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–– President tells diaspora at opening of $80M Buxton-Friendship gas station

First Lady Sandra Granger and the youngest grandchild of proprietor Morris Wilson cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Buxton-Friendship Guyoil gas station. Also in photo are Morris Wilson (left), Mrs. Wilson (second left), President David Granger (centre) and children of the proprietors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Talk less, invest more –– President tells diaspora at opening of $80M Buxton-Friendship gas station

By Ravin Singh

A GUYOIL gas station constructed at Buxton-Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at a cost of US$400,000 (Gy$80M) opened its doors to business on Sunday, and is expected to provide jobs for more than 70 Guyanese.

Overseas-based Guyanese Morris Wilson, who embarked on the investment -- which he said is not yet fully completed -- explained that a Church’s Chicken franchise will be erected just next to the gas station; a Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) branch will also be there, as would a medical building which would be equipped with two Cuban-trained doctors and a pharmacy.

Now resident in the USA, Morris is originally from Buxton.

President David Granger has lauded the investment, calling it an “economic renaissance”.

“When I come here today, it is an emotional time for me, because I believe it is a form of economic renaissance. Even though it

is small, I believe it is very significant because it occurred here,” the President said, adding that the area has played a major role in promoting village life over the years.

migrants who came into the country. At one time, we were exporting mules, fish, cocoa, etc,” the Head of State said. And this is the climate the Head of State hopes can be recreated in

The newly opened Buxton-Friendship gas station

President David Granger urges overseas-based Guyanese to return home and invest He also expounded on the fact that villages such as Buxton and Friendship were producing products which fed immigrants.

“These villages fed im-

the near future.

“As I come here today, it is a journey of hope -that this initiative will trigger other activities by other members of the diaspora

who want to see the country of their birth prosper,” the President said.

Noting that he loves and has great respect for the diaspora, President Granger said the diaspora possesses capital and tremendous determination, while Guyana has the land and labour.

He noted that members of the diaspora need to “do more than talk and write… [and] put their money where their mouths are,” by investing in Guyana.

“Guyana is divided in two; half (of the population

A section of the gathering at the opening of the gas station at Buxton-Friendship, East Coast Demerara

is) living in South America and half in North America.

But I don’t see any distinction. I think those persons in the diaspora should see themselves (in the) same way and invest,” he opined.

But even with investment, the President pointed out, there is need for these villages to play a supportive role in promoting and fostering economic growth and development.

“I see Buxton and other villages as economic powerhouses,” he said, adding that without land, residents of these villages will be confined to wage labour forever.

He underscored the need for innovation, which he contended frees people from wage labour. The President reasoned that too many people rely on waged labour and shun enterprise. Some of these people, he said, see comfort in getting a small wage at the end of the month, and being satisfied. However, he noted that if one wants to take advantage of the bounty of this country, then one must take advantage of the opportunities available.

“Go into the hinterland and start production of the major commodities which are needed for our growing

population,” he encouraged.

He also stressed the need for infrastructure development, and emphasised on other factors which help to encourage investment.

One of those factors, he said, is literacy, which is critical in determining employment rates, particularly with foreign investors.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Chairman of the Board of Guyoil, Lance Carberry, who welcomed Wilson to the “Guyoil family”.

With Guyoil being a state-owned company, since most of its shares are owned by NICIL, Carberry explained, the main role of the company is to ensure that Guyanese are supplied with affordable quality fuel.

The chairman also revealed that the self-financed Guyoil has a net value of $2B, and is expected to introduce an electronic inventory in the near future. He noted that the business environment has become increasingly competitive, but Guyoil has been working assiduously to ensure it remains in the competition while providing Guyanese with quality products and services.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Trump derides reports Russia helped him in polls PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump rejected as “ridiculous” U.S. intelligence reports that Russia intervened in the presidential election on his behalf through targeted hacking, putting him at odds with top lawmakers who vowed to investigate the findings.

He blamed Democrats for news reports on the intelligence findings and said he did not believe they came from the Central Intelligence Agency.

“I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s just another excuse. I don’t believe it,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News Sunday.

Trump’s reluctance to blame Russia for interfering in the U.S. election has raised concerns among U.S. officials who fear he will go soft on Moscow at a time when they are worried about its increasingly aggressive behaviour on cyber attacks and in Crimea, Ukraine and Syria.

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A U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, harshly criticised Trump’s rejection of the assessment that Russian hacking was intended to boost the president-elect’s prospects in the Nov. 8 election.

“It’s concerning that intelligence on Russian actions related to the U.S. election is being dismissed out of hand as false or politically partisan,” said the U.S. intelligence official.

“The inclination to ignore such intelligence and impugn the integrity of U.S. intelligence officials is contrary to all that is sacred to national security professionals who work day and night to protect this country.”

The unusually harsh comment underscored the unprecedented tensions that Trump has created with the intelligence community he will command even before he’s been sworn into office.

Two leading U.S. Senate foreign policy voices from Trump’s own party expressed alarm on Sunday about the possibility of Moscow tipping the scales in favour of an American presidential candidate and promised to begin investigating immediately.

The Obama White House, which has ordered intelligence agencies to review cyber attacks and foreign intervention in the 2016 election, has

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formally accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations ahead of the presidential election.

Russian officials, who have previously vehemently denied accusations of interference in the U.S. election, were quiet.

In his search for a secretary of state, Trump, a New York real estate magnate, is strongly considering Exxon Mobil Corp Chief Executive Rex Tillerson, who has close ties with Moscow and has spoken out against U.S. sanctions on Russia.

Republican Senator John McCain expressed concern about Tillerson’s close relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. “That would colour his approach to Vladimir Putin and the Russian threat,” he said on Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

A number of U.S. senators have expressed concerns about Tillerson, suggesting his nomination could run into trouble in the Senate.

Trump’s pick as national security adviser, retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, has also raised eyebrows in military circles through appearances on Russia’s Government-run broadcaster RT, particularly at a gala last year attended by Putin.

But Trump’s choices to lead the CIA and the Pentagon, U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo and retired Marine General James Mattis, are more likely to take a harsher stance on Russia.

U.S. intelligence agencies have told Congress and President Barack Obama’s administration that Russia has grown increasingly aggressive in Syria and Ukraine and has stepped up activities in cyberspace, including meddling, sometimes covertly, in European and U.S. elections.

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A senior U.S. intelligence official told Reuters that intelligence agencies had concluded with “high confidence” that not only did their Russian counterparts direct the hacking of Democratic Party organisations and leaders, but did so to undermine Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

CONGRESS TO INVESTIGATE Trump questioned whether the CIA was behind the reports that indicated Moscow wanted him in the White House. “I think the Democrats are putting it out,” he said in the Fox News interview.

He said the intelligence community did not agree on Russian intervention.

“They’re fighting among themselves. They’re not sure,” he said.

McCain was at a loss on Sunday to explain Trump’s repudiation of the Russian meddling.

“I don’t know what to make of it because it’s clear the Russians interfered,” McCain said on CBS. “Whether they intended to interfere to the degree that they were trying to elect a certain candidate, I think that’s a subject of investigation, but the facts are stubborn things.”

McCain and fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham joined Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Jack Reed on Sunday in expressing concern over possible Russian interference and said they would work together to investigate such cyber attacks.

“Recent reports of Russian interference in our election should alarm every American,” they said in a statement. “This cannot become a partisan issue. The stakes are too high for our country.”

McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said he would have a sub-committee led by Graham begin investigating the Russian hacking immediately.

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Republican House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan cannot comment on classified briefings, “but he rejects any politicisation of intelligence matters,” spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in an email.

Trump advisers disputed elements of the news reports, focusing particularly on a New York Times story saying that intelligence officials concluded the computer systems of the Republican National Committee also had been hacked. The fact that material from that intrusion had not been released, the Times reported, supported the conclusion that Russia was trying to help Trump.

“The RNC was absolutely not hacked,” the RNC chairman and incoming White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said Trump would not interfere with any congressional inquiry but that the president-elect regarded the spate of hacking reports as part of an effort to relitigate the election.

“He absolutely respects the intelligence community,” Conway said on CBS. “What he has said is laughable or ridiculous is that this was meant to elevate him to the presidency.”

In the “Fox News Sunday” interview, Trump also discussed his decision to receive the President’s Daily Brief, or PDB, a highly classified document that can include details of U.S. and allied covert operations, once a week, far less often than most of his predecessors.

Trump said a number of his top advisers received the briefing and he did not need to get the report more frequently under routine circumstances. “I don’t need to be told the same thing every day, every morning - same words. ‘Sir, nothing has changed. Let’s go over it again.’ I don’t need that,” he said. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Santos Nobel speech attacks war on drugs

THE PRESIDENT of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, has used his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech to call for the world to “rethink” the war on drugs.

He said the zero-tolerance policy might be “even more harmful” than all the other wars being fought worldwide.

Mr Santos’s Government and the country’s biggest rebel group, the Farc, signed a peace deal last month.

Bob Dylan, the first songwriter ever to receive the Nobel literature prize, did not collect his award in person.

He received a standing ovation nevertheless.

The conflict with the Farc rebels in Colombia has killed more than 260,000 people and left millions internally displaced.

Accepting the prize for his efforts in the peace process, Mr Santos paid tribute to the families of victims of the conflict.

He said the “great paradox” of peacemaking was that “the victims are the ones who are most willing to forgive, to reconcile and to face the future with a heart free of hate”.

In a deviation from his prepared remarks, he asked the representatives of the victims present to stand and be recognised for their own efforts in the peace process, to much applause.

He previously pledged to donate the prize money eight million Swedish krona ($925,000) - to help the conflict’s victims.

“I have served as a leader in times of war - to defend the freedom and the rights of the Colombian people - and I have served as a leader in times of making peace,” he

Mr Santos (left) and FARC leader Timochenko (right) signed the original agreement in June said. “Allow me to tell you, from my own experience, that it is much harder to make peace than to wage war.”

Mr Santos said it was “time to change our strategy” on drugs, and that Colombia had “paid the highest cost in deaths and sacrifices” in the so-called war on drugs.

to US-led efforts to stop drug production at its source. In Latin America this has included on-the-ground policing, and fumigation of coca fields from the air.

“We have moral authority to state that, after decades of fighting against drug trafficking, the world has still been

“From my own experience... it is much harder to make peace than to wage war,” Santos said The term, coined by US President Richard Nixon more than four decades ago, refers

unable to control this scourge that fuels violence and corruption throughout our global

community,” he said.

“It makes no sense to imprison a peasant who grows marijuana, when nowadays, for example, its cultivation and use are legal in eight states of the United States.

“The manner in which this war against drugs is being waged is equally or perhaps even more harmful than all the wars the world is fighting

today, combined.”

Nobel prizes in the sciences, economics and literature were awarded at a separate ceremony in Stockholm.

Dylan had said in advance that he was unable to attend the ceremony due to previous commitments.

In a statement read out at the awards dinner by the US ambassador, he said: “I have been doing what I set out to do for a long time now. I’ve made dozens of records and played thousands of concerts all around the world.

“But it’s my songs that are the vital centre of almost everything I do. They seem to have found a place in the lives of many people throughout many different cultures, and I am grateful for that.”

The Nobel Committee praised the poetry of his song-writing as “worthy of a place beside the Romantic visionaries”.

The singer-songwriter Patti Smith performed Dylan’s song A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, but forgot the

lyrics part way through and apologised to the audience, saying she was nervous.

The Colombian Government’s peace deal with the Farc was struck after many years of negotiations.

It hit a surprise hurdle in October this year when 50.2 per cent of voters rejected it in a referendum.

Just four days after the unexpected referendum result, it was announced that Mr Santos would receive the prize. In his speech, he said the nomination was “equally surprising” and “came as if it were a gift from heaven”.

Working alongside the no campaigners, the Government wrote a new deal which was approved by Congress last month.

There were many armed groups involved in decades of conflict in Colombia, including left-wing rebel groups and right-wing paramilitaries.

In October the Government announced it would start peace talks with the second-largest rebel group, the ELN. (BBC)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

NOT only is Guyana a plural society – we pride ourselves on our plurality. Our history, our constitution, our culture could not reflect more plurality for a people of less than a million, at the risk of falling into the sea so closely do we cling to the coast.

In a plural society, we accept and celebrate diversity, rule by majority and protect minorities.

To do so, we default to the ‘commons’ – common principles, commonsense, a common conscience, common concerns and common courtesies.

Human rights are arguably the most common principles of a plural society. In the face of different, often divergent, sometimes opposing views on everything that matters and much that does not, human rights principles ground us. They remind us of the most fundamental ‘common’ – our humanity.

Scientists tell us that genetically, human beings are somewhere between 99.0% and 99.9% identical. This scientific assertion is no surprise to anyone who has spent some time with a ‘stranger’.

How quickly we discover that we have the same hopes and dreams, the same fears and frustrations.

We basically are born, grow up, grow old and die, and along the way we take the same materials and create myriad recipes and styles and melodies.

Unfortunately, we also make war to make peace, often because we are not content to dream our own dreams but wish to dictate to others, and while we revel in the variety of flowers, (attempt to) protect ‘our’ bio-diversity and cherish tourism as a pasttime and a source of income, we are scared, if not resentful, of the ‘other’. The result of such fears and resentments is the violation of the very rights each of us holds so dear, and the ensuing quotidian deprivations, discrimination and discord which we

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

An open letter to the Minister of Public Security and the Guyana Police Force ON December 11th this year, it will be seven years since we lost our dear friend and sister Dr Desrey Caesar-Fox in a terrible and unnecessary road accident. Just this week I attended the funeral of Ms Rockliffe, whose life was snuffed out clearly by the terrible decision of a driver to make a U turn on a major road, something that is against the law.

And as I reflect on my own mortality and on a very near- miss accident with a massive truck (GVV 5748) last Sunday on the Mabura road, the driver who was taking a turn at TOP speed and lost some degree of control, I think every day, how can we stop the madness on the roads?

For the past week, I have had cause to be using the East Bank, Soesdyke-Linden and East Coast highways and the insane stupidity that I continue to see from drivers is astounding. Many do not respect the double lines

(for no overtaking) and many, including BIG trucks, are speeding even around Georgetown. Infuriating are those mainly taxi drivers that cannot wait their turns at stop lights and feel that they need to drive up, usually on the right side of the road, and park and just pull off in front of a line of waiting vehicles when the light changes (check the cameras on Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road for many of these incidents).

I have always felt that once you become a driver, you have a licence to kill. A vehicle is a lethal weapon and we need to seriously start addressing this issue. The East Bank in particular has had too many accidents in the past two years and this also stems from the poor organisation of traffic flows.

What also I think we are witnessing is that many drivers simply do not understand how to use the roads, simply

seem to have accepted as a matter of course.

The idea and ideal of our collective pursuit of human rights challenge our civil, political, economic and social status quo. Pursuit of human rights suggests and asserts that as a human race we can and must do ‘better’. That our fear and resentment of other ways of being are not merely irrational, but harmful to ourselves in the long-run, and that finding mutually tenable ways of expressing and addressing such fear and resentment, even transforming these into acceptance and respect, is likely to yield individual and collective benefits far beyond what we currently enjoy.

Acceptance and respect for the ‘other’ must never, however, be misconstrued as an invitation to ‘say what I want, do as you please’. The three fundamentals of any viable plural society – the rule of law, peace and security, and decent work

because many have not bothered to do the theoretical classes and exams, but have simply BOUGHT their licences.

There is too much ignorance for this issue to be blamed on anything else.

I am grateful if the following recommendations could be considered: 1. All traffic police officers wear visibility vests; yesterday travelling on the East Coast, there was a police rank that I saw only at the last moment, directing traffic.

2. More dangerous bend signs should be mounted on the East Bank and East Coast roads. Perhaps even Parika, Berbice and Essequibo as well.

3. Launch an extensive public awareness campaign on safe road use using all media.

I hope that the corporate sector and NGOs would be willing to join this cause. This campaign must be continuous and not only once a year during Road Safety

Month.

4. Camera footage be seriously scrutinised and people charged. When people feel it in their pockets, they adhere to rules.

5. More cameras be mounted around the city and even on the East Bank and East Coast. Priority would be the East Bank road.

6. Put in place a fair system that citizens can report traffic offences.

We can use social media, the general media, hotlines, etc.

7. All drivers aged 50 and under (DESPITE SOCIAL STANDING AND POSITION IN SOCIETY) attend a training session on safe road use including road signage, the five Cs. I personally would be happy for a refresher.

Thank you for your urgent attention Very frustrated road-user and citizen of Guyana DR RAQUEL THOMAS-CAESAR

– are born of and engender respect for human rights.

So, what are human rights? Simply put, they are civil, political, economic, social, cultural and group entitlements each of us holds because we are human, regardless of geography or demographic markers. Because these rights are indivisible and interdependent, their realisation is interrelated.

But perhaps the most fascinating and enduring attribute of human rights is that at one and the same time each of us is always both a rights-holder and a duty-bearer. For states are made up of people, and government in viable states are for, by and of the people. In the pursuit of my rights, therefore, I must respect the rights of the ‘other’.

As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, let us stand up for someone’s rights today!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

He wants to become a presidential guardsman, she a lawyer - if only they could see

By Shauna Jemmott ELEVEN-year-old Leon Bagot and his 16-year-old sister, Devon, were both born with cataract, but that doesn’t stop either of them from dreaming big.

Leon wants to become a presidential guard. “I want to guard the President,” he told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday. He also wants to meet with President Granger and have a long talk with him.

And Devon? All along she had wanted to become a lawyer, but now she’s not so certain she can do it; not since her father died back in October.

“I wanna help people; I want to become a lawyer,” the teen said, despair evident in her voice.

As it is, she’s preparing to write six subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations next June, but is in need of two text books – ‘Physical Education for You’ and ‘Agricultural Science for CSEC’.

She attends Manchester Secondary, and her brother attends the Corentyne Comprehensive.

CONGENITAL CATARACT Online sources call the condition with which both children are smitten ‘congenital cataract’, but although Leon was born with it, doctors were able to make a diagnosis only two years after.

Health sources say children are rarely born with the

disease, but if they do, it is quite possible that they inherited it genetically, or acquired it during the pre-natal stage of development.

And while some experts believe the best time for this type of cataract to be removed is between three weeks to six months after birth, poor Leon and Devon never stood a chance, since they were both diagnosed too late.

As a matter of fact, the doctors are now saying there’s very little they can do for Leon. He has just little sight left, as the disease has affected both eyes.

According to their mother, Cheryl, there’s every likelihood of both her children eventually going completely blind, but the boy’s condition

is much worse than the girl’s.

She said they’ve both had two surgeries already “to clean their eyes”.

POOR HOPES “Dem say dem can’t do nothing for Leon…. Devon own lil’ bit more better; she does write lil bit,” the 41-year-old mother of five said.

Leon said he sometimes feels depressed about his illness, but teachers and friends are nothing but kind; as kind and as helpful as his own family. Anastasia Leitch, a friend of his, writes for him every day, he said.

Asked how he’s doing academically, Leon said with an impish grin, “I can’t see to read the books, but I does beat two persons in school.”

His mother has said that other than his failing sight, Leon lives an almost normal life, since she doesn’t have to do much for him at home.

“He plays as a normal child, but somebody has to write for him; somebody has to read for him. He never write; he never see to write,” Mrs. Bagot has said.

TOUGH GOING Asked how she has been making out now that her husband is dead, Mrs. Bagot said although she’s finding it very hard, she has to stand strong, especially with two children preparing for CSEC. Devon, on the other hand, is grateful to the President for providing a bus in her community, so that she and her siblings can travel to school freeof cost.

And like her brother, she too wants to have a tête-àtête with President Granger: to ask his help with their medical condition.

MANY REASONS According to allabout-

vision.com, “congenital cataract occurs in newborn babies for many reasons, which can include inherited tendencies, infection, metabolic problems, diabetes, trauma, inflammation or drug reactions.”

The condition can occur if, during pregnancy, the child’s mother develops infections such as measles or rubella (the most common cause), chicken pox, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, poliomyelitis, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, syphilis and toxoplasmosis.

“Congenital cataract can be dense, milky white opacities in the lens of an infant’s eye(s) (which) prevent normal visual development if not removed… Cataract surgery may need to be performed as soon as possible, to ensure that vision is clear enough to allow normal development of your baby’s vision system,” the website says.

Gov’t extends Youman Nabi greetings President David Granger, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, Prime Minister

President David Granger

Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana have extended Youman Nabi greetings to all Muslims of Guyana and to the entire nation.

In a release, the Government said Youman Nabi, a national holiday, is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam/On Whom Be Peace), who Muslims believe was

er of Islam.

At Youman Nabi, Muslims across the world celebrate the life of the Holy Prophet (OWBP) with gift-giving and feasts, along with prayers and recitations of the Holy Quran.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo the final prophet sent by God unto mankind and the found-

“The life of Prophet Muhammad (OWBP) is an example to all Muslims and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana calls on all Muslims and all Guyanese to emulate this worthy exam-

ple of living a life of honour and doing good for all mankind in an effort to be our brother’s keeper and for the development and prosperity of our communities and our beloved country,” the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Drunken cop beats woman for money

By Ariana Gordon

THIRTY-YEAR-old Maxine Duncan-Seenauth, a m o t h e r o f t h re e a n d resident of Alberttown, Georgetown, was last week badly beaten to her head, eyes and about her body at Ekereku Backdam, Region Seven, allegedly by a rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Relating that the past two weeks have proved very difficult for her while working in the Region Seven backdam, she told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday -days after coming out of the interior -- that there are not many females at Ekereku Landing, and she would like justice for the beating she received at the hands of the police rank.

Duncan-Seenauth recounted that between December 3 and December 7, 2016, while socialising in the vicinity of Ekereku Landing, two police ranks, whose names she provided, continuously harassed her for a “bless up”, a practice which she said was quite common at the location.

The traumatised woman told Guyana Chronicle that the two ranks would, almost on a daily basis, visit the room in which she was dwelling with the hope of receiving money and sometimes alcohol.

Based on her assessment, the men were not interested in having sexual intercourse with her, but would constantly harass her to buy alcohol and other drinks for them, as well as provide them with money.

“They didn’t talking the sex thing…they were pressuring me a lot…they keep coming to me, calling me out for something to drink and a raise,” she said. Before she was beaten, she had heard rumours of the ranks harassing persons in the backdam, but, in her own words, she “took it for granted”.

On the night in question, Duncan-Seenauth said, “I came out of my room. I had to pass all the shops to go to (the) birthday girl…I saw the two of them; they ask if they could drink something.

I gave them $2000…is like they were haunted.”

According to the distraught woman, even after she had walked away from the ranks and was talking to a friend nearby, the two men continued to harass her for a “bless up”.

“They were begging me all over… Me alone, me alone they were begging…I don’t know if it is because they know me or what,” she said.

She disclosed that she snapped at the two ranks and continued to socialise with her friends, one of whom was celebrating her birthday.

Duncan-Seenauth told Guyana Chronicle that she was at a shop with her friends when she noticed one of the police ranks sitting in a dark corner looking at her, and a friend cautioned that she should be careful as “they were on us all week”.

“Every week, people got locked up on the landing for the whole week,” she recounted, while not-

This is how Maxine D u n c a n - S e e n a u t h ’s face has been battered ing that as she was talking to a friend, the rank who was observing her closely came up to her and started talking in her ear.

‘BLACKED OUT’ “I told him I don’t want to hear anything, and by the time I light a cigarette, I got one bottle in my head. I blacked out. When I catch myself I was on the ground, spitting blood, head and skin swollen. I don’t know anything else about the beating.”

The woman said that when she regained consciousness, she observed the rank who had badly beaten her walking towards the Ekereku Police Station.

Shortly after, she said, the other rank who is usually with him came and took her to the police station.

“I was very angry! I told them I don’t do anything illegal. I never violate y’all

Maxine Duncan-Seenauth shows her hand which has several scratches as a result of the beating she received from a cop and I am not taking it like this!” the tearful woman said as she recounted her experience.

Duncan-Seenauth noted that when she was in the police station, the rank who had dealt her the blows was looking at the television and smiling as if nothing was wrong.

“No one took a report, and when I complained they said, ‘Shut you f****** mouth!’ I told them I was injured and he was smiling. I told him he was very cruel. I ain’t going to lie, I started to cuss them,” she told Guyana Chronicle. The angry woman said she was warned against the use of indecent language at the police station and she desisted from using it, but the ranks prevented her from having visitors.

She said she was beaten in front of many persons, who captured the incident on their cellphone cameras.

“They put me to sleep in the police station on a thin sponge with shackles on my feet… The next morning I asked them if I could leave and the corporal told me I could go to my room and clean myself up,” Duncan-Seenauth said. She travelled out of that Region Seven area late last week.

She declared that the police ranks are always looking to take money from persons working in the backdam.

‘ALWAYS WANT BLESS UP’ “It common yeah!

They always want a ‘bless up’. I didn’t disrespect them in no kinda way. I didn’t deserve this. I can’t even wink…the swelling ain’t going down, I am in a lot of pain,” she said as she disclosed that similar treatment was meted out to a Venezuelan national, who was rescued by a miner and taken away from the area.

This traumatised mother, who has been working at Ekereku since the end of June 2016, said her only interest is in making money to provide for her children.

She disclosed that after recognising that she had been badly injured, the rank who had taken her to the police station after the beating approached her and apologised on behalf of his colleague.

She said, “They tried to comfort me…they beat me

bad…the entire Ekereku was behind me…I told them I want them to pay for my ticket so I could go home. I didn’t have money and they asked me how much for my flight and I told them $18,000. They came back with $28,000.”

After receiving the money, the woman said, she packed her things and headed out of the area on the next flight.

“They telling me (to) consider that I have sons, and they will get older. The officer (rank) said he don’t know what ‘get to his head’ and I told them they can’t f*** me up in public and apologise to me in private,” Duncan-Seenauth said.

She declared that she intends to report the matter to the police on Tuesday.

The frustrated woman told Guyana Chronicle that she has no money to leave where she is currently to seek medical attention, but she revealed that she has spoken with Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who contacted her and promised to pay for her to come to Georgetown on Tuesday.

Contacted on Sunday, Divisional Commander Ravindradat Budhram told Guyana Chronicle that he has received no official report on the beating, but committed to launching an investigation into the incident.

“I don’t have an official report,” he said, while admitting that he was told informally of a beating incident in the area.

Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church hosts ‘Celebrate Jesus’ Wednesday THE Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church will o n We d n e s d a y h o s t a forum titled “Celebrate Jesus” for some 150 underprivileged children of Vreed-enHoop Primary School, who are beneficiaries of the church’s feeding programme, conducted through that school.

The programme begins at 11:00 hrs.

The venue is the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School at the Vreed-enHoop Junction. At this forum, the children will have a fun time, and will each be presented with a gift that will be of value to them, church representative Ganand Randy Chanderpaul said.

Officiating will be the Church’s Minister of Social Care, Ms. Jennifer

Husbands.

In 2007, the school was adopted by the Vreed-enHoop Wesleyan Church, Mr. Ganand Randy Chanderpaul, a representative of the Church told the Guyana Chronicle.

Now into its tenth year, the initiative which began with the feeding of 35 children has now grown to accommodate in excess of 150 children,

he said.

The children benefitting from the feeding programme were handpicked by the school’s administration who would best know their needs.

They are mainly underprivileged or children of single parents said Chanderpaul.

That apart, the church provides moral education for the children, hold Vo-

cational Bible Studies for them, as well as teach them etiquette, and how to build their self-esteem and the like.

Meanwhile, to promote synergy, the church also engages in one-onone sessions with the parents and teachers.

With effect from 2010, Chanderpaul said, the church has been focusing on what they see as its vi-

sion: “Celebrate Jesus”.

Hence, each year, they have a forum where they celebrate and each child is given an educational gift, based on their needs.

The donations come from what is known as a Sunday School Mission task through which money is raised by the members of the Wesleyan Church and their friends.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

2 die in Rupert Craig Highway crash

By Ravin Singh

THE families of 25-yearold Frank Deflorimonte Jr, also called “Junior”, of Plaisance, ECD and a middle-aged Indo-Guyanese man referred to as “Buck man” (only name given), of Barr Street Kitty, Georgetown are now mourning the

Not too long after, he spoke with the media and related that his son worked in the hinterland as a shopkeeper. He said he would often tell his son about the dangers of speeding, but he [Junior] would say that he does it “for fun.”

A few minutes later, the dead man’s sisters arrived on scene, and sat flat on the road as they wept over their brother’s lifeless body. “Junior!

Junior! Come home with we

loss of their loved ones who tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident on Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at around 21:15 hours on Sunday.

Up to press time, no close relative or friend had identified the middle-aged man.

An eyewitness said, “The

The motorcycle which Frank Deflorimonte was riding at the time of the accident

The lifeless body of 25-year-old Frank Deflorimonte Jr being sheltered by his weeping sister on Sunday evening on the Rupert Craig Highway

motorbike man (Deflorimonte) was speeding, and (he) run into the big man and all two of them pitch”.

Deflorimonte was reportedly heading west along the Rupert Craig Highway when he collided with the other individual, who was attempting to cross the road outside the Yokohama Car dealership at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The man was apparently drunk, as he was staggering.

Both men involved in the accident reportedly “pitched” some distance upon impact of

the collision, one eyewitness said. They both reportedly died on the spot.

Deflorimonte was said to have been heading to the seawall with his friends, who were also riding motorcycles but were some distance ahead of him.

Arriving on the scene not too long after the accident, Junior’s father was visibly shaken upon seeing his son’s lifeless body lying in the middle of the road; and he wept uncontrollably as he knelt and checked in vain for a pulse.

now! Don’t leave we! I lef’ you home earlier. Come leh we go home now!” one of the two sisters wailed.

The body of the other man who died was left in the roadside bushes where he had been flung upon impact of the collision.

Just before 23:00hrs, a hearse arrived and collected the two bodies. Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Introduction to the CPA intake process T H E i n t a k e d e p a r tment at the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), within the Ministry of Social Protection, is just one of seven departments situated at the CPA Headquarters on the corner of Charles and Broad Streets, Charlestown.

Intake is the main hub of the Agency: this is where incidents of child abuse or suspected child abuse are reported by concerned citizens, teachers and members of the public. Reports come into the ‘intake’ department via the 24-hour hotline (227 0979), through phone calls and from people who simply walk in off the street.

‘Intake’ is a busy department with a lot of different things happening all at the same time.

OFFICERS ON THE JOB When cases are reported to the Agency, the officers on duty have to decide which ones need priority. For instance, if a person phoned to say their neighbours’ children are not attending school, it would not be deemed a priority in comparison to a report in which a child is repeatedly being physically abused.

Sexual abuse reports and those of child neglect are given maximum prior-

ity and attention. Children who have been sexually abused must not stay in the same house as the perpetrator. However, the law is slow in removing offenders, so child victims are usually removed by the CPA to a safe environment. Children suffering from neglect also need a safe, secure place to stay where proper meals and care are available. Making sure that the right action is taken and correct measures are put in place to protect children take time, team work and effective efficiency. There is protocol that needs to be adhered to and there is a law that governs what should and should not be done in

the line of duty. Nevertheless, every report of child abuse is investigated and documented.

A TYPICAL CASE A concerned citizen reported that her neighbour had left four children alone at home for extended periods of time and had currently been missing for two days.

Child Protection Officers informed the local police of their intentions who accompanied them when they collected the children and brought them into the Agency.

After the children had eaten, the three youngest were taken to the childfriendly room, while the

eldest one was interviewed by an officer.

As a result of the interview, relatives were sought and found for the children to stay with on a temporary basis, while further investigations were carried out. Following up on the case, the CPA officer would have to prepare an Assessment Report to arrive at a more suitable course of ‘action’ to be taken on behalf of the children. This report is just one of many that will be referred to, should the case need to go to trial or an order be sought for guardianship of the children. A lot of documentation goes on in the ‘intake’ department. And indeed in

the whole Agency: cases need to be followed up and updated consistently with the ultimate goal of re-integrating children with their families or finding alternative arrangements for their care.

While some people have positive experiences and some people have negative experiences and some folk are simply indifferent to the services supplied to them through public service Agencies, when it comes to the CPA and protecting the children of Guyana, all measures are taken ‘in the best interest of the child’ as mandated in the Protection of Children’s act 2009.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

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Granger mourns McTurk’s death

PRESIDENT David Granger has extended condolences to the family and friends of the late conservationist and giant river otter expert Diane McTurk, who passed away on Saturday at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

McTurk, who had been a pioneer of ‘green’ development and eco-tourism, had converted her family’s former working cattle ranch and balata collection station -- established in 1927 by her father, Tiny McTurk — into an eco-tourism destination known as The Karanambu Lodge in the mid-1980s, and

President David Granger

had worked tirelessly to promote sustainable development, rehabilitating injured river otters and returning them to the wild.

“All Guyanese can be inspired by her commitment to the conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands ecosystem, even as the country moves towards the development of a ‘green’ state. Guyana needs more champions of the environment like Ms. McTurk, who can advance the principles of the sustainable use of the environment and the protection of our biodiversity.

“May her legacy be the

responsible use of our natural resources through wildlife and habitat conservation, research, and education in partnership with international agencies and local communities,” a release from the Ministry of the Presidency has said.

President Granger has also expressed deepest sympathy to Ms. McTurk’s nephew, Edward McTurk; his wife Melanie McTurk; other relatives and friends of Diane McTurk, and all who were touched by her life, even as they reflect on, and celebrate, her remarkable life.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Diane McTurk

Facility to process cassava flour next year

By Alva Solomon THE AUTHORITIES will, in 2017, partner with local bakeries to integrate the use of cassava flour in the baking of starch products, such as bread and pastries.

According to the Food Safety Network, cassava flour is considered an ideal source of carbohydrates, ranking closely behind sugar cane in this regard. Globally, mainly on the Asian sub-continent, the staple is utilised in most households, as opposed to wheaten flour.

Mild and neutral in flavour, and not grainy or gritty in texture, cassava flour, with

its soft and powdery texture, can be matched on a 1:1 ratio with wheaten flour in many recipes, making it a preferred flour for gluten-free, grainfree baking and cooking, according to reports from studies conducted in Asia.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has revealed that, in 2017, a cassava flour processing facility will be established and operational at Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo. He told the National Assembly during his 2017 Budget Debate presentation last week that cassava processing is rare, with limited value addition undertaken in Guyana. The staple

Monday December 12th, 14:30 - 3:30 hrs Tuesday December 13th, 14:30 - 4:30 hrs Wednesday December 14th, 05:30 - ––––

is cultivated in most regions, especially in hinterland areas, but its by-products are currently not exported.

“The result is depressed prices due to a glut in the market,” Holder said, adding that, in the coming year, the Agriculture Ministry will undertake to establish and make operational at least one processing facility to produce high quality cassava flour.

This, he said, will effectively reduce Guyana’s high import bill for wheat, which currently stands at US$21M. Holder said the touted initiative to partner with the bakeries to incorporate cassava flour in baked products

would bring several benefits.

These include a reduction in post-harvest losses, the creation of market opportunities for fresh produce, and gainful employment with associated foreign exchange savings through a reduction in wheat imports.

This root tuber is considered an essential source of carbohydrates, he said, and its composition shows a 60–65 per cent moisture content, a 20–31 per cent carbohydrate content, 1–2 per cent crude protein content, and a comparatively low content of vitamins and minerals.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will,

in 2017, support the Government in its hinterland agricultural development drive -- initiatives which Minister Holder said will continue to be an important facet on the Government’s agriculture development agenda.

He said that emphasis was this year placed on finalising plans for expansion of the agriculture station at Ebini in the Berbice River and establishment of a new station at Pirara in Region Nine; and work will continue in 2017 to make the two agricultural stations become a reality.

“Emphasis will be placed on cassava, peanut and orchard crops, and cattle at Ebini; whilst at Pirara the focus would be on cattle, rice, orchard crops and cassava,” the minister added, as he revealed that projects will receive the support of the IDB. He reported to the House that orchard production was increased at Ebini in 2016.

At Hosororo, in the North West District of Region One, a farm has been created to

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder test and produce planting material for the cultivation of turmeric, black pepper, avocado and citrus, he revealed.

He said the intention is to ensure that the nation becomes self-sufficient in spices within the next three years. “Our farmers, especially in Region One, would be the beneficiaries of these interventions. We currently import over US$1 million in spices for the processing sector,” Holder added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Merriman Mall hums with activity –– for church’s annual Children’s Xmas Party THE Sunday School Department of the Freedom Life Ministries Church on Saturday held its annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Merriman Mall Fun Park, opposite Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church on North Road, Georgetown.

The event brought together hundreds of children, their parents and guardians for an afternoon of fun under the guidance and supervision of Sunday school teachers headed by First Lady of Freedom Life Ministries, Mrs. Delight Ogle-Uwagboe, wife of Prophet Joel Uwagboe, who heads the Church.

Besides having loads of food, drink and other ‘goodies’ at their disposal, the kids had a whale of a time playing fun outdoor games, including old folk games,

enjoying swings and slides, and jumping on the trampoline. They also participated in outdoor quizzes based on the Holy Bible. And at the end of the day, everyone received a gift from Santa Claus to take home with them to remind them of the swell time they had this Christmas at the Mall.

Public Relations Officer of the church, Ms. Melanie Beate, said the church usually holds its Christmas Party at its Princes and Lyng streets premises, but with the Sunday School Department growing as quickly as it is, the church had to find an alternative location at which to host the event.

“And so we thought that this year we would bring them outdoors to enjoy the ambience and splendour of

IAC extends Youman Nabi greetings THE INDIAN Action Committee (IAC) has extended greetings to all Guyanese, especially those who are adherents of Islam, on the occasion of Youman Nabi.

Youman Nabi, a national holiday, commemorates the

birth (and the death) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (On Whom Be Peace).

The IAC in a release said it recognises that followers of Islam were present in this country since the days of slavery, as many of the enslaved Africans were Muslims.

The IAC also recognises that new influxes of Muslims to this country occurred during the period of indentureship, as approximately one out of every five East Indian immigrants was a follower of the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon).

“The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to remember the moral pathways outlined by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Whom Peace Be Upon) in which he called upon all mankind to the

way of peace and to the belief in supreme being, and thus reminded them of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor,” the release said.

On this note, the IAC said it is pleased to join with Muslims here and the world over to observe this auspicious day, and urge that special prayers be offered for peace, so that Guyana can move forward with prosperity.

the newly refurbished Merriman Mall in Georgetown, where they can have fun in a different setting,” Beate said.

Apart from the main branch at Princes and Lyng streets, Freedom Life Ministries has four other branches in Berbice. One is in New Amsterdam; there is one each at Number 9 and Number 35 Villages on the Corentyne; and the other is at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice. There is also one at Linden, in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Children having a fun time on Saturday at the Freedom Life Ministries’ Christmas Party at the Merriman Fun Park (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Major shake-up for Transpor

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE administrative division of the Transport and Harbours Department will, in 2017, undergo major structural reorientation geared towards alleviating malpractices and financial misconduct that occurred in the past and had stymied progress of the department, Ju-

nior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson disclosed in her budget debate presentation.

Ferguson told the House that the Transport and Harbours Department, one of the oldest river transport agencies in Guyana, continues to suffer in many ways, and is finding it difficult to even serve citizens who are highly dependent

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson

on river transport. To curb this situation, she said, the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has commenced implementing a strategy under the theme “Transport for a sustainable future; restructure, reinvigorate, reposition”, which will implement needed changes in management operations, procurement and customer services, to obtain financial

viability.

“The agency suffered from neglect under the PPP/C Administration, as it was confronted with limited financial (viability) and human resources’ constraints… Our Government inherited malpractice in fuel usage, mishandling of vehicular ferry pass, and severe leakage of revenue from the agency,” Ferguson

claimed.

The cap system was implemented in 2016 to monitor fuel consumption, she revealed, but the MPI will abandon this system, and a more robust long-term solution will be initiated.

An Inspection Department that is intended to deal with traffic management, quality, safety and compliance will also be established

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

rt and Harbours Department in 2017; and additional staff will be placed in the audit department in an effort to alleviate all the malpractices that prevailed.

An Advisory Council will also be established, she revealed. “This Council will function as an oversight body, providing supervisory oversight and governance of (the) Transport and Harbours Department, and en-

suring that management implements policies to run the day-to-day affairs of the agency in an efficient and proper manner.”

Ferguson further revealed that out of $34.6B budgeted for the MPI, $240M have been allocated for reconditioning of three ferries -- the MV Malali, MB Sandaka and MV Lady Northcote. The rehabilita-

tion of stellings in Regions One, Two, Five, Six and Seven will also be done at a cost of $294M. And even as maintenance works continue on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the minister boasted of the construction of a new bridge being imminent.

Some 23 companies have expressed interest in the feasibility study and design of this new bridge,

she said.

“Mr. Speaker, we anticipate an increase in the importation and internal migration (of vehicles), and as a consequence, the usage of the bridge will increase.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, for the first six months in 2017, the final study of a new bridge will be done by a Dutch company and engineering firm from the

Netherlands. Thereafter, the tender process for the construction of a new Demerara Harbour Bridge (would commence),” she said.

Ferguson also spoke of renovating several hinterland airstrips and establishing a National Airports Authority of Guyana. “This body will be responsible for the management and overseeing operations for our

international and domestic airdromes,” she said.

Several hinterland communities will also benefit from projects that would bring electrification to their villages, as $26M have been allocated for this purpose.

According to Ferguson, the budget is a working class budget, and will allow for a better life for all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Nand Persaud International Communications cops top export award NAND Persaud International Communications (NPIC), a member of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies of East Berbice/Corentyne, Region Six, received The Special Award for Excellence in Service Exports when the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) hosted its second Caribbean Exporter of the Year awards ceremony recently at the Hilton Resort in Barbados.

The awards ceremony was funded by the European Union (EU) via the 10th European Development Fund Regional Private Sector Development Programme, which seeks to recognise and promote the contributions of outstanding exporters to the region’s economy.

Established in 2002,

Nand Persaud International Communications is the first locally-owned and operated near-shore contact centre that boasts a wide portfolio of international clients, especially in the USA and Canada. With its base at Tain, Corentyne, next to the University of Guyana Berbice campus, NPIC currently employs more than 500 employees.

In 2015, the company recorded a massive 31 per cent increase in export of its services. This leap in export has given NPIC the nod over all the other companies in the region, and has resulted in the company being recognised for this accomplishment.

“Its commitment to excellence has caused NPIC to gain a strong reputation for quality, which has differentiated it from the competition, and has been

critical in its success,” part of the citation read.

NPIC and the Nand Persaud Group of Companies are not strangers to success, as they have won several awards since their establishment.

According to NPIC Managing Director Galdram ‘Darren’ Ramdial, the key to NPIC’s success has been its unwavering stance on quality, which is paramount to the success of the industry; and its forward-thinking initiatives which always place the NPIC one step ahead of its local counterparts.

“This award means a lot to us, and it’s good to know our hard work is being recognized,” he said.

“We will continue to set the bar higher, to provide higher quality services to our clients,” he said.

Managing Director of the Nand Persaud International Communications Inc, Darren Ramdial (left); and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey (centre), pose with the award received from Deputy Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Escipion J Oliveira-Gomez (right) The company recently invested US$528,000 -- the equivalent of more than Gy$100M -- to go 100 per cent solar. The investment has seen the

company acquiring a 220KW solar plant, making it the first commercial enterprise to go 100 per cent green.

The award is the sec-

Nand Persaud International Communications at Tain, Corentyne, East Berbice

ond the company has received in as many years, having won the Green Exporter of the Year Award at the inaugural awards in 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Mark the exam papers –– Dr. Norton instructs Nursing Council

By Ariana Gordon PUBLIC Health Minister Dr. George Norton has instructed the Guyana Nursing Council to mark the examination papers of some 250 nursing students from both the public and private sectors who had sat

who had sat the examination would be required to re-sit it because of an allegation that the state examination papers were leaked to some of the nursing students; and its decision had resulted in nursing students of the Georgetown and New Amsterdam Schools of Nursing,

up to date on the enquiry.

Meanwhile, I informed the Nurses’ Council to proceed in marking the papers and put on hold plans to (have students) re-sit the exam,” he explained.

Dr. Norton had, on November 16, told reporters that upon hearing of leaked

the Health Committee with the requisite information on the matter.

“I made every effort… but I could not get any information… No attempts were made to furnish (the nursing students) with the particulars as to how, where (and) when the (examination) was com-

evidence to show the student nurses are at fault, we agree with the nurses’ (objections).”

Dr. Norton also said that the Nursing Council should have conducted a thorough investigation before calling on the students to re-sit the examination.

nursing students are on a scholarship contract for three years, and that contract has expired on or about June 24, 2016.

“Currently, the Government of Guyana is in breach of this arrangement. In the circumstances, these students are demanding that their ex-

Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton sitting with some of the affected nursing students to discuss the decision taken by the Guyana Nursing Council on November 16, 2016 the state examinations on October 18 and 19 last, but were told on November 11 that the General Nursing Council had decided to have them re-sit the examination.

Dr. Norton’s directive, delivered recently in the form of a letter to the Guyana Nursing Council, follows a directive he had received from Cabinet.

The Nursing Council had announced that all students

the Charles Rosa School of Nursing in Linden, and the St Joseph Mercy Hospital protesting.

An investigation has, however, been launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF); and Dr. Norton told the Guyana Chronicle last week that he is awaiting a briefing from the CID on its findings.

“The head of the CID (has) promised to keep me

state examination papers, he had launched an investigation and had summoned a meeting with the Chief Nursing Officer, who is also the Chairman of the Guyana Nursing Council; the Director of Health Sciences Programme, and the Principal Tutor of the Georgetown School of Nursing.

He disclosed that although he had requested information from them, the invited parties did not provide

promised. The nurses don’t know anything about it, and it is unfair for them to (have to) re-write the examination,” Dr. Norton had said.

The minister said the Public Health Ministry stands with the nurses, and he noted that given the nature of the situation, it can be concluded that the process was not as transparent as it should have been.

“Unless the Ministry is provided with facts or

“We need nurses in the Public Health system,” said Dr. Norton, who described the situation as unfortunate.

Meanwhile, in a November 15 dispatch to the Registrar of the Guyana Nursing Council, which has been copied to Principal Tutor (acting) Cleopatra Barkoye of the Ministry of Public Health, Permanent Secretary Trevor Thomas and Dr. Norton, Attorney Anil Nandlall reminded the body that the

amination papers be marked and the results disclosed. I am to convey to you that, at this point in time, they are unprepared to sit another set of examinations,” the letter stated.

Nandlall, who is representing the interest of the students, called on the Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Nursing Council to have the matter amicably resolved in order to avoid litigation.

Food prices stable amidst record cereal inventories THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index, a trade-weighted index tracking international market prices for five major food commodity groups, dipped slightly in November, marking a mild departure from its steady rise over the course of 2016.

The Index declined 0.4 per cent from October, averaging 171.3 points in November, as a sharp drop in sugar prices outweighed an increase in palm oil quotations, but is still 10.4 per cent higher than in

November 2015.

The FAO Sugar Price Index fell 8.9 per cent from October, reflecting reports of a higher-than-expected harvest in Brazil, the world’s largest sugar producer, and a weakening of the Brazilian real with respect to the U.S. dollar.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose 4.5 per cent in the month, led by lower-than-anticipated production of palm oil in Southeast Asia as well as below-potential soybean crushing in South America.

Other commodities

were more stable. The FAO Meat Price Index was unchanged from October. The FAO Dairy Price Index rose 1.9 per cent, continuing a recent upward trend after a protracted slump. The FAO Cereal Price Index declined 0.6 per cent, as global supplies are ample and strong harvest prospects in Argentina and Australia weighed on wheat quotations.

FAO updated its forecasts, projecting record global cereal stocks by the end of the 2017 seasons. According to the latest Cereal Supply and

Demand Brief, production prospects, especially for wheat and coarse grains, have improved progressively since the start of the current marketing season.

FA O n o w e x p e c t s worldwide cereal stocks to rise to 670 million tonnes, up 1.4 per cent from the previous season. Wheat inventories are seen to be rising to a new record of 238.5 million tonnes, with the increase concentrated in China, the United States and the Russian Federation. Global rice inventories have been scaled up to 171 million tonnes,

while coarse grains’ stocks are projected to rise to 261 million tonnes, as a large build-up of maize inventories in the United States more than offsets a hefty drawdown in China.

The projection for world cereal production in 2016 was raised to 2,577 million tonnes, 1.7 per cent above the 2015 output.

Record output levels are forecast for rice and maize.

Looking forward to the 2017 season, low price prospects are expected to lead to a contraction in the area planted with wheat in the US, although plantings

are expected to increase in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, India and Pakistan.

Maize plantings in Argentina and Brazil, currently underway, are poised to increase, buoyed by improved returns and favourable weather. In South Africa, maize plantings are forecast to jump by nearly a third over last year’s level. Conducive weather conditions point to a strong rebound in t h e c o u n t r y ’s m a i z e harvest from the 2016 drought-reduced level.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

ARIES You’re distracted, not only by the myriad of things on your to-do list now, but by a nagging ache in your subconscious. There may be something that you try not to think about often that pervades your head space today, reminding you that you’re not over the issue yet. But resolution won’t come from simply shifting your attention to something else.

Embrace your personal history while also putting it into proper perspective. Learn from the past; live in the present.

TAURUS The clutter on your countertops mirrors the clutter in your mind today. It’s difficult to finish one thing before starting another, and the disorganization may be driving you a little crazy.

Although the outside world is disorienting now, that vulnerable Venus is under duress in your 10th House of Status, an old grudge may be what’s troubling you on the inside. It’s not easy to forget when someone has hurt you. Remember that resentment is like holding a hot coal and expecting it to burn someone else. Forgiveness is the secret to letting go.

GEMINI Buzzing like a bumble bee from one flower to the next, your loquacious disposition is on display for all to see today. You’re proficient in juggling a million tasks at once, but may feel scattered underneath the chatty veneer once the restless Gemini Moon jumps into your changeable sign. Nevertheless, memories of an old emotional scar are chanting in the background of your mind. No matter how much you try to avoid the healing process, pain is a teacher meant to be acknowledged. Khalil Gibran wrote, “Out of suffering emerges the strongest souls.”

CANCER You may be so lost in your thoughts that you consider taking a personal day. Your mind shifts like a holographic image from the reality of the present moment to the uncertainty of the future and to the nostalgia of the past. Your reminiscence could lead you down a path to an unpleasant event that has haunted you all these years. Use the gift of the Moon’s presence in your 12th House of Endings to revisit and reframe an old struggle.

As Nietzsche wrote, “That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” The rainbows of life follow the roughest storms LEO You might find your attention diverted by an influx of social invitations today, even with the best of intentions for high productivity. In fact, you’re an expert at using your busy schedule to cover up an old wound. You can’t be on top of the world all the time, so be sure to face this lingering emotional issue before it hijacks your day. Fortunately, you can set yourself back on track if you stop for a moment to listen to your heart, while Chiron the Healer squares the life-giving Sun in your 5th House of Love. Psychologist Carl Jung wrote, “What you resist, persists.”

VIRGO You’re all too familiar with losing yourself in specifics and technicalities. You may notice that your thoughts meander a little more than you prefer while you’re busy at work or school today. In fact, maverick Chiron’s current activity in your 6th House of Habits draws you back to an old pattern you wish to change. It’s hard for you Virgos to admit that you’re imperfect like everyone else. Nevertheless, it’s healthier to acknowledge your frailties than to ignore them. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “Our shortcomings are the eyes with which we see the ideal.”

LIBRA You seem to create one amazing plan after another today, and before you know it you have imagined your path into six unique futures. Unfortunately, you might not get much actual work done while the Gemini Moon breezes through your 9th House of Big Ideas, diffusing your focus as she goes. But beneath the surface lies a recollection of a less fulfilling time which still plagues you. You may not feel as alienated now, but you still remember it like it was yesterday. Poet Alexander Pope wrote, “To err is human, to forgive divine.”

SCORPIO Managing your moods is a full-time job today, as memories from the past bubble back to the surface. Although you might be cautiously optimistic when you see blue patches of sky on the horizon, you’re not home free just yet. Wounded Chiron is under attack now, requiring you to process feelings that obscure your happiness. Express your emotions through art or writing, while the clever Gemini Moon squares imaginative Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity. Opening your heart allows true healing to begin.

SAGITTARIUS Boundless banter swirls around you today, decreasing your productivity while providing welcome entertainment. The witty Gemini Moon’s presence in your 7th House of Others attracts conversations that may be cheerful on the outside. However, your internal dialogue is more disconcerting if you find it difficult to avoid getting lost in nostalgia. Remembering a past experience can be a catalyst that temporarily eclipses your normally sunny demeanour. Author Rabindranath Tagore said, “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

CAPRICORN You want to do it all -- the morning fitness class, the phone call you promised to a friend, and the workload you accepted to meet a deadline. Unfortunately, one interruption after another makes it difficult to focus on completing your list, no matter how hard you try.

You just don’t have as much energy as you prefer today, while your thoughts vacillate between excitement for the future and regret about the past. Continue to put one foot in front of the other; you’ll know you’re on the right track when you become uninterested in looking back.

AQUARIUS You wish you could take a play day instead of having to return to work or school. In fact, you’d love to be distracted by any number of fun things today. The excitable Gemini Moon forms an easy trine to creative Venus, filling your mind with ideas for arts and craft projects that you wish to fit into your schedule. However, it isn’t wise to ignore what must be done, both externally and internally. Pay attention to your feelings and do the work necessary to take care of the emotional burdens you typically avoid. Do it from the heart or not at all.

PISCES You can’t quite find your footing today as your restless mind makes it nearly impossible to concentrate. Ironically, the one thing you want to avoid is the one thing that dominates your consciousness. The whimsical Gemini Moon stresses your 4th House of Family, prompting you to replay an unresolved childhood memory again and again like a broken record. Your thoughts are an amorphous mirage shifting from past to future and back again.

Author Steve Maraboli wrote, “Let your past be your springboard, not your quicksand.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Speaker hosts children’s Christmas party

some of the children who attended the National Assembly’s annual Christmas party

Children of the staff of Parliament Office chaired Saturday’s event

SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on Saturday hosted the National Assembly’s annual Children’s Christmas Party.

According to a state-

ment from Parliament Office, scores of anxious and excited children from the Sophia Care Centre; the Mahaica Children’s Home; the Ministry of Education’s Resource Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired; along with children of the staff of the Parliament Office packed the lawns of the Parliament Office to receive their Christmas gifts and refreshments, compliments of the Speaker.

The party included a short “official” segment chaired by children of the Parliament staff and included poems and songs also performed by staff’s children. They were also entertained by special guests: Barney, Elsa, Ollaf and Santa Clause.

Dr. Scotland greeted the children, and told them that the National Assembly’s Annual Children’s Christmas party began with his predecessor, Raphael Trotman.

“It is something that I look forward to and it brings a great sense of pride, joy and humility when I see the excited look on the faces of the children and the expression of gratitude from their parents,” he said.

The party provided an opportunity for the children as well as parents and guardians to socialise and interact with the Speaker and other Members of Parliament, including Richard Allen, Michael Carrington and Harry Gill.

Uncle Clemmie says goodbye at 102 HE ALWAYS wanted to attain the age of 100 years and to see his great-grand.

This year, at 102, he saw his great-grand; and three days ago, with his wishes fulfilled, Essequibo Coast centenarian “Uncle Clem-

Clement Abrahams mie” left for the Great Beyond.

Born Clement Abrahams on August 7, 1914, the late Uncle Clemmie, of Adventure on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two, can best be described as a perfectionist; and this was evident in his eating and drinking habits, since he consumed everything in

moderation.

Having fathered three children: Joan, Vivian and Maurice Abrahams, he would later become the proud grandfather of Adrian Bassier, Dr. Dennis Bassier, Lee-Ann Abrahams and Lindani Abrahams.

The birth, this year, of little Arianna Bassier brought him great cheer and gladdened his heart, since her birth fulfilled his dream of having a great-grand.

During his youthful days, Uncle Clemmie had the distinction of working with the Americans during World War Two, and serving in the Guyana National Service for several years at Tumatumari in Region Eight.

He worked primarily in the field of animal husbandry.

Abrahams, whose late wife, Ivy, passed away several years ago, was best known as an accomplished musician. He was the organist in the St John’s Anglican Church at Airy Hall on the Essequibo Coast, and also played with the Guyana Police Force Band.

“He always had, and demonstrated, great faith in God; unwavering faith.

He was the coolest person around; nothing seemed to bother him,” a grandson noted on Saturday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

State lawyers begin training

THE Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers recently hosted a one-day sensitisation training on the ‘new civil procedure rules’, which saw participation of state lawyers and some judges.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams as saying: “It is imperative that we have state lawyers being introduced to the rules.”

The Legal Affairs Minister had, in November, laid in the National Assembly the New Civil Procedure Rules for the Supreme Court on behalf of the Rules Committee. These new rules will replace the existing rules, and are designed to ensure parties are heard and not unjustly prejudiced, Minister Williams said.

“The court must be actively involved, and arrive and try to get to justice; so a lot of the technicalities that would have been applied and prevent persons from actually having a hearing in court, all those things will be removed under the new rules,” Minister Williams explained.

The legal session was conducted by Consultant

Anthony Ross, QC, and Justice Courtney Abel from the Belize High Court. Ross encouraged the state practitioners to “become involved as part of the process”.

“Government lawyers have a special interest; every time there is a (Constitutional) issue, you going to be involved… As far as adjournment is concerned, it’s costing your department money; as far as experts are concerned, you’ve got to understand that expert evidence is an exception to the rule…and you must have something on which you’re going to stand,” Ross said in opening remarks.

Justice Abel led interactive exchanges on case management and pre-trial law.

Also present at the training session were top judicial officers from Caribbean jurisdictions, including the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Sir Dennis Byron. The delegation arrived in Guyana on Friday.

This session is the beginning of a series of training sessions that will continue into the new year, Minister Williams pointed out. “We hope that in the new training we have, both state and lawyers at the

private bar will be involved in it.”

The new Civil Procedure Rules have been brought in line with similar rules in the Caribbean. The rules and legal forms span 187 pages, contain procedures for the settlement of civil matters, and make payments both in and out of court. The rules will also reduce clogging of courts by matters that could be settled.

–– in ‘new civil procedure’ rules

State legal practitioners and other participants at the training session

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

31 graduate from Texila American University

EDUCATION comes with a responsibility to the community, and to the world and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has urged graduands at the third convocation of Texila American University to remain true to the medical oath.

On Saturday, the university hosted its graduation ceremony at the Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue, where a total of 31 students graduated with qualifications in the Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes.

Most of the school’s stu-

dents are foreigners but quite a few are Guyanese.

Speaking to the graduands, their relatives, friends and officials of the university, the Prime Minister noted their essential role of bringing help to people, especially the estimated 2.5 billion children worldwide.

“You must recognise that medical practice must conform to rules,” he said, noting that such rules guard against acts of malfeasance, professional misconduct, and negligence regarding patient care.

He also said that a breach of such rules of professional ethics and conduct carry not only pen-

alties, but stigma that could end their respective careers in the medical field.

“My charge to you is to dedicate yourself to duty and to play by the rules,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the world is changing at a rapidly increased pace, in which once accepted norms are being challenged.

“In today’s global village every life matters and each life makes a difference, both locally in their community and the world at large,” he said.

Texila University has provided a foundation for the global worldview which the students

must have to survive in today’s world, the Prime Minister said, noting that they should be the global decision-makers.

Speaking on the issue of healthcare in Guyana, he said on Friday evening, he listened to several Members of Parliament as they bemoaned that persons have to pay a tax on medical services at private clinics and hospitals.

According to him, he questioned whether the advocates for private medical service did not advocate a cut in consultation fee, in the interest of the poor.

“Why did they not call for

a cut to heavy mark-ups by the pharmaceutical companies, and for a decrease in profits by medical personnel in private practice,” he asked.

In the same vein, he asked why such cuts were not made in the interest of the poor and deprived, “in whose interest the oath was taken”.

The Prime Minister asked the graduates that they consider such matters which he noted will confront them in future.

“I am sure that you will all make money in due course, but first you must follow your dream, be faithful to duty,” he said.

He applauded the efforts of the students and the sacrifices which were made by them and their parents, as well as the support they received from other loved ones.

“I ask that you give a round of applause for your efforts and for aiming to reach the furthest star in the horizon,” he told the students.

The Texila American University is part of a global con-

glomerate, Texila American University Limited, Hong Kong (TAU-HK), which also owns Texila Education Management Services (TEMS), USA; Texila Global Consulting Services, United Arab Emirates; and SAKSHI Education and Consulting and Training Limited in India.

The university began operations in Guyana in 2010 with a class of seven students at the Critchlow Labour College, Woodford Avenue, Georgetown, before moving to establish a campus at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, due to a growing student population.

Today, the university accommodates some 600 students with the student population growing on an average of some 150 students each year.

Construction of a new stateof-the-art campus is due to be completed by the end of this year, a senior official of the institution said in November.

Texila is investing a sum of US$20M to build the new campus, hostel and a hospital.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 12, 2016

Jaguars lose late wickets ...

From back page score of 48-2, and maintained their intent of frustrating the Guyanese, taking their third-wicket partnership to 83.

They succeeded for 58 minutes into the day’s play, and built on their solid platform with relative ease, facing little pressure either from the Guyanese bowlers or from the pink ball that did

not do much in the air.

While Shivnarine Chanderpaul was guilty of a dropped catch when he gave Hope a life on 30, at first slip off the lively Joseph, Reifer bowled a terrible spell in which he struggled for line and length, and bowled a number of no-balls.

Both batsmen were allowed to score freely until Motie ended the partnership when he had the 28-year-old Brooks caught at the wicket for 41. His innings lasted for 79 balls, 119 minutes, and he reached the boundary on seven occasions.

Royston Chase joined Hope and greeted Joseph with three fours:two off of edges and one was an au-

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Shai Hope thoritative cover drive,all easily, off just 74 balls, with in one over.He then loft- seven fours and two sixes. ed Motie over the long on H o w e v e r, P e r m a u l boundary before Hope reg- broke the 77-run stand on istered his seventh fifty at the stroke of dinner when this level by lifting Motie Chase played forward, and for a six over the long-on in the process overbalanced, boundary. His fifty came up allowing Anthony Bramble off 126 balls, 165 minutes, to pull off a neat stumping. with eight fours and a six.

He batted for 91 minutes and The West Indies pair faced 93 balls. continued in solid fashion, After the break, the with Chase, who earlier 23-year-old Hope and in the year became the S h a n e D o w r i c h m a d e fourth West indies player the most of ideal batting to score a century and take conditions and frustratfive wickets in a Test (137 ed the Guyanese attack not out and 5-121 against for 70 minutes before India), in particular quick the hosts broke through, to pounce on anything that when Permaul removed was short or wide.

Hope, through a topThe 24-year-old glided edged sweep. His innings his way to a half-century spanned 288 minutes, 231 that seemed to come far too balls, inclusive of 10 fours

and a six.

Jonathan Carter was then dismissed, bowled by Motie without scoring, after which the second new ball was taken at the 89th over, and although it was a tough slog for the pacers, Joseph was impressive in his diligence. His eye-catching pace accounted for the removal of Dowrich (44), with the final ball of the second session.

Justin Greaves was then greeted with a vicious bouncer from Joseph, who was unlucky not to add to his wicket tally, after regulation catches offered by Stoute were put down by Barnwell and Leon Johnson respectively in the slip corridor.

However, Greaves (20) and Stoute (26), were both removed in quick succession

by Permaul before Barnwell trapped last man, Kemar Roach leg before wicket.

The hosts were in immediate trouble when discarded West Indies opener Chandrika was trapped leg before wicket by the first ball of the innings from Roach.

Hetymer, who survived a chance on three, and together with Johnson took the score to 28 before Johnson was taken at extra cover off Chase.

However, the former West Indies Under-19 captain and Motie survived to the end.

SCOREBOARD BARBADOS Pride 1st innings (O/N 38-2) K Brathwaite c wk Bramble b Joseph 6 A Alleyne c Chandrika b Reifer 8 S Hope c Johnson b Permaul 70 S Brooks c wk Bramble b Motie 41 R Chase st Bramble b Permaul 57 S Dowrich c Hetymer b Joseph 44 J Carter b Motie 0 K Stoute lbw b Permaul 26 J Greaves b Permaul 20 K Roach lbw b Barnwell 1 J Warrican not out 1 Extras: (nb-9, b-5) 14 Total: (all out; 104.1 overs) 288 Fall of Wickets: 1-15, 2-17, 3-100, 4-177, 5-210, 6-210, 7-243, 8-277, 9-286, 10-288 Bowlers: Joseph 20-2-70-2, Reifer 17-44-59-1, Barnwell 9.1-1-31-1, Permaul 34-16-68-4, Motie 24-10-55-2 GUYANA JAGUARS 2nd innings R Chandrika lbw b Roach S Hetymer not out L Johnson c Brooks b Chase G Motie not out Extras: (nb-4) Total: (for the loss of two wickets; 10 overs) Fall of Wickets: 1-0, 2-28 Bowlers: Roach 5-1-14-1, Chase 5-1-18-1

0 14 13 1 4 32

Local boxers add five more ...

From back page to stop his fight against Barbados’ Derek Hymer during the first round.

Desmond Amsterdam then added another gold medal to Guyana’s tally as he secured a third round Technical Knock-Out win over Jamaica’s Jonathan Hanson in their middleweight contest of the Elite category.

Guyana’s Elite category super heavyweight boxer Jason Barker then crowned the evening off with a 3-0 win against Jamaica’s Ricardo Brown.

Guyana’s other Elite

boxer, Keeve Allicock, who was on show on Saturday and from whom much was expected had to settle for a silver medal as he lost via TKO in the second round in his flyweight contest against Barbados’ Jabali Breedy.

The five gold medals that the locals won on Saturday evening added to the four they had earlier won during the early stage of the competition.

The successful `gold’ hunt was started by Isaiah Moore who was the lone junior boxer on tour and who competed in the flyweight division.

Moore forced the referee

to stop his flyweight contest against Barbados’ Roshawn Holder in the first round of their final.

Then followed Kevin Allicock who forced the referee to stop his flyweight contest in the Youth division during the first round against Barbados’ Stephan Harding,to claim gold.

That was on Thursday evening. The following night (Friday), Akeem Mounter, fighting in the light heavyweight division of the Youth category, secured a 3-0 points decision victory over Anguilla’s Curlian Richardson.

As though that was not enough `gold’ for one night,

Guyana’s Elite category representative Clairmont Gibson sought and found even more `gold’ as be out foxed and out-boxed Barbados’ Ajayi Jones, winning by a 3-0 points verdict.

To d a t e , w i t h o n l y Markember Pierre to stamp his authority, the locals are almost certain to win overall championship honours.

The boxers are being guided by coaches Sebert Blake (head coach) and assistant coaches Adrian Thompson and Clifton Moore.

The team manager is Guyana Boxing Association’s vice-president Maurice Rajkumar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

England face defeat after Kohli’s career-best 235

… Jayant Yadav completes maiden Test ton

By Sudipto Ganguly | MUMBAI,(Reuters)-India captain Virat Kohli struck a sublime double century before his bowlers picked up six England wickets to put the hosts on course for a series-clinching victory in the fourth and penulti-

nary to even save the match following Kohli’s batting masterclass.

India piled on 631 in their first innings on the fourth day, a lead of 231 runs over England, after Kohli’s third double century of the year.

The touring side were

Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed first-innings centurion Keaton Jennings for a golden duck and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja sent back England captain Alastair Cook for 18 and Moeen Ali for nought to leave England tottering at 49-3 at tea.

Virat Kohli and Jayant Yadav added an India record eighth-wicket stand, with kohli hitting 235 and Yadav 104 in Mumbai on the fourth day. mate Test at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday.

Trailing 2-0 in the series, England needed a win in Mumbai to keep alive the series but the tourists now require something extraordi-

182 for six in their second innings at stumps, still trailing by 49. Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 50 with nightwatchman Jake Ball falling for two in the last over before the close.

Joe Root and Bairstow hit brisk fifties during their stand of 92 for the fourth wicket before the former fell leg before to off-spinner Jayant Yadav for 77.

The wickets of Ben

Stokes, who made 18, and Ball to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin towards the end further dampened England’s hopes of saving the match.

Bairstow was given out by umpire Bruce Oxenford first on 32 and then on 37 but the England wicketkeeper managed to overturn the decisions both times on review.

KOHLI DOUBLE Earlier, the 28-yearold Kohli was out for a career-best 235 and added 241 for the eighth wicket, the highest for India, with Yadav, who scored 104, his maiden Test hundred.

Kohli, who was on 147 overnight, and Yadav continued to torment the England bowlers who went wicketless in the first session after India resumed on 451 for seven.

The right-handed batsman has now scored a double hundred in all three series India have played in 2016 -- in West Indies, against New Zealand and now against England.

Kohli, who has already

scored 640 runs in the series at an average of 128, drove Ball for a straight four on the fifth delivery of the day to get past 150, signalling another harrowing session for the England bowlers.

Kohli, who hit 25 fours and a six in his knock, got past his 200 with a single to mid-wicket off leg-spinner Adil Rashid but his celebration was quite muted compared to when he completed his hundred on Saturday.

He raised both his hands while completing the run and took off his helmet before acknowledging the applause from the sizeable Sunday crowd at the ground, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Kohli accelerated after the fall of Yadav and was out caught at the cover boundary off Chris Woakes.

Yadav, whose previous highest score was 55, hit 15 boundaries in his knock and looked in discomfort only against a couple of short deliveries from the England fast bowlers.

Rashid finished with four wickets.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND1st innings 400 (K. Jennings 112, J. Buttler 76, M. Ali 50; R. Ashwin 6-112, R. Jadeja 4-109) India 1st innings (Overnight: 451-7) L. Rahul b Ali 24 M. Vijay c&b Rashid 136 C. Pujara b Ball 47 V. Kohli c Anderson b Woakes 235 K. Nair lbw b Ali 13 P. Patel c Bairstow b Root 15 R. Ashwin c Jennings b Root 0 R. Jadeja c Buttler b Rashid 25 J. Yadav st Bairstow b Rashid 104 B. Kumar c Woakes b Rashid 9 U. Yadav not out 7 Extras: (b-5 lb-8 w-3) 16 Total: (all out, 182.3 overs) 631 Fall of wickets: 1-39 L. Rahul,2-146 C. Pujara,3-262 M. Vijay,4-279 K. Nair,5-305 P. Patel,6-307 R. Ashwin,7-364 R. Jadeja,8-605 J. Yadav,9-615 V. Kohli,10-631 B. Kumar Bowling: J. Anderson 20 - 5 - 63 – 0, C. Woakes 16 - 2 - 79 - 1(w2), M. Ali 53 - 5 - 174 – 2, A. Rashid 55.3 - 5 - 192 – 4, J. Ball 18 - 5 - 47 - 1(w-1), B. Stokes 10 - 2 - 32 – 0, J. Root 10 - 2 - 31 – 2.

ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook lbw b Jadeja 18 K. Jennings lbw b B. Kumar 0 J. Root lbw b Yadav 77 M. Ali c Vijay b Jadeja 0 J. Bairstow not out 50 B. Stokes c Vijay b R. Ashwin 18 J. Ball c P. Patel b R. Ashwin 2 Extras: (b-13 lb-2 nb-2) 17 Total: (for 6 wickets, 47.3 overs) 182 Fall of wickets: 1-1 K. Jennings,2-43 A. Cook,3-49 M. Ali,4141 J. Root,5-180 B. Stokes,6-182 J. Ball To bat: C. Woakes, A. Rashid, J. Anderson, J. Buttler Bowling: B. Kumar 4 - 1 - 11 – 1, U. Yadav 3 - 0 - 10 - 0, R. Jadeja 18 - 3 - 58 - 2(nb-1), R. Ashwin 16.3 - 1 - 49 – 2, J. Yadav 6 - 0 39 - 1(nb-1)

Costa cracker fires Chelsea back on top on low-scoring day LONDON,(Reuters)Saturday’s Premier League goal glut turned into a trickle yesterday but Diego Costa’s class still shone through as he fired Chelsea to a ninth win in a row and back to the top of the table.

The Spain international’s fine second-half strike at Stamford Bridge secured a 1-0 victory over a defensive West Bromwich Albion that restored the Blues’ three-point advantage over Arsenal.

The Gunners had taken the overnight lead on goals scored after coming from behind to defeat Stoke City 3-1 at the Emirates.

All six home teams in action on Saturday scored at

least three goals, with Jamie Vardy bagging a hat-trick as champions Leicester City returned to form with a 4-2 home win against Manchester City.

sive error to break the deadlock with a superb shot into the top left corner in the 76th minute.

It was the league top scorer’s 12th goal of the

said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. “We played with passion. West Brom is a tough team, a physical team who are difficult to break down. It was a good win and

Diego Costa With the game heading for a goalless stalemate, Costa seized on a defen-

campaign, as many as he netted in all of last season.

“It was a tough game,”

now we must continue.

“We have won nine in a row which is fantastic

because this league is very tough. We are working very well.”

Chelsea’s scoreline in yesterday’s early match was reflected later at Old Trafford and St Mary’s with Manchester United and Southampton seeing off Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough respectively by the same margin.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan opened his league account for Jose Mourinho’s United, days after scoring his first for the club in the Europa League, with a sizzling first half strike.

The Armenian midfielder’s afternoon ended painfully, however, when he was taken off on a stretcher with 10 minutes remaining after a heavy tackle left him clutching his ankle.

United remained sixth with 24 points, three behind fifth-placed Tottenham who might otherwise have overtaken Manchester City on goal difference.

Third-placed Liverpool, four points behind Arsenal, were playing s t r u g g l i n g We s t H a m United at Anfield in the later kickoff.

Southampton recovered from the disappointment of their midweek Europa League elimination to return to winning ways in the Premier League.

Their goal came in the 53rd minute when Sofiane Boufal picked the ball up from James WardProwse and unleashed an unstoppable left-foot shot to claim his first league goal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Why Kohli is a better leader than Smith

By Ian Chappell

VIRAT Kohli and Steven Smith are both very successful young batsman-captains.

It’s interesting to debate which is more important: the batting or the captaincy?

There’s one major reason why most captains are batsmen rather than bowlers. It’s easier for them to separate their primary skill from the leadership role.

A batting captain has little else to concentrate on, when he’s batting, other than scoring runs. It’s only when a declaration is in the offing - and then only if he’s at the crease - that he has to concern himself with other matters.

When the batsman-captain is on the field, he can concentrate solely on bowling changes and field placements.

Not surprisingly, a few of the captains who have been good bowlers have enjoyed

great leadership success.

Richie Benaud and Imran Khan are two who readily leap to mind. Imran believed that to be a good captain you must understand bowling, and it’s hard to refute his logic.

In the cases of Kohli and Smith, they are at least part-time bowlers, which helps them understand and have sympathy for what the bowler is trying to achieve.

This is where a captain can veer off the rails. It’s not his job to tell the bowler what he should be doing and where to place his field.

That’s not a sign of a strong captain, rather of one lacking understanding.

The captain only need ask a bowler how he’s trying to dismiss the batsman and the field placings should then easily fall into place.

Field placement, especially as it relates to a spinner, is something that needs to be sorted out prior to going onto the field. It’s counter-

productive for captain and bowler to be having serious debates over where the field should be while the match is in progress.

For a captain who understands bowling - and especially in relation to spinners - the original placing of the field and any resultant changes should come fairly naturally. If it doesn’t then the bowler and the team are in trouble.

Both Kohli and Smith have been more successful batsmen after they assumed the role of captain. This indicates the selectors have chosen wisely, as it’s crucial to anoint a player who will be buoyed, rather than weighed down, by the extra responsibility.

This makes the Indian and Australian method of choosing the captain far better than the one England employed in the days of amateur and professional players.

Back then, England of-

ten chose the captain (usually an amateur) first, followed by the rest of the team. Nowadays it’s commonplace to appoint the

Despite being a part-time spinner himself, Steven Smith has struggled to use his main spinner, Nathan Lyon, effectively. (Cricket Australia/Getty Images).

captain from the chosen XI. Both Kohli and Smith have successfully managed the priority of being batting captains. Never forget that making a mountain of runs is a sure way to lead by example.

Kohli has displayed the ability to lift his already

Priyanna Ramdhani dominates on opening day of Woodpecker badminton tourney

THE National Gymnasium is the venue for the seventh annual Woodpecker Products Badminton Christmas Singles which commenced last Saturday. The Tournament saw a lot of young players in the Under-11, 13, 19 as well as in the Seniors Open, in both the Male and Female category.

On day one it was Priyanna Ramdhani who dominated the Under-19 and Open Ladies singles. She reached both female finals and demonstrated her skills by making it to the quarter finals of the Open Men’s singles,losing a close match to Javid Rahaman.

In the Under-11 Boys Singles Quarter-Finals, Jeremy Tenpow defeated Natham Nickram 21-8, 21-6 while Omar Samad defeated Demetri Lowe 21-12, 21-12 and Justin Tenpow defeated Nikhil Sookraj 21-11, 21-11.

In the Under-11 Boys Singles Semi-Finals,Jeremy Tenpow defeated Avinash Ramnarine 21-13, 21-13 and Omar Samad defeated

Part of the action in Woodpecker badminton tourney.

Justin Tenpow: 21-9, 21-10 while the Under-11 Girls Singles Semi-Finals saw Haily Choo-A-Fat defeating Mishka Beharry 21-14.

The Under-13 Boys Singles Finals saw Vikash Mootoo defeating Matthew Beharry: 21-5, 21-5 while in the Under-13 Girls Singles Semi-Finals,Lesha Singh defeated Lathika Kendavel: 21-15, 21-19 and Elesa Sangster defeated Sasha Singh: 21-14, 23-

25,21- 16.

In the Under-19 Boys Singles Finals,Jonathan Mangra defeated Akili Haynes: 21-17, 21-15 while in the Under-19 Girls Semi-Finals,Ambika Ramraj defeated Crystal Singh: 21-7, 21-1.

The Open Mens Singles first Round saw Ronald Chang Yuen defeating Cecil Abrams: 21-10, 21-11 while Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Akili Haynes: 21-8,

high standard in times of need, and there was no better example than his second-innings century against Australia at Adelaide Oval.

21-14.

Moving into the Open M e n ’s S i n g l e s Q u a rter-Finals,Ronald Chang Yuen defeated Darrell Carpenay: 21-14, 21-12 and Javid Rahaman defeated Priyanna Ramdhani:18-21,21-14,21-16.

In the Open Men Singles Semi-Finals,Nicholas Ali defeated Ronald Chang Yuen: 21-17, 21-12 while Javid Rahaman defeated Jonathan Mangra: 24-22, 21-16.

In the final event of the day, Ambika Ramraj defeated Greer Jackson: 21-16, 14-21, 21-17 and Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Greer Jackson: 21-17, 21-11, in the Open Ladies Singles Round Robin.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) would like to thank Ms. Fernandes of Woodpecker Products for assisting with the development of Badminton and Sports in Guyana. The GBA thanks Banks DIH for providing refreshments.

The tournament concluded yesterday.

Not only was it an inspirational innings, it firmly declared his hand as a captain who would try to win the game for as long as humanly possible.

Even when his team was going through a horror patch of five successive Test losses, Smith remained the side’s

most consistent batsman. His defiant 48 not out in Hobart, when everyone around him succumbed to the relentless South African attack, was a great example of a captain who refused to wilt.

One area where Kohli has shaded Smith is in the handling of spinners. Under his leadership R Ashwin has prospered as the leader of India’s attack. In contrast, there have been times when Nathan Lyon has struggled to the point where his selection was in doubt until he produced a much-improved effort in Adelaide.

It should be a fascinating contest between these two evolving captains when they clash in early 2017.

With both aspects - batting and captaincy - of equal importance, it will be the one who provides plenty of runs and inspiration for his bowlers who will be holding aloft the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Controversy swirls around TTCB sex abuse investigation An investigation into allegations of the sexual assault of a national youth cricketer by a local cricket official in Trinidad and Tobago is said to have been completed with the result to be made public soon, but not before the injection of additional controversy.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath Vice President of the TTCB Patrick Rampersad, told the Sunday Guardian said the matter was a sensitive one, and that was investigation was completed by a two-man committee and will soon be submitted to the executive of the TTCB. After that it will be made public.

However, according to a press release from national league representative, Dinanath Ramnarine, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has been attempting to cover the matter up.

“As members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, we are outraged to learn that the President of the TTCB, Mr. Azim Bassarath,

received a complaint from the alleged victim five months ago which was promptly swept under the carpet,” the Ramnarine release said.

“We wish to state categorically that at no time was anyone of us, as board members, informed by the TTCB leadership on this issue. We understand that, now that the allegation has been made public, TTCB President Mr. Azim Bassarath and Second Vice President, Mr. Lalman Kowlessar met with the player this morning and promised “action”. In light of their failure to act for five months, we have absolutely no confidence in anything being done and consider their response to be cheap public relations.”

Ramnarine stated that the player filed a written report of sexual misconduct to the manager of the T&T Under 19 team on or around July 2016 during the Under 19 tournament in St. Vincent.

Some time passed and the player noted that he did not get a response from the team manager and made inquiries as to what progress was being made.

The manager reportedly replied saying he had submitted a copy of the report to the TTCB president about a week after they returned home. Further inquiries yielded no further news.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Centurion Jayant happy to stay at nine JAYANT Yadav is in no hurry to move up the batting order, despite making history with the first century by an India number nine.

In just his third Test appearance, off-spinning all-rounder Jayant compiled 104 in Mumbai on Sunday and shared in a record-breaking partnership of 241 for India’s eighth wicket with skipper Virat Kohli (235).

Jayant also went on to claim the key scalp of Joe Root as India, after claiming a mammoth first-innings lead of 231 through their lower-order heroics, reduced England to 182-6.

Reflecting on his batting, the 26-year-old – who boasts a double-century in first-class cricket from number nine – insisted he is not seeking a promotion, having registered impressive scores of 35, 27 not out and 55 in the three innings that preceded his maiden Test ton. “ I s c o re d m y d o u -

Jayant Yadav

ble-hundred at number nine; I scored my first Test hundred at number nine; I am happy at number

nine,” said Jayant.

Jayant also hailed the input of Kohli, who continued his supreme form by posting

the biggest score by an India captain in Tests.

“I just had a very good mindset with Virat. Whenever you are batting with Virat things feel much easier and he made everything more comfortable,” Jayant told Sky Sports.

“It was just a great partnership. Watching Virat batting, it’s completely different from the television. You feed off his energy, you feed off his mindset.”

Jayant was particularly pleased to shine with the bat after failing to make an impression in England’s first innings.

“I think if you can contribute with any skill you should work on it and I’ve been working on it,” he said of his batting.

“I really take pride [in my batting]. In the first innings I went wicket-less, so I wanted to contribute with the bat.”

(Omnisport.com)

GAWA begins course for Level One coaches THE Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (G.A.W.A) began its threeday weightlifting course for Level one coaches on Saturday.

The course facilitator is world renowned sports scientist, Dr Kyle Pierce of the Louisiana State University, Shreveport Louisiana U.S.A. Saturday’s event began with welcoming and opening remarks from Frank Tucker,president of the G.A.W.A. Also present to give remarks were Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Vice president of the Guyana Olympic Association,Mr Noel Adonis Tw e n t y p a r t i c i p a n t s from various organisations

Scene from the session yesterday

and gyms around the country were present.

The course is financed by the Pan American

Weightlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation and successful partici-

pants will be Pan American Certified level one coaches on conclusion of the course.

Pakistan coach Arthur plots demise of former team Australia

By Ian Ransom | MELBOURNE,(Reuters)-The merry-go-round of coaching jobs in international cricket inevitably leads to awkward reunions but few could be more thorny than Mickey Arthur’s encounter with his old team Australia.

Three years after being sacked as the side’s head coach, the South African will hope to guide Pakistan to a breakthrough Test series win Down Under, with the first match starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Coaches rarely get to choose the manner of their exit but Arthur’s dismissal was especially acrimonious, and the trigger for a high-profile severance claim against his former employers Cricket Australia(CA).

He was less than two years into the post when his tenure began to unravel during the 2013 tour of India where Michael Clarke’s team were whitewashed 4-0.

Four players were stood down for a test during the infamous ‘homework-gate’ scandal and months later, opening batsman David Warner punched England’s Joe Root at a bar on a boozy night out during the Champions Trophy tournament in London.

With team discipline appearing in complete disarray, Arthur was dismissed three weeks before the Ashes and replaced by Darren Lehmann, who remains Australia’s coach.

A resident of Perth for over six years, Arthur said he felt no extra motivation in beating the home side.

“We just want to win every Test series we play,” the 48-year-old told local media in Brisbane.

But he was aggrieved by the dismissal and the blow smarted for years.

A leak of his testimony during his legal challenge against Cricket Australia painted the team as dysfunctional and riven by a personality clash between captain Clarke and vice- captain Shane Watson.

He later described his coaching environment as “suffocating” in a book last year and said Lehmann was the ultimate benefactor of his dismissal, given the autonomy that Arthur said he personally craved but was never afforded.

Three years on, Arthur faces an Australian team emerging from another crisis but with head coach Lehmann given the chance to right the ship.

CHANGED PERSONNEL Arthur may have intimate knowledge of the Australian system, but the personnel have changed.

Of the team he coached to a fourth consecutive Test loss in India in 2013, only captain Steve Smith, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, Warner and spinner Nathan Lyon are likely to face Pakistan at the Gabba.

While coaching Pakistan to a 2-0 Test series loss in New Zealand last month, Arthur would have noted with interest how South Africa were able to humble Australia 2-1 on home pitches, without pace spearhead Dale Steyn and regular captain AB de Villiers.

He would have recognised the criticism that rained down on the Australian team from pundits and former players and washed away chairman of selectors Rod Marsh and a string of under-performing players.

Most familiar to Arthur, however, may be Australia’s ability to regenerate and come roaring out of the abyss.

Within a year of his sacking, Australia whitewashed England 5-0, enjoyed a rare series win in South Africa and re-captured the top ranking in tests.

Last month, a raw Australian team featuring four debutants thrashed the Proteas in the dead rubber test in Adelaide, giving home fans hope of another quick renaissance.

“Every team has got a cycle so it happens to every team,” Arthur said of the home side’s run of five losses from six matches.

Since taking the Pakistan job in May, Arthur has played a part in the south Asians’ own revival, which has included taking the top Tetst ranking for the first time in August following the 2-2 draw in England.

It was a brief reign and they have since slipped to fourth on the table behind third-ranked Australia after their disappointing New Zealand tour.

No team from the subcontinent has ever won a Test series in Australia but Arthur has form breaking droughts, and led the Proteas to a first series win in the country in 2008.

“For these guys to come here and win would be amazing,” he said. “We are under no illusions. Australia are a fantastic cricket team and, in these conditions, it’s going to be very tough for them.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Kohli joins greats with another double VIRAT Kohli has joined some of the greats of the game in posting his third Test double century of the year, punishing England’s bowlers at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Kohli is just the fifth man to score three Test scores of 200 or more in a calendar year, joining Sir Donald Bradman (1930), Ricky Ponting (2003), Michael Clarke (2012) and Brendon McCullum (2014).

Having never scored more than 169 at Test level before

this year, Kohli has peeled off scores of 200 against the West Indies in Antigua, 211 against New Zealand in Indore and he was unbeaten on 212 at lunch on day four in Mumbai. He is the first man to score a double century in three consecutive series in the same year.

Kohli has also now scored more than 2500 runs this year across all formats, only the 11th player to do so.

While none of the previous 11 had averaged 70 in that year, Kohli’s average for the year was 91.32 at lunch on

the fourth day.

The Indian skipper’s performance in Mumbai earned high praise from some greats of the game, with former captain Sunil Gavaskar labelling it “one of the best centuries that I have seen”.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also called Kohli “a genius”.

Kohli has been a revelation since he took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in late 2014; in 21 matches as skipper he now has eight Test centuries, including three

doubles, and his average of 66.87 as skipper is the second-highest of any player to have been captain in 20 or more Tests, behind only Bradman’s extraordinary mark of 101.51 By lunch on day four, Kohli had tallied 617 runs for the series, the second-most ever for a series between India and England and the most on Indian soil.

Graham Gooach’s mark of 752 runs in 1990, scored in just three Tests, is the record.

Thumbs up: Virat Kohli was all smiles on reaching his double century on the fourth day in Mumbai.

Joshua beats Molina to set up Klitschko clash

BRITAIN’s Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Eric Molina in Manchester.

Joshua, who was making the second defence of his belt, knocked the American down with a short right before the referee waved the fight off.

The 27-year-old now has 18 knockouts from as many fights and will face

former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on 29 April.

“This is the step-up people have wanted,” said Joshua. “Klitschko wants his belts back and may the best man win.”

Klitschko, who lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts to Tyson Fury last year, stepped through the ropes to speak to Joshua.

“He is the best man in

the division and the excitement speaks for itself,” said the Ukraine fighter. “This is what the fans want and this fight must happen.”

On a busy night of boxing, Dillian Whyte beat Dereck Chisora via a split decision in a stirring WBC heavyweight title eliminator, Britain’s Kal Yafai won the WBA super-flyweight title and Katie Taylor won her second professional fight.

Colours/Guinness greatest in the Street…

Defending champions Sparta Boss move into semi finals - Tucville, Broad Street and Back Circle also advance

SPARTA Boss is on course to take their third Georgetown title in the Guinness greatest of the Street Football Tournament as they moved on to the semi-finals following games on Saturday night.

The champs overcame Camp Street All-Stars 1-0 at the Demerara Park with Courtney Britton’s 21st minute strike securing the berth.

Meanwhile, they will face Back Circle in the second semi-final after the former advanced via similar margin over North East

La Penitence,thanks to Sylvester Richardson who scored in the19th.

Tucville also advanced with a 2-1 win over Leopold Street with Leon Richardson opening the scoring for the eventual winners in the 21st.

Okeene Fraser responded to level things up but Dennis Edwards hammered in the winner to pilot his team into the next round.

The last semi-final spot was picked up by the Broad Street Bullies who outshone Queen Street Tigerbay 2-0, the first of

which was an own goal by the eventual losers while Lennox Court slammed in the second.

Semi-final action is billed for Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

The winners of the leg will cart off $500,000, second place $200,000 , third place $150,000 and fourth place $75,000.

There are also legs billed for the West Coast Demerara, West and East Coast Berbice, Linden and Bartica. (Stephan Sookram)

Eric Molina could not live with Joshua’s speed and power.

The Manchester Arena was a 21,000 sell-out and those in attendance also included former heavyweight world champions Shannon Briggs and David Haye, and WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew.

The first round of the main event featured little action, although Joshua did land with a good left hook on the bell.

With Molina content to spoil, Joshua found it difficult to get off his shots in the second but he finally

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 12, 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) Kumar Sangakarra (DD) (2) Mahmudullah (Khulna Titans) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored in the BPL final 2016?

(2) Who had the best bowling figures in the BPL final 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

found his range in the third, with a devastating outcome.

With Molina pinned in the corner, Joshua chopped him down with a short overhand right and it was a minor miracle that he managed to regain his feet.

But the American only lasted a few more seconds, referee Steve Gray calling a halt to proceedings as Joshua was raining blows upon the challenger.

Before the fight, Molina said WBC champion Deontay Wilder, with whom he lasted nine rounds last year, was the hardest puncher in the division. Having felt the full force of Joshua’s fists, he might have ic changed his mind.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 12, 2016

Elite League’s mid-season climaxes at Buxton today … triple-header starts at 16:00hrs

By Ras Wadada THE first round of matches in the truncated ‘season two’ of the GFFStag Elite League will climax at the Buxton Community ground today with all six teams in action.

The opening act brings together the competition’s leader and winningest team, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the only other unbeaten team, Fruta Conquerors in a top of the table clash filled with expectations.

The two-point lead by the Army, on a maximum 12 points, must be a psychological boost going into what must be their toughest challenge.

Added to that is their

superior goal scoring per game, 18 goals from 4 matches as compared to the second placed Conquerors

Delroy Fraser who have netted exactly half that amount from the same amount of games.

T h e Tu c v i l l e - b a s e d unit, however, have conceded just a solitary goal while the GDF have allowed 3 and this afternoon the Conquerors’ back four, led by captain Delano Williams, will be severely tested against the League’s top goal scorers in Sherwyn Caesar (6) and Delroy Fraser (3).

Conquerors’ attack will be spearheaded by Jermin Junor, Eon Alleyne and ‘super-sub’ Kwame La Fleur who have accounted for seven of the team’s nine goals.

The youthful Conquerors squad, with over a week’s rest, must win to top the table after the completion of the first half of the competition while the

Brilliant Dottin pilots Heat to exciting victory SYDNEY, Australia, (CMC) – Barbados and West Indies stroke-maker Deandra Dottin took the Women’s Big Bash league by storm on Sunday, pummelling a stroke-filled half-century to fire her new franchise Brisbane Heat to a commanding five-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers.

Chasing 139 for victory in their opening game of the tournament at the North Sydney Oval, Heat overhauled their target with four balls to spare, with the right-handed Dottin ending unbeaten on 60 off 44 deliveries to earn Player-of-the-Match honours.

Heat were in chaos at 38 for four in the ninth over before Dottin arrived to inspire a 76-run fifth wicket stand with Jess Jonassen, who made 30 from 18 deliveries.

When the left-handed Jonassen, who struck three fours and one six, departed at the end of the 16th over, Heat still needed 25 runs from 24 balls to secure victory.

Both Dottin and Jemma

Deandra Dottin Barsby (9 not out) struck key boundaries to keep Heat in touch with the run rate, and they entered the final over needing just five for victory.

Dottin then made sure of the result, smashing consecutive boundaries off the first two deliveries of the final over sent down by off-spinner Lauren Smith.

All told, Dottin counted nine fours and a six in what was her career-best in the Big Bash following an underwhelming last campaign.

Earlier, she had taken two for 24 from three overs of medium pace to help limit Sixers to 138 for six off her 20 overs.

Alyssa Healy top-scored with 48 off 42 deliveries in a 74-run opening stand with Ellyse Perry who made a run-a-ball 42.

In the second game of the triple-header, Dottin’s Barbados and West Indies teammate, Hayley Matthews shone with the ball but failed with the bat as her Hobart Hurricanes crashed to a 17run defeat to Perth Scorchers.

She grabbed two for 19 from her four overs of offspin as Scorchers reached 142 for four but then made just nine as Hurricanes could muster only 125 for nine from their 20 overs.

Army, with three days to recover, only needs a draw to maintain pole position at the top.

The second game set for 18:00hrs is anticipated to be highly competitive as well, with Victoria Kings matching skills against longtime rival, Monedderlust FC who gave an impressive performance last Friday while losing 3-1 to the Army.

Earlier on the same night,the Kings battled to their second stalemate when they were held to a 1-1 tie by Top XX. Victory this evening is important to both sides as they seek to make the top four, but the Kings on five points can advance with another draw while Monedderlust on 3

points must win to stay in contention.

The final match should be entertaining as the improving Top XX aim to join the rest of the teams by registering their first win of the season. The bottom side missed the opportunity to secure their first win at Number Five Village last Friday and no doubt will be inspired to end the first stanza of the League on a winning note.

The Buxtonians, on 3 points, know that a win tonight will assure them of a spot in the final four and that is their mission as they host their first game of the season which has so far served up 42 goals from the 12 games played.

After tonight’s matches the teams will take a lengthy break until next February,when the League will resume with the top four

Kwame La Fleur

play-offs before the start of the second half of the GFFStag Elite League.

Teams will also be busy signing new players in the month of January when the transfer window will be opened so that teams can be strengthened for the second half of the League.

Theophile, Ambris put Volcanoes in command ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Tyrone Theophile perished agonisingly short of another first class hundred but teammate Sunil Ambris was eyeing his third, as Windward Islands Volcanoes conjured up their best performance of the new Regional Four-Day Championship, to take command of their fourth round contest against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Their bowlers first provided the momentum, removing the last four Hurricanes wickets cheaply for 50 runs, as the visitors were dismissed for 259 in their first innings here Sunday.

And armed with a lead of 34 runs, Volcanoes marched to the close on 311 for six, to be 345 runs ahead going into the final day of the game at Windsor Par Sunil Ambris was unbeaten on 84 while Tyrone Theophile fell for 96 with his third first class hundred within touching distance.

Taryck Gabriel chipped in with 30 and West Indies limited overs batsman Johnson Charles, 28.

Volcanoes batted well in partnerships, with Theophile anchoring two key stands up front. He put on 68 for the first wicket with veteran left-

hander Devon Smith (22) and a further 53 with Charles for the second wicket.

Unbeaten on 47 at lunch, Theophile upped the tempo afterwards, taking the attack to West Indies seamer Alzarri Joseph, as he raced to 96 on the stroke of the drinks break.

But a lapse in concentration followed in the first over after the resumption and he skied a mis-timed stroke of pacer Gavin Tonge for Haydn Walsh to take the catch at 153 for three.

Theophile struck 13 fours and two sixes and faced a mere 113 balls.

Ambris then produced a patient knock to control the game for Volcanoes. He put on 74 for the fifth wicket with Gabriel and another 32 with Kyle Mayers (12) for the sixth wicket.

He has so far faced 146 balls balls in 170 minutes at the crease and counted three fours.

Earlier, wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton failed in his bid to reach his fourth first class century when he fell for 94 after resuming the day on 77.

Shane Shillingford finished with five for 96 while captain and fellow off-spin-

ner Liam Sebastien picked up four for 78.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES 1st Innings 293 Hurricanes 1st Innings (overnight 209 for six) *K Powell c Mayers b Matthews 2 M Hodge c Charles b Sebastien 76 A Saunders c Charles b Shillingford 1 C Hughes lbw b Shillingford 20 N Bonner hit wkt b Sebastien 5 +J Hamilton c Charles b Shillingford 94 R Cornwall lbw b Sebastien 18 J Taylor st Ambris b Sebastien 18 H Walsh Jr c Sebastien b Shillingford 4 G Tonge not out 1 A Joseph c Robinson b Shillingford 0 Extras: (b6, lb1, nb4) 11 TOTAL: (all out, 97.5 overs) 259 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-12, 3-48, 4-69, 5-185, 6-209, 7-245, 8-245, 9-259, 10-259.

Bowling: Johnson 11-3-20-0, Mayers 10-3-27-0, Matthew 9-315-1, Shillingford 37.5-10-96-5, Sebastien 27-5-78-4, Theophile 3-0-16-0.

VOLCANOES 2nd Innings D Smith c Powell b Cornwall 22 T Theophile c Walsh Jr b Tonge 96 J Charles c wkp Hamilton b Cornwall 28 J Robinson c Cornwall b Powell 9 +S Ambris not out 84 T Gabriel c Saunders b Taylor 30 K Mayers b Cornwall 12 S Shillingford not out 19 Extras: (b7, lb2, w2) 11 TOTAL: (6 wkts, 78 overs) 311 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-121, 3-153, 4-171, 5-245, 6-277.

Bowling: Joseph 11-1-56-0, Tonge 8-1-35-1, Cornwall 29-3104-3, Walsh Jr 11-1-43-0, Powell 6-0-29-1, Taylor 13-0-35-1.

Position: Volcanoes lead by 354 runs overall.

Elite League’s mid-season climaxes at Buxton today

… triple-header starts at 16:00hrs See story on page 35

PCL 4-Day Tournament …

Veerasammy Permaul claimed 4 for 68

Jaguars lose late wickets after restricting Pride

(13) squandered their wickets to hand the Barbadians the advantage.

Earlier, Test batsman Shai Hope (70) and Royston Chase (57) stroked contrasting half-centuries but the Jaguars’ bowlers fought back to secure a slim 23-run first innings lead.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was the main wicket-taker in the hosts’ bowling attack with 4-48. He received support from fellow left-arm spinner Motie (2-55) and pacer Keon Joseph (270). Medium pacers Raymon Reifer and Christopher Barnwell were the other successful bowlers.

AT the start of the day, Hope and Shamarh Brooks continued from their overnight

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Jaguars led Barbados Pride by 55 runs with eight second innings wickets in hand at the end of the penultimate day of the Day/Night fourth round Regional Four-Day Championship fixture.

Batting a second time,the hosts reached 32-2, when bails were lifted at 22:20hrs last evening at the Guyana National Stadium.

Opener,Shimron Hetymer,and night watchman Gudakesh Motie will resume today on 14 and one respectively.

After bowling the visitors out for 288, the hosts struggled in their second innings, and in the closing stages, Rajendra Chandrika (0) and Leon Johnson

Jonathan Carter bowled by Gudakesh Motie (not in picture) without scoring. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

See page 30

Second Caribbean Boxing Development Tournament

Local boxers add five more gold medals and a silver to Guyana’s medal tally AFTER bagging four gold medals during the first four nights of competition in the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Barbados, Guyanese boxers added a further five gold medals and a silver to their overall tally, assuring them of overall championships honours.

According to reports from Barbados, winning gold medals for Guyana on Saturday evening were Christopher Moore,who contested in the lightweight division and he secured a 3-0 ver-

Desmond Amsterdam

dict against Grenada’s Nelson Cyrus.

Joel Williamson, fighting in the finals of the lightweight division in the Elite category, forced the referee to stop his contest against Jamaica’s Ricardo Carter,to win gold.

Guyana’s lightweight Colin Lewis,contesting the light welterweight division of the Elite category,caused the referee

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See page 30 MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016