Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12 19 2016 by Guyana Chronicle

Moruca 13 residents get street lights Page

No. 104770

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Price: $80

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Guyana-Suriname boundary

Page

No early end in sight 3

––Suriname yet to consult the Netherlands to open archives

Bandit shot, accomplice arrested in Campbellville robbery Page5

Guyanese stranded at JFK Page

These children were having fun at the annual Children’s Christmas Party hosted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo at their official residence on Main Street, Georgetown on Sunday (Adrian Persaud photo)

Indian executive explores investments in rice, 3 sugar Page

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Guyana-Suriname boundary

No early end in sight ––Suriname yet to consult the Netherlands to open archives By Ravin Singh THE likelihood of an immediate resolution of the Guyana-Suriname border controversy is seemingly not possible, as no attempt has been made by Suriname to have the Kingdom of the Netherlands open its archives to facilitate research by the two neighbouring countries. This was one of the issues Surinamese President Dési Bouterse was quizzed on at a press conference on Friday, following a one-day working meeting with Guyana’s President David Granger in Georgetown. The two presidents told journalists that the state visit by Bouterse was aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the neighbouring Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states, and President Granger said the two leaders had used the opportunity to address the removal of obstacles which have the potential to contribute to conflicts. Using this statement as a reference point, the Surinam-

Suriname’s President Dési Bouterse (left) and Guyana’s President David Granger ese President was asked if his country had made attempts to have the Kingdom of the Netherlands – its former colonizer – open the relevant archives to facilitate research on the border controversy. The border issue has to do with ownership of the “New River Triangle”, an area of roughly 6000 square miles that is controlled by Guyana. Suriname has laid claim to this area, and refers to it as “Tigri.” Bouterse deems the border issue “a sensitive one for both of our countries.”

He said both countries understand this, and “our countries have their own instruments to gather the information and data, to see how they will analyze this and present it.” However, he did not say specifically whether Suriname had requested that the Kingdom of the Netherlands open the Dutch Archives to facilitate research. Guyana, on the other hand, has already made a large portion of its documents available to Suriname for its scrutiny. This was revealed

by President Granger earlier this year. “Guyana has already made a large portion of its documents available to Suriname for its scrutiny. It is hoped that the Suriname Government will do likewise, by requesting the Government of the Netherlands to open the relevant Dutch Archives to facilitate research by both sides. The British Archives are open to all. Guyana has nothing to hide,” President Granger had said. The Surinamese leader

has not found much favour with authorities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In fact, Netherlands legislators have sought ways to have their Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, arrest Bouterse and extradite him to that country to serve his jail term on cocaine trafficking charges. Convicted in absentia in 1999, Bouterse was given an 11year jail term. Bouterse further stated at the press conference that both countries have a responsibility to collaborate and cooperate with each other in the areas which have been identified, in order to bring about the level of sustainable development each country needs. President Granger has always said that the boundary between Guyana and Suriname was definitively established by 1936. He said earlier this year that there is an agreement as to what constitutes the territory of Guyana and what constitutes the territory of Suriname despite there being no formal treaty that encapsulates that agreement. Guyana is separated from

Suriname by the Corentyne River, which for more than 150 years has been accepted as forming the western boundary of Suriname. Previously known as Dutch Guiana, Suriname was a colony of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In the 1960s it became an integral part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Government of the Kingdom was responsible for its external affairs. Suriname became an independent nation in 1975. President Granger has posited that Suriname having achieved independence after Guyana, “The Netherlands could not have bequeathed to Suriname, at that country’s independence on 25th November, 1975, what it did not possess.” The President has also said routinely that Guyana has no intention of displaying aggression towards its neighbour with which it shares a relationship on three levels: bilateral; at the level of CARICOM; and at the level of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

Indian executive explores investments in rice, sugar

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo poses with Dr. V.R.S. Sampath at the Office of the Prime Minister

PROMINENT Indian lawyer and business executive Dr. V.R.S. Sampath visited Guyana during the past week and held talks with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other key Government and private sector officials, including the Private Sector Commission and the University of Guyana, in regard to bringing investors to Guyana. A release from the Office of the Prime Minister has said that Dr. Sampath, a native of Tamil Nadu, is President of the Madras Development Society and founder of the World Tamils Economic Foundation, both of which network with strategic investors worldwide. He has indicated strong interest in investing in the rice, sugar, granite and Information Communication Technology (ICT) sectors,

Dr. V.R.S. Sampath is making a point while Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister Cathy Hughes listen (Adrian Persaud photos) and in the establishment of a medical school and hospital in Guyana. His visit, aimed at coordinating investor missions to Guyana, follows Prime Minister Nagamootoo’s attendance at the World Tamils Economic Conference in Chennai, India during October last. The Tamil Nadu advo-

cate met with vice-presidents Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and other ministers on Thursday last at Parliament Buildings. He was also chief guest at the Prime Minister’s reception held at his residence on Friday evening.

Dr. Sampath has committed to returning to Guyana in the first quarter of 2017 with a team of investors, to further pursue investment opportunities. During his one-week scouting mission in Guyana, he also visited Berbice, where he looked at the investment potential in the agriculture sector.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

UK greenheart restriction could put pressure on Guyana’s logging economy

By Akola Thompson ON most weekday mornings, 46-year-old Jennifer Edwards wakes up in the town of Kwakwani, deep in the heart of Guyana’s southern logging country. She goes about her morning ritual, sees her family off, and then heads to work at her co-managed logging concession about 30 miles away. It’s tough work, and just getting there is a challenge. “Most of we don’t own vehicles and so, to go in; so we either take a ride in with a logger…or we hire something,” Edwards said in an interview with Mongabay, using Guyanese Creolese, the dialect commonly used among area residents. “Sometimes you hope and pray that someone (is) going (in) your direction, ‘cause to hire something is expensive,” she explained. Involved in the logging industry for more than 25 years, Edwards, a few years back, partnered with 51-yearold Devina Palls, a member of the regional Forest Products Association. Formed in 2001 to help small loggers gain logging concessions, the association now has over 180 members and 16,000 acres under the State Forest Permit. Once on the job, Edwards oversees two workers and

examines and measures greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei) and wamara – or Guyana rosewood – (Swartzia leiocalycina) tree species selected for harvesting. Greenheart is a tropical hardwood particularly suited for marine and freshwater construction, and is crucial to Guyana’s forestry industry. Guyana is one of the few places in the world where greenheart – one of the toughest and most durable woods known to man – can be found. For small logging concession owners, it’s been steady business. Representing 18 per cent of the production of the logging industry, greenheart has, over the past four years, generated exports of US$27 million, according to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). Timber is a major export earner for the small nation of Guyana, and garnered US$45.6 million just last year. The GMSA functions as liaison for various industries with the Government, including forestry and forest products. Yet now the impact of a UK Environment Agency (EA) advisory ban on the import of greenheart could create difficulty for Edwards and others like her in the industry. The advisory was issued in 2015, and went into effect in mid2016 just as the previous longstanding Guyana Government

administration was exiting. The current Government has publicly stated that relations with the UK during that period were “at an all-time low.” The EA noted that the restriction on greenheart imports is necessary due to insufficient certification standards and lack of proof that trees are harvested from “sustainably managed forests.” According to the International Timber Trade Organization, Guyana’s forests are mostly intact, and the country has a large growing stock of hardwood timber and a broad forest resource base. Logging concession owners like Edwards and Palls say they go ‘by the book’. “We work with all the rules of Guyana Forestry Commission, and we try and make sure everybody else work with it too; ‘cause if one make bad, everybody suffer,” Edwards said. “So we cut and make sure we maintain height and girth for re-sprouting.” The GFC has collaborated with international agencies over the years to impose restrictions on logging, to ensure harvested trees are cut properly and that only mature, merchantable trees are harvested. This is done so as to ensure proper re-growth. Current government representatives plan to press their case for reversal of the decision in face-to-face meetings

with UK Government officials in early 2017. The species and its trade power with the UK are immensely important. Up until a year ago, greenheart was being widely used in sea defence projects by UK contractors. “Greenheart is literally at the heart and soul of Guyana’s timber industry,” says Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, in a statement. THE COST OF SUSTAINABILITY While UK standards aim to support environmental sustainability, going through the audit process to prove sustainability can be expensive. One of EA’s requirements is certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s foremost wood-products sustainability certification body. The smaller the logging concession, the more the five-year FSC certification costs per member. Direct audit costs start at about US$10,000 per five-year term for a concession of about 2,500 acres, according to the FSC. If the logging group has 100 members and up to about 50,000 acres, the price goes up to around US$35,000. That’s roughly US$350 per member. Critics say the Iwokrama logging concession shows that FSC certification may not be a viable goal for everyone in the industry. Iwokrama, part

sustainably managed forest reserve and part eco-tourism site, obtained proper certification for greenheart export to the UK, but it came with a price tag of hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, according to Andrew Mendes, director of McVantage of Guyana Inc., which operates the sustainable forestry portion of Iwokrama, it would have been impossible without help. “Iwokrama received a grant of US$300,000 so that we could do this,” Mendes said. Iwokrama manages a 371,000-hectare forest in central Guyana with the intention to show how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used. The grant was funded by Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions. For small- and medium-sized concessions with a more traditional approach, like the Edwards-Palls operation, certification simply isn’t an option. “Small concession holders and operators cannot find money to get FSC certification,” Mendes said. “It’s an involved and expensive process.” He adds that the forestry sector is being given “more and more hoops to jump through” and needs a proactive approach to change. “Negative reinforcement through bans and extra reg-

ulations essentially make it cost-prohibitive for small- and medium-sized enterprises to access these more sustainable markets, and in reality drive them to other potentially more destructive uses of the forest to earn a living,” Mendes said. According to the FSC, small concession holders do have options. “Providing support to overcome the challenges faced by small concession holders (smallholders) is a high priority for FSC,” Tallulah Chapman, a spokesperson for the FSC’s UK office, said in an email to Mongabay. “If a producer qualifies as small or low-intensity according to FSC eligibility criteria, FSC offers certification options and support that can reduce the costs of certification.” Those options include streamlined auditing procedures, self-grouped owner certification, and an FSC fund to help offset the costs of preparing for certification. According to Chapman, the FSC knows there is more to be done, and part of its five-year plan, launched in 2015, includes an emphasis on increasing FSC certification in tropical countries. Yet, the process of proving sustainability is just one difficulty facing the greenheart industry. Turn to Pg. 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Guyanese stranded at JFK –– after Dynamic Airways cancels flights

By Shauna Jemmott DYNAMIC Airways was on Sunday reportedly working “round the clock” to get to their respective destinations nearly 600 passengers stranded both here and in New York. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerald Gouveia, whose company is responsible for handling local ground and ticketing services for Dynamic Airways, has told the Guyana Chronicle: “Dynamic is working very hard to solve the problem. I am extremely concerned and sensitive about the feelings and emotions of the Dynamic passengers that are delayed (at) both JFK and GEO at this time.” Gouveia said Dynam-

ic’s woes started on Friday, when two of its planes began experiencing problems at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York and close to 300 passengers who were scheduled to fly to Guyana were left stranded at JFK, while almost another 300 who were scheduled to travel to New York on Friday and Saturday were left stranded here in Guyana. Gouveia explained that the company has two Boeing 767 aircraft on the ground at JFK, one of which is ‘back up’ to the main operating aircraft. Flight control issues arose when one of the planes began to experience maintenance problems, while a handling services truck at JFK crashed into the other, resulting in the plane being damaged.

“A ground handling truck at JFK accidentally hit the left engine casing of the aircraft,” Gouveia said, adding: “The engineers are working around the clock to return that aircraft to serviceability.” He said that as Dynamic was attempting to respond to the situation by activating the services of the back-up aircraft, misfortune again struck. “The backup aircraft was activated and did two flights. On the return flight to JFK, the aircraft developed a maintenance issue, which is currently being rectified by the maintenance teams working around the clock to fix it,” Gouveia explained. Gouveia said he was “really sorry” that such unfortunate events occurred, especially in this season when thousands of peo-

Stranded Dynamic Airways passengers were awaiting word on their flight at JFK on Saturday (Photo compliments of Mark Benschop)

Bandit shot, accomplice arrested in Campbellville robbery A SUSPECTED bandit was shot by police during an exchange of gunfire in Campbellville, Georgetown, late Sunday night, Assistant Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken told online news outlet Demerara Waves. The man shot and another said to be his accomplice were arrested shortly after they had barged into a yard and robbed several persons. They were cornered in the Campbellville Secondary School compound, the online news

outlet said. According to Commander Hicken, one of the suspects discharged gunshots at the police and the lawmen returned fire, injuring one of them near the Campbellville Nursery School, which is in the same compound. The firearm has not been recovered, but police said they found several cellular phones and other items in the possession of one of the suspects, the Demerara Waves report noted.

ple move between Guyana and New York. He said he “would like to reassure the passengers that every effort is being made to resolve this delay as soon as possible.” Gouveia said, too, that replacement parts for the airplane were being flown to New York to resolve the problem, but that flight has been delayed by a snow-

storm which covered New York. While Dynamic is trying to get both planes fixed, Gouveia said, another of the company’s aeroplanes is expected in Guyana from Ecuador, to transport to New York those passengers who have been stranded here. The plane, with capacity to transport some 280 passengers at one time,

was on its way to Ecuador in South America at about 14:48 hours on Sunday, and was expected in Guyana last night. Gouveia said yesterday afternoon that he was awaiting further details from Dynamic in New York concerning the further movement of other passengers from CJIA and JFK.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

RECENTLY, the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church in the form of the Justice of Peace Commission called on the President and the Opposition Leader to meet in a bid to, in the words of the church, heal the nation. A quote from the statement of the JPC is worth quoting: “JPC calls on the President and Leader of the Opposition to engage each other and agree on a programme of healing that will relieve the nation of its pain and lead us to the promised land of trust in each other. JPC believes this programme of healing must include constitutional and political party reform, and improved social cohesion and ethnic relations.” We want to associate ourselves with that call. It is our view that the longer the problem persists, the more difficult it becomes to find the necessary solutions. Any study of conflict resolution at national levels shows that enlightened leadership is critical to such a process. This is one of the reasons the JSC call hits the nail on the head. Guyana is at another crossroad, as the attempt by the current government to consolidate itself in office has been met by stern non-cooperation by the opposition party. All of this in the context of the not-so-veiled appeals to ethnic solidarity and hurt, which in turn facilitate an atmosphere of racial animosity This is not the first call in recent times for the leaderships of the two major political entities to meet and find common ground for all Guyanese to live in peace and harmony; they have been quite a few from various quarters, including from the politicians themselves. In fact, such calls have become commonplace since the split of the nationalist movement in the 1950s. Guyana is not unique when it comes to internal conflicts, but we seem to be one of the few countries which seem to be unable to muster the courage to seriously address the problem. As the JSC’s statement says, the programme of healing has to be tackled at two levels—the level of the formal institutions and at the level of the masses of people. There is no doubt that our political leaderships on all sides have not exercised the necessary seriousness that the process of national healing entails. They have shown an uncomfortable willingness to place it very low on the list of priorities. Yet it is the very lack of national healing and reconciliation which has undermined their capacity to effectively govern the society. It has

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

No coming back of lost PPP supporters Dear Editor, THE last time I attended a PPP Congress was in 2006, at this same venue at Cotton Field Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast, where this one is being held. I joined the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) when I was a teenager in Lima and I was very active in the youth group. We had a boxing and judo group which used to perform free of charge for fund-raising activities at fairs for the party way back in the 1970s. I became more involved in politics when I was employed with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) as its Field Secretary at Caricom Rice Mills Ltd in 1991. It wasn’t smooth sailing with the union, in fact, I lost my job as a time-keeper with the divested rice mills for union activity. I was working in an underground movement to unionise the 500 workers; when I had almost completed the exercise, the company learnt that I was bringing GAWU to be the workers’ new union. The managers called me in their office and told me that they learnt that I was conducting illegal union

activity on the job. Afterwards, the company terminated my service and I lost my job, but I continued to work with the workers and the union without a salary and I called several industrial strikes against the company for union recognition. Finally, the company and the Ministry of Labour decided to conduct a poll and the union was victorious, gaining 99.8 percent of the vote. From then on, the union paid me a paltry salary of $1,500 for three days a week work until I wrote the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan who at the time was the Executive President of Guyana. I told him that I had two sons who are attending teachers’ training college and the University of Guyana and the salary was too small to keep my sons in Georgetown and give them a good education. He wrote the general-secretary, instructing him to increase my salary,which did not go down well with the general-secretary of the union; anyhow, I was given the increase, but from then on my relationship with the union was on shaky foundation until I was terminated. I continued to be a strong supporter and activist of the party. I chaired

also hindered the path to national development, which has had a negative impact on the country’s ability to dig itself out of the state of underdevelopment it inherited from colonialism. Our political parties have tended to be very vocal about the need for national healing while in opposition, but upon assuming power, they have not followed through on their promises in this regard. To be fair to the current government, it has established a Ministry of Social Cohesion and has taken baby steps in the direction of constitutional reform. As far as constitutional reform is concerned, after intense scrutiny, the sum of $80M was approved at the level of the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly recently to initiate the process of constitutional reform and to finance the Department of Governance. Government has indicated that early next year it will roll out its programme for constitutional reform, with the establishment of a Constitutional Consultative Commission and then the setting up of a secretariat to drive the process. Prime

lots of meetings and spoke on the political platform with almost every minister of the PPP. I was the first to overlook the military voting at the Anna Regina police station on the 28th September, 1992 and accompany the ballot box to Georgetown at the Elections Commission building. I did the same for the general and regional elections in October 5,1992 and the Local Government Elections in August 4,1994 and beyond, until my accident in July 20,2004. When Dr Cheddi Jagan died I saw that the party and the government were heading on a different path and would lose power one day. I saw the true colours of this party at the Port Mourant Congress when Mr Khemraj Ramjattan was humiliated by several in the hierarchy of the party, then Mr Moses Nagamootoo and Mr Ralph Ramkarran got their share. Mr Isahak Basir and Heeralall Mohan were prevented from attending the Diamond congress. As they approached the gate they were told that they were not members of the party; so many other stalwarts got the same treatment. Then I had

my share when I sent my wife and my party cards to be renewed; it was thrown on the Reliance Public Road by one of the most arrogant party organisers I have ever seen. The PPP lost all these votes and thousands more in 2015 which helped it to lose the elections. It’s good to see the opposition leader reflecting on how they can win the 2020 elections, but the truth is they were power drunk and felt that they would never lose an election, but they were wrong. The younger generation will never be taken for a ride. I doubt whether these voters whom the PPP lost will ever go back to them. Mr Isahak Basir told me if your father locks you out of his gate ,you have to seek another house and that is exactly what has happened in the May 11th 2015,elections by the PPP. People might go back to the PPP, but under young and new leadership, but it is still left to be seen if those who are disenfranchised prefer not to vote on election day, from what I am hearing. Regards MOHAMED KHAN

Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has ministerial responsibility for governance, told this newspaper recently that his office has already mapped out areas where consultations will be held across the country. “The constitutional reform process is very active, contrary to what we have seen in the press,” Mr Nagamootoo said. A Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) was established last August to draft a work programme and make recommendations for constitutional reform, a process for which repeated calls have been made. Invitations by President Granger to Mr. Jagdeo, to fast-track the process of healing have been flatly rejected by a party that does not separate its bid to recapture the reins of office from its national duty to ensure the cohesiveness of the larger society. In the final analysis, the country cannot continue in this manner indefinitely—it is simply not sustainable. The Guyanese people deserve better for themselves and for future generations. We hope that this recent call by the Roman Catholic Church does not fall on deaf ears.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

GAWU says injunction was to force GuySuCo to respect rights of Wales workers Dear Editor, DEMERARA Waves on December 9, 2016, reported that Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo in his contribution to the 2017 Budget debate said “…the sugar workers’ union then sought to block GuySuCo from paying that severance, a move which was rescinded after the sugar workers petitioned their union, and were paid some $80M in severance from the sugar corporation.” The PM is also reported in the December 11, 2016, Guyana Chronicle as saying:“…the union and the PPP of [sic] using workers as voting machines who pay ‘union dues to the labour bureau-

crats’…”. With respect to the ‘petition’ referred to by the Prime Minister this is but, in the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) estimation, another ploy seeking to undermine the union. In an August 2, 2016 press release, GAWU said that it had reliable information that the Prime Minister during a meeting with some of the severed Wales workers on July 27, 2016, had sought to influence them to prepare a petition calling on the union to withdraw its injunction. During that meeting, the union understands also that the workers were urged to organise their colleagues to picket the union. Our release went on to say:-

“Also, a circulating view is that the 11 workers who met with the ministers [the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture] have received an inducement for their [intended] picketing assignment.” No worker ever picketed GAWU’s office, nor was any petition ever seen by the union. It is recalled, on August 29, 2016, Justice Brassington Reynolds ordered the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to engage the GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). That order ensured that Section 12(3)(b) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) was respected. The relevant sec-

tion requires an employer to consult the recognised union in event of the possibility of redundancy. GuySuCo, not wanting to engage the union on this matter previously, was at last compelled to engage the GAWU. Our union and NAACIE then withdrew the injunction after it had served its purpose. GAWU also was always supportive of the workers receiving their severance payments and never, at any time, sought to stand in their way. On March 24, 2016, one hundred and two (102) workers each received a month’s redundancy notice from the corporation. It followed that the workers should have received their redun-

dancy payments not later than the last week of April, 2016. That payment, it is recalled, was not honoured until October 14, 2016. From April 23, 2016, the workers were not in the estate’s employ, therefore, union dues could not have been paid by them. Here, the PM’s statement which was reckless, irresponsible and grossly inaccurate, is exposed. The GAWU wishes to underline that the sole the purpose of the injunction by the unions was to ensure that the rights of the remaining Wales workers, some 1,600, who would be severed after the estate’s closure, were not disregarded. In fact,

with effect from December 14, 2016, GuySuCo, in keeping with the court’s ruling and TESPA began to engage GAWU at the Wales Estate location in interviewing each worker with respect to their severance pay. The attempts to discredit our union have not succeeded previously. The latest attempt, as reported, will not succeed either. The PM is continuing along a track that will bring him greater condemnation from workers, especially those in the sugar industry.

For the benefit of the unconscionable individuals who are at the helm of this company, I will state an obvious fact: the average Guyanese household cannot afford a generator as an alternative when greeted with sporadic power outages. These households comprise children who rely on electricity to study and their parents for basic needs such as ironing their clothes or using a fan during a hot day. Is this unreasonable to ask for? It is interesting to note that only last year, the company’s CEO boasted of not

being reliant on a government subsidy since it was able to cover its operational costs. Expansion of capital infrastructure was said to have been financed by the Petrocaribe fund. So, again, what really is the problem? Electricity shares the top spots with water as one of the most basic utility services in the 21st century. The evolution of technology has afforded us the opportunity of benefitting from these services without them having to be manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879, the world has been a brighter place. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Guyana, as we appear to have been stuck

in that era when electricity was now being tested and developed. And while this might sound like a foolish rant, it is indeed the case. Almost all of the justifications emerging from GPL as to the reason for routine power outages for the last few years, have been “upgrades” to its systems. One begs two questions then: what exactly is being upgraded for all these years and for how long do we have to endure this structural violence imposed on us? P.S. It is now 7:00am and power has not been restored.

mature commercial trees have been removed.” That means the next steps will be critical, both for the industry and for individual concession holders. “What we are thinking of doing now is leaving these concessions untouched for a period (of) between 30 (and) 40 years, to allow for the regeneration of these prime species,” Singh said. “These would be areas of five to 10,000 acres.”

trying to get the UK restriction rescinded. “We were trying to present independent audit reports to the UK to show how Guyana does prove sustainability, but up until now they’re not accepting evidence,” he said. “We can’t even bring someone from the EA down to see, because it is deemed as bribery.” Aitken believes the problem is partially perception. “The problem we have as an industry is that when someone in the West thinks of tropical logging, they see an image -- put into their head by an environmental NGO -about those who are clearing the forest,” he said. “That is not forestry; that is agriculture, that is mining.” As far as the EA is concerned, though, Guyana does not have [the right certification], and as such they won’t accept from Guyana. (This article was first published by Mongabay.

Unbearable blackouts

Dear Editor,

IT is 4:45am on Sunday December 18, 2016 and I am typing this letter on my cellphone, in complete darkness, due to structural violence imposed on citizens by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. It is the third time in less than 24 hours that my area West La Penitence - has been subjected to unfair treatment, in the form of blackouts by this company which shows total disregard for the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who support its exis-

tence to provide the poorest of services, perhaps in the entire western hemisphere. Of course, these three incidents of power outage (all of which exceeded an hour) were not limited to my area, as citizens living on the outskirts of Georgetown and in other regions, reported similar trends. For Saturday alone, I was able to document close to 30 social media posts made by disgruntled citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with this company. I intend to use the materials to start a campaign against what I consider structural violence

against the Guyanese people. I am cognizant of the fact that this move can result in public (international) embarrassment for the company - something I can only hope will effect change. What I find most disturbing is the fact that Guyanese are paying for this utility service which is subject to termination should there be a lapse in payment, while at the same time, they are at the mercy of this company with regard to if or when they would be able to benefit from the service they are paying for.

UK greenheart restriction could ... According to the GMSA, increased restrictions on forest management practices could impact the livelihoods of those directly employed in this industry. Residents of rural and Indigenous communities are especially at risk, and sometimes they are one and the same as the logging industry. For Palls, who has four children and is her family’s sole breadwinner, the UK greenheart restriction is worrying. While she has yet to feel the impact, she believes it’s only a matter of time before she does. According to Palls, any slight change in price can severely affect profits, “which are already small” given high costs of production and transportation. According to Palls, her transportation costs alone can exceed US$1,500 for every transport of logs to the capital city of Georgetown.

LINGERING ISSUES According to a white paper published by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in November 2015 under the heading “Sustainable Management of Greenheart,” 23 per cent of all greenheart lumber exported goes to the UK. That’s gone down to about eight per cent since the UK first issued its advisory, according to the GMSA. There is also the matter of goodwill and cooperation at the level of foreign diplomacy. Essentially, the Guyana Government is unhappy with how the UK restriction came about. In an interview with Mongabay, GFC Commissioner James Singh said no communication or consultation was made with local industry stakeholders before the greenheart restriction was implemented. He added

that after the advisory was sent out, the GFC and several other stakeholders had teleconference calls with the EA, in which that entity had admitted that it did not consult with anyone. That teleconference was verified to Mongabay by the chairperson of the GFC, Jocelyn Dow; the GMSA spokesperson and president of Forest Products Association, Deonarine Ramsaroop; and McVantage of Guyana Inc.’s Andrew Mendes. “They asked about information on independent audits done under the Guyana Norway agreement,” Singh said. “This showed that they did not do an in-depth research, as these audits were available right on our website.” The EA could not be reached for comment on the teleconference or on the

Cont. from Pg. 4 greenheart restriction. Guyana’s systems of monitoring and verification, to ensure sustainable and legal logging, have been tested and proven by the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade program (EU-FLEGT) and by Norway. Norway has a $250-million agreement with Guyana to protect its forests and ensure sustainable management. The ITTO, Yale University’s Environmental Performance 2016 Index, and Global Forest Watch have all noted Guyana’s low deforestation rate, which the GFC reported in 2014 stood at less than one per cent. Singh says that although some larger concessions are sustainably managed, “some of the small concessions have been harvested for decades, and most of the high-value

NEW RULES Many small- and medium-sized concessions are unable to meet the extensive new requirements or the economic and human resource setbacks of the UK restriction. Roderick Aitken, managing director of one of the UK’s largest buyers of greenheart from Guyana, and Howard note that Guyana’s is one of the best-managed tropical forests he has ever seen. Aitken has been active in

Regards GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION

Regards RAVIN SINGH A disturbed citizen

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Henry cheers up NOC students work towards ensuring that the students are afforded as many ‘opportunities’ as possible –- especially educational opportunities -- as this would see them being moulded into productive persons who are able to contribute positively to society. Acknowledging that each child dreams of having a better life, Minister Henry urged the entire staff of the NOC not to disappoint the children. In brief remarks, King recalled the success stories of a few young men who were students at the NOC and have gone on to do well for themselves. In this regard, he noted that ad-

ministrators, policy makers and stakeholders should collectively work towards providing opportunities that would enable the students to lead productive lives. He said it is important that quality educational and vocational skills training programmes at the institute be on par with what obtains at other educational institutions. The students were treated to a hearty luncheon, and were able to interact with Minister Henry, Permanent Secretary King, and the other staff of the Education Ministry. The students also displayed their musical and dance skills.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, being greeted on her arrival at the New Opportunity Corps MINISTER within the Ministry of Education (MoE), Nicolette Henry, has reminded that “each child should be treated with love, respect and dignity”. The MoE recently hosted its annual Christmas luncheon at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), where the minister was joined by Permanent Secretary Alfred King; Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael; Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce; and other

senior staff of that ministry, and Minister Henry made the foregoing remarks. Minister Henry emphasised that the staff at the NOC should consider themselves privileged to be able to take care of the children. She added that regardless of the circumstances, the students must be treated with love, respect, compassion and dignity. As the name of the institution suggests, the minister said, the staff should collectively

A section of the gathering at the New Opportunity Corps’ annual Christmas luncheon

East Coast bakery utilising cassava flour –– plans to expand operation By Alva Solomon A LA BONNE Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara bakery has adopted the use of cassava flour in the baking of its breads and the entity plans to expand the use of the staple in future, citing its health advantages. Cassava flour is considered 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, grain-free baking and cooking, according to reports from studies conducted in Asia. Julia and Robert Francis , the owners of Our Daily Bread Bakery at Kersaint Park , LBI have recognised the flour as an ingredient of the future and have since adopted the use of the flour in their breads. “We want to do it continuously, at the moment we use 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the flour with the wheat flour in baking bread,” Julia told this publication on Sunday. The new product has been selling in recent days on the East Coast of Demerara. According to her, the bakery produced 100 loaves of bread mixed with wheat and cassava flour recently and “we got a good response”.

It was the very first batch made with cassava flour. She said the next move will be to mix the cassava flour with the whole wheat strain as well as to include its use in the making of tennis-rolls and hamburger breads. Julia said the recent move by the bakery was encouraged by the authorities, noting that her husband was asked to bake bread using the cassava flour by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) for an event some months ago. “It was the first time we tried it and we plan to use it in future,” Julia Francis said. She told this publication that the customers have provided “good support” to the use of the cassava flour, noting that her husband is examining the market as he plans the expansion of the use of the flour. “We see it online on the Internet as the flour of the future, it has so many uses,” Julia said. She said that the bakery makes the flour from grated cassava which goes through a process of drying and sifting before it is made into the flour. On Christmas Eve, Robert Francis is expected to pay another visit to the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) shop in Robb Street where he will be selling the new product. “He was there this past Saturday and they

A loaf from the first batch of bread, baked by Our Daily Bread Bakery, which contains 20 per cent cassava flour in addition to wheat flour (Picture courtesy of Aditya Persaud) requested him to come again next Saturday,” Julia said. In 2017, the authorities plan to partner with local bakeries to integrate the use of cassava flour in the baking of starch products, such as bread and pastries. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder revealed during the budget debate recently that in 2017, a cassava flour processing facility will be established and become operational at Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo. He told the National Assembly during his presentation two weeks ago that cassava processing is rare, with limited value addition

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Education vital to end drug abuse –– National Drug Master Plan recommends programme in school system By Svetlana Marshall

IMPLEMENTING a Drug Abuse Prevention Curriculum at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of Education is among the key recommendations outlined in the recently launched Guyana National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020. The Master Plan, launched last Friday by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, focuses on five main areas: demand reduction, supply reduction, control measures, institutional strengthening and policy coordination, and international cooperation. In an effort to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, particularly marijuana and cocaine, the Public Security Ministry, with support from other ministries -- such as Social Protection, Public Health and Education -- will be developing, implementing, strengthening

and updating public policies and programmes as part of a wide-ranging, balanced approach that will ultimately reduce the demand for illicit drugs. According to the plan, more than $25M will be needed to effectively implement this project in schools and at the level of the university. The project, expected to be rolled out during the first year of the master plan, will be spearheaded by the Education Ministry, with support from the Public Health and Public Security ministries. The implementation of the Drug Abuse Prevention Curriculum in schools and at the level of the university forms part of the programmes recommended by the architects of the master plan. Additionally, it has been recommended that a media strategy be developed to promote Prevention Abuse Awareness. “Develop a Nation-

al Communication Media Strategy (NCMS), including the electronic media, print and billboards, to promote substance abuse prevention, to help stop persons from using illicit and licit substances, and to encourage those not involve in the use of ‘substance’ not to start,” Chapter Two of the Master Plan stated. YOUNG OFFENDERS Statistical data from the National Drug Strategy Master Plan indicates that a high percentage of young people are falling prey to drugs. It was pointed out that of the 310 persons charged for drug possession in 2014, 288, or 92.9 per cent, were males; while 22, or 7.1 per cent, were females. “For males, 35 (12.2 per cent) were 18 years and younger; 66, or 21.5 per cent, were between 19 and 25; while 191, or 66.3 per cent, were from the greater-than-25

years age group. For females, two (9.1 per cent) were from the 18-years-and-younger age category; three, or 13.6 per cent, (were from) the 19-to25-years ago group; and 17, or 77.3 per cent, (were from) from the greater-than-25 years ago group,” Chapter One of the plan stated. Similar trends were observed for those harvesting, selling or using marijuana. Marijuana is the only type of illicit drug that is grown or produced in Guyana. According to the Drug Information Network, it is cultivated in the Upper Demerara River; Berbice River; Morganson Village, Upper Berbice River; Hauraruni and Lama Creek; Yarakabra Backdam, Soesdyke, Linden Highway; and First Creek, Kuru Kuru, Linden Highway; Old England; Onderneeming Backdam; Aravio Creek, Demerara River; 5 Miles Ituni; Linden; and 10 Miles, Ituni. According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Berbice River remains a

problematic area for the Guyana Police Force’s Anti-Narcotics Branch. PROGRESS AMID CHALLENGES Though they both are experiencing challenges as a result of Guyana’s porous borders and the lack of resources – human, financial and technical – CANU and the Guyana Police Force’s Anti-Narcotics Branch continue to crack cases on a regular basis. To date, the Police Force’s Anti-Narcotics Branch would have aided in the destruction of approximately $18B in cannabis for 2016, when the street value is applied, the Crime Chief pointed out in his presentation. Additionally, 102 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), while approximately two kilograms were seized at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle. It was further pointed out that some 323,515 can-

nabis plants were destroyed, along with 150 acres of cannabis. The situation is more complex in regard to tackling the supply of cocaine. Because of its geographical location, Guyana is seen as a strategic transshipment route for drugs, primarily cocaine, originating from the producing countries in South America and destined for the largest international markets of North America and Europe. “Notwithstanding the challenge of the lack of adequate economic resources and institutional capacity to address the problem alone, efforts are being made to address the situation. However, the degree of success to reduce this twin problem will depend largely on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as the drug problem is a global problem, requiring a global solution,” the architects of the master plan have stated.

GNBS warns against use of unsafe toys THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is warning parents and guardians to educate and guide children on how to use toys, in order to avoid accidents or injuries. The Bureau says the Guyana Standard Specification for the Safety of Toys and Playthings (GYS 234:2003) was specifically developed to provide guide-

lines to importers, retailers and consumers on the safety requirements for toys and playthings intended for children. Toys and playthings are some of the commodities monitored by the GNBS under its Standards Compliance Programme. The National Standard specifies requirements for toxicological hazards and other

The following are some purchasing tips to help parents ensure their children use toys safely: • Read labels to gather important information about how to use the toys. • Avoid giving children toys that shoot objects into the air, as they can cause serious eye injuries. • Be mindful of other smaller children in the home. While a toy might be appropriate for one child, it might not be appropriate for younger siblings. Toys with small parts, for example, are popular with children over five years old, but can pose a great choking danger for those under the age of three. • Beware of button batteries. These not only pose a choking hazard, but, if swallowed, can erode the lining of internal organs without any initial sign or symptoms. Adults should change batteries in toys. • Toy jewellery often contain lead. It’s generally good to avoid metal jewellery, especially if your child is likely to put it in his or her mouth.

hazards, such as mechanical, inflammability, hygienic, electrical and thermal. Also addressed in the Standard are precautionary instructions and warnings; requirements for the packaging and labelling; and inspection and testing procedures, which include preconditioning for shipping and storage. The GNBS notes that

children can be protected against the use of unsafe toys and playthings if manufacturers follow the safety requirements for manufacturing, as stipulated in the Standard. However, if manufacturers fail to adhere to these requirements, the Standard can certainly guide importers, dealers and consumers when purchasing these items.

Beware of the following top five (5) toy hazards relating to toys and their parts: 1: SCOOTERS and other riding toys: Skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times, and be sized to fit. 2: SMALL BALLS and other toys with small parts: For children younger than three years old, avoid toys with small parts, as these can cause choking. 3: BALLOONS: Children under eight years old can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once. 4: MAGNETS: For children under age six, avoid buying play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur. 5: CHARGERS and Adapters: Battery charging should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

– Why the removal of children?

The circumstances

THE woman sobbed as she sat in a room at the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) with an officer and her three children. Although she was barely paying attention to what the officer was saying, she knew what was taking place and what was coming next. The officer continued ‘….we have had several reports of child neglect and one specifically from the Schools Welfare Officer…Also when we visited your home we found the children alone, with no food and no clean drinking water, they haven’t been bathing or attending school and your living conditions were unhygienic. I am sure you are aware that it is against the law to have children

living like this…anything could have happened to them in your absence.’ The woman responded between sobs with threats to harm herself should her children be taken away from her. She said she loved them and could not live without them. The three children sat on a nearby couch placidly looking on, taking in the situation as it unfolded, showing little emotion. The officer had interviewed them earlier; she learned that they were often left alone to fend for themselves and although they liked attending school, they hadn’t been there for some time. The officer continued, ‘We simply have no alternative but to take these children into temporary care, I have

spoken with my superior officer who agrees that we cannot leave them in such a vulnerable situation. We are asking you to work with the agency’s ‘family training programme’ to change your present circumstances, so that you can provide a suitable environment for your children’. The officer sensed the woman’s reluctance and defiance, so she changed tact, ‘…other families have been in this position and have come through the programme successfully, I am sure you can do the same: Don’t you want the best for your children?’ The three children were soon led away by another CPA officer and for the first time there was a flicker of emotion from them and by

all accounts, it seemed like an air of relief and happiness.

THE LAW There is a law that permits the removal of children who are living in vulnerable situations; it is the Protection of Children Act, 2009. The plight of the three siblings mentioned above was one of neglect due to the fact that their mother, a lone parent, was a chronic alcoholic. She had been brought to the attention of the CPA previously, but after some interventions, it seemed she had turned over a new leaf when she joined an alcohol anonymous programme. Follow- up visits by CPA officers showed

improvement but over time, it seems things deteriorated. In these situations it is always the children who suffer, and usually, at the very hands of adults who are meant to protect them. The CPA is mandated to assist parents who need help in caring for their children, because children belong with their families, not in institutions or with foster parents. However, families must care for their children in the proper way. Explaining these facts to some parents can be an uphill struggle. So many parents who end up at the CPA are uncooperative or in denial when it comes to doing the right things for the welfare and well-being

of their children.

THE SOLUTION It is important for the public to know about the role that the CPA plays and how it functions within the perimeters of the law. This knowledge is imperative for building and maintaining a good public service relationship, a relationship whereby the Guyanese people can understand the agency’s mandate and work alongside Child Protection Officers in the correct way to better serve our nation’s children. (If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com)

El Dorado Awards set for December 29 THE Second Annual El Dorado Awards is scheduled for December 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. Launched last year to honour advocates, activists and affirmation agents on the social landscape, the awards presentation is organised by The Caribbean Voice and is supported by Save Abee Foundation. It builds connections with the business and professional communities, and fosters collaboration and a concerted approach to tackling issues such as suicide, abuse, sex crimes, alcoholism, and drug abuse. The reality is that there is a plethora of individuals and organisations, local Guyanese and those in the diaspora, engaged in making a difference and qualitatively impacting the lives of Guyanese, especially the

powerless and disadvantaged, while tackling the social issues that negatively affect lives. The El Dorado Awards provide a space to recognise the efforts of those so involved, so that they can connect with each other and establish dialogue that would enhance the collaborative approach within a national framework. The event comprises a cocktail reception, a cultural interlude, and the presentation of awards. This year’s honorees comprise individuals and organisations drawn from Guyana and the diaspora. The list of honorees confirmed for the 2016 El Dorado Awards are out. The Caribbean Voice Awards will go to the late Dianne McTurk, an internationally recognised conservationist and animal protection activist.

Businessman Sattaur Gafoor and internationally recognised Amerindian activist Jean La Rose will receive the Pakaraimas Awards, while the Kykoveral Award will be awarded to philanthropist and social activist Krishnadat Persaud and public servant Shabakie Fernandes, whose work focuses on empowerment and giving back. Businessmen Gerry Gouveia and Dennis Charran, whose social responsibilities are extensive and significant, will receive the Canje Pheasant Award. T h e Vi c t o r i a R e g i a Award, which recognises the work/life characterised by a unique focus on humanitarianism and or protection, advocacy/activism will go to Sham Tilak, the head of a US-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) doing significant work

among youth and students in Guyana; SASOD, an NGO championing the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Guyanese; and Monique’s Helping Hands, a counselling centre set up by Dr. Dawn Stewart that has been doing significant work on suicide prevention sex crimes, abuse, AIDS and other related issues. The Anna Regina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and the Guyana Cultural Association will receive the Maticore Queh Award, which honours achievements in any aspect of culture characterised by activism and/or advocacy, or charity and giving back in a significant manner; while the Umana Yana Award will go to the Macushi Research Unit and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association. The Greenheart Award, which recognises business achievement characterised

by activism and/or advocacy or charity and giving back in a significant manner, will be received by Imam Bacchus and Sons, and businesswoman Allison Butters. Godfrey Scott, a leading youth activist engaged in empowerment and rights activism; and Enterprise Youth Development Group, a leading community-based organisation that focuses on youth empowerment within its community and its environment, will be awarded the Arapaima Award. The Dr. Faith Harding/ Lionel Peters Award is a special recognition or appreciation that would be given to The Caribbean Voice. Among those who would be participating in the cultural interlude are iconic singing star Terry Gajraj; former Chutney King Roger Hinds; 2016 Chutney King Bunty Singh; Regional Junior Ca-

lypso Monarch Prince Krish; the versatile Satish Udairam and the veritable nightingale Celia Samaroo; as well as the Dubraj Tassa Group, Neptune African Drummers, Ishara Dance Troupe, Mokka Dynamic Dancers, the Victoria Renegades Masquerade Band and teenage singing sensation Vishnu Rasulan. Popular TV and radio host from New York City, Shanaz Hussain of Shanaz Musical Sensation fame, will co-host the event. She will be joined by the inimitable WR Reaz. A limited number of tickets are being sold at G$5,000 each. For tickets and/or further information, please email caribvoice@aol.com or hussainnazim18@yahoo.com; call 644 1152, 646-4669 (Guyana) or 718-542-4454 (North America).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

New eating house on Camp, Robb Streets CAMEX Restaurants Incorporated (Inc.) has introduced on the Guyana market the Pollo Tropical, a franchise which reportedly offers “mommy’s cooking”. This new franchise began operating on Sunday, December 18, on the ground floor of the seven-storey building at the corner of Robb and Camp Streets, Georgetown. With several subsidiaries operating in Guyana, notably Church’s Chicken, Mario’s, Quiznoes and Dairy Queen, Camex is alleging that it has brought something different to the market. In an interview with online news outlet Demerara Waves, Managing Director of CAMEX Guyana Inc., Terrence Campbell, said the new franchise brings a “tropical flavour” to the Guyanese public. Although not well-known on the Guyana market, Pollo Tropical allegedly has a lot to offer the Guyanese public, especially those who are health conscious and prefer less fatty meals. “This franchise has moved away from fried chicken and offers grilled chicken instead… We also offer soups with eddoes, cassava and dasheen, as well as rice with beans and pork; and soon

Persons were at the new food outlet on Sunday, seeking a taste of the fare on offer we will be offering fish and prawns,” Campbell detailed. He said persons cannot eat the offerings of KFC, Popeyes and Royal Castle every day, so the grilled products are an innovation which should attract the attention of consumers. Camex has been a leader in the fast food market, offering a number of outlets and branches in various parts of the country. It has most recently opened a 24-hour Church’s outlet in the Durban

Street area. According to Campbell, Camex strives to support local producers by purchasing their chicken and other needed products. “Most of our raw products are sourced locally, and we intend to continue supporting the local suppliers,” he said. On visiting the new fast food outlet, the Guyana Chronicle was treated to top quality customer service in a spacious and cool environment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Moruca residents get street lights

RESIDENTS of Moruca, Region One, officially received 37 street lights from the Ministry of Natural Resources on Saturday. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, along with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, met with residents for the simple handing over. Residents of Santa Rosa were promised 15 street lights by Minister Trotman when a team from his ministry held an outreach with communities in Region One in August. Minister Trotman told the residents that he had since collaborated with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to obtain additional lights, some of which were installed in the Kumaka community. Minister Patterson, in brief remarks, told the residents it was his “pleasure to lend my ministry’s support in a very small way” towards meeting the needs

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, along with other government officials and residents of Santa Rosa, examine the street lights of the people. The lights were installed and have been serving the community for approximately two weeks. “For me, the promise is kept,” Minister Trotman told the residents. The residents were appreciative of the Ministers’ efforts. Toshao of Santa Rosa, Sherwin Abrams, said he was pleased with the fulfillment of the minister’s commitment, and expressed gratitude on behalf of the residents. (GINA)

Street lights have been installed along the Santa Rosa roadway in Region One

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Donors pour US$75B to fight extreme poverty in Caribbean THE World Bank has said that a coalition of more than 60 donor and borrower governments has agreed to ratchet up the fight against extreme poverty in the Caribbean and other places with a record US$75 billion commitment to the International Development Association (IDA) – the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. “This is a pivotal step in the movement to end extreme poverty,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has said. “The commitments made by our partners, combined with IDA’s innovations to crowd in the private sector and raise funds from capital markets, will transform the development trajectory of the world’s poorest countries. We are grateful for our partners’ trust in IDA’s ability to deliver results.”

The Washington-based financial institution said the funding will enable IDA to dramatically scale up development interventions to tackle conflict, fragility and violence, forced displacement, climate change, and gender inequality; and promote governance and institution building. The funding will also address jobs and economic transformation — areas of special focus over the next three years. The bank has said these efforts are underpinned by “an overarching commitment to invest in growth, resilience and opportunity.” “With this innovative package, the world’s poorest countries – especially the most fragile and vulnerable – will get the support they need to grow, create opportunities for people, and make themselves more resilient to shocks and crises,” said Kyle Peters, World Bank Group’s Interim Managing Director and Co-Chair of the IDA18 negotiations. “IDA’s focus on issues like climate change, gender equality and preventing conflict and violence will also contribute to greater stability and progress around the world.” The World Bank has said that financing during the IDA18 replenishment period, which runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020, is expected to support essential health and nutrition services for up to 400 million people; provide access to improved water sources for up to 45 million; provide financial services for 4-6 million; and enable safe childbirth for up to 11 million women through provision of skilled health personnel. The financing will also help train 9-10 million teachers, to the benefit of more than 300 million children; provide immunizations for 130-180 million children; enable better governance in 30 countries through improved statistical capacity; and add 5GW of renewable energy generation capacity. “IDA is writing a whole new chapter in the story of development,” said Dede Ekoue, IDA18 co-chair and Togo’s former Minister of Development. “Together with donors working hand-in-hand with borrower governments, we are putting forward an innovative, ambitious and responsive package of support that gives hope to the poorest. These interventions will help transform the lives of billions of people living in IDA countries.” To finance this groundbreaking package, the World Bank said, the IDA is proposing the most radical transformation in its 56-year history. It said the IDA is, for the first time, seeking to leverage its equity by blending donor contributions with internal resources and funds raised through debt markets. By blending concessional contributions from donors with its own resources and capital market debt, the IDA would significantly increase the financial support it provides to clients. “The innovative financing package offers exceptional value for money, with every $1 in partner contributions generating about $3 in spending authority,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Vice President for Development Finance. “It is one of the most concrete and significant proposals to date on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, (which is) critical to achieving the (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” The World Bank said the additional financing will enable IDA to double the resources to address fragility, conflict and violence (more than US$14 billion), as well as the root causes of these risks before they escalate; and additional financing for refugees and their host communities (US$2 billion). Increased financing will help strengthen IDA’s support for crisis preparedness and response, pandemic preparedness, disaster risk management, small states and regional integration. Efforts to stimulate private sector development in the most difficult environments, at the core of job creation and economic transformation, will receive a major push in the form of a new US$2.5 billion Private Sector Window (PSW), the World Bank said. It said the PSW, being introduced together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), will help mobilize private capital and scale up private sector development in the poorest countries, particularly in fragile situations. The funds will also help governments strengthen institutions, mobilise resources needed to deliver services, and promote accountability, the World Bank said. It said a total of 48 countries have pledged resources to IDA; additional countries are expected to pledge in the nearterm. The World Bank said it is continuing the tradition of contributing its own resources to IDA. “One of the extraordinary things about IDA is that it brings different countries together to help the poorest. In this replenishment in particular, we’ve really seen that IDA is truly a global coalition,” said van Trotsenburg. (CMC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

Unpaid HEYS participants to receive stipends before month-end

PARTICIPANTS of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme have been assured that they would receive outstanding payments by the end of December. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, met with residents of Moruca, Region One, on Saturday and offered apologies to HEYS participants that have not been paid since the end of September. “Before the month is up, you will get your payment. This goes for facilitators as well as youths. Everything that we owe to you will be given before the month is over,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said. The minister apologised for disappointing the participants. “I apologise to you on behalf of our Ministry, and that problem will be fixed before the month is over, and we will enter the new

year with a clean slate,” she assured HEYS participants. The minister expressed hope that the youths who have benefited from the training would begin some form of self-enhancement. “Because you will be getting your grant, also the grant that you were supposed to get at the end of the year, you will be getting it before (the year ends),” she said. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who was in Moruca to officially hand over street lights to Santa Rosa residents, gave his personal assurance to the HEYS participants that the non-payment issue will be resolved. “I’m going to ensure that this money is paid before Christmas…I’m going to ensure that things get moving,” Minister Trotman told residents to rounds of applause. Also apologizing for the non-payment, and promising to remedy the matter as soon

Guyanese now heads ACCA Caribbean FORMER editor in chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, Orin Gordon, has been appointed new head of the Caribbean for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). A seasoned media professional, Orin Gordon assumes the leadership with immediate effect, and replaces Brenda Lee Tang, who left the organisation after 15 years, eight of them at the helm. In his role as head of ACCA Caribbean, Gordon will provide strategic and visionary leadership across the region by working with partners, members, affiliates, and all stakeholders to carry on raising the ACCA presence and reputation in the region. “Orin will support the needs of our members in the Caribbean, ensuring ACCA works to promote and support them at every opportunity (to) increase value to all ACCA stake- Orin Gordon is the holders,” the ACCA said. In a brief statement on the new Caribbean Head new appointment, ACCA of ACCA Director for Europe and Americas, Mark Cornell, said: “I am delighted to welcome Orin as ACCA Caribbean’s Country Head. I am confident that his enthusiasm, experience and commitment will be of great benefit to ACCA.” Gordon says he is delighted about his selection. “(I) look forward to bringing what the ACCA does more fully to our members, partners, and to the Caribbean public at large. At a time of economic austerity, rigorous accounting standards for businesses have never been more important, therefore promoting the ACCA qualification as the premier global accounting standard is vitally important”. (CMC)

as possible, was Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. Minister Patterson explained to HEYS participants that Central Government was a “paper-driven organization, and I think that sometimes we forget that persons in the communities are expecting us to act faster than they are acting.” Minister Patterson said he would work with ministers Garrido-Lowe and Trotman “to cut out half the paperwork” to ensure that payments reach the participants as promised. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:25 hrs Main Attraction 09:00 hrs Just Like Magic 09:35 hrs Jam Tart 10:10 hrs Soviet Cosmonaut 10:45 hrs Tracy’s Legacy ENGLISH RACING TIPS Hereford 08:35 hrs Mr Bachster 09:05 hrs Acting Lass 09:35 hrs Miss Maiden Over 10:05 hrs Mystical Knight 10:40 hrs Oscarteea 11:10 hrs Caprice D’Anglais 11:40 hrs Wellingtonbridge AYR 08:50 hrs Robbing The Prey 09:20 hrs TitianBoy 09:55 hrs Trouble In Paris 10:30 hrs Tiger Mountain 11:00 hrs Big River 11:00 hrs Big River 11:30 hrs Sam’s Adventure CHELMSFORD CITY 09:45 hrs Dazacam 10:15 hrs Holy Envoy 10:50 hrs Holiday Magic 11:20 hrs Rockley Point 11:50 hrs Kenstone 12:20 hrs Almanack 12:50 hrs Lost The Moon AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 Tiz Da Biz Race 2 Lucky Empress Race 3 Huntin’theholidays Race 4 Aix En Provence Race 5 Fifth Business Race 6 Go Bo Go Race 7 Look Me in the Eye Race 8 Baby Bear’s Soup

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 19, 2016

PCL 4-Day Tournament …

T&T Red Force battling to avoid defeat on final day By Rajiv Bisnauth

HOSTS Guyana Jaguars met with unexpected resistance in the final session of the third day of the fifth round Regional FourDay Championship fixture against Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force, with a 93-run second-wicket stand between opener Kyle Hope and Isaiah Rajah. However, they were still 120 runs behind, and it will take a collective team performance to make the twotime defending champions bat again, let alone avoid defeat in the final day. Faced with a huge first innings deficit of 216, the tourists were 96-2 in their second innings at stumps, after they lost the 23-yearold Rajah in the day’s final over for 63. Hope is still at the wicket on 20,along with night watchman Khery Pierre, who is yet to score. Earlier, the start of play was delayed by 75 minutes because of overnight and early morning showers, which were consistent and brisk. However, when the game eventually got under way, the visitors were quick to make up for the lost time. In the five-over spell during the morning session, the visitors removed veteran left-handed batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Veerasammy Permaul. Chanderpaul added two to his overnight score of 141 before he edged a routine catch to Yannick Ottley at first slip off leg-spinner Imran Khan. The 42-year-old innings spanned 311 minutes and he faced 231 deliveries and struct 14 fours and a six. Anthony Bramble resumed on 18 and was quickly into his stride, belting left-

arm spinner Khery Pierre for a massive six before Permaul (2) edged Pierre to Jason Mohammed at first slip, when the weather intervened again at 10:37hrs. After the lengthy stoppage, play resumed at 12:42hrs.Khan, who finished with figures of 4-77, and Pierre (3-49)picked up the final two wickets,that of Bramble 33, and Gudakesh Motie two. Starting their second innings with a deficit of 216 runs, the visitors managed to bat a single over before another sharp shower sent the players off the field. Because of the showers in the post-lunch session, the umpires took an early tea. Upon resumption the intermittent spells of rain also ensured there was enough moisture on the surface for the bowlers to procure some movement. Keon Joseph, especially, made good use of it, and im-

mediately trapped Khan leg before wicket for three. Thereafter,the hosts allowed a steady stream of runs, with Hope and Rajah at the wicket. The right and left-hand combination displayed a measure of grit, with Rajah the more attacking of the two batsmen. The left-handed Rajah batted superbly in getting to his fifty,with seven fours and a six in 155 minutes at the crease. However, he was trapped leg before wicket to Permaul in the closing stage of the day’s play. His innings spanned 116 balls, 141 minutes and included eight fours and a six.He is the son of the former Trinidad & Tobago batsman Aneil Raja. On the other hand, the 28-year-old Hope played a more measured innings, and has so far faced 123 balls, in 156 minutes at the crease. Play will resume today at 09:00hrs, with the visitors facing an uphill task.

SCOREBOARD GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings R Chandrika c wk Katwaroo b Richards 12 S Hetmyer c Carriah b Jaggesar 31 L Johnson c Primus b Mohammed 69 V Singh lbw b Khan 26 S Chanderpaul c Ottley b Khan 143 C Barnwell lbw b K Pierre 3 R Reifer lbw b Khan 38 A Bramble c Hope b Khan 33 V Permaul c Mohammed b Pierre 2 G Motie st Katwaroo b Pierre 2 K Joseph not out 0 Extras: (nb-7, w-1, b-8, lb-3) 19 Fall of Wickets: 1-13, 2-45, 3-94, 4-235, 5-243, 6-332, 7-369, 8-374, 9-378, 10-378 Total: (all out; 108.2 overs) 378 Bowling: Richards 13-3-54-1, Primus 9-0-43-0, Jaggesar 28-7-99-1, Khan 24-1-77-4, Mohammed 15-2-44-1, Pierre 19.2-1-49-1 T&T RED FORCE 2nd innings K Hope not out 20 I Khan lbw b Joseph 3 I Rajah c wk Bramble b Permaul 63 K Pierre not out 0 Extras: (nb-4, w-1, b-4, lb-1) 10 Total: (for two wickets; 41 overs) 96 Fall of Wickets: 1-3, 2-96 Bowling: Joseph 7-3-21-1, Reifer 3-0-8-0, Motie 15-5-40-0, Barnwell 5-1-6-0, Permaul 9-6-6-1, Johnson 2-0-10-0

Jack Warner beats United ... From back page judgement last month. Though this is the second ruling against the United States, it does not mean the matter is closed. “The dismissal of this application does not shut out the USA from making a fresh application if it can demonstrate, in light of the submissions of the parties before the court, that it can indeed make a useful contribution to the resolution of the matter or would be substantially prejudiced by not being able to do so,” read Mendonca’s

submission. The panel also awarded costs to Warner, the dollar figure to be agreed upon in 14 days. The ruling may or may not have an impact on Warner’s challenge of his extradition, which claims Trinidad and Tobago’s treaty with the United States, violates the Extradition (Commonwealth and Foreign Territories) Act. In addition, Warner is claiming the signing of his extradition request was done without giving his attorneys opportunity to make representation on his behalf.(Sportsmax.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

India’s Rahul falls for 199 on day three in Chennai

(REUTERS)-India opener Lokesh Rahul fell agonisingly short of his maiden Test double century as he helped his team to 391 for four in a robust reply to England’s first innings total of 477 in the fifth and final Test in Chennai yesterday.. The elegant right-hander made 199 before throwing his wicket away and squatting at the crease, head-inhands, after the anti-climactic end to a stellar 311-ball knock. India, who have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, finished day three at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on course for a first-innings lead. Karun Nair was batting on 71, his maiden Test fifty, at stumps with Murali Vijay, who dropped down the order following a shoulder injury, on 17 at the other end. Rahul featured in century-plus stands with stopgap opener Parthiv Patel

and number five Nair to provide the bedrock of India’s reply. Resuming on 60 for no loss, the hosts got off to a solid start with their makeshift opening pair of Rahul and Patel adding 152 runs. Rahul was particularly harsh on debutant Liam Dawson, twice stepping out against the left-arm spinner to hit him for sixes in the morning session. Patel made a career-best 71 before falling to Moeen Ali, having impressed as he and Rahul combined to forge India’s first century-plus opening stand in 32 innings. Drafted into the side after the second test to replace the injured Wriddhiman Saha, Patel kept wicket for over 157 overs and then returned to partner Rahul after regular opener Vijay sustained the injury. England claimed two big wickets after lunch with Cheteshwar Pujara edging Ben Stokes and Stu-

point. “I will always have to live with it,” Rahul said of the shot. “I didn’t get a double hundred, I played a horrible shot. It will take some time to sink in. I thought I would get a double hundred with ease. I just have to come back stronger,” he added.

SCOREBOARD

KL Rahul was distraught at being dismissed for 199 art Broad dismissing the in-form Virat Kohli with a slow leg-cutter which the India captain drove straight to short cover.

Kohli made 15 and it was the first time in the series that the Indian run-machine was dismissed for a sub-40 score. Rashid followed it with

a tossed up innocuous delivery way outside the offstump and Rahul offered a reckless shot, lobbing the ball to Jos Buttler at cover

ENGLAND 1st innings 477 (M. Ali 146, J. Root 88, L. Dawson 66no, A. Rashid 60) India 1st innings (Overnight: 60-0) L. Rahul c Buttler b Rashid 199 P. Patel c Buttler b Ali 71 C. Pujara c Cook b Stokes 16 V. Kohli c Jennings b Broad 5 K. Nair not out 71 M. Vijay not out 17 Extras (lb-2) 2 Total (for 4 wickets, 108 overs) 391 Fall of wickets: 1-152 P. Patel, 2-181 C. Pujara, 3-211 V. Kohli, 4-372 L. Rahul To bat: R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, A. Mishra, I. Sharma, U. Yadav Bowling: S. Broad 18-4-46–1, J. Ball 15-1-50–0, M. Al 24-196–1, B. Stokes 9-1-37–1, A. Rashid 17-0-76–1, L. Dawson 23-3-72–0, J. Root 2-0-12–0.

Aussies edge towards victory despite Shafiq ton ASAD Shafiq recorded his 10th Test century but Pakistan are just two wickets from defeat against Australia in the first Test despite some admirable second-innings resistance. The tourists started the fourth day70-2 in pursuit of a mammoth target of 490 at the Gabba, but significantly improved on their first-innings effort of 142, Azhar Ali (71), Younis Khan (65) and Mohammad Amir (48) all excelling with the bat. But it was Shafiq who played a starring role, ending the day on 100 not out to help Pakistan to 382-8, standing firm as the wickets continued to

Asad Shafiq gets a big hug from Wahab Riaz on completing his century, after running three to complete his ton against Australia at the Gabba. tumble around him. Shafiq slashed a shot to deep point to bring up his ton in the final over of the persistent showers through- the two teams, aiming to day, which also saw Austraout the morning prompted either keep up or catch up lia further dent Pakistan’s umpires Joel Wilson and with the front-runners. hopes of an improbable Jonathan Blades to abanPride entered the don play for the day at match in third place in victory as Jackson Bird (3Windsor Park, shortly fol- t h e s t a n d i n g s o n 4 3 . 2 94) removed Wahab Riaz lowing a scheduled 11 a.m. points and are yet to earn for 30. A further 75 runs were inspection. a point in the match. VolOnly 48.2 overs of play canoes were fifth on 35.2 added to Pakistan’s overwere possible over the first points and have so far night total by Azhar and two days of the match in earned three from two Younis before the former the Dominica capital, as the bowling points and one saw his stay at the crease weather has dealt a blow to full pace-bowling point. ended when he gloved

Volcanoes, Pride third day abandoned ROSEAU, Dominica,(CMC) – Play on the third day was abandoned without a ball being bowled between Windward Islands Volcanoes and Barbados Pride in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament today, due to wet conditions caused by rain. Pride were set to resume from their overnight total of 137 for six, but

Mitchell Starc (3-97) to Matthew Wade. Misbah-ul-Haq made just five runs from the 34 deliveries he faced and Younis paid the price for attempting a reverse sweep when he top-edged Nathan Lyon (2-100) to slip. Sarfraz Ahmed (24) was then bowled through the gate by Starc, who was involved in something of a spat in the middle with Amir, the tailender serving to frustrate the Australia attack with his seventh-wicket stand of 92 with Shafiq. A full offcutter delivery from Bird eventually ended Amir’s stint at the crease just two runs shy of his half-century, but Australia were cursing their luck when captain Steve Smith dropped Shafiq on 72 off the bowling of Starc. That scare did not change Shafiq’s approach, which remained aggressive as he put on 66 for the eighth wicket with Wahab. Shafiq, who scored just two in the first innings, hit 10 fours and a six in his 140-ball hundred, but Pakistan head into a fifth day in a perilous position after

Bird struck with the third ball of the final over. Wa h a b w a f t e d a t a short delivery and Smith was there to atone for his earlier error, edging Australia towards triumph, though Pakistan can have reason to be proud of the defiance displayed in forcing the match to a final day.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 429 (S. Smith 130, P. Handscomb 105, M. Renshaw 71; W. Riaz 4-89, M. Amir 4-97) Pakistan 1st innings 142 (S. Ahmed 59no) Australia 2nd innings 202 for 5 decl (U. Khawaja 74, S. Smith 63) Pakistan 2nd innings (Overnight: 70-2; Target: 490 runs) S. Aslam c Renshaw b Starc 15 Az. Ali c Wade b Starc 71 B. Azam c Smith b Lyon 14 Y. Khan c Smith b Lyon 65 Misbah-ul-Haq c Wade b Bird 5 A. Shafiq not out 100 S. Ahmed b Starc 24 M. Amir c Wade b Bird 48 W. Riaz c Smith b Bird 30 Y. Shah not out 4 Extras: (lb-4 w-2) 6 Total: (for 8 wickets, 123 overs) 382 Fall of wickets: 1-31 S. Aslam, 2-54 B. Azam, 3-145 Az. Ali, 4-165 Misbah-ul-Haq, 5-173 Y. Khan, 6-220 S. Ahmed, 7-312 M. Amir, 8-378 W. Riaz To bat: R. Ali Bowling: M. Starc 30-8-97- 3 (w-1), J. Hazlewood 35-11-78-0 J. Bird 29-6-94-3 (w-1), N. Lyon 26-3-100–2, N. Maddinson 3-0-9-0

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

Synthetic track will be a boost to Region 2

- says former national athletes By Elroy Stephney Minister Within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport , Ms. Nicolette Henry’s disclosure that Region 2 will soon benefit from the realisation of a synthetic track has gain positive reactions from former national athletes in Essequibo. Minister Henry made the announcement during her 2017 budget presentation in Parliament. The modern facility is expected to be built next year, as the Government seeks to enhance the capability of athletes who can compete and win internationally. In this regard,creating a potentially conducive environment becomes paramount during the country’s drive to achieve an elusive Olympic medal. In Essequibo,no such dream existed before and the region remained uncomfortably stagnated and even alienated. For almost two decades, the national athletic championship could not have been staged in the region due to the deplorable

Julian Holder

manner in which the facilities were kept. Similarly, such untenable scenario existed during the Kashif and Shanghai reign. The country-wide football tournament was played for almost twenty five years, yet not a single match had its feet in Essequibo. Given the Minister’s recent exciting expression which indeed is a bold initiative, Chronicle Sport sought a comment from three former national athletes whose origin is in the Cinderella County. They all expressed delight and affirmed that their exposure overseas enlightened the fact that those countries had modern facilities to enhance

Scorpions crush Leewards by an innings and 77 runs THE Jamaica Scorpions through a good allround performance on Saturdayay, crushed the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 77 runs to remain on top of the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament. Replying to the Hurricanes’ 243 all-out, the Scorpions blasted their way to 550-7 declared before again routing their opponents cheaply, this time for 234. The Scorpions’ mammoth innings was an chored by two centuries, one from wicketkeeper Devon Thomas 114 not out, and a massive 194 from Brandon King. Manof-the-match, King, was scoring his maiden firstclass century. The innings was also aided by half-centuries from John Campbell, 88, Shacaya Thomas, 54, and Jermaine Blackwood, 55. There was no response from the Hurricanes bowlers, as Rahkeem Cornwall, with 2-68, turning in the best figures. In response, the Lee-

wards, batting a second time, feared no better than they did in the first innings, with Kieran Powell, 40, Chesney Hughes, 54, and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton, who scored a century in the first innings, getting 45. Nobody capitalised on the starts, and the bowling of Damion Jacobs 5-64, and skipper Nikita Miller, 3-44, proved too much. Jacobs second-innings tally meant he ended with figures of 10-167 in the match, the third of his first-class career. Pace bowlers, Reynard Leveridge and Marquino Mindley took a wicket apiece. The win gives the Scorpions 21 points to take them to 67.8, The 21 points were broken up into 12 for the victory, three bowling points, one pace bowling points, and five batting points. The Leewards, collected 3.8 points, one batting point, two bowling points and 0.8 pace bowling points.

their athletes’ performance. ‘Having a similar track here will advance the region’s potential to excel as well as create more career driven opportunities’, they collectively opined. Former national long distance queen Reonna Cornette who hails from Richmond and attended the Anna Regina Secondary School, for many years reigned supreme at the National School’s Athletics Championship as well as at other local meets. She also represented Guyana in several international races abroad and was one of the country’s most outstanding female athletes. Reonna was crowned as both the junior and senior sports woman of the year in 1995 and 1996 respectively during her glittering career. She still holds the record which she proudly upheld as clocking the fastest time in a marathon for female athletes in the Caribbean. The well-travelled former athlete expressed great optimism which she said the track can create, stating that athletes needed such training ground from an

SCOREBOARD HURRICANES 1st Innings 243 Scorpions 1st Innings (overnight 464 for four) J. Campbell c Powell b Cornwall 88 S. Thomas c wkpr Hamilton b Joseph 54 J. Blackwood c Hughes b Tonge 55 A. McCarthy st Hamilton b Cornwall 0 B. King c Louis b Willett 194 +D. Thomas not out 114 R. Powell run out 0 D. Jacobs c Joseph b Louis 2 *N. Miller not out 6 Extras: (b14, lb11, w9, nb3) 37 TOTAL: (7 wkts decl’d, 117.3 overs) 550 M. Mindley, R. Leveridge did not bat. Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-202, 3-208, 4-209, 5-518, 6-522, 7-539 Bowling: Cornwall 21-5-68-2; Joseph 23-3-95-1 (w1); Tonge 14-3-48-1 (nb1, w6); Louis 153-74-1 (nb1, w1); Boatswain 13.3-1-65-0 (w1); Powell 7-063-0 (nb1); Willett 21-3-99-1; Hughes 3-0-13-0 HURRICANES 2nd Innings *K. Powell c Campbell b Leveridge 40 M. Hodge c Miller b Mindley 8 C. Hughes c King b Miller 54 K. Carty b Jacobs 23 +J. Hamilton b Jacobs 45 T. Willett lbw b Miller 27 J. Louis lbw b Jacobs 1 A. Joseph c S. Thomas b Miller 0 G. Tonge b Jacobs 0 Q. Boatswain lbw b Jacobs 0 R. Cornwall not out 17 Extras: (b4, lb10, w3, nb2) 19 TOTAL: (all out, 80.5 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-66, 3-112, 4-174, 5-200, 6-204, 7-205, 8-206, 9-206 Bowling: Leveridge 11-0-51-1 (w2); Mindley 11-7-30-1 (nb1, w1); Powell 10-2-13-0 (nb1); Blackwood 5-0-18-0; Jacobs 182-64-5; Miller 17-6-44-3 Points: Scorpions 21, Hurricanes 3.8

early age to have any chance of competing successfully at a higher level. Cornette added that her training was done agonisingly on unleveled muddy dams and pot-holed roads which were never ideal contributors for an aspiring athlete.

Prince Holder

Notwithstanding, she persevered to become one of the country’s most accomplished runners. Meanwhile even before Reonna dreamt of running, the popular Holder brothers, Prince and Julian were already champions on the track. They were both long distance runners and held individual records. Prince Holder,who won gold at the Hampton International games in 1986,expressed his

pleasure and praised the Government for its visionary insight. Holder, a critic of the unhealthy state of sports in the region, acknowledged that having a synthetic track will recreate interest in the sport and he believes that with his experience and expertise he can contribute meaningfully in the field of athletics. He also added that the track can host other sports disciplines too as in the case of the Leneora multi-purpose track. Meanwhile, he suggested that the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground could be transformed into a modern facility that can include the track,given that there is vast amount of space which is ideally situated to connect with the entire region. His brother Julian Holder was also excited at the track’s prospect to develop athletes from the region. The older of the two siblings, Julian would have announced his superiority as a teenager and on several occasions rivalled his brother in many trilling encounters. He was arguably better in stamina and had the ability to conserve energy for his final sprint to the finishing line. Julian also represented Guyana

Reonna Cornette

and participated in several regional and international meets abroad. All three former national athletes expressed the desire to serve in some capacity once the track becomes a reality, knowing that it will pace the region towards producing national and international athletes; feats that they had proudly accomplished. The region was also known to have produced two highly rated sprinters in Francis Drakes (Dr. Kimani) and Dr. Colin Roach, both of whom attained a cult-like status during their era of invincibility on the track. Given such rich history therefore, the former national athletes are optimistic that the impending birth of a synthetic track will be a tremendous boost for sports in Region 2.

DDL still on board KMTC’s Annual Boxing Day race meet after 42 years KENNARD’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) will this year once again be benefiting from sponsorship for its Annual Boxing Day race meet scheduled for December 26 at the KMTC’s facility situated at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). For the past 42 years the beverage `Giants’ have part sponsored the activity and this year it will be the company’s 43rd year of sponsorship for the event which attracts thousands of spectators. Speaking at a simple pre-

ted the company’s continued support for the event. In accepting the trophies and cash to be awarded to the various winners, president of the KMTC,Justice Cecil Kennard,thanked DDL for their continued support for the event and said he is more than confident that the beverage company will continue to lend its support to activities organised by the KMTC. The feature event of the eight-race meet, a nine-furlong race for horses classified `B’ and lower, will see the

(Caption Justice Cecil Kennard (left) accepts the trophy and prize money from DDL’s Marketing Manager, Maria Munroe, at his Brickdam, Georgetown office on Friday (Photo by Cullen Bess Nelson).

sentation ceremony last Friday, the company’s Marketing Representative Maria Munroe said her company is very pleased and happy to be supportive of the annual event and commit-

winner receiving $1.2M and a trophy. The second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $600,000, $300,000 and $150,000 respectively. Two seven-furlong races

are also slated to be contested, with the first being for horses that are West Indian bred maidens and Guyana bred H and Lower horses. The winner will earn $250,000, while the other top three finishers will take home $125,000, $63,000 and $32,000 respectively. The other seven-furlong race is opened to horses classified `G and lower’ and the winner will earn $280,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $140,000, $70,000 and $35,000 respectively. An `L class’ six-furlong race for non-winners will also be contested and the winner will receive $130,000, while the other top three finishers will earn $65,000, $32,000 and $16,000 respectively. There will also be a Five-furlong race for another set of `L’ rated horses, but this will be in the open category and the same prize structure as the first five-furlong race will be in effect. A six-furlong race for horses classified `E’ and Lower is on the cards and the winner of this event will trot home with $500,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $250,000, $125,000 and $63,000 respectively.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

Army’s Technical Director satisfied with team’s first round dominance ...expects tougher competition in second round

By ras Wadada TECHNICAL Director of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Bilaal Nantambu is satisfied with the Army’s winning run in the first round of the GFF-Stag Elite League, but does not expect that it will be easy sailing in the second round. In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport,Nantambu explained: “What we have caught the opposition with is a surprise in terms of our technical abilities and how fast we can play.The second half of the league will not be that easy because everybody will now be aware of how we play,so we are going to be making it difficult by changing our style when we come out in the second half, not style in terms of possession but in terms of formation where we try to utilise quicker players in better positions to get more people upfront in numbers, stuff like that.

“In the first half we would have fulfilled our objective which is to be at the top of the league table, and we did it our own way. From the matches we have played so far I have seen a lot of characteristics in the team: One- they have a lot of fighting spirit, two- they have a lot of confidence and threethey approach each game with a winning mentality which is very pleasing to me as a Coach. “The next half of the season we will be aiming to see how we can better our first half performance, especially in the area of our central defence where I think we are having difficulty with the long-ball played in our area. . It is easier to get to the top than it is to stay because you become the target after reaching the top. Each game tested a different character of the team, so each game, even though we ended up winning, had to be a fight… we didn’t just blow teams away. “At the end of it all we

GDF Technical Director Bilaal Nantambu did show some superior ball skills that were reflected in the scores,even though the games were periodically tight and rough or brought out challenging aspects of our play.We were able to overcome all and I think we played the better football and it showed”. The ‘B’ Licensed Coach has been with the team since August of this year and believes the success so far reaped has to do with preparations, “These are the same players that played for the Army last season.The difference this season is there is renewed confidence and

they seem more competent, technically. It is a marked improvement and I feel very fortunate, as a coach, to have such a squad. I think our preparations and works we have put in as a team have been very rewarding”. Nantambu, who has coached at Den Amstel and briefly at Slingerz and Buxton, as well as at the National U-15 level, singled out his custodian as the most impressive player in the first half of season two. “The player I am most pleased with at the end of the first half is the youngest of the team, and he is twenty -yearold Enoch Carmichael our goal keeper. It is the first time he is playing at this level after being the back-up keeper last season. He has really taken the responsibility to another level and he has grown in confidence. In fact, he has made the fewest mistakes for us in the first half of the season,” Nantambu declared.

The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and University of the West Indies (UWI) graduate who represented Guyana at youth football in 1967 has cited a flaw in his side, but feels with maturity it can be eliminated. “If there is a weakness in the team it is that they can be impatient, at times, when they have possession of the ball. They have this feeling that every time they have possession they must go and score, and that is not necessary.Sometimes you keep possession to make the opposition work for the ball while you wear them down. They now need to get a little more matured in games and continue playing with that level of confidence”, the Technical Director suggested. Nantambu,who has been a devout Muslim for over two decades was loud in praise of the current 6-team League’s play on the pitch but unhappy with how things went off the field, “From what I have seen I think

the quality of football is better, all-round from top to bottom, than I expected after the four teams pulled out of the League. ”The attendance at games has definitely been disappointing and maybe the time schedule for games should be revisited and for sure the promotion and advertising of matches were poor”. Nantambu also expressed his views on the extensive break of the Elite League: “ We o n l y h a v e s i x teams in the league which means we don’t have a lot of games. Also the break between the first season and the start of the second was so long that to take over a month’s break after playing five games; is like asking teams not to be at their best. The break is much too long, but this is how it is planned and I can’t change that, but just try to get my squad prepared”.

BERNARD Hopkins suffered defeat in his final fight after the 51-year-old was knocked out of the ring in the eighth round by Joe Smith Jr.

a world title, aged 49. The American had never been beaten inside the distance before his defeat by compatriot Smith Jr in his first fight since losing on points to Russia’s Sergey Kovalev two years ago. Smith was ahead on points on two of the judges’ scorecards before he ended the fight with a series of punches which culminated in a left hook that sent Hopkins through the ropes in Los Angeles. “I’ve seen him fall and I kept hitting him,” Smith, 27, said. “I landed that left hook at the end there to finish the job. “I hit him with four or five clean shots there, good shots right on the button. “I didn’t expect him to get up but he is a true champion. I came here to do my job. This is my coming out party. I had to finish him.” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the 2012 Olympic heavyweight gold medallist, defended his WBO cruiserweight title with a knockout of South African Thabiso Mchunu in the ninth round.(BBC Sport).

Real survive scare to win club cup Hopkins, 51, beaten in final fight of career with Ronaldo hat-trick By Chris Gallagher

TOKYO,(Reuters)-Real Madrid suffered an almighty fright before a Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick hauled them back from 2-1 down and gave them a 4-2 win over rank outsiders Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup final yesterday. Two goals from Gaku Shibasaki stunned the European champions as the Japanese hosts took a 2-1 lead early in the second half before a Ronaldo penalty brought Real level on the hour. The 11-times European champions then survived several more scares and a possible sending-off for captain Sergio Ramos before Ronaldo scored twice more in the first period of extra-time. Real, who won the tournament for the second time in three years and were crowned champions for a fifth time overall, appeared set for an easy victory when Karim Benzema gave them a ninth-minute lead but Shibasaki changed the story by levelling one min-

Real Madrid extended an unbeaten run stretching back to April.

ute before halftime. Kashima were the first Asian team to reach the final although they qualified for the tournament as champions of host nation Japan. Asian champions Jeonbuk Motors had lost in the quarter-finals. “We knew it was not going to be an easy one. They were very aggressive,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters. Real went ahead when Luka Modric’s volley was parried by Hitoshi Sogahata and Benzema tapped in the rebound. Kashima refused to be overawed, continued playing their neat football and

snatched a shock equaliser just before the break. Shoma Doi’s cross found Shibasaki, whose first touch was poor but he was gifted a second attempt when Raphael Varane failed to clear and he smashed the ball into the net. Shibasaki struck again six minutes after the break when he collected a poor Real clearance, got away from three opponents and fired a low shot past Keylor Navas from 25 metres. Real were facing their first defeat since they lost to VfL Wolfsburg in April, a run of 36 competitive games, until Lucas Vazquez was bundled over

by Shuto Yamamoto and Ronaldo converted the resulting penalty on the hour. Kashima continued to give as good as they got and had three good chances in the final minutes of normal time. Fabricio’s goalbound drive was tipped over by Navas and the Costa Rican goalkeeper came to the rescue again one minute later by blocking Mu Kanazaki’s shot after he got free of the Real defence. Yasushi Endo could have won it with the last kick but fired wide at the far post while Sergio Ramos was lucky to escape a second yellow card for a push on an opponent, a decision which Kashima coach Masatada Ishii said “lacked courage”. Ronaldo ended Kashima’s dream when he collected Benzema’s sliderule pass and fired past Sogahata eight minutes into extra-time, then settled the match six minutes later with an emphatic finish into the roof of the net. “We gave Real Madrid problems,” said Ishii. “That’s what we were able to do. But we made small mistakes in positioning and judgment so it’s frustrating.”

Bernard Hopkins A flurry of punches sent Hopkins through the ropes and, after he failed to return to the ring in 20 seconds, he was beaten by technical knockout. Hopkins said he was “shoved” and hit his head in his fall in the light heavyweight bout. He added he twisted his ankle and “couldn’t stand up”. Hopkins confirmed the fight would be the last of his 28-year career, which he ended with a record of 55 wins (32 KOs), eight defeats, and two draws. The former two-weight world champion defended his world middleweight title 20 times between 1995 and 2005 and is the oldest man to hold

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 19, 2016

Personal bests, medal performances for Guyanese swimmers in T&T 52.23. In the Girls 11-12 200m Backstroke, Lian Winter set another personal best with a time of 2:57.09 over an entry time of 2:58.71. Teammate Soroya Simmons added another medal to her haul. This time she finished

Soroya Simmons

GUYANA’s good performance ,courtesy of the Dorado Speed Swim Club,at the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) continued as the weekend’s session came to an end. It was more personal best times being set, however,this time happening in the 50M Breaststroke and 200M Backstroke on

Saturday evening. In the 50M Breaststroke, Monique Watson bested her entry time of 50.07 with a time of 49.79. Alex Winter as well as Daniel Scott both topped their entry times,finishing with 35.33 and 35.09. Also setting a personal best in the breaststroke event was Safiya Foster who finished with 51.32 after an entry time of

TTCB to hold press conference on sexual assault allegations tomorrow

THE findings of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a cricket official in Trinidad and Tobago are expected to be made p u b l i c t o m o r ro w, t h e sport’s governing body

TTCB president Azim Bassarath has said. For the past few months, a two-man committee comprised of TTCB president Azim Bassarath and TTCB second vice-president Lalman Kowlessar, had been investigating the allegations made by a member of the

country’s Youth Cricket team during the West Indies Youth Tournament in St. Vincent in July. Controversy swirled around the investigations after National League Representative, Dinanath Ramnarine, accused the president of covering up the matter because the matter was reported to the TTCB in August. Kowlessar however, said he was made aware of the allegations by the player in October. TTCB Chief Executive Officer Suruj Ragoonath stated that the matter was a sensitive one and that it was being looked into by the committee. On Saturday, he told the Trinidad and Tobago Express that the TTCB will be hosting a press conference tomorrow to air the matter to the public.

second in the 15yrs and over 200M LC Backstroke with a time of 2:40.74. On Sunday morning in the 200M Individual Medley,Elliot Gonsalves and Lian Winter both set personal best times of 3:18.57 and 2:59:22 after

entry times of 3:26.99 and 3:00.01 respectively. In the 400M Freestyle, Daniel Scott finished with a personal best of 4:44.60 over an entry time of 4:51.04 en route to a bronze medal. Once again Soroya Simmons finished in the top

three, this time securing gold in a personal best shattering time of 5:06.16 over her entry time of 5:11.96. The event was due to finish last evening but up to press time was still underway in Trinidad and Tobago.(Daniel Haynes)

Personal bests, medal performances for Guyanese swimmers in T&T See story on page 23

Police and Riddim Squad into STAG Nations Cup quarter- finals

GUYANA Police Force (GPF) mauled Rosignol United 13-2, the biggest margin of victory to date, while Riddim Squad found good rhythm in disposing of another Berbice unit, Cougars 5-2 when roundof-16 play in the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football competition was played on Saturday night last at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice. On a windy and damp night, none of the Berbice teams were able to fire and were sent packing from the competition,with only New Amsterdam United of the four left standing. Both the GPF and the Mocha, East Bank Demerara based Riddim Squad have booked their respective quarter finals in the tournament that is featuring clubs from five associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation which has sanctioned the tournament. It was evident from the first whistle of the night in both matches that the home teams would be in for a torrid time against more well-oiled units from Georgetown. GPF wasted little time in asserting their presence; by the end of the first half they were already in the ascendancy 7-2.

… record emphatic wins over Berbice teams

Riddim Squad scorers from right, Kevin Gordon, Sceyon Hope, Dellon John, Kevin Agard and Teon Jones. Despite drawing first blood with a goal in the 8th minute through Oswin Carmichael, Rosignol looked out of sorts against the lawmen who did not spare their opponents as they made their presence felt as one of the favourite teams aiming to take home the top prize of $2 M. The GPF was gifted the equaliser in the 11th minute when Rosignol’s

Jack Warner beats United States again

Keenon Rajgopaul scored against his team. Three minutes later, Kester Dundas nudged home the go ahead goal for the GPF which further increased the advantage when Quinsen Holder blasted the first of his hat-trick. Trying their best in this early stage of the match to keep close to the GPF, Calvin Mc Kenzie netted Rosignol’s

second goal of the match with the score 3-2 in favour of the visitors;and even up to that point, the home fans felt that their countrymen would have toughed it out with the GPF. However, that was the last time they {Rosignol} were able to enjoy the delight of scoring as they were relegated to closely guarded invisible cells for

the remainder of the match, much to the disappointment of the fans. It was all the GPF for the remainder of the match. Atto Wallace scored in the 26th minute and Junior Gordon in the 30th before Holder completed his three with back-to-back strikes in the 43rd and 44th minute. The other players to score were Dwayne Charles

(47), Jermaine Castello (70), Grayson Barker 68, 84), Jermaine Grandison (90) and Rawle Turnell (90+2). The opening game was all Riddim Squad,who thumped a young Cougars, 5-2. To their credit, Cougars looked a very competitive side in the first half as they matched Riddim Squad play-for-play in a fast- paced game. Despite trailing by one goal, 1-2 at the half way mark, most felt that the second stanza of the match would have been fiercely contested but the lack of high-level competition finally put paid to the Cougars chances of getting past Riddm Squad. Riddim Squad scorers were Kevin Gordon (21min), Sceyon Hope (25 min), Dellon John (62min), Kevin Agard (79min), Teon Jones (90+3min). On target for Cougars were Trevon Hazel (40min) and Devon James (71 min). Two more round-of-16 matches are set for the Leonora Track and field Facility on Wednesday night when West Demerara’s Uitvlugt Warriors and Pouderoyen will be hosting Northern Rangers and Mahaica Determinators at 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs, respectively.

PCL 4-Day Tournament…

T&T Red Force battling to avoid defeat on final day See story on page 19 Former FIFA vice-president Austin Jack Warner

FORMER FIFA vice president Austin Jack Warner has had his wish to keep the United States out of his appeal against extradition to that country granted for the second time. The United States Department of Justice requested that Warner be extradited to answer to charges of corruption but found a former football executive determined not to go. Warner challenged the signing of the extradition and has been in court ever since.

The United States has tried to make submissions during Warner’s challenge but the former CONCACAF President has objected. That objection was upheld in court, with the United States filing an appeal. That appeal, was recently thrown out by by Appellate Judges Allan Mendonca, Peter Jamadar, and Chief Justice Ivor Richie. The three delivered a 17-page written judgement that came after reserving that See page 19

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T&T’s Isaiah Rajah bats during his innings of 63

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016