Guyana Chronicle Epaper 04 22 2019

MONDAY 22nd April, 2019

No.105615

To all readers

Thousands flock regatta extravaganza PAGE

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–– Minister Harmon talks up the ‘good life’

Drivers praise repairs to Linden-Lethem trail 16 PAGE

Tractor topples killing driver in DeKinderen 03 PAGE

Griffith is 14 Regatta queen!

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Amel Sigourney Griffith being crowned Miss Bartica Regatta 2019 by her sister Arian Richmond who won the coveted title the previous year (Carl Croker photo)

Region 4 to get smart 13 schools in 2020 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Easter the reason for the church -- President Granger

PRESIDENT David Granger attended Easter Sunday service at the St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The President was accompanied by his daughter, Han Granger- Gaskin.

In a brief message to the congregation, the Head of State reminded that Easter is the most sacred Christian celebration; not Christmas.

“Easter is the reason for the church. Without the passion of Christ, without the resurrection, there would be no reason for the church, no cause, no justification. It is the resurrection of Christ we celebrate,” President Granger said as he thanked Father Ayobami Ayorinde for a wonderful service.

The President, who returned to Guyana last night from the Republic of Cuba where he was receiving treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, thanked the congregation for its prayers.

“I have been fighting this disease of cancer and I would like to thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” he said.

He urged those gathered at the St. Matthew’s Parish Church to remember the importance of Easter not only once annually but throughout the year. “Let the message of Easter take you through the year unto next year,” President Granger said as he reminded that Christianity is a religion of love, faith and hope. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Members of the St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

President David Granger speaks to the congregation of St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Providence, East Bank Demerara as his daughter, Han Granger- Gaskin (right) looks on (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Father Ayobami Ayorinde prays for President David Granger at the St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Thousands flock regatta extravaganza GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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–– Minister Harmon talks up the ‘good life’

THE annual Bartica Regatta beach activities kicked off on Sunday morning with the golden beach packed with patrons and tourists who came out to enjoy a day filled with excitement.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who represented President David Granger, commended the Bartica Town Council and the 2019 Regatta Organising Committee for their success in organising the month-long activities.

He said the regatta is a great achievement for the town, since it started simply with boat races and developed into a grand cultural extravaganza.

in the town.

In addition, the minister said the Office of Climate Change has received approval for US$3M for Bartica, to be distributed as loans and grants to pursue ‘green’ projects.

“Your government is committed to continuing this process of development; of building our infrastructure not only in Bartica, but all across Region Seven and all across our country,” Minister Harmon said.

On that note, the minister officially declared Bartica Regatta 2019 open.

From the sentiments of those in attendance, it can be concluded that the Bartica Regatta is one of the most anticipated

Minister of State Joseph Harmon meeting and greeting patrons on Bartica beach

A section of the massive crowd at Bartica Regatta 2019 “The Bartica Regatta has grown from strength to strength, and has taken its place among the top tourist and entertainment attractions in Guyana’s social calendar,” Harmon said.

He also said the government is working towards ensuring citizens are afforded a good life, making mention of the many developmental projects that were executed

Easter activities, not only for the people of Bartica, but for people all across Guyana and further afield.

The morning kicked off with a minor accident in the horse power engine race, but it did not take away from the day’s festivities.

The excitement continues today at the Golden Beach.

Tractor topples killing driver in DeKinderen

SUDESH, 38, (only name given) of Meten-Meer-Zorg Reserve, West Coast Demerara (WCD) met his demise on Sunday after the tractor he was operating toppled and pinned him in the backlands at DeKinderen.

Reports are that the driver went into the backdam to do ploughing of lands owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation, some 20 miles from the public road around 07:00hrs on Sunday.

The tractor that pinned the driver On his way out while proceeding north on the eastern side of the road, he lost control of the tractor which turned turtle in the eastern trench, causing the driver to be pinned down.

Public-spirit citizens on

seeing what happened contacted the police. Sudesh was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors.

His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem.

Bartica Regatta attracted a huge turnout at Golden Beach on Sunday (Carl Croker photo)

Woman arrested for ‘narco’ possession A 35-year-old businesswoman has been arrested after a bag she tossed out of a window on seeing a group of policemen was found to contain cannabis.

According to a release, cops acting on information went to a shop in Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara to conduct a search, and on arrival, a female who saw them quickly disposed of a parcel through one of the shop’s windows.

The parcel was retrieved and found to contain a quantity of cannabis.

The woman was promptly arrested, and is being processed for court.

The prohibited substance, when weighed, amounted to 120 grams.

The prohibitive substance seized by police

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Comedian Zelenskiy wins Ukrainian presidential race by landslide: exit polls KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine entered uncharted political waters on Sunday after exit polls showed a comedian with no political experience and few detailed policies had easily won enough votes to become the next president of a country at war.

The apparent landslide victory of Volodymyr Zelenskiy,

41, is a bitter blow for incumbent Petro Poroshenko who tried to rally Ukrainians around the flag by casting himself as a bulwark against Russian aggression and a champion of Ukrainian identity.

Two national exit polls showed Zelenskiy had won 73 percent of the vote with Poroshenko winning just 25 percent.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Early voting data suggested the polls were accurate.

Zelenskiy, who plays a fictitious president in a popular TV series, is now poised to take over the leadership of a country on the frontline of the West’s standoff with Russia following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and support for a pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Easter blasts at Sri Lanka hotels and churches kill at least 207 AT least 207 people were killed and hundreds of others wounded in multiple blasts that hit eight different locations -- including churches where Christians were marking Easter Sunday -- and 5A series of eight devastating bomb blasts ripped through

high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing at least 207 people, including dozens of foreigners.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attacks -- the worst act of violence since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war a decade

Monday, April 22, 2019

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ago -- as “cowardly”, as the government imposed an immediate and indefinite curfew across the entire country of 21 million people.

The powerful blasts -– six in quick succession and then two more hours later -- left hundreds injured and wrought devastation, including at the capital’s well-known St Anthony’s Shrine, a historic Catholic Church.

At least two of the explosions were carried out by suicide bombers, according to police sources and a hotel official.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the death toll had risen to at least 207, with over 450 people wounded and

that three people had been arrested.

Ravinatha Aryasinha, secretary to the foreign ministry, told reporters there were 27 bodies of suspected foreign nationals in the Colombo National Hospital.

A police official said earlier that 35 foreigners were among the dead and hospital sources said British, Dutch and American citizens had been killed, with Britons and Japanese also injured. A Portuguese man and two Chinese citizens were among the dead, news agencies in their countries reported.

Horrible scenes Police chief warning There were no immediate

5:30 hrs

claims of responsibility for the blasts, but documents seen

by AFP show that Sri Lanka’s police chief Pujuth Jayasundara issued an intelligence alert to top officers 10 days ago, warning that suicide bombers planned to hit “prominent churches”.

“A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama’ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo,” the alert said.

The NTJ is a radical Muslim group in Sri Lanka that was linked last year to the vandalisation of Buddhist statues.

Soon after, police confirmed that a third church in the east-coast town of Batticaloa had been hit, along with three high-end hotels in the capital -- the Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri-La and the Kingsbury.

A manager at the Cinnamon Grand, near the prime minister’s official residence in Colombo, said a suicide bomber blew himself up at the hotel’s restaurant.

“He came up to the top of the queue and set off the blast,” he told AFP. Later in the afternoon, two died in a strike at a hotel in the south of Colombo, while a police source said a suicide bomber killed three officers in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital.

Cowardly attacks President Maithripala Sirisena said in an address that he was shocked by the explosions and appealed for calm.

On Twitter, Wickremesinghe wrote: “I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today.

“I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong.”

The Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith, described those behind the attacks as “animals” and called on the authorities to “punish them mercilessly”.

US President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences on the “horrible terrorist attacks”, and Pope Francis in his Easter address at the Vatican spoke of his “affectionate closeness with the Christian community, attacked while it was at prayer”.

Embassies in Colombo warned their citizens to shelter in place, and Sri Lankan Airlines told customers to arrive at the airport four hours ahead of flights because of rampedup security in the wake of the attacks.

Only around six percent of mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka is Catholic, but the religion is seen as a unifying force because it includes people from both the Tamil and majority Sinhalese ethnic groups.

There have been no attacks in Sri Lanka linked to foreign Islamist groups, despite local media reports that a Sri Lankan was killed in Syria while fighting for the Islamic State group.

In January, Sri Lankan police seized a haul of explosives and detonators following the arrest of four men from a newly formed radical Muslim group. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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CoP assures Buju no more trouble Police Commissioner Gary Griffith strikes a pose with Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton after meeting him at the Hilton Trinidad Saturday night. Griffith met with Banton to assure him that the rest of his stay in T&T would be comfortable after officer raided Banton’s hotel room hours before.

TTPS HOURS after defending his officers’ decision to search the hotel room of Buju Banton, Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith met with the Jamaican reggae artiste to assure him officers will not interfere with him or members of his entourage again.

In a release, the TTPS said Griffith met with Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, at Hilton Trinidad to indicate that he (Griffith) was aware of the “embarrassment, anxiety and inconvenience” which the earlier search of Banton’s room had caused.

Furthermore, the CoP assured Banton that the rest of his stay in T&T would be incident free.

Griffith assured Banton that the search was not a personal attack on himself

or his entourage. Addressing the actual search of Banton’s room on Saturday, Griffith said officers of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU) had received certain intelligence which led them

to search the artiste’s room.

The CoP, however, said he was concerned that the intelligence was flawed, as nothing was found.

Banton immediately took to his Instagram page after

Trinidad and Tobago Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith and reggae artiste Buju Banton

the raid, posting a video.

“I just realised something, I’m chilling in my hotel room and the cops came to check me. A whole bunch of them saying they got a warrant to search my room and all them kind of stuff,” Banton said.

“How can you obtain a search warrant for a hotel room on a Saturday?”

Banton said despite the incident he still had love for Trinidad and Tobago.

“I just want to know, no matter what they can’t break us we see what’s going on.

We just want you to know what’s going on. We see what you’re planning,” he said.

When contacted moments after the incident, Griffith confirmed officers conducted the search and nothing illegal was found in the room. The CoP was reluctant to give information as to what inspired the search of the reggae singer’s room.

“So because it’s high pro-

file the police service should not be involved in conducting searches and warrants?”

Griffith asked about the raid.

Griffith said the police were well within their rights to conduct a search of the singer’s room.

“This is not an abuse of authority, this is what police do. And this is what we have done over the last 50 years and will continue to do,” he said, adding the action was proof that the police was non-discriminatory in their approach.

Banton was convicted in 2011 of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was released from a United States prison last December. This conviction meant he required an exemption from Minister of National Security to enter the country to perform for Sunday’s I Am Legend concert, which he is set to headline. (Trinidad Guardian)

Venezuela using T&T to hide oil exports THERE are reports of T&T ports being used by Venezuela’s state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, SA (PDVSA), to avoid US sanctions.

According to a report on the website Lloyd’s List Maritime Intelligence, ships appear to be collecting oil cargo in Venezuela before stopping off in T&T and then setting off again, raising suspicions that cargoes are being hidden. It said PDVSA is suspected of using co-loads and “false berthings” to disguise cargo origins.

Since March 21, three tankers belonging to PDVSA have loaded oil cargoes in Venezuela then diverted to areas close to T&T for several hours. Vessel-tracking data showed that after spending a short time in T&T waters, the tankers left for their final long-haul destinations.

This was likely an attempt to get new bills of lading stating T&T, not Venezuela as the points of origin for the cargoes of fuel oil.

The tankers have been identified as the Mindoro, Amore Mio and Serengeti. Mindoro is owned by TMS Tankers, while Serengeti is owned by a Greece-based shipping company, Dynacom.

The owner of Amore Mio could not be determined.

“There is no suggestion that any of the shipments were in breach of US sanctions,” Maritime Intelligence added.

This is the second alleged PDVSA tactic to hide the destination and origin of petroleum and crude exports. In late January, after the imposition of the US sanctions, two tankers that loaded in Venezuela were involved in ship-to-ship transfers off Gibraltar.

Rolling power blackouts that disrupted port loadings on top of US sanctions have shrunk crude exports from Venezuela to 17-year lows. In March, just under 1 million barrels per day was loaded on 33 tankers, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence— the second-lowest volume since 2006.

The US sanctions currently restrict the sales of crude and petroleum products from PDVSA to the US unless revenues are placed in escrow, cutting off the government of President Nicolás Maduro from its biggest export earner. Oil is s responsible for more than 90 per cent of Venezuela’s revenues.

The sanctions are aimed at sanctions would blocking US$7 billion in PDVSA’s assets and more than $11 billion in export proceeds over the next year.

On April 12, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control expanded the sanctions to include companies and vessels transporting crude to Cuba. Shipowners outside the US have been warned that they could be affected.

“While there are no specific prohibitions aimed at non-US persons transacting business with PDVSA, there is the potential that non-US persons could nevertheless be subject to sanctions either for operating in the Venezuelan oil sector, or for providing material assistance to, or support for, PDVSA,” the report stated.

Two of the cargoes that were diverted through T&T are currently sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and signalling Singapore, a typical destination for fuel oil cargoes.

Serengeti is making a transatlantic crossing and signalling its next port as Gibraltar. (Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Easter Monday and national togetherness

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ODAY, Guyanese will celebrate Easter Monday in the best tradition, known and practised for many decades – kite-flying.

It is an occasion, the high point which would have been Easter Sunday, which day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion memorial was observed on Good Friday, which is recorded as the day of his death on the cross. Easter Sunday is a triumphant celebration by Christians, of Christ’s rising from the dead. This usually takes the form of church services and related processions.

Easter, like its other significant Christian festival of Christmas, has come to be embraced by all Guyanese irrespective of race and ethnicity and cultural affiliation. It reminds one of the festivals of Holi that has indeed morphed into a truly national festival, in which there is open and spontaneous participation by all the races throughout their communities in the different regions.

For Easter Monday the significant event will be kite-flying, as thousands of Guyanese of all races and cultures embrace, inclusive of all religious moulds, will be taking to primarily the seawall, the National Park; the Joe Vieira Park on the West Bank of Demerara; in school yards; and in open spaces wherever these are found, to raise their kites. It is said that

kite-flying signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Although Easter Monday celebrations in Guyana have traditionally always been centred on the marquee act of kite-flying, those of a mature age will remember those bygone times when the popular village excursions were very much a staple feature of this day. One can also recall the popular bus excursions that departed Georgetown, inclusive of blaring juke boxes; colourfully dressed ladies with beautifully wrapped head wear, with baskets filled with varied cuisine, journeying to the then popular mecca of Tiperrary Hall, Buxton, and other locations such as Mahaica, Hopetown, and Ithaca. But how can we not mention the city folk, travelling aboard the then well-known Georgetown to Mc Kenzie – as Linden was originally named – river vessel, the RH Carr, conveying revellers to the bauxite town.

Fast forward to the present, and this day is now mainly celebrated with large family gatherings, picnic style at the public spaces mentioned above, with activities such as cookouts, as well as packed lunch baskets. On observation, it is a day, apart from where all the races will interact, both directly and indirectly, in the public spaces, and even in the non-public ones, will herald new friendships made; many lost friendships found and rekindled/restored. There is the usual Guyanese hospitality on display, where

lunches and drinks are shared among different ethnic groups. It is a day that brings out the Guyanese nation in a milieu that has become cross-cultural, since every ethnic group fly kites and enjoy the day in a common environment.

These are cultural days that contradict the perception that we are so different, that there are no common features that could be discerned for a meeting on that common national ground called Guyanese. It is submitted that each such occasion, although of different cultural visage, has with the passage of time, been gradually facilitating an informed understanding of each other; a more openmindedness as to what togetherness among different ethnicities mean; and a better appreciation of each other as Guyanese.

Further, it is submitted that this is what social cohesion is all about, and intended to be – the meeting of the races in open spaces, that although for cultural or other social reasons, will cause the beginning of conversations, for building bridges of togetherness and unity. It is an effort, and a worthwhile sacrifice, that we all must be ready to make so that our children and grandchildren will inherit a better nation – the ideal of which our National Motto declares: ONE PEOPLE,ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY. Happy Easter to all!

Men who prey on women are scum of the earth Dear Editor,

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he law does not allow a man to saturate himself with the white or amber stuff to fortify himself with “dutch courage” in order to enable the commission of the worst offence against God and His humanity. My theology informs me that we were all made in His image hence the enormity of the offence.

Omwattie Gill is no longer with us. She, according to your editorial of Wednesday April 17, 2019, “was only 21 years old, the mother of a 7-month-old daughter and had been a victim of domestic violence”. Why? “What is the matter with my gender?” I ask rhetorically. My generation was taught to respect women. This was basic education in our primary schools during the erstwhile years of myself and compatriots. The school I attended was school-mastered by my father. One day, during the mid-morning break, Beryl Green told me something I did not like. My response was to plant a manly cuff in her face. She smiled and then said triumphantly, “I am going to tell Sir”. She did. I heard C.O. Patterson’s bellowing voice from the top floor: “What, my son hit a girl? Boys go get him”. Half of my standard six friends with great difficulty, subdued me, and held me down on my face. My father did a 15 minute workout on my derriere exclaiming with each lash “My son hit a girl?”

I extricated myself and ran home to the sanctuary of Aunt

Blanche who was holidaying with us then. My father came home to continue the brutality but Aunt Blanche intervened and rebuked him. By the way, my abhorrence at the maltreatment meted out to my gender by women is likewise an aberration of the same barbaric kind but embalmed in subtlety. This meme must cease, forthwith.

Some males of the species currently abiding in Guyana and elsewhere are a disgrace to their creator. Teachers, Pastors and such ilk need to understand and inculcate the following to their anxious male charges from the earliest incubative period – we are male by birth and men by choice.

We have recruited a regime of cads and bounders, and rosters of rogues scholars who seem to be marinated in mischief because males have lost their moorings. What do we have now? Women have been infected by the orgies of violence and both genders seem to have outsourced their brain.

I understand very well the proliferation of maladroit males of the most unsavoury kind. I also understand how women could goad us to fury. Yet, that is no excuse for us to wage a donnybrook in the home of which the headship rests on us. (Oops no offence to the women’s equality corps).

I have a bullet proof repugnance and contempt for males who do not act manly. Males who prey on women, routinely, are really the scum of the earth. Males who by choice refuse to take the uplifting hands tendered by var-

ious governments and civic organisations, present or past to deliver them from the cycle of delinquency ought to be sanctioned. Our women folk must bear some responsibility.

It is not wise to be cute and clueless. Women must understand that you have a duty to upgrade yourselves. The opportunities for individual, educational and social uplift were not available in my day. Yet our generation of Guyanese produced the best of humanity of their day. Most readers are not aware that in the 60s British Guyana had the greatest amount of graduates per capita in the Commonwealth.

Men, surely we can do better. Now oil would be flowing soon. Money would begin to flow like the oil. This writer is not a prognosticator of doom and gloom but yet I am not excited at its advent. Oil is likely to lay the foundation that would spawn politicians who would take their overweening and arrogant postures to a new level and with that our young men.

May the dark side of our social endeavour cease and may the realisation of our common humanity jerk us all into the reality of who we really are as Guyanese of the human kind.

Regards Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson Chairman Guyana Elections Commission

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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The Boeing 737 Max 8, Randy Liverpool and aviation in Guyana

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WOULD first like to begin by stating for the record, “Pilots in Guyana are the backbone of the aviation industry without whom the interior of Guyana would be in most cases inaccessible.” On 29 October, 2018 and 10 March, 2019, the Boeing 737 Max 8 (practically brand new machines) had two catastrophic accidents killing in excess of 300 people. These accidents have ultimately lead to one of the biggest aviation safety and regulatory faux pas in the history of the aviation business. The Boeing company, a several hundred billion US dollar company which has existed since the end of the first World War, is now under immense scrutiny for several safety violations, among other things. I would like to point out that immediately after these accidents, no statements assigning blame were levied until some some form of competent investigation was completed. The pilots of these flights were not villified nor thrown under the bus by their companies. They were revered as skilled professionals who were dedicated to their craft. I mention these facts because this was not the case when it came to Captain Randy Joseph Liverpool, who perished in a horrific accident on February 21, 2019. A day which shall always be ingrained in my mind as a pilot and friend of Captain Liverpool. Instead, the Kaieteur newspaper proceeded to use images obtained from a three-second video shot by some civilian in Eteringbang to brutally vilify and tarnish the good name of this amazing aviator.

This attack on Captain Liverpool’s character came just a few days after his demise before any competent and comprehensive investigation could have been completed. The story which was spun by the unqualified and ill-equipped Kaieteur News was further used as a benchmark by governmental bodies and authorities to trump up, what could most likely have been aircraft malfunction, to pilot error.

The shocking thing is the company for which Captain Liverpool worked never came out in anyway to even mount a defence of his character, despite Randy single-handedly being responsible for the profitability and viability of the organisation. SHAME ON YOU, Orlando Charles!

Let me side bar and give a brief history of this brilliant aviator. Captain Liverpool came from humble beginnings; he was brilliant, dedicated and hard-working. He worked and made immense sacrifice to attain his pilot’s licences and endorsements. He was a graduate of the Bishops’ High School and Queens College, who started his aviation career as an air-traffic controller, the most stressful job on the planet. Randy eventually paid his way through his private pilot’s licence course and subsequently gained funding for his commercial course from a private investor. He then made more sacrifices to attain his multi-engine and instrument ratings which involved the selling of his car and other possessions

to make the payments necessary to complete his training.

This man was dedicated. He finally became commander on the Cessna 206 where he cut his teeth in Guyana’s interior.

Most pilots can attest to hearing his piercing voice on the radio communicating his flight plan or joking with colleagues.

Randy loved what he did! So tell me, do you think that any sane person, who had literally sacrificed so much to attain their dreams, would jeopardise their lives and careers? Randy was a meticulous captain, always willing to go the extra mile in the name of safety. I don’t believe any pilot wakes up and says, “Hey, let me go showboat just for the fun of it,” unless they’re working at an airshow. Pilots are inherently safety conscious, considering all the factors in play before making any decision. Most people believe what is accomplished by aviators is some small fear, but let me clarify -- this is far from true. Everyday when pilots take command of an aircraft they are facing surmountable odds to ensure that their days are completed incident-free. Weather, aircraft malfunctions, fatigue, airspace congestion and passengers among other things are many of the contributing factors that can adversely affect a flight day. Yes, we have done it so many times that it may seem routine, but no flight is exactly the same and risk is always there. Let me highlight some of the unique challenges that Guyanese aviators face daily: 1. Old-model aircraft being pushed to their operational limits, flying many cycles in harsh conditions such as high atmospheric temperatures, high humidity in low- density air doing repetitive up and down heat-cool cycles when shuttling 2. Unpaved and in some cases under-maintained runways 3. Wildlife 4. Single-engine aircraft operating over dense jungle and within mountainous terrain with no clearways or airports in close proximity to be their salvation in case of engine failure 5. Non-radar environment and with minimal navigational aids, where conditions most times warrant instrument flight rules 6. No proper search-and-rescue system in place or reporting stations in case of emergency I can go on listing other challenges stacked against Guyanese pilots, but I will refrain for the public’s sake. So when a pilot loses his or her life while operating in such harsh conditions, please, I ask that the media, government officials and the general public refrain from trumping it up to the biggest cop-out in aviation -- pilot error-- before a comprehensive accident investigation and report are accomplished. At no time did anyone in the media do any investigative journalism to find out if the aircraft in question had an accident or incident history in particular electrical malfunctions that could have lead to a fire on board. In addition, did anyone ask how old this aircraft was and what the airframe hours were? How far

was it from an engine overhaul or scheduled maintenance? In the years of this type of aircraft operating does any accident mirror this one and what were the root causes or is this an isolated incident meaning more investigation must be done.

I found it in poor taste to have the major thing coming out of this recent accident being a hotline to report any reckless pilot behaviour. Who determines reckless pilot behaviour?

The man in the street/bush who has no understanding of aviation operations? Please! Instead of creating a situation for improper information reporting, why don’t we ensure that at all airfields where our military personnel are stationed an adequate first-response team is “prepped” and ready to go at a moment’s notice. In addition, why not make a new career path in the military as air-traffic control, so soldiers who are at these remote airfields can man radios, collect weather, do traffic control, monitoring, and obtain landing information from pilots. I find it unbelievable that a plane was on fire and no one had a portable fire extinguisher within reach to try and quell the flames; instead, they all had cellphones recording the burning remains of Captain Liverpool. Before we all become tattle tales, why don’t we create rules to govern shuttling, whereby aircraft engaged in these activities have to come under much more stringent maintenance checks at greater frequency to account for the very harsh operating conditions (high heat, humidity, low-density altitude, high- frequency, heat-cool cycles) and higher human-factor minimums to govern pilot fatigue. This would give a better chance for any engine stresses to be identified before it’s too late and pilots operating within their physical limits.

Ethiopian Airlines remains a brilliant example of a supportive and world-class organisation from their handling of the 737 accident. They first of all stood behind their crew, giving them the benefit of the doubt until any reports coming out through thorough investigation were completed. They then worked with the manufacturer to find what could have been the root cause from a mechanical view. One thing that is evident from these accidents, is that there must be clear distance between regulatory bodies and the entities they regulate to ensure integrity is upheld throughout.

In closing, it is the intention of this article to provoke some thought by the regulatory body, the governing powers, the operators, their agents and the media. Let us all do our part in ensuring that we develop a safe aviation environment through positive and constructive actions.

Kaieteur News, do the right thing and retract your ill-informed statements about Captain Liverpool and offer his family a written apology. Randy, forever rest well and God’s speed on your journey.

John Public Aviator

Timely call by Transparency International Guyana Dear Editor,

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R Troy Thomas, director of Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), has called on the Government of Guyana to establish a policy regarding ministers owning companies (SN 4/16/2019).

Such a call is very timely, given the expected spoils that will spill over from Guyana’s nascent oil and gas industry.

Under the leadership of the late President and Leader of the People’s National Congress (not PNCR), Forbes Burnham, his government issued the Declaration of Sophia in 1974, which provided a code of conduct for the President, the prime minister, ministers of the government, PNC members of parliament and party officers. This was established to prevent ministers or party members using their relationship to the state to accumulate vast amounts of wealth.

Today, with the neo-liberal mantra “greed is good” ringing in their ears, many of those that inhabit the PPP, PNCR

and WPA are “feathering their nests” while they can, using political office to enrich themselves.

Many are doing exactly as the promoters of the so-called free-market advocate - accumulating wealth and property, while the workers, the actual producers of the wealth, remain impoverished and are valued only for their votes when the political circus comes around. Rene Descartes famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am”, has been replaced by “I accumulate, therefore I am.”

A fundamental characteristic of the bourgeois politician is that they talk a lot about serving the people, but in reality they serve their own interests only and the interests of their class.

This is what differentiates a revolutionary from a bourgeois politician. The fundamental characteristic of a revolutionary is to serve a higher purpose and a noble cause. The revolutionary uses power to serve the people, by putting their interests before profits and corporate greed, and establishing

economic justice and true national independence. Their aim is to realise the Victory of the People.

That is why the late Forbes Burnham, despite efforts to discredit him at the time with claims that he had money stashed in overseas accounts, claims which have now been shown to be completely false, had no interest in accumulating personal wealth. In fact, when his wife Viola became ill after his death, the party faithful had to collect money for her treatment. I visited Viola many times and can attest to the fact that she lived in a humble farmhouse at the back of D’Urban Backlands. Real nationalists and patriots do not live their lives to benefit themselves, their families and their cronies, but to benefit the entire nation and all its people.

Regards Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

‘Garage’ distributes over 2,000 kites in ‘Easter Give Back’

Children enjoying the Bouncy Castle on Sunday THE Garage Drive-in Bar and Grill on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, on Sunday distributed over 2,000 kites to children from surrounding neighbourhoods as part of its annual “Easter Give Back”.

The fast-food outlet was transformed into an entertainment hub.

Mayor Ubraj Narine was among those present at the charitable event Mayor Ubraj Narine and businessman Estwick Northe which provided meals, bouncy castle distributing kites to children at the Garage Drive-in Bar and other refreshments to the chiland Grill

dren.

The Garage Drive-in Bar and Grill has been giving back to the public ever since its opening and, according to proprietor Estwick Northe, other companies have since joined the effort.

This year, the businessman said the Garage partnered with a number of agencies including Cevon’s Waste Management, Dynasty Night Club, Wine Days and Hopkinson Mining, among others, to make the event

possible.

According to Northe, the day is set aside for the children to collect their kites, have a meal and enjoy themselves with their families and friends, at the Garage.

“Each year, we share out additional kites. This year, we catered for over 2000 children. We are aiming to share out more next year,” he said.

Other companies are welcome to join the Garage in the venture, Mr. Northe said.

Maternity home in Long Creek will reduce mortality rates –– Regional Health Officer, Dr. Quincy Jones

By Lisa Hamilton

MATERNAL and infant mortality in some remote villages in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), is still a major cause for concern.

However, the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) believes that the construction of a maternity waiting home in the Long Creek area on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway can become a viable preventative measure.

The idea is the brainchild of the RDC’s Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Quincy Jones and construction is expected to commence next month.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas said the home will be constructed in the compound of the Long Creek Health Centre.

In explaining the initiative, she used the Amerindian village of St. Cuthbert’s Mission as an example.

Lucas explained that many pregnant women from the village are put at risk when they have to travel long distances in their third trimester to receive medical

The Maternity Waiting Home at the Indigenous Residence, Princess Street, Georgetown (DPI photo) attention.

“Persons come from St. Cuthbert’s Mission and other riverine areas and some of them wait until the last moment to come down to town and then we find all sorts of complications. So, what we decided to do is to build a waiting home; bring them out at six months [of pregnancy]; they’ll stay there, we’ll provide for them and everything like a home away from home.

When they’re about to get the baby, we’ll take them down to the Georgetown Public

Hospital or the Diamond Diagnostic Centre,” Lucas said.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission is located some 11 miles off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The REO said while the village has a health centre, it is not equipped to conduct deliveries unless there is truly an emergency.

There are other riverine communities which stand to benefit from the waiting home, such as Dora and Low Wood on the

Demerara River and Laluni and Moblissa on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Medics at the various health posts or centres in the villages will be asked to encourage pregnant mothers who are between the six to nine-month period of pregnancy to be transferred to the waiting home.

Lucas said the home will be designed to have all the comforts a pregnant woman would need and, while not mandatory, the RDC encourages all women in the area to take advantage of the home when it comes to fruition.

“The waiting home is everything a home would have. It has a television; persons will be cooking meals for them,” Lucas began, as she listed a string of the many comforts.

“We’re hoping within another week to wrap up the evaluation and then the tender board will do the awarding of contracts.

Once everything is successful and the award is completed, then our forecast is for the actual building to start construction somewhere around mid next month.”

Another maternity waiting home will be constructed in the Moruca Sub-Region in Region One (Barima-Waini) while other waiting homes around the country such as the Maternity Waiting home at the Indigenous Residence in Georgetown have recently undergone rehabilitation works.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

The best policy

ALTHOUGH lying is not a social norm, experts insist that it is a typical part of growing up, and is developmentally normal. This does not mean that it should be encouraged or overlooked.

Neither does it mean that adults should chide their children to the point of shame, or beat them to stop them from lying. But it is important that parents recognise the reasons why children lie, and deal with them accordingly.

Children usually learn to tell lies between the ages of two to four years old. At this stage, they are increasingly becoming aware of the world and the people around them. As they interact with their family members and peers, they realise that people have different feelings and thoughts.

So if a child says, ‘Mummy said I can have two biscuits,’ when mummy said nothing of the sort, the child is merely using his/her growing awareness of how other people think to plant a falsehood.

In this instance, although it is something that should not be endorsed, an adult can see that the child is ‘making something up’. Young children tend to do this a lot, because much of their world

is still fantasy. And, let’s face it! Adults lead them to believe in characters such as the Baccoo, Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy, Ole Higue and ‘Super Heroes’.

At this age, the lies children tell lack depth and sophistication. A child may have chocolate all over his/her hands and face, and still deny ever touching the chocolate cake that has a big piece missing.

Adults can deal with these types of lies by speaking to the child appropriately. For example, the adult can talk through the event with the child, and help the child to understand that the evidence is compelling, and it is always best to tell it like it is; to be honest and own up to what (s)he has done, regardless of what the (child’s presumed) outcome may be.

Although it is a cultural thing in Guyana, adults do not always have to speak about ‘licks’ and bring beating into the equation. Children are impressionable, and adults should have at least an average understanding of how to interact with them in order to bring about a favourable result.

As children get older, they develop the art of telling lies that are believable, along with learning how to maintain ‘the lie’ over a period

of time. Many an adult has been fooled by a child who has given them a ‘Br’er Nancy story’ that was quite credible. In addition, children grow in a contrary world where adults consistently bend the truth themselves, and then ‘shush’ children or tell them to ‘shut up’ for being too honest.

Children are further influenced to tell lies through TV shows, even some cartoons, which have plots where lies and deceitful behaviour tend to have very little consequences. In situation comedies (sitcoms), lies are laughed at rather than highlighted as unsuitable. This is why adults need to help children develop a moral compass.

Children need to feel good about telling the truth, because it is the right thing to do. Help them to understand when lies are most harmful, and the effect their lies can have on others, as well as the negative feeling they themselves will encounter when they lie. Emphasize the importance of being truthful and honest in all situations. Adults can also point out examples of honesty in books, stories and movies.

Pre-adolescents and teenagers usually lie to get themselves out of trouble and sticky situations (just like adults). It is common knowledge

that children emulate their parents, so there’s no point in a parent trying to teach honesty if the child has grown up witnessing his/her parent consistently telling lies. Adults must always be mindful of what they say in front of their children. Children learn from the best.

Adults need to be alert and vigilant to ensure that the lies young people tell do not lead them into ‘unknown waters’ and danger. Young people, therefore, must always be reachable by phone, and there should be no room for excuses, which we all know, technically, are really lies.

I.e. my phone accidently got switched to airplane mode: My battery ran out; my phone was in the bottom of my bag; the music on the minibus was so loud I didn’t hear my phone ringing.

When any child, regardless of age, talks about being touched inappropriately, or of being sexually abused, they should always be believed and taken seriously. A report should be made to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), so an investigation can be carried out. This is mandatory by law. Children seldom make up stories of sexual activity or abuse where none exists.

Adults should aim to highlight the positive aspects of truth-telling, and praise children for telling the truth, so they can develop a sense of pride for doing the same.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can ring the CPA hotline: 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Region Three RHO aiming to improve healthcare “WE want to provide a safer, healthier [service] for all who live in Region Three,” says Cuban–trained Dr. Cerdel McWatt, who two months ago assumed responsibility as Regional Health Officer (RHO), and for the healthcare programme in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Dr McWatt was reassigned from Region One (Barima-Waini) where he worked for the last four years. The doctor, who hails from Berbice but also spent time in Georgetown and Linden, sees Region Three as having great capacity in terms of healthcare delivery, and in terms of Guyana’s 2020 vision.

He said that while most of the region’s targets are not quite met, with team spirit, they hope to achieve them. “This fiscal year 2019 has already met the region with a lot of challenges and health-related concerns, but as we work assiduously to correct those problems, especially maternal and infant mortality, we hope to be able to be well on the road in reaching our promises to the SDGs, which is 70 to 100, 000 population, as in having deaths lower than that,” he related

to the Guyana Chronicle.

“So far, we have not been doing that well; there are lots of approaches in terms of application to protocols, based on the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), along with other NGO initiatives that they would have put in place in order to curb such, and we are expected to follow those guidelines very closely, in the interest of the populace residing in the region,” he added.

He pointed out that, moreover, special interest is placed on family health, and that is based on the region’s vaccination programme, one of the challenges at the region is facing. “It is not to say that we have no targets or accomplished any, but in that aspect, there is room for improvement in antigen coverage, and moreso, among our migrant population which is growing.”

On this note, Dr McWatt disclosed that there is special initiative gearing in terms of tackling that aspect, and expressed the hope that at the end of this fiscal year, the region will do better.

He noted that the infectious disease programme should be well on its way, with the

establishment of an infectious disease ward to add to the existing clinic. That project is expected to be opened at the end of the second quarter, as most of the implementations are well underway. He expressed appreciation for the National Tubercolosis Programme, and by extension the Ministry of Public Health, for their inputs to the scheme.

“We are also looking at the bottom-up approach, whereby the systems at the Level One and Two facilities are enhanced, that is by ensuring that the facilities at both levels are equipped. The focus is currently on Level Two, with the policy of doctors first to be applied and then on a rotational basis with the medex and physicians visiting the Level One in terms of the health posts, the RHO, who has had extensive training in infectious diseases and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). said.

He noted, too, that efforts are being made to improve the services offered at the Leonora Hospital and the cottage hospitals at Leguan and Wakenaam, where there is a decentralisation of medical services so that persons who live there can access healthcare.

That service entails basic imaging, laborato-

New Region Three, Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Cerdel McWatt ry, and physiotherapy, which, to some extent, is already in existence, but which the region is aiming to improve.

Further, Dr McWatt disclosed that he is currently at closing stages of his studies for a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Region 4 to get smart schools in 2020

By Lisa Hamilton

THERE are major rehabilitation and expansion projects planned for schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in 2019, while there are plans in the making for schools in the Region to be outfitted with ‘smart’ features in 2020.

The initiatives are being spearheaded by the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) through funding from the government, which allocated the Council some $7.2B for the year.

High on the agenda is the Bladen Hall Multilateral School, which Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas stated is in great need of rehabilitation.

There were minor works done to the building in the past, but this is the first time since it was built that the school will undergo major rehabilitation.

“The school was more or less neglected to a large extent. Remember those schools were built way back in the late 70s, so we recognised that there is need for major rehabilitation,” Lucas said.

Funding received for the rehabilitation is in the tune of $70M, and will cater for mostly internal rehabilitation as well as the repainting of the building.

Meanwhile, the tender for the project is currently being evaluated, and will soon be followed by the awarding of a contract by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

“We’re in evaluation stage at the moment, and I trust that within another two weeks or so, the projects will be awarded,” the REO stated.

Beginning next year, Lucas revealed, it is hoped that all buildings constructed by the RDC will be equipped with ‘smart’ features, such as automatic lights, sinks and more.

“All of our schools, the ones constructed from next year, we will be asking for those features. Gradually, we’ll be trying to change the existing buildings to take into account some sense of ‘smartness’,” she said, adding: “In terms of lighting, we’re trying to put in these motion-sensor lights so when you go in the building it works with motion.

We’re trying to do that to other buildings, but that will take a phaseout period. But, all new buildings to be constructed from next year definitely we’ll be taking that into account.”

The REO said the RDC has noticed that when children use the sinks at school, they oftentimes

The Bladen Hall Multilateral School on the East Coast of Demerara, where mostly internal works will take place (Samuel Maughn photo) forget to turn off the taps, which contributes to water wastage.

The RDC believes that the installation of motion-sensor taps is a solution, and will therefore begin a pilot project to test these smart features in schools come 2020.

Meanwhile, over at the New Diamond Grove Scheme, there is only one primary school, and, with the increasing amount of families now residing in the area, the school has seen a significant hike in the number of pupils in attendance.

“The school of itself, right now, the last count we had was over 100 children. That’s to the extent that we’re using the library as a classroom,

The New Diamond/Grove School has a large enough compound for the building extension to be constructed (Samuel Maughn photo)

and there are two other rooms that weren’t meant to be classrooms that are being used as classrooms.

Yet, all the children in the catchment area have not been able to come to that school, because of the overcrowding,” Ms Lucas

explained.

As such, the RDC has decided to capitalise on the school’s large compound, and will be expanding the building to cater for the increase in children.

This year, a two-sto-

rey building will be constructed with some 10 classrooms to cater for an approximate 300 additional children.

The project will cost some $58M, and is being funded by the government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Griffith crowned Bartica Regatta queen

By Gabriella Chapman

AMEL Sigourney Griffith was adjudged Miss Bartica Regatta 2019, outshining eight other beauties who were vying for the coveted title.

The 18-year-old was crowned in the wee hours of Sunday morning following a night of five competitive segments.

The nine delegates competed in opening dance and introduction, talent, swimsuit and evening gown segments.

Tonesha Deweever, Shania khan, Adeola Sutherland, Joyann Wong, Sabrina Persaud, Tonia Harris, Soma Lindore, Amel Griffith and Jerusha Ferrell, gave the four judges a tough time in deciding the top three to compete in the final segment.

However, after copping the Miss Intelligence title, Jerusha Ferrell was chosen in the top three.

Tonia Harris won the crowd over from her eloquent introduction, and displayed that consistency throughout the evening, winning the Best Talent and Best Evening Gown prizes. It was no question that she would have made the top three.

From left: Second runner-up, Jurusha Ferrell; Queen Amel Griffith; and first runner-up, Tonia Harris (Carl Croker photo)

The delegates of the Bartica Regatta 2019 pageant (Carl Croker photo)

Ferrell, Harris and Griffith competed neck-to-neck in the final question segment, which determined the queen.

Griffith, who answered her question dynamically, won over the judges, and walked away with the crown.

Harris was adjudged first runner-up, and Ferrell, second runner-up.

It was a sister-crowning moment, as Arian Richmond, 2018’s queen, is Griffith’s elder sister.

In addition to the crown, Griffith also won the Miss Body Beautiful and Miss Multimedia prizes.

The Miss Congeniality prize went to Tonesha Deweever, and winner of the top model segment was Adeola Sutherland.

It was a night of grace, poise, talent, elegance and

intelligence, well supported by the people of Bartica.

The Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant has been in existence since 1957, and is the oldest pageant in Guyana.

Year after year, it is well supported by patrons of the town, and is a part of the tourism attraction package during the Easter holidays.

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall expressed great contentment with the production. He applauded the team of competent Barticians who worked assiduously to ensure excellent execution.

Angelica Fredericks, Dwight Beaton and Sonje Marslowe were among the names that were commended.

The queen will now reign for one year as ambassador of the ‘Green’ Town.

The beauties who competed for the Regatta crown (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

GMC, GO-Invest help Rupununi Rodeo improve marketing

By Lisa Hamilton

AHEAD of the Rupununi Rodeo celebration in Lethem, a group of agro-processors in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were provided with packaging and labelling material and trained on their importance.

The training was made possible through the collaboration of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC); the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Small Business Bureau (SBB).

Several agro-processors and potential agro-processors showed up on Thursday at the

include, [and] what information should be on the labels. We’ve also brought packaging materials [such as] bottles, labels, containers and plastic bags.

So, we’re not just giving them the information; we’re also giving then samples of the packaging and labelling,” said Senior Export Promotion Officer at GO-Invest, Uchenna Gibson.

Agriculture Business Development Officer at GMC, Johan David explained that months in advance, the team of facilitators gathered the product information of the attendees in order to present them with the materials at the training.

a number of exciting activities such as bull riding, pageants, wild cow milking and more.

“In many instances, their inability to properly package and label their products acts as a hindrance to customers buying it or trusting the products that they see,” David said, adding: “This was really an opportunity for us to showcase to them what the possibilities are.”

This time around, GMC and GO-Invest also included training on internal exporting and barcodes, the latter of which provides instant information when scanned.

“We have a lot of small

Agriculture Business Development Officer at GMC, Johan David allows an agro-processor to feel the thickness of a bag very suitable for packaging farine. stuff and the labelling of the facts of what you put in the product and a lot more things. I want to say thank you to the group who taught us good things of how to improve our business and get more money.”

Those attending from the Region also discussed issues relating to food

A registered business receives its first banner Lethem Conference Hall from areas such as Tabatinga, Lethem, St. Ignatius, Moco Moco Settlement, Tiger Pond and Karasabai.

“We have a lot of groups in the Rupununi area that are doing processed foods, so we wanted to work with them and their packaging and labelling. We are sharing information how to package; what the package should

“We also prepared banners for them; business cards; business card holders, and all of this was in an effort to ensure that their display, come rodeo, is better than the year before,” David explained.

The Rupunini Rodeo takes place from April 1922, 2019 and is known to be a period where tourists visit from here at home and abroad to partake in

producers who are just making stuff and selling in their area, but we also shared with them matters regarding exporting. We don’t mean exporting to another country but exporting from the Rupununi to Georgetown,” Gibson said.

At the end of the training, several of the participants were able to articulate what they learnt, and

expressed gratitude for the session.

“This training benefits me good, because now I know how to package my things. I can label it, and I learned a lot today,” said Moco Moco Settlement farmer, Ben Smith.

Meanwhile, Jorna Peters from J&W Natural Products in Lethem said: “I learned especially about the labeling of stuff; how to present your

safety, and the legal requirements of establishing a business.

Soon, the agencies will visit other areas in the region and country, as they aim to empower Guyanese, despite their location, to receive better returns from their product (s) through efficient marketing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Drivers praise repairs to Linden-Lethem trail

DRIVERS of Route 94 (Georgetown to Lethem) minibuses are high in praise of recent repairs done to the Linden to Lethem trail just in time for the rush from the Rupununi Rodeo, which was held over the Easter weekend.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Public Infrastructure did maintenance work to the trail in February, particularly the section from the Mabura Police Station to the Kurupukari Crossing on the Essequibo River, which had significantly deteriorated.

Earlier this year, drivers had complained of the strain to traverse the trail. The Ministry of Natural Resources had explained that the Linden-Lethem rehabilitative road works were being carried out by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission;

however, inclement weather continued to stall the work, while continuous misuse of the road was also an issue hindering development.

Nonetheless, the ministries stepped in to repair the road and ease the burden on the drivers. So it was a relief to many of the drivers transporting passengers for the Easter weekend, knowing that the trail was repaired for a usually busy time.

“Right now, it [repairs] still going on, but it [the trail] alright, and I feel real relieved, because you reaching in good time and you ain’t getting so much harassment with the road and so on,” related David Hendriques.

“It was very, very rough before the repairs; sometimes you stay whole day on the trail, [because] a big truck block up the road [and] you can’t pass. Everybody got

Driver: David Hendriques to use the road, and sometimes the big trucks would be transporting lumber from the forest to Georgetown, and they stick up or they break down in the hole in the bad spot, and then you can’t get to pass; you have to wait ‘til somebody come and take them out,” he said.

Ray Luckhoo, 48, who has been driving the Georgetown-Lethem route for the

Lethem drivers Ray Luckhoo, Imrom Mohammed and Javon Torres past 10 years, was thankful for the repairs to the trail, pointing out that it is now in the best shape for the first time in years.

“It far easy now; you doing better timings and them thing now. Where you used to reach in late, now you reaching in early; we would get in from like 9 o’clock [in the morning],” Luckhoo shared. He noted that before

the repairs, drivers travelling from Georgetown would not get to Lethem until late in the afternoon.

He said at its worst, traversing from Georgetown to Lethem could take as much as 24 hours, because of how bad the trail was, which was the case when he first began as a driver.

His sentiments were echoed by Javon Torres, 26,

who has been working as a Georgetown-to-Lethem driver for the past two years.

“It’s better; it’s better by far. There’s been a lot of improvements; quite a lot. It was terrible when I first started, because first you used to take like 18 hours; now you take like 12,” Torres said.

Government intends to convert the dirt trail into a paved road.

‘Stop vandalising these bus sheds!’

… businessmen call on persons to care the bus sheds built for their comfort

A CORPORATE business, conscious of its social responsibility, has provided yet another bus shed for the benefit of commuters, even as some unconscionable individuals have been vandalising some that were erected.

The newest facility, located in the vicinity of the overpass at Diamond, on the East Bank Demerara, was constructed by Guybisco, a distribution company of the

business, can now seek shelter from the elements, whether sun or rain, as they await transportation.

Collis Venture, Marketing Coordinator of the company, which is located at Industrial Estate, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, in a release stated that the company, which had previously installed a similar facility at the western end of the overpass at Eccles, saw the need for the latest facility.

Nursery and Primary children who will benefit from the use of the facility (photos courtesy of Guybisco)

The bus shed near the Diamond overpass popularly known XL Energy Drink and Blue Water (Cran Water).

It will greatly benefit patients and visitors to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, as well as other persons who, upon visiting the community to conduct various forms of

Guybisco is also the distributor of SoftLove diapers and baby wipes; Everyday, a variety of products ranging from snacks, milk, grocery items and dog food); Alprothe plant base, lactose free drink); Calnort cubes and powder; Excellence-tomato

paste and sardine; Geurtsjams; Crown peanut butter and Eyssen cheese, all brands that are of supreme quality that focused on customers’ satisfaction, according to Venture.

The company, which is dedicated and passionate about its social responsibilities, had previously partnered with non-profit organisations to perform charitable work, and make several donations to mothers in need at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and to several Christian organisations. Venture said that as Guybisco continues to grow, it is constantly looking for avenues to extend the reach of its philanthropy.

The bus shed project, dubbed the “Adopt a Shelter/ Adopt a Bin” initiative, is

the brainchild of Mr Kwame Mentore of the Pyramid Shelter, Outdoor and Branding Company. Mentore’s goal was to have had at least 20 bus sheds erected at various locations in the city by May 26 as a beautification exercise for the Jubilee celebrations, and he had called on both public and private donors to adopt or sponsor a bus shed.

Among the companies that subsequently became involved were, Green Acres School Group, Xtra Energy, Farfan & Mendes, Guyana Lottery Company, Quick Access Business Services; Quark Communications Inc, Assuria Life (GY) Inc. and Trans Guyana Airways.

But the Guyana Chronicle has noted what appears to be the deliberate vandalisng of

the facilities at Houston, near the overpass; on Vlissengen Road, between the Guyana Water Inc. and The Botanical Gardens; and almost all that are located along Aubrey Barker Street, the main thoroughfare to the South Ruimveldt community.

In an invited comment last week, Yogindra Arjune, General Manager of Assuria, which is responsible for the construction of three such facilities, one each at Woolford Avenue, the University of Guyana and Regent Street, expressed his displeasure that some persons have seen it fit to vandalise such facilities that have been constructed for the benefit of the citizens themselves.

While there have been no complaints about those he built on Regent Street and at the University of Guyana,

Arjune said he twice had to carry out restoration works to the facility on Woolford Avenue, only to see it being damaged again.

Arjune said that his interest in building a bus shed on Woolford Avenue piqued as he was driving through the area one rainy day and observed children having to scamper with nowhere to seek shelter.

He said though that while he is disheartened at the damage, it will not deter him from being obligated to his social responsibility.

He, however, sees the need for the public to be educated as to the need for care of projects that are for their benefit.

Also, several persons with whom this publication spoke, decried the wanton behaviour of some persons who are bent on destroying the facilities.

The bus shed in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens that has been vandalised (Samuel Maughn photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Canal Number Two farmers, residents affected –– as Kamran Dam bridge destroyed

By Dillon Goring

AT Least 20 farmers and residents who used the Kamran Dam bridge in Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, have been affected as a result of a fire on the bridge in the early hours of Saturday, April

20, 2019.

When the Chronicle newspaper spoke with a member of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Shief Ally, we were told that bird catchers and fishermen might have lit a fire in proximity to the bridge, which could have been the cause of the fire.

Additionally, the Chronicle was told that the fire has destroyed the mobility of residents and farmers who use the bridge daily, to transport goods and produce.

Ally indicated to the Guyana Chronicle that members of the Guyana Fire Service from the nearby village of La Grange managed to contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

ERC ushers in Easter with hat competition THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) ushered in the Easter season with an afternoon of cultural presentations and an inter-departmental Easter Hat competition.

The Public Education and Awareness unit, the Media Management unit and the Finance department of the ERC, were joined by the Office of

Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission, R e v e r e n d D r. J o h n Smith the Chairman and the Investigation unit in the hat competition. Each of the four competitors designed hats that were meant to be symbolic of Easter and foster camaraderie among the workers.

“As we celebrate Easter or the Easter season, there are several things unique about it,�

Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission, Reverend Dr. John Smith said at the competition.

The Easter hats and kite-flying are popular components, according to him, but he also urged that all persons remember that reason for the season was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his subsequent resurrection on the third day. The reverend related to the small gathering that Jesus was born from a virgin which meant he came to being without sin. And though he lived a sinless life, he was still crucified as he paid for the sins of the world.

As such, he said that Jesus provides the example of how to live a good life.

One of the hats made by staff of the ERC being modelled

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Growing respect for food

IN a vast world of seven billion people where all you hear about are our differences, there are some important things that connect us, and one of these is food.

Food connects us all. We all need it, depend on it, survive because of it and derive happiness from it.

In fact, food is part of who we are; it’s part of our habits and cultures. Hundreds of TV shows, movies and podcasts revolve around the topic of food, and cookbooks always

sit among the bestsellers. Food is even part of how we interact with others. Foodies promptly and amply share recipes and dining experiences. And who hasn’t posted a photo of their favourite dish on their social media channels? The talk of food is all around us.

So, if we love food so much, why do we let so much of it go rotten in our fridges, get left behind at our parties, get thrown out in our stores or dumped off of our plates?

One- third of all food produced

globally is lost or wasted. We love food, but we don’t take care of it; we don’t respect it.

We all want the ‘respect’ that Aretha Franklin sang about, and to get it, we should give it.

Here are six ways to help us love our food better and grow respect for the world behind what we eat: 1: Reduce your food waste: Buy only the food you need. Learn to love ugly fruits and vegetables. Keep your portions realistic. Be mindful of expiration dates. Store food

wisely; donate excess and turn leftover food into the next day’s meals. When we waste food, all the resources used for growing, processing, transporting and marketing that food are wasted too. Food is so much more than what is on our plates. Find more tips on stopping food waste.

2: Support your local food producers: Chefs get awards, stars and recognition for their creations. But what about our farmers? Without them, we wouldn’t have the fresh food

Why do we give our chefs stars and awards, but we forget about the part our food producers play?

(FAO photo) we need on a daily basis, and the food to make any of our cherished dishes. Aren’t farmers the real heroes? Shop at your local markets, and get to know your farmers. Giving them your business is giving them your recognition and respect.

3: Appreciate the workmanship in producing it: Agriculture isn’t just work; it is art. There is so much that goes into making our food. It takes seeds and soil, water and work, protection and patience. Did you know that it takes 50 litres of water to produce one orange? Our food choices affect the health of our planet, and our future of food. When you eat, you are taking in natural resources, and the hard work of the farmers, bees, harvesters and others who got the food to your plate. Appreciate food like you would a piece of art.

4: Adopt a healthier, more sustainable diet. Our bodies run off of calories and nutrients. We get our energy and maintain our health from good food. We normally don’t pay attention to the power that food and nutrition have over our bodies. We need to respect that food is fuel. Too much of it, or too much of only one kind of it, can lead to obesity, deficiencies or diet-related diseases.

5: Learn where food comes

from: Do kiwis come from trees or bushes? Are tomatoes a fruit or vegetable? By learning more about our food: Where it comes from, when it is in season and what it takes to produce it, we grow in our knowledge of, and respect for, what we are eating. Follow our Instagram account to test your knowledge on different fruits and vegetables grown around the world!

6: Have a conversation By treating each meal with pride, we respect the farmers who produced it, the resources that went into it and the people who go without.

Respect can be passed on.

Talk to the people around you and to the next generation about making informed, healthy and sustainable food choices.

For many people on the planet, food is a given. It is there in a house or in a store if we need it and we usually have the means to buy it. But for many, food is scarce or elusive. For the staggering 821 million people who are hungry, food is not a guarantee. It is a daily challenge.

Respecting food means appreciating the back-story of food. When we know the full picture, it is easier to see what our food really stands for and how precious it really is. (FAO)

The story of food begins with a farmer (FAO photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Resurrection Sunday brings newness of life –– First Assembly of God congregation hears

THE resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday brings new hope and newness of life for all.

This was the sentiment expressed

by Assistant Senior Pastor of the First Assembly of God Church, Winston Assanah.

Known to be the most celebrated of the Christian holidays, Easter Sunday is foundational to the Christian faith, since it signifies the day Jesus conquered

Jesus Christ is concerned, as we prophesied throughout the scripture that the Messiah will come and die for Man’s sin and resurrected in the third day.”

He said the newness of life is demonstrated by the work of Christ while he walked the earth.

“And for that reason, I want to celebrate with you Guyana. God is amazing. He is about to make you some good wine that you could imagine. In

Members of the First Assembly of God Church in Wortmanville during worship on Sunday (DPI photo) death, three days after he was crucified.

Joining members of the First Assembly of God Church, Reverend Assanah told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that “resurrection morning” is the most important to the Christian.

“It speaks about the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Without that, we have no Christianity; without that we have no faith where

your family; in your entire household.

That is what this season is all about; the transforming power of God.” Minister Alicson Layne said Easter Sunday means “everything” to her.

“It is one of the most important remembrances in the Christian calendar; it is the celebration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of the Lord.

Easter Sunday is everything. We don’t serve a God who is dead; He’s alive and

A section of worshippers at the First Assembly of God Church on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville (DPI photo)

in touch with what is happening with us. It is relevant to the Christian faith and belief.”

A member of the congregation, Shomaul Khan said, “Easter is remembering what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross and gave His life. And so, we are here to commemorate His

life. That is what Easter means to me.”

Minister Wesley Adams said the resurrection of Jesus speaks of a new life in Christ.

“Without the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, there would have been no hope for Man,” he said.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

EMPRETEC programmes seek to build coalition among stakeholders IN 2003, EMPRETEC Guyana was implemented as a project to support entrepreneurial capacity development.

Over the years, as it expanded and created a name for itself, EMPRETEC was rebranded as an organisation, but continues to maintain its original mandate of `Promoting Innovative and Internationally Competitive Enterprises’.

The Laluni Street, Queenstown-based organisation offers several key progammes which seek to build a coalition of public and private stakeholders, promote the development of businesses with an emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); strengthen entrepreneurial skills and domestic business development services; promote entrepreneurship in local communities, and contribute to the development of a dynamic private sector.

The organisation also conducts training workshops to promote entrepreneurial talents and business competency; advises with follow-up technical assistance and networking opportunities; enhances the export capacity of local enterprises; assists in identifying overseas market opportunities; and facilitates the building of contacts and linkages with foreign companies.

Included among the key training programmes is the internationally-certified “Supply Chain Management Course”, which the ExxonMobil-funded Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) has identified as a useful medium through which they can build capacity.

The CLBD provides support to existing and potentially new suppliers and other stakeholders servicing the oil-and-gas industry.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently, EMPRETEC‘s Administrator, Ms. Erin Kirton explained that the organisation has, since 2017, been working with the CLBD to train local operators from various companies that have registered with the Centre.

She noted that the international diploma training course is essentially intended to help companies become more efficient in their operations, starting from the raw materials all the way to the final consumer. That entails all inputs of the supply chain, such as the buying of raw material, procurement, manufacturing, production, final output sales and everything that goes into it.

The user-friendly, practical and effective training modules, that are ISO9001:2015 certified, help companies take advantage of new opportunities, reduce total purchasing and supply costs, and make optimum use of available resources. They provide the tools and techniques needed to develop innovative new approaches to supply chain management, and for the company to excel in an environment of global competition.

The programmes help personnel in procurement, logistics, human resources, warehousing and distribution, and they make an immediate and substantial contribution to their company’s profitability, she reiterated.

According to Kirton, even though the training had all the while been provided as a service, it was not until the end of 2018 that persons began to show an added interest, and have been requesting to undertake the training and sit the examination.

Noting, too, that companies are also requesting training for their staff, Kirton opined that the greater consciousness may be because of what such training means for oil and gas, as the entire programme seeks to help companies to see how efficient they are, and how efficient their

processes and methods are, to the point where it can positively impact their bottom line. “If your processes are efficient, it will help to reduce your cost and improve your profitability,” she added.

ExxonMobil Guyana, the operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, has made several discoveries since 2015, and is set to begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day from the Liza Phase 1 development in early 2020.

EMPRETEC received the licence to conduct the training from the Geneva–based International Trade Centre in 2009, and had single-handedly started doing so from 2010 up to the present. It is now administering the programme in-house, and through the CLBD, she said.

There is also the `Venture Out!’ programme that consists of a series of simple motivational workshops and business support activities to stimulate within participants in the identified regions, the dream of getting out of poverty and realising their personal goals.

The training is applicable to participants who run small-scale business enterprises, as they will receive basic training in business management, including budgeting and cash- flow management, pricing, sales and marketing.

Emphasis is placed on utilising EMPRETEC’s methodology for motivation and confidence building, as it has proven to be highly effective in the delivery of the programme, which currently is being adapted to other sectors.

Sponsored by the Republic Bank Ltd, `Venture Out!’ is a social and economic empowering programme for women who operate business on a small scale in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four(Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Kakutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

As it relates to EMPRETEC’s Community Development Project, Kirton explained that entrepreneurship and development of the private sector are essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of eradicating extreme poverty.

She noted that entrepreneurs offer a variety of services that make economies more resilient and less vulnerable to economic downturns. They also create a sense of practical optimism, where families and communities understand that going into business is a feasible and effective means of escaping poverty.

EMPRETEC holds these beliefs as the foundation for all its activities and designs, and implements relevant sustainable, commercially-viable business initiatives that expand access for low-income people to goods and services, as well as contribute to improved livelihoods.

Such projects, which assist with the development of targeted communities, are undertaken upon request, Kirton further explained.

Meanwhile, the organisation’s Entrepreneurship Training Workshop that had been called the most significant new development in entrepreneurship training, has regrettably been put on hold, as the organisation seeks new sponsors to have it continued, Kirton said.

The training methods used for that programme are highly interactive and experiential.

The workshop is divided into three sections, and focuses on the willingness, ability and tendency of participants to seek and attain improved quality, productivity, growth and profitability. Participants also learn to identify personal entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses, as well as adopt a quality approach to business activities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

West, East Ruimveldt children ready for Easter SCORES of bright faces of varying ages turned out on Saaturday, as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson conducted her annual kite distribution exercise in West and East Ruimveldt.

The areas visited were

families go out and picnic on that day.”

“I will be flying my kite on Monday; I am not sure what my family will be doing on that day, but I will fly my kite!” said 14-year-old Tyrel Brant.

them what the Easter season signifies.

Earlier in the day, across town, approximately 200 children in the Campbellville Housing Scheme and surrounding communities were smiling brightly, as the

well, who came to ensure their grands were not left out.

Deputy-Mayor Mentore told the Department of Public Information (DPI), “We [M&CC] decided to conduct this distribution exercise because Easter is one of those

events that many young children and families go out to picnic. So, we want to ensure the children have kites so that they can enjoy this holiday.”

Earlier this week, the deputy-mayor teamed up with Minister of Public

Health, Volda Lawrence and National Chairman of the GYSM, Ryan Belgrave to conduct a similar exercise in the East La-Penitence and Stevedore Housing Scheme communities.

(DPI)

Here’s a message from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure: * Fly kites in open spaces * Do not fly kites near power lines * If a kite gets tangled between power lines, do not pull them let them go

Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore with a child during the distribution (DPI photo)

Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson distributing kites at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt on Saturday (DPI photo) the East and West Ruimveldt Front Road, Mango Lane, Back Circle, and Genip Lane, East Ruimveldt among other areas.

An excited 12-year-old Judoriah Lloyd explained after receiving her kite: “I would be going out with my family on Easter Monday.

I don’t know where as yet, but we will be going out; our

Minister Ferguson reminded the youth, “Fly kites in open spaces.” Moreover, this is a message for the safety of everyone who would be participating in the kite flying activity on Monday.

Minister Ferguson explained that this is an annual event, and she is always overjoyed to give kites to the little ones, while reminding

Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) spread Easter joy.

A team, including the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore along with staff from the Public Relations Department visited his elected constituency to distribute kites. The exercise attracted not only children, but some grandparents as

Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore distributing kites to children in Campbelville Housing Scheme (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Bringing youth back to agriculture

Y

OUTH around the world are increasingly turning away from agriculture.

Traditionally requiring tough manual labour and offering low wages, agriculture does not often appeal to new generations, who generally prefer to try their luck finding jobs in cities.

Yet, agriculture has the greatest potential

estimates suggest that the food and agriculture sector will be the second largest user of drones in the world in the next five years. FAO has already utilised drones in many countries to collect real-time, in-depth data on food and agricultural challenges such as risk of natural disasters and assessment of damages after them.

called Nuru that, when held next to a damaged plant, can immediately confirm if Fall Armyworm has caused the damage. Nuru combines machine learning and artificial intelligence. It runs inside a standard Android phone, and can also work offline. In addition to English, Nuru will also soon be able to speak French, Swahili

FAO has been using drones to assess risk of natural disasters or to survey damages done after them (FAO photo) of all sectors to reduce poverty, for example in Sub-Saharan Africa where over 60 per cent of its 1.2 billion population is under the age of 25. This growing youth population needs fruitful employment, and food and agriculture, perhaps re-conceptualised, have the potential to offer this to the youth.

The key is innovation.

There are already new ways of working in agriculture that harness digital and technological innovations, rendering it more efficient and, not as a small byproduct, providing new opportunities and services for young entrepreneurs.

Here are five examples of how harnessing the power of digital technology can revolutionise agriculture.

1: Drones -- Some

2: Fall Armyworm Monitoring and Earl y Wa r n i n g S y s t e m (FAMEWS) App- Fall Armyworm is a devastating pest destroying maize and other important crops across parts of the Americas, Africa and Asia. Only farmers in their fields can successfully manage FAW. That is why FAO has developed a tool to capture data uploaded by farmers in their fields.

The information added to the app is transferred to a global web-based platform, and analysed to give real-time situation reports, calculate infestation levels and suggest measures to reduce impact.

3: Nuru App – Along with FAMEWS, FAO and the Pennsylvania State University have developed a complementary talking app

and Twi, and it is learning new languages all the time to better reach farmers in their own tongues.

Nuru will soon be linked to FAMEWS, where all the data will be validated by national Fall Armyworm focal points and stored in a global webbased platform.

4: Abalobi App - Abalobu, which is Xhosa for “fisherfolk”, is a mobile application for smallscale fishers to record what they caught, when and where, using what method and for how much they sold it. All that information is stored in the app and made available to other smallscale fishers. There are currently 30 000 artisanal fishers along South Africa’s coastline living off of the sea, on a thin line between commercial and subsistence fishing. By producing

their own knowledge on fishing, they are helping to build resilient stock.

5: Agricultural Services Apps - Four new apps are providing farmers with real-time services through information on weather, livestock care, markets and nutrition. The weather and crop calendar app combines information on weather forecasts and crop schedules, providing early warning of potential risks. The cure and feed your livestock app helps reduce losses by providing information on animal disease control and animal feeding strategies. AgriMarketplace enables farmers to obtain better information about suppliers for raw material purchases, marketplaces to sell their products and market prices. e-Nutrifood gives rural people recommendations on producing, conserving and eating nutritious foods.

The youth are just the ones to offer new ideas. During the #HackagainstHunger event this week in Kigali, Rwanda, FAO and its partners are engaging young people from different countries in Africa to find innovative solutions that address challenges in

A new talking app helps farmers detect whether their crops have been infected by Fall Armyworm (FAO photo) food and agriculture. the world are helping These Hackathons aim to unlock the potential to develop ideas into of food and agriculture tech solutions to produce for reducing poverty, youth-led and youth-fo- to bridge the rural dicused employment op- vide, to employ and portunities, while of- empower youth and to fering mentorship from give equal access to inprivate and public sector formation, technology and markets. experts.

FAO is creating Digital technologies are already our present, and promoting these and innovation is imper- innovative solutions to address the evative for the future.

New ideas from our er-dire challenges youth and from organ- facing our future of isations, universities food and agriculture. and companies all over (FAO)

FAO has developed four new apps to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, livestock care, markets and nutrition (FAO photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

STARR launches Innovation Centre

STARR Computer has launched an Innovation Centre to keep abreast with new disruptions that change career paths in a bid to get the next generation of Guyanese to prepare their own pathway to success The technology building, located on Brickdam, Georgetown, was also recently refurbished with a futuristic outlook that aims to promote modern educational development, starting with robotic toys to modern classroom solutions.

The centre is open to the public and aims to fast-forward learning through the use of various electronic technologies.

Under the theme “Today’s children are tomorrow’s future,” President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan, said technology is changing the way persons work, live and play.

“As we enter the age of robotisation, greater focus should be on our children’s educational development. Our Innovation Centre, with the help of our international partners, will be focused on modern educational development starting with robotic toys through our Kids Discovery Department to modern classroom solutions,” he told the media at a recent launch.

Adding that education is an on-going process, Mohan said the educational system needs to be enhanced, from teaching students to just learning how to remember facts and figures to learning problem-solving, logic and critical-thinking.

“It is important for them to learn, as learning is an on-going process. Every child will need to have a mobile device which can help them interact with educational contents instantly. Augmented Reality will become a way of life in the future. And, at a very young age, they will have to learn coding to better understand the functioning of the devices around them,” Mohan explained.

He said with an emerging oil and gas economy, to fast forward learning, modern classrooms will

be needed to allow each child to interact with their teachers and communicate with a shared electronic whiteboard, using a wide range of mobile devices across multiple operating system platforms.

“STARR has integrated technologies from various manufacturers, including Samsung, Lenovo, Epson to develop its own modern classroom solution. Teachers can now connect with up to 50 students simultaneously in a classroom into a virtual learning process,” he noted.

This system, Mohan said, allows the result of exams to be shared instantly with administrators and parents.

And with a stable and high-speed Internet connection, he said teachers can conduct classes to multiple locations at the same time.

Noting that the Innovation Centre also showcases the introduction of disruptive technologies, he said the current robotic vacuum cleaner at the Innovation Centre will be extended to humanoid robots.

“Dr Albert Einstein-a robotic doll-- already responds to questions via the wireless Internet. The Hologram 3D displays images of brands and products in an eye-catching experience. Recreational Drones on display can be upgraded to agricultural, search and rescue, and deliverable drones,” Mohan said of the items on display.

In the near future, he said that STARR will be showcasing an industrial drone for the agricultural sector on their newly-built Observation Deck.

He said the recreational 3D Printer on display will open the imagination for manufacturers.

“Today, 3D printers are used to produce lowincome homes. Many technology partners have teamed up with STARR COMPUTER to showcase their future roadmap in the STARR Innovation Centre. From business solutions, retail management, laser projection, security solutions, power management and education, the Innovation Centre will feature the future of

cutting-edge technology,” he added.

STARR has partnered with companies such as Hewlett Packard, APC, Epson, ELO, Bematec, Honeywell, HikVision and Star Micronics to conduct seminars\workshops on emerging technologies at the Innovation Centre.

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Mohan displays an item created by a portable 3D printer on display in the Innovation Centre

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Linden Town Week opens

By Vanessa Braithwaite

L I N D E N To w n We e k (LTW) 2019 was officially opened on Sunday afternoon with a grand cultural extravaganza featuring dance, songs, drumming and other cultural items performed by sons and daughters of the mining town.

The opening ceremony marks the second of 11 days of events which forms part

of a calendar with over 60 activities. This year marks the 23rd edition of LTW and coincides with the town celebrating 49 years of existence.

It is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Rekindling our culture,’ and is hosted by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC).

The ceremony commenced with a grand military parade with participants from the joint services operating in Linden, who

marched through Republic Avenue captivating crowds with their precision and poise.

LMTC Councillor and Coordinator of LTW 2019, Norville Fredericks, is the progenitor of LTW, which was once Linden Town Day. In brief remarks, Fredericks said that the idea was birthed out of Linden being able to showcase its social and cultural potential. It was based on three pillars: economic,

cultural and social. The first Linden Town Day was held in April of 1996 and received an overwhelming response.

It then increased to a weekend of activities before becoming an entire week of activities. To date, LTW remains the most anticipated event of the year which draws hundreds of patrons from all parts of Guyana and the diaspora. The concept was also adopted by other towns in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony Linden Mayor Waneka Arindell in a short address, said that the cultural extravaganza and by extension LTW 2019, focuses on highlighting the talent of Lindeners, especially the youths, since there is so much yet to be discovered. “The aim is to bring out the talents we have in our own township; there are people who can sing, who can dance, who can write poetry, town week is for that time, for you to showcase that talent to the rest of the world,” she said.

She encouraged Lindeners to fully participate in every event, especially those aiming to highlight local talent.

The highlight of the afternoon’s proceedings was the performance of two visually impaired brothers who sang their very own song, ‘Is Town Week Time Again.’ Seventeen-year-old Relon and 15-year-old Roell Sumner, of Blue Berry

Hill, Wismar, wowed the crowd as they showed that despite being visually impaired, they will soon be forces to be reckoned with in the local music industry.

Local singer ‘Black Chiney’ also performed an original LTW song. Other groups performed various songs and dances, all in an effort to highlight local talent.

LTW 2019 will end on May 1. Events throughout the week can be enjoyed by all groups of persons; young, old, children, sports fanatics, party-goers, Christians, fashion icons, etc.

On Monday, activities will kick in with a women in business seminar and Christians can enjoy a gospel fest, featuring international gospel artistes. Other highlights for the rest of the LTW 2019 are folklore, stories, poetry and art on Tuesday, Golden Taste Glow party and On-the-Spot Art on Wednesday; Big Man Gah Luck Party on Thursday; Rasville Breakfast on the Sand and Colour- themed party on Friday; Linden All Black Party; Caribbean Food Festival and Children’s Fest on Saturday and the Main Big Lime on Sunday.

In addition to these events, the week will be filled with sporting activities such as the Guinness in the Street, cricket, basketball and circle tennis competitions, as well as athletics; students will be involved in spelling bee, debating and essay competitions.

There will also be exhibitions such as the Caribbean Food Festival, Restaurant Day throughout the week and agricultural exhibitions.

Visually impaired brothers Relon and Roell Sumner in action at the opening of Linden Town Week on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Heath safety concerns raised about mobile water vendors

THE use of bottled water has become a trend in Guyana since most people nowadays have moved away from the use of tap water for drinking purposes.

A regular feature today is the apparent proliferation of water distributors countrywide, who sell their commodity in five-gallon bottles.

While this door-to-door service may be welcomed by new home-owners as it is convenient, ever so often, the questions being asked is how safe is the water being offered for sale.

The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department serves as the enforcement arm to ensure that all water processing facilities conform to all of the department’s requirements. This includes the sale and distribution of treated water in five- gallon bottles.

The Food and Drug Department has been reminding manufacturers and distributors that they are required to have a valid licence; ensure that the bottles that are being used are properly cleaned, sanitised, labelled and sealed, prior to the sale and/or distribution of the commodity.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Administrator of EMPRETEC Guyana, Erin Kirton, expressed concern about what appears to be an increase in the number of persons offering water for sale in the five-gallon bottles.

She cautioned that the Guyanese public should be concerned about their safety

and the risk of consuming contaminated water; hence, they should not fall prey and purchase the commodity from unlicensed water operators.

In urging that water should only be purchased from licensed vendors to prevent health risks, Kirton pointed out that a lack of proper sanitation services not only breeds diseases, but can also rob people of their basic human dignity.

Kirton’s organisation has been offering a Water Operators Certification Programme. This training to certifying water operators is uniquely developed to enhance the method of water purification and distillation, and making it safer for human consumption. It is sanctioned by the Food and Drugs Analyst Department and certified by the University of Guyana (UG).

But according to her, apparently there is lack of enforcement.

“There is a gap somewhere, I sometimes get the impression that persons operating in the field feel that they are not mandated to be trained and certified,” she said.

EMPRETEC has to comply with the UG regulations, in terms of the training and conduct and the certificate being awarded is now accepted regionally, she added.

Kirton further explained that ideally, the manufacturers and distributors are supposed to be trained, and have at least two certified water

operators in the business at all times.

But what has been happening is, most times, only one person attends the training and be certified for a particular business, so the question is what happens if that individual goes on leave, resigns or falls ill. It means

then that the company will end up producing water that is unsafe.

Meanwhile, unlicensed vendors desirous of obtaining certification can contact EMPRETEC Guyana for details of the training which is a combination of tutorials and practical demonstrations,

using state-of-the-art water purification equipment.

To be awarded the certification, participants are required to attend all of the sessions which will be facilitated by experienced and qualified local specialists.

EMPRETEC is a United Nations programme

established by UNCTAD’s Division of Investment and Enterprise to promote the creation of sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EMPRETEC works to support entrepreneurs to build innovative and internationally competitive SMEs.

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Gibbons throws historic Javelin gold ...Gold and Silver for Bright, Archer takes Silver, Austin picks up Bronze

ANISHA Gibbons won Guyana’s first Gold Medal in the Girls U-17 Javelin at the CARIFTA Games when she topped the field with her throw of 40.34 metres on day two of the region’s marquee Track and Field event in the Cayman Islands.

Gibbons distance was better than Vavica Addison of Barbados (39.70 metres) and Rachel Pascal of the

Cayman Islands (35.50 metres).

Meanwhile, Chantoba Bright won Gold in the Girls U-20 Long Jump, leaping a distance of 6.05 metres to win ahead of Lotvia Brown of Jamaica (5.83 metres) and Martinique’s Fiona Aholu-Futse (5.78 metres).

It is Bright’s third consecutive gold medal in the event, having won in 2017 and 2018.

Bright returned on day two to finish second in the women’s U-20 Triple Jump, (12.63 metres), finishing behind Jamaican, Lotavia Browne, 13.09 metres, but ahead of Suriname’s Monifah Djoe 12.41 metres.

Joanna Archer ran a superb race but narrowly missed out a top-ofthe-podium finish in the women’s 800 metres, but her time of two minutes,

10.17 seconds saw her placing second behind Jasmine Knowles of the Bahamas who won with a time of 2:09.41. Abigail Schaafe of Jamaica was third (2:12.73).

Audriel Austin won Bronze in the Girls U-17, 800 metres, clocking 2:12.69, crossing the line behind Jamaicans, Kishay Rowe (2:11.97) and Jodyann Mitchell (2:11.92).

Daniel Williams (21.19

seconds) and Loneil Marks (21.50 seconds) came up short in the Men’s U-20, 200 metres, finishing fifth and sixth place respectively in the final.

Guyana, being represented by 21 athletes, the country’s largest contingent ever to attend the CARIFTA Games, have won three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

The 2019 games will wrap up today.

T&T claim Regional Under-15 trophy despite defeat to Guyana ..Rampertab Ramnauth hit a superb unbeaten 92 in Guyana’s win

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago survived a seven-wicket defeat to Guyana in Saturday’s final round to capture the Regional Under-15 Super50 Cup by the narrowest of margins here.

Playing at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the previously unbeaten T&T came off the worse in a shortened affair, with Guyana easily overhauling their revised target to barely miss out on the title.

In the end, T&T finished 25.2 points with Guyana second on 25.1 points. Defending champions Barbados, who edged Windward Islands by a single run at Liberta Sports Club, ended third on 19.3 points.

Jamaica, meanwhile, who crushed Leeward Islands by 151 runs at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, finished fifth on 13.1 points, behind fourthplaced Windwards on 14.5.

Leewards, without a win in their five outings, finished last on on 1.7

points.

Opting to bat first in a crucial contest, T&T were held to 180 for two in an innings restricted to 43 overs, with Justin Jaggesar top-scoring with 73 off 113 balls.

He put on 52 for the second wicket with Kavir Boodoosingh (29) before inspiring a 113-run, unbroken third wicket partnership with Andrew Rambaran (33 not out).

In-form opener Rampertab Ramnauth then stroked a superb unbeaten 92 as Guyana marched to their target in the 31st over.

He struck 13 fours in an exciting 83-ball knock, adding 90 for the second

wicket with Mavindra Dindyal whose 52 came from 43 balls and included seven fours and a six.

Zachary Jodah arrived to carve out a breezy unbeaten 32 off 35 deliveries, in an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 87 with Ramnauth.

Barbados, meanwhile, won a thriller, after successfully defending a modest total. Sent in, they were dismissed for 196 in the 43rd over, with Achilles Browne hitting 58 and Joshua Morris, 44.

Browne put on 55 for the first wicket with Micaiah Simmons (23) and a further 73 with Morris for the second wicket, before Race 9 D T Goodie

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Royce Paul snatched four for 14, as Barbados lost their last nine wickets for 68 runs.

In reply, Windwards were dismissed for 195 in the 48th over with Nathan Sealy (3-21) and Isaiah Folkes (3-46) taking three wickets apiece.

They lost their first wicket without a run on the board in the first over before Abraham and Stephan Pascal put on 65 for the second wicket to steady the innings. However, six wickets then fell for 26 runs to put Barbados in command before number 10 Luke Wilson (41) and Paul (40), batting at number 11:20 hrs Snow Falcon 12:00 hrs Any Second Now 12:40 hrs Mon Lino 13:10 hrs Andy Dufresne English Racing Tips Plumpton 08:50 hrs Zanzi Win 09:25 hrs Sixties Secret 10:35 hrs Itsonlyrocknroll 11:10 hrs Brother Bennett 11:45 hrs Bonbonniere Redcar 08:55 hrs Country 09:30 hrs Katheefa

nine, nearly pulled off victory with a late salvo.

Jamaica ended an otherwise disappointing campaign on a high, courtesy of a wonderful unbeaten 161 from opener Adrian Weir, as they tallied 250 for two off 39 overs after being sent in.

He counted 13 fours and nine sixes off 123 balls, posting 189 for the first wicket with Kev’Aundre Virgo (45) and a further 51 for the second wicket with Jordan Johnson (9).

Odel Samuels then claimed four for 30 as the Leewards crumbled for 109 in the 29th over, with Nathan Edward top-scoring with 35.

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MS Dhoni swats one towards midwicket.

(BCCI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Patel the hero as Challengers survive Dhoni’s devastating display

ROYAL Challengers Bangalore’s resurgence continued despite MS Dhoni’s heroics as Parthiv Patel’s final-ball direct hit earned the Indian Premier League’s bottom side a thrilling one-run win over leaders Chennai Super Kings.

Patel (53) had underpinned the Challengers’ innings as they made 161-7, with Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo each taking two wickets apiece for Chennai.

Dale Steyn then claimed two dismissals in the opening over of Chennai’s innings and, at 28-4 at the end of the powerplay, they had it all to do when Dhoni (84 not out) arrived, yet the 37-year-old dragged his team to the brink of victory with 24 runs off the first five balls of the final over.

That meant Chennai needed two from the final ball to win with Dhoni on strike, yet Umesh Yadav’s delivery went through to Patel behind the stumps and he beat Shardul Thakur’s dive to run him out, clinching a third win in four for Bangalore.

Du Plessis atones for drop in the field Dhoni’s team started brightly, with Bangalore captain Virat Kohli out in the third over, yet Faf du Plessis looked to have made a costly error when he misjudged AB de Villiers’ shot to him at mid off and could only get his fingertips to the ball.

De Villiers appeared in the mood when he reached 25 off 19 balls and he dispatched Jadeja’s shorter ball to the longoff boundary, but his compatriot did not put down another

chance.

It was one of two catches made by Du Plessis – who has now taken 10 in this year’s IPL – though his most impressive act was the role he played in removing Marcus Stoinis (14) as he shovelled the ball up to Dhruv Shorey while falling over the rope to claim a brilliant assist.

Steyn sets the tone again as Dhoni’s effort comes up short Bangalore’s dismal start to the IPL campaign owed much to their feeble bowling attack, which has been rejuvenated since Steyn returned in a 10-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders last time out.

The Challengers had taken only three wickets in the powerplays of their first eight matches, but have now taken seven in their past two, with Steyn (2-29) and Yadav (2-47) laying the foundations again.

Steyn accounted for Shane Watson, who edged to slip, and bowled Suresh Raina in the opening over, while De Villiers took routine catches off Yadav’s bowling to dismiss Du Plessis and Kedar Jadhav. That left Chennai 28-4, a position that ultimately proved too much to come back from despite Dhoni’s brilliance.

Dhoni reached his half-century off 35 balls with one of his seven sixes. He then dragged his team into a position to triumph with three maximums in the final over – including one that went out of the stadium – but his failure to get bat on ball at the death allowed Patel to be the match-winner instead.

Zidane hails hat-trick hero Benzema as world’s best nine MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed Karim Benzema as the best number nine in world football after the French striker hit a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Benzema’s treble took him to 21 La Liga goals for the season, moving him to second in the scoring charts behind Lionel Messi, and gave him 30 in all competitions.

It also meant that, remarkably, the 31-year-old has now scored Real’s last eight goals.

“I know what a player Benzema is, everyone knows it. The number of goals he’s scoring is incredible,” said Zidane. “I’m made up for him.

“What he’s doing here, and the fact he’s two goals away from his best-ever goals tally, says it all. Everyone can have their opinion on who is the best number nine in the world and for me it’s Karim.

“He is confident, he knows you can always improve too, which is great. It doesn’t surprise me what he’s doing.”

Zidane, though, was left puzzled by the fans’ attitude towards Gareth Bale after they booed the Welshman during the victory.

Bale has been omitted

by Zidane from the starting eleven in the club’s last two La Liga games, starting just one of the last four, and is without a goal in six games.

He came on as substitute

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Susana Vera

with 20 minutes remaining to a mixed reception, with his first few touches on the ball whistled by the Bernabeu crowd.

Zidane said he did not understand why the fans behaved like this towards him, especially as they applauded Isco, who came on the field at the same time.

Bale did have a good chance to end his barren sequence, only to chip over the bar when one-on-one with Iago Herrerin.

“He had a chance to score and it would’ve been great if he did, but it didn’t go in. I don’t want to get involved in the rest,” Zidane added.

Bale did go some way to making up for that miss, though, by teeing up Benzema for his third goal.

Warner and Bairstow dominate again as Sunrisers thrash KKR DAVID Warner and Jonny Bairstow combined for their fourth century stand of the 2019 IPL as Sunrisers Hyderabad hammered Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets on Sunday.

The opening pair, set to be on opposite sides of the Ashes divide later this year, put on 131 as the hosts made light work of overhauling the Knight Riders’ 159-8 with five overs remaining.

Warner, the competition’s top run-scorer this season, made 67 from 38 balls to take his tally beyond 500 while Bairstow – badly dropped when on just one – is now second behind him on that list after his unbeaten 80 off 43.

The major noteworthy

RUSSELL FIREWORKS FIZZLE OUT The IPL’s leading six-hitter Andre Russell looked as though he would provide more late excitement as he sent Bhuvneshwar Kumar over the ropes twice in the 19th over only to then pick out Rashid Khan on the deep-midwicket fence.

And Rashid had his say with the ball – returning a typically tidy 1-23 while his team-mates all conceded at least 30 runs.

contribution of Kolkata’s total was Chris Lynn’s 51, although the regular loss of wickets at the other end meant the opener scored those from a comparatively laborious 47 deliveries.

SHORT AND SWEET FROM SUNIL Lynn’s partner Sunil Narine certainly packed plenty of entertainment into his eight balls at the crease, from which he plundered 25 runs.

The West Indian clubbed three fours and two sixes during that time – going sixfour-four to start the third over – before he was deceived by Khaleel Ahmed’s slower ball from the next delivery and lost his leg stump.

David Warner goes down-town in his innings of 67 from 38 balls. (BCCI photo)

BRUTAL BAIRSTOW AND WONDERFUL WARNER Bairstow made the most of his second chance as KC Cariappa put down a simple catch at deep

point to deny Prithvi Raj a maiden IPL wicket in his first over.

The England man blasted seven fours and four sixes, including one of each to start the ninth over – Cariappa the bowler this time as his luckless outing continued.

Warner bludgeoned three fours and five maximums en route to his seventh score in excess of fifty this season before he was eventually cleaned up Raj, who celebrated wildly despite his side’s crushing loss.

The resounding nature of the defeat was encapsulated at the end of the 15th over as Bairstow crashed Piyush Chawla for a four and two sixes to seal victory in style.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Everton hand woeful Manchester United a 4-0 hammering (REUTERS) - A woeful Manchester United suffered their fifth straight away defeat, in all competitions, with a 4-0 Premier League hammering at the hands of a vibrant Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

United did not manage a shot on target until the 86th minute as they fell to their sixth loss in eight games since their memorable victory at Paris St Germain in the Champions League.

The euphoria felt in Paris and at the start of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign already seems a distant memory after a United performance that lacked not only quality but aggression and fire.

“We just didn’t perform.

That was not worthy of a Manchester United team,” said Solskjaer.

“We hold our hands up and apologise to everyone associated with the club,” added the Norwegian who went over to the travelling United support after the final whistle.

“Everton were better than us at all the basics. There are so many things that we need to do better to get a result. Talent has never been enough.”

United must now somehow pick themselves up in time for the visit of Manchester City to Old Trafford for the derby on Wednesday.

For Marco Silva’s improving Everton, in seventh place, this was their third top-six scalp in as many home games following victories over Chelsea and Arsenal.

Brazilian Richarlison fired Everton ahead in the 13th minute with an acrobatic high volley after Dominic Calvert-Lewin flicked on a long throw.

while United’s midfield pair of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba were spectators for most of the game.

Lucas Digne then blasted in the third in the 56th minute

David de Gea clears off the line Action Images via Reuters/ Jason Cairnduff “The first goal was the key,” said Sigurdsson.

“After that we defended

KARACHI (Reuters) Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan faces a race against time to be fit for the Cricket World Cup after he was ruled out of the limited-overs series in England with an illness.

The 20-year-old has played 34 one-day internationals for Pakistan and was included in their 15-man squad for the May 30-July

Gylfi Sigurdsson made it 2-0 with a low drive from over 25 yards out that United keeper David De Gea was slow to react to as the home side ran rampant.

Solskjaer took off the ineffective Fred for Scott McTominay at the break while Ashley Young came on for the injured Phil Jones at the back but the change in personnel made no difference to the flow of the game.

E v e r t o n w e r e f a s t e r, sharper and more aggressive

after De Gea punched out a corner to the French full-back with United struggling to get even a foot in the game.

Icelandic playmaker Sigurdsson then put substitute Theo Walcott through with a clever pass through the legs of Victor Lindelof which the former Arsenal striker confidently converted.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton v Manchester United - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - April 21, 2019 Manchester United’s

really well. It was important for us to get the next goal after going 2-0 up. It gave us constant belief and we controlled the game after that.”

United, eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona on Tuesday, remain in sixth, outside the four qualification spots for next season’s campaign.

Statistics showed the Red Devils, who had not lost five straight away games since 1981, ran 8.03 km less than Everton.

Patentia/Belle View draw first blood in close encounter

PATENTIA/Belle View Under-19 cricket team defeated Zeelugt Cold Fusion in a closely-contested encounter, played on Saturday at the Zeelugt Cricket Club ground.

The 30-over fixture saw Cold Fusion batting first and being dismissed for 139 off 24 overs with Mark Mohabir hitting a top score of 44. He was ably supported by Abbas Allie with 21.

N. Rajpat took five for 21 for the visitors while Deo Singh ended with four for 15.

I n re p l y, P a t e n t i a achieved the target in 25.3 overs, losing nine wickets in the process. Skipper Ryan Seecharran led the way with an attacking 27, while man-of-the-match,

Pakistan’s Shadab ruled out of England ODIs with illness

Shadab Khan made his international debut in March 20, 2017

Everton’s Theo Walcott scores their fourth goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Rajpat, also starred with the bat, scoring 26.

Both teams displayed great potential and camaraderie. The next match is

scheduled to be played at the Patentia ground on a date to be announced.

The two-team competition, which is organised

by Das of Patentia and Boodnarine Persaud of Cold Fusion Cricket Club of Zeelugt ,will be played over five games.

The victorious Patentia/Belle View team

33

14 World Cup in England and Wales.

The 1992 champions will play a lone Twenty20 international and five ODIs on their tour of England, which begins on May 5.

“Wrist spinner Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the series against England after tests revealed a virus that will require treatment and rest for, at least, four weeks,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

The board said it would set up appointments with specialists in England to help Shadab, who is also a useful lower-order batsman, recover in time for Pakistan’s World Cup opener against West Indies on May 31.

All teams are allowed to make changes to their World Cup squads until May 23. Pakistan selectors have already put batsman Asif Ali and seamer Mohammad Amir on standby should they have to make changes to their squad.

Warriors dispatch Clippers for 3-1 series lead (REUTERS)-Kevin Durant scored 33 points and the visiting Golden State Warriors held on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-105 in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series on Sunday afternoon.

After winning both games in Los Angeles, the Warriors own a 3-1 series lead heading to Game 5 on Wednesday night in Oakland, Calif.

Klay Thompson scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half for the Warriors.

Stephen Curry shot 3-for14, including 1-for-9 from 3-point range, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-high 25 points for the Clippers.

Danilo Gallinari scored 16 after a scoreless first quarter, Patrick Beverley had 12 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, and Lou Williams scored 12 off the bench for Los Angeles.

The Warriors received strong contributions off the bench from Andre Iguodala, Alfonzo McKinnie and Shaun Livingston in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, helping expand a three-point lead to 100-91 with 7:05 left in the game.

Curry checked back in with 5:50 remaining and Golden State leading by six points, and the Clippers never got any closer.

The Clippers had taken their biggest lead of the series at 82-77 on a fast-break dunk

by Montrezl Harrell with 3:57 left in the third quarter, but the Warriors outscored Los

Angeles 10-2 the remainder of the quarter to take an 87-84 lead into the fourth.

Curry made his first basket of the game on driving layup to stretch the lead to 46-40 with 5:59 left in first half. The Warriors stretched lead back to 10 on two occasions in the second quarter before Durant’s four-point play with 2.5 seconds left in the half made it 62-54 at the break.

Klay Thompson scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half for the Warriors

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 14 of the first 20 points for the Clippers, and Thompson made his first seven fieldgoal attempts and scored 17 of the first 28 points for Golden State.

The Warriors scored the final 12 points of first quarter to take a 32-22 lead into second.

Golden State has led by at least eight points after the first quarter in every game of the series.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

Canal Number Two register back-to-back wins in Suriname cricket competition CANAL Number Two Sports Club registered back-to-back wins in Suriname where they are currently competing in the Spartan Cricket Club International Four-Team Cricket Competition at the Dr. Snell Park in Paramaribo.

The lone Guyanese side showed their dominance with an opening win against the Amar Shakti Cricket team on Friday in a T20 fixture and a T10 win against Nickerie All Stars Cricket Club in a rain-affected clash yesterday.

Friday’s game saw a dominant performance from Canal, which was spearheaded by guest players, Mark Jeffers and Malcolm Hubbard.

In the opening clash, the Guyanese club restricted the home team to 61-8 from their allotted overs with medium fast bowler Jeffers taking 3-9 from four overs. The former national U-19 cricketer got support from Hubbard who took 2-3 from two overs with his off-spin and Anand Persaud who took 2-13 from four overs with his left-arm spin. In reply, Canal Number Two raced to 62-0 in 5.3 overs.

Persaud finished with an unbeaten 37 and Jeffers was on 25 not out.

On Saturday, the Canal team competed in a T10 clash against the Nickerie All Stars CC. The visitors bowled a tight line and length, which left the All Stars on 53-5 when the overs ended. Persaud again took two wickets, while Hubbard and former national U-17 cricketer, Narendra Persaud, finished with one each.

Jeffers showed his batting form with another solid performance, this time he finished with 37 unbeaten runs, which helped Canal to overhaul the total in 4.1 overs.

Canal Number Two Sports Club started the competition with comprehensive wins.

HACC hunting second SCA Elite League title

…Skipper Hanif brimming with confidence

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Having ruled the roost for six consecutive years in the Premiere League, the transition to the Elite League wasn’t as smooth as Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) hoped for or anticipated. For two years, 2016 and 2017, their title hopes faded but a sense of determination prevailed.

First, they lost in the inaugural final and were booted out in the semi-final the following year.

Primed and ready to face Victoria Park Cricket Club (VPCC) in last year’s Elite final, HACC were “given” the title on a platter with the latter conceding the game, reportedly because of other commitments to the Toronto & District League.

Clearly the most sought-after team, following their unprecedented successes over the years, HACC face a daunting task to retain top honours when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2019 season gets underway on May 11.

Skipper Azib Ali Hanif, a former Guyana national player, is, however, brimming with confidence that HACC are capable of coming out tops and cart off a second consecutive Elite League title.

Hanif, who took over the captaincy from another former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player, Hemnarine Chattergoon, told Chronicle Sport once his charges play to their full potential, the chances of HACC retaining

championship honours are extremely good, more so since most, it not all of the players, are returning.

Among those expected to return is former Berbice Under-19 player, Krishnadat Ramoo, who captured the most wickets in his first season and was fittingly voted the Most Valuable Player at the club’s 2018 presentation, dinner and dance.

man, Surendra Seeraj, whose 226 runs included a top-score of 93. Seeraj also excelled in the semi-final with six dismissals behind the stumps.

Former Guyana Un der-19 fast bowler, Keyron Fraser, also shone. He captured 15 wickets at 9.53 runs apiece, placing eighth overall.

His fine effort included a match-winning performance of six for 17 versus defending

ming 106.

Seasoned campaigners Anil Samuel, who cracked a fine half-century in last season’s semi-final versus Highland Creek, former Guyana and West Indies one-day player Royston Crandon and all-rounder Zaheer Allard are also expected to feature prominently this season.

Meanwhile, long-standing president of HACC, Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan, is excit-

Liverpool beat Cardiff to retain top spot

Georginio Wijnaldum’s third goal of the season helped Liverpool climb back above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League

FLASHBACK: The victorious HACC players and supporters following last year’s triumph.

Ramoo, who claimed 19 wickets from 10 matches, by far the most by a HACC player and third overall in the league which saw two players with 20 each, also tallied 162 runs with a highest score of 71.

Last year’s leading scorer, Azhad Amidon, who totalled 278 runs in the season, is also raring to go, so too is former Canadian wicketkeeper-bats-

champions, Highland Creek, in the semi-final.

Creditable performances also came from leg-spinner, Vinood Persaud and left-arm spinner Bhim Bodhoo with 14 and 13 wickets respectively, while Teshawon Castro smashed an incredible 156 in his lone match which also saw former Guyana Under-19 batsman Farook Hussain slam-

ed about the prospects of the players competing this season, since he feels they are adept with the necessary knowhow to win championships.

Mohan paid glowing tributes to all the players for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the club over the years. He also commended the sponsors for their continued assistance.

LIVERPOOL returned to the top of the Premier League but were made to work hard for victory at relegation-threatened Cardiff City.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had to be patient as they dominated a dogged Cardiff side, who had chances of their own to cause an upset.

Liverpool made the breakthrough in spectacular fashion, as Georginio Wijnaldum met Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low corner with a thunderous first-time effort which threatened to break the net.

The wild celebrations spoke of the visitors’ relief, and they had to negotiate some nervy moments, most notably a staggering miss by Cardiff captain Sean Morrison, who miscued a header with the goal at his mercy.

Things then got worse for Morrison, who conceded a penalty after grappling with Mohamed Salah, and substitute James Milner confidently converted the spot-kick to seal victory for the visitors.

Cardiff remain in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety.

Liverpool, meanwhile, restore their two-point lead at the top of the table over Manchester City, who play their game in hand away at Manchester United on Wednesday.

(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 22, 2019

35

Guyana bounce back with strong third day at -Taylor, Ramataursing CARIFTA Junior Chess Championship and Gobin on top TEAM Guyana currently sits in fourth place after three days of competition in Curacao at the eighth CARIFTA Junior Chess Championship.

When action continues today, the Guyanese players will look to move into podium position. According to coach of the side, Wendell Meusa, the main objective is to break into the top three for a chance of an overall team medal.

After five rounds of play, Jamaica are in the lead, followed by Barbados and Trinidad. We are ahead of Suriname and three other nations in the eight-team tournament.

The Guyanese players had their best round yesterday when the players tallied a total of 8.5 points out of 14. In the previous four rounds, they scored 5, 6, 3.5 and 3.

Leading the charge for the home side were Milan Ramataursing, Samirah Go-

bin and Jaden Taylor. All three players have tallied

three points each. Eight-yearold Ramataursing has so far

registered two wins and two draws. His last draw, yester-

day, was against a player with a 1345 rating. If the Marian

Milan Ramataursing (right) is one of three Guyanese players with three points after five rounds of competition.

Academy student finishes his last two rounds strong, he can medal.

Gobin, who attends the Al Ghazali Islamic Academy, registered back-to-back wins in rounds four and five, while Taylor registered a win and a draw in his last two rounds.

Like Ramataursign, Taylor is the only Guyanese player with only one defeat.

To date 12 of the 14 players have recorded points, with 10 of them scoring on Sunday.

Gobin, Taylor, Chelsea Juma, Joshua Khan, Arysh Raghunauth, Maliha Rajkumar and Savir Gookul registered wins yesterday, while Ramataursing, Jacob McDonald and Ghansham Allijohn finished with draws.

Overall, Allijohn and Jarrell Troyer are on 2.5 points each, with Juma, Raghunauth, siblings Maliha and Mahir Rajkumar, and Gookul on two points each.

Jason Holder on form as Persaud nabs bronze medal on day Northants hammer Warwickshire two at CARIFTA Aquatic Championships

WEST Indies captain Jason Holder hit a quickfire half-century and claimed three wickets as Northants walloped Warwickshire for their first One-Day Cup group game victory.

The Bears’ 194-run defeat was their worst in 56 years of one-day cricket.

Northants’ 358-6 included four half centuries, of which Holder was the fastest, with an unbeaten 60 off 31 balls in the final 10 overs.

The Bears then buckled to 164 all out, Holder leading the way with 3-26.

Blessing Muzarabani (328) and Ben Sanderson (3-44) matched Holder’s wickets haul to wrap up the game with more than 15 overs unused.

Northants had lost their opening two games, against Durham and Derbyshire.

But Rob Keogh (69), Adam Rossington (68) and captain Alex Wakely all weighed in with fifties, while Richard Levi made 78, before becoming a third victim for Henry Brookes (3-80).

Injury-weakened Warwickshire, who tied their opening group game with Yorkshire on Good Friday, were a long way short in reply, their top score coming from 36 apiece for Ed Pollock and youngster Alex Thomson.

performance. Everyone pulled their weight. We had a disappointing performance in Derby so it’s great to see the guys bounce back.

“The platform was laid with the bat and it was a great effort to score 350. The

Jason Holder smacked a quick-fire half-century and then claimed three for 26

They now host Nottinghamshire on Tuesday, while Northants’ next game is at Old Trafford against Lancashire on Wednesday.

“It was a very good team

Regatta racers escape danger as boats collide TWO racers avoided serious injury yesterday when their boats collided at the Annual Bartica Regatta.

The two racers, Shawn Belle, who driving Extreme Limit, and Hosea Jardine, who was driving Flash, collided during the first race of the day.

Both were injured and rushed to the hospital with minor injuries. The race was called off after the accident. Both men were treated at the hospital and sent away since they received no major injuries.

pitch had good carry and bounce and we exploited that really well.

“Blessing was outstanding with the new ball. He set the tone and everyone followed on nicely.”

“Records don’t bother me.

It’s about losing two points and we have pick ourselves up for Tuesday now. We didn’t hit our lengths consistently with the ball.

“We fed them too many balls to hit, whereas against Yorkshire we forced them to defend. Then Blessing and Holder with their lengths, that was the difference.

“Alex Thomson under pressure played well with the bat and there have been some other good signs for our young players.” (BBC Sport)

ALEKA Persaud followed up her gold medal performance in the 100M butterfly on Saturday evening with bronze medal yesterday when action continued in the 2019 CARIFTA Aquatic Championships, which is ongoing at the Barbados Aquatic Centre in Wildey.

The 12-year-old finished third in the 50M butterfly in a tight race. Her 30.94s was just shy of T&T’s Joy Blackett’s 30.71s and Jamaica’s Giani Francis’s time of 30.86s. Fourth place went to Jamaica’s Saidah Brown, who finished in 31.34s.

As she did when she struck gold on Saturday night, the Guyanese preteen again qualified for the Caribbean and Central American Championships, which is slated for later this year.

Persaud also clocked a third place finish in the 1112 age division 200M freestyle race yesterday. The youngster registered a time of 2:21.17, which was better than swimmers from Martinique, Barbados (two swimmers), Jamaica and Grenada.

Meanwhile ,Patrice Mahaica settled for fifth in the 100M backstroke after she swam 1:17.06.

On the opening day, Persaud stormed to an almost two second victory in the 100M butterfly final, after clocking a time of 1:08.52.

Six swimmers are competing in the event: four boys and two girls.

Aleka Persaud is leading Guyana’s charge at the event.

Anisha Gibbons

Gibbons throws historic Javelin gold

Guyana’s Chantoba Bright in action during her Gold Medal performance in the Women’s U-20 Long Jump at the 2019 CARIFTA Games. It was her third consecutive gold medal in the event, having won in 2017 and 2018.

Page

31

...Gold and Silver for Bright, Archer takes Silver, Austin picks up Bronze

TT Under-15 player Justin Jagessar, left, collects a trophy from TT Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath, after leading the Central Zone to the U-15 Inter Zone title earlier this year. Jagessar scored 73 on Saturday against Guyana in the Regional U-15 tournament.

(PHOTO COURTESY TTCB)

T&T claim Regional Under-15 trophy despite defeat to Guyana

Rampertab Ramnauth

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31

...Rampertab Ramnauth hit a superb unbeaten 92 in Guyana’s win

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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019