and mothers, not excluding grandparents and caregivers to let us make an effort to inform our children at the appropriate time, in the correct way, so they will make the right decisions in life for the good of their health, their sense of well-being and for a positive future.

If you are concerned about a child you can call the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email chilcaregy@gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection.

OIC head begins Caribbean tour in Guyana today

By Ray Chickrie THE Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Madani, will today begin his first tour of the two OIC member states in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) -- Guyana and Suriname.

On Wednesday, he will arrive in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.

Accompanying the OIC chief is Agshin Mehdiyev, an Azerbaijan diplomat who is the OIC Ambassador to the United Nations.

Madani, in an invited comment, said his visit to Guyana and Suriname is part of his routine tour of OIC member states.

One of the goals of his visit is to assess Guyana’s and Suriname’s expectations of the OIC. Madani will share with the leaders of these countries some of the products and support that the OIC can offer them.

He also wants to “engage Guyana and Suriname” in stronger OIC ties.

Madani will hold meetings with President Desi Bouterse of Suriname and President David Granger of Guyana.

Foreign Minister Niermala Badrising of Suriname will also hold discussions with Madani. The OIC head would, as well, meet with civil society in both countries.

Badrising said Suriname is excited

praised the OIC. He said “Suriname has a golden opportunity” with the US$1.8 billion in financing that the ISDB has offered his country.

While in New York to address the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on behalf of Bouterse, Badrising held bilateral meetings with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, two OIC members, in her quest to bring foreign direct investment to Suriname. She also had informal talks with Madani during an OIC reception in New York.

No officials from Guyana attended that reception.

The OIC has, for decades, closed its door to new membership. Today, many countries are knocking at the door of the OIC to gain membership. The following countries are waiting to join the OIC: Brazil (since 2011), South AfOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Iyad Madani rica (since 2002), and Sri Lanka (since speaking in New York at a UN reception on Wednesday (Ray Chickrie photo) 2008); the Philippines (since 2008), Serbia (Since 2008), Nepal (since to welcome the OIC head, especially at ment Bank (ISDB), an organ of the OIC, a time when ties between Suriname and is supporting the economic stabilisation 2008), Democratic Republic of Congo the OIC have significantly expanded. and recovery policies of Suriname with (since 2008), Republic of Central Africa During the visit, various agreements a soft loan of approximately US$1.8 (since 2002), Mauritius (since 2002) and between Suriname and the OIC in the billion. Of this money, her government Kenya (since 2011).

Like Guyana and Suriname, Musfields of education, economics, and is planning to invest US$1.278 billion in trade will be signed. Agreements to five sectors – agriculture, healthcare, fi- lim minority states Benin, Cameroon, commence Islamic banking in Suriname nance, transportation and infrastructure, Gabon, Togo, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, and Uganda are members of will also be finalised. and tourism.

Badrising said the Islamic DevelopThis week in Paramaribo, Bouterse the OIC. (Caribbean News Now)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

SWAT team active, says top cop

By Alva Solomon

THE Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Guyana Police Force is active, and continues to benefit from training while undertaking other security functions as necessary, acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine said.

Ramnarine, who was responding to a letter carried in the columns of another publication, said the unit’s commanding officer and his subordinates have been reminded to pay constant and more direct attention to the daily administration of the elite team of officers.

He assured that the SWAT Unit is mentally and physically sound, under

very good administration, focused and ready to effectively respond in fulfillment of its role and functions.

The specially trained team of officers was first unveiled after completing training in February of 2014 and has been called upon by the force to support other law enforcement officers during operations.

According to Ramnarine, the team successfully completed two training engagements of an operational nature, one of which was undertaken in collaboration with the Joint Services in January this year while another was undertaken on Police Day at Durban Park in May. “These aside, it contin-

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine ues to engage in the training of all the divisional anti-crime patrols in the country,” Ramnarine said.

The acting ‘top cop’ noted that the unit has provided security for VIPs, performed high profile escorts and played a leading role, in collaboration with over 50 other officers and ranks during a major anti-crime operation on the East Coast of Demerara some two weeks ago.

“So they are really very active. The issue of personal firearms has always been the Achilles heel of certain members of the Force, as much as it is with the average public,” he said.

Ramnarine noted that in November this year, the Police Force will unveil a new state-of-the art gymnasium and all ranks, including members of the SWAT

team will benefit from the facility. He explained that while fitness is considered a personal choice, ranks are required to be fit.

Regarding the environment where the ranks are housed, he refuted information which suggested that the external environment is an insanitary one.

“Even though it is a fact that due to the rehabilitation of an important unit infrastructure, in close proximity, a level of discomfiture was envisaged and is being minimised,” he said.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner Ramnarine, while addressing the issue of crime in the ancient county (Berbice), assured that the situation there does

not necessitate the SWAT Unit’s presence.

“B Division is currently experiencing a 13 per cent decrease overall in serious crimes when compared with the same period in 2015,” he said.

He noted that the only serious crime which has increased in Berbice is murder and the figure stands at 23 cases as opposed to 17 for the corresponding period last year.

Other forms of serious crimes such as robbery under arms involving the use of firearms or other instrument, rape, break and enter and larceny, burglary and robbery with violence, have all been reduced, he added.

Linden mother found hanging A MOTHER of two residing in the mining town of Linden was on Saturday evening found hanging in her Fairs Rust, Mackenzie apartment by relatives.

Dead is Crystal Couchman, a former employee of the Esso Gas Station in Linden. The mother is believed to have committed suicide.

According to her aunt Clorene (only name given), the 30-year-old woman was found hanging in her bedroom by her sister shortly after the sister had returned home from an errand, at about 18hrs. Clorene said the family is in shock and wants to know why the

Dead:Crystal Couchman young mother would apparently commit suicide, since she had seemed normal and happy.

Family members are not

aware of any problems the dead woman might have had, except that her 20-monthold son’s father had left her while she was pregnant. “She was just happy and normal; I spoke to her (at) about 3:30 (15:30hrs) yesterday, because she was at work.

She didn’t show (any) sign of depression. Nothing,” the aunt revealed.

Clorene said that approximately 10 months ago Couchman moved out of her home after securing her own apartment, and she had shared a very close relationship with her after her (Couchman’s) mother had died.

Some relatives took to

Boozy Friday –– 28 found driving under the influence last Friday

OPERATION Safeway has already begun to make an impact on the situation of driving under the influence, as there has been a notable decrease in all categories of road accidents within the past week.

Police Public Relations and Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, reported that on Friday night alone, 152 persons were given a breathalyser test, and the breaths of 28 were found to have alcohol above the legal limit.

He also pointed out that a total 1,546 cases were made

thus far, of which 567 were for speeding and 96 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Operation Safeway sees traffic ranks on the road conducting rigid exercises throughout the country, but more especially in Georgetown and on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara.

It also features an increase in traffic patrols both by day and night, and the re-introduction of spotting exercises.

There is, moreover, an increase in the deployment of ranks in hot spots for accidents, and frequent use of radar guns to target

speeding drivers, along with random breathalyser testing.

At the launch of Operation Safeway, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine said the rate at which people are killed on the country’s roadways is unacceptable, disturbing, and of very much concern, especially since Guyana is a small developing country.

Cabinet has expressed its support for this initiative taken by the GPF to address road accidents, and urges the general public to cooperate with the police to bring about a change in the situation.

their Facebook pages to label the young mother as selfish for committing the act while knowing that she had two

young children to live for.

Police Officers were called to the scene after Couchman’s body was

found. Couchman leaves to mourn a five-year-old daughter and a 20-monthold son.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

24-hr religious channel coming

By Vishani Ragobeer

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has disclosed that discussions have started for the establishment of a 24-hour Guyanese Religious Channel.

He made the announcement at a Music Festival of Peace organised by the Universal Peace Federation Guyana Chapter on Saturday.

Addressing a gathering in the City Hall Compound, the Prime Minister said he would be meeting next month with members of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana to discuss plans for the “betterment” of all Guyanese.

And these plans, he said, include a 24-hour religious television channel that will feature programmes from all the various local religious

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo persuasions. According to Nagamootoo, he has already spoken to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, and has begun negotiations for the establishment of this new television channel.

The Prime Minister is of the view that a channel of this nature would be ideal in promoting peace among Guyanese. “In Guyana, there is no war,” he said, but pointed out that “our injuries are self-inflicted… (they are) caused by divisive politics.”

He also contended that “greed” is another major contributing factor hindering

peace in Guyana and the world at large. And on that note, he made reference to Venezuela’s claim to 5/8 of Guyana’s territory, even though Guyana has maintained good relations with that neighbouring country.

“It is greed that is leading to the confrontation… to the conflict,” he said.

The Prime Minister told the gathering, which included members of the political Opposition, thus: “We must not wait until we have wars to resolve problems.” He called on every Guyanese to stand up and fight against the “real” problems, which he said are illiteracy, poverty, corruption and lack of transparency.

Several persons with exceptional service to others, and those who have been active promoters of peace, were awarded the title of ‘Peace Ambassadors’ at the festival.

The forum was also addressed by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene and Universal Peace Federation (Guyana Chapter) Chairman Roshan Khan.

Guyana, Kyrgyz Republic establish diplomatic relations GUYANA and the Kyrgyz Republic established diplomatic relations last Friday with the signing of a Joint Communiqué on the margins of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

A re l e a s e s a i d t h e communiqué, signed by Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Kyrgyz Republic Foreign Affairs Minister Erlan Abdyldaev, now provides a framework for Guyana and the Kyrgyz Republic to begin See page 14

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

PM holds wide-ranging discussion with private sector

AT A corporate dinner held on Thursday evening at the Herdmanston Lodge, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo engaged a large delegation from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for some four hours on a wide range of issues of concern to the business community.

Performing the duties of President, Nagamootoo was accompanied at the session by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder. The PSC Team, headed by Ramesh Dookhoo and Vice Chairman Desmond Sears, included Manniram Prashad, Norman McLean, Komal Singh, Beni Sankar, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chris Fernandes and Nicolas Boyer.

Discussions centred around some 25 issues, including the future of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the energy sector, security concerns, establishment of Integrity and Public Procurement Commis-

sions, strategic plans for both sugar and rice sectors, and Government procurement of locally-produced drugs and food products.

According to a release, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the marathon session with the business sector was the first he had encountered since his assumption of office. He considers it useful not only to know the key business leaders, but to stimulate the process of consultation and inclusion of business in the tripartite process with Government and labour.

The business consultation followed closely after the International Labour Organisation (ILO)-sponsored Decent Work Programme meeting at the same venue on Wednesday last, when the Prime Minister delivered the keynote address on issues concerning the labour sector and job creation.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder met with members of the Private Sector Commission at the Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday evening

Guyana, Kyrgyz Republic establish ...

From page 12 exploring areas of mutual interest.

Minister Greenidge expressed satisfaction with this step taken by the two countries, noting that the communiquĂŠ would allow for more bilateral interaction, including economic cooperation.

The Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, in echoing these sentiments, said his Government is interested in having a mutually supportive relationship with Guyana.

The Kyrgyz Republic, located in Central Asia, was part of the Soviet Union before gaining Independence in 1991. The country is rich in natural resources, and has vast potential for the development of industrial production, hydropower, agriculture and tourism.

Establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kyrgyz Republic is part of the wider thrust of the Government of Guyana to pursue new partnerships with the aim of advancing the country’s economic growth and development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

Better Hope murder

Confessed duo implicate two additional suspects

POLICE are hunting for a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident who is the third suspect in the murder of David Ramkissoon, 76, called “Short Man”, of the same village.

The police have also said that they are looking for a fourth suspect whose name was mentioned in the robbery that resulted in that murder.

Two men who were arrested on Friday in Plaisance, ECD have confessed to being involved in the murder of Ramkissoon, whose

body, at about 19:30hrs on August 21, was discovered in the living room of his home with the throat slit.

The victim was the only person at home at the time of the murder.

The men in custody are in their 20s and reside on the ECD. Reports reveal that the men visited the victim’s home to carry out the robbery, and it resulted in the victim’s death. They reportedly told police that it was not their intention to commit this murderous act, but an accomplice slit the

Stripped schoolgirls being taunted –– yet to receive counselling

TWO weeks after two Santa Rosa Secondary School female students were embarrassing strip-searched regarding an incident of stolen money, they are yet to receive counselling.

The girls are now complaining that they are being taunted by some boys who had peeped them as they were undergoing the traumatic experience of being stripsearched.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that a major meeting will be held on October 1st in the auditorium of the Santa Rosa Secondary School in Region One, and officials from the Education Ministry, together with the village toshao, police from the district police stations and parents of students, will discuss the allegations and circumstances under which the teenagers were stripsearched.

Police Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, in a recent press statement, had said that acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, in responding to the allegation, noted that an investigation has revealed that ranks at the Acquero Police Station had received a report from the School Welfare Officer at about 18:15hrs on September 13, 2016, stating that a sum of money, property of the matron of the dormitory of Santa Rosa Secondary School, had gone missing or was stolen.

“The subordinate officer-in-charge and a constable accompanied the School Welfare Officer to the dormitory, where the children’s bags were searched by the School Welfare Officer. However, no money was found. At this time, the School Welfare Officer proposed, and insisted to conduct, a search on each child, but the subordinate officer objected and indicated that it would be improper in the circumstance for the police to sanction this; and he and the constable left the school. The subordinate officer has stated that he later learnt that the children were searched by the School Welfare Officer.”

Meanwhile, according to the mother of one of the victims, her 14-year-old daughter “is feeling ashamed to go to school, because the dormitory where she was stripped is in the same compound with the school, and other students are harassing the girls about what happened to them”.

She said the teenagers were asked to strip naked in the presence of the School Welfare Officer. The girls had refused to take off their clothes, saying that they were having their monthly menstruation, but the two policemen had reportedly threatened to throw them in the lock-up.

According to the mother of five, the School Welfare Officer also reportedly told the girls that she sees nothing wrong in them taking off their clothes with their menstruation, since as a woman she experiences the same things.

She further alleged that before the strip-search started, the policemen took away the girls’ cell phones so they could not make contact with their parents to inform them about what was happening to them.

As such, the girls became traumatised and began to cry. Even though the search was carried out on them, no money was found. But while all this was ongoing, some school boys who are also staying in the dorms were reportedly peeping the girls being stripsearched.

Dead: David Ramkissoon

pensioner’s throat while they were ransacking the home in search of valuables.

The self-confessed bandits further explained that they had entered the pensioner’s home through the back door, which he had left opened; and they immediately started ransacking the house, until one of their accomplices stumbled onto Ramkissoon who was in his bedroom.

It was there that the 76-year-old man met his demise, after putting up resistance. Reports reveal

that the pensioner had just returned home from visiting a nearby shop to purchase alcohol. After the encounter with Ramkissoon, the men escaped with jewellery and cash.

Sparendaam police had initially held Annand Ramkissoon, son of the deceased; his employer and another person in connection with the murder, but they were subsequently released.

Detectives who visited the scene on the day of the murder saw footprints in the mud at the back of the

pensioner’s yard leading to an alleyway. Along with the footprints, they spotted drops of blood that led straight to a shack located a short distance from the slain man’s home.

Neighbours said that just after the pensioner’s son and his family had left to go to a creek on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, the elderly Ramkissoon had gone to a nearby shop.

He had reportedly failed to lock his door, and as per their confession, the killer sneaked inside.

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Mexico rice deal being finalised

By Ravin Singh

GUYANESE rice farmers may soon benefit from the Mexico market, as food inspectors from that country are working with Guyana to ensure phytosanitary certification is in order before commencing importation of local paddy.

This was disclosed by Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, at a reception held recently in honour of that Spanish-speaking country’s 206th Independence Anniversary at the Marriott Hotel.

After losing the Venezuela rice market last year, Guyana, through efforts made

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, was able to secure commitments by the Mexican Government to buy some of this country’s rice.

The commitment was made by Mexico’s Agriculture Minister, Jose Calzada, during a meeting with Nagamootoo, who was attending the Open Governance Global Summit in Mexico City last year.

Mexico, which imports some one million tonnes of rice annually, has since signalled its intention to fast-track a paddy deal with Guyana, even as the Prime Minister continues to seek other

markets for local producers.

In March this year, Mexican paddy importers met with Agriculture Minister

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

relations between Guyana and Mexico continue to be strong, especially in the area of food security. He noted that Mex-

Mexican officials are working hard to ensure certification is in order, so that importation of local paddy might begin Noel Holder to discuss the way forward in relation to the rice deal between the two countries.

Speaking at the reception to observe Mexico’s 206th Independence Anniversary, Mexican Ambassador Medel said

ican officials are working hard to ensure certification is ready, in order to begin importation of local paddy.

“The Mexican food inspection authority SENASICA is working jointly with NAREI [Guyana’s National Agricultural

Research and Extension Institute] to make sure phytosanitary certification is ready, in order to begin the commercialisation of Guyanese paddy,” Ambassador Medel disclosed.

The diplomat said the coconut sector is also a priority area. Bilateral collaboration has begun in order to introduce into Guyana high-yielding varieties of coconut from Mexico.

Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to search for international markets for Guyana’s rice in wake of the closure of the Venezuelan market.

Minister Holder also recently advised that Guyana currently sells rice to 50 countries around the world, and he said that too much of an issue is now being made of the collapse of the Venezuelan market. At a press conference in October, he had said that Guyana was successful in securing an increased market arrangement with Panama, for which shipment has begun. The shipment has been increased from 4000 tonnes to 7,200 tonnes.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure additional international markets for Guyana’s rice.

Guyana part of youth summit in Belize YOUTH Ambassadors Adrian Alfred and Jewel Collier-Swan will be representing Guyana at the Fourth Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit in Belize.

The summit is being held under the theme “Agenda 2030: From Rhetoric to Action!”, and would last from Tuesday, September 27 to

Friday, September 30.

According to a release, prior to their departure, the two ambassadors met with the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry.

This summit seeks to bring the voice of youth into the intergovernmental debate on how to make the post-

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, with Guyana’s Youth Ambassadors Adrian Alfred and Jewel Collier-Swan 2015 development agenda a reality. The summit is being convened by the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, in collaboration with the strategic public, private and international development partners.

The summit is a timely response stemming from dialogue coming out of the regional and international commitments that have been made at forums such as the Caribbean Youth Development Conference in Jamaica;

the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Malta 2015; the Commonwealth-Caribbean Region Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in 2015; CARICOM 8th Directors of Youth Affairs’ Meeting in Guyana in

2016; and CARICOM Committee on Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Guyana, 2015.

The objectives of the 4th Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit are: (1) to provide a platform for young leaders to engage in dialogue with stakeholders on concrete commitments and actions to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national, regional and global levels; and allow them to play an active role in implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The forum will provide a platform for young people to discuss youth-led monitoring and accountability mechanisms for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the measurement of youth participation throughout the SDGs. The summit is supported by the United Nations, the United Nations Population Fund, the United States Agency for International Development, the US Embassy, PetroCaribe, Caricom, the Commonwealth, Caribbean Regional Youth Council, and the Government of Belize.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

Make workplace safety a top priority

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––Minister Scott tells private, public sectors

By Shauna Jemmott JUNIOR Social Protection Minister Keith Scott has called for occupational health and safety to be on the front burner of priorities in management meetings and seminars in both the private and public sectors.

Minister Scott made this appeal at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Ministry of Social Protection consultations on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), held recently. The forum was attended by stakeholders from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), and the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).

The consultation was part of a series of such activities, and was designed to help the Government craft a new policy on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), modernise the 1996 OSH plan, and develop a national profile on OSH to prevent accidents resulting in injuries and deaths in the workplace.

The minister pointed out that safety in the

Junior Social Protection Minister, Keith Scott workplace has been placed in a position of dormancy, and called on workplaces in both the public and private sectors to restore safety to a position of prominence.

“It is necessary, now more than ever, to ensure that the health and safety of workers -- and I dare add management also -- be elevated to boardroom status,” Minister Scott told the forum.

He said the topic is left outside of the strategic plans, programmes and budgets of many organisations; and he encouraged stakeholders to adopt the right attitude towards OSH. “I have decided to invoke the concept of the boardroom status simply because, much too often, safety is treated as an appendage to management systems, and is therefore relegated to the periphery of the strategic plans, programmes, and budgets of many organisations. It is against that backdrop that a safety policy -- and by extension safety itself -- becomes a casualty rather than a valued instrument. This, I believe, must be eliminated from our thought processes and practices,” Minister Scott said.

He said that the OSH Policy is supported by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 32 of 1997, which is a most comprehensive piece of occupational safety legislation.

“The current OSH legislation embraces the Factories Act, Chapter 95:02, which was

rather parochial in its scope and mission, (and) did not provide for implementation, maintenance, and continual update of a health and safety policy in a manner that the OSH Act provides for today. An examination of the primary focus and agenda of the Factories Act and the OSH Act provides a distinct understanding that a safety policy is not only absolutely necessary, but is must be current and reflective of evolving technology, which does not in any way transgress the rights and safety of workers,” he said.

ILO Regional Director Claudia Coenjaerts highlighted the importance of OSH in the workplace, and said its absence can be tragic.

She said that, annually, some two million workers lose their lives; 160 million fall sick as a result of workplace hazards, and 250 million workplace accidents occur around the world.

Here in Guyana, thus far in the year, there have been over 500 loss-time accidents and nine fatal accidents.

The minister blamed poor health and safety practices for these incidents, and said such occurrences are also economically expensive.

Single moms benefiting from healthy meals programme WITH backing from Beepat’s, the distributor of Nestle products (Maggi), and in collaboration with City Councillor Malcolm Ferreira, single mothers are now the beneficiaries of a three-

week “Maggi, the power of a meal” programme.

The initiative, promoting healthy, low-cost meals, was launch on Sunday at Carmel Secondary School at Sussex and Charles Streets,

Monday September 26th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday September 27th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday September 28th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

Participants engaged in cooking a low-cost healthy meal on Sunday during the “Maggi, the power of a meal” initiative Georgetown, where tutorials were given by radio announcer Felix Robertson. The meals were prepared on site.

Ferreira related that he thought it was best to target single mothers so they would be able to pack a better lunch kit for their children by preparing low-cost healthy meals.

He said 40 mothers showed up from the Charlestown/Albouystown community

to participate in the programme, but he was disappointed when only the mature moms utilised the opportunity.

The programme will be taken to Sophia and Mahaica on the weekends, and will run for three weeks at each location.

It is aimed at sensitising young mothers on how to make the best of meals for their families through the preparation of low-cost healthy food, which they can themselves prepare

even on a ‘tight’ budget.

Ferreira said the programme is also geared towards empowering women to have a balanced and healthy diet.

He noted that the cooking tutorials will last for three hours on the weekends, and a full complement of staffers from Beepat’s will be on hand to guide the participants.

On Sunday, the group of women prepared callaloo rice with steamed ripe plantains, using Maggi products and other local ingredients.

At the end of the programme, each participant would be given a hamper of Maggi products to as-

sist them in the preparation of their meals.

Beepat’s, one of the leading product distributors in Guyana, has become a well-known household name in the country, distributing products from companies such as Nestle Caribbean Inc; Unilever; Bestfoods; Reckitt Benckiser; Heinz Company Limited/Complan Food Limited and others. The products they distribute can be found from within the smallest corner shops in the country areas to modern, large-scale supermarkets in major metropolitan areas.

Maggi products used for the meal were on display

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

Guyana’s representation at the UN PRESIDENT David Granger, accompanied by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and team last week presented Guyana’s case and positions to the 71st Annual Session of the United Nations (UN).

Guyana is particularly threatened by climate change given our vulnerability to sea level rise. It was therefore a positive step undertaken by the Government in being among the first 60 nations to ratify the Climate Change Agreement signed in Paris earlier this year. The Agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to 2C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration of keeping it to 1.5C. Though reservations may exist as to Guyana’s capacity and capabilities to achieve the goals within the Agreement, particularly those that have specific timelines, nothing is impossible when people come together and commit to achieve.

The APNU+AFC administration has committed to a developmental agenda built on the Green Economy. In short, this economy focuses on Sustainable Development, Labour Policies and the Environment. With the ratification of the Climate Agreement it will require putting systems in place to ensure compliance. Compliance ultimately is dependent on the people’s involvement.

Each stakeholder and individual has to know what the goals are, and their roles and responsibilities in achieving these.

Knowledge of the environment and importance of conforming to universal acceptable standards require effective mass-based education and training, targeting from the least amongst us to the most certified. It would help if such is pursued as a matter of national import given time-line requirements in some areas of the Climate Agreement.

Sustainable development which relies on exploiting indigenous resources in a responsible manner in pursuit of the nation’s development is not new to society. It would be recalled the nation once pursued the Feed, Clothe and House Programme (FCHP). Though there remain a blue print and persons with institutional memory that helped pilot and steer this programme roadblocks to success cannot be ignored.

None can deny the FCHP continues to attract negative thoughts and publicity.

Some can argue, with some justification, that such is driven by narrow partisan interest and ignorance. Where it may be a herculean task to change the view in the former instance, though it should be striven for, the latter instance requires education as

to the benefits to be derived and providing needed support mechanism such as technical and financing.

In the area of Labour Policies, the only mass-based organisation this country has to achieve this is the trade union. Development cannot occur, be sustained, and improved without the involvement of workers.

Seeing workers, employers and government collaborating as partners in development would be beneficial to all.

The Guyana Government has joined fellow right-thinking governments in condemning the refugee and migrant crises and committed to play a role in helping to resolve it. Coming with such commitment, in addition with expectation held that countries would complement their commitment with action; the world and UN also expect governments to avoid situations in their countries that can add to the problem. Conflicts and disasters, natural or man-made, are features of human existence and reality.

Recognition of these as in the instance of man-made conflict must see efforts at avoidance or minimisation. This undoubtedly requires human engagement on the principle of mutual respect and desire to collectively succeed.

On behalf of the people, President

Granger made a spirited and passionate claim to the UN Assembly to have the vexing issue of the Venezuela border controversy resolved, once and for all. Having before tried various diplomatic approaches, it continues to be seen that the Government of Venezuela holds a view inconsistent with the October 1899 Arbitral Award that made Essequibo ours. The conquistador era is behind us, the Award remains final and binding, and Guyana’s desire to have any doubt erased in the world’s highest court (International Court of Justice) is expected to finally put the unjust claim to rest.

Undoubtedly, aspects of this country and people’s development have been stymied by the controversy.

As Guyana continues to distinguish herself in the international arena, it cannot be ignored on the home front work has to be done. The issues stated require the involvement of all the people. It suggests also that there has to be growth in our politics beyond ignoring our laws, side-lining stakeholders, and un-necessary non-cooperation.

This country belongs to all of us and all must feel wanted, be treated with respect, and allowed to invest in its growth and development. Doing this not only helps country but also the UN’s ideals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 26, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Forde and Tanner rule the roost in COURTS 10km

By Tamica Garnett SHOWING no signs of letting up,Guyana’s Cleveland “Little Kenyan” Forde, and US-based Euleen Jossiah-Tanner,continued their dominance in the 10km event by ruling the open category in yesterday’s sixth edition of the COURTS 10km Road Race.Promising young athletes Joanna Archer and Odwin Tudor secured victories in the female and male junior categories, respectively.

Complementing his win in the Massy 10km Road Race earlier this month, Forde clocked 32 minutes 40.4 seconds to once again relegate longtime rival Winston Missigher to another 10km second place finish.

Despite being unable to achieve his goal of going below the 30 minute mark, Forde has nonetheless enjoyed a dominant year thus far; once again winning the CARICOM 10km in July, the Massy 10km, as well as finishing second in the Jubilee 10km in May;as he prepares for the three part South American 10km which begins next month.

Missigher, who managed a come-from-behind victory over Forde in the Jubilee 10km, and has since failed to find his footing to pull another one over Forde, ended his performance yesterday in a time of 33 minutes 15.1 seconds.

The timings showed improved performances for both Forde and Missigher, who clocked 33 minutes 11 seconds and 33 minutes 31 seconds, respectively, three weeks ago at the Massy 10km.

Also keeping it below 34 minutes was Cleveland Thomas, who took third in 33 minutes 26.7 seconds, and Nathaniel Giddings, touching down at the finishing line in 33 minutes 46.9 seconds.

Larry Nicholas rounded out the top five with a time of 34 minutes 16.1 seconds.

Josiah-Tanner, who had missed out on the Massy 10km, returned in the Courts 10km to make it six out of six as she took another title at the annual event;leaving no doubts as to who is Guyana’s leading distance lady. It was another easy win for her as she clocked a comfortable 40 minutes 12.20 seconds.

Her closest competition came from Claudrice McKoy, who covered the journey in 41 minutes 42.9 seconds.

Massy 10km female w i n n e r, A s h a n t i S c o t t , didn’t dominate this time

around but still found herself on the podium with a third place finish. Just on the heels of McKoy,Scott finished third in a time of 41:56.6s, improving on the 42:21.s she clocked for the Massy 10km win.

Alicia Jack (45:36.6s) and Shion Boyer (45:50.4s) rounded out the top five for the women’s open category.

In the junior category,several of the talented youngsters expected to represent Guyana next month at the Inter-Guiana ‘Goodwill” Games were out and represented themselves well.

From the team,Delroy

Leitch and Anfernee Headecker finished third and fourth, respectively, in the male junior category. Meanwhile,on the girls’ side,behind Archer was Tabitha Bowman.

In other category wins, the masters (40 – 54 years old) win went to Ian Archibald, who was followed by Gary Hartog and Lindon Harrison.

Taking the podium positions of the Masters (55 and over) were Llewellyn Gardener, Errol Warde, and Kenneth Prescott. Ruling the women’s 35 and over Masters was Cyrleen Phillips, followed by Carla Benjamin, and Carla Adams.

Miami Marlins baseball star...

From page 25 tives can be informed, the Coast Guard said.

Fernandez shared a picture on Instagram five days ago which appears to show his girlfriend Carla Mendoza pregnant.

The caption reads: “I’m so glad you came into my life. I’m ready for where this journey is gonna take us together. #familyfirst.”

Rick Scott, the governor of Florida, shared on Twitter a picture of he and Fernandez and wrote: “I had the opportunity to meet Jose Fernandez in 2014. Our prayers are with his family and the Miami Marlins.”

Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price said: “Hands down one of my favourite

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guys to watch pitch! He brought nothing but intensity and passion.”

The Major League Baseball organisation released a statement saying it was “stunned and devastated” by the news.

Fernandez was the club’s first-round draft pick in 2011 and was finishing up on his finest season in the major league, the Miami Herald reported.

He was born in Santa Clara in Cuba and attempted to defect to the US three times - once ending up in jail - before making it to Florida when he was 16. He made his debut for the Marlins in 2013.(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Ashwin-second fastest to 200 Test Ashwin falls just short of wickets as India push for victory AV I C H A N D R A N A s h win ripped through New Zealand’s top order and achieved a notable milestone in the process as India charged towards victory in the first Test against New Zealand.

The tourists ended day four in Kanpur in a perilous position on 93-4, still 341 runs in arrears having been set a target of 434 when India declared at 377-5.

Ashwin was responsible for the first three wickets in the Black Caps’ second innings, the off-spinner claiming his 200th Test scalp with the key dismissal of Kane Williamson for 25.

Only Clarrie Grimmett of Australia has reached the landmark in fewer Tests than Ashwin, who is making his 37th five-day appearance.

Ross Taylor also departed, courtesy of a needless runout, and New Zealand appear to face a huge battle to save the game on a wearing pitch providing plentiful assistance to India’s spinners.

Earlier yesterday, India added 218 runs to their overnight total of 159-1, with the visiting slow bowlers initially able to keep the scoring rate in check.

Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara resumed unbeaten on 64 and 50 respectively, but neither man was able to press on to three figures.

Vijay fell for 76, lbw to a slider from Mitchell Santner, while Pujara made 78 before edging Ish Sodhi to Taylor

Ravichandran Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to reach 200 Test wickets when he trapped Kane Williamson lbw on the back foot. at slip.

Between those wickets, Virat Kohli was ousted for just 18, India’s captain top-edging a sweep off Mark Craig to deep midwicket.

Ajinkya Rahane was superbly caught by a diving Taylor off Santner after lunch, having been dropped twice on his way to 40. However, India were hurried towards a declaration as Rohit Sharma (68) and Ravindra Jadeja (50) upped the scoring rate, the latter striking three sixes.

Kohli called his side in when Jadeja brought up his half-century and the 100 partnership for the sixth wicket.

New Zealand then slumped to 3-2 in reply as

Ashwin immediately posed a major threat.

Martin Guptill was un-

lucky to be caught at silly point for a duck after slog-sweeping a delivery into his boot, but Tom Latham (2) could have few complaints about being trapped in front

by Ashwin.

Williamson then became a second lbw victim - taking Ashwin to 200 wickets - and Taylor, who looked all at sea against the spinners, paid the price for some terrible running when he failed to ground his bat coming back for a second at the non-striker’s end and was run out for 17 by Umesh Yadav’s direct hit from the deep.

That left New Zealand 56-4, but the counter-attacking Luke Ronchi (37) and a more defensively minded Santner (8) saw out the remaining overs.- 0 - 9 – 0. (Omnisport.com).

Scoreboard INDIA 1st innings 318 (M. Vijay 65, C. Pujara 62) New Zealand 1st innings 262 (K. Williamson 75, T. Latham 58; R. Jadeja 5-73, R. Ashwin 4-93) India 2nd innings (Overnight: 159-1) L. Rahul c Taylor b Sodhi

38 M. Vijay lbw b Santner 76 C. Pujara c Taylor b Sodhi 78 V. Kohli c Sodhi b Craig 18 A. Rahane c Taylor b Santner 40 Ro. Sharma not out 68 R. Jadeja not out 50 Extras (b-1 lb-8) 9 Total (for 5 wickets declared, 107.2 overs) 377 Fall of wickets: 1-52 L. Rahul,2-185 M. Vijay,3-214 V. Kohli,4-228 C. Pujara,5-277 A. Rahane Did not bat: R. Ashwin, W. Saha, M. Shami, U. Yadav Bowling: T. Boult 9 - 0 - 34 – 0, M. Santner 32.2 - 11 - 79 – 2, M. Craig 23 - 3 - 80 – 1, N.

Wagner 16 - 5 - 52 – 0, I. Sodhi 20 - 2 - 99 - 2 M. Guptill 4 - 0 - 17 – 0, K. Williamson 3 - 0 - 7 - 0 NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings (Target: 434 runs) T. Latham lbw b R. Ashwin 2 M. Guptill c Vijay b R. Ashwin 0 K. Williamson lbw b R. Ashwin 25 R. Taylor run out (U. Yadav) 17 L. Ronchi not out 38 M. Santnernot out 8 Extras (lb-2 nb-1) 3 Total (for 4 wickets, 37 overs)

93 Fall of wickets: 1-2 M. Guptill,2-3 T. Latham,3-43 K. Williamson,4-56 R. Taylor To bat: B. Watling, M. Craig, N. Wagner, I. Sodhi, T. Boult Bowling; M. Shami 4 - 2 - 6 – 0, R. Ashwin 16 - 1 - 68 – 3, R. Jadeja 14 - 10 - 8 - 0(nb-1), U. Yadav 3 -0-9-0

Bavuma marks ODI debut with ton as Proteas crush Ireland

(REUTERS)-A century on his One Day International debut from Temba Bavuma and four wickets from part-time spinner JP Duminy helped South Africa secure a one-sided 206-run victory over Ireland at Willowmore Park yesterday.

Bavuma, dropped on one, scored 113 as South Africa reached 354 for five with Farhaan Behardien hitting 50

Temba Bavuma marked his ODI debut with 113.

off 22 deliveries and Quinton de Kock (82) and Duminy (52 not out) also contributing runs.

Ireland lost captain William Porterfield to the second ball of their innings, trapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada, and were always up against it chasing a run rate of over seven an over. Kevin O’Brien (41) and Paul Stirling (40) provided some resistance as Ireland reached 148 before

being bowled out with 19 overs to spare.

Duminy returned career-best figures of 4-16.

I re l a n d , g i v e n a r a re chance to play against top tier opposition, next play Australia at the same venue, on the outskirts of Johannesburg tomorrow.

Australia and South Africa will then embark on a fivematch ODI series, starting on Friday.

80-year-old record

INDIA’s Ravichandran Ashwin has become the second-fastest in Test history to take 200 Test wickets, reaching the milestone on day four of the first Test against New Zealand.

Ashwin claimed three wickets early in NZ’s second innings, moving to 200 Test wickets in just his 37th Test The Indian spinner sits behind only Australia’s great legspinner Clarrie Grimmett, who still hold the record mark of 36 Tests, achieved in 1936.

Australian paceman Dennis Lillee, Pakistan’s Waqar Younis (both with 200 wickets in 38 Tests) and South Africa’s Dale Steyn (39 Tests) are the only other players in history to reach 200 wickets in less than 40 Tests.

Ashwin may well have joined Grimmett in reaching the milestone in 36 Tests had the fourth Test against the West Indies last month not been restricted to just 22 overs due to an unsatisfactory outfield in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ashwin easily eclipsed the Indian record of the fastest to 200 wickets, beating the previous mark of 46 Tests held by fellow off-spinner Harbhajan Singh Having claimed four wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, all members of the tourists’ top seven, Ashwin put the Black Caps on the back foot in their unlikely pursuit of 434 for victory in Kanpur.

He had out-of-form opener Martin Guptill caught in close by Murali Vijay for a duck before trapping Tom Latham in front just four balls later.

And after a long wait, including a close lbw shout and a dropped catch off his bowling, Ashwin trapped NZ skipper Kane Williamson in front for 25 to complete the record.

Ashwin is the sixth-fastest to the 200-wicket milestone in terms of time taken, reaching the mark four years and 324 days since he made his debut on November 6, 2011.

Australian Shane Warne remains the fastest to the 200-wicket mark from his debut, while legendary allrounder Kapil Dev remains the fastest Indian.

It took Grimmett almost 11 years to reach the milestone.

Of Ashwin’s 200 Test wickets to date, 133 have come from just 20 Tests on home soil, including 13 five-wicket hauls and three of ten for the match.

FASTEST TO 200 TEST WICKETS (Tests played) 3 6 Te s t s - C l a r r i e G r i m m e t t ( A u s t r a l i a ) 3 7 Te s t s - R a v i c h a n d r a n A s h w i n ( I n d i a ) 3 8 Te s t s - D e n n i s L i l l e e ( A u s t r a l i a ) 3 8 Te s t s - Wa q a r Yo u n i s ( P a k i s t a n ) 39 Tests - Dale Steyn (South Africa) FASTEST TO 200 TEST WICKETS (Time from debut) Shane Warne (Australia) - 3y, 340d (42 Tests) Graeme Swann (England) - 3y, 348d (48 Tests) I a n B o t h a m ( E n g l a n d ) - 4 y, 3 0 d ( 4 1 Te s t s ) K a p i l D e v ( I n d i a ) - 4 y, 1 4 6 d ( 5 0 Te s t s ) Steve Harmison (England) - 4y, 303d (53 Tests) Ravichandran Ashwin (India) - 4y, 324d (37 Tests)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Pakistan recall Akmal, Shafiq for Windies ODIs

PAKISTAN have recalled batsmen Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq for the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies in the UAE. Fast bowlers Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali have also been included in the 16-member squad. Sami Aslam and Umar Gul, who were in the squad for the England ODIs, have been excluded, while Mohammad Hafeez will miss the series due to an injury.

Both Shafiq and Akmal last played in the format in 2015. While

Umar Akmal Shafiq’s previous match came in October 2015 against Zimbabwe in Ha-

rare, Akmal has not been part of an ODI XI since the 2015 World Cup. Shafiq was picked after a strong showing in the recent National T20 Cup. He was the fourth-highest run-scorer with 310 at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 139.01. Akmal was recently recalled to the T20I side after assuring the PCB that there would not be any further issues with his conduct.

He had been left out of the training camp in May, before the England tour, due to disciplinary reasons.

Hafeez has been rested

after suffering a calf injury.

Earlier, a similar injury had forced him out of the England series after the first ODI. The injury also kept him out of the T20I series against West Indies. Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam and captain Azhar Ali will fulfill the top-order responsibilities. Azhar’s captaincy will also be under scrutiny in the series, following the 4-1 series defeat to England earlier this month.

Sohail, who has played 12 ODIs between 2008 and 2015, with the last one during the 2015 World Cup,

was picked in place of Gul who had a disappointing series against England. Gul took 3 for 23 against Ireland but had a tougher time in the ODIs against England.

He took three wickets in as many matches at an average of 54.

The squad also includes a specialist spinner in Yasir Shah and three spin-bowling allrounders - Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim and Shoaib Malik.

The first and second ODIs will be played in Sharjah on September 30 and October 2 respectively, with the third

match scheduled for October 5 in Abu Dhabi. Both teams will be looking to improve their rankings. West Indies are currently eighth on the ICC ODI Championship table with 94 points, while Pakistan are ninth on 86 points Pakistan ODI squad Azhar Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Sohail Khan. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Team Coco’s trio dominate Macedo memorial cycling podium TEAM Coco’s Stephano Husbands, Hamzah Eastman and Mark Harris occupied the top three places respectively on the podium yesterday when the Flying Stars Cycle Club conducted its Annual Victor Macedo memorial 80-mile cycle road race.

After a rolling start from outside the Macedo’s Queenstown residence at 07:30hrs, the large group comprising seniors, veterans, juniors, juveniles and mountain bikers were given the green flag on Homestretch Avenue from

where the seniors and juniors proceeded to the Linden Highway before turning back at Long Creek to finish at the place of origin (Homestretch Avenue).

However, the veterans’, juveniles and mountain bikers turned back at the Splashmin’s Resort, to finish at the same point as the seniors and juniors.

After receiving the green flag, the entire bunch of seniors and juveniles along with a few veterans stuck together until they approached the turn unto the Linden

Highway when Husbands, Harris, Raymond Newton, Silvio Inniss and Walter Grant-Stuart went on a break and led all the way for the remainder of the upward journey.However, on turning back, Eastman rode across the roadway and joined them and immediately opened a small gap which was subsequently closed.

However, Grant-Stuart and Newton were then made to trail while the leading quartet (Husbands, Harris, Inniss and Eastman) maintained the lead

as the turned from the East Bank Highway onto Mandela Avenue.Shortly after, the three Team Coco’s members accelerated and left Inniss struggling.

As the three team members approached the finish line, they held their hands together in the air, signaling their team’s return to form,just when the 2016 cycling season was coming to a close.Husbands was the first to cross the finish line,in a time of three hours 11 minutes.He was followed

by Eastman in second, and

Taskin returns to clinch Bangladesh win with late four-for TASKIN Ahmed produced some phenomenal death bowling on his return to international cricket, stifling Afghanistan to earn Bangladesh a seven-run win in the first one-day international at Dhaka.

Taskin, as well as teammate Arafat Sunny, was reported for a suspect action after Bangladesh’s World Twenty20 opener against Netherlands on March 9, but was cleared for selection by the International Cricket Council on Friday.

The seamer marked his comeback with figures of 4-59, all of his scalps coming in his final two overs to halt the tourists short of their target of 265 runs and earn Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The match did not start positively for Bangladesh as they lost Soumya Sarkar (0) to Dawlat Zadran (4-73) in the first over, but Tamim Iqbal (80) and Imrul Keyes (37) built an

Taskin Ahmed is ecstatic after picking up one of his four wickets.

83-run partnership in response.

Tamim was put down on 30 by Hashmatullah Shahidi at backward point and brought up his 34th ODI fifty with a cut through the same area after Mohammad Nabi (2-40) removed Imrul.

Mahmudullah (62) also chipped in with a half-century,

but he was dismissed by Nabi after Tamim toe-ended Mirwais Ashraf (1-51) to long-off, the bowler gaining revenge for the earlier drop off his bowling.

Shakib Al Hasan (48) helped force Bangladesh forward before they were skittled for 265 when Dawlat struck

with the wicket of Taijul Islam (11) final ball.

After losing opening duo Mohammad Shahzad (31) and Shabir Noori (9) in the first eight overs, Rahmat Shah (71) and Hashmatullah (72) mounted a 144-run stand for the third wicket to put victory in Afghanistan’s sight.

Nabi put on 30 before holing out to long-off with 23 runs required off the final 14 deliveries. Having taken that wicket, Taskin added the scalp of Afghan captain Ashgar Stanikzai (10) in the same over.

Afghanistan needed 13 off the last over, and Ashraf (3) snatched two before being trapped leg before by Taskin.

A maximum off the final ball would have resulted in a draw, but Dawlat (2) looped Taskin to Sabbir Rahman at long-off as Bangladesh held on for the win.(Omnisport. com)

Harris in third.

Inniss later crossed the finish line in a distant fourth, but was way ahead of the other four finishers, Grant-Stuart, Newton, Christopher Holder and Shaquile Agard.

Another Team Coco’s member, Junior Niles, continued his good showing in recent weeks by winning the veterans’ under-45 age group ahead of Ralph Williams and Leer Nunes respectively. Niles’ winning time was two hours 19 minutes 16 seconds.

Andre Spencer was first

among the veterans over 45 years, while Oziah McAullay was first among the mountain bikers. Second was Julio Melville and finishing third was Sean Budhan.

Adealie Hodge won the juvenile category ahead of Zaman Khan.

The junior category was won by Raphael Leung in a time of three hours, 17 minutes 25.56 seconds.

Christopher Cornelius, Daraj Garbarran and Curtis Dey occupied the other top three places respectively.

Miami Marlins baseball star Jose Fernandez dies in boat crash

Jose Fernandez was the Miami Marlins’ firstround draft pick in 2011 JOSE` Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins baseball team, has died in a boat crash at the age of 24.

The US Coast Guard said Fernandez was one of three people killed in the crash yesterday, off Miami Beach, Florida.

A scheduled Marlins home game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday has been cancelled.

The club said it was “devastated by the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time”.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Todd Garofalo told local news station WSVN: “They found a boat that was up against the jetties.

They did do an initial search and they found three victims - two on top of the water, one underneath the boat and they had unfortunately passed away.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the 32-foot vessel had a “severe impact” with large rocks that form part of the jetty.

The names of the other two individuals are being withheld until their relaSee page 23

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Mangal wins Scotiabank’s Charity Golf tournament

FORMER Guyana Open Champion, Mike Mangal (64/9) ended in the top spot and walked away with the winner’s trophy, prevailing over Kalyan Tewari (68/9)

and Rabindranath Persaud (68/24) in the Scotiabank’s Golfing for Charities tournament held last Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The golfers teed off excit-

Windies new players arrive ahead of ODI series DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) − West Indies one-day players arriving here over the weekend trained with the full unit for the first time yesterday, as they fine-tuned their preparation for the start of the three-match series in Sharjah next Friday.

The contingent of leftarm spinner Sulieman Benn, batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo and Jonathan Carter, along with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, off-spinner Ashley Nurse and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, arrived here Friday to link up with the other members of the ODI squad who are contesting the ongoing Twenty20 series.

Their arrival significantly strengthens the Caribbean side for the ODI series especially after the T20 side was decorated with several inexperienced players because of the absence of key personnel due to varying reasons.

Benn, Bravo, Carter and Ramdin have played 219 ODIs between them and were all part of the side which reached the final of the Tri-Nation Series in the Caribbean last June.

Brathwaite, Carter and Joseph are yet to play a single ODI but will be still expected to boost the side. Test vice-captain Brathwaite has already played 31 Tests and nearly 100 first class matches, Carter is a seasoned domestic campaigner while Joseph, still only 19, was a member of the

The day’s winners pose with Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani (2nd from left) and Club President Oncar Ramroop (far right). From left are; Kalyan Tewari, Rabindranath Persaud, Mike Mangal, and Hilbert Shields. he had also won a club last as being involved in the Chari-

Jason Holder ICC Youth World Cup-winning squad earlier this year and has since made his Test debut.

The seven players were involved in a training camp over the last couple of weeks in Barbados, alongside West Indies A who take on Sri Lanka A in a limited overs and four-day series starting next month.

All-rounder Jason Holder, who is yet to feature in the T20 series, will lead the ODI side for the series which will also see games in Sharjah on October 2 and in Abu Dhabi on October 5.

SQUAD − Jason Holder (captain), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darre n B r a v o , J o n a t h a n Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Keiron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday September 26, 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) NZ vs AUST, Auckland, 2005 (2) Australia won by 44 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Prior to the current 3-match T20 International series, how many Pakistanis had played this format of cricket against the West Indies?

(2) How many West Indians had turned out in the T20 format against Pakistan?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

edly at 12:45pm, and by the time it was over, it was Mangal who was declared the winner of the event.For his winning effort,he was presented with $150,000 that will go towards funding a children’s charity of his choice,under Scotiabank’s Bright Future Programme.

Tewari won $100,000 for his charity,while Persaud (Pandit Ravi) won $75,000,which will be donated to a charity of his choice under the program.

Speaking after the win, Mangal noted that things were just in his favour and that lead to his victory. Mangal won despite having recently suffered serious head injuries, and only three months after being hospitalized “I just had a good game today. My short game [meaning his chip and putt play] was excellent, and that helped me to win.” Mangal said

Last year’s winner, Mahendra Bhagwandin, came in fourth,just behind Persaud.

Tied with over net score of 68 each, it was the back 9 scores that saw Tewari (42) and Persaud (48) prevailing over Bhagwandin (49).

Other close contenders at the top were Andre Cummings (69/12), Aleem Hussain (69/17), Parmanand Persaud (70/14) and 4 net 72 scorers Bholawram Deo, Fazil Haniff, Gavin Todd and Patrick Prashad.

In other awards of the day, Dr Philbert London (Pope Emmanuel) won “Nearest to the Pin”, while “Longest Putt” went to Hilbert Shields. “Best Gross” (73) was won by Mike Mangal while Troy Cadogan walked away with the ‘Most Honest Golfer’award.

Additionally, Ian Gouviea saw himself receiving a left-handed club this year, after

year, but it being a right handed club he could not receive it. This goodwill gesture was presented by Bank Manager, Brian Hackett.

Club President,Oncar Ramroop,expressed thanks to Scotiabank,and particularly the representatives of Scotiabank,Robb Street Branch: Hackettt, and Marketing Manager, Jennifer Cipriani, during a small presentation ceremony that followed the competition.

Making remarks on behalf of the Bank,Cipriani expressed the company’s joy at being able to support the activity.

“Thank you for having Scotiabank as a partner with Lusignan Golf Club. Scotiabank is keen on helping people to get better, hence it is involved with Golfing, where it is recognised that golfers do not really receive much for the expensive involvement, as well

ties component.” She said.

Several other Robb Street Branch staff members and their families were on hand to witness the presentation ceremony.

Charitable organisations identified by Saturday’s winners were Bless The Children Home in Industry,chosen by Mangal; Joshua House,chosen

by Tewari;and David Rose School,chosen by Persaud (Pandit Ravi).

The day’s event was further extended with the drawing of 2 raffles;one for the Media personnel present, in which each member of the Media received a gift; and another raffle for every member that participated in the tournament, so that each player received a second gift, as at the start of the day’s play each golfer was given a sleeve of balls, compliments of Scotiabank.

Bekele claims Berlin win in near record time

By Karolos Grohmann

BERLIN,(Reuters)-Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele narrowly missed out on a new world record when he out-sprinted Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang to win the Berlin marathon in the second fastest race of all time yesterday.

The triple Olympic champion weathered Kipsang’s blistering early pace before he attacked with two kilometres left, crossing the line in an official time of two hours, three minutes and three seconds, six seconds off Dennis Kimetto’s world record.

Kipsang, a former world record holder who won in Berlin three years ago but like Bekele missed last month’s Rio Olympics, could not match the Ethiopian’s pace towards the end and finished 10 seconds adrift in the fourth-fastest time ever.

“I wanted to run a personal best, that was my first goal,” Bekele, who shaved more than two minutes off his previous fastest, told reporters. “The time was fantastic but I am a

Second placed Wilson Kipsang (L to R) of Kenia, winner Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia and third-placed Evans Chebet of Kenia pose with their medals during the victory ceremony at the Berlin marathon in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch bit disappointed as well, as I missed a few seconds in the end.”

A strong early pace, with the leading runners passing the five kilometre mark in an eye-popping time of 14 minutes 20 seconds, meant the main contenders had the world record in their sights from the start.

Both Kipsang, who set his world record in Berlin in 2013 only to lose it to fellow

Kenyan Kimetto a year later, and Bekele stuck behind the pacemakers, with the experienced Emmanuel Mutai joining them.

A lightning fast race was confirmed by the halfway mark with the leading pack more than a minute inside world record pace as Mutai, second in Berlin 2014, dropped off the pace.

It quickly became a twohorse race and after 30 ki-

lometres it was Bekele’s turn to drop some 30 metres behind the leader as Kipsang staged his first attack.

But the 34-year-old Ethiopian, still the world record holder for the 5,000 and 10,000 metres on the track, refused to buckle and caught Kipsang in the next two kilometres.

Bekele then drew on his strong finish from his days on the track and elegantly pulled away after the final drinks station as Kipsang failed to stay in touch.

“I was hoping to win it and run a personal best. I did it,” said Kipsang, who was 10 seconds faster than his world record time of 2013.

“We both ran a fantastic race together and I missed him (Bekele) by a few seconds. Next time it will be another day.”

Ethiopia enjoyed a sweep of the podium in the women’s race with Aberu Kebede winning her third Berlin marathon with a time of 2:20:45. Her compatriots followed her home with Birhane Dibaba claiming second ahead of Ruti Aga.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 26, 2016

Blowout wins for Kwakwani and President’s College

By Daniel Haynes

THE Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Schools basketball tournament was officially opened at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday.

The festival opened with a march-past of teams , where they lined up and walked into the Sports Hall displaying their uniforms for fans and officials.

Speaking at the opening ceremony were: YBG Director,Chris Bowman; Director of Sport,Christopher Jones;and Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams.

According to Bowman, “NSBF is now in its eleventh year and what started with just the U-19 category in a losergo-home format, has now blossomed to hold four categories with a more complex system.”

He added that the festival now has more sponsors on board; and thanked them for their support.

Abrams added that DIgi-

cel would continue to support the festival and is glad to be a part of the event, while Jones stated,“We at the National Sports Commission are happy to continue our support and we see the need for athletics in school,and are happy to see YBG playing a part.”

After the ceremony,Kwakwani Secondary U-14 team took on St. Rose’s U-14 in a highly anticipated match up.

It was all guns blazing for the Kwakwani side who quickly gained a commanding lead and held their opponents scoreless for 12 minutes in the first half.

Led by prolific point guard, Kadeem Dover,and streaky shooter Javon Brutus,Kwakwani held the lead 17-2. There were more highlights in the second half as Dover racked up 10 steals while Brutus poured in three straight 3-pointers, for 9 points out of his 11,to close out the game 52-7.

The duo stated that they were just interested in play-

ing and moving forward,as there were bigger and better to come in the tournament.

For St Rose’s, Jaheem Barton and Jadan Craig scored 5 and 2 points respectively.

In the second matchup, Marian Academy girls took on Mackenzie High;with the game finishing 24-02. For Marian Academy, it was Jada Mohan who racked up the stats with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 6 steals, while Georgina Vyphuis added 8 points and 9 rebounds,with Jahrier Young adding 6.

In the final game of the night,President’s College U-19 defeated a lacklustre Bishops’ High School in a game that finished 37-25.

Bishops’ jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead but President’s College battled back to finish the first quarter 9-8.

The second quarter saw President’s College pushing the tempo to outrun the Bishops’ side who looked tired and were down by 3 at the end of the half.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones addressing the teams at yesterday’s opening ceremony. (Delano Williams photos) The second half saw more of the same with President’s College pushing to a 12 point lead. There was a bit of drama in the game when guard Leon Harte hit a Bishops’ defender with a crossover that dropped him to the floor. For President’s College,it was a rounded

game with Jaleel Duke finishing with 10 points, Leon Harte on 8 points, and duo Anton Fileen and Eli Innis finishing with 6.

For Bishops,’ Timothy Thompson finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds,in a performance that was be-

low his standard. Mikhail Broomes, John Edghill and Chris Semple each finished with 4 points in the losing effort.

The tournament is sponsored by Digicel, Banks DIH Limited and Beharry Group of Companies.

Football referees/officials off to Jamaica

GUYANA will be represented by a three-man delegation, which left the country yesterday, at this week’s FIFA/CONCACAF annual referees Instructors and Assessors courses set for the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St James.

Head of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster, Referee Assessor Roy Mc Arthur,and Referee Instructor Lindley Langhorne,will be attending the courses which run from September 27th to October 4th.

All three will participate in the FIFA/FUTURO III course for Referees In-

Head of GFF Refereeing Department,Stanley Lancaster structors and Fitness Instructors,which runs from September 27th to October 1 st. The CONCACAF As-

sessors course will be held between October 2nd and 4th and will be attended by Mc Arthur and Lancaster.

The objective of the annual courses, practical and theory, is to build the capacities of the Referee Instructors and Assessors by exposing them to the latest scientific methods and practices for instructing, teaching,and assessing.

Sessions will also look at the revised FIFA Laws of the Game and their interpretations.

Participants will be facilitated by FIFA’s Regional Development Officer/ Technical Instructor, Peter Pendergast and FIFA’s Fitness Instructor, Allan Morgan Browne. (Ras Wadada).

GFF’s Forde and Williams happy over CFU approval PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde has expressed his delight at the approval by CFU of the Leonora Stadium,for Guyana’s crucial 3rd round Caribbean Cup match against defending Champions, Jamaica.

In a Press Release from the Federation,the GFF’s boss expounded on how much a plus it is for the sport.

“I think, apart from the venue being available for the Jamaica game, we now have one additional venue in Guyana that is certified for International football, and I think that gives us a second set of options,and it

Wayne Forde couldn’t have been any timelier… I think Guyana needed to have home court advantage.

We all know that Jamaica is a formidable opponent and apart from the advantage that we needed, it has been almost forty years since we last played Jamaica in Guyana”.

Also sharing the happy feelings on the ‘Green Light’ for the venue is Operations Manager, Trevor Williams.

“We are grateful to be able to have the facility stand scrutiny and reviewed by the CFU. It is very encouraging for us because a lot has been invested in this facility and to know that outside of the National Stadium, we can actually play International football, is good news for Guyana, the Government,and the GFF who has done a lot to encourage the growth and development of the sport . “So we are very happy and I am sure the entire Government will be pleased”.

Action between Kwakwani Secondary and St. Rose’s.

Jaguars Franchise 3-day League tourney

Wins for West Demerara, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne

At Port Mourant: Essequibo fell short of their victory target by just 23 runs chasing 248 despite Kemo Paul’s 115. Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed 39 while Anthony Adams chipped in with 34. Bowling for Upper Corentyne Eon Hooper and Shawn Perreira had 3 wickets apiece while Clinton Pestano and Keon Sinclair had 2 wickets each.

At Lusignan: Georgetown resuming on their overnight score of 74 for 3, reached 264 all out. Captain Christopher Barnwell made an unbeaten 133, Dexter Solomon supported with 32.

Bowling for West Demerara, Romario Sheperd took 4 for 62 , Richie Looknauth 2 for 62 and Kheshram Seyhodan 3 for 59 Set 78 for victory, West Demerara reached the target within the mandatory 15 over.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 43, and Akshaya Persaud made 20 not out. Gajanan Suknanan claimed 2 wickets.

At Albion: East Coast Demerara were eventually bowled out for 125 after resuming at their overnight score of 97/7 leaving Lower Corentyne with a target of 210 for a come from behind victory. Royston Crandon and Kassim Khan both finished with 3/20 while Sharaz Ramsarran took 2/21.

Surujnarine Kandasammy’s 71 then led the successful run chase for the home side as they finished on 210/6 to complete victory after conceding what was thought to be a significant first innings lead.

He was well supported

by Gajanand Singh who made 41. Royston Crandon and Devon Clements completed the chase to finish on 29

and 13 respectively. Bowling for East Coast Demerara, leg-spinner Steven Sankar took 4/50.

At Enterprise: East Bank Demerara were eventually dismissed for 314 as Boodan Baksh finished on 23 not out.

Bowling for West Berbice, Keyron Fraser returned with the ball to complete a good all round performance in the match by claiming 4/52. Kevon Jawahir was the other main wicket taker with figures of 3/70.

West Berbice in their second turn at the crease were bowled out for 180.

Leon Andrews, Andrew Dutchin and Raffael Estraido were the only batsman to score more than 20.

East Bank Demerara had 12 without loss when the match ended in a draw.

Blowout wins for Kwakwani and President’s College (See Story on page 27 )

Forde and Tanner rule the roost in COURTS 10km (See Story on page 23 )

Winners in the 2016 Courts 10km display their spoils

Team Coco’s trio dominate Macedo memorial cycling podium

It was another year and another win for Cleveland Forde as he won the COURTS 10km Road Race yesterday.

(Sameul Maughn photos)

(See Story on page 25 )

Team Coco’s team members hold hands aloft as they cross the finish line to take the top three places in the Victor Macedo Memorial 80-mile cycle road race. Race winner Stephano Husbands is at centre, while second place finisher Hamzah Eastman is at right and Mark Harris is on the left in this Samuel Maughn photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Euleen Josiah-Tanner was the first female to cross the finishing line

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016