Guyana Chronicle Epaper 04 10 2017

Popular businessman shot dead at Port Kaituma Page 3

No. 105055

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Bourda rocked by double murder Page 2

Fraser’s niece, 77-year-old Phyllis Caesar

– as elderly women killed for their pensions

87-year-old, Constance Fraser

Brazilian woman dies Page 2

––after falling off tractor

Relief boat sets sail for Antigua

Page 2

–– taking some $20M in rations to hurricane-ravaged Caribbean islands

Ensuring the relevant documentation is in order before the vessel taking the containers sets sail are, from left: Prime Minister, Mr Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon, and CDC Director–General, Colonel (Ret’d) Chabilal Ramsarup (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

GB&GWU wins recognition poll at BCGI

Page 18

Pizza Hut opens fourth location at Buddy’s Lethem gears up for Town Week Page 16

Page 15

–– hotels fully booked, hundreds expected to attend event

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Bourda rocked by double murder

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

– as elderly women killed for their pensions

EIGHTY-nine-year-old Constance Fraser and her niece, 77-year-old Phyllis Caesar were found dead in their home at Lot 243, Albert Street and South Road, Bourda on Tuesday.

Fraser’s niece, 77-yearold Phyllis Caesar

Members of the South Road Full Gospel Assembly, on South Road, and friends and family of the elderly women were in tears Tuesday after hearing what had occurred.

The women were found lying face down in separate bedrooms with their hands and feet bound and mouths gagged. According to a relative, the house was ransacked, and items appeared to be missing.

Persons who were close to the women said after several efforts to contact them failed, they decided to contact the police, who made the gruesome discovery at around 07:00hrs.

The police believe that the incident occurred between 19:20hrs on Monday and the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.

Reports from the police

have revealed that a door of the upper flat of the two-storey building was opened.

Relatives said this was the third time the women had been robbed. One recalled that during the last robbery, the intruders

87-year-old, Constance Fraser

had made off with cellular phones and money.

It is also the second time they have been robbed after receiving their monthly pensions. “This is a real tragedy, because those

women were basically helpless because of their age,” said a pastor of the South Road Full Gospel Assembly, who pointed out that Constance had seven children but all lived

apart. Caesar, who had no children, had been living with Constance for over 50 years.

The police have launched an investigation into the double murder.

Brazilian woman dies after falling off tractor THE police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Gleieiane Almedia Ferreira, 33, a Brazilian woman who fell off a tractor at 4-Hour Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni) on Monday.

The woman resided at Lot ‘C’ Grove Truck Line, East Bank Demerara and

Madayoung, Brazil. The incident occurred about 16:30hrs on Monday. Police said enquiries revealed that Ferreira and her reputed husband, 45, a miner of Lot ‘C’ Grove Truck Line, East Bank Demerara, were heading to Dukwarie Landing, Cuyuni, on a motor tractor.

The woman who was sitting on the left-side fender fell off of the tractor while it

was approaching a steep hill and subsequently toppled.

Her husband managed to save himself from the toppled tractor and then observed that his wife was lying motionless with what appeared to be tractor wheel marks about her body.

The driver of the motor tractor is in police custody assisting with the investigation, police said.

Relief boat sets sail for Antigua

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

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–– taking some $20M in rations to hurricane-ravaged Caribbean islands

By Alexis Rodney

CARIBBEAN island citizens left shaken by the carnage wrought by Hurricanes Irma and Maria will soon receive some $20M worth of food and other much-needed supplies, courtesy of the government and people of Guyana.

The items, shipped in six containers, are currently on their way to Antigua to be proportionately distributed among the residents of those of the islands hardest hit by the storms.

Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force, Mr Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon, along with Chairman of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel (Ret’d) Chabilal Ramsarup were on site Tuesday at the Laparkan Wharf to inspect the six containers before the vessel taking them to their destinations set sail at 18:00hrs.

Minister Harmon said the goods will be sent to Antigua and Dominica, which countries will be used as the central distribution points for the supplies.

The containers, according to the minister, are being

shipped free of cost, by local freighters, Tropical Shipping.

Minister Nagamootoo said he is eternally grateful to the shipping company for offering to take the goods to the affected territories. The goods include rice, sugar, flour, biscuits, water and pasta, among other necessities.

“This is part of the continuing effort; we are not done as yet,” the PM said, adding: “Sections of the society, especially the private sector, would continue to respond to the efforts that are being made here to those who are affected.”

He said one of the largest requests the government has received to date is for lumber, but that that will take a little time to put together, as the idea is to have them all packed and ready to make one shipment.

“We are committing ourselves to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean, and we are hoping that our effort would be going towards helping to soothe some of their losses and suffering at this time,” the PM said.

WEATHER PERMITTING Colonel Ramsarup said

that weather permitting, Tuesday’s shipment will take between 10 to 12 days to arrive at its destination.

Most of the close to 80 tons of foodstuff, he said, was donated by members of the private sector and members of the public.

Along with the government’s US$100,000 donation, members of the public have also been making financial contributions, he said.

Businessman, Mr Komal Singh, said since the devastation wrought by the hurricanes, the private sector had been working very closely with the government to see how they could help alleviate the situation.

“The effort is not done, but is a continuous one,” Singh said. “We will continue to see how much more help we can garner, especially to help in rebuilding. We will also be working with the GCCI (Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry) to see how we can work towards a rebuilding effort.”

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), in a recent recovery and rebuilding update

Popular businessman shot dead at Port Kaituma A PORT Kaituma businessman was murdered on Tuesday evening in the North West District community.

While the details are sketchy, reports are that the 47-year-old man, whose name was given as “Khemraj”, was shot around 20:00hrs on Tuesday night. He reportedly died on the spot.

Reports are that the businessman was

attacked by Venezuelan nationals with whom he was familiar and had previous business transactions.

The man, who is well known in the area, operated a shop on the Port Kaituma waterfront, and also sold fuel in the region.

Police are investigating the incident.

from member countries, have reported that in Anguilla, the government has announced that recovery from Hurricane Irma is proceeding at an extraordinary pace.

Phone and Internet communications have been restored to most parts of the island, while roads and beaches have been cleared.

Many local restaurants have reopened, along with a number of hotels that are housing relief workers and government officials from the United Kingdom (UK).

On the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the majority of the hotels there are currently closed, while the Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas was reopened on September 28.

Also in the BVI, the ferry companies, Road Town Fast Ferry and Native Son, have resumed operations between the islands, thereby allowing islanders, residents and work-permit holders to return to the country.

UP AND RUNNING In Dominica, the government there has announced that many fax and telephone landline services are back up in the

northern town of Portsmouth, and that the main Princess Margaret Hospital continues to function, along with most of the major Type Three healthcare centres on the island.

It however said that only some of the wards are currently functional and occupied; water and electricity have been partially restored; and only emergency and life-saving surgical procedures are being performed.

Meanwhile, Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, Mr Manuel Marrero Cruz is quoted by the official Granma newspaper as saying that the island will be ready for the high tourist season, without any trace of Hurricane Irma.

The minister reportedly met with 160 tour operators last week at Varadero’s Plaza América convention centre.

And, in Saint Maarten, Minister of Aviation Ms Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher told The Daily Herald this week that management of the Princess Juliana International Airport was still carrying out in-depth assessments of the internal and external facilities, the majority of which suffered

heavy to severe damage.

The minister estimates that while the airport will not be back “in all its glory” for another 35 weeks, it would be able to function optimally much sooner than that.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has reported that it is making a strong and speedy recovery following the passage of Hurricane Irma.

It also reports that Hurricane Maria did little to delay the rebuilding process, and that additional damage was minimal across most of the TCI’s eight inhabited islands.

On the US Virgin Islands of St Croix, St John and St Thomas, Governor Kenneth Mapp reported that St Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport was opened to commercial flights as planned on Thursday, with both American Airlines and Delta operating services to the mainland United States.

The restoration of power, he added, was “inching its way forward”, whilst the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with local counterparts, was progressing with its provision of water to homes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4 2017

King of Spain accuses Catalan Las Vegas shooting: Trump leaders of ‘unacceptable disloyalty’ dubs killer ‘sick and demented’ THE King of Spain lashed out at Catalan authorities on Tuesday evening after hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in Catalonia to vent their fury over the violent police crackdown on Sunday’s contested independence referendum.

In a rare televised statement, King Felipe said the referendum’s organisers had jeopardised national stability.

“With their decisions, they have systematically undermined the rules approved legally and legitimately, showing an unacceptable disloyalty towards the powers of the state -- a state that represents Catalan interests,” he said.

King Felipe’s hardline address was an unusual departure for the Spanish monarch, who used the majority of his speech to castigate

Catalan leaders while making no reference to polling day violence that left nearly 900 people injured. He concluded the address with a call for national unity, while continuing to unleash a verbal assault on the Catalan authorities.

“Today Spanish society is fractured and confronted.

Those authorities have underestimated the fondness and feelings of solidarity that have united and will unite the whole of the Spanish population, and with their irresponsible attitude they have put the economic and social stability of Catalonia and Spain at risk,” he said.

King Felipe’s decision to intervene in the crisis came after 700,000 people gathered in Barcelona, according to City Police, angered by the harsh treatment meted out by national forces who tried to prevent the banned

vote from taking place. Many demonstrated in front of the Barcelona headquarters of the Spanish national police.

Shops were closed, universities halted classes and transport companies ran reduced services as supporters of Catalonia’s bid for independence from Spain attempted to maintain the momentum from Sunday’s vote.

Facing Spain’s biggest political crisis in decades, Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy held talks with opposition parties in Madrid. Spanish authorities have ordered members of the Guardia Civil, the national security force deployed to Catalonia to block the referendum, to remain on standby in the region for the next week.

(CNN)

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described the gunman who killed 59 people and injured 527 in Las Vegas on Sunday as “a sick man, a demented man”.

Speaking at the White House, he said he would look at gun laws “as times goes by” but did not elaborate.

Police are still trying to find out why Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on an open-air concert from the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Hotel.

Police found 23 guns in his room and firearms and explosives at his home.

Photos from the hotel room of guns used in the attack have been obtained

by Boston 25 News.

As yet, no clear reason for the killing has emerged and investigators have found no link to international terrorism. Some investigators have suggested Paddock had a history of mental illness, but this has not been confirmed.

Paddock, who appears to have killed himself before police stormed his hotel room, had no criminal record and was not known to police.

Speaking to reporters as he was about to board the presidential helicopter,

Mr Trump said Paddock was “a sick man, a demented man. Lot of problems, I guess, and we’re looking into him very, very seriously.”

When asked, Mr Trump declined to call the attack domestic terrorism.

On the issue of gun control, the president said: “We’ll be talking about gun laws as time goes by.”

Mr Trump, whose position on gun control has changed over the years, gave no further detail.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

US-Cuba: Washington expels diplomats over ‘acoustic attacks’ THE US has expelled 15 Cuban diplomats, saying Havana failed to protect US diplomats from mysterious acoustic attacks.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez called the move “unacceptable”.

The Department of State move follows last week’s US withdrawal of more than half of its own diplomats from the Cuban capital.

Nearly two dozen US personnel have suffered unexplained ill health in the city.

“The decision was made

due to Cuba’s failure to take appropriate steps to protect our diplomats in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention. This order will ensure equity in our respective diplomatic operations,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Cuban diplomats have been given seven days to leave.

Mr Rodriguez said the move was “unjustified”.

What is a covert sonic weapon?

US-Cuba thaw halted amid diplomat injuries AT LEAST 21 people working at the US’s embassy in Cuba have reported health problems, ranging from mild brain trauma and deafness to dizziness and nausea.

Earlier reports suggested sonic attacks were to blame, but nothing has been proven.

Cuba denies targeting embassy staff, and the US has not blamed the country’s government for the suspected attacks. (BBC)

Woman who was recorded beating child in video, charged A 44-year-old woman is due to appear in court next Monday charged with cruelty to a child after a video emerged on social media over the last weekend showing her beating a child with a machete.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said that Doreen Dyer had been charged with cruelty to a child on Tuesday less than 48 hours after the video went viral showing her, dressed only in her underwear, hitting the girl with

what looked like athe machete, while using expletives.

The JCF said that the incident took place sometime last year in Bath, St Thomas and that the woman was taken into custody on Sunday.

The child was released to the custody of her aunt who lives in the same yard where the beating took place.

Meanwhile, the 12-yearold child, speaking on a radio programme here on Tuesday described her mother as “one of the best

mothers I know in the world.”

She told radio listeners that she felt bad now that her mother has been placed in police custody and was also upset at the person who took the video.

The child admitted that while her mother needed to change her attitude, she was not afraid of her, “because I’m not going to misbehave or flash her off, or do any kind of thing to her so that she can beat me again.” (CMC)

Police warn against irresponsible use of social media The Bahamas police Tuesday warned against the irresponsible use of social media here, saying that in light of the growing trend of false posts on social media about murders and other serious crimes is causing panic among the population.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) said it therefore appealing to members of the public to be more responsible while online.

“More recently, social media sites such as Facebook and the popular “What’s App” messenger platform were being bombarded with various stories of multiple murders and armed robberies which were unfounded.”

The police said that while social media is a helpful medium for both the community and the police, “however, the hoaxes, fake news and the dissemination of false

information which we have experienced of late not only sows panic among our communities, but also wastes the police’s time and resources.

“Members of the public are being urged to always seek information from the police and trusted news agencies only, to avoid causing unnecessary stress to those affected or who may be affected by a crime,” the RBPF said in a statement. (CMC)

The Jamaican woman beating her child

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4 2017

Strengthening regional governments GUYANA has 10 administrative regions, each of which has its line of demarcation, strength in agriculture, natural resources and respective cultures among the people. The regional system was shaped by a vision to advance self-determination of the people by using the resources available within for the people’s benefit. A lot of thought and planning went into demarcating the regional boundaries, among them being consideration given to the topography of the country as to its high points and how the water from the rain will flow, which river or stream it will drain into, and where and how it will be managed.

The regional system started in 1980. With Government having made a decision, guided by the aforesaid elements, the task of realising the development of the regions rests with the central and regional administrations working together to put systems in place for the region’s development.

Government has since assisted regions in producing a Development Action Plan and also each region has its own flag.

Both instances symbolize that the nation can move further in achieving Article 75 and 76 of the Guyana Constitution to bring about the prescribed autonomy in the regions. The pursuit of development of each region by its people is a positive response to Article 13 in the Constitution, which requires inclusionary democracy in the participation of citizens, their respective organisations, and groups.

The initial vision to strengthen the regional system allowed each region to have the authority of raising its own

taxes, making its own laws, and having its own police force.

It was also envisioned that the taxes earned from, for example, mining and forestry would be shared between the central and regional government of the region that produced the products.

This vision of economic self-determination would have placed each region in a position where their budget is developed based on the taxes it raised and not having to depend on central government to determine which project will be funded.

This independence would also prevent central government from using budgetary allocations as a weapon to punish some regions and reward others as this nation has seen.

Economic independence would allow the regions to engage in improvement in public infrastructure such as roads and lifting the aesthetics of the community. This would remove the pressure from central Government to have to attend to nearly every issue that arises in the region, and allowing for more time to be spent on macro issues such as developing national policies such as in healthcare, education, internal and border security, national laws, immigration and so forth.

Strengthening the regional system will also encourage inter-regional trade and competition among regions which would attract business and investments, allowing for growth and development and boosting international trade. The people and resources are the wealth of the regions and where there are lucrative employment and economic opportunities people will gravitate.

In 1990, a bill to develop regional government was

tabled in the National Assembly by then PNC Minister of Regional Development Jeffrey Thomas. Among the issues in that bill was the intent to pursue the establishment of a system whereby revenues garnered from the region will be shared on a percentage basis between central and regional Governments. This bill was tabled, but it was never debated. There is a belief that it never moved further because some Members of Parliament, on both the government and opposition sides, were uncomfortable in allowing the regions such political and economic autonomy. Thirty six years after the regional system was established, efforts by the PNC 10 years into the system to bring a bill to the National Assembly to develop the regional system, and for the 23 years the PPP/C was in office, nothing has been done to strengthen the regional system consistent with what is outlined in the Constitution. Though it was necessary at the establishment of the regional system to have government provide needed support, with an eye to weaning, that the system still remains at its initial stage shows that the much-needed change has not come to this tier of government.

Unbearable noise nuisance in Corentyne Dear Editor PERMIT me space to address the issue of mobile vendors and commercial noise nuisance and noise pollution in Region Six, especially Central and Upper Corentyne areas. It seems to me that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) members are turning deaf ears to the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations, since the noise nuisance has become a sore area which is being allowed to fester with no solution in sight.

The GPF seems to wilfully give the false impression to residents that this is the job for the NDC or the municipalities.

Noise pollution refers to sound that goes beyond the accepted decibels level which may disturb or harm human or animal life. Sound

is measured in decibels with one decibel being the faintest sound which the human ear can hear, but when it disturbs our normal activities such as working, sleeping or conversing, then it is not acceptable and long-term exposure to noise can have serious effects on our mental and physical well-being. The EPA has made it clear that ‘people are becoming more sensitive to issues relating to noise pollution, particularly households that have elderly citizens and newborns.’

In the Central and Upper Corentyne areas the elderly, the newborns, the sick, students, night-shift workers, housewives and nearly everyone are seriously affected by the daily dosage of noise emanating from the ‘loud speaker,’ mobile vendors and advertisers who traverse up and down and into every

nook and cranny blaring and jarring the senses of these residents. Babies can be heard screaming during the day as mothers try in vain to calm them. This daily dosage can be up to a minimum of 16 times per day. They sell and advertise a varied assortment of goods and services.

Everything sells from the cradle to the grave; and it seems that these noises will send some residents to their graves prematurely or to the mental asylum. Some of these services and goods are: death announcements, pharmaceuticals, bread and pastries, travel services, visa services, construction materials, old iron and batteries, foods, groceries, BBQs, religious functions, sporting events and astrology and miracle services and even deals on funerals.

It is not very puzzling

to know that even though Region Six has six local television stations and can be utilised to advertise these services, why they are not used? These operators know that they can break the law with immunity by paying bribes and yet maintain low operating costs while making huge profits.

In addition, many legitimate business owners are complaining that they are paying taxes, and insurance and these tax-free mobile announcers and vendors are taking away a huge chunk of their business. Moreover, it seems that these mobile vendors and announcers, who are using in excess of 1200 watts amplifiers, are not even aware of the EPA regulations, much less to acquire the necessary permission.

The Minister of Public Security and the ‘B’ Division

Commander has to enforce the EPA rules and regulations. They have the responsibility to control and manage these sound emissions by setting the permissible levels for activities such as entertainment, transportation, construction, commercial and other activities. The regulations clearly stipulate that persons who are engaged in the above-mentioned activities need to apply for environmental authorization, so that the EPA can monitor their activities.

The regulations seek to protect citizens from excessive noise, whatever the source. It is an offence to cause loud noise in any building, private premises or vehicle and defaulters can be fined $750,000 or face up to one year imprisonment, if found guilty. Anyone affected by noisy operations can

lodge a complaint with the EPA. The accepted decibel for residential areas in the day is 75dB, while in the night it is 60dB. Vehicle owners who play loud music are charged and their music sets and speakers confiscated, but these advertisers and announcers breach the law and get off because they know whose palms to grease.

I am a nurse who is seriously affected by this new type of noise nuisance and there are thousands of others who are affected, but have no one to address this growing problem. Therefore, I am calling on the EPA and the Public Security Minister along with the ‘B’ division Commander to address this new epidemic before it’s too late.

Regards Amrita Dhanai

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Descendant of former slave fights for legacy Dear Editor I WELCOME the action taken by Anil Nandlall, PPP/C Member of Parliament and attorney-at-law, to approach the ancestral lands Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to resolve what has been an ongoing dispute pertaining to the village of Kingelly, West Coast Berbice.

He reportedly is representing some 150 families who are claiming ownership of some of the lands bought by my former slave greatgreat-great-great grandfather Cudjoe McPherson. This land was bought primarily from the miserly income earned during the Amelioration (1834-July 1838) and immediate post-emancipation period.

It is noted that Nandlall’s claim that the CoI will cause

conflict, hence the reason why the PPP/C Government rejected the motion to regularise ancestral lands brought to the National Assembly by PNC Member of Parliament Deborah Backer. I am more inclined to believe the PPP/C saw benefit in allowing the matter to remain unresolved, because it allows the conflict to fester, villagers to be divided, and the party can profit from such an environment.

Disputes are meant to be resolved. There is a dispute on this land, whether actively for or against, going back to around 1905 when others began to squat on it. The matter has been before the court since the 1960s due to a challenge brought by others residing on the land when the heirs of Cudjoe moved to have the land surveyed. The commissioners were advised of all this by me, along with

showing transport dated 1850 and a survey ordered by my slave ancestor with his signature, which I must add was an accomplishment in a period when enslaved Africans were not permitted learning. Being quiet does not mean the dispute does not exist. As a matter of fact, the quietness may have been an effort by the government to frustrate those who have legitimate claims and to deal with the issue. While Nandlall has advised that my relations are walking around the village saying that some have to pay rent for the land, he failed to say that for years, as recent as a few weeks ago when I was visiting the village, it was being said that “black man nah own land here.”

Some of Nandlall’s public statements as recorded in the media should be of concern, given the establishing

of a dishonest premise which would have impact on the credibility of his presentation before the CoI. August 2017 marked 179 years of Emancipation. Kingelly was a plantation before being purchased by the freed slaves in the 1840s and was converted to a village. The next batch of imported workers who came as immigrants were in May 1838 and they did not go to Kingelly. He owes the society an explanation to his claim that “these persons and others and their ancestors, have been in occupation of these lands for over 200 years, unopposed.” Neither history nor the maths adds up

to this spurious claim, thereby questioning the credibility and intent of his pursuit on this matter.

I am the descendant of Cudjoe McPherson, the descendant of a slave. This matter is personal to me not only as a descendant of my former slave greatgreat-great-great grandfather, ensuring rightful ownership, but also to set the historical record right regarding original ownership, which will serve to establish a legacy of property ownership that many have claimed through squatting, prescriptive rights, and other means, allowing

them ownership now. This record must not only be acknowledged, but also corrected, so when the history of Kingelly is written or spoken of, the achievement of former slave Cudjoe McPherson must be indelibly marked. There is resolution in law. Ignoring the matter did not bring resolution, all it sought to do was ferment the conflict.

Through the legal process, legitimacy will now be determined, including the authenticity of rights and entitlement.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Land CoI shoots down IAC claims –– of lands being taken away from persons

WHILE the Indian Action Committee (IAC) has made claims regarding lands being taken away from persons, the land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has shot down such inferences.

In addition, the commission made it clear on Tuesday that its terms of reference (TOR) does not include the issue of land being taken and redistributed. Its mandate is to examine and make recommendations to resolve all issues surrounding the individual, joint and communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans, claims of Amerindian Land Titling and on any other matter related to land titling.

On Tuesday , IAC executive member, Evan Persaud appeared before the CoI and during his testimony, he told the commission that given the “present circumstances “ in Guyana the IAC is opposed to the idea that land should be taken away from one “set of people and given to another set.”

Persaud, in his brief

Members of the Commission of Inquiry listen as IAC executive member, Evan Persaud, provided testimony on Tuesday

presentation, told the commission that the use of the word “ancestral” was problematic, noting that the IAC has been following the hearings via the media and according to him, the body believes that the word does not have any connection to anyone in

Guyana’s geographic space.

He said that the concept of ancestral lands is known in the constitution of Guyana and it’s the laws. Persaud said too that the IAC believes that the term ‘ancestral lands’ refer to “time immemorial occupied lands” and

Jury hears how ‘Ringo’ met his end –– as accused in 2009 Land of Canaan murder goes on trial A 12-member jury at the Demerara Assizes on Tuesday heard how Patrick Daley, called “Ringo” met his demise on the morning of September 15, 2009 at the hands of his neighbours.

The incident reportedly occurred around 05:30hrs when his neighbours attacked him while he was having a shower in an outdoor bathroom at his home at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

Errol Williams, called “Short Man,” is facing an indictment for the murder of Patrick Daley when he appeared in the Georgetown High Court before Justice James Bovell-Drakes.

He pleaded not guilty to the indict-

ment in the presence of his attorney, Pamela De Santos.

Prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that on the day in question, the accused and two others, armed with cutlasses and other weapons, went to Daley’s outdoor bathroom and banged on the door, causing the deceased to exit.

And as he stepped outside of the bathroom, they set upon him, leaving him for dead when they were done.

A post-mortem revealed that Daley died from shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple incised wounds.

The accused will return before Justice Bovell-Drakes on October 9, 2017 at 09:00hrs, and eight witnesses are expected to testify in the trial.

according to him, only the country’s indigenous peoples can be described as living here within time immemorial.

He said that the IAC believes that the concept of land has “become confused” and according to him, there are many people, especially

of Indo-Guyanese origin who own lands, and who are concerned that they “may be for some reason thrown off the lands.”

Commissioner Lennox Caleb reminded Persaud that such claims do not fit under the mandate of the commission’s work. Commissioner, Paulette Hen-

ry noted too that several organisations appeared before the CoI and they have reiterated that there is need for a settlement of all the claims and discussions regarding lands.

Henry said too that the responsibility of the commission is not to take lands away from anyone.

Improved road safety measures contribute to reduced accidents THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has augmented its efforts to improve road safety across Guyana. These measures have been effective in the reduction of road accidents thus far, since statistics reveal a vast reduction when compared to last year.

Projects Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kester Hinds, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that road safety has always been one of the ministry’s main focuses and his office will continue implementing all necessary initiatives to address it.

According to the projects coordinator, the ministry has been placing emphasis on speed humps, a critical intervention in the reduction of hasty driving. He explained that in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), speed humps have been installed in several locations such as Alexander Village, and several more will be installed in other communities including William Street in Kitty, as well as Smyth and Hadfield Streets.

“We will be installing a minimum of 40 additional speed humps around the city, covering all schools. They’re some we will modify and remove, those at Albert [Street]

and North Road those were installed not in a proper manner and can contribute to accidents, so we will correct those,” Hinds disclosed. The ministry is also working to upgrade road markings on most public roads.

Hinds stated roads that have faded road signs will soon be re-painted. However, the ministry will now be using a thermoplastic road- marking material which is said to be more durable than the paint. Aged guard rails on bridges will also be reinstalled, while new ones will be constructed along the East Bank of Demerara. These works fall under under the maintenance programme of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Hinds also pointed out that the road safety manual for schools is an accomplishment in which the ministry takes pride. “One significant achievement we are grateful for is the manual to guide road safety inclusion into the school curriculum, we developed under the West Coast Demerara project.

We continue to work together with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) to continue educating and sensitising the public because one life [lost is one] too many.” (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Contract signed for new bridges at Hope Estate

A CONTRACT was on Monday signed between the General Manager of Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL) (Hope Estate) and Ivor Allen for the construction of two bridges at the estate.

The contract is worth $2.6M. According to General Manager Ricky Roopchand, the works form part of the estate’s improvement of infrastructure programme, to ensure that farmers can access new and improved services. “The current existing bridges were neglected over the years, as a result of both poor maintenance and financial constraints.” Roopchand said, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

This is the start of a series of works which will be done at the estate to better serve farmers’ needs. With support from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Hope Estate has also improved services by allowing farmers access to a better variety of coconut. “As part of Government’s revitalisation of its coconut industry, the Hope Coconut Estate with support from NAREI and CARDI is working on expanding not only the beds, but also the introduction of new varieties of coconut seedlings,” he said.

Allen in an invited comment reiterated the importance of value for money,

Ricky Roopchand, General Manager, Hope Estate (left) and the contractor, Mr. Ivor Allen noting that it is in the interest from CARDI, the estate’s of his company to ensure that capacity was boosted. the work is done in a timely “Already we have cocomanner and is of high quality. nut beds completed and the He added that while there is a capacity to produce 50,000 30-day period for completion, coconut seedlings per year. he is adamant that the bridges In addition to this, a coconut will be completed ahead of germplasm has already been schedule. established at the estate to “Our main priority is en- augment our already existing suring that [the] work of Hope work,” Roopchand said.

Estate is not stymied, hence Works are also currently the move to ensure that we being undertaken on a 36have all works completed and acre coconut demonstration in a timely manner,” he said. plot, which will be used both In addition to work, the as a model farm and training management of Hope Estate facility for coconut farmers. has been working assiduOnly recently, as a diously to ensure that farmers rect result of the intervenhave access to high-quality tion of Minister of Agriseedlings. As such, the estate culture Noel Holder, the is now in a better position to farmers and residents of supply over 1,000 coconut Hope Estate benefited from seedlings weekly to farmers. the rehabilitation of the Earlier this year, with support main access road.

Dilapidated bridges to be reconstructed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Same-sex relationships and stigma

By Akola Thompson ONCE again, we have lost another life to suicide. The reason this time appears to be one that is wrapped in homophobia and the shame one feels when they are targeted by that homophobia.

When LGBTQ persons are

“in the closet,” having that door pulled open without their consent can be a damaging thing. Given the stigma associated with samesex relationships, many persons fear the day they might be “outed” because of how damaging it can be to their lives. Opportunities,

jobs and even families can be lost when a presumably straight person is learnt or suspected to be queer.

Shiraj Harilal, who hails from Bath Settlement, is just a latest victim of the heteronormative and homophobia-fuelled rhetoric that sees many queer persons taking

their lives. The West Coast Berbice Police Constable drank poison in a deliberate attempt to end his life after a photo of him kissing another male began circulating on social media. Harilal would later die from the poison he ingested.

LGBT persons often have

no sense of community, particularly if they are not “out” of the proverbial closet and do not have alliances with other LGBT persons. As remarkable as it may seem, many go through their lives without being aware of other LGBT persons amongst them. There was even a certain period in my life where the concept of being queer seemed unreal to me, despite me being aware of the existence of other sexual orientations. Despite knowing my own sexual orientation, it was hard for me to feel like part of a community, because I did not know even one queer person in my environment.

Discrimination often leaves persons identifying as queer feeling as if they are inferior to their heterosexual counterparts, given their difference in sexual orientation. This fuels feelings of isolation and self-hate and can lead to persons becoming depressed or suicidal. This can have a range of other effects on the persons, such as causing them to develop anxiety and fears.

Many studies and data will show that the rates of mental illness are higher in the LGBT community.

What they will not tell you however, is the reasoning behind these rates. LGBT persons are not just naturally inclined to things such as depression and thoughts of suicide. These are things that are common amongst them because of the stigma and discrimination they receive within society when their orientation is known or assumed. There is a cyclical relationship between that of stigma and suicide within the LGBT community; and we cannot just state that the LGBT community are more prone to things without identifying the reasons why they are prone to it.

Late August saw the “Come As You Are Ministries,” in Linden, marching against homosexuality.

Held jointly by Nigel London and Cleveland Thomas, this march saw a large number of Lindeners turning out with their placards and voices to protest against LGBT persons. There were phrases such as “Buggery is not a human right; it is an abomination”; “SASOD promotes

what is illegal” and “I am a defender of children.”

These are three arguments that are popular amongst anti-LGBT persons. Whenever the issue of equal rights and justice are brought up, the automatic arguments are that of: religion, law and a shameless effort to equate paedophilia with homosexuality.

Firstly, paedophilia and homosexuality are not the same thing. Whoever tries to make this equation is being disingenuous and is actively spreading misleading and harmful rhetoric to the public.

Data from the Guyana Child Care and Protection Agency shows that most paedophiles in Guyana not only identify as heterosexuals, but most of their victims are girls. Secondly, the populace’s usage of the “it’s against the law,” excuse is one of the reasons why it is so important that the government stops bending to religious bodies when it comes to respecting the human rights of someone.

Acts of aggression and hate are made even easier when the violators believe that they will have the backings of a government-supported law.

Thirdly, religion has absolutely no place in the ruling of the state. Our constitution ensures that we are a secular state, meaning that while one is free to practise and believe in their religion, their particular religion should have no bearing on the laws of the land.

Harilal’s death shows us how deeply damaging the issues of cyber-bullying and homophobia can be, particularly when they are merged.

Persons were relentless in their castigation against him for sharing a kiss with someone of the same sex. Way too many comments ran the line of, ‘he deserved it. He shouldn’t have been kissing a man.’ This rhetoric is something that was either ignored or brushed over and this wilful ignorance is what fuels the homophobia that killed Harilal.

He might have been the one to drink the poison, but every person who shared that picture in condemnation of him is implicit in his death. They are the reason he is dead. Inter-Agency Suicide Prevention Helpline: 223-0818 and 223-0001

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

SASOD to approach CCJ on cross-dressing laws

THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) will be seeking leave from the Court of Appeal this week with the aim of appealing Guyana’s cross-dressing laws at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

This is according to Managing-Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson, at a Regional Civil Society Forum hosted by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition in Jamaica last weekend.

In his presentation, Simpson examined challenges the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community face in challenging what they consider “discrim-

inatory laws.”

In February of this year, the Court of Appeal upheld a 2013 ruling by former Chief Justice (CJ), Ian Chang that cross-dressing is not a crime, once not done for “improper purposes.”

In 2010, a group of trans-gender men had asked the Supreme Court to strike down laws that left them open to arrest, following a police crackdown the year before on male cross-dressers. While Chang’s subsequent ruling allowed men to dress in women’s clothing, it did not say what constituted “improper purpose,” which led to concerns about inter-

pretation.

Subsequently, an appeal was filed by members of the LGBT community, seeking clarity on what constitutes “improper purpose.”

But in February, then Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, Acting Chief Justice, Yvonne Cummings-Edwards, and High Court Judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds, unanimously upheld the decision made by Justice Chang in 2013.

SASOD subsequently indicated that it would be appealing the case at the Region’s highest judicial body – the CCJ. Following up on his promise, the organisation’s managing-director told

Former Head of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr. Shanti Singh (centre) and Joel Simpson (right) with other participants at the recently-concluded Regional Civil Society Forum (CVC Coalition photo)

Bandits beat caterer, escape with his car TWO bandits on Monday night robbed a 36-year-old caterer of Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, on North Road between Alexander and Bourda streets.

Police said the incident occurred about 19:10hrs.

Enquiries disclosed that the victim and his three male friends were heading to Bourda Market. Upon arrival the victim parked his motorcar on North Road and he and his friends exited at which point they were confronted by the three men. According to the police one of the bandits who was armed with a handgun demanded the key for the motorcar of which the driver refused to give.

The bandit proceeded lash him to his head with the gun and subsequently he fell to the ground at which point his friends ran away.

The armed bandit picked up the car key, entered the vehicle with his other accomplice and escaped with the victim's cellular phones heading west on North Road. No arrest was made.

SASOD Managing-Director Joel Simpson (centre) and two other regional participants at the Regional Civil Society Forum hosted by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition last weekend (CVC Coalition photo) regional stakeholders that has major implications for vance the rights of the LGBT on October 5, SASOD will organisations working with community, even as they are be approaching the Appeal vulnerable communities.” in the process of challenging Court for leave to take the He shared too that the legal barriers. matter to the CCJ. approach of LGBT groups However, he was keen Simpson also outlined has been to get victims to to note that in relation to the some other legal challenges claim their rights through vulnerability of the LGBT facing the LGBT communi- the courts. He referenced community, “hearts and ty in Guyana, including the several cases, including a minds are reaching out to exclusion by legal agents, prominent one, in which key stakeholders [in Guyof organisations which rep- a pastor from Linden has ana] to bring them together resent these groups. Using allegedly been demonising and create more allies in our the same cross-dressing members of the LGBT com- society.” Guyana is the only case to illustrate his point, munities via his television country in South America Simpson shared that in the shows and through social which still criminalises ho2013 ruling, the then CJ media posts. mosexual acts. had described SASOD as a Simpson noted that SALast year, when asked “pot salt.” He said that in SOD has since sued the in- about advancing the rights this year’s ruling, the Court dividual for in excess of of the LGBT community, of Appeal again asked why $8M for damages caused and President David Granger SASOD was still involved that matter is still before the had said that: “I am prein the issue when the CJ (in court. He said too that other pared to respect the rights 2013) had excluded them. cases, including violence of any adult to indulge in And according to the and discrimination, are being any practice which is not managing-director, “…that pushed in the courts to ad- harmful to others.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Exxon still working on Local Content Policy … eyes December deadline for submission

UNITED States oil and gas exploration company Exxon Mobil is still working on its Local Content Policy, but is prepared to present it to the government by the December 2017 deadline, Senior Director for Public and Government Affairs Kimberly Brasington told the Guyana Chronicle.

Brasington told this

newspaper that the U.S. oil company is currently working on the content of the plan, which has already laid out three areas of focus. These include plans for supplier development, whereby the company will examine ways through which it will develop local Guyanese suppliers to participate in the local tender process.

The company also has plans for workforce development. This will examine areas of development for all staff of Exxon Mobil, including Guyanese. The oil company will also seek to give back through social projects.

Brasington reiterated her company’s plan to upgrade the policy each year.

“We will submit the

Senior Director for Public and Government Affairs Kimberly Brasington

plan... It always changes. The plan will be an idea of what we think is possible. But we will update that plan every year, based on the growing capacity and the stage of the project,” she told this newspaper.

Last week, Exxon’s President Stephen Greenlee said that it is committed to building local capacity in Guyana.

Greenlee told journalists in New York that the exploration company is aiming to have more than 90 per cent of its activities run by Guyanese when production starts in 2020.

Though he was unable to state the number of Guyanese currently in the employ of ExxonMobil, Greenlee gave the assurance that the numbers will climb once production kicks in.

“So our goal is when we are up and running in Guyana, and we have the projects, and we have the actual production activities occurring, our goal is to be like all the other places where we would have employed over 90 per cent nationals in our activities,” the ExxonMobil President said.

According to him, the development of local content is of significant importance to the oil-producing company, noting that more contracts will be made available to Guyanese contractors. “One

of our top priorities is tried [sic] to build a local capacity,” he emphasised. Greenlee’s commitment comes days after Trinidadian Consultant Anthony Paul told Guyanese stakeholders that the local-content policy that the Government is currently drafting must benefit all Guyanese. Local content can be described as the materials and workers that are used to make a product, in this case, the production of oil.

Back in June, after being granted its production licence by government, ExxonMobil was given six months to present its local content plan. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had said that the plan would cover the years leading up to production in 2020. “So that we will know how local content, both in terms of employment and procurement, and the provision of goods and services will be phased into this project over the next three years going into production,” Minister Trotman had said.

Additionally, Minister Trotman pointed out that the draft Local Content Policy has already been shared with the private sector as part of facilitating consultations before it is taken to the National Assembly.

No bail for Guyhoc woman charged for cocaine in hammocks A 26-YEAR-OLD woman was on Tuesday remanded to prison for attempting to smuggle almost 15 pounds of cocaine inside hammocks to the U.S.A. via DHL Shipping.

Tiffini Tricia Collison, 26 of Samaan Street, Guyhoc Park, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was remanded to prison until October 19 after denying the drug trafficking charge.

The charge read that on September 20, at Lot 50 E, 53 Alberttown, Collison trafficked 6.742 kilograms of cocaine. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Konyo Sandiford told the court that Collison had used her mother's identification document to post four hammocks via DHL Shipping on September 20.

On September 21 the suspicious package was discovered by a CANU rank at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara whilst being

Tiffini Tricia Collison checked as outgoing cargo.

The hammocks are suspected to have been saturated with cocaine and were to be delivered to an address in the United States of America via a Georgetown –based courier service.

A wanted bulletin was issued for her arrest and four days later she surrendered at CANU headquarters with her lawyer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Two teens charged for Freeman St. murder

AFTER days of investigation, two teens were on Tuesday charged for the murder of 58-year-old Fazal Shaheed, who was shot and killed during an invasion at his family home in East LaPenitence, Georgetown recently.

Shawn DaSantos, 19 and Stephen Howard, 18 both residents of Freeman Street, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and were not required to plead to the charge of murder.

It is alleged that the duo

on September 24, at Lot 194 Freeman Street murdered Shaheed, a Berbice businessman, during the course of a robbery. The unrepresented duo was remanded to prison until October 19. Howard told the court that he was beaten by the police to confess to the crime. He also alleged that an officer forced him to implicate DaSantos in the crime.

On Sunday, September 24, at Lot 194 East La Penitence, Georgetown, gunmen stormed the Shaheed family

MURDERED: Fazal Shaheed

home as relatives were making final preparations for the patriarch’s one-year memorial service.

Fazal Shaheed was reportedly in the yard, around 00:40hrs, when the men invaded the house in which his two brothers, sisters and mother were at the time. The dead man’s brothers, Talim, 50, of Toronto, Canada, and Shalim, 53, of the United States, were both shot about their bodies.

A police source close to the investigation had told the Guyana Chronicle that it was Fazal, during his last moments, who told a relative who his killers were, since they lived a mere few houses away. And, it was that critical information which led to the arrest of the two suspects less than 24 hours after the incident occurred.

The 18-year-old suspect has been identified as the little brother of a high-profile prisoner, Jason Howard,

Stephen Howard, left, and Shawn DaSantos who is before the court for murder and a series of armed robberies.

The suspects reportedly told the police that the gun that was used in the commission of the crime was borrowed from a friend. The source said, too, that the men further confessed that after seeing “strange faces” in the street, and having

learnt that the persons were foreigners, they planned the robbery.

However, things did not go as planned, as Fazal and his two brothers resisted and as they fought with their attackers, the gunmen discharged several rounds at them. Fazal Shaheed was shot four times about his body.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Lethem gears up for Town Week –– hotels fully booked, hundreds expected to attend event

PREPARATIONS for town week activities in the border-town of Lethem in the Rupununi are in high gear as a spectacle of events are on the cards for the October 15-21 activity.

Lethem will be official declared a town on October 20th and Mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that all systems are being finetuned for the historic event.

He said that a number of private and public sector entities have been on board with the council in making the event a reality. “I am really heartened by the response,” Beckles said.

He said that most of the preparations are 90% compete. The town’s hotels have been fully booked, Beckles noted, but according to him a system of accommodation has been activated in which private persons have made rooms available for patrons.

In addition to a large Brazilian contingent, Beckles said that a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) military band is expected in the town

US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway (second left) stands alongside Lethem Mayor, Carlton Beckles ( right) and other town officials during a visit to the town last week. The ambassador was visiting the area to observe development works under way in the town (LTC photo) and this may be the first time the military band will be performing in the region.

In addition, he noted that the business community at Lethem has responded positively to the events and many have provided support to the list of activities, including

the highly anticipated Miss Lethem Town Week pageant.

The pageant winner will take home a $300,000 cash prize, as well as a Hero –model motorcycle compliments of auto dealership Rose Ramdheol Auto Sales. The winner will also receive a return ticket to

noted has provided pivotal support to the town council as it prepares for the week of activities. Beckles noted that the Declaration Park is being readied for the week of activities and the contractor has been working overtime to ensure the venue is in shape for the declaration ceremony. Street lamps are being mounted along the main roadways in the town as preparations continue.

Town week events will kick-off on Sunday 15th October and the events that day include a fitness walk, chess tournament, roast master cook -off competition, as well as an open-air church service. On Monday 16th October there will be a ‘best kept yard’ competition, a tree planting exercise, overland tours and a Brazilian fun park will be open for patrons. The events will continue on Tuesday with several sport activities, in-

B competition.

On Wednesday October 18 the action heats up with a Gospel concert and major sport events will continue during this time.

On Thursday October 19 the highly anticipated Miss Lethem Town Week Pageant will add to the excitement of the calendar of events, while there will also be a Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition. The highlight of town week will occur on Friday 20th. That day there will be a Town Declaration Ceremony in which several top government officials and other dignitaries are expected to attend. There will be a cultural presentation from Brazil Capoeira groups, Quadrilha dances, while Guyana Defence Force paratroopers will participate in the day’s proceedings.

This day will also see a “Lethem got talent show,” while the GDF will also undertake a fireworks dis-

Declaration Park being readied for the mid-month event (Paul Ques photo)

Stalls are being prepared for the week of activities (Paul Ques photo)

the coastland, compliments of Trans-Guyana Airways, which has provided three other prizes for the event.

Beckles also expressed appreciation to the banking sector at Lethem which he

cluding seven -a -side football action, volleyball, a 10/10 cricket competition and a fashion show. Young academics will also take part in a high school debate competition, as well as a spelling

play. The events will simmer on Saturday with a prize-giving and appreciation ceremony and a highly anticipated “D showdown” will cap the week of activities.

PSC to spearhead landmark business summit THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) will next week bring together stakeholders for a business summit on private sector development, which it hopes would help to ultimately transform the economic landscape of the country.

The summit will be held at the Marriott International Hotel on October 11 and 12, and will see stakeholders including the political opposition, donor agencies and civil society participating. It has gained support from the Inter-American Development

Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana.

The two-day forum will be held under the theme, “Challenges and Opportunities for Business Growth and Expansion,” and will have opening remarks delivered

by President David Granger.

According to the PSC, presentations will be made on key sectors of the economy, followed by a series of panel discussions on cross-cutting issues which affect those sectors. The objective is to encourage maximum participation from

the stakeholder groups and organisations in order to ensure that the findings of the summit fully address any constraints that hinder development.

It is hoped that the findings will be used for the formulation of a Private Sector Development Action Plan, which when implemented will forge a pathway to national prosperity and economic development for all Guyanese.

Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Desmond Sears, said on Tuesday that

at this point in time it is imperative that all stakeholders be brought together for a national conversation about Guyana’s private sector, which will feed into the wider society.

Executive-Secretary of the PSC, Elizabeth Alleyne, said it has been a very long time since there was a national forum of this type, where the PSC and other stakeholders come together with ideas that could be critically examined.

According to her, the IDB was in full support of this idea which was initiated in March

of this year. Government, when approached, was also in full support of the initiative.

The forum will focus particularly on the manufacturing, production, and tourism sectors, along with the emerging energy sector among others. During the presentations, the successes and constraints of those sectors will also be addressed.

At the end of the discussions, the PSC hopes to have a PSC development plan which could be incorporated into Government’s overall National Development plan.

The commission is also hoping that the summit will move beyond the usual “talk shop” and become instead “serious business,” It is hoping that major economic and developmental sanctions would come out of the forum.

The PSC said it is fighting for the development of the country and hopes that the summit could find solutions to the society. The commission hopes also that all Guyanese ultimately become part of the national conversation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4 2017

Pizza Hut opens fourth location at Buddy’s

--offering new delights, cocktail bar ONE of the leading fast food outlets in Guyana, Pizza Hut, has taken another step in expanding its reach by opening its fourth location on the ground floor of the Buddy’s building on Sheriff Street,Campbellville.

The fast food giant opened its doors on Tuesday with the aim of revolutionising the ideology of fast food service and choices in Guyana.

Vice-President of Marketing and Sales for Corum Group, Navin Singh, told members of the media that this would be their first “sit down and dinein” concept store here.

“The seating and décor is [sic] modern rustic that creates a homely environment, while welcoming you to enjoy the Pizza Hut experience,” he said.

Aside from offering their core items, their new menu includes a variety of appetisers such as sautéed pastas and extended dessert options.

Customers have numerous seating options, including a private dining area that can be rented for birthday parties or busi-

ness conferences.

“This will also be the first Pizza Hut within the Caribbean that has a full service wine and cocktail bar. Guests can now enjoy their pizza with a tasty cocktail beverage such as a mojito or a frozen margarita,” said Singh.

He believes that the new input will not only change the perception of how fast food is presented to a customer, but their overall guest experience will be elevated.

Singh said they decided to open the fourth outlet because of the re-

sponse that the other three existing locations have received from consumers.

As part of the contract with the mother company, they were however able to open one more store.

Singh told the media they are examining a location on the East Bank of Demerara or at a location on the outskirts of Georgetown.

Pizza Hut has so far created employment for over 100 Guyanese with the fourth store employing more than 40 persons.

The new Pizza Hut outlet on the ground floor of the Buddy’s building, Sheriff Street.

Campbellville

The first Pizza Hut in the Caribbean that has a full-service bar, wine and cocktail bars

Customer service at its best: ready to serve the customers.

Gov’t, IDB exploring ways to improve delivery of public services PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday met with Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ms. Sophie Makonnen

and a team of technical officers to discuss the effective execution of Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIPs).

Ms. Makonnen was ac-

companied by the IDB’s Senior Modernisation of State Specialist, Ms. Mariko Russell and Project Leaders at Delivery Associates, Mr. Guilherme Trivellato, Ms.

President David Granger and his delegation meeting with Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ms. Sophie Makonnen and the visiting team at State House

From left: Mr. Juan Riesco, Ms. Silvana Amaya, Ms. Mariko Russell, Mr. Guilherme Trivellato (standing at the back), Ms. Sophie Makonnen, President David Granger, Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister Winston Jordan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Silvana Amaya and Mr. Juan Riesco. Delivery Associates is an advisory firm that works with governments to improve effectiveness and accountability and to enhance in their capacity

to deliver efficient public services to citizens across sectors.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Minister of Public

Affairs in the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams, were present at the meeting, which was held at State House. (Ministry of Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Cop in court for ‘drunk’ driving A 20-YEAR-OLD police constable attached to the Tactical Service Unit (TSU), appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer for several traffic offences, in relation to an accident which occurred on Sunday along the Rui-

mveldt Public Road.

Nigel Griffith was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol, an uninsured motor vehicle, an unlicensed motor vehicle and an uncertified motor vehicle on October 1, at Ruimveldt Public Road.

Bus driver remanded for Mabura drug bust A 55-YEAR-OLD minibus driver of Tabatinga, Lethem, who was recently busted at Mabura Police Outpost with a quantity of cannabis and cocaine, was on Tuesday charged for drug trafficking.

Garfield Parker appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and denied that on October 1, at Mabura Police Checkpoint, he had in his possession 24.9 kilograms of cannabis along with 200 grams of cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking.

Parker denied the charges and was remanded to prison until October 11 where the matter will be heard at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

According to reports, on Sunday, October 1, Garfield Parker at about 04:00 hrs, the police acting on information received, stopped minibus BKK 8295 and conducted a search at Mabura Police Station. Two cardboard boxes and a multi-coloured suitcase was found and a quantity of taped parcels were retrieved, containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with a small plastic parcel containing what is suspected to be cocaine.

The drugs were weighed and the cannabis amounted to 24.9 kilograms and the cocaine 200 grams. Parker, who was the driver, claimed ownership and knowledge of the drugs and told police that he was transporting the drugs for someone in Lethem.

Griffith denied all of the four charges, while his lawyer, Sonia Parag, told the court that the vehicle in question belongs to her client’s uncle. Parag further explained that a woman was allegedly injured during the ordeal at Ruimveldt and more charges are expected.

Magistrate Mittelholzer released the policeman on $20,000 bail, on each of the four charges, and adjourned the matter until October 10.

According to reports, on the day in question at about

14:30hrs, the police constable was driving along the Ruimveldt Public Road, in motor car PSS 4303, when he collided with a motorcycle ridden by Gem Simone Hall.

Investigations revealed that the car was proceeding north on the western side of the western carriageway on the Ruimveldt Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate, when it collided with the motorcyclist who was proceeding west on the southern side of First Street, Alexander Village.

As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist who suffered multiple injuries was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was treated and said to be in a stable condition.

The court was also told that a perusal of the documents for motor car PSS 4303 showed that they are all expired. Also, a breathalyser test was administered and the Police Constable was found to be over the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Nigel Griffith

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

GB&GWU wins recognition poll at bauxite company

THE Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) on Tuesday won the Recognition Poll by an overwhelming majority of 93 per cent when it came up against the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated’s (BCGI)–preferred National Mine Workers Union.

In a statement to the media, GB&GWU General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis said the union headed by President Leslie Gonsalves and himself noted that despite repeated efforts by BCGI to impose unions or workers’ committees, the workers have continuously rejected same.

Lewis described the poll as “incident-free,” despite the fact that at one point BCGI management sought to make “an unauthorised and illegal entry to the polling station.”

“This was seen by the union as an attempt to intimidate the workers or influence the outcome,” Lewis said, adding: “However, management was met with strong opposition by the TURB officials who were responsible for conducting the poll.”

Tuesday’s poll resulted from eight years of refusal

by BCGI to treat with the vigilant GB&GWU. “This union has been crusading the case of the transgressing of workers’ constitutional right

to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining (Article 147), and the violating of Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (1997) to the domestic and international communities,” Lewis reminded.

Now that the poll is over, the union is calling on the BCGI to honour the Laws of Guyana and treat with the union according to said laws. Lewis said failing to do otherwise would constitute a breach of the law and “continued high-handedness and disrespect shown by this management for the sovereignty of Guyana and the workers of Guyana.”

CALLs ON GOV’T Additionally, the GB&GWU has called on the APNU+AFC coalition government to cause BCGI to respect the will and rights of the workers.

“Failure to do so, Government cannot absolve itself from taking responsibility in siding with foreign forces to undermine this nation’s integrity and its citizens’ sovereignty. Government in this regard must stand tall in comparison to the Bharrat Jagdeo Government,” Lewis said in the statement.

The union believes that

the government needs to be reminded that it is the very workers being represented by the GB&GWU that supported the coalition government in 2015, given its commitment to ensure the rights of workers are protected and the Collective Labour Agreement enforced.

“Where the APNU and AFC, as Opposition and Government, rightly demanded of the PPP/C in Government and Opposition to respect the electorate’s will in 2011 and 2015, so too must it be for the workers’ will as expressed on Tuesday,” Lewis stated.

“GB&GWU calls on Government to now move to give effect to its commitment and the Rule of Law. Workers must now see the BCGI being brought to the table to start treating with the GB&GWU. Of immediate priority is management adding its signature to the tripartite document to give effect to the promised taxes on all premium hours worked, i.e. overtime, Saturday and Sunday work.

GB&GWU and Government signed the document since last year and await BCGI’s signature so the workers can enjoy this benefit,” the GB&GWU General-Secretary continued.

TAX WAIVER

AGREEMENT Lewis reminded that the bauxite unions, GB&GWU and the GMWU, fought in 1988 for a tax waiver on premium hours, which was granted through an agreement with the unions, GUYMINE and the Desmond Hoyte Government, and extended by the same administration to sugar workers.

“The Jagdeo Government took away this benefit from bauxite workers without consultation and agreement, even as it continued granting same to sugar workers,” said Lewis, who believes that the vacation benefit and holiday pay as prescribed in the Collective Labour Agreement must be honoured. “Simultaneously, Government must move to have full-scale engagement between the management and union, a company that it has part ownership of,” he added.

Meanwhile, the GB&GWU thanked the BCGI workers for “fearlessly expressing their will” over the past eight years, and noted that together, “the officials of the union and rank and file workers can move mountains.”

“This struggle is not over until the management of BCGI sits with the union as equal partners and work together to improve the work-

ing conditions of every single worker. This has been a bitter and bruising battle; workers have suffered and continue to suffer.

Some have been deprived, lost their lives through avoidable industrial accidents, were fed unhealthy food, physically threatened, are working in unsafe and unhealthy environment where some have fallen ill, arbitrarily dismissed, and families have been rent asunder under the weight of the inability of the main breadwinner to provide. Better men and women would have buckled under such circumstances,” Lewis said in the statement.

MANY INTERVENTION He noted that there have been several interventions made through collaboration with the international trade union movement in 2009 when an online campaign was laughed and received thousands of global signatures.

“There have been several interventions made via letters, statements, columns, articles and editorials, by local and foreign trade unions, federations and citizens calling on the Government of Guyana to address the grievances,” Lewis stressed, while

noting that then Opposition Leader People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin, brought a no-confidence motion to the National Assembly against the then Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir.

The GB&GWU General-Secretary said while in opposition, the coalition government condemned the treatment meted out to bauxite workers and noted “They are now in the driving seat and have the opportunity to prove how serious and committed they are to righting the wrongs.”

Some 30 presenters from fields such as Entrepreneurship, Law, Information Technology, Medicine, Culinary Arts and Engineering to name a few, are expected to participate and presentations will cover a variety of topics through lectures, workshops, small-group discussions, panel discussions, and problem-solving and team-building exercises.

Some of the subjects to be explored include Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover-Letter writing, and interview preparation and skills. Alumni presenters will also cover issues such as Communications, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy and Mentoring.

Among the local alumni presenters are Nigel Hughes, who will speak

about “Preparing for the petroleum industry and careers in oil and gas;” Selwyn Asafa George, Executive Director of W&T George and Company Limited (WTG) whose topic is “Realising your potential through critical thinking,” and well-known retired Director for Health Sciences Education, Dr. Sarah Gordon on “Mentoring – Finding the right professional and emotional support.”

From the Diaspora, Dr. Janis Davis-Street will offer a presentation on Communication - Skills and Traps; Master Craftsman Jonathan Locke, the Owner of Timehri Studios, a custom furniture manufacturing company will speak on “Winning that first job” and Philip Peroune, Associate Director of Admissions in

the office of International Admissions at Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York, will hold a special session for students and their parents on the all-important question of navigating and financing the college admissions process.

“This is an innovative, exciting conference that delivers a new dimension to the Bishops’ High School experience.

The inter-generational exchange, two days of high-intensity exposure to men and women with global experience who walked the same hallways and sat in the same classrooms, will be priceless for the students attending the conference,” said Ms. Winifred Ellis, Headmistress of the Bishops’ High School.

GB&GWU General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

Bishops’ vision finally comes to fruition …initiative is first of its kind at school

THE NEW YORK TriState Chapter of the Bishops’ High School (B.H.S.) Alumni Association is spearheading a conference this week at their alma mater in Guyana, to provide the school’s senior-year students with a variety of perspectives on career choices, higher education and vocational opportunities, as well as lessons in personal enrichment and empowerment.

According to a statement issued by the Alumni Association, the initiative is the first of its kind at B.H.S. and will take place at the school’s campus on Carmichael Street on Thursday, October 5, and Friday, Oc-

tober 6, under the theme, “After Graduation – What’s Next – Exploring Pathways on the Road To Personal And Professional Development.”

The two-day conference will be preceded by a reception today to welcome conference presenters from both the Diaspora and Guyana, who were selected for their professional expertise and experience.

“Our chapter has discussed spearheading a student conference at the school for some time. We view it as a way for our members to give back by imparting their knowledge and experiences to the current student body. We assembled a committee that

we felt would be able to execute that vision, and we are happy that this has finally come to fruition,” said Wayne Knight, President of the New York TriState Chapter.

Similarly, Yvonne Atherly-John, chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee at the Alumni Association’s New York Tri-State Chapter said organisers were proud to inaugurate the conference, which they hoped will be a regular feature for the Lower and Upper 6th form students “as they prepare to take the next major step in their lives, a step which many of them may yet be unsure of, or which many may consider daunting.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

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England set to lose Ashes, with or without Stokes - Blewett

By Ian Ransom ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters) - An Ashes series shorn of Ben Stokes would be a great shame for cricket but England are heading for defeat with or without the troubled all-rounder, former Australia batsman Greg Blewett has said.

Test vice-captain Stokes and opener Alex Hales have been suspended from international cricket indefinitely, pending an investigation into an altercation outside a nightclub in Bristol last week.

Stokes was initially named in the 16-man squad for the Ashes tour starting in November but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) rowed back on the decision a day later.

Blewett, who struck a century on his Test debut during the 1994-95 Ashes series, cast doubt on Stokes’s chances of playing a full part in the series.

“I‘m sure they will (sanction him). They are having their internal investigation.

That will play out,” Blewett, a 46-Test right-handed batsman, told Reuters in an interview in Adelaide yesterday. ”It would be a shame if he’s not out here. I think everyone wants to play against the strongest possible team. ”It would be a shame if

he doesn’t come out because he’s a bit of a drawcard, he’s a world class all-rounder and will leave a massive hole in their team.

“But even if he was (to come), I think Australia are going to be too good at home anyway. With or without Ben Stokes I don’t see a different result but I think England would love to have him in their side.”

‘fragile and devastated’.

Blewett, who was Australia’s fielding coach until stepping down in August, has taken on assistant roles with Sheffield Shield side South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers in the ‘Big Bash’ domestic Twenty20 competition.

Also coach of South Australia’s men’s Under-19 side, Blewett said he would take a dim view of any player out

Ben Stokes

The Sun newspaper published footage of what it said was a brawl between the player and two other persons, one clutching a bottle. The authenticity of the images could not be verified by Reuters.

Media reports said Stokes, who suffered a minor fracture of a finger on his right hand, apologised to the ECB for his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and described his state of mind as

drinking in the early hours of the morning and days before a match.

“I wouldn’t be over the moon, put it that way, because I did see the footage and it’s not great,” Blewett said, referring to the video posted by The Sun. ”I‘m sure he’s got his side to the story which we haven’t necessarily heard yet.

“Yeah, you would be disappointed, I think they were only a couple of days away from

the next one-day international so I think any coach would be disappointed with that sort of behaviour.”

The Stokes incident has revived the debate as to whether curfews should be enforced during series, but Blewett said he was against such measures.

“Generally, you’d say players these days are a hell of a lot more professional than what we used to be,” said the 45-year-old.

“These things don’t pop up all that often these days, but when they do, obviously you need to address it.”

The potential absence of Stokes would heap further pressure on England’s bowlers and a batting order featuring players like opener James Vince and Dawid Malan who are yet to establish themselves.

Blewett said Australia and the team’s formidable pace attack led by Mitchell Starc would provide the toughest of initiations.

“Two or three of those guys in the squad haven’t had a great start to their careers,” he said. ”It’s not going to get any easier when they come out here.

“And it’s looking like Australia are going to be fullstrength with their bowling attack so (they) are going to be up against it.”

Despite delays Putin satisfied with overall condition of 2018 World Cup venues

By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber

MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that some construction work on the 2018 World Cup stadiums remained behind schedule, but he was satisfied with the overall condition of the venues.

“These delays are not critical; there is nothing terrible there, but as I have always said ... it is the most difficult thing to resolve tasks at a final stage,” Putin said at a meeting with senior sports officials, regional governors and prominent athletes to discuss preparations for next year’s tournament.

“If we relax, we will not fully accomplish the work.”

Moscow has eased visa regulations for foreign soccer fans and pumped billions of dollars into stadiums, hotels and other infrastructure.

Yet while officials were upbeat about the country’s progress in preparing for next year’s tournament, they stressed that much still needed to be done.

Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov said preparations to host the 2018 tournament were in full swing but they had not been without difficulties and

delays.

Kolobkov said the 45 000seat World Cup stadium in Samara, which has been plagued with delays over the past year, remained behind schedule.

“There are some delays at different stages of construction at the stadium in Samara,” Kolobkov said, adding that the company building the venue had been fined.

Russiaa President Vladimir Putin

“A timetable for making up for the delays and a system for the daily monitoring of the venue’s completion have been established.”

The company building the stadium said in August it was 30 days behind schedule but hoped to make up for lost time and end work on the venue by the end of the year, the initial deadline for its completion.

Russia showcased four of its 12 World Cup venues during this year’s Confed-

erations Cup, a two-week tournament that featured the home country, defending world champions Germany and the champions from FIFA’s regional confederations.

Many of the remaining venues, however, are still under construction and have yet to be tested.

The post-World Cup future of some of the stadiums -- including those in cities that do not have Russian Premier League clubs -- remains under discussion.

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the governor of the Kaliningrad region, Anton Alikhanov, asked Putin to ensure that “at least some regions” receive state support to maintain the venues after the tournament.

“For Kaliningrad, where there is no Premier League team for now, handling a 35 000-seat stadium is quite difficult,” Alikhanov said.

Russia is set to host the World Cup from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities including Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

BSW Regupol awarded contract for Linden’s synthetic track

By Joe Chapman SOCIAL Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton, who has responsibility for Sport, has disclosed that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board has approved the award of a contract totalling $160M for the construction of a 400m synthetic track at the Bayrock Community Centre ground in Wismar, Linden and work is expected to commence by the end of 2017.

Minister Norton and a team from his Social Cohesion Ministry were in Linden last Sunday when the disclosure was made to stakeholders present at the site for the new facility.

President of the Bayrcok Community Centre Lance Easton, Regional Member of Parliament Jermain Figuiera, Technical Officer in the Ministry of Cohesion Natasha Singh-Lewis, Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle and Deputy Director of Sport Brian Smith accompanied Minister Norton on his visit.

Norton explained that renowned German company BSW Regupol was awarded the contract to design and supervise the construction of synthetic tracks in Linden and Berbice.

The consultancy service was for a sum of US$25,150, stated Minister Norton, who added “the whole project that is for the laying of the track and everything US$758 000

plus which is G$160M. It is divided into two phases.

The consultancy is US$25 000 which is G$5M, the three-stage preparation of the ground that is not finalised as yet, the laying of the synthetic material is G$59M.” “Amenities which include fencing, drainage, rest rooms and so on G$60M, brings it to about G$124M. So these are the kinds of figures we have available and of course we have a limited time. This is a capital project from Central Government through the Ministry in collaboration with the municipality which is listed as a stakeholder,” said Minister Norton.

Prior to the change of Government in 2015, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) had earmarked the Bayrock Community Centre ground for one of the FIFA Forward Programme.

“I had a discussion with the president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, with regard to that same project being still on the menu again. Forde said with regard to the discussion now, with the synthetic track being put down in the community, they are not diametrically opposed to working with the government in establishing the football pitch in the centre of the synthetic track,” said MP Figuiera.

The construction of the synthetic track in Linden and in Berbice is a realisation of a campaign promise by the Coalition Government.

Starc set to return to competitive cricket on Friday (REUTERS) - Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is set to make a return to competitive cricket for New South Wales against South Australia in a one-day match on Friday.

The left-arm fast bowler has been out since June after suffering a recurrence of a foot injury during the Champions Trophy with Australia.

Australia assistant coach David Saker confirmed Starc and Josh Hazlewood would feature in first-class cricket before the home Ashes series against England, starting in November.

They will be joined by fellow speedster Pat Cummins, who has been rested for the upcoming T20 internationals in India. ”Whether the fast bowlers play all three of those we’ll wait and see,“ Saker told reporters. ”Three Shield games to shape the Australian team – it’s going to be good for everybody.

“Josh Hazlewood is on track to play the first Test. Mitchell

Starc’s going really well and Patty’s obviously flying.”

Starc has backed the team’s fast bowlers to replicate the havoc created by the Mitchell Johnson-led attack in the Ashes whitewash of 2013-14.

England batsmen were left shell-shocked by the blistering pace and bounce from the Queenslander, who finished with 37 wickets in five Tests.

“We’ve got a really solid attack and we complement each other. If it’s not me, you’ve got Pat Cummins who can bowl fast bouncers and Josh Hazlewood bowling consistent line and length,” Starc was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.

“It’ll be much like that attack did when Johnno (Johnson) took all those wickets. I think we complement each other really well.”

Australia’s five-Test Ashes series against holders England starts in Brisbane on November 23.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Grove Hi Tech post their 13th win to remain at the top … Friendship, Herstelling and Highway United also win

GROVE Hi Tech have continued their faultless run of form in posting their 13th win in as many matches when second-round play in the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued last Sunday at the Grove Playfield.

Four wins were documented in as many encounters.

Friendship All Stars, in their first year at this level, posted their fourth win after ending the first round with eight losses from their quota of matches.

They triumphed 1-0 over Mocha Champs. Highway United of Yarrowkabra trounced their fellow Linden/Soesdyke Highway counterparts, Kuru Kururu Warriors, 4-0 while Herstelling Raiders blanked Agricola Red Triangle 3-0.

Playing their fifth match of the round, Grove netted eight goals while only being scored on once in another demolition act.

Formalising the win were Kerwayne Lyte who was on target in the 7th minute, Threvon Pluck in the 20th and Rasheed Evans in the 58th minute.

Friendship All Stars through a Denver Stoll 7th minute goal took all three points in their match against Mocha Champs, their fourth win out of five matches in this round as they continue to improve with each minute spent on the competitive field.

Highway United were in a very dismissive mood against Kuru Kururu Warriors banging in four goals without a response to record their first win of the round while halting the winning form of the Warriors this round, handing them their first defeat.

Latest Points Table TEAMS

P

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

POINTS

Grove Hi Tech

13

13

0

0

30

3

+27

39

K.K Warriors

11

7

3

1

29

16

+13

23

Highway United

12

6

5

1

24

12

+12

19

Diamond United

12

5

6

1

12

26

+14

16

Soesdyke Falcons

9

5

4

0

21

8

+13

15

Diamond United

11

5

6

0

15

19

-4

15

Agricola

10

4

5

1

14

29

-15

13

Friendship

13

4

9

0

4

20

-16

12

Mocha Champs

11

1

10

0

2

17

-15

3

Star Sports outfits Cotton Tree Die Hard THE Cotton Tree Die Hard Sports Club became the recipient of a complete set of coloured uniforms from Star Sports after they won their annual four-team T20 competition in Berbice, defeating D’Edward Sports Club by 12 runs in the final on Sunday.

In the interest of time, all three games were contested at 15 overs per innings. In the final, Cotton Tree Die Hard, inserted to take first strike, posted 129 all out in 14 overs.

Pooran Persaud topscored with an even fifty, comprising four sixes and two fours, while Abdol Subhan struck 43 (3x6, 2x4).

Andrew Dennis picked up 3-24 for D’Edward Sports Club, who responded with 117-7 with Waqar Hassan claiming 2-15.

Both teams had won their previous game earlier in the day. Cotton Tree Die Hard defeated Number 69 Sports Club by eight wickets with four overs to spare.

Number 69 Sports Club made 121 in 15 overs with Nashad Gaffoor picking up 2-24.

Gaffoor then returned to hit 48

not out and Nick Ramsaroop made 33 not out as Cotton Tree Die Hard easily knocked off the target.

D’Edward Sports Club defeated Yakusari Caribs by five wickets in the other game after being set a meagre target of 80. Over $100

present the uniforms to members of the team.

He expressed pleasure in being able to outfit the team, noting that the donation is in keeping with the company’s corporate/social responsibility.

Roshan Gaffoor of Cot-

Sheik Mohamed (right) of Star Sports presents the uniforms to Roshan Gaffoor in the presence of overseas-based Guyanese and cricket enthusiast Bruce Deoraj.

000 in cash and prizes were handed out to the teams and top individual performers.

Meanwhile, proprietor and former national wicketkeeper/ batsman, Sheik Mohamed, was on hand on Sunday to

ton Tree Die Hard said the club is extremely delighted to receive the uniforms, adding that the players will work to ensure the company’s brand is well represented.

On target for Highway United were Ishmael Polsaran 16th, Mellon Joseph 19th, Tyrese Primo 25th and Shawn Steele in the 48th minute.

Also enjoying a good day

at the office was Herstelling Raiders who also notched their first win of the round and in the process handed Agricola Red Triangle their second loss.

The 3-0 win for Herstelling was secured through an own

goal in the 7th minute after which Ronaldo Rodrigues converted in the 26th minute and Amario Griffith in the 35th.

Matches will continue on Sunday at the same venue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Local shooters continue to impress leading up to WIFBSC championships IN a real match simulation of the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Council Short Range Match, the Guyana rifle team shot an impressive score of 1142: 74 Vs. Shooting at various positions of the range at the 300-, 500- & 600-yard banks to test the conditions all over the range the scores were of an exceptionally high standard.

At 300 yards three shooters shot scores of 49. They were Ransford Goodluck with 49 (6 Vs), Lennox Braithwaite with 49 (5 Vs) and Full bore captain Mahendra Persaud 49 (4 Vs) with an overall team figure of 378 with 26 Vs.

At 500 yards it improved further with the team only dropping 8 points, shooting 392 out of the possible 400 points.

Possibles were shot by Mahendra Persaud 50 (5 Vs), Braithwaite 50 (4 Vs) and Sherwin Felicien 50 (4 Vs) .

At 600 yards the wind got trickier and shooting from the extreme right of the newly renovated Timehri Rifle Ranges for the first time in over 4 years, the scores dipped.

The wind coaches had their work cut out for them and had to call on all their experience to conquer the conditions.

The wind was switching quickly and the speed was changing rapidly also, at times it was difficult to even judge what was happening.

Top Scores for the range was Felicien with 48 (2 Vs) and Goodluck 48 (1 V).

The Guyana National Rifle Association, in conjunction with the Guyana Defence Force, has expended large sums of money and effort in renovating the Timehri Rifle Ranges and can now boast of having a truly International Shooting Range.

The Fullbore shooters especially played an important part in making this a reality with lots of days in

the hot sun replanting grass on the shooting banks, installing and renovating target mechanisms and in general rebuilding and redesigning the range.

This was part of the preparations for the celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of the Guyana National Rifle Association, making it one of the oldest Rifle associations in the world.

Guyana shooters are set to defend both the Short Range over 300-, 500- & 600-yard ranges and the Long Range Title over 900 and 1000 yards. They have dominated and won trophies over the past decade.

North GT Inter-School Championships

Saints overtake St Rose’s in field events championships … QC, Bishops’ lead in their Zones

AFTER losing the swimming competition to St Rose’s High School, St Stanislaus College (Saints) rebounded yesterday to take an overwhelming lead in the field events competition of Zone 3, while Queen’s College (QC) and Bishops’ High continued their dominance in Zone 1 and Zone 2 respectively, as competition in North Georgetown District 11’s

Lennox Braithwaite

Linden has lost one of its best boxers to the ‘mining pit’

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE boxing community in Linden, especially the members of the ‘Pocket Rocket’ boxing gym in Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, are mourning the loss of boxing stalwart, 27-year-old, Kellon Peters.

Peters, who was also a ‘marack man’, lost his life horribly on Sunday, when a pit located in the mining backdams of Mahdia, caved in on him.

after ending with 227 points, an almost 50-point lead.

The nearest competitors are St Mary’s with 179 points.

They had finished fifth in the swimming on Monday.

Swimming may have been St Rose’s strong point but field events were one of their weakest. The school finished yesterday’s competition in fifth position with 89 points. In third were Brickdam Secondary with

Marian Academy’s Khadija Fyffe picks up the Girls’ Under-14 shot put win.

finishing with just 31 points.

In Zone 1, every point was vital to the QC team, who have only a slight lead over Richard Ishmael Secondary - a lead that could easily be overthrown if Richard Ishmael play their cards right, and capture the remaining three field events on Friday.

At yesterday’s end, QC had 216 points, Richard Ish-

mael close on their heels with 207 points. Marian Academy are comfortable in third place with 146 points. Guyana Technical Institute had 78 points, followed by Chase Academic Foundation with 59 points.

In Zone 2, Bishops’ High have won the field events championships, regardless of the outcome of the final three events.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 04, 2017) Russian Taylor Girls’ Under-20 javelin throw win is one of many that St Stanislaus College secured yesterday.

Inter-School Championships continued at the YMCA ground, Thomas Lands.

Though three field events remain, Saints are already guaranteed of the win in the field events championships

135 points, fourth place went to St George’s High who ended the day with 114 points.

The Business School, who brought up the rear for swimming, continued the trend in the field events,

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) England won 4-0 (one game was declared a ‘No Result’) (2) Moeen Ali (ENG) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored the most runs for ENG in the recent ODI series

against the West Indies?

(2) Who scored the most runs for the West Indies?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Kellon Peters during his younger years of boxing

Orlon Rogers, known as ‘Pocket Rocket’, the founder of the boxing gym of which Peters was a member, described his death as a great loss to the sport since he was one of the best boxers in the mining town.

Peters started his boxing career at the age of 9 and had his first competition at the age of 10, in 1997.

“He fought for all the Under-16 and the junior competitions in Guyana. He was the intermediate champion, he won the National open cham-

pionship and he represented Linden extremely well.

There were two great brothers who used to be fighting in Georgetown, Dexter and Michael Jordon, and Peters was the first person to defeat both of them,” Rogers said.

The coach related that it saddened him that such great talent had to turn to pork-knocking, when boxing should have been his livelihood since Peters dedicated his life to the sport. He became a pork-knocker about seven years ago after realising that boxing was not paying the bills.

“There wasn’t much into boxing, he had wanted to turn pro (professional) but due to fights not there and the boxing board not having much promotions in terms of boxing, he decided he will make a different turn and go and do pork-knocking work,” Rogers related.

The boxing coach was in the process of gearing Peters to becoming professional next year but unfortunately, he met an untimely death.

“He had a passion for boxing, he was a very passionate young man when it comes to boxing, I think if there were more competitions and so forth, he would have been Guyana’s lightweight champion, because he had always wanted to go far.

If there weren’t certain stumbling blocks in his way, I think he would have probably had a medal for Guyana at the last two Olympics.”

Rogers is calling on the relevant sporting authorities to push more into boxing so that passionate boxers, such as Peters, can live off the sport and not have to gravitate to other means of employment that can be deemed dangerous.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Petra unveils lights at Ministry of Education ground

Windies selectors retain England 15 for Zimbabwe Tests

Petra Director Troy Mendonca assists a youngster in the cutting of the ribbon on Monday evening to unveil the lights at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Also in the photo are Minister of Education Nicolette Henry (third from left), GFF president Wayne Forde (extreme left) and Ansa McAl representative Shawn Abel. (Adrian Narine photo)

By Stephan Sookram

THE Petra Organisation continues to shine bright at the helm of youth football and on Monday evening, they made another leap forward.

The body embarked on a public/private partnership with stakeholders in Ansa McAl, Beepats and the Ministry of Education, to illuminate the ministry’s Carifesta Avenue ground.

Giving the feature address, Education Minister Nicolette Henry contended that projects like these help to make round-

ed individuals who are in turn better model citizens.

“As a government, we are very much interested in merging sport, culture and education, to ensure that young persons are holistically developed.”

“The commissioning of the lights here certainly indicates a combination of partnership between sport and education, in this instance, Petra and the Ministry of Education.”

She noted that more public/ private partnerships are needed to develop many of the sporting facilities locally.

Also present was president of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, who said, “Their (Petra) focus on youth development is one that is unmatched by almost every other sporting organiser in Guyana.”

He added that the body’s work complements that of the GFF, adding that the GFF alone cannot develop football locally.

Speaking on behalf of Petra, Director Troy Mendonca stated that it is a dream come true for the body, with many more ideas in the pipeline.

“It’s a representation of our mandate as an organisation

and it is in sync with our philosophy and practised culture and that is to use sports in general and more so football as a vehicle for development,” he added.

Ansa McAl, through their representative and Smalta Brand Manager Shawn Abel, contended that the company is all too willing to assist in football development.

The facility will be used for the Petra Organisation’s youth programmes which include the Milo and Smalta tournaments as well as several of the ongoing features.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies selectors have retained faith in the 15-man squad which toured England during the summer, naming an unchanged unit for the two-Test tour of Zimbabwe starting later this month.

All-rounder Jason Holder will once again take charge of the Caribbean side, marking his sixth Test tour of duty as captain.

Despite losing the recent three-Test tour of England 2-1, the Windies captured the imagination with a stunning five-wicket victory at Headingley, to level the series.

And chief selector Courtney Browne said the players had shown the necessary qualities which were key to the side’s further development.

“The dedication, commitment and focus in their preparation and during the series in England showed immense character for such a young team in very difficult conditions against World-class competition,” Browne said.

“The lessons learnt on that tour augurs well for the individual players and the team’s continued development as a whole and we wish them well on the tour of Zimbabwe.”

Three debutants in Dover’s 23-man squad for Grenada friendly

By Rawle Toney

NINETEEN-year-old fullback Terence Vancooten, who plays for Stevenage Football Club in the English Football League Two, along with Nicholas Peters (Mabaruma, Region 1) and Frank Parks (Guyana Rush Saints FC, Region 9), will make his international debut after being named in coach Wayne Dover’s 23-man squad to tackle Grenada on Saturday at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s.

Seventeen overseas-based players were called by Dover, who said the squad represents “mixture of youth and experience and is a good sign of the changing of the guards in the not-too-distant future especially with the addition of new players.”

In preparation for the match, Dover had shortlisted 26 local-based players for a period of encampment, but in the case of Peters and Frank, the two, according to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), were selected based on their performance at the just-concluded Indigenous Heritage Games and the Charity Match involving a GFF President’s XI and an Indigenous All-Stars which was played last Sunday.

The Hinterland players, Dover said, “warranted their immediate call-up” based on the skills displayed, adding, “Parks is no stranger to the national set-up. He played with the junior team and demonstrated the potential to be a top player. He has a football background as all of his siblings represented Guyana and were outstanding.

professional league, will be making a return to the Golden Jaguars from retirement after signalling his desire to retire last October following the Caribbean Cup game.

Among those included too is 19-year-old goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Barnet FC) who made his debut almost one year ago in the Caribbean Cup game against Suriname in

Debutants Frank Parks (L) and Nicholas Peters

Peters is a solid defender who showed he can handle players, the likes of Gregory Richardson. He showed all the attributes that a central defender has to possess.”

Walter Moore, who plays with FF Jaro in the Finnish

Paramaribo. He also played in the game against Jamaica in Guyana but missed the game against Martinique.

Neil Danns, 34, who made his international debut for the Golden Jaguars against Grenada in 2015, will make his

return to the team after missing the Caribbean Cup. In his four outings for Guyana, the midfield player Danns scored three goals and is considered an ‘important’ piece for the team.

Defender Warren Creavalle who features in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Philadelphia Union, will also be joining the team for another outing with the Golden Jaguars. So too is Englishman Samuel Cox, who usually wears the captain’s armband.

Technical Director of the GFF, Ian Greenwood, believes the composition of the squad shows “how serious the GFF is taking this fixture and using it as a building block for 2018 when the CONCACAF League of Nations is officially launched.”

The Golden Jaguars begin their encampment in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday and will travel to Grenada tomorrow in preparation for the International Friendly on Saturday.

SQUAD: Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Andrew Durant (GK), Adrian Butters, Samuel Cox, Gregory Richardson, Neil Danns, Warren Creavalle, Nicholas Peters, Frank Parks, Jake Newton, Christopher Bourne, Emery Welshman, Shaquille Agard, Curtez Kellman, Antho-

ny Benfield, Maliek De Freitus, Jeremey Garrett, Walter Moore, Terence Vancooten, Cashion London, Sheldon Holder, Ralph Parris and Brandon Beresford.

Dover will have former National captain Charles Pollard as his assistant, while Eon DeVeira will serve as the goalkeeper coach, Lyndon France - physical trainer Denzil Hernandez - physiotherapist Trevor Burnett and the team’s manager is Rawle Adams.

Terence Vancooten

West Indies suffered an innings and 209-run crushing inside three days in the first Test at Edgbaston before rebounding at Leeds, and then losing the final Test at Lord’s by nine wickets.

Despite the series loss, one of the positives of the tour was the emergence of Shai Hope who plundered hundreds in both innings at Leeds. The 23-yearold finished the series with 375 runs at an average of 75.

West Indies captain Jason Holder

However, while opener Kraigg Brathwaite gathered 283 runs at 47, the remainder of the batting struggled with no other player passing 200 runs.

Roston Chase, who plundered over 400 runs in the preceding series against Pakistan, scraped 80 runs at an average of 13 while Kyle Hope, Shai’s older brother, endured a wretched series with a meagre 41 runs from his six outings while averaging just six.

Meanwhile, seamer Kemar Roach topped the bowling with 11 wickets in his first Test series in nearly two years, and will lead the attack again in Zimbabwe.

West Indies have never lost a Test to Zimbabwe, winning six of the eight career meetings, and will fancy their chances against a side which has played just 13 Tests inside the last four years, winning just two and losing their last nine.

The two teams last met in the Caribbean four years ago when the hosts swept the twoTest series.

West Indies open the upcoming tour with a three-day match at the Bulawayo Athletics Club before taking on Zimbabwe in the opening Test at Queens Sports Club from October 21 to 25.

The second Test will be played from October 29 to November 2 at the same venue.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Petra unveils lights at Ministry of Education ground See Page 31

BSW Regupol awarded contract for Linden’s synthetic track See page 28

Social Cohesion Minister Dr. George Norton (first from right) addresses Linden stakeholders during his visit.

… Construction to commence by end of 2017

Debarring of Guyanese boxers taken to AIBA THE barring of Guyanese boxers from participation in the South American Youth Games is being taken to the doorsteps of AIBA, the world governing body of boxing, president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle has declared.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, the usually composed Ninvalle blasted the organisers of the Games and vowed that he wouldn’t rest until a ruling is given by AIBA. “It is an embarrassment to boxing and more so because this has happened to the only English-speaking country at the games. “ We f o l l o w e d t h e rules but yet ended up holding the dirty end of the stick. Guyana will not take this lying down,” the

GBA president pledged.

“These are two boxers who just competed in the Youth Commonwealth Games but yet cannot compete at the Youth South American Games.

AIBA rules are very clear on what is considered a youth and our two boxers they both fall into that age category,” Ninvalle an AIBA Executive Committee Member added.

Flyweight Keevin Allicock and lightweight Christopher Moore travelled to Chile but were denied a chance to participate due to a change in the age stipulation, something that was never communicated to Guyana.

According to a release from Chef-de-Mission Godfrey Munroe, the stipulated age as outlined in the Technical Manual

Steve Ninvalle

provided for boxing, to the Chef-de-Mission, and provided for the games management on the Extranet, indicates that National Olympic Committees (NOCs) can register and accredit six male and two female athletes who were born between the pe-

Keevin Allicock riod 1st January 1999 and 31st December, 2000.

Guyana complied with the directive and submitted the names of Allicock, a silver medallist at the Youth Commonwealth Games and Moore.

However, contrary to

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Christopher Moore the manuals provided, a change was made twice to the age requirement for boxing and was never communicated to the Guyana Olympic Association.

Munroe then wrote the organising committee outlining Guyana’s position in view of a resolution.

A verbal apology to the Chef-de-Mission was made outlining that the technical committee for the games will meet and review what transpired and a formal response would be issued.

However, the decision was taken at the technical congress not allow our boxers to participate since it was felt that Guyana’s boxers would be too experienced. Guyana’s boxers continue to train and despite the setback have been very supportive of their team mates.

“Our boxers were Guyana’s best hope for medals at the Games,” Ninvalle said while adding that he has already notified AIBA’s Executive Director William Louis-Marie about the infraction.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017