Guyana Chronicle Epaper 18 10 2017

Newtown fire leaves several homeless

Page 3 No. 105069

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Happy Diwali

To all our Readers

Lights for Soesdyke-Linden Highway

–– amidst extensive repairs slated for 51-year-old road

Lighting the way President David Granger gets help lighting the symbolic diya from a present-day ‘Lord Rama’ at a special Diwali function held Tuesday night outside the Ministry of Social Cohesion on downtown Main Street (Photo by Delano Williams)

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Guyanese girls cop Mona top awards Page 16

–– make Dean’s List, Honours Roll

Talks commence for 2017 salary increases Page 2

Deadly Berbice pothole fixed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Talks commence for 2017 salary increases

DISCUSSIONS on the proposed salary increases for public servants for 2017 continued on Monday as representatives of Government and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) met.

In a statement to the media, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said Head of the Department of Public Service and Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson disclosed that the discussions were frank and open.

Brotherson said his team, which included Head of Political Affairs, Ministry of the Presidency, Frederick Mc Wilfred has given its offer for 2017 and noted that the offer is based on last year’s formula, while noting that “the government can only give an offer that the economy can afford at this point in time.”

“The union has rejected it.

They, of course, had indicated that they had given a proposal some time last year that should

be re-looked. They promise to resubmit those proposals and we look forward for those proposals, but in the interim the Government of Guyana has given an offer to the union for them to look at and for them to reconsider,” he said.

Discussions on the salary increases for public servants began on September 26, the MoTP stated and Brotherson concurred that both sides have agreed to start looking at allowances in a general way,

Representatives of the government and GPSU in discussion Monday (MoTP photo) particularly those that have not been changed for decades.

“So we are trying to move the process forward but everything has got to be done in the context of what the economy can afford at this point in time.

The issue of allowances is still on the table to be looked at in a holistic manner and I think the union finally acceded to that fact that allowances is going to take some time for us to look at,” said the permanent secretary.

The two sides are expected to meet again in a week’s time once the information requested is provided and according to the permanent secretary, Government wants the talks to conclude in time for Budget 2018.

“The 2018 budget is almost upon us. We implore upon the union that any action they take, or they want to address, they must bear that in mind.

We know that the minister of finance is in the final stage of concluding his budget and any action taken has got to be done in the context of that timeframe,” Brotherson remarked.

The GPSU’s team was headed by General Secretary, Patrick Yarde. Back in July, the GPSU had accepted government’s invitation to meet and start negotiations for the 2017 increase in wages and salaries for public servants.

However, the union called on the administration to first conclude the 2016 negotiations before moving forward to this year’s.

Government had offered to grant an increase of 10 per cent for persons earning below $99, 000 in August 2016, but it was rejected by the union and a one-off bonus of $25,000 was given to public servants at the end of the year.

“We were invited on August 4, 2017 to start negotiations for 2017 but we must remember that 2016 is still on the table and must be complet-

ed,” said vice president of the GPSU, Mortimer Livan at a press conference.

He had said the decision to start discussions for 2017 is a “slap in the face” as it relates to the commitment of President David Granger, who had pointed out that the negotiation is not at an impasse.

“The President promised us that the Ministries of Finance and the Presidency will notify us about the arrangements to continue the negotiations for 2016 but it never came through,” lamented Livan.

In seeking redress from the President, the union has written to the Ministry of the Presidency with the hope of having the 2016 negotiations addressed before moving to 2017.

The outcome of the 2016 negotiations is pertinent to the 2017 discussions, said the union’s vice president, while adding that they have already submitted a proposal for increases for 2016, 2017 and 2018.

A $7,000 per month –January to December 2017– was proposed to be added to the salary at December 31, 2016, and to minimum and maximum bands. In addition, a 20 per cent increase across the board to the salary as at December 2016, to the amount payable at the minimum and maximum bands.

For year three, January to December 2018, it was proposed that there should be a flat increase of $9,000 per month added to the salary at December 31, 2017. Also, a 20 per cent increase across-theboard to the salary as at December 2017, for each person employed in the public sector.

“By 2018 we want to have what we call a living wage or a basket of necessities… so we have to achieve the minimum wage,” said Livan.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Lights for Soesdyke-Linden Highway

–– amidst extensive repairs slated for 51-year-old road

THE LINDEN Soesdyke Highway is expected to be furnished with lights and to undergo extensive repairs in 2018, according to Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland.

Holland said this was revealed to regional representatives by Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson, at the installation of the Linden Electricity Company Board recently. Several calls have been made for the highway to be lit following scores of accidents during the evenings, many of which were fatal.

Holland said that Patterson revealed that the Government was looking at a $40M

budget for 2018 for both lighting and repairing of the 51-year- old , 45-mile stretch of uninterrupted bituminous thoroughfare linking Region 10 to Region 4. “Next year 2018, we are hoping to see some upgrade of the Linden Soesdyke Highway and we are looking forward to the lighting of the highway, so that is a project the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is set to undertake,” Holland said on Tuesday. The Linden Mayor added that the two projects will run concurrently.

While efforts were made to place reflectors on the highway previously, this newspaper understands that several of these were stolen.

Drivers plying the Linden to Georgetown route, made it a public cry of the darkness on the highway and the danger it poses of having to exclusively depend on one’s vehicle head lamps as a to guide for visibility. It is even more dangerous when the area is foggy.

Regional Councillors had labelled the road as `a veritable death trap’ since those who are not experienced to the structural faults of the highway are more susceptible to causing accidents.

Also absent on the thoroughfare are road markings and signage which can also aid drivers and other road

users. One driver expressed the hope that indeed for 2018, the highway would be repaired and properly lit, since there were talks of same being done for 2017.

“I was made to understand that in the budget for 2017, money was there for repairs but I just see patching and so going on.

I am hoping that for 2018, something more extensive would be done so that drivers can feel safe driving on the highway at nights, the driver said.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland expressed optimism that this would happen as outlined by the Minister.

Newtown fire leaves several homeless

SEVERAL persons are now homeless after fire gutted two homes along Da Silva and De Abreu Streets, Newtown, Georgetown late Tuesday night.

Guyana Chronicle was unable to verify the number of persons left homeless by the blaze.

The fire is suspected to be the work of an arsonist.

At the scene this publication observed that a woman emerged from a neighbour’s house with blood dripping down her body. Reports are that she was chopped by her reputed husband about her body and left to die.

Reports also indicate that after chopping the woman, the reputed husband set the Lot 182 DaSilva and De Abreu Streets house alight and the fire quickly spread, gutting a nearby house.

Meanwhile, the wounded woman was taken away from the scene by police.

Earlier, her reputed husband was seen walking up the street just after setting the house on fire.

Four fire tenders responded to the blaze but their efforts were in vain to save two houses.

Firefighters battle the blaze but their efforts were not enough to save the two houses from being gutted

The Lot 182 DaSilva and De Abreu Streets house engulfed in flames (Photos

by Delano Williams)

DPP rejects claims by KN

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DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali Hack has rejected statements in the media that suggested she failed to pronounce on charges against her lawyer and called on the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to “focus on doing quality investigations” before sending files to her chambers for legal advice.

In a letter to the Editor, the DPP said, “This is a lie. The DPP’s Office has not had this file for three weeks,” in reference to the front page article published on page 3 of the Kaieteur News (KN) and captioned: “USS500M GBTI contempt charge... 3 weeks later, DPP still to pronounce on charges against her lawyer.”

“The first time the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) file in question was received at the DPP’s Chambers was on September 19,2O17.

Legal advice was given on September 21, 2017 for further investigations to be conducted. The file was booked out from these chambers on the said September 21, 2017,” Ali Hack said.

The DPP said too that further investigations were conducted and SOCU returned the file to the DPP Director of Public ProsChambers on Octo- ecutions, Shalimar Aliber 12 for legal ad- Hack vice.

“The SOCU file is currently engaging the attention of these chambers. At no time did we have the file for three weeks and was falsely stated in the article. The DPP is not facing any major dilemma in this matter.

This file will be treated like all other files and advice will be given based on the evidence contained in the file and the relevant law thereto as is done in all files,” the DPP stated in her letter to the press.

Ali Hack stressed that there is a constitutional mandate under which the work of her office is conducted and stressed that charges are based on evidence and not wild recommendations.

“In doing quality investigations, they must obtain the relevant evidence in relation to the ingredients of the offences they are investigating. After they have obtained the quality evidence, only then should a credible investigator recommend a charge. Once all the evidence is there to support the offence/offences being investigated, charges are recommended,” she declared.

The past few weeks have seen SOCU attempting to access bank records pertaining to the continuing probe into the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); something GBTI is reluctant to produce. Last week, the bank in an advertisement carried in the daily press said that where the laws of Guyana conflict, it is the bank’s responsibility to “protect the interests of its customers,” thereby maintaining confidentiality.

It should be noted that Ali-Hack is being represented by GBTI’s Chairman Robin Stoby SC, in a separate matter.

Meanwhile, the DPP said the Criminal Justice System is receiving assistance from the Governments of Canada and the USA through the Justice Education Society (JES).

“The focus of this is to ensure there are quality investigations done and completed before charges are instituted. The objective of this is to control the backlog that the criminal justice system has been overburdened with for many years now.

This overburdening is resulting in the miscarriage of justice,” she stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Senators reach bipartisan deal on Obamacare backed by Trump Two U.S. senators on Tuesday announced a bipartisan breakthrough

to shore up Obamacare for two years by reviving federal subsidies for health insurers that President Donald Trump planned to scrap, and the president voiced support for the plan.

The agreement worked out by Republican Senator Lamar Alexander and Democratic Senator Patty Murray would meet some Democratic objectives, including a revival of the subsidies for Obamacare and restoring $106 million in funding for a federal program that helps people enroll in insurance plans.

In exchange, Republicans would get more flexibility for states to offer a wider variety of health insurance plans while maintaining the requirement that sick and healthy people be charged the same rates for coverage.

The Trump administration said last week it would stop paying billions of dollars to insurers to help

low-income Americans pay medical expenses, part of the Republican president’s effort to dismantle Obamacare, former Democratic President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.

Trump appeared well-placed to make good on his campaign promise to dismantle Obamacare when he took office in January, with Republicans, who pledged for seven years to scrap the law, controlling Congress. But he has been frustrated with their failure to pass legislation to repeal and replace it and is now backing a plan that could keep Obamacare in place until the 2020 presidential campaign starts heating up.

“We are ironing out a few of the last details right now but I am very optimistic that we will be able to make an announcement with all the details very soon,” Murray told reporters.

“This takes care of the next two years. After that, we can have a full-fledged debate on where we go long-term on healthcare,” Alexander said.

Alexander said he hoped to have “a significant number” of senators from both parties as co-sponsors of the plan.

It is unclear whether the agreement can make it through Congress.

Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said the agreement had “broad support” among senators in his party, but it was harder

to gauge possible support among Republicans. Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins, who helped sink earlier Obamacare repeal legislation, voiced support for the new plan, but conservative Republicans might be less welcoming.

Schumer urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the plan to a vote on the Senate floor and urged the House of Representatives to take it up then as quickly as possible so Trump can sign it.

Trump said on Tuesday the 2010 law, formally known as the Affordable Care Act, was a “disaster” and “virtually dead.” But Trump indicated he could get behind the Alexander-Murray plan.

“It is a short-term solution so that we don’t have this very dangerous little period - including dangerous period for insurance companies, by the way. For a period of one year, two years, we will have a very good solution,” Trump told a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Trump added that once Congress completes work on his proposed tax overhaul, he wants lawmakers to again take up broader legislation that failed in the Senate last month that would divvy up federal healthcare money as block grants to states.

Despite backing the deal, Trump repeated his criticism that the subsidies amounted to a giveaway by the federal government that had enriched insurance companies.

‘OBVIOUSLY A GOOD STEP’ Murray is the top Democrat

on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Alexander is its chairman.

She said the two were able to find common ground on the steps aimed at stabilizing the insurance markets created under Obamacare and to “help protect families from premium spikes as a result of the sabotage we have seen from this administration.”

The subsidies to private insurers cost the government an estimated $7 billion this year and were forecast at $10 billion for 2018.

Trump’s move to scuttle them had raised concerns about chaos in insurance markets.

If the subsidies vanish, low-income Americans who obtain insurance through Obamacare online marketplaces where insurers can sell policies would face higher insurance premiums and out-ofpocket medical costs. It would particularly hurt lower-middle-class families whose incomes are too high to qualify for certain government assistance.

Shares of U.S. hospital operators, including Tenet Healthcare Corp and HCA Healthcare Inc, moved higher after news of the deal. Tenet shares closed 5.3 percent higher, while HCA rose 2.2 percent. Shares of some U.S. health insurers also extended their gains on the day, with Anthem Inc finishing up 1.9 percent and Centene Corp gaining 3.2 percent.

Analyst Brian Tanquilut of global investment banking firm Jefferies, who focuses on hospital companies, said that if the deal is passed in Congress, it should stabilize the Obamacare insurance exchanges and improve their viability.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Mexico tech industry benefits from U.S. anti-immigration stance Amazon, Facebook and other U.S. tech companies are expanding operations south of the border as Mexico works to capitalise on the Trump administration’s anti-immigration stance.

Since the beginning of the year, Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) has opened a new engineering office in Mexico City, while Facebook Inc (FB.O) has partnered with local groups to develop technical talent in the region.

Oracle Corp (ORCL.N) plans to expand its offices in the Pacific coast state of Jalisco, local officials said, possibly bringing hundreds of jobs.

In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, a new group devoted to recruiting startups expects to have 10 new companies in the region by year-end, with another 60 in the pipeline. And the landlord of choice for many startups, the shared-office juggernaut WeWork, said it has opened five locations and now serves 6,000 workers after debuting in Mexico City last September.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce immigration to the United States, including new constraints on H-1B visas for skilled workers - which many tech companies rely on for attracting foreign talent - have prompted countries ranging from China to Canada to step up recruiting tech workers and startup companies that might once have found a home in the United States.

For Mexico, there is an added urgency: more than 600,000 immigrants of Mexican origin are currently covered by the U.S. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which offers protection from deportation for illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Those individuals, known as “Dreamers,” may soon have to look for work abroad as a result of the Trump administration’s

September decision to let DACA expire.

“This may be a good soft landing for people who are incredibly well prepared and may be able to take advantage of building their American Dream back in Mexico,” said Bismarck Lepe, chief executive of Wizeline, a San Francisco tech firm with 260 employees in Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Wizeline has invited Dreamers, who could now face deportation, to apply for jobs that would allow them to work in Mexico for a year before obtaining the necessary visa to return to the United States.

Wizeline plans to use the L1 and TN visas, the latter of which is a visa covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States for business purposes.

To be sure, it is not yet clear if the benefit to Mexico’s tech industry will be deep or long-lasting. The fate of the Dreamers remains uncertain as Congress could still pass legislation continuing the programme.

Mexican government statistics have not so far shown an uptick in temporary residence cards granted to foreign workers, suggesting that most prospective U.S. H-1B visa applicants are not yet looking south.

SIMPLE PITCH Nonetheless, Mexico’s tech sector has been adding jobs at a healthy rate in recent years, and all signs point to continued strength.

Software job growth this year in Mexico’s three largest metropolitan areas - Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey - hit 8.8 per cent, 7 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, according to data compiled by LinkedIn. That is up from respective annual growth of 6.8 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 6.8 percent in

2016, LinkedIn told Reuters.

“Where there is a strong engineering presence and opportunity, at some point it makes more sense to go to the market itself and establish an office there,” said Steve McPherson, senior manager of software development for Amazon.com.

The company has not disclosed the size of its technical team in Mexico, but McPherson said it is hiring aggressively.

Facebook, meanwhile, has launched three programs this year in the Mexican capital, including a partnership with Dev.F, a local coding academy.

These programmes are the groundwork for a potential tech expansion into Mexico by the world’s largest social media network, said Dev.F co-founder Manuel “Eme” Morato. Facebook now has close to 100 employees in Mexico.

In Guadalajara, local nonprofit StartupGDL launched a program earlier this year to attract young, high-growth potential tech startups to the region.

The pitch is simple: universities in Jalisco graduate between 7,000 and 8,000 engineers each year. The cost of living and wages are low by comparison to Silicon Valley. Guadalajara offers direct flights to the Bay Area and is only two hours ahead of California. And immigration into Mexico is easy for tech workers.

Thus far in 2017, five foreign companies have opened offices in Guadalajara, according to StartupGDL, and the organisation expects three to five more by year-end.

“I look for people who are mission-focused, and I saw a lot of that down there,” said Pat Calhoun, chief executive of Espressive, a Santa Clara, California, tech firm that opened an office in Guadalajara in March.

Pablo Lemus, mayor of Zapopan, a city in Jalisco that is home to companies including Oracle and the electronics manufacturer Flex, estimates that 40 to

50 startups may open offices in the city this year and next.

DREAMER OPPORTUNITY Some companies are focused specifically on recruiting Dreamers.

“They are highly capable people, bilingual in most cases, who have a very valiant experience,” said Luis Aguirre, vice president of government relations for contract electronics manufacturer Sanmina Corp (SANM.O), which has a large presence in Jalisco. “We will be

gaining a great pool of talent.”

Zapopan has begun a campaign to attract Dreamers, placing brochures in Mexican consulates in the United States, said Lemus, the mayor.

Employment in the tech sector in Jalisco has climbed steadily in recent years and is projected to reach 115,000 jobs in 2017, up from 105,000 in 2015, said Jaime Reyes, the state’s secretary of innovation, science and technology.

The state is set to capitalize even further as Trump’s immigration crackdown takes effect,

Jalisco Governor Aristóteles Sandoval told Reuters, even though some tech companies are keeping quiet about their plans in the delicate U.S. political climate.

Firms outside the United States are trying to capitalise on the Trump administration’s changes to the H-1B visa programme, which has become a much slower and more cumbersome route to obtaining a U.S. work permit. This year, applications for H-1B visas declined for the first time in five years. (Reuters)

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Editorial

Let light prevail

DIWALI, the brightest and one of the most unifying days of the year, is with us; and it is incumbent upon all, especially the Hindu community, to strive to let the light of knowledge overcome the darkness of ignorance.

The glorious Festival of Lights was brought to Guyana by the descendants of East Indians, who came to these shores more than 170 years ago.

Diwali has always been a colourful celebration; but, over the years, it has evolved in grandeur and splendour, and today it is more colourful than at any time before, thanks to the leaders of the Hindu community.

In Guyana, the story of Diwali mostly revolves around the Divine Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, but this is not the only version. There are several others.

From all accounts, this ancient Indian festival was first celebrated at the time of harvest, and marks the marriage of the Goddess Lakshmi to the Lord Vishnu, the Protector and Preserver of the Universe.

In Bengal, India, the occasion is dedicated to the worship of Kali, the Goddess of Strength, and Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of wisdom. And these are not all the variations. In Jainism, Diwali is a celebration of Lord Mahavira attaining eternal bliss. The Sikhs also celebrate Diwali.

A version of the story that most Guyanese can relate to, or know, is that of the grand return of Lord Ram, who was maliciously exiled in the forest for 14 years.

His return was celebrated in the city of Ayodhya, the capital of the Kingdom Rama, with great pomp and flair, with many beating drums and dancing. The streets of the magnificent city were also illuminated with lamps.

In all of the various versions of the celebrations, a number of themes stand out, and prominent among them are the celebration of light over darkness and right over wrong (the return of Lord Rama from exile), and the celebration of peace, love and togetherness.

In Guyana, there has been controversy for some years

Be wary of those hypocrites Dear Editor, IT is no small wonder that people don’t trust politicians, since many of them speak out of both sides of their mouths. Although Proverbs 4:24 condemns this, our leaders pay no heed to this Biblical exhortation.

A prime example is Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya. Not so long ago, this gentleman was on a popular TV Station in Region Six at public meetings and every street corner , vociferously giving details of the corruption of the previous PPP/C government, even naming a couple of PPP officials in Berbice whom he referred to as “Mutt and Jeff.’ He spread a lot of white lies about how the sugar workers will get 20% wage increase and the rice farmers will get $9,000 per bag for paddy. Many persons bought this and voted for the APNU+AFC coalition and the result is a new government. He is a good politician without any doubt. He can make people believe a lot of things. But he lacks the ability to recognise his enemies.

Now this same gentleman is on another television station extolling the virtues of the PPP and speaking about the corruption of the current Government. Those whom he had referred to as ‘Mutt and Jeff’ are now gentlemen of the highest degree. He used to call the Skeldon Estate ‘white elephant’ and an ‘octopus’ and he used to blame Jagdeo for the failure of the investment, but today he has changed that view.

But I am worried about the political future of this man. The PPP never had any respect for him and in my opinion, they still do not have any respect for him.

They kept public meetings in front of his house and degraded him and his family.

He should be smart enough to know that they are just using him for political mileage. I am sure that should the PPP ever get back into power, they would never give him due recognition. At least he was an MP and the AFC made him the REO of Region Six -- a highly respectable position -- and from the news I knew that the regional vice-chairman and some PPP

councillors gave him a run for his life and they actually forced him to resign. They made his life a veritable hell.

I have great respect for this gentleman, but I fear that he would have been better off with the formation of another Third Force Party.

The PPP will never change its corrupt ways and he was correct when he spoke about their practices. I have been following politics closely and I know that Dr Ramayya was with the PPP when he came back from the USA, then he was with Mr. Ravi Dev’s ROAR, then after the demise of ROAR he joined the AFC and now he is back with the PPP once again. He has come full circle and twice he left the PPP because of corruption and he is back again.

This man should follow the example of Mr. Ralph Ramkarran. He should not allow the PPP to use him and kick him again.

He should be wary of those hypocrites. This will be the end of his political career.

Yours sincerely, Rohit Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

now regarding the date for the celebrations, but Hindus at heart would know that on whichever date the festival is celebrated, as long as they pray from the heart, their prayers will be accepted.

And with this in mind, as Guyanese from all walks of life celebrate the Holy Festival today, all — whether or not they agree with the time of the celebration — should join hands and light their diyas for unity in the Hindu community, and the promulgation of Sanatan Dharma.

After all, love, harmony and triumph over evil represent the central focus of the celebrations, and all Hindus must be praised for preserving the great tradition of their forefathers.

It is hoped that the illuminated earthen lamps will serve as an inspiration for all Guyanese to seek the light of knowledge to extinguish the darkness of ignorance; choose the right against what is wrong; and embrace unity and national togetherness. Happy Diwali to all Guyanese!

Disgraceful leadership at Zeeburg Secondary School Dear Editor, THE Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education must be congratulated for assiduously working to remedy the physical aspects of Zeeburg Secondary School. However, the unprofessional, vindictive and dictatorial attitude of the head teacher would undermine all of this effort.

THE HEAD TEACHER AND THE REDO ARE RELATIVES, SO THERE IS A LOT OF COVER UP BECAUSE OF POLITICAL[OPPOSITION PARTY ASSOCIATES] Mr. Editor, parents are asked for donations to complete raffle sheets, and to participate in bring-and-buy sales ; we were told that these funds will be used to purchase resources for the class-

rooms -- a good venture to any right-thinking individual.

However, for the last four years, Zeeburg Secondary School has been asking parents for money for various projects which have never materialised. Millions of dollars were raised to build a tarmac and shed for the old building, I was a member of the PTA when it was announced that close to two million dollars was raised, but to date no shed has been built. It was agreed that the money will be better spent on the new building.

Recently, the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, The Hon. David A. Granger, gave the school one million dollars which the head teacher said on TV, the money will be used to purchase projectors and computers.

Contingency fees are collect-

ed and if my child doesn’t pay, is embarrassed by certain teachers.

This school is taking our hard-earned, money to put up cameras which is said to have cost over nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) and then bullying students to make contributions to facilitate the writing of tests.

Recently, my child was forced to purchase tickets for school sports and then asked to pay an additional sum if they wanted music without even consulting us the parents.

I think that much more input from government is needed to hold head teachers accountable for their actions, especially in matters of financial management and accountability.

Concerned Parent

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

PNC commissions new gate, fence of Region Three office

AS part of its 60th anniversary, the People’s National Congress (PNC) on Sunday commissioned a new gate and fence at its Region Three Party office, located at Vreeden-Hoop.

The party’s General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, commissioned the gate and fence as part of that region’s initiative to strengthen the presence of the party there.

The project follows a mandate given by party leader, President David Granger to have projects executed in every region for the party’s 60th anniversary, a statement said.

“Party groups and districts have commenced developmental projects in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10; some have already been commissioned while others are yet to be commissioned,” the statement added.

Minister of State and constituency representative, Joseph Harmon in his address reminded party members and supporters of the historical significance of the PNC. He said despite the many challenges in “fixing a broken State,” which was inherited from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the party remains strong and resolute because of its party folk and foundational structures.

“This is a party of transformation, this party is on the move, it is one to be proud of,” said Harmon, who noted that the strength of the party can be attributed to the formation of a Constitution from its inception; the establishment of different arms of party administration to ensure all arms help in the development of the party, its growth in membership and its functioning; and respect for the institution of the party.

Harmon said too that the strength of the PNC can also be attributed to its individual party members, those who hold the line of battle and continue to stay true to the party’s sustainability and continued development.

“A party that continues to withstand rumours and allegations which are oft times fallacies; to stand with our leader and stand together and continue to unearth the untruths disseminated about the party,” he said.

General Secretary Ally for her part commended the region and attributed the success of the erection of the concrete fence to many, notably Ali Khan, Rollex McCullin, Komal Singh and Sherry Gould.

Ally indicated that the erection of the fence is testimony to the kind of leadership which the PNC has. “It will continue to be strong; the party is not static, it continues to grow and it is indeed a force to be reckoned with.”

She thanked the many contributors, while noting that the erection of the fence is only the beginning, as she called for the construction of a new party building, even as she stressed the importance of unity.

On October 5, the PNC celebrated its 60th year as a party and celebrations are continuing across the country under the theme: “United and Strong: 60 Years On.”

PNC General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally walks through the new gate at the party’s Region Three office (PNC photo)

A section of the audience on Sunday (PNC photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

MoU signed to tackle mental health issues

Founder of the Guyana Foundation, Supriya Singh-Bodden and Rector of the University, Angel Batista Diaz sign the MoU. Standing from right to left, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed; Head of International Relations of the University, Lourdes Alvarez Lopez; Vice Rector of the Department of Economics, Yordanys Borges Diaz; and Magalys Padilla Alvarez, representative of medical services (Guyana Foundation photo)

THE Guyana Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego De Avila, Cuba to address mental health issues here, a statement from the Foundation said Monday.

According to the statement, the five-year MoU signed on October 11, 2017 paves the way for the transfer of expertise and information to address social issues in Guyana.

Persons will be selected from key villages across Re-

gion Two to access training in Cuba to become professional counsellors. Workshops and visits by Cuban professionals are also expected.

Founder of the Guyana Foundation, Supriya Singh Bodden, described the signing of the MoU as a historic occasion and expressed gratitude to those who aided in the successful negotiations.

“I have spent the last few days in Cuba among people that have now become an extended family to us, such love, such willingness to

help. We are extremely grateful. The social ills, suicide, domestic abuse, child abuse, alcohol addiction are clearly out of control in Guyana.

We have much to learn from Cuba, to study the way they have been able to provide easily accessed support to citizens at all levels, averting the problems and the fatalities we face. We will make

good use of this opportunity we have been given to collaborate with the University of Ciego De Avila,” said Singh-Bodden.

Two years ago, the Guyana Foundation reached out to the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego De Avila, Cuba requesting guidance and assistance in addressing mental health issues here and in particular, the work of the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise Centre.

In response, a conference was convened by the university last year bringing its best specialists in the areas of suicide, domestic abuse, addiction and child abuse.

“The Guyana Foundation participated and gained much from this encounter,” the statement said.

Since last year’s conference, Singh-Bodden has been placed on the organising committee for the next International Conference to be convened in Cuba, early next year.

Mental health continues to be of major concern to governments globally and the conference brings together specialists in the field, to work together on fighting the scourge.

Guyana Foundation’s Supriya Singh-Bodden stands alongside Nataly Duenas Lopez, Coordinator of Psycoavila 2018 (Guyana Foundation photo)

Seated from left to right: Juana Maria Rodriguez Cepero, Director of International Relations for the Province of Ciego De Avila and Lourdes Alvarez Lopez, Director of International Relations of the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego De Avila, Cuba. Standing from left to right: Mayte Perdomo Maldonado, Personal Assistant to Ambassador of Guyana; Supriya Singh Bodden, Guyana Foundation; Nathaly Duenas Lopez, Coordinator of Psicoavila 2018; Magalys Padilla Alvarez, representative of Medical Service of the University; Halim Majeed, Ambassador of Guyana to Cuba; Angel Batista Diaz, Rector of the University; and Julian Verona Hernandez, representative of MINCEX in the Province of Ciego De Avila after the signing of the MoU (Guyana Foundation photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

PANCAP formulating five-year implementation plan

THE Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, will on October 25 and 26 host a consultation to formulate a Regional Advocacy Strategy and FiveYear Implementation Plan.

The consultation, which is a collaboration between PANCAP and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities-Coalition el Centro Orientación e investigación Integral (CVC-COIN), will be held in Port-of-Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

According to PANCAP, the Regional Advocacy Strategy and Five-Year Plan would be established with the aim of guiding stakeholders in their efforts to advocate at all levels for revisions to laws and policies that remove barriers to key populations accessing HIV prevention and treatment.

PANCAP’s Director, Dereck Springer, said the consultation is pivotal to the Region’s response to HIV, since recent advocacy efforts have been limited in their reach, effectiveness and strategic focus.

“As the regional HIV response has evolved, PANCAP has been challenged to shift the focus of its technical expertise and financial resources to provide leadership, strategic guidance and coordination for law and policy reform efforts,” said Springer.

He continued: “Addressing these new demands alongside resource reductions and competing priorities of a diverse range of government, donor and civil society partners has been a challenge for PANCAP.” According to him, there has been limited ability to dedicate the long-term, careful attention necessary to follow up work on key areas such as country adoption of

the PANCAP Model Anti-Discrimination Legislation, endorsement of the Justice for All Declaration and national-level implementation of Justice for All plans.

The consultation will establish a framework that will attempt to correct this and aid National AIDS Programme Managers (NAPs) and Civil Society Organisations to streamline efforts to advocate for law and policy reform, access to justice and redress, community and health services and financing and sustainability that will assist in creating an enabling environment for vulnerable groups to access HIV prevention and treatment without the fear of stigma and discrimination.

Additionally, it is expected that the consultation will address the absence of key populations’ voices at the highest levels of regional advocacy efforts.

The discussion will seek to build on PANCAP’s work with Key Populations and

their network to support capacity-building, primarily in terms of organisational development and to ensure their access to CARICOM organs including the Chief Medical Officers Caucus, the Council for Human and Social Development and where applicable, the Heads of Government Conference.

Participants will include NAPs from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, selected key population leaders from the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC), Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CariFLAGS), Caribbean Sex Work Co-

The night before Diwali ...

Remembering Babita Sarjou, seven years on

By Clestine Juan

BABITA Sarjou disappeared into the unknown the night before Diwali in 2010. And, seven years later her skeletal remains were dug up in a shallow grave in the backyard of her ex-husband.

On November 4, 2010, Babita Sarjou left her mother’s home at Timehri, after making arrangements to meet her then spouse, Sharnandand Narine, who would take her to see the motorcade at the Kitty seawall.

She was also to meet her four-year-old son. Sarjou, who reportedly met her husband outside the National Cultural Centre (NCC), entered his car and was never seen or heard from after that night.

But as the years rolled by and the case grew cold, the missing woman’s mother, Champa Seonarine, never gave up hope of getting justice for her daughter; of seeing good triumph over evil.

With this in mind, she sought the help of the Caribbean American Domes-

–– as justice about to be served at last

tic Awareness Organisation (CADVA), and together they pressed relentlessly to have the case re-opened.

And in 2016, they saw a glimmer of hope when Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, on the receipt of new information, reopened the case. In this instance, it was treated as a homicide.

And, following the new probe into the matter, Sarjou’s estranged husband was

further questioned, and subsequently led the investigating team to a shallow grave which had been dug in his own backyard.

Further probing also revealed that Narine had promised one Darel Pronton, a 35-year-old unemployed man from James and Albouys Street, Albouystown a measly $50,000 and a trip to Trinidad if he killed Sarjou.

Within days, the men were charged for the death of Sarjou and are currently on remand for the capital offence.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into Sarjou’s death is coming to an end before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, with Narine and Pronton expected to lead their defence on November 7, 2017.

alition (CSWC) and the Caribbean Network of People Living with HIV (CRN+), Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE), Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO); Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), J-Flag/ Equality for All, The University of the West Indies Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP), United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), the DeMarco Foundation, CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme (CYAP) and key population youth, faith leaders, parliamentarians, and private sector, Caribbean Med Labs Foundation (CMLF), Live Up: The Caribbean Media Alliance, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Johns

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PANCAP’s Director Dereck Springer Hopkins Knowledge for Health Project, Linkages, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief-United States Agency for International Development (PEPFAR-USAID), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Bids out for Mazaruni Prison extension

THE EXPANSION of the Mazaruni Prison is closer to realisation as the bids are currently being tendered for eligible contractors to undertake the project.

The need for the expansion of the prison was as a result of the fire which destroyed the Camp Street jail, just over three months ago and the overcrowding at other penitentiaries across the country.

With that compounding situation, a site at the Mazaruni prison was identified for the construction of the new wing which is expected to house approximately 400 prisoners. The current estimated bid being tendered is for the sum of $2.8B. Interested contractors are invited to bid for the project which will be carried out through the National Competitive Bidding procedures as specified in the Procurement Act of 2003. Earlier this year, the sum of $278M was approved by Cabinet for the first phase of the project.

The works will include the renovation of the bachelors’ quarters, trade shop, the dormitories, B-63 living quarters, spinster quarters and the senior bachelors’ quarters at the prison. The estimated cost for the works is $26.1M. Other works include repairs to the self-acting sluices located at the front and east of the prison, the wharf, and the culverts located to the north and west of the prison; at an estimated cost of $20M. Ongoing works at the Mazaruni Prison include the construction of 20 living quarters to accommodate additional prison officers, in anticipation of the new influx of approximately 400 prisoners to be housed at the location.

The living quarters will each contain three bedrooms, a living room, a patio, kitchen and a washroom.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

A home of one’s own

By Akola Thompson

“MY view is, and my intention is, if I am going to relocate squatters, I must be able to upgrade them in some way or the other. Upgrade their life.”

– Minister in the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson.

Patterson made that statement back in June 2017.

She had revealed that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was considering “constructing low-cost houses to accommodate squatters” who were to be removed from the government reserves.

Close to a week ago however, staffers of the CH&PA descended on the ‘A’ Field, Sophia reserves and demolished close to two-dozen structures. The demolition works were said to be in preparation for community development works under

the US$30 million ‘Road Network Upgrade and Expansion Programme.’ Most of those affected have nowhere to go.

A Keno George photograph in Stabroek News showed a family, standing guard on their bridge. In order to save their home from being destroyed, they disassembled the bridge leading to their home. A grandmother, a mother, several young children, including a toddler, would have found themselves homeless had they not taken a stand. I applaud them.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes that ravaged several Caribbean islands, President David Granger was quoted as saying that the government would offer land to persons from hurricane-affected islands. This at face value was a commendable offer. However, one begins to wonder wheth-

er Granger’s concern for the poor and the displaced runs thin when it comes to the actual people he was elected to serve.

The CH&PA was quoted as saying that it had advised persons who have never applied for Government Housing Solutions to lodge applications for a plot of land. While that is very good advice, what the CH&PA failed to take into consideration are the failings of the land allocation system within Guyana. Agatha Valentine, whose daughter and grandchildren were photographed on their bridge, stated that it has been over 20 years since her daughter has been trying to acquire a plot of land.

For many, acquiring land is not a possibility. Even if they do acquire land, they have no access to building loans. Caroline Shenaz Hossein in a study conducted

in Guyana titled, “The Exclusion of Afro-Guyanese Hucksters in Micro-Banking,” explored the systemic reasons behind the difficulties Afro-Guyanese face in getting home loans through conventional banking and other financial services.

In the paper, she argues, “micro-banking managers and staff hold onto historically rooted prejudices which interfere with the allocation of loans.” Race, she found, was one of the main issues that stymied the progress of many Afro-Guyanese from getting building loans. “Issues of race, class and gender bias intertwined in the lending process that deny poor Afro-Guyanese women loans,” she wrote.

No one wants to live in a shantytown. No one wakes up in the morning and goes, ‘Oh, I will go squat in an impoverished community with little or no means for

my further ascension and make my life there.’ No one wants to have to defend their home by dismantling their bridges. For many, it was a choice between facing the ire of the CH&PA or sleeping on pavements. In a similar situation, I too would have squatted.

Imagine yourself as a child, returning from school to a destroyed home and a family broken by grief.

Imagine the implications this has on the future of your mental, physical and economic health. The children of Stephan Forde did not deserve to have had their homes ripped from them.

Then there is Fitzroy Blair who pleaded with CH&PA to give him two more days. He was given more time yes, but the reason for him being there in the first place should not be overlooked. He had to resort to squatting not because he

was ‘lazy,’ but because of the economic violence that was meted out against him.

Due to his landlord raising his rent, Blair would have had to move, as he could no longer afford to pay.

Poverty is cyclical. The government and bodies such as the CH&PA are implicit in this cycle through their policies and actions. Finance loaners and home renters are involved in perpetuating this poverty. The messages sent to us through these policies, rising rents and demolished houses tell us that you do not care for the disenfranchised.

Bureaucracy and the government’s hatred for poor people will be the fall of this nation.

The callousness with which they deal with us tells us a lot about the way in which our country will either progress or stagnate. Stop punishing poor people for being poor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Warning to drone operators

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is advising the general public, especially owners and operators of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that, in keeping with the directive issued on February 26, 2017, all owners and operators must ensure that all flights are conducted according to the specific requirements and standard operating conditions outlined.

The GCAA says it had noted an increase in the operation of drones at nights and during holidays and other festivities and the GCAA was therefore encouraging owners and operators of drones to comply with the following guidelines: * Do not fly near airports, aircraft or restricted airspaces; * All UAVs must be flown below 150 metres

(492 ft.); * Do not fly at nights or in low visibility conditions; * All UAVs should be operated within sight of

the operator; and * All UAVs should be operated at a safe distance of 50 metres (150ft) away from persons and property.

The GCAA continued to call on owners of drones to have those UAVs registered with the Authority before putting same into operation.

Failing to comply with the guidelines and the directive would result in prosecution by the relevant authorities.

Further information

and clarification on the use and operation of drones and UAVs can be obtained from the GCAA’s Drones Unit on 227 8111 extension 264.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Street closures for the Diwali motorcade

THE Guyana Police Force is informing members of the general public that in order to facilitate a smooth flow of this year’s Diwali Motorcade celebrations throughout Georgetown and East Coast Demerara, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday from 17:00h.

- Sheriff Street and Campbell Avenue - Sheriff and Pike Streets (No entry south) - Sheriff and First Streets (No entry north) - Campbell Avenue and Seaforth Street - Campbell Avenue and Delph Street - Campbell Avenue and Austin Street - Campbell Avenue and Middleton Street (No entry east) - Campbell Avenue and Railway Street

MPI wins rangoli competition THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) was Monday adjudged winner of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s first-ever rangoli competition, held in the compound of the Works Services Group, Kingston.

CJIAC beat out fierce competition from three other agencies under the Ministry -- the Works Services Group, the Guyana Energy Agency, and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, who earned second, third, and fourth, respectively.

In explaining the rationale behind the design, the CJIAC team said that the members wanted to represent the beginning of life, benevolence, patience, and compassion, as shown in the lotus and peacock.

The ministry’s rangoli competition came on the eve of Diwali, which will be celebrated today across Guyana.

- Sandy Babb and Alexander Streets - Sandy Babb and Vlissengen Road - Thomas Lands and Albert Street (No entry east) - Vlissengen Road and Barr Street - Vlissengen Road and David Street - J.B. Singh Road and Carifesta Avenue - Kitty Public Road and Vlissengen Road - Sheriff Street and Rupert Craig Highway - Sheriff and David Streets (No entry north) - Rupert Craig Highway and Conversation Road (No entry north) - Railway Embankment and Conversation Road (No entry north) According to the police, motor vehicles will not be permitted to park on the northern side of the East Coast Public Road, between Conversation Tree

and the LBI Community Centre Ground during the motorcade.

And, motor vehicles proceeding west along the East Coast Public Road will be diverted at Agriculture Road, Mon Repos to the Railway Embankment Road.

Motor vehicles proceeding east along the East Coast Public Road will be diverted at Conversation Tree to the Railway Embankment Road.

No motor vehicle will be allowed to proceed on the East Coast Public Road between Conversation Tree and the LBI Community Centre Ground during the motorcade.

Motorists are asked to cooperate with the police ranks who will be directing traffic during the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Ill-fated Berbice pothole fixed

THE recent horrific accident on the Number 59 Village public road in East Berbice-Corentyne on Sunday last that claimed the lives of five persons, including a five- year-old has left many seeking answers as to what or who may have been

responsible.

Those at the scene of the accident blamed the pothole as being the main reason the accident occurred.

According to the residents, the pothole was responsible for several accidents and this newspaper has recorded three recent incidents within the past few months.

As the pothole was being filled, many residents were overheard saying: ”Five had to die before the road get fix and “How long people nah dead it would a never fix.”

They explained to this publication that they had put in a request to the NDC sometime back to fix the hole in the road; however, they were told it was not their responsibility so the residents sought police permission at the #51 police station but no one showed up to assist.

“We ask the NDC to fix this hole a long time now.

They say is not their responsibility, so we decide that’s we gun fix it we self and went to the police station to ask for police ranks to come and control the traffic so we could put concrete inside,but they never showed up.

Now this accident happen and the same NDC who say is not their responsibility come and fix it. Why we had to wait for this to happen?

Many were also in high praise of the NDC for undertaking the work.

On Sunday, October 15,

2017, five persons lost their lives after the car in which they were travelling dropped into the pothole, the driver reportedly lost control of the car and careened into the path of an oncoming paddy-laden truck.

The five occupants were identified as Sabita Mangali 42, her sons Emmauel Mangali 18 and Ethan Ramjeet 5,Reshma Seeram 28,Seeram was a close friend and secretary at Sabita Immigration Services located at Maraj Building,Georgetown and driver Dhanpaul Kishandayal 38.

The driver of the truck and lone survivor, Budram Singh called “Buddo,”was admitted a patient of the Skeldon Hospital from where he was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital nursing serious head injuries.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle an uncle of Singh said he is recovering slowly and his family opted to have him transferred to a private hospital in the City, where is currently undergoing treatment for his head injury.

Meanwhile, Office of the Prime Minister Region #Six representative Gobin Harbhajan in a release has called on the authorities to enforce hefty fines on persons who park their equipment on the road shoulders, since it poses a threat to the users and serves as a traffic hazard.

Granted bail pending further inquiries –– into rape of `minor’ relative

A MAN who allegedly raped a 12-year-old female relative was on Tuesday released on $120,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Joel Patterson is said to have committed the act during the month of September 2016, when the pre-teen had resided with him.

The matter, which was held in camera, has been adjourned to October 30.

Patterson allegedly enJoel Patterson gaged in sexual activity with the teen, and it was recently discovered by her parents that she was raped.

The police are currently conducting a further investigation into the matter, as the teen has reportedly made other allegations against other male relatives who had also lived in the house with Patterson.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Recently released ex-con back behind bars … for Saga’s murder, narcotics possession

A 26-YEAR-OLD ex-convict was on Tuesday charged for the murder of 59-year-old D’Urban Street businessman, Godfrey Scipio called ‘Saga’, who was gunned down almost a week ago during a robbery outside a city hotel.

Aubrey Bobb appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison until November 1, 2017.

The indictable charge read that Bobb, on October 12, 2017 at Stanley Place, Kitty murdered Scipio during the course of furtherance of a robbery.

It is further alleged that on October 13, at William Street, Kitty, Bobb had in his possession 58 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Bobb confessed to the drug charge and was sentenced to three years in jail along with a $34,000 fine.

According to reports, on October 12, Scipio, also called “Saga” picked up a female and went to a city hotel, and when the couple were leaving at about 16:20 hrs, as they were about to enter the man’s vehicle, a lone gunman pounced on them and demanded cash and

MURDERED: Godfrey Scipio, called ‘Saga’ jewellery.

The suspect discharged a round, hitting Scipio in the abdomen and relieved him of his jewellery before escaping on foot in a northern direction. Scipio was taken to a city hospital where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

Investigators after reviewing the CCTV footage from the Kitty hotel, where Scipio and his companion had earlier spent some time before he was shot and robbed, arrested Bobb on October 13, one day after the shooting incident.

When was arrested at his William Street, Kitty home, the police investigators found a quantity of cannabis was found in his room.

Bobb was released less than five months ago from

Ex-convict, Aubrey Bobb prison after being convicted for armed robbery.

In July, Bobb was wanted by the police for discharging a loaded firearm at his ex-girlfriend and two of her male companions at the Kitty Seawall.

The incident had its origin in the young lady severing relations with the ex-convict during his incarceration and started another relationship with another man.

It is alleged that Bobb drew a gun from his pants waist and discharged several rounds at the car in which the young lady and her companions were seated.

However, no one was injured after the male driver of the vehicle managed to quickly put the vehicle in drive and sped away from the location.

'Small man' to know fate on October 26 ON October 26, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan will make her ruling in the matter against Glenmore McBean, who is accused of trafficking in 16 pounds of cannabis in his car.

McBean, known as ‘Small-man’, a 34-year-old taxi driver of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden is accused of trafficking in 7.388 kilograms of cannabis on July 16, 2017 at the Soesdyke Junction of the Soesdyke- Linden Highway.

The trial is being prosecuted by Custom Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU)

Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford.

The prosecution is contending, that on the day in question, CANU ranks received intelligence about the drugs since the accused was in the Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara area..

This led to a road block being set up at the Soesdyke/Linden Highway to intercept the accused and the narcotics.

It was during a search of the vehicle that McBean confessed to having a bag of weed in the trunk, Sandiford told the court.

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Guyanese girls cop Mona top awards –– make Dean’s List, Honours Roll

By Ravin Singh in Kingston

IT will perhaps never be too clichéd to say that Guyanese always etch their names in the halls of academia in whichever part of the world they’re sent.

Today, that story continues with two of the country’s youngest, most brilliant minds who were recently awarded for excellence at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus in Jamaica.

No strangers to excellence, Larissa Wiltshire and Elisa Hamilton, both scholarship students, made the Dean’s list and Honours list for the Faculty of Medical Sciences for the academic year 2016/2017.

To make the Dean’s list, one must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or above, which both young ladies achieved. Wiltshire went even further to cop the coveted award of making the Honours Roll, which is awarded to only the top two students in each class.

Wiltshire is reading for her Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, while Hamilton is pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Both

Larissa Wiltshire with the two awards she copped at UWI, Mona, recently

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

young ladies were awarded scholarships by the Government of Guyana after their stellar performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

For 19-year-old Wiltshire, the awards were the fruits of her labour, as she had invested much time and dedication in her studies.

“It was also time-consuming, and required a lot of dedication,” she said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say it was either challenging or easy, because, to me, it’s just a lot of work that you have to focus on, and set your mind to learning and understanding,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

She admitted, though, that the news of her achievement brought her much joy, as it was something for which she had worked extremely hard. She said, too, that it was not only an achievement for her, but her country as well, as she is still an ambassador of Guyana.

For Hamilton, however, the year was much more challenging.

“My first year was challenging,” she said. “I had to deal with a whole lot of things besides studying. I had to deal with being away from my family, and for me, that was extremely hard.

“After the first month, I wanted to return home.”

The 19-year-old said she also had to deal with cooking, cleaning and having to do her own groceries. She couldn’t help laughing while relating that she even asked herself once, “Oh my gosh, why am I adulating?”

But, by and by, she said, she was able to eventually balance her domestic, social and academic life.

“It took a lot of prayers,” Elisa said.

“Sometimes ‘med’ school got extremely stressful, and I felt overwhelmed at times.”

But by the second semester, she was more understanding of what was required of her.

The aspiring medical doctor said that having used the second semester to assess her performance in the first semester, in terms of what were her strengths and weaknesses, and was able to move on from there.

And because of her ability to adjust her-

Elisa Hamilton with her plaque for making the Dean’s List self, Hamilton successfully attained straight ‘A’s in her second semester. She was actually surprised, she said, when she received an email informing her that she had won the award, since she did not know such an award existed.

“One night I was studying and decided to check my email, and I saw the message that I was an awardee,” she said.

“I was happy to be on it; it was encouraging and motivating because of how challenging my year had been.”

For her, medical school is a work in progress. She believes that an integral part of her success is prayers, and the support she receives not only from friends and family back home, but from those in Jamaica.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Union Lodge renovates Uncle Eddie’s Home

THE Uncle Eddie’s senior citizen’s home in Tucville, Georgetown has benefitted from a facelift, compliments of the Union Lodge No. 247.

According to a release from the Union Lodge, the freshly painted west wing ceiling of the diner and lobby areas of the Home were recently handed over to management.

The Lodge also donated a plaque to the facility’s administrator to this effect.

The works commenced a few months ago, and necessitated the areas being professionally repainted, further enhancing the aesthetics and atmosphere for the residents of the Home to fully utilise and enjoy.

In handing over the plaque to commemorate the work being done at the Home, Worshipful Master of Union Lodge No. 247, Bro. Clifford Van Doiemen said: “Charity and benevolence have always been fundamental tenets of Union Lodge, from which many organisations in Guyana have benefitted.”

He said that the Lodge undertook a similar ex-

Worshipful Master. Bro Clifford Van Doiemen presenting a plaque to the Administrator of the Uncle Eddie’s Home, Bonita Moore in rememberance of the recent renovations done there ercise back in 2001, and plans to continue well in the future.

“We are here to present a new plaque to Uncle Eddie’s Home to commemorate the continued support and the work we have recently completed, and will continue to do for the Home and its gracious residents,” VanDoimen

said.

Administrator of the Home, Ms Bonita Moore seized the opportunity to thank the Lodge for all that they’ve done.

“I am deeply grateful, and I know the residents here are very grateful for the work you have done so far,” she said, adding: “It has surely served to

enhance the appearance of the West Wing and Dining Room area, which I believe will surely lend itself in great measure towards improving the overall environment and ambience

of the Home.”

Members of Lodge, in turn, expressed their gratitude to the management and staff of Bounty Farm Ltd for supporting their activities.

Union Lodge No. 247 is the oldest Freemason’s Lodge in Guyana, having been warranted in July 1813 by the Ancient Grand Lodge of England.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Delegates cleared for CPC congress

THE presidium of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Tuesday approved a report clearing delegates attending the conference.

The some 2,280 delegates elected are outstanding party members with high ideological and political quality, good style in conduct, strong capability in discussing political affairs, and good professional performance, and they are highly representative, the report said.

General Secretary of the Party and China’s President, Xi Jinping, was present and delivered a speech.

Presided over by the

congress’ Secretary-General, Liu Yunshan, the meeting approved a list of the presidium’s 42-member Standing Committee including Xi. Liu Qibao, Meng Jianzhu, Zhao Leji and Li Zhanshu were approved as deputy secretaries-general of the congress.

Spokesperson for the Congress, Tuo Zhen, told a news conference on Tuesday that according to the examination report, 2,287 delegates were elected from electoral units across the country and that the list had been published with the approval of the CPC Central Committee.

After examination, qualifications of 2,280 were confirmed valid,

China’s President Xi Jinping putting the actual number of delegates attending the congress at 2,280.

The election began in November last year, the report said, noting that almost all primary CPC organisations and up to 99.2 per cent of more than 89 million party

members took part in the election, up from 98 per cent five years ago.

It stressed that the election was a competitive one, and more than 15 per cent of the preliminary nominees had been eliminated in each electoral unit during the process, except Tibet and Xinjiang, which had been approved to exercise non-competitive election.

The report said that in light of the practice of the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee specially

invited 74 delegates to attend the 19th congress and they would enjoy equal rights as elected delegates.

A draft electoral method of the 19th CPC National Congress was approved at the meeting and was handed over to each delegation for deliberation.

The CPC Central Committee decided to invite relevant leading party officials and a group of non-Communist figures to attend the congress as non-voting participants.

The non-voting participants, totalling 405, include non-delegate members and alternate members of the 18th CPC Central Committee and non-delegate members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, among others.

In addition, 149 guests were invited to attend the opening and closing sessions of the congress.

The congress will open on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and last till October 24.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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China set to elect new leadership ... talks up prospects for further economic growth

A NEW central leadership will be elected at the first plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which opens today.

Spokesman for the Congress, Tuo Zhen, told a news conference on Tuesday that after the plenary session, members of the new Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee will meet Chinese and foreign journalists.

Tuo said a special working group chaired by General Secretary, Xi Jinping, was set up by the party’s central committee to ensure the elections are successful.

Under the leadership of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee’s Political Bureau, the group is respon-

Congress spokesman Tuo Zhen sible for the recommendation, evaluation and nomination of candidates for the new Central Committee and the new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Meanwhile, Tuo said, China has full confidence in the positive long-term outlook and continued sound growth of its economy.

He told the media that the economy has strong momentum for steady progress and growth, and major international institutions have revised up their growth forecasts for China.

He dismissed concerns over any possible negative impact from measures to deleverage the economy, saying reducing leverage and stabilising growth should not be seen as conflicting with each other.

Deleveraging can help defuse latent risks that affect the steady, healthy development of the economy and can boost the economy’s resilience in the medium to long-term, Tuo told reporters.

“Initial progress has already been made in the efforts to reduce leverage, and it has not had any significant dampening effect on the economy,” he said.

Between 2013 and 2016, China’s GDP maintained an annual average growth rate of 7.2 per cent, contributing more than 30 per cent of the global economic growth, according to Tuo. The economic structure is optimised, with the shift between old and new growth momentum accelerating and people’s wellbeing improving, he said.

Additionally, the spokesperson stressed China’s determination to deepen reform, which he said has increased the momentum and vitality of economic and social development.

The 19th CPC National Congress will map out new strategic measures for the country’s reform and development in the coming five years and beyond, as well as advance reform from a higher start point, Tuo said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

City constables sacked … one day after mayor calls for further investigations

By Telesha Ramnarine

TOWN Clerk Royston King on Tuesday sacked two city constabulary officers whose names were called in the sex scandal involving a 15-year-old boy last August.

The decision to fire the officers, Lance Corporal Clifton Pellew and Quacy Baveghems, came one day after Mayor Patricia Chase-Green called on the Legal Affairs Committee to do a thorough investigation and to obtain more statements that were not earlier taken.

Last Monday, at a meeting at City Hall, Councillor Heston Bostwick suggested that the officers proceed on administrative leave while the investigations continued; but Town Clerk Royston King responded that absolutely nothing was proven and that the council should not be carried away by news reports on the matter.

Chase-Green had even refused to entertain a discussion on the matter, because she said there had been lots of lapses in the entire matter so far and that full council would only be allowed to deliberate on the issue when the Legal Affairs Committee comes forward with its decision.

Public Relations Officer at the City Council, Debra Lewis, would only tell the Chronicle on Tuesday that new information had surfaced. Chase-Green could not be reached for comment, and King said, via his secretary, that he could not take the Chronicle’s call.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo would only say that King is the fittest person to speak with and that he was informed of the decision to fire the officers after King had made the decision. “”I am blindsided, utterly surprised, shocked and disgusted as a Councillor and Chairman of the Legal Affairs and Security Committee that a matter which was submitted to the committee, and which the committee is still looking at, is being dealt with now unilaterally,” Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Sherod Duncan shared on social media.

“Why now? The town clerk interviewed the alleged victim in his office and submitted no report to the committee on what transpired. Should he be sent home as well? Justice [has] fallen,” Duncan, who also posted the dismissal letters of Pellew and Baveghems, continued.

Pellew was fired for “gross misconduct” at the Regent Street outpost where it is said he engaged in a sexual act with a juvenile, while Baveghems’ letter said he was dismissed for his “dereliction of duty.” “You stated that you saw Lance Corporal Clifton Pellew engaging in a sexual act with a juvenile that was in the custody of the City Constabulary, but you took no action. Further, you made no entry of the occurrence in the station diary.

Please return to the Chief Constable all items issued to you in the performance of your duties,” Baveghems’ letter further said.

Meanwhile, the Chronicle understands that the juvenile was allegedly approached by the officer in the wee hours of the morning and made to engage in the act. The incident occurred sometime between August 22 and 23 last.

The chief constable told this newspaper last Monday that although he was aware that the lance corporal at reference faced a similar matter in 2016, everyone is deemed innocent until they are proven guilty.

He said he didn’t foresee any challenges with the officer being allowed to remain on the job, since it was unlikely that he could have interfered with the investigation that was being done by the committee.

Pellew’s 2016 matter was reportedly dropped, because the victim did not pursue it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

No one came to take him home DEOROO, the middle-aged man who was abandoned at the Fort Wellington Hospital by relatives and who

through the pages of the Guyana Chronicle made an appeal for relatives to take him home, died at the

Bandit drops ID card –– during failed ‘carjacking’ bid

A HIRE car driver who operates from the Soesdyke-Linden Highway junction escaped with minor injuries and his car after a “customer” attempted to hijack his vehicle on Sunday.

Reports are that the assailant approached Lester Grant at the “Soesdyke Junction” about hiring his car, HC5527, to take him “across the river” to the West Demerara.

But while they were in the vicinity of Crane, the customer, on the pretext that he wanted to urinate, asked him to stop so he could ‘relieve’ himself.

Though the report doesn’t say, Grant must’ve complied, which gave his assailant ample opportunity to pounce and assault him with a bottle. Grant reportedly put up a fight, which caused the would-be carjacker to flee the scene, leaving behind a bag with an identification card inside it.

According to the particulars on the ID card, the would-be carjacker is 21-year-old Michael Damian Tamesar.

The matter was reported to the Vreed-en-Hoop, as

The would-be ‘carjacker’ well as the Timehri Police Stations.

Meanwhile, a University of Guyana student sustained injuries in the head after he was assaulted and relieved of his car soon after arriving at his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home on Monday night.

The young man, 24-yearold Ryan Seecharran, was attacked by bandits who stole his Toyota Allion motorcar bearing registration PVV 4911.

There has been a spate of carjacking in recent weeks. To date, the Guyana Police Force has not pronounced on the issue.

Hospital on Monday last without having his heart’s desire.

His cause of death was determined to be infection of the scalp.

While he was alive, the man was occasionally lucid and had at such times disclosed that he hails from Ruimzigt on the West Coast of Demerara and had children living there.

He told officials that his wife was deceased

and that he had travelled to Suriname to work recently but had taken ill.

He said he was brought back to Guyana by a Guyanese woman who had been moved by the poor circumstances in which she had seen him living in Suriname.

Meanwhile a relative of the man contacted through an investigation by the Guyana Chronicle said that he had believed that the man was

still in Suriname and said he was shocked by the news of his death.

“He been living in Suriname since the 1980s and had been coming and going every now and then,” the relative said.

He said that the man had three children who are now adults but he had become estranged from them since they were at a tender age.

He said that he would

alert other relatives of the passing of the man and they would see what they could do.

Meanwhile, hospital authorities told the Guyana Chronicle that they would allow relatives some time to retrieve the body and if they failed to do so Deoroo would be buried in a ‘potter’s field’ a common grave, which is a place for unknown or indigent people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Palms to get three el THE 220 residents of the Palms Geriatric Home are in for a treat before this year is over, as three elevators are expected to be installed to ease their burden of climbing up and down the stairs.

The administrator, Ms. Samantha Douglas, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the base of the three lifts have already been completed, and that the next phase of the project is for the contractor to install the elevators, which are being funded by the Guyana government.

In an invited comment on the sidelines of a health fair at the Brickdam facil-

ity, Douglas further said: “We always look for initiatives to help improve the lives of the residents, and since it is very difficult for them, the lifts would be very helpful.

We are pushing for it to be finished by the end of the year or before.”

At the moment, the Palms has 74 caregivers and one registered nurse, Ms. Malena Elias Cox DeSouza.

“We have about 220 residents, but we have the capacity to facilitate 240,” the administrator said.

“We need registered nurses and ward sisters who would be able to supervise

and help the caregivers, so that a better service can be given. Supervision is very important,” she added.

The facility’s Matron, Ms. Deborah Murphy, said that the health fair was just another activity to mark the observance of ‘Month of the Elderly.’ The event featured a mini blood drive, counselling and testing, and a skin clinic among other activities.

The remaining activities for the month include a fun day at the National Park; a poetry, photoshoot and spa day; a tea party and evening of culture; and a brunch and barbecue.

Director of Public Health Clinic/Skin Clinic Ms Heather Morri team at the health fair

Palms Administrator, Ms Samantha Douglas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

levators by year-end

is-Wilson (second left) and her

The Palms Geriatric Home

Residents of the Palms at the health fair

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Child rapist gets life sentence …eligible for parole only after serving 25 years

YOGANAND Ramnarine who was accused of the rape of a three-year old girl, who was left in his care while her mother went to face a bereavement, will now have a long time to reflect on his unforgivimg behaviour.

Justice Jo Ann Barlow made it known that she will not condone any such action, especially on a child of that tender age, when she imposed a life sentence on the 22-year-old year old, at the Berbice Assizes on Monday afternoon.

‘The Court is society’s voice and I am sending a strong message to would-be persons with similar behaviour. You will not be eligible for parole until you have served 25 years,” the judge stipulated..

During the three-day trial, the unrepresented labourer, had pleaded not guilty to the rape indictment, which stated that on April 17, 2015, at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, he engaged in sexual penetration of a girl under 16 years of age.

At his sentencing the judge remarked, “The jury says you are guilty.. The law prescribes the maximum penalty, which is life imprisonment. The Court is of the view for a young man to have done such a thing, something had to be wrong somewhere. My only recourse is to send you to a place where your life will be transformed and that you live a meaningful life’.

In highlighting his family issues which were raised during the trial, Judge Barlow said: If you were having difficulty with getting sex with your wife, you should have gotten the consent of another adult.

The child was trembling and crying when she was rescued…a traumatic experience.’

Major fraud uncovered at T&HD Parika office PERSONNEL at the Transport and Harbours Departmen (T&HD), Parika Stelling, are peeved that moves may be afoot to cover-up a major fraud uncovered following a recent audit.

According to reports, an audit of the Department’s books was conducted during the second quarter of 2017 at its office at Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo.

When the audit was completed, it was discovered that the receipt books were tampered with. The fraud may have been in progress since April, 2016 but came to a sudden halt in May this year.

Reports are that several cashiers, who are still on the job, have been fingered in the fraudulent activity.

A source familiar with the situation, told the Guyana Chronicle that the cashiers would issue receipts to truck drivers who utilise the services of the Essequibo River ferry service, offered by the T&HD. The cashiers would then remove the carbon copied leaves from the books “so it would look as if no trucks pass,” the source said.

Given the period over which the activity was happening, the T&HD may have lost millions of dollars.

A source at Parika noted that the auditors brought the matter to the attention of the Department’s head but nothing came out of it.

The T&HD operates several ferry vessels along the Essequibo River daily. The service is seen as critical, as it bridges the economic link along the waterway.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

IAC hoping for one date in 2018 PPP extends warm Diwali greetings to all

THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) extends Diwali greetings to the entire nation, especially persons who are adherents of Sanatana Dharma on the occasion of the now global festival of Deepavali or Diwali. Deepavali means a row of lights from the words deep (light) and avali (row); this festival is physically characterised by homes being illuminated during the dark hours by rose of lit deeyas.

The Goddess Maha Latchmi is revered at this time and is believed to bestow wealth and prosperity upon all of her devotees.

The bright lights of Diwali are considered to signify the illuminatory power of

knowledge which destroys the darkness of ignorance and also to represent the triumph of good over evil.

The IAC realises that Diwali of 2017 is very significant, coming at the time when there is uncertainty facing many families given present economic difficulties, particularly in the sugar and rice industries.

The IAC is calling upon the various Hindu organisations to agree upon one date for Diwali in 2018.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to respect the sanctity of Diwali and engage in appropriate and fitting observances and activities.

Shubh Diwali to all Guyanese.

DIWALI is universally recognised as the festival of light; the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the substitution of all that is negative with that which is positive.

As we celebrate this most auspicious occasion of the Hindu calendar, we call on all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu brothers and sisters, to reflect upon the significance of this great festival and to inculcate its message into our daily lives, as we strive together, to remove the darkness of hate, discrimination and racism and replace them with the illumination of love, unity and brotherhood.

Occasions like Diwali continue to present the opportunity for all of our people to display to the world, as one nation, the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural, ethnic and

religious diversity and tolerance. It is from this perspective that we continue to note the division which has recently erupted in respect of the date when we are to celebrate this great festival.

Notwithstanding this division, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expresses the hope that in the near future, these differences will be reconciled so that this pious occasion can continue to be observed in an atmosphere and environment which is devoid of any controversy and overwhelmed with divinity and mutual respect.

The PPP wishes to extend warm Diwali greetings to every Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters. SHUBH DIWALI!

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Wednesday October 18th, 03:30 - 14:30 hrs Thursday October 19th, 04:30 - 14:30 hrs Friday October 20th, - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Guyana go down 2-0 to defending champions Canada

By Rawle Toney DESPITE a 2-0 loss against defending champions Canada yesterday, Guyana’s head coach Dwayne Scott told Chronicle that his ladies, though being down, are certainly not out of their hunt for a top-four spot in this year’s Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships.

Prior to yesterday’s game, Guyana had suffered defeats against Uruguay (4-3) and Argentina (3-0) and in the game against Canada, they were expected to be outplayed, but, the Guyanese women impressed the crowd at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with their ‘die-hard’ hockey game.

The Canadians entered the clash against Guyana with a 5-1 victory over Barbados and, given their distinct advantage or speed and skills they were expecting a wide margin of victory.

Michelle Webber, six min-

utes into the game put the visitors in the lead with her goal, while Kathleen Leahy, in the 15th minute cemented the Canadians lead.

Guyana suffered a devastating blow after watching their 18-year-old star Aliyah Gordon fall to the ground after picking up an injury. Gordon is one the best players on the Guyana side but in her absence, the local women matched the Canadians every move.

They (Guyana) came close to scoring on several occasions in the second half, but, their attempts were foiled by the Canadians’ stubborn defence and twice the ball had beaten the keeper, but edged off the goal stanchion.

“We have proved that we can play hockey with the ‘big dogs’, we’ve proved that we can compete, every one of our games has been a close game.

We want to prove to the rest of the hockey nations that we

Guyana men humbled ...

That penalty was converted

by Jordan Reynolds whose low rocket was no match for the Guyanese keeper, despite him going the right way.

A green and yellow card for the Trinidad side in the 37th minute meant the Guyanese now had a chance to regain those two efforts but they failed to make use of the advantage - lacking the attacking prowess to find the goals.

The Trinis, however, were

not about to make that mistake.

Back-to-back field goals in the 40th minute from Mickel Pierre and Joran Vieira meant that the score ended 4-0.

Canada were also winners on the day, beating Barbados 6-1, Argentina trumping Mexico as well.

After two days of action, the Guyanese sit fourth on the table behind Canada and Trinidad respectively with both teams undefeated but Canada having a goal

Bolt to put Hamilton ... for introducing boxing title fights with the call, “Let’s get ready to rumble”, can present the 20 drivers individually to the crowd.

Soul singer Stevie Wonder will perform, with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders going through their routines on the starting grid.

“We continue to layer in new elements at each grand prix and this innovative driver presentation format seemingly was an appropriate addition for Austin,” said Formula One’s commercial manager Sean Bratches in a

statement. ”The USA is, without a doubt, the country where sports events are seen as entertainment that goes above and beyond the purely sporting contest.

“We want to do something that positions Formula One as breaking the boundaries, between sport and a show,” he added.

A mechanical bucking bronco will also be installed in the paddock for anyone brave enough to give it a go.

Pink strips have meanwhile been painted along the 12:15 hrs Teepee Time

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are capable of playing with the very best,” head coach Dwayne Scott told Chronicle after his loss to Argentina.

Having failed to secure a win in their three matches, Scott stated, “We’re not disappointed with the losses and we’re coming against some of the best teams playing hockey forever. If you look at the competition we’ve been coming up against and the games we’ve been playing, we still have hope.”

Argentina, USA, Canada and Uruguay are all undefeated so far in the tournament, and a herculean task is ahead for Scott’s ladies, since they will have to win their three remaining games to stand a chance to feature in the medal round of the Championships.

Up next for Guyana are the win-less Barbados today, and they will wrap up their round-robin play against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow.

Continued from back page

difference of 15 to Trinidad’s 7.

Argentina sit third, just ahead of Guyana with a positive goal difference of 9 to (-3). Both teams have won one game and lost one.

Fifth and sixth are Barbados and Mexico who are winless.

Today’s Men’s matches will see the hosts play Mexico at 15:45hrs. Trinidad and Tobago oppose Barbados at 15:15hrs while Argentina and Canada clash at 20:15hrs.

Continued from back page

pitlane and around the track as part of a breast-cancer awareness initiative, with tyre supplier Pirelli colour-coding pink their ultrasoft tyres.

Organisers have also secured a schedule change for qualifying, with the Saturday session starting two hours later to reduce the gap between the track action and a Justin Timberlake concert in the evening.

Hamilton is 59 points clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with four races remaining and will win the title if he scores 16 points more than the German on Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Lodge Secondary win South GT Zone 1 Inter-School Track Championships

Some of the Lodge Secondary teachers and students celebrate their win.

By Tamica Garnett HEATED battles in the Boys’ and Girls’ 4x400m ended in thrilling fashion in the South Georgetown District 13 Zone 1 Inter-School Track Championships yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground.

However, another battle off the track ensued when North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary contested the results based on the ineligibility of a participating Tucville Secondary student.

With 771 points Lodge Secondary were unquestionably declared the winners of yesterday’s track competition but some are questioning Tucville’s second-place finish, where the school attained 716 points.

North Ruimveldt were

The winning Girls’ 4x400m team, from left, Monique Garraway, Teshauna Austin, Esther Joseph and Tiffauna Garnett (Tamica Garnett photo)

third with 680 points, Dolphin Secondary School ended with 635 points for

fourth, while in a distant fifth were Freeburg Secondary with 462 points, and way

persuade the majority that he can run a country as well as he kicks a ball.

His rhetoric has been light on policy so far. In an interview on October 8 he spoke vaguely about a need for better roads.

“We will seek a government of inclusion where everyone can work together and make our country a better one for all of us,” he told Reuters.

Weah grew up in Clara Town slum in the capital Monrovia, playing football there and in Cameroon, where manager Arsene Wenger spotted him and took him to Monaco. He went on to play for Milan and Paris St Germain, and later in his career for Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille.

He became the first non-European to win the Ballon d‘Or in 1995, the same year he picked up the African and world player-of-the-year awards.

His rags-to-riches story has inspired supporters from similarly lowly backgrounds.

“Weah is grassroots, a son of the soil - he is a star, but he has the country at heart,” said Oliver Myers, an unemployed 39-year-

old from the Rehab neighbourhood outside Monrovia.

Others are wary of his lack of political experience and education, and question his ability to govern a country that remains 12th from bottom of the U.N. Human Development Index.

Lodge Secondary’s Rickie Stewart sprints to a win in the Boys’ 4x400m relay as the Tucville Secondary athlete struggles to keep up. (Tamica Garnett photo)

behind Ascension Secondary with 91 points.

Executives of the District acknowledged the protest lodged against Tucville and announced that an investigation will be launched to ascertain the student’s eligibility.

The opposition contended that the student was not a punctual one, and eligibility required that participating students have at least a 75% attendance at the school.

Meanwhile, out on the track several students were already declaring their intentions to make it to Nationals, with their words as well as with their actions.

Despite not seeing her school finish in a top podium position, Tiffauna Garnett, added some leading points to Freeburg’s tally throughout the day.

The Mercury Fast Laners’

athlete had full control over the Girls’ Under-18 category, at least in the sprints, and dominated in the 100m, 200m and 400m, before anchoring her team mates to victory in both the Girls’ 4x100m and 4x400m.

The girls had a slight fight from the Tucville Secondary team in the 4x400m but were able to keep them at bay and win. Monique Garraway gave the team a great start that was maintained by Teshauna Austin, but when Esther Joseph took over things began to dim as Tucville closed in. But Garnett stepped in to save the day.

North Ruimveldt also showed a valiant fight as they climbed from a distance fourth place, to eventually finish third. Lodge Secondary Girls’ team ended in fourth place In the Boys’ 4x400m, another suspenseful clash

arose as the Lodge Secondary Boys had to dig deep and climb from second place to take the win, due largely in part to a major effort from Rickie Stewart on the final leg.

Kevin Devonish opened for the team, while Akeem Williams and Troyston Louisy supported in the middle. Stewart, Williams and Louisy were faces that crowd had already seen in winning positions in their individual categories during the day.

Stewart was in the Boys’ Under-20 category, where he championed the 200m, beating out Tucville’s Godfrey Phillips. However, Phillips got the better of him in the 200m.

Williams won the Boys’ Under-18 400m, while Louisy had a landslide win in the Boys’1500m.

translate into success in the presidency of a traumatised, poorly managed, post-war nation.”

and his choice of running mate Jewel Howard-Taylor - ex-wife of Charles Taylor, the former president and warlord serving 50 years in Britain for war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone - has raised eyebrows.

Johnson Sirleaf was credited with shoring up peace after the civil war, but criticised for failing to tackle elite graft and doing little to lift most Liberians out of poverty.

Development has been hindered by an Ebola outbreak and a drop in the price of iron ore. Poor roads still leave most of rural Liberia stranded during the rainy season, often without electricity.

In Monrovia, where derelict buildings line the main highways, most live on pitted dirt streets with little access to clean water.

Boakai, 72, Sirleaf’s deputy for 12 years, has struggled to separate himself from her during his campaign, despite promoting his humble beginnings.

As Weah gained popularity, he was elected to the Liberian senate in 2014, defeating the president’s son Robert Sirleaf.

He still plays football every Sunday in Monrovia.

“While people have reservations about his lack of education, he is seen as the candidate for change,” a diplomat told Reuters on Monday.

“It will take a lot for Boakai to turn this one around.”

Thomas Kojo, who played with Weah on the Liberia national team, thinks his former teammate’s passion for his country will take him far.

“The heart George has for Liberia is unbelievable,” Kojo said in an interview outside Weah’s compound in Rehab on Monday. “He made sure the national team was always trying to bring (home) some pride.”

Weah paid for the national team’s kit when the Football Association couldn’t afford it during the war, and gave players up to $600 spending money and similar bonuses if the team won, Kojo said. He once chartered a flight for the team when they were stranded in Ivory Coast without a flight to a game.

“The football team was the only good image to come from Liberia when all people saw was the killing,” Kojo said.

“He made sure he was there for us.”

Ex-football star ‘King George’ nears goal of Liberia presidency

By Edward McAllister

MONROVIA, Liberia (Reuters) - George Weah has been here before: on the goal line of the Liberian presidency, one run-off vote from victory. Unlike in 2005, however, his support is much wider and many expect him at last to succeed.

The 1995 European football player-of-the-year won 39 percent of votes in first round presidential polls last week, with 95 percent of votes counted. The final result is due today.

That was 10 percentage points more than closest rival Vice-President Joseph Boakai, and a better score than he had in earlier contests, but short of the 50 percent needed to win.

A run-off between Weah and Boakai will be held in November.

The result shows how support has grown steadily for the former AC Milan striker, who lit up television screens in Liberia in the 1990s with his mazy runs, briefly distracting fans from a 1989-2003 civil war that killed tens of thousands.

Now ‘King George’, as his supporters call him, has to

‘THERE FOR US’ Doubts over Weah’s experience could still sink his ambitions in next month’s run-off, as

George Weah, former soccer player and presidential candidate of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), votes at a polling station in Monrovia, Liberia,

“Weah’s populism and inability to articulate a coherent platform ... are deeply concerning,” said Liberian political analyst Robtel Neajai Pailey in a recent opinion piece for Liberian website The Bush Chicken.

“Success at football does not

in 2005, when he won the first round but lost the second to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who went on to rule for 12 years.

Weah refused to take part in televised debates attended by most other major candidates,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Floodlights cop Jai Hind Cricket Club fundraiser tournament

Jeffrey ends Radical year on a high

Kristian Jeffrey was voted the best driver of the weekend.

By Stephan Sookram GUYANESE Kristian Jeffrey ended his first year under contract with the Radical Works team in England on a high after securing several podium finishes.

Driving in the SR3 cup,

Jeffrey concluded the yearly championship in fifth after finishing third, fourth and second respectively.

In the first race, the Guyanese qualified fourth on the grid before moving up one place to finish on the podium.

He returned to finish

fourth in race two and then second in his final race of the season.

By virtue of his performance, the Guyanese was voted the driver-of-theweekend award with an entry to race in Barcelona in two weeks’ time.

Five teams record victories in GFA’s STAG Premium League

A smiling Floodlights skipper Ricky Deonarine receives the winners trophy from a representative of Permaul Trading while other members of the team look on.

IN fading light, Floodlights Masters won a tense and exciting final versus Wellman Masters last Sunday by 3 runs, in a specially arranged 15 overs-a-side softball tournament, used as a fundraiser for the Jai Hind Cricket Club of Albion on the Corentyne Coast in Berbice.

The final was played in brilliant sunshine and on a billiards table-like outfield.

With all four teams stepping up preparations for the prestigious International softball cup tournament, the Guyana Softball Cup 7, which is scheduled to be played in Guyana on November 3, 4 and 5, a keen competition was expected and so it was.

In the first semi-final, home team Albion Masters lost to their Demerara counterparts, Floodlights Masters, by 21 runs.

The visitors were inserted to take first strike and opener Uniss Yusuf started like a bullet from a gun, racing to 42 with five sixes and one four to give his team a solid start of 42 between himself and Troy Ramsaywack.

After he was caught on the square leg boundary, the run rate slowed up.

Floodlights Masters ended on 132 for 6 off their allotted 15 overs. Essequibo’s prolific all-rounder Ramesh Narine supported with 22 and Patrick Khan 14. Bowling for Albion Masters, R Mangli took 2 for 18 from three overs.

The home team in reply lost wickets regularly ending on 111 for 9. Mangli with 21, Zahir Hussain 32 and Mangli 21 threatened briefly. Clive Canterbury took 4 for 17, while supporting with two for 20.

In semi-final number two, Wellman Masters made light work of Parika Defenders by 9 wickets.

The East Bank Essequibo-based team won the toss and batted first but mustered 95 all out. At one stage, they were 54 for 9, but Fazil Baksh came to the crease and brought respectability to the score as he contributed 28 not out.

I n r e p l y, P a t r i c k Rooplall stroked a fine half-century to lead the visitors to a comfortable 9-wicket win.

In the grand finale, Floodlights Masters took first strike and amassed 144 for 6 wickets off their allotted 15 overs. The classy Narine compiled an attacking 66 not out consisting of seven fours and three sixes. He got support from Yusuf who made 41 with three fours and four sixes.

Skipper Ricky Deonarine chipped in with 12 not out.

I n r e p l y, We l l m a n were always in the hunt with Lloyd Rooplall at the crease. He batted magnificently until he was run-for 48. Greg DeFranca supported with 20 and Jagdish Persaud 22. Three run-outs hurt the Wellman chase.

At the presentation ceremony that followed, members of the Floodlights Association made a donation of $75 000 to the event.

Trophies for the winning team and runners-up were presented. Ramesh Narine took the MVP and man-of-the-match in the final awards. Some of the sponsors were Permaul Trading, Trophy Stall, Hussain Poultry and Massy Distribution.

AFTER two days of competition, five teams have recorded victories in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) STAG Premier League, which got underway last Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with a triple-header and continued on Monday with a double-header at the same venue.

In the latest set of results, hosts GFC secured a walkover from Flamingo while Santos brushed aside Northern Rangers 3-0.

The goalscorers for Santos were William Europe who netted a brace in the 22nd and 31st minutes and Orin Yarde who slotted home one goal in the 47th minute.

When the tournament got underway on Sunday, Beacon defeated Black Pearl 4-1, Camp[town edged Pele 2-1 and Police scored a 4-1 win against Riddim Squad.

In the Beacon versus Black Pearl encounter, Deron Bowen found the opposition’s net in the 25th and 45th minutes, while his team mate, Quacy McAulay netted a brace as well in the 32nd and 50th minutes.

Jason Clarke pulled one back for Black Pearl in the 56th minute.

Richie Richards scored a double for Camptown in the 52nd and 62nd minutes against Pele, while Lloyd Anderson netted for Pele in the 85th minute.

In the feature game last

Sunday, Kester Dundas, Dwayne Jacobs, Shemar Fraser and Travis Jones scored one goal each for Police in the 31st, 37th, 41st and 90th minutes respectively, while Amos Ramsay pulled one back for Riddim Squad in the 76th minute.

The tournament will continue on Friday at the same venue with a double-header and continue on Sunday with a triple-header.

On Friday, Police are down to play Flamingo from 18:00hrs and Northern Rangers come up against Camptown from 20:00hrs. On Sunday, GFC will take on Black Pearl from 16:00hrs, Riddim Squad will oppose Beacon from 18:00hrs and Pele face Santos from 20:00hrs.

Former skipper Taylor back to strengthen Zimbabwe Test team BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (Reuters) - Former captain Brendan Taylor and bowler Kyle Jarvis were both included in the Zimbabwe Test squad for the first time after lengthy absences when a 16-man party was named yesterday for the two-Test series at home to the West Indies.

Taylor and Jarvis had opted to play county cricket in England under Kolpak contracts, which meant they could no longer play for Zimbabwe, but have since been convinced to return to the team.

Taylor, 31, has an average of almost 35 in 23 previous Tests and brings a wealth of experience to the side. The 28-year-old Jarvis last played Test cricket in early 2013.

Graeme Cremer will continue as captain but the squad has been overhauled after July’s tour to Sri Lanka with all-rounders Tendai Chisoro and Solomon Mire and wick-

Former captain Brendan Taylor

etkeeper Nyasha Mayavo all in line for a first cap.

There were also recalls for bowlers Chamu Chibhabha and Michael Chinouya.

Both Tests are being played at the Queens Club in Bulawayo. The first Test starts on Saturday with the second scheduled for October 29 to November 2.

SQUAD: Graeme Cremer (captain), Regis Chakabva, Chamu Chibhabha, Michael Chinouya, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Solomon Mire, Christopher Mpofu, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.

Turbo knock-out football tournament on tonight FOOTBALL action in the Turbo Knock-out tournament commences this evening with a double-header at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The first of the games this evening will feature Police Sports

Club against Eagles FC from 18:30hrs while the second game will see Pele play Northern Rangers.

Group A teams are Pele FC, Santos FC, Riddim Squad, Northern Rangers, Eagles, Silver Shattas, Uitvlugt and Winners

Connection.

In Group B, the teams are Grove Hi-Tech, Pouderoyen, Buxton Stars, Camptown FC, Mahaica Determinators, Kuru Kuru, GFC and Police.

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Who will be $1M richer?

Upper Demerara face West Demerara in GT Beer Super Sunday final tonight

By Joe Chapman ALL roads lead to the Mackenzie Sports Club ground this evening, as the pursuit for $1M takes place when Upper Demerara, playing at home, will look to stop the unbeaten run of West Demerara, as the final of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)-organised GT Beer Inter-Association Super Sunday Night Cup comes to a climax.

Having played without a loss both sides can easily be considered the top two in the eight associations of Guyana, but the winners’ $1M, along with the bragging rights and holding the championship trophy, is what matters now, even as the losers get $600 000.

At the launch last Friday for the semifinals Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, made the point

that his company does not see this only for football, but for the development of the community because of what it brings to the community with

support wherever possible.

President of the UDFA said this programme of having an inter-association tournament is seen as football development

The Upper Demerara squad

all the associations of the Guyana Football Federation being involved in the area.

Peters assured that Banks DIH will continue to offer its

where the cream of football players come together and the federation can ultimately come up with a pool of players to represent the national team in

Powell, Hope and Hetmyer among the runs on final day BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Kieran Powell and Kyle Hope got into gear with half-centuries, as West Indies had to settle for a draw with Zimbabwe A, in their threeday, tour match on yesterday.

Powell hit the top score of 77 and Hope made 61 – before they both retired – to allow the Windies to declare their second innings on 263 for five on the final day of the match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club.

Shimron Hetmyer gave the selectors a gentle nudge with 48, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich battled for 37 not out and Jermaine Blackwood added 25, as they tried to gain valuable match practice in the only contest on the visitors’ schedule prior to the first Test against the hosts’ national side, starting on Saturday at the Queen’s Sports Club.

The West Indies bowlers also got a chance for a final run-out and reduced the A-Team to 70 for four in their second innings, as they chased a highly improbable victory target of 457.

Powell and Hope knuckled down for most of the morning period, after the Windies started the day on 74 for one.

They put on 126 for the second wicket with little trouble before they both retired in the second hour of the day to offer the remaining batsman a final chance to get in their eyes.

A fifth-wicket stand of 84 between Hetmyer and the em-

battled Dowrich increased the scoring rate and allowed the Caribbean side time in the final session to give their bowlers another spell in the middle.

Shannon Gabriel, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, left-arm fast-medium

bowler Raymon Reifer and Miguel Cummins each took one wicket to sign off the game with a bit of confidence, as they seek to keep Zimbabwe waiting for their first Test victory in four years.

Shimron Hetmyer

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES 1st innings 336 for seven declared ZIMBABWE A 1st innings 143 WEST INDIES 2nd innings (o/n 74 for one) K. Brathwaite b Masuku 2 K. Powell retired out 77 K. Hope retired out 61 J. Blackwood c Chibhabha b Chinouya 25 S. Dowrich not out 37 S. Hetmyer c Chisoro b Burl 48 R. Reifer not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, nb-6) 13 Total: (5 wkts decl, 68 overs) 263 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-129, 3-172, 4-177, 5-261.

Bowling: Mashinge 10-5-23-0 (nb-1), Masuku 6-1-29-1 (nb3), Chibhabha 9-3-20-0 (nb-1), Mavuta 11-4-51-0, Nyumbu 15-153-0, Mutumbodzi 5-0-23-0 (nb-

1), Chisoro 6-0-34-0, Chinouya 4-0-18-1, Burl 2-0-5-1.

ZIMBABWE A (target: 457) B. Chari c wkp. Dowrich b Gabriel 5 J. Chibhabha stp. Dowrich b Bishoo 24 T. Musakanda c K. Hope b Reifer 12 R. Burl c wkp. Dowrich b Cummins 4 P. Moor not out 10 R. Mutumbami not out 1 Extras: (lb-8, nb-6) 14 Total: (4 wkts, 27 overs) 70 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-42, 3-52, 4-65.

Bowling: Gabriel 4-0-12-1 (nb-1), Holder 4-2-6-0, Roach 3-0-12-0 (nb-2), Reifer 3-1-11-1 (nb-1), Bishoo 7-3-5-1 (nb-1), Cummins 3-0-11-1 (nb-1), Brathwaite 3-15-0.

the future.

He thanked Banks DIH for their support for this venture and the annual tournament which means so much to the

Georgetown, have made a statement and will be hoping to crown this achievement with a championship win.

They have been playing

The West Demerara squad

community of Linden.

However, West Demerara, seen definitely as the third force in local football, along with Upper Demerara and

positive football; and have among them Jamal Harvey who has three goals and David Blake two. This gives them some confidence going up

against this Upper Demerara side.

Devon Primo is also in good form with Morgan Denny also among the goals. They do have a great chance of taking away the championship.

Upper Demerara, however, after dismantling Georgetown in a more convincing fashion by a 3-1 margin; will be hoping to get their momentum going early against the West side. West Demerara on the other hand had inflicted a 1-0 win over Georgetown in their round-robin play.

Having the leading goalscorers in the tournament will mean a lot. Upper Demerara’s Denzil Fordyce and Kellon Primo each with five goals, and with two other hungry players up front in Marmalaque Davidson and Shane Luckie, this could be the time for Upper Demerara to prove their worth.

Red-hot Liverpool hit seven to ignite Champions League campaign MARIBOR, Slovenia (Reuters) - Liverpool produced a superb attacking display to ignite their stuttering Champions League campaign with a blistering 7-0 Group E victory at Maribor on Tuesday.

Having drawn their opening two games, Liverpool made a dream start when Mohamed Salah burst into the box before squaring for Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino to stroke home in the fourth minute.

Nine minutes later Firmino’s compatriot Philippe Coutinho converted James Milner’s smart pullback to double the lead before Salah finished smartly at the near post as Liverpool ran riot in the opening 19 minutes.

Liverpool’s fluid, dynamic front three continued to cut loose and the effervescent Salah capped a stunning first half for the visitors, converting Alberto Moreno’s low cross to make it 4-0 in the 39th minute.

Halftime did little to halt their momentum and Firmino added a well-deserved second finishing from Coutinho’s fierce cross with a deft header in the 54th

minute.

Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with his first Liverpool goal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold completed the rout in the closing stages as the visitors registered their biggest win under manager Juergen

Klopp.

Liverpool have five points after three games to lead Group E from Spartak Moscow on goal difference, while Spanish side Sevilla sit one point adrift in third.

Maribor have one point.

Liverpool players celebrate another goal.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 18, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brian Lara-11,912 runs (2) Andy Flower-4,794 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest individual score made by a WI in Tests to date?

(2) Which ZIM player has made the highest individual score in Tests to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 18, 2017

43

Third Secondary Schools Cricket League launched

By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in collaboration with the Demerara Mutual Life Assurance, the National Sport Commission and the Childcare and Protection Agency launched the third Secondary Schools Cricket League.

The tournament, which will feature some 150 schools across the country, began yesterday and is the premier schools tournament.

Speaking during the launch yesterday, GCB Technical Development Officer and chair of the proceedings, Colin Stuart, contended that the tournament has already begun to develop some outstanding talents for the country.

(CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programmes and we support it.”

Childcare and Protection Officer, Orette Francois, commended the board for its strict adherence to ensuring that all coaches who work with children run a mandatory course on Child Safety.

Title sponsors Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited, through Executive Manager for Marketing and Sales, Clarence Perry, said they are pleased to be on board once again.

He added that in these times, raw talent can no longer ‘cut it’, saying, “Those countries like Australia, England, India are so well

L-R: Students stand behind the various representatives during yesterday morning’s National Secondary Schools Football Tournament launch. Childcare and Protection Officer Orette Francois, Administrator of the National Sport Commission Gervy Harry, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Executive Manager for Marketing and Sales Clarence Perry, Allied Arts Unit Acting Administrator Lorraine Baker-King, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie, and GCB TDO GCB Collin Stuart along with GCB president Drubahadur. (Stephan Sookram photo)

Gervy Harry, Administrator of the National Sports Commission said the youngsters involved in the sport must want it for themselves, and that no one can force it on them.

He added, “To do that, you have to strive for excellence in whatever you do at all times. Striving for excellence is not a part-time business; every time you have to strive.”

The Allied Arts Unit within the Ministry of Education representative and Acting Administrator Lorraine Baker-King reiterated that they are in support of the event.

“Cricket forms part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

advanced in terms of the education systems and that has a lot to do with the maturity of the cricketers when they reach to that level.”

Hon. Secretary of the GBC, Anand Sanasie, said that several years ago the board decided that sport needed to have more of their players and officials educated, ensuring that the structure is built from the grassroots up.

He noted that the products of the league are evident, pointing out Sachin Singh, who has been a part of the programme for the past two years, has since captained the West Indies Under-16 team that went on tour to England Lower Corentyne are the defending champions.

SEE INSIDE

Third Secondary Schools Cricket League launched See page 43

Guyana go down 2-0 to defending champions Canada

n yo tor 39 s Seepage

… We’re down but not out – coach Scott

Action between Guyana and Canada at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

Guyana men humbled 0-4 by T&T as Pan American Indoor Hockey continues

The Guyanese were outplayed by the Trinidadians on day two of the Pan American Hockey Federation’s Indoor tournament.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

By Stephan Sookram IN an underwhelming performance at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana’s National Men’s team were left licking their wounds after Trinidad and Tobago inflicted a 4-0 drubbing on them in the Pan American Indoor Hockey championships.

The locals had few moments of brilliance but they either fizzed out or could not find their mark as the Trinis were rampant at the other end.

Aidan de Gannes opened the scoring in the 25th minute for the Twin Island Republic through a field goal as the Guyanese looked like they were losing concen-

tration.

Showing their frustration after givimg up a goal so easily, things only got worse for the locals, as just two minutes after, a scuffle in the area saw the referee award a penalty.

Turn to page 39

Guyana’s Gabriella Xavier makes a desperate dive against Canada yesterday. (Samuel Maughn photos)

Bolt to put Hamilton under starter's orders at US. Grand Prix

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Usain Bolt, the “world’s fastest man”, will be putting Formula One title favourite Lewis Hamilton under starter’s orders for what could be a decisive U.S. Grand Prix this weekend.

The eight-time Olympic gold-medallist sprinter, who retired after the world championships in London last August, has been enlisted to send the field off for the pre-race formation lap at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Mercedes driver Hamilton, who can clinch his fourth title on Sunday if he finishes first or second and other results go his way, might also be giving the Jamaican a quick passenger ride in a road car earlier in the day.

U.S.-based Liberty Media, who took over Formula One in January and have talked of treating every race like a Super Bowl, are keen to pump up the show at the sole round in the United States.

The pre-race programme has been expanded so that Michael Buffer, renowned

Turn to page 39

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Usain Bolt

Lewis Hamilton WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017