Guyana chronicle epaper 05 07 2017

SEE INSIDE

An artist's rendition of the supersonic plane Waithe and the team at Boom are working on

Bronx boy with ‘GT’ roots does community proud passenger planes

– now creates supersonic

► Page

II

Recuse yourself Waithe with his wife and children

No. 104905

SUNDAY MAY 7, 2017

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

...PM wants Justice Holder to recuse self from Carvil Duncan case

Page 3

Suspected TIP victims among several arrested in city raid Page 8

– unlicensed firearm discovered during operation

Motorcycle bandits kill Sophia bread vendor Page 2

Afternoon of elegance Lorane Sears and her daughter Stacia Cameron during the Tea Party and Fashion Show at the New Thriving Restaurant, Providence

Maternity Unit making strides …no deaths so far in 2017

Page 16

Page 9

Police smash gang, seize gun, ammo Page 3

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Berbice Nursery update

Children in three-vehicle crash recovering DOCTORS and staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation are working feverishly to bring relief to those children suffering serious injuries as a result of the three-vehicle ‘smash up’ at Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice,last Thursday.

Six children of nursery and primary school age were rushed to the GPHC in serious condition Thursday morning, suffering mainly head injuries, while eight others were treated at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital (MCH) and sent home.

Those still receiving treatment and under doctors’ close watch at the GPHC when the Guyana Chronicle

Malachi Duncan (injured and admitted to GPHC)

visited the Paediatric Ward yesterday were: Roniaya

Glasgow, 5; Lawrence Marks, 5; Malachi Duncan, 5: Aiden Joseph, 4-plus; and Emriquez Lewis, 9.

The sixth child showed considerable improvement and was discharged Thursday afternoon.

Parents and grandparents have expressed gratitude to the doctors and staff for the highly professional and attentive care rendered to the children, noting that they feared the worst when they first saw them after the accident.

Holly Ann Joseph, mother of four-year-old Aiden Joseph,breathed a sigh of relief, repeatedly asserting: “|We are grateful to the doctors. They did a good job

At centre is Emanuel Devon Garrett (injured)

also being treated for head injuries and his head was strapped, but he was asleep when this newspaper visited the ward.

The only Primary School child brought to the GPHC – Enriquez Lewis suffered seAn injured boy being transported to have a CT-scan done

and must be complimented.”

The parents who remained at the hospital round the clock, even as the children were being operated on, attested to the fact that the doctors worked as late as 2:00 hrs the following morning.

Little Raniaya Glasgow who sustained severe injuries to both hands was experiencing excruciating pains yesterday as evidenced by her continuous wailing. But she had regular intervention from the medical staff on duty. Grafting was done and she is to return to the theatre for further surgical attention.

Meanwhile, the head of Malachi Duncan was heavily bandaged, his back was strapped, and so was his left arm. He managed to sit up in bed, but candidly stated his position: “I don’t want to go back in that bus anymore and I don’t want to go back to school anymore!”

Lawrence Marks was

vere injuries to both knees.

He sustained deep wounds and the flesh was badly torn, his mother Duwana Chichester said.

Ever since the accident and admission of the children, mothers and grand-

mothers have remained glued to the hospital benches. “We share their pains. We feel it for them and every time they cry our hearts bleed. So we just want to be around,” one mother said.

Motorcycle bandits kill Sophia bread vendor during robbery THE police are investigating the murder of Andre Alexander, 42, a businessman of lot 394 Section 4 Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who was shot in the stomach and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash by two male suspects at about 20:30 hrs Friday at his home, where he sells bread.

According to a police report, the victim was in his shop when the suspects approached on a motorcycle and the pillion rider requested three loaves of bread.

The man paid with a $5000 note and while the victim was in the process of making the change, the said sus-

pect whipped out a handgun and demanded the cash. The businessman refused and was shot.

The suspects then relieved the businessman of his cash and they escaped on the motorcycle, discharging several rounds in the process.

The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a conscious state but succumbed to his injuries at about 23:00 hrs while receiving treatment. No one has been arrested thus far.

“The President needs to start hanging these criminals who are always in court for various charges before graduating to murder; when police find they

Dead: Andre Alexander

in front of the court too often, they should not even arrest them, just finish them off and save taxpayers the burden,” one irate resident said.

Recuse yourself 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

...PM wants Justice Holder to recuse self from Carvil Duncan case

By Svetlana Marshall

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has requested that Justice Franklin Holder recuse himself from the Carvil Duncan case, contending the outcome may be biased based on the simple fact that his attorney has been barred from being heard in the matter.

In the case, the State is being represented by the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams. Williams, however, has been barred from appearing before Justice Holder until he issues a “genuine and meaningful” apology for statements that were considered to be disrespectful and contemptuous during an incident in the High Court on March 23, 2017. But these allegations have been rubbished by the Attorney General.

In a letter addressed to Williams dated May 4, 2017, the Prime Minister, in his capacity as a respondent in the matter, authorised Williams to request that Justice Holder recuse himself from the matter.

The Prime Minister told his Attorney that as a result of the incident and a

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

subsequent petition to the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards by Justice Holder, he does not believe that the trial would be a fair one.

“I am of the opinion that neither the State, nor I, will receive fair hearing in the matter,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo opined while stating three grounds on which he based his argument.

“The Judge had the power to handle the alleged incident between himself and the State’s Attorney General amicably in Court instead

Justice Franklin Holder

of retiring to his Chambers without the formal rising of the Court,” he pointed out.

Additionally, the Prime Minister argued that the petition to the Chancellor demanding that the State’s Attorney General apologises in open Court before continuation of the State’s matter, put the State at a disadvantage.

It was also noted that the petition was forwarded by the Chancellor to President David Granger, who is also a party to the Suit.

“Based on all the above mentioned grounds, I am of the opinion that I would be

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams

prejudiced in the Suit because my attorney is barred from being heard in the matter,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.

As such, he authorized Williams to request that Justice Holder recuse himself from further hearing the matter.

The letter seen by the Guyana Chronicle was copied to President Granger, the Acting Chancellor and the Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, Williams is maintaining his innocence.

Police smash gang, seize gun, ammo FIVE men are in police custody after the motorcar in which they were travelling, was intercepted by ranks on a mobile patrol at approximately 01: 30 hrs this

morning in the village of Glasgow, East Bank Berbice.

The police conducted a search of the car and its five occupants during which an unlicensed pis-

tol with 13 live rounds, a rope, a crowbar, a wig and other items were found.

The men are aged 33, 29, 27, 26 and 22 and are from Glasgow Housing

The items found after police conducted a search

Scheme, East Bank Berbice; Angoy’s Avenue, Berbice; Pilot Street, New Amsterdam; Fort Ordnance, Berbice; and Dazzle Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

In a correspondent to President Granger, the Attorney General said that there is no merit to Justice Holder’s allegations, maintaining that at no time he was disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous.

He too had lobbied for that High Court Judge to recuse himself from the Carvil Duncan case.

Referencing to the Contempt of Court Act Chapter 5:05, Williams pointed out there are provisions in the law for a Judge presiding in a Court to cite and punish persons for contempt.

Because Contempt of Court is a criminal offence, the Attorney General argued that Justice Holder was required under the Act to inform him of the offense committed before adjourning the matter on the same day.

“Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey to the Hon. Attorney General that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the Courtroom that day and was therefore functus officio.

Justice Holder could not lawfully almost two days later by letter purport to raise accusations of contempt against the Hon. Attorney General for what he alleges

occurred in his Court previously,” Minister Williams argued.

According to him, at the time Justice Holder left his Court, he was accused of being contemptuous; however, it was only after Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall had made some scandalous statements, that a letter of complaint was filed by the High Court Judge.

“The Learned Judge found no fault with the Attorney General in his Court but, without informing him before hand and giving him an opportunity to respond, he purports to go behind his back to complain to the President in order to have the Hon. Attorney General dismissed.

As a consequence it is respectfully submitted that there is no foundation upon which Justice Holder could erect those serious allegations and sanctions he has proposed in his letter of complaint,” Minister Williams said.

The Attorney General told the President that it was Nandlall who was disrespectful in the Court while Duncan and his confidential secretary were being cross-examined.

CORRECTION

WE would like to make two corrections in the story we carried in yesterday’s issue, headlined: Fire-proof homes to hit market. The article describes the material used as NGO board, but it is Mgo. Also, the article says GreenHeartree has the patent for the technology, but that too was incorrect. L.S. Holmes of Poland, with which GreenHeartree has a joint venture, has the patent.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.

4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

France fights to keep Macron email hack from distorting election

FRANCE sought to keep a computer hack of frontrunner Emmanuel Macron’s campaign emails from influencing the outcome of the presidential election, with the electoral commission warning on Saturday that it may be a criminal offense to republish the data.

Macron’s team said a “massive” hack had dumped emails, documents and campaign financing information online just before campaigning ended on Friday and France entered a quiet period, effectively forbidding politicians from commenting on the leak.

Polls have been predicting that Macron, a former investment banker and economy minister, is on course for a comfortable win over farright leader Marine Le Pen in Sunday’s election, with the last surveys showing his lead widening to around 62 per cent to 38.

“We knew that this kind of risk would be present during the presidential campaign, because it has happened elsewhere. Noth-

ing will be left without a response,” French President Francois Hollande told French news agency AFP. The election commission, which supervises the electoral process, warned social and traditional media not to publish the hacked emails lest they influence the vote outcome, but may find it difficult to enforce its rules in an era where people get much of their news online, information flows freely across borders and many users are anonymous.

“On the eve of the most important election for our institutions, the commission calls on everyone present on internet sites and social networks, primarily the media, but also all citizens, to show responsibility and not to pass on this content, so as not to distort the sincerity of the ballot,” the commission said in a statement on Saturday.

“The commission stresses that publication or republication of these data...could be a criminal offense,” it said.

French media covered the hack in various ways, with

left-leading Liberation giving it prominence on its website but television news channels opting not to mention it.

Le Monde newspaper said on its website it would not publish the content of any of the leaked documents before the election, partly because the huge amount of data meant there was not enough time to report on it properly, but also because the dossiers had been published on purpose 48 hours before the election with the clear aim of affecting the vote.

“If these documents contain revelations, Le Monde will of course publish them after having investigated them, respecting our journalistic and ethical rules, and without allowing ourselves to be exploited by the publishing calendar of anonymous actors,” it said.

As the #Macronleaks hashtag buzzed around social media on Friday night, Florian Philippot, deputy leader of Le Pen’s National Front party, tweeted “Will Macronleaks teach us something that investigative

journalism has deliberately kept silent?”

THE U.S. Defense Department is finalizing a lease on a privately owned apartment in New York’s Trump Tower for the White House Military Office to use for supporting President Donald Trump without providing any benefit to Trump or his organization, according to a Pentagon letter seen by Reuters.

The Military Office car-

ries and safeguards the “football,” the device that contains the top secret launch codes the president needs to order a nuclear attack, as well as providing him secure communications wherever he is.

The White House, Secret Service, and Defense Department had no comment on whether similar arrangements have been made at other properties Trump frequents - Mar-

DESTABILISATION As much as 9 gigabytes of data purporting to be documents from the Macron campaign were posted on a profile called EMLEAKS to Pastebin, a site that allows anonymous document sharing.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible, but Macron’s political movement said in a statement the hack was an attempt to destabilise democracy and to damage the party.

En Marche! said the leaked documents dealt with the normal operations of a campaign and included some information on campaign accounts. It said the hackers had mixed false documents with authentic ones to “sow doubt and disinformation.”

Sunday’s election is seen as the most important in France for decades, with two diametrically opposed views of Europe and the country’s place in the world at stake.

Le Pen would close bor-

ders and quit the euro currency, while Macron wants closer European cooperation and an open economy.

Voters in some French overseas territories and the Americas were due to cast their ballots on Saturday, a day before voting in France itself. The first polling stations to open at 1000 GMT (6 a.m. ET) were in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, islands off Canada.

In France, police union Alternative Police warned in a statement that there was a risk of violence on election day by activists of the farright or far-left.

Extreme-right student activists burst into the office of Macron’s political movement in the southeastern city of Lyon on Friday evening, setting off smoke grenades and scattering false bank notes bearing Macron’s picture, police said.

More than 50,000 police and some 7,000 soldiers will provide security during voting on Sunday, with more than 12,000 security personnel covering the Paris region

alone.

France is the latest nation to see a major election overshadowed by allegations of manipulation through cyber hacking after U.S. intelligence agencies said in January that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered hacking of parties tied to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to influence the election on behalf of Republican Donald Trump.

Vitali Kremez, director of research with New Yorkbased cyber intelligence firm Flashpoint, said his review indicated that APT 28, a group tied to the GRU, the Russian military intelligence directorate, was behind the leak.

Macron’s campaign has previously complained about attempts to hack its emails, blaming Russian interests in part for the cyber-attacks.

The Kremlin has denied it was behind any such attacks, although Macron’s camp renewed complaints against Russian media and a hackers’ group operating in Ukraine. (Reuters)

a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida and the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump is spending this weekend.

In a letter to Representative Jackie Speier, a Democrat on the House Armed Services and intelligence committees, Defense Department official James MacStravic, said the apartment is “privately owned and ... lease negotiations have been with the owner’s representatives only.”

MacStravic, who wrote that he was “temporarily performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and

Logistics,” said any acquisition of leased space with “an annual rental in excess of $1 million must first be approved by my office.”

He “approved this action” after consulting with the White House Military Office and other officials, he said.

Officials declined to reveal the cost of the lease or identify the owners of the apartment.

MacStravic’s letter, dated March 3, added: “We are not aware of any means through which the President would personally benefit from a Government lease of this space.”

The letter explained that

the White House Military Office, a Pentagon unit, “requested approval to lease space in the Trump Tower for personnel assigned to support the President when at his private residence.”

The letter said such arrangements are “typical of support provided” by the Military Office to previous U.S. presidents and vice presidents at their private residences. It is not clear, however, whether the office has ever paid to rent space to house the classified equipment presidents need when they are staying at homes they own outside Washington.

Pentagon to lease privately owned Trump Tower apartment for nuclear ‘football’: letter

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 06/05/2017 26/11/2016 06/05/2017

06 14 02 12 08 18 13 19 17 22 26 25 02 N K 11

06 06 13 09

14 12

21 17

24 26

26/11/2016 06/05/2017

04 7

07 0

03 7

26/11/2016 06/05/2017

05 8

04 7

01 0

26/11/2016 06/05/2017 02 01 04 09

10 10

13 11 14 13 15 14

18 18

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Roses in hand, Venezuelan women protesters face security forces DRESSED in white and chanting “Liberty!”, tens of thousands of women opposed to Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro marched on Saturday, proffering roses to security forces who blocked their way.

The women’s marches, which took place in most major cities around the South American oil producer, were the latest in five weeks of sustained protests against Maduro whom opponents decry as a dictator who has ruined the economy.

In Caracas, marchers sang the national anthem and shouted “We want elections!” They were halted at various points by lines of policewomen and National Guard troops with armored cars.

The opposition, which has majority support in Venezuela after years of being in the shadow of the ruling Socialist Party, is demanding that delayed state elections be held and the 2018 presidential vote be brought forward.

They also want the government to free scores of jailed activists, allow humanitarian aid from abroad to offset a brutal economic crisis, and respect the independence of the legislature where the opposition won a majority in 2015.

Highlighting vandalism and violence by young masked protesters, Maduro says opponents are seeking a coup with U.S. support and harbour “terrorists” and “murderers” in their ranks.

In response to the crisis, the 54-year-old successor to Hugo Chavez is setting up a super body known as a “con-

Women have often been feeling the brunt of Venezuela’s economic crisis due to widespread food and medicine shortages, huge lines at shops, soaring prices, and increasing hunger in the nation of 30 million people.

THIRTY-SEVEN DEATHS Since the anti-Maduro protests began in early April, at least 37 people have died, with victims including supporters of both sides, bystanders and members of the security forces.

Opposition leaders say the constituent assembly is a biased mechanism designed to keep an unpopular leader in power.

They say the government is to blame for violence by young protesters as authorities are refusing a free vote to

The women’s march was against what they see as repression by security forces against demonstrators resolve the crisis and are needlessly blocking and repressing marches.

“Just let us vote, and this will all end,” said teacher Anlerisky Rosales, 22, in the opposition women’s march in Caracas. “There is too much suffering in Venezuela. If we have to, we will give our lives in the street until Maduro goes.”

Various female protesters marched topless with black

The demonstrations have now been taking place almost daily for the past month face masks in mourning for the fatalities.

At one point, a female government official emerged from the security lines to receive a petition and talk with the demonstration leaders.

With Maduro’s approval ratings at around 24 percent - less than half the level at the time of his narrow election victory in 2013 - and Venezuela suffering a fourth year of harrowing recession, the opposition’s challenge is to keep up street pressure and draw in support from poor former “Chavista” sectors.

Officials are hoping they become exhausted and disillusioned, while highlighting the violence of young opposition hotheads to try to discredit the whole opposition.

Many Venezuelans are closely watching the armed forces, who have the potential to tip the balance if they disobey government instructions or give Maduro a nudge behind the scenes.

Top armed forces officials have been pledging loyalty in public, though opposition leader Henrique Capriles said on Friday that 85 military officials had been arrested for dissent. (Reuters)

Opposition MPs were among the marchers stituent assembly” with powers to rewrite the constitution, shake up public powers, and potentially replace the legislature.

“This march is against opposition terrorism, they are destroying everything,” said cook Fredesvilda Paulino, 54, at a pro-government rally also in Caracas on Saturday where red-shirted women waved pro-Maduro flags and banners.

The women’s marches were organized as part of an opposition attempt to vary tactics and keep momentum against Maduro.

Sunday, May 7,

3:00 - 14:30 hrs

Monday, May 8, 3:30 - 14:30 hrs

6

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Necessity is the mother of invention THE proverb, ‘necessity is the mother of invention,’ is timeless and without season.

It means “when the need for something becomes essential, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it.” In looking around society, there are numerous needs and corresponding opportunities vital to our economic independence. And whereas necessity is often seen as arising from immediate, deprived needs, those with futuristic outlooks can also adequately predict man’s evolving needs and plan for them.

There is a national conversation that money, local and foreign, is not circulating and the dollar is less strong, compared to the corresponding period last year. While in our society it is often tempting to engage in finger-pointing, though not necessarily a bad thing, taking proactive approaches to challenging moments is what helps society to grow and develop. For instance, a significant amount of foreign currency is used to import goods that can be produced here. Reduction in the circulation of foreign currency could necessitate acts to buffer and conserve.

Local production, in addition to creating employment and other indigenous opportunities, ensures the society’s distinct taste and identity of its products in the global market.

Niche marketing could also be explored and exploited. Diverting foreign currency used for consumer goods could aid savings to make further investments through purchase of production equipment/machinery and the delivery of improved services in areas such as education and health.

The acquired taste for foreign products, though in a global economy, cannot be faulted, at the same time one cannot ignore that being users of items without seeking to be producers stymies growth and development of self and country. In the competitive environment, Guyana has the capacity not only to produce the imported plantain chips, fried channa, onions and potatoes, but also to be exporters of them.

For instance, the so-called foreign white potatoes and white onions were grown and harvested here. The society should have ensured further development of these projects, the establishment of synergies between the state and farming communities, to the stage where these are available for markets, local and foreign.

Where Guyana’s productive economy once suffered through party politics in that sections of the society were encouraged not to participate, lest it be construed as giving

legitimacy to a particular government, such archaic thinking has no place in the 21st century.

Many of the foods Guyana can produce are in global demand. Any notion that cultivating and consuming local products is symptomatic of poverty, ignores nutritive value and revenue-earning capacity. At the same time, seeking to capitalise on available opportunities would recognise the need to reduce wastage and spoilage, which could be facilitated with closer collaboration between government and private investments.

Guyanese have the capacity to be visionary, but where the smothering of visionary leadership and thinking exists, the economic element of the society will continue to operate below expectations. There are things that can be done that do not require foreign aid and the expending of foreign currency to import. It is also to society’s benefit to recognise and appreciate that continued dependency could never be in its best interest.

Development is not devoid of risk-taking, acceptance that mistakes are part of the process, and being prepared to stay the course until the goal is achieved. Evidence of this is seen in the first team that succeeded in its journey into space to the development of

peanut into a phenomenal world industry.

Where in the embryonic stages, had those who pioneered these projects given up, man would not have been better understanding of the universe and/ or able to capitalise on the opportunities therein.

Development or the absence of it is widespread. Whereas one may have the means to build a big house next to the neighbour living in a dilapidated building, having to traverse potholed streets in surroundings littered with debris, this uneven development impacts and affects the lives of all within the environs.

The absence of recognising the importance of community too has to be addressed. Shifting behaviour is reliant on shifting thinking from that of dependency to appreciating positive change comes through self-reliance and inter-dependency.

What Guyanese need to re-cultivate and develop is that pioneering spirit, instead of settling for being relegated to perpetual consumers and traders. Important to this is getting out of the dependency syndrome that expects government to do everything, to that where government fosters the enabling environment through incentives and knowledge, to make things possible.

KN editorial reflects poor understanding of UG’s role Dear Editor I TRUST that all is well.

The Kaieteur News editorial, “UG Needs better Leadership”, published May 04, 2017, reflects a poor understanding of the University of Guyana’s role in Guyana’s development and place in the wider world.

The University’s mission is to generate, disseminate,

and apply knowledge in the service of the community, the nation, and all mankind in an atmosphere of free and critical inquiry (Academic Board 2001).

It aims to provide a place for education, learning, and research of the highest university standard in the arts and sciences throughout Guyana. It is a mission and legacy bequeathed to us

by our forbearers who had the foresight and wisdom to dream this dream in 1963.

Given this mission, what is the right framework for understanding and analyzing our national university? I humbly submit to the editor, that the guiding principles for a proper analysis of the university’s leadership and trajectory are as follows:

(i) Take a look in the mirror, initial conditions matter.

One must document and disseminate, with clarity and precision, what was inherited. One ought to ask: What challenges are we facing at our UG? What should UG’s role be in the context of Guyana’s socio-economic and political landscape? What pathways do we take so that UG can play its rightful role

in the nation and beyond? A thoughtful observer might have observed the insufficiencies in financial capital and human capital, the lack of management expertise in both of these capital aspects, and the negative impact of these insufficiencies on system efficiency and on the campus’s conditions and morale.

A thoughtful observer

might have documented the challenges inherited in the core teaching and research functions at the University. That same thoughtful observer might have noted the number and quality of lecturers; the poor salaries; the issues with timely payment of those salaries; issues related to benefits and class size; the condition of See page 7

7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Kissoon is in a political dilemma Dear Editor, I WRITE to make some observations and comments on Mr Freddie Kissoon‘s column in Kaieteur News (KN) of April 29, 2017 captioned, “Rupert Roopnaraine is Rodneyite, Granger is Burnhamite, Nagamootoo is Jaganite.”

Editor, the order of the names in the caption of the column forced me to conclude that the decision was not one of editorial discretion, but was a deliberate act

by Kissoon. I believe that Kissoon, by placing Rupert Roopnaraine’s name first was continuing his campaign against the WPA of indicting the party for what he sees as the government/coalition missteps, shortcomings and betrayal of historic leaders.

Once again Kissoon demonstrates his obsession with the WPA, which he has said on many occasions, is nonexistent as a political party and has neither power nor influence in the government Given the content of the article and the power

structure of the government, natural justice required a repositioning of the caption in this order - Granger-- Nagamootoo – Roopnaraine. This listing is more indicative of the composition of parties in the alliance, because Roopnaraine and the WPA are junior to the PNC and AFC. Another concern I have with the column has to do with Kissoon’s attempt to drag President David Granger over the ‘hot coals’ for not adhering to positions advocated by former President Forbes Burnham. This position is underscored by Kissoon’s question as to whether Granger “has implemented any dimension of the thought process, school of ideas, ideological beliefs, governmental policies and economic directions of Forbes Burnham?” If Kissoon’s account of President Granger’s failure on this matter is correct, I contend that it is to the President’s credit that he has been able to separate his personal feelings and admiration of the party’s founder-leader and instead, attempted to

hold steadfast to the policies of the coalition, which were enunciated during the 2015 elections campaign.

The above is not an argument as to the relevance of policies advocated by, Burnham, Jagan or Rodney. The fact of the matter is that the President and the government are not bound by the policies of those great leaders, and should not be judged by their standards. The President and government have to be judged by the APNU+AFC manifesto and the promises made in the election campaign.

Kissoon in his zealousness seems to be offering an analysis of the regime’s actions or inaction. In doing so he is unintentionally pushing Granger and the government into difficult political waters.

If the President and the government are perceived as implementing Burnham’s ideas -- ideological and economic directions etc. – it would be perceived in some quarters as a betrayal of what was put to the people during the 2015 elections campaign. Equally

important, the APNU+AFC government and the President will be giving the PPP and government detractors the political ammunition they want. The PPP has been daily hammering into the heads of its supporters that the PNC dominates the coalition and government to the extent that there is a return to the Burnham era. Kissoon is an astute political analyst and should have no difficulties recognising the pitfalls in his position.

Another concern I have is in relation to Kissoon’s description of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. In his remarks in his letter on Roopnaraine, Kissoon made the following points: (a) Roopnaraine is in ; (b) Rodney may, be ashamed of what Roopnaraine is doing; (c) Roopnaraine is despoiling the face of Rodneyism; (d) he put his name to an organisation that was supposed to collect funds and build the D’Urban Park structure; (e) then, Rupert, the great Rodneyite, journeyed to the National Cultural Centre to ground with teachers, par-

ents and concerned citizens on the vexation of VAT on private school tuition. Knowing he couldn’t play even a minor role in rolling back the tax, then why did he meet with them? (f) Roopnaraine displayed immense hypocrisy when he said he cannot support increased tuition at UG; and (g) now that it has become policy, he intoned that he does not support it, and went on to take an ignominious position that if the university does not remove it, there is nothing he can do.

I have deliberately listed the points he made against Minister Rupert Roopnaraine to compare with his handling of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the most senior AFC leader in the government. Suffice it to say that readers should note that Kissoon dealt with Nagamootoo’s alleged transgression of Jaganism, etc. in a very brief final paragraph.

My point here is to demonstrate where Kissoon’s political preference lies.

Kissoon, at this point in time, seems to be experienc-

ing what in Guyanese jargon, is a “love/hate” relation with the AFC. This is understandable since, during the 2015 elections campaign, he invested a lot of his political capital supporting that party.

Apparently, he is now having second thoughts as can be seen in his recent reflections on the AFC’s performance in and out of government.

In a recent column, Kissoon contends that the AFC is responsible for its own demise and not the PNC. I end by making this observation: Kissoon is in a political dilemma, on the one hand he portrays himself as a non-party person, but deeply in his heart he wants to identify with a progressive party that can be transformative for the country and its masses. Because Guyana is a difficult political environment, the question that Kissoon has to answer for himself is -which way to go?

Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE

KN editorial reflects poor ...

From page 6

the library; and questions related to the accreditation of the medical and law schools. He or she might have asked where we are now less than a year into the tenure of Dr. Griffith. (ii) Articulate a clear vision for a 21st century University of Guyana. It is unclear from your reflection that the editor has a vision for the University of Guyana. What does the editor believe the future will bring? What narrative will the University project for the country? What other roles will the University have in the nation?

I would direct the editor to the Hamilton Report of 2012, which notes that

“The University should undergo a major restructuring programme to make it a high-performance institution.” I should add that rapidly approaching a high performance institution is a national imperative, given the current socio-economic and political landscape of Guyana and the demographic, economic, social-cultural, political, security and sovereignty, education and health challenges that face the nation. A thoughtful observer would frame the actions of Dr. Griffith through these lenses. (iii) Target high, valueadded endeavours. Education of the highest quality is an existential matter in

the 21st century. We can do fundamental research at a global level. I note for the record that in a nation of less than 800,000 that this is our competitive advantage. Our people, many graduates of the University of Guyana, serve across the globe in the modern knowledge economy. We need to apply those talents at home. The current challenges in the sugar industry provide a proper test case--we must diversify and innovate and move up the sugar food chain, or we will die. The editor and this editorial do not serve the University and country well. They ask the wrong questions.

I close by noting the

following: Guyana’s population is 735,000. Forty nine per cent (49%) of her citizens are below the age of 24. An estimated 33% of her citizens live in poverty. Over 80% of her citizens with tertiary education have emigrated. GDP composition, by sector of origin: Agriculture: 21.8% (esp. sugarcane, rice, shrimp, fish), Industry: 25.3% (bauxite, sugar, rice, timber, gold), Services: 52.9%. With the discovery of oil and its expected “boon” in a few years, what role will the University of Guyana play in economic growth?

I submit Dr. Griffith’s vision of UG serves to facilitate educational

and economic development—for citizens and society—fosters dreaming and changing personal and societal realities, moves Guyanese beyond being to becoming, enables discovery in all relevant fields.

He offers Guyana a university which serves as an agent of change, a platform for Guyanese to explore myriad opportunities. The University of Guyana can be a stimulus for innovation in the 21st century, an existential investment for the nation. UG does not exist as a private business; it is an instrument of the nation. We need to make the called-for investments.

Sir Shridath Ramphal reminded us at the Com-

monwealth Education Conference in Sri Lanka in August 1980, “We have learned that education, when it is not geared to the needs of real development, and when it is not accompanied by progress in other spheres, can lead more to despair than to development, more to frustration than to fulfillment, and more to social tension than to social advance.”

Regards TERRENCE BLACKMAN, DEAN School of Science, Health & Technology Medgar Evers College, City University of New York

8

A FREE PRESS IN A FREE LAND IT would sound like an understatement, but Guyana today enjoys a free press in a free land. While media ownership is privately dominated and outweighs the limited control and reach of the state radio, television and newspaper, the Guyana media are open and free. They are additionally, robust and vibrant, and enjoy the fullest right to exist.

They are unfettered from state censorship, restrictions and political-financial pressures.

This is unlike sordid post-republican experiences, where the state media were placed inside party, political strait-jackets, and used as propaganda sledge-hammers against civil society. State manipulation, styled “Party paramountcy”, had characterised various periods of our system of governance, except for brief spells under the Desmond Hoyte and Cheddi Jagan presidencies.

MEDIA PLURALISM President Hoyte allowed media pluralism and removed restrictions on the private press, which had suffered from denial of access to newsprint and printing equipment, under a warped state practice of MAD (maximum administrative delays) in granting licences for the importation of certain commodities.

Newsprint was placed under the same import law that had banned importation of sardines and potatoes!

When Cheddi Jagan became President, I assumed the portfolio of Minister of Information. For me, it was a waste of public funds to run an over-bloated, propaganda machinery.

That was why I literally shut down both the Ministry of Information and the propaganda outfit, the latter wrongly branded a “public communications” agency. I advised that the posh buildings in Brickdam that housed both the ministry and the agency, be rented out. I removed to vacant space under the Office of President Jagan, and ran a small Government Information Services (GIS) as a kind of bottom-house ministry.

It was in that period that strident efforts were made to restore professional ethics in the state media, although government engaged the privately-owned media, especially the Stabroek News, in oftentimes unfriendly relationship. It was inexcusable then, and also later, under the Jagdeo regime, to label the non-government press as “anti-national.” That rela-

tionship was underlined by an apparent ideological difference, even though the Cold War had ended.

OBSCENE OBSESSION It is alright to step back into the past to examine what has been the state of the media. Under the Jagdeo presidency, there was an obscene obsession with using the state information apparatus to attack political opponents. Independent newspapers that were deemed “anti-government” were denied state advertisements. That was a declaration of economic war against the private press which was starved of financial resources and was being politically strangled. That was a clear violation of the Chapultepec Declaration to which Guyana had acceded.

If you were an outspoken journalist you could be chased away from presidential news conferences. You could be deemed a vulture or carrion crow; or worse, doused with excrement as in the case of the popular columnist, Freddie Kissoon.

Critics and dissidents were literally “slaughtered.” Or could have been, judging from naked and vulgar threats by the country’s Attorney General of an armed invasion against a non-government press. I was caricatured by President Ramotar as an “intellectual jackass.” For him and his handler, Jagdeo, I was a “craw” in their “throat” when they were approached to support my nomination for the post of Speaker of Parliament.

TOTALITARIAN IMPULSE The totalitarian impulse like a macabre stage-show wit-

Mother believes daughter was murdered THE mother of Woman Special Constable Shendal George, of Lima, Essequibo Coast, who was found dead in a washroom at her worksite on Thursday, believes she was murdered.

The 29-year-old constable’s body was found in the washroom between 17:3017:45hrs on Thursday at the Caricom Rice Mill located at Anna Regina, Essequibo.

The constable’s mother, Bridget Stephaney, told this publication that she was the person who discovered her daughter’s body in the washroom after visiting her worksite to speak with her on Thursday.

The mother of three explained that usually on any given day after finishing her day care duties she would pass to check on her daughter and have a word with her.

“I work at a day care and would normally pass at Caricom to check on her; when I went to check on my daughter, she was not at her post and I was there waiting outside, then I asked the other guard where she was and I was told she was at the back and a check was being made for her since I told the guard I wanted to speak with her,” she said.

Further, she said “I waited for 16 minutes and I asked for her again, then the security guard told me to come in, that she had fallen down in the toilet. When I reach the toilet I saw my daughter left hand stretch across the floor, her mouth and eyes were partially opened, and I asked the security guard later where was her gun.”

Calling out her daughter’s name for an acknowledge-

ment, Ms Stephaney said her daughter was not responding at all.

Petrified, immediately she left for the Anna Regina Police station to make a report. “I am the person who found my daughter dead, there was no gun there when I saw her body, I don’t believe she would kill herself, even the police suspect foul play.”

She is calling on the police to commence a proper investigation to get the facts of the matter.

Enquiries have revealed that the victim who was armed with a service revolver and six rounds was performing duties at the main gate (front) of the Caricom Rice Mill, left her post and was later discovered motionless in a toilet in the said compound with a suspected

Dead: Shendal George

gunshot wound to her throat.

Her firearm, along with five live rounds and a spent shell, was found next to her.

She was taken to the Suddie Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

nessed a “feral blast” by an impertinent minister against a diplomat. Disdainful appellations of being “meddlers” were given to others.

Even a child was arrested for showing the President his middle finger. And, a young Amerindian teacher at Aishalton was beaten by presidential goons. He was threatened: “If Jagdeo were here, he woudda slap you!”

No one justifies treacherous conduct as a response to irresponsible governance. Treason, is of course, the most serious capital offence, punishable with death. And under the previous dispensation, we had our share of criminal prosecution for alleged overt acts against the executive and state.

An ex-soldier, Oliver Hinckson, was charged in 2009 with advocating a terrorist act. Then Mark Benschop was slapped with a treason indictment in 2010, followed with incarceration of a couple, Major Bruce and Carol Munroe. They were all acquitted, but those prosecutions characterised the evolving nature of the state. When the Linden Three were shot and killed in July, 2012, the characterisation was complete: Guyana had inherited a criminal State. It had to be stopped!

So, today, when we say that the media are free, it should not be taken for granted that it was so before the change of government two years ago. This APNU+AFC Coalition, in spite of the full force of criticisms and condemnation, stood the course of not contaminating media freedom and the flow of information with the putrid interference of the past.

The attempts at discrediting the state of the Guyana media will not succeed.

Suspected TIP victims among several arrested in city raid

– unlicensed firearm discovered during operation ACTING on a tip-off, ranks of the Guyana Police Force Major Crime and Trafficking in Persons Units swooped down on two popular business establishments in the city on Friday morning and arrested several persons including four female adult foreigners.

According to the police, the ranks entered the two businesses located opposite each other at George and Princess Streets,Work-enRust, Georgetown, around 02:00hrs on Friday.

A search was conduct-

ed, during which several persons were detained and arrested including the four female adult foreign nationals who are said to be employees of the entities.

Two male proprietors, one of whom was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with 15 live rounds, were also arrested.

The females are suspected to be victims of Human Trafficking the police said and have since been placed into the care of the Ministry of Social Protection, pending the investigation.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Maternity unit making strides …no deaths so far for 2017

By Svetlana Marshall DESPITE a lack of space and a shortage of midwives at the Georgetown Public Hospital, its Maternity Unit has been making significant strides.

So far for 2017, there has been no maternal and infant mortality at the unit, Senior Midwife, Sister Denise Marks disclosed during a recent visit to GPHC by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services (PSCSS).

According to the Parliamentary Committee led by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, this is a “great improvement” when compared to previous years. The Maternity Unit is

currently catering for referral patients, as well as those from Region Four.

Sister Marks told the Committee, which also included the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health,Dr. Karen Cummings, that during the peak season, the Maternity Unit would surpass its capacity. .

“We have 23 beds in the prenatal unit, some days we would have more than 23 patients and we would still have patients in the Labour Room,” she pointed out.

There are 23 beds in the Prenatal Unit, nine beds in the Labour Room and six beds in the Birthing Room, and according to Sister

Marks, there are days when all the rooms would be filled and there may be need for doubling up in the Pre-natal Unit.

Weighing in on the situation, Minister Cummings said works are currently underway to upgrade the CC Nicholson Hospital on the East Coast of Demerara to cater to these needs.

But in addition to the lack of space, Sister Marks disclosed that there is an acute shortage of midwives.

“We need more midwives, we have 51 and double that is needed. We have one school of nursing and we only train midwives twice a year,” she pointed out.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently funding a US$8M Maternal and Child Health Improvement Project for a period of five years. It was launched earlier in the year.

Under this project, safe and well-structured Maternal and Child Health Departments will be set up across the country, so that referrals to GPHC are minimised for low-risk births.

During the launch, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said she was worried about Guyana’s continued high rates of maternal and infant mortality and said reversing those trends cannot be the responsibility solely on her ministry.

“The health sector, you and I know, is faced with a myriad of challenges at all

levels and in varying degrees with our maternal and infant mortality appearing high on that list; our maternal mortality rates [are] estimated at 121/100,000 live births and infant mortality rates [are] estimated at 22/1000 live births,” Lawrence reminded.

The IDB, PAHO/WHO, USAID, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) have stood out as major partners backing the local public health sector in the last decade “supporting health initiatives aimed at enhancing the delivery of primary health care to our people,” the Minister noted.

Nevertheless, the health sector challenges have remained daunting, Lawrence noted, highlighting the “proposed interventions of the bank in this particular initia-

tive with the Maternal and Child Health Unit (MCH), which is beset by problems involving inadequate access, use [and] quality of reproductive maternal and neonatal health services.”

The project also intends to provide quality reproductive, maternal and neonatal care; strengthen the supply chain for contraceptive methods and drugs and blood products; and all processes relating to planning, procurement, storage, distribution, monitoring and evaluation, new management practices will become time-sensitive. The bank’s financial help will also fund improved collection, systemisation, reporting and use of generated data to improve the quality of health information.

GPSU now MMA/ Over 3.5 billion ADA staff rep persons are online – study shows large numbers pursuing online education AS global access to the internet grows, there are a growing number of persons from low and middle-income countries who are pursuing educational courses online.

This is according to findings presented by Sara Stone, a planetary health education Fellow at the Planetary Health Alliance (PLA) of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Stone presented her findings in a report titled, “International Collaboration in Planetary Health Education, Using Modern Tools and Platforms,” at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, last weekend when the PLA met for its inaugural meeting.

According to Stone, with many options for the hosting of online courses, space is provided for planetary health to expand. She said that further innovations are stepping up to offer the courses in low-bandwidth settings or offline.

Stone informed the gathering that as of January 2017, over 3.5 billion persons were accessing the internet, a figure which she noted is over half of the global population. She said that the number varies

Sara Stone of the Planetary Health Alliance during her presentation at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts

across regions globally, with greater numbers recorded in North America and Western Europe.

She said that in 2016 an additional 10% of the total persons online, accessed the internet which signified an astounding 350 million more people had accessed the internet in the past year.

According to her, statistics indicate that approximately 2.7 billion are accessing the internet via smart phones while 2.2 billion use basic mobile phones.

“We are now in an un-

precedented age of global connectivity “she said, noting that the landscape for traditional working model education has shifted.

Stone said that educators around the world now have opportunity to share content.

She said that the University of Plymouth in the UK this month launched an online tool kit tabled for nurses.

As regards education , she said that while traditional education is becoming expensive and competitive , online access and the advent of creative comments

licensing , which allows for work to be cited and freely shared , means that the knowledge that was once imparted to a limited few “is now accessible to anybody with an internet connection.”

She cautioned that this does not mean the “in-person learning” has been replaced but rather, it provides a space for institutions to move into the technology era and allows for access to persons who would not have had access to the internet in the past.

THE GUYANA Public Service Union (GPSU) is now the official union representative of the junior staff of the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA).

This follows recent elections at the body’s Onverwagt , West Coast Berbice office.

In the past, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) represented the interests of the junior staff of the MMA/ ADA. However, according to a release from the GPSU, workers complained about not being properly represented by GAWU and called for a change in representation.

As such, the workers ap-

proached the GPSU. According to the release, although the union was not the recognised body , the GPSU successfully represented the workers in obtaining the 10% differentiated increase announced in 2016 and the $25,000 bonus paid in December, 2016, among other benefits.

The GPSU then applied to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board for recognition to represent the workforce of MMA/ADA and after many setbacks, a poll was set for April 3, 2017.

Of 105 qualified workers, 68 voted. The GPSU with 56 votes prevailed over GAWU (11) in the elections.

SOCU releases woman found with $GY9.2M cash on self-bail A 36-year-old South Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident who was detained by ranks of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) after being found in possession of US$44,688 was released on self-bail and is expected to return to SOCU Monday, police have confirmed.

The woman failed to declare the $GY9.2M on arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Thursday night. It was noted that she was aboard a St Lucia flight at 20:00hrs.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Total involvement key in fighting mosquitoes EVERY community must play an active role in the fight to eliminate breeding sites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr C James Hospedales has said.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the parasite that causes dengue. The parasite is passed on to humans through the bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which acquires the parasite mainly while feeding on the blood of an infected person.

The mosquito also

spreads Chikungunya, Zika and Yellow Fever, among other diseases.

Commenting on the importance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness week, which will be observed from May 8-12, Dr Hospedales said all must get involved in the campaign to prevent the spread of these diseases.

“Community participation is critical to the success of any programme designed to eliminate breeding sites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Efforts are doomed to failure if even one household is negligent,” he stated.

In his assessment of the mosquito-prevention efforts

in the Region thus far, Dr Hospedales noted that strategies for control of the mosquito, which causes Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are failing. According to him, what is needed is an “allhands-on-board approach.”

Dr Karen Polson Edwards, CARPHA Assistant Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention Control, echoed those sentiments.

“Mosquitoes are social creatures and we are their preferred host. Their breeding sites are mostly manmade water containers. This being the case, we all have the power to eliminate them by destroying their breeding

sites. The message of taking 10 minutes a week to check surroundings for and destroying any breeding sites is always relevant and should become part of our routine,” she explained.

For Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2017, strengthening household and community participation is key. Everyone feels the effects of mosquito-borne illnesses. It affects our economy and has the potential to negatively affect the tourism sector, the major revenue earner for many Caribbean islands. It also contributes to loss of productivity, ill health and death. The possibility

‘F’ Division Police Youth Group hosts several activities

Commander Budhram (extreme left) with the winning football teams, their captains and other youths

IN keeping with the Guyana Police Force’s “Social Crime Prevention Programme”, the Byderabo Police Youth Group hosted a Family Fun day and Football Competition recently at the Byderabo Beach, Bartica, Region Seven.

The trophies were donated by Commander ‘F’ Division, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram whilst community members donated the cash incentives.

Commander Budhram

said the fun day featured a number of events which included: a seven-a-side female softball cricket competition; a five-a-side small goal football competition, and a Bar-B-Que. The teams comprised members from the Itaballi Police Youth Group, Byderabo Police Youth Group and Foul Mouth Under-15 Football Team.

The teams competed for trophies and cash prizes.

The Itaballi Female Cricket Team which won the competition, was awarded

a cash prize of $14,000.

Foul Mouth Football Team was awarded $10,000 and a trophy as the winning football team; Byderabo Police Youth Group received a trophy for second place in the football competition and Brandon Metolezer, a member of the Foul Mouth Under-15 Football Team won a trophy for the Most Valuable Player.

The objective of the initiative was to bring together members of the Police Youth Groups and their families from across the

region (Region Seven) to analyze the development of their skills by way of competition as well as to acquaint themselves with each other. Members of the public applauded the initiative.

This initiative is expected to continue on a yearly basis as a strategy for developing stronger relationships with members of the public and the police in order to create safer communities through social crime prevention programmes.

of babies being born with microcephaly and men, in particular, contracting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), as a result of being bitten by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, is also of concern.

This second annual Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week is intended to bring greater awareness of the mosquito vector, through education and social engagement in CARPHA member states. It is hoped that greater awareness and engagement would bring about behavioural change leading to the elimination of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and greater personal protection, especially as

the rainy season approaches.

CARPHA is maintaining that everyone has a part to play in the elimination of breeding sites and taking the necessary steps to ensure that he or she is not bitten. The agency is upping calls for persons to destroy mosquito-breeding sites by securely covering domestic water storage containers such as barrels, drums and buckets; properly discarding tyres and containers that collect water; covering and sealing tanks, soak-aways and cisterns. It is also encouraging persons to avoid mosquito bites.

GCCI meets BoG for foreign currency talks

…situation improved in recent weeks

By Shirley Thomas GOVERNOR of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga has reiterated his position that the Central Bank’s statistics show that there is sufficient foreign exchange in the banking system to meet demands.

He affirmed that there are other factors contributing to the perceived scarcity of foreign exchange, including the speculative demand for foreign currency.

Noting that the situation has improved in recent weeks, the Central Bank’s representatives contend that they are of the firm conviction that there is enough foreign currency in the financial system to meet demands.

This disclosure was made last Thursday when Dr. Ganga and technical representatives of the Central Bank met with a team of senior representatives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). The GCCI team was led by its president, Mr. Deodat Indar; past president, Mr. Vishnu Doerga and its Executive Director, Mr. Kirk Hollingsworth.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the GCCI’s concerns about the foreign currency market, and was a follow-up to a previous meeting held with the Minister of Finance on 13 April, 2017.

During last Tuesday’s

meeting, a request was made by the GCCI’s president for a small group,comprising of Bank of Guyana technical Staff,its Governor and private sector officials (including the GCCI) to be established to work together to examine the issues affecting the foreign currency market and the issues being faced by the business community.

The GCCI outlined its concerns to the Bank of Guyana and both sides discussed in detail the issues affecting the supply of foreign exchange. Those issues include: declining foreign direct investments; declining Guysuco foreign currency earnings and declining exports of locally manufactured goods and services.

The Bank of Guyana and GCCI both acknowledged reduced performance and lower commodity prices on the international market for Guyana’s traditional commodity exports (apart from gold), affecting the country’s foreign exchange earnings and balance of payments deficit.

The Central Bank also mentioned that commercial banks, unlike non-bank cambios, are obligated to perform due diligence checks before they transact business.

The meeting concluded with the Central Bank agreeing to continue its constructive collaboration with the Turn to page 11 ►

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

As politicians vacillate, trade unionists must remain constant (May Day Address) THE trade union movement does not exist in isolation, but rather functions in an environment of politicians, employers, and workers (past, present, and potential). As unionists, we are also impacted by international and domestic laws, agreements, conventions, rules and practices. It is therefore the ability to interact with and manage all of these varying influences and actors that is most challenging for the success of the trade union movement. Not only must we interact and manage these relationships, we must, to a great extent, resist some of the negative influences that do not serve our best interests, and which seek to undermine the strength of the union and our ability to organise as a force for change.

With an inherent culture of organising, negotiating functional conflict, and protest, we recognise the importance of all of these variables stemming from the socio-economic and political landscape, with the latter having the greatest power to shape all of these. In this context, we further recognize that the relationship between union and politicians are cyclical, depending on whether or not they are in power or the opposition.

Unlike politicians who are interested in advancing the positions of labour only when they are in opposition, only to turn on labour with an effort to destroy our strength and organising efforts when in government, we in the trade union movement remain constant and are purely driven only by our interest in making better the lives and conditions under which the working class work, live, and survive.

Those who find us not as relevant today are the same ones that would have found us relevant yesteryear, and the cycle continues as political seasons change. Politicians vacillate, whereas true trade unionists remain constant, often finding themselves either

in conflict or embraced with changing cycles. We must nevertheless organize, cognisant of these realities. We in the trade union movement do not have the option of cherry-picking human rights and what we struggle for. We will converge with whomsoever interests converge with ours.

There is a distinction between unity of purpose and all being in the same house.

The unity the trade union must be constant in is its purpose. This is what we must want and pursue regardless of who is in or out of power.

We want unity when it comes to respecting our rights, the pursuit of good governance, the good of the trade union principles as against the good of the politicians, and we must remember the political good is not necessarily the trade union good.

It is not about what I, Lincoln Lewis, or any other trade unionist wants. For ours is a role to bring about that level of awareness of people’s rights and role in society, and exercising our judgement based on what we the workers are entitled to. These include human rights, the right to a living wage, equality, equal pay for equal work, the right to organise and freedom to associate, the right to education and health care, decent retirement benefits for those who served this country and are entitled, the right to work and earn, and a social welfare programme that helps to alleviate economic deprivations for those who are indigent and less fortunate, police protection, justice and fair play.

No genuine trade unionist should make any apology when it comes to standing firm and committed to struggles for workers’ rights which are human rights. I make none. If those before me such as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and Jane-Phillips Gay had made apologies or were timid in their commitment and not stand up, we could not be where we are today. Theirs is an example, tried, tested and proven, that we must be proud

of and resolve to uphold.

There was a time when women in the teaching and nursing professions here did not enjoy the right of choice to marriage and/or family.

If organised labour had accepted and was complacent with what was relegated to womenfolk, we would not have achieved those benefits we take for granted today; neither would have achieved minimum wage, paid leave, occupational health and safety laws, universal adult suffrage, internal self-government. The trade union movement, started

by Critchlow, has a legacy in the struggle for independence.

All change stems from the people who are not prepared to accept a lot relegated to them by others. History has proven management/employer does not give workers anything willingly, and this entails whether it is government or private sector, we have to fight for it.

In 2011, Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, called for a united trade union.

Last year, His Excellency President Granger in his address to the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), again made the call. Today we must acknowledge the work of His Excellency for making this show of unity in the trade union movement, on the platform, possible. Our platform comprises Chairman of the proceedings Aslim Singh of FITUG; Komal Chand, President, GAWU; Coretta McDonald, President, GTUC; Norris Witter, Executive Member, GTUC; former minister and current Member of Parliament, Gail Teixeira, representing Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo; and Minister Raphael Trotman, representing President Granger. In 2017 the national unions have heeded the call for this form of unity.

In spite of this show, the GTUC affirms that unity in purpose remains more significant. We recognise that unity must run much deeper than a gathering in physical proximity. Therefore, it is for

the trade union movement to continue its quest for deepening relationships and forging that unity of purpose that at times evades us. That unity that we advocate is premised on safeguarding and protecting human rights and dignity, equal pay, better conditions for workers, safe environments, and good governance.

Today, we the trade union movement, unified by President Granger, raise our voices in unity calling on him to honour the letter sent by us in September 2016 requesting engagement, which is consistent with the mandate given us in the Guyana Constitution.

GTUC calls on workers to remain constant, in the recognition, that theirs is a right to struggle, and to demand, and to ensure, that all the achievements are safeguarded. We the workers must remain constant, regardless of who is in or out of power. We have to keep our voices united and resolutely on course. We have to keep our eyes on the prize. The politicians don’t grant us any favours. You elected them and they are entrusted with the responsibility to work for all, not only the elites at the top.

Today we in the trade union movement, unified by President Granger, raise our voices in unity, calling on him to restore collective bargaining in the public sector, and return the agency shop for the public service unions. These were the things undermined by the previous government that President Granger had condemned; indicating that under his stewardship things will be different. Our unified voices are today raised, calling for these changes to be manifest.

GTUC calls on the government to take strident action to have resolution on all outstanding matters between the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) and the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

This is the longest-running struggle, where foreign force is being allowed to threat-

en the nation’s sovereignty, when the laws so protect its citizens. Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act requires where a bargaining agreement exits an employer is bound to treat with the union and negotiate in good faith. And this must be respected for all trade unions across the board.

At the same time, GTUC acknowledges recent letters sent by the Ministry of Social Protection to BCGI and GB&GWU to come to the bargaining table, but we will not rest our calls for justice, until justice is attained, not only perceived but real. The previous regime vindictively allowed BCGI to violate our laws because of who the workers are.

Today, we the trade union movement, unified by President Granger, raise our voices in unity calling on him to re-establish a Ministry of Labour. This ministry is important for shaping and executing labour policies that affect all workers --- past, present and potential. In other words we the people.

[We]Trust that these requests will not be a challenge for the President, given his stated commitment and desire for trade union unity, and that which he has sought and achieved here today. If they are still friends of the trade union movement as they were prior to 2015, they must prove it. We speak with one voice on these issues.

Wanted man busted with 530 grams of cannabis A 21-year-old miner of Puruni Landing, Region Seven, who was wanted by police for allegedly stealing his mother’s laptop computer was arrested Saturday morning at the Itaballi checkpoint with a bag containing 530 grams of cannabis.

Shortly after his arrest the suspect bolted to freedom, having managed to free himself from the ranks; but his dash to freedom was short-lived,since he was recaptured soon after. Now he faces a charge of Escaping from Lawful Custody, in addition to those expected to be instituted against him (Simple Larceny and Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking).

GCCI meets BoG...

GCCI – the leading private sector body in the country.

For its part, the GCCI welcomed the opportunity to have a frank and candid conversation about its concerns with the Governor of the Bank of Guyana and agreed to review the situation in the near future with the Bank of Guyana.

Established in 1889, the GCCI is committed to the enhancement of community

From page 10

prosperity through advocacy, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity and business education.

Its vision is to be Guyana’s leading business organization, providing maximum opportunity and value to those who participate by being the driving force behind business people, living, learning and growing together in a rapidly changing business environment.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Amerindian push-back: An African-Guyanese Lands Commission is the way to go ALL societies are complex because human beings are complex. Some societies are more complex than others, largely because of the convergence of socio-economic and political forces over time. Guyana falls into the latter category. Many scholars and observers have argued that the country’s ethnic diversity and the context in which the various groups came here and have related to each other have combined to make economic and political development very difficult. Professor Clive Thomas and others have constantly argued that there can be no economic development outside of a political solution of our ethnic problem. I want to take that argument to another level by contending that simplistic and unimaginative approaches to our ethnic divide have served to exacerbate the problem.

We, all of us, have discussed ethnicity and ethnic politics in Guyana as an African-East Indian problem.

In many regards, we cannot be faulted because that relationship is the epicentre of the problem. But in the process, we have made the Amerindian community invisible. Some commentators have even subtly and not so subtly suggested that Amerindian “neutrality” as the model for good ethnoracial behaviour. There is some justification for that view— Amerindians, far more than other ethnic groups, have over the years distributed their votes across the polit-

ical board.

But Amerindian neutrality seems as if it is about to explode on the question of land, in particular the aggressive push by African- Guyanese leaders for ancestral lands. Those of us who study ethnicity know that one of the things which drives ethnic sentiments is the competition for common resources. The president’s announcement of a Lands Commission to look at all land issues without regard to ethnicity falls into the “race neutral” model that is consistent with the acceptable mode of governance in multi-ethnic societies. It is a politically correct approach that is aimed at presenting the president in an impartial light.

As I have argued in previous columns, African-Guyanese leaders tend to shy away from enacting policies that would overtly benefit their constituents.

This Lands Commission falls squarely into that model. The real issue at hand is the African- Guyanese claim to ancestral lands that were bought by their fore- parents and to other common lands.

The straightforward thing to have done was to set up an African- Guyanese Lands Commission, but I am sure that the government was fearful that such a move would be condemned as ethnic favouritism.

But, as we have now realised, that neutral approach has been read by Amerindian leaders as very partial.

This is one of the problems of ethnic societies— groups accept neutral policy only

if they give some form of advantage to them. In other words, it is almost impossible to have “ethnic-neutral” approaches to governance in ethnically divided societies.

In the end, the government might have faced less hostility had it opted for an African- Guyanese Land Commission, instead of trying to be politically correct.

I hope they learn this lesson.

The Amerindian leaders’ argument is both simple and subtle. As the “First Peoples” their claim to land must be looked at in that unique context. Their successful struggle for land ownership is settled and therefore any commission that includes their claims could lead to a review of the lands they have already gained. The subtle argument is that the African- Guyanese claim to land is not as fundamental as the Amerindians’ claim and should be dealt with separately.

For the record, I accept the view that Amerindians were first occupants, but I do not believe that that should be a qualification for disproportionate ownership of common lands. The way other groups, principally Africans and East Indians, arrived in Guyana and their massive contributions to the humanisation of the country entitle them to equal ownership of the land. I therefore view the African- Guyanese claims as equally legitimate.

The Amerindian leaders have gone one step further— they are threatening to withhold votes from the coalition. In the context of close elections, they have come

to realise the value of their votes and are prepared to use them as leverage to get policy action from government.

This is a very interesting development. Indian- Guyanese have been doing the same with sugar. AfricanGuyanese on the other hand have never mastered that art and tend to get less in terms of policy from governments for which they vote.

THE COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION MATTER There are two issues regarding this matter of the Commissioner of Information. The first has to do with the commissioner’s failure to produce reports on the work he has done and the manner in which he has treated with requests for information from the public. The second has to do with the effectiveness of the office itself as a democratic medium.

By refusing to heed requests by the government to present statutory reports of his work, he is in effect thumbing his nose at the government. This is part of the larger problem government faces with some State functionaries who are loyal to the PPP— these functionaries use their positions to frustrate the smooth operation of the government and to make it look bad. In my view, this is exactly what the current commissioner, a known and outspoken member of the PPP, seems to be doing.

The commissioner has also been accused of not responding positively to

requests from organisations, claiming that the Information Act does not require him to respond to requests from organisations. This in my view is a very narrow reading of the Act that flies in the face of its overall spirit. Organisations are made up of citizens and residents and as such should not be blocked from seeking information about the government. I think this is a clear case of the commissioner undermining the mandate of his office.

Government has the responsibility to ensure that State functionaries carry out their designated functions in a satisfactory manner and to take necessary action when these functionaries are found wanting. The Commissioner of Information is a presidential appointment, so I suppose if the President is convinced that the officer is not adequately carrying out his functions, he could revoke the appointment. If the commissioner is indeed refusing to produce reports and is not cooperating with the government, then the President should remove him and find someone more suited.

But the government has to be careful because there is a second issue that has to be taken into consideration: has government done enough to make the Office of the Commissioner of Information an effective medium? The Commissioner of Information is tasked with ensuring that the public has adequate access to public information regarding government operations. This

includes receiving requests from citizens and taking the necessary actions to address them. Since there are no formal reports from him, one does not know that he has been doing so.

The commissioner claims that since the current government took office, he has not received many requests for information. This then suggests that citizens are not taking advantage of the office. My view is that citizens do not know that the office exists and as such cannot take advantage of it.

This is not the commissioner’s fault. The office of the commissioner is located at his private residence— this is ridiculous. But again, this does not seem to be the commissioner’s fault.

I think the president should set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into the matter to determine whether the present commissioner is undermining the mandate of his office and the extent to which the government itself has sought to make the institution accessible to the public. This is an important Sate institution that if properly advertised and staffed could enhance public accountability. In addition, too much money is being paid to one person for practically doing nothing.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

13

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Making Guyana an investment destination

FOREIGN direct investments have a major role to play in the economic development of any country, as they serve as a launching pad for increased capital. Countries with a healthy investment environment also see increased infrastructural, technological and other improvements in the economy.

One of the cornerstones of a healthy and robust economy is the creation and maintenance of a thriving business environment where entrepreneurs can prosper. This administration has, over the past two years, vigorously worked to create a safer

During his visit to London, President Granger encouraged members of the diaspora to invest in Guyana

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Carl Greenidge, during the Heads of Missions Conference, highlighted the need for the country's foreign missions to attract investments to Guyana

and cleaner destination for investment while, at the same time, improving the quality of local products and services to achieve greater competitiveness in the higher-earning segments of the global market.

As part of achieving this vision, the Ministry of Business in 2015 launched a five-year Strategic Action Plan aimed at

improving the ease of doing business; attracting increased foreign investment; supporting the development and export of value-added industries; increasing economic opportunities for and capabilities of vulnerable groups and increasing capacity to develop and promote sustainable business-friendly policies.

Since then, Guyana has improved by 16 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. This was the largest single improvement achieved in the country’s history of being on the Index.

Moreover, for the year 2016, Guyana’s total investments including foreign direct investments (FDI), facilitated by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) was $114.8 billion, moving from $89.3 billion in 2015. To continue along this trajectory, Government must ensure that the legal, infrastructural and other important types of framework of the country are at internationally accepted standards. Efforts must also be made in ensuring that foreign investors are made aware of these developments.

In that regard, it becomes an utmost priority that all ambassadors and high commissioners be in the forefront finding markets for Guyana’s products and seeking out FDI opportunities.

This is where the work of stakeholders such as the country’s foreign diplomats comes in. President David Granger has said that a very active foreign service is needed, as the country depends on the work of its foreign missions to promote tourism, trade, investment and other interests. “As far as the country is concerned, when we speak of the national interest we mean that the diplomats or foreign service officers must go out to the places where they are stationed and sell rice, sell rum, sell timber, sell Guyana as a tourist destination, bring in investors,”

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

President Granger poses with the Heads of Missions on the lawns of State House during their visit for the Heads of Missions Conference in April

the President said.

The importance of encouraging investments was one of the core messages highlighted in April, at Guyana’s Heads of Missions Conference; a convention which brought together Guyana’s diplomatic representatives stationed in countries across the world.

At the opening ceremony of that conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Carl Greenidge said that Guyana has the obligation to strengthen the work of its missions in the pursuit of economic diplomacy within which, includes attracting investments. “We will have to think in terms of expanding our representation in areas where this could lead to greater economic exchanges or examining existing relations to see whether they can yield greater investments and economic dividends. Also, in putting “economic diplomacy” at the service of traditional diplomatic methods, we will be looking to the Guyanese Diaspora as an area for investment and human skills,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

The role of the foreign missions aside, Government has also continued in its foreign engagements to strengthen bilateral relationships and to increase the interest of foreign investors in Guyana. Most recently, President David Granger made his first official visit to the United Kingdom where several of his engagements promoted Guyana as a healthy destination for investors. Among those engagements was an Investment Seminar on Guyana hosted by the Caribbean Council. The event saw the attendance of several UK stakeholders, including oil companies and other agencies.

At the Investment Seminar, President Granger said that the administration is working to improve Guyana’s reputation as an attractive investment destination, particularly with regard to the legal and regulatory environment that will ensure the ease of doing business for foreign companies investing in Guyana. The President also highlighted that Guyana has many advantages and opportunities which can augur well for its investment potential. ““We have the land, we have an intelligent English-speaking population, we have the resources, and I think people who are looking for something different; something unique, will come to Guyana,” the President said. Added to that, the President said that Guyana’s common law, parliamentary system and institutional infrastructure are similar to that of Western Europe and other parts of the Commonwealth, which would allow investors from those areas some ease in doing business.

During an interview on the sidelines of that visit, the President said that Guyana’s future as an investment capital is promising, particularly given Government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for business and commerce. “I think now they are seeing greater transparency, they are seeing a respect for institutions, they are seeing the passage of legislations for anti-money laundering, they are seeing the arrest of former government servants who have been accused of committing offences. I think they feel that Guyana is a safer, cleaner destination for their investment and when people plan to come into a country, they would want to do reconnaissance, they would want to come and do feasibility studies and I think this is what has taken place now,” the President said.

The theme of investment rang through the duration of the President’s visit and was reiterated during his meetings with the diaspora and staff of the Guyana High Commission in London.

The President highlighted that one of the main roles of foreign missions is to engage investors and other stakeholders and encourage them to invest in Guyana. Speaking to members of the diaspora, the President said that they can play a major role in plugging their own capital and knowledge into the economy of their homeland. ““What we need is investment and this is where

you, who have saved your money, can look at Guyana as a safe destination; we have Brazilian investors, we have Chinese investors, we have Canadian investors, we have Russian investors and, in our minds, we are confident that if Guyanese see that the door is open to them too, they will see their homeland, their Turn to page 17 ► motherland as a safe destination for

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Afternoon of elegance IT was an afternoon of elegance and exuberance, when The New Thriving Restaurant collaborated with the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts to host another fascinating Tea Party and Fashion Show at its Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) location.

The Tea Party and Fashion Show dubbed “A Tribute to Mothers,” saw mothers from all walks of life taking centre stage with their children as they displayed their fashions in their own way before approximately 200 persons.

Dr. Sonia Noel told the Guyana Chronicle that Saturday’s tribute to mothers forms part of the New Thriving Restaurant “Afternoon Delight, Tea and Fashion” string of events at its Providence location.

“Today is actually one of those afternoon delights with a special twist –- a tribute to mothers,” she posited, while explaining that on a monthly basis the restaurant would team up with her foundation to pull off a mega event promoting a wide variety of teas, cakes, sandwiches and pastries, in addition to fashion.

“Every day, you can also come between three and five and have like all of these delicacies with tea with one of your friends,” she added.

Mandy Isaac and her son Avisatta Isaac (Photos by Delano Williams)

Alexis Noel and her son

Simone Beckles and her daughter Collessia Rodney

Candancy Subratti and her son Conan Subratti

Veteran Broadcaster and Producer Wendy Hermanstine and her daughter Jewel Hermanstine

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Lions Club makes donation to Joshua Home THE East Demerara Lions Club, two Saturdays ago, visited the Joshua Home on Thomas Street, Georgetown, where they made donations to the children living at the facility.

The donation included clothing, shoes and school bags (back packs). The items were handed over to Director of the Institution, Ms. Gladys Accra by President of the East Demerara Lions Club, Lion Claire Velloza and First Vice-President Lion Doreen Hendy and was witnessed by Lion Faye Fraser and Lion Hugh Cummings.

The donation was in keeping with the organisation’s motto: “We Care.”

President of East Demerara Lions, Lion Claire Velloza (at left) and First Vice-President Lion Doreen Hendy, pose with the children of Joshua Home and the gift items donated

Making Guyana into an... in itself. He stated, however, that investments are needed in order to convert that wealth into a good quality of life for citizens.

Added to that, the country’s future as a petroleum-producing state certainly places it in a pivotal position where foreign countries will now look to tap into the opportunities that will undoubtedly be created in the near future., During the 2017 budget presentation, Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan, said that with the right amount

From page 15

of investment and technical expertise, Guyana can become a regional oil and gas services hub which would create a substantial number of skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities for our people.

However, these efforts to secure foreign direct investments have not gone without the acknowledgement of a series of difficulties facing the country, particularly in the area of infrastructural development.

President Granger has said that Government is focused on comprehensive development

plans that include deep-water harbours, aerodromes and road and bridge networks that link the coastland to the hinterland.

As Government continues to create an environment that is attractive to investments, Guyanese can be assured that these efforts are being made with the country’s best interest at heart.

In the near future, Guyana can become a land bursting with opportunities; a thriving hub in the Caribbean Region, where a good life is provided for every citizen.

A section of the gathering during the President's meeting with the diaspora in London

their investments,” the President said.

The President’s view of the pertinent role of the diaspora in contributing to the investment thrust is not limited to the UK, however.

This message has been made to members of the diaspora during other official visits, including his most recent trip to The Bahamas in March, earlier this year. There, the President urged the diaspora to invest in Guyana, particularly in the areas of ‘green’ tourism, education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). “You can set up tour-

ist companies, help to invest in Guyana, help to develop information technology in Guyana to teach our children to move quickly into the 21st century of education, to develop infrastructure, so that we can be able to access some of these areas where we have our tourism potential and product, we need roads and highways and bridges and what we call ‘stellings’,” the President said.

The President has highlighted that Guyana is a country with an abundant amount of natural resources, adding that Guyana’s tourism potential is a source of wealth

The President told investors at the Investment Seminar on Guyana hosted by the Caribbean Council in the UK, that this Government has created a conducive environment for foreign investors

18

Help!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

‌. Dangerous utility poles

OVER the last few hours, rotting and otherwise shaky utility poles have been uprooted or left leaning dangerously in residential areas in and around the city.

Residents are inviting representatives of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph and the Guyana Power and Light companies to have their emergency crews visit these areas.

This is the situation at Lamaha Springs – Home of the Joint Services in East La Penitence. A new utility pole was planted alongside a rotten one. Overtime, the new pole became infested with wood ants as well, and now proudly sports three sizeable nests. A few days ago, the rotten pole was uprooted, leaving the relatively new one at risk of collapsing anytime now

This photo was taken at Cul-de-Sac Street, North Ruimveldt, where, after a few hours of rainfall the pole leans dangerously, posing a serious threat to persons passing beneath as well as to oncoming motor vehicles.

The pole in this case, is supported only by a telephone cable which is likely to snap at any moment.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

19

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

21

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

23

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

All systems set for today’s Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival

‘We are into competition mode’ – Boyce and Jefford Organisation

ALL systems are in place and patrons can expect a day of intense rivalry at today’s hosting of the Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Speaking with Chronicel Sport yesterday, co-chariman of the Boyce and Jefford Organization, Edison Jefford, assured that the well-anticipated relay festival will be going down today, though organisers are still keeping an eye on the sky.

“We are into competition mode. Preparations are completed. We had some early morning rain but the ground has drained extremely fast as a result of good drainage works coupled with great sunshine.

We are ready to go. We don’t have another date

reserved,so the Relay Festival will definitely be held tomorrow,” Jefford said.

Today’s hosting comes after the event, which was originally set for last Sunday, April 30, had to be postponed due to inclement weather which left the track inundated.

However, Jefford related that the organisers economized on the opportunity to vamp up anticipation for the meet, and even add more clubs to the relay line-up.

“What we did was what I would call a re-mapping of our marketing. This resulted in us being able to almost double the interest because, for instance, we are no longer competing with the Linden Town Week,so we expect Lindeners to turn out given that is where Boyce and

Jefford began.

They are now hoping that today’s weather holds in order to have a successful hosting of the event.

“We are trusting God that we have the best conditions tomorrow, but whether or not we are moving ahead to complete what has been weeks of hard work,” He said.

Thus far some six clubs have been confirmed to participate in today’s meet, bringing with them the countries top athletes. The clubs are:Mercury Fast Laners, Police Progressive, GDF, Super Upcoming Runners, UG, Hopetown Flames.

But the day will not just be athletics,since cycling events, as well as a softball cricket game and football will also be featured.(Guyana Chronicle)

Bristol to ‘adopt’ Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker OVERSEAS-based boxing manager and promoter Seon Bristol has pledged to adopt Caribbean super heavyweight champion Jason `AK 47’ Barker as a `son’ leading up to his December 26th boxing card.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Hamilton 08:35 hrs Flick’s Boy 09:05 hrs Dream Of Dreams 09:35 hrs Monjeni 10:10 hrs Star Glitter 10:45 hrs Zylan 11:20 hrs What Wonders Weave 11:55 hrs Try Again NEWMARKET 08:50 hrs Big Country 09:20 hrs Somehow 09:55 hrs Big Time 10:35 hrs Rhododendron 11:10 hrs Way Of Wisdom 11;45 hrs Astronomy’s Choice

Bristol told Chronicle Sport that his Bris O Promotion company had promised to have several boxers adopted before the card, which would allow for much-needed assistance to be offered to those selected.

12:20 hrs Bin Battuta SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:25 hrs Flying Silver 09:00 hrs Final Judgement 09:35 hrs Copper Force 10:10 hrs Captain America 10:45 hrs Hiva-Oa Koi IRISH RACING TIPS Leopardstown 08:10 hrs Sioux Nation 08:40 hrs Pipes Of Peace 0-9:10 hrs Tribal Beat 09:45 hrs Holy Cat 10:20 hrs Capri 10:55 hrs Mr Right 11:30 hrs Sanus Per Aquam 12:05 hrs World War

“We have asked that our former boxers and supporters adopt a current fighter for this upcoming card. So you may find Lennox Blackmoore, Kenny Bristol, Winfield Braithwaite, Gairy St. Clair and so on adopting ‘sons’.

This would ensure that the current boxers have what it takes to be properly prepared for the Boxing Day tournament,” Bristol said.

Barker, an inmate of the Georgetown Prisons, won the Caribbean super heavyweight title last December in Barbados and will defend the crown in St Lucia later this year.

He is the national heavyweight champion and has remained undefeated since losing to Quincy `Biggy’ Small in the National Open in October 2014.

Bristol related that details of the undertaking would be worked out with the 6” 2” orthodox fighter and the prison authorities when he (Bristol) returns to Guyana shortly.

When contacted, president of the Guyana Boxing Association,Steve Ninvalle welcomed the move.

“Mr. Bristol has been finding new ways to give back to the sport. We applaud his latest show of generosity and hope that others would follow,” Ninvalle said.

Rampant Real thrash Granada after Barca down Villarreal

By Richard Martin BARCELONA,(Reuters)-Real Madrid produced a ruthless first-half display to thrash already-relegated Granada 4-0 on Saturday and remain on course for a first league title in five years, while Barcelona hammered Villarreal 4-1.

James Rodriguez put Zinedine Zidane’s side in charge in the third minute by bundling in Lucas Vazquez’s arrowed cross and then headed in a cross from forgotten man Fabio Coentrao to double their lead in the 11th, scoring for the fifth time in four days.

Alvaro Morata followed the Colombian’s early strikes with two goals of his own in the 30th and 35th to kill off Tony Adams’s sunken side and put Real level on 84 points with champions Barca.

Barcelona’s players celebrate a goal. REUTERS/ Albert Gea Barca lead the standings due to their superior head-to-head record although Real have a game in hand and will win a first domestic title since 2012 if they take seven points from their remaining three games.

Barca’s formidable front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all scored as the champions inflicted the heaviest league defeat of the season on Villarreal, who have the second best defensive record in Spain’s top flight.

Neymar was in sensational form in his second game back from suspension and nudged Barcelona ahead in the 21st minute after pouncing on a deflected pass from Messi.

Cedric Bakambu fired Villarreal level in the 32nd after beating the offside trap to latch on to a clever through ball from Roberto Soldado.

Barca were temporarily punctured by the leveller but a marvellous piece of skill from Messi allowed them to restore their lead on the stroke of halftime with a shot from the Argentine which flew beyond Andres Fernandez with the help of a deflection.

Suarez powered the ball under the Villarreal goalkeeper in the 69th to score his third goal in two games and the 100th for the feted front three this campaign, while Messi grabbed the fourth with a deft chip from the penalty spot in the 82nd.

“We played very well with and without the ball and scoring four goals against this Villarreal side shows how well we did,” Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters. “Our pressure was key and we produced a complete performance against a great side.”

Atletico Madrid beat Eibar 1-0 with a second-half strike from Saul Niguez to move five points clear of fourth-placed Sevilla and tighten their grip on the last automatic Champions League berth.

Saul met a cutback from Diego Godin first time to send the ball into the bottom corner in the 69th minute. Uruguayan defender Godin was sent off in injury time for picking up two bookings inside three minutes.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone made just two changes from the side that were thrashed 3-0 by Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, resting only Kevin Gameiro for next week’s semi-final second leg, although Stefan Savic was suspended.

Sporting Gijon kept up their slim hopes of survival by beating Las Palmas 1-0, moving three points behind Leganes who occupy the final spot outside the relegation zone and host Real Betis on Monday.

24

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Kipchoge runs fastest marathon, fails to break two-hour barrier

By Mark Bendeich

MONZA, Italy,(Reuters)-Eliud Kipchoge ran the quickest recorded marathon on Saturday, crossing the line at the Monza Formula One track in two hours and 25 seconds but missing out on an ambitious attempt to break the twohour barrier.

The 32-year-old’s time smashed the official mark of 2:02:57 set by fellow Kenyan Dennis Kimetto in Berlin in 2014 but will not enter the record books largely due to a non-compliant system of pacemaking.

“The is not the end of the attempt of runners on two hours,” the Olympic champion said after the race, likening the challenge to climbing a tree. “When you step on the branches... immediately you go to the next one.”

Kipchoge rated it as the finest performance in a career that includes a gold medal at the Rio Games last year and a personal best official time of 2:03:05, the third-fastest in history.

“This journey has been good, it has been hard, it has been seven months hard preparation. It has been history in the world of

sport,” he added.

Kipchoge and the only other competitors, Eritrean Zersenay Tadese and Ethiopi-

tions.

Nike’s arch rival, German firm Adidas also has its own ‘Sub2’ project, also with a

Eliud Kipchoge was presented with a trophy after his run which he said was “history” an Lelisa Desisa, ran behind an arrow-head formation of pacemakers, to reduce drag, and a car beaming a green line on the road behind it to show the required speed for the sub-two hour target.

Amid deep scepticism, Nike pitched the attempt as sport’s “moon shot”, with a keen eye on sales of its running shoes. It designed a lightweight shoe, Zoom Vaporfly Elite, with a carbon-fibre insole as part of the meticulous prepara-

new shoe.

30 PACEMAKERS In 2014, “Runners World” magazine predicted a sub-two under normal race conditions would not happen until 2075, based on analysis of more than 10,000 top marathon performances.

The race began in predawn gloom at a brutal speed behind pacemakers, who were world class runners in their own right, including former world champion mid-

dle distance runner Bernard Lagat of the United States.

A total of 30 pacemakers split into groups of six, taking turns to set a tempo in a race run 63 years to the day after Briton Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes.

The Monza track was chosen for its wide, sweeping curves, lack of undulation and cool, low-wind environment. The runners were also delivered essential fluids on the move by moped in order to prevent them slowing down at feeding stations.

The sub-two hour mark required a pace below four minutes and 35 seconds per mile, which the determined Kipchoge managed to match until falling behind the pace car in the last two laps of the 2.4 km circuit.

Kipchoge completed the first half of the race in 59:57, just one and a half minutes off the official half-marathon world record set by Saturday’s second-place finisher, Tadese.

The 35-year-old Eritrean, the oldest competitor on Saturday, finished in 2:06:51, followed by the youngest, 26-year-old Desisa, in 2:14:10.

Sixteen teachers complete cricket coaching workshop

Coach Latchman Yadram with the teachers who concluded the workshop SIXTEEN teachers from schools between Crane to Parika,WCD, completed a three-day cricket coaching workshop organised by the Education Ministry in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The workshop concluded on Thursday last at the Uitvlugt Community Centre,West Coast Demerara, where the teachers, both males and females,were exposed to the basics of cricket coaching, both theory and practical.

Sessions were conducted

by NSC Coach,Latchman Yadram, who said the workshop was a success because most teachers were introduced to a higher level of cricket coaching.

It was a first time experience for the teachers, who

were urged by the coach to organise and manage sessions for the development of cricket in schools.

Teachers welcomed the initiative and thank the NSC and Coach Yadram for the informative workshop.

Shivraj wins Heineken Golf Tournament

Maurice Solomon accepts the winning trophy from ANSA McAL Trading Limited Heineken brand manager,Darshanie Yussuf on behalf of Lakeram Shivraj who was absent from the presentation ceremony.

LAKERAM Shivraj braved the soggy conditions to walk away as the champion of the Heineken golf tournament played on Friday at the Lusignan Golf Club.

Shivraj shot a 90 gross score and a net 66 to cart off the top honours and beat Aleem Hussein who had a gross 85 and a net 68,into second place.

Gavin Todd carted off third place with a gross of 88 and a net 68. Mike Mangal took best gross prize with 79, while Nearest to the Pin went to Mark Lashley and longest drive to Troy Cadogan.

In brief remarks,club president Hilbert Shields thanked brand manager,Darshanie Yussuf for ANSA McAL Trading Limited generous sponsorship, which has been ongoing for several years.

Unadkat claims last-over hat-trick as Supergiant beat Sunrisers

JAYDEV Unadkat produced a hat-trick in the last over as his five-for sent Rising Pune Supergiant level on points at the top of the Indian Premier League with victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Pune were put into bat by Sunrisers and, despite a 60-run partnership between Ben Stokes and Steve Smith, were kept in check and held to 148-8.

A 34-ball 40 from David Warner and Yuvraj Singh’s 47 seemingly had Sunrisers in position to chase that down, needing just 13 off the last over.

But Unadkat delivered in stunning fashion in a maiden final over, dismissing Bipul Sharma, Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in succession to ensure a 12-run triumph.

Stokes blasted three sixes in a 25-ball 39 to help Pune recover from 39-2 and MS Dhoni also contributed by hitting 31 in 21 deliveries.

Those efforts made sure Supergiant at least posted a defendable total, but Siddarth Kaul’s 4-29 made sure it was target Sunrisers could be confident in chasing.

England all-rounder Stokes claimed the key early wickets of Shikhar Dhawan (19) and Kane Williamson (4) early in Hyderabad’s reply.

Though Warner was not quite able to find his destructive best, the Australia batsman steadied the ship until he became Stokes’ third victim when he skied a short delivery outside off.

Yuvraj was more patient for his 43-ball 47, but his departure at the hands of Unadkat marked the start of a rapid five-for.

He and Naman Ojha each fell to slower balls, although victory still seemed well within in Sunrisers’ reach going into the final six balls.

But Bipul skewed to Stokes at deep midwicket, Rashid toe-ended back to Unadkat and the hat-trick was completed when Bhuvneshwar’s pull ended up in the hands of Manoj Tiwary just to the right of cover, bringing up Unadkat’s 100th IPL wicket in memorable fashion.

25

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Stag on board WDFA / Derrick Josiah KO football

Double-header starts action today at Den Amstel ground THE annual Derrick Josiah Memorial knock-out football competition involving the top eight (8) clubs from the West Demerara Football Association(WDFA) and sponsored by Stag,will kick off today at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground with three matches.

The games will be preceded by the ceremonial marchpast of teams.

Eagles United and Young Achievers will square-off in the feature quarter final match from 21:00hrs after the first quarter final of the competition is played between home team Den Amstel and Stewartville from 19:00hrs.

Police FC will play an exhibition match against Jetty to kick-off on-field action.

Teams in this Stag sponsored event are battling for a top prize of $200,000; 2nd place $100,000; 3rd place $75,000; 4th place $50,000.

Stag Brand Manager,Lindon Henry (3rd right) hands over the cheque to ASP Forbes Brown in the presence of,from right:WDFA President Orin Ferrier, Inspector Andre Grant, WDFA VP,Christine Schmidt and GPF FC player, Devon Brown.

The sponsorship was handed over to ASP Forbes Brown of the Guyana Police Force where the late Josiah served as Assistant Commissoner at the time of his passing.

Stag Brand Manager,Lindon Henry made

the presentation to Brown in the presence of WDFA president and vice president Orin Ferrier and Christine Schmidt,among others.

Meanwhile, action will continue on Friday with the remaining quarter fi-

nal matches. Pouderoyen will open against Golden Warriors at 18:00hrs,to be followed by Uitvlugt Warriors against Wales United.

The respective winners will advance to the semi finals set for May 14 at the same venue.

Joshua will be ‘my easiest’ fight says former world champion Tyson Fury TYSON Fury says he will deal with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua “like a cat playing with a ball of wool” when he returns to boxing.

Fury, 28, has dealt with depression and lost his boxing licence since beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015.

In a wide-ranging interview, Fury said he will shed eight stone in weight and remove the “fraud from the division”.

“Joshua is a big man with a puncher’s chance and has no footwork, no speed or stamina,” Fury told BBC 5 live boxing.

“He is what you call a boxer’s dream. I’ve had 18 months out and ballooned up to 26 stone. I could come back with no comeback fights and still box rings around that body builder.”

Fury says he will be on the undercard of a show at London’s Copper Box Arena, if his licence is reinstated by the British Boxing Board of Control.

The BBBofC removed the fighter’s licence in Oc-

tober 2016 eight days after he admitted taking cocaine to help him deal with depression.

The sport’s British governing body says it would

Former World boxing champion Tyson Fury need a in considering their position, but the 28-yearold’s camp is confident the matter will be worked out.

Fury, who refers to himself as the ‘Gypsy King’, also faces a UK Anti-Doping hearing on Monday relating to a failed test in June of last year.

He insists he is not “desperate” to return to the sport but wants to meet Joshua,

who beat Klitschko on Saturday to unify the IBF and WBA titles before Fury has sparred with Joshua in the past and added: “I always said Wladimir would be my easiest fight. Now I change the goal posts, AJ will be my easiest fight.

“I’ve never been more confident or serious when I say something, I will play with Joshua like a cat with a ball of wool - hands behind my back, making a right mug of him.

“We are in the business of sweet science. Sweet science does not consist of a body beautiful, iron pumping big fella. It’s feinting, jabbing, moving, gliding around the ring, that’s the sweet science.”

‘I AM THE OUTLAW’ Fury believes he will take at least eight months to return to 18-and-a-half stone - roughly a stone heavier than he weighed in at prior to his shock win over Klitschko - and is currently in Marbella training.

He said he “enjoyed every minute” of the Josh-

ua-Klitschko Wembley Stadium fight, but admitted concern, stating “silly things” Joshua did could have led to a defeat which would have “cost us millions” in scuppering the chances of a future matchup.

Undefeated Fury also believes the result underlines the lack of credit he received for toppling Klitschko to land three of the four heavyweight titles at the same age as Joshua - 27.

He added: “Joshua was supposed to walk right through him as he was old and useless supposedly, but it didn’t work like that did it? Klitschko’s been out of the ring 18 months and had a 50-50 fight with a so-called killer. I will rip the fraud from the division.

“You get two types of people in boxing, the outlaw and the Mr Nice. I am the outlaw so people love to hate me. That’s my personality, love me or hate me you still have to watch me, it works. I’ve been through depression, life and death positions, and turned it all around.”(BBC Sport)

BCB shortlists 21 players to prepare for Under-19 tourney THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in an effort to fulfill its mandate of cricket development has shortlisted 21 players for immediate training and preparation ahead of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County Under-19 tournament.

Training will be conducted under the supervision of Berbice’s senior coach, Julian Moore and coach Adrian Amsterdam.

The players will be tested in physical fitness drills, since the BCB has now mandated fitness drills for cricketers who will be representing the county at that level.

The shortlisted players will be engaged in two 50over matches and two three-day games before the final team is selected to represent the county.

The 21 players shortlisted are: Adrian Sukhwa, Kevin Sinclair, Daniel Samaroo, Steve Deonarine, Trevon Ceasor, Javid Karim, Mathew Hardial, Karan Arajpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Raymon Vankenie, Junior Williams, Sylus Tyndall, Sasenarine Sookoo, Ezekiel Kempadoo, Veeramootoo Seuwasane, Emanuel Seecharran, Antonio February, Vivikanand Jagit, Zameer Inshan and Joshua Harrichand.

Nastase to be denied accreditation for French Open

(REUTERS)-Former Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase will not be given accreditation for this year’s French Open tennis, organisers said on Saturday.

The 70-year-old is provisionally banned from all International Tennis Federation (ITF) events after making allegedly racist and sexist comments during Romania’s Fed Cup tie against Britain last month.

“Following the decision of his suspension by the @ITF_Tennis, Mr. Ilie Nastase won’t be accredited for #RG17,” French Open organisers said on Twitter.

Nastase, who courted controversy throughout his career during which he won the U.S. and French Opens, is also not welcome at this year’s Wimbledon champiILIE NASTASE onships.

Romania’s Fed Cup captain was booted out of the tie against Britain last month for “unsportsmanlike” behavior.

The singles rubber between Britain’s Johanna Konta and Sorana Cirstea was briefly suspended after remarks made by Nastase to Konta and British team captain Anne Keothavong.

Nastase had already run into trouble during the World Group playoff tie in Constanta after making a derogatory comment about the unborn child of American Serena Williams, the 23-times grand slam singles champion.

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Green wins Arrival Day Female referees for boxing 50-mile cycle race ANDREW ‘Padlock’ Green won the inaugural Trojan/PSC Cycling Club Arrival Day cycle road race staged last Friday on the Corentyne roadways.

The 50-mile race,which commenced at Main & Chapel Streets, New Amsterdam, proceeded to the Corentyne Coast then to the #37 village turning point and returned to the start, saw Green record a time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 30 seconds (01:47;30s) when the clock stopped.

Stephano Husbands, Christopher Griffith, Lear Nunes, Brighton John and Sylvania Innis rounded off the top six positions.

There were eight prime prizes in the race:Green took four, Curtis Dey (three) and Husbands (one).

The juniors saw Brighton John in the winner position followed by Dey and Jason Cameron in second and third respectively.

In the juvenile’s category, Kerwin Collins was the first to cross the line ahead of Jonathan Ramsuchit and Jermain Heligar Nunes, Everald Munday and Ian Jackson took the veterans’ top three positions.

championships

THREE female referee/judges from the Caribbean and North America will be in Guyana shortly to officiate in the second edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors boxing Championships.

The three officials hail from St Lucia, the United States of America and the Cayman Islands. On Tuesday afternoon AIBA One Star,Julie Bonnet,will arrive from St Lucia.

Bonnet just finished rubbing shoulders with fellow One LEYLA JACKSON Star Guyanese Richard

Andrew ‘Padlock’ Green collects the winning trophy.

Meanwhile, at the commencement of the race, opening remarks were given by Berbice Chamber of Commerce Development Association (BCCDA) newly-elected President,Ryan Alexander, who underscored the significance of the event.

In addition, Indian High Commissioner(ag),Tashi Damdi Bhutia delivered a brief overview of the history behind the Indians who arrived in Guyana many years ago and the impact they made on the development of the nation.

Also in attendance was

Regional Sports Coordinator,Godwin Allicock who commended the BCCDA and the Trojan/PSL Cycling Club for a well-organised event and challenged the two organizers to have a full education sponsorship package for cyclist in Berbice.

Magnificent Mumbai seal qualification with Delhi demolition INDIAN Premier League (IPL) leaders Mumbai Indians confirmed their play-off place in style on Saturday, recording the competition’s biggest winning margin in a stunning demolition of Delhi Daredevils.

Fans at the Feroz Shah Kotla were left stunned as Delhi, whose hopes of making the top four are now extremely slim, slumped to 66 all out in reply to a mammoth total of 212-3, to lose by a humiliating margin of 146 runs.

Spinners Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma shared six wickets after Mumbai’s seamers had dismantled the Daredevils’ top order, while West Indians Lendl Simmons (66 from 43 balls) and Kieron Pollard (63 not out from 35) were chiefly responsible for such a stiff target being set.

Delhi remain sixth, five points off fourth with three games to play, while Mumbai have won nine from 11 this term.

Simmons certainly took his opportunity after being selected for the first time this season, in place of Jos Buttler.

The opener struck five fours and four sixes, a feat that was subsequently matched by Pollard, and shared 79 with Parthiv Patel (25) for the first wicket as Mumbai started strongly after being inserted.

Either side of Simmons departing to Corey Anderson, Pollard took a liking to Amit Mishra, twice crashing the leg-spinner for two maximums in an over.

Rohit Sharma fell cheaply, but Hardik Pandya (29 not out from 14 balls) took advantage of being dropped by Shreyas Iyer to thump the hugely expensive Pat Cummins (0-59) for three boundaries in a final over that went for 23.

Needing a good start in reply, Delhi instead saw Sanju Samson fall first ball to Mitchell McClenaghan.

That set the tone for the innings as the Daredevils slumped to 35-5 inside six overs, Lasith Malinga claiming two of the wickets.

Harbhajan (3-22) and Karn (311) took over thereafter, with only three batsmen reaching double figures in a dismal showing from the hosts. (Omnisport)

Braithwaite and Ramona Agard at the recently concluded OECS Championships in St Lucia.

The St Lucian would be joined later in the week by Kelly Pope from the United States and Leyla Jackson, an Attorney-at-Law from the Cayman Islands,Guyana Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle confirmed yesterday.

While here, the three females will JULIE BONNET team-up with two Trinidadians and several Guyanese officials. AIBA Three Star referee James Beckles is scheduled to be in Guyana on Tuesday and will commence a three-day seminar the same day.

The Schoolboys and Juniors Championship will kick off this Friday at the National Gymnasium and conclude on Sunday.

Six countries including Guyana have registered to participate. Suriname, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados make up the group.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday May 07, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Player of the match Lendl Simmons stroked 66 from 43 balls

(1) 25 Tests (2) 198 runs; 7 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the only WI to make a double-century and take a five-for in the same Test?

(2) Who is the only Pakistani to have done so?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 7, 2017

Bolt wants to be ‘among best’ footballers in world PARIS, France (AFP) — Usain Bolt conquered athletics and now the fastest man on the planet says he wants to become among the top players in world football.

The Jamaican sprint legend, 30, will retire after the World Championships in London in August after a track and field career in which he has amassed eight Olympic gold medals, 11 world titles and three world records.

Bolt has already made clear his desire to become a footballer, but spelling out his ambitions, the Manchester United fan told France’s So Foot magazine: “I have the ambition to become one of the top 50 (players in the world), if I get the chance to play regularly, and I want to be an attacker who scores at least 20 goals per season.”

Warming to his theme, Bolt added: “I hope to have the chance to play football at the highest level.

“I love this sport and it’s been in my head for many years. In the last few months I have spoken to clubs, and there have been possibilities, but nothing concrete at the moment.

We are waiting to see.”

Bolt previously made clear his dream was to play for United, but he is likely to get a taste of top-level football in September with Borussia Dortmund

Usain Bolt and Lisa Freestyle join PUMA as they launch the latest NETFIT technology in their performance and sportstyle shoes at the Altman Building in New York City on Thursday. (Photos: AFP) for “three or four days” of training.

Dortmund have rejected suggestions it is a publicity stunt for Puma, the sports manufacturer they and Bolt use.

I will see at this point

whether I am as good as I hope,” Bolt said.

“Football is a very physically demanding sport, and I’m not very young anymore, but I think I can play well for at least four years.”

Asked if he was pre-

pared to play in France’s second division if nothing better comes along, he replied: “Why not?

“I would do it if I need to prove myself, I have to start somewhere... but I need an ambitious team.”

Foster urges establishment of award scheme for clubs, officials SECRETARY/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Hilbert Foster, has issued an appeal to Director of Sport,Christopher Jones,for the establishment of an award scheme for clubs and club officials across Guyana.

The call was made during the RHTY&SC’s 27th annual awards ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo,Mr Jones, Social Protection Minister,Amna Ally and a host of prominent government and business officials.

Foster, who is the only club official to ever receive the prestigious National Sports Personality Award, stated that it is totally unfair that awards are only given to national organisations when it HILBERT FOSTER is clubs that provide the associations with the necessary athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen.

“The Guyana Cricket Board cannot be successful if clubs like the RHTY&SC, Albion, DCC, GCC, Everest, Tucker Park does not produce class cricketers;likewise,the Guyana Football Federation, the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association and the Athletics Association of Guyana,” Foster said in a release.

He also indicated that club officials enjoy few benefits, and it is totally unfair for club officials not to be recognised simply because they are not members of the National Federations.

Names like Troy Mendonca, Levi Nedd, Vemen Walter, Mark Papannah, Randolph Roberts, Neil Humphrey, Roger Harper(and) Shabeer Baksh work beyond the call of duty at the club level and richly deserve to be honoured.

Sports in Guyana would be dead and buried without the contribution of clubs.

Basit still favours Pakistan to win Test series

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, (CMC) – Basit Ali said he still favours Pakistan to win their ongoing Test series against West Indies, although they suffered a huge setback following their defeat in Barbados.

The former Pakistan batsman, now chairman of the Pakistan junior selection panel, said the 106-run defeat at Kensington Oval in the second Test which ended on Thursday was a wake-up call for the side and they will now have to rebound strongly for a historic victory.

The Pakistanis came on the tour with the strong expectation of winning a Test series on Caribbean soil for the first time, but the Windies drew level 1-1 in the three-match rubber in Barbados after they lost the

first Test by seven wickets at Sabina Park in Jamaica, making the third and final Test, starting on Wednesday at Windsor Park in Dominica, the decider.

“I am sure, Misbahul-Haq and team management will learn from their mistakes and enter the series decider with a positive frame of mind,” said Basit.

“Pakistan should enter the third Test with all guns blazing and win the series for the sake of Misbah to pay tribute to one of the highly successful captains Pakistan cricket has ever witnessed.”

He added: “I seriously feel that the toss holds the key in determining the outcome of a Test match in the West Indies. The team, which wins the toss,

Shannon Gabriel poses with the match ball inside the dressing room after destroying Pakistan with impressive figures of of 5 for 11 in the second innings and a match haul of 9 for 92. (Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

I feel, it has bright chances of winning the Test matches.

“It was [the] batsmen, who were at fault [in the second Test] and allowed the West Indian bowlers too much liberty and respect. Otherwise, Pakistan could have chased down the target, but the pitch also played a significant role and helped the West Indies bowlers a lot.”

Basit also said critics should withhold their condemnation about the team selection, following the team management’s decision to introduce young leg-spinner Shadab Khan in Bridgetown.

“I feel Shadab is extremely unlucky not to take at least four or more wickets, as the pitch was ideally supportive of his bowling,”

said Basit. “Probably, he had put a lot of pressure on himself, otherwise, he was bound to succeed.

“The bounce on West Indian pitches is uneven and it will take extra effort for the batsmen to spend time at the crease and spinners are bound to dominate, unlike the pitches of the 1990s, when the West Indian fast bowling greats use to rip apart the world’s best batsmen.”

“Only those bowlers, who use seam to the best of their abilities, succeed in bagging wickets in the Caribbean, otherwise, only spinners can take huge advantage. I must give credit to Misbah for taking bold and wise decisions, even though his decision of including Shadab may have backfired.”

All systems set for today’s Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival

‘We are into competition mode’ – Boyce and Jefford Organisation

Bristol to ‘adopt’ Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker

see story on page 23

Flashback to a scene from the men’s sprint medley relay at last year’s Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival

Guyanese referee to officiate in CONCACAF U-17 playoff today GUYANA’s Elite Referee, Kevin Stephens, will officiate in the CONCACAF U-17 Playoff between Mexico and the United States today, following a shortlisting of match officials after the quarter finals of the competition.

Stephens is one of two referees from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) region who have advanced as a result of outstanding performance; the other is from Jamaica.

Head of the Guyana Football Federation’s(GFF) Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster expressed his delight in this achievement for the young referee: “Kevin is a very diligent and disciplined person who has always demonstrated that he is a high-achiever. This international exposure will serve him well as well as that of the national referees’ programme. The investment made is paying dividends.”

Stephens, who is a CONCACAF Tier-2 referee along with Gladwyn Johnson and Roy Mc Arthur, participated in the CONCACAF’s Group stage of the U-17 tournament from April 19, 2017,held in Panama City, Panama. Mc Arthur functioned in the capacity of Assessor-in-Training. During this time, they were continually assessed and based on performance, a shortlist was made.

The U-17 Playoff determines the four teams which will represent CONCACAF in the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled for India between the 6th – 28th October, 2017.

see story on page 23

JASON BARKER

KEVIN STEPHENS

John Velazquez aboard Always Dreaming (5) celebrates after winning the 2017 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Always Dreaming wins Kentucky Derby on sloppy track

(REUTERS)-Always Dreaming won the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on a sloppy track on Saturday.

Lookin at Lee finished second in the first leg of U.S. thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown series for 3-year-olds, with Battle of Midway third.

Always Dreaming, who went off as co-favorite with Irish War Cry at 9-2, broke smoothly out of the gate under jockey John Velazquez and was always in touch with the lead group before

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

charging ahead before the far turn.

The Todd Pletcher-trained Florida Derby winner was never threatened on his way to a comfortable victory in 2:03.59.

Long shots Lookin at Lee and Battle of Midway were next across the line in slow conditions caused by rains Friday and Saturday.

Always Dreaming paid $11.40, $7.20, $5.80 for a $2 bet. Lookin at Lee, a 33-1 shot, returned $26.60, $15.20, while 40-1 choice Battle of Midway paid $20.80.

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2017