Guyana Chronicle_Epaper_04_09_2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

TUESDAY 9th April, 2019

No.105602

No reports

SEE INSIDE FOR NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT MATHEMATICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORKED EXAMPLES

U.S Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

of declining business

…US Ambassador says private sector only raised issue of political stability

…wants quick resolution to court matters

’Don’t take bribes’

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ► A section of the police ranks enrolled for a training course which commenced on Monday (DPI photo)

–– Police Commissioner urges commitment, professionalism at opening of training course

SEE STORY ON PAGE 09 ►

Three new schools for Region Four …living quarters for teachers at St Cuthbert’s Mission

SEE STORY ON PAGE 08 ►

AG briefs EU envoys on political situation SEE STORY ON PAGE 02 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

AG briefs EU envoys on political situation A TEAM of the visiting Ambassadors of the European Union (EU) have been briefed about the current situation here and have stated that they are satisfied that even amid the political challenges, good governance and democracy are active.

The remarks came from EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videti?, on behalf of the visiting team of 11 members and Minister Counsellor/ Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU, Philippe Coessens.

The envoys met with Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, at his Carmichael Street Chambers on Monday.

Videti? told media operatives that while the trip to the country was planned long before the no-confidence matter, the delegation took the opportunity to conduct visits to assess the country’s political situation and, from the AG’s Chambers, sought a “legal perspective”. “The Attorney General was giving us a good overview of the situation and how he predicts

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videti speaks with members of the media (Samuel Maughn photo)

things will be happening in the future,” the Ambassador said. “This really happened without us planning. We were planning this meeting quite a few months ago not knowing what would be happening here, so it’s pure coincidence.”

Similar visits have come from the Carter Center and Chiefs of Mission from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and EU. Videti?

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams [sixth left] with visiting EU Ambassadors on Monday (Samuel Maughn photo)

stated that more visits are expected while the group is in the country and one such will soon ensue with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We have many other more meetings coming; we have the Opposition Leader. So we’ll go around and hear from many people and get informed of what is happening here,” he stated, adding: “For us, it is important to see

that there is good governance and that democracy is working [and] that the principals are respected of democracy.

This is what we shared and we are satisfied with what we heard.”

Meanwhile, Minister Williams told the media that the ambassadors wanted to have some insight from him about the state of things in relation to governance with

specific reference to the no-confidence motion that is before the Caribbean Court of Justice. “I gave them an overview of the prevailing situation in terms of the holding of elections in all the circumstances and the issues that were raised in the courts, both at the first instance level and the Court of Appeal and issues that are being taken to the highest court, the Ca-

ribbean Court of Justice,” Williams stated.

The Attorney General noted that the same team which has bolstered the recent legal proceedings will be taking up similar positions for defending the Court of Appeal ruling on the no-confidence motion.

Hearing of the Opposition’s appeal is set for May 10, 2019, at the CCJ.

Vector unit dispatched to Freeburg Secondary to address mosquito infestation THE Ministry of Public Health’s Vector Control Unit was, on Monday afternoon, dispatched to the Freeburg Secondary School, at the corner of Norton and Palm streets, to fumigate the building in response to a mosquito infestation that lead to several students being sent home.

While some students were sent home on Monday morning, several teachers and students who re-

mained had to wait until after 10:00hrs to enter the school after they were instructed to spray a specific classroom with bug spray and wait a while before using the classroom.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) informed the public that no school will be held today, Tuesday, 9 April, 2019. Classes will resume on Wednesday, 10 April, and the ministry intends to conduct a thorough investigation

to determine the source of the problem, after the closure of public schools, for the Easter Vacation, this Friday.

“It was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Education today [Monday April 8] that there is an issue concerning mosquitoes affecting the Freeburg Secondary School,” according to a statement from the Ministry.

MoE’s Public Relations Officer, Murtland Haley, further explained that the Ministry

Teachers and students assembled across the street from the Freeburg Secondary School on Monday morning (Adrian Narine photo)

The inoperative washroom where the flooding takes place (Adrian Narine photo)

realises that fumigating is only temporary and plans are to have the issue further looked at. “We’re working to fix the problem. We have to get rid of the mosquitoes now then look at the cause of the problem and that process too has started.”

Teachers at the school shared that the issue with the mosquitos was a longstanding one, brought about

by a leakage in one of the school’s inoperative washrooms, which often causes flooding, which the mosquitoes use to breed. Though the ministry has addressed the issue in the past by sending contractors to the school to fix the situation, teachers believe the contractors have not done the work properly as they simply fix the surface issue without trying to

address the root cause.

The teachers said that, as recent as last school term, last year, contractors again came to look at the issue. “This is a recurring issue it’s a mosquito issue as well as a water issue. They come fix and then it would happen again, come fix then it happen again. It’s a problem with the pipes,” explained one teacher.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

No reports of declining business

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…US Ambassador says private sector only raised issue of political stability

…wants quick resolution to court matters

By Svetlana Marshall DESPITE public statements that business was on the decline in the aftermath of the no confidence motion, new U.S Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch said that, based on her interaction with the Private Sector, Guyana’s current political situation has not affected business development in the country.

In an interview with the country’s newspapers on Monday, at the U.S Embassy, Ambassador Lynch said while there appears to be no “issue” at the moment, a swift resolution to the current political situation would be good.

An attempt by the Parliamentary Opposition last December to oust the David Granger Administration has resulted in a legal battle on whether the No-Confidence

Motion was validly passed.

The country’s High Court and Court of Appeal have given different judgments, with the latter ruling that the motion was not carried on the grounds that the Opposition needed 34 votes to defeat the Government and not 33 as was the case on the night of December 21. The matter is now before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have complained that the current situation is causing a decline in business.

No such reports However, Ambassador Lynch, who arrived in Guyana in March, said she has not received such reports but said that, in general, the private sector needs stability and predictability. Ambassador Lynch has met with

U.S Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch in a joint interview with journalists from Guyana Chronicle, Stabroek News, Guyana Times and Kaieteur News (Adrian Narine)

the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AMCHAM). The U.S Ambassador said while

she has not heard of a decline in business, a swift resolution to the current political situation would be best for everyone. She said, however,

that the process must take its course.

“The democratic process is being followed. The democratic institutions are being

used and a swift resolution would be great but I understand also that the CCJ has given a date, May 10 and we should hear more, and that’s only in a few short weeks,” Ambassador Lynch said.

Invest in Guyana On the business front, the Ambassador said the U.S is encouraging its companies to invest in Guyana’s development. She said the production of oil and gas will create a window of opportunities, noting that with the development of the 5.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels of recoverable resource discovered to date in the Stabroek Block by U.S oil giant Exxon Mobil, other industries will be developed and new ones birthed.

“It is really tremendous.

So we are very must interested in looking at increase trade TURN TO PAGE

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Several miners questioned in Charrandass Persaud probe ––Top Cop dismisses claims investigation politically-motivated

By Telesha Ramnarine COMMISSIONER of Police Leslie James has said that a decision to investigate former Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud was not politically motivated, and that several miners have been questioned in relation to the bribery-andgold-smuggling probes.

He was at the time speaking with reporters following the opening of a workshop on station management and the training of newly-promoted subordinate officers at the Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road and Young Street, Eve Leary. “Somebody asked me if the minister has given me any instructions,” he began, but more to the point, he said, “The minister has not given me any instructions; something was brought to my attention by the minister, and based on that, an investigation ensued. Not

instructions; I don’t receive political instructions. I must make that very clear; I do not receive, or I will not yield to any political instructions,” the Commissioner said.

James did not state the number of persons from whom statements were taken, and also refused to say whether any politicians or Members of Parliament were interviewed. He did, however, concede that a number of miners have been questioned, but insisted that he will not be prejudicial about the matter.

“I don’t doubt it has been a while (since the investigation got underway), but I will make a pronouncement.”

Meanwhile, Persaud is being investigated for alleged bribery and the illegal movement of gold from the State of Guyana. The police chief had told reporters during a past press conference that although Persaud is overseas, he will be contacted at the appropriate time, and that if

Charrandass Persaud’s reaction after voting against the government

he refuses to return to Guyana for questioning, an extradition process would initiated.

At the time, the commissioner had sidestepped questions on anything pertaining to links of the investigation being carried out because of the no-confidence vote in Parliament on the night of December 21, 2018. “I am saying that following a report, we have caused an investigation to commence. It’s still

ongoing; at the conclusion of the investigation, we will seek legal advice,” he’d said.

Describing the matter as one that is sensitive, the commissioner said Persaud is innocent until proven guilty, and that it was an impartial investigation that was being carried out. “We are not seeking to manufacture anything.

Whatever is given to us is being taken, and we will submit for legal advice. The advice

given to us, we will respond to it.” The People’s National Congress-Reform (PNCR) is on record as saying that the former AFC Member of Parliament was allegedly bribed by the opposition.

Persaud has since denied the allegations. However, he did admit to being involved in a dubious transaction, where he attempted to purchase some US$1M in gold.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has sought to distance himself and his party from allegations that they bribed Persaud to vote in their favour. Jagdeo’s top adviser, Peter Ramsaroop, had breached security protocol at the Ogle Airport by spiriting Persaud away one day after the vote.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had subsequently told a news conference that he was not aware of any attempts or plan on the night of December 21 to harm Persaud after he voted

in favour of toppling the government. The security minister had said that given the nature of the vote, he knew that had anything happened to Persaud, it would have reflected very badly on the government, and that as such, the necessary steps were taken to provide security for him.

Ramjattan also denied having any knowledge of plans to harm Charrandass once he returns to Guyana, be it to answer charges or otherwise.

Persaud has reportedly said that he’d gotten word that efforts are afoot to have him killed, either on the road, or once he is sent to prison. Minister Ramjattan has time and again rubbished these claims, and told the Guyana Chronicle that Persaud is using these excuses as a means of not coming back to Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

In unprecedented move, U.S. names Iran's Revolutionary Guards terrorist group WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday branded Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization, an unprecedented step that raises the specter of retaliation from Tehran in an increasingly tense Middle East.

It is the first time the United States has formally labeled another country’s military a terrorist group. “The IRGC is the Iranian government’s primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign,” Trump said in a statement. Iran immediately condemned the decision as an illegal act prompted by Tehran’s regional influence and “success in fighting against Islamic State,” according to state television. Tensions between the two countries have grown since Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran last May and reimposed sanctions that had crippled Iran’s economy.

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the IRGC, but not the organization as a whole.

Trump said the accord did not address Iran’s ballistic missile activity or what he saw as its malign influence in the region.

ADVERTISEMENT Set up after the 1979 Islamic Revolution with the mission of protecting the Shi’ite clerical ruling system, the IRGC is Iran’s most powerful security organization and has a huge influence in its political system, controlling large swathes of the economy and the armed forces.

The IRGC’s involvement in Iran’s banking and shipping industries could complicate matters with U.S. allies, including the European Union, which is setting up a new mechanism to facilitate payments for Iranian exports. It was not immediately clear how Monday’s move would impact Europe’s trade ties with Iran.

Those who do business with the Guards could now receive up to 20 years in prison and be barred from entering or doing business in the United

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Members of the Iranian revolutionary guard march during a parade to commemorate the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), in Tehran September 22, 2011. REUTERS/ Stringer

States. The action on Monday “makes crystal clear the risks of conducting business with, or providing support to, the IRGC,” Trump said. “If you are doing business with the IRGC, you will be bankrolling terrorism.” After reports of the planned U.S. designation emerged on Friday, Iranian

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lawmakers warned Tehran will take reciprocal action.

Critics have warned the U.S. action could open U.S. military and intelligence officials to similar moves by unfriendly governments. The United States has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with

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‘OUTLAW REGIME’ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a strident critic of Iran, has pushed for the change in U.S. policy as part of the Trump administration’s tough posture toward Tehran. The U.S. action against the entire IRGC had been debated in the Trump administration for months as Washington sought additional ways to pressure Iran and curtail its growing influence in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

“This designation is a direct response to an outlaw regime and should surprise no one,” Pompeo said. The designation comes into effect next Monday.

Advertisement In 2017, IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari warned that if Trump went ahead with labeling the group as terrorist “then the Revolutionary Guards will consider the American army to be like Islamic State all around the world.”

Such threats are particularly ominous for U.S. forces in places such as Iraq, where Iran-aligned Shi’ite militia are located in close proximity to U.S. troops. The State Department said on Monday that the Guards have been engaged in terrorist activity since the group’s inception, including the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 Americans, and a foiled plan to attack the Saudi ambassador to the United States on U.S. soil.

It cited what it said were IRGC terrorist plans that had been uncovered in Europe and Africa.

Some critics of the Trump administration’s move believe it was timed ahead of the Israeli election on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for taking the action in a Twitter post.

Iran and Israel are increasingly at odds with each other, particularly in Syria where the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force has helped President Bashar al-Assad gain the upper hand in a civil war. After reports of the designation emerged late on Friday, Iranian lawmakers warned Tehran will take reciprocal action.

IRGC’S WIDE NET The IRGC is in charge of Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear programs. Tehran has warned that it has missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km (1,242 miles), putting Israel and U.S. military bases in the region within reach.

The IRGC’s economic footprint grew under Iranian former president and ex-Guard Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from 2005. Soon after the United States, EU and the United Nations imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil and finance sectors in 2012, the IRGC took up the businesses of the European oil firms that were been forced to leave.

Iran’s clerical rulers rewarded the group for sanctions-busting as well as suppressing dissent at home and helping Tehran’s allies abroad - notably Syria’s Assad. However, in recent years much of the IRGC’s business has been conducted through front companies, many of them not even formally owned by the Corps, but by people and firms linked to it. Previous administrations have considered expanding the designation to the entire group, but decided that the risk to U.S. forces overseas was too great, according to former U.S. officials.

The Pentagon declined to discuss what the U.S. military was doing to protect its troops from any retaliation by the IRGC or Iran-aligned militia in places like Iraq. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, assured that the U.S. military was taking all necessary steps and had alerted U.S. military commanders prior to the announcement.

The announcement comes ahead of a May 2 deadline by the United States on whether or not to extend oil waivers to eight importers of Iranian oil. Reducing the number of waivers will limit oil exports from Iran, the fourth-largest producer in OPEC, but the United States is unlikely to meet an earlier target of driving Iranian oil exports to zero.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

10 Chinese nationals to fly back home …as assessment continues at Matthews Ridge mines

SOME ten Chinese nationals, employees of the Guyana Manganese Inc. and who fell ill during a clean-up of a tunnel in Matthews Ridge, Region One two weeks ago, have been shortlisted for travel to China for treatment.

The decision comes following the death of two Chinese miners who, among others, came into contact with bat droppings while cleaning one of four tunnels called ‘Rail Ends’at the mining site.

“The Chinese authority did

arrange for a flight to come in with some experts to review with us some of the little more technical details and that flight has the capacity to take some of the patients back. So far we’ve shortlisted 10 of them to travel back. Some of them are in better condition and they’ve actually been discharged. So the plan is to work towards the evacuation of those men,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

Persaud added that medical personnel seeking to address

the matter are yet to unequivocally determine the cause of the conditions experienced.

Some 18 persons from the mines were air-dashed two weeks ago to Georgetown from the Pakera District Hospital after falling ill, experiencing pains about their bodies including shortness of breath and high body temperatures.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that there are approximately 100 Chinese nationals and 113 Guyanese nationals on the mining concession.

Since last week, the tunnel area has been deemed a ‘Red Zone’ by Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) authorities and “no one is allowed to enter the site.” “At this point in time we’ve established some restrictions because we’re not quite sure what exactly is causing this. What we can say for sure is that we know that this condition may be precipitated by exposure to an environment, and that area, we have restricted,” the CMO said speaking from Matthews Ridge where he has gone to

better assess the situation.

Persaud stated that while the local and international medical teams have been able to confirm that the condition is not contagious, much caution is still being taken. “We have also ascertained that the condition doesn’t seem to be going from one person to another. It’s related more to direct exposure but we still want to observe all precautions until we have full and complete information,” he said.

The first Chinese miner died on March 30, 2019 at the Pekera District Hospital while the second died on April 3, 2019 at the George-

No reports of declining... and investment opportunities for the U.S and will be encouraging them to look at Guyana,” she told journalists. While the U.S is encouraging investments in Guyana, Ambassador Lynch said based on her interactions with representatives from the private sector, there is a general concern that more can be done to allow for the ease of doing business.

“Just on the surface I would say that there is some thought that Guyana can do a bit better on easing the way of doing business. So in other words, allowing business to start up quicker, faster, making the regulations a little less bureaucratic so there are more opportunities for other businesses to get up,” she explained.

Ambassador Lynch noted that while there are a number of large U.S companies operating in Guyana, major focus should also be placed on smaller businesses. “There are a lot of big

companies that are here but it is the smaller companies too that you want to develop, and that’s where there is a lot of creativity and especially down the road job creation for the citizens of Guyana,” she said.

In the U.S Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements for 2018, it was noted that Guyana has made improvement in fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) but there are still barriers to be removed.

“Over the past decade, the GoG enacted new laws or amended existing ones to encourage FDI with mixed levels of success. Due to the state’s significant role in the domestic economy and the preference for centralized decision-making, relatively large foreign investments often receive intense political attention. The current administration has been criticized by civil society for Guyana’s challenges in attracting new FDI, even though this has been a long-

term trend and leadership has signaled its intention to promote FDI through its various Embassies and Missions abroad,” a section of the Investment Climate Report stated.

In that same report, the issue of corruption within the country was raised.

H o w e v e r, A m b a s s a d o r Lynch said while the report addressed the issue of corruption, it also took stock of the Government’s approach in tackling it. “It does applaud Guyana on the positive gains that it has made and the political will to address these issues but it does say there are things to work on,” she posited.

The issues of corruption and other barriers to trade and investment, she said, are not unique to Guyana, and are actively being tackled globally. “On the governance side, corruption is one of them, on the security side it’s the existence of transnational criminal organizations and violence, on

the prosperity side it might be the ease of doing business and transparency. So we look at those trade barriers holistically and we want to continue to work with the Government of Guyana to address all those,” Ambassador Lynch explained.

She said too that the citizenry must also play its part. “Citizens have a

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town Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) both from leptospirosis. The CMO stated that the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is providing assistance in the region while help is also being provided through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); the Guyana Police Force (GPF); Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA); the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and numerous others.

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responsibility too so we also very much want to continue our work with civil society organizations , the private sector, all kinds of institutions…like we do around the world to hold the government accountable for being transparent, for being reliable, for delivering services to its citizens. So corruption

I would say is just one of those we are working and we have seen progress here in Guyana,” Ambassador Lynch said. She reiterated that commercial sector is interested in an environment that is stable, predictable and allows for profit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Education and community involvement

THOUSANDS of pupils will, next week, sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) at a time when there have been marked improvements in the sector and expectations of better performances are high.

The Coalition Government has been plugging a lot of money into education and as a result of such large investments, it is expected that teachers will work harder to ensure that there is improved academic performance. With the amount of work that is being done in the sector, it is also expected that every child writing the NGSA scores over 50% of the marks in each subject area and earns a place at a general secondary school.

Investments in the education sector are always beneficial because improved standards of education delivery help significantly to lay a solid

foundation for the socio-economic transformation of society. The economic realities in today’s world increasingly demand highly qualified and skilled personnel because of the movement away from labour intensive to capital intensive modes of production, therefore, the continuous improvement of the education system is an imperative and this can only be achieved through appropriate investments.

But education is also community/communal driven, and according to the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” The success of education is hinged on the involvement of all. The government conceptualises, develops, and implements policies, programmes and laws by which the private and public school systems are bound.

Teachers/educators play their role in the classroom setting.

Parents/relatives partner with the school in ensuring the needs of students are met, and students uphold their obligations. Neighbours oversee the children’s conduct.

Civil society also plays a role through workshops, seminars, donations and other forms of action.

This nation came from a past in which the education policy was driven by a colonial outlook of moulding and nurturing citizens to be in service to the values set by the Crown. With independence came the shift, preparing citizens for an indigenous approach consistent with our needs, growth and development. Guyana transitioned to a country in which reality was shaped and skills and abilities were developed on a local identity; events and requirements for nation-building, inclusive of awareness/ knowledge of external events likewise informed our educa-

tion system.

As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established, with Guyana being a member, and later with the institutionalisation of the Caribbean Examination Council, there was standardisation of an education model suited to the developmental foci of the Region. As our students participate in the Caribbean examinations, it is being seen that in the basic areas of competencies, we are lagging. Mastery of the English language is one area that begs for improvement, although English is Guyana’s official language.

It would not be remiss to say that, in a standardised environment, where Caribbean English is built off the British system, inclusive of spelling, the jostling of American English and British Caribbean English has been challenging for our children. For example, where

other Caribbean countries still retain the “s” in spelling the word organisation, in Guyana the USA “z” is used instead in public documents and media. As simple as it may seem to some, this undermines standardisation, since it poses a challenge for students to identify right spelling from wrong spelling; acceptable usage from unacceptable usage.

As the education system is revisited, the importance of diverse training and education of citizens to play their role in personal development and nation-building should be factored in. The education of the academics, professionals, technically-skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled are all important and are deserving of equal attention and respect for their labour and contribution to development. Each has a role to play, and each ought to be given the opportunity to

be the best in whatever field is pursued.

Discipline is also an important element in education and development.

And while conversations continue on the merits or demerits of corporal punishment in schools, suffice it to say that whatever decision is taken, it cannot be lost sight of that discipline plays an important role in human development.

A disciplined person is a productive person. Outside of corporal punishment, school sports play a role in instilling discipline, respect for authority, team-spiritedness, determination, and focus to achieve the goals. These influences help students to be responsible and to lead productive lives. Fixing the education system requires a holistic approach, and each must be prepared to play his/ her part.

We must not sing our National Anthem Dear Editor,

– and not be committed to those fine words

I’VE noticed that some folks are still advancing a case for Ministers/MPs to retain dual citizenship and continue to introduce an irrelevance about the Diaspora’s potential role in our development.

I have made it clear that Diasporans,whether they have dual or triple citizenship, must always be welcomed to share their skills and money to help develop Guyana. This is distinct and separate from being a member of the highest law-making body in the State. Below, you will find an extract of two Oaths of Allegiance re-

quired to become a citizen of two countries, USA and UK. The Oaths are in the following order:USA, UK “I ( name) hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign, prince, potentate, state or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen, that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.”(The bold type is mine) “I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becom-

ing a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to Law. “I will give my loyalty to the UK, and respect its rights and freedoms.”

The foregoing are both pellucidly clear.

Are we to be like some folks, who, in Court, swear on a Holy Book to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, knowing fully well that in another moment they will be telling a lie.

If we carry the title of being Honourable Members of Parliament/Ministers. We must at all times be true to this elevated and lofty status.

The moral principle here is that if we allow or condone our lawmakers (MPs and no one else) to swear allegiance to another State, they are, in fact, mitigating our Independence. Are the proponents of Members of Parliament having dual citizenship not trivialising the exploits of the ancestors, Cuffy, Accabre, Quamina, the Enmore Martyrs, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Dr. Cheddi Ja-

gan, Forbes Burnham and those who took part in the independence struggle at the height of the Cold War? Could it be that the above factors are alien to some of our friends who now take for granted the sacrifices, perspicacity and vision of those who preceded them.

The third line of our National Anthem states: ‘We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains.’

We must not sing our Nationl Anthem and not be committed to those fine words. If they fail to embrace ancestral piety, they

will be easy victims to external forces. In my earlier letter, I gave the proponents for constitutional change a gracious way out by saying that I hope my Party, the PNC, is not persuaded by what appears to be a momentary emotional reaction to an extant public issue. I avoided being as harsh as Freddie Kissoon.

Indeed, I hope there will be no need to write again on this subject, and ask one and all to again read the Oath of Allegiance of certain foreign countries.

Regards Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

CWI should reward Erva Giddings – for her outstanding performance

Dear Sir, IN my thirty-odd years of association with the game of cricket, I have witnessed many dedicated and hardworking cricketers, but none of them hv ever come close to the commitment and sacrifice that I have seen from Erva Giddings.

Erva first joined the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club at the age of 22, in 2008, when we founded the Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team.

She made her debut for Guyana in 2009, and over that period of time has been, by some distance, our country’s leading bowler. In 2019, she once again proved her value to Guyana to not only emerge as the leading wicket taker for our country, but the leading fast bowler in both 20/20 and 50-Overs tournaments combined. I have seen all the present crop of female fast bowlers playing for the West Indies, and I can say, without fear of successful contradiction, that Erva Giddings is the best of the lot.

With the present structure of female cricket and the fact that the Rose Hall Town

Youth & Sports Club has the only female team in Guyana, Erva has been forced to play Second Division and Intermediate Cricket for the Club.

She has dismissed close to 200 of her male counterparts, and as the leading RHTYSC Second Division fast bowler in our history, I have heard her male counterparts express fear of her swing bowling, and the embarrassment they face when they have to tell friends and family that a female fast bowler knocked out their middle stumps. Only recently, she claimed 5 for 16 against the powerful Skeldon Titans, and her 198 wickets at the Second Division level have been taken at an average of 10.50 strike rate of a wicket every 22 balls and an overall run rate of 3.01 per over.

Over the last decade, the Membership and Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, has been forced to be a tower of strength for Erva, as she was regularly overlooked for Regional selection. I can say with a level of certainty that she has been the most successful female fast bowler in Cricket West Indies

tournaments over the last ten years, and despite this, her international career has been limited to just two ODIs and a few tours. Her faith in God, her belief in her ability, and love for the game have kept her going. Erva Giddings is now in her prime as a fast bowler, is fit, and her batting has improved over the years.

As President of the Berbice Cricket Board and Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, I would like to urge the selectors of the Cricket West Indies to reward her outstanding performances with selection to the regional team. Newlyelected President, Ricky Skerrit has stated that selection would be based on performance, and it is my hope that the four Wise Men of West Indies cricket follow their boss’ advice.

For too long, Erva Giddings has suffered for no reason, and it is time for her star to shine at the international level.

Yours in Sports, Hilbert Foster, BCB President, RHTYSC Secretary/CEO

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

$17M in presidential grants for Moruca communities …funds to be used to open businesses, other ventures SEVERAL communities at the Moruca sub-district in the Barima/Waini will be able to undertake infrastructure works among other projects following the receipt of over $17M in Presidential Grants.

The grants were presented to Santa Rosa and its satellite communities on Sunday in the form of cheques which were handed over to the senior councillors by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock during a community engagement.

He was accompanied by Legal Advisor, David James and Project Officer, Alexi LaRose and other government officials.

According to the Department of Public Information, the villages of Koko-Hutawari, Cabrora and Rincon each received $3M for the construction of multi-purpose buildings; Huradiah $1M to furnish its multi-purpose centre and purchase floodlights; Kumaka $1M to fence the Santa Rosa Guest House compound and to purchase woodworking tools and machinery to complement its woodworking facility.

In Kamwatta, $1M will be spent to convert a bond to a craft centre and purchase craft items; at Karaburi, $1M will be utilized to construct a market place; at Wallaba, $1M will be expended to execute repairs to the village vehicle and to establish a 5-acre coconut plantation.

Parakese Senior Councillor, Terrence Edwards receiving a cheque from Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock. (DPI photo)

At the village of Mora, a $1M grant will be spent on repairs of its cargo boat and establishment of a floating/ mobile grocery shop while at Seven-Mile Branch Road, a satellite of Waramuri, the sum of $800,000 will be utilised to purchase a 15 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine and boat to assist the community with its transportation needs, especially the farmers.

Parakese village received $1M to purchase carpentry and boat building tools and sport gear and Senior Councillor, Terrence Edwards explained that the people recognised that there is a need

for more activities for the youth within his village, so, the villagers decided to use their 2019 grant to purchase the equipment and the remaining monies will be used for a boat building workshop that will commence soon.

“The youths are our future, we will go and leave them and we as leaders need to ensure that we set that foundation for them, we have to groom them now,” Edwards emphasised. He expressed gratitude to the government for making this possible.

Minister Allicock commended the village council for creating projects that

Some of the items which were handed over the village leaders. (DPI photo)

target the young people in the village. He said it serves as motivation for the young people who are willing and ready to learn a skill and help with the development of their respective villages. “We have a lot of children who are involved in a lot of illegal things, we also have teenage pregnancy and some are not involved in any activities or not earning a living. In this part of Region One, we are very happy to see the councillors and Toshaos willing to teach and be involved in the development of youths,” he said.

The minister reminded the councillors of the need for proper management and accountability of village assets, and the need for villages to create more activities that will assist in creating jobs for the people and generate an income for the village. Santa Rosa is the largest Indigenous village in Guyana with a population of over 10,000 residents spread out in the 11 islands. These islands are managed by a Toshao along with 22 councillors.

The Presidential Grants programme is aimed at creating self-sufficiency within the

hinterland villages and communities through green, innovative projects. This year, over $200M will be invested in 215 villages and communities under the programme.

According to the DPI, over the past month, Kopinang and Bamboo Creek in Potaro-Siparuni, Region 8; and Wakapau, Kabakaburi, St. Monica and Mainstay/Whyaka in the Pomeroon-Supenaam, Region 2 received presidential grants over $8M, while, Patarinau, Region 9, and its satellite, Baitoon and Katuur received $3M.

Three new nursery schools for Reg. 4 - REO …living quarters for teachers at St Cuthbert’s Mission BY mid-month the tenders for some 13 capital projects, inclusive of the construction of roads, culverts and the living quarters for the education department, will be awarded by the Region Four administration, according to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ms Pauline Lucas.

For the Fiscal Year 2019, the budget for Region Four is $7.B, of which $601.6M has been allocated for capital works, and according to Lu-

cas, who has been functioning in the capacity for three and a half years, her aim is to make Region Four a model region in every aspect in health education and public infrastructure.

Among the projects to be undertaken is the construction of duplex living quarters for teachers at St Cuthbert’s Mission- an indigenous village on the Mahaica River. Under education, three schools roll-over projects from 2018 – will be constructed, while

three new nursery schools are being built at Strathspey and Vryheid’s Lust North, both villages on the East Coast of Demerara and at Craig, East Bank Demerara, under the Child-Friendly School Programme.

Child-friendly schools aim to develop a learning environment in which children are motivated, able to learn, and staff members are friendly and welcoming to children and attend to their health and safety needs.

At both Strathspey and Vryheid’s Lust, the nursery departments were previously under the same roof with the primary. One of the requirements, however, for a nursery school to be categorised as child-friendly it should be separate from the primary.

At the Strathspey facility where the works are about 90 per cent complete, some 120 students can be accommodated, while at Craig the new building is about 95 per cent finished and has an

April month end deadline, Lucas said.

At Vryheid’s Lust North; the new accommodation is completed and awaiting a date for commissioning.

Lucas said that upon completion, the schools will be conducive to learning, adding that the region has been doing a lot for education and the strengthening of the curriculum. “We have been conducting lots of training on a regular basis for teaching, as it is recognised that train-

ing is never too much and makes them better equipped to impart the education programme.

Touching on the upgrading of roads, the REO said there is a continuous upgrading of roads including in the Ann’s Grove community where no proper roads existed, while the construction or upgrading of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, will bring a new face to the Demerara/ Mahaica region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

‘Don’t take bribes’ –– Police Commissioner urges commitment, professionalism at opening of training course

By Telesha Ramnarine Commissioner of Police, Leslie James on Monday said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would like to

come you have an issue with your remuneration?”

James said the GPF would like to see a change in the performances of traffic ranks especially, and

change in all of you, and we will be watching you,” James warned.

Some of the officers undergoing training

see a ‘marked’ change in its officers regarding rampant corruption and other behaviours that negatively affect the reputation of the Force.

“The uniform that you wear speaks to the image of the force. Your conduct; your performance, also speaks to the image of the force,” James said while delivering the feature address at the opening of a training session for police officers, noting that it was not by chance, but “by deliberateness” that the station management and newly-promoted subordinate officers course was put together.

The workshop was opened at the Officers’ Training Centre at Camp Road and Young Street, Eve Leary under the theme, ‘Improving police professionalism through effective training and mentorship’.

Commissioner James made no bones about it that officers should quit the job if they find that they are not comfortable with their salaries. “You came on; you were told what is being offered, and you decided to become an agent of the Force. How

would like to hear of less allegations of corruption, or perhaps none at all. He, however, warned that a number of departments in the Force will be engaged to pursue a particular exercise to deal with the “scourge” of not only police officers accepting bribes, but civilians making the offer.

“Every time I hear a policeman taking bribe, it’s always as a result of an offer,” he said, adding: “Once there’s no offer, there can’t be an acceptance. It goes both sides.

And let me warn you the civilians, we will be coming after you, those of you who are offering. You can’t be offering to police and then saying the police taking bribe.

It is simple: Do not commit offences.”

James said the GPF would like to see commitment in the way officers execute their daily routine, as well as professionalism when they are dealing with each other and members of the public.

“From this day forward, we would like to see a marked change with your approach to your police duties. We would like to see a marked

SUBORDINATES’ PERFORMANCE

The Police Commissioner urged the officers to see that there is no recklessness in the performances of their subordinates and to ensure that they both clearly understand that they have standard operating procedures (SOPs) to follow.

“You have our standing orders to comply with. Don’t be confused in taking action against your subordinates… you must take action. Don’t be chummy with your subordinates. It can confuse you when a decision making time arrives. You have to draw the line,” urged James.

He said decisions made should not be made with emotions, but according to the laws governing the force.

“You are to clearly understand your roles and responsibilities. We will be taking serious actions against the subordinate officers who fail to understand and comply with your SOPs and to perform your duties following your standing

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James

orders.”

He further implored the ranks to exude the type of confidence in the performance of their duties as is expected of them. “I’m always concerned when I see a policeman or woman executing their duties in a manner that suggests that he or she is not aware of their functions.

Read, and continue reading.

Go after knowledge. Read your standing orders. Read

the laws. We have libraries.”

James pointed out how the GPF as an organization is now more effective and efficient with improved domestic security. “At this present time, we have a much more reformed GPF. We will keep pushing this noble organization forward by way of a collective effort.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

GECOM unfazed by PPP threats ––plans second round of house-to-house training for weekend

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says it is not bothered by any threats from the opposition for it to halt preparations for house-to-house registration or face litigation, and has made plans for another round of houseto-house registration training to commence during the

coming weekend.

Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, has said that plans have already been made for the training exercise. On April 2, 2019, in a letter to Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Opposition Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall, through his firm, A. Nandlall

& Associates, and on behalf of Opposition-nominated Commissioner Robeson Benn, wrote a pre-litigation letter to the Commission.

The letter threatened legal action against GECOM, if it does not cease preparation for house-to-house registration within the next seven days from the date it

was penned. The letter was carbon-copied to GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret'd) James Patterson, and intimated that in the event the exercise was carried out, it would be regarded as “a violation of the Constitution” by excluding persons who will be absent from Guyana during the period of its conduct.

“GECOM is now proceeding on a house-to-house registration to create a new List of National Registrants, from which the Preliminary Voters’ List will be extracted, and this is being done with the stated intention of excluding persons who will be absent from Guyana during the exercise. Consequently, those persons who are currently duly registered and are on the List, and, therefore, now qualified to vote but absent from Guyana, are now going to be intentionally excluded from the List in this proposed process, as this is one of the stated purposes of this exercise,” Nandlall wrote.

He would later add: “I respectfully demand that you refrain from embarking on, or proceeding with, this unlawful and unconstitutional exercise, which will disenfranchise thousands of persons now qualified to vote. If I do not hear from you within seven days of the date hereof, I will assume that you have rejected my demand, and I will have no alternative but to advise my client to institute legal proceedings against you, to restrain you from embarking on, or proceeding with, the aforesaid house-to-house registration.”

Asked Monday about GECOM’s position on the matter, Ward said that as far as she knew, the demand had not been adhered to, but the Commission continues to act on the majority decision in February 2019 to continue with its 2019 work programme.

Questioned whether the matter has been discussed by the Commission as yet, she reminded the interviewer of the walkout staged Tuesday

by Opposition-nominated Commissioners before discussions could commence, which exercise was linked to disagreement on whether the statutory meeting was a new one or a continuation of the previous meeting.

“As you know, last week the meeting was aborted again. That item was not on the agenda to be discussed, and I think that’s where some of the opposition-nominated commissioners walked out of the meeting again,” Ward said, adding: “I am not sure if it’s on the agenda for tomorrow [today], but I’m sure by tomorrow is when those seven days will probably expire and, as I know it, from the Commission’s standpoint, we continue with our work programme for house-to-house.”

The Commission official-

ly commenced training 100 core trainers on Saturday, March 23, 2019, and has already begun training Assistant Registration Officers (ARO) and enumerators in several locations.

Speaking specifically about the weekend of April 6-7, Ward said: “Our training continues, and we were on the East Coast and East Bank at 20 locations. And we have trainings scheduled again for this weekend.”

Asked whether the Commission thinks the $3B exercise is “a violation the Constitution,” Ward said that contrary to Nandlall’s belief, GECOM’s actions remain guided by the Constitution.

She did say, however, that there are certain measures in place to ensure that persons, though out of the country at the time of the registration exercise, are granted the opportunity to be placed on the list of registrants.

“Registration is guided by law, and even the conduct of house-to-house registration is guided by Chapter 19:08. Even with Mr. Nandlall’s letter, where he spoke of persons being disenfranchised, I would want to not necessarily agree with that,” Ward said, adding: “This house-to-house registration is generating a new National Register of Registrants. So, once you are in place at the time of registration, you will be registered at your house, but that doesn’t mean that because you’re not registered during this exercise that it doesn’t present any other opportunity for you to be registered.

Our continuous claims-and-objections and registration exercises will continue, but it’s just that the Commission has made a decision to develop a whole new National Register of Registrants, which is the database, for a number of reasons which they’ve identified.”

The Commissioners are expected to meet again today for their statutory meeting to perhaps discuss the foregoing and other matters, as the last several consecutive meetings ended abruptly due to walkouts staged by Opposition-nominated Commissioners.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Ramjattan commends work of CPGs …to lobby for stipend for members

UNDER the theme “Community Policing: Partners in the promotion of a safe and secure nation,” members of Community Policing Groups (CPG) celebrated their 43rd Anniversary on Saturday with a route walk which culminated at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara.

The members were reminded that their volunteerism has made a tremendously impact on the results of the Guyana Police Force. Several CPGs members received certificates of appreciation for the work they have done over the years.

Based on the requests from members of CPG’s, Ramjattan said that a proposal will be made to the Minister of Finance for a stipend for the voluntary work being done to keep communities safe. Adding that the idea is on the table once more resources are available, the Public Security Minister said, “as best as our resources could provide, we are going to make the argument that certain stipends come your way.”

He noted that the work of the CPGs does not go unnoticed, explaining that their efforts at curbing crime in the communities are significant especially among young people who have acknowledged that they play a critical role in creating a safe environment along with the police.

“We have been getting better results because of your participation, you must continue doing that because when you do that, you help the country’s security… so I want to urge that you maintain this steadfastness of being on the ground because it helps the country, it helps the community, it helps the county,” Ramjattan said.

He reiterated that better days are ahead as more resources will be made available for CPGs to get the job done. At the launch of the CPGs month of activities in March, it was revealed that Guyana’s borders are now strengthened with the establishment of CPGs in several hinterland regions.

Additionally, in 2017, there were just over 5,000 patrols carried out by CPGs compared to over 9,000 car-

Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and CPG administrator Dennis Pompey taking salutes from CPG members during their route march. (Delano Williams Photo)

CPG members during their route march on Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

ried out in 2018, a significant increase which has proven to be fruitful.

“I want to urge that you play your role, and we as ministers will play ours. We will try to expand the amount of funding that goes into CPGs and make lots more available to you,” the min-

ister said.

Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle said community policing is in essence, a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community prob-

lems. He explained that reinvigorating communities is essential if “we are to deter crime and create safer neighbourhoods.”

In some communities, he said it will take time to break down barriers of apathy and mistrust so that meaningful partnerships can be forged.

Further, the commander said a foundation of trust will allow police to form close relationships with the community that will produce solid achievements.

“Without trust between police and citizens, effective policing is impossible,” Cooper said.

FAO urges incentive regime

–– to help boost diversification of ‘agri’ sector ASSISTANT Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr. Julio Berdegué has said that incentives are needed to develop and diversify the local agricultural sector.

During a recent visit to Guyana aimed at strengthening relations between the country and the FAO, Dr. Berdegué noted that in developing any economic sector, "proper economic incentives" are needed. The fishing industry is one such industry in Guyana he believes can be bolstered in if proper incentives are given. "Nobody is going to want to invest in a boat and spend all their

time fishing if there's not a business for him or her at the end of the day," he explained to the Guyana Chronicle, adding: "Having a proper environment for that person to be able to make a profit is extremely important." Guyana, he highlighted, is one of the 84 countries in the world that have signed a major global agreement to regulate illegal fishing, but even so, much more can be done.

"It's also about infrastructure: Where will the catch be stored. Will we have cold-storage chains so that we can get the produce to the market? Is there a technology transfer?” Dr. Berdegué,who is also the FAO representa-

FAO Assistant Director-General, Dr. Julio Dr. Berdegué and Country Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith (Adrian Narine photo)

tive for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted that it

has been often found that fishermen are using technol-

ogies which are extremely damaging to the environment and to their own livelihoods.

As such, he said, it becomes even more imperative for an enabling environment to be fostered.

Today, every country that wants to be successful 20 years down the road; because it takes 20 years to really develop, cannot just invest in one or two things.

According to Dr. Berdegué, a system must be put in place to involve all stakeholders in developing the country's economy. And in so doing, he said, emphasis must be placed on innovation, and giving room for trial-and error.

"Some of those ideas might not work well, but some of those ideas might

very well be the future for Guyana and the world," the senior FAO official said, adding that while technology transfer and infrastructure investments are paramount, they require strong public-private-partnerships. And in doing so, he said, incentives must be given, too, for investments.

Speaking on the FAO's role in providing support, Dr. Berdegué said that there are many ways the FAO can, and will seek to help. "We can provide assistance, for example, in regulatory frameworks; in technology transfer; in good practises for conserving marine biodiversity and proper management guidelines," he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Land woes boil over at Haslington

–– AG promises to help resolve issues –– as Co-op executives, members clash

By Gabriella Chapman FOLLOWING several complaints received from members of the North Haslington Co-operative Society, the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams,

Luke-Mingo, respectively, of seizing their lands, and either selling it to other persons, or giving them to their relatives.

Some members had structures and/or houses on their lots, all of which they alleged, Anderson and Luke

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Karen Cummings, listening to the issues of the members of the North Haslington Co-operative Society

Former Chairman of the North Haslington Co-operative Society, Eldon Anderson and former Secretary Treasurer, Mary Luke-Mingo

Some of the members of the North Haslington Co-operative Society at the engagement with the ministers on Sunday

and Minister within the Ministry of Health, Karen Cummings, met with the members of the society, in an effort to resolve differences.

The meeting, which was held in the village on Sunday, saw the attendance of several members who voiced their issues to the ministers.

Most of them were accusing the former Chairman and former Secretary Treasurer of the co-op society, Eldon Anderson and Mary

dismantled and sold the lots to other people. There were claims that persons had been issued transports for lands that had been owned, or inherited, by individuals for decades.

In response to these claims, Anderson told the ministers that the dispossession of lots started when he and Luke-Mingo discovered several cases where one person owned more than one lot. He said that an individual was only entitled

ALL passengers and crew on board a COPA Airlines flight arrived safely at their destination in Panama following a bomb scare which hampered the flight's departure from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Monday afternoon.

According to a release from the airline, all 127 passengers and 6 crew members on board Flight 255 made it safely to their destination in Panama following

a false report of an explosive device aboard the aircraft on Monday afternoon prior to departure from the CJIA. The airline said that following the alarm, which was raised just prior to the scheduled 14:24 hrs departure time, the carrier immediately activated security protocols.

Passengers and crew disembarked to allow for inspection and ranks of the Guyana Police Force bomb-disposal

to one, and there were instances where one person confessed to owning seven, and another 14. “What we seized, were the excess lots and that was what stirred up this whole thing. Within the society there are going to be people who are dissatisfied with the management. In any organisation you will find that,” Anderson voiced.

Luke-Mingo said that they received multiple court actions in relation to dispossession, all of which they won. The members however, argued otherwise. After listening to all their concerns, the AG urged the members to have their issues resolved peaceably, and not resort to acrimony. “Your grievances are very serious. Most of them are in the realm of legal issues. There is a legal framework, since the society comes under chapter 88:01 of the Co-op Society’s Act. My task will be to examine

each case, the peculiar facts, to see how they fit within the legal framework,” AG said.

He noted that whether or not transports existed, the houses should not have been dismantled unless there was a court order. AG said that the transport, on the face of it, would give the person a stronger claim to the right to occupy the land. However, he assured the people that he would examine whether the transports were properly issued or whether they were irregularly or fraudulently obtained, and considerations may have to be made to find other lots for the people.

Prior to the engagement with the ministers, the members would have expressed similar concerns to the Chief Cooperative Development Officer (CCDO) and Junior Minister of Social Protection Keith Scott, who later sought the assistance of an Interim Management Committee

(IMC).

The AG pointed out that the IMC’s terms of reference included assistance in the establishment of a list of bona fide members; a determination of the number of members who were owners of house lots, and ascertaining the number of vacant lots within the boundary.

In addition, the IMC was required to determine the number of members who were issued with titles and transports; to assist in preparation of the Annual General Meeting, and to assist in any way regarding the management of the society. AG told the members that he would work along with the IMC, CCDO and Minister Scott, to regularise the situation.

ISSUE OF FRAUD In an invited comment, Chairman of the IMC, Kevin Morgan, told the Guyana Chronicle that when they were appointed in September 2018, Minister Scott would have ordered Anderson and Luke-Mingo to hand over all the records of the Society to pave the way for an investigation aimed at re-

solving the issues. Morgan informed the ministers that the two executive members did not hand over any records.

According to Morgan, the two would have been appointed nearly 19 years ago to sit on the executive body. However, due to the claims and petition presented against them in September last year, they were removed from office by the CCDO. “Elections were supposed to be held every year, and it has been years since the last election. Additionally, under the rules of the co-op, there must be five members to form the executive committee.

They only have three, so by virtue of that, the society became defunct,” Morgan said and added that “we are preparing to move to the court to have an injunction filed against them.

The society will be preparing for elections within the coming months, so that the members can take back the society.”

COPA passengers arrive safely

unit launched a search of the aircraft. After confirming that no explosive device was found, the alarm was determined to be false. COPA said that the carrier worked closely with local security officials during the inspection process. Flight 255 subsequently departed at 17:42 hrs and arrived at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City at 20:44 hrs local time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Police link decrease in crime to social impact programmes

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it has made tremendous impact on the lives of both youths and adults.

This is according to Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Paul Williams who declared the ‘A’ Division Fifth Annual Career Day Fair opened on Saturday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

He said the positive impact in the social crime prevention programmes has resulted in a mandatory di-

rective to all commanders in relation to the formation of youth groups and scouts.

“Today ‘A’ Division has continued to show its importance and commitment towards sustaining the development of youth groups…”

Williams said that there has been a significant reduction in crime since many youths do not see it as a way of life anymore. Adding that with the help of parents a relationship has been established with the GPF, Williams said

that now there are even programmes for parents in helping them with extra-curricular activities and vocational skills for personal development.

Commander ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman said the activity was geared towards reaching out to vulnerable youths. He said going into communities to offer young people opportunities is one of the many ways the GPF aims to deal with crime. He noted that the career fair will provide youths

Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Paul Williams and Commander ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman interacting with youths dressed in their law enforcement attire.

One of the many scenes from ‘A’ Division Annual Career Day Fair.

with vital information that can lead them into being productive members of society.

He assured the members of the social crime prevention programme that the senior and junior officers of ‘A’ Division are committed to ensuring the success of the programme each year and will be sustaining it. Also in attendance were Deputy Commander ‘A’ Division, Senior Superintendent Rishi Das; Traffic Chief,

Senior Superintendent Linden Isles; Officer-in-Charge Impact Base, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram among others.

The Career Day Fair also saw various stakeholders and entities partaking, these included: Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Fire Service, City Constabulary, Ministry of Public Health, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), Qualfon

Guyana, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), Carnegie School of Home Economics, Government Technical Institute (GTI), Courts Guyana Inc., CARICOM, Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and E.R. Burrowes School of Arts.

Audit probe at SOCU completed …Top Cop to receive report this week

By Telesha Ramnarine HAVING ordered an investigation into allegations of mismanagement at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Police Commissioner Leslie James on Monday informed that he should be in possession of a report sometime this week.

Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James, who has also been interviewed during the investigation so far, is still on the job, the police chief confirmed.

“I have caused an investigation to be done because there were some complaints of some issues there. There

are allegations of misuse of funds; allegations, and therefore, to be professional, SOCU comes under the Commissioner of Police and I did cause an investigation to be done,” James stated.

The commissioner was at the time speaking with reporters following the opening of a workshop on station management and the training of newly promoted subordinate officers at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road and Young Street, Eve Leary.

James had confirmed, during an interview with this publication, that he had summoned the SOCU head to a meeting to discuss issues at the agency, which have come

under public scrutiny since the firing of adviser Dr. Sam Sittlington and the resignation of another senior official.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan recently told the Guyana Chronicle that after he received certain information about the developments at SOCU, he asked the Commissioner to look into it, as he did not want to interfere with the operations of the force.

There have been reports that SOCU is facing a number of issues including mismanagement of operational funds at the agency.

The Guyana Chronicle was told by a source that the problems have been

Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James

long-standing. Another source indicated that Sittlington did observe issues as it

relates to mismanagement at the agency and those issues were raised with the head of

SOCU. Information has since surfaced that Sittlington faced resistance at a very high level within SOCU when he was first brought to the agency, but given government’s determination to have the programme of the agency carried on, such resistance had to be quelled.

Based on reports, Sheronie James, the former deputy head of SOCU who recently resigned over concerns about her credentials, was hired by the agency after she provided documentation stating that she was an ACCA affiliate when, in fact, the certificate which she provided belonged to another person who lived in Ghana and who carried an identical name as hers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Lethem businessman remanded on drug, bribery charges

MARLON Jarvis, a 44year old businessman of Lethem, was on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of narcotics and bribery.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that on April 3, 2019, at Tabatinga, Lethem in the Rupununi District, he had in his possession 53.74 kilograms of cannabis and 1.59 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The second charge read that on April 3, 2019, at Tabatinga, Lethem, he attempted to pervert the course of justice, that is to say he handed over the sum of $180,000 to one of his friends under the condition that he give the said amount of cash to the police to drop the narcotics investigation, in which he was a suspect. He pleaded not guilty to both of the charges.

Jarvis was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan, who strongly defended the accused. He noted that his client was innocent in the matter. Khan told the

court that in relation to the second charge, on the day in question his client was at home when he received a phone call from his good friend, who is also a businessman. During the phone call, the friend told him that the police had surrounded his place and had him under arrest for having narcotics in one of his properties.

He further related that the friend told the defendant that he was troubled and that the police are asking for a large quantity of money to drop the matter, but Jarvis only had $200,000 to spare. As such, he went to lend the friend the money. When he arrived, as he handed the man the money, several policemen came and placed him under arrest. Khan assured the court that his client had no connections or interactions with the police. The attorney also told the court that Jarvis had no knowledge of the narcotics since he is not the owner of the building.

“All he did was prove himself to be a Good Samaritan and lend his friend some money,” said Khan.

A bail application was

Man freed of rape charge JARREL Duke was, on Monday freed of a rape charge by the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court after a jury returned a not-guilty verdict.

Duke, 20, was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds for allegedly engaging in sexual penetration with a six-year-old boy between December 14, 2013 and December 18, 2013. At the time of the alleged crime, Duke was 14 years old and the victim was staying at his home.

Duke was represented by attorney Rabindra Mohabir, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Seeta Bishundial and Sarah Martin.

The verdict was unanimous. Justice Reynolds told Duke to consider it a second chance and that he must use the opportunity to avoid finding himself in similar

Jarrel Duke

situations and before the court. The judge also advised Duke to seek professional help. He also advised the victim’s parents to arrange for professional intervention for their son.

“Take the opportunity to go on with your life in a way that will bring honour and glory to the God that you serve” the Judge said to Duke and added “the good Lord knows what transpired in 2013.”

Accused: Marlon Jarvis

made under the circumstances that the prosecution’s case is weak and there is a lack of evidence that Jarvis markets narcotics. However, Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the defendant. According to Mansfield, on the day in question, police acted upon information received and went to an unfinished struc-

ture in Lethem where they carried out a search which revealed a bag on the floor with the suspected drugs.

Further investigations were carried out, which led to the arrest of the other friend.

He was being investigated by police ranks when a call came in from a number and he was told to answer.

During the conversation, the

caller spoke about the sum of money going to the police for the said narcotics.

After listening to both parties, the magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded to prison until his next court appearance at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on April 18, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Cargo at ports throughout Latin America, Caribbean rose 7.7% in 2018 Container throughput in ports of Latin America and the Caribbean increased by 7.7% in 2018 in comparison with the previous year, according to data released on Monday by ECLAC. This analysis is based on the performance of a sampling of 31 countries and 118 ports and port areas in the region.

According to the annual report unveiled by the United Nations organization – which was called “port ranking” in prior years – the data largely maintained the heterogeneity seen in throughput behavior in previous periods, both in reference to ports and countries. Of the total sample, 66 ports and port areas saw their figures improve versus 2017.

The total volume of activity in 2018 exceeded 53.2 million TEU[1], which represents 7.1% of global throughput, marking a slight increase in the rate versus the previous year (when it amounted to 6.6% of global throughput), according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The ten countries contributing the most to the total volume of cargo handled represented 84.1% of regional movement.

These are (from highest to lowest based on the quantity of TEU mobilized): Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic

and Jamaica.

According to the data of the sampling compiled by ECLAC, in 2018 the East Coast of South America (ECSA) recorded a 12% increase in the activity of ports and port areas, measured in terms of volume.

Meanwhile, the West Coast of South America (WCSA) continued with a slight upward trend, growing 7% in 2018, compared with the 6% seen between 2016 and 2017.

The Caribbean showed 12% growth in total throughput, while Central America (without including Mexico) had more subtle growth of 7% only on the West Coast, since the East Coast essentially maintained the same activity levels as in 2017. The Gulf of Mexico area grew 8% versus 2017, and Pacific Mexico 11%. Panama, meanwhile, experienced growth on its Caribbean coast (11%) with regard to the country’s total throughput, while its Pacific coast registered a decline of -16%.

On this occasion, ECLAC’s annual port report includes some format modifications that are aimed at including other analyses of the data, which will also be incorporated in the future into the Maritime and Logistics Profile[2] managed by the institution. These novelties include an examination of the tonnes mobilized by port and port area in 2018. Of

the 20 ports and port areas in the sampling, only those in Brazil show individual tonnage exceeding 100 million, while the top twenty ports include terminals in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Panama.

Another example is an analysis of the relative importance of container transhipment[3] in relation to total throughput in a country. In the first ten countries, the total of transhipments represents nearly 30% of the entire throughput of the 31 countries and 118 ports and port areas under consideration.

Caribbean ports represent 22.3%, while the importance of the East Coast of South America is striking in 2018. For comparative purposes, ECLAC also includes port throughput on a global level in 2018, which was led by Shanghai (China), with 42,010,000 TEU mobilized. Here one can appreciate the truly massive difference of nearly 38 million TEU seen versus the region’s first position, held by the port of Colón (MIT, Evergreen, Panama Port), which notched just over 4,324,000 TEU last year. The ten biggest ports on a global level represent 32.2% of global throughput in 2018, while those of Latin America and the Caribbean represent just 3.5%.

Indonesian chainsaw operator died of multiple injuries –autopsy

The tree the chainsaw operator was cutting down which caused his death

THE Indonesian chainsaw operator who was killed on Friday at West Kurubaru Backdam in the Demerara River after being injured by a falling tree, died as a result of multiple injuries, according to an autopsy done Monday.

The body of Daniel Sambara, 45, of Mabura Hill was handed over to relatives for burial in Indonesia. Reports indicate that the chainsaw operator was struck to his head by a root from another tree that was uprooted as a result of one he had cut down.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex and his body was later taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 9, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 9, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 9, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

KL Rahul the hero as Kings XI Punjab remain unbeaten at home

KINGS XI Punjab climbed into the top half of the VIVO IPL 2019 standings after they defeated the visiting Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Monday night.

After winning the toss and opting to field, KXIP executed their bowling plans exceedingly well and restricted the Sunrisers to 150-4.

Later in the night, a classy 114-run partnership between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal set up the hosts’ runchase. There was a bit drama towards the end when KXIP lost three wickets for eight runs. KXIP needed 11 off the final over – which was bowled by Mohammad Nabi; Sam Curran and Rahul finished saw KXIP over the line with one ball to spare.

Courtesy the dew which had settled down, the pitch had turned batsmen friendly and allowed the Kings XI Punjab batsmen to play their strokes. Chris Gayle perished early, but Rahul and Mayank didn’t let the bowlers dictate

Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul added 114 for the second wicket (BCCI photo).

terms.

Mayank was the aggressor early on, but Rahul wasn’t to be left too far behind. The pair treated Rashid Khan with the respect he deserved, but took on the other bowlers; they added 50 runs in 40 deliveries, and brought up the century partnership 37 balls later.

There was a bit of drama in the final few overs when KXIP lost Mayank (55), David Miller and Mandeep Singh in quick succession.

But Rahul kept his cool, picked up a boundary off Nabi when his team needed 6 from 3 balls, and then scampered for a brace next ball to

take his team home.

Rahul finished unbeaten on 71, while Curran contributed 5 crucial runs from the three balls he faced.

In the evening, the KXIP took advantage of the muggy conditions; their bowlers started strong – repeatedly bowling disciplined lines and lengths. Even the normally aggressive David Warner was made to work hard for his runs. The left-hander batted the entire twenty overs, made 70 from 62 balls, and guided his team to a modest 150-4.

The Sunrisers added 100 runs in the back half – 19 of those runs coming off the last

seven balls of the innings.

For the hosts, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a wicket each.

Earlier,David Warner, despite being the aggressive batsman he is, put a price on his wicket, adapted to the conditions and worked hard for his runs – even if it made him look unattractive.

The left-hander struggled to cope with the lack of pace on the surface and played out several dot deliveries early on; he crawled to 9 from 17 balls and hit only one boundary in the powerplay period.

He brought up his half-century in the sixteenth over – getting there in 49 balls – his slowest ever in the IPL. Warner finished unbeaten on 70; his 62-ball knock contained 20 singles, 10 twos, 6 boundaries and a six.

Brief Scores: Kings XI Punjab: 1514 in 19.5 overs (KL Rahul 71*, Mayank Agarwal 55) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad: 150-4 (David Warner 70*) by 6 wickets.

Players should speak out against racism but walking off is not ideal - Sterling

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling said more players need to speak out when they suffer racism if the problem is to be eradicated from the game, but disagreed with the proposal of walking off the pitch in response.

Sterling has earned widespread support for his stand on the subject in the wake of racist abuse he and other players encountered during England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro.

Earlier this season, he also accused sections of the British media of fuelling the problem with a negative portrayal of young black players. “I don’t think I’m trying to make a difference, or making a difference. As much as I can do is raise awareness,” Sterling told reporters ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

“It’s about speaking about what you have experi-

enced and some people have probably shied away from that.

“If more players speak up then the better it will be.”

When asked if he would support walking off the pitch in response to any abuse, as several Premier League managers have recently backed, Sterling said staying on and winning the game was the better response.

“I wouldn’t personally agree with it (walking off), because I think to go out and win the game would hurt them even more. Score a goal or win the match, that’s a better feeling, that beats them,” he added. Several incidents of racism were reported in the English Championship at the weekend and Watford’s Troy Deeney said he had removed abusive comments from his Instagram feed. “To me, this isn’t a game,” Deeney, who scored in Watford’s 3-2 FA Cup semi-final win over Wolves on Sunday, said.

“When you racially abuse my family or myself I have to take measures to prevent

young people seeing these comments and thinking that it’s acceptable, and having to expose people I care about to these small-minded people.”

Tottenham defender Danny Rose, who was also subjected to racial abuse in Montenegro, said last week he “could not wait to leave football” after becoming frustrated with the way the authorities are dealing with the problem. “I respect his comments and it’s a shame to hear that,” Sterling said.

“For someone like him — and not everyone can take it the same way — it’s not a nice thing to hear.”

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked whether he had spoken to Rose about his comments.

“It’s a very delicate situation, it’s not easy, it’s very personal how you manage your emotion,” Pochettino said.

“We’re here trying to help him and everyone that can feel that emotion of being abused. It’s a thing that we are of course fighting all together to try to stop.”

BEYOND FOOTBALL Pochettino said the issue was nothing new and that it was a problem that reached beyond football, even if the likes of Rose and Sterling had brought it into the spotlight. “It’s a thing in our society that we need to fight and be against all together to stop that happening again,” he said.

“It’s not only that Danny suffered the other day with Sterling and different people. It happens with people in the street. With Danny and Sterling of course we’re very sorry for them but they have the capacity and the power because they’re famous people who can denounce it. How many people on the outside cannot say anything, only can go home and cry?”

Tottenham’s South Korean forward Son Heung-min has also been a target for abuse and said players must fight together.

“We should just protect the player who gets racism and fight all together,” Son said.

Fruta Conquerors in ‘must win’ clash against Santiago de Cuba

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’s Fruta Conquerors Football Club will be aiming to get a convincing win over Cuban side Santiago de Cuba when the two sides meet today in their final ‘Group A’ game in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football’s (CONCACAF) 2019 Caribbean Club Shield in Curacao.

The Tucville-based side opened the tournament with a 2 – 0 defeat to Scholars International at the Ergilio Hato Stadium but then rebounded to put in a creditable performance against Jong Holland where they should have won, but had to settle for a scoreless draw to secure a point.

Given the fact that they’re positioned last on the fourteam table with a -2 goal difference and on one point from their draw against Jong Holland, Fruta Conquerors will certainly be given the task to score nothing less than three goals and not concede any, and hope that results from the other Group A game works in their favour.

Fruta Conquerors, the GFF Elite League ‘champs’, is the lone Guyanese club at the tournament which will conclude on April 15 and features clubs from 13 different Caribbean Associations.

Through this competition, the participating clubs continue working with CONCACAF towards a long-term vision to professionalise the club game across the region.

After round-robin play, each group’s winners and runners-up will advance to the quarter-finals. The quarter-final winners will automatically qualify to the semi-finals. The two finalists will contest the final on Monday, April 15, 2019. The complete schedule will be released in the coming months.

The winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Caribbean Shield, provided that said team fulfil the CONCACAF Regional Club Licensing criteria, will have the opportunity to face the fourth-placed finishers of the 2019 Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship in a play-off match to determine the fourth Caribbean representative in the 2019 Scotiabank CONCACAF League.

In the inaugural edition of the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield, Club Franciscain of Martinique were crowned champions with a 2-1 victory over Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe.

The Martinique club continued its outstanding 2018 international season by edging Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC 2-1 in the Flow Caribbean Club Championship play-off to secure a spot in their first-ever Scotiabank CONCACAF League, where they eventually fell to Nicaraguan side, Walter Ferretti, in penalties.

FROM BACK PAGE

Capital FC upset Botafago...

In the second game, Eagles United, led by a brace from Donovan Francis, conquered Topp XX 4-2. Francis first sent Eagles United into the lead in the sixth minute of the game but Topp XX, through Abrahim Brown, would tie things up 1-1 in the 17th minute before Kellon Primo gave the Eagles back the lead 2-1 in the 28th minute.

Eagles United increased that advantage to 3-1 from the boot of Francis in the 48th minute and when Colywn Drakes stretched it to a 4-1 score in the 50th minute, the end result was never in real doubt.

And even though Travis Waterton would score for Topp XX in the 78th minute to make it a 4-2 game, the game eventually ended in favour of the number one ranked Eagles United who will take on Capital FC in one of the semifinals.

However, come Sunday, the other quarterfinal matches will be played with Winners Connection facing Silver Shattas in one game and the other tie is between Net Rockers and Blueberry Hill United.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Hot English summer to aid subcontinent teams - Pietersen

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The English weather will play a major role during the World Cup and teams from the Indian subcontinent stand to gain if hot and dry conditions prevail during the May 30-July 14 tournament, former captain Kevin Pietersen has said.

England, which last hosted the quadrennial showpiece in 1999, has witnessed more batsmen-friendly conditions in recent past with scores of 300 regularly posted in one-day internationals held in the country.

A hot English summer will translate into dry pitches on which the batsmen and spinners from the subcontinent teams are expected to thrive. “It is going to be weather dependent,” Pietersen told reporters in Mumbai at a promotional event last week.

“Last year was one of the most beautiful English summers since 1976. It was the hottest summer recorded in the UK with hardly any rain at all, conditions were extremely dry. “If the conditions are like they were last summer, then I think the subcontinent teams are going to have a massive role to play in the World Cup.

“If they are not and it’s horrible and green and seaming, then it’s going to play in England’s favour and the team that copes best in those circumstances.”

While many see it as England’s best chance to win their maiden 50-overs World Cup, India will also be among the favourites.

Led by Virat Kohli, the twotime champions have more or less a settled batting line-up even though they continue to search for a reliable number four in the batting order. Opener Rohit Sharma agreed the English conditions could have a big say on their team selection.

“I think we are pretty much set-

Inspired Hazard double hands Chelsea win over West Ham

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard Action Images via Reuters/Tony O’Brien

(REUTERS)-Eden Hazard’s stunning individual performance earned Chelsea a 2-0 win over West Ham United which hoisted them into third spot in the Premier League on Monday.

The Belgian wizard tormented West Ham throughout and scored both goals to move Chelsea above Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish.

Hazard danced through West Ham’s packed defence in the 24th minute to put Maurizio Sarri’s side in front and Gonzalo Higuain should have buried the visitors before halftime.West Ham improved after the break and Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson both had good chances to equalise but Hazard sealed the points in the 90th minute with a clinical finish.

A third successive victory means Chelsea have 66 points from 33 games, while Tottenham and Arsenal have 64 and 63 respectively having played a game less.West Ham are 11th with 42 points from 33 games. Hazard was in a class of his own, giving the Stamford Bridge faithful another example of why they are so desperate to avoid him moving on at the end of the season — a fact not lost on West Ham’s fans who chanted that about Real Madrid’s interest.

The 28-year-old’s masterful brace means he now has 19 goals in all competitions this season — equalling his previous best for Chelsea in 2014-15. His opener was a contender for goal of the season, taking on half of West Ham’s team single-handedly. Taking possession of the ball 35 metres from goal with a blanket of West Ham players blocking his path to goal, Hazard first accelerated into the area past Declan Rice and Mark Noble. Then, as Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna converged to try and stop him, he left both tackling thin air and with Ryan Fredericks desperately trying to cover he remained perfectly balanced to smash a left-footed shot

past Lukasz Fabianski.

“It was something special. I took the ball and then I tried to move forward. In the box it was hard for the defender to challenge me because if he touches me it could be a penalty,” Hazard told Sky Sports after a near-perfect display.

“I was maybe a little lucky with the shot. I wanted to shoot quickly.

When I saw the ball in the net I was just so happy. I am small so it is good when I play against tall players as it’s very hard for them to change direction.”

Higuain thumped a shot against the woodwork minutes later as Chelsea threatened to run riot and the Argentine was denied again by a timely block shortly before halftime.

West Ham offered more threat in a much more evenly-balanced second half and both Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini had good chances to equalise while Marco Arnautovic headed just wide.

It was left to Hazard to seal the points. This time he collected Ross Barkley’s ball over the top and before West Ham’s defence could close him down, he fired a shot across Fabianski into the far corner.

Floodlight football slated for Saturday at Charity ground PROMOTER ‘Lil Indian’ will host what is expected to be an exciting evening of floodlight football on Saturday at the Charity Community ground. Starting from 16.00hrs, teams from across the region including Charity Extreme, Henrietta United, Mainstay Gold Star, Good Hope F,C, Moruca Tribes, Queenstown F.C

and Dartmouth F.C, among other teams, will be vying for the top prize of $200,000 and a trophy while the runner-up will receive 50,000 and a trophy as well.

Some of the top players including Christopher Livan, Sheldon Pitt, Morrison Bowen, Junior Holder and Deon Smith will showcase their skills for their respective teams.

Among the sponsors are Guinness Bar, Viper, Gutty Variety Store, and Sun Flower Liquor Restaurant and Bar and Monster Energy. Admission to the ground is $500 for adults and $300 for children.

The knock-out tournament is sanctioned by the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon Football Association.

tled. There are a few spots which everyone know about,” Rohit, Kohli’s deputy in limited-overs formats, said.

“It all depends on what the captain, coach and selectors think about the combination. Whether we need to go with the extra seamer, extra middle order batsman, extra opening batsman or an extra spinner.

“The conditions in England will matter the most. The last time when we were there the conditions were really dry. I don’t know if it will be the same again. If it is like that then we need to get an extra spinner, as simple as that. If it’s not then we

India ODI opener Rohit Sharma

should probably get an extra seamer.”

All 10 participating teams will have to submit their 15-member squads by April 23, while injury replacements can be named until May 23.

Central Essequibo T20 League

Bacchus Bulls and Cotton Field claim semi-final spots THE penultimate round of the Central Essequibo T20 League continued on Sunday with exciting wins for Bacchus Bulls and Cotton Field S.C at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

In the first game, host Bacchus Bulls stayed unbeaten with a 23-run victory against Reliance Hustlers. After winning the toss and batting, the Bulls paced their way to 152 all out in the 20th over. A solid half-century by former national Under-19 batsman, Parmesh Parsotam, thrilled the appreciative crowd, including national youth selector Autto Christiani. Parsotam stroked his way to 55, laced with 5 sweetly-timed boundaries and 2 massive sixes to record his fourth consecutive half-century.

He received valuable support from Navindra Persaud with 35 (3x4s) to pilot the Bulls to a challenging total. Off-spinner Pavindra Persaud claimed 2-26 from his 4 overs. In reply, Reliance Hustlers were kept on the back foot by some hostile fast bowling on a pitch that offered considerable pace and bounce.

A barrage of short-pitched bowling was the trend throughout the Bulls display in the field.

Opener Mark Austin, 32 (5x4s) and Pavindra Persaud, 30 (2x4s and 2x6s) briefly resisted with some exquisite stroke-play as they counter-attacked.

However, when they departed, the innings declined and Cotton Field reached 129-8 when the overs expired. Incisive seam

bowling from Ganesh Mangal accounted for impressive figures of 4-14 from his 4 overs for another win for the Bulls and a place in the semi-final.

In the second game at the same venue, Cotton Field S.C secured a tense 4-wicket triumph against Ravens to also book a semi-final spot. After being inserted to bat first, Ravens amassed a challenging 144-6 from a reduced 17 overs due to limited available time.

Consistent contributions from Ganesh Boodram, 34 (4x4s and 2x6s), Glendon Smith, 27 (5x4s) and Elroy Stephney with an unbeaten 25, were the mainstay of the innings. In their turn at the crease, Cotton Field was indebted to a flawless half-century from Boomesh Ramdahin whose superb 52 contained 6x4s and 2x6s. He received admirable support from Rajiv Ramkissoon’s 27 (3x4s) and Kevin Persaud’s 22 (4x4s) as Cotton Field chased the target all the way to the final over needing 11 runs.

A clean hit for 6 from the first delivery broke the wings of Ravens as they couldn’t deny Cotton Field an exciting win with 2 deliveries to spare. Former Essequibo senior inter-county all-rounder Elroy Stephney (2-26) and Safraz Ally (2-24) bowled in a losing cause.

The final round of matches will be played on Sunday at various venues with Bacchus Bulls, Cotton Field and Reliance Hustlers already through to the play-offs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

NAMILCO donates $500,000 worth of Exercise books to RHTYSC’s ‘Say Yes to Education Campaign’

OVER the last twenty five years the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has administered a highly successful ‘Say Yes to Education Campaign’ as part of their personal development programme.

The campaign on Tuesday last received a major boost when the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) handed over thousands of Exercise books valued at $500,000 to the Club.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster received the donation in the presence of club members, Simon Naidu and Ravin Kissoonlall. Foster disclosed that the Exercise books would be distributed shortly to schools at the Primary level as part of the Club’s effort to get children to make education the main goal in their lives.

He expressed gratitude to the Management of Namilco, especially its Managing Director, Bert Sukhai, for having confidence in the Club and its ability to get things done. Foster stated that the Club and its ten cricket teams strongly believe that education is the ‘Key to Success’.

He expressed great concern that many children are dropping out of school at a very tender age and this does not auger well for Guyana’s future. The long-standing sport and youth official stated that every effort must be made to get youths to stay in school and complete their education.

The RHTYSC, over the last twenty-five years, has invested millions of dollars to assist thousands of students in their pursuit of an educational background and

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receives the donation from NAMILCO Managing Director, Bert Sukhai.

dozens of schools, NGOs and teachers. Among the activities hosted were distribution of cycles, exercise books, school bags, school uniform, educational grants and footwear. Among other programmes/activities are ‘Tribute to Outstanding Teachers/Students’, ‘Tribute to Retired Teachers’, ‘Trib-

ute to Head Teachers’, ‘Top Ten Grade Six Students Award’, ‘Republic Bank Summer Camp’, ‘Assistance to Schools’, ‘Sponsorship of Educational Competition’, ‘Youth Inspirational Booklet’, ‘Annual Review Magazine’, ‘Educational Posters’ and a ‘Youth Career Fair’ among others.

Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu also disclosed that in 2019, NAMILCO would be sponsoring a historic School Athletics Championship for Schools in Region 6 on May 26 at the Albion Community Centre ground.

The Athletics event would be coordinated by

the RHTYSC as part of NAMILCO’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Successful athletes would receive trophies, medals and cash prizes. NAMILCO will also co-sponsor the RHTYSC Annual Awards Ceremony and Annual Review Magazine in 2019.

Managing Director Bert Sukhai stated that NAMILCO was pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC and expressed confidence that the relationship would grow stronger. Sukhai noted that the exercise books were printed as part of a massive NAMILCO 50th Anniversary Celebration.

NAMILCO was founded in 1969 and, over the years, has been a massive contributor to the development of sports, youth development, culture and education.

Persaud slams century Reggae Girlz heartened for McGill in WDCA after draw with South Africa Beacon Café 50-over victory

Head coach of Jamaica’s senior women’s team Hue Menzies.

DURBAN, South Africa, (CMC) – Players and support staff of the Jamaica Women’s National Team felt their mission was accomplished, after coming from a goal behind to draw 1-1 in a friendly international with South Africa Women’s National Team on Sunday.

Khadija Shaw equalised for the Reggae Girlz approaching the hour mark, after Linda Motlhalo had given Banyana, Banyana (as the South Africans are known) a 1-0 lead at half-time before a crowd of around 30,000 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Head coach Hue Menzies said he was now in a better position to make a decision on the final Jamaica WNT

squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this June in France.

“We’re very close to arriving at our final squad,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper. “Obviously, we’ve gotta go back and meet with the technical staff.

“We’ve got a few technicalities that we got to wait on with FIFA, but once we get all that stuff sorted, we can finalise our roster. We’ll take 23 for the games, but we’ll take 26 on the trip.”

“That gives us an additional three players to be on that trip, and obviously, if somebody gets injured, we have those alternates there training. Menzies and his technical staff had used the one-week trip to South Africa to assess a number of players, hoping to see if the squad could be strengthened for women’s football’s showpiece tournament.

“Some players played their way in, some players played their way out,” said Menzies. “That’s just the nature of the beast, but we feel like we got a true evaluation of the players.”

Jamaica came under

pressure from early, but the South Africans came close to breaking the deadlock twice, when Jermaine Seoposenwe failed to finish off Refiloe Jane’s pass in the 20th minute and the upright denied Jane’s header from Lebogang Ramalepe’s cross a minute later.

Motlhalo made the breakthrough in the 27th minute for the home team, beating her marker to fire her side in front. The Girlz had a chance to hit back before the half-time whistle, but they could not take advantage of their hosts’ defensive blunder in the 33rd minute.

Shaw brought them level in the 57th minute, when she ran past two defenders before beating hapless South African net-minder Andile Dlamini with a rasping shot just inside the 18-yard box.

Four minutes later, the Girlz had a huge slice of good fortune, when Leandra Smeda missed the chance to give the home team the lead, as she hit the crossbar, after the South African were awarded a penalty from a handled ball inside the penalty area.

Captain and central defender Konya Plummer said her side would have learnt a number of invaluable lessons as they prepare for the World Cup. “What they came out with is definitely what we expected as they exposed us a lot, and that they exposed us showed that we definitely have to train harder and improve on some things,” she told the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

“I know there are always areas of my game that need improvement, but I am working on getting out there, trying to get better to make my team and country proud.

“We gave up a goal and a penalty, so as captain and playing in the defence that is something I have to deal with mentally in the game and how I could step it up.”

The Girlz have been drawn in Group C at the FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside Brazil, Italy and Australia. They will get their campaign started on June 9 against Brazil. They will play Italy on June 14 and Australia on June 18.

FORMER Guyana U-19 captain, Travis Persaud, blasted a century to lead the McGill Super Star Sports Club to their second victory in as many games in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50-over cricket competition on Sunday.

In the clash against home team, Windsor Forest Sports Club, the visiting side won the toss and opted to bat first.

Brothers Travis Persaud and Troy Persaud took on the bowling early and put together 118 runs for the first wicket, before the latter fell for 32. Travis, who turned 21 in February, continued his stroke-play as he mixed caution and aggression.

He shared in four other partnerships, before he fell in the 32nd over for 100 (6x4s, 4x6s), with the score on 168-5, to seam bowler Ravi Kadarnauth. Kadarnauth finished with 4-34 from nine overs, while off-spinner Mahendra Chaitram supported with 3-46 from 8.3 overs, which helped to bowl out the visitors for 208 in 41.3 overs.

Windsor Forest had no

Travis Persaud answer for McGill’s bowling attack as they crumbled for 85-8 in 36.1 overs (two of their batsmen retired hurt and did not return). A few batsmen reached double figures, but none carried on. Aditya Kadarnauth 14 (1x4) and Sachin Balgobin 14 (1x4) finished tied for the most runs.

Off-spinners Travis Persaud, Aron Balram and Abdul Razack took six wickets between them.

Persaud finished with 2-12 from eight overs, while Aron took 2-15 from four overs and Razack 2-21 from 7.1 overs, which propelled McGill to the 123run win.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday April 9, 2019

Dindyal, spinners star in Select U-15 easy win over Essequibo

–Ramraj, Seepersaud spin Demerara to nine-wicket win

By Rajiv Bisnauth BOTH the Select Under-15 and Demerara registered first round wins in the Rubis Bel Air U-17 Inter-County 50-over cricket tournament, which commenced yesterday.

The Select Under-15 beat Essequibo by 45 runs at Enmore Community Center while Demerara whipped Berbice by nine wickets at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground This years’ tournament is being played under the Rubis Bel Air brand and managed through Cricket Guyana Inc., following the High Court ruling last Wednesday whereby the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was deemed illegal.

The tournament was made possible through the personal contributions of Lalta Gainda, Nazimul Drepaul, Anand Sanasie, Rahaman Khan and Richard Jodah.

Off-spinners Krsna Singh at left (4-26) and Alvin Mohabir (3-13), created the damage in the run chase.

Earlier, at Enmore, Mavendra Dindyal struck a fighting 104, and single-handedly dominated the inning.

Despite been dropped four times, the right-hander effort with the bat has been instrumental in taking the Select Under-15 side to 188-7.

Thereafter off-spinners Krsna Singh (4-26) and Alvin Mohabir (3-13), then created the damage, restricting the Essequibo side to 144 all out in 42.3 overs.

However, it was the

14-year-old Dindyal, who stood firm at one end to ensure the challenging total.

After opting to bat, the Under-15s were left gasping for breath, at 44-3 inside the first 15 overs. Medium pacer Sheldon Charles (219), removed both openers, Jadon Campbelle (2), and Rampertab Ramnauth (10) before Tameshwar Mahadeo was stumped off left-arm spinner Ryan Alkinson (239), without scoring.

However, the right-hand-

Mavendra Dindyal struck a fighting 104.

ed pair of Dindyal and Mohabir then manufactured a salvage operation after they had been thrust together.

They added 67 runs for the fourth-wicket during which the Diamond Secondary School student, Dindyal reached his fifty and his side passed the 100-run mark.

Tiger Roll unlikely to seek Grand National hat-trick, says owner O’Leary

By Frank Keogh BBC Sport TIGER ROLL is unlikely to go for an unprecedented third successive Grand National win at Aintree next year, according to owner Michael O’Leary.

On Saturday, the nineyear-old gelding became the first horse since Red Rum 45 years earlier to claim backto-back victories. Red Rum claimed a record third win in 1977 but no runner in the race’s 180-year history has won three in a row. “I feel no pressure to go back and try to win a third time,” said O’Leary.

“Tiger Roll isn’t Red Rum - he’s Tiger Roll.”

The Ryanair chief has said his target next season would again be the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and Tiger Roll could be retired if he wins, meaning the horse would bow out after a fifth victory at jump racing’s

Jockey Davy Russell accompanied Tiger Roll at the homecoming parade in Summerhill on Sunday

big March fixture.

However, O’Leary’s comments have been met with scepticism as he had warned Tiger Roll would not go to Aintree this year after winning at Cheltenham last month. Sent off the 4-1 favourite on Saturday, the horse, ridden by Davy Russell and trained by Gordon Elliott, was the shortest-priced winner since Poethlyn 100 years ago, seeing off runner-up Magic

Of Light by just under three lengths despite carrying 6lb more in weight than last year.

O’Leary, who owns the horse through the Gigginstown House Stud operation he runs with his brother, knows he would almost certainly be made top weight in 2020 for the handicap chase, which would mean another 5lb to carry.

Tiger Roll has looked an even better horse this year,

and the way he travelled so sweetly in the National had some observers suggesting he should run in next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. “We are not tempted by the Gold Cup - he is a small horse, the Gold Cup is such an attritional race,” said O’Leary.

“He has won four times at Cheltenham, and if he were to go back and win five times at Cheltenham - what more do you want from the horse?

I think at that stage I would mind every precious hair in his body.” O’Leary flew back to Dublin on Saturday night with Elliott and Russell among the passengers on one of his aviation firm’s planes and he treated passengers to two free drinks each.

On Sunday, the horse was paraded through the village of Summerhill, County Meath - near to where he is trained - and a crowd of about 2,000 people gathered for the homecoming.

Soon after off-spinner Abdul Nadir (1-18), bowled Mohabir for 29 but Dindyal who was joined

by Captain Zachary Jodah, combined for a fifth-wicket stand of 49 runs before the latter was run out for 13.

Dindyal, who toured with the West Indies Under-15 team last year to England, then brought up his hundred with his ninth boundary, but the innings lost some momentum towards the end with a couple of wickets, including the centurion.

In the run chase, Essequibo lost opener Nadir, leg before to Isai Thorne without scoring before Charles and Scouten added 30 runs for the second wicket. Matthew Pattaya then broke the stand with the wicket of Scouten for 14. At that point the right-handed Charles dominated a third-wicket stand with Azizi Christian worth 58 runs. But Singh

and Mohabir wreaked the havoc thereafter including the wickets of Charles, who made 52 and Christian (24).

Meanwhile, Berbice were routed for just 66 in 29.1 overs with left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj (4-7) and off-spinner Andre Seepersaud (3-6), did the damage. Only Captain Marvan Prashad (31), managed double figures.

In reply, Demerara raced to the winning target, reaching 67-1 in 28 overs. Seepersaud mane an unbeaten 31 while Reynaldo Mohamed contributed 14 not out. The second round is billed for today with Essequibo playing Demerara at GCC while Berbice take on the Select Under-15 at Everest.

The third and final round is scheduled for tomorrow. Berbice will clash with Essequibo at GCC while the Select Under-15 will oppose Demerara at Everest ground.

Double strike from Rodriguez ends Antigua & Barbuda’s CONCACAF Championship bid BRADENTON, Florida – Antigua & Barbuda failed in the bid to qualify for the 2019 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, when the Dominican Republic (DR) took them down 2-0 in Sunday in the deciding match of Group B. The DR became the 20th and final team to qualify for the Championship following two goals early in the second half from Franklin Rodriguez which floored the Antiguans.

The result earned the DR the top spot in Group B with nine points, three points ahead of the Benna

Boys.

It was a tense first half between the two sides, with things still undecided and scoreless at the break. Rodriguez however, broke the deadlock in the first minute of the second half, and extended the DR’s lead 10 minutes later.

From this point, the DR pratically parked the bus, although making a few counter-attacking moves, and saw out the rest of the match to book their tickets to the Championship.

Play will resume for the Championship Round from May 1 to 16

Fruta Conquerors in ‘must win’ clash against Santiago de Cuba

Fruta Conquerors’ Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson was a thorn in the Jong Holland defenders’ side during his side’s 0 – 0 draw in the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield in Curacao.

See Page 20

–Guyanese club eyes Caribbean Club Championship quarter-finals berth

TTFA must explain missing US$2.3m from Home of Football project claims board member TRINIDAD and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) board member Keith Look Loy has claimed there will be questions for the association to answer after an audit of the finances of the Home of Football project has revealed a shortfall of US$2.3m (TT$16m).

According to reports, the discrepancy stems from the number of contracts currently at the association’s headquarters and the budget for the controversial project.

Look Loy had turned to the High Court after failing to get the requested information from the association.

The court ruled in his favour and order the TTFA to furnish Look Loy with the TTFA ledger for the period of November 2015 to present and contributions of FIFA, TTFA and the government for the Home of Football.

The TTFA was also

TTFA board member Keith Look Loy

ordered to hand over the overall budget for the names of all bidding companies or parties in connection with the project, the TTFA personnel who selected contractors and sub-contractors for the project and the name of the project manager; the

names of contractors and sub-contractors engaged; the quantum, duration and terms of all contractors associated with the project and the current financial and construction status of the project.

According to Look Loy, the results were surprising. “When I added up the quantum of what was stated in the contracts, the grand total was TT$3.189 million; but the grand total of the FIFA contribution for the Home of Football was US$2.75 million or TT$19.25 million,” Look Loy told Wired868.com.

“So I don’t know how they plan to explain that shortfall, but the gap is over $16 million!”

According to the online publication, TTFA president David John Williams or any other members of the organisation is yet to respond to queries surrounding the allegations.

Capital FC upset Botafago in penalty shootout; Eagles United thump ToppXX 4-0

From left: Capital FC ‘s Duquan Hercules, goalkeeper Norbert and Andre Mayers

By Joe Chapman CAPITAL FC upset Botafago in sudden-death penalties 6-5, but top-ranked Eagles United flew clear of any hiccups with a 4-2 thumping of Topp XX when the first set of quarter-finals in the Linden Town Week inaugural Linden Mayor’s Cup football championship were played Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing the first quarter-final game, Botafago took the lead in the 20th minute through Jamal Haynes from a clustered play, but Duquan Hercules would level things when he scored from a free-

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kick for Capital FC in the 26th minute and when the first period ended, the score was 1-1.

Entering the second-half, both teams played aggressive football but neither would trouble the score sheet and the game would end 1-1 after regulation play.

Overtime failed to produce a winner since, in the 93rd minute, Capital FC through a Andre Mayers penalty coming off a foul in the box took the lead and were looking good but that was not enough because Botafago were able to knot the scores again, this time in the 104th minute as Antoine Gill fouled after a penalty was awarded from a handled ball by the Capital FC

defender and found the back of the net.

The scores remained locked at 2-2 and penalty kicks were needed to seek a winner.

When the five mandatory penalties were taken, both teams netted them and the scores were locked 5-5.

However, as the sudden-death kicks were to be taken, Capital FC made their first shot good and then their goalkeeper Norbert Sansculotte parried out the attempt by the Botafago player to earn their passage to the semifinals after a tense quarterfinal match.

TURN TO PAGE 20 TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019