Guyana chronicle epaper 05 21 2017 by Guyana Chronicle

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Clive Lloyd Painting in a Cricket Museum

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SUNDAY MAY 21, 2017

No. 104919

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– in Region Eight, villages in Region Seven being closely monitored

Transnational response to terrorism – top on President’s agenda at

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President David Granger received military honours on arrival in Riyadh and was welcomed by representatives of the Monarch of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Arab-Islamic-American Summit

Cop dies in Leguan smash-up

Bahadur is Miss Guyana India 2017 Page 18

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Vergenoegen man killed in ‘cow accident’ Page 4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Cop dies in Leguan smash-up A POLICE constable was on Saturday killed when a motorcycle crashed into his on the Success Public Road, Leguan, Essequibo Island. Dead is Police Consta-

ble 23238 Shaqiel Woolford, 20,who was attached to the Leguan Police Station and of 12 Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Enquiries disclosed that

Constable Woolford was proceeding east along the road on Motorcycle CH1860 when another motorcycle CH4564,driven by a 44-yearold Phoenix, Leguan resident,

rode out of a yard from a northernly direction into the path of the policeman and they collided. As a result of the impact Constable Woolford fell and

suffered injuries to his face and head. He was rushed to the Leguan Cottage Hospital in a conscious state where he was treated and referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but succumbed on his way to that institution. The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem. The other motorcyclist is in custody.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Transnational response to terrorism

– top on President’s agenda at Arab-Islamic-American Summit

PRESIDENT David Granger on Saturday arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the inaugural Arab-Islamic-American Summit themed “Together We Prevail”. Leading the Guyana delegation, which includes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge; Director- General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell; and Director of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Sheikh Moen ul-Hack, the Head of State said that his main focus at the summit was to support the position that terrorism is a transnational crime, which requires a transnational response. President Granger, who is also the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), will use the opportunity to advance

strengthen business, cultural and political ties, from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, he immediately recognised the importance of Guyana’s participation. The Head of State noted that Guyana would use the opportunity to advance its national, regional and international interests and said that Government was aware of the dangers of extremism and was, therefore, calling for a collaborative national effort to prevent its

President David Granger in discussion with a representative of the Monarch of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia just after his arrival at the Riyadh King Khalid International Airport.

the interests of small states, with regard to their unique security challenges. “We are very grateful for the initiative on the part of the Kingdom. We are entirely in accord with the

need for a transnational response to this transnational crime and we ask that the special security concerns of small states should be kept in mind when any plans are being developed,” he said.

President Granger added that when he received the invitation to attend the summit, which aims to renew, among participating states, the mutual commitment to global security and further

Members of the Guyana delegation at the Riyadh King Khalid International Airport

incidence in the country, in addition to the work being done at the transnational level. Sheikh ul-Hack, who was invited by President Granger to participate in the summit, said that Guyana was a model of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence and lauded the Government’s stance on working to strengthen social cohesion in the country. The CIOG Director also noted that the organisation and the administration share a Turn to page 8 ►

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Vergenoegen man killed in ‘cow accident’ A 22-year- old Islamic teacher met an untimely death on Saturday morning after the car he was driving slammed into several cows on the Philadelphia Public road on the East Bank of Essequibo. Dead is Riaz Khan, a teacher at the Guyana Islamic Institute at Zeeburg on the West Coast of Demerara. Four other men, who are said to be students of the institute, sustained injuries. One of the men, whose name was given as Ramzan Ayube Dominga of Adventure, Essequibo Coast, is hospitalized in a critical but stable condition in a private hospital in the city. The others, Arif Ally, Ahab

Riaz Khan

Amin and another whose name was given as “Arif” were briefly hospitalized. According to reports, the men were heading to catch the ferry at Parika around 02:30hrs on Saturday morning, when the car crashed into two cows. Both cows died at the scene. A cousin of the deceased told the Guyana Chronicle that the car was in the vicinity of Philadelphia when the driver observed several cows sitting at the side of the roadway. Reports are that the driver

attempted to swerve from the cows but was late in recognizing three additional cows which were crossing the road at the time. The injured men were rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where Khan was pronounced dead on arrival. The others were subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). However, upset relatives of the men told this publication that on arrival at the GPHC around 05:00hrs , they were told that only one doctor was on duty. They said that after waiting almost half of an hour, they decided to transfer the injured men to a pri-

vate hospital, since Ramzan was still unconscious and the others were in pain. They said that this became a problem, since hospital staff informed them that no ambulance was available. The injured were then placed in a bus, but the hospital security staff prevented them from leaving the compound. In the meantime, no medical personnel had examined the injured men. They were later taken to a private hospital where Ramzan remained in an unconscious state. Over at Khan’s home at Vergenoegen , his relatives were preparing for a wake as relatives and friends arrived to provide support to the grieving family. They

The remains of the Toyota motorcar following the accident

said the young man and his students were on their way to attend a ceremony on the Essequibo Coast when tragedy struck. Khan was described as jovial, kind and free-handed individual ,who was devout in his Islamic studies. The young man, who was versed in

reciting the Koran, was preparing to pursue studies at the Islamic University of Medina in Saudi Arabia in September this year. He leaves to mourn his parents, relatives and friends. Police are investigating the incident.

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Nagamootoo with guests at a civic reception in Guadeloupe Friday evening after his arrival for a two-day visit. On Saturday, the Prime Minister was received by Mayor of Cape Terre and took part in a Roundtable discussion on cooperation with Henri Nagapin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Regional Administration officials. Guadeloupe is an Associate Member of CARICOM. Mr Nagamootoo is in Guadeloupe for the 100th Anniversary Festival of the End of Indian Indentureship, which will be held in Capesterre Belle, Guadeloupe. The festival will be hosted by the Guadeloupe Chapter of The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), with the objective of sharing with the Caribbean, the multi-cultural heritage of Guadeloupe and the French West Indies. The visit by the prime minister and Mrs Nagamootoo is to promote friendly relations between Guyana and Guadeloupe

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Indentureship reshaped Guyana’s economic landscape

– says Minister Henry ONE hundred years after the abolition of Indentureship of East Indians in 1917, the period is being remembered as a phase which reshaped the country’s economic landscape. An audience at the Indian Action Committee (IAC)’s symposium at the Umana Yana on Saturday was reminded that East Indians faced and made use of “brutal, cruel and debilitating” conditions to make life for their descendants easier. Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry,told the gathering that the present generation was enjoying a dynamic culture and a rich legacy, one which all six ethnicities of the country should be proud of.

“Indian Indentureship reshaped the country’s economic landscape by making indelible marks in the fishing, cattle, coconut and sugar industries,” she said. It was reported that in the 19th and early 20th centuries Indian indentured workers were emigrating to different parts of the world, chiefly to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Mauritius, Fiji, Malawi, Natal, Suriname and the British and French Caribbean. Of these, Mauritius was the largest recipient of Indian labour under the indenture system. The movement to British Guiana, the largest importer in the Caribbean, commenced in 1838 (1835 to Mauritius and 1845 to Trinidad and Jamaica); it was stopped the following year;

Persons entertaining the audience

it recommenced in 1845, suspended three years later and continued uninterrupted

Artwork on display at the Umana Yana on Saturday

from 1851 until the demise of the system during the First World War. Within this 80-year period roughly 238,979 Indians landed in Guyana (143,900 in Trinidad and 36,412 in Jamaica) from the ports of Calcutta and Madras, of which 65,538 were repatriated. By 1917,Indians comprised 42 percent of the Guyanese population (today around 43 percent according to the 2001 census). It is estimated that today they form roughly 20 percent of the English-speaking Carib-

bean. Minister Henry noted that indentured immigrants who remained in Guyana added “flavour” to the country’s culture, with devotional festivals, colourful dresses, tasty food, lively dance and music. “The former indentured labourers adapted to the new environment after staying back in Guyana and left a rich legacy in art, dance, literature and music, as well as many other areas,” said the Minister. Today, East Indians are

not the only ones who celebrate native holidays;Guyanese of all walks of life come together to celebrate and participate in Indian festivals such as Diwali and Phagwah. Guyanese have also supported and promoted persons of East Indian descent who have made notable strides in the business environment, education sector, engineering, law, media, politics and even sports. Being the first of its kind, Minister Henry stated that the symposium was an ideal forum to remind Guyanese of the contributions and history of East Indians, as well as be up-to-date with where the ethnic group stands in society. A member of the IAC, Radhay Persaud followed up on what the Minister said and pointed out that the symposium was a timely reminder of the long struggle of the East Indian forefathers. The Indian culture,he said, was a firm foundation for building a cohesive society where Guyanese work together to protect and preserve the legacy of their ancestors. And the symposium was a way of ensuring that persons know where they came from and understand their roles in society.

Mayor unaware of latest parking meter developments – renegotiating team may need to seek extension By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has said that just as the public was unaware of any new developments surrounding the parking meter project, she too was in the same position. However, she said should she have any questions or concerns, she will not hesitate to contact the seven-member team that was appointed recently to renegotiate the deal. “I’m like you; I don’t know. Whenever the team sees fit to inform me, they will. If I have questions to ask, just like John Public, I will ask my questions,” Chase-Green told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday during an interview at her City Hall office.

Furthermore, she hinted that the team might need to seek an extension of the three-month suspension order from the government in order to get its work done. The last thing the mayor said she knew about was that chairman of the renegotiating team, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira, had promised to issue a press release. Ferreira had told the Chronicle last May 8 that such release would have been issued by May 10. To date however, the team has remained tight-lipped on their work so far. The mayor reiterated that there was nothing sinister about the original parking meter contract and that she chose to recuse herself from the renegotiating team to prove just that. “I want peo-

ple to see that I have nothing to do with it; there was nothing corrupt about it. I was accused of being corrupt. People were saying money was paid to us and all that, so I just decided I would take my hands off and allow people to investigate. I know I am clean. The team that negotiated in the first instance was not part of a corruption. They did not have anything under the table. We think we did everything above board and that was our best shot.” Meanwhile, Councillor Ferreira told the Chronicle recently that the committee was not providing any updates on the project at the moment because the matter was one that could not be rushed and that he could not just make any pronouncements like that because he was part of a team.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Neither did he take kindly to the criticisms levelled at the committee in some quarters, for their refusal to provide any information on the new developments; all he was prepared to say was that remarks given in a rush were

always twisted by the media. Another city councillor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said when he approached one member of the renegotiating team for an update, he was told that the members were “sworn to secrecy.” It is not clear why the negotiating team wants to keep the matter out of the media, especially since Town Clerk Royston King, had invited Ferreira to provide an update at the last statutory meeting, if he wished. Ferreira had at the time declined, and said he’d much rather issue a press release instead. Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, had communicated Cabinet’s decision for a 90-day suspension of the metered parking system, but the town clerk had opt-

ed to go after legal advice to challenge the minister’s order, resulting in a majority vote by city councillors to put such an order on hold. Minister Bulkan was subsequently directed by Cabinet to immediately suspend operation of the by-laws, which govern the project. The City Council thereafter approved a seven-member team to negotiate a revised parking meter contract with Smart City Solutions, the company to which City Hall granted the concession to install meters in the city. Councillor Malcolm Ferreira was elected chairman of the team that comprises Councillors Noelle Chow-Chee, Carlyle Goring, Tricia Richards, Ivelaw Henry, Roopnarine Persaud and Heston Bostwick.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

CARICOM countries and money laundering

THE 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) lists Guyana along with 14 other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-states as “major money laundering” nations. This report, though it may sound as a surprise, when examined critically is not unexpected. What Guyanese, domiciled and in the diaspora, must continue to work hard at, is removing this blemish to our image. This newspaper, in various editorials, has been seeking to impress upon citizens the importance of cooperating with the banking system and other money-transfer services in providing the supporting information to validate the credibility of the source of money. Ridding the system of money laundering requires collective effort. Where the legislature through laws can move to foolproof the system, the executive can provide the required institutional support to eradicate the scourge and the judiciary dispense justice, all of these need the people’s inputs and vigilance to make it possible. Few, if any, can deny the presence of money laundering as a way of national life within the last two decades. The period has shown persons allowed to establish businesses and/or engage in major projects with negligible legal oversight as to the source of funding. The over-

whelming presence of the narco-economy and efforts to launder it has too put the banking system at risk of losing its integrity and international business. It is also believed that persons holding offices of repute have facilitated laundering through sale of properties, some to the tune of millions of U.S. dollars. This unfortunate side of Guyana’s history and failure to adequately enforce a proper anti-money laundering measures in 2009 resulted in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) taking action in 2014 to bring about compliance. It should also be remembered in 2011, as a result of Guyana’s inaction, CFATF ranked the country a jurisdiction with significant strategic deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) law. Guyana’s move to achieve compliance was made possible with the June 2015 passage of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill and assent into law, which in October and November 2016 saw the country’s removal from FATF and CFATF’s monitoring respectively. To listen to Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo’s views on Guyana’s present status in the INCSR, who and what he thinks are responsible for the stain, without knowledge of history and the role his government played, it would

be felt the country achieved the disreputable status in the last two years. Had the Jagdeo government in 2009 sought to comply with international requirements, Guyana could have avoided the 2011 and 2014 embarrassment. The PPP/C government from 2009 to almost all of 2011 was not only in charge of the Executive, but also held the majority in Parliament. There is absolutely no excuse for non-conformity to meeting international requirements outside of inaction to maintain the false perception that the buoyancy of the economy was legitimately driven. General and Regional Elections were held on 28th November, 2011, when the PPP/C lost control of the Parliament. The new parliament was sworn in January 2012. And where the excuse is made that the amendment to the AML/ CFT did not pass because of the Opposition majority, this too is the responsibility of the PPP/C Donald Ramotar government. Review of the debates at this time saw the opposition using its majority to have government appoint the Public Procurement Commission as a condition to support the Bill. This should not have been a difficult undertaking given the abuses in the tendering process and Guyana being ranked the most corrupt country in the English-speaking Caribbean. Concern about good governance and ensuring a positive image for

Guyana would have seen acceptance of the Opposition’s request. The 2017 Report would be based on what obtained in the past. Efforts from June 2015, in 2016, and presently to stem the flow of money laundering have significantly improved compared to pre-11th May 2015. Though more work remains to be done, in order that Guyana not to be unfavourably viewed in the INCSR, strengthening the banking system, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and liked institutions were obviously noted by the external monitoring agencies. None could deny there must remain continued vigilance -- including enforcement of the law -- to eliminate money laundering, but to pretend the 2017 reference is the result of current action by the APNU+AFC government is stretching the incredulous too far. There is growing evidence that the new regulatory institutions and enforcement are aiding the elimination of the underground economy or pushing it further underground. Continued success relies on the support of every citizen playing his and her role not only as watchdogs and cooperating with legal requirements, but also ensuring they are not ensnared in any act helping those who engage in illegal activities. The 2018 INCSR must record record improvement.

National/regional transportation infrastructure options – how about a big concept?

AN April 13, 2017, the Guyana Chronicle reporting on the preliminary findings for the Demerara Bridge feasibility study by Lievense CSO, indicated a proposed three-lane design with two-lane AM and PM lane reversals, rather than four-lanes, two in each direction, that would create traffic volume unsupportable for the current road network.

At the same time, they unearthed their findings of a current significant increase in bridge traffic resulting from a growing economy and suggested a Houston to Versailles location as the present bridge site is plagued with heavy traffic. A line nonchalantly placed at the article’s end affirmed that a floating, fixed low-level or fixed high-level bridge options were also being consid-

ered. This raised a striking inconsistency with Minister Trotman’s March 3, 2017, statement in Toronto that the GoG envisioned bridging the Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice Rivers with higharch, permanent concrete bridges. Assuming that only one new Demerara Bridge is contemplated, the most crucial requirement in the Lievense Study’s terms of reference should have been

that of a high-arch permanent concrete bridge, assuming again, a pre-determined use for the bridge. Minister Trotman also reportedly announced the GoG consideration of a Linden to Lethem road, deep-water port at Crab Island, Berbice and “a new administrative settlement,” as Georgetown has become too congested, difficult to traverse and is below sea level. These individual projects and the terms of the Lievense CSO Demerara Bridge Study, imply that anticipated massive oil revenue has little im-

pact on thinking still trapped in the myopic limitation of disparate projects and small aid packages. With respect to Georgetown, the mud flats have been our home for centuries with coastal ports driving the country’s early plantation-to-port ribbon development, so Georgetown and our coasts will always hold commercial significance. Georgetown’s overcrowding, a legacy of uninspired sprawling housing development, huddled around existing infrastruc-

ture and commerce and bereft of foresight for inter alia, gainful employment is, however, a critical issue that presents challenges and deterrents to development and bespeaks the urgent need for creative thought. An innovative cadre should already have been locked in a backroom, researching, developing and refining a coherent and comprehensive outline of a10-20 year plan, if the country is to strategically See page 7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Suddie hospital in deplorable state

Dear Editor,

I PROMISED that I would never visit the Suddie Public Hospital again after a bad experience which I had encountered and caused me to end up paying millions of dollars at the Ruby Hall Super Specialty Hospital ,in Mumbai,India. On April 20,2004, I had a motorcycle accident and I was admitted to Ward Two of the Suddie hospital. During the night, I fell into a deep sleep and as I tried to turn onto my side, I fell off the bed which caused serious injuries to my spinal cord.The night shift nurse who was on duty was supposed to monitor me throughout the night, but she leave the ward at midnight and went to sleep in a room; the bed had no rails to secure me in case of a fall and two patients had to pick me up and place me on the bed. The very next day I was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation ( GPHC) by an ambulance, where I was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Unit after I was diagnosed with a T-8 fracture of my spinal cord. Surgery was performed, but I was not successful, so in 2008 I went to India for corrective surgery. After returning to Guyana from India, I stayed away from the Suddie Public Hospital, where I was advised to do a regular medical check-up andI would go to Georgetown at a private doctor to do my check-ups. It was very costly, but I had no other choice, since I was afraid and had no confidence in the nurses and doctors at the Suddie hospital.

My friend became the new administrator for the Suddie hopstial and he had encouraged me to take the check-ups there, and he would arrange for a good doctor to look at me. I decided to take his advice and I started going back to the hospital.There were times when things weren’t going too well and other times things were well, depending on who were the doctors and nurses. My worst nightmare came back to haunt me on April 9,2017, when I decided to go for my usual three-week check-up. I left my home at Anna Regina in the morning at about 8 am. As I entered the dressing room, the first thing that I was greeted with by the nurse who operates the dressing room, was that my medication was not available and she would use a substitute. She tried to insert the bigger substitute into my urinal tract to release my urine and blood started to flow non-stop; my shorts which I had on was drenched with blood,the nurse became confused and started to panic. She summoned another nurse to help her. After seeing my condition, the other nurse Jamila refused to assist; all this time I was in severe pain and still bleeding profusely. The two nurses began to play in the room while I kept lying on the bed.One of them decided to summon a surgeon by the name of Dr Peter who came, but he couldn’t do anything because of the blackouts; anyhow,he decided to take a chance by using a pentorch to insert something else; still there was no urine, so they took me out from the dressing room to the observation ward.

Dr Peter told me that he would keep me in the hospital. In the meantime, my wife went home to get some clothes for me to change and stay in the hospital and I was left lying in blood with no nurses and no one was checking on me to see if my condition had worsened. I called my private nurse who wasn’t far away from the hospital to come and check on me; she came and was left amazed to see my tummy was stiff and I was trembling with cold fever and more blood was oozing and kept wetting my shorts.She called out one Dr Doodnauth, a female doctor, to have a look at me. When she arrived, she was left surprised and both of them decided to remove the tube from inside my urinary tract and re-inserted it; it was now 3: 00pm and the nurse who was left to overlook and monitor me wanted Dr Doodnauth to sign and take me over in good condition before she left for home after her shift came to an end. Dr Doodnauth refused to sign and take me over, saying that the patient is not in good condition and an argument erupted between both parties. I was left alone lying on the bed with my private nurse overlooking me until four doctors arrived to examine me; my wife then arrived with my clothes. After all the pulling and dragging between the doctor and the nurse,we decided to take self-discharge and charter a flight to Dr Blawant Singh’s hospital to seek better medical attention. All this time, we were in contact with my two sons who are living in Canada and Bermuda and they also encouraged me to take self-discharge

and go to a private hospital in Georgetown. Dr Peter insisted that I would not be able to meet Georgetown in that critical condition as I was losing blood constantly, and added that he would perform an emergency surgery immediately if I agreed. My wife and I then decided after much convincing and I signed to take the surgery and went into the operating theatre where it was done successfully. Having spent eight days in this hospital,I was able to meet patients and see for myself why this hospital is so rundown ,lacking the basic services and in deplorable condition; for me, the hospital lacks proper management and supervision, the nurses and doctors are working under severe constraints and we must commend them.One young Guyanese doctor told me that they were trained to work under difficult circumstances and without the necessary tools and equipment,the theatre is an old and outdated one from what I had seen in India and shabby looking, filthy and untidy; the operation bed is like an ironing board -- very small -- not more than three feet wide. After the surgery was completed, I was transferred to the ICU. At nights, patients cannot sleep in this unit,the noises are endless with talking and loud laughter. The service here was better by the Cubans in the ICU; they were more professional in dealing with the sick patients than the Guyanese nurses who are unprofessional.Before I was transferred to Ward Two surgical ward, I sought an audience with Dr Grey( MS)

whom I was made to understand by Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt,that she is responsible for all the doctors and the management of the hospital. I wanted to air some of my concerns which I had seen and witnessed and Dr Grey accepted my invitation and decided to meet with me in the ICU. Around 8:00 am in the morning, we met and shook hands and introduced ourselves; I discussed a number of critical areas which are lacking in the hospital and need improving urgently, the most critical one was the shortage of life-saving drugs at the hospital and the attitudes of some nurses. She agreed with me on all the issues raised and promised to look into them.She told me where the shortage of drugs is concerned, it’s a country-wide problem. As I arrived at Ward Two Surgical, I knew that I was in for a rough time: the appearance was filthy and dirty and the smell was obnoxious; the bed sheets were filthy and stink. At one time there were no bed sheets when it was washed and put in the open air to dry. Families have to use their own bedsheets to cover the beds, the toilets were filthy and stank ; the overhead fans in the wards were not working and the ward was as hot as a furnace. Rats are living in the patients’ cupboards and biting their clothes and other things; blackouts are endless during surgeries and in the wards,the water used to wash mouth and brush teeth and bathe is brownish, the wards are terribly hot night and day and patients have to walk with their own fans. Every patient has to sleep under a net or your

blood will be sucked dry by the multitude of mosquitoes. At 8:00 pm, the nurses cannot be seen in the ward,all you hear is laughing and texting on Facebook. If a patient fell sick you have to call on top of your voice to get attention and medication. At 6:00 am, no nurses could be seen to sponge down or bathe the helpless patients, they are left for the families to look after when they visit.You have to demand then they will give you a slap- dash bath. The families are given one hour to visit by the time they have to bathe or sponge down their sons,daughters,fathers,mothers and husbands; the one hour was being used up in tidying up their loved ones.They can barely get to feed them,sometimes they are left half-way eating and when the bell rings, visitors have to leave the wards and the compound. I can write a book on the shortcomings and mismanagement of this hospital -- this is just the tip of the iceberg .There is also serious infighting among staff,some are represented, while others are left to fight their own battles. Something needs to be done urgently to upgrade this hospital or patients will continue to suffer and die. There are some good and professional nurses,but some are very lackadaisical in performing the duties. I think they know about the Hippocratic Oath which they took and their obligations and proper conduct towards the patients.

and volumes and multimodal systems for both wheeled-vehicle and railway traffic. A newly conceived infrastructural system of this magnitude must be realized over the long-term and must be based upon sound operating statistics and studies. Quantitative resource and land-use studies that project future usage patterns will be prerequisites to identifying growth centres and new arterial routes, but even a plan in progress would promote orderly development. Other considerations are that a new Essequibo Bridge system opening the North-west District, will likely impact the design of the Demerara and Berbice River Bridge

systems, depending on future traffic from that district, developments along the arterials and the port or ports assigned to Brazil and other northern hinterland states’ in-bound and out-bound shipping. Perhaps a new Marine Rail Integrated System (MRIS) port at Hogg Island (see map – blue line), 330 miles from Boa Vista, Brazil and just 50 miles from Georgetown could be transformational for bulk shipping and passenger rail service from Brazil’s remote north-eastern region and the other northern hinterland states of Colombia, Peru, and possibly Venezuela. Internally, apart from the obvious, reduced travel distance and increased efficiencies, a Hogg Island port would limit wear and tear and air pollution on Guyana’s environment and internal infrastructure, while

commercially linking Westand East-Bank Essequibo via the Western Hogg Island Bridge system (see map – red line) to West-Bank Demerara and across a Demerara Bridge to East-Bank Demerara, through a modernized rail and bus station at the old Lamaha Street terminal with rail and roadway connections to West Coast Berbice, connecting to a new Berbice River Bridge system to East Berbice and on to the Corentyne. Externally, a Hogg Island port would expand freight/passenger intermodal service for the northern hinterland states, realizing President Granger’s goal of integrating Guyana into the development of the South American continent. Capitalization for a northern hinterland MRIS should mainly be borne by the nations benefiting from a

regional transportation system, while Guyana benefits through Hogg Island’s port revenues and major new employment opportunities. Again, Guyana needs a well-founded national view and a professional think tank devoted to comprehensive, long-term planning that can channel the nation’s use of new oil money and inform and engage investors for positive results.

National/regional transportation ... From page 6 apply its new resources to engage well-ordered and meaningful private sector investment and economic diversity for a prosperous and stable future. It could be argued that a government’s most important responsibility is national security, its second being the creation of an environment for robust economic activity, which in Guyana’s current state should be driven by national infrastructural and domestic energy development. A long-term vision of multi-modal bridges, underpinned by high-voltage power conduits, linking a national passenger and freight service

is a first step towards attracting investment in cement/ concrete, iron-steel, PVC pipe extrusion, clean energy, bulk fertilizer and agribusiness expansion, as well as tourism and rail transportation services that create opportunities for population movement to emerging centres of industry and commerce, including a new administrative district. An integral multi-bridge system, linking the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice River basins, the centrepiece of such a plan, may be Minister Trotman’s thinking. Bridge structure and traffic design should be forward-looking, considering the convergence of roadway arteries, traffic types

Yours faithfully, MOHAMED KHAN. NCN freelance journalist.

Sincerely LYNETTE BAPTIST Ms. Baptist served for more than 20 years with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), with 15 years in operations planning, project development, traffic control and infrastructural management.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

PNCR pledges sound leadership at – Chairman Basil Williams says 60th Anniversary time needed to fix Guyana

By Shauna Jemmott

UNDER the theme, ‘United and strong, 60 years on,’ the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Friday launched its diamond jubilee anniversary celebrations, outlining successes and plans for future development of Guyana, a nation which it has participated in building since before 1966. Chairman of the PNCR, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, said the party which started off as a strong defend-

ty eradication, greening the economy, and equal access to education, among others. “The President noted that we need to work assiduously to eliminate extreme poverty, eradicate inequality, ensuring equal access to education, create an environment that fosters greater participation and inclusion at the political level and enforce employment and anti-discrimination laws in order to guarantee the health, happiness and safety of our working people, our women and our children…Our party sees itself as the vanguard of

try first above selfish ideals. This party was birthed at a critical time when leadership was needed in our nation. It was birthed out of struggle and emanated out of a protest against dogmatic creed and divisive tactics.” The party was founded by Chairman Joseph Latchmansingh and Guyana’s first executive President the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, whose vision was to create ‘an organization of protest and struggle’ against corruption, misrule and narrow partisanship.

liams told the audience. Also among its leaders over the 60 years were the late President Desmond Hoyte, former Prime Minister Hamilton Greene, Robert Corbin, Ptolemy Reid, and President David Granger. Williams said, “We have had many leaders since Burnham and Latchmansingh, but one thing that has not changed is our ideology that country must be put first.” Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Fergu-

Chairman of PNCR and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams delivering an address at Congress Place

Minister of State Joseph Harmon was among the large gathering at the launch

er of the poor and working class, had now collaborated to pilot Guyana to the creation of a ‘green economy.’ Minister Williams in delivering the feature address at the launch of the celebrations at the Hall of Heroes, Congress Place, Sophia, indicated that the PNCR, through the coalition (APNU+AFC), was not settling for short measures, but was bound to enjoy decades of political leadership, ensuring Guyana was built on the effective use of its resources and not corruption. According to Williams, the party has enjoyed “nearly 60 years of transforming Guyana. We had a short break of 23 years, but we’re back on course, and I think we want to be on course for a very, very long time…No short measures! And so we want to take Guyana into the next 60 years as a modern democracy, where all our peoples can enjoy the vast resources of our country. “It is an anniversary worth celebrating, as its survival signals strength and togetherness even in the face of adversity. We are truly united and strong, 60 years on,” Williams told the packed auditorium of party members and supporters. He outlined the vision of President David Granger which encompasses social cohesion, pover-

son, who is also chairperson and coordinator of the anniversary celebrations, said after 60 years of fighting for a better country, the party will celebrate its leaders, people and achievements through several activities. The party’s

Another section of the audience at the PNCR anniversary celebrations launch

the green economy.” He said while the party celebrates, it must reflect and assess its path of struggles and achievements and look ahead for greater accomplishments. “This is a time for reflection and assessment. We must take stock of where we have come from, the achievements we made, the struggles, where we are presently and where we are taking Guyana in the future.” Tracing history, Williams said the PNCR was birthed October 5, 1957 to quell ethnic strife, modernize Guyana and positively change the trajectory of our country, at a time when great leadership was needed. “The PNC/R was not birthed by accident, but out of the need to put coun-

“Comrades, doesn’t that strike a bell about how prophetic this man was since 60 years ago? What is our main beef now in this country? Isn’t it corruption? It is! Misrule! Partisanship! Our party was a response to the cries of the people, again after 23 years, for leadership, direction and change.” Seven years after it was formed, the PNC entered into government, and 18 months later led Guyana to independence and years later to republican status. It has built the economy through educational development, improving the physical landscape of the country, bridging the ethnic divide, restoration of national pride by fostering a spirit of unity, and natural resources development, Wil-

focus will be on a renewed party focus, and empowerment of the party as its sounds a call for recommitment to the party’s ideologies and values, while campaigning through public education of who the PNCR is and what it stands for while expanding membership. She said educational activities, award ceremonies, cultural extravaganza, a gospel fest concert, photographic and artefacts exhibition, medical outreaches, a fitness walk, rehabilitation of parties offices in regions, youth training, football competitions, a lecture on the party’s history, a Women’s Symposium and a rededication of Congress House are on the cards.

Transnational... similar position on the issue of terrorism. “We have the support of our Government and we are all on the same page with the same agenda when it comes to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and security,” he said, adding that the CIOG had begun to provide a counter narrative to the language of extremism and terrorism through its training programmes across Guyana. President Granger thanked Sheikh ul-Hack, who had previously lived in Saudi Arabia, for the

invaluable support he was providing to the team. He added that he saw the CIOG as part of the national effort towards ensuring continued peace and security in the country. “We are heartened that the CIOG has developed a counter narrative… We are very glad that Guyana remains an oasis of tranquility,” he said. Tomorrow, President Granger and the delegation will participate in the opening ceremony of the summit, which is being hosted at the King

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Abdulaziz Convention Centre. He will then attend an official luncheon, followed by the commencement of the summit sessions. United States President Donald Trump is also attending the summit on the first overseas visit of his presidency. This is President Granger’s second visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office, following his 2015 attendance at the Arab-South American Summit (ASPA).

Water receding 9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

– in Region Eight, villages in Region Seven being closely monitored By Alva Soloman THE water level is receding in flood-affected Region Eight communities making it easier for relief efforts to be undertaken by the authorities. At the same time, the authorities are monitoring floodwaters in several Region Seven villages, where water levels have risen, but not as alarming as in Region Eight. The affected Region Eight villages include Waipa, Kopinang, Chiung Mouth, Itabac, Kaibarupai and Chenapau have been swamped by floodwaters over the past several days as persistent rainfall eased in some sections of the region. While the situation remains serious, there are urgent calls for tarpaulins to assist residents whose homes were washed away or who are otherwise affected by the floods. Reports are that the level of the Ireng River, which separates Guyana from Brazil, is still high; however, the water levels in most of the affected villages have dropped significantly overnight on Friday. Kaibarupaui remained severely affected as residents were without food and water on Saturday morning, but reports are that relief efforts have been upped by the authorities, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which established a

Forward Operations Station at Orinduik. According to a release, the CDC has received reports from regional authorities that several villages in Region Seven have also suffered flooding, but not to the level of severity of the villages in Region Eight. The villages affected in Region Seven are Purima, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipi, Kamarang and Duebamang. The Region Seven Regional Disaster Risk Management Systems (RDRMS) and Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC) have been activated. A team is being deployed to the affected villages to conduct assessments and reconnaissance. Mainly farmlands and some residences have been flooded in the Region Seven villages. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, is leading a team which will go by boat to Waipa and Kaibarupai. The relief supplies consist mainly of food, medical supplies, clothing and water-purification agents. NOW SERVICEABLE According to the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Toshao John Salvador of Kaibarupai reported that the water level is receding while radio communication systems are now serviceable.

The APA said it was in the process of taking food supplies to Mahdia for shipment to Orinduik from where it will be boated upriver to the affected communities. On Friday evening, the CDC along with members of the Guyana Defence Force and volunteers were working around the clock to prepare flood- relief supplies for residents of six communities in Region Eight that have been affected by severe flooding. Several plane loads of supplies were ferried into the area on Saturday. The floods have been caused by persistent rainfall over the past two weeks, which resulted in several waterways surpassing their optimum levels. In addition, reports are that the Ireng River, which lies on Guyana’s border with Brazil, overtopped and as a result several nearby villages were inundated. Several government agencies, including the Ministry of State, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health and the CDC are coordinating relief efforts. The Department of Public Information (DPI) stated on Friday that the CDC has conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the affected areas. There have been no reported deaths, missing persons or serious injuries. The villages are located mainly in valley areas, where the water from the

A canoe left on land at one of the affected villages. The dry grass is an indication that the water has receded in the area

The water levels are receding at Chenapau (Michael McGarrell photo)

excessive rainfall pooled and resulted in the excessive flooding, the DPI stated. Villagers have relocated to higher ground in proximity to the various villages. The flooding has reignited discussion on the impact of climate change in this part of the world. According to reports, the situation was a first for several affected villages, including the village

of Kaibarupai which had not suffered flooding previously. At the same time, the level of flooding in other villages far exceeds previous situations of minor flooding. Members of the public who wish to make donations to the flood relief efforts are asked to do so to the CDC headquarters on Thomas Road. CDC telephone numbers are 226 1114, 226

8815, 226 1027, 225 5847 and email info@cdc.gy and opsandtrg.cdcgy@gmail. com The items required are water, bleach, biscuits, rice, flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, cooking oil, margarine, toilet paper, matches, canned foods, potatoes, tea bags, soap, soap powder and clothing.

Residents assist in fetching relief supplies (DPI photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

The coalition Government’s first two years: Despite big challenges, they have not tried hard enough

By Dr. David Hinds

IT’S been two years since half of the Guyanese electorate struck a historic blow for change. When the government changed in 1992 after almost three decades of PNC rule, I was not optimistic that that change would result in any serious transformation of the country’s political economy. I did not believe that the PPP by itself could and would reach for anything transformative. The PPP’s decision to go it alone was to my mind a negative development that could only end in disaster. After 23 years, we were proven correct —the PPP government turned out to be the most notorious in the post-colonial history of the Anglophone Caribbean. Its rule was characterised by the worst form of political and economic gangsterism. So, when it was replaced by the Coalition government that now holds power, many of us not only breathed a sigh of relief, but we actually entertained the thought that the new government could turn out to be medium for the transformation that has eluded our country since in-

dependence. I reasoned that given the depths to which the PPP had taken the country and considering the tremendous goodwill that the new government got from half the population, the stage was perfectly set for something transformational. But, alas, two years later I must confess that I was dead wrong. After two years in office, the government has shown no inclination towards, or interest in transformation. It is a bitter pill to swallow. We knew that most of the leaders were inexperienced in the art of governance and lacked the kind of political upbringing needed to effectively manage a country like Guyana, but their sincerity could not be questioned. We felt that the shortcomings would be eclipsed by the urgency of the moment — that it was difficult to squander such a precious gift from the people. But we were wrong. I think we underestimated the toll that five decades of misrule had taken on the political psyche of the leaderships and the larger society from which they come. As we moved further away from the independence moment, our country and the larger Caribbean Region have

deteriorated to a politics of hustle and gangsterism. Politics have become less and less about service to and on behalf of the collective and more and more about the elevation and enrichment of the individual and the clique. It started under the PNC and graduated under the PPP. It was folly on our part to have expected that the new government would be a radical departure from the norm --- a norm that has unfortunately become settled. Our political culture is too corrupted. I continue to argue, despite cautions from Ravi Dev and Dr Henry Jeffrey, that what the PPP has done to Guyana will objectively imprison governance in this country for a generation. Any bold attempt to overturn the monster that the PPP constructed will be met by intense ethnic resistance that would tear Guyana further apart. The PPP skilfully linked its construction of the gangster political economy to the ethnic emotions of the Indian- Guyanese community. Hence, any attempt to turn back that monster would invariably come up against Indian- Guyanese sensitivities. Just watch the ride with sugar reform and

anti-corruption. In that regard, I have some sympathy for the government. It is caught in the ethnic trap. It cannot drastically shake up the status quo without stepping on Indian-Guyanese sensitivities. It also cannot do anything too ambitious about the ethnic economic gap without risking the racist tag. But as a government, it can’t do nothing; it has to do something. This is where I have had the greatest difficulty with the government these two years. I do not believe it has tried hard enough to challenge the objective difficulties it faces. Despite the newspaper advertisement that enumerated scores of government’s achievements, the first two years of this government’s tenure would be remembered for a few negative things—the huge salary raise it gave itself, the building of the unnecessary Durban Park stadium, the Parking Meter fiasco, the VAT on private education, the attack on street vendors, the insensitivity over the Walter Rodney CoI, the indecisiveness about what to do about corruption and the clumsy handling of sugar reform. These are all big things with

big impacts on large chunks of the society. Those things are not going to be easily forgotten, because they have become part of the popular consciousness. While the government has chalked up these negatives, it has not been able to do one big thing that impacted the popular consciousness in a positive way. Yes, its scope and space have been limited, but little to no advantage has been taken of that limited scope and space. The approach to constitutional reform has been lame. The government has shown little interest in and no urgency on this necessary area. The approach to crime has been standard. There have been no aggressive education reform initiatives. Social Cohesion has been a joke. Healthcare reform has not even surfaced. Unemployment and unlivable wages have remained intact. Sugar reform has surfaced, but the messaging around its implementation has been a mess. The State Asset Recovery initiative has crawled. Had the government moved aggressively on two or three of these areas, the story today would have been different. I honestly

believe they have not tried hard enough. Part of it has to do with a lack of political experience and an absence of vision. The two are interrelated. The other weakness has been the management of power. There has been a contraction of the decision-making space— its confined almost exclusively to the Cabinet and the presidency. There has been zero attempt at consultation beyond those councils. The limiting of decision-making to an inexperienced Cabinet and presidency has been one of the great failures of the last two years. The AFC wants a review of the Cummingsburg Accord, but I don’t see how that would improve governance. That Accord is about the sharing of the spoils and not much else. What the coalition needs is an accord on the management of power and articulation of a vision for real change, if not transformation. 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

Mining syndicates say GGMC frustrating them …want meeting with President to straighten out issues THE National Mining Syndicate believes that a meeting with President David Granger will bring an end to many of the problems facing the body. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, President of the group, Renwick Solomon, told reporters that while small-scale miners are appreciative of the efforts made by the administration

to ensure that they have lands to mine, the process is being frustrated by several within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Many miners are of the opinion that the Minister of Natural Resources is not pushing for them to receive the lands with alacrity. Solomon said there is lack of “proper coordination” relative

to dealing with the body of syndicates, which results in the beneficiaries being frustrated. “We would have applied for some land within the closed area, which has a closed area committee that deals with these lands. Thus far, the majority of syndicates that have applied for land were not granted the licence

to operate in full compliance with government regulations on these lands,” he stated. Solomon said the National Mining Syndicate has made its concern public many times, but nothing has been done thus far to alleviate the frustration. “This is a bread-and-butter issue. Many families are depending on us and these

National Mining Syndicate President Renwick Solomon

decisions affect many lives. We expect this matter could be dealt with by the GGMC in a timely manner. Give it some sort of expedience. I know there is a system and rules by which to go by.” A frustrated Solomon, who has been a miner for a number of years, said hundreds of dredges have been parked and noted that small miners are obeying the law by not mining without permisTurn to page 11 ►

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Bunny Alves & Charmaine Blackman – Simply the Best

A FEW Fridays ago, I went to the Midtown Chariot on Robb Street to unwind from the week’s hustle, bustle and grind of my vocation. On stage were Bunny Alves and Charmaine Blackman entertaining the patrons. To say I enjoyed the evening can be considered an understatement for these two entertainers are much more than the regulars -- they represent a progressive Guyana in their dogged determination. Bunny is not only Charmaine’s manager, but he also entertains and produces. He is providing opportunities to a new generation of artistes and observation of the quality of music and videography of the work he produces says Guyana has talent. Charmaine, in her own right, is also a force to be reckoned with in the field, having consistently maintained her presence over the years and is still going strong, if not stronger.

To watch these two patriots soldier on, committed to the country and believe that it’s worth the while remaining here and plying their trade is commendable, given that support from quarters such as the government has not been forthcoming . They are making, producing and selling their work with the singleness of determination, i.e. love for what they are doing. Both artistes gave the patrons a taste of their and others’ music. During the intermission, patrons had the honour to watch on the television monitors the work they have produced for others and themselves, some of which they did not sing. What struck me is the freshness of rhythm they brought to our national anthem and songs. At first, the lyrics sounded familiar, but I did not get the tempo. Then it dawned on me that Charmaine and Bunny are musicians who are con-

scious of the times in which they are living and are applying versatility to their craft in helping to keep these songs alive and relevant. The beat was evidently modern which would be captivating to a younger audience who were not of the era when the original tempos were applied to these lyrics. For the older generation with an open mind, or those young at heart, the fresh effort can be appreciated. It is said the only thing constant is change and the failure in acknowledging change is to risk extinction. As the religious community is finding it necessary to adopt new approaches to attract and maintain a younger generation while it has not abandoned the fundamental of its principles, it too is realising that contemporary forms such as tempo and lyrics are important for its survival. What Charmaine and Bunny are doing with our national songs can be

likened to similar thinking and approaches. For a while this society has not had the benefit of national pride with our songs being played frequently on the airwaves, at national events, and even in schools. Where generations have been deprived fertile opportunities in cultivating patriotism, which is necessary for forging national pride, protecting sovereignty, defending territorial integrity and building a nation, we cannot be surprised at the pervasive disconnect and discontent we see in the society today. In the absence of understanding and appreciating the reasons for your existence, the struggles of our forebears that have brought us thus far, and what is required of us to improve on their efforts and leave a better world for future generations, our feet are standing on quicksand, not firm foundation. The lyrics of our national songs embody the accounts of our

struggles, hopes, dreams and aspirations which represent our history, should guide our present, and shape our future. These have to be passed on from generation to generation, in order for our civilisation to survive. Only when we understand the stories behind these songs can we find the true meaning of our existence and our responsibility to society and future generations. Charmaine and Bunny are on to something phenomenal the politicians have missed or ignored. These two, without any government policy or programme to cultivate patriotic awareness, are helping to do so for generations that have been left in the wilderness for too long. Outside of the role they have taken on, the commodification of their talents can soar beyond our boundaries and the support of Guyanese, at home and abroad. At home, the Ministry of Education can move to

Mining syndicates say GGMC... sion from the GGMC. However, on Friday, Solomon told the Guyana Chronicle that he wrote Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman outlining the plight of the small miners within the syndicates. Solomon also requested a meeting with Trotman, who agreed to the meeting pending a report from the GGMC’s Land Management Division. BORROWED STAFF Additionally, the Guyana Chronicle understands that the Land Management Division of the GGMC has staff constraints, and as such, borrowed staff from other departments to work on the doc-

umentation for the syndicates. It is expected that by May 29, the same date, the Closed Area Committee is expected to meet; all documentation would be ready for approval or otherwise. Meanwhile, former parliamentarian under the People’s National Congress (PNC), Judith David Blair, who is also president of the Karrau Mining Syndicate, spoke of the plight of members of the Berbice Mining Syndicate. That group has applied to the Ministry of Natural Resources for permission to mine at Parish Peak, located in the Upper Berbice area. Minister Trotman informed the group that permission has

been denied for them to mine there as the land has been reserved for conservation. The letter dated May 10 and sent to the Berbice Mining Syndicate by Minister Trotman, said that the application made for the Berbice Mining Syndicate to be granted permission to explore mining lands at Parish Peak, Canister Falls, located in Mining District 1 after “careful review and consideration, I have been advised not to permit mining in the area and to have it remain as a reserve. You are accordingly invited to submit an application for other lands that may be available.” The letter was copied to President David Granger,

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn Mc Kenzie and Commissioner GGMC Newell Dennison. INCONSISTENT But Blair believes that the decision is inconsistent. According to her, there are 58 mining licences and operations in that area and she believes if restrictions are going to be placed on the Berbice Mining Syndicate, then there is need for same to be put on all operating in that area. “We cannot understand that a letter is sent to the syndicate saying they are not be-

acquire these songs for distribution to schools throughout the country. The Prime Minister’s office that has responsibility for information can have them played on the local airwaves. Both applications must seek to respect universal copyright principles and practices. Let the contemporary and classic tempos be heard and enjoyed across generations, and the stories within be told and acted on. Guyana is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CARICOM and The Dominican Republic have signed an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. This agreement makes provision for artistes to enter into the European market under stipulated preferential conditions. Government must find it useful in creating the appropriate linkages to make it possible for Charmaine, Bunny, and all local artistes so desirous.

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ing favoured for the lands… but still have people working the lands doing logging and mining,” said Blair, who noted that there is involvement by a number of players who prefer to benefit from the area, said to be mineral-rich. “We are tired and fed up of these people who are trying to make demands against the small people for bigger people…trying to oppress the small miners,” the passionate miner of 15 years stated. Blair made it clear that dredges have been parked for far too long and something must be done to alleviate the struggles of small miners. “We are asking for a meeting with the President of

this country,” she said. Meanwhile, Solomon said the Berbice Mining Syndicate does not have many options available to it and believes that a small portion of the land requested by the syndicate can be allocated to the miners. “If they don’t want to give us all lands in Parish Peak, maybe just a small portion to come to a compromise -- it would be really hard for the Berbice people to go somewhere else,” said Solomon, who added: “I am not saying that we must get every land we apply for… but natural justice must be considered alongside our natural patrimony which is for everybody.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Bahadur crowned Miss India Guyana 2017 ON a night filled with laugher and excitement, Canada-based Guyanese Sangeeta Bahadur was crowned Miss India Guyana 2017 by reigning Miss India Worldwide Karina Kohli early yesterday morning. The crowning brought down the curtains on the Miss India Guyana Pageant, which was held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. “It was pretty unbelievable and I’m so very happy. The competition was extremely tough and everyone put up a great fight. I was a bit nervous, but I’m just so happy

that I did get the crown,” Bahadur said. The marketing and communications coordinator prevailed over the nine other young ladies vying for the crown after she offered what was adjudged to be the best answer in the decisive final question. The final question put before the top five pageant finalist was: “If you will be winning the crown tonight what will be the very first thing that you will do?” Most of the delegates strayed far in their answers, with one particular delegate

proudly pronouncing that she will use her title to start a political campaign, and another saying the first thing she will do is go on to represent Guyana and be a better role model. Bahadur by far offered one of the better answers of the five, giving a direct answer to what the question requested. The 25-year-old informed that the first thing she would do is bow at the feet of her mother, because of all the support and strength her mother has given her. “If I were to win the crown this evening the very

Miss India Guyana 2017 queen,Sangeeta Bahadur (centre) and her court! From left are: fourth runner-up Kuldavie Samantha Chunilall; second runner-up, Cynthia Dookie; first runner-up, Ashmini Ramnauth; and third runner-up Sarah Rajkaran (Delano Williams photo)

first thing that I would go and do is to bow at the feet of my mother, because without her support, her guidance, her love, I would not be the young lady that you see in front of you today, nor would I have the chance to be in front of you competing in the pageant. She is the backbone of my life, my support, I would never be able to accomplish so many things in life without her help, and because of that, I would definitely go and take her blessing and her thanks.” Her response was well received by the crowd as was the announcement of her win. Bahadur’s mother later confirmed that Bahadur kept true to her words and bowed to her after winning the crown. Aspiring chemist Ashmini Ramnauth was named first runner-up while the second runner-up spot was copped by fitness trainer,Cynthia Dookie.

Third runner-up place went to aspiring entrepreneur Sarah Rajkaran and rounding out the top five were Sarah Rajkaran and Kuldavie Samantha Chunilall. Walking away with the “Miss Catwalk” special prize, Chunilall was a favourite in the packed audience. Her unique modelling style made the crowd lively every time she took to the stage. In other special prizes, Bahadur was also voted “Miss Congeniality” and also won the “Best Talent” prize. The “People’s Choice” and a special “Miss Beautiful Heart” award went to Ramnauth,while Rajkaran won the “Miss Photogenic”title. Some of the other young ladies also won prizes for best eyes, hair, skin, face, and smile. Journalist Neil Marks and radio personality Surida Nagreadi were the hosts of the evening.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

MoIPA, BKI sign contract for hinterland student dormitory

THE Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MoIPA) and BK International Inc have signed a multi-million dollar contract for a dormitory that will house some 120 hinterland students attending tertiary institutions across Guyana. The contract was signed by MoIPA’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Chief Executive Officer of BK International, Brian Tiwari, in the presence of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, at the secondary school’s student dormitory Liliendaal, E.C.D. Before the signing, Minister Allicock expressed pleasure with the progress made in the execution of this project, which has been high on the ministry’s agenda. Minister Allicock said this project is being executed at a time when educating the nation’s youth falls parallel with the development the current administration has been touting since its ascension to office. “It is at a time for our hinterland youth to gain a higher education. It is an advanced facility for our young hinterland youth, because there are persons out there who we want to give an opportunity for higher learning.” The minister also expressed confidence that BK International will deliver a project that is of high standard, while also reminding that time is a key component among other deliverables. “I am, and we all in the ministry are very confident that the company led by Mr. Brian Tiwari has the experience and the equipment to complete this project within the specified time of six months. It’s quite a challenge, but knowing the company, challenges are what they take on. Mr. Tiwari is aware of the many types of materials that we could use for enhancing Guyana’s quality of infrastructure in buildings and other infrastructural works, but for us here, we are very pleased that we could have Mr. Tiwari to construct this wonderful building for us.” Giving the ministry his company’s full assurance that meeting the stipulated requirements for this project

is paramount, Mr. Tiwari said “the quality will be there and it’s a concrete building of which we have a concrete plant and facilities in terms of labs, which the consultant is going to monitor from time to time, but this is not our first building……so we will like to assure you that in terms of the quality, we will make certain that you get quality for money and that we also get the project on time.” The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Alfred King, also echoed Minister Allicock’s sentiments, but noted that “over the last couple of years we have been emphasizing access to education for all our Guyanese children, including the hinterland students.. and the ministry would have provided the kind of support necessary.” The new facility will boast male and female self-contained rooms to accommodate one 120 students, living quarters for a Dorm Mother and Father, a unique water-storage system and a recreational area among other amenities. Should the need arise, that figure can be doubled to accommodate more students. The dormitory which will cost an estimated $M186 will be housed aback of the current secondary school dormitory at Liliendaal. Over the past 10 years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions, including the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Guyana Industrial Technical Centre (GITC), both resident and non-resident. Additionally, scholarships were offered to hinterland students attending the University of Guyana in 1986. However, since the Public Service Ministry (P.S.M.) offers scholarships to students desirous of attending university, a decision was taken in 2000 not to sponsor these students, but to have them apply to P.S.M. Building an educated nation remains a high priority for the government, thus the drive to ensuring youth particularly from the hinterland also benefit from this opportunity.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune WADA Board approves changes Supergiant battle today in IPL final to sanctioning powers THE curtains will come down today on IPL 2017 as Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) battle in the final. Aiming to win their third title, the formidable Mumbai Indians (MI) will face an imposing challenge from the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in what promises to be a riveting ‘Grand Finale’ of the 10th Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday (May 21). Billed as a “Maharashtra Derby”, the summit clash is set to be a bit more than an inter-city battle with huge reputations of big stars at stake. Even on paper, there is not much to choose, especially with Pune beating MI thrice this season including a comprehensive victory in Qualifier 1. But final is a new day and MI can always be fourth time lucky. Two-time champions Mumbai will be playing their fourth final and should have been termed as clear favourites had it not been for a certain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will be playing a record 7th IPL final. Some of the MI stars, like skipper Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Ambati Rayudu, have a fair idea of how to win a mega final as they have been a part of the victorious 2013 and 2015 sides. MI’s strength has been their bench with like for like replacements. When Jos Buttler left, they had Lendl Simmons to fill up for him. Similarly, Mitchell McClenaghan (19 wickets) can cool his heels with Mitchell Johnson tormenting the batsmen. Nitish Rana (333 runs) has been one of the finds but when Ambati Rayudu came back from injury, he was equally effective. Harbhajan Singh has been economical as ever but the team management had faith in leg-spinner Karn Sharma who crushed the KKR batting during the second Qualifier. In Malinga and Bumrah - they have the best death bowlers in the business. Pollard hits big and is a livewire on the field. Pandya brothers - Krunal and Hardik - provide the all-round balance and above all there is Rohit, who can singlehandedly turn the match on its head. But when it comes to “MSD”, the cash-rich league has been his playground since its inception in 2008. He has played six finals between 2008

and 2015 for the Chennai Super Kings, winning the 2010 and ‘11 editions. The former India captain knows more than a thing or two about IPL finals. Pune skipper Steve Smith will be banking on Dhoni’s experience with an aim to emulate Shane Warne,

316 runs and 12 wickets had a huge role to play in ensuring a smooth passage to the play-offs. The century against Gujarat Lions, while battling cramps, and brilliant overs at the death made it easier for Smith. The emergence of Rahul Tripathi (388 runs) -

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steven Smith Adam Gilchrist, David Warner - the Aussies who have lifted the silverware. In terms of performance, Dhoni hasn’t exactly set the stage on fire but his contribution in two of the victories have had a telling impact. The tricky chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad during a league game was one match in which Supergiant witnessed the ‘Master Finisher’ come to the fore. It was a match Pune needed to win in order to get some momentum going. Last and final game for Pune And then the five sixes off the last two overs during the Qualifier 1 at Wankhede a match that was till then in MI’s grip. It’s highly likely that Dhoni will be seen in his favourite ‘Canary Yellow’ jersey from next season as Supergiant won’t be getting an extension as per current rules. But the legend must not have forgotten how he was unceremoniously removed from captaincy and a memorable knock in the final will only be an icing on the cake. After a forgettable last season, Pune, under Smith, have found their combination this time round. Ben Stokes has been one of those rare players, who has justified the big bucks (Rs 14.5 crore) spent on him by Sanjeev Goenka. Before leaving for Madrid (where England is having a pre Champions Trophy camp), Stokes’

son of an Army Major - who had for sometime quit cricket while staying in Kashmir, has been one of the most endearing IPL stories of this year. Not to forget the reticent Washington Sundar, who held his own bowling in Powerplays, to some of the best T20 exponents. Skipper Smith (421) also had a good start before some quiet matches towards the business end. Manoj Tiwary (317) has also played his part to perfection. The best part about their campaign has been turning their weaklinks into a strong point. Once Imran Tahir (18 wickets) left for national duty, no one would have thought that Jaydev Unadkat (22 wickets) would make this platform his own with support from the unheralded Washington and Shardul Thakur. Mumbai Indians: 1 Parthiv Patel (wk), 2 Lendl Simmons, 3 Rohit Sharma (capt), 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Karn Sharma, 9 Mitchell Johnson/Mitchell McClenaghan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Jasprit Bumrah Rising Pune Supergiant: 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Manoj Tiwary, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Dan Christian, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Lockie Ferguson, 10 Jaydev Unadkat, 11 Adam Zampa

MONTREAL, Canada, (CMC) – The World Anti-Doping Agency’s Foundation Board has approved the development of a framework that specifies a range of graded, proportionate and predictable consequences for national Olympic committees that are non-compliant. A stakeholder consultation process will start in early June, with a view to the proposal being approved at the next board meeting in November and the changes coming into effect early next year. “WADA is pleased that the board supports development of a graded sanctioning framework, which addresses the strong call by stakeholders, in particular athletes, for a clear and transparent procedure that addresses non-compliance by signatories,” WADA president Sir Craig Reedie said. Beckie Scott, WADA’s Athlete Committee chair, added: “It is very important that all signatories are held to the same standards within the

code. Athletes are expected to uphold a very high standard of compliance and now is the time for all members of the clean sport movement to do the same. The WADA Athlete Committee believes this is a critical step towards ensuring a level playing field.” At the same meeting, the WADA Board selected Katowice, Poland, as the host city for the next World Conference on Doping in Sport which is to be staged in November 2019. The Board also approved a recommendation that the embattled Russian Anti-Doping Agency be permitted to plan, coordinate and execute testing using its trained doping control officers under the supervision of two WADA-appointed international experts and UK Anti-Doping, once a number of conditions have been met. The Board was updated on WADA’s strengthened Intelligence and Investigations Department and gave their approval on a policy and framework that grants the department with full

independence in its work, along with approval of an independent supervisor that will audit its performance. The Board also approved the mechanism for appointment of the Independent Testing Authority board, along with principles which were agreed earlier this month by a WADA Working Group comprised of the sports movement and governments. The ITA, which was first proposed by the Olympic Summit in November 2015, will assist international federations that wish to delegate their anti-doping programmes to an independent body. Importantly, the Board also approved that WADA explore development of an international standard for education and information, which would elevate the importance of values-based education within the World Anti-Doping Programme and guide stakeholders in developing and carrying out effective programmes. 11:05 hrs Westerner Lady 11:35 hrs Not For You 12:05 hrs Minella Beau

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday May 21, 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:

(1) Mumbai Indians (2) Royal Challengers Bangalore

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two teams contested Qualifier #1 in IPL 2017? (2) Who was the Man of the Match in Qualifier #1?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

RHTY&SC, DMLAS launch Cricket Development Programme, Teachers Award Programme

THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club( M.S) ambitious plans to host a record 500 programmes/activities for 2017 received a major boost when Insurance giants, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance Society(DMLAS) came on board as an official sponsor. DMLAS would be supporting a trial six-months development Cricket Programme for junior and female cricketers of the RHTY&SC. The Insurance Company would also be sponsoring an award scheme for outstanding teachers of Region 6 at the Primary and Secondary levels. The Club’s eight cricket teams along with its Cricket Developers Educational Committee would be responsible for the successful hosting of both Programmes. Under the Cricket Development Programme a total of 50 male youths and 25 female cricketers would be involved in a six-months developmental programme

RHTY&SC Asst. organising secretary,Robbie Kissoonlall receives sponsorship from DMLAS Geoffrey Brewster and Clarence Perry. under the guidance of Coach tary/CEO Hilbert Foster. and equipment. The main There will also be a series objectives would be to make Delbert Hicks. Apart from coaching on of practise matches. sure that all club members are DMLAS would support properly ready to represent the cricket field, the players would also be involved in the programme by paying a the RHTY&SC, to educate classroom lectures on a weekly stipend to the Coach them on topics of importance wide range of topics to be for the six-months period to them and to prepare them conducted by Club Secre- and providing cricket balls for role model status.

England have recovered from World Cup woes

– AB de Villiers

ENGLAND have recovered from their disastrous 2015 World Cup campaign and are one of the favourites for next month’s Champions trophy, South Africa captain AB de Villiers said ahead of the teams’ three-match one-day international series. England were dumped out in the group stages of the World Cup after winning only one of their five matches. They are currently ranked fifth in the ICC world rankings for the format. They did really well to come back from that,” De Villiers told reporters. “They are a really talented group of players - the way they came back from that earned a lot of respect around the world. “They must be one of the favourites, in their home country and playing some really good cricket of late.” All-rounder Ben Stokes had a stellar Indian Premier League season, scoring 316 runs and collecting 12 wickets in 12 matches to help the Rising Pune Supergiants reach the final but he will not play in it after being recalled by England for the South Africa series. “He’s definitely got something special about him,” De Villiers added. “A lot of guys lose their way in the IPL, and others find the next level in their game - Ben Stokes definitely lifted his game and I think it would have done him the world of good.” De Villiers, 33, has made himself unavailable for the test series against England which follows the Champions Trophy. “I haven’t retired - but I’m not going to change my decision,” De Villiers said. “I’ll look indecisive, but it’s important that I’m feeling physically and mentally healthy, and that’s what I decided on.” The first ODI between England and South Africa is in Leeds on Wednesday.

Among the players who would be part of the programme would be Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Simon Naidu, Junior Sinclair, Brandon Corlette, Keith Simpson, Chanderpaul Govindan, Mahendra Gopilall, Joshua Wilson, Marian Samaroo, Shenneta Grimmond, Vijay Gopilall, Christopher Deroop, Joshua Rampersaud, Justin Gobin, Lucas Arthur, Tyreese Sealey, Matthew Pottaya and Matthew Prass. The RHTY&SC/DMLAS Teacher-of-the-Year Programme would be hosted in September for outstanding teachers at the Primary and Secondary level. Three teachers each from the two levels with the two winners receiving $100,000.00 and a trophy respectively. The Teachers-of-the-Year 2017 for the Primary School level would be selected based on the results of the National Grade Six Examinations while the Secondary level would be based on the CSEC

results. Foster explained that the main objectives are to inspire teachers to set a high standard, to improve the standard of teaching in Berbice and to inspire young teachers to follow in the footsteps of their role models. The long serving RHTY&SC Secretary expressed gratitude to the Management and Staff of DMLAS for their support. Special mention was made of CEO Geoffrey Brewster and Marketing Manager Clarence Perry,both members of the RHTY&SC. The DMLAS Chief Executive Officer stated that his company was passionate about investing in sports and education and praised the RHTY&SC for its visionary ideas that was presented to his company. He expressed confidence that the programmes would be successful and that the relationships between the DMLAS and RHTY&SC would be strengthened in the future.

Khawaja, Head to captain Australia A in South Africa USMAN Khawaja will captain Australia A’s four-day team and Travis Head will lead the one-day side for a series of matches in South Africa in July and August. Glenn Maxwell, who scored his maiden Test century on the recent tour of India, will be vice-captain to Khawaja in the first-class games and will have the chance to push his case for retention in the Test side when Australia next play. Moises Henriques was initially named in the one-day squad but the selectors later stated that the allrounder will continue his county stint with Surrey, instead of playing the tri-series.* CA said the selection panel had “considered both Henriques’ experience along with future Australian tours in making this decision”, and that a replacement player will be named in due course. South Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has been chosen in both squads after a remarkable summer in which he broke the record for most dismissals in a Shield season, while also scoring nearly 600 Shield runs. Queensland allround-

er Jack Wildermuth has als been named in both squads, his first call-up for Australia A, while New South Wales batsman Daniel Hughes has the chance to debut for Australia A in the one-day format. The selectors decided against choosing the experienced batsmen Ed Cowan and George Bailey, who were two of the top three Shield run scorers last summer, as well as Cameron White, who topped the Ryobi Cup run tally. However, national selector Trevor Hohns said that while some senior players had missed out, it would “certainly not detract from their chances of representing Australia in the future”. Also absent from the squads were the opener Marcus Harris, who had a prolific Shield season for Victoria and finished fourth on the run tally with 808 runs, and the spinner Jon Holland, whose 50 Shield wickets placed him second only to swing bowler Chadd Sayers on the competition list. Ashton Agar and Mitch Swepson, both of whom toured India with the Test squad this year, were pre-

ferred as spin options in both formats. “We have opted for a well-balanced squad featuring some experience blended with younger players, with an emphasis on building our depth for the future,” Hohns said. “This is a great chance for these players to experience foreign conditions against a quality international sides and really test their skills. “With an upcoming Test Series in South Africa early next year it is also an opportunity to impress with their performances and put their names forward for consideration. Khawaja is a proven leader and has captained Australia A before, he will gel nicely with Glenn who recently had some captaincy experience in the IPL and we believe will respond well to this extra responsibility.” Australia A will play two four-day games against South Africa A from July 12 to 22, and then a one-day tri-series involving South Africa A and India A from July 26 to August 8. FOUR-DAY squad Usman Khawaja (capt), Glenn

USMAN KHAWAJA Maxwell (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Jackson Bird, Alex Carey (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson, Chadd Sayers, Mitch Swepson, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth. ONE-DAY squad Travis Head (capt), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Sam Heazlett, Daniel Hughes, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Swepson, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth.(ESPN Cricinfo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

PUBLIK sponsors Steel Challenge Match

THE Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) yesterday announced their plans for a Steel Challenge match sponsored by The Publik Wing and Burger House. The GSSF, an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), continues to promote this simple, yet action-packed shooting sport to local pistol shooters by organising such matches on a regular basis. Steel Challenge is considered to be the fastest practical shooting competition in the world. All matches comply with all

rules and regulations stipulated by the SCSA. Chairman of the SCSA Committee, Dr. Pravesh Harry reported that three exciting stages are being planned where competitors will be shooting at five steel targets which are arranged in pre-configured positions. Scoring will be done using a timer which records the time taken for a shooter to complete engaging all five targets. The shooter’s time is his/her score, with time added for targets not hit. Scores are entered into a specialised software, and the shooter with the low-

est overall time wins the match. Participants will fall under two divisions:Limited and Wildcat. The limited division caters to shooters with 9mm or higher calibre handguns, while Wildcat represents the .22 and .32ACP shooters. Prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division,courtesy of its latest sponsors, Publik. At the small ceremony at the Publik’s location, proprietor Sean Major reiterated his commitment to the GSSF and safe sport shooting activities.

SCSA Chairman, Dr. Pravesh Harry (left) receives sponsorship from Sean Major, founder of The Publik Wing and Burger House.

Bayern’s Lahm and Alonso retire to an emotional farewell BAYERN Munich captain Philipp Lahm was given an emotional ovation as he waved farewell to the German club before his final career appearance. Germany’s 2014 World

gifts as they prepare to retire. Bayern clinched their fifth successive Bundesliga title last month and finished 15 points clear at the top of the table after a 4-1 victory.

almost every major domestic and European trophy with the Bavarian club, including his eighth Bundesliga title - a joint record with Bayern legends Oliver Kahn, Bastian Schwein-

Philipp Lahm has helped Bayern win 21 major trophies since making his debut in 2002. Cup-winning captain, 33, was presented with a number of mementos before Saturday’s home win against Freiburg. Lahm played his 517th and final game for the Bundesliga champions. Midfielder Xabi Alonso, 35, and keeper Tom Starke, 36, were also presented with

‘LAHM IS ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS’ Lahm announced in February that he would be retiring at the end of the season after spending his whole career - bar a loan spell with Stuttgart - at Bayern. The full-back or holding midfielder has won

steiger and Mehmet Scholl - this season. Lahm fought back the tears when he was substituted with five minutes remaining, warmly hugging each of his team-mates before walking off to a standing ovation from the Allianz Arena. He blew kisses to the home fans, then embraced

manager Carlo Ancelotti and Alonso - who had already been substituted - on the touchline. Lahm, who joined Bayern as an 11-year-old before making his debut in 2002, will be remembered as one of the club’s all-time greats, said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. He will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame after the game, the first player since Kahn in 2008 to be added. “He deserves this accolade, which puts him up there with the greats of FC Bayern,” said Rummenigge. “Both on the pitch and

off it, in his role as captain, he has been a truly important person for the club.” ALONSO SIGNS OFF WITH AN ASSIST Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso, who said in March he would retire when his contract ended, also ended a memorable career in both domestic and international football. His triumphs include two Champions League wins, four domestic titles, including three with Bayern, as well as the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships with Spain.

A trademark diagonal pass from Alonso allowed Arjen Robben to cut inside from the right flank and open the scoring against Freiburg, before second-half goals from Arturo Vidal, Franck Ribery and Joshua Kimmich sealed the win. Alonso was brought off in the 81st minute to another emotional standing ovation from the Bayern fans. “Alonso is one of our best signings of recent years, a real lucky find, a gifted tactician, a highly intelligent man and one of the most uncomplicated players I’ve ever witnessed,” added Rummenigge (BBC Sport).

Entries for GFSCA tournament closes on May 27 ENTRIES for the annual Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) tournament will be closed on May 27. The competition is set to commence on May 28 at various venues across the country and will be played in three categories; Male Masters (40 years and over), Male Open and Female Open. The winning Masters and Open teams will pocket a trophy and $100,000 each, while the runners up will receive $50,000 and a trophy. The player of the tournament in each category will pocket $5,000 and a trophy, while the winning female team will receive $50,000

and a trophy. Matches will be played at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), Carifesta Sports Complex, Everest Cricket Club and Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO), Ogle/Industry Community Centre, Enterprise Cricket Club, Jialing ground in Berbice and Tuschen ground on the East Bank of Essequibo. For more information on registration,interested teams can contact GFSCA Organizing Secretary Wayne Jones on telephone numbers 650-1790 or 685-6908.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

MCC chiefs confident Lord’s will host two England Tests MCC chiefs remain hopeful Lord’s will continue to host two Test matches most summers, even if England play fewer five-day fixtures from 2020. A report leaked last week indicates that the number of Tests played during the English summer will drop from seven to six as part of a media rights package that is also set to include two England Twenty20 matches per summer on free-to-air television. In a seven-Test summer, Lord’s will continue to welcome both touring teams.] Yet even if England play only six home Tests in the future, MCC bosses believe they have a strong enough case to stage a third of them. An MCC spokesman told Standard Sport:

“While we are never complacent, we are comfortable with the case we have made to hold two Tests per year at Lord’s. “We have always had strong ticket sales for the matches here. England will play a Test against West Indies here September 7-11 and the first three days are already sold out. Lord’s remains a place where people want to watch cricket and a place where cricketers want to play. We have set out our case that we deserve two Tests per year and we hope that this remains the case in future.” If Lord’s, which has welcomed 922 807 spectators through its doors for Tests in the past four years, did retain two Tests during six-Test summers,

that would mean half of all Tests taking place in London, as The Kia Oval traditionally hosts England’s final home Test of the year. Many in the county game welcome the return of cricket to free-to-air television - the report claims 10 matches from the new citybased Twenty20 competition would also be available to non-subscription viewers but have reacted with interest to the news that so many of the 13 free-to-air matches will be drawn from the new competition. Some county bosses wonder why the NatWest T20 Blast - where live games are available only on subscription television - has not been given similar exposure. (Evening Standard)

Home of cricket: The iconic Lord’s holds two Tests. (Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

First 2022 World Cup Qatar stadium completed five years before tournament THE first proposed host venue of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ Qatar, Khalifa International Stadium, has been completed a full five years before the tournament begins, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required to host the tournament, has announced. Expanded to seat more than 40,000 spectators, the stadium has undergone extensive renovation works ahead of the tournament in 2022, when it will host matches until the quarter-finals. These include the installation of revolutionary cooling technology promised during Qatar’s successful bid, which will keep the pitch at an optimum 26°C and the stands at 24-28°C year-round while using 40 percent less energy than traditional cooling methods. Speaking on the launch of Qatar’s first World Cup stadium, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, said: “The completion of our first stadium more than five years before the Qatar World Cup begins is an important milestone that reflects our determination to deliver a tournament the entire Arab world is proud to be a part of. As we promised in our bid, our innovative stadiums offer an unrivalled ex-

A view of the Khalifa International Stadium perience to fans and players alike. I’m proud we can show these off to the world and welcome fans with the hospitality this World Cup will be remembered for.” The first event the renovated stadium will host is the 2017 Emir Cup final, Qatar’s most prestigious domestic football tournament. This builds on a rich history of hosting important local, regional and international events since the stadium was originally built in 1976, including the Gulf Cup on two occasions, the FIFA U-20 Youth World Championships in 1995, the 2006 Doha Asian Games, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final and international friendlies between top world teams. The stadium will also host another Gulf Cup in December this year and the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Athletics before the FIFA

World Cup™ kicks off on 21st November 2022. Other new features include the installation of a larger roof over the entire spectator area, with an intricate net of German and Italian-made steel tension cables weighing 4,000 tonnes holding 92 panels in place, while the stadium will also be the first FIFA World Cup™ venue and the first stadium in the region to be lit by LED lighting, which is both more sustainable and more versatile than traditional lighting. Even the pitch at Khalifa International Stadium has a rich story to tell: designed to be perfectly suited to Qatar’s climate, it was developed at the SC’s nearby Turf Nursery – the only one of its kind in Asia – and was laid in a new world record time of 13 ½ hours.

Hilal Al Kuwari, Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office at the SC, said: “It will be a proud moment for my team when the first ball is kicked here on Friday and I know all of Qatar appreciates the efforts of those who have helped deliver such an impressive venue. Fans of all ages and nationalities have a lot to look forward to when they visit the stadium, including the cooling technology we promised during our bid, a pitch that was developed at our one-of-a-kind Turf Nursery, and, of course, an immense atmosphere Arab fans alone are capable of producing. We still have seven stadiums underway, all due to be completed well in advance of the tournament, but this is a great demonstration of our progress.”(Yahoo Sports).

Celtics’Isaiah Thomas out for rest of playoffs with hip injury THE Sports Xchange) - Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas will miss the remainder of the NBA playoffs after aggravating a hip injury during Game Two of the Eastern Conference final, the team announced on Saturday. Thomas initially injured his hip in the third quarter of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 15, forcing the All-Star to miss the next two regular-season contests. The 28-year-old Thomas aggravated his specific injury -- officially labeled as a right feboral-acetabular impingement with labral tear -- during Game Six of the second-round series against the Washington Wizards on May 12. “Isaiah has worked tirelessly to manage this injury since it first occurred,” said Dr. Brian McKeon, the Celtics’ chief medical officer. “The swelling increased during the first two games against Cleveland, and in order to avoid more significant long-term damage to his hip, we could no longer allow him to continue.” A femoral-acetabular impingement means that the ball joint in the hip socket is not moving freely around the cup in which it resides. Thomas did not travel with the team to Cleveland for Game Three today. The Cavaliers lead the series, 2-0. Thomas, who averaged 28.9 points per game during the regular season, scored 19 total points in the first two games against Cleveland. Marcus Smart started for Thomas in the second half of Friday’s 130-86 loss to the Cavaliers.

ICC congratulates retirees Misbah and Younis THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has lauded outgoing Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan following their retirements. Veterans Misbah, 42, and Younis, 39, farewelled cricket as Pakistan sealed a dramatic 101-run Test win against West Indies on Sunday. It was a fitting goodbye after touring Pakistan celebrated their first Test series triumph in the Caribbean. Misbah scored 5,222 runs in 75 Tests, including 10

Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan sign off after the third and final Test in Dominica last Sunday. (AFP photo) tons and 39 half-centuries, while he amassed 5,122 runs in 162 one-day internationals with 42 fifties. Younis – who scored 313 against Sri Lanka in 2009 – tallied 10,099 Test runs in 118 matches, highlighted by 34 hundreds and 33 half-centuries. He also recorded 7,249 ODI runs. “Both these batsmen have given so much to the sport and fans over their careers,” said ICC chief executive David Richardson. “Misbah has been the bedrock of many a Pakistan innings, time and time again extricating his team from difficult situations with a terrific temperament. He knew how to graft for his runs but could also be inventive and score at a brisk pace, as was evident during his impressive 56-ball century against Australia in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, which equalled Viv Richards’ world record. “He was a leader who took charge at a difficult time and led the team on a journey to the number one position in the ICC Test rankings. He was a true sportsman and role model, deservingly winning the ICC’s Spirit of Cricket Award for 2016. “Younis has been one of Pakistan’s finest batsmen, also often coming up with his best efforts when the chips were down. A triple-century in Tests at home against Sri Lanka and a double-century in a series-levelling effort in India are just a couple of the performances that have placed him in a league above the rest. “A particularly fine player of spin bowling, Younis was also an able captain who led Pakistan in all three formats of the game with the highlight being victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009. “On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate both these batsmen on their wonderful careers and wish them every success in whatever they pursue in the years to come.” (Omnisport)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Beaton deserves his T20I selection, says coach Daniels –– feels selection was just a matter of time By Rajiv Bisnauth ACCREDITED qualified Level Two Coach, Essequibian Forbes Daniels feels fast bowler Ronsford Beaton deserves his maiden call-up to the West Indies T20I squad. The 24-year-old Beaton has earned selection to the West Indies 13-member squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced on Friday. Beaton has made great strides with his pace, hostility and intimidation over the years, and according to Daniels, Beaton’s selection was just a matter of time. “Beaton surely deserved his selection. If you check the last West Indies A team tour, Beaton delivered well. He was one of the standouts, so his selection to the West Indies team should have happened earlier,” Daniels reckoned. Daniels firmly believes that once Beaton stays focus and physically fit, he will definitely make an impact

during the series. “He has to be consistent; Beaton is a hard-worker, and I know he has what it

Ronsford Beaton takes to be up there; I know he will make Essequibo and Guyana proud,” Daniels, who skippered the Essequibo Senior Inter-County team, pointed out. Beaton has been an impressive quickie having made his first appearance for the Guyana senior side

in 2011. He has established himself by wearing the West Indies colours on several A team tours. However, Daniels is of the opinion that Beaton should have been a regular member of the West Indies test squad. Meanwhile, President of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), Fizul Bacchus labeled Beaton’s selection as a huge positive for cricket in Essequibo. “Surely his (Beaton) selection will boost our cricket in Essequibo. It will inspire other youngsters who want to play for the West Indies. “All Essequibians are happy about the selection, but we only hope that Beaton will perform so that he can maintain his place in the West Indies side,” Bacchus, who is also the acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB),said. Beaton has also played for the West Indies Under-19 team on two occasions and had shown enormous amount of promise and prospects. He was born in Montserrat, a Caribbean Is-

land, to Guyanese parents and had honed most of his cricketing skills in Essequibo at a tender age. He resides in Reliance, Essequibo Coast (Region Two) and currently plays first-division cricket for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC). Beaton has picked up 31 wickets in 36 T20s, with a best of 4-9, and has represented Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL. Afghanistan kickstart their maiden tour of the Caribbean with a tour match on May 30th, before facing the hosts in the first T20I in St Kitts on June 2. The next two matches will also be held at the same venue, on June 3 and June 5. The teams will then travel to St Lucia for the three-match ODI series. We s t I n d i e s T 2 0 I squad: Carlos Brathwaite (c), Samuel Badree, Ronsford Beaton, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.

Premier League football

Race for the Champions League and the Golden Boot MANCHESTER City, Liverpool and Arsenal will compete for England’s final two Champions League places as the Premier League season finishes today. City will secure third spot by winning at Watford, while Liverpool will be guaranteed at least fourth by beating Middlesbrough. But Arsenal can sneak into the top four if one of their rivals slip up and they beat Everton at the Emirates. All 20 teams are in action today, with every match kicking off at 15:00 BST. So what are the big issues on the final day - and what is the latest team news? Champions League decision day Manchester City need a

point at Watford to guarantee a top-four finish - but winning and finishing third will take them straight into next season’s Champions League group stages. The team in fourth place will go into a two-legged play-off in August, while whoever finishes fifth will receive a place in the Europa League. With just six points separating Southampton, in eighth, and 16th-placed Watford, several teams also have the opportunity to improve their league position - and increase their share of Premier League prize money. Burnley, for instance, could finish as low as 17th, earning £7.6m in prize money, or as high as 11th, which would be worth £19m - a difference

of £11.4m. Race for the Golden Boot Harry Kane looks set to win the Premier League Golden Boot, awarded to the competition’s leading scorer, thanks to his four goals in Tottenham’s 6-1 victory at Leicester on Thursday. Spurs go to relegated Hull today with Kane on 26 league goals for the season, two clear of Everton’s Romelu Lukaku. Belgium striker Lukaku and Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, third in the standings on 23 goals, will face each other at Emirates Stadium as they look to catch Kane. Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hull are all leaving the Premier League after finishing in the bottom three, but there will be individual farewells too.

Harry Kane looks set to win the Golden Boot Chelsea captain John Terry is set to end his 22-year stay at Stamford Bridge by playing his 717th game for the club.(BBC Sport)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 21, 2017

Chief selector stands by decision to hand debuts to Hetymer, Singh BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Chief selector Courtney Browne has stood by the decision to hand international debuts to the pair of Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer, despite

his six outings but Browne defended their selection, contending they had merited their place in the side with previous performances at various levels of West Indies cricket.

and West Indies wicketkeeper told Massy United Insurances Line & Length TV Show here. “We understand they are young players and they need to be given that time to de-

Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh both players failing miserably in the just-concluded three-Test series against Pakistan. Neither player impressed, with Vishaul managing 63 runs from his six innings and Hetmyer gathering 96 from

“There are no regrets. They came through our systems, they came through our A-teams, they came through the PCL. They played in the President’s XI, they got a score,” the former Barbados captain

velop so there’s no regrets. When you are looking at the development process, it is going to be a slow process – you’re not going to find a sensation overnight.” The left-handed duo were part of an already

Jabloteh, Cibao contest FU club final today PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad & Tobago Pro League outfit Central FC failed on Thursday to reach the final and in their bid for a third consecutive Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship title. Fellow T&T Pro League side San Juan Jabloteh and Cibao FC of the Dominican Republic will contest the final today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, with the winner booking a place in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League. When the dust settled on the last night of group play in the CFU Club Championship, Central suffered a big blow to their egos, when Patrick Soko scored the only goal, as Cibao FC prevailed 1-0 to finish top of Group A. The result condemned Central to their first ever loss in 10 CFU Club Championship matches and meant that they will play in the third-place playoff at the same venue and booked a spot in the inaugural 2017 CONCACAF League in August. Jabloteh entered the final group matches needing just one point to reach the final and held on to secure a 2-2 draw with Jamaica Premier League side Portmore United.

Adrian Reid struck a 34th minute penalty and Vurlon Mills converted four minutes before halftime to give Jabloteh a 2-0 lead. But Portmore United came storming back with two late goals from Jermie Lynch in the 85th minute and Ewan Grandison two minutes later to make the home team sweat in the closing minutes before the final whistle. With the result, Portmore United qualified for the CONCACAF League and meet Central FC in the third-place playoff today, while Jabloteh can earn a direct place in the CONCACAF Champions League with a win over Cibao FC in the final. The CONCACAF League is the newest tournament in the Confederation’s expanded club competitions platform. The draw for the League will take place on Wednesday, May 31, in the American city of Miami. The CONCACAF League will feature 16 clubs from Central America and the Caribbean. It will be played in a four-round knockout format, with home-and-away fixtures in each of the four rounds – round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals and final. The club that lifts the CONCACAF League trophy in October also advances to 2018 Champions League, the region’s premier competition for clubs.

young West Indies batting line-up which never fired but for the exception of the enterprising Roston Chase whose 403 runs, at an average of 100, was the most for either team. Batting leader Kraigg Brathwaite had a poor series with a mere 101 runs, the returning Kieran Powell got starts but never carried on and finished with 161 runs while the talented Shai Hope shone in the Barbados Test with an excellent 90 but managed only 59 runs in his other five innings. Browne said it was not uncommon to see this level of inconsistency especially in a side comprising so many inexperienced players, but stressed that this was part of the development process. “We understand and we know we have a lot of young

developing players,” Browne explained. “The unfortunate thing is these players are all bunched up together in terms of the number of Test matches. They are all new to Test cricket so that (inconsistency) is par for the course. When you have a bunch of young people that you are exposing to international cricket, you will tend to get these sort of [sporadic] performances. “The good thing about it is you have a coaching team and you have to give them a chance to develop these players.” West Indies conceded the three-Test series 2-1 as Pakistan won their first-ever series in the Caribbean since they began touring the region 59 years ago. The series loss was also the sixth straight for the Win-

dies and the regional side have now won just three Tests in their last 20 outings. Browne said while results were important, the focus remained on developing young players at international level and believed this would pay dividends in the long run. “We’re still some time off. I am sure we will have a lot of downs but we will also have some games which we will win,” he said. “For us, we are really focused on development, getting that base so that we know we can develop players who are consistent and who can perform consistently at the international level. “So now what we are looking at is creating that environment where both learning and teaching can take place.”

Prince secures CMRC super-stock pole Bryce Prince during Saturday’s qualifier for the season-opening Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2017 meet at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica. (Stephan Sookram photo) (By Stephan Sookram in Jamaica,Compliments of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, BM Soat, Central Automotive Repair, AR Jiwanram Printery, Mohamed’s Enterprise. BRYCE Prince was a cut above the rest in yesterday’s qualifying season-opening Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2017 meet at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica. Prince, of the newly-formed team Mohamed’s Enterprise,was the early pace setter after qualifying with a blistering time of 1:17.340 aboard his Yamaha R6 and has clearly set himself as the man to beat today.

Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport on his pole sitting performance, Prince stated, “Of course! But that was the plan (to get pole). “However, the track is new to me and we are still learning. Tomorrow we want to go out and try to win some races. I like the track so far,it seems like a lot of fun. The surface is a little bumpy, the layout is challenging but fast,” prince stated. Price will start ahead of the Trinidad trio of Keil Abraham, Warren DeNobriga and Nicholas Gonzalves,who posted times of 1:21.068, 1:22.879 and 1:23.471. Jhon Bennett will start 13th on the grid ahead of the other Guyanese rider,Heemand

Boodram. At the group two level, mechanical failure forced Nasrudeen Mohammed to miss qualifying, though the upbeat group two entrant told Chronicle Sport, “We had some early issues but we’ve got them worked out. Tomorrow (Today) I will start at the back of the pack and I’ll have to make my way up,but that’s how racing goes sometime.” Rameez Mohammed however will start alongside Trinidad’s Luke Bhola after his 1:25.617 was eclipsed by a 1:24.878. According to Rameez, “The car is working well and we are looking for wins tomorrow (today).

At the Group three level, Paul Vieira will start in an unfamiliar second spot on the grid as countryman,Ronald Worthman sweeps pole with a blistering 1:20.895. Rameez will start third on that grid. At the group four end of things, Kyle Greg will lead the all-wheel drive class ahead of countryman David Summerbell Jnr. and Doug Gore,respectively. Mark Maloney will control the twowheel end of things as Franklyn Boodram and Peter Rae will start second and third. Today’s action begins at 09:00hrs and will feature competitors from four countries.Trinidad and Tobago is the defending Country Champion.

WADA Board approves See story on changes to page 25 sanctioning powers

WADA president Sir Craig Reedie

Cloud Computing wins Preakness Stakes in stunning fashion IN a stunner, Cloud Computing won the 2017 Preakness Stakes, spoiling Always Dreaming’s bid at a Triple Crown. The 142nd Preakness was billed as a head-to-head battle between Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire, who was looking for revenge after a rough trip two weeks ago at Churchill Downs. And for three-quarters of the race, that’s exactly what it was, with Always Dreaming running in the lead, and Classic Empire on his right hip the entire way. But as they rounded the final turns, Always Dreaming began to fade, ceding the lead to Classic Empire, who was, it appeared, home free. But out of nowhere came Cloud Computing, who entered the race at 13-1 odds. The three-year old ridden by Javier Castellano had run third for most of the way, but at the top of the stretch blew by Always Dreaming and eventually caught Classic Empire just a few feet from the finish line, beating him by a nose in 1:55.98. Senior Investment (30-1) finished third. Always Javier Castellano aboard Cloud Computing (2) wins the 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes past John Dreaming faded to eighth.(Yahoo Sports) Velazquez aboard Always Dreaming (4) at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports 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

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2016