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Battling filaria 12 Page

–– and the stigma that goes with it

No. 104728

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016

Price: $80

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DPP Chambers under scrutiny –– lack of State prosecutors at Carvil Duncan’s trial raises questions Page

Inaugural hackathon concludes The participants of Hackathon 2016 with Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, judges and representatives of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications at the conclusion of the competition on Sunday. Team Verizon 75 (V 75) copped the first place in the 48-hour non-stop programming and software development contest

Money-changer Pope shot inside in Popeye’s pickle

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Foster parents needed

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Pope Emmanuel

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

‘Explore Guyana 2016’ for London launch

GUYANA is expected to launch the latest version of its premier travel magazine, ‘Explore Guyana 2016’, while participating in the World Travel Market (WTM), which begins today in London. According to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, the WTM, reputedly one of the world’s

largest travel shows, provides Guyana with a platform to meet, network, and negotiate with more than 50,000 business professionals, including tour operators, travel agents, the media, travel writers, film makers, tourist boards, conservation groups, universities, and service providers from over 182 countries. The three-day event, be-

ing held this year at the ExCeL London international convention centre, also provides Guyana with the opportunity to learn about new trends, challenges facing the industry, and get a chance to investigate the competition, he told a press conference here at the Ministry of Business on Friday. “Our major goal (in participating) is to increase the

destination brand awareness, perception, and positioning of Guyana, and to expand our sales’ distribution network and our sales channel,” he said, adding that a large number of new and reputable high-end tour companies have expressed an interest in unique, off-the-beaten-path, pristine destinations such as Guyana. He said, too, that the

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh mere fact that Guyana is the only English-speaking country in all of South America gives Guyana a distinct advantage over its

competitors in the industry. And while he did not indicate what the makeup of the Guyana delegation would be, the Guyana Chronicle has since learnt that it would comprise representatives of the GTA, Wilderness Explorers, Iwokrama, and the Guyana High Commission in London. T h e Wo r l d Tr a v el Market is the leading global event for the travel industry. It is a vibrant, must-attend, business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to the UK and international travel professionals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

DPP Chambers under scrutiny –– lack of State prosecutors at Carvil Duncan’s trial raises questions

THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is under scrutiny for its lack of State prosecutors, following the recently-concluded larceny trial of former Public Service Commission Chairman Carvil Duncan. Duncan, a former Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Board member, was freed of a larceny charge last week. The State lost its case against Duncan, who was before the courts on an alleged theft of $1M from the power company. A lack of proper prosecution was cited as a key element in Duncan’s acquittal, and the presiding magistrate criticised the work of the police prosecutor, deeming it sloppy. Magistrate Leron Daly, after upholding a no-case submission by Duncan’s former attorney, Charles Ramson Jr, and present Attorney Glenn Hanoman, ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to convict Duncan of the offence. He, however, still faces a conspiracy to steal charge, and was instructed to return to court on January 4, 2017, in relation to a charge in which he is accused of conspiring with another to steal $27,757,547 from the GPL between May 7 and 8, 2015. It was reported that Duncan and a former senior GPL official, Aeshwar Deonarine, were part of a multi-million-dollar fraud at GPL. The

men are alleged to have illegally transferred close to $28M from GPL to their personal bank accounts. The DPP is the nation’s premier prosecuting arm. However, in several recent high profile cases before the courts, its role has been questioned. The DPP took roughly one year before it assigned State prosecutors to handle the case of multiple fraud charges against former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford and another senior officer of the Public Service Ministry. In a statement issued on Friday, the DPP denied that State prosecutors had expressed reluctance to take on sensitive political cases being pursued by the current administration, although a top government official is insisting that they did. That official also said that the DPP chambers took almost one year after the Westford case started to assign State prosecutors to handle it. Prosecutors were assigned to the case, according to sources, only after Government had signalled its intention to employ special prosecutors. Political activist and Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance, Tacuma Ogunseye, in a letter appearing in the Stabroek News, stated that the Duncan case raises a lot of questions.

NOT COMPETENT ENOUGH Ogunseye said the dismissal of the case on ground of insufficient ev-

DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack idence calls into question the seriousness of the State in bringing to justice alleged wrongdoers of the former regime. He asked why a senior counsel was not assigned to prosecute the case. He raised his query along the lines that the prosecutor would not have been competently capable of prosecuting the case against the country’s leading lawyers. He said, “Reading the magistrate’s legal justification for throwing out the case, the poorly prepared case of the prosecution was highlighted. Some of the shortcomings

are elementary matters; for example, the presentation of photocopied documents without any attempt being made to prove that an original existed and that the copy was a true representation of the original.” He said the prosecution also led no circumstantial evidence in relation to the bank statement showing that a sum had been debited from GPL’s account, so the court could only admit that it existed, not the truth of it. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Thursday told this newspaper that Government was forced into hiring special prosecutors for the Pradoville 2 and the Guyana Cricket World Cup Inc. scams owing to the fact that state prosecutors had expressed discomfort in standing in those cases. “We were forced into that position because the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had indicated that the members of her department had some discomfort in having to prosecute the case of a former minister (Jennifer Westford) and as a result of that… If the State’s prosecution department is saying that they don’t wish to prosecute these types of matters that are political, what was the State supposed to do; fiddle with its hands?” Williams

asked. FAIR PROSECUTIONS However, the DPP, in a missive responding to an article in this newspaper, on Friday stated that her office

Carvil Duncan is governed by Article 187 of the Constitution of Guyana, and added that prosecutions will continue to be done fairly and impartially, based solely on consideration of the evidence contained in the police file and the prevailing law. “Specifically, as it relates to the court matter involving former minister Jennifer Westford, the DPP herein informs that two lawyers from the DPP’s Chambers, Senior State Counsel Teshana Lake and State Counsel Natasha Backer,

are prosecuting this matter. Observers say both counsels have little experience in prosecuting high-profile cases.” Further, the DPP said neither of these two state lawyers has expressed any discomfort in discharging their duties in the said matter. “The DPP, Mrs. (Shalimar) Ali-Hack, or any other lawyer in these Chambers, has never indicated that they are uncomfortable in prosecuting any criminal matters, whether political or otherwise. The staff at the DPP’s Chambers examine the evidence in police files in relation to the prevailing law, and advise charges accordingly; prosecutions are based on the evidence in the file and the law. This is so regardless of who the accused persons are and the positions they hold,” the DPP stated. Additionally, the DPP said the present system is that lawyers at these Chambers appear in the High Court and all the Appellate Courts. “There are not sufficient lawyers to appear in the Magistrates’ Courts; hence four police prosecutors are assigned to these Chambers, and appear in the more serious cases in the Magistrates’ Courts. To say that State Prosecutors shun highly political cases is defamatory,” the statement added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

FBI clears Clinton two days before election

THE FBI said on Sunday it stood by its earlier finding that no criminal charges were warranted against Democrat Hillary Clinton for using a private email server for Government work, lifting a cloud over her presidential campaign two days before the US election. FBI Director James Com-

ey made the announcement in a letter to Congress, saying the agency had worked “around the clock” to complete its review of newly discovered emails and found no reason to change its July finding. “During that process, we reviewed all of the communications that were to or from Hillary Clinton while she was

Secretary of State,” Comey said. “We have not changed our conclusions expressed in July.” A law enforcement source told Reuters the decision closes the FBI probe of Clinton’s email practices. Comey informed Congress of the newly discovered emails more than a week ago, throwing the race for the White House into turmoil and eroding Clinton’s lead over Republican candidate Donald Trump in the final stretch before Tuesday’s vote. “We’re glad this issue is resolved but for the record, this could easily have been learned before 1st letter was sent,” Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon wrote on Twitter. Republicans, however, did not ease up on their criticism of Clinton. “She simply believes she’s above the law and always plays by her own rules,” House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement, ar-

guing that Clinton’s use of a private email server “compromised our national security”. US stock index futures rose more than 1 per cent after the FBI announcement, suggesting Wall Street is poised to end its longest skid in more than three decades. The US dollar also jumped in Asian trading against the yen, euro and Swiss franc. Global financial markets last week slipped as polls showed the presidential race tightening. REPUBLICANS RENEW CRITICISM The latest emails were discovered as part of a separate probe of former Democratic US Representative Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of Clinton aide Huma Abedin. Weiner is the target of an FBI investigation into illicit text messages he allegedly sent to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina. Federal investigators got a

warrant to examine the emails to see if they were related to the probe into Clinton’s private server. Democrats reacted angrily to Comey’s intrusion into the race and demanded quick action in examining the emails. “I am very grateful to the professionals at the FBI for doing an extraordinary amount of high-quality work in a short period of time,” Comey said on Sunday. But Democrats did not let Comey and the FBI off the hook. US Senator Dianne Feinstein of California said Sunday’s announcement made Comey’s earlier letter “even more troubling” for creating a false impression about the inquiry. “I believe the Justice Department needs to take a look at its procedures to prevent similar actions that could influence future elections,” she said. Trump, who has hammered Clinton over the emails issue, arguing it was proof she is corrupt and untrustworthy, did

not mention the decision at a rally in Minneapolis right after it was announced. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus said that while the probe had not led to criminal charges, it produced evidence that Clinton broke the law and “repeatedly lied to the American people about her reckless conduct”. Clinton also did not mention the FBI decision during a campaign appearance in Cleveland. News of the renewed probe hurt Clinton’s poll numbers, with Trump cutting into her once formidable lead. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Clinton with a 5 percentage point lead over the New York businessman in the national survey - 44 per cent to 39 per cent support - while races in the swing states of Florida and North Carolina have shifted from favouring Clinton to being too close to call.

Monday November 7, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Tuesday November 8, 2016 - 11:30 hrs Wednesday November 9, 2016 - 12:30 hrs

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Pope in pickle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

––images surface of Pope Emmanuel in bed with several women

SOCIAL media was abuzz on Sunday with leaked photographs depicting a man, said to be “Pope Emmanuel” Philbert London of Beacon Ministries, in pornographic mode with several females. The partially blurred but sexually explicit images, shared with a local television station, appeared on social media platform minutes after midnight on Saturday, and by Sunday morning, hundreds of Guyanese were ‘in tune’ with the images. The images were initially taken down by Facebook after the first posting, but persons had already shared and saved the pictures, which re-appeared via dozens of “shares” throughout the day. Repeated calls from this publication to several numbers provided for Pope London went unanswered, while persons at a posh home at the Pradoville housing scheme near Ogle, East Coast Demerara said he does not live there anymore. IMAGES In one of the partially blurred images, a man took a picture of his genitalia while posing in pastoral dress with a symbolic priestly emblem visible on his right bust. Another depicted the man lying in bed with two females in the nude, one of whom was lying face down on his right shoulder while the other was on his left shoulder looking at the camera. Yet another image depicted a woman lying face down on a man’s torso, while an image of a woman on the right arm of a man are depicted in another. A man bearing the image of London is depicted in another image lying on his back on a bed, a partial smile of satisfaction plastered on his face while his hands are outstretched above his head. The pictures were allegedly taken by London and his female companions, while reports suggest that videos of the sexual escapades were taped, allegedly by the ‘pontiff’.

Reports suggest the images were recorded at his home with the consent of all parties involved. ABSENT O u t s i d e L o n d o n ’s Miracle Centre on Joseph Pollydore Street in Lodge, Georgetown, several members of the congregation were huddling into groups when

a scripture reading: “Let them be put to shame and dishonour who seek and require my life; let them be turned back and confounded who plan my hurt,” he quoted from Psalms 35:4. A volley of rebuttals followed as commentators bashed the ‘Pope’. One comment read: “You brought shame and dishonour with your wicked ac-

much cheers from a happy gathering. The speakers who took to the podium hailed London as a “great man”. “Daniel has come!” shouted one. “Thanks to God, He made it happen!” another screamed. “God reigns over Guyana, and awesome things will happen!” yet another declared.

caused persons to successfully obtain visas to the US; dismissed court cases; and ‘blessed’ barren women, causing them to get pregnant. But those are not all of Pope London’s alleged miracles. He also helped a man, Brother Ivan, whose confidence had been deflated by his swollen testicles.

flashback: ‘Pope Emmanuel’ (fourth left) with his Bishops at the investiture ceremony at the Ocean View Conference Centre this publication visited after Sunday’s sermon to obtain comments from London. He stayed away from the church, persons noted, and his papal gold chair at the altar was noticeably empty, one member of the congregation related. Photographs to this effect were also circulated during the morning. Several elder ladies in laced hats moved away from the church’s entrance soon after this publication had visited. Persons near the church cautiously asked that this publication’s photographer avoid including them in images of the church, while heavily tinted cars rolled off from the entrance of the house of worship. On Facebook, the word “Pope” was trending as hundreds of persons criticised London. Contrastingly, some persons defended the actions of the man with one-word answers of “Amen”. L o n d o n ’s o n l y r e sponse, which came through his “Pope Emmanuel” Facebook page, was

tions”; another said: “Why people are so surprised by this”; while others were simple in the typing of “Amen”. Two pastors contacted by this publication offered not to comment on the matter or on any religious matter, but both men noted that London would have to provide answers to his congregation and God for whatever his actions may be. Hailed as an “auspicious and historic event”, London was inaugurated in May this year at an investiture ceremony where Beacon Ministries called him “the first Black Pope in the Caribbean”. The investiture, held at the Ocean View Conference Centre, was attended by followers and well-wishers of the church, who sang praises and even danced to celebrate the achievement of His Highness, “Pope Emmanuel”. Formerly referred to as the Right Reverend Archbishop Philbert London, “the Messenger of God in Guyana”, London received his instruments of office later that day to

THE ‘GREAT HEALER’ According to his followers, London’s miracles include predicting the 2005 floods; the bombing of the twin towers; giving Guyana rains when droughts were predicted between 1994 and 2004; causing Hurricane Erika to turn into cool breeze over St Lucia in 1997; giving Guyana a righteous Government in 2015, and restoring the Garden City in 2015. His followers noted, too, that London significantly and miraculously reduced domestic violence in 2015; caused a dent in suicide cases in 2015;

According to a booklet prepared by the Pope’s

followers, Brother Ivan reportedly said, “I had to make a strap to keep around my waist and support my testicles in order to prevent the swelling from becoming visible to others; but three to four months ago, the strap became too small…. During July 2009, I heard Dr. London on his television programme ‘Revelation and Power’ advertise a free anointed cloth that could be used for whatever miracle you desire. I promptly phoned in for one. “I received my cloth on 22nd of July. After applying the cloth, I experienced a fantastic thing! A hole appeared at the bottom of the swollen testicle, and I began to bleed! Thick bloody stuff began to pour out of the hole, enough I estimate to half-fill a five-gallon bucket! The swelling went down completely, and I am convinced that it was the anointing that created the hole and started my healing.” This alleged miracle was certified by Bishop Cockfield and several others.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Making remigration attractive GUYANESE can be found all over the world selling their skills or plying their trades. Many are successful and are making significant impacts in the societies where they live. Successive governments have been calling on this demographic to return home and play a role in the nation’s growth and development. This call is yet to be met with significant success, even as more are leaving, notably among which are 80-plus percent of our tertiary-educated graduates. Human capital is important to a country’s advancement. While other countries given their standard of living and incentives are strong pull factors, looking at our re-migrant push may require taking a hard and honest look at disincentives that serve as hindrances to achieving this. This should be done with the aim of taking corrective action through policies, laws and programmes. A leading push factor is better and higher education. On completion, having found lucrative employment or economic opportunities to improve one’s standard of living, persons are likely to make the country their adopted home. Other factors are opportunities to improve one’s economic well-being and being the beneficiaries of family resettlement programmes. In each instance, roots have been established that afford opportunities or the possibilities of same. For instance, home ownership can be pursued through a system that is void of undue hassle, corruption, and within one’s means to finance a mortgage. There is the availability of job opportunities where extra, available time can be used to improve one’s earnings. The education system allows opportunities regardless of age, facilitating academic improvement and creation of new careers. Opportunities such as these help the individual/family to set goals and work towards them with less hassle and in relative comfort. Social services, including public transportation, while not universal in quality, are seen as relatively better than what are offered in Guyana. It is unusual to hear a re-migrant, particularly one working in the public sector, complain about overt political intrusion in the organisation and its decision-making. There is the perception that having to be mindful of not offending the political directorate denudes the professionalism and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

St. George’s Cathedral needs urgent repairs Dear Editor,

THE St. George’s Cathedral in Georgetown is in need of urgent repairs. I passed near that building actually every day and was able to walk around that building a number of times. From my observation, the walls of this magnificent church are falling apart. The gutters are rotten and broken down, the yard is extremely dirty and vagrants and prostitutes sleep in that compound at nights. I passed early one morning and saw lots of vagrants sleeping on the building steps and platform. They eat, sleep and urine there, yet the Priest or Bishop of that church turns a blind eye to the deplorable state of the building and the environment. For a place of worship, this Cathedral is extremely dirty and it seems as if the church board and our current administration don’t care if this building falls down tomorrow. The paint on the walls is peeling off; it tells me clearly that this Cathedral was not cleaned nor painted in years. I saw a scaffold around it, but no painting nor repairs is being done.

It can fall to the ground anytime because the yard is like a semi-lake; when it rains, the water doesn’t run off, it lodges in the yard around that building, thus, it undermines the building’s foundation. Gradually, the foundation of this building is sinking and the Cathedral can fall at anytime (hope it doesn’t fall with the members) when a service is going on. The yard of this building needs filling and an urgent, solid casting with steel in it to hold that foundation firmly.There is also need for proper drainage and irrigation. A fence needs to be erected around that building, a very high fence so vagrants and prostitutes won’t sleep there and proper security should be there. This building is a landmark in Guyana and we treat it very badly, not the citizens but the Priest or Bishop who is responsible doesn’t seem to bother that this building poses even a threat to the lives of its members and members of the public who drive around it. Should that building collapse many innocent people can die and it will cost bil-

independence public service requires. Some have returned to their adopted country rather than facilitate it. The potential re-migrant having lived in societies where several options are available to pursue their social, cultural and economic interests, having gotten accustomed to these, would want some options here. One issue that stands out is the acquisition of motor vehicles. Instead of having a fixed policy to qualify to import a vehicle that would attract duty-free concession, options can be presented. One such is buying a motor vehicle here without being denied duty-free concession. The extended benefit of this is revenue to the country and local car dealers. Apart from promoting Guyana as home to invest in, there must be specifics and hassle-free experiences that can lure persons to return. The bureaucracy in the re-migrant scheme should be revisited. Persons coming from societies where expectations are held that once the requirements specified to enjoy a benefit are met, such should be hassle-free on the providing business or institution. Having to go back and forth and being told a different story every time is construed as roadblocks and wanting people to beg or bribe their way for what they are entitled to.

lions to rebuild it. One of the problems in this country’s administration is, we wait until something is completely destroyed then we try to rebuild it when it could have cost less had it been properly maintained. I Googled St George’s Cathedral from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and the following information came up: ‘’St. George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana and is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world, at a height of 43.5 metres (143 ft). It is the seat of the Bishop of Guyana. St. George’s was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and opened on 24 August 1892. The building was completed in 1899. It is located on Church Street in Georgetown, and has been designated a National Monument. The history of the Anglican Church in Guyana can be traced as far back as 1781, when the Reverend William Baggs, Chaplain to Sir George Rodney, came to Guyana.’’ From that information we learn that the Cathedral was completed in 1899 and that informs me that this

building will be 117 years old at the end of this year. That is a very long time. This building needs general repairs, a new set of painting in different attractive colours, a gated yard and some nice, sweet-smelling flowers in the compound because cleanliness is next to Godliness. I guess the administrators of this building will ask the government to assist financially to repair this building. I wonder what they do with the church offerings and tithes. Even if government bails them out, this church needs a competent body to maintain that building. I am calling on the relevant authorities to repair the St. George’s Cathedral urgently. Too many organisations always need government to bail them out financially because of their personal financial incompetence. The Anglican Church is a very huge organisation and it is about time the Cathedral’s Bishop wake from his slumber and get this Cathedral repaired. Yours truly, REV. GIDEON CECIL

In the wanting to establish business and unleash entrepreneurial skills aware that in the adopted country such is facilitated in an enabling environment, expectations will be that persons will be advised how they can pursue such path, rather than be told what cannot be done. What has to be taken cognisance of is that re-migrants having lived in different societies, particularly in the metropolitan countries that are forward-thinking, pro-active and always on the go, it requires factoring in such culture in serving this demographic. This does not mean Guyanese have to abandon our unique identity, but what is required is recognition that we can learn the systems management of other countries in order to improve ours. It should be said that it is that level of open-mindedness that has influenced other countries migration programmes which continue to attract our human capital for their growth and development. Making re-migration attractive requires holistic approaches. Where weaknesses in society will be addressed to meet expectations, whereby though living in Guyana is not exactly what the re-migrant may have experienced in their adopted homes, the sense of comfort and opportunities can be assured.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

8,274 cases of malaria thus far for 2016

SOME 8,274 reported cases of malaria has been confirmed so far for 2016; compared to 10,403 in 2014, and 7,634 for the same period in 2015, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton has said. In a message to mark Malaria Day in the Americas 2016, Dr. Norton confirmed the reported results for the period ending October 22, and assured that the Ministry of Public Health would not be complacent in dealing with suspected cases of malaria. He said Government is seeking to be innovative and explore new initiatives by engaging more partners

to combat malaria. Government is also looking at alternative methods of testing for faster detection and reduced effects of the mosquito-borne virus. “An alternative method of diagnosing malaria, called Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), is being explored and piloted for use by health-care providers in the public health sector especially, and by lay persons (miners). (It will) promptly diagnose malaria, resulting in early treatment and interruption of the chain of transmission, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Norton explained. The minister said Gov-

ernment is looking to spread its wings to fight malaria at the local level throughout the various affected regions by providing malaria-related health-care similar to that accessed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). As a result, he said, the Ministry is moving to pilot a project to decentralise malaria prevention and control at the regional level, commencing with Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni). Dr. Norton said it is surprising that Regions 2 and 10 have “historically” been reporting confirmed malaria cases, even though infection is usually low in Region 4. Malaria is endemic in

How much longer?

Dear Editor,

HOW much longer will Guyana be forced to be the economic lifeline for the depleted Guyana Sugar Corporation? How much longer will the government be expected to pump billions of dollars into a loss-making industry that is also ill-equipped to contend with cheap sugar producers outside of Guyana? The discussion on what must be done with the sugar industry is becoming pretentious, since it is clear that GuySuCo is sucking heavily from the country’s treasury. It was analysed that almost $40B will be needed in the next two years to just keep GuySuCo afloat, while the company is in some $80B debt. What about the rest of the country? Workers and their families, many being Indo-Guyanese will be affected by the obvious changes needed at Guy-

SuCo, but change is never easy, so the PPP preferred to pump money into this failing industry to keep their support base happy. It even worked out better for the party, since it was better to keep their supporters in the fields and draw them out when it is voting time. It is time to hand the billions of dollars being pumped into GuySuCo to the regions, so they can really become independent and create jobs for their citizens. It beats me why any genuine government would prefer to cause the country to suffer because one sector refuses to let go of a colonial job which once broke the backs of all our ancestors and now sucks life from our country. President David Granger spoke of independent regions, their own flags and emblems. Where is the emphasis on this idea? Having independent regions is a

marvellous idea; not only will the regions be responsible for their own welfare, but they will eventually generate their own money and develop unique personalities. Special emphasis should be placed on the capital. The Garden City is a must for any visitor, our largest wharves, shopping and business centres, and a large portion of citizens reside here. Linden Town, New Amsterdam, and Bartica are among several locations that can use some of that money that is going to GuySuCo. Farming regions and other cottage industries need assistance. What about the ‘bread basket of the Caribbean’ idea? When will serious money be pumped into the communities as it is being pumped into GuySuCo? Yours sincerely, AKEEM BENNONS

Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. “It is noteworthy to mention, however, that these numbers do not paint the whole picture; as a rapid assessment conducted by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) revealed a 42.2 per cent under-reporting of cases,” Dr. Norton stated. Reports out of the WHO reveal that an estimated 145 million people in 21 countries are at risk of contracting malaria in the Americas. The reports said deaths from malaria declined 79 per cent between 2000 and 2014, and the number of confirmed cases declined by 67 per cent. The most recent review in 2015 indicates that there were 214 million cases of malaria and more than 400,000 related

deaths. Malaria mainly affects persons employed in the extractive industries in Guyana, and “strongly mirrors the movement of loggers and miners from the coastland into the interior locations of the country,” the minister said. Indigenous peoples who are resident in those areas are also affected. Malaria prevention and control has historically been executed with the Vector Control Services (VCS) of the Public Health Ministry. The VCS programme is funded by Government and PAHO/ WHO through the Amazon Malaria Initiative (AMI/ RAVREDA) and Global Fund to Fight AIDS,

Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). Additionally, VCS receives technical support from PAHO/WHO. GFATM support has spanned two grants since 2010, and further support is being sought through the submission of the Malaria Concept Note, a process that commenced in 2015, the minister said. “These include policy, planning, budgeting, capacity-building, implementation, and mentoring and evaluation. VCS continues to build the capacity of community health workers (CHWs), microscopists, laboratory staff, medical extension officers (Medexes) and doctors,” Dr. Norton said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Order necessary in mining sector ––Trotman tells Marudi miners

NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman on Saturday met with miners from Marudi, Region Nine in the presence of a representative of mining company, Romanex Guyana to assuage the mistrust that still lingers among them. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Natural Resources brokered an agree-

ment, through mediation between the company and the miners from the Marudi area who were in dispute over the use of mining claims which are held by Romanex in the Marudi Mountain. Miners, businessmen and women who operate in the Marudi area sought assurance that the displacement of their shops will be properly addressed while

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman addressing miners in Lethem, Region Nine

others raised concerns about their lands being taken from them. Shop owner Roslyn Primus noted that most of the shops in the area are operated by single parent women. “We want to know where we are going… we want our license,” Primus shared at the town hall style meeting held at the Arapaima Primary School. As part of the agreement stemming from the mediation between miners and Romanex earlier this year, shop owners have to be relocated since their present location below the rocks of the mountain is dangerous. Minister Trotman noted that “mining without shops is nothing”, and assured shop owners present that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is working out their relocation, and they will be moved “to a place you all agree on”. Minister Trotman further assured miners that he had “no intention of displacing or preventing anyone from

A section of the miners gathered for the meeting with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in Lethem, Region Nine earning an honest living”. However, Minister Trotman pointed out that there are too many complaints in the South Rupununi area of illegal activities such as trafficking-in-persons in mining. The minister said there must be order in the mining sector, contending that “Nobody is going to have their own way. We will have order.” Premchand Paul of the South Rupununi Mining Association pointed out to the minister that miners need to be shown “how the agreement could be fully implemented” if the distrust that remains between the Canadian company and small miners in the Marudi area is

to be dispelled. Meanwhile, Romanex Guyana has pledged to carry out several enhancement projects in Region Nine as part of fulfilling its social corporate responsibility. Marshall Mintz, company representative, assured miners that the company will hire locals and procure services locally in the setting of its offices and other works. “We won’t be bringing people from Georgetown unless absolutely necessary… as time goes on there will be jobs available both from Lethem and the Deep South (Rupununi),” Mintz said. As part of the mediation agreement, the Canadian company has agreed to ensure that communities near-

est to its operations will be given priority hiring. Romanex Guyana has also pledged to install Internet services for 17 villages in South Rupununi, along with construction of roads among other initiatives. Minister Trotman told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that, “the people keeping an eye” is one sure way, along with monitoring by the GGMC to ensure that the company honours its pledges. Minister Trotman is expected to visit the community of Aishalton next month to meet with more miners from the outlying areas to address any concerns that they too may have.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Debt Management Act on the cards By Svetlana Marshall

A MODERN, consolidated Debt Management Act is on the cards for 2017, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has assured. In the Finance Ministry’s first Public Debt Annual Report 2015, Minister Jordan said the APNU+AFC Coalition Government will continue to invest in a consistent capacity-building plan to development the skill-set needed to effectively implement a comprehensive debt strategy. Guyana’s total public debt, both external and domestic, stood at $317.7B as at December 2015, reflecting a decrease of 3.6 per cent when compared to its 2014 level. In an effort to remedy the challenges facing the Debt Management Division (DMD), Minister Jordan said, Government, through the Finance Ministry, would be building on six primary areas. “There are at least six main areas where Guyana hopes to improve its debt management capacity: institutional and legal frameworks; debt strategy formulation; self-assessment; operational risk management; and debt negotiations,” the Finance

Minister stated. For this reason, he said, the Ministry will be seeking to have the National Assembly’s support in putting into effect a Debt Management Act.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan “The Government keeps in mind that good public debt management builds a strong public finance infrastructure that supports our national development. Strong public finance infrastructure fosters macroeconomic stability, which is the cornerstone for the achievement and sustainability of a good life for all,” he said. As such, he said, the developments being pro-

pelled by the Finance Ministry -- and by extension the Government -- seek to usher in a new era in public debt management that would entrench and promote prudent and sound debt management practices. Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts, for his part, said modernisation of the legislation would be treated as a matter of priority. “The Government intends to review and modernise its legislation with a view to enacting a Public Debt Management Act that incorporates the articulation of a high-level debt management objective; the requirement to formulate a debt management strategy; and the mandatory reporting to Parliament on debt management activities, including the outturn of the debt management strategy,” he explained. As at December 2015, total external debt amounted to $236B, or 74.3 per cent of total public debt; while domestic debt stood at $81.7B. “This decrease was largely due to repayments of the oil debt to Venezuela in the form of rice and paddy shipments to Venezuela. Guyana concluded two Debt Compensation Agreements with Vene-

zuela in 2015, for a total of US$88.7M. One debt compensation agreement for US$43.8M is yet to be signed,” the report further explained. In the area of Public Domestic Debt, the country’s debt stock was estimated at $81.7B as at the end of 2015, representing an increase of 4.2 per cent when compared to $78.4B

at the end of 2014. “The increase in the public domestic debt stock was mainly due to the increase in issuance of Treasury bills (T-bills), causing the stock of T-bills to increase by 4.4 per cent. In 2015, the issuance of 91-day T-bills and 364-day T-bills rose by 27.0 per cent and 8.6 respectively.” During the period un-

der review, 2011-2015, the “total public debt fluctuated, peaking at its highest level in 2012 at $371.3B, before gradually declining to its lowest level in 2015,” the report pointed out. It was also explained that the increase in debt during 2012 was as a result of disbursements from the country’s external creditors.

Money-changer shot inside Popeye’s AMERICA Street money-changer Vishwahnauth Nouwbat, 32, of “C” Field Sophia, Georgetown was shot in the abdomen on Saturday afternoon after refusing to hand over his day’s earnings to a robber who walked into the Popeye’s Water and America streets’ branch in Stabroek, Georgetown and attempted to rob him while he was sitting with a female companion. Reports indicate that after Nouwbat refused the bandit’s order to hand over the money he had earned for the day, the robber pulled out a handgun from the left side of his waist and discharged a round at Nouwbat, who received injuries to the left side of his abdomen. Public-spirited citizens assisted in carrying him to a police vehicle that was summoned to the scene, and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). No one has as yet been arrested, but investigations are continuing.

Injured money-changer Vishwahnauth Nouwbat

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS IMAGINE a community where all the adults care about the welfare and well-being of all the children in the neighbourhood. So much so that when a child lacks attention, love or resources, it is not long before someone notices and everybody pulls together to ensure that the child gets whatever he or she needs to get by. Food, clothes, school uniform, books, affection, care and nurturing: You name it; it is available in this community. This is made possible because some mothers in the community formed a group called ‘mothers on the look-out’. They work together to provide this special service for children in their community. In this community an adult has the authority to ‘manners’ a child (any child)

who is being disrespectful or rude. This is done by explaining to the child that certain behaviours are not acceptable or ‘becoming’ of a young woman/man and a lesson in attitude and behaviour might follow. An apology is usually accepted from the child and if there are further incidents (or reported incidents) the child is sanctioned in some way (by their caregiver or parents). In this community domestic violence is not tolerated. (It really has no place in any community). There were a couple of incidents in the past, where a few adults felt like beating up on their spouses for various reasons. But the community policing group heard about the incidents (as good and bad news travels like

wildfire in this community). Officers intervened by turning up on the perpetrators’ doorstep and threatening a citizen’s arrest unless the perpetrator seeks counselling. After that, word got around it became common knowledge in the area that domestic violence is not just a crime against an individual; it is a crime against the entire community. This information became common knowledge through a series of workshops in the community and by way of leaflets, posters and various places of worship, sharing the news with their congregations. You see this community realised that they had the power to make things happen and to make and maintain the kind of change that keeps their families safe within their neighbourhood and safe inside their homes. They realised that when you work together you achieve results. Anyone can turn a blind eye and say, ‘me nah care, that is none of my business’, But to put your heart and minds into progressing and achieving as a community, to want to see the best for yourself and the children in your neighbourhood? Now

that takes commitment, dedication and responsibility. It is often said ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, it is also said. ‘The hand that rocks the cradle shapes the world. Both these adages simply mean that adults have the power and means to organise themselves and make decisions that will assist children (the next generation) to grow and progress in the right ways. When we work together we can rest assured that the input we make now will pay off sometime in the future. The community mentioned in this article may sound like a dream but it is within our grasp if we really want it. There are definitely more ‘good’ than ‘bad’ people in the world so that while you are waiting for A CARING COMMUNITY IT STARTS WITH YOU. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Foster parents needed

–– over 600 children in residential care

MORE than 600 abused and abandoned children in 23 orphanages across Guyana are in need of foster parents. And as the country observes Foster Care Month throughout November, the Social Protection Ministry headed by Minister Volda Lawrence, is calling on family- oriented persons to take up the mantle. Under the theme “Be part of a rewarding experience; foster a child in need of care today,” the Ministry will be hosting a number of activities to educate Guyanese on its Foster Care Programme. “The specific aim of the activities during this month is to encourage more persons to open up their homes and hearts and take in a child who

is in need of alternative care. Foster care is a family based solution for a child in need of out-of-home care,” the Social Protection Ministry said in a statement. In the absence of their biological parents, Foster Care, the Social Protection Ministry explained, offers continued family-based care, support, guidance and love to children who were separated from their biological family. It was noted that foster, unlike adoption, is a temporary arrangement until the child can safely be returned home. “Currently, there are 600plus children in residential care and most of these children would be better off in family-based care. Residential care at most times is life

savers for children, but it is not the best care. Foster care is family-based care,” the Social Protection Ministry stated. Since 2009, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) has managed to put approximately 200 children in foster homes. Foster care in Guyana was instituted approximately six years ago with the aim of reducing the high number of children who are institutionalised. Children are often removed from their primary caregivers because they were abused or faced the likelihood of being a victim of abuse, whether it is a case of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment. The process of becoming

a foster parent is very simple, since it is not an adoption and does not require the legal process of going to the court to get custody of a child. Any person desirous of becoming a foster parent would need to complete an application form provided by the agency before a home study and visit are done. Additionally, the agency would conduct criminal and medical checks on the applicant before an appointment is made with the CCPA

Director. The director has the authority to approve or disapprove the application based

on the findings. However, if the approval is granted, the applicant will be placed on a foster care register before being matched with a child from one of the residential homes. Children are often fostered for a period of three to six months before the process of reunification takes place. However, there are times when children would remain within their foster homes for more than a year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Battling filaria

PERSONS living with filaria are often subjected to discrimination due to the stigma attached to the disease, says Keisha Newton, a caregiver of the Neglected Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Public Health’s Vector Control Services. These persons, she said, also lose the support of family members, close friends, and other persons who may be able to play a key role in their support process, leaving them no choice but to seek care at medical facilities. The situation, she said, is an uneasy one. “The other day, a middle-aged guy, he came and one side of his feet was really huge, and it smelled. So now, there is where they get discriminated (against). When they walk among people, people will pull aside and they would feel bad. His foot looked alright, but when he raised it up, it was infested with worms. He was willing to give up and he was willing to cut it off, but there are not (many) family members to

can’t help themselves. (There are) young persons who think that life is over, they think about committing suicide; and sometimes we (have) to counsel them, because most times family (members) don’t support.” Other caregivers alluded to the fact that most female filaria patients suffer the greater challenge of losing their husbands, who in most cases are the financial support of the household. One such caregiver, who held back nothing, stated: “I had patients (whose) husbands left them because they got filaria. Some of them had to leave their jobs, and they ended up in a bad state. Because, if you have to leave your job, you are not getting any money from anywhere; so they go for the public assistance, but they don’t get it.” Caregivers and nursing assistants working in the unit would extend personal assistance to filaria patients in the form of money for transportation and food, since

assistance from Nurse Hopkinson. Hopkinson worked with Annie for nine years, and has seen her go through major challenges. “I have been working with Annie since 2007, and through the time, she has gone through a lot of changes and I must say a lot of challenges, because there were times when she could hardly make it to come to clinic, and you would have to visit her at home, or the children would have to assist her,” the nursing assistant explained. Annie was most reluctant to speak of her experience, but identified some of the challenges she faced after being diagnosed with the disease.

INITIAL SIGNS “I started feeling sick, vomiting. It first started with a boil on the left leg at the side, and it started to swell; and then I started getting fever, inside fever and headaches. I was pregnant when these things were happening. I was in

Picture of a leg infected with lymphatic filariasis (filaria) help him even if he does that. There is no proper shoe to fit him. He has to put his foot in a bag and move around with that.” That was just one testimony of Newton’s experiences with her filaria patients, as she reflected on the emotional state of filaria (lymphatic filariasis) patients seeking basic care and support at the unit. Basic care and support, such as counselling, therapeutic treatment, financial and other forms of assistance, go a long way towards making filaria patients feel that all is not lost. Newton added that she has seen many persons quitting or refusing to take initial treatment for filaria, since they could not face the level of discrimination they experience from time to time. However, staff members at the Neglected Diseases Unit go the extra mile to extend ‘help’ in any form, since persons affected with filaria often cannot help themselves. Ranetta Paul, another staff member of the unit, said: “Most filaria patients

most of these patients are pensioners who can’t work, and therefore have no source of income. Observing these experiences shared by filaria patients, Cheryl Hopkinson, Nursing Assistant attached to the Neglected Diseases Unit, pointed out that her responsibility as a nurse becomes more challenging when patients do not have financial and family support. EXTRA MILE “As a nurse, you always have to go the extra mile, because you feel for your patients. Your patients become your family; it’s like you take them home with you. I like being a nurse, I must say that; and I enjoy my work, because you get to see that your patients get over their sickness, some of them, because they do what you say and you feel rewarded,” Hopkinson added. One such example is Annie, (not her real name) a mother of five, who has benefited from the services and

the hospital after my child was born. I was constantly visiting the hospital, though. After giving birth, I couldn’t breast feed because of the treatment they were giving me,” Annie said. Annie described how life changed for her after she had been diagnosed with filaria. Although she didn’t say much, her comments spoke volumes, as they revealed how hard life was for her and her children. “Life was very tough, it was very hard. Family and relatives (assisted) me; they (doctors) just used to give me medication, no private visits. I don’t like how I feel sometimes; I don’t feel good with this thing, but life still has to go on. But I wish it wasn’t this way. My husband leave me, I had to work different places to support the children back then. Now I don’t only suffer from filaria, I have to take treatment for pressure, for sugar, cholesterol, and mental care at the nerve clinic,” Annie detailed. The experiences of this and other filaria patients have led Nurse Hopkinson to say,

–– and the stigma that goes with it

Cycle of filaria infection “Don’t discriminate against them, because none of these patients went to the shop and bought filaria, or any other sickness for that matter. So we don’t know what is there for us tomorrow; it could happen to anyone.” Those who continue to experience progressive swelling are declared to have elephantiasis, and are in for a life of painful disability. As the severity of the disease becomes more apparent, social and economic stigmatisation follows. Persons diagnosed with filaria may experience grotesque enlargements of their affected body parts, which include the arms, the legs, and the genital areas. When such swelling occurs, the patient is said to have progressed to a stage of “LF”, known as elephantiasis, a term designed for the elephant-like texture of the resulting skin. (Evans, Gelband & Vlassot 1993). The Neglected Diseases Unit of the Vector Control Services is working towards eliminating filaria. Staff members working within the unit say Guyana being filaria–free is possible, but this requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. Filaria is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms and/or roundworms. Humans are affected after being bitten by the culex mosquito, and could take as long as 20 years before showing initial signs of the infection. Filaria can be considered a neglected disease, since persons showing signs of the infection are neglected and most likely treated with scorn. There is no cure for the disease, but treatment and ‘preventables’ are put in place by health agencies worldwide. In Guyana, filaria, also commonly known as ele-

phantiasis or big foot, can affect both men and women. When the male is infected in his genital area, it is called hydrocele, or ‘goady’. Filaria carries a stigma that causes mass discrimination across society’s base. Persons who have big foot can suffer lifelong consequences, taking away from their potential to have a good life. Preventative measures and treatment are enforced in over 70 countries worldwide in an effort to reduce, or even eradicate, the neglected disease. Tremendous efforts have been made through national programmes wherein more than 5.6 billion treatments have been delivered worldwide. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was launched in 2000 to further eliminate filaria. By the end of 2014, sixty-two of 73 endemic countries had implemented Mass Drug Administration (MDA). GUYANA TAKES ON FILARIA Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is promoted in Guyana as the only prevention and treatment method for filaria. MDA aims to treat an entire population within a country through administering a curative dose of medication to vulnerable citizens without first testing for infection. There is no cure for filaria, but it can be prevented. The MDA exercise is annually spearheaded by all public health agencies worldwide. Individuals also have a personal mandate to keep their surroundings clean and free of breeding sites for (culex) mosquitoes that carry the worm. The use of treated bed nets is also recommended.

The Neglected Diseases Unit, through funding from the Government of Guyana, provides slippers, towels, buckets and basins to filaria patients for them to wash their feet. Dressing and bandage are also given for covering and further treatment. The Ministry of Public Health has, for a number of years, been collaborating with agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO), Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and a number of non-governmental organisations in reducing the number of filaria cases within the country, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has said. The process of treatment at the Unit of the Vector Control Services starts with evaluation. The patients are evaluated, then tested to confirm that there is indeed in the system microscopic thread-like or roundworms that would eventually cause filaria. If the worm is detected, treatment begins with the administration of albendazole or diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) at pre-specified doses. This medication kills the worms that would eventually cause swelling of the groin or limbs, more specifically the leg. For persons who have advanced stage of filaria, the C.A.R.E treatment method is recommended, since the swelling is irreversible. C.A.R.E. stands for: C – cleaning the wound, A - applying treatment, R – raising the leg, and E – exercise. The recommended treatment to prevent any form of filarial infection is to receive medication through the MDA once annually for five years. (By Delicia Haynes)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Never too young to make a difference

––Ally tells Anna Regina Secondary graduating class SOCIAL Cohesion Minister Amna Ally has called on the 2016 graduating class of the Anna Regina Secondary School to always be ready and willing to share their views and ideas, as they are never too young to make a difference in their community. She made this appeal in her feature address at the school’s graduation and awards ceremony, held in its auditorium for students who sat this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. “I urge you to try your utmost to participate as young people in the governing of your country… Your unique perspectives can help us adults to develop and move our country forward to achieving greatness,” the minister said. Minister Ally said it is important that young people of Guyana be equipped and fully prepared for the future by aiming for the highest possible level of education, a mantra that President David Granger has promoted in the interest of transforming Guyana into an ‘Education Nation’. “That is why, since 2015, [President Granger] initiated the Five Bs Programme… Our President strongly believes that access to education should no longer be seen as a privilege for some, but as a basic human right for all our Guyanese boys and girls,” she explained. The minister further encouraged the students not to be afraid to dream big, and she said that in all things, even as

Most outstanding CSEC student of the Anna Regina Secondary School, Ateisha Brand, receiving her plaque from one of the teachers at the graduation ceremony

they strive for higher heights, they must remember to hold themselves in high regard and to respect each other in their differences. “Part of what makes each one of you beautiful and wonderful is your differences… You should be extremely proud of [these differences], because that is what makes us unique, and it is what makes Guyana unique,” she said. See page 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Never too young...

From page 13

Minister Ally added that the strength of Guyana lies in the ability of persons to come together in unity, despite their differences. She also took the opportunity to present the school with a collection of sporting equipment, besides a grass cutter and five radios. Anna Regina Secondary alumnus Attorney Tracy Marks, in her charge to the students, urged them to challenge themselves, as opportunities before them are limitless. “You are graduating at an exciting time -- a time when new frontiers are opening and developments are occurring in our country and wider world; when new opportunities in the area of oil and gas, medicine, climate change, law and business are all calling for youths to venture into these areas, which don’t only bring economic gain to the country, but personal gain,” she said. The school’s headmaster, Lalljeet Ruplall, in his report, stated that 163 students graduated, having achieved

Best graduating student, Bibi Aseeya Mohamed, receiving her awards from one of the teachers at the graduation ceremony passes in five or more subjects at the CSEC examinations. He proudly stated that the school has witnessed an 11 per cent increase in matriculation, in comparison to the previous year. He also announced that the school

would seek to add to its academic portfolio by introducing an option for sixth form studies. This will be the first school in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) to offer this option, Ruplall said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

South Ruimveldt gets 4 bus sheds

THE South Ruimveldt community now boasts four spanking new bus sheds, replete with solar-powered LED lights, courtesy of a community-led organisation. The sheds, the construction of which cost over $500,000 each, are all located on Aubrey Barker Road, but near the Plaza Bridge, the Tucville Bridge, the Johnny P Supermarket and at ‘Last Entrance’. At a simple ceremony at the shed at ‘Plaza Bridge Corner’, Deputy Mayor, Mr Sherod Duncan commended the South Ruimveldt Community Management Group, the organisation at the helm of the project, for what they have accomplished in their quest to enhance their community, and urged that they keep up the good work; make South Ruimveldt a model community. Speaking with the Guy-

Deputy Mayor, Mr Sherod Duncan addressing the gathering at the commissioning Friday of one of the four bus sheds. Seated left is the chairman of the South Ruimveldt Community Management Group

ana Chronicle after the commissioning ceremony, Project Coordinator, Dr. Godfrey Washington said the group usually embarks on a project based on the needs of the community, which in turn, are firstly determined by the residents themselves. He said the group first consultated with members of the community, and together they came up with a number of projects, one of which was the construction of the bus sheds. “From the request of the community, the group embarked on the project and sought the necessary financing,” Washington said, adding that with the assistance they got from the Caribbean Development Bank-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), they were able to collaborate with the local firm, Pyramid Shelters and Outdoor Branding to construct the sheds. He said too, that with

what little money they realised from fundraising activities and what they got from the BNTF, they were also able to renovate a recreational facility and playground in the community, as well as build it a multi-purpose civil centre. According to ‘Pyramid Shelters’ Mr Kwame Mentore, his company redesigned the sheds to fit the group’s budget, and that it is currently conducting tests to make those sheds WiFi-ready, through the government’s E-Government programme. “The base is concrete and the structure steel, with polycarbonate walls and corrugated roofing material,” Mentore said of the sheds, adding that ‘Pyramid Shelters’ will be seeking to construct 20 more such bus sheds on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara in the coming year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

GEA to consumers …

Think energy-smart THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is urging consumers to think smart when choosing an AC unit, so they could be able to afford one in times like these -- when Climate Change is a global concern. Noting that, with temperatures soaring worldwide, having air conditioning in one’s home can no longer be considered a luxury, GEA has said: “By making wise use of your air conditioner, you reduce energy consumption, which in turn reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes posi-

seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).

tively to the environment.” The Agency made the foregoing observation by way of a press release issued over the weekend, in light of the month of November being designated ‘Energy Month’, and with this year’s theme being “Sustainable Energy for Sustainable Development (SE4SD)”. Though costly to acquire, and a burden on one’s pocket where energy consumption is concerned, GEA said, the one indisputable fact is that air conditioning aids significantly, especially in tropical climates like Guyana’s, in cooling offices and homes. But with the right information, “one can certainly choose wisely when deciding what type of unit to purchase; and once the purchase has been made, there are simple things that can be done to maximise energy efficiency, thereby saving on electricity costs.” The upfront costs for a new energy-efficient AC unit, the GEA says, can be easily offset over time from the energy savings gained through lower energy bills. One should choose either a unit with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER), or one with a

rator coil. This coil is filled with a special liquid, called a refrigerant, which changes from a liquid to a gas as it absorbs heat from the air. “The refrigerant is then pumped outside the house to another coil, where it gives up its heat and changes back into a liquid. A pump, called a compressor, is used to move the refrigerant between the two coils, and to change the pressure of the refrigerant so that it evaporates or condenses in the appropriate coils.” Whether you are considering the first-time purchase of an AC unit or planning to replace your old one, there are tips that would help the atmosphere stay cool, save you energy, and reduce utility bills.

GUIDING PRINCIPLE Explaining the principle on which the device works, GEA Public Communications Officer Taiwo Williams said that air conditioners, popularly known as ‘AC Units’,, “keep a room cool by moving heat from inside a home or office to the outside. They blow cool air into a building or room by pulling the heat out of the air. “The air is cooled by blowing it over a set of cold pipes called an evapo-

TIPS Among some of those tips, GEA says, is investing in air conditioner units that have higher SEER/EER ratings from trusted manufacturers, or in ‘Energy Star’-certified air conditioners which have the required EER/SEER ratings, unlike standard models. “Choose the right size of unit. An air conditioner that is oversized for the

–– Choose right AC unit to help keep cool, light bill down area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly-sized unit,” Williams said, adding: “Locate the AC in an area near the centre of the room and on the shadiest side of the building; minimise air leakage by fitting the room air conditioner snugly into its opening and sealing gaps with a foam weather stripping material. Keep out direct sunlight,

and close curtains or blinds during the day to reduce the amount of effort your air conditioner expends to keep your home/office cool.” And with computers and other home/office equipment also generating heat, the GEA stated, these equipment should be turned off when they are not in use. Doing so, it said, will reduce the heat load on the system, and prevent the AC unit from using more

energy for cooling. “Make sure all doors and windows are sealed properly, to keep your energy consumption low. If the cool air your air conditioner is circulating into your home/office is escaping, your system would have to work harder and longer to keep you cool,” the GEA said. “Setting your thermostat at a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner

will not cool your home or office any faster, the GEA said. “This could result in excessive cooling, and therefore unnecessary expense. Replace or clean your window or central air conditioning filters at least once a month, or as directed by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict air flow and make air conditioners work harder to keep you cool,” the GEA added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Rabada fires as South Africa close-in on WACA win Deonarine leads PERTH (Reuters) - Kagiso Rabada took three wickets and Temba Bavuma produced a stunning piece of fielding as South Africa closed in on a first Test victory by reducing Australia to 169 for four, still 369 runs behind, at the end of the fourth day yesterday. The hosts had started their pursuit of their unlikely victory target soon after lunch when South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis declared at 540-8, a lead of 538, having all but batted Australia out of the contest. Bavuma’s brilliant run out ended David Warner’s bright start before 21-year-old Rabada removed Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith and Adam Voges to finish the day with figures of 3-49 off 16 overs. Usman Khawaja survived an early scare when a DRS review saved him from a duck and will resume unbeaten on 58 with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who was 15 not out, as the Australians look to bat out the final day at the WACA. Warner appeared ready to chase down the full 539 target himself when he opened the innings at a fair lick with 35 runs from 33 balls. South Africa’s pace attack, reduced to Vernon Philander and Rabada after the loss for the series of an injured Dale Steyn, were struggling for the breakthrough until the intervention of Bavuma. Having just hit his sixth four, Warner was cantering down the wicket for a single

Temba Bavuma’s spectacular throw had David Warner short of his crease on the fourth day in Perth. when the diminutive Bavuma acrobatically swept up the ball and, while still airborne, flicked it at the base of the middle stump. Marsh departed four balls later for 15, catching an edge to a Rabada delivery, but after Khawaja’s reprieve off the first ball of the next over, Australia made it to tea without any further damage. Smith looked set on 34 until Rabada finally got his length right and found a bit of outswing in a beautiful delivery that caught a fine edge off the bat and carried to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps. Another superb Rabada delivery in his next over had Voges flummoxed and he departed for one run in similar fashion. Australia captain Smith had earlier bowled Philander for 73 to bring an end to three hours of frustration for the hosts as South Africa

added another 150 runs to their overnight tally of 390-6. De Kock made 64 before

he was caught at short leg but Philander and debutant spinner Keshav Maharaj (41 not out) continued to plunder runs off the exhausted Australian bowlers. The highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test cricket was the 418-7 West Indies scored to beat Australia at Antigua in May 2003, while South Africa scored 414-4 to beat their hosts at the WACA in 2008. The Proteas will therefore be confident of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which continues in Hobart before concluding with a day-night Test in Adelaide.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 242 (Q. de Kock 84, T. Bavuma 51; M. Starc 4-71) Australia 1st innings 244 (D. Warner 97, S. Marsh 63; V. Philander 4-56) South Africa 2nd innings (Overnight: 390-6) S. Cook c S. Marsh b Siddle 12 D. Elgar c Starc b Hazlewood 127 H. Amla b Hazlewood 1 J. Duminy c Nevill b Siddle 141 F. du Plessisc Nevill b Starc 32 T. Bavuma c Khawaja b M. Marsh 8 Q. de Kock c Voges b M. Marsh 64 V. Philander b Smith 73 K. Maharaj not out 41 Extras (b-10 lb-13 nb-1 w-17) 41 Total(for 8 wickets declared, 1 60.1 overs) 540 Fall of wickets: 1-35 S. Cook,2-45 H. Amla,3-295 J. Duminy,4-324 D. Elgar,5-346 T. Bavuma,6-352 F. du Plessis,7-468 Q. de Kock,8-540 V. Philander Did not bat: D. Steyn, K. Rabada Bowling: M. Starc 31 - 8 - 114 1(w-1),J. Hazlewood 37 - 11 - 107

- 2(nb-1), P. Siddle 26 - 9 - 62 – 2,M. Marsh 26 - 4 - 77 - 2(w-4), N. Lyon 34 - 3 - 146 – 0, A. Voges 5 - 1 - 8 – 0, S. Smith 1.1 - 0 - 3 – 1. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (Target: 539 runs) S. Marsh c du Plessis b Rabada 15 D. Warner run out (Bavuma) 35 U. Khawaja not out 58 S. Smith c de Kock b Rabada 34 `A. Vogesc de Kock b Rabada 1 M. Marsh not out 15 Extras(b-8 lb-2 w-1) 11 Total(for 4 wickets, 55 overs) 169 Fall of wickets: 1-52 D. Warner,2-52 S. Marsh,3-144 S. Smith,4-146 A. Voges To bat: P. Nevill, M. Starc, P. Siddle, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling:K. Rabada 16 - 2 - 49 3(w-1), V. Philander 12 - 3 - 36 – 0,J. Duminy 8 - 1 - 18 - 0 K. Maharaj 17 - 6 - 40 – 0, S. Cook 2-0-16-0

De Silva century puts Sri Lanka on top in Zimbabwe

(REUTERS)-Dhananjaya de Silva scored his second Test century to lift Sri Lanka to 290 for five at the close of play on the opening day of the second test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. De Silva (100 not out) will resume on the second morning with Asela Gunaratne (13 not out) as Sri Lanka seek to build a big first innings total and claim the series having won the first test by 225 runs. Zimbabwe won the toss and asked the tourists to bat on a pitch that had a noticeable covering of grass. They reduced Sri Lanka to 112 for four shortly after lunch, but could not build on that good start. A 143-run fifth wicket stand between De Silva and Upul Tharanga (79) steadied the innings, before the

Dhananjaya de Silva celebrates his hundred against Zimbabwe on the first day of the second Test in Harare. latter was caught at slip by Hamilton Masakadza off the bowling of home captain Graeme Cremer. The wicket came via a deflection off the gloves of wicketkeeper Peter Moor and was notable for the first ever use of the Decision Review System (DRS) in Zimbabwe after Australian umpire Simon Fry had

originally turned down the home side’s appeals. Masakadza had earlier claimed the first two wickets as Dimuth Karunaratne (26) and Kusal Perera (four) were both caught, before Kaushal Silva (37) was trapped leg before wicket by Chris Mpofu. Kusal Mendis (26) was the other wicket to fall as he was caught by Moor off Donald Tiripano.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings D. Karunaratne c Williams b H. Masakadza 26 K. Silva lbw b Mpofu 37 K. Perera c Mumba b H. Masakadza 4 K. Mendis c Moor b Tiripano 26 U. Tharanga c H. Masakadza b Cremer 79 D. de Silva not out 100 A. Gunaratne not out 13 Extras (lb-2 nb-1 w-2) 5 Total (for 5 wickets, 90 overs) 290

Fall of wickets: 1-62 D. Karunaratne,2-66 K. Perera,3-84 K. Silva,4-112 K. Mendis,5-255 U. Tharanga Sri Lanka: D. Perera, R. Herath, S. Lakmal, L. Gamage Bowling: C. Mumba 14 - 2 - 54 – 0,D. Tiripano 22 - 4 - 63 - 1(nb-1 w-2), C. Mpofu 18 - 4 - 65 – 1, H. Masakadza 8 - 2 - 18 – 2, G. Cremer 18 - 0 - 57 – 1, S. Williams 5 - 1 - 8 – 0, M. Waller 5 - 0 - 23 – 0.

Floodlights home -as GFSCA win third Softball Cup

By Daniel Haynes IT was all smiles for the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cup Association (GFSCA) team as they secured a win over the Fisherman’s XI in the Guyana Softball Cup 6 for the Masters’ trophy. The winning side was led by Captain Ricky Deonarine who finished the game in fine fashion with a six over long off to end on 39. It seemed like excellent strategy on the part of the GFSCA side who, after winning the toss chose to send their opponents in to bat in an effort to be good hosts. The Fisherman’s openers got off to a steady start within the first three overs but a brilliant catch by Ramo Malone on the square leg boundary saw the first wicket fell at 13 for 1. Fisherman’s,however,seemed undeterred by that loss and were well on course to a good total with the scoreboard reading 43-1 in the eight over. However, it was Kash Lutchman who broke the second wicket partnership in the ninth over to leave the scorecard 44-2. The third wicket fell 4 runs later in the tenth over just before the break which was taken at 48-2. From this point the tide started to turn against the Fisherman’s team who lost 4 more wickets for 27 runs to leave the score at 67-6. It was Setro Saraj and Lionel Persaud who held the innings together until they both fell,leaving the total at 110-8. The batting side would only make 8 more runs to finish 118-8 from 20. For the bowling side,Ramo Malone, Manoj Arjune and Ramesh Narine

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finished with bowling figures of 2-8, 2-13 and 2-20 respectively. It was then the GFSCA’s opportunity to chase and they did so in fine style with Uniss Yusuf and Ricky Deonarine getting off to a flying start. Yusuf was then bowled by Sathrohan Seeraj for 27 to give fisherman’s their first wicket. Ramesh Narine then replaced Yusuf but fell for 12 runs, also to Seeraj who finished with 2-19. At this point skipper Deonarine took over, playing sensible strokes while keeping the runs flowing as he rotated the strike with partner Ramo Malone. Deonarine finished on 39 which included two fours and a six that finished the game,while Malone finished unbeaten on 24 which included three fours. After the game, skipper Deonarine stated that this win was a big win for the club. “This is the highest level of softball cricket and this is like our world cup, it is a great win for us,” stated Deonarine. In the female final, Mike’s Pharmacy Wellwoman retained their title with a good win over Trophy Stall’s women. After being restricted to 79 runs from their 10 overs, the Wellwoman side showed their fortitude in bowling out their opponents for 55 runs . It was Wellwoman’s captain Latoya Smith who turned in a good all-round performance ;scoring 35 with the bat inclusive of three sixes and had three wickets for 12 runs as well. The Open final between Speedboat and Regal Masters was still underway up to press time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Ghebreslassie and Keitany dominate New York marathon ( R E U T E R S ) - E r i t re a n world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie and Kenyan Mary Keitany powered to dominant victories in the New York City Marathon yesterday. The 20-year-old Ghebreslassie won the men’s race in two hours, seven minutes and 51 seconds, more than a minute ahead of Kenyan Lucas Rotich. Keitany became the first woman in three decades to win three consecutive New York marathons with a runaway performance. The 34-year-old took the lead by the ninth mile, made a major move by the 15th mile and won by more than three minutes in 2:24:26. Ghebreslassie’s victory ended a string of four victories in a row by Kenyan men in the race and denied the African nation a fourth consecutive sweep of New York men’s and women’s titles. “I am really proud with my victory today to be the first one from my country,” said Ghebreslassie. “Nobody before from Eritrea won in

Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the men’s field of the 2016 New York City Marathon in Central Park in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York., REUTERS/Mike Segar the major marathons.” Fourth in both this year’s London Marathon and the Rio Olympics, New York’s youngest ever winner joined Rotich and Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa in breaking away from a crowded pack at about the 22km mark. By 35km Ghebreslassie held a 20 second lead over Rotich and was never threatened.

Third went to 39-yearold American Abdi Abdirahman (2:11:23). Defending champion Stanley Biwott, suffering from calf problems, was never a factor and dropped out before 15km. American Dathan Ritzenhein, among the early leaders, also failed to finish, pulling out at mile 19. Keitany became the first woman to win the race

three consecutive times since eight-time winner Grete Waitz’s streak of five in a row ended in 1986. “Winning three times means a lot to me,” said Keitany. “It’s not easy but I got it.” She joined Waitz and Britain’s Paul Radcliffe as the only women to win the race at least three times. Radcliffe’s titles came in 2004, 2007-8. Only fellow Kenyan Joyce Chepkirui was in contention after 20km and Keitany, who surprisingly was not picked for Kenya’s Rio Olympic team, pulled steadily away. Compatriot Sally Kipyego took second in 2:28.01 and U.S. Olympian Molly Huddle made her marathon debut in an impressive 2:28:13 for third. Olympic triathlon gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen was 14th and fellow American Kim Conley 16th in their marathon debuts. U.S. Rio Paralympic silver medallist Tatyana McFadden continued her dominance of New York women’s wheelchair racing, winning

her fourth consecutive title in 1:47:43. The victory was the fifth overall in the race and 17th major marathon win for McFadden, who defeated Swiss Manuela Schar by more than a minute. Swiss Rio champi-

on Marcel Hug narrowly edged out five-time winner Kurt Fearnley of Australia in the men’s race. Hug, who was running his sixth marathon of the year, was given the win in 1:35:49. He also won in 2013.

Mary Keitany of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women’s field of the 2016 New York City Marathon in Central Park in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Six-goal Liverpool go top as Arsenal miss their chance By Ian Chadband (REUTERS)-Liverpool roared to the top of the Premier League yesterday, offering another dazzling demonstration of their attacking prowess under Juergen Klopp with a 6-1 demolition of Watford at an exultant Anfield. After Arsenal had missed the chance to jump ahead of overnight leaders Chelsea by only eking out a 1-1 draw with their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool were in no mood to squander the chance as they overwhelmed their hapless visitors. Liverpool’s day could only have been improved if the woes of their rivals Manchester United had continued but goals from their misfiring double act of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a 3-1 win at Swansea City ensured relief for manager Jose Mourinho after a trying week. If Chelsea’s 5-0 dismantling of Everton on Saturday had been a performance worthy of a team shooting to

the top, Liverpool’s ascent had quite the same feel as they sliced through Watford with more of the delicious attacking invention that has illuminated the league this season. Their win was decorated by a double from Sadio Mane, who now leads their scoring with six this term, as well as goals from man-of-the-match Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and a first for the club from Georginio Wijnaldum. It took their tally of goals to 30 -- four more than any other team in the league -with Daryl Janmaat’s late consolation for Watford the only downside to their afternoon, continuing their now-familiar lack of clean sheets. It shot them back to the summit of the table for the first time since May 2014. On 26 points, they are one clear of Chelsea and two ahead of Manchester City and fourthplaced Arsenal, who remain still three clear of Tottenham. The 184th north London

…Man United record first win in five league games

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Mousa Dembele. derby had earlier proved an net, just before the break Manchester United’s first entertaining, close-fought to delight the Emirates win in five league games tussle with Spurs ultimately Stadium faithful. brought some relief to manYet soon after the inhappy to stop their rivals ager Jose Mourinho, who going top and to come away terval, Harry Kane, back was forced to watch from the with the point that maintains following seven weeks stands at the Liberty Stadium their record as the only un- out with injury, respondas he served a touchline ban ed with a penalty struck beaten side in the league. imposed by the Football AsKevin Wimmer, trying straight down the middle sociation in midweek. to clear Mesut Ozil’s free after Laurent Koscielny Following the Eurokick, headed into his own was adjudged to have fouled

pa League defeat at Fenerbahce, United need a tonic and both Pogba and Ibrahimovic, with a little help from dismal defending from a side mired in the relegation zone, provided it with three first-half goals. Pogba’s 15th minute volley was the most dramatic repayment yet on his world record transfer fee while Ibrahimovic’s double in the space of 12 minutes -- his first league goals since September -- confirmed Mourinho’s prediction that the Swede would soon start finding the proper rewards for his commitment. The plight of the bottom two -- Swansea now lead Sunderland only on goal difference -- was worsened by 18th-placed Hull City coming from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 with two goals in three minutes midway through the second half from Robert Snodgrass and Michael Dawson.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Unbeaten Pepsi Hikers and Pizza Hut GCC storm into GTT hockey finals

THE Pepsi Hikers produced their second largest margin of victory over Team 2020 with a 9-1 thumping of their inexperienced opponents on Saturday in the first of the two men’s first division semi-finals in the GTT National Indoor Hockey championship. In the other men’s first division semi-final, Bounty GCC managed to turn the tables on Old Fort and delivered a 3-2 victory when it counted most. Pizza Hut GCC and Woodpecker Hikers predictably outclassed their competition to set up an exciting ladies final while the GCC Pitbulls and Old Fort Supersonics will square off in a repeat of their pool round clash which ended 2-2. The Vintage go into the vets final heavily favoured against the Hikers. Coming off a 12-2 score line between the same teams earlier in the pool, the Pepsi Hikers continued

Pepsi Hiker’s Aroydy Branford attacking the Team 2020 defense trick in his team’s 9-1 victoritheir masterful form shown throughout the competition with yet another hockey clinic against semi-finalists Team 2020. Hikers Captain Robert France was unstoppable as he scored a match-leading hat-

ous final score. Tournament’s leading goalscorer Aroydy Branford added a double while Randy Hope, Jamarj Assanah, Andrew Stewart and Devin Munroe each found their moment of fame and a place on the score sheet. Steffon Sim-

mons was the lone goalscorer for Team 2020. Old Fort and Bounty GCC played to an exciting and close battle in the pool round which saw Old Fort hang on to a one-goal lead and a 4-3 victory in the end. The teams were to face off in the semi-final last evening in a must-win match for a place in the finals against the mighty Hikers. This time it was GCC who found favour with lady luck as not much separated the two sides. A well-executed combination of passes finished with a Mark Sargeant goal which put the Bourda side up in the 12th minute. Kevin Spencer then added to Bounty’s lead in the opening minutes of the second half. Old Fort captain Jason DeSantos would twice pull his team back within one but a third goal by Devin Hooper left GCC with the one goal edge at the final whistle.

The Pizza Hut GCC never looked troubled as they crushed the Old Fort Ladybugs by 5-0. After an Aliyah Gordon penalty corner goal in just the second minute, a Marzana Fiedtkou double and goals by Gabriella Xavier and Trisha Woodroffe put the game well beyond the reach of the Ladybugs as GCC continued their unbeaten run in the finals. The Woodpecker Hikers seemed stunned for a moment in the second women’s semi-final as new-comer Sarah Klautky converted on a well-placed pass to give Spartans the lead in the 10th minute of play. The Hikers would enjoy the greater possession and levelled the score just before the half through striker Nicole Eastman. Hiker ’s Charlyn Elliot gave her side their first lead in the 26th minute but a second Spartan debutante, Madison Fernandes, managed an equalizer two minutes later.

Rushell Matthius and Nicole Eastman secured the game in the final minutes for a well-deserved Hikers victory by a 4-2 margin. The GCC Pitbulls outclassed the Saint Stanislaus College by 6-2 in the first men’s second division semi-final with a Daniel Hooper hatrick being the highlight of the match. The GCC victory set up an exciting final as Old Fort put away Saints by a 3-1 margin in the second semi-final. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in the pool round and the final is too close to call. Veteran side the GCC Vintage made light work of all their opponents so far in the over-35 division and return for the final against the Hickers who have pulled off surprise victories in the past when least expected. The finals were scheduled to be contested last evening at the National Gymnasium,starting from17.00hrs.

Ronaldo agrees new five-year Messi inspires Barca’s thrilling comeback win at Sevilla contract with Real Madrid (REUTERS)-Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2021, the European champions confirmed yesterday. Ronaldo, Real’s all-time top scorer with 371 goals in 360 games, will sign the new deal today at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium before giving a news conference. Ronaldo is reported to be in line for an increase on his current salary, estimated to be 21 million euros ($23 million), Cristiano Ronaldo will complete 12 years for making him the highest-paid Real Madrid if he stays through to the end player at Real Madrid. of his new deal. he doesn’t once in a while. I The Portuguese has colthink he’s playing well, workRonaldo has scored sevlected one La Liga title, two ing hard for the team. He King’s Cups and two Cham- en goals in the league and obviously always wants to Champions League this term pions League titles since score but I think he’s relaxed and made amends for his joining Real from Manchesabout it.” ter United in 2008 for a then worst start to a season since Despite the player’s curjoining Real by hitting a hatworld record 96 million euros rent inconsistency, Zidane but has had an inconsistent trick in last week’s 4-2 win expressed his delight at Ronstart to the current cam- away to Alaves. aldo extending his stay at The 31-year-old missed paign. the club. a series of chances against The forward failed to hit I’m happy because he’s Legia Warsaw on Wednesthe target in a near anonymous the type of player who deday, however, and was seen display in Real’s 3-0 win over serves to finish his career at venting his fury at Bale Leganes yesterday to mark five Real Madrid,” said Zidane, games without scoring at the for not passing to him in who saw out his playing days Bernabeu, his longest run with- the second half against at the Bernabeu and was infaout a goal in front of Real’s fans Leganes. mously sent off for France in “Nothing is up with since he joined the club. the 2006 World Cup final in Cristiano, we always want Ronaldo’s last goal at the his last ever game. him to score and at Alaves Bernabeu came against Sport“He’s unique. His dream he scored three and that’s ing Lisbon in the Champions is to retire here, wearing this League on Sept. 14. His only that,” said Zidane. great white shirt, just like I “He always wants to goal there in the league was did.” against Osasuna on Sept. 10. score but it doesn’t matter if

By Richard Martin

BARCELONA, (Reuters)-A mesmeric Lionel Messi helped Barcelona to come from behind and beat Sevilla 2-1 in a thrilling encounter yesterday as the champions kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Barca were put under immense pressure from kick off and fell behind to Vitolo’s 15th minute strike. Messi levelled just before halftime following a slew of missed chances from the hosts. After the break, Barcelona took control and Luis Suarez fired in the winner in the 61st minute. Barca stay two points behind Real, who lead the standings with 27 points after beating Leganes 3-0 thanks to a first half double from Gareth Bale and a strike from Alvaro Morata. Villarreal beat Real Betis 2-0 to moved up to third, three points behind Barca. Fifth-placed Sevilla, on 21 points, trail Atletico Madrid on goal difference. Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli has utterly transformed Sevilla’s style since taking charge in June, turning them into a relentless

pressing unit who attack at a ferocious pace. His side’s meeting with a Barcelona side smarting from defeat at Manchester City in midweek promised a lot and lived up to the hype as a breathtaking end-to-end encounter ensued. Luciano Vietto broke free towards goal in the opening minute, although his shot lacked the power to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca goal, while at the other end Messi saw a low shot tipped away by Sergio Rico. Sevilla opened the scoring as Vietto’s through ball caught Sergi Roberto unawares and Vitolo swooped in to slot past Ter Stegen. Sevilla grew in confidence and looked to grab another, Vietto firing wide from a tight angle and Vitolo crashing over the bar. Barca drew level following a wonderful break started by Messi and involving Denis Suarez and Neymar which the Argentine finished off with a sidefooted low finish. Sevilla were punctured by the goal and Barca bossed the second half. Ivan Rakitic and Messi both shot at Rico but Suarez showed more composure, sliding the ball

through the goalkeeper’s legs after Messi had teed him up to put Barca ahead. Sevilla kept piling on the pressure as Steven Nzonzi came close to levelling with a header from a corner, but Barca clung on to claim a confidence-boosting win that looked hard to fathom in the first half. E a r l i e r y e s t e r d a y, Madrid got off to a slow start against neighbours Leganes, but Bale put them in charge in the 37th minute. The Wales international raced onto a through ball from Isco that split the visiting defence and rounded goalkeeper Jon Serantes to tuck the ball inside the near post from a tight angle. Bale then cashed in on poor defending from a free kick to hit the second on the stroke of halftime, just beating Serantes to the loose ball from close range to score his 150th career goal. Morata, standing in for the injured Karim Benzema, rounded off the win in the 76th minute as Real preserved their unbeaten run in all competitions and also kept a first clean sheet in 11 games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

CONCACAF, FIFA officials visit Haiti

CONCACAF and FIFA officials expressed their support and solidarity to the Fédération Haïtienne de Football (FHF) and the local football community, as the country continues recovering from the impact of Hurricane Matthew. During the two-day visit, which began on Tuesday, November 1, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations Veron Mosengo-Omba and CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio met with various federation and club officials, while visiting the most affected areas of the country. “On instruction of the FIFA president, I came to Haiti with the CONCACAF delegation to express our solidarity to the football family of Haiti and also to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in order to see how FIFA could assist,” Mosengo-Omba said. “Haiti is a country of football, even in the south of the country where the hurricane caused the most damage. The leaders of the regional clubs concerned, together with Haiti Football

CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio

Association President Yves Jean-Bart, are determined to restore football as soon as possible. FIFA will be contributing on an exceptional basis. Within the football family, FIFA considers it our duty to show solidarity towards Member Associations facing difficult situations.” Speaking about the trip to the Haiti, Moggio stated: “CONCACAF cares deeply about the communities affected by the storm and despite the adverse circum-

stances, during this visit to Haiti, we found tremendous passion for football and witnessed the unifying power of sport. We c o m m e n d t h e FHF on its continued effort to develop the game, while bringing hope through it to the communities that have been impacted.” FHF President Yves Jean-Bart expressed his optimism about the hurricane recovery efforts. “After nearly a month of darkness, desolation

and doubt, the sun is rising again for the football family, especially in the south, with a historic solidarity visit of a high-ranking delegation to Haiti. We are moved by the words of courage from FIFA and CONCACAF officials, who travelled to the remote areas of the country, and met instructors, coaches, referees, and fans.” CONCACAF and F I FA w i l l c o n t i n u e working closely with the FHF towards the development of football in the country. On Friday, October 28, prior to the officials’ visit, CONCACAF staff members visited Haiti in order to meet with the FHF and club representatives to inspire the local community through a grassroots festival. The festival was held on Sunday, October 30 in the western city of Les Cayes, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Matthew. Over 250 enthusiastic children in the 1012 year-old age group, had the opportunity to play football, while receiving coaching guidelines from

Windies Women kick off first training session today in India VIJAYAWADA, India, (CMC) – West Indies Wo m e n w i l l u n d e r g o their first training session here today as they kick of preparation for their limited overs series against India Women bowling off on Thursday. T h e Wi n d i e s s i d e touched down at the Gannavaram airport in the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh yesterday, after arriving in India on Saturday from the Caribbean. West Indies Women will practice at the Mulapadu playfield – located 12 miles outside Vijayawada – which will also be the venue for the six-game

West Indies Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor.

limited overs series. The Windies clash with India Women in three OneDay Internationals – all designated ICC Championship status – from November 1016 and will follow up with three Twenty20 Internation-

als from November 18-22. West Indies Women are currently ranked third in the championship on 22 points, one behind the second placed England Women and eight adrift of leaders Australia Women.

India lie sixth on 13 points. The top four in the championship at its completion will earn automatic qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s 50-overs World Cup in England. West Indies, who are coming off a 3-2 loss to England Women in a five-match series in the Caribbean last month, will be led once again by the prolific Stafanie Taylor while stroke-maker Mithali Raj takes charge of the Indian unit for the ODIs. Harmanpreet Kaur will take over from Raj for the T20 series.

instructors, who obtained their D Licenses on Saturday, October 29. The training coached 35 instructors, empha-

sizing the physical, mental, technical and tactical aspects of working with young athletes.(Sportsmax.com)

Windies gear up for Tri-Nations with camp POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies will kick off a preparation camp here over the coming week as they gear up for the imminent Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe, involving the hosts and Sri Lanka. The One-Day International squad assembled here this weekend, with the eight players who were part of the Test series against Pakistan arriving from the United Arab West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick Emirates. Captain Jason Holder ninth in the world, with Sri leads the 15-man unit for the Lanka in sixth place and tournament which runs from Zimbabwe down in 11th. November 14-27. The last time the WinWest Indies will undergo dies met Sri Lanka in an training at the High Perfor- ODI series a year ago, they mance Centre here as they suffered a bruising 3-0 sharpen their skills for the drubbing in the series, on 50-overs format under the what was a difficult tour of guidance of assistant coach the subcontinent. Hendy Springer, batting However, Estwick said coach Toby Radford and with the confidence gained bowling coach Roddy Est- from the recent victory over wick. Pakistan, coupled with hard Last Thursday, West In- work in preparation, West dies beat Pakistan for their Indies would be a potent first Test win in 19 months force in the upcoming seand first on foreign soil in four ries. years, and Estwick said the “All the best teams get victory would be a huge boost success through hard work, for the side as they prepared discipline, dedication and for the Tri-Nations Series. that’s something we are “I’m a great believer in really trying to get the momentum and I believe players to buy into and this this win is going to be im- win will go a long way in portant. We’ve still got the trying to help that and get Tri-Nations Series to play the belief and confidence,” against Sri Lanka and Zim- the former first class crickbabwe so this win will give eter said. us some kind of confidence,” “And once we can get the Estwick said. momentum we know we can “A lot of the players [from compete. Now we know we the Test squad] are going to can stay five days with all the Zimbabwe as well so that’s teams in the world because very important that they know our fitness has improved and they can compete with the that’s a very, very important best teams in the world but thing for us.” what we are going to do is West Indies open their continue to work hard.” Tri-Nations Series camWest Indies will enter the paign against Sri Lanka on Tri-Nations Series ranked November 16.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

Pacquiao claims WBO welterweight title on ring return (REUTERS)-Manny Pacquiao put on a dazzling display in his return to the ring after a brief retirement, scoring a unanimous decision over champion Jessie Vargas to claim the WBO welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday. Despite giving away 10 years to his opponent, the 37-year-old Pacquiao fought with more intensity and energy, and dominated the American in the final rounds to close out an emphatic victory. The judges scored the bout 114-113, 118-109 and 118-109 in favour of Pacquiao, the only fighter to hold titles in eight divisions, with the Filipino improving to 596-2, while Vargas fell to 27-2. It was a master class taught by the first sitting Senator to win a world boxing championship as Pacquiao temporarily left the ring to win election in the Philippines and serve in office before making a return to what he called his “passion”. Pacquiao, whose last pre-

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his victory over WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas following their title fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., Saturday. Referee Kenny Bayless is at right. REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus vious bout was a unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley in April, showed quickly

that he had not lost his skills, knocking Vargas down in the second round with a straight

left to the champion’s face. Vargas battled back and landed his dangerous right

several times but Pacquiao withstood the punishment and by the end of the bout, the American’s face was swollen on one side and he had a cut over his right eyebrow. The Filipino southpaw piled up the points in the later rounds by peppering the title holder with stiff right jabs that set up his quick, punishing left hook. “I feel happy,” said Pacquiao, whose only regret was in not recording his first knockout victory since 2009. “I feel like I could do more but my aim in every round is not to knock him out. “Thanks to all my fans! Thanks to all the Filipino people!” he added in the ringside interview. Among the spectators at the Thomas & Mack Center were the currently retired Floyd Mayweather and light-welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Pacquiao lost the richest bout ever to Mayweather last May. “Next? I’m going back

to the Philippines to work in the Senate,” Pacquiao said about his immediate plans before being asked about Mayweather or Crawford. “I don’t know, whoever the people wants to fight me. Whoever my promoter gives to me, I will fight.” Vargas described the bout as “a chess match”. “It was interesting for me. We were on our toes trying to catch a big shot. He caught me a couple of times, I caught him a couple of times. It was an entertaining fight,” he said. “It’s a good learning experience being against one of the best such as Manny Pacquiao. This automatically elevated my game and I know I have more potential.” E a r l i e r, u n d e f e a t e d 25-year-old Mexican Oscar Valdez Jr (22-0) topped the undercard with a brutal seventh-round stoppage of Japan’s Hiroshige Osawa (30-4-4) to retain his WBO featherweight championship.

Murray wins Paris Masters title BRITAIN’s Andy Murray celebrated his rise to world number one by beating American John Isner 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 to win his first Paris Masters title. The victory brought Murray his sixth ATP title of a memorable 2016. The Scot, 29, also added his second Olympic and Wimbledon titles on his way to the top of the rankings. Today he will be officially confirmed as Britain’s first singles number one since computerised rankings were introduced in 1973. Murray’s ascent was confirmed by Milos Raonic’s withdrawal from

Saturday’s semi-final with a leg injury, but the hype around his accomplishment did nothing to knock his concentration. He now heads to the season-ending World Tour Finals as top seed for the first time - but if previous number one Novak Djokovic wins every match at the Finals he will reclaim the top ranking he held for 122 weeks. The draw for that competition takes place on Monday at 15:00 GMT. After double-faulting on the first point of the first game, Murray soon clicked into gear, breaking

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 07, 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) Azhar Ali-474 runs (2) Yasir Shah-21 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI scored most runs in the WI/PAK Test series? (2) Which WI took most wickets in the series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Andy Murray celebrates after winning the Paris Masters title. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

for a 4-2 lead, and showing watertight defence to close the door on Isner when the American created two break points of his own in the next game. Murray managed only six points on his opponent’s serve in the set, but that was enough to take it in 35 minutes. The unseeded Isner continued to put pressure on Murray in the second, showing an increasing deftness at the net to take the second set to a tie-break.

And the 6ft 8in 31-yearold had too much for the Scot in the decider, serving imperiously to take the breaker 7-4. Twice in Isner’s first two service games of the third set Murray saw break points snatched away by his opponent’s huge serve. But Murray was not be denied, and he finally forced a break at 5-4, firing in a rapid backhand that Isner could only dig into the net, to take the third set and the match. (BBC Sport).

TTFA to drop Soca Warriors name

THE Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) will officially no longer use the name ‘Soca Warriors’ to describe its national team. The decision comes in the wake of successful legal action from veteran sports broadcaster Selwyn Melville whose attorney successful y filed a pre-action protocol letter issued to the body three weeks ago. The TTFA and Melville have been at loggerheads over the ‘Soca Warriors’ trademark for the last several years with

by the TTFA recently, the body, according to the T&T Newsday, has decided the name will no longer be used. Last month the TTFA had stated that the name had not been dropped after press releases from the organisation referred to the team as “Red Army”. The association, however, despite removing it from the website insisted The TTFA will no longer use the name `Soca a release would not be sent Warriors’ to describe its national team. out as it would have not the broadcaster making ing US$30 million for its have the right to tell fans claims he came up with use by the local football or members of the media to the term “Soca Warriors” organisation. not used the name.(Sports18 years ago and is seekFollowing a meeting held max.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 7, 2016

GOA piles on support for Rugby

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) on Saturday was given a financial boost by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) as both their men’s and women’s squads prepare for this weekend’s Rugby America’s North (RAN) 7s Championship. Set for Trinidad and Tobago, both teams are currently in training for the two-day event with the men’s team departing on Tuesday and the ladies on Thursday for the tournament,set for the St Mary’s College Sports Ground in Port of Spain. During a simple ceremony at the National Park over the weekend, Vice- President of the GOA, Noel Adonis handed over a cheque valued at $1.2M to Secretary of the union, Petal Grant. According to Adonis, the money is to offset expenses incurred by the teams during the tournament.Being a former president, he reminded

GOA vice- president Noel Adonis presents a sponsorship cheque to secretary of the union, Petal Grant in the presence of the players and President, Peter Green.

of the prestige and honour that comes with taking a title of that calibre. President of the union, Peter Green expressed gratitude to the GOA but in the same breath noted that the GRFU is still in the red by approximately half of a million dollars. Apart from the actual tournament, there will be a variety of administrative and educational events to further develop rugby. Meanwhile, the pool-draw which was released recently, has 14 nations in the men’s event where the teams have been divided into two groups of four and two groups of three. Guyana’s Green Machine will be up against Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and Martinique in Group D. In the women’s category with two groups of five, Guyana’s team will be in Group B with hosts,Trinidad and Tobago,along with Mexico, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

Windies captain Holder steers clear of contracts issue

WEST Indies captain Jason Holder has refused to be drawn into the recent player retainer contract debate claiming he will instead focus on positivity and leading the team on the pitch. Last week it was revealed that three of the regional team’s key players, Marlon Samuels, Carlos Brathwaite and Darren Bravo had refused retainers from the West Indies Cricket Board

West Indies captain Jason Holder

(WICB). The decision cast doubt on the future of the players in the regional set-up, with Samuels, one of the team’s most senior players, Brathwaite the newly appointed T20 captain and Bravo one of its most promising batsmen all thought of as key components. Holder has insisted there is very little to be done from his perspective. As I’ve said about all the

negative things around West Indies cricket, those things are basically beyond my control,” said Holder. “I can’t control who signs contracts, I can’t control who’s here with me. All I can control is my destiny on the cricket field when I step over that line, and that goes for everybody in the dressing room,” he added. “Us players have to be responsible for our own

individual actions (and) take our own personal pride onto the cricket field and control cricket,” he pointed out. “At the end of the day, that’s the only thing we can control, and at the end of the day, cricket will be here to stay, and it’s been here before us. So for me we just go out there and control (what we can) by playing good cricket.”(Sportsmax. com)

Rabada can take Steyn role - Langeveldt SOUTH Africa bowling coach Charl Langeveldt says Kagiso Rabada can continue to lead the attack in the absence of Dale Steyn as they close in on a Test-series lead against Australia. Steyn will miss the remainder of the series with a shoulder injury, but Rabada backed up a stunning effort from the Proteas’ batsmen to snare three Australian

wickets on day four as the hosts ended Sunday on 1694, 369 runs behind South Africa. Rabada accounted for Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith before h a n d i n g A d a m Vo g e s a six-ball roasting that ended in the veteran’s wicket. Requiring six wickets for victory at the WACA, the Proteas will be a bowler

short in their quest for victory, but Langeveldt hopes Rabada can pick up where he left off on day four. “I told him that you will be tested here because Australia play their cricket hard,” Langeveldt said. “I told him that your first season is your easiest season but that the second season people will work you out. He is the type of bowler

who wants to improve. “He is a quick learner and asks a lot of questions and is very knowledgeable about the game. “[Bowling] 145kmh as a 21-year-old is always exciting. “Dale Steyn is a massive loss to South Africa but Rabada has done it before [in Steyn’s absence] and today he has stepped up again.”(Omnisport)

Kagiso Rabada

Windies captain Holder steers clear of contracts issue (See Story on page 27 )

NSC Three-Stage Cycle Race

Greaves cops third stage, but Agard wins overall By Michael DaSilva

AFTER enduring a one-year ban from the sport he loves, Alonzo Greaves bounced back to win the final stage of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) sponsored Three-Stage cycle road race which culminated yesterday around the outer circuit of the National Park. Greaves,who just completed a one-year suspension for using banned substances during last year’s `Ride For Life’ FiveStage race, placed second in the first stage on Saturday; a 65mile road race from Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, to Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara and back.He was then among the top eight finishers in the 3.5 miles individual Time Trial on Saturday also before leading the challenge during the final stage which was reduced from 30-laps around the outer circuit of the National park to 20 laps. Despite barely edging

---Cornelius, Newton win junior and veteran categories

Alonzo Greaves (right) narrowly pips Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman (left) across the finish line to win yesterday’s third stage of the NSC sponsored three-stage cycle road race.

Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman to the line by the width of a bicycle tube in winning the final stage, Agard was adjudged the overall winner. Agard went into yesterday’s

Pooran banned from WICB four-day, Super50 tournaments WEST Indies wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran will be banned from participating in the upcoming Digicel FourDay Regional tournament after signing with the Khulna Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). As a result the player will also be unable to take part in the Regional Super50 tournament, which will get under way early next year and also impact his chances of eligibility for the West Indies. Pooran’s woes, as WICB CEO Michael Muirhead explained, stems from not honouring his contract with the Leeward Islands Hurricane for the upcoming tournament, which has related in a suspension from WICB sponsored tournaments. “Nicholas Pooran has decided not to play for the franchise (Leeward Islands Hurricanes) that he was selected for . All persons who are entering the (WICB Four-Day) draft, sign that they will make themselves available and commit themselves to playing for whoever they are drafted by. If you fail to honour that then there are consequences.

final stage as the race leader and only had to stay with whosoever launched an attack and he did just that and in the end, registered an overall winning time of four hours 40 minutes 25 seconds. Team Evolution’s Michael Anthony was placed second overall, while Greaves, Eastman and Walter Grant-Stuart occupied the other top four places respectively. Christopher Cornelius won the junior category of the event

by virtue of him placing second among the juniors in the first stage and finishing third in the final stage yesterday,in addition to riding outstandingly in the individual time-trial on Saturday. Cornelius’ overall time for the event was four hours 43 minutes .07 seconds. Second in this category was Andrew Hicks and finishing third was Raphael Leung. The veterans’ category was dominated by Raymond Newton who completed the

three-stage event in four hours, 43 minutes 33 seconds. Second in this category was Paul Cho-Wee-Nam and placing third was Junior Niles. After being sent on their way for the start of the third stage yesterday by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Greaves made his presence felt by establishing a lead in company with Eastman who subsequently was sucked in by the peloton. Silvio Inniss and Junior Niles then joined Greaves at the

head of affairs and remained in front for the next three laps. It was during the fifth lap that Williams, Eastman, Paul DeNobrega and Michael Anthony joined Greaves at the head of affairs and together the group worked in tandem and established a sizeable lead over the others. After completing seven laps, Williams went to front but was wheeled in two laps later and Greaves and DeNobrega separated themselves from the remainder of the riders and at the conclusion of the 14th lap, they enjoyed a 65-second lead on the others and from there it was felt that the race was all over, but the peloton had other ideas as they made a connection with six laps remaining. However, their effort was short-lived, as Greaves, Eastman, Anthony and Agard took advantage of a Williams’ punctured back wheel,which he changed but had too much to do to reconnect and Greaves went on to edge Eastman by the width of a cycle tube to win the stage, but still had to settle for fourth overall.

Deonarine leads Floodlights home -as GFSCA win third Softball Cup

Nicholas Pooran The consequence is actually is that he won’t be able, for a specific period, play for WICB sponsored tournaments,” Muirhead explained. While admitting that the player’s period of ineligibility did not rule him out of selection for the regional team, Muirhead explained that he could be put at a disadvantage. “It does not mean he cannot play in a West Indies team if he is selected but it might lessen his chances of selection by not playing in our tournaments, but it still means that he could be selected if the selectors see it fit to choose him.” (Sportsmax.com)

The jubilant Floodlights team after their victory (See story on page 22

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016