Guyana Chronicle Epaper 04 13 2019

SATURDAY 13th April, 2019

‘No contract since we married’ No.105606

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… Housing Minister says husband has one contract remaining with CH&PA

… says he was told since 2017 not to bid anymore

$565M Solar 10 Farm for Lethem

Hundreds of jobs for young people at CRMA job fair 16

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… Youths matched with employers, praise event

WPA identifies Roopnaraine’s replacement 12 PAGE

… awaiting confirmation from President

Two women found 09 murdered PAGE

Youths being interviewed by company representatives at the Job Fair on Friday ( Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

UG behavioural research centre formally opened … offering Master Degree in Clinical Psychology THE Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre of Behavioural Sciences and Research at the University of Guyana was formally opened on Friday, paving the way for the Master programme in Clinical Psychology.

University of Guyana (UG) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, said the project reflects the rebranding of UG in building its educational and economic enterprise, enabling the institute to become a national and international stakeholder.

“This is a manifestation of dreams becoming reality, it is important to view this as a singular milestone coming on the heels of many other achievements under project renaissance,” Professor Griffith said.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, in her remarks, said it is heartening to see the partnership that has led to the birth of the centre. She said the ministry views mental health as one of its priority areas and for the first time in its history, the ministry had established a mental health unit in 2016.

Since then, she said much work has been done particularly in areas of capacity building, with training programmes for

The Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre of Behavioural Sciences and Research.

Acting President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, cut the ribbon to formally open the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre of Behavioural Sciences and Research. He was flanked by Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, and other officials (Delano Williams photo) specific categories of staff within the ministry. The minister noted that while mental illness is multifaceted, it is treatable.

“Ever since UG decided to launch its psychology programme, we at the ministry saw this initiative as a major asset in the drive towards addressing mental illness in Guyana,” the minister said.

Minister Cummings said there will now be a broader pool of human resources that the ministry can utilise in an effort to address mental health in a holistic manner. “Psychologists are essential when it comes to tackling mental illness, as they diagnose problems with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Physicians and other healthcare professionals turn to psychologists for their diagnostic capabilities and services,” she said.

She said that the launching of the Masters in Clinical Psychology is timely, especially in light of the many mental health issues that beset Guyana.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, said the thousands of people who worked to make the event a reality must be praised, and one of the many partners that are

in the background is UNICEF. She said UNICEF has been funding the development of the psychology programme at the university for more than four years. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Michael Scott, said the programmes that are offered have passed through quality assurance that was certified by international partners.

He said the programme that will be offered will be one of a high quality which will be delivered to society. “We recognised the importance of the human condition and we have seen the manifestation in what these conditions can cause and I must say thanks to the Sobhraj Foundation for its foresight,” Scott said.

The newly-designed centre will accommodate a psychology department, lecture halls, a clinical psychology clinic, a student medical centre, students’ gym, a bookstore, students’ religious offices, and a food court.

The building was designated for use by the Psychology majors and will also be used for other majors such as Engineering, Science and Liberal Arts. The construction of the cen-

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, presents a token of appreciation to Jay Sobhraj tre was completed a few weeks ago by Buddy’s Construction – a local general construction company. The Sobhraj Foundation, after spending millions of dollars in the Information Technology sector, working with government institutions such as the Guyana Police Force and NGOs to provide free computer training to the public, while simultaneously working in New York with the public schools by enhancing their existing computer centres, has embarked in assisting the mental health sector in Guyana.

During construction, Dr. Jay Sobhraj increased the donation to ensure that the quality of the construction is not compromised.

In March 2018, Founder of the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation, a US-based Guyanese entrepreneur, Dr. Jay Sobhraj, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Guyana worth approximately $80M, to renovate an existing building known on the University campus as the “Spicy Dish” building.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

‘No contract since we married’

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… Housing Minister says husband has one contract remaining with CH&PA … says he was told since 2017 not to bid anymore

GODFREY Yearwood, the husband of Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, has only one contract remaining with the agency for the construction of two flat houses, and is expected to complete and hand over the houses in the next two weeks.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, Minister Yearwood said that completion of the outstanding works would end her husband’s business with the agency, since she asked him, since 2017, after they were married, not to bid on any more contracts under the CH&PA.

Through his business, Yearwood Contractors and Consultancy Services, Yearwood was awarded four contracts by the CH&PA, one to rehabilitate an office building in Linden, and three contracts under the “Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Project”, all under the CH&PA pre-qualified contractor procurement systems. Under the Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Project, he built five out of the almost 200 homes constructed, and was among over 20 contractors who did work on the project.

The CH&PA has two systems for the awarding of contracts. For contracts valued $20M and under, the organisation invites bids

Fogging slated for lower East Bank tomorrow THE Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Public Health will be conducting a fogging exercise tomorrow from 17:00hrs in Agricola, Eccles and Bagostown.

The ministry says the exercise is intended to rid the areas at reference of mosquitoes, and is asking residents of those lower East Bank communities to keep all potable water receptacles properly covered before it commences, and to allow the mists to pass through their homes so as they may have the desired effect.

They’re also asking that said residents regularly monitor their surroundings, so as to ensure there are no sites where larvae can thrive.

from a pool of prequalified contractors, who have to apply annually in December to qualify for the coming year.

All contracts over $20M are handled by the National Tender and Procurement Administration Board (NTPAB).

CH&PA Director of Projects, Omar Narine, explained that Yearwood first came on board as a CH&PA pre-qualified contractor after he was among a list of suggested contractors from the Regional Democratic Council, when the agency advertised for the rehabilitation of the office building.

He was subsequently awarded that contract. Controversy has been building over the conflict of interest

arising from Yearwood being awarded contracts from the CH&PA, when his wife is the minister of the agency.

The issue came to light after a sub-contractor of the company complained to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, about a lack of payment by Yearwood’s company.

However, the timeline of the awarding of the contract remains an issue, as to whether the contracts were awarded before or after the minister and Yearwood got married in August 2017. The Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond” project was officially launched in April 2017; however, construction of the homes began prior to that.

Yearwood’s first contract

under “Housing Solutions 2017 & Beyond” and the company’s second contract with CH&PA, for the construction of one out of 60 duplexes, has already been completed. The third contract was for the construction of two of the 60 elevated units that were built. Yearwood was one of over 20 contractors who were awarded to work on these houses. That contract is also settled. The fourth contract was for the construction of two out of 64 flat units constructed. This contract is still on-going, and for which the houses are to be completed in a few weeks.

Yearwood did not bid for any contracts in 2018, or 2019.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood (Adrian Narine photo)

Judge orders psychiatric evaluation of murder accused JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes has ordered that a psychiatric evaluation be done on Seon Singh called ‘Paul’, who is to stand trial at the High Court for the 2012 murder of his reputed wife.

Singh is accused of killing his reputed wife, Indranie Sugrim, also known as Indra on November 25, 2012 at Lot 502 Ninth Field, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defendant’s attorney, Maxwell McKay, had made an application for Singh to be evaluated, which was granted by Justice Bovell-Drakes. The matter is adjourned until ‘Seon Singh called ‘Paul’ April 23, 2019.

According to reports, on November 25,

2012, Singh allegedly entered the home of Sugrim with a knife and began to assault her, resulting in her death. Reports are that persons in the area, including Sugrim’s sister, heard her screams for help but failed to go to her rescue.

Sugrim’s sister had told the Guyana Chronicle that prior to her sister’s death, the couple was seeing each other for the past five years and those five years were marred with arguments and fights.

She had said that Singh was always abusive to her sister and pointed out that it was because of his behaviour, that her sister would usually keep her gate chained and locked.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 13, 2019

U.S. slaps sanctions on four shipping firms, nine ships, carrying oil from Venezuela

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday announced more sanctions on shipping companies transporting oil from Venezuela, blacklisting four shipping companies and nine vessels, some of which the U.S. Treasury Department said carried oil to Cuba.

The U.S. Treasury identified the firms as Liberia-based Jennifer Navigation Ltd, Lima Shipping Corp and Large Range Ltd, and Ita-

ly-based PB Tankers S.P.A. It blacklisted one tanker belonging to each of the Liberian firms and six owned by the Italian firm. A Treasury statement said Venezuela’s oil sector continued “to provide a lifeline to the illegitimate regime” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

“We continue to target companies that transport Venezuelan oil to Cuba, as they are profiting while the Maduro regime pillages natural resources,” Treasury Secre-

tary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. “Venezuela’s oil belongs to the Venezuelan people, and should not be used as a bargaining tool to prop up dictators and prolong oppression,” he said. The sanctions prohibit dealings with the firms by U.S. citizens and block the companies’ financial interests in the United States.

A week ago, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 34 vessels owned or operated by Venezuelan state-run

oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A, or PDVSA, and also on two companies and a vessel that delivered oil to Cuba in February and March. PDVSA nevertheless shipped 1 million barrels of oil to Cuba after the last round of sanctions, according to a PDVSA document and tanker tracking data.

Last week’s sanctions came on top of a previous round in January targeting PDVSA itself. The United States and most Western na-

tions have recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president of Venezuela. Guaido invoked the Venezuelan constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, arguing that Maduro’s 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro argues Guaido is a puppet of the United States attempting to oust him in a coup. Venezuela’s Foreign minister Jorge Arreaza this week said the OPEC-member nation plans to “fulfill its commitments”

to Cuba.

Venezuela has long sent subsidized crude to Cuba. The United States describes the arrangement as an “oil-for-repression” scheme in which Havana helps socialist Maduro weather an economic crisis and the power struggle with the opposition in exchange for fuel. Cuba has said it will never abandon its ally even as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration threatened more sanctions.

Ecuador holding Swedish programmer linked to Assange in custody CARACAS (Reuters) Ecuador said on Friday it is holding a program-

mer linked to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in custody pending possible

charges of interfering in private communications, a day after ending Assange’s seven-year asylum in its London embassy.

Interior Minister Maria Paula Romo said prosecutors could file charges against Ola Bini, who she said lives in Ecuador and had visited Assange in the London embassy a dozen times.

President Lenin Moreno in recent weeks had accused WikiLeaks and Assange of violating his privacy by publishing family photos of him.

WikiLeaks denies the accusation, and says Moreno was trying to stifle reporting of corruption allegations against him. “He is detained for the purposes of investigation.

This is a detention that took

Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs

place in recent hours, ordered by judges of course, and requested by state prosecutors,” Romo said in televised comments. “This person is very close to WikiLeaks.”

Romo, who on Thursday had announced the detention of an unidentified individual, did not provide further details. On his website, Bini describes himself as a software developer who works for the Quito-based Center for Digital Autonomy, which focuses on digital privacy and security. The site does not mention WikiLeaks.

Bini and the Center for Digital Autonomy did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Romo said the government had information that Bini had traveled on several occasions with Ricardo Patino, who was Ecuador Foreign Minis-

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ter when Assange was granted asylum in 2012 during the government of former President Rafael Correa. Patino via Twitter said he does not know Bini. Romo said two Russian citizens were also under investigation but had not been arrested.

Moreno’s government accused WikiLeaks of being behind an anonymous website that said Moreno’s brother had created offshore companies that his family used to fund a luxurious lifestyle in Europe while Moreno was a delegate to a United Nations agency. Moreno, who was Correa’s vice president but fell out with him after taking office in 2017, denies wrongdoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 13, 2019

Trinidad police worried at involvement of Venezuelans in crime PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Apr 12, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Friday said that there were a number of Venezuelan nationals being recruited by local gangs for involvement in criminal activities here.

“This is seriously going to hurt the Trinidad and Tobago Police service in trying to maintain law and order and trying to deal with security in this country,” Police Commissioner Gary Griffith told a news conference. “From what we have pinpointed through our intelligence, many of these individuals are entering here illegally, they do not know where they

are going to work so they are being easily manipulated and lured by gang leaders to work for them,” he told reporters.

Griffith said that there’s another aspect, where other Venezuelan nationals who have been involved in criminal activities are now seeing Trinidad and Tobago as “a better option for them to be involved in criminal activity inclusive of drug dealing and gang activity.

“The result is there for a fact,” Griffith said, insisting that some the illegal immigrants were entering the country with ill intent. “We know that an amnesty has been given to Venezuelans who may have entered here

illegally. The concern of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has is that over the last three weeks, three Venezuelan nationals have been killed.

“The reports have shown that these three Venezuelan nationals have been involved in certain questionable activities involving questionable criminal elements, especially in the Western Division and Port of Spain. “Just last night two other Venezuelan nationals were also killed whilst trying to confront police officers with firearms,” he said, adding “as much as we are doing the charitable thing …my concern is that charity must begin at home.

There’s a clear and present danger of certain Venezuelan nationals entering this country involved with one thing and one thing alone, to be involved in criminal activity,” Griffith said.

On Thursday, national Security Minister Stuart Young announced that Trinidad and Tobago government had agreed to open a two-week registration for Venezuelans to allow then an initial stay of six months in which they can also work in the twin island republic. Venezuelans who arrive here legally or illegally, will benefit from the process and Young said five registration centres will be set up with interpreters for

CDB supporting Maritime Security Project of Regional Security System Collaboration is essential for Caribbean countries in their efforts to strengthen maritime security so as to protect citizens and unlock the potential of the blue economy.

This advice came from Monica La Bennett, Vice-President (Operations) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on April 5, 2019 as the Bank signed a USD 335,000 grant agreement with the Regional Security System (RSS) to finance development of a Regional Maritime Security Strategy.

“At CDB, we believe that we should employ more regional approaches to addressing our development challenges…. We see this project as a statement of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to promoting regional coopera-

tion and integration, in keeping with our mandate,” stated La Bennett.

She was speaking at the RSS Council of Ministers meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the project was launched. The Bank’s financing will support the development of national maritime strategies for each of the RSS member countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The project will also see the creation of an overall Regional Maritime Security Strategy and Implementation Plan which will incorporate the needs of the individual country plans, as well as capacity building and training for the relevant stakeholder agencies.

Chairman of the RSS Council of Ministers, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, welcomed the CDB intervention and noted the changing and complex nature of the security challenges which the RSS and its member countries face, stating: “The challenges are very different – terrorism, issues relating to migration, trafficking in persons and weapons and drugs [and] issues arising as a consequence of adverse climate change.” Executive Director of the RSS, Captain Errington Shurland, also highlighted the unique nature of the challenges facing the Region’s maritime security space, which underscore the need for the project.

“…The maritime area of responsibility [in the RSS sub-region] is 128 times larger than the terrestrial area. The sea is the life line of this Region and is key to economic development. The maritime space is also the area where most of the threats come from.

Our porous borders coupled with limited capability to conduct maritime domain awareness operations and a lack of maritime and port security awareness among some key stakeholders, means that this is a significant vulnerability,” he said.

The project will also include analysis of maritime threats and an examination of domestic legislation in member states to identify any disparities in regional and international obligations under

the registration process.

He said the Venezuelans would undergo medical examinations and at the end of the six months, will have their situations evaluated before another six-month period becomes available to them. Griffith told reporters if illegal immigrants are found to be involved in crime, they should be deported immediately. “Individuals who entered the country illegally, they may have an amnesty, but if based on law enforcement intelligence any individual who is here as an illegal immigrant and has been given an amnesty is on suspicion based on intelligence of that individual being

involved in any questionable activity and that individual is red flagged that they be immediately deported,” Griffith said.

“The reason I am saying this is as much as have all the persons who would love to state that Jesus was a refugee and that we need to embrace everyone the fact is I have to look after the wellbeing and interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and this situation with Venezuelan nationals coming in here with a deliberate intent to be involved in criminal activity it is unacceptable,” he said.

the international maritime conventions and protocols. Noting that “maritime security is not simply about law enforcement and governance”, La Bennett pointed out the economic implications.

“Importantly, the water within our common maritime space facilitates over 90% of the movement of goods within the Sub-region.

There is further evidence of intrinsic links between maritime security and economic development in the Eastern Caribbean, in those areas where commercial shipping,

cruise-tourism, fisheries and other offshore undertakings are major economic activities. Maritime security can, therefore, be regarded as an important enabler of the Blue Economy through safeguarding navigation routes and protecting rights over valuable marine resources and activities,” she added.

The project is being undertaken through collaboration with the Organisation of American States and the International Maritime Organisation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 13, 2019

Fighting drug abuse

GUYANA, as is the case with a majority of other countries, continues to face and fight the problem of substance abuse among its citizens.

Sadly, that fight, in which the government is tasked with taking the lead, is necessary, as many Guyanese, particularly the youths, have fallen victim to the destructive habit of substance abuse. On the bright side, since the election to office of the APNU+AFC coalition administration in May 2015, Guyana has had a government that has not only stated its uncompromising commitment to fighting the scourge, but has demonstrated its resolve, through concrete actions, including the enactment of policy initiatives, and implementation of appropriate programmes.

While there is no universally -accepted definition of substance abuse, many would agree that substance abuse, more commonly known as drug abuse, is the habitual or patterned use of a drug or drugs in which the users use the substance in dangerous amounts, or by methods which are harmful to themselves or others. Another distinguishing characteristic is that the consumption of the substance is medically unnecessary or unrecommended.

Drugs are usually used in this manner to create an altered state of consciousness in the users for the purpose of producing sensations which are pleasing to them - what is known as a “high". Drugs that cause that effect are said to be psychoactive. The altered state of mind, though, which is the initial motivator for drug use, may result in a frightening array of ills, including a variety of serious medical, social, economic, and other types of problems.

Drugs which are abused for their psychoactive properties are categorised by medical experts as stimulants which cause the user to feel excited and full of energy, depressants that produce a calming or sedative effect, or hallucinogens, which can distort the users’ perception of reality to the extent that they experience sensations that are not real. Drugs that are abused, such as cocaine, cannabis, heroin, and methamphetamine are illegal. However, legal substances may also be abused. Alcohol, tobacco, the sleepaid, valium, and the pain-killer, vicodin, are examples of frequently abused legal drugs.

Persons who abuse drugs may claim that their drug of choice helps them to function better. For example, the alcohol-using writer may

say that drinking improves creativity; the valium-abusing bank-teller may believe that the drug helps him or her stay calm while interacting with rude customers; and the cocaine-dependent carpenter will probably tell you that the drug prevents him from feeling tired. Those sentiments are most often expressed by persons who have only recently started using a drug, and, indeed, drugs can have the apparent effect, at first, of improving the user’s performance of particular tasks, particularly in the areas of work or competitive sports. But, those seemingly positive effects do not last long.

Psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, the most abused drug in Guyana, cocaine, and tobacco cause physical changes in the brain of the user. After this occurs, the person can no longer function without the drug. At that point, the user has become the victim of drug-dependence or addiction. Getting more of the drug is the only thing that the victim can think about. He may lose his job, sell his possessions to fund his uncontrollable need for the drug, and he may lose his family. Such is the nature of substance abuse; it lures its victims into a seemingly beautiful place that turns out to be, in reality, a web of desperation and

despair, from which there may be little chance of escape.

The APNU+AFC administration has made it clear that it understands the dangers posed by substance abuse, and recognises that preventing that and similar problems is better than curing them. Addressing the opening of the 2018 Health Expo at the National Exhibition Site on May 30, 2018, President David Granger said, "Prevention is particularly important when dealing with lifestyle diseases.

His Excellency asserted, “Alcohol and drug abuse are unhealthy, and a cure is expensive.” The president underscored where prevention should begin. He said: “It starts with you. It starts with mommy and daddy; it starts at the home. Prevention of lifestyle diseases is part of the human socialisation process. It begins in the home; in the family; in the household [and] it is reinforced at school and at work and it is fortified at the neighbourhood national and regional levels.”

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, speaking at the launch of the Guyana Drug Information Network (DIN) in September of last year, explained that the health ministry has committed itself to increasing access to drug treatment across the country by training more

professionals in the field. She elaborated that in accordance with the National Drug Strategy Master Plan (2016 - 2020), the government’s policy is a multifaceted, holistic approach to the issue. Minister Lawrence iterated a point first articulated by President Granger at the fifth anniversary of the Solomon’s Temple, located at Phillipi Village, East Berbice, Corentyne. The Minister noted that the government will work with non-governmental and faith-based organisations, and other entities to combat substance abuse.

Guyana is fortunate, since the last national elections, to have a government that is determined to reduce, and, if possible, eliminate the drug problem, instead of a government which condones or turns a blind eye to the issue. Individual Guyanese and organised groups of every kind are urged to heed the offer made by the administration to work hand-inhand with anyone or any group that is willing to fight the blight of substance abuse, simply because, we have no choice. This is a fight that we have to win, if we are to develop as a people.

I need justice for my mom

Dear Editor,

ON April 2, 2019, John Hetsberger pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Subsequently, I learnt that on April 5, 2019, he was sentenced to ten years, from which time served (five years) will be deducted.

I am writing to express the scepticism and outrage felt by our family at several aspects of this case.

On Friday, August 8, 2014, while my mother, Ann Mendonca, was in her kitchen, he entered through the half-open back door and hit my mother on the head, using a metal bar from our kitchen; strangled her, and placed a plastic bag over her head.

First, John Hetsberger (then 18 years old) confessed to the police that he murdered my mom (57 years

old) in the manner described above.

Therefore, reducing the charge from murder to manslaughter needs a proper explanation.

My family was never given even a phone call or visit to alert us that the matter was called in the High Court, despite many attempts to find out when the matter would be heard.

I even visited the DPP’s office towards the end of last year, and was told that I would be contacted early in March,which never occurred.

No family or close friend was there in court to represent my mother. From reading the newspapers and social media (which carried another woman’s photograph), the only reason offered by the defendant for his action was to tarnish the good name of my mother by stating that my mom was well-known as a “spiritualist”, and had done “some-

thing” (Stabroek News) or “works” (Kaieteur News) to his father that caused his death. This slanderous declaration seems to have been concocted long after he had voluntarily confessed to the murder of my mom. No doubt, being the outspoken and fearless person that she was, she would have confronted him when he forced his way into our home.

My mom was well-liked and respected by all who knew her. She was a spiritual person; not a ‘spiritualist’, and attended her Christian church.

Hetsberger’s reward for ‘not wasting the court’s time’ seems to be a short sentence, while memories of the victim are now tainted by lingering questions of what ‘really happened’ between her and the defendant’s father.

Neither I nor my family was given an opportunity to have closure in the matter by simply being allowed to witness the sentencing. But is there ever ‘full closure’, especially when a life is so tragically taken away? I was not given an opportunity to look at the person who murdered my mother in the eye before he was carried away to prison. The next time I might see him is when he is free.

I believe that the sentence requires an explanation. Also, I want it to be clear that neither I nor my family believe in excessive sentences, and we are not calling for one in this case. My mom didn’t like the death penalty, and members of my family and I don’t believe that taking another life to fill the absence of a loved one is ‘getting justice’.

Nor are we questioning the young

man’s remorse, which commanded so much attention in this case.

Again, I was not given the opportunity to see him break down in tears, or apologise to me for the wrong he did. My family and I are concerned that my mother’s reputation not be stained by her killer. John Hestsberger needs all the help available in acknowledging that he was raised by an abusive father. I’m not here to throw stones. I have moved on as best as I could, and I feel that he has not forgiven himself, because, instead of owning up to his mistake, he tried to justify his actions. That’s not manslaughter; that’s murder.

Regards Gregory DeSouza

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday April 13, 2019

There has been an increase in attacks on Lands and Surveys Systems Dear Editor, THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has, over the past few weeks, witnessed and received complaints of an increasing number of cyber-attacks on its systems. As a result, the Commission is taking steps to enhance its cyber defences.

Editor, although we maintain control to help protect our networks and computers from cyber threats, we rely heavily on our clients to be an important and critical line of defence by not falling prey to this apparent fraud, geared to trick citizens.

The Commission remains committed to serving the people of Guyana through proper, legitimate channels, and therefore rejects, in the strongest possible terms, this attempt by outside, so far, unknown sources, to mingle in the internal affairs of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

We implore our clients and stakeholders to be on the lookout for strange emails coming from the Commission, the CEO’s personal email, as well as the personal emails of staffers from the Commission.

Should you receive any email from the Commission or staff members of the Commission and want to confirm its legitimacy, please contact the Public Relations Officer, by phone: 226-6490 ext 1010 or by email rjames@glsc.gov.gy.

Additionally, we are urging our clients and stakeholders not to click on links or attachments from senders that you do not recognise, or are suspicious in content, structure or tone. Be especially wary of .rar or other compressed or executable file types (e.g. .exe, .zip).

Regards, Royden James Public Relations &Communications Officer, GLSC

The Ministry should MoPI is not consider offering CAPE studies responsible for the at CXC in some schools slippage on the Parika Road

Dear Editor,

I HEREBY humbly suggest that the Ministry of Education conducts a feasibility study, with the express intention of determining the possibility of offering CAPE studies at CXC at selected schools in Regions 2, 3, 4 (East Bank) and 5.

Should this suggestion find favour with the principals of the Ministry of Education, and the findings reveal that the need exists for such offerings, the benefits that will redound to the aforementioned Regions, with the implementation of this programme, will be enormous. Some of the likely benefits are as follows: 1. It will raise the level of education acquired by the residents.

2. It will better prepare the youths in those Regions to compete for scholarship places offered by the government.

3. It will aid in the preparation of a cadre of youths to manage the affairs of those Regions in years to come.

4. The ministry will do well not to hesitate to pursue this goal.

5. It will create vacancies for teachers, thus reducing unemployment.

6. It will keep students longer in school, thus reducing the possibility of them getting involved in crime.

7. It will reduce the number of youths who leave school after completing their CSEC examina-

tions and cannot find employment, thereby swelling the number of the unemployed.

8. It will reduce the distance students have to travel, and the financial burden the parents must bear for students from these regions to access CAPE studies in other Regions.

9. It will reduce the stress on the parents and students with transportation issues, accommodation, financial constraints and so on.

10. It will create opportunities for the more gifted to pursue advanced studies, and students will get more time to explore and decide on a career.

11. It will reduce the inequality that exists with respect to access to education (CAPE) between rural and urban areas.

I am convinced that this investment in education of our children is not too much to ask for. 2020 is coming!

I end with this quote: “It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education. Those who do not believe this have small imaginations.” (Nelson Mandela).

Regards, Bernel L.H Wickha

Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure takes this opportunity to respond to an article published in the Friday, April 12, 2019 edition of the Guyana Times under the headline, “Parika NDC fearful of road danger created by private company”.

The Ministry would like to inform the residents of Parika that the road mentioned in the article does not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, but rather under the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, the drainage works presently being carried out is under the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure empathises with the residents as to the importance of this slippage to be fixed, and therefore urges the RDC to consult with the Ministry of Agriculture for a speedy resolution.

Regards, Ms. Krest Cummings Public Relations Officer Ministry of Public Infrastructure

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

300 chickens distributed to Speightland residents in support of their businesses –– Min. Allicock delivers on a promise

RESIDENTS of Speightland, Central Mackenzie, Linden, received a total of 300 chickens along with bags of feed to start up poultry-rearing businesses.

The poultry was handed over to five residents by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, during a simple ceremony in the village on Friday. One person received 100 chickens while the remaining received 50 each. Minister Allicock explained that the initiative delivers on a promise made to the residents during an engagement last year. Fourteen residents in the

village had invested in building chicken coops and needed support to get the poultry to start their business. Minister Allicock said that he was able to secure 750 chickens which will be distributed in consignment to the 14 persons; these five persons being the first group to receive.

“We have to take them by batches, the first batch is five persons, and then we stagger them in a two-week process so that we would have a system that you will have chickens rolling all the time.

So, we are starting small with 50 chick-

Juliet DaSilva, an entrepreneur, receives her chickens from Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock ens… this will help you to study the whole anatomy of the chicken, the feed, the market, and most of all, keeping the environment clean.”

Twenty-five-year-old Juliet DaSilva, who received 50 chickens to begin her poultry business, already owns an internet café. She said that this will see her earning more to sustain her family. “I am very thankful for this, as young people, we will be able to develop ourselves and earn, and make a contribution to the development of our community.”

Additionally, Jim Persaud, a block maker, also received $100,000 to boost his block-making business. He had also

requested assistance from the government to purchase tools to kick-start his own cement block-making business to sustain his family. Persaud, who has been living in Speightland for some 30 years, said that he already has the sand and bricks and the money will be used to purchase the mold and cement.

“I’m thankful for this, it is a great start,” he said. According to Minister Allicock, this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to empower citizens so that they can earn a living and make meaningful contributions to their communities and by extension the country.

Some of the chickens that were distributed to the residents

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Tempie woman found dead with throat slit

P

OLICE were up to late Friday night investigating the murder of a 69-year-old woman whose body was discovered in her home at Tempie Village West Coast Berbice with her throat slit.

The woman was identified as Joycelyn Jameer and relatives said that she was al-

Biker dies in collision with car at Blairmont A MOTORCYCLIST on a CBR bike died following an accident on the Plantain Walk road leading to Blairmont Estate at Blairmont, West Bank Berbice on Friday afternoon.

Details about the accident are sketchy. The dead man has been identified as Roy aka ‘Wiley’, aged 37 of Panday Street, Bath Settlement, and was identified as the proprietor of Troys Taxi Service located at Bennett Dam Rosignol.

Reports suggested that the man was riding the motorcycle along Plantain Walk road around 17:15hrs when he collided with a motor car. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

ready dressed in her nightgown at the time the brutal attack on her took place.

Reports said that the elderly woman lived with her daughter.

The daughter had however left earlier in the day on personal business and returned home around night fall to make the shocking discovery.

Middle-aged woman found dead in home POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Nazarene Haniff ,52 years ,a businesswoman of 347 Red Village Extension Scheme, Onderneeming Essequibo.

The woman’s body was discovered

in her home about 13:15h Friday with injuries to the face and body.

Her house was also ransacked, police said.

The body is presently at the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

Communication consultant, family robbed … unanswered 911 calls being investigated

POLICE will be investigating the issue of unanswered 911 calls during the wee hours of Friday morning in the aftermath of a robbery committed on advertising and communications consultant, Troy Alex Graham, and his family, by bandits at their South Ruimveldt, Georgetown home.

The bandits carted off jewellery, electronic items

and an undisclosed sum of cash, while the family was asleep. Reports indicate that Graham’s wife was awakened in the wee hours of Friday morning in her room after noticing a bandit searching through items in their room.

After all family members were alerted about the fleeing bandit, the family tried contacting the police

through the 911 hotline, but the number went unanswered.

With all of their electronic devices stolen, Graham managed to secure an old laptop where he made Facebook post about the robbery which led persons to contact the police who then called him.

“My family was just robbed at home. Someone

broke into our house and stole all of our valuables while we slept. We are unable to reach the police on 911 and we have been calling for more than an hour,” the Facebook post read.

Police said that the bandits entered the home after construction workers left a ladder in the yard, which the robbers used to gain access to a window.

Advertising and Communications consultant Alex Graham

Inner Wheel Club Hat Show on for April 27

THE Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown is set to host its annual Easter Hat Show and Garden Party at the Promenade Gardens, Middle Street, on April 27, 2019, starting at 15:00hrs.

This year’s show will

represent 33 years since the club has been hosting the popular and signature Easter event, which continues to draw huge crowds. As has happened on previous occasions, it is expected that patrons and contestants alike, will showcase their

uniquely-designed hats depicting different creative ideas.

The designs for the hats can be depicted in three categories: Original, Elegant, and Comical/Topical.

The competition is open to male and female, young and

old. For persons desirous of participating in the competition, registration will begin at the venue on that same day at 14:30hrs. Pastries and cakes will be on sale and tea will be served at 15:30hrs. In addition, there will be face painting

and games for the children, while the Guyana Police Force Band will provide musical entertainment.

The cost for entry to the venue is $500, while patrons with a preference for tea will pay an additional $2,500.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

$565M solar farm for Lethem

A ONE-MEGAWATT (1 MW) solar farm valued at $565M is expected to be constructed in Lethem, the Department of Public Information has reported.

The plan for the solar farm is currently awaiting approval from the International Tender, after which the construction will commence. The project, which “is anticipated to take a year to come into fruition,” will provide Lethem with a more stable source of electricity.

It is also expected to supplement the diesel-based electricity supply and according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, it is anticipated that within two and a half years, Lethem will be fully operable on renewable energy.

The establishment of the Lethem solar farm is part

of a larger, national project to equip the Rupununi and other outlying areas, such as Mabaruma, Bartica and Mahdia, with enough access to a reliable energy source by 2020. The government has already commissioned a 0.4MW solar farm in Mabaruma in 2018 and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is expected to be constructed in Mahdia in June of this year.

Minister Patterson told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was recently approved. This loan is expected to fund the feasibility study for the establishment of $1.4Billion hydropower system, using the Moco Moco and Kumu Falls located in the Rupununi.

Patterson previously had

said that though Guyana’s rich renewable energy sources offer the potential for solar energy, hydropower, biofuels, bagasse, biomas, biogas and wind power, they remain largely untapped.

Under this government, the public infrastructure minister said, the renewable sources could be exploited in partnership with local, regional and bilateral partners. “We believe that investments in renewable energy can propel Guyana’s energy transition.

As I’ve said before, it offers the potential for us to create good green jobs; and significantly reduce energy costs in the country’s electricity sector,” he said. He added: “For a number of reasons, we have chosen to focus our investments in solar and wind energy technologies because they could significant-

ly reduce energy costs for Guyanese. Businesses will be able to reduce production costs and boost income and this will result in benefits to families, communities and the country at large.”

It was pointed out that the Hinterland Electrification Company has estimated cost of US$14,486,927 for investments in solar farms in the communities of Bartica, Lethem, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Matthew’s Ridge and Kwakwani. These initiatives,

the public infrastructure minister said, are aligned with the country’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) framework document.

The GSDS is being designed to achieve, among other things, the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy in the power sector; affordable, reliable and clean energy services for all; ensure security and quality of energy for business growth and increase energy efficiency.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

Our fight against crime is a collective one … PM Mitchell tells 20th CARICOM CONSLE CHAIR of the 20th Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell, on Friday stressed the necessity for a collective approach to effectively address security in the Region, when he spoke at the opening of the meeting in the Grenadian capital, St. Georges.

“We need each other, as our fight against crime is a collective one,” he said, adding: “As small fledgling economies, we are also unfairly subjected to international assessments that sometimes result in blacklisting.”

Noting that “security could never be over-emphasised, Dr Mitchell, who is also Grnada’s Minister of National Security, said: “Without security, nothing else works.”

Drawing particular attention to, among other matters, the issue of border security, he again stressed that there should be unified positions, given the nature of our borders.

“The relevance of border security at the regional level takes on even greater significance because of the porous nature of our borders,” he said. And, zeroing in on the current situation in Venezuela and its impact and potential impact to affect our countries, he called for regular discourse on security, and for “the adoption of regional positions that give consideration to what is best for all concerned.”

“Each country’s security is correlated with others; we have to accept that,” Dr Mitchell said. “Crime is an escapable reality that must be faced,” he said, adding: “Some of our neighbouring countries right here are classified amongst the most violent in the world by virtue of the number of homicides to population ratio.

“New and emerging threats in the domain of cyberspace, brought on by significant technological advances, have been moved from being at our doorsteps to the status of fast becoming a pervasive threat, as our new virtual world often provides the cover of anonymity to many who wish to ply their nefarious trades within our borders.”

This 20th CONSLE will, among other matters, review the management framework for crime and security; the regional single domestic space; and the requirements for same. In this last context, matters such as

Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Minister of National Security, addressing the 20th CARICOM Meeting of CONSLE on Friday. the movement of persons within a harmonised framework for entry and a harmonised visa regime will receive consideration. The Caribbean’s resilience agenda and its implications for hard security and diplomacy is another policy issue on the table, given the Region’s vulnerability to natural hazards, geological and climate/weather related, as well as crime and security threats with their potential to amplify the impact of climate change and the after-effects of natural hazard events, poses serious challenges.

Geo-political issues affecting security in the Region, and in this context, the implications of the Framework for Migrant Health on the security sector including the nexus for health security; implications of the non-hemispheric military presence in Region, counter-terrorism in the Region and what programmes have been put in place to respond to this challenge are included in the matters to be discussed. Crime and security is the fourth pillar of the regional integration process and the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) coordinates security and law enforcement arrangements across the Community.

The Community Strategic Plan 20152019 identifies Enhancing Citizen Security and Justice as a strategy of its Social Resilience Strategic Priority.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Several injured in Norton St accident

A ROUTE 41 (Norton/South) minibus toppled into a drain on Friday morning after almost colliding with another minibus operating in Route 42, causing injuries to several persons.

Those injured were passengers of the Route 41 minibus, BWW 1782, which was transporting 14 persons at the time of the accident. An eyewitness recounted that the Route 41 minibus was proceeding east along Norton Street approaching the Cemetery Road junction, while the Route 42 minibus, BVV 6909, was travelling south along Cemetery Road.

According to the eyewitness, despite a speed bump and stop sign indicating to the Route 42 minibus that it needed to yield to oncoming traffic on Norton Street, the driver of the bus proceeded across the road. “I was right down deh,” she said, while pointing a few houses away from where the accident took place. “And I see the South bus was coming down Norton Street with another bus behind him. When he [the Route 41 minibus driver] meet to Cemetery Road, he saw the bus coming and he blowing his horn but like the bus driver [Route 42] ain’t hear he because he windows was wind up. The [Route 41] driver had to swerve and he hit a pole

and that’s how he ended up in the gutter,” the eyewitness said.

She noted that while several persons were injured and some bloodied, no one appeared gravely injured.

“People were crying. A young lady was crying for her heart, and another lady she couldn’t walk because of her foot,” the eyewitness recollected. The driver of the Route 41 bus, Anthony Chester, who walked away unscathed, was present at the scene and noted that he blew his horn on the other driver as he approached the intersection, however, the Route 42 minibus continued to proceed.

Chester stated that he had communication difficulties with the occupants of the Route 42 minibus. “I get hit and pushed into the trench; there was nothing more I could do. He hit and he just keep coming. I tried to talk to the driver [after the accident] but he [didn’t speak English]. There were about six of them [in the Route 42 bus], but none of them seems to know any English,” the 49-year-old relayed.

Guyana Chronicle also spoke with a passenger of the Route 41 bus who also gave a similar recount of the incident.

The injured persons were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment.

The Route 41 bus in the drain on Norton Street

Cuban Scholarship Programme still operational SCHOLARSHIPS being offered by the Republic of Cuba to Caribbean nationals are still available despite economic challenges faced by that country, according to Ernesto Soberon Guzman, Director of the Division of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad.

During a two-day visit to Guyana to discuss matters of migration, Guzman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the scholarship programme still exists. He said that the Cuban government is offering a special programme to “students with Cuban parents” and such persons will have an opportunity to study medicine in Cuba.

Guzman’s reassurance of the Cuban Government’s commitment to offering scholarships to its “friends in the Caribbean region,” is a representation of the long-standing relationship between the Spanish-speaking country and the region.

Over the past four decades, Cuba has provided thousands of scholarships to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations to assist in their national development.

Further, the thirty-year-old CARICOM-Cuba Scholarship Programme has allowed for the education of thousands of Guyanese and strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries.

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The Route 42 minibus that was involved in the accident (Adrian Narine photo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

WPA identifies Roopnaraine’s replacement … awaiting confirmation from President WITH Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s resignation from the Parliament, his party – the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has identified a replacement but is awaiting confirmation from President David Granger.

Dr. Roopnaraine, and

former Public Service and Education Minister, tendered his resignation recently in keeping with the pronouncements of High Court and Court of Appeal that it is unconstitutional for a person who swore allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state to be

a Member of Parliament. Dr. Roopnaraine is a Guyanese with British citizenship.

On Friday, sources told Guyana Chronicle that a nominee was selected from among the three WPA members – Desmond Trotman, Rishi Thakur and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley – listed on

the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) top up list.

According to the sources, there seems to be a strong lobby among WPA members for Sarabo-Halley to replace Dr. Roopnaraine. One source said “if it’s Tabitha it

would send a strong signal to the country that WPA is prepared to lead the way in investing in a new generation of leaders.”

The source added “we feel strongly that it is time to begin the transition. It is time we move beyond the rhetoric about youth leadership and embrace it as a matter of policy.”

On the Government side of the House, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and Minister of State Joseph Harmon are the remaining Members of Parliament with dual citizenship status while on the Opposition benches, the dual citizens are Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, Adrian Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba. While these MPs committed to resigning from the Parliament, Guyana Chronicle was unable to confirm whether they did.

Calls to their phones went unanswered. When contacted, the Parliament Office indicated that the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland will make a statement on the issue when the National Assembly meets later this month.

In the case of the Government dual citizen MPs, letters of resignation were submitted to President David Granger on April 1. However, for their resignation to be effective, they would need to submit resignation letters to the Speaker or his deputy.

Article 156 (1) (A) of the Constitution states that “a member of the National Assembly shall vacate his or her seat therein - if he or she resigns it by writing under his or her own hand addressed to the Speaker or, if the Office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent from Guyana, to the Deputy Speaker.” Another section of the Article stipulates that a MP ceases to be a member of the National Assembly if he or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the List from which his or her name was extracted that he or she will not support the List from

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley which his or her name was extracted. Once a resignation letter is submitted to the Speaker, by virtue of Article 156 (4), he will declare the seat of the Member of the National Assembly vacant.

The pronouncements of the courts have initiated discussions on the need to amend the constitution to allow for dual citizens to be MPs. The Alliance for Change (AFC) had indicated that it will make representation in the National Assembly for the Constitution to be amended.

According to Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman the constitutional provision is an archaic law. “This Article in the Constitution is doing Guyana a disservice and therefore it needs to be amended,” Trotman said during a recent press conference.

Weighing in on the issue during a recent interview, U.S Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch said that there are models that can guide Guyana if or when it decides to consult on the issue of dual citizenship.

“That would be a decision for Guyanese to make which way they want to go but certainly it is an area that might want to be explored here because it wasn’t explored before.

“So I think it might be something to increase the conversation about in terms of constitutional reform. I know that there are models out there where citizens with dual citizenship can partake in a government political process even in an elected way as well as models where they can’t.

I think that would be up to the people of Guyana to decide,” Ambassador Lynch said.

According to her, there should be a healthy debate on whether dual citizens should be allowed to sit in the Parliament.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

GNBS promoting use of metric system … Educators to be trained in use of SI units

GUYANA National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging greater usage of the international system of units (SI Units), commonly known as the metric system.

Recently, GNBS met with the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, and senior education officials as it sought to garner support.

In that meeting, the GNBS officials underscored the importance of making the metric system more wellknown within the areas of the education curriculum.

With this, teachers and students will fully adopt the SI system in their classrooms, not only in theoretical teaching sessions, but also in how

to apply it in practical situations. Further, it is anticipated that students will communicate the knowledge garnered on the SI Units from the school system to their parents.

Marcel Hutson, the Chief Education Officer, noted that while most of the curriculum covers areas of the metric system, there is need for all Guyanese to familiarise themselves with the concept, and to adopt its usage.

The minister and the team of education officials welcomed the initiative for the ministry and the GNBS to work collaboratively through information dissemination to the younger generation, towards a change in culture that will facilitate the transi-

Damian Fernandes new executive director of Conservation Int’l CONSERVATION International-Guyana has appointed Damian Fernandes its new Executive Director.

In making the announcement on Thursday, CI-Guyana explained that Fernandes was selected as part of an open recruitment process. In a statement, CI-I pointed out that Fernandes is a graduate of the University of Guyana with 18 years of experience working on conservation and community development in the country.

Fernandes was the first commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and supported the development of the National Protected Areas System.

Most recently, he worked with the North Rupununi District Development Board Damian Fernandes (NRDDB) and the World Wildlife Fund-Guianas in advocating for integrated landuse planning, conservation, and sustainable development in Guyana’s North Rupununi Wetlands.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve my country, and to build on the efforts of my predecessors,” Fernandes was quoted as saying.

“I look forward to joining the dedicated team at Conservation International-Guyana, and to working with our partners as we shape solutions for Guyana’s environmental challenges,” he further stated.

Fernandes replaces former Vice-President of Conservation International-Guyana, Dr. David Singh.

Singh offered Fernandes best wishes on his new appointment. “I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Damian on his appointment. He is the right person to lead Conservation International-Guyana at this time.”

As the Executive Director, Fernandes will lead the program and guide the implementation of conservation and sustainable development projects within the country.

Conservation International uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature that people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods.

Founded in 1987, Conservation International works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet that supports us all.

tion to the full use of the SI units in Guyana.

It was agreed that both teachers and employees of the ministry would be trained on the SI, and the GNBS would provide the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) with information to facilitate the updating of the Education Curriculum.

GNBS officials meeting with Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, and other education officials

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Guyana and Cuba conclude second round of bilateral talks on migration MINISTER of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, leading a local team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, concluded the second round of bilateral talks on migration, with a delegation from the Government of Cuba.

The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the two countries and providing a framework to review migratory patterns. The meeting discussed the ways in which the two countries can combat irregular migration and ensure that persons travelling to both territories do so in a way that is lawful, safe, and reduces opportunities for Trafficking in Persons (TIP), among other matters. As such, the meeting also examined the possibility of instituting a requirement for Cubans entering Guyana to have a visa.

Minister Felix said Guyana welcomes persons who visit the country legally. “Once they leave Cuba legally and they arrive here legally, we are going to accept them and treat them as all other members of the Caribbean family are treated,” he said.

The minister also said that the government’s policy has been to suppress visas as a require-

Minister of Citizenship Mr. Winston Felix (left) and Director of the Division of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, Mr. Ernesto Soberon Guzman (right), shake hands after a successful meeting ment for entering into the country, noting that in all countries there are groups of persons who sometimes, become invisible and cannot be accounted for. “What we have to do is to manage it and to ensure that, over time, those who are invisible can be brought to light and we can understand what is happening,” he said. Leader of the Cuban delegation and Director of the Division of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, Mr. Ernesto Soberon Guzman, said that his delegation is pleased with the conversation. “Our main concern is to try to avoid that Cuban people that visit Guyana, use its

territory as a transit in irregular migration…these people become victims of the trafficking of human beings, so in this regard, we are very pleased with the conversation, and with the results. I think that we share common goals in order to promote this regular, safe, orderly travel and, at the same time, to fight against irregular migration and against human trafficking,” he said.

The first engagement on the issue between the two countries took place in Havana, Cuba in 2016.

The delegations are expected to meet again in another two years.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Director of the Division of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, Mr. Ernesto Soberon Guzman (right), makes a point during the meeting between representatives of Guyana and Cuba on providing the framework to review migratory patterns between the two countries

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

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Campaign launched to tackle issues affecting youth

‘Nations’ Principal, Dr Brian O’ Toole

By Wendella Davidson A “SAY YES” campaign which seeks to provide a forum and guidance for youths to formulate solutions to social ills affecting them was launched at the Bel Air Gardens residence of British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn on Thursday.

The campaign supported by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Department of Youth, is the brainchild of School of the Nations Director, Dr Brian O’Toole, who in late January 2019 was

attacked by a lone gunman at his Bel Air Promenade, Georgetown home.

Addressing a gathering that included High Commissioner Quinn and his wife Wendy and Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton, Dr O’Toole described the attack on him as horrible.

The incident was carried by The Daily Mail of London; newspapers in the Caribbean as well as Caribbean newspapers in Toronto and New York.

Following the attack, threats directed at ‘Nations’ spread to Queen’s College,

Guests at the launch of the “Say Yes” campaign Thursday night (Delano Williams photo) The Bishops’ High School and the University of Guyana.

According to Dr O’Toole, he is 95 per cent certain that the attack on him was related to the “horrible” video game `Forthnite’. Only recently, Prince Harry has started a campaign in the UK to have the game banned.

Instead of focusing on the negative, he said the Yes Campaign aims to signifi-

cantly focus on solutions that will aid change of thinking of persons such as the 17-yearold shooter who tried to kill him.

The campaign seeks to help youths affected by drugs, alcohol, violence and bullying, among other social ills, through art, music and drama.

It has also attracted support from the Ministry of Education, Mattai’s Supermar-

ket, Hand in Hand Insurance and Republic Bank.

The one-year campaign entails a series of workshops and will target children, not only from city schools but also from the outlying regions.

High Commissioner Quinn, in brief remarks, lauded the campaign, pointing out that it is a platform to promote good and what is right.

Minister Norton on his part noted his appreciation of the direction taken by Dr O’Toole and team in seeking to address issues affecting young people in society.

On that score, he urged full support for the initiative.

A musical rendition by Fifth Graders at School of the Nations and an interpretive dance by Sixth Formers interspersed the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Hundreds of jobs for young people at CRMA job fair … Youths matched with employers, praise event

By Vishani Ragobeer HUNDREDS of youths on Friday interacted with representatives of companies and agencies here during the Department of Youth, Job Fair, held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

At the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), scores of young people flocked the unit’s booth to see if they could find a job that best suit their qualifications. “When they (the young people) come here, they provide us with their academic qualifications and we look at the vacancies that we have presently and then we look for persons that match those requirements and refer them to the employers,” Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer at the CRMA, Yolanda Grant, explained.

These services offered at the job fair were not much different from those offered generally by the CRMA, which falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Protection and has offices in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and in Georgetown. In

fact, according to Grant, the mandate of the agency is to assist persons who are seeking employment by having them register with the agency and then connect them with employers once jobs become available.

When the Guyana Chronicle spoke to Grant at the job fair, she indicated that the body currently had about 420 available job vacancies across governmental and private sector agencies. “We’re looking for positive responses as persons come because all these vacancies have requirements. If persons do not satisfy these requirements, we cannot do anything and we’re hoping that with this turnout we have those persons to fill those vacancies,” she explained.

Vince Cheong was one young man who visited the CRMA and was able to initiate the process of getting a job because his skills matched the requirements of a company listed with the agency. “I got the opportunity to go and get a job now, so I shall be going to do that,” he said. “I will be going to Yokohama to see if they will be able to give me a job to sell motor vehicles.”

Kimberly Manbodh Cheong explained that for some time, he had been having difficulties securing a job either because the places he had applied to did not accept his job application or because he didn’t have the requisite qualifications. He, however, explained that the job fair proved to be one that was beneficial to him.

Alongside the CRMA was the Board of Industrial Training, which was not offering jobs, but offered young people the opportunity to receive training so that they could be better qualified to apply for jobs in the future.

Monifa (only name given), who is currently a volunteer at the Civil Defense Commission (CDC), shared that she was able to sign up to write English Language and

Vincent Cheong Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, following free classes at the Sophia Training Centre.

“I didn’t expect this turn out [of young people] but this is a great thing in helping people getting jobs and in helping people go back to classes so that they can improve on themselves,” she said. Kimberly Manbodh had registered for the event days ago when she first saw it, as she was eager to get a job.

When she turned up for registration at the CASH early Friday morning, she decided to speak with representatives at the Giftland Mall booth.

“I selected Giftland because they offer many part time jobs and I need that because I am a student as well,” she explained.

Delisa Sagon The representatives there took note of her personal information after interviewing her and indicated that they would contact her for another interview. “I think it was a great initiative organised by the Department of Youth.

However, I think that there should have been more entities involved,” Manbodh said. 20-year-old Delisa Sagon was a bit nervous when she first came to the job fair, but left pleased after she too visited the Giftland booth.

Sagon shared that she was told when she spoke to the representatives, that she should apply online for the position of a paralegal assistant. “And I’m one step closer to being successful in getting a job,” she affirmed.

She also opined that the job fair was a good idea since

policy. According to Dr. Roopsind, the strategy is a model for other countries such as neighbouring Suriname. “There are tons of lessons to be learned from Guyana’s achievements,” he said.

It was explained that the strategy provides data that supports what the Commission does in terms of monitoring, tagging and verification. Chairperson for the Forestry Commission, Jocelyn Dow, in brief remarks, expressed optimism that the Strategy will help them with making more informed decisions as it relates to the mandate of the Commission. “The more data we can accumulate regarding both policies and

operations, then the better informed we all are when it comes to making argument for what needs to be done for the preservation of our forests,” she said.

Guyana was one of four countries to benefit from the Regional REDD+ Project supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) and the local government of French Guiana (Région Guyane).

The project’s overarching aim is to support the reduction of Greenhouse Gases (GhG) associated with deforestation and forest degradation, through information sharing and strengthening of the tech-

Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer at the CRMA, Yolanda Grant there are a lot of unemployed young people who would be eager to meet employers in this manner. “Next time, I guess, it should be bigger and have more companies on board,” Sagon said. Eighteenyear-old, Malcolm Miggins, also visited Giftland and said: “I came here for a job and I got through at the Giftland booth. I gave them all my information and now I just have to wait for them to give me a call and tell me when I have to come in.”

For him, he was happy that the Department of Youth fostered such an event since it gave young people, like himself, the opportunity to seek out jobs instead of “being home idle”.

REDD+ strategy sees reduction in deforestation, CO2 emittance

G U YA N A’ S N a t i o n al REDD+ Strategy has helped in the reduction of deforestation by 35 per cent, the equivalent of some 13 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) not emitted into the atmosphere.

Post-Doctoral Research-

er at the University of Boise State, Dr. Anand Roopsind made this disclosure during a presentation at the Guyana Forestry Commission on Friday. “The kind of results we presented showed that the REDD+ agreement is working in Guyana to reduce

deforestation… So overall, the agreement worked to protect Guyana’s forest.”

The Guyana Forestry Commission also came in for high praise for the implementation of forest regulations, and achieving the outcome with the REDD+

Attendees at the presentation of the policy

University of Boise State Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dr. Anand Roopsind nical capacity of REDD+ focal points and forest service institutions in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Brazilian State of Amapa. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Brush fire ravages home in Aranaputa … as dry spell takes toll on farms in area

RESIDENTS of North Rupununi community of Aranaputa valley have pooled their resources to rebuild a senior citizen’s home that was gutted by fire several days ago.

Last week, pensioner Mario Edwards, known to the residents as ‘Uncle Mar,’ felt the brunt of the dry weather conditions when his home was reduced to rubble. According to a neighbour, a fire ignited in the hill foot near the Aranaputa Mountain and scorched the landscape for several days. She said that as the days passed, the fire crept closer to several dwellings and residents tried their best to keep the

flames at bay, but Edwards was not so fortunate.

Although efforts were made by residents to douse the flames, the heat was too much and the man’s thatched–roof home went up in flames. Edwards lived alone, and most of his precious belongings were razed. Aranaputa resident, Sonia Sears told the Guyana Chronicle that the villagers reacted in disbelief following the fire at Edwards home.

She said that residents of the Aranaputa basin decided to formulate a plan to assist the elderly man and several young men made the first move. “His home stood right near the

Pensioner Mario Edwards stands in front of his home following the fire.

mountain foot,” Sears said.

He said the men from the community are currently rebuilding the man’s home and an all-round contribution from residents is ongoing. While the men worked on the new home, Sears along with other womenfolk prepared meals for the workmen. “We are rebuilding the house,” she reiterated. Following the fire, Edwards sought refuge at his sister who lives in the area.

On Friday, the senior citizen received much needed help when the owners of Franklin’s General Store donated several sacks of cement for works to be undertaken on his new home.

Aranaputa is located within the Annai district and Annai Central resident, Mike Williams, told the Guyana Chronicle that the dry spell is taking a toll on the landscape. He said many farmers are especially affected by the dry weather and residents are hoping that the rains will sprinkle this month end.

Last August, the Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture advised that Guyana was entering the long dry season which usually lasts until the end of November for northern parts of the country and which is expected to end within the beginning of the first quar-

ter of this year.

The Rupununi has been feeling the brunt of dry weather conditions in recent years. In mid-2015, the area was hit by a prolonged drought. Dry weather left the landscape in most villages scorched, prompting an environmental response from the authorities which was aimed at providing water to villages for various purposes, but mainly for human use and consumption.

The current conditions are having a direct effect on animal life. At Karanambu, rescuers were recently forced to fetch the heavy arapaima, an endangered freshwater fish, from the dried-out waterways to other areas where the water levels were high enough to foster their existence.

The weather conditions are expected to transition by the last week of this month.

the bug.

In the article, the farmers also expressed that they are dissatisfied with the assistance being rendered to them in this regard.

“GRDB continues to inform farmers on the management of paddy bugs. For the first crop of 2019, GRDB’s Extension Department conducted 765 paddy bug management demonstrations, where approximately 142 farmers attended. In Region Six, the Extension Department conducted 30 paddy bug management demonstrations throughout the region,

however only 75 farmers attended these activities,” the release said.

It continued: “The Board continues to advise farmers on paddy bug management through social media, television infomercials, distributing of flyers to farmers and adverts in local newspapers.”

It stated that following the re-emergence of higher levels of paddy bugs, a dedicated Paddy Bug Management Officer (PBMO) was employed and placed in each rice-growing region to assist.

The GRBD also provided

The remains of pensioner, Mario Edwards’ home.

Mario Edwards shortly after he received assistance from the proprietors of Franklin’s General Store at Aranaputa.

GRBD working to control paddy bugs … deploys officer in each rice-growing region THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), aware of the damaging and costly effects of paddy bugs to the industry, says that it continues to give priority to pest control even as it warned farmers to sow according to the advised growing season.

Admitting that paddy bugs can be persistent, the GRDB, in a release on Thursday, also indicated that re-

cently, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), over 15,000 acres were sown outside of the recommended period despite farmers being advised otherwise.

The Board’s release comes following a Kaieteur News article on Thursday titled ‘Paddy bug ravages Region Six rice Crop,’ which detailed the struggles of farmers who have lost percentages of their crops to

information on the paddy bug advising area wide management with aerial spraying, which will get rid of an existing paddy bug population but not permanently.

“Aerial spraying of pesticides requires environmental authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency. Area wide management with an insecticide is most effective when the age range of the crop in a given block is within 10 days. Effective area wide management is also achieved when farmers come together and spray at the same time. If the age

range is extended beyond 10 days, some farmers’ fields may need spraying whilst others may not. This can cause bugs to nest in unsprayed areas, multiply and migrate to fields that were once sprayed,” the release cautioned.

The GRBD also encouraged proper sanitation at cultivated areas and the application of chemicals with the recommended techniques, even as it conducts research to develop effective and sustainable management strategies for paddy bugs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

PANCAP stakeholders plot strategy to provide healthcare to migrants STAKEHOLDERS of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) have agreed on a holistic approach to providing services for migrants through an inter-sectoral strategy.

The agreement comes following a regional meeting to provide guidance on the implementation of the Regional Framework on Migrant Health and Rights, which con-

cluded on Thursday in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a release from PANCAP, the meeting was aimed at facilitating input from regional stakeholders for finalising a guidance document on how to implement the Framework on Migrant Health and Rights within their country’s context.

There, participants emphasised that the health priorities of each territory must

guide the implementation of the Migrant Framework at the country level, as well as all policies governing access to migrants’ health.

Participants also agreed on the implementation of the Framework on Migrant Health and Rights at the country level in the interest of protecting and safeguarding public health throughout the Region.

Those present included Port Health Med-

Participants also recommended research into sourcing a financial mechanism to mobilise funding for access to healthcare by migrants, while building strategic partnerships within the public health system.

Creating strategic alliances with social services to offer comprehensive care for migrants and calls for an education, training and sensitisation programme for immigration

Country stakeholders participating in the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) regional meeting on the Regional Framework on Migrant Health and Rights in Trinidad and Tobago ical Officers, Representatives of Ministries of National Security and Border Affairs, Legal Officers and Protection Officers, International Development partners, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Health, Chief Medical Officers, National AIDS Programme Managers, Immigration Officers, Civil society partners that work with key populations, Youth Leaders, Private Sector, Academia, and the International Organisation for Migration.

They hailed from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, The Bahamas and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“These experiences illustrated the need for the implementation of the Framework to ensure consistent access to health by migrants,” the release said, adding: “There was also a broad agreement on the need to implement the framework at the country level from a human rights perspective.”

Another call of the participants was for research to be conducted into the financial and human resource capacity essential to provide holistic health services for migrants, and for countries to research the requirements for a minimum package of services for migrants.

and border patrol officers were also desires expressed.

At the meeting, Director of PANCAP, Dereck Springer, committed to continuing high-level engagements with policymakers, including ministers of health and finance, and the CARICOM Secretariat, to advocate for access to healthcare by migrants as a public health priority.

He highlighted that PANCAP would follow up with countries on the implementation of the Migrant Framework through the PANCAP Justice for All Programme and the PANCAP Policy and Strategy Working Group on Stigma and Discrimination.

The PANCAP Director concluded the meeting with a challenge for participants to advocate at the country-level for an inter-sectoral holistic approach to providing services for migrants which would incorporate their social and psychological needs.

He noted that the draft guidance on the implementation of the framework proposed by participants is not prescriptive and can be adapted based on the requirements of each territory.

Man charged with chopping father FOY Fredericks, charged with maliciously wounding his father, was granted $30,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

It was alleged that on April 7, 2019, at 3490 Stevedore Housing Scheme, the 62-year-old man, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Derwin Fredericks. He denied committing the offence.

According to the prosecution, Foy, who resides in Princess Street, was reportedly

involved in a heated argument with his father.

As a result, he picked up a chopper from the kitchen and approached his grandmother with it; Derwin then ran in the path and used his hands to block the chop. During the process, he received injuries to the left palm and little finger. He then went to the East Ruimveldt Police Station where he made a report and the suspect was subsequently apprehended.

Foy will make his next court appearance on April 26, 2019.

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Dhawan denied century as Capitals brush past KKR (ESPNCRICINFO) - SHIKHAR Dhawan was denied a maiden T20 century, but Delhi Capitals would gladly take the two points that took them to their fourth win of the season.

That he missed out on the landmark was because Colin Ingram decided to launch Piyush Chawla over long-on

with Capitals needing five off eight deliveries.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who slumped to their second straight defeat, should have ended with a bigger score than their 178 for 7. Promoted to open in place of the missing Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill notched up his second IPL

half-century, a 39-ball 65, to set it up for the box-office boy Andre Russell.

The Jamaican posted his sixth 40-plus score, making 45 off 21, but a slowdown in-between, partly because of Nitish Rana’s struggles against spin, played a hand in the final total.

It was soon after this stifle that

Capitals carefully used Kagiso Rabada, and unleashed him later against Russell, who had his revenge this time around. Yet, there was a lingering feeling that Capitals would have gladly taken a chase of 179.

had little effect on Gill, whose balance and poise left an indelible mark. He added 63 with vice-captain Robin Uthappa, during the course of which they played some classical shots.

Uthappa, who slapped a

Rabada for three of his four sixes - two of which were swatted disdainfully to the square leg boundary off quick bouncers.

But Chris Morris removed him with ten balls to spare, and with Carlos Brathwaite failing to make the most of it, the KKR had to settle for a middling total.

SHAW SHOWS THE WAY It may go unnoticed, but Prithvi Shaw’s two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the second over had a multiplier effect on the chase. The first of those was smacked over the cover fence, while the second was more of a mishit off a top-edged pull.

This start, however, got Dhawan going in the opening partnership that was terminated in the third over when Dinesh Karthik plucked an outstanding catch diving full-length to his right.

Shikhar Dhawan acknowledges the applause as Rishabh Pant looks on. (BCCI)

Then in the chase, Dhawan, who has been sluggish so far in the tournament, pottering around in the Powerplay to put immense pressure on the middle order, came out flying high and swatting short deliveries to the square boundaries. He was helped in no small measure by Rishabh Pant as they won by seven wickets.

Keemo Paul free-hit over longon for Capitals’ first six, made 28 before being caught magnificently by a leaping Pant off Rabada’s bouncer in the ninth over. Gill, however, kept up the pressure on the Capitals, reaching his first 50 of the season off 34 balls. He fell in the 16th over when he picked out short fineleg off Paul.

GILL’S SETUP FOR LATE FLOURISH Joe Denly fell first ball to an Ishant Sharma peach, an in-ducker sneaking through the gap to flatten off stump. This

BUT RUSSELL CAN’T TAKE IT DEEP Russell had more than seven overs to give the KKR a great finish. He waited for stability before teeing off. He launched

CHASE GUIDED

BY DHAWAN Shreyas Iyer fell in the sixth over to put more pressure on Dhawan, who also had a reprieve when he was given notout on a review, despite snicko showing a small spike. However, with the on-field decision being not out and there being considerable doubt, he was reprieved. From there on, Dhawan was a man possessed.

At the other end, Pant pasted Kuldeep Yadav for a one-handed six over long-off then matched Dhawan with his sweeps and pulls. Just when he looked set to finish it off, over-aggression got the better of him, as he skied a one-handed slog to Nitish Rana on 46. Dhawan, however, wasn’t going to be denied.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

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Hamilton baffled by behaviour of his Mercedes (REUTERS) - FORMULA One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was baffled by the behaviour of his Mercedes after lapping slower than team mate Valtteri Bottas in Chinese Grand Prix practice on Friday.

The Briton, a five-time winner in Shanghai, suffered a spin on cold tyres and ended the day some seven tenths of a second slower than the Finn.

“I’m just focusing on trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W10 spins during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit yesterday in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

Dijon v Amiens interrupted after alleged racist abuse (REUTERS) - DIJON’S Ligue 1 game against visiting Amiens was interrupted for five minutes on Friday when the teams stopped playing after French defender Prince Gouano was subjected to alleged racist abuse.

“We are in the 21st century, what happened is unacceptable,” Amiens’ Gouano said on beIN Sports. “I wanted to make a point when I asked to stop

play. We are all equal.”

The French League (LFP) said in a statement that Dijon had identified a man who abused Gouano and that he had been arrested.

The LFP added that its disciplinary commission would look into the case on Wednesday.

The game at the Stade Gaston Gerard was stopped in the 78th minute when Gouano said

he heard racist abuse coming from the Dijon stands.

The match was eventually finished and ended in a 0-0 draw. Dijon are third from bottom, six points from the safety zone, while Amiens are seven points above them in 15th place.

“Full support to our captain, Prince Gouano. Racism has no place in a football stadium,” Amiens said on Twitter.

Final 20-member squad ... run from April 20 to April 22.

(Michelangelo Jacobus) Below is the full list of Guyanese athletes who have qualified for the CARIFTA Games: LOCALLY BASED ATHLETES: Females ● Sheama Tyrell- Christianburg/Wismar SS (Middle distance) ● Brianna Charles – Running Brave (100m) ● Deshana Skeete – Christianburg/Wismar SS (200m) ● Keliza Smith – Running Brave (400m) ● Adriel Austin – Running

RACING TIPS American Racing Tips Keenland Race 1 Lucy’s Town Race 2 Royal Mesa Race 3 Life Mission Race 4 Conqueror Race 5 Barrier Isle Race 6 Desert Isle Race 7 Flameaway Race 8 Student Body Race 9 Harvey Wallbanger

Brave (800m) ● Shaquka Tyrell – Christianburg/Wismar SS (800, 1500m) ● Princess Browne – Running Brave (Triple jump) ● Jahaziah Copeland – Upper Dem (Shot put) ● Anisha Gibbons – Ruralites (Javelin) Males ● Wesley Tyndall – Ruralite (100m) ● Loneil Marks – Hopetown Flames (100, 200m) ● Osa Blair – Police (100m) ● Daniel Williams – Upper Demerara (200m) South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:50 hrs Saints Alive 09:30 hrs Cascapedia 10:05 hrs Jetorio 10:40 hrs Fire And Rescue 11:15 hrs Soldier On Irish Racing Tips Naas 08:50 hrs Ming Warrior 09:20 hrs Capel At Dawn 09:50 hrs Clashaniska 10:25 hrs Lewandowski 11:00 hrs Smash Williams 11:35 hrs Latrobe 12:10 hrs Barbados 12:45 hrs Shringara

FROM PG. 31

● Cordell Charles – Super Upcoming Runners (1500m) ● Daniel Melville – Police (800m) ● Matthew Gordon – Hopetown Flames (3000m) ● Melon Lowenfield – GDF (High Jump) ● Tremaine Browne – Christianburg/Wismar SS (Long Jump) Overseas-based athletes ● Claudrice McKoy (800m, 1500m) ● Chantoba Bright (Long Jump, Triple Jump) ● Joanna Archer (800m, 3000m) English Racing Tips Ayr 08:25 hrs Azzuri 08:55 hrs Molly The Dolly 09:25 hrs Redicean 10:00 hrs Secret Investor 10:35 hrs Cloth Cap 11:10 hrs Cartwright 11:45 hrs Court Dreaming 12:20 hrs O Connell Street

Newbury 08:40 hrs Defoe 09:10 hrs Dandhu 09:40 hrs Mohaather 10:15 hrs Third Time Lucky 10:50 hrs Crystal Tribe 11:25 hrs Gild Stick 12:00 hrs Pianissimo 12:35 hrs Military Law

car,” Formula One website quoted him as saying.

“I was struggling with the car today, so we’ve got work to do, particularly on my side as Valtteri looked much more comfortable in the car.

“We’re going to work hard tonight to find some tweaks and hopefully come back stronger tomorrow.

The car has the pace in it to compete at the front; we just need to find the right set-up.”

Mercedes have finished the first two races of the sea-

son one-two, with Hamilton triumphant at the last round in Bahrain two weeks ago.

That was a lucky win, however, with the victory falling into his lap, after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc suffered an engine problem with 10 laps remaining.

Bottas, winner in Australia, leads the championship by a point due to the extra point awarded for the fastest lap in Melbourne.

The Finn was fastest overall in Friday practice, with Hamilton fourth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Drakes files legal proceedings after coaching axe

(CMC) – THE Ricky Skerritt-led Cricket West Indies (CWI) administration is facing its first legal battle over its decision to axe Vasbert Drakes from the coaching staff of the men’s senior side.

Drakes’ attorney, Barbadian QC Ralph Thorne, said, CWI’s actions were “unlawful”, and would be proceeding with court action to gain either “reinstatement and/or compensation”.

CWI, on Thursday, announced that interim head coach Richard Pybus, along with his coaching staff, had been removed ahead of next month’s ICC World Cup. Former Barbados and West Indies captain Floyd Reifer has replaced Pybus.

“They contacted him yes-

terday by telephone to tell him that his services were no longer required,” Thorne told Barbados Today online.

“I then sent a letter to them indicating that it was not the proper way to terminate my client’s services and that they ought to do it in a more formal manner.

They responded by sending him a letter late yesterday evening confirming that his engagement was at an end.”

He continued: “Having received it in writing, I have indicated that their actions are unlawful and indicated to them that we are prepared to file proceedings in the court of law and are also seeking compensation.

“Whether they reply or not, we intend to pursue this matter and I am willing

to move this course to grant urgent relief in terms of reinstatement and/or compensation.”

Drakes was recalled for the recent tour of England after Englishman Pybus was controversially appointed head coach in January. As part of a coaching setup, which included Englishman Toby Radford and Guyanese Esaun Crandon, Drakes helped oversee West Indies’ shock 2-1 win in the three-Test series over the English.

Skerritt, who defeated three-term incumbent Dave Cameron in CWI elections last month, had signalled his intentions to review the Windies management structure and said Thursday the move to replace Pybus had been “a clear indicator of

the seriousness of our ‘West Indian first’ policy and represents a commitment to celebrate the best of what it means to be West Indian”.

However, Thorne said Drakes had been “surprised and very disappointed with the sudden turn of events”.

“This entire situation is potentially injurious to personal relationships that exist between the coaches and between coaches and players and it is disruptive

of the relative happy state of West Indies cricket after the success of the England tour,” said Thorne, also a Member of Parliament.

The prominent attorney also dismissed suggestions Drakes had any political affiliation, especially in light of the change in CWI leadership.

“He is part of the administration of West Indies cricket. He is part of the coaching staff of West Indies cricket. He did not belong to

an administration. He was a coach contracted by CWI and I wouldn’t want to associate him with a political regime,” Thorne contended.

“He was actively engaged in preparation for those tours and when I say engaged I mean actively engaged.

“Vasbert has a very good name and reputation with the players and with people generally. You couldn’t meet a finer gentleman than Vasbert Drakes.”

Bakewell honours RHTY&SC

BAKERY giant Bakewell last week handed over a sizeable donation to Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster as a thank-you gesture for the outstanding performance of the Bakewell Second Division over the last twelve months.

of Bakewell’s General Manager, Rajin Ganga, at a simple presentation ceremony to honour the RHTY&SC at the company’s head office at Triumph, East Coast, Demerara.”

The team, under the leadership of Kevin Sinclair, won five tournaments while the

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receives donation from Natasha Bhikari of Bakewell.

In a release, the company said, “Bakewell is very proud and honoured to have RHTY&SC, MS as a partner in our promotional efforts.

The Club and its Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division teams have been outstanding ambassadors of the company’s brand.

“Together RHTY&SC and Bakewell have grown side-by-side to become the best in Guyana”.

These were the words

Bakewell Under-17 team also won the Ramnaresh Sarwan BCB Under-17 tournament.

The tournaments won by the Second Division team were Nasir Memorial, Rhonda Lewis Memorial 20/20, Raffik Construction 100 Balls, New Building Society 40-Overs and Magic Moments 20/20.

Additionally, the two teams undertook dozens of personal developmental pro-

grammes under the name of the sponsor.

The two teams also produced several National and Berbice players in 2018 and 2019 including Matthew Pottaya, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Chanderpaul Govindan, Jeremy Sandia, Christopher Deroop, Keith Simpson and Sylus Tyndall.

Ganga noted that Bakewell is now a household name in Berbice because of the outstanding performance of the two teams over the last 19 years and he predicted that the very successful relationship would continue.

Foster, who is also president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) stated that RHTY&SC is humble to be recognised by Bakewell as a good brand ambassador.

The remarkable success of RHTY&SC MS over the years has been due to the reliable support of Bakewell.

The members of the team would be specially honoured for their outstanding performances at the Club’s 29th Award Ceremony on Sunday May 12, 2019, at the St Francis Community Centre.

The Award Ceremony was scheduled for April 28, 2019, but a fire in the Club’s storage bond forced a twoweek postponement.

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to Ganga, CEO Mrs Nasir and Secretary Natasha Bhikari for their continued confidence in the RHTY&SC and disclosed that all members of both teams felt privileged to represent the Bakewell brand.

The Bakewell Second Division team in 2019 is being captained by Kevin Sinclair while Jonathan Rampersaud would lead the Under-17 team.

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New Windsor SC Bermuda ready for surprise Zeeburg in CONCACAF Gold Cup Beacon Café/WDCA campaign this summer 50-over competition

Skipper Vishnu Sew, who was New Windsor SC’s best batsman in 2018, led from the front with the bat.

THE New Windsor Sports Club got past Zeeburg Sports Club, one of the strongest cricket teams in West Demerara, when they competed in the Beacon Café/WDCA 50over competition last Sunday on a spin friendly surface at the Wales Community Development Centre ground.

Zeeburg won the toss and opted to bat, but they could not get on top of the bowling and fell for 80 in 16.3 overs.

R. Henry finished with 4-19 from 3.3 overs, while Mahase Persaud supported with 3-13 from three overs and R. Thakur 2-19 also from three overs.

Only Ushardeva Balgobin with 22 and Andre Seepersaud with 10 reached double figures for Zeeburg.

In reply, former Guyana U-19 cricketer Malcolm Hubbard led a bowling charge to help topple the New Windsor top order, but captain Vishnu Sew showed fight and brought his team home in 22.2 overs.

Sew scored 32 runs, while Shivkumar Thakur added 15 and Persaud 10.

Hubbard finished with 4-31 from 10 overs, while Gomes and Seepersaud finished with one wicket each.

Griffith tipped to be new WI fielding coach EX-GUYANA fast bowler, Rayon Griffith, is expected to be a part of the new Cricket West Indies (CWI) coaching team spearheaded by former A team coach Floyd Reifer.

Griffith, the region’s A-team assistant coach will fill the new fielding coach position, which will form the critical backroom staff for the prestigious World Cup scheduled for England and Wales in May and June.

However, his first assignment will be the Tri-Nations One-Day Series in Ireland where West Indies will play two matches against their hosts and against Bangladesh from May 5 to 17 when the final will be held.

The 40-year-old Griffith, is a part of Guyana Jaguars fran-

chise coaching unit from the inception of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) in the region. His involvement has resulted in Jaguars winning the title for five consecutive years.

Griffith’s countryman, Guyana’s most successful first-class head coach Esaun Crandon, who was appointed assistant coach of the regional cricket team, prior to the England tour to the Caribbean earlier this year, was relieved of that position.

Meanwhile, Reifer, a former West Indies captain, takes over as head coach from Richard Pybus, who also served as an interim coach of the regional team since January of this year with Corey Collymore as bowling coach, while Roderick Estwick returns to the fold as one of the assistant coaches.

AMCHAM sponsors inaugural golf tournament THE American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) yesterday launched its inaugural Golf tournament billed for July 15.

Speaking at the launch, AMCHAM president Zulfikar Alli contended that the tournament speaks to AMCHAM’s aim of promoting golf. “ We f e l t t h a t w e would like to see the development of the sport in Guyana and to provide an opportunity for Guyanese golfers to enjoy a good day of golfing,” he said this morning.

Also in announcing the tournament, the AMCHAM boss added that

the affair will be a yearly one.

President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain, stated that the event is a culmination of a yearlong dream “We believe that the AMCHAM Open will grow to become a big event. We have three major tournaments and we feel that the AMCHAM Open will be the fourth major event.”

Meanwhile the company is putting up $50 000 in cash for a long drive that will dethrone the current kings AMCHAM golf rep Richard Hanif.

The event will be a

family affair with activities for the kids as well as adults as well as newcomers.

Meanwhile Hanif, who confirmed the challenge added that AMCHAM sees the event as a “networking opportunity.”

He noted that persons should take the opportunity to make business connections while also enjoying golf.

He also said the tournament is expected to feature golfers from Trinidad, Suriname and the United states.

The club expects to complete registration by June 2 and is urging com-

petitors to get registered early.

The tournament will feature four categories of players - Championship 0-10, First Flight 1120, Second Flight 21-32 (Stableford System) and Ladies Open 0-32 - all competing for the title of the AMCHAM Best Gross Player and Best Net Player Championship Cup. Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin contests will be organised for players, as well as special putting challenges for young players under the age of 12, with over 20 medals to be won.

Bermuda captain Danté Leverock

CMC – Bermuda captain Danté Leverock says he and his team-mates are raring to go as they embark on their maiden CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign this summer.

Bermuda face Haiti at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 16 before taking on Costa Rica at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on June 20. Their final group match will be against Nicaragua at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on June 24.

“The boys are very excited to prove ourselves and show why we deserve to be among the Concacaf elite,” Leverock, who plays for top-flight Irish side Sligo Rovers, said on Thursday.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves on a high international level.

“Every game will be a hard game and it comes down to the little details and execution on the day.”

Bermuda qualified for the Gold Cup for the first time by finishing fifth in the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers, with three successive victories after losing their opener to Aruba.

“I hope this acts an inspiration to the young Bermudian boys and girls for the future,” Leverock added.

“I feel privileged to even be involved in this part of history and I’m enjoying the ride.”

Bermuda sealed their place in the Gold Cup with a 3-1 away win against Dominican Republic last month.

Among their scorers was US-based winger Zeiko Lewis, who has been named winner of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship goal of the week competition.

Lewis, 24, netted Charleston Battery’s second goal in a 2-0 home win over Charlotte Independence at the MUSC Health Stadium last weekend.

Lewis won 56 per cent of the votes in the USL fans’ choice goal of the week. A total of 1,405 people voted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Goodluck triumphs in GuyanaNRA record shoot VETERAN marksman Ransford Goodluck, turned the tables on Lennox Braithwaite by winning the last Record Shoot at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

Goodluck tallied 97.8 out of 100 with scores of 49.4Vs at the 300 yards and 48 with similar Vs at the 600 yards.

Braithwaite who had a perfect score at the last shoot dropped four points at 300 yards, which was detrimental, shooting 46.4Vs. He bounced back though with a 49.3Vs at 600 yards, with a total of 95.7Vs. However, that was not enough, as Goodluck maintained the lead. The bronze was won by Leo Romalho with a total of 95.6Vs. Leo was tied with Goodluck at the 300yds range with 49.4Vs, but the strong competition saw him drop four points at the 600, ending

with 46.2Vs. National Fullbore vice-captain Dylan Fields was edged out by Romalho by one point, having tallied 94.4Vs. Sherwin Felicien tallied 92.4Vs, Peter Persaud 87.2Vs and Lt. Col. Terrence Stuart 80.2Vs. The Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) wishes to thank Mr Harold Hopkinson who recently assisted Mr Lennox Braithwaite with a full sponsorship of over $1M to attend the 150th Anniversary of the Imperial Shoot at Bisley, England.

Due to the high cost other shooters are finding it difficult to attend and represent our country.

“We commend his company, Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc, for its timely corporate response to our call,” the statement said.

Ransford Goodluck

QC Cricket Club wrap up preparations for Sir Garfield Sobers tournament

The QC cricket team will look to make their mark in the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools tournament this year.

THE QUEEN’S College Cricket Club claimed a dominant victory against Region One school team, Waramuri Secondary, this week, as they prepare to return to the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament, which is billed for St Michael, Barbados from July 7 to 22.

According to manager of the side, Mohamad Nassir, the players are fully committed to doing their groundwork.

“This year, preparation is key. Last year we did not

prepare well. This year with the availability of our own ground, we have the convenience of having more practice sessions and hosting practice games. I think that’s the biggest difference this year.”

Nassir, who also teaches mechanical engineering, said that for the 2019 version of the games, QC would be fielding a young team, but that many of the players are hungry to make their mark.

“I’m very excited about this team and I am looking

forward for good things to come from our cricketers.”

As time nears, the top high school in the country will look to host more practice matches at its venue.

The four-pitch ground has been completely rehabilitated through funding from their alumni abroad and according to Nassir, the players intend to make full use of the venue.

OPENING PRACTICE CLASH In their opening practice

clash on Tuesday against the relatively new Waramuri Secondary School, the home team dominated.

Sent in to bat in the T20 fixture, QC raced to 151-5 in their 20 overs. Skipper Navindra Persaud led the attack with 78 from 64 balls, while Idris Allen added 21 from 16 balls.

QC then bowled out their opponents for 16 runs. Anthony Singh took 5-6 from four overs, while Vickash Jaikaran grabbed 5-10 from three overs.

Former national cycling champion alleges vendetta from GCF’s Burrowes THE list of allegations of roguery against Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) president Horace Burrowes continues to grow, as former multi-time National champion, Raynauth Jeffrey has stepped forward with claims that the embattled GCF head is waging a personal vendetta against him.

In an emotional social media post, Jeffrey stated; “I’m a former Guyanese multi-time National champion, and I say former because I’ve been treated as such

by Horace Burrowes and the Guyana Cycling Federation.”

Multi-time National cycling champion, Raynauth Jeffrey

He continued; “For the past 4 years I’ve been victimised, alienated and discarded by the federation from every touring team and every opportunity to represent the country of my birth. Despite being in the best form of my life I was continuously passed over for selection.

My guess is I refuse to be a follower, a puppet and to give in to the bullying tactics of the Burrowes-led federation.”

This comes in the wake of Burrowes failing to call elections for the GCF, even though the constitution clearly states that elections were to be held no later than March 31, a date which has passed two weeks now.

In more worrying allegations, Jeffrey revealed; “There are so many instances of encounters and attempts by this individual (Burrowes) to cripple my career as a cyclist, too many to list.”

“I can guarantee had I been selected over the years, Guyana would have had at least one gold medal if not more at the Caribbean Championships in both Time Trials and Road Race.”

Jeffrey then went on to divulge such an instance of attempted sabotage by Burrowes; “Fast forward to more recently at Speedweek 2018 in the USA. I was all prepared and made the mistake of posting on Facebook that I was racing at Speedweek. Much to

my shock, when I showed up to pick up my package, USA CRITS (body in charge of Speedweek) told me I could not race because the president of my country’s federation had told them I’m not allowed to do so”.

“Desperately I reached out to seek help. It turned out that Horace Burrowes had personally called the Technical Director of the USA Cycling Federation and told them not to allow me to race because he did not authorise it and that my licence was fake!”

GCF president Horace Burrowes

To this end, Jeffrey questioned the authenticity of the GCF, saying; “My licence was issued by the GCF; so then maybe he was giving fake licences! Thanks to Keith Fernandes and Elvis Budhram, who both communicated back and forth with USA Cycling, that the situation was resolved in time for me to race that evening and the entire series”.

In yet another example of victimisation, Jeffrey pointed out; “Not finished here, he then tried to block me again from racing in Floyd Bennett (an airfield used for cycling series in the USA) using licensing as a reason, after I was leading the series and his brother was in second. The aim probably was to prevent me from competing so his brother could win the series.

At the same time other Guyanese cyclists who were affiliated to him were allowed to race in the series without valid licences. The list goes on and on.”

“Throughout my career as a cyclist I’ve earned every bit of my way and opportunity because of my ability and dedication, unlike others who have stooped to their master just to be given the opportunity.”

He concluded; “It’s 2019 and it’s Speedweek in the USA again. Let’s see if Burrowes will try to block me again from competing. The GCF has not issued licences as yet for 2019, so he may have a foot to stand on this time!”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

Double-header action this weekend for cyclists

Hamzah Eastman won last year’s Malta Supreme 46-mile road race.

THE country’s top cyclists will be called into action this weekend with a double-header which promises top quality competition for fans and enthusiasts alike.

Today, the cyclists will converge on the inner circuit of the National Park from where they will match pedals in the 15th annual Universal Auto General Supply 11-race meet.

The winner of last year’s feature 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational, Jamual John, is currently overseas where he is competing. That means a new champion will be crowned.

John’s winning time last year was one hour 15 minutes 12.50 seconds.

Meanwhile in the Juniors event, Ajay Gopilall was first across the finish line in a time of 25 minutes 30.62 seconds while Lear Nunes was the top Veterans cyclist with a winning time of 12 minutes 18.51 seconds.

David Hicks captured the 3-lap Juveniles race while Shameer Baksh was the winner of the Mountain Bike category.

Tomorrow the cyclists will take to the roadways of West Demerara in the 8th annual Malta Supreme road race. The 46mile race will begin at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, head to Bushy Park, Parika and back to finish at the point of origin.

Last year’s winner, Hamzah Eastman will be another absentee, which means yet again a new champion will be decided. Eastman’s winning time stands at one hour 40 minutes 25 seconds.

In the Juniors category, Briton John is the defending champion while Junior Niles will be looking to retain his title in the Veterans category.

Jamal Cappell was the winner of last year’s Mountain Bike race while Shanika Teixeira was the Ladies’ champion.

There will be eight sprint prizes up for grabs and prizes will be given to the top six in the Seniors category and top three in the other categories with a prize for the Oldest cyclist.

Banks DIH Outdoor events manager Mortimer Stewart will assist in the prize-giving ceremony.

Final 20-member squad set for CARIFTA Games 2019 -Pellew out with injury, Tyndall in

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has named a final 20-member squad which will depart Guyana’s shores next week (April 17) for the Cayman Islands where they will compete at the CARIFTA Games from April 20-22.

There has been two changes to the original athlete list; 100M sprinter Osrick Pellew has picked up an injury in training and will be replaced by

Wesley Tyndall while middle distance athlete Sheama Tyrell has made the final cut as well.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, AAG president Aubrey Hutson is satisfied with the team’s preparations noting that he has no complaints.

However as is the norm, sponsorship he revealed has been hard to come by; “Sponsorship continues to roll in bit by bit, it is not where we

Daniel Williams will be hunting a medal at the CARIFTA Games.

would like it to be but we are making do. We have our games levy, while our uniforms and tickets have been bought”.

Hutson further noted; “We are looking for many medals, I am hoping that one of these athletes can set a new record, we have an athlete in the Javelin throw, Anisha Gibbons, and we are hoping that she can set a new CARIFTA record. I Wish them a safe journey and hope they do their best”.

Coaches accompanying the contingent will be Julian Edmonds and Raymond Daw while Coach Moses Pantlitz has funded his own trip to accompany his athletes.

The locally based athletes qualified for the games through three separate weekends of high-quality competition, while an additional three overseas-based athletes also secured qualification standards for the Games.

Among the locally based female athletes who have qualified for the Games is young sprinter Deshana Skeete who qualified in

AAG president Aubrey Hutson.

the 200m event while jumper Princess Browne (triple jump) and middle distance star Shaquka Tyrell (800m, 1500m) also met AAG’s qualifying standards.

The Cayman Islands will host the 48th edition of the premier Regional track and field event. This will be the third time after doing so for the first time in 1995 then more recently in 2010. The Games will

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Carter, Gabriel recalled in squad missing IPL stars (CMC) – Left-hander Jonathan Carter has been recalled following a two-year absence while speedster Shannon Gabriel also returns after a 16-month break, in a weakened West Indies 14-man squad for next month’s Tri-Nations Series against hosts Ireland and Bangladesh.

The side, led by regular captain Jason Holder, will be without key players who featured against recently against England, with the likes of veteran Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran and Oshane Thomas all tied up in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

All-rounder Keemo Paul, who was forced out of the England series due to injury, is fit again but also playing his trade in the IPL. T h e squad is the first one to be chosen by the new selection panel headed by Robert Haynes and which includes director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, and interim head coach, Floyd Reifer.

“We are immediateShannon ly implementing the new Gabriel policy of having the best We s t Indies team selected based on availability, form and fitness,” Haynes said.

“The pace attack of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder will only serve to e n hance the performances we expect from the team.

We felt that the composition of the team brought together a harmony of experienced international players and players who have been on the periphery of international cricket.”

Adams reiterated the squad was not the World Cup side which is set to be announced later this month, but said it would allow players the experience of English conditions.

“They have selected a squad to Ireland that allows a slightly wider pool of players to get 50-over experience in UK conditions which I think is very important,” said the former Test captain.

“This is not the World Cup squad, as a number of players are not available for this series as they are still participating in the IPL.” All-rounder Rovman Powell, who led West Indies on the tour of Bangladesh last year, is missing from the squad. He was forced out of the England series with injury but there was no word from CWI on if he has returned to fitness.

And even in a weakened squad, there still is no place for Leeward Islands off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, who has been repeatedly ignored in recent years despite outstanding performances for the Hurricanes franchise domestically and for West Indies A. Carter, meanwhile, has not played since India’s tour of the Caribbean in 2017 while Gabriel last turned out in an ODI on the tour of New Zealand later that year.

The 31-year-old Carter averaged 50 and scored over 350 runs in the last Super50 Cup and also was also among the leading scorers in the just concluded Regional first class tournament with nearly 700 runs at an average of 40.

The Tri-Nations Series runs from May 3 to 17 and is the final one-day tour for the Caribbean side before the ICC World Cup which starts May 30 in England.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Sunil Ambris, Raymon Reifer, Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Jonathan Carter.

Carter, Gabriel recalled in squad missing IPL stars Page

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Seasoned left-hander Jonathan Carter

AMCHAM sponsors inaugural golf tournament Page

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From left, Lusignan Golf Club president Aleem Hussain, Iman Cummings of the Corum Group, AMCHAM president Zulfikar Ali, Saskia Wyngaarde of RED Entertainment and AMCHAM and Richard Hanif, AMCHAM Golf Rep and local golfer at yesterday’s AMCHAM Open launch.

Griffith tipped to be new WI fielding coach Page

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Rayon Griffith (left) is expected to be new WI fielding coach.

Former national cycling champion alleges vendetta from GCF’s Burrowes ► Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019