WEDNESDAY 4th July, 2018
No.105325
Packed agenda for CARICOM heads
Incoming Caricom Chairman Prime Minister Andrew Holness
‌proposal for legalising of marijuana to take centre stage ...New CCJ President to be sworn in
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09 A truck utilising the bypass bridge on the Linden-Lethem trail
5 held for cocaine at CJIA
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Packed agenda for CARICOM heads
…proposal for legalising marijuana to take centre stage By Svetlana Marshall in Jamaica CHALLENGES in implementing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the Bruce Golding Commission report on Jamaica’s relations within CARICOM and the building of post-hurricane disaster resilience are among critical issues up for discussion when the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Carib-
bean Community opens in Jamaica today. The high-level regional conference is being held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness. CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said an extensive discussion will be held on the measures impacting implementation of the CSME. Is the CSME overly ambitious? Is there political will and courage to
continue the progress on the CSME? Why is there a deficit in the implementation of decisions? Those were some of the questions posed at a Stakeholder Consultation on the Single Market and Economy in Georgetown, Guyana in June, and according to the secretary- general, concerns and recommendations out of that forum will be presented during the discussions with the heads of government. DISASTER MANAGEMENT Disaster Management and Climate Change is another major item on the agenda. Ambassador LaRocque said even as the effects of the last season’s hurricanes are still being felt in the affected states, the Region must prepare to deal with more intense, more frequent mega storms as forecast. “These discussions will be taking place against the background of the need to build a climate-resilient community. The effects of climate change are a major challenge, quite apart from the mega storms. Other effects such as prolonged droughts and unseasonal, heavy rainfalls also require us to examine our preparedness,” he said, while addressing journalists at a news conference at the Jamaica Pegasus on Monday.
In the lead-up to the Heads of Government Conference, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) conducted a series of meetings, in Montego Bay, on building resilience and disaster risk management. The results from those sessions, Ambassador LaRocque said, will be reported to the regional leaders when they meet. They will also be briefed on the support being offered by the international community in this regard. In addition to the Bruce Golding Commission report on Jamaica’s relations within CARICOM, which includes 33 recommendations, the heads of government will consider the report of the Regional Commission on Marijuana (RCM) and possibly decide on a way forward. The RCM, which conducted an investigation into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding the use of marijuana in the Caribbean, has recommended that marijuana be decriminalised in CARICOM member states, but in controlled amounts as in the case of alcohol. The Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP), which has responsibility for economic policy coordination and financial and monetary
integration, and which comprises Finance and Economic Development Ministers, will present its economic policy recommendations to the heads for deliberation. The Prime Ministerial sub-Committee on External Trade Negotiations, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Holness, will also consider critical issues pertaining to the Community’s trade relations with Third states. Crime and Security in the Region; the blacklisting of some CARICOM member states considered by the European Union (EU) as Non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, BREXIT, post COTONOU arrangements and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are among other topics that will be discussed as the heads of government meet in Jamaica. The CARICOM Secretary-General has assured that decisions coming out of the conference would be made public, acknowledging that there is need for more information dissemination. “We are moving in the direction of publishing the decisions of the heads of government… We intend to publish the decisions of the heads of government, and that’s a start in being more transparent in terms of what the Heads have decided, going forward,” Ambassador LaRocque said. MOTTLEY TAKES THE STAND At the opening ceremony today, the conference will welcome its newest member, the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, who was
CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador LaRocque
elected to office following the country’s May 24 general election, in addition to Prime Ministers Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, who were re-elected to office following general elections held earlier in the year. These heads will address the opening ceremony, along with the outgoing chairman of the community, President Jovenel Moise of Haiti; the incoming Chairman, Prime Minister Holness; and the CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. Heads of government will meet in plenary and caucus on July 5 and 6 to deliberate on the items listed on the agenda. President David Granger will lead the Guyanese delegation. Notably, President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastián Piñera and President of Cuba, Miguel DíazCanel, will make guest appearances at the conference. The regional leaders will engage the Chilean President on areas of common interest, including disaster management, climate change, and sustainable use of oceans while they will engage their Cuban counterpart on CARICOM-Cuba relations and on issues of mutual importance. Just before the Heads of Government Conference opens today, the new President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, will be sworn in Montego Bay. He replaces Sir Dennis Byron.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
ICJ to settle issue of jurisdiction in border controversy case THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) said the written pleadings in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 between Guyana and Venezuela must first address the question of the jurisdiction of the Court and fixed the time-limits for the filing of these pleadings. In a release the court said by an order dated 19 June 2018, it fixed 19 November 2018 and 18 April 2019 as the respective time-limits for the filing of a Memorial by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and a Counter-Memorial by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela had indicated that it will not participate in the court’s proceedings. In its release the ICJ said:” the Court issued this decision following a meeting held, pursuant to Article 31 of the Rules of Court, by its President, Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, with representatives of the Parties, on 18 June 2018. At this meeting, Mr. Carl B. Greenidge, the Agent of Guyana, indicated that his Government wished to have at its disposal a period of nine months for the preparation of its Memorial,” the ICJ release stated. It added that Ms. Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, Vice-President of Venezuela, stated that her Government “considered that the Court manifestly lacked jurisdiction and
President of the ICJ Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf
that it had decided not to take part in the proceedings”. She handed to the President of the Court a letter, dated 18 June 2018, from Mr. Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of Venezuela, in which he pointed out, in particular, that “there [was] no basis for the jurisdiction of the Court” and that Venezuela “[would] not participate in the proceedings”. In response to the statement of the Vice-President of Venezuela, the representatives of Guyana reiterated that their Government wished to proceed with the case. In its order, the Court pointed out that, in the circumstances of the case, it must first resolve the question of its jurisdiction and that “this question should accordingly be
separately determined before any proceedings on the merits”. The Order notes that “the possibility for Venezuela of availing itself of its procedural rights as a party to the case is preserved”. The subsequent procedure has been reserved for further decision. Back in March when Venezuela indicated that it will not participate in the case the Guyana Government made it clear that it intends to proceed with the case, noting that under Article 53 of the Statute of the Court, “whenever one of the parties does not appear before the Court, or fails to defend its case, the other Party may call upon the Court to decide in favour of its claim.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement had said: “Guyana is fully committed to the rule of law in international relations, including the peaceful resolution of disputes in conformity with international law. It trusts that the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations, will resolve the controversy with Venezuela in accordance with the law in a manner that is fair and equitable. It hopes that, in due course, Venezuela will reconsider its position and decide to appear in Court and defend its case. The Court’s rules allow for that.” At the same time, Guyana said that if Venezuela persists in its refusal to participate in the matter,
the rules provide for the Court to proceed, after a full hearing of the case, to a final judgment that is legally binding on both the participating and nonparticipating parties. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that Guyana fully respects the decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to choose the International Court of Justice as the means of settlement of the controversy and is confident that the Court is fully empowered to decide the case,” the Foreign Ministry statement read. Guyana had filed an application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018, requesting the Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. As such, the ICJ invited representatives of both Guyana and Venezuela to meet at the ICJ in The Hague, seat of government of the Netherlands, to fix schedules for written pleadings. In its Application, Guyana requests the Court “to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the Award Regarding the Boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela, of 3 October 1899 (hereinafter the ‘1899 Award’).” Guyana is contending that the 1899 Award was “a full, perfect, and final settlement” of all questions relating to determining the
boundary line between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela. It is also Guyana’s position that, between November 1900 and June 1904, a joint Anglo-Venezuelan Boundary Commission “identified, demarcated and permanently fixed the boundary established by the… Award” before the signing of a Joint Declaration by the Commissioners on 10 January 1905 (referred to by Guyana as the “1905 Agreement”). Guyana is further contending that in 1962, for the first time, Venezuela contested the Award as “arbitrary” and “null and void”. This, according to the Applicant, led to the signing of the Agreement to resolve the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana at Geneva on 17 February 1966 (the Geneva Agreement), which “provided for recourse to a series of dispute settlement mechanisms to finally resolve the controversy”. Additionally, Guyana submits that the Geneva Agreement authorised the United Nations Secretary-General to decide which appropriate dispute resolution mechanism to adopt for the peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter.
Regions’ performance before PAC unsatisfactory – Ministry of Communities requests suspension for regions to be better prepared THE Ministry of Communities has asked the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to suspend examination of the 2016 Auditor General’s Report so that the remaining Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) could be better prepared to respond to questions put to them. Although several regions have already been examined, the ministry believes that the performance by the regions before the
PAC was unsatisfactory. “While the ministry is desirous of seeing this process through expeditiously, we are constrained to take this course of action due to the recent unsatisfactory level of performance before the PAC… this time will be used to have regional officials better prepare to assist the PAC in carrying out its mandate,” said the ministry in a recent press statement. Examination of the report has been going on since
last year. On several occasions, accounting officers and their teams from various regions have been sent away by the PAC. At the most recent PAC meeting, regional officers of the RDC of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) were sent away because they failed to adequately respond to questions put to them. In addition, Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were also sent away for sim-
ilar reasons. Member of the PAC, Juan Edghill in a letter to the editor, said the regional executive officers (REOs) and huge delegations have attended meetings of the PAC to give an account for their stewardship and to answer queries raised by the AG in his report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. “It is not a secret to the public that some of these officers have been
found to have violated the Procurement Act, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA),
stores regulations and even policies set by the Granger administration,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Medics reach boys as rescuers weigh options Twelve boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand have received their first food and medical treatment for 10 days. Seven divers, including a doctor and a nurse, joined the group inside the caves in the north of the country after they were discovered alive on Monday. Rescuers are now considering how best to bring the group to safety. More heavy rain could see water levels rise and threaten the air pocket where the group has taken refuge. The boys were found nine days after they entered the caves in Chiang Rai province following a football training session and became trapped by rising waters caused by heavy rainfall. On Tuesday, Thai officials told reporters that rescuers were providing health checks and treatment, and keeping the boys en-
tertained, adding that none of those trapped were in a serious condition. “They have been fed with easy-to-digest, high-energy food with vitamins and minerals, under the supervision of a doctor,” Rear Admiral Apagorn Youkonggaew, head of the Thai navy’s special forces, told reporters. WHY CAN’T THEY SWIM OUT? It is believed that most of the group cannot swim, complicating what would already be a difficult rescue. Earlier, the Thai military said the boys would need to learn to dive - or wait up to four months for flooding to recede before they could get out of the caves, meaning food would need to be supplied for that time. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda later stressed the urgency of the evacuation, adding that rain was forecast “in the next
few days”, the Bangkok Post reported. Attempts are being made to reduce the risk of further flooding of the caves by pumping water from the underground system, Mr Anupong said. A phone line is also being installed so the boys can talk to their families. The governor of Chiang Rai, Narongsak Osoththanakorn, said that “no risk” would be taken in rescuing the boys. “We will not rush to take the lads out of the cave,” he told reporters, adding: “Whoever has zero risk first can leave the cave first.” The governor said that requests had been made to build “infrastructure” in the cave leading to the pocket where the teenagers and their coach are located. The Thai authorities have appealed for donations of full-face scuba diving masks small enough to fit the boys in order to reduce the risk of their
breathing apparatus coming loose as they travel through flooded passageways.
“Thank you all Thais, thank you all foreigners,” he said.
HOW WERE THEY FOUND? Two British rescuer divers who had flown over to join the search operation found the boys on Monday night. They ask how long they have been underground and whether they can leave now. The divers tell them they have to wait, but say people will come back for them. One boy replies: “Oh. See you tomorrow.” The search for the group had gripped the nation as it was unclear where they were or whether they were even still alive. Families of the missing group were ecstatic at news of their discovery. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said of the boys’ discovery that “everybody is a hero”.
HOW DID THEY GET THERE? The boys, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-yearold coach went missing on 23 June. It is believed they entered the cave when it was dry and sudden heavy rains blocked the exit. They were found on a rock shelf about 4km (2.5 miles) from the mouth of the cave. It is thought the boys could move through parts of the cave in dry conditions but rushing waters clogged the narrow passages with mud and debris, blocking visibility and access. Divers had to navigate a series of sharp, narrow bends in near-darkness. They completed the difficult journey to find Pattaya Beach flooded, so swam on and found the boys about 400m away. HOW CAN THEY GET OUT? Bringing the trapped boys to safety is an extremely dangerous task given the conditions inside. The Tham
Luang cave complex is regularly flooded during the rainy season which lasts until September or October. Diver Ben Reymenants, who is assisting with the rescue mission, told the BBC that two Thai navy doctors had volunteered to stay with the boys for “up to four months” until the water receded. Other teams are still scouring the mountainside in the hope of finding another way into the cave. WHO ARE THEY? The 12 boys are all members of a local football team and their coach is known to have taken them on occasional excursions and field trips. Tinnakorn Boonpiem, whose 12-year-old son Mongkol is among the 13, told Agence France-Presse she was “so glad” to hear they were safe. “I want him to be physically and mentally fit,” she said. “I’m so happy I can’t put it into words,” another relative of one of the group told reporters as tears of joy streamed down his cheeks. (BBC)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
City Constabulary, MMC under fire …after five-hour long robbery at L. Seepersaud Stabroek Market stall
Owners of the popular jewellery store L. Seepersaud Maraj and Sons are appealing to persons with information on the burglarizing of their store to make contact with them, even as they expressed disappointment at the way the matter was handled by the Mayor and City Council. In a statement the family business noted that around 07:00hrs Tuesday someone from a neighbouring stall called to inform them that the stall in Stabroek Market where L. Seepersaud Maraj & Sons jewelry store is located was broken into. “It is true that the police recovered tools which included blow torches and other chemicals used. The vault had three doors and each door was cut with precision. It is sufficient to say that the perpetrators of this crime aren’t novices, but highly skilled thieves. We would like to assure our customers that no one was hurt or harmed. Our losses cannot be estimated at this time as we have not done a full check of inventory,” the
store said in the statement. They noted that they have consulted with several security specialists and others trained in ironwork and welding, and “have been informed that it would have taken no less than five hours for the vaults to be cut open. We have spoken directly to two city Constables who claimed that checks were done earlier in the market but nothing was discovered. As stall owners operating under market rules, we have no choice but to depend on the City Constabulary for security whenever the market is closed. At the time of writing this, we have not been contacted by anyone from the Mayor and City Council’s Office or the Town Clerk’s Office. We are surprised at the lack of care and diligence by the City Constabulary in not observing that such an elaborate crime was being perpetuated over so many hours.” The storeowners said too that the stall was secured with an alarm system that was being monitored by the MMC Security Force. “We contacted the MMC Securi-
ty Force late this afternoon (Tuesday) and we were informed that the alarm was indeed set off three times last night. However MMC never informed us or the police that the alarms went off. On every other occasion, whenever the alarm is set off, MMC would call us immediately and the fact that we never received any calls or reports from them is puzzling,” the store said. The store acknowledged that the Guyana Police Force Criminal Investigation Department has been conducting investigations since this morning “and we hope that they are fervent and steadfast in their efforts to find these thieves. We, the sons of L. Seepersaud Maraj have been taught by our father that the cornerstone of our business is the personal relationship we enjoy with our customers, who we regard as our extended family. We are now appealing to you, to contact us or the police if you have any information regarding this robbery and keep us in your prayers.”
Kamla: We will support Anti-Terrorism Bill if...
Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP maintains that critical amendments are required to the Anti-Terrorism Bill, as in its current form, it confers too much power to the Attorney General. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition remains committed to supporting good legislation in the country’s interest and which are consistent with our sworn obligation to do right by Trinidad and Tobago and the Constitution. “Accordingly, we are prepared and will, consistent with our international obligations, our duty to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, and our adherence to the separation of powers principles, support a revised Anti-Terrorism Bill now before the House. Specifically, once all clauses giving the Attorney General additional powers to intervene prosecutorially in the processes related to the administration of this Bill are removed; the Opposition will support the legislation. This is consistent with the
Opposition leader Kamla Persad Bissessar
separation of powers concept which demarcates specific and mutually exclusive roles for the legislature, the executive and the judiciary in all democracies”. Persad-Bissessar stated: “we will support the legislation today once the extra powers conferred on the AG are removed. That is a commitment which we give publicly as we go into today’s debate. The Opposition has stated repeatedly that specific and identified clauses in the Bill give the Attorney General powers that are not possible under the Constitution and must be amended”. The Opposition has proposed that where the legislation confers powers onto the Attorney
General that those powers would be more appropriately housed in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for local matters and the Central Authority for international matters. A c c o r d i n g t o P e rsad-Bissessar “These amendments will not change the material impact of the law but would ensure that we have the appropriate checks and balances on any attempted or perceived political interference. The Opposition cannot in good faith compromise on this principled stance because to do so would be to pass inherently flawed legislation”. Persad-Bissessar said: I call on Dr Rowley to improve the proposed legislation by removing all references to additional powers being conferred on the Attorney General. These can be done consensually without materially affecting the efficacy and impact of the legislation…The Government must either take on board our concerns, or take responsibility for the failure of this legislation, and its consequences. (Trinidad Express)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Modernising manufacturing and the export trade FROM time to time in the last several years, many prescriptions have been proffered as to how to leaven up the Guyana economy into sustained prosperity. The overwhelming majority of such prescriptions have been made by academic economists who have had little experience of the actualities of business. These prescriptions have generally never gotten off the ground. Last week at the launchi n g o f t h e G e o rg e t o w n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s business magazine, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) Mr Komal Samaroo was asked to give the feature address and he chose to speak on how the country could reduce its balance of payments deficit, which has been growing and how
to move towards an economy where self-sustaining growth would be the norm. Mr Samaroo mentioned that an infrastructure of optimism is necessary for any economic or business venture to be successful, since pessimism generates negative energy. His mentor Dr Yesu Persaud always saw the silver lining in every dark cloud and it was that silver lining he always actualised. He therefore emphasised to his audience that Guyana’s future has never been brighter and this notion should inform business folk, as well as those who are responsible for the state’s economic and financial work. Mr Samaroo mentioned that Guyana, like most Third World countries, had traded mostly in commodities such as gold or bauxite or sugar. The prices of commodities are fixed
by the international markets and influenced by demand and supply. He gave a salutary and timely reminder that the upcoming gas and oil exports will be no different in essence from the other commodity exports. “In my view”, said Mr Samaroo, “this is a very vulnerable position to be in, and the nation’s prosperity could swing like a pendulum, as we have seen in some countries in the Region that depended solely on commodities.” This concept has to be fully assimilated, both intellectually and emotionally, by all those who are responsible for the economic well-being of the country, so that a national strategy to avoid the commodity trap could be formulated. Mr Samaroo implied that a major element in the strategy to avoid the commodity trap is ex-
panding manufacturing and the export markets, both regionally and internationally. He did not spend time to speak about how new manufacturing and export industries could be established. He took these as a given, as well as the present export industries. What he focused upon was how manufacturing and industries could be made more efficient and productive, satisfying the requirements of the export markets and how such markets could be expanded. In this regard, we will quote Mr Samaroo: “The international market place is very competitive, complex and constantly evolving, requiring in-depth knowledge and updated information if one is to be successful, particularly if you move higher up the value chain with branded products. Very often we
Responsible parenting Dear Editor IT is ironical, that after the recent celebration for Mother’s and Father’s Days, we are spotlighting the very important key of responsibility as parents, and the need to protect and safeguard the latter, since it has critical bearing on both the material and spiritual growth and development of the child/children. It is not for us to believe or not, the stories given by two fathers who recently found themselves in court for criminal offences, for which they were found guilty and given custodial terms. Such a function is entirely the court’s exclusive preserve,
and it has been duly exercised, as was to be expected. In both instances, the excuse given by the accused is that they were committed for the maintenance of children, stealing from a companion and the other for being found with narcotics. It is a defence that used to be very prevalent in our courts, but never attracted much sympathy, if any. The law took its natural course then, as it did again. Parenthood is perhaps the most important responsibility that can confront every man, or woman. And though many times that its occurrence may not have been planned, or seen to have taken place in the formal ideal setting of a family plan,
it signals the possibility that this may take place at some time. Whether planned or not, becoming a parent means an event that takes the immediate spotlight away from the parent, focusing on the child. The latter must now become the reason that guides and influences the actions of either parent, or both together. This means a new understanding of the individual’s role, if never before; or together, since parenthood means both a moral and legal responsibility on any of the individual parent, or both, as is the ideal. There are too many instances in which fathers especially, are engaged in some
form of illegality, of varying risks that render them liable to either sudden physical harm, mostly death, or coming into conflict with the law, which will also have its serious consequences, as in the examples of the two fathers, alluded to above. Well meaning, since in their view it satisfies their requirements of being providers; but it still cannot be, since it is illegal, and leads a distorted example of what a responsible parent ought to be. Moreover, the reality of that “good provider” is exposed when it suddenly comes to an end, which is always predictable. It is recognised that we live in a world that has not been, and is not fair to many,
need to re-educate ourselves....Compliance with international standards and best practices is also a key, especially at production level. These were critical prerequisites for manufacturers to get into the global supply chain of major companies. The traceability and documentation of adherence to international standards of safety, quality, environment, business ethics and social practices are all areas of regular audits from suppliers. The production systems must meet international standards at all times, and this requires a high level of technical competence and discipline of the management of manufacturing companies.” Mr Samaroo then went on to use the experiences of his own company, Demerara Distillers Ltd, to illustrate that it was not
insuperable for local manufacturers and exporters to achieve required standards and secure foreign export markets. Within the body of his presentation, he mentioned two challenges facing manufacturers: the first was sloth and unhelpfulness of the bureaucracy, a problem which could be overcome once there is the will. The other was that the education system has to be improved to produce people who are fully equipped with the skillsets to manage business in this technological age. We have no doubt that expanding and diversifying our manufacturing industries with resultant expansion of regional and international trade is the surest way for Guyana to achieve sustained growth and prosperity.
because of the varying circumstances/interventions which have altered dreams, hopes, wishes and aspirations. This means for many, not being able to be materially comfortable, as the more fortunate, because of missed and unavailable opportunities, deprived, to be specific. However, suffice it that it has always been so, and will continue to be, parents, more so fathers, who are engaged in risky forms of earning/employment, must understand what such means for the future prospects of their family, particularly their children. In both the short to long-term, fathers must be of the serious realisation that even though there may be psychological pressure and urgency to bring material improvements to the lives of their children, and by extension their family, there are forever risk factors in their illegal endeavours. For
not only are such untenable in every way, but it is always their children who suffer from the fall-out from any related untoward consequences. No father, who cares for, and loves his family, must consider providing for them through criminal means. Thus, it is incumbent upon fathers, those whose daily activities for a dollar fall outside the ambit of the law, begin to take stock of the risks of their trade that weaken both their responsibility and longevity of fatherhood to their children. Although it is said that the world owes us a living, it certainly must not mean–by illegal means for anyone of the parent duo, particularly fathers; or any other relation. A father cannot be of any use to his children, if he is imprisoned. Regards Conwell Edmonds
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
‘Success’ and ‘Failure’ in Education Dear Editor
THE media has been full the last few days with stories of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ in terms of the Grade Six assessments. Whilst a few students bask in their scores, thousands more lament the results. Lists are made of the ‘good ‘schools in terms of their exam results. The criterion for a ‘good’ school being one or more student in the top 1%. No mention, of course, is made of the many others who ‘failed’ the exam from the same ‘good schools.’ This is not Guyana’s challenge alone. A popular writer, John Holt, wrote a bestseller, with the first line, “most children in school fail.” They fail to develop more than a tiny percent of their capacity. Education worldwide is blindly focused on a slavish pursuit of ‘completing the syllabus,’ with precious little reflection on how much of that sacred syllabus really matters. Few syllabi worldwide give more than scant attention to the environment, sexuality issues or world citizenship. Whatever the merits of the Grade Six assessment, it is surely time for a radical look at what we are doing in education in Guyana. The Commission of Inquiry has come and gone and we read in the newspapers over the past few days that 40% of
students failed English, 62 failed Maths and 44% failed Science. So where do we go from here? School of the Nations has made one attempt to respond to this urgent need in our education system by introducing the Cambridge University Certificate in Educational Leadership programme in Guyana. This is being offered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The Chief Education Officer, Mr Hutson, recently arranged for the Director of “Nations,” Dr Brian O’Toole, to meet with all the regional education officers (REdOs) to discuss the programme and how it could be implemented across Guyana. The first cohort of 35 teachers and administrators is now close to completion of the certificate programme. A second group is to start in September. Significantly, seven of the REdOs are pursuing the programme themselves. Mr Nigel Richards, REdO for Region One, has organised the Cambridge Certificate for his region and 30 teachers gathered in Mabaruma last weekend to start the programme. This is being done in collaboration with the 23 trained teachers who are here in Guyana for the summer from USA as part of the LRTT (Limited Resource Teacher Training)
programme. The REdOs of Essequibo Coast and Berbice are planning meetings with all the head teachers in their respective regions to introduce the Cambridge Certificate programme. Also, plans are in train to take the programme to the Rupununi and Mahdia. The Cambridge University Certificate programme focuses on leadership and the need for fundamental reform in education, not just in Guyana, but worldwide. The certificate programme begins by exploring the challenges facing education throughout the world and why so many children are failing. The texts that accompany the course explore what contributes to the most successful education systems internationally, eg in South Korea, Canada, Singapore and Finland, and why other countries, despite their wealth, such as the USA and UK, are falling behind. In the ‘progressive’ countries there is very little disparity between the best and the ‘poorer’ schools. In Canada, for example, there are good schools throughout the country, even in very isolated regions. In these countries, unlike Guyana, teaching is regarded as a very attractive profession. One of the course texts states that a number of urban schools in the U.S. are “sinkholes for poor minori-
ties,” with a range of ages and abilities in one class. Teachers are suffering from the demands of satisfying parents whilst, at the same time, attempting to respond to the competing demands of politicians and school administrators. But rather than dwelling on problems, the Cambridge programme explores what can be done to respond to the challenge. Fundamental to the programme is the need for a whole school focus. The course promotes
a reflective, enquiring, problem-solving approach. Key elements of the certificate programme are: how to get more teachers of quality, the need to promote more rigorous teacher training and the need to reflect on how to cultivate an ethos of striving for excellence on the part of persons in education. Charismatic leadership produces only temporary gains. There needs to be a move to a model of distributive leadership in which the focus is on changing the
whole school. With charismatic leadership others just sit back and expect the leaders to do everything, heroic leaders in fact prevent the emergence of strong institutions. We need to promote and nurture emotional intelligence in our teachers and move away from the arrogance and inflexibility of the past and embrace an atmosphere of self-awareness and empathy that will allow teachers to meet the stresses of modern-day teaching. CONTINUE ON PAGE 8
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Smuggler escapes
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
‒ after throwing contraband over Lusignan Prison fence
SECURITY personnel at the Lusignan Prison opened fire on a person who tried to throw a black plastic bag over the fence in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. The suspect, however, managed to escape. The package contained a large quantity of narcotics, tobacco leaves, mobile phones and other contraband.
Acting Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels, said at around 02:15 hrs on Tuesday, an unknown individual was seen by police and prison ranks on duty at the northeastern section of the holding area Lusignan. He explained that the person attempted to throw a black plastic-wrapped parcel over the fence.
“Reports are that ranks fired at the individual who made good his escape. However, in the process, he dropped the parcel. A check of the area revealed 10 parcels as in photograph below, a camouflage hat and short camouflage pants,” Samuels said. He explained that checks were conducted by both police
and prison ranks of the adjoining village and access roads. Unfortunately, he said, the individual escaped. When opened, the parcels contained 1002 grams narcotics, a large quantity of tobacco leaves, four cellphones without SIM cards, one charger, one earpiece and 33packets of Bristol cigarettes.
The cache destined for inmates of the Lusignan that was thrown over the fence, but was intercepted by prison security
Still in a political Jurassic Park Dear Editor
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/ Civic Member of Parliament Charles Ramson’s public declaration of intent as a contender for the nomination of his party’s presidential ticket, and the subsequent response from party leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who has bluntly said that this Member of Parliament (MP) has departed from established party norms in making such an announcement and MP Harry Gill’s letter, branding Ramson a “spoiled brat”: in Kaieteur News, July 02, 2018,“ Charles Ramson will make a great President of Guyana, but not now” highlights the decrepit, undemocratic party ideology of democratic centralism. It is the well-known gagged system whereby individual positions are not tolerated, unless it represents the united voice of the party.
It has exposed the divide between the modern-minded and enlightened younger cadres of the party, as per Ramson’s statement, as against the unyielding, decrepit, and archaic mindset of Jagdeo, defended by Gill’s letter. Undoubtedly, Ramson’s statement, particularly on the role of young people is a direct challenge to a party, inclusive of Gill, which despite the presence of a number of young members, continue to exclude them from its senior-echelon, decision-making organ. In fact, such thoughts expose the undemocratic ways of the PPP/C, since the young pretender said, “If you invite our generation into the process and court our support, then you are going to have to accept that we are going to be bringing fresh ideas, beliefs and way of doing things too. We respect customs, but we also stand firmly for freedom, justice, openness and
fairness.” This, without any argument, punches at the heart of the medieval mindset of the party’s ways of understanding a world that has experienced rapid change in governance, with renewed concepts of human rights and justice as they relate to the lives of the governed. Without debating the sincerity or not, of such a departure from tradition statement from this PPP/C MP, these are views that can be interpreted as condemning the entire party’s past system of governance, especially as it relates to a multi-cultural society of Guyana, and its blatant policy of racism and marginalisation. Until now, they are a definite repudiation of the fossilised mentality of a party, that are represented by a dinosaur collective that are still residing in a political Jurassic Park. Regards Earl Hamilton
‘Success’ and ‘Failure’... One of the Cambridge texts states that 40% of U.S. teachers from Nursery to 5th Form teachers are “disillusioned” and are just waiting to leave the job. An essential element of the certificate course is that good teaching is actually very hard and needs extensive training, The focus is to work with groups and not individual teachers. We don’t need more ‘projects,’ rather, we need a coherent plan. We need to move away from the fragmented, faddish and inflexible approach that we have pursued in education for too long. We need to move away from being consumed by data which often focuses on failures and on what can be easily measured. Teachers
need to learn how to learn and how to embrace change and take risks. For far too long teachers have felt powerless and without a voice. Their response is to leave the job. We need to appreciate that good teaching is actually very hard and demands extensive training. In sport, the arts, music it is the same. Ronaldo, Beyonce or Halle Berry rehearse and practise constantly – why should it be any different for teachers? We need to develop ‘souls’ within our schools, characterised by care, trust and empathy on the part of the teachers. We need to help our teachers feel they are part of something bigger. The wider community needs to be more effectively
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involved in schools. In Singapore there is a clear sense of pride and national direction and a very clear sense of where they want to go. How can we develop that same ethos in Guyana? If we fail to begin this consultation, the danger is that we will have more Commissions of Inquiry, more conferences and more state papers and still the key issues would remain unresolved. In the UK and the USA, this failure results in riots as the poor hit out at their lack of opportunity. How will the scenario play out in Guyana if we fail to act? Regards Dr Brian O’Toole, Director, Nations University
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Bypass bridge built to ease traffic woes on Lethem trail is once again pleading with road users to adhere to the weight limit when travelling on, particularly, hinterland roads. Connectivity in the
The overladen truck that broke the bridge
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) continues to execute emergency repairs to broken bridges along the Linden/Lethem Corridor. Less than two weeks after a bridge was broken in South Rupunini, Region Nine, the Mile 33 Bridge, as it is known, located between Mabura and Kurupukari was damaged by an overladen truck. Hinterland Engineer of the ministry, Jeffrey Walcott explained to the Department
of Public Information (DPI) that the bridge was broken on June 24 leaving heavy vehicles stranded for days. Commuters and light vehicles were forced to find innovative ways of shuttling passengers and goods across the bridge to arrive at their intended destinations. Walcott noted that the ministry, together with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), have already secured the labour and materials to repair the bridge. “A bypass
bridge has been built and heavy traffic has been able to move again. The contractor, International Imports and Supplies gave the ministry its assurance that the bridge would be repaired within four days once all the materials had been sourced,” Walcott explained. Consistent damage to hinterland roads incurs large sums for maintenance and repairs, which could be directed towards other developmental projects. The ministry
Community-based tourism partnership for Moraikobai DURING a recent visit to Moraikobai in Region Five, Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin, disclosed to residents that his ministry is in the process of developing a community tourism partnership model. This will see the government, private sector and members of various communities working together to push eco-tourism. “There is a market that appreciates what we have, and we have to develop our tourism product to match the requirements of that market. However, it calls for expertise. We cannot do it alone and hope to be successful. We have to work with people
who understand the international tourism industry.” Minister Gaskin said while the government would like to finance the construction of eco-lodges in all the indigenous communities across the country, it cannot do it alone. “The need for private sector partnership and investment are key to the development of eco-tourism.” M o r a i k o b a i Vi l l a g e Councillor, Bernita France, in response said that the council and members of Moraikobai village are ready to partner with the government and private sector to hasten the development of eco-tourism in their region. She noted the development of an eco-lodge in
Five nabbed for cocaine at CJIA bond
their community would enhance their livelihoods and will create an outlet for them to sell their local craft and food products. “One way we get our craft sell is when we have visitors; that is sometimes the only way we get to sell it…so I look forward to seeing this partnership develop, so we can develop our village further and get market for our crafts,” France said. The development of eco-lodges is part of government’s plan to promote economic growth and community development, through the creation of nature-based and community-based eco-tourism businesses in indigenous communities. (DPI)
FIVE men are in custody after ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted seven kilogrammes of suspected cocaine, under a shipper’s vehicle on Monday at the Cheddi Jagan The drug which was intercepted by CANU. International Airport (CJIA). Bond at CJIA , Timehri. According to a release from The shipper was scheduled to ship CANU, the drug was intercepted under the vehicle of the shipper by ranks ,while it was ground provisions and pumpkins on a cargo parked inside the compound of the CAMEX flight destined for Canada.
hinterland is critical to allow for easy accessibility to the locations of the extractive industries in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.
In this regard, $1.5B was allocated in the 2018 Budget for road rehabilitation as well as the completion of all rollover projects.
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Cocaine swallower busted …CANU hunts boyfriend A WOMAN who was carrying an 11-month-old baby while being an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Monday night has been arrested by the anti-narcotics authorities. According to a release from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on Monday Natasha Blair , 37 , a cosmetologist ,Lot 92 Grove /Diamond, East Bank Demerara was booked to travel on a Caribbean Airlines flight to New York. Around 22:00hrs, Blair checked in her luggage and whilst on her way to the departure lounge she was intercepted by CANU ranks who escorted her to a city hospital. CANU said suspected cocaine pellets were displayed in her digestive tract on an x-ray and an object, which was inserted in
Natasha Blair
Sherwin Stoby
her lower extremity, was also observed. Blair was admitted as a patient and has since excreted one large object suspected to contain cocaine that was observed in her lower extremity. Regarding the ingested pellets seen in her digestive tract, the woman has so-far excreted three suspected cocaine
pellets and remains hospitalised. The woman’s baby has since been handed over to her grandmother. CANU is hunting the woman’s partner, one Sherwin Stoby called “Kong” of Lot 87 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown. Anyone knowing his whereabouts are asked to contact CANU at 227- 3507.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
‘Rasta’ community hails proposal to decriminalise ‘ganja’
– willing to abide by rules of management By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyanese Rastafarian community said Tuesday that it welcomes the proposal by the Regional Commission on Marijuana to decriminalise the use of marijuana across Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. And according to executive member of the Guyana Rastafarian Council, Ras Leon Saul, the community is also willing to abide by the guidelines set out by the commission for management of the herb. The announcement was made Monday by CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at a press conference ahead of the formal opening of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, being hosted in Jamaica from July 4-6. Ambassador LaRocque said that the 10-member commission, made up of experts in the fields of medicine, law, education, psychiatry, criminology and more arrived at its proposal after analysing the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use. However, the commission has recommended that marijuana be “deemed a substance that is controlled and managed, as alcohol”, and that certain precautions be taken for the protection of children and young persons from its adverse effects. According to Saul, the local Rastafarian community has been paying close attention to developments pertaining to the call worldwide to decriminalise marijuana, and is happy about the way things have turned out so far. “I think it is justified to be a priority item on the agenda, simply because it is something that has been on the back burner for so long. And I guess it has been called to the forefront now,” he said, adding: “I personally think that they will come back with a positive reaction and pave the way; give the go-ahead for countries such as Guyana to do what is necessary to come of age.” Asked what he thought of the recommendations the commission has put forward, Saul seemed amenable to the idea, as he feels that such regulations would help discourage those that are under-age from smoking the herb. WAY TO GO “Protocols, bylaws, regulations, that’s the way it has been for alcohol and for tobacco; that’s the way it is
for driving and for any legit business. You’ve got to have those things in place,” he said, adding: “Anybody could be smoking weed; any little schoolchild could be smoking herbs, but when you have it regulated, there will be measures put in place so that certain persons cannot do it. It will be out of bounds like how tobacco and alcohol are out of bounds.” Saul, who is a the former president of the Rastafarian Council, said that for too long the plant has been “demonised” when, in truth, it has certain benefits that alcohol and tobacco don’t have, and can bring significant economic relief and foreign exchange to Guyana. “Now that GuySuCo has so much land available from the sugar bailout,” he said, “we can start hemp production that can help Guyana in time to come... “Over time, we can earn more money from hemp and marijuana than oil. In 40 years’ time, oil will be done; but in 40 years’ time, the hemp and the marijuana will still be growing.” The commission has also recommended that marijuana smoking and other uses should be banned in all public spaces. Saul wholeheartedly agrees, saying that the Rastafarian community will not have an issue with this, because of its support for the guidelines of the Anti-Smoking Law. Said he: “As Rastafarians, when we have our worship ceremonies and so on, it happens within our communities, so we have it under controlled conditions. But, generally, we support the Anti-Smoking Law, because second-hand smoke is not good, whether it’s tobacco smoke or marijuana smoke; we recommend that you smoke at home or smoke within prescribed areas.” CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS Asked how the use of marijuana at ceremonies may affect small children, Ras Saul said: “When it comes to smoking, there ought to be age limits because smoking, regardless of if it’s herbs or tobacco, has carcinogenic attributes from the spinoff of smoking… “But the point is, herbs or marijuana, because of its medicinal values, it can be boiled and drank as a tea; it can be cut up in your salad; it can be made into brownies... “In other words, smoking it is not the only way to ingest or to take in the medicinal aspects of the herbs.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Child killer gets 23 years AN expressionless Brian Bob-Semple, 25, was on Tuesday sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for the 2015 killing of a nine-yearold boy. Justice Sandil Kissoon ordered the sentence in the Georgetown High Court after the man pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. According to the indictment, the accused allegedly murdered the deceased between April 1 to 4, 2015 in the county of Demerara. When the indictment was presented in the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday morning the accused pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. In presenting the facts the State said the deceased, who was nine years old at the time, left home, returned but left once again without returning home. She related that the boy’s body was later found on a dam at Houston. However, the State’s attorney stated that the accused was arrested and he admitted to Police that he “carry the boy at the back
Shaquan Gittens, the deceased
Brian Bob-Semple, the accused
deh, and I de choking he.” The cause of death was given as asphyxiation to the neck and drowning. In response, defence attorney Maxwell McKay said, “A person can’t be in their right mind in a matter like this.” He asked the court for mercy and added that the accused needed psychological treatment and had expressed his need for remedial training while in prison. Justice Sandil Kissoon said that the accused should benefit from remedial train-
ing while in jail. In handing down his sentence, Justice Kissoon started at a base of 25 years but made some deductions for the plea and time served then added nine years and seven months for the degree of cruelty involved in the incident. He then sentenced Brian Bob-Simple to 23 years imprisonment with parole. Guyana Chronicle photos saved in a file in Graphics as Shaquan Gittens and Brian BobSemple.
One man changes plea in $24M cocaine case THE five men who were charged with trafficking $24M in cocaine last month were on Tuesday further remanded to prison by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrates’ court until July 25. The men, Khemraj Lall, 39, of Zeelugt EBE; Marlon Lawrence, 36 of Felicity, East Coast Demerara(ECD) ; Rajendra Persaud, 47 of Liliendaal, ECD; Doodnauth Chattgroon, 36 of Zeelugt and Cleve Thornhill were held last month by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) during a sting operation at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
They were charged with trafficking 35 kilogrammes of cannabis and 13.8 kilograms of cocaine on June 6, 2018 at Parika. All the men pleaded not guilty. Thornhill had initially pleaded guilty to the charge but when the matter was recalled on Tuesday he changed his plea to not guilty. CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford told the court that CANU ranks on June 6, 2018 at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, intercepted the five men with the cocaine and cannabis stashed in false bottoms of two 15-gallon gas bottles. According to reports,
CANU was able to make the bust after receiving information regarding a shipment of drugs arriving at Parika from Charity in a speed boat. Acting on the information received, CANU officers then went to the Parika location where they intercepted motor vehicles PSS 8019 and PVV 7934. In one motor car were Lawrence and Persaud, while Thornhill and the other co-accused were in the other. The vehicle was searched and two blue 15-gallon gas bottles were found with the bottoms cut and covered with brown paste. A further examination of the containers revealed several packages with some containing cannabis and others containing the suspected cocaine.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Stage set for robust aviation system – Min. Ferguson THE stage is being set for a robust aviation system that plays a vital role in national and sustainable development of Guyana, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson
said. She made the announcement at the opening of the 23rd Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) Board of Directors meeting held at the Ramada Hotel
on Tuesday. Acknowledging that things are changing rapidly in the sector, Minister Ferguson said in the Caribbean, like most parts of the world, there is a shortage of technical skills
Left to right: Chairman of CASSOS Nari Williams-Singh; Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), (ret’d) Lieutenant-Colonel Egbert Field; and GCAA Chairman, (ret’d) Lieutenant-Colonel Larry London flanked by board members and delegates (Adrian Narine photo)
and therefore the unifying approach in CARICOM through CASSOS give countries with limited human resources and avenues access to new technical expertise to keep the aviation sector safe. She said having the opportunity to sit in previous meetings gave her the opportunity to understand CASSOS in the regional and international context. CASSOS contributes
to the development of the aviation sectors of member countries through the sharing of technical expertise. Guyana has been a beneficiary of CASSOS’ work. “There is a new bill being crafted and it is before the Parliamentary Select Committee and we expect to see the passage of that bill before the end of 2018,” the minister said. She added: “We are including in the legislation, provisions to give the authority to CASSOS inspectors to carry out their work unhindered in Guyana.” The Civil Aviation Bill 2017 was shared with and
reviewed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The new bill seeks to repeal and replace the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 53:01 and bring Guyana’s aviation law into conformity with primary legislation, regulating civil aviation currently found in other parts of the world. The CASSOS is the first Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO) of its kind in Caribbean aviation and aims to uphold the highest standards of safety and security in the aviation industry of member states.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Driver arrested after transporting bandits POLICE are hunting for two bandits suspected to have been seriously injured during a robbery at Alliance, Canal Number 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara while the driver of the car reportedly used in the incident is being interrogated. Police Public Relations officer, Jairam Ramlakhan said the vehicle, after a “brief pursuit� by the police, was intercepted at Leonora, WCD and is currently impounded. A suspected bloodstained jersey and traces of
blood were found inside the blue NZE Toyota, he said. Ramlakhan said two live 9mm rounds were found at the scene and an unlicensed 9MM pistol allegedly taken from one of the two armed suspects during a struggle. The weapon has since been handed over to the police. Investigations revealed that about 02:00hrs Tuesday morning, a 31-year-old mechanic/businessman was sleeping in a hammock under a shed in his yard when he was confronted by two men armed with handguns.
The motorcar that is suspected to have transported the bandits
The robbers demanded valuables; took the businessman inside his house; and
relieved him of a large sum of cash, in the presence of a sibling.
The firearm retrieved by police
During the ordeal, the suspects gun-butted the victim who retaliated and engaged them (bandits) in a physical confrontation. In the process, the victim reportedly managed to disarm one of the gunmen after
the magazine fell out of the other’s gun. The victim then quickly armed himself with instruments and wounded the suspects who fled in a waiting vehicle. Investigations are in progress.
Popular jewellery store robbed of millions
The L. Seepersaud Maraj and Sons stall located inside the Stabroek Market
BANDITS carted off millions of dollars in valuables after torching the vault of popular Guyanese jewellery store L. Seepersaud Maraj and Sons located inside the Stabroek Market. It is suspected that the theft occurred on CARICOM Day or into the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Police from the Major Crime Investigations Unit probing the robbery visited the Section 4 Stall, 4243 Stabroek Market, early Tuesday morning. A staffer related that when he visited the store Monday morning, everything was intact and when another staff turned up at work at 07:00hrs on Tuesday, it was discovered that the store was vandalised. Reports indicate that the staff upon arrival Tuesday
morning observed the front grill of the store was opened and upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the vault door was also opened. She immediately contacted the proprietor who visited and noted that a large quantity of gold and diamond jewellery was missing. Police source said the robbers gained entry to the store from the eastern grill by cutting the locks and disabling the alarm systems before blow-torching the vault door open. It was noted that the bandits took several hours to complete their operation since there were three major security doors before the vault. Police have collected fingerprints from the scene but no arrest has been made as investigation continues.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
The failed Caesarean Plot: ThirdTerm Drama ON Tuesday, June 26, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled by 6-1 in favour of residential term limits in Guyana. This ruling was welcomed by all and sundry across the political divide in Guyana, but are we going to ignore the Orwellian and Dickensian intrigue that surrounded this case? Those who believe that this was not a Caesarean plot should go to the back of the class and wear the political dunce cap and stand on the bench. During my high school days, my favourite class was English Literature, taught by Miss Blake. My favourite book was ‘Julius Caesar’; I fell in love with this book ever since my first encounter. In 1599, William Shakespeare, inspired by the events in Roman history, produced yet another political masterpiece in the form of ‘Julius Caesar’. In Act 1, Scene 2, there is the following discourse: Brutus: ‘What was the second noise for?’ Casca: ‘Why, for that too. Cassius: ‘They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?’ Casca: ‘Was for that too’ Brutus: ‘Was the Crown offered thrice?’ Casca: ‘Ah,marry was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time, gentler than the other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted’. This part of the beautiful Shakespearean drama makes for excellent application to the third-term drama that caught the attention of this nation; it was indeed a Caesarean plot. Caesar schemed to be Emperor of Rome while publicly rejecting an interest in same. In 2001, the Guyana Parliament, with a two-third majority, altered Article 90 of the 1980 constitution to establish the term limit of a President. This was signed into law by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, the only living President this law could affect directly. The nation breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this was a new era where unchecked, insatiable appetites for power will be forever corralled by this amendment. What great intrigue and Caesarean plotting met the nation when suddenly a petition by Mr. Cedric Richardson to the courts requesting the decision by the Guyana Parliament to be struck down. This Orwellian chicanery became clear when Mr. Richardson was contacted and denied that he was behind this case from his modest home which is not consistent with the astronomical costs that surrounded this case. To date, Mr. Richardson has not been identified. The name on the case docket remains a phantom. So the streets, halls of power, civil society and more began to ask, who was behind this grand Machiavellian scheme? All fingers began to point at the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who on February 4th 2015, through a statement by the Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, made known that he had zero interest in a third term. Was this a case of Caesar refusing the crown? It seemed eerily similar to a Shakespearean drama. The nation was transfixed, I was perplexed. Mr. Richardson was victorious in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, but the move to the CCJ commenced another chapter in this political charade. Most thought that this case would collapse in terms of the plaintiff’s representation at the CCJ, due to the financial implications. Most cases before the CCJ out of Guyana have been executed by large corporations. I am advised that a retainer fee for Queen’s Counsel representation is around US$100,000 with additional costs attached. The total cost of this case for the plaintiff is estimated, conser-
vatively, at USD$ 400,000. It begs the obvious question, which Guyanese citizen of average means forks out GY 80,000,000 million in the interest of personal democracy and does not even appear publicly to embrace his cause? It is evident, the land of the mighty Roraima was hit by a Caesarean plot reminiscent of the same mysterious, opaque political machinations that engulfed the nation during the reign of the cabal. The implications are frightening to say
the least. The CCJ delivered nation-saving justice. Term limits will open the floodgates of ambitions for leadership on one side of the political divide, while this is great for Guyanese democracy, Caesar stills stands and I am reminded again of the words of Shakespeare/Caesar, ‘Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men and such as sleep o-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look’.
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Wanted bulletin issued for Bissoon POLICE on Tuesday issued a wanted bulletin for Damian Bissoon, 31, in relation to the murder of Taj Andrew Jarvis on March 30, 2018 at Barr and Alexander Streets, Kitty, Georgetown. Bissoon’s last known address is Lot 34 Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown. Jarvis, a labourer was fatally stabbed during an attempted robbery on Good Friday evening after he and a friend were attacked while walking along Alexander Street, Kitty. Taj Andrew Jarvis, 27, of Dowding Street, Kitty sustained stab wounds to his chest and chin and was
Wanted: Damian Bissoon
Dead: Taj Andrew Jarvis
rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Anyone with information that may lead to the
arrest of Bissoon is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2262870, 229-2655, 229-2289, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Couldn’t get to kiss son, father became enraged A TWENTY-eight-year-old fisherman, who allegedly stabbed his ex-wife after she refused to let him kiss their three-year-old son, was on Tuesday further remanded to prison for attempted murder. Ramsawan Singh, of Sea View Street, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and had his matter transferred to the Leonora Magistrate Court for July 27. Last week, Singh was charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding
27-year-old Geeta “Pinky” Deochand with the intent to commit murder on June 28, 2018 at Cornelia Ida. According to reports, Deochand, who lives at Cornelia Ida, and the 27-year-old suspect, who is the father of her child, have been separated for a while. However, on Thursday morning, while the victim and her son were standing on the Cornelia Ida Public Road, the suspect allegedly approached them and asked to kiss the child, but was refused permission to do so. It was at this point that
Ramsawan Singh
he became enraged and stabbed her several times with a knife and ran away. He was later apprehended.
Teen remanded on car parts charge A SEVENTEEN-year-old teen was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a simple larceny charge. The charge alleged that between February 2 and March 10, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, Randy Smith stole four Hummer shocks valued $280,000 and four Hummer speakers valued $160,000, property of Anthony Singh. The teenager who works at a wash bay and resides at Norton Street, Lodge denied
the charge read to him in court. Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted on the grounds of the accused being a flight risk. The prosecutor said the virtual complainant parked his car in front of a business place and left for a while. After returning he noticed that someone had broken into his car and stolen the items mentioned. The defendant was arrested based on the in-
formation police received and he took the ranks to a house where some of the items were recovered. As the ranks exited the house the defendant made his escape but was recaptured on June 28, 2018. Prosecutor Mansfield told the court that the file was incomplete and two witness statements were outstanding. Smith was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Teachers picket union over pay hike
Chairman of the South Georgetown Branch, Kerwin Mars, speaking on behalf of the South Georgetown teachers (Samuel Maughn photo)
T E A C H E R S f ro m t h e South Georgetown Branch protested against their Union on Monday, complaining about the sloth in them getting promises increase in sslaries and other benefits. The picketing exercise was held in front of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Woolford Avenue office. Chairman of the South, Georgetown Branch, Mr. Kerwin Mars, expressed how tired and frustrated the teachers were with the way they are being treated. They believe that their Union is not representing them as they should. “It’s time the Union comes out and say to teachers, this is what is going on. This is what we have planned. This is what is going to happen… Task force is sitting at Ministry of Finance, what is the Union doing? It is time the Union knows we are fed up of the nonsense,” Mars said. Meanwhile, in response to the teachers picketing exercise, General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald said the Union had threatened to take industrial action late last year and they were summoned to two meetings, one by the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and the other by His Excellency, President David Granger. Coming out of the meeting with His Excellency, was the formation of the task force, where the President said he wanted this task force to look into the issues facing the the Union and benefits for its teachers. The
task force was completed in March 2018 and submitted a report to Ministry of Finance who presented that document to the cabinet. “From then to now we have not heard back anything on the way forward. All that we have been hearing is that the document is with the Ministry of Finance,” McDonald related. She said that the union is doing its part in finding out the status of the document. “It’s not that we’re not doing anything about it, we have been writing and writing and writing, to no avail. We ourselves are frustrated. I hear our teachers cry and we are going to do as we should, to ensure they get what they deserve,” McDonald said. McDonald also lamented that teachers are retiring year after year and are coming out the system without receiving their benefits. “It is really, really disgusting and frustrating, to say the least, that teachers who have been teaching for 29 and 30 and 35 years, cannot access benefits that are due to them. How long more do we have to wait? If the Government is not going to say anything to us, then teachers will voice their concerns the best way possible so that somebody can listen to us. So, we will communicate again with the Government to find out what is happening and then our teachers will decide the next step forward,” Ms. Mc Donald said. In the first week of April, the report with recommendations was handed over to Education Minis-
A section of the teachers from the South Georgetown Branch outside of the Guyana Teachers Union headquarters (Samuel Maughn photo)
ter Nicolette Henry with a commitment that it will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration. Based on the instructions of President David Granger, the task force was put together last November to address salary negotiations and other issues affecting teachers. The matters addressed included non-salary issues, allowances, de-bunching and matters highlighted during the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector, in addition to the GTU’s MultiYear Agreement. The GTU had initially proposed a 40 per cent across-the-board increase
for teachers for 2016; 45 per cent increase for last year and 50 per cent for 2018 through 2020 for all categories of teachers. It is unclear, however, what were the percentages put forward in the recommendations. During the recent Labour Day interaction, the President stated that the recommendations are now with the Finance Ministry. “Right now they are at the Ministry of Finance and I think that might be good place to leave this discussion,” he told reporters. Asked whether there was a time frame within which the Finance Ministry is expected to respond, Pres-
ident Granger, in response said he was unable to say. “No I can’t give you a timeline now. The Ministry of Finance will have to determine the outcome,” he said. When the recommendations were submitted by the task force, the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Vibert Welch had said that after three months of intense deliberations, a number of favourable recommendations have been tabled. He opined that the recommendations made in the final report will likely attract more persons to the teaching profession and encourage those who are
already in to remain. The permanent secretary had expressed optimism that Cabinet would have looked favourably at the recommendations put forward. Mark Lyte, President of GTU said after three months of deliberations, members of the GTU are satisfied with the proposals and recommendations made. According to the GTU President, it is important that the work of teachers in the classroom is recognised. Like the PS in the Education Ministry, Lyte said the GTU is anticipating a favourable response.
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Understanding climate change ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ and ‘Global warming’ are often times mistaken to be the same concepts but they are not. According to NASA ( National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Global warming refers to ‘the upward temperature trend across the entire Earth since the early 20th century, and most notably since the late 1970s, due to the increase in fossil fuel emissions since the industrial revolution.’ Whereas, Climate change refers to ‘a broad range of global phenomena created predominantly by burning fossil fuels, which add heat-trapping gases to the Earth’s atmosphere. These phenomena include the increased temperature trends described by global warming, but also encompass changes such as sea level rise; ice mass loss
in Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic and mountain glaciers worldwide; shifts in flower/ plant blooming; and extreme weather events.’ I would like to stress on the importance of being knowledgeable about these two topics. They both have negative impacts on not only our planet but also all of the lives on it. Our climate (the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period) is changing, whether by natural processes or by human exploitation. Sadly enough, we cannot stop this epidemic from happening. However, we can try to slow down its process. Climate change affects our agriculture, food supply/security, rising of our sea-levels, species extinction and many more. The role of the youth on climate change is of the utmost importance. We are the next generation who will
inhabit the earth and employ its resources. As such, it is only fair that we own the responsibility of protecting our planet, in terms of fighting the factors and challenges presented to us by climate change. The earth is getting warmer as the years increase but why should we care? Well, greenhouse gases, such as Carbon Dioxide, traps heat near the Earth’s surface. This causes the temperature to rise; the more greenhouse gases the atmosphere has, the more likely the temperature is to rise. Up until 150 years ago, humans did not produce a lot of greenhouse gases. As the years went by and deforestation increased (trees helps to trap carbon dioxide), increased use of machinery and vehicles that uses fossil fuels (their emissions produce some of the greenhouse gas-
es) and industrial factories are widespread, there have been an excessive amount of these gases in our atmosphere. All of the planet’s processes are interdependent on each other. The animals, waterways, land and energy all work in harmony. If one changes, it will surely affect the others. Guyana is located within the tropical regions of the world. We experience sunshine all year round. It should be within our interests because the ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolent rays. Not forgetting our country is also below sea-level. The fact that the government had to reconstruct the walls and increase the height over the past years is enough proof that we are in danger. Also, given the fact that our country will be an oil-producing nation in the near future, the use of fossil fuel will increase. As
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such, we will contributing even more to our own tragic demise as a species. Did you know that Guyana has an Office of Climate Change? Shockingly to some, yes we do. The Office of Climate Change works along with the government, in fact it falls under the Office of the President. They work on climate adaptation and forest conservation projects such as, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and the Forestry Investment. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) also helps Guyana to use more of its renewable energy sources. Over the years, governments have worked on implementing renewable energy projects. Such as, the Amaila Falls Hydropower project, a solar panel farm in Region One and many more. In our own little ways, we can all
help to make a difference along with our government. We can reduce our own personal use of fossil fuel emissions, use more of the renewable energy sources available, plant more trees in our communities or even in our own yards and educate others about the effects of climate change and global warming. We can also advocate towards our policy makers to implement more policies regarding a cleaner and greener Guyana. One quote that always stood out to me was, ‘One earth we have, one life we live, let’s not destroy other lives but save it.’ Our planet is not a commodity, it is our home. The smallest change in your everyday lifestyle can help make a difference. How our story ends on Earth is up to us because it is not written as yet.
OCC begins preparation for Third National Communication THE Office of Climate Change (OCC) on Monday opened a three-day Greenhouse Gas Inventory workshop in preparation for the Third National Communication (TNC), which will fulfill Guyana’s reporting requirements to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The workshop is also aimed at building capacity in Guyana at the technical and institutional levels and will see further integration of climate change priorities in Guyana’s national development strategies. This forum targets one of the TNC’s four main components, Greenhouse Gas – Inventory. The other three components, Mitigation Assessment, National Baseline Assessment, and Vulnerability and Adaptation, will to be targeted at later dates. The workshop is being held at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown. Head of the Office of the OCC, Ms. Janelle Christian said that the workshop’s ultimate goal is to see the rise of a group of
experts in data collection for Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG-I). ”As a country, the expectation is that we have a mechanism where we institutionalise the process for preparation of our Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This requires having… [a] cadre of national experts who are trained, not only to prepare our own Greenhouse Gas Inventory… but [who] can then have those experts sit at the highest level of decision-making under the framework… either as reviewers or editors of similar reports. That is the ambition that we have set [for] ourselves. Guyana would like to be among the first countries to actively take forward [this] mechanism,” she said. Ms. Christian also said the persons trained at the workshop will improve all of Guyana’s climate-based reporting. “While it may seem ambitious, it is possible… We need to start the process of building in-country capacity. It will also help the Office of Climate Change not to choose random individuals when the requests
Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC) Ms. Janelle Christian delivering remarks at the opening of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG-I) Workshop, held in preparation of the Third National Communication (TNC), a report to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
come to our office for the selection of… technical officers for training overseas on the UNFCCC Framework and other projects… We can only make a mark if we can build on those actions and steps taken previously [and] consistently. We will not be able to get where we want to go if… we have to select
some random person. There wouldn’t be any traction. So, the expectation is that these… individuals will be the pool that we will [select from] to ensure that… we have three or more experts… [who can] confidently be given the responsibility of preparing the report,” she said.
In an invited comment, National Project Coordinator, Mr. Marlon Velloza said that the workshop and subsequent GHC-I findings will provide valuable information that could catalyse Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda. “This is not just to fulfill our obligations to the UNFCCC, but it is also a good practice for a developing country to be aware of… the main emissions, or the main factors that are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and… the other factors that are contributing the net sink…,” he said. Mr. Velloza also encouraged the public to get educated and involved in ‘green’ initiatives. “If sea levels rise, we are more vulnerable to flooding and with that comes health risks and a whole host of other issues, such as impacts to people’s livelihoods. If farmlands are flooded, then obviously crops can’t grow…If we can’t grow our crops, then obviously we can’t get food… There are a number of ripple effects. This is everyone’s business and it’s important that everyone
is onboard and understand the implications of what we’re doing here today,” he said. Mr. Anit Garg, a professor residing in India, who is conducting sessions for the workshop via Skype, encouraged the participants to absorb what is being taught at the workshop in order to become experts themselves. “Our responsibility… is to prepare the national experts [so that] they can prepare their own inventories next time… This is a hands-on experience, not only a training which can become very boring… So we will be working with the experts on a day-today basis… [to] understand their concerns and also try to resolve their concerns so [that] it becomes long term capacity-building,” he said. The workshop also features Skype sessions by Dr. Indu Murthy, who resides in India as well. At the end of the three days, Professor Garg hopes to test and provide certification to those who have completed the workshop. The TNC is due for submission in 2019. (Ministry of the Presidency)
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Mocha Barnwell residents not at all happy ‒ because of deplorable state of access dam
By Leroy Smith
THE condition of a main access dam used by residents of Mocha Barnwell North on the East Bank of Demerara is causing tremendous distress to the persons living there. On Sunday, they came out to share with the Guyana Chronicle their frustration at what they feel is an arrant disregard of their calls for an all-weather road to access their homes and farmlands. They spoke at length of the horror of living in Barnwell North and having to deal with wading through thick slush whenever it rains, and the unevenness of the dam when the weather is favourable. They also spoke about the issue of schoolchildren in uniform falling and having to return home, missing school in the process; the elderly slipping and sliding and at times injuring themselves; the inability of persons to make it to the doctor’s office on time or at all; and the inability of motor vehicles to access the area in the event of an emergency. A pregnant 23-year-old mother of two told the Guyana Chronicle that in the eight years she has been living in the area, nothing has changed. According to her, the place is extremely difficult for schoolchildren, paticularly if they happen to fall into the slush on their way to school. She also raised concerns of her own, now that it’s al-
Moving around unaided is particularly challenging for this double amputee
most time for her to give birth, whether she would make it out of the area in time to have her baby. Then there was 25-yearold Britney, who said that even though she knew of her parents’ experience living there, yet still she moved into the area and built a house. And now she’s beginning to regret it, as whenever it rains, she cannot make it to her gate in her vehicle, and has to park it at the front of the village and hope for the best as there is no security there. She also fears that in the same way her parents lived through the situation, so too will her children and grandchildren. ‘FAIR PROMISES’ The woman expressed frustration at the many ‘fair promises’ residents had got
from politicians over the years about getting them a road. Britney spoke of her added expenses to pay persons to fetch her son through the slush whenever he has to go to school, and sometimes in the afternoons to prevent him from slipping and falling into the mud. That is $500 for each time he has to be carried. She also spoke of having to pay persons to fetch her groceries into the area where she is living, as well as her inability to use a stroller and walker for her young child. The residents say the situation is unhealthy and uncomfortable, and are calling for urgent attention to be placed on bringing them some sort of relief before it worsens. The community which has been in existence for a number of years, has witnessed water, lights and roads being
The state of the dam at Mocha Barnwell
placed in other new housing developments around Mocha while they have been without these services. Residents say that it was only after the 2015 election that they were able to access potable water. One man who gave his name as Rawl, said that while the community is grateful for the water supply in the area, they still need a proper road to get to and from their homes without incident like residents in other neighbourhoods, as well as electricity so they can live in comfort like everyone else. That said, he is calling on the government to dig deep into its pocket and see what best it can do to bring some level of relief to Mocha Barnwell North residents. ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS When the Guyana Chron-
icle visited the community on Sunday, residents were seen to be receiving electricity, but that was not through the legal means. Makeshift utility poles made of ‘bramble’ were seen at strategic points in and around the community, while the cables through which the power is being channelled were, in some instances, lying across the dam or in the bushes. Back on the dam, a double amputee spoke of her inability to independently move around since she has very little balance, and even fell into a waterway recently. Luckily for her, she had someone with her to get her help. Another resident, who is aged, bemoaned her inab8:20 PM 7/3/2018ility to leave the community as often as she would want to, in order to make it to church. She also spoke of her inability to have
her shut-in daughter to keep her doctor’s appointments as scheduled, as the young lady is wheelchair-bound. The issue of fire tenders and ambulances not being able to access the community in the event of an emergency is also cause for concern for the residents. When contacted on Sunday, a government minister said that a lot of work has been done in Mocha proper with the help of Central Government, and that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is the rightful authority with which to raise such issues. The minister, however, did commit to engaging the necessary players with a view to seeing what form of assistance can be brought to the residents of Mocha Barnwell North at least in the short-term.
New CCJ President to be sworn in today THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will today see a change in leadership from the Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron to the CCJ’s third President, Justice Adrian Saunders. The transition will take place as a part of the activities before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica. The event will be live-streamed, starting at 4 pm AST, so that the public can also experience the event, CCJ said in a release. In March of this year, it was announced that Justice Saunders, after an exhaustive international search, would
be appointed as President of the Court. He has been a Judge at the CCJ since 2005 and has contributed immensely to the administration and judicial functions of the Court. Justice Saunders is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and the Course Director of the Halifax-based Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute’s CJEI’s Intensive Study Programme. He is also one of the institute’s directors. Justice Saunders has also co-authored the book, Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law and is a contributor editor of the Caribbean Civil Court Practice. In April 2018, he was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Global
Incoming President of the CCJ Justice Adrian Saunders
Judicial Integrity Network by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) in 1975 and the Legal Education Certificate of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad & Tobago in 1977. He was called to the Bar of St. Vincent & the Grenadines in that same year. He worked with Sir Dennis at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and was later reunited with him in 2011 when Sir Dennis was appointed President of the CCJ. Sir Dennis has had a transformative influence on the judicial, administrative and technical operations of the CCJ. His leadership is rooted in a desire to achieve
excellence at levels of the operations of the Court through a continuous process of assessment and improvement. Through the development of measurable performance standards throughout the Court, he has facilitated a progressive environment that promotes sustainable growth and evolution. Justice Saunders paid tribute to Sir Dennis’ tenure at the CCJ, “to say that his impact is immeasurable is not hyperbole. During the period that Sir Dennis was President of the Court, we went from attorneys having to courier voluminous files to the CCJ, to filing by email and now full e-filing. The final two judgments that Sir Dennis delivered – one on Presidential term limits
for Guyana and the other, which struck down mandatory death penalties in Barbados, are testament to the kind of far-reaching and forward-thinking decisions that were made during his tenure”. Sir Dennis will also be in Jamaica to attend the Inauguration Ceremony for Justice Saunders. The CCJ will also host two Special Sittings of the Court to commemorate its new President. The first will take place at the CCJ, starting at 9:30am AST, on Friday, 13 July. The second Special Sitting takes place in Justice Saunders’ home country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, 20 July at 9:30 am at the House of Assembly in Kingstown.
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Aries Your visions could prove auspicious when it comes to your career ambitions. Sensitivity abounds; personal and professional interactions are charged with an influx of intensity. Tune into an inter-dimensional radio channel and connect with your higher self but avoid getting caught up in spiritual claptrap. Your mission is here on Earth, after all. If you need physical grounding, meditation can bring you back to centre. Alone time is good -- the still, small voice within can offer wise guidance for your next best move. Taurus Nothing real can be threatened, even when things seem more surreal than solid. Remember this principle of certainty today when the emotional haze confuses all manners of social connections. Although it may be unsettling to feel so nebulous, trust that this temporary illusory state is a gift. Nothing unreal exists and knowing this is your secret weapon. Your charm is endearing, but not everyone has to see things from your perspective for you to establish common ground. Hopi proverb teaches, “All dreams are spun from the same web.” Gemini Your natural airy approach to life takes on a mystical slant with a subconscious pull toward spiritual transformation. You may be quite comfortable with where you stand on your public platforms but could struggle to get in touch with your feelings about more personal subjects. Everything you create is a form of communication. You can truly do whatever it is you desire, but clarity is paramount. You cannot ask for what you want if you’re still fuzzy on the details. Quiet your mind and plug into your heart. Cancer Your hearts on your sleeve and your heads in alignment. All the planetary influence of emotional flow has you swimming in friendly waters today. Reassess your partnerships to see if any adjustments are in order now. Your admirable ideals can help you communicate your vision succinctly without delivering any guilt trips or dire warnings. The power is in your own hands as a sovereign creator, so boldly share your ideas for transforming your relationships. En Vogue sang, Free your mind and the rest will follow! Leo Pause before you respond today. There is cosmic turbulence in the air, and some hidden inner issues may surface when you least expect it. Sensitivity is amplified now, making it possible for drama to erupt with a person who is just as passionate as you. Compromise is the solution, but sacrificing your integrity isn't necessary. Allow the intensity to flow but remain grounded in your natural loving nature. Flex your compassion muscles and be the eye of the storm. Virgo Unconditional love is about accepting your partner or family member for exactly who they are -- no exceptions or excuses. Expecting someone to act the way you want only breeds contempt and fosters alienation. The same basic rules of respect apply to business partners and friends. Establish healthy boundaries and release control dynamics disguised as love or affection. When you allow others the freedom to show up as they desire and come and go as they please, the more they will reflect the beauty relationships have to offer. Libra Remain open to seeing things differently. Your logical facilities take a backseat with so much planetary emphasis on intuition and spirit today. It can be hard to actually know the meaning of anything you perceive due to the constructs you’ve inherited. Be willing to question what it is you think you know for sure, and trust that this is a firm beginning to a new way of being. Release pre-conceived notions of how anything should be and align with what already just is. Scorpio Remain open to seeing things differently. Your logical facilities take a backseat with so much planetary emphasis on intuition and spirit today. It can be hard to actually know the meaning of anything you perceive due to the constructs you’ve inherited. Be willing to question what it is you think you know for sure, and trust that this is a firm beginning to a new way of being. Release pre-conceived notions of how anything should be and align with what already just is. Sagittarius Your mind keeps running over the same old ground today, as your self-value is on the brink of radical change. You can stop the internal hamster wheel if you quit thinking any little slight or grievance is a sign that the cards are stacked against you. Everyone has demons to conquer, whether they are leftover insecurities from childhood or emotional wounds from past relationships. But no matter the source, these issues are yours to fix now. Your crowning glory is your ability to synthesise information; all it takes is the willingness to recognize and release the silent scripts running the show. Capricorn Only illusions distance you from your brother -- the collective brotherhood, that is. You thrive on the rush of competition but might struggle connecting with your peers or finding your community now. Seeing everyone you encounter as a part of yourself creates a karmic pattern; what you give is returned to you in unexpected ways. Obstacles are more easily overcome when you remove the veil of separation. Be generous out of self-interest and relax your competitive nature in favour of a more unified approach. Aquarius Luckily, your only problem has been solved, because ultimately, there is no problem. Even if it doesn’t seem so in the three-dimensional world, your higher self knows this paradox to be true. Although today’s energy is more emotional than logical, your ability to tune into another plane of consciousness serves your needs perfectly. Oneness is the only truth, and denial of this spiritual tenet is the only sin. The more you align with your divine purpose, the more you see it reflected all around you. To paraphrase Hermes himself, “As above, so below.” Pisces The watery cosmic weather enables you to operate inside your wheelhouse of recognizing unity instead of separation today. The simple truth is everybody is special, and nobody is special. This spiritual slant is true freedom because it levels the playing field and removes the pressure from one’s self and others. You are in communion with whoever happens to be in front of you at the moment. Love is not something to desperately seek and hoard. Love is a state of being; it’s the content, and not the form.
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Increased acreage of land for breadfruit cultivation imminent
WITHIN the next two years at least 30 acres of lands in Regions Four, Five, Seven and 10 will be dedicated to breadfruit cultivation in an effort to promote food security, says Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Dr. Homenauth made the comments during an introductory meeting of breadfruit expert, Dr. Laura Roberts-Nkrumah, to several research staff of the institute in NAREI’s
boardroom. Dr. Roberts-Nkrumah of the University of the West Indies’ Agriculture and Food Production Department, was invited to Guyana by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the request of NAREI. “President David Granger at the National Tree Day activity in 2015 indicated the importance of breadfruit… We did not wait on a directive…We started looking at increasing breadfruit production…But, to do that we needed quality planting materials…Also, we needed
to know what we have and so we approached the FAO for assistance in this regard,” he noted. Dr. Homenauth recalled that every year the institute acquires over 1,000 breadfruit seedlings from Global Breadfruit. While hundreds have been distributed to farmers in various regions, NAREI will be cultivating a significant amount. This is to ensure the availability of affordable quality planting materials since the current market price for a breadfruit plant is $3,000.
For the next two days, Dr. Roberts-Nkrumah, accompanied by a team from NAREI would be visiting various breadfruit-produc-
ing communities in Regions Four and Five. This activity will allow a first-hand look at the various varieties of breadfruit that are available
locally. On Friday, there will be a practical session for the propagating of breadfruit from root cuttings at NAREI’s Mon Repos location.
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Guyana looking to reclaim Junior CASA title GUYANA will pursue their 13th Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) title when the competition gets underway this weekend in Jamaica. The team, which held a brief unveiling ceremony for their new sponsors ExxonMobil, departs today, ahead of the one-week tournament starting on Saturday, featuring both individual and team divisions. During yesterday’s ceremony at the Georgetown Club, ExxonMobil Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs Deedra Moe, contended that the company is more than happy to be involved with the sport. “The relationships you build as a team will help
you in life. I wish you all the best as individuals and teams,” she told the gathering, adding the company is always willing to support youth development. She implored of the team to use the opportunity to have fun and share cultures with their opponents. Among the other sponsors are: Bounty Farm Limited, Fly Jamaica, Connections Travel Agency, the Guyana Olympic Association, PAS cargo, Go- Invest, Burger King, Ansa McAl and John Fernandes Limited. Guyana Squash Association executive Garfield Wiltshire, announced the players who will be a part of team Guyana, saying that they represent the
cream of the crop. The male team comprises: Alex Cheeks (captain), Rithew Saywack, Daniel Islam, Shomari Wiltshire, Samuel Ince-Cavalhal, Michael Alphonso and Shiloh Asregado, The female team has Rebecca Low (Captain), Sarah Lewis, Abosaide Cadogan, Madison Fernandes, Kirsten Gomes, Aliyah Persaud, Paige Fernandes and Christiana Fernandes. Other players who will be competing in the Individual competition are Gianni Carpenter, Lucas Jonas, Demetrus DeAbreu, Ethan Jonas, Mobryan Baksh, Nicholas Verwey, Louis DaSilva and Quen Lelilco. Garfield Wiltshire will serve as manager and he
will be assisted by David Fernandes. Others on the management team are Carl Ince (coach), Nyron Joseph (assistant coach - male) and Taylor Fernandes and Tifanny Solomon (assistant coach- female) GSA President David Fernandes noted that parental support has been a major factor in getting the teams ready.“It [Squash] is a very personal sport between the parents and their children. We want to thank the parents for what they do,” he added. To the team and the players, he said, “It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about how you play the game. It’s about giving the best that you can give. If you can win, it’s a plus.”
Guyana Women finish second in Tri-Nation Hockey tournament AFTER drawing 1-1 against Barbados and beating Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 on the opening day of competition (June 29), Guyana was positioned in the top spot going into the penultimate day of the Tri-Nation Women’s Hockey Series, being held at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at Wildey. With Trinidad having defeated Barbados by 1-0 in the first round, Guyana knew that the ladies from the land of the Hummingbird would be eager to exact revenge on their earlier duel against Guyana. Guyana’s second round match played against Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday last, started on unsteady ground for the Guyanese as early unforced errors resulted in a Trinidad field goal by striker Brianna Gouvia just 4 minutes into the match. With the Guyanese still struggling to compose themselves, Trinidad
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grabbed their second goal in the 25th minute by Felicia King from a penalty corner and a third in the 27th minute by Britney Hingh. The second half of the game saw a different team Guyana. The players seemed more organised with better spells of possession and improved defensive structure. In the 49th minute, Guyana executed a swift right side attack that found striker Princessa Wilkie, who was able to eliminate the final Trinidadian defender and secure a goal for Guyana. The final score however would reflect a 3-1 victory for Trinidad and Tobago. This game marked the 50th International Cap for former team captain Trisha Woodroffe. Guyana then entered their final match in the blistering Sunday morning heat against hosts Barbados with whom they drew 1-1 in the opening round. 08:20 hrs Black Indy 08:55 hrs Silver League 09:30 hrs Bernie 10:00 hrs Ben-Hur 10:35 hrs Red Rascal 11:10 hrs Philae Irish Racing Tips Bellewstown 12:30 hrs Syrena 13:00 hrs Captain Vancouver 13:30 hrs Artistic Melody 14:00 hrs Political Policy 14:30 hrs Iron Blue 15:00 hrs Beau Satchel
Team Guyana seemed more relaxed and confident as the game began with accurate passes, better ball control and a solid defensive structure. The game was a very physical one and the teams were evenly matched with some amount of frustration showing in both sides. In the 40th minute of play, a penalty stroke was awarded to Guyana due to a careless desperation tackle by the Bajans full back in the scoring circle. Former national captain Trisha Woodroffe stepped up to the challenge and sent a hard, flat, push to the left side of the goal beating the Bajan keeper and putting Guyana at a 1-0 advantage. The Bajans fought to the end and, with seconds remaining, secured a penalty corner against Guyana. Barbados would save themselves from defeat as the goalmouth scramble that ensued saw the ball squeeze past eventual goal keeper of the tournament, Alysa 15:30 hrs Chateau La Fleur English Racing Tips Kempton 12:50 hrs Madrinho 13:20 hrs Look Around 13:50 hrs Pilaster 14:20 hrs Buzz 14:50 hrs Petitioner 15:20 hrs Kingston Kurrajong 15:50 hrs Illusional 16:20 hrs Avon Green Musselburgh 09:00 hrs Scoundrel 09:30 hrs Lion Heart
Xavier, ending the game at a 1-1 draw. Trinidad and Tobago finished in the top spot of the series followed by Guyana with Barbados third. The teams will face each other again in the pool round of the CAC games which is scheduled for July 20 – August 3. Guyana will open the games with its first match on 20th July against Trinidad, followed by another match against Jamaica on 22nd, then Barbados on 24th. Other teams in the competition are hosts and newcomers Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico. The full results of the series are: Guyana vs Barbados 1-1 Trinidad vs Guyana 0-1 Trinidad vs Barbados 1-0 Guyana vs Trinidad 1-3 Barbados vs Guyana 1-1 Barbados vs Trinidad 0-0 10:00 hrs Breakwater Bay 10:30 hrs Mujassam 11:00 hrs Jacob Black 11:30 hrs Falcon’s Heir 12:00 hrs Landing Light Worcester 09:10 hrs Auenwirbel 09:40 hrs Robert’s Star 10:10 hrs Skin Deep 10:40 hrs Alcock And Brown 11;10 hrs Ilewin Geez 11:40 hrs Three Colours Red 12:10 hrs Outrageous Romana 12:40 hrs Dr Dunraven
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Nadal and Djokovic advance to Wimbledon second round FORMER champions Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic wasted little time getting to the second round at Wimbledon. World number one Nadal won the first match he has played since June’s French Open triumph, beating Israel’s Dudi Sela 6-3 6-3 6-2. Djokovic showed some of the form that took him to the Queen’s final in a 6-3 6-1 6-2 win over Tennys Sandgren. Nadal next faces Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin, while Djokovic plays Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos. It is the second successive year that Nadal has arrived at the All England Club without playing any other grass-
court tournaments. In 2017, he reached the fourth round, losing in five sets to Gilles Muller. He looked comfortable
Rafael Nadal
on a surface he had not played on for a year. His first breakthrough came when Sela double-faulted to put him 5-3 up in the first set, and he served it out. While world number 127 Sela at times surprised the Spaniard by matching his athleticism and getting to seemingly impossible drop shots to draw gasps from the crowd, he also gave too much away. He gifted Nadal the break in the first game of the second set when he hit a straightforward volley at the net and from then on seemed resigned to his fate against an energetic-looking opponent. Djokovic’s last Wimbledon outing ended in disap-
pointment as he was forced to retire in the 2017 quarter-final because of a right elbow injury. The problem needed surgery in January and has required him to change his serve; he has slipped down the world rankings to 21st. But in recent weeks he has started to string together some form, culminating in him finishing runner-up at Queen’s in June, which was his first final in almost a year. Against Sandgren, he used some delicate drop shots that the American world number 57 just could not get to.(BBC Sport)
Former winners Kvitova and Sharapova knocked out in first round TWO-time champion Petra Kvitova and former winner Maria Sharapova both suffered surprise defeats in the first round of the women’s singles at Wimbledon. Eighth seed Kvitova never looked comfortable against world number 50 Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, who won 6-4 4-6 6-0. Qualifier Vitalia Diatchenko came from a set and 5-2 down to defeat Sharapova. The world number 132 battled back to win 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-4. Sixth seed Caroline Garcia from France also went out after a 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 defeat by
Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. But last year’s winner Garbine Muguruza made a solid start to the defence of her title with a 6-2 7-5 win
over British wildcard Naomi Broady. There was also an easy win for top seed Simona Halep, who beat Japan’s Kurumi
Petra Kvitova
Nara 6-2 6-3. Kvitova has now gone out before the quarter-finals in five of her six Grand Slam appearances since returning to action after the stabbing that left her with severe lacerations to her playing hand in 2016. “I’m sad. I wanted to win very badly, maybe too much. The nerves were there again. I just tried to kind of fight with myself,” she said. “I was the biggest opponent I could have. I didn’t really have a clear mind. I was thinking a little bit too much. (BBC Sport)
Rahul, Yadav lead India to crushing T20 win over England (REUTERS) - Lokesh Rahul made a brilliant unbeaten 101 to lead India to a crushing eight-wicket victory over England in the first Twenty20 international in Manchester on Tuesday. Rahul plundered five sixes and 10 fours from 54 balls as India reached their target of 160 with 10 deliveries to spare. India left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took five wickets, including three in one over, as England struggled to a modest 159-8 from their 20 overs. Jos Buttler continued his rich vein of form with 69 off 46 balls but the hosts faltered after a bright start and Yadav’s inspired spell of 5-24 ripped out their middle-order. After the early loss of Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul and
Rohit Sharma shared a rapid second-wicket partnership of 123 and India were
able to knock off the last few runs mainly in singles as they eased to a 1-0 lead in
the three-match series. The second game is in Cardiff on Friday.
Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets in the 14th over, including two in two balls, to stifle England’s progress
Finch shatters own world record in Zimbabwe drubbing
Aaron Finch eclipsed his previous world best of 156 - set against England five years ago.
AARON Finch shattered his own Twenty20 international world record with a ferocious onslaught as Australia thrashed Zimbabwe by 100 runs in Harare. The Zimbabwe bowlers were unable to contain the in-form Finch, who bludgeoned an astonishing 172 from only 76 balls as Australia posted 229-2 in their second tri-series match on Tuesday. Captain Finch eclipsed his previous world best of 156 - set against England five years ago - with a brutal display of clean striking, clearing the ropes 10 times and hitting 16 fours before missing out on bettering Chris Gayle’s highest T20 score by only three runs. Finch dominated a best-ever T20 international stand for any wicket of 223 with D’Arcy Short, who made a pedestrian 42-ball 46 in comparison to his opening partner. Zimbabwe, missing key men due to a pay dispute, could only muster 129-9 in reply as they suffered a second defeat of the series and Australia made it two wins out of two in emphatic fashion, Andrew Tye the pick of the bowlers with 3-12. Finch had made back-to-back T20 half-centuries following a hundred in the recent one-day international series against England and cut loose again, passing 50 again off only 22 balls - his fastest T20 fifty - when he dispatched Chris Mpofu (0-53) over midwicket for six. The carnage continued as the destructive righthander showed no mercy on the Zimbabwe attack, making room for himself to hammer Tendai Chisoro for another huge six over long-off before Short got in on the act with two lusty maximums off Ryan Burl. Finch brought up an incredible century off 50 balls and the openers surpassed a record stand of 171 set by New Zealand duo Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson in January 2016 as the Zimbabwe bowlers continued to suffer. Gayle’s record look set to go when Finch - dropped by Burl on 133 - took 16 off three balls from Mpofu in the penultimate over, but he was out hit wicket dislodging the stumps while reaching for a wide ball in the final over after Short had also departed. Zimbabwe were never in with a realistic chance of chasing down their target, Jhye Richardson and Billy Stanlake getting rid of Chamu Chibhabha (18) and Solomon Mire (28) following a promising opening stand of 42. Tye tore through the middle order and Ashton Agar took 2-16 as Australia sealed a crushing win.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Scrappy Swedes edge Swiss 1-0 to reach quarter-finals By Simon Jennings
ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - A deflected shot from Emil Forsberg gave Sweden a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in a scrappy round of 16 match on Tuesday, sending the Swedes through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 24 years. A meeting with Colombia or England awaits Janne Andersson’s side in the next round, but judging by the fare they served up in St Petersburg, neither of their potential opponents will lose sleep over the prospect of facing the limited Swedish attack. Both teams were wasteful in possession and guilty of the sort of poor finishing and unimaginative midfield play that had boos and whistles ringing around the St Petersburg stadium from as early as the 25th minute. Switzerland came into the match as the side with arguably the greater wealth of attacking talent, but their four shots on target over the 90 minutes told its own story. Sweden had one attempt fewer on target, with the only difference being that one effort
took a heavy deflection and wrong-footed Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer to send the Swedes into the next round.
and shepherd the Swiss down the wings, surrendering possession while looking to pinch a goal on the counter.
Sweden’s Emil Forsberg scores their first goal past Switzerland’s Yann Sommer REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
“It’s the biggest goal of my career, one of the biggest moments in my career too. To experience this, to fire Sweden into a quarter-finals together with this group, it feels fantastic,” said Forsberg. The Swedes were happy to pack midfield as they have done for the entire tournament
Marcus Berg forced a fine save from Sommer in the 27th minute and Albin Ekdal squandered an excellent chance when he volleyed over the bar from 12 metres after getting on the end of a cross from Mikael Lustig. At the other end, Blerim Dzemaili wasted Switzer-
BCB to host T20 tournament for Lower Corentyne teams THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has secured the sponsorship to host the T/20 cricket tournament for teams in the Lower Corentyne area. The tournament is sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Lindon Lewis and family and would be played in memory of Rhonda Lewis, who died of cancer on the July 3, 2006, at the tender age of 16 years. The tournament will be played by teams between No. 1 Road to No. 42 Village on the Corentyne Coast. The teams expected to participate are No. 1, Fyrish Road, Fyrish, Chesney, Jai Hind, Albion, Toopoo, Belvedere United, Tamarind Root, Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Port Mourant, Tain Block Four, Rose Hall Town Tigers, Big Star, Kildonan and Ramnarine Memorial. The tournament to be played on a knock-out basis will be held on Wednesdays, in the afternoon, due to the packed schedule of cricket tournaments in the Ancient County. The finals are scheduled for the Hampshire Cricket Ground on October 20 from 13.00hrs and the Lewis family is expected to be present. Meanwhile, president of the BCB Hilbert Foster has disclosed that only players
land’s best chance when he fired over from 12 metres, while Xherdan Shaqiri had an awful day, sending long
who played for clubs in other 2018 tournaments would be allowed to play, and only Berbicians are eligible to play. Teams are also reminded that all players would be required to be properly attired in
The Rhonda Lewis Memorial T/20 is the third tournament to be secured for Lower Corentyne teams. Foster also disclosed that more tournaments would be unveiled for New Amsterdam/ Canje and West Berbice teams shortly. Lewis stated that he is pleased to be associated with the current Berbice Cricket Board administration and expressed full confidence that the tournament, in memory of his late daughter, would exceed all expectations. He committed himself to a longterm relationship with Berbice Cricket.
balls from the wing sailing over the heads of his team mates with alarming regularity. The teams went into the interval goalless and the second half started in a similarly stultifying manner, with the game looking like it was inching inevitably towards extra time and
potentially a penalty shootout. Soccer Football - World Cup - Round of 16 - Sweden vs Switzerland – Sain STROKE OF FORTUNE Even the goal had a fair bit of fortune about it. Forsberg’s 66th-minute shot was directed straight at Sommer until Manuel Akanji stuck out a foot and deflected it past his stranded keeper. “(Forsberg) has developed in terms of the holistic approach to his game,” Andersson said of his goalscorer. “Even if he doesn’t succeed in every part of his game, he does very well.” That was a fair assessment of Forsberg’s contribution before and after his goal, with the RB Leipzig midfielder unable to bring any sort of influence to bear for large parts of the match. Andersson, however, is not unduly troubled by his team’s lack of creativity. “We know that we’re a good team, we’ve earned our successes. We know how we’ve got this far,” the coach added. “What other teams and countries think about that, you’ll have to ask them.”
Switzerland sparked into life after going behind, but Sweden defended stoutly, making 33 clearances and nine blocks in total, while completing fewer than half the number of passes that their opponents did. They broke through the Swiss cordon deep into extra time when the substitute Martin Olsson was released into space and brought down by Michael Lang just outside the box. The referee gave Lang a red card and at first awarded a penalty to the Swedes, but changed his mind after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) and instead awarded a free kick. Sommer saved Ola Toivonen’s effort, and the game ended seconds later. “We’re sorely disappointed, we wanted to do more,” said Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic. “We also congratulate the Swedish team. They have done precisely what they are very good at and that was enough to beat us. “We should have done things better but we weren’t good enough to win the match.”
Maradona would coach Argentina for free
DIEGO Maradona would return to coach Argentina for free after being left hurt by their World Cup elimination. The 57-year-old great was in the stands as Jorge Sampaoli’s side slipped to a 4-3 defeat against France in the round of 16 and said his energetic demeanour at the game did not reflect his feelings about the outcome of the match. Argentina reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 with Maradona at the helm and he expressed his desire to take the job again in an appearance on Venezuelan TV network Telesur. “Yes and I would do it for free, I would not ask for anything in return,” said Maradona. When asked about his de-
piction in the media, he added: “They think I’m happy but my heart hurts. “I wish God gave me the strength to return to the field. The years and life go on for everyone and I get to 57 years of age watching my team beaten by a team that I do not think is one of the best at the World Cup. “It makes me feel bad - everything we built with much effort was destroyed very easily.” Having watched Brazil qualify for the last eight with a 2-0 victory over Mexico on Monday, Maradona backed Selecao head coach Tite to take his side all the way in Russia. “I saw a very strong team from Brazil that is on its way to
the title,” said the 1986 World Cup winner. “I like Tite a lot because he stops teams. “Mexico wanted to play as they did against Germany [a 1-0 Group F victory] and they gave everything. Mexico cannot be asked for more.” Maradona also passed comment on the on-field antics of Brazil striker Neymar, who scored Brazil’s first goal but was also seen reacting theatrically when a Mexico player allegedly stepped on his foot. “Neymar must be told: ‘Either you make us cry or you make us laugh’,” said Maradona. “When the Mexican stepped on him it was pitiful, but seeing him running joyous.”
Fitness Express is once again GBBFF’s Senior Championships platinum sponsor Lindon Lewis
white uniforms and no form of indiscipline would be tolerated. Walkovers shall be granted half-hour after the schedule start of play if any team fails to turn up, while teams shall forfeit their right to the toss if they fail to be present at toss time. Foster expressed gratitude to Lindon Lewis and family for their sponsorship. He reassured the family that he would personally make sure that the event is properly organised and completed on time.
THE Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation’s (GBBFF) Senior National Championships is fast approaching and the ever present Fitness Express is on board as the Platinum sponsor of the event. They, along with Sleep Inn Hotel, 711 Beverages, Atlantic Marine Supplies, Zoon and Trophy Stall are all sponsors of the federation’s most prestigious calendar activity, which will see the crème de la crème of Guyana’s musclemen and women vie for the Mr. Guyana,
GBBFF Vice-President Seon Satrohan receives the sponsorship package from Fitness Express’s Jamie McDonald
Ms. Bikini Body and Fitness Body titles among other categories on July 15 at Parc Vue, Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara. In a brief comment, GBBFF President Coel Marks noted; “Fitness Express has signed on once again as a platinum sponsor. They are shouldering a huge financial contribution towards the show and by far is the leading entity in corporate support for the strength sports.” Showtime on competition night is 19:00hrs with admission being $2,500.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Brazil forward Neymar defends himself from accusation of over-acting BRAZIL forward Neymar has defended himself against accusations he over-acted after a challenge during the 2-0 World Cup last-16 win over Mexico, saying: “I just feel the pain.” Neymar, 26, reacted strongly to an incident in which Mexico’s Miguel Layun seemed to stand on his ankle. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said the Paris St-Germain player’s “acting” is “not a good example for football”. But Neymar said: “It’s complicated. It’s not something I can control.” He added: “I got stepped on unfairly. I think it was off the ball, outside the game. I don’t think it should be done. “But that’s the thing, they talked too much before the game - and now they’re going home.”
Neymar scored one goal and played a key role in the other as his side set up a quarter-final against Belgium, who beat Japan 3-2 later on Monday.
referee Gianluca Rocchi “favoured Brazil”. “It is a shame for football, we wasted a lot of time because of one player,” said the Mexico boss after his
Neymar’s theatrics spark ridicule
However, he has faced accusations of diving at this year’s World Cup. Osorio said the incident with Layun halted Mexico’s momentum as they chased the game following Neymar’s opening goal, and that
side’s loss. “This is a game of men that is played with intensity and not with so much clowning. “It is a shame for all the people watching, all the children watching. There
shouldn’t be acting. I think this had an impact on our pace and style. “The game totally favoured Brazil. Too many interventions from the referee.” Neymar, who was given the lowest score by users of the BBC Player Rater, said the Brazilian players “have to learn to suffer”. “I don’t care much for criticism, or praise, because this can influence your attitude,” Neymar told TV Globo. “I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else.” Brazil coach Tite defended his player and insisted Layun “stepped on him”. “I saw it on the screen,” said Tite. “In the previous match, he was excellent and here he repeated a high-quality performance,” he added. (BBC Sport)
Bravo leads Hawks win with solid all-round effort … Gayle fails again in Knights victory
TORONTO, Canada, (CMC) – Dwayne Bravo produced a solid all-round effort to hand Winnipeg Hawks their second victory but superstar Chris Gayle failed for the straight straight game though his Vancouver Knight also posted their second win, in the Global T20 Canada league here Monday. Playing at the Maple Leaf North-West Ground, Hawks defeated Toronto Nationals by 56 runs while in the second match of the double-header, Knights got the better of Montreal Tigers by 18 runs. In the opening encounter, Hawks rallied to 164 for six off their 20 overs, with captain Bravo hitting 41 from 31 balls and fellow West Indies and Trinidadian batsman Lendl Simmons top-scoring with 44. Yet again, banned Australian opener David Warner failed, falling for one with as many on the board but Simmons struck four fours and three sixes in a 34-ball knock as he helped add 77 for the second wicket with Ben McDermott (25) and repair
the innings. Simmons and Darren Bravo (0) fell in the space of seven balls as Hawks lost three wickets for two runs in the space of eight balls to slump to 80 for four in the 11th, but Dwayne Bravo arrived to lash a pair of fours and four sixes, to add rally the innings late on.
eight from four overs while Dwayne Bravo finished with two for 23 with his medium pace. New Zealander Anton Devcich top-scored with 34 while Kieron Pollard got 25 and Windies teammate Johnson Charles, 22. Gayle, meanwhile, perished for just four as Knights reached 166 for six off their 20 overs, after being sent in. His opening partner Evin
Lewis (16) and Andre Russell (13), both also Windies teammates, failed with the bat as well but South African Rassie van der Dussen smashed an unbeaten 83 from 56 balls to bail his side out. Tigers then lost Dwayne Smith to the first ball of the innings as they were dismissed for148 with two balls remaining, with leftarm pacer Sheldon Cottrell finishing with two for 37.
More support for BCB THE outstanding work of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to attract the attention of prominent overseas-based Guyanese. The board over the last two months has been able to obtain sponsorship through the tireless effort of its U.S.A-based Liaison Officer, Oscar Ramjeet; overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh and Vernon Throne, who have all made financial contributions towards the Cricket Development Programmes organised by the BCB.
Imran Mc Sood Amjad
Executive Chairman and CEO of NAGICO, Mr. Imran Mc Sood Amjad, has now joined hands with Guyana’s most dynamic County Board by providing financial sponsorship towards Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira’s visit. Perreira, the widely respected international cricket commentator and sports administrator will be visiting Berbice for four
days, July 19-22, as part of a comprehensive development programme. He will meet with players, umpires, BCB’s executives and representatives of clubs as part of an effort to strengthen management at the club and board levels. NAGICO sponsorship would cover the expenses for accommodation, meals, transportation and a one-day seminar targeting 100 persons. President of the BCB Hilbert Foster who is spearheading the historic visit, expressed gratitude to Amjad for his timely support and also to Ramjeet for working beyond the call of duty. Ramjeet, he stated, has single-handedly assisted the BCB to raise over $2M in sponsorship from overseas-based Guyanese. The main objective of the four-day visit by the St. Lucia-based Perreira is to assist clubs to strengthen their management structures. Special emphasis would also be placed on strengthening the overall operation of the BCB, while getting officials to understand their list of duties. Perreira would also be meeting with all of the Berbice Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and female cricketers, as part of a comprehensive personal development programme.
ICC chief executive Richardson to step down after World Cup Dwayne Bravo … shone with bat and ball.
West Indies seamer Kesrick Williams picked up two for 33 from his four overs. In reply, Trinidadian Tion Webster grabbed four for 22 with his medium pace as Nationals crumbled to 108 all out in the 18th over. Former Windies speedster Fidel Edwards claimed Manof-the-Match honours with a brilliant spell of two for
(REUTERS) - International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson will step down from his position once his contract expires after the 2019 World Cup, cricket’s world governing body said on Tuesday. Richardson, who became the first person to hold the position of ICC General Manager – Cricket in 2002, was promoted to chief executive in 2012. “The hardest thing as a cricketer is knowing when the time is right to retire. But
for me, the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup next year is about right,” Richardson said here.
David Richardson was promoted to CEO in in 2012.
The ICC said they would begin a global recruitment process to identify Richardson’s successor. “I have enjoyed my time at the ICC and I am pleased with what we have achieved in creating greater context for all formats of the game and securing increased opportunities and clear pathways for all members to play at the highest level,” Richardson added. “I will do all I can over the next 12 months to ensure that we complete our work
on the new global strategy aimed at growing the game both in our traditional and new markets, and, in particular put on a World Cup that does the game proud.” ICC chairman Shashank Manohar thanked the former South Africa wicketkeeper for his contribution at the helm. “On behalf of the ICC board, I would like to thank David for his service and commitment to cricket over the past 16 years and, particularly, over the last six years as CEO.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 4, 2018
England ends shootout pain to reach last eight By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Spartak Stadium, Moscow ENGLAND’s new generation ended the World Cup penalty jinx by knocking out Colombia on spot-kicks to reach the quarter-finals. Eric Dier scored the winning kick after Jordan Pickford’s brilliant save from Carlos Bacca’s attempt, with England’s first ever World Cup shootout win setting up a meeting with Sweden in Samara on Saturday, a game that can be seen live across the BBC. Gareth Southgate’s side had been seconds away from the last eight during normal time, with Harry Kane’s penalty after he was fouled by Carlos Sanchez in the box - his sixth goal of the tournament looking as though it was going to send them through. But deep into injury time, Colombia threw everyone forward for a Juan Cuadrado corner, including goalkeeper David Ospina, and Yerry Mina headed a dramatic equaliser at the Spartak Stadium. Kieran Trippier was standing on the line but could not keep out the Barcelona centre-back’s third headed goal of the World Cup. The Three Lions had been on top for most of the 90 minutes but appeared understandably deflated in extra time - although Danny Rose and Dier missed late chances
to win the game and avoid a shootout. Henderson had a penalty saved by Ospina in the shootout but Mateus Uribe smashed the following kick on to the crossbar to pave the way for Pickford and Dier to be England heroes. No previous world champions stand between England and the final. The winners of their quarter-final will face either Croatia or hosts Russia for a place in Moscow on 15 July.
as they drive deeper into this World Cup after a night of noise, colour and hostility in Moscow. Southgate’s side cast off the clouds of dread that have come over England in penalty shootouts in the past, a psychological lift that may yet help them further down the line. Colombia made their intentions clear from the off. This was going to be a scrap and Jose Pekerman’s side would be the beneficiaries if
Everton goalkeeper Pickford received some criticism for his performance against Belgium but was outstanding here, not only saving that Bacca penalty but producing one of the saves of the World Cup from Uribe’s thunderous drive from 30 yards - which cruelly led to the corner that brought Mina’s equaliser. And Trippier’s measured penalty was another indication of his growing maturity at this level, the Spurs full-back hav-
FINALLY! England beat Colombia on penalties. (Sky News photo)
The game itself had been a bad-tempered affair, with eight players booked in total - six of them Colombians, including Wilmar Barrios, who was lucky to avoid red for a first-half headbutt on Henderson. England’s survived a test of nerve that will prove invaluable
England were dragged into it. England lived on the edge in those physical exchanges but the manner in which they survived and came through that test will add an extra layer to the satisfaction. And within the dogged team performance, individuals once more made their mark.
ing again performed solidly down England’s right. England will have taken a lot out of themselves in this physically gruelling and mentally taxing last-16 game and they now face the well-organised and resilient Swedes. If they can overcome Sweden, the possibility of a semi-fi-
Windies, Bangladesh clash in first Test today ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – A low profile two-Test series against once minnows Bangladesh will carry much weight for struggling West Indies, when it bowls off at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium here today. Having slumped to a historic low of ninth in the ICC Test rankings last May, the rubber against the dangerous Bangladeshis in familiar home conditions represents the ideal chance to climb back to eighth and begin their long trek back up the rankings. The Caribbean side gained five ratings points following their 1-1 draw in the recent three-Test series against Sri Lanka, and now lie within striking distance of eighth in the rankings on 72 points – three adrift of the Bangladeshis. A 1-0 series series win will see the Windies move to 75 points and Bangladesh drop to 69 while a series sweep will result in the hosts rising to 77 and their opponents slipping to 67. The permutations therefore highlight the importance
of a series win for the Jason Holder-led unit. Conversely, West Indies will also need to avoid a series defeat, as such an outcome will see the gains made against the Sri Lankans erased. They stand to lose four points with a 1-0 defeat and will concede a further point if they are swept by Bangladesh, who will then strengthen their hold on eighth spot. West Indies, however, will be heartened by some of their
performances during the recent series but will enter the Test here concerned by their mis-firing batting group. The top five – Kieran Powell (166), Roston Chase (123), Shai Hope (114), Kraigg Brathwaite (104) and Devon Smith (91) – all struggled for runs and managed only four half-centuries among them. Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, adjudged Man-of-the-Series, led the batting with 288 runs at an average of 57 and was
West Indies captain Jason Holder
the only West Indies batsman to score a hundred. Holder, who excelled with the bat scoring 198 runs at nearly 40, will hope for a better showing from his specialist batsmen. Speedster Shannon Gabriel will once again lead the Windies attack fresh from his outstanding showing against Sri Lanka when he picked up 20 wickets. Holder, who took nine wickets in the last Test at Kensington Oval, finished the series with
nal meeting with Russia or Croatia comes into view. England found a way to win here that has often eluded them, digging deep in the process - and they will have headed back to their Zelenogorsk training HQ in soaring spirits. There is work to do, though, and this was not a flawless performance by any means. But England and Southgate now have power to add to the momentum they have regained following the loss to Belgium at this spectacular Russian World Cup. Referee Geiger lost the plot American referee Mike Geiger’s failure to clamp down on early misdemeanours led to him losing control of a game that Colombia seemed determined to turn into a battle. Instead of imposing his authority on proceedings with firm decision-making, he instead indulged in lengthy discussion with players from both sides on numerous occasions. It lead to Colombia, in particular, pushing him to the edge although England were not total innocents, with both Henderson and Harry Maguire leaving themselves open to accusations of being over-theatrical and many others sailing close to the wind. This would have been a tough night for any referee, with players clearly failing to respect his decisions, and making no attempt to make the official’s life easier, but it is to be hoped officials with a greater sense of authority are handed the huge games that remain here in Russia. Match stats - Kane sets best England run since 1939 England have won a penalty shootout at a major tournament for only the second time, also
beating Spain in Euro 96. England have qualified for the quarter-final of a World Cup for the first time since 2006. Colombia have lost three of their four knockout matches at the World Cup (also the last 16 in 1990 and the quarter-final in 2014). The team going first in a penalty shootout have now lost all three at the 2018 World Cup. Harry Kane became the first player to score in six consecutive England appearances since Tommy Lawton did so in 1939. Kane has scored six goals in his first three World Cup appearances for England - only three players have scored more in their first three matches; Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis (nine), Germany’s Gerd Muller (seven) and Argentina’s Guillermo Stabile (seven). The last England player to be fouled more often in a World Cup match than Kane in this match (nine) was Alan Shearer in 1998 against Tunisia (11). Kane has scored 14 goals in 10 England appearances under Gareth Southgate, scoring in all eight matches he has played as captain (12 goals). • Mina has scored in all three of his appearances at the World Cup, with all three headers. • Kane has scored six goals from six shots on target at the 2018 World Cup. • England conceded in injury time at the end of the second half for the first time in World Cup history, with Mina’s goal coming after 92 minutes and 33 seconds. • Eight of England's last 15 World Cup knockout matches have gone to extra time, with the first match in this run the 1966 World Cup final. (BBC Sport)
12 scalps while fellow seamer Kemar Roach had 11. Pacer Miguel Cummins, who managed just three wickets, will be a concern as will be leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo ended with four across the three Tests. West Indies will fancy their chances, especially based on past series against Bangladesh, as they have only lost once to the Asians – in 2009 when they fielded a depleted side because of a players strike. In 12 Tests, the Windies have won eight times, lost twice and drawn twice. The last time
they two teams met in the Caribbean four years ago, the hosts pulled off convincing wins in both Tests. Bangladesh, meanwhile, without a Test series win since thrashing minnows Zimbabwe four years ago, are expected to present a strong challenge. They served notice of their dangerous batting when they piled over 400 in the two-day tour match against CWI President’s XI last week, with experienced opener Tamim Iqbal and veteran Mahmudullah hitting exciting centuries.
Bangladesh experienced opener Tamim Iqbal
SQUADS:
WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith. BANGLADESH – Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah, Litton Kumer Das, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shafiul Islam.
Guyana looking to reclaim Junior CASA title See Page 31
rs -ExxonMobil among sponso
Guyana’s Junior CASA team stands with GSA President David Fernandes (centre) and ExxonMobil Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs Deedra Moe (third from left). (Adrian Narine photo)
sh i n i f n e m o W a Guyan n o i t a N i r T n i second t n e m a n r u o t y e Hock
See Page 31
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Team Guyana with Coach Damon Woodroffe and Manager Latoya Fordyce
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018