Guyana chronicle epaper 12 24 2016

see inside

No. 104775

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Heavy rains flood city

-Gov’t in coordinated response to coastal flooding -54 pumps, 99 excavators deployed -All ECD pumps working

Pages 2,3,4&5

-rainfall for next 7 days

Water everywhere

Page 4

–– but Christmas must go on, say city residents

It was business as usual at the Stabroek Market on Friday (Adrian Narine photos)

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

‘Everything wet up,’ ––Albouystown residents hard hit by flood

By Svetlana Marshall TORRENTIAL rains coupled with an unusually high tide resulted in massive flooding across the city with Albouystown among some of the communities hardest hit.

Nicola Macbeth said she woke up Friday morning to find her Bel Air Street, Albouystown home in water.

“The whole house flood out, everything wet up,” Macbeth said, as she complained bitterly about the situation. “Girl I ain’t know what I gun do,” the mother of two added as she made her way to work through the floodwaters.

Tonza Beaton said she was able to prevent the water from getting into her house with

done decorate for Christmas and I wouldn’t like fuh duh water to come in me house at all.” Beaton’s neighbour Talisa Dundas, of James Street, Albouystown, said the floods had caught her off-guard. “I didn’t expect this at all. The water de coming in lil bit but after a while it keep raising.

I had to run and pick up me things them,” she related.

Dundas complained that it was not so long ago that she had purchased a refrigerator, and now it is at risk of being damaged.

Another resident said after returning home from work about 09:00hrs, she met a flooded house. “Is seven of us living here. By de time I get home, they had start packing

In addition to visiting Albouystown, Minister Ferguson visited South, East and West Ruimveldt. Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Royston King, said that the city engineers are in the field clearing blockages and chokes in canals. “We will continue to monitor the situation. Our engineers continue to monitor the situation and we will keep the public informed as we go along. The city engineers are in communication with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Agriculture,”King said.

The Town Clerk also used the opportunity to call on citizens “not to dump garbage in waterways, so The tree covering sections of North Road

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, meeting with residents of Albouystown who are among those affected by the flood the use of sandbags. “Lil bit more the water would have come in but the vehicles all of dem keep driving, although we telling them when they drive the water coming in we house but them ain’t kay,” she complained.

Complaining bitterly about the situation, Beaton said the residents of Albouystown placed drums and other obstacles to prevent vehicles from traversing through the affected community, but the makeshift barricades were removed by ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force. “Is like dem ain’t understand. I

up, all I could have done was help,” the woman told the Guyana Chronicle.

In James Street Albouystown, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, was heard explaining the situation to residents as she pleaded with them to have patience.

“What we are experiencing here is as a result of high tide. …we would have done extensive work of clearing the drains and the main canal since we took office,” Minister Ferguson told the Guyana Chronicle.

that we can have a free flow of water when we have these situations”. Citizens are also being called on to take precautionary measures as this pattern of rainfall can be expected for several more days, during the remainder of the month. Over at North Road, strong winds uprooted a tree in the vicinity of Innovation America. Unable to solicit the services of the council to have the tree removed from across the street, proprietors of the store hired several handymen to remove the debris.

A group of children playing in the floodwaters

A section of James Street, Albouystown, covered in water. In photo, an old refrigerator is placed in the middle of the road to prevent vehicles from traversing

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Gov’t in coordinated response to flooding ––Patterson assures of relief in time for Christmas

By Svetlana Marshall GOVERNMENT has adopted a coordinated approach to tackle massive flooding in Georgetown and other parts of the country and the Public Infrastructure Ministry is currently putting measures in place to bring much-needed relief to the citizens in time for Christmas Day on Sunday.

In the city, residents of Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, North- East La Penitence and Bel Air Park were among those hard hit by the floods, which were not only a result of the torrential rains, but an unusually high tide. There have been reports of flooding in Regions Two, Five and Six as well.

Meanwhile, addressing the nation on the situation via a live broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, explained that the 12 hours of heavy downpour, which started at around 23:00hrs on Thursday, resulted in an accumulation of 3-4 inches of rainfall being recorded.

According to the Public Infrastructure Minister, the torrential rains came as a surprise. “It was unexpected,” he told the moderator

of the programme Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, even as he pointed out that the Hydromet Office had given no indication that there would have been 75-100mm of rainfall on Friday.

In fact, initially, the Hydromet Office had told Guyanese to expect “partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers throughout Guyana.” The heavy and constant showers were coupled with a nip tide or a high tide. It was explained that normally sluices are opened for a period of six hours to allow the water to recede, however, with the high tide in effect, the time is cut down to about three hours.

On Friday, the sluices were opened from 04:00hrs to 09:00hrs before being reopened about 15:00hrs up until 18:00hrs. The sluices were expected to be opened from 04:00hrs today for another three hours.

As a result of the combined situation, the floodwaters receded slower than the norm, Minister Patterson noted, while explaining that the drainage system is not designed to accommodate this much water.

BAD NEWS But the situation was further compounded in the city by what he called “bad

news.”

The Public Infrastructure Minister explained that on December 12 his ministry had convened a meeting with all the key stakeholders including the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, the Ministries of Communities and Agriculture, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with the aim of putting measures in place ahead of the rainy season.

He said during that meeting, the Council had indicated that as a result of a shortage of funds, it was unable to fix the pump at Riverview which was dysfunctional at the time. As a matter of emergency, Minister Patterson said funds were provided to the City Council to have the pump fixed. It was noted that at the time of the meeting, the four other pumps were working.

Unfortunately, it was only on Friday that the Public Infrastructure Minister was informed that the pump at Riverview had not been repaired and another pump situated at Lamaha Street had stopped working approximately two to three days ago. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t done, because the issue was far bigger than that which was initially reported, so that

One of the many houses that were inundated on Friday in North-East La Penitence.

Works being carried out on the Cowan Street pump on Friday afternoon. At right, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, assesses the work. wasn’t done, and the other one at Lamaha Street broke down two or three days ago,” Minister Patterson noted.

Nevertheless, the Public Infrastructure Ministry is putting measures in place to remedy the situation. Up to Friday night, it was working to have the pump at Lamaha Street up and running. It is expected that the pump at Riverview will be operable by today.

Additionally, the ministry on Friday was in the process of installing two pumps at Muneshwer’s and Sussex Street, while two smaller pumps will be deployed in Georgetown, including in the Queenstown area.

“It is important to get these pumps up and running because for the next 48 hours or so, more rainfall is expected by the Met Office. So we have to try during the time when the sluices are closed to discharge as much of the water as possible,” Minister Patterson explained.

The minister is optimistic that by today, seven

pumps will be in operation, in addition to the two smaller pumps. Additionally, excavators have been deployed to the Cummings Canal, the Cowan Street Canal, and the Downer Street Canal.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is also in Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, and West Ruimveldt, where emergency relief works are ongoing. The Kitty pump station is also working normally despite the recent collapse.

Anticipating that there will be fewer rainfalls in the days to come, Minister Patterson believes that Guyanese even in flood-prone areas would be able to recover in time for Christmas.

The ministry is urging residents to remain patient and to also make necessary preparations, since rainfall is expected to continue tomorrow, though not as heavily.

Residents are also advised that sandbags are available at the Kitty pump station.

Damage to property Meanwhile, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in a

statement said the Government is putting systems in place to minimise loss or damage to property. “The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Ministry of Communities and the Mayor and City Council have put measures in place to ensure that as soon as the tide changes, the water will be drained off of the land within a reasonable timeframe,” Minister Harmon said.

He added that the CDC has been activated in other parts of the country and is monitoring the situation.

Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup, Director-General of the CDC had noted that his officers are currently on the ground gathering information from all the affected regions.

He also said that some c o m m u n i t i e s i n We s t Berbice are experiencing flooding and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority has dispatched two excavators to bring relief to those areas.

4

Water everywhere

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

–– but Christmas must go on, say city residents

By Shirley Thomas A MERE 48 hours before the celebration of Christmas Day, coastal Guyana was taken by surprise by a sudden downpour which began on Thursday night and lasted practically throughout Friday, inundating literally every street in Georgetown, the area that seemed hardest hit.

Streets appeared like rivers, with bridges submerged and tracks and pathways disappearing under water, causing some pedestrians and motorists to misjudge their moves and ending up in trenches.

So deep was the inundation on roadways that a few motor cars broke down and were left at the roadside, their engines badly affected by the water.

Worse still, was the tragic situation faced by house-

holds occupying lower flats, who woke up to find their homes under water: newly installed carpets, vinolay, Christmas trees and other decorations either covered by, or floating in, ground water. It was a bleak day for coastal Guyana, but bearing the brunt of the sufferings were residents of Georgetown, where the constant construction of high-rise buildings, towering several storeys high, continues to cause the land to sink to frightening levels.

Commercial activities were dealt a hard blow, for the crowds that would normally throng shopping centres and municipal market places were detained either because of the depth of water through which they would have had to wade, posing great risk to their health; or the limited availability of transportation, since many motorists

parked their vehicles for fear of getting water into their engines.

But all was not lost, since the celebration of Christmas is a big thing for Guyanese, and it would take a lot for anything to turn the average Guyanese off from preparing for Christmas.

Asked how they view the water accumulation on the land affecting Christmas, some persons’ responses were: “Christmas is a holiday observed by all the races of Guyana, and we got to celebrate.

Even if they got to pump the water off the land, Christmas activities must go on. We got to do what we got to do.”

MAD RUSH And so Guyanese, as soon as the water had begun to recede off the streets of commercial areas like Regent Street and

Oblivious to the floodwaters, GBTI Buxton Steel Orchestra entertains shoppers in downtown Stabroek

DATE: 21/12/2016 C

2

5

6 10 13 25 3

23/12/2016

11 14 18 21 25

Amidst flood waters, there’s this rush for pepper-pot meat Stabroek in downtown Georgetown, were back on the streets again, wearing long boots and creating a mad rush to zero-in on Christmas bargains and make last minute purchases of ingredients to make the traditional pepper pot, black cake, ginger beer; and carefully selecting window curtains, carpets, flowers, vinolay and other decorations for the home.

But speaking with shop and stall holders in the municipal market areas, many expressed concern over losses suffered as a result of water having flooded out particularly Bourda Market and stores along Regent Street. Crates and boxes of items normally stored under counters were flooded out and had to be discarded. Water got into the bottoms of freezers in the butchery area and into rice stored under counters by wholesalers.

Young roadside vendors had a bad day, since the streets were flooded, making it impossible for them to sell. Many fruits’ and greens’ vendors, because

23/12/2016

1

7

5

of limited space along the roadways to display their produce, were seen displaying them in baskets on the roadway, which only hours before had been flooded.

This constitutes a serious health threat and justifies the need for proper vending areas with the necessary facilities to be constructed for vendors. The vendors are calling on the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown to address these concerns.

“But one People, One Nation with One Destiny as we are,” folks contend, “it would take a lot to change our culture. Christmas is embraced by the Guyanese people, and let’s not shut ourselves behind doors or harbour a glum mood because of losses we might have incurred as a result of the flooding of Georgetown.”

For this kind of serious flooding to have taken place in such a short time, they contend, something must be wrong with our infrastructure, and so peo-

23/12/2016

3

4

1

ple are calling on the engineers to change that.

NO LOVE LOST Adopting an attitude which says: “Give me a lemon and I would not tell you how sour it is, but I’ll use is to make lemonade (a pleasant and palatable beverage), some folks interviewed insist that the rain has its work to do; and if we are to co-exist, then let the rain do its work and our engineers do theirs.

In this way there will be ‘no love lost.’

And so it was not all gloom and doom, as was evident in some commercial quarters, such as meat vending areas at the Stabroek Market, where housewives were busy shopping for pepperpot meat. And at Demico House, where, towards evening, the GBTI Buxton Steel Orchestra was doing a fine job of regaling shoppers and passersby with Christmas carols and sweet musical renditions, making it evident that regardless of what happens, Christmas is in the air.

07 08

23/12/2016 12 13 17 18

21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

54 pumps, 99 excavators deployed

THE National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has said that with 54 of its 58 drainage pumps having been pressed into service, and 99 excavators deployed to mitigate flooding caused by excessive rainfall on Friday, it is fully prepared to respond to any eventuality which may arise as a result of the rainy season.

NDIA Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Flatts, underscoring the importance of being prepared, pointed out that 93 and 94 per cent of its pumps and excavators respectively are operable and have been deployed at critical locations in all coastal regions with intent to assist in drainage needs.

“Of the 58 pumps, 54 are

working and have been deployed at critical locations to ensure water which has been accumulated recedes off land within 24hrs,” Mr. Flatts said.

The NDIA currently has a fleet of 99 excavators, which are deployed at critical locations to clear drainage and desilt canals. Of the 88 sluices owned and operated by the NDIA, 83 are fully working, and contracts have been tendered for bids to have the remaining five operable.

“We are in a good place at the moment, but we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that we have the additional sluice working to further complement our fleet,” the NDIA CEO has said.

At Region Two, there is presently a problem with flooding due to siltation.

The Ministry of Agriculture has since deployed two excavators and a pontoon, which commenced desilting the outfall channels to bring relief to those affected.

With respect to water accumulation in the city, Mr. Flatts has assured that talks will be held with the City Engineer, Mayor and City Council (M&CC), to determine what assistance can be given where necessary, since the drainage of Georgetown falls within the remit of the Mayor and City Council.

The Hydromet Department has since advised that rainfall is expected to continue for the remainder of

Friday and Saturday, and as much as 45mm is expected within that time, which is above the established drainage capacity of the city.

According to Chief Hydromet Officer Dr. Garvin Cummings, accumulation of water can be expected in some areas between tides.

“We recorded 73.2 mm of water between 8 and 11 this morning alone, so you can see the variations. Although this is expected to decrease in magnitude, rainfall is expected to continue over the next 3-5 days in regions 4 and 5,” Dr. Cummings said.

Government has, over the last year, prudently managed the drainage sector, thus making it efficient in addressing drainage and irrigation needs.

Granger lauds work of ambassadors, - staff receive foreign service officers long-service awards THE work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in obtaining a decision by out-going United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on the Guyana –Venezuela Border controversy was lauded by President David Granger on Friday night.

The President, who attended that ministry’s annual dinner and Christmas party, said it is through the hard work of the Ambassadors, and Foreign Service Officers of the Foreign Affairs Ministry that the UN Secretary-General chose to send the border controversy to the ICJ at the end of 2017 if the Good Offices process proves unsuccessful.

“Last Friday we heard a very important announcement, which is perhaps one of the brightest parts in our 50-year history of independence that the matter of the territorial controversy will be taken to the court.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and generations of Foreign Service Officers [and] Ambassadors have worked over the years to have this result. I think it is a moment of joy, not of boasting, but a moment of relief to the people, who have worked so hard and I feel very proud of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Officers,” he said.

President Granger expressed pride in the work of the Guyanese missions, high commissions and embassies around the world and extended Christmas greetings to the staff.

Meanwhile, the Government Information Agency reported that the head of state presented Director- General, Ambassador Audrey Waddell, an award for her service to the ministry.

Subject Minister Carl Greenidge also delivered awards to six staff members for long and dedicated service to the ministry, including Deputy Chief of Pro-

tocol, Marion Herbert, who has served within the Ministry for 27 years, Bibi Bacchus, a personnel staff member, who has served for 32 years, from accounts Hollie Munroe, who has been with the ministry for 44 years, Michael Brotherson and James Lewis from the Registry for 27 years of service. Kerwin Clarke also received a special award for his Gold Medal at the 2016 Central America and Caribbean Body Building and Fitness Championships.

Also present at the event were Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Rashleigh Esmond Jackson and members of the diplomatic corps (Government Information Agency)

President David Granger handing over an award to Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell for her outstanding service to the Ministry.

Saturday December 24th, 14:30 - 1:30 hrs Sunday December 25th, 14:30 - 2:30 hrs

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

HydroMet Office failings

FRIDAY’S flash floods in Georgetown and other coastal areas were a stark reminder to citizens about the effects of climate change; the need for officials to always maintain our drainage structures and also to the government that despite its earlier pronouncements about the effectiveness of the city clean-up exercise, we are not yet out of the woods.

There is a fourth element in all of this, the unreliability of the country’s hydrometeorological service. Enough has been said over the years about the city’s drainage system and its weaknesses, but unless we fix the weather forecast department, the calamity of yesterday will continue to happen.

Following Friday’s deluge, no less a person than the Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Moses Nagamootoo, described as “unsatisfactory the inability of the Hydrometerological Service to adequately provide accurate forecasts to forewarn citizens of the likelihood and possibility of flooding.” Such strong reprimand of a government department has been rare in this country, but it clearly demonstrated the PM’s level of frustration as a citizen and no doubt the thousands of Guyanese who were affected.

Mr. Nagamootoo further stated that the “HydroMet Service’s forecast of “scattered showers” Thursday evening and “occasional showers” early Friday morning were misleading and left citizens without accurate information, allowing them to take the necessary precautions and allowing agencies to act pre-emptively.” He insisted that this situation of the HydroMet Office not forewarning citizens of flooding has existed for several years and most recently, there were episodes in December 2014 and June 2015. He cautioned: “Floods cause economic dislocation, damage and losses and the HydroMet Office cannot afford to be casual about these matters.”

Might we add, when flood waters come, business owners are forced to shut down their operations and engage their staff and additional hired help in clean-up activities.

Critical business hours are lost, profits are diminished. These have knock-on effects on the local economy, which for the most part is not analysed, to understand the real impact of any flood. Cumulatively however, one could say tens of millions of dollars would have to be expended on cleaning detergents and agents, buckets, mops,and sponges; labour alone is a modest estimate. This does not include the man hours and profits lost, the business disrupted, the additional electricity and water used in the clean-up exercises among other economic considerations. Add to that the closure of schools, the banking sector disrupted, city transportation in

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

Political maturity needed Dear Editor, A LITTLE after the 2015 National and Regional Elections a senior political figure of the Alliance For Change (A.F.C.), threatened to resign, maybe because he was not given the position he had wanted, or was promised.

He subsequently changed his mind assuming after discussions with the management of the party, which may have resulted in him being appointed to a position which he held for a short time, and resigned, and thereafter publicly criticised the A.F.C. party, particularly one of its founder members. How are we as party members and activists to pronounce on or analyse his pattern of behavior? Are we to be critical of him or the leadership of the

party?

There are some who join a political party so as to serve their personal interests, while others work tirelessly to strengthen the structure of the party and in so doing, the party would be able to serve in the interest of the people, whether it is in the opposition or Government.

How we measure loyalty to a political party, organisation, association or team, would depend on a lot of factors, and would be debatable; but they are major differences between constructive and destructive criticisms, but who are we to be the judge?

The person or persons who criticise or those who are being criticized.

Political parties need activist or foot soldiers so as to create and maintain a strong support base, and

while the mail cannot run without money, politics generally is all about numbers, persons would ask, what is there for me, and like in any area in life, it is a legitimate expectation, for people to be rewarded for their efforts and sometimes sacrifice put in and made, but when those expectations are not met, what should be their reaction.

How are we going to reward our political activists, of course round pegs should not be placed in square holes, it would certainly defeat the purpose of the party and embarrass us all, we lose our support base and are no longer recognised as a potent force. Mainly because we have shot ourselves in the foot.

Some may describe this individual action as gross political immaturity and disloy-

alty. The numbers in support of this action for and against might be very close.With the political culture as it is in Guyana, many more political activists, would be making similar utterances or behave in like manner, and while this situation is not unique to political parties in Guyana, I am not sure how members and activists stand to benefit from adverse comments regarding their political parties. I do hope that in this instance it would not impact negatively on the A.F.C. Sometimes we got to beat awe drum with fedda, there are times also when we say enough is enough.

Regards ARCHIE W. CORDIS Former A.F.C. Councillor Region No. 2

PPP urges resolution of tied council, NDCs and municipality

Dear Editor,

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wishes to remind Guyana that the Granger government continues to refuse to establish the Local Government Commission.

By default, the Minister of Communities is discharg-

ing the functions of the Local Government Commission.

The minister continues to abuse his executive power by delaying with the business of the Local Authority Areas.

Today, Minister’s Bulkan is reported to have given instructions for the scheduled elections of the office bearers of the Farm/Woodland NDC

gridlock, work at the wharves grinding to a halt, market operations hampered, virtually every aspect of life suffered.

Then there are the health effects. Many persons, particularly children, may suffer from diarrhoea and similar communicable and water-borne diseases caused by them being exposed to the unsanitary flood waters. Apart from these persons not being able to attend school and work during their period of illness, they required medication and treatment, causing a strain on the health sector.

Medication has to be provided for them while doctors, nurses and other medical personnel have to dedicate time to patient care and recovery. When floodwaters come garbage, filth and reptiles surface. Large anacondas harboured in trenches and gutters near to residences prey on pets and livestock. These are just some of the effects of flooding in our country and these are by no means modest impacts on a society beset by other challenges.

In July this year, government received expert advice from the Dutch Risk Reduction team (DRR) which was contracted by the government to advise on the drainage system in Georgetown and the low-lying coastland. The DRR team recommended among other things that the Government of Guyana should adopt an “Urban Drainage Model for Georgetown (UDMG),” noting that having such a model would allow engineers to have a comprehensive understanding of the flow of water through the primary and

to be cancelled. The elected PPP/C Councillors of that NDC turned up for the elections and found that they, alone, were present.

The APNU+AFC Councillors and the Overseer were absent. When contacted, the disclosure of Minister Bulkan’s instructions was revealed. The

PPP views this as more evidence of the pattern of those of executive authority of the Granger government which is responsible for the difficult situation Guyanas face today.

Regards PEOPLE'S PROGRESSIVE PARTY

secondary channels; interconnecting culverts, tunnels and sluices/ pumps. There were several other recommendations, but a key one is that Government should equip Guyanese with the necessary knowledge to withstand the effects of flooding.

The DRR team said a communication plan needs to be developed to increase the understanding of Guyanese about what it means to live in a flood- prone country and also suggested that a flood-hazard map of Georgetown should be made and used as material to explain why it is of great importance to build their homes in such a way as to make them flood-proof. Though this aspect of the recommendation did not zero in on Guyana’s hydrometeorological service, which we believe is critical to any communication plan on flooding, it would do the administration well if it is to adopt the recommendations by the experts to integrate this department into this plan. This department over the years, despite the heavy investment in a $550 million Doppler Radar project intended to provide up-to-the-minute weather reports and other technology, has signally failed Guyanese. Weather forecasts to most Guyanese are now an afterthought in their planning of activities, largely because citizens do not find the reports coming out of that department reliable.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

11 investments in Guyanese youth

Dear Editor,

I GREW up on the adage ‘youths are the future’; I say youths are the now.

It’s a great time to be young, and especially in Guyana as opportunities abound. And as my mother says, ‘The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.’

President David Granger rightly said also, that, “Youth development must equip young people with the right education, the right attitudes and the right values if they are to go out into the world and become productive and useful citizens.

Youth development must overcome the challenge of unemployment. Youth development, also, must give birth to a new generation of Guyanese entrepreneurs; of leaders; of pioneers, young people who are prepared to explore new avenues and opportunities in our economy.”

There is no excuse for someone who escaped the formal education system as there are enough opportunities to bring one’s self on par with those who have been exposed to formal schooling. Locally, I have identified 11 significant investments government is making in our youth; literally millions of dollars are being invested or are ready to be channelled toward our youth.

The suite of programmes include the Small Business Bureau (SBB); Sustainable

Livelihood & Entrepreneurial Development (SLED); Local Areas Economic Profile (LAEP); Local Economic Development Strategic Plans (LSPs); Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP); Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP); Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) Project; Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme; Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS); Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) platform; Youth Innovation Fund (YIF).

Allow me to elaborate on just a few. The Small Business Bureau was established to promote policies and programmes which foster small business development. The Minister of Business recently lamented that the SBB’s targets are not being met. One publication noted, “Though it has been implementing the programme for three years, the bureau is still to disburse more than 80% of a targeted 800 loans under the programme, it has disbursed only 233 of a targeted 300

grants and has created and sustained only 735 jobs under both programmes. It was expected to have created and sustained 2,200 jobs.”

Why aren’t our youths taking full advantage of this opportunity?

I was privileged to have launched in my Constituency (14) the Ministry of Public Security’s Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (Component 1: Community Crime and Violence). The specific objective of this component is to improve behaviours for non- violent conflict resolution in target communities which will contribute to the overall aim of the programme: contribute to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana, especially in the targeted communities and among youths through skills training. 300 youths will benefit from entrepreneurial training initially, training to approximately 4,000 at-risk youth over the next four years. Students will be supported with small grants to facilitate small business start-ups. Each youth will be given approximately 70 US per month to cover transportation to and from school, meals and other expenses. Teenage mothers and fathers will be provided with addition-

al resources to cover day care support. This is a five million U.S. investment overall.

In 2017, Government aims to focus, “on the empowerment of individuals and the facilitation of small and micro-enterprise and expanding existing programmes aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship. The Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) project will continue with its financing and training and development activities, targeting prospective and established entrepreneurs and small businesses. To this end, a total of 660 clients are targeted for training and business support.

Additionally, a total of 600 micro-enterprises will be visited to review their business plans and the results of training facilitated by the Project”. It is my sincere wish that our young people would grab hold of these opportunities.

In his 2017 Budget presentation the Honourable Minister of Finance Winston Jordan introduced the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF). “This Fund will provide a financing platform to launch exceptionally innovative ideas, harnessing the energetic and creative minds of our young people.

The criteria for accessing this programme are still being finalised, but will include level of originality, viability, applicability beyond demonstration, and maintaining zero net impact on the environment. This Fund, which will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder steering committee, will be endowed, initially, with a sum of $50 million with the intention of supporting successful start-up applicants.”

Editor, as 2017 beckons,

it is my fervent wish that our young people take to action what is embodied in the phrase, ‘carpe diem’, seize the day; remembering in their pursuit of all things what Dr. Steven Covey suggests, “The single most powerful investment we can make in life is investment in ourselves.”

Kudos to the Government for providing the opportunities.

Regards SHEROD AVERY DUNCAN, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Guyanese defy floods in last minute Christmas shopping spree WITH just one day left before Christmas Day, heavy downpours and widespread flooding in Georgetown on Friday could not stop holiday shoppers from swarming Regent Street, the city’s main and busiest shopping district.

But while Guyanese were out in their numbers, Cubans and Venezuelans were the ones ‘shopping big’, walking through flood waters and carrying jumbo bags over their shoulders.

City lights shone brightly along the traffic congested Regent Street, and even though Bourda Market was flooded, shoppers crowded the streets along the market in a bid to take full advantage of

the Christmas bargains.

The heavy rainfall slightly affected shopping, but some people knew time was running out and were bent on getting all things together for the perfect holiday atmosphere in their homes. Almost all stores were opened along Regent Street up until 20:00h on Friday, and persons were busily shopping rubber tiles, carpets and other household appliances, while others stormed the two major city markets to complete their grocery shopping.

Cassareep sellers near the Bounty Supermarket at the corner of Regent Road and Orange Walk sheltered from the rain while displaying bottles of the pepperpot ingredient

on a table.

Meanwhile, shoppers poured into Bounty Supermarket while others walked through the flood waters to enter stores which line Regent Street in a bid to secure their desired items.

Even those with some form of impairment braved the challenging flood waters and heavy rainfall to acquire their desired items. One man walking with the aid of a crutch was seen walking beside his barefooted brother, demonstrating that nothing would prevent them from completing Christmas shopping this year.

Significantly, more men were seen actively shopping on Friday.

Rainfall to continue for next 7 days $30,000 THE National Weather Watch Centre of Guyana has predicted more rainfall over the next seven days.

The Centre has, in a release, stated that between

20 and 80 millimetres (mm) of rainfall is expected in all the regions from One to Seven and in Region 10 today, while regions Eight and Nine are expected to experience

between 10 and 30 mm of rainfall.

Tomorrow, Christmas Day, between 15 and 55 mm of rainfall is expected across the country; while from Box-

ing Day to Thursday, December 29, 2016, between 10 and 30 mm of rainfall is expected within a 24-hour period.

The situation is being monitored by the Govern-

ment, and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is putting in place measures to address any emergency. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is also on standby.

Fined for overloading, loud music ROUTE 40 minibus driver Quacy Sealey, also known as “Cayenne”, appeared on Friday before Night Court Magistrate Bishop Cheddi to answer three traffic-related offences: 1.That on December 20, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he drove minibus BTT 5140 carelessly, without due care and attention, thereby failing to comply with the condition under which a

road service licence was granted; 2. That on the said day and time, he carried 15 persons more than the number of passengers permitted to travel in the said minibus; 3.

That he had a music box, tape deck and speakers in his bus when he was not permitted to have those instruments inside his minibus.

The unrepresented 31-year-old defendant had

Route 40 minibus driver Quacy Sealey, called ‘Cayenne’

the careless driving charge dismissed, but pleaded guilty to the other charges and was fined $20,000.

According to reports, on the day in question, Sealey was driving minibus BTT 5140 along Croal Street when he swerved in front of a police vehicle.

The police stopped the minibus, and it was observed that the vehicl was overloaded with passengers and had loud music playing

from a large speaker situated under the backseat.

Sealey, who explained to the court that he swerved in front of the police vehicle because a traffic congestion had been caused in Georgetown by Parliament sitting on that day, has had past brushes of a similar nature with the law, and is reputedly a driver of one of the ‘hot plate’ buses on the Kitty bus park.

bail for beating up workmate T W E N T Y- O N E year-old Kester Rose, a miner of North Sophia, Georgetown, was on Friday placed on $30,000 bail by Night Court Magistrate Bishop Cheddi.

He pleaded not guilty to unlawfully assaulting his workmate Compton Ralph at North Sophia, Georgetown on December 13, causing him actual bodily harm.

Ralph, also charged with assaulting Rose, failed to show up in court, and the magistrate has issued a warrant for his arrest.

According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Shavon Jupiter, both Rose and Ralph work at the same place, and on the day in question they had a misunderstanding which resulted in a fight.

After hearing the prosecution’s facts, Magistrate Cheddi placed Rose on $30,000 bail and adjourned the matter until January 5, 2017.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Trump urges expansion of U.S. nuclear capabilities

PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump called for an expansion of the United States’ nuclear capabilities on Thursday, in a tweet that alarmed nonproliferation experts who said that a boost to the U.S. arsenal could fuel global tensions.

In his Twitter post, Trump said, “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes,” but gave no further details. It was not clear what prompted his comment. However, earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia needed to “strengthen the military potential of strategic nuclear forces.”

Asked about the tweet, Trump spokesman Jason Miller later said Trump was “referring to the threat of nuclear proliferation and the critical need to prevent it - particularly to and among terrorist organisations and unstable and rogue regimes.”

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, also has “emphasized the need to improve and modernize our deterrent capability as a vital way to pursue peace through strength,”

spokesman Jason Miller said.

Miller told Reuters that Trump was not advocating the use of nuclear weapons, and said Trump’s comments were not meant to be read as a new policy proposal.

Experts wondered whether Trump’s brief tweet meant he wanted to breach limits imposed on U.S. strategic weapons and delivery systems by the 2011 New START treaty with Russia - or planned to expand the non-deployed stockpile. “It is completely irresponsible for the president-elect or the president to make changes to U.S. nuclear policy in 140 characters and without understanding the implications of statements like ‘expand the capacity,’” said Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, a leading proponent of arms control based in Washington.

“He must have leaders around the world trying to guess what he means,” Kimball said in an interview. “This is bush league.”

Putin, who has said that Trump has confirmed to him that he is willing to mend ties between the two countries, also spoke on Thursday of

the need to enhance Russia’s nuclear arsenal. “We need to strengthen the military potential of strategic nuclear forces, especially with missile complexes that can reliably

tion, said Joe Cirincione, president of Ploughshares Fund, a foundation that works to prevent the spread and use of nuclear weapons. “This is how arms races begin - with a battle

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria penetrate any existing and prospective missile defense systems,” he said in a speech in Moscow.

If Trump and Putin both want to expand nuclear weapons, that would effectively end arms control efforts underway since the Nixon administra-

of words,” Cirincione said, urging Trump, a real estate mogul, to “make the biggest deal of his life” and negotiate cuts to the nuclear arsenal with Russia.

“Neither side needs to be spending hundreds of billions of dollars on nuclear

weapons we don’t need,” Cirincione said.

‘FARCICAL’ The United States is one of five nuclear weapons states allowed to keep a nuclear arsenal under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The others are Russia, Britain, France and China. Trump’s “farcical” tweet failed to communicate a “rational deterrence policy” and risks fueling arms race dynamics with Russia and China, said Miles Pomper, Senior Fellow at the Washington-based Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

The United States needs to do more to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the wrong hands, rather than creating more materials, Pomper told Reuters.

“Expanding our nuclear arsenal will do nothing to prevent nuclear proliferation or prevent nuclear terrorism.

We have more than enough nuclear weapons as it is,” Pomper said.

Trump, who was elected on Nov. 8, campaigned on a platform of building up the U.S. military but also pledged to cut taxes and control federal

spending. Most of the U.S. arsenal was built between 25 and 62 years ago during the arms race with the former Soviet Union, and has been patched and otherwise refashioned many times to extend its lifespan.

During the next decade, U.S. ballistic missile submarines, bombers, and land-based missiles - the three legs of the nuclear triad - are expected to reach the end of their useful lives. Maintaining and modernising the arsenal is expected to cost at about $1 trillion over 30 years, according to independent estimates. Trump’s tweet came the day after meeting with a dozen Pentagon officials involved with defense acquisition programs.

He also met with the chief executives of Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co, the country’s two largest defense contractors, about high-profile projects he said cost too much. Late on Thursday, Trump said on Twitter that he had asked Boeing to “price-out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet” because of the “tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35.”

(Reuters)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

All ECD pumps working –– Holder assures residents of plan to repair D&I structures

A THREE-PRONGED approach that would respond effectively to the drainage and irrigation challenges here is being explored, even as Government works to ensure the City is drained before Christmas.

Agriculture Minister

Noel Holder visited pump stations along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday, to ensure that all pumps are being operated at full capacity and sluice attendants are vigilant.

The minister said emphasis will be placed on assisting farmers to get back

to the land, constructing and rehabilitating pump stations at strategic locations, and identifying areas where new farming can commence.

Meanwhile, visits were made to pump stations and sluices located at Kitty, Liliendaal, Montrose, Lusignan and Buxton, a statement

from the Ministry of Agriculture has said on Friday.

“It has been an ongoing effort by our Government, but as we make progress in this regard, there will be difficulties and there will be new challenges…throughout our country. We will continue to deal with the erratic weather

that is taking place, but we also have to look to working with farmers; look at how we can make our farming activities climate-resilient,” he said.

Visits have also been made to affected communities along the coast, where the minister and a team of officials, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts, interacted with residents while updating them on Government’s plans to improve drainage and irrigation (D&I).

“Government had embarked on the rehabilitation of the drainage infrastructure as one of its priorities after taking office in May 2015. It has spent huge sums on works in the City and

along the coastal regions to prevent and alleviate flooding,” Holder said.

The NDIA has announced it preparedness to effectively respond to any eventuality which may arise as a result of the rainy season. It has already deployed pumps and excavators all across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture has said that approximately 94 per cent of the pumps and excavators owned and operated by the NDIA are operable, and have been deployed at critical locations in all coastal regions to assist in drainage needs.

However, the Hydromet Department has advised that rainfall is expected to continue on Saturday, and as much as 45mm of rainfall is expected, which is above the established drainage capacity within the City.

Police find pistol and matching rounds at Houston

The .32 pistol and matching rounds which were found at Houston on Friday POLICE have unearthed a .32 pistol and matching rounds at a location on the Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Acting on information received from concerned citizens, police took action on Friday at about 7:50h, and the discovery was made.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

1700 cases of sardine imported from China barred from entering Guyana THE Government Analyst - Food and Drug Department, in collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Customs Department, has refused entry to 1700 cases of Dost sardine, imported from the People’s Republic of China.

In a statement to the media on Friday, Director of the Government Analyst - Food and Drug Department, Marlan Cole, said samples of the sardine, retrieved by inspectors of the department for examination on November 29, 2016, were discovered to have been manufactured on August 1, 2014, and not on June 1, 2016, as stated on the labels.

Additionally, the 48 tins,

each containing 200 grams of sardines, were rusting, and the “Free Sale/Health Certificate from China’s FDA was inconsistent with those usually presented to the Department”. Moreover, “the exact name and address of the manufacturer were not stated on the labels.”

The absence of the manufacturer’s name and address violates Regulation 18 of the Food and Drug Regulations; and accordingly, the Director of the Food and Drug Department refused the product entry.

“Based on the Inspector’s report, and according to the Laws of Guyana, Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03 Section 22 (ll) and the Food

and Drug Regulation 1977 Regulation l’1, consent to grant entry of the product into the country for consumers to use was not granted, and the Head of the Customs Department and the importer were officially notified, as prescribed for in the law,” the statement said.

As a result, the Food and Drug Department will now furnish to the Food and Drug Agency in China a copy of the inconsistent Free Sale Certificate which was used to facilitate the shipment to Guyana.

“In addition, the name and address of the exporter and the importer will be provided in an attempt to prevent future shipment of substan-

dard foods being exported to Guyana from China,” the statement said.

The Director of the Food and Drug Dept. is cautioning consumers to pay close attention to labels for dates, addresses, country of origin and instruction for storage, among other things. The language must be in English and the condition of containers when purchasing food items must at all times be proper.

“The Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure substandard items of foods, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices are prevented from being released on our local market”, the statement said.

‘F’ Division Commander treats hinterland children CHILDREN of the Region Seven communities of Baramita, Bartica, Itaballi and Imbaimadai recently benefitted from the good cheer of the Guyana Police Force, compliments of its ‘F’ Division.

In a statement to the media, the Force said that in an effort to spread Christmas cheer in remote

communities, approximately 850 children from the identified areas were treated to Christmas parties.

“The youths were treated to games, singing of Christmas carols and scrumptious meals,” the statement said.

The activities were organised

by Divisional Commander, Senior

Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, and his ranks.

“The intention was to reach out to youths in far-flung areas, letting them know that the Police Force cares for their well-being, especially during this festive season,” the Guyana Police Force has stated.

Sandbags help keep the water out GEORGETOWN residents got more than they had budgeted for on Friday when a continuous downpour of rain forced them to use sandbags to prevent rising water from invading their homes and damaging their holiday furnishings.

One woman posted on social media at about 11:00 hrs on Friday, “Help! Help!

Urgently need, four bags of sand. I’m under attack. Watta imma house.”

Responses were low, but one woman suggested that the besieged woman should hire a taxi, since sand was being sold by the bagful at a place on Durban Street, Georgetown.

“We need sand bags!” an overseas-based Guyanese woman cried. Visiting for Christmas, by 12:00 hours on Friday she had already experienced flood water creeping into her one-bedroom home at Festival City, Georgetown.

“My room under water, I need sand bags,” she, too, cried.

The woman, Jacqueline Bailey, said she returned home to spend the holidays with her son and his family, but has been greeted by a rainstorm. Flood waters now pose a threat to her lower-flat home and its belongings.

Bailey says that although she understands the weather is beyond human control and some things take time to fix, those in authority must urgently look at improving drainage in the City.

Rain poured all Friday morning in Georgetown, and at about 10:00 hours, flood water began creeping into the lower flat apartments. Baily says some of her vacation plans have been thwarted, but she used a towel to mop up the water in her room before squeezing it into a bucket and throwing it outside.

With a hint of frustration, the woman asked, “Where the Mayor and her people at?”

She recalled that since her family had moved into Festival City in 1972, the area had always experienced flooding whenever it rained heavily. “This was going on since 1972 when we moved in here,” she told Guyana Chronicle, noting that she never expected the problem to remain until this day.

“Those in authority should do whatever (is) possible to address poor drainage conditions in the area,” she said, as she asked the Mayor and City Council to provide her a few sand bags “to keep the water from coming in”.

Jagdeo urges quick fix to flood situation OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday expressed concern over widespread flooding in Georgetown and several coastal areas and called on government to remedy the flood situation speedily.

In a statement to the media, the Leader of the Opposition said based on an “on-the-ground assessment,” there has been flooding in residential and agricultural areas in Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six. According to the statement, homes and businesses were severely affected in South Georgetown, Cummingsburg, Alberttown, Bel Air, Newtown Kitty, Regent Street, Main Street and Turkeyen.

“Coastal villages areas such as Lima, sections of Henrietta and Hampton Court, Capoey, Land of Plenty in Region Two; Canals Polder, Region Three; and residential and agricultural areas of Anns Grove/ Two Friends, Cane Grove, Good Hope, Mon Repos, Lusignan, Foulis within Region Four are also affected with floodwaters,” said the Leader of the Opposition.

Jagdeo noted that several farming communities in Region Five have reported damage to cash crops and livestock. Those areas include Blairmont; Rosignal NDC; Bel Air & Woodlands Farm NDC; Number7 Back Street; Bath Woodley Park NDC; Bush Lot NDC; Number 28 and Number 29 Villages; Hopetown, Seafield/Tempie NDC; and Profit/ Rising Sun NDC. In Region Six, New Amsterdam ; Number 52 to 74 residential villages; Rose Hall ( residential area); and several villages along Central Corentyne are also affected. After speaking to Regional chairpersons for Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Six and Nine about the flood situation, Jagdeo has called on “the Government of Guyana to implement every measure necessary, to bring immediate relief to those affected, by ensuring that steps are taken to minimize damage and losses to property, livestock and agricultural crops.”

Additionally, the Leader of the Opposition has called on the Government to pay special attention to the rising water levels in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), “which is reported to be above 57 GD level, as well as the Boerasirie Conservancy,” while noting that the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, Pomeroon River and other inland areas should also receive attention.

Jagdeo said backwater flows can result in downstream flooding, which is a trend in riverain areas and called on government to remedy “defective sluices and silted outfall channels” located at Capoey, Cozier, Three Friends, Letter Kenny and Borlam.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

ANSA Mc Al to open multimillion depot at Palmyra ‘NINE years ago, the warehouse was half full, but now, we have so many products introduced to the Berbice community, result-

ing in the need to build a new depot at Palmyra ,’ so announced outgoing Managing-Director Ms. Beverly Harper , at an interview

with the Guyana Chronicle , during her visit to New Amsterdam, where she brought Christmas cheer to orphans drawn from two orphanages in the township. ‘‘We have decided to build the depot in Berbice, as Berbicians never gave up on us. The larger depo is to facilitate more products as ANSA Mc Al grows.”

The construction of the multi-million dollar edifice is scheduled to commence during 2017, and it is expected that following the tendering exercise, a Berbician will be awarded the contract, which will see several job openings for the skilled and unskilled.

Meanwhile, apart from the depot, Harper said she would be moving from being the Managing-Director of

Managing-Director Ansal McAl, Ms Beverly Harper

Ansal Mc Al Trading Limited , to being Ansal Ma Cal Country Head, which will see additional companies inclusive of manufacturing being added to the Ansal Mc Al family locally.

‘In the next few years two new companies will be

opening …I am tasked with setting them up. It important that we get the right people in place, so we can trust them.’

Harper boasted that the employees grow with the company, and the turnover is less than one percent , as

each person is given a career path from as low as the van assistant, for , we encourage them to apply for their licences so they can move up, because we believe, if you move up with the company then their loyalty will be to the company.

‘We train , we educate, we have literacy classes, we allow persons to attend CSEC classes, if they did not have the opportunity .

We have persons with their MBAs, CFO, currently has six persons with their MBAs , we have three chartered accountants, one to be shortly qualified…. Everybody will have room to grow…’

ANSA McAL Trading Limited is one of the largest distribution and marketing companies in Guyana, South America. AMTL is strategically located for expansion on the East Coast of Demerara and is a wholly owned member of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies.

AMTL has been in operation for over 20 years and currently services approximately 95% of Guyana’s population. The company is successfully positioned to market a wide range of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, construction and brewery and beverage products to retail, wholesale and institutional markets. AMTL has two warehouses with a capacity of approximately 70,000 sq. ft. The company has an annual turnover of over US$36 M and employs over 160 persons.

13

Views from New Amsterdam GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

Unemployment among youths

Sharon Trim: Community Worker RIGHT now Guyana is importing packaged chips, such as plantain and banana chips.

There are several farmers who need to broaden their vision and add value to their produce .We should not be importing when we have the products here. In addition , there is a lot of cattle around.

New Amsterdam had a tannery where the cow skin was processed into leather. There is need for the rebuilding ‘ or reintroduction of the tannery .Persons pay large

amounts for imported leather belts , shoes, bags which can be made right here in New Amsterdam.It happened before. Scores of persons can be employed Further, we have a lot of waste lands, we need to get the youths involved in cashcrop farming ,pig rearing , and poultry farming. Let them form themselves in groups, and lands can be leased at a minimal cost. These things will help to reduce unemployment, crime and break ethnic barriers.

TO reduce unemploy-

While skills-training

training oftentimes result

ment significantly, we need

programmes are good, the

in frustrations. Further, the

to have direct investment,

challenge is finding youths

trained youth can also hold

both foreign and local , for

employment after train-

trainer-of-trainees work-

all available opportunities

ing. As such, facilitators

shops.

So that the high unemployment level can be absorbed, especially amongst

the

youth, most of whom are qualified. However, opportunities do not arise for them to be employed. So I believe we need to focus our efforts on bringing investment to the township.

and coordinators should collaborate with the private and public sectors to absorb youths as appren-

Devon Gallay Clerk

tices and based on their performance, they can be permanently employed.

Much money is pumped into these programmes , and at the end of it a high

Okessa Crawford Student

percentage of youths remains unemployed. Even if the youths cannot all be absorbed into the various sectors , and opts to

Kirk Fraser

Elijah Timmers

Teacher

Councillor

I think the Government should bring back National Service, which will allow

the

be self-employed , they

youths to not only be

were not taught the skill of

skilled , but to

managing a business effec-

disciplined as well. It

tively. And attempting to

will get them off the

do so, without the relevant

be

streets.

UNEMPLOYMENT can be reduced when industries are opened. In New Amsterdam there are minimal job opportunities.

It is now left to the private sector to open businesses.

A food-processing and canning industry can be realised, especially with a variety of fruit and vegetables available. Too many products are imported. We need to add value to our products and in doing so, employment can be realised by our youth, thereafter resulting in a reduction of crime.

Seven years later…….

New Amsterdam double murder still to be solved

THIS is the seventh Christmas Jeune Rouse, is spending without her daughter Nekeshia, and daughter-inlaw Alexis George.

They were both murdered on February 15, 2009.

However, the young women have left behind their daughters, and a broken-hearted mother, who is still trying to find answers for their demise. While no one was charged, several persons were interrogated, including a former American soldier, whose wife was killed mysteriously in Germany.

But, for this grieving mother , she needs closure.

With this in mind, she is appealing to the relevant authorities , especially mem-

bers of the Major Crimes Unit to visit this case. “I know, Mr Chapman, former Divisional Crime Chief, now Commander of ‘C’ Division, and his ranks tried their best, but when I look at the other cases which were solved recently, I have hope that I can get answers. I want to know who killed my daughter and daughter-in-law, and what was the reason,” she questioned.

Life has not been the same, Nekeshia’s daughter would ask for her mother daily. She was about two years old when her mother was killed. Sometimes she cries. She has special needs.

I have to find answers for her. My other grandchild,

is with my son. She cannot remember anything, but persons would tell her and she too wants to know why’.

The girls’ gruesome death rocked the closely knit township, which was just waking up after celebrating Valentine’s Day hours earlier.

Back then, Chapman had told media he was confident that the double homicide would have been solved , however, it has hit several snags. However in a recent interview with him, he revealed that the lone witness Roxanne, [ one name only] had died mysteriously shortly after the incident .

Alexis George, alias Keisha, aged 17 years old

Alexis George

and Alexis George, alias Keisha and Nekeshia Rouse, called ‘Nicky’ aged 25 , who were discovered dead minutes apart, with stab wounds on their necks at Smythfield , on the southern fringe of the New Amsterdam township.

The police responded to

a call which alerted ranks to the discovery of the body of Alexis George clad in her underwear, and found in a yard approximately 200 yards from the home she had shared with her daughter and intended in-laws Meanwhile,Rouse’s body was found slumped in the kitchen ,with blood spattered across the walls. The footprints of the killer were impressed through the blood which lined the floor.

Neighbours said the 25year- old woman had , just before 04:00hrs , returned home from a Valentine’s night party , in company with a named traffic rank of the Guyana Police Force.

In 2009, Investigators

suspected that both women were attacked in the house in which Rouse’s body was found, but that Alexis George had managed to run outside before collapsing and dying in a neighbour’s yard.

It was unclear how the killer(s) had gained entry to the house to attack the two victims, though there were suggestions that the individual (s) had entered via a verandah door. One detective surmised that the women knew their killers.“There was no forced entry to the house.

Whoever committed the act , was more or less invited in or frequented the premises.”

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

$10,000 for littering

-NA municipality to impose fines from January 1 FOLLOWING his re-election as Mayor, Kirt Wynter, has signalled the Municipal Council’s intention of imposing a $10,000 fine on those caught littering in the New Amsterdam township.

The century-old town has in recent times been plagued by the illegal dumping of garbage, by its citizenry, along the roadways, empty houselots and alleyways. Citing an area obliquely across from the town hall which had been cleared of mountains of garbage a day or two ago, but has since returned to its former state, the mayor remarked:”This is gross disrespect. After clearing the area, the staff is confronted by the lawless dumping…

“We pleaded with the residents to dispose of their garbage in an acceptable manner.

Re-elected Mayor Kirt Wynter and his Deputy, Winifred Haywood.

If we cannot pick up your garbage in a timely manner, we

approve you burning the garbage in your backyards. We

will not tolerate indiscriminate dumping,” he emphasised.

In addition to litter fines, which will be implemented on January 1, 2017 , persons will be banned from using glass bottles at public events, in order to strive to uphold a clean and green environment, which is in keeping with the vision of President David Granger.

However, even as he mentioned the new decisions, he was quick to add that the new rules were not intended to add a burden on the citizenry…”

Further, Mayor Wynter noted that even though the Council had agreed to increase wages and salaries of the municipal staff, that commitment is yet to be made.

However, despite the Municipal Council being cashstrapped, the workers have benefitted from a one-monthpay bonus, which was due to their continuous hard work and commitment .

Earlier, Mayor Wynter

and his Deputy Ms Winifred Haywood were returned unchallenged during an election in which Town Clerk Ms Sharon Alexander acted as the Returning Officer.

According to the Municipal and District Council Act Chapter 28.01 The Town Clerk, shall in each year which is a year of the election of City Councilors call, after the declaration under section 10 of the Local Authority [ Elections] Act of the results of that the election a meeting , to be held not later than the 16th day of December, thereat to be City Councilors and shall be in any other year , not later than the said day, call a meeting of the City , Councilors for the purpose of electing the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, for the ensuing year.

ered, that as Christmas draws closer, there would be an increase in the foot and mobile patrols and, road blocks will be at strategic points, based on intelligence information received.

In addition, special focus will be on the New Amsterdam shopping areas, the New Amsterdam and Rosginol ferry stellings, the Berbice River Bridge, Port Mourant and Rosignol markets, Rose Hall Town, and Number 78 Village.

‘In addition , the spotlight will also be on travellers traversing from Suriname to Moleson Creek and along the porous borderline.

The Berbice Top cop said the residents in the division, which covers Abary, Mahaciony to Orealla, Corentyne River, has had a close relationship with the police which continues to hold community outreach programmes monthly .

Meanwhile , those present at the hour-long briefing , during which period snacks were served , included Deputy Commander Superintendent K. Simon , Superintendent K. Williams, Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse, Woman Inspector Y. Stephens, and Inspector E. Davidson .

IN an effort to reduce the indiscriminate dumping, especially after events along the main thoroughfare, the New Amsterdam Town Council is offering vendors plastic bins for rental, Health Officer Ramsudh Ackloo has said.

The cost per rental is $2000, per activity’/ occasion, with the council transporting the bin to and from the respective location.

New Amsterdamers have been heavily criticised, for their callous behaviour

in dumping their garbage indiscriminately. Some have thrown the blame on the Council for its poor garbage-disposal service , while others are of the opinion that residents need to be educated on the dangers of vector-borne diseases However, Achoo reiterated that residents must see themselves as having the responsibility of keeping their surroundings and town clean, irrespective of the Council’s shortcomings.

Stepped-up security in Berbice for Christmas

THE police in Berbice have beefed up security for the Christmas holidays and last month unveiled its plans for the season, which include more foot and mobile patrols across the county.

Acting Commander, Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis and other senior officers met with representatives of the business community, and the media, to highlight the increased policing activity which commenced on November 15, and will conclude on January 15, 2017, at the conclusion of the festive season.

Divisional Detective Deputy Superintendent Gary Mc Allister noted that some challenges faced by the Criminal Investigation Department includes victims’ reluctance to give written statements and attend identification parades.

Consequently, some cases remain unresolved and the investigators are often blamed, for poor investigations .

Further,. He lashed out at the business community, which, sometimes lacks cooperation , especially when a request is made, to view the footage from a security camera, in an effort to solve a crime.

“If they do supply the footage, the quality is often of a low quality, making it

Acting Commander ‘B’ Division, Kevin Adonis

virtually impossible to identify the respective images.”

Additionally, citizens are not securing their home properly, thus allowing intruders easy access .However despite the challenges, there has been a 23% reduction of crime in the division, he reiterated.

Earlier, Commander Adonis noted, that Break and enter and Larceny ,Robbery under arms, Rape and Burglary , were some of the offences which were high on the graph drafted by the IT staff, however, the division has recorded a 22% decrease in reports comparative for period 2015 to 2016.

Further , there is a 31% increase in cases made, compared with 2015 and the current year, and of the cases

prosecuted 23% were concluded in 2015, which 43% was completed in the current year .There was no report of kidnapping for 2016.

With respect to traffic, there has been an increase in serious accidents. with this year recording 79, with 63 for the corresponding period last year.

There were 12 fatal accidents along with 76 minor, and 87 damage accidents respectively In the meantime , the local Traffic Chief Superintendent Budnarine Persaud, said 630 persons were charged with driving under the influence , and there was a 60% conviction rate, while many drivers licenses were endorsed by the respective magistrates.

The unveiling of the

two-month Christmas Policing plan at Divisional Headquarters in New Amsterdam, is aimed at minimi zing the occurrence of, Criminal Activities, Traffic Accidents, Traffic Congestion, and to foster closer relations with members of the public.

It is anticipated, that there will have an increase in business activities and increase in traffic accidents , congestion along with vehicles and pedestrians along the many roadways.

As a result, over 300 ranks inclusive of Neighbourhood Police, along with 45 vehicles, inclusive of 22 motorcycles, 12 motor pickups, will be deployed on the roadways of the ‘Ancient County’, allowing the citizenry to experience an accident-free holiday period.

There is also provision for marine patrols , with ranks having access to one (1) 35-foot, fibre-glass boat with a 90 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine for riverain checks in the Canje Creek and Berbice River, areas. Adonis said that there is also another 40-foot, fibre glass boat with an out-of-order 150 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine .

Adonis, who is acting for the substantive commander Ian Amsterdam, who is expected to resume duties in December, told those gath-

Plastic bins for rental

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday , December 24, 2016

Regions 6 floods cause massive losses wires at the bottom and start fuh burn the four on top… when it burn out, the post fall down,” the man, known as “Worm”, detailed.

He said fire tenders responded quickly but could do nothing, given the nature of the fire.

Meanwhile, in Belvedere and Tain, residents are blaming the NDC authorities for lack of vision, which they said has led to the many homes being inundated. “I deh in here for over 25 years and me never see one flood like this. Them had time to clean these drains, but noth-

ing (was done). Imagine: this is one-day rain; what will happen if it gotta fall for couple days? They need to do better man! Plenty, plenty things damage!” one resident complained.

In Tain, one household was forced to pump the water from their yard, as it had entered their kitchen and was as high as their knees.

The breadwinner told Guyana Chronicle that he also suffered losses, as many electrical appliances were damaged, as well as a new carpet that was bought for Christmas.

In Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, businesses were forced to close their doors early because of the floods. “The heavy rainfall and the flood even put a hold on business for the day. I think the NDC should be held accountable; they had a job to do: they were elected to take care of their communities, but same thing all the time.

They go in there and do nothing; but this time it’s worse, ‘cause I never experience something like this,” a businessman told Guyana Chronicle on Friday.

The road that leads to the Tain Bible Church was inundated on Friday

SEVERAL communities in Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, have been inundated by approximately 10 hours of heavy rainfall on Friday. The deluge, which started at approximately 04:00hrs and continued throughout the day, left in its wake numerous flooded homes, streets and roads, as well as a few fallen utility poles and losses of livestock.

At Number One Village, Corentyne, poultry farmer “Percy” lost more than 300 chickens when his pen was

flooded. The poultry farmer said he had 800 three-weekold chicks in the pen at the time of the flood, but managed to save 500 of them by transferring them into smaller, elevated pens. He is, however, fearful that their exposure to the flood water may make them ill.

In Canfield, East Canje, water that rose knee-high in some areas forced families to vacate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. Many lamented that their electrical appliances had sustained damages and their furniture had become water-logged.

Having spent the night without electricity because the rain had caused three utility poles to fall, some residents of Fyrish/Chesney had the unpleasant experience of being victims to an electrical fire that resulted when wires were bridged. A resident told Guyana Chronicle that he was tending to his cattle when he saw the poles fall.

“Like around 5 O’clock I went to pen up me cows and me hear one cracking sound and see one lantern post fall, and it pull down two more.

The wire bridge and it catch afire and it burn out the two

Belvedere, Corentyne was badly affected by the heavy rainfall

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

PM raps Hydromet Office for not forewarning -empathises with flood-hit citizens

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has called out the Hydromet Office for not forewarning citizens about the heavy rains that caused massive flooding in Georgetown on Friday, saying that the lack of awareness is unsatisfactory.

“On behalf of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, today [I] empathise with citizens in some parts of Georgetown and

coastland Guyana who have been affected by flash-flooding after an unusually heavy deluge starting early this morning and lasting for several hours,” Nagamootoo said in a statement.

“Many persons are affected at this time just before Christmas and I ask residents to remain patient and cooperative with the authorities, so that relief can be had as quickly as possible, even

as the water recedes slower than usual given the large volume of water which has accumulated and compounded by the nip tide,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo has been briefed on the situation and has commended the work of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who has visited several sluices, pumping sites with teams of tech-

nical experts to assess the situation and take remedial action. Prime Minister Nagamootoo also commended the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority for the works done over the past year and a half to ensure minimal flooding during and after periods of heavy rainfall.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted that there was no significant in-

cidence of flooding in Georgetown or the coastland over the past year until Friday. Prime Minister Nagamootoo however described as “unsatisfactory” the inability of the Hydrometerological Service to adequately provide accurate forecasts to forewarn citizens of the likelihood and possibility of flooding.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo further stated that the HydroMet Service’s forecast of “scattered showers” Thursday evening and “occasional showers” early Friday morning were misleading and left citizens without

accurate information, allowing them to take the necessary precautions and allowing agencies to act pre-emptively. Prime Minister Nagamootoo recalled that this situation of the HydroMet Office not forewarning citizens of flooding has existed for several years and most recently, there were episodes in December 2014 and June 2015.

“Floods cause economic dislocation, damage and losses and the HydroMet Office cannot afford to be casual about these matters,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.

Sections of West Coast berbice flooded A RECORD 6.88 inches of rainfall that assailed West Berbice communities in Region Five between Thursday midnight and Friday midday has left several low-lying West Coast Berbice villages inundated.

However, officials of the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) have assured that all the drainage systems in the area are working at optimal levels, and unless rainfall resumes, the waters should recede within a reasonable time frame.

The area experienced twelve hours of continuous heavy rainfall, and according to an official of the MMA/ADA, the flooding was a direct result of the downpour. The official explained that, with the West Coast Berbice drainage system having capacity to drain only one and a half inches of rainfall every twenty-four hours, “it will be impossible to get rid of almost seven inches of rainfall within twenty-four hours.”

All drainage sluices operated by the MMA/ ADA along the West Coast of Berbice were functioning on Friday, and the two drainage pumps at Trafalgar -- recently fixed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) -- were being utilized when the high tide prevented the use of the sluices.

Residents have noted that, prior to the heavy rainfall between Thursday night and Friday mid-day, the area comprising the low-lying GLUTT villages in West Coast Berbice (Golden Grove, Lovely Lass, Union, Trafalgar and Tempie) had been relatively well drained. They are hoping that the usual effective management of the drainage system in the area would result in speedy recession of the water. (Clifford Stanley)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Budget 2017: Allocations that c

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – (December 22, 2016) STAYING true to the theme of building a diversified ‘green’ economy, significant provisions have been made within Budget 2017 to

focus on advancing Guyana’s Green Agenda in the areas of Natural Resources, Agriculture and the Department of the Environment.

President Granger ’s focus on the development

of a ‘green’ State, Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, has put forward several recommendations aimed at further protecting the environment. Among those measures are tax exemptions to businesses in-

volved in the importation of ‘green’ equipment, such as items for wind and solar energy investments, water recycling facilities, and waste disposal facilities.

Government has also allocated almost $1 billion to implement a series of renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects, following the charge given by the Head of State for the public sector to lead the way in the transition towards greater renewable energy use. These interventions will be channelled through, and managed by, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

The renewable energy programme for 2017 would entail the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of 64 government build-

ings; the installation of the first-ever large-scale solar farm, at Mabaruma in Region One; replacement of inefficient lights and installation of 10,427 LED lamps and 3,766 occupancy sensors in government buildings, as well as installation of 360 energy efficient outdoor lights.

President Granger has said that Guyana has more advantages than any other Caribbean country in regard to opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

With such potential, the President said, Government is therefore working to ensure that these advantages are utilised.

At the unveiling ceremony of the solar powered Head Office of Demerara Bank, the President said his Administration would

promote a clean environment; one in which children can grow up understanding the importance of protecting the environment. “We have over a hundred sites in this country from which we could generate hydropower, and if you go to Iwokrama and you sat on the bank of that river, apart from the Black Caiman -- which will come to find out if you are trying to put your toes in the water -- you will see the rate at which the Essequibo River, our great Essequibo River, is moving; and as long as the river is moving, you will get power from it,” the President said.

On October 1 this year, the President established the Department of the Environment (DoE) with the

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

contribute to a ‘Green’ Economy aim of overseeing and properly coordinating the activities of environmental compliance and management, protected areas development and management, national parks management, and wildlife conservation and protection in Guyana.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, during the Budget 2017 debates, said the newly established DoE is actively pursuing the ‘green’ agenda, and will soon present a Green State Development Strategy that will serve as an expansion of the Low Carbon Development Strategy and will have a wider scope than the LCDS by incorporating all sectors. In this regard, there is collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that will seek to set Guyana further along its green pathway to development.

The minister said, “This plan will re-orient the structures of our production base not only in the transition to low-emission, resilient platforms, but also by diversification of the economy (to) reduce reliance on the traditional sectors, such as sugar, rice and bauxite.”

The plan would also be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all Guyanese; and will be predicated on the following pillars: clean and renewable energy, so as to decarbonise the economy and society; improving the health, education and livelihood of all Guyanese; the sustainable management of biodiversity and environmental services; establishing green towns and resilient infrastructure; rural and urban development; and policies to trigger innovation, enterprise, new markets, green jobs and competitiveness.

The Department of the Environment (DoE) is also working on other projects that would help to achieve Guyana’s goal of attaining sustainable development.

Head of the DoE, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, has said the DoE is currently working on the Rio Mainstreaming Project -- which looks at the Conventions on Cli-

mate Change, Biodiversity and Land Diversification that came out of the 2012 Rio Summit in Brazil.

“We are trying to ensure that we have the capacity to be able to treat with those conventions.

If we don’t have the requisite skills and capacity, and if the agencies are not fully prepared to absorb the mechanisms resulting from these conventions, then we cannot really achieve sustainable development. So this project is very important in that sense,” she said.

The four-year project is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Ms. Schwiers has said that developments are currently at the stage where a project board is being set up before stakeholders are engaged to move the process along.

Minister Harmon has also said that though 8.5 per cent of the country’s terrestrial area is committed to protected areas status, an additional two million hectares of land will be added to the national protected area system as part of President Granger’s pledge under the Paris Agreement.

These protected areas, he said, will be located in all ten administrative regions, and will become spaces for learning and innovation.

Other plans in advancing the push toward a green state come 2017 include: a partnership with Germany to finance the infrastructure and equipment to improve protected areas; a project with the World Wildlife Fund to conduct studies about Guyana’s marine territory and biodiversity; and works on the intended Biodiversity Institute which is to be built at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC), among other things.

DEVELOPMENTS IN AGRICULTURE The Agriculture sector contribution to Guyana is 16 per cent of Guyana’s economy, but while the country has, for quite some time, depended on the contributions of the

sugar and rice industries, decline in production in these sectors has made it necessary to develop revamped measures of inspiring growth for the sustainable development of Guyana within the Agriculture sector.

On the occasion of World Food Day in October last year, President Granger reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to ensuring greater food security as one of the means of eliminating extreme poverty and hunger. But with the effects of climate change and the constant threat of droughts and floods, the President added that the goal is to make agriculture more resilient, especially against the effects of the cycle of droughts and floods. As such, much of Government’s focus within the Agriculture sector has since been placed on development of inland and hinterland agriculture.

Moreover, much focus is also being plugged in the area of value-added production and agro-processing.

Works to achieve this goal have already begun under the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). In fact, hinterland areas are a major focus of NAREI’s agenda, fitting in with President Granger’s vision of tackling food insecurity in those regions.

On a larger scale, allocations for the Agriculture Sector amounted to $18 Billion in Budget 2017.

With this sum -- the largest ever allocated to this sector -- the Agriculture Ministry will work towards ensuring that the sector continues to contribute to the economy, according to subject minister Noel Holder.

He added that Government intends to implement strategies to improve the performance of various sectors, in keeping with the President’s vision.

Chief among these strategies is arresting the declining state of the sugar industry. With the Government’s deep concern for the well-being of sugar workers, with the state of other sectors, and with critical need for investment in several areas, there is therefore need to

address these challenges in a sustainable manner.

Minister Holder says Government has appointed a Cabinet subcommittee to recommend a way forward for the sugar industry, after taking into consideration reported recommendations from a Commission of Inquiry into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in regard to diversification of the industry, and recommendations from the Corporation itself. These recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration before year end, and final decisions would be implemented in 2017.

Though the rice sector has also seen decline, production is expected to increase in 2017. Already, the sector has seen a one per cent increase in exports within the last year.

With the aim of diversifying the Agriculture

sector, Minister Holder has said, increased focus will be placed on non-traditional agricultural products; and there would be an aim towards making the industry become self-sufficient in the production of spices.

With an allocation of $45 million in livestock, the minister said, this sector is expected to grow by 2.5 per cent in 2017.

He said that Government is also seeking to reduce the importation of milk and milk products through the construction of a milk processing plant.

Budgetary allocations would also be plugged into drainage and irrigation systems, education and marketing, strengthening the regulatory framework, and in other areas.

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Wi t h a n e c o n o m y

heavily dependent on its extractive sectors, the goal for sustainable development becomes one in which there is a healthy balance between conservation and exploitation of our natural resources; a balance, which President Granger has referred to as ‘walking on two legs’.

Sustainable mining practices, adequate monitoring, and land reclamation are some of the critical areas that will be addressed even as the sector continues to grow.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has received $779 million for 2017. This will be used to advance its mandate of preparing the nation for the future in regard to oil and gas production, and to improve the overall management of the

See page 21

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Budget 2017: Allocations that contribute ...

From centre page

extractive sectors.

Minister Raphael Trotman, of the Natural Resources Ministry (MNRE), has said that with Government’s duty to prepare the nation for the future, and with Guyana’s future set in reaping the benefits of Oil and Gas exploitation, the MNRE is working to fulfil its mandate.

He said the budgetary allocations for the coming

year will do well for promoting the MNRE’s work in the three core areas of Policy Development and Administration, Natural Resources Management, and Petroleum Management. Additionally, the MNRE would seek to establish a Petroleum Commission in 2017.

In the area of Policy Development and Administration, much focus has been placed on complet-

ing a legislative review, which is scheduled to be presented early next year.

The MNRE will also soon submit to Norway its list of candidates for membership in the Global Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Focus will also be placed on sensitising foreign and local businesses on their corporate and social responsibilities through a recently-established framework.

Within the extractive sectors, Minister Trotman was proud to announce the stellar performance of Gold Mining, that industry having declared a record 641,688 ounces of gold thus far for the year, earning Guyana close to one billion US dollars for the year.

The mining community has expressed concerns about provisions in the budget lacking conces-

sions and other provisions for miners, but Minister Trotman has said that the planned meetings with the miners would ensure that those concerns are addressed.

The MNRE will, next year, aim to achieve an even higher output, and has assured that, with a can-do attitude, this aim will be achieved.

Minister Trotman has noted that while diamond

mining also continues to be a significant revenue earner, the forestry sector did not do as well as intended for the year, but he said the MNRE is poised to improve its fortunes for the coming year.

Efforts would also be plugged into initiatives in regard to mining safety, environmental management, training for miners, land reclamation, and other areas.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Abandoned, abused children found at Port Kaituma

PORT Kaituma Hospital officials were shocked and dismayed to learn on

Thursday afternoon that three physically abused male toddlers -- aged sev-

en, five and 18 months old -- were found abandoned in a house at Oronoque, a

section of Port Kaituma in the North West District mining community of Region One. According to a hospital source, a male relative of the little boys returned to Port Kaituma on Thursday afternoon after spending several weeks in the mining fields there, and was horrified to find the boys alone at home, hungry and abused.

He told authorities that the boys’ mother, a resident of Agricola, Greater Georgetown whose name

was given, had allegedly left them alone earlier in the week, after severely beating one of his brothers.

The family had reportedly moved into the area a month ago.

One of the boys was on Friday nursing a cut to one of his feet, and had swollen hands, which he reportedly sustained after being beaten by his mother; while the 18-month-old bore signs of physical abuse on his person.

“If you see these children skin,” a hospital source

told Guyana Chronicle on Friday.

The children are being treated at the Port Kaituma Hospital for various ailments and for dehydration.

Social Services officers from Georgetown are expected to travel to the area in the coming days, and a decision will be made on relocating the children to a probation facility.

Unconfirmed reports are that police have arrested the boys’ mother in the mining community on Friday afternoon.

Welder to spend Christmas in prison ANDRE, Dexter and Brian McAlmont were allegedly intercepted at the Aroaima checkpoint in the Berbice River with 2000 grams of cannabis in their possession, allegedly for the purpose of trafficking; and with one .32 Taurus revolver in their possession, even though none of them is the holder of a firearm licence.

Andre, a 25-year-old welder of One mile Wismar, Linden, will spend his Christmas in prison, being remanded on Friday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the possession of narcotics and an illegal firearm.

Magistrate McLennan has also issued arrest warrants for Dexter and Brian McAlmont.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail being granted to Andre on the ground that no special reason was given for the accused to be placed on bail.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Andre McAlmont was the driver of a motor car which was stopped at the checkpoint. When the two others in the car noticed the police, they fled, leaving Andre alone to face the lawmen.

When the police searched the vehicle, the articles mentioned in the charge were found on the floor in the back area of the vehicle.

The matter has also been transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for January 3, 2017.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Amla has chance to banish bad memories Remember the time Sri Lanka beat South Africa in a Test at home ? Of the current home squad only Hashim Amla really does.

Amla is the only surviving member from the XI who were defeated in Durban five years ago, a time when his reputation was already established.

But he is also the only South African batsmen who did not score a half-century on their most recent assignment in Australia. How times have changed.

For Sri Lanka too.

They have only brought three of the victors from that series. One of them, Angelo Matthews, is now the captain; another Dinesh Chandimal, who debuted at Kingsmead with twin fifties, has added 30 Test caps to his name and averages almost 45. The third, Rangana Herath, is their constant.

Like their hosts, Sri Lanka have gone through a transition and are still trying to find solid ground

as they move on from the retirements of some of their greats. A tour of South Africa - where that Durban Test provided their only win in 10 attempts - may not be the best place to find it.

Conversely, for South Africa, it is exactly the series to stabilise.

To call South Africa an evolving team has become as hackneyed as calling Pakistan mercurial or West Indies in decline.

Every team has stalwarts; every team goes through change. Perhaps not every team lingers on it for as long as South Africa have done.

Their high-profile retirements, Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, came three summers ago but it barely seems that long. The uncertainty in the leadership role may have had an unsettling effect, but now that they have settled on a leader in Faf du Plessis, South Africa can properly confront the present - a present that has forced them have progressed. Although de Kock and Bavuma are still considered junior members of the side, they are the second and third leading run-scorers for South Africa in Test cricket this year while Rabada leads their wicket-tally.

The future has taken the focus off the familiar faces but that’s not to say it will stay that way. Vernon Philander and JP Duminy enjoyed second comings in Australia and both will be keen to continue that.

For Philander, consistency is especially important ahead of away tours to New Zealand and England; for Duminy, consistency is crucial. He has been spoken of as the batsmen most under pressure for his place when de Villiers returns but there will be more than that on his mind.

Duminy has been given the additional responsibility of batting at No. 4 and with that, a real chance to show that he can turn his talent into long-term success. Flashes of brilliance are not going to cut it in this new South African side, even though it took just that for them to win in Australia.

There, the same batsman did not score a century twice. They crossed the 500 mark once and totalled more than 300 once but it was the bowlers who won the games. Perhaps it always is, but this is the series for the batsmen to have more of a say.

“If we are perfectly

to contemplate life without another set of superstars.

With AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel all injured, South Africa have seen the future. They will see it again in this series, starting at St George’s Park - the ground that connects them more to their past than any other - on Monday.

The home of the first Test played in South Africa is also the place where de Villiers and Steyn debuted 12 years ago. The last time it hosted a Test, de Villiers and Steyn were celebrating a decade as international cricketers. This time, they won’t be here at all.

Instead, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma, who also made their first Test appearances in Port Elizabeth, make up the middle-order and Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott, neither of whom have played a Test at St George’s, lead the attack.

The quartet are proof of how much South Africa honest, we’ve been good as a batting unit but we probably still haven’t fired,” Abbott said. “If we are really critical, we haven’t put on that 500, 550 score that we are looking to do. It is encouraging with each guy chipping in, crucial hundreds when we needed it. If we can get that all to click here at home, we will put some good runs on the board.”

The openers, who have set to settle in a rhythm that suggests permanency, will be key in setting things up but if South Africa want to impose themselves with the bat, it will also take someone else. The same someone with the only firsthand memories of what it is like to lose to Sri Lanka at home: Hashim Amla.

With not even a half-century to show from Australia and an average of 25.29 in his last four away tours, Amla’s aura is no longer all-powerful. To some, like batting coach Neil McKenzie, the slump is temporary. McKenzie went as far as to warn Sri Lanka’s bowlers to expect punishment and he has evidence in his favour. In the same time that Amla has struggled away, since he was made captain in July 2014, he has prospered at home and averages 71.07.

Remember the time Hashim Amla went into a series with a point to prove? By the end of January, Sri Lanka might.

(Espncricinfo)

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Griezmann would love Blackwell wakes from coma after Bolt as strike partner suffering serious head injuries WORLD fastest man Usain Bolt’s hopes of a post-athletics football career has received a vote of confidence from an unlikely source in Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann recently told ESPN that he would love to feature in a strike partnership with the big Jamaican and believes he could be the perfect strike partner at the Spanish club.

“Play against him, no, but with him, yes! I would like him to play up front with me just behind to knock balls deep for him,” Griezmann said.

“I’d leave him all alone with the goalkeeper. I saw that he’s trained a bit with Dortmund and Manchester United,” he added.

NICK Blackwell has woken up from a coma as he continues to recover from the serious head injuries he suffered in a sparring session last month.

but the 26-year-old has regained consciousness this week and no longer requires a breathing ventilator.

His father John Blackwell told The Wiltshire Times:

The former British middleweight champion returned to the ring in recent weeks, despite being put in a coma following a defeat to Chris Eubank Jr in March, which prompted him to announce his retirement.

Blackwell was rushed back to hospital and surgeons removed part of his skull to relieve bleeding on his brain,

“We’re all absolutely delighted. We’ve been hoping he would get to this stage, but didn’t think it would be for another few months yet.

“He’s out of intensive care and has been put in a new ward in his own room.

Even nurses are surprised at how he’s recovered over the past week.

“There’s still a long road

ahead though, and he’ll need another operation sometime next year to replace the part of his skull which is missing, but we’re just so happy to see him smiling again.”

The British Boxing Board of Control has suspended trainer Liam Wilkins and light-heavyweight Hasan Karkardi after Blackwell took part in the ill-advised sparring session.

“The last four weeks have been utter hell,” said John Blackwell.

“The first week in particular was awful. We had everything going through our heads and experts were telling us that it was 50/50 whether or not he would make it.

“We would have given up everything we had just to see him recover - nothing else has mattered to us other than making sure he makes it.

“We’re all going to visit him in hospital on Christmas Day. It would be amazing if he’s able to pull crackers and share jokes with us.” (Sky Sports)

last season, before losing to the eventual winners, Northamptonshire, in their quarter-final at Wantage Road.

“I am delighted Daniel has agreed to join us as T20 coach and am very much looking forward to working closely with him and tapping in to his expertise,” said Scott. “At Middlesex we pride ourselves on giving all the players the best possible support to develop as cricketers and people,

and this is further indication that everyone at the club is driven to back up this year’s Championship success by competing and winning on all fronts.”

Angus Fraser, Middlesex CCC’s Managing Director of Cricket, said: “As a club we are always looking to improve and signing Daniel will only strengthen what is already an outstanding coaching unit.

“Cricket is becoming ever more specialised. The

skills required by players in the different forms of the game are wide-ranging - why should coaching be any different?

“We spoke to a number of people before signing Daniel and everyone was extremely positive about him not just as a coach, but as a person too. His values and outlook match those of Middlesex CCC and we are all looking forward to working with him.” (Cricinfo)

son you don’t want just a few countries to do their utmost and for other countries to never test. It needs to be across the board and that’s why I think internationally it needs a lot of funding.

“How you get to that money is another debate but I think we could definitely do with more funding overall.”

Federer also reiterated his view that he is capable of winning another major title, despite his last slam success coming back in 2012 at Wimbledon.

The 35-year-old claims to feel refreshed following a lengthy period on the side-

lines through injury and said: “Maybe my body needed this more than I thought. I do believe it could be very beneficial to the future of my tennis career.

“The mindset is always very positive that it (winning another slam) can happen and should happen, and that I’m doing everything I possibly can to achieve that.

“I’m very positive with my team of winning another major and winning the tough matches, and physically to be in tip-top shape when that slam semi or final comes around.”

(Sports Max)

Usain Bolt

It was recently announced that Bolt, a well-known Manchester United fan, would go through a training stint with German club Borussia Dortmund.

“Speed isn’t everything, but he’d be a great striker at

Atletico. Bolt would be perfect for our game. Me behind and him up front. The best!”

Atletico are currently sixth in La Liga, nine points behind Real Madrid after 16 games.

(Sports Max)

Vettori signs as Middlesex T20 coach Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand spinner, has joined Middlesex on a three-year contract to serve as the club’s head coach for the T20 Blast.

Vettori, 37, is currently head coach of Brisbane Heat in Australia’s Big Bash, and occupies the same position with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

He will be in charge of Middlesex T20 playing strategy and will work alongside Richard Scott, the club head coach, and Richard Johnson and David Houghton, the club’s two

assistant coaches, to prepare the side for the Blast campaign.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to be involved with Middlesex in their pursuit of a T20 title,” said Vettori. “Like all players I loved every opportunity to visit Lord’s and that won’t be any different as a coach but the main reason for my desire to be involved was the quality of the Middlesex playing squad.

There is talent and experience in all facets of their game and I look forward to complementing their skills and all the fantastic work

DISCUSSING the fight against doping in tennis, Roger Federer said: “I would like to see more funding, no doubt about it.”

Roger Federer has renewed his calls for stricter anti-doping measures in tennis, stating his belief that more funding should be put towards the issue.

Seventeen-time grand slam singles champion Federer has previously urged his sport’s authorities to take a tougher stance when it comes to the fight against performance-enhancing drugs.

Yesterday, the Telegraph

quoted the Swiss as saying: “It’s really hard for me to tell but with all the money we have in the sport, you would think they would have more funding for the anti-doping programme.

“That seems logical to me but maybe it’s not so logical to get that money because we’ve had some issues in the past but it’s not been all the time everywhere. But I would like to see more funding, no doubt about it, especially during the off-season.

“I would like to see more funding for when the players work the hardest. I’ve always

Daniel Vettori has joined Middlesex on a three-year deal. (Getty Images)

the current coaching staff has done.”

Middlesex finished third in the South Group

Nick Blackwell

Federer calls for greater anti-doping investment in tennis

Roger Federer said it - the best way is that you get tested every, let’s say, quarter-final that you play in a tournament so you know there will be testers

there when the prize money and the points go up.

“I think for the players’ minds it will be a good thing to have, and for the off-sea-

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Dave Pharmacy on board Kvitova can move left hand following surgery for KPL fund-raiser

DAVE PHARMACY of Albert and Sixth Streets Georgetown has thrown its support behind the KPL fund-raising softball tournament, which is set to commence on January 2 at the Carifesta Sports Complex.

The entity recently presented trophies to organiser Samuel Kingston.

The tournament will be played in two categories, the

Over-40 and Open, with an entrance fee of $20,000 in each division.

The competition has been organised to help raise funds for organising secretary of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., Kingston, who has to undergo an operation to his right eye.

Kingston was struck on the eye during a recent match at the Gandhi Youth

Organisation ground.

The operation will be done in Trinidad and Tobago in February 2017 is set to cost US$5,000.

The white big ball will be used for the Over-40 category, which will be of 20 overs duration, while the Open segment will be played with the supreme balls, and will lasts for 15 overs a side.

PETRA Kvitova described being able to move the fingers on her left hand again as “the greatest Christmas present I could have wished for”.

The Czech, 26, was stabbed at her home by an intruder on Tuesday and needed four hours of surgery on her hand.

Samuel Kingston The winning teams will be given trophies and medals.

Starc excited for maiden Boxing Day Test

FOUR years ago this week, Mitchell Starc received cricket’s equivalent of a lump of coal for Christmas. He was rested for the Boxing Day Test.

Not dropped. Rested.

Starc was 22 at the time, and was entering what team management called a “danger period” due to his heavy workload. “We don’t want a high-risk strategy,” chairman of selectors John Inverarity said at the time. Australia’s then coach, Mickey Arthur, said Starc “took it very well”.

Perhaps Starc was just a good actor, because that decision still irks him. Four years on, Starc is the leader of Australia’s attack, the No.6-ranked Test bowler in the world, and the owner of 136 Test wickets. And he is still waiting for his first Boxing Day Test.

He enters this year’s Melbourne Test having sent down 56 overs in Australia’s win over Pakistan at the Gabba - his highest workload in any first-class game - but don’t expect Starc to rest this time.

“It’s happened before.

He’s in the other camp now, I think,” Starc said

Mitchell Starc in Melbourne yesterday, referring to Arthur, now the coach of Pakistan.

It is perhaps surprising that Starc has not played a Boxing Day Test, for it feels that he has been a fixture in the side for many years. But in 2012 he was rested; in 2013 he missed the whole home Ashes due to a stress fracture of the back; in 2014 he was dropped from the XI that beat India in Brisbane to accommodate Ryan Harris, who was returning from injury; and in 2015, Starc missed the second half of the summer due to an ankle injury.

“There are a few of us in the rooms that are yet to play one,” Starc said. “Per-

sonally, as a kid growing up watching the Boxing Day Test, it’s always been a dream of mine to play in front of a full house at the MCG on Boxing Day. If I get the chance this week I’ll tick that one off and it’ll be a fantastic experience to walk out and sing that anthem. To play a Boxing Day Test will be pretty special.”

The heavy workload of Starc and Josh Hazlewood in Brisbane - Hazlewood also bowled 56 overs, his highest tally in a first-class match - has led Australia’s selectors to include uncapped all-rounder Hilton Cartwright in the squad. There is a chance they could bring Cart-

Tendons in all four of her fingers and her thumb were damaged, as well as two nerves.

“I’m happy to tell you I’m feeling well,” she added. “The medical staff, the police, my family and my team have all provided me with amazing support in this difficult situation.

wright in at the expense of No.6 Nic Maddinson to ease the burden on the fast men, although Starc said he felt fine after the Gabba Test.

“Whether we’ve got three quicks and a spinner or three quicks, an all-rounder and a spinner, there are going to be times when we have high workloads and times when we don’t,” he said.

“So I guess it comes back to us and making sure we can take ten wickets quicker than 130 overs, and then no one’s asking that question.

Whichever way they go this week, we’ll prepare to bowl a lot of overs if we need, and if not, perfect.

Petra Kvitova “While what happened to me was very scary, I do not see myself as a victim, I do not feel sorry for myself and I will not look backwards,” said Kvitova.

“I will do everything to return to the sport I love as soon as possible.”

Kvitova, who won the Wimbledon singles title in 2011 and 2014, will be unable to compete for at least six months.

The world number 11 wore a substantial bandage when she spoke to the media for the first time since the attack, and revealed movement had returned to her fingers during a session with her doctor on Thursday morning.

“I want to thank each and every one of them for the important part they have played in the past four days. “ I h a v e b e e n o v e rwhelmed by the flood of messages and love I have received from the tennis family, fans and the public - thank you.”

K v i t o v a ’s a t t a c k e r gained access to her apartment block in Prostejov by posing as a utilities man before pulling out a knife and putting it to her throat, and she sustained injuries while pulling the knife away.

P o l i c e re l e a s e d a n identikit image of the attacker on Thursday.

STAG Nations Cup KO Football put on hold DUE to the current inclement weather and yesterday’s heavy rainfall which left the Grove Playfield waterlogged, the STAG Nations Cup knockout football tournament has been put on hold.

The final two quarter-final matches were scheduled for last night. Grove Hi Tech were down to play New Amsterdam United and Den Amstel would

have been up against Ann’s Grove.

Teams already into the quarter-finals are Western Tigers to play Pouderoyen, Santos to oppose Uitvlugt Warriors, Police await the winners of the Grove Hi Tech/New Amsterdam United clash while Riddim Squad will tangle with the winners of the Ann’s Grove/Den Amstel showdown.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Queenstown United FC are ECPFA

Football Champions

By Elroy Stephney QUEENSTOWN United Football Club edged past Henrietta United FC to be crowned Champions of the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association’s sponsored tournament.

Playing on Saturday at the Anna Regina Centre ground and in front of a fair-sized gathering, Romario Walcott of Queenstown United FC found the back of the net in the 73nd minute to nail the opposition to a 1-0 defeat.

Both teams missed several other opportunities as the game flowed with much anticipation and excitement.

During the first half, there were four corner kicks each for the two sides as they advanced towards each other’s goal.

However, on each occasion the defence had an unbreakable wall that thwarted any breaches.

There was also one brilliant save from Queenstown FC goalkeeper whose acrobatic dive, denied what seemed a certain goal for the hosts.

Henrietta United kept attacking and displayed good ball control but their inability to successfully distribute the ball around severely affected their final execution in pursuit of an elusive goal.

Meanwhile Queenstown United FC ball-weavers were physically stronger, possessed durable stamina which enabled them to maintain enough energy throughout the match. They defended well and also exhibited admirable skills during their frequent attacks At the presentation, Queenstown United FC were awarded $50 000 and the winners’ trophy.

President of the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association Mr Compton Haynes, during his brief remarks, expressed his satisfaction on behalf of the association for the discipline and sportsmanship displayed by the eight

Midfielder Joey Barton charged for placing bets JOEY Barton has been charged with misconduct, with the Football Association claiming the midfielder placed 1 260 bets in the past 10 years.

was given a one-match ban for breaking Scottish Football Association rules on gambling.

Barton admitted to the Scottish FA charge of plac-

JOEY Barton

The FA says he broke rules by betting on “football matches or competitions” between March 26 2006 and May 13 2016.

Barton, 34, is set to rejoin Burnley in January, having left Scottish Premiership side Rangers in November.

In the same month, he

ing 44 bets between July 1 and September 15, while he was a player at Ibrox, and his suspension will carry over into his Burnley career.

The FA brought in new rules in 2014 which ban professional players in England from betting on any football match or competi-

tion anywhere in the world.

Players are also prohibited from betting on football-related matters, such as player transfers, the employment of managers or team selection.

Previously, participants were prohibited from betting on a match or competition in which they were involved or could influence.

Barton has until January 5 to respond to the FA charge.

His Rangers contract was terminated following a training ground row which led to a falling out with manager Mark Warburton and he played just eight games for the club.

Barton began his career at Manchester City in 2001, joined Newcastle in 2007 and then signed for QPR in 2011. He had a loan spell with Marseille in France for 12 months, before joining Burnley for the first time in August 2015.

participating teams.

He further stated that the standard of football in the region will rise, given the existing talent and he was also impressed by the growing interest shown in the sport.

Also present were other officials including Ms Maxine Stewart, who is one of the association’s representatives to the Guyana Football Federation. The officiating officials were referee Rawl Griffith and linesmen Colin Belfield and Clifton Paul.

The Association will also stage the final of the NAMILCO/GFF Under-17 tournament, involving the two clubs, on a date to be announced.

Collecting the top prize.

Arsenal and England forward Danny Welbeck back in full training

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck ARSENAL forward Danny Welbeck has returned to full training after seven months out with a knee injury.

The England international, 26, has been sidelined since injuring his right knee during the Gunners’ 2-2 Premier League draw at Manchester City

on May 8.

He had missed the first seven months of last season with another knee injury.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “It is fantastic. For him, it is like starting a new career because he has been out for such a long time.”

Wenger, whose team host West Brom on Boxing Day (15:00 GMT), added he would be “patient” with Welbeck.

Welbeck has scored 13 times in 49 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Manchester United for £16M in September 2014.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Nottinghamshire extends Chelsea midfielder England paceman Stuart Oscar set to join Shanghai SIPG for Broad’s contract

ENGLAND fast bowler Stuart Broad has signed a new three-year contract with his county side Nottinghamshire.

The 30-year-old has been at Notts since 2008, but his England commitments mean he has made only 22 first-class appearances for the county.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said: “When he comes back to Notts, he shows the same intensity in how he practises and prepares as he does for England.

“The discipline he shows is something we want our young players to learn.”

Broad, who remains centrally contracted by England, has been a mainstay of the Test team since 2008, making 102 appearances, as well as featuring in 121

about £60M

Stuart Broad one-day internationals and 56 Twenty20 international games.

His tally of 368 Test wickets puts him third on England’s all-time list behind Sir Ian

Botham and James Anderson.

Broad has been involved in four Ashes victories, won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010, and taken two Test hattricks.

“He’s still very driven.

He’s going to play for at least a few more years and his experience and skill will continue to influence matches,” added Newell.

CHELSEA and Shanghai SIPG have agreed terms for midfielde r O s c a r ’s e s t i m a t ed £60M move to the Chinese Super League club in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old Brazil international said earlier this month the transfer was “90% certain”.

Oscar joined Chelsea from Internacional for £25M in 2012 and has scored 38 times in 203 appearances for the club.

ly join SIPG”.

T h e p l a y e r, w h o has won the Premier League, Europa League and League Cup during his fourand-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge, will earn a reported £400 000 a week and the transfer fee will rank as the seventh-highest of alltime.

Conte last week said the huge money being spent on players by Chinese clubs was a “danger for all teams in the

Sam Allardyce set to be named Crystal Palace boss

FORMER England manager Sam Allardyce is set to be named as Crystal Palace manager, replacing Alan Pardew.

Pardew was sacked on Thursday with the club 17th in the Premier League after a run of one win in 11 games.

Allardyce travelled to Palace’s training ground yesterday to complete talks with chairman Steve Parish.

As he arrived, the 62-year-old described the Palace job as a “fantastic” opportunity to return to topflight management.

Allardyce could be in place to take training today, before Palace’s Boxing Day game with Watford.

Parish said Pardew’s “expansive style of football hasn’t worked” and told BBC Sport on Thursday they would now “wind the dial back the other way”.

Parish, who co-owns the club with American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer, said that Palace are “talking to a number of people to make sure we get this right”, with the club now focusing on staying in the top flight.

“Relegation is so costly and I feel, with no blame attached, we got ourselves in a rut and need a change,” he said.

Sam Allardyce Caretaker manager Keith Millen took yesterday’s news conference and told the media that if Allardyce was appointed, he would “sort the players out”.

Pardew sacked after a 2016 to forget: Stats, reaction and analysis Watch - Recap Pardew’s troubled last 12 months Football Daily podcast: ‘Allardyce a good fit for Palace’

Allardyce has been out of work since leaving his role as England manager by mutual consent after 67 days and just one game, in the wake of a Daily Telegraph investigation.

However, the former Bolton, Blackburn, Newcastle and West Ham boss saved Sunderland from the drop last season despite their being second from bottom when he joined.

KEY FACTS & FIGURES Allardyce has never been relegated as a manager and secured promotion to the Premier League with both Bolton and West Ham. Allardyce has a 33.6% Premier League career win percentage.

O n l y S i r A l e x F e rguson, Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp and his Sunderland successor David Moyes have managed more games in the top flight (467).

Chelsea midfielder Oscar He will complete his move “at the beginning of the January transfer window”, the club said in a statement.

O s c a r, w h o h a s struggled to get into Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side since October, will join former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas in Shanghai.

The Chinese side confirmed Oscar “will arrive in Shanghai in the coming days to official-

world”.

Oscar’s move comes as former Manchester City forward Carl o s Te v e z i s re p o r t edly on the verge of becoming the world’s highest-paid footballer by moving from Boca Juniors to Shanghai Shenhua, where he will earn £615 000 a week.

The transfer window opens on January 1 and closes at 23:00 GMT on January 31.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

It was a busy year for Linden’s Chantoba Bright

By Tamica Garnett

SHE’S a national athlete, a CARIFTA Games multiple silver medallist, and South American Youth Championships bronze medallist, not to mention Inter-Guiana Games gold medallist, and gold medal performances at the National Schools Championships last month.

Chantoba Bright And she accomplished all of this just this year. It was indeed a busy year for sixteen-year-old Chantoba Bright, who was among the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) choice-pick junior athletes to represent Guyana at internationally events throughout this year.

Always an athletics nucleus, Bright is just another of the many promising ath-

letics prospects that the Linden community continues to churn out. Bright specialises in the long and triple jumps.

The Mackenzie High student is very proud of how far she’s come since she decided to take up sports three years ago. More so because she has accomplished jumping over 6 metres in the long jump, a personal best for her, and the best female jump that Guyana recorded for the year.

Bright achieved this when she cleared 6.09m at the National Seniors Championships in June.

“It was a big accomplishment for me! I haven’t been in sports for that long; it’s just been about three years that I’ve been training, so to accomplish this, to jump over the 6m barrier, it was great. I felt proud of myself, and glad that I could make my coach proud of me, because we worked hard.” Bright said of the experience.

This year marked the first year that Bright performed at international events, and it was another thing to be proud of when she was able to medal. Bright made her international debut at the CARIFTA Games back in March. Despite somewhat apprehensive of what to expect when she left, she gave a good showing

for herself winning silver medals in the long jump and triple jump events.

“It was my first international meet and so I had no idea what I was going to do, I had no idea what to

Physical Education teacher on a whim suggested that she should start jumping in 2013.

In that same year her performance was enough to see her make the Linden team to the National Schools Championships, which was an eye-opener for Bright.

Impressing herself at how good she was she decided to take jumping seriously,

always willing and determined, never missing a day of practice.

Bright was the only athlete selected to represent Guyana at the World Juniors this year.. Unfortunately due to logistical issues she never got to go. Nonetheless there was still a lot of action left for her. She medalled gold at the Tri-nation IGG in October,

in long jump with a distance of 5.96m. At Nationals it was more gold medals as she played a role in helping the Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani, District 10 team reach their 15th win at the Championships.

Next year is also shaping up to be another promising year for Bright, who was most recently announced as

Chantoba takes the torch at the opening ceremony of the National Schools Championships last year. expect, but I had to remain confident and remember that I was really prepared, because I worked hard. So I just went out there and did my best,” Chantoba related.

Indeed she has come a long way from when her

found a coach and joined a club. Bright is a part of the Upper Demerara Schools Athletics Track Club currently coached by Johnny Gravesande, who says when it comes to Bright that’s just one athlete who’s always,

and then went to Argentina in November for the SAYC for bronze. The SAYC was another chance for international exposure for Bright.

Notwithstanding the adverse climate conditions of Argentina, Bright medalled

being part of an elite athletics squad selected by the National Sports Commission.

Bright is looking forward to increasing her skills and perhaps even being a Olympic prospect when 2020 rolls around.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Beloved 107 year-old Golden State Warriors fan dies

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A 107-year-old Northern California woman who gained fame very late in life as an avid and gregarious fan of the Golden State Warriors died Thursday.

Helen Brooks was better known as ‘Sweetie’ and became a media darling last year after The Mercury News of San Jose wrote about her decades-long dedication to the team that eventually won the NBA championship in 2015.

Warriors coach Steve

Kerr even gave a shout-out to Sweetie on TV last year, and she was invited to watch the team play from a suite at Oracle Arena.

She loved to tell the players what to do from the comfort of her living room. She disdained sloppy play.

Daughter Lily Toney said her mother was a positive person who cracked subtle jokes and didn’t let the little things in life bother her.

Toney gave no cause of death for Brooks other than old age.

“I think she was just

Lucian Bute and Alvarez in WBC eliminator

FORMER champion Lucian Bute, who was at the recent WBC Convention in Hollywood, Florida, will star in a light heavyweight eliminator, trying to earn an opportunity to take on absolute champion Adonis Ste-

Lucian Bute venson, but first … he must convincingly defeat Eleider Alvarez on February 24 in Canada.

“Alvarez is a great challenge. We are going to have an exacting eliminator against him, in order to face Stevenson for the WBC championship. It is an honour

Eleider Alvarez and a privilege to fight with Alvarez and if I defeat him I will probably go for the championship with Stevenson, which is my golden dream,” said a loquacious, thus far from mute Bute, adding: “I was already a champion at 168 pounds, but now I want to climb to the 175 pounds division. I’m in camp and in great shape.”

Bute also explained that the doping issue is resolved. He explains it happened due to a contaminated supplement and not something that allowed him to improve his performance.

tired,” she said. “She had a wonderful life, and we’re so happy she’s in peace now.”

A spokesman for the Warriors said the team was saddened by her death.

“Sweetie’s presence at Oracle Arena during our championship season was as big of a thrill for us as it was for her,” according to the team statement Thursday.

Brooks was living in Oakland until January,

when she broke her tibia and moved into a care facility, Toney said. Her mother liked to say that she lived so long because she was supposed to be the Warriors’ oldest fan.

Brooks was born in Ennis, Texas, in 1909. She is survived by Toney, 77, and son Frank Knight, 82, both of Oakland.

Her husband, who used to watch the games with her, died in 1999.

Helen Brooks

SEE INSIDE

See Page 34

Topp XX vow a better second half after disappointing first

By Ras Wadada HEAD coach of the bottom team in the GFF-STAG Elite League, Linden’s Topp XX, is confident of improving the dismal first-round performance while condemning the attitude of players.

Reviewing his team’s first half showing, coach Michael McKinnon stated that a combination of factors contributed to the team’s placement at the bottom of the 6-team table: “It was a very disappointing first round for us but at the same time it is quite understandable, the reasons behind our poor showing.

The main problem was the preparation which was just not good enough as players were not coming out and when you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail.

“Our preparation, before calls by some teams to denounce our inclusion, was good, but after the back and forth between some clubs and the GFF, and nothing definitive was set, players lost interest as it was being rumoured that we would not be part of the Elite League.

“That severely affected us as some players migrated to other teams and forced us to put players to play positions that they do not normally play as well as to call on the younger players of the club.

Topp XX team in action earlier this year “Even when the competition started the players did not show much enthusiasm in training and all through the season we had a kind of an attitude towards training that did not help our performance at all,” the former national defender told Chronicle Sport.

The coach feels all is not lost and boasted about the

quality of the team: “What has happened cannot be changed but in going forward we can ensure that we do not repeat the same performance; so our goal for the second half is to improve our play and position and that has to start with the right attitude towards training.

“There is no doubt that

we possess the players with the talent and knowledge of the game to compete with the best but fitness will be the key since the mental cannot function properly if the physical is not fit,” explained McKinnon.

Coach McKinnon added that the Elite League is a positive direction for the ‘Beautiful Game’ in Guyana but

feels the promotional aspect is lacking: “The league is very good for football development in the country since players and teams move around while getting the opportunity to showcase their talents. I believe, however, that the League deserves to be better promoted, especially in the

out-of-town areas.”

The coach also said that he was in full support of the long break between the two halves of season two of the Elite League, For me, I welcome the long break because we can get better prepared, but I know there are other teams who feel the break is too long. We are going to make good use of this period.”

In his estimation, Topp XX must improve on their weaknesses during the break. ”Our goalkeeping was very poor and was the weakest area for us. I think 18-year-old Jamal Caster who looked good in practice sessions was too nervous in the games and did not concentrate fully in goal. It was a learning experience for him, but we surely will be strengthening that department. Also our fitness is of great concern and an area where we fell down in as well so a lot of work must be done there as well.”

For the second half, McKinnon in tandem with the club officials, who have been very supportive, will be making full use of the transfer window to beef up the squad and finish higher in the table.

“We definitely will be boosting our roster for the second round and for sure we will not be at the bottom again,” he promised.

Jordan, Pollard fail to save Strikers from defeat

Kieron Pollard

PERTH, Australia, Dec 23, CMC – Chris Jordan and Kieron Pollard shared three wickets, but failed with the bat, as they saw Perth Scorchers beat Adelaide Strikers by 49 runs in the Big Bash League on Friday.

Jordan, the Barbados-born, England all-rounder, captured two wickets for 48 runs from his allotted four overs and Pollard added one for 10 from one over, as the Scorchers posted 197 for seven from their allocation of 20 overs.

Jordan’s former England teammate Ian Bell hit six fours and two sixes in the top score

of 61 from 42 balls for the Scorchers, after they were put in to bat in the fifth match of the competition played at the WACA. Pollard was dismissed for four off former Australia leftarm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson and Jordan was trapped lbw to discarded Aussie spinner Ashton Agar, as the Strikers restricted to 149 for nine in their 20 overs, sinking to their second straight defeat.

The Strikers have eight days off before they face Sydney Sixers on Old Year’s Day on home soil at the Adelaide Oval.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Chris Jordan

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016