Guyana Chronicle Epaper 21 11 2017 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

GPL completes maintenance on 69 kilovolt line Page 13

Billions to be saved No. 105103

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

…as GRA rolls out excise stamps on imported alcohol, cigarettes

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New holding areas for Lusignan Prison Page 9

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Students performing a dramatic poem during the first ever children’s forum. The forum addressed issues such as domestic violence, pollution and access to education. Held at the Ramada Hotel, the event was organised by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and the Ministry of Education. (Adrian Narine photo)

GECOM commissioner, Sandra Jones passes away AFC backs Page 8

severance pay City teacher accused of sexual abuse of students for sugar workers …complaint filed to ministries Page 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Multi-pronged approach needed to tackle corruption CORRUPTION in Guyana cannot be tackled by any one agency and there needs to be a multipronged approach to address the scourge, Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Professor Clive Thomas told the participants of an investigative training programme on Monday. The training being held at the Felix Austin Training Centre is set to conclude on December 13, 2017. In attendance also were Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James; Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SARA, Aubrey Retmeyer. Professor Thomas was at the time addressing officials from law enforcement and regulatory agencies on asset recovery and financial investigations, under the

guidance of SARA and in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute of Forensic

cute the mandate of SARA. “The institutions selected are important in their own

of government’s arsenal in the fight against corruption. It is also part of the

At the opening of the SARA workshop on Monday. Seated at the head table are, from left, GRA Commissioner-General, Mr Godfrey Statia; SARA Director, Dr Clive Thomas; and CEO of SARA, Mr Aubrey Retmeyer

Accounting (CIFA). The professor said it was mandated by law for persons to be properly trained and certified, as competent persons are needed to exe-

right, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is leading the charge,” he said. He noted that the State Assets Recovery Bill is part

President’s desire to have a professional and unbribable public service. The legislation, divided into seven parts, deals with the establishment of

SARA, the establishment of the Recovery of State Assets Fund, civil recovery and preservation of state property obtained through unlawful conduct and orders to assist investigation and international co-operation and several other issues. According to Retmeyer, corruption in institutions makes countries poor, however, a vibrant and incorruptible institutions develops a country rapidly. “We need to have the foundation established for SARA and we have no doubt your institutions are counting on you,” Retmeyer told the participants. SOCU‘s head, James, told the participants that the training will be very professional and the course will cover all stages in an asset , from the beginning of an investigation to trial. For his part Statia said most of the audits completed in Guyana were actually lacking in its

forensic capacity. He said the training will now empower participants to execute a proper forensic investigation which would lead to successful trials. “The information that will be shared means one particular agency would not have it, until we have a common database, you may have to ask your colleagues for information and sometimes laws would stymied that type of information you would need,” he explained. Further, the GRA head said as such agencies can cooperate and use their resources to achieve the end result. Some of the participating agencies included: The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Bank of Guyana (BoG), Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Ministry of Finance.

Jury empaneled for 2008 Agricola murder A 12-member jury was on Monday empaneled for the murder trial of Jermaine Savory in the Georgetown High Court before Justice James Bovell-Drakes. It is alleged that on November 5, 2008 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, Savory murdered Melissa Payne at Agricola Public Road. The State is being represented by Mandel Moore and Orinthia Schmidt while, the Defence Attorney is Maxwell McKay. The State is expected to call several witnesses. According to reports, Payne was killed after she attempted to put up a fight with gunmen who attacked her and a male friend, at Agricola Public Road, at about 08:30hrs on November 5, 2008. The gunmen escaped with some $110,000 in cash

that was in the woman’s bag along with her jewellery. At the time of the robbery, she was in the company of a male friend, David Fra-

Deceased: Melissa Payne

ser, as they were heading to Georgetown to conduct business. It is reported that as they approached Agricola, the

Canter truck they were in encountered mechanical problems. Fraser came out and tried to fix the truck as Payne stood and watched him. A few moments later, a man came up to them with a gun and demanded their money. The armed man snatched Fraser’s gold chain and attempted to pull away Payne’s handbag but when she tried to turn back and go to the truck, she was stopped in her tracks by the other bandit who demanded the bag. Payne resisted and the armed man shot and killed her. Savory of Lot 97 Second Street, Agricola, was charged with the murder of Payne. Savory reportedly confessed to sleuths that he had participated in the robbery but said that he was not the trigger man.

Correction In our Monday November 20, 2017 edition we incorrectly stated in our lead headline “Public debt down 41.2 per cent” The headline should have read “Public debt service down 41.2 per cent”. Guyana Chronicle sincerely apologises for this error.

Billions to be saved 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

…as GRA rolls out excise stamps on imported alcohol, cigarettes

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is aiming to make a massive dent in the illicit trade of alcohol and tobacco products with the implementation of a secured digital excise stamp solution.

products are being brought in illegally, Beekhoo said GRA in 2015 partnered with Canadian Bank Note – a Canadian security printing company to develop a secured digital excise stamp solution. Approximately two years after, GRA is rolling out the anti-smuggling initiative us-

Currently, imported alcohol and tobacco products are being stamped but importers and retailers must be able to provide the required documents and supporting evidence to verify that the items were legally imported into Guyana. “So we are stamping imported hard liquor like the

was genuine and if it was applied to the correct product. “If it (the product) is not stamped, then we will basically deem it as illicit or illegal and they would have to prove to us that this product came in the country legally. That is why it is so important to get the current inventory stamped as well,

once they were legitimately imported,” Beekhoo noted. Failure to have the targeted imported products stamped could result in defaulters being fined in keeping with the Customs Act. “There are penalties ranging from $10, 000 up to three times the value of the goods. So as I said, it is tied to the

A GRA Customs Officer placing the Excise Stamp on an imported bottle of Vodka during one of the revenue authority’s recent outreach (GRA Photo)

GRA Deputy Commissioner – Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo (Adrian Narine Photo)

The anti-smuggling initiative currently being rolled out in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is expected to safeguard the billions of dollars in Excise Tax being lost to the illicit trade. Customs Officers, operating out of GRA Customs, Excise and Trade Operations (CE&TO), are currently visiting the premises of importers, businesses and persons selling alcohol (excluding beer) and tobacco products as they initiate the stamping process. Only imported alcohol and tobacco products are being stamped at a fee of $16 and $8 respectively per product. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, GRA Deputy Commissioner– Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo said smuggling of illicit products continue to be a major problem for the revenue authority–confirming that billions of dollars in taxes are being lost to the illicit trade. Recognising that it does not have the capacity to effectively monitor the country’s vast borders where these

ing the Excise Stamp in accordance with Regulations 215 (3) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. “The level of compliance from the importers of these products has been relatively low. So by starting this project, this stamping process, we will start to realise our true potential…But we can project that (our losses) it is in the billions,” he explained. According to the deputy commissioner, the stamps, which will be placed on every product that falls within the two categories, cannot be easily forged. “These stamps are highly secured. They have security features comparable to our bank notes, and so counterfeiting them would not be easy. Counterfeiting them would be next to impossible,” he warned. Using a unique software system, the revenue authority is equipped to trace every stamp. “When the stamp is applied to a product either the alcohol or the tobacco, it is going to say to our customs officers that this product has paid the correct import duties, excise tax and the correct VAT,” Beekhoo explained.

Johnny Walkers, the Vodkas, the wines, and so on, not beer or Shandy, and we are stamping the cigarettes, cigarettes per pack and hard liquor per bottle,” he noted. The Deputy Commissioner added that Customs Officers have already started visiting the importers and suppliers of the targeted products. “By law they are required to provide their stocks to customs for verification. Once we would have verified the inventory, we would supervise the placement of the stamps. The onus is on the importers or the suppliers or the retailers to have persons who we will show how to place the stamps and then that will be supervised by customs,” he further explained. He made it clear that the revenue authority will allow commercial entities to single-handedly stamp their products, although emphasising that the process will be supervised by the Customs. As a follow-up mechanism, Monitoring and Compliance Officers will be armed with handheld scanners on the ground to determine if a product was stamped, if the stamp

Customs Act. The provisions of the Customs Act would be invoked for those not complying.” According to the Deputy Commissioner, the initiative is a welcomed one especially for legitimate importers and suppliers who have been short-changed by smugglers. “Under normal circumstances you may be correct, it’s a new initiative it comes at a cost but the legitimate importers, most of them, do actually welcome this measure because their products have been competing with the smuggled products, in many cases most of their products cannot sell, so by incurring that small cost for the stamps and reducing the size of the illicit market, then their products can now sell,” he explained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

‘Political mischief’

…AFC says leaked emails aimed at political mischief

A section of the leaders at the Alliance for Change National Executive Committee meeting last weekend

The Alliance for Change (AFC) on Monday maintained that it was not consulted on the appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Last month, Justice Patterson was appointed GECOM Chair by President David Granger. His appointment sparked much controversy and resulted in the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) declaring that it will no longer cooperate with government in matters of national importance. Recently, internal emails leaked by persons from that party indicated that the party’s leader, Raphael Trotman and party co-founder, Khemraj Ramjattan had advised President David

Granger against selecting a chairman for GECOM from the second list of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. In fact, the emails said when asked by the President for their opinions, both Trotman and Ramjattan, who are attorneys, informed him that if he too is uncomfortable with the names put forward by Jagdeo, then he should go ahead and appoint a GECOM Chairman in accordance with the proviso within Article 161 of the Constitution. The party did not dispute the content of the email but noted its circulation on social media and described it as ‘political mischief’ being perpetrated by ‘political opponents’. “While there is need for confidentiality in discus-

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - 5hrs Wednesday, November 22, 2017 - 5hrs Thursday, November 23, 2017 - 5hrs

sions from time to time, the party is confident in and proud of its track record of open, frank and forthright discussions on issues, and as the email in question confirms, robust internal exchange of information and ideas on critical matters,” a statement from the AFC said Monday. Moreover, the party said that the internal missive occurred after the second list of candidates for GECOM Chairman was presented to President Granger “only with reference to the powers of the President to make an appointment outside of a submitted list if he deemed such a list to be unacceptable.” The President subsequently requested that a third list be presented by the Opposition Leader “and it was only after such a list was provided that President Granger acted in his own deliberate judgment and within the provision of the Constitution.” “The party restates its position, and the email confirms this, that it was not consulted on the appointment of Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman,” the statement said. Meanwhile, days after Justice Patterson was sworn in as GECOM Chair, the AFC expressed full support of President Granger’s decision to appoint him GECOM chair. Patterson was appointed mere hours after the President had informed Jagdeo that his third list of nominees for the post was unacceptable. In fact, the AFC in Turn to page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

‘Rebuild to more resilient standards’

…CARICOM SG urges UN pledging conference for hurricane hit countries

SECRETARY-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has called upon all entities partnering in the recovery process of countries hit by the recent hurricanes, to rebuild to more resilient standards. He made the call on Monday while delivering remarks at the opening of the technical segment of the CARICOM-UN High-Level Pledging Conference. The Conference being held at the UN Headquarters in New York is seeking the co-operation of international development partners, the private sector, and private foundations to help rebuild the countries ravaged by the hurricanes. According to Ambassador LaRocque, the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria has been devastating. Dominicans, he said, are struggling to rebuild their lives, while the population of Barbuda is not yet able to return home. Other small islands in the Caribbean have also been

severely affected. These include the British Virgin Islands (BVI), St. Maarten, Turk and Caicos, Bahamas, Anguilla, and Cuba. “Many affected people across the region have lost their homes and lack access to electricity and running water. Our thoughts and support remain with the people affected in such difficult times,” the CARICOM SG said. He said the conference is exemplary of the way the international community is coming together for the recovery and resilience-building in the Caribbean. “This effort builds on the incredible work of the partners involved in the emergency and humanitarian response in the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes.” According to him, assessments have since been conducted to provide a strong basis for planning recovery. It is now time to commence the crucial phase of implementing recovery, for which financial and institutional capacities are required. Re-

also the need to strengthen risk governance systems, improve life-line services, strengthen and expand capacities of the private sector, diversifying livelihoods, and provide social protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable households and communities. The United Nation Development Project (UNDP) he said is

Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

covery is the opportunity to ensure that underlying and structural vulnerabilities are addressed. By “building back better” a foundation can be laid for setting the Caribbean on a path to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. This means not only upgrading damaged infrastructure and houses with climate-resilient technologies and specifications, but

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‘Political ... offering its support had said that Justice Patterson’s appointment averted a looming constitutional crisis. “It is regrettable that after three protracted rounds of consultations and submissions, each of the three lists fell short of the requirements of the constitution. The party recognizes that the necessity had arisen for the President not to further delay the appointment of a Chairman,” AFC stated. In that statement, the AFC acknowledged that the Constitution allows for consultation purely between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, and, made it clear that it played no part in the selection process. Notwithstanding, the AFC disclosed its intention “to use the constitutional reform process to ensure that there is wider participation of stakeholders in the selection of GECOM commissioners.” “The AFC holds GECOM to the highest standards of electoral integrity and will stridently challenge any threats to the preservation of our democracy,” the party stated while chiding the Opposition for what it deemed to be reckless and unpatriotic

behaviour with respect to non-cooperation. The party at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held last weekend at the Georgetown Club, formally

endorsed the party’s decision to lend support to the decision of President David Granger in appointing Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman.

proud to be a partner for national institutions and affected communities, providing technical advice and supporting data collection for evidence-based decision making. These actions promote sustainable and resilient societies and help restore progress towards the path to development and the

2030 Agenda. The 2030 Agenda recognises the importance to integrate disaster and climate risks into development processes at all levels. Back in September, Hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc in some Caribbean Islands resulting in reportedly close to 40 deaths and billions of dollars in losses. (DPI)

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Human frailties and the Guyana Police Force In an Editorial on November 12, 2017, and captioned “Purge the police rogues”, we highlighted the frequency with which members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are involved in serious acts of criminality. We emphasised that from all that has been occurring for the last two decades, that there are too many young recruits who continue to join the force with the aim of making money out of the misdeeds of persons. Under the cover of the police uniform, these misfits continue to commit serious crimes. That we are revisiting this very important institution so soon again, which is principally responsible for protecting the society and citizens from crime, is due to what we describe as the very shocking and alarming revelations emerging from the current investigation into the murder of a popular city businessman, particularly as to the alleged role of a standing member of the Guyana Police Force. We adhere to the principle that a man is innocent until found guilty. These are indeed very serious allegations, and point to policemen operating outside of the law and infringing standard operating procedures. On display here, is the classic cunning of the dirty cop, such as pressuring a known defendant into committing crimes that benefit the handler dirty cop--supplying the tools, such as firearms for the commission of the crime, misleading colleagues with incorrect information, and tampering with crime scenes. These are shocking details that cannot be of any comfort to citizens, who depend on policemen/women for their daily

protection. Further, it reveals an institutional crisis that has long been in existence, since these accounts now emerging have perennially been discussed openly by members of the public, and even by some police officers who have been critical of the misconduct of their colleagues. It has always been said by the general public that there are members of the local police force who are involved in criminal acts. We believe that the police corporal at the centre of these revelations, is not the only one of his brand–there are many others whose acts have served to bring the Guyana police Force into disrepute, apart from assisting in the fact of recidivism. But what is even more amazing is the fact that these ranks have been operating without the knowledge of their superiors. How is this possible? That this is pondered because, since there is an intelligence driven system that aids in crime detection, and thwarting its execution, it carries that the same methodology should be able to alert superiors especially, as to criminalities by other ranks in their midst. Moreover, how is it possible for such a police corporal to have been runner-up best cop, without his superiors not having a complete profile of his entire background, since entering law enforcement? But there was an alert–he had a charge of marijuana trafficking against him. These are very troubling questions that should be investigated, because it boggles the mind that such an anti-crime detection activity as crime scene tampering by this cop has

Noise nuisance in the Upper Corentyne Dear Editor, The noise nuisance continues unabatedly in Region Six especially in the Upper Corentyne Area, and the Commander is busy carrying out the functions of the Environmental Protection Agency, handing out permission to a few selected persons. It has been mentioned by a letter writer (Ms Amrita Dhania) to the press that everything sells, from the cradle to the grave, by these mobile vendors with vehicles using heavy-duty 1200 watts amplifiers to blast the residents from their beds and disrupt their activities as these insensitive advertisers go merrily along their ways filling their pockets and counting their profits. MS Dhanai outlined the EPA Regulations which clearly states that it is the

function of the EPA to control and manage sound emissions by setting the permissible level of activities such as entertainment, transportation, construction, COMMERCIAL and other activities. The Regulations clearly stipulate that persons who are engaged in the above-mentioned activities need to apply for Environmental Authorization so that the EPA can monitor their activities. How is it that the Commander of Region 6 GPF has the authority to grant AUTHORIZATION to a selected few to use those intolerable and deafening equipment? Clearly this Commander has overstepped his legal authority and function and has usurped the role of the EPA. How can the Minister of Public Security tolerate this? This Commander has other important

functions to perform rather than breaking the laws to facilitate his cronies. I was attending a one year anniversary death function in the Upper Corentyne and at 4.00 pm while the Pastor was fully engrossed in the midst of his sermon, his Bible was nearly knocked out of his hands and was stopped in his tracks as one of these Mobile Nuisance Vehicles slowly crawled by. It took a few minutes for him to compose himself and continue, but it was clear to all that he had lost the intensity of deliverance. Can you imagine what these residents, especially the sick, the feeble, the old, the young babies, the busy housewives, the sleeping night workers and the children in schools have to face, given their regular doses of noise pollution? It may not be too long from now when the Upper Corentyne

will be transformed into a colony of zombies since lack of sleep and proper rest can cause mood disorder, such as anxiety and depression. It can also damage one’s judgement and negatively affects one’s work performance and safety. I am calling on the Commissioner of Police (ag.), Mr David Ramnarine, to put an immediate halt this lawlessness of illegally issuing commerical permits/licenses for commission of daily noise nuisance and pollution. It is not the duty of the Guyana Police Force to make laws but to execute laws. Is the GPF the Parliament of Guyana? The Commander of Region 6 should read the Environmental Protection Act 1996. Regards Muhammad Mustapha

been occurring without any action taken against him. These questions and more should be the focus of an inquiry and not an inter-departmental probe, as this would severely limit the intent and scope. And this ought to be done, irrespective of what the political opposition may have to protest about undermining the public’s confidence in the force, or affecting the force’s morale. As proven, those Commissions of Inquiry mandated by President David Granger, have indeed supplied instructive answers to the serious incidents which they were asked to examine. As a result, government is in a better informed position as to what gave rise-- systemic weaknesses; culpability; sanctions to be given; and, of course, future safeguards. What is being publicised demands not only the procedural dismissal of such type of policemen, but an in-depth examination as to the activities of this nefarious group of enforcement officers: How large are their numbers? How do their illegal actions affect crime detection and why no action had been taken against those involved. Such a process should be able to shed light on the almost non-success solving rate on “hit jobs.”

Promote Pomeroon as the food basket Dear Editor, The Pomeroon was once the food basket of the Caribbean, today it is neglected, farmers have moved away from their lands in search for a better living seeking gold. Almost all the farm lands are left abandoned, 70, 000 acres of coconut farms were overrun by bush because of no proper drainage and the deadly red mite coconut disease. The Pomeroon has the most fertile lands in Guyana I can attest to this because I worked on several projects in the area, anything can grow on it but drainage is the biggest problem, in the past farmers had a regular market in Trinidad to supply water

coconuts and dry nuts. Realistically, it should be 10,000 acres according to the latest figures and another 10,000 under cultivated. There is a great scope for joint ventures but no attention is being paid to these fertile lands and we are losing our farmers daily. This is a good area for the government to invest some of the oil money and make Pomeroon once again the food basket. Notwithstanding the extensive news coverage given every day about oil find in our waters. The most important crisis facing the world today is the inadequacy of food. Lots of plaintain, citrus and coffee were exported from Pomeroon in the 60’s Turn to Page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Celebration of International Men’s Day was a success Dear editor, In observance of International Men’s Day which was celebrated globally yesterday, November 19, 2017 the Ministry of Social Protection in collaboration with the National Community Policing Executive hosted a “Salute to Men” which was a historic and enlightening event that the undersigned was pleased to attend. This experience at the Guyana Police Force Training College coordinated by Pastor Diego Alphonso under the auspices of Minister Amna Ally was a most colorful, inspiring and excellent program that has left an impression on the hearts of hundreds of Guyanese, especially the boys and men who gathered. From the dancing of the young men from the Outreach Ministries International Winners’ Cathedral to the motivational men talk to the extent of the presentation by the ‘good’ soldier, the program was filled with energy and vitality. Surprisingly, even yours

truly did a song for the crowd, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and received a most favorable applause with audience participation. It was an exhibition of the talents, skills and abilities that men possess. Editor, it was an honor to see the dynamism and passion of Pastor Diego and to witness in the audience, Hon. Minister Amna Ally totally absorbed in the event staying through the from 3pm until after 7pm when the event was finished. Prior to this, there was also a television recording at NCN where my fellow panelists: Dr. Mark Constantine and Kester Deane and I discussed fatherhood, responsibility of men to family, society and the universe. It was clarion call to the fathers who left to return and care for their children, we highlighted the importance of men in raising their children and how it is downplayed many times. We reminded them that they chose by their “free will” to make the child and that they should counsel, guide and teach their children even if they are not around; to be

an example and a bastion of strength. The television program which was hosted by Pastor Diego Alphonso was conducted most professionally. This writer is pleased to have been invited to participate, and take this opportunity to offer my support to any similar agency or NGO like the Gender Affairs Bureau; anything that is positive for our country and our youths. I volunteer my time for any such activity in the future by any Government in power. I wish once again to compliment the Minister for her timely remarks and interest in social protection and for guiding the importance of men and women in upbringing children. International Men’s Day like International Women’s Day should be celebrated every day for a better society and a wonderful world tomorrow. Regards Roshan Khan National Chairman Universal Peace Federation-Guyana Chapter

Promote Pomeroon as the... From Page 6 and early 70’s according to Mr Deleep Singh, the president of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and a big farmer from the Pomeroon, he had exported a lot of copra to Trinidad. Other farmers like former minister of the PNC Mr Kassim were doing the same, right now this place has great potentials. It is the largest coconut producing area in the Caribbean. Mr Singh told me that he has a plan for the development of Pomeroon. Government and the Ministry of Agriculture need

to pay more attention to the Pomeroon and listen to him so farmers big and small can go back to the lands and produce bountifully. I have noticed that NARIE has its agriculture extension officers in the affected fields working to eradicate the red mite diseases. This is a good sign, it will encourage the farmers back on the lands, at the same time new plants will be needed from the nursery at Charity. A coconut festival was held last year at Charity but it did not get the support of the big farmers in the

Pomeroon. Our policy must be to expand food production in Pomeroon for export. In the years ahead food prices will rise more sharply than oil prices. We have to give serious consideration to the question of regional food security. We therefore have a duty as a nation to use our agricultural lands which are left idle by promoting Pomeroon as the food basket. Regards Mohamed Khan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

AFC backs severance pay for sugar workers THE Alliance for Change (AFC) at its quarterly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the weekend, called on government to make decisive decisions in relation to the welfare of sugar workers and proposes that consideration be given to severance pay, offer of land leases, access to small loans and markets for agro-processing. The call by the AFC comes in wake of the administration’s move to restructure the sugar industry, which will see the closure of some estates. The meeting which was attended by the national leadership and representatives from all the administrative regions in the country and the Diaspora, also addressed the party’s endorsement of the vision of a new bridge across the Demerara River along with

the paving of the Linden to Lethem road. Back in May, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder had unveiled the government’s White Paper to save the sugar industry. He said then, that the future of the industry here lies in a smaller sector, with reduced losses and cash deficits but coupled with a separate and profitable diversified enterprise, which would ensure a viable future. The plan, he noted, intends to focus on the poorly-performing estates and have them shift from sugar to diversification. “The proposed courses of action are to amalgamate [merge] Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 per cent capacity. Sixty per cent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure

Restaurant Week opens Restaurant Week officially began last week Friday and will conclude on November 26. The ten-day event will see participating restaurants offering exclusive menus at significantly reduced prices. It is one of the calendar activities in observance of Tourism Awareness Month. Some establishments will be offering lunch and dinner while others will offer either lunch or dinner only. Many restaurants prepare menus that are not on their regular list of options, giving them the opportunity to explore, experiment and create their best. Chefs will also incorporate local ingredients into their dishes. Aagman’s Indian Restaurant on Sheriff Street is one of the participating restaurants and Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin, and his wife, Hans Gaskin, treated themselves to some of the culinary delights on the lunch menu. During a brief interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Gaskin encouraged Guyanese and tourists alike to take advantage of the opportunity to tantalise their taste buds, with the diverse culinary delights from all over the world. He noted that “It is important for us as a country that is promoting itself as a tourism destination, to show that it has a range of cuisine available, because even though we love our own food and we are promoting our own food, not all visitors want to eat local food every day. They

also look forward, when they travel, to sample food from all over the world.” Aagman’s, the Minister said, provides the opportunity for persons to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. The multicourse dining experience at Aagman’s starts at $2,000 per person for lunch, and $5,000 for dinner. Complimentary welcome drinks are offered. Both lunch and dinner menus have some eight dishes to choose from, along with appetizers and desserts. Other participating restaurants include Grand Coastal, OMG Restaurant, The Publik, Xie Xie, among others.

is in a dilapidated condition. The corporation furthermore seeks to divest itself of the Skeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and Rose Hall are to be amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall is to be closed.” As a result, GuySuCo would then consist of three estates and three sugar factories. The estates would be Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estate in West Demerara. The three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane supplied from all five locations. By virtue of the amalgamation, the Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Rose Hall, Berbice factories were to be closed at the end of the year. However, the scheduled year-end closure of the Rose

Hall and Enmore estates will be delayed until 2018, since no system has been put in place for the sugar workers following the closure, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced last Thursday. But even as there will be a major restructuring of the industry, GuySuCo is required to retain many of its workers for all operations on the merged estates or factories, and those employees are to receive leased lands from the sugar company to engage in crops to be decided by both GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, the Minister said GuySuCo plans, apart from restructuring the estates and factories, to transfer to the State charges for the drainage and irrigation and health services that it provides to the communities, and around the estates.

The party further endorses the design of the new Demerara River bridge as presented by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the statement said. Additionally, the NEC welcomed measures to increase minimum wage and avoid any new taxes, while urging that Budget 2018 be balanced with enhanced social content to meet the needs of all communities, while not neglecting the strategic infrastructural projects. The party said it remains fully committed to executing its role in advancing Constitutional Reform and calls on the government to establish the Integrity Commission as a matter of urgent national priority. That aside, the NEC mandated the party’s leadership to formally write to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with regard to the review and revision of the

GCCI inks pact with Canadian association to promote trade, investment A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), as part of efforts to deepen trade and investment ties between Guyana and Canada. In a release, GCCI said the agreement is continuing a culture of cooperation and information sharing relating to investment, trade and economic opportunities between Guyana and Canada. The MOU was signed during a one-week fact-finding mission

in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador which saw the participation of a high-level private sector delegation from Guyana. The delegation was led by President of the GCCI, Mr. Deodat Indar, who was accompanied by Mr. Nicholas Boyer, Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., Amber Low and Anand Harrilall, Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada.

general partnerships and limited liability partnerships; collaborate to facilitate investment opportunities, trade missions and business delegations between Guyana and Canada; and work together to organise meetings, seminars and similar activities for the purpose of sharing information and expertise. The signing of this MOU between the GCCI and the NEIA is the third in a series of MOUs recently signed

Mechanic denies stealing motorbike --says it was one ‘Carl’ who did

A 20-year-old mechanic was on Monday charged and released on $150,000 bail by Magistrate Judy Latchman, for stealing a motorbike.

Mohammed Edun

Mohammed Edun denied that between August 6, 2017 and August 7, 2017 at La Penitence Public Road, he stole a motorbike valued $185,000, the property of Samuel Scotland.

Cummingsburg Accord, and stipulated that this process must be completed by the third anniversary of the signing of the Accord – February 14, 2018. Members of the party’s negotiating team with regard to the aforementioned were named in anticipation of the APNU naming its negotiating team. Also, the NEC pointed to the need for strengthening of the party’s structures to prepare for the 2018 Local Government Elections, and to improve the performance of the party’s secretariat with a view to enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness in serving both the party and the public. ‘The NEC urged that the party heightens outreach activities across communities in Guyana and in Diaspora,’ the statement said.

Edun’s attorney, Paul Fung-a-Fat told the court that on the contrary, his client did not steal the bike, and that neither did know that it was stolen; that rather it was someone called “Carl” who had taken it to his client to be repaired. However, according to the facts as read in court by Prosecutor Shawn Gonzales, the victim saw the defendant riding around on his stolen cycle and called the police. Gonzales further told the court that when Edun was arrested, he confessed to the police that he’d bought the stolen cycle and was fixing it. He, however, did not object to Edun being granted bail, and as such the matter has been adjourned to December 4.

Keiran Hanley, NEIA Executive Director (left) and Deodat Indar, President of GCCI signing the MOU

The MOU serves to provide a framework for understanding and cooperation between the GCCI and the NEIA for the achievement of their common goals, regarding the development of projects and trade in sectors related to clean technology, environment and the green economy. Under the agreement, both parties have vowed to cooperate for the development of partnership opportunities with respect to business arrangements such as joint ventures,

by the GCCI. During the one-week fact finding mission, the Guyanese private sector delegation participated in a number of meetings, round-table discussions and networking events with entities from the private sector, government departments, industry associations and educational institutions of the Newfoundland and Labrador province. Discussions were held with government officials from the Departments of

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Natural Resources, and the St. John’s Board of Trade. The Guyanese delegation then engaged representatives from a number of industry associations including the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association, Oceans Advance, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Women Entrepreneurs, and Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries. The mission also entailed site visits and tours of the facilities of several companies that provide supplies and services to the oil and gas industry in St. Johns, including Blue Water Group (BWG), Cougar Helicopters, PAL Aerospace and A. Harvey & Co. Ltd. The Guyanese delegation held discussions with Allswater Marine Consultants, ExxonMobil Canada, McInnes Cooper, College of the North Atlantic, and Offshore Safety and Survival Centre (OSSC) as well. The GCCI attaches great importance to the efforts made by the Canadian government to facilitate engagement between the Canadian and Guyanese private sector, and recognises that synergies with its Canadian counterparts are not only beneficial to its members, but also work to build the local economy through external partnerships.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

GECOM commissioner, Sandra Jones passes away

HUMAN Resources Management Consultant and Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Sandra Jones, died late Sunday evening after a period of illness. Jones, a distinguished consultant in Human Resources Management was last year awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.), the country’s fourth highest award for her long and effective service in the field of management consultancy. In May 2012, President David Granger, then Leader of the Opposition, nominated Jones as Commissioner of GECOM following the death of former Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams. In a statement on Monday, President Granger said he was deeply saddened by the death of Jones, who also served as Commissioner on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service. Describing her as a ‘patriotic Guyanese’ who dedicated her life to service to her country, the President, in a statement to the media issued through the Ministry of the Presidency said, ‘In her distinguished career, Ms. Jones, who was born on July 15, 1946 served as an outstanding consultant in Human Resources Management.’ In 2015, upon the estab-

lishment of the COI into the Public Service by the President, Jones was appointed as a Commissioner given her skillset and long standing experience in the field. As recent as October, she served on the Government’s negotiation team for talks between Government and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) for wages and salary increases for 2017. ‘His Excellency extends heartfelt sympathy to her siblings Mrs. Myrtle Jones-Carter, Mrs. Friedel JonesGlasgow, Mr. Errol Jones, Mr. Orrin Jones, Mr. Paul Jones, Mr. Ronald Jones, Mr. Andrew Jones, her nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends,’ the statement concluded. Former GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally was distraught. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he had visited Jones on Sunday, and did not know that she had died until the Guyana Chronicle broke the news to him. “I did not know…I am shattered,” said the former GECOM chairman who was for the most part lost for words. “What a nice lady,” he said as he regained his composure, noting that Jones contributed meaningfully to the Commission in her area

New holding areas to be built at Lusignan Prison THE government has tendered for designs and supervision services for the construction of prisons at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. Prison officials said that the new holding areas will be divided based on the severity of crimes. Under the Ministry of Public Security, in an advertisement placed in the local dailies, bidders are required to submit technical and financial proposals which must cover travelling expenses and reimbursement under the National Competitive Bidding procedure under the procurement Act 2003. The prison population increased in the aftermath of a fire which gutted the Camp Street Prison on Sunday, July 09, 2017 leaving over 1000 inmates displaced. A new holding area had been tarmacked and roofed to temporarily

house approximately 450 prisoners who were transferred from the Georgetown Prison as a result of the conflagration. Following the fire, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan had said that the government will need approximately half a billion dollars to rehabilitate the Georgetown Prison and pay for the services utilised. In October last, Dellon Blake, 35, of Kamuni Creek, Demerara River, while an inmate at the Lusignan Prison , East Coast Demerara, escaped from holding bay two in which he was placed. Blake is charged with the offence of rape and was admitted to prison July 24, 2017. Sources said Blake might have used a bed sheet to hoist himself, separate the barbed wire and scale the wall.

of expertise. “She was a lady, her comments were always instructive. I found that she, to my mind, worked always towards what was best for the Commission and for country. She was a very pleasant person to

‘highly esteemed’ by the community of workers who constituted GECOM, and said she was described as “polite, refined and empathetic.” “Hers was a formidable intellect which she deployed with laser-like certitude in

GECOM Commissioner and Human Resources Management Consultant, Sandra Jones

have on the Commission; I am shattered,” an emotional Dr Surujbally stated. Current Chairman of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson said ‘GECOM has lost a stalwart’ while noting that she was

seeking solutions. Although I do not know her personally, she is my friend by proxy and by reputation. Her professional services and her years of wisdom have been amply demonstrated while serving as a commissioner. I have

lost a presumptive friend and colleague,” Justice Patterson stated, while expressing condolences to the relatives and friends of Jones on behalf of the Commission. Similarly, Commissioner Charles Corbin described Jones as the ‘ultimate professional’. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he knew Jones for a long time prior to her appointment as Commissioner at GECOM. “I knew her from the time she was at LINMINE (Linden Mining Enterprise)—she made a significant contribution in her professional areaone of her hallmarks was the level of professionalism,” said Corbin. This characteristic stood out throughout her life even as she pursued her career diligently. Corbin said too that her high level of professionalism continued while serving at GECOM. “That is the quality of contribution we will miss now that she has left us,” said Corbin of his colleague. Likewise, longstanding Commissioner Vincent Alexander described Jones as ‘a very humble, professional person’ who was willing to learn in other areas she found herself involved. “She was willing to learn in all other areas…there was no arrogance

or over confidence,” he said as he pointed to her appointment as GECOM Commissioner, an area she had limited expertise. That aside, Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle that Jones was ever-ready to volunteer her service given her love for country. It is for that reason; he described her as ‘a humble professional, a true patriot’. Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioner, Robeson Benn told the Guyana Chronicle that Jones’ death came as a shock, though it was known that she was unwell for some time. “We are very shocked and saddened by her passing…it was totally unexpected… we never imagined that this would have been the result.” Benn who was sworn in as GECOM Commissioner in 2015 said he worked with Jones as a professional within the bauxite industry. He described her as a “highly respected and the consummate professional” and noted that despite having spirited debates and many disagreements at the level of GECOM, at a personal level there was always cordial and respectful relations. “She will be greatly missed,” said Benn.

Cops implicated in ‘Sagga’ Bandits rob security guard murder likely for court FORMER ‘Best Cop’ Corporal Derwin Eastman is expected to make a court appearance today, police said. Investigators appear to have amassed enough evidence to lay charges against two police ranks for the October 12, slaying of 58-yearold businessman Godfrey Scipio, called ‘Sagga.’ Aubrey Bobb, a 26-yearo l d c i v i l i a n o f K i t t y, Georgetown, was charged and is on remand for Scipio’s murder. Prior to his implication in this murder, he was jailed for robbery under arms and had recently being reeased from prison. Reports indicate that the true motive for the killing of the popular businessman, appears to be execution instead of robbery, as investigators discovered it may be linked to the recapture of notorious prison escapee, Royden Williams. Scipio was a popular

vendor at the Berbice bus park and the prison escapee was caught in a minibus at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice, on October 9 after joining a minibus at the Berbice bus park. Eastman turned himself in at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, on Thursday last and on his Facebook page that same day he posted, “Good Day all, God is in charge, all will be well, I am innocent of the allegation.” Reports indicate that Eastman was the fourth police rank to be questioned for the killing of Scipio, who was shot dead on October 12, 2017, shortly after leaving a Kitty hotel. He was also robbed of a gold chain. The alleged murderer is said to have claimed that the police corporal who is an intelligence rank, provided him with the firearm that was used to kill Scipio.

ARMED with a handgun and a knife, two bandits on BMX bicycles on Sunday robbed a 47-year-old security guard on the Rome Access Road at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara. The man, who lives at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was on his way to work when the incident occurred. He told the police that it was around 20:00hrs when it happened, and that all he knew was that he felt a chuck from behind. He said that it was after falling to the ground that he saw the men, who were still on their bicycles. As he lay there, the man said, he saw one of the men `whip out’ a black handgun and the other a knife, and together they demanded that he give them whatever money he had on him and his cell-phone. They also rummaged his pockets and relieved him of other personal belongings before making good their escape. He estimates he has lost close to $97,000 in valuables.

Jailed, fined for ‘possession’ CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday sentenced a 25-year-old construction worker to three years imprisonment for drug possession. Satifa Joseph pleaded guilty to the charge, which read that on November 16, at America Street, he had 21 grams of cannabis in his possession. According to reports, on the day in question, police on foot patrol in America Street stopped Joseph, and on searching him, found the illicit drugs in his pants pocket.

On imposing sentence, the magistrate also slapped Joseph with a $30,000 fine.

Satifa Joseph

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

City teacher accused of sexual abuse of students …complaint filed to ministries

CULTURAL Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson, on Monday filed a letter of complaint against a male teacher of the Bishops’ High School who allegedly preys on and has sexual relationships with female students of the said institution. Along with the complaint, Johnson also dispatched a statement of formal complaint encapsulating the claims made by a former student of the teacher. The matter was first ventilated by Johnson on his Facebook page at the weekend and saw many commenting with outrage at the allegations. The teacher was a no-show at school on Monday and his Facebook account has since been de-activated. In the missive addressed to Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson and copied to Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education; Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice-President and Minister of Public Security; Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection; Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health; Basil Williams, Minister of Legal Affairs; and George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion (Culture, Youth and Sport), Johnson outlined the teacher’s predatory behaviour over the years. Johnson said he learned of the allegations a few months ago and began his investigation of the matter then. He has since spoken with a victim of the public school and said since his social media posts on the subject, several other past students of the said teacher came forward with similar reports. “After inquiries, a former student confirmed for me that she had entered a sexual relationship with the teacher while she was in 5th form at the school. She related that he made sexually inappropriate contact with her a month before her 16th birthday, reminded her a few days before her birthday that she was ap-

proaching the age of consent and a few weeks after that, began a sexual relationship with her, inclusive of penetrative sex. This would be a pattern I would come to recognise from multiple victims who have confided in me since,” Johnson wrote. Guyana Chronicle understands that the teacher, after realising that an investigation was underway and that complaints were made against him, reached out to at least one victim, indicating that he has admitted to what he had done; this was not true. Johnson noted too that the alleged incident took place sometime after the passage of the Sexual Offences Act (SOA) (Cap. 8:03) of 2010. Under the provisions of the SOA, Section 18 (Sexual activity with a child by abusing position of trust), any person who is in a position of trust in an educational institution (Section 19, 1(c)) and engages in penetrative sex with a child under the age of 18 (Section 18, 1) is liable under 18, 3 (a) to “on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life”. TROUBLING The government official said he finds it troubling that based on the evidence before him, the teacher’s predatory activities are widespread and date back to the late 1990s while the teacher taught at the Central High School, and followed his career through attachments at Christ Church Secondary School, Richard Ishmael as well as the private institutions, The Business School and The School of the Nations. “I’ve also gotten reports of his alleged activities extending to private lessons. His victims altogether may very well be in the hundreds over the past 20 years. By my estimation, this is the worst single incident of teacher sexual abuse that I have encountered globally, on par–perpetrator to vic-

tim ratio--with the worst excesses of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal of recent history,’ said Johnson. The Cultural Policy Advisor said what he finds overly disturbing is that during the teacher’s tenure at the Bishops’ High School, where he has worked for at least 10 years, accusations of harassment and predation by the teacher have ‘been systematically met by mockery, disapproval, and even condemnation by the school administration.’ “Some students have contacted me privately identifying key persons responsible for this systemic repulsion of complaints against the teacher. I am willing to provide such information on the basis of strict confidentiality,” Johnson said while making it clear that he has no confidence in the school’s administration to internally deal with the issue. SCOLDS STUDENTS Ironically, a senior teacher of the Bishops’ High School on Monday scolded the female students for tarnishing the teacher’s reputation on social media. In an audio recording heard by the Guyana Chronicle, the teacher was heard rebuking the students who were clearly afraid to speak out about their experiences. “I was told that the Six Formers were warned about this teacher when they were coming into the school. Which one of you? Which one of you was warned; let me hear? None of you?’ she was heard asking the students who remained mum. Her apparent tirade against the female students continued: “I have had to step back and told a child to close her legs, while a male teacher was teaching…the law is on your side…but you all are slackers,” the teacher declared while telling the students “you are very loose with

Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson

yourselves.” “If you felt uncomfortable at any time in (teacher named) presence step out of the line-- if he touched you… did any one of you come to report it to me and I turned a blind eye? Can you corroborate that story on FB?’ she asked while stating that the students failed to defend their teacher on Facebook. “Not one of you defended him!” she declared. CONDIGN ACTION Meanwhile, Johnson said “I am adamant that this is a serious enough issue for the ministry to act condignly and comprehensively upon…’ recommending that the teacher be immediately suspended from the Bishops’ High School. Moreover, Johnson called for the victims’ complaints to be handed over to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), and to the Guyana Police Force for investigation under Section 18 of the Sexual Offences Act and any other relevant section of the Act that applies. Recommendations were also made for the teacher to be located and his passport secured failing which, all

ports of entry be notified so that the alleged perpetrator is barred from leaving the country and subsequently detained. Johnson also called for an inquiry into the treatment of students’ complaints made to the administration of the Bishops’ High School, specifically with regards to the teacher’s behaviour as well as any other teacher who engaged in similar activity. “Special focus of the TORs (Terms of Reference) should be whether any individual’s actions constitute a violation of Cap 8:03, Section 20 (Obstructing prosecution), particularly sub-section 1 (a), preventing a child from “giving evidence in any other way which would be admissible for the paper committal.” Additionally, the Cultural Policy Advisor called for the immediate establishment of a mechanism to ensure the safe and confidential testimony of victims and witnesses to the teacher’s behavior, staffed by ‘a few trusted and properly vetted social workers and legal professionals.” “When such a mechanism is established to my satisfaction, I will consult with my informants--victims in particular--and

seek their permission to share their stories. Several have already pre-consented for this to be done. A public advisory should be sent out inviting persons to testify to this mechanism, and parents of female students of the teacher through his entire tenure at Bishops’ should be advised to consult with their children about anything they may or may not know,” Johnson wrote. Johnson believes that given the scope of allegations against the teacher, there appears to be a psychological phenomenon that is not confined to the Bishops’ High School. “As someone who was instrumental in the crafting of the TORs of the Commission of Inquiry into the state of the Education System in Guyana, and who has reviewed the preliminary report coming out of the CoI, I believe this situation has exposed a tremendous and tragic blind spot of teacher sexual predation and its systematic covering up, one the CoI did not account for. It is up to us, as a government, to take urgent steps to correct it – we owe the victims of our lapses that much.” He also called on the Ministry of Education to establish a School Sexual Predation Investigative Committee, of which he is willing to assist with the creation of the TORs. Johnson also recommended a multi-stakeholder mechanism comprising, but not limited to, the Head of the CCPA, Ann Greene, MP Priya Manickchand, Dr. Melissa Ifill, Vidyaratha Kissoon, Anita Madray, Mosa Telford, Akola Thompson, and Ayo Dalgetty-Dean. The Teaching Service Commission and the Guyana Teachers’ Union should also be invited to take part, he noted. Chief Educator Officer, Marcel Hutson was unavailable Monday to state whether he is in receipt of the document dispatched by Johnson.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Contract signed for $300M MPH main building THE Ministry of Public Health (MPH) last week signed a contract to the tune of $365,487,308 for the construction of a main office building at its Lot 1 Brickdam, Stabroek, location. According to a press release from the Ministry, its Permanent Secretary, Collette Adams presided over the signing with contractor, Cleon Chung, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chung’s Global Enterprise in the Ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam.

Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams hands over the contract to Cleon Chung, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chung’s Global Enterprise.

The permanent secretary explained that the process was an open bidding where contractors were allowed to submit their proposals. Base on evaluations, few were shortlisted which led to the subsequent final decision on which company was awarded the contract. The building, she said, will be a steel framed, concrete structure which is expected to house the ministers’ secretariat and other departments of the ministry. Adams pointed out that

ever since the fire in 2005 which resulted in severe damage to various sections of the main office on Brickdam and a subsequent fire to the Medex annex in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD) in 2014, the ministry has been cramped for space, forcing the authorities to rent buildings to house a number of departments and units. She explained that the contractors have, within two week of signing of the contracts, to commence construction of the building.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

NINE women from Guyana have been selected to participate in the second Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean Acceleration Programme (WINC AP) this year. The eight-month long programme provides training in a suite of services, related to business and personal development, enabling women from the Caribbean to transform and boost growth within their businesses. Implemented by World Bank’s InfoDev, the training is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean

Canadian High Commission, Ms. Jan Sheltinga; General Manager-Credit of Republic Bank of Guyana, Mrs. Parbatie Khan and Business Coach at ActionCOACH Guyana, Vishnu Doerga. During her remarks, Ms. Valrie Grant revealed that women entrepreneurship rates were rising at an average faster than males, with women seeing a 10% increase and men, only five per cent. Although this is an active narrowing of the gender gap between males and females, Grant said that maintaining this progress remains a significant challenge for women worldwide. Hence, the WINC AP initiative strives to empower independent women to lead lasting changes in their families and communities, further contributing to the economic growth of their countries. Mrs. Parbatie Khan, the main speaker at the event, stressed that Guyanese women needed to step forward in preparation for the future as the country prepares for the advent of its oil and gas industry. “...we’re fortunate in this point in time to be a part of Guyana where it is at a change...with the oil sector coming in. We have to

9 women selected for entrepreneurship programme (EPIC) and is funded by the Canadian Government. Selected to participate in this year’s Acceleration Programme are: Ms. Veronica Glen, Ms. Wanda Dillon, Ms. Maxine George, Ms. Christine Gooding, Ms. Cecily Bernard, Ms. Natasha Goodman, Ms. Candace Wickham, Ms. Petal Dodson and Ms. Claudette Fredericks. Hosted by GeoTech Vision Team, the launching saw attendance from First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Managing Director of GeoTech Vision, Ms. Valrie Grant; Charge De Affairs at the

Six of the women chosen for the WINC AP 2017 with First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (fourth right) and GeoTech Vision’s Managing Director, Ms. Valrie Grant (extreme left). They are, from left: Ms. Candace Wickham; Ms. Christine Gooding; Ms. Veronica Glen; Ms. Cecily Bernard; Ms. Maxine George; and Ms. Natasha Gooding

be ready,” Khan added, “In fact our role is yet doubled, because we also have to put ourselves out there, though it is coming to us, we have to step forward.” Meanwhile, Mr. Vishnu Doerga, who served as a mentor during the previous programme, cautioned the business representatives present to keep up their end of the bargain in all business activities. “As businesses we also have a responsibility to ensure we’ve honoured all our obligations. Taxation, the NIS, the licensing... because we can’t keep complaining about the government not doing what they have to do but we don’t contribute to our fair share.” Deorga cautioned. He concluded, “If you take the knowledge that is provided to you, I’ve seen women get fantastic results, just by making sure you apply yourselves diligently.” The proceeds of the organisation’s Empowerment Luncheon, which is set for tomorrow, will go towards the support of women entrepreneurs affected by the natural disasters that occurred during this year’s hurricane season.

Gang-of-four remanded

--for spate of armed robberies A FOUR-member gang was on Monday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for a series of robbery-related charges. Carl Hilliman,19, of Regent Street, Bourda; cousins, Kristoff Watts, 20, and Leon Gittens, 21, both of Cowan Street, Kingston; and Kwasie McPhoy, 20, also of Kingston were jointly charged for robbing Asif Mohammed of Kwasie McPhoy

which alleged that on October 28 at Croal Street, they robbed Royaita Subacie of an iPhone and other

Leon Gittens

a quantity of cash, electronics and personal items valued $2.2M, while making use of personal violence. They all denied the charge. Hilliman, Gittens and McPhoy were also jointly charged for being armed with an ice pick on July 30 at America and Longden Streets, Georgetown and robbing Ryan Mohabir of a cell-phone, wallet and cash totalling $26,000. The trio denied this charge. It was further alleged that the trio, on July 25, at the same America and Longden Streets robbed one Carl Chung of a cell-phone, and local and foreign currency totaling $115,200. They denied this charge too. Hilliman and Gittens were separately charged for the offence

Kristoff Watts

items totalling $272,000. They both denied the charge. Hilliman was further charged for robbing Danniram Rampandis of an iPhone, wallet and other items totalling $166,000, and Suraj Gocharran of a phone and other items totaling $163,000 on September 24 at Sheriff Street, Campbellville. He pleaded not guilty to both of these charges. Magistrate Latchman remanded all four men to prison after Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of all the charges. The matter has been adjourned to December 4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

UG puts OpenStreetMapping to the test --at workshop to mark World GIS Day UNIVERSITY of Guyana (UG) students studying geography got the unique opportunity last Wednesday of learning hands-on about using the platform, OpenStreetMap (OSM). The occasion was the observance of Geographic Information System (GIS) Day, which happens to coincide with observances to mark Geography Awareness Week, better known as GEOWEEK. The event, which was hosted by UG in collaboration with a host of other agencies, was held on campus at the Centre for Information Technology. According to Ms Malini Jaikarran, an analyst at the Ministry of Communities, GIS Day is observed the world over every year since 1999 on the third Wednesday in November. Noting that the event brought together representatives of the university’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), she said: “We are here to introduce the OpenStreetMapping platform in which parts of Guyana will be

mapped. “Students will mark key features, landmarks, businesses and services in their communities.” As she went on to say, “We are mapping key features and landmarks in the communities where the participants live. “The main aim of the GIS and OSM Day is basically to develop more geospatial information that can be used by government agencies and the public, and to teach basic mapping skills to the persons participating.” She said that the OSM site can be accessed Online at openstreet.org, and that after creating an account, anyone with the relevant know-how can use it. The IDB’s Mr Edgar Lemus, whose field of expertise is geospatial information, said the One-day workshop was geared to help UG students plan and manage activities using OSM. “That basically means that we’re using satellite maps to trace the location of roads and buildings, and produce digital information that anyone can use,” he said, adding: “As we have students from different levels of education... we are just aiming to produce local

GPL completes maintenance 69 kilovolt transmission line THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. on Sunday completed maintenance on the 69 kilovolt (kv) transmission line linking the Kingston Power Station to the Sophia Substation at 19:00hrs. Maintenance activities included the replacement of several primary poles, line hardware and other components and vegetation clearing, GPL said in a release. It added that the opportunity was taken to service the equipment within the switchyard inclusive of power transformers, at its Kingston Substation. According to GPL, during the execution of the aforementioned work, customers within Demerara and a lesser extent Berbice

experienced intermittent outages around 07:30 hrs and 18:00hrs, as some circuits were switched to and from alternative sources of power supply. This however, GPL said was necessary to reduce the number of customers affected by entire duration of the extensive maintenance activity. During this period also; instances of sudden and unexpected reduction in generation output from the Cogeneration Plant at Skeldon resulted in some additional areas experiencing outages. “We remain cognizant of the inconveniences these outages cause and extend sincerest apologies to our valued customers,” GPL release stated.

capacity-building in the use and generation of open-generation data.” Head of the university’s Department of Geography, Ms Dina Benn said most of the students participating in the workshop that day were from the Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculties.

Members of the OSM coordinating team

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Police target youths in anti-crime initiative

OVER the years, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has moved away from the traditional way of fighting crime and has decided to address it from the grassroots level by focusing on youth development. At one of their most recent interventions, a Career Fair at the Buxton Community Centre Ground, Commissioner of Police (ag), David Ramnarine said too many youths are engaged in criminal activities. The Top Cop (ag) referenced a study done by criminologists who revealed that 70 per cent of the local crimes are committed by persons

in their early 30s and lower. This worrying trend needs to be addressed, said Ramnarine who indicated that so far for this year, 500 youths have been spared the ignominy of the hardcore criminal justice system. “We have been collaborating with the Ministries of Government and members of the Private Sector, to launch various youth development projects which are geared at reducing that figure and stopping other youths from making the same mistake,” said the Police Commissioner (ag). Some of the projects that have been launched so far

include the Zara Computer Training Centre and the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN), among others that benefit youths nationwide. Although the GPF has an expansive Crime Prevention Programme, Ramnarine said preventing crime is not their sole province because it is no longer sufficient in a contemporary society which requires a multifaceted and multi-stakeholder approach, in order to function properly. He again stressed the need for the involvement of youths in certain areas of development, adding that the GPF is looking to resuscitate its Scout

The Qualfon booth attracted many youths at the career fair at the Buxton Community Centre Ground.

Movement. But without confidence in the Force, the Top Cop believes none of their efforts can be fully successful. As such, officers were urged to begin the process of helping society to rebuild their trust in the police force. Commander of `C’ Division, Stephen Mansell has so far heeded the call of the Acting Top Cop. The Commander, who organised the career fair with

the help of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four and members of the Private Sector, said it was geared at building trust and judging from the turnout it received, he believes the people from the communities in his division are regaining trust. “As the Police Commissioner said in recent times, it is important to build community relations so I have encouraged my officers to practice community-oriented policing,”

said Mansell. The `C’ Division Commander said the career fair is only one of their initiatives that are geared at equipping students and youths with ideas for future studies, training and jobs. Regional Chairperson of the Region Four RDC, Genevieve Allen in her remarks also pointed out opportunities such the Youth Corp Programme that will soon be available to youths all over Guyana.

Persons enquiring about the work of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the career fair in Buxton.

Region Three Chamber of Commerce under new management THE Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) is now under new management as a new committee was installed recently. The new committee was elected at a meeting held at the Madina Lecture Hall, De William, West Coast Demerara. The following members were appointed or re-elected to serve on the committee of management; Halim Kahn, President; Amanda Tiwari, Senior Vice President; Richard Sukhdeo, Junior Vice President; Dennis Mayers, General Secretary; Looknarine Basdeo, Treasurer; Rajendra Nauth, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer; Praem Rambharak, Public Relations Officer; Khusidial Dat, Omar Ram Lakhan, Deodat Persaud, Shakir Ali, Reuben Yuyudhana, Germaine David, Saffiek Khan, Reaz Hoosein, Abdul Gafoor, Mohamed Rashad and Ram Prashad. The new committee has given their commitment towards building the region’s competitiveness and ensuring that the business community is adequately represented nationally. The new president pledged his commitment in working along with the new committee to diligently carry out its mandate. He noted that the new committee’s objective is to operate within the confines of the constitution of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Khan said that all businesses will be represented impartially and the new management committee stands committed to effectively address all issues affecting businesses in the region. The focus, he said, would be very much on team work and the development of Region Three.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Hear our cries By Navendra Seoraj

DOMESTIC violence, pollution and access to education are just some of the issues bothering today’s youths, officials have learnt. Under the Constitution, children have a right to voice their concerns, and voice them they certainly did when the opportunity presented itself on Monday. The occasion was the hosting of the first ever Children’s Forum at the Ramada Hotel by the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and the Ministry of Education. Present at the function were President David Granger, ministers of the government and other officials, and they all paid rapt attention as the children, drawn from primary schools countrywide, utilised Universal Children’s Day to make their concerns known through poetry, song, skits and even open statements. Though young in age, their words carried a lot of weight, especially when they spoke about the issue of domestic violence, which is no secret in today’s society. They particularly sought to drive home to their mainly adult audience that child abuse and domestic violence can have severe and lasting consequences. Those from Region Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne) used a skit to depict how children are affected directly or indirectly by domestic violence. And although some of their acts were filled with humour, the messages were serious, and succeeded in having the desired effect it was intended to, which

--primary-schoolers plead at event to mark Universal Children’s Day who, having listened, need to take action and ensure that the requisite steps are taken to ensure that children are safe. Under the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), children enjoy four categories of Rights. Those rights are further re-

Pupils of the C.V Nunes Primary School in Region Two explaining their problems to the audience at the Children’s Forum

was to capture the audience’s attention. Ministers of government and other distinguished persons who were there agreed with the severity of the issue that the children brought up. NEED TO TAKE ACTION One child explained that although they may have an opportunity to voice their concerns, the adults are the ones

inforced by the Child Care and Protection Act 2004 (CCPA), in that it strengthens the legislative framework to ensure compliance with the CRC. The primary schoolers, who were quite aware of their rights, did not stop at domestic violence, but went on to speak about the deplorable condition of the roads in Region One (Barima-Waini). One lad from the region

said that although there is adequate transportation, it is still a challenge to get around because of the state of the roads. He also said that child abuse is an issue in the region, especially in communities such as Baramita and Chinese Landing.

HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE According to reports, Region Two has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, a situation that the government and other organisations are working assiduously on rectifying. As to the pollution prob-

President David Granger affixing his autograph on the books of a few children who were at the forum (Photos by Adrian Narine)

He, therefore, called on the CCPA and other authorities to send more welfare officers into Region One so that justice can be served in a matter of days as opposed to months and even years. Youths from Region Two (Pomeroom-Supenaam) echoed similar sentiments as he, but focused mainly on the problems they’re having with pollution and suicide.

lem, the children all feel that one way of addressing it is by placing more garbage disposal receptacles at strategic places in various communities within the Region. Having listened to the children, President Granger assured the youngsters that their concerns were well noted, and that he believes it is important for their voices to be heard more often. He then challenged the

organisers to have similar forums in different parts of the country. Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally also spoke of the importance of allowing children to voice their concerns, as it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. “We have heard the cries of the children, and we have taken note. Soon, we will be taking action, based on their recommendations,” Minister Ally said. She noted that prior to the forum, the CCPA had been doing an excellent job, and for that she commended the agency, and for formulating programmes geared at protecting the future leaders of our country. CCPA’s Ms. Ann Greene said that seeing that they have no way of knowing when and where these things are happening, it is important for persons to speak up, because things like abuse and domestic violence usually occur behind closed doors. “We are encouraging people to use our hotline and call in, because it takes everybody to make a change,” Ms. Greene said. She also reiterated a call she has been making time and again, which is for persons to be more involved instead of being silent bystanders.

Zimbabwe sets impeachment ball rolling HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF was set to discuss the impeachment of President Robert Mugabe on Monday, its chief whip said, after a noon deadline expired for the 93-year-old to resign and bring the curtain down on nearly four decades in power. Impeachment could see Mugabe kicked out by a vote in parliament in under a day, and would represent an ignominious end to the career of the “Grand Old Man” of African politics, who was once lauded across the continent as an anti-colonial hero. Chief whip Lovemore Matuke told Reuters ZANU-PF members of parliament would meet at 1230 GMT to start mapping out Mugabe’s impeachment. In the draft motion, the party accused Mugabe of being a “source of instability”, flouting the rule of law and presiding over an “unprecedented economic tailspin” in the last 15 years. It also said he had abrogated his constitutional mandate to his hot-headed and unpopular 52-year-old wife, Grace, whose tilt at power triggered the backlash from the army that saw it put tanks on the streets of the capital last week. On paper, the process is relatively long-winded, involving a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly, then a nine-member committee of

senators, then another joint sitting to confirm his dismissal with a two-thirds majority. However, constitutional experts say ZANU-PF had the numbers, and could push it through in as little as 24 hours. “They can fast-track it; it can be done in a matter of a day,” said John Makamure, executive director of the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust, an NGO that works with the parliament in Harare. Mugabe’s demise, now almost inevitable, is likely to send shockwaves across Africa, where a number of entrenched strongmen from Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni to Democratic Republic of Congo’s Joseph Kabila are facing mounting pressure to step aside. Mugabe was once admired, even in the West, as the “Thinking Man’s Guerrilla”, a world away from his image in his latter years as the stereotypical African dictator proudly declaring he held a “degree in violence”. As the economy crumbled and opposition to his rule grew in the late 1990s, Mugabe tightened his grip around the southern African country, seizing white-owned farms, unleashing security forces to crush dissent and speaking of ruling until he was 100. SANITIZED COUP ZANU-PF’s action follows

a weekend of high drama in Harare that culminated in reports Mugabe had agreed to stand down, only for him to dash the hopes of millions of his countrymen in a bizarre and rambling national address on Sunday night.

shocked opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai told Reuters. “He’s playing a game.” Two senior government sources told Reuters Mugabe had agreed on Sunday to step aside, and CNN said on Monday his resignation letter had

vention look like a coup. “It would have looked extremely bad if he had resigned in front of those generals. It would have created a huge amount of mess,” one senior source within ZANU-PF said. Another political source

Zimbabweans watching President Mugabe’s televised address to the nation at a bar in downtown Harare on Sunday

Flanked by the generals who sent in troops last week to seize the state broadcaster, Mugabe spoke of the need for national unity and farming reform, but made no mention of his fate, leaving the nation of 16 million people dumbstruck. “I am baffled. It’s not just me, it’s the whole nation,”

been drawn up, with terms that included immunity for him and Grace. Two other political sources told Reuters on Monday Mugabe had indeed agreed to resign, but ZANU-PF did not want him to quit in front of the military, an act that would have made its mid-week inter-

said the speech was meant to “sanitize” the military’s action, which has paved the way for Mnangagwa, a former security chief known as The Crocodile, to take over. Moments after his address, war veterans’ leader Chris Mutsvangwa, who has spearheaded an 18-month campaign

to unseat Zimbabwe’s only leader, called for protests suggesting a potential popular uprising if Mugabe refused to go. In London, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said Mugabe had clearly lost the support of his people. Since last week, Mugabe has been confined to his lavish “Blue Roof” residence in Harare, apart from two trips to State House to meet the generals and one to a university graduation ceremony at which he appeared to fall asleep. Grace and at least two senior members of her ‘G40’ political faction are believed to be holed up in the same compound. On Saturday, hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Harare to celebrate Mugabe’s expected downfall and hail a new era for their country, whose economy has imploded under the weight of economic mismanagement, including 500 billion per cent hyperinflation in 2008. An estimated three million Zimbabweans emigrated to neighbouring South Africa in search of a better life. The huge crowds have given a quasi-democratic veneer to the army’s intervention, backing its assertion that it was merely effecting a constitutional transfer of power, rather than an oldstyle coup, which would risk a diplomatic backlash.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 21, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

Sprint legend streamlining fitness for Dortmund trial

Usain Bolt

MELBOURNE, Australia, (CMC) – Legendary retired Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, says he is seriously weighing up a career in football, and is currently getting in shape to undertake a possible trial at German Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund. The multiple-time World and Olympic champion, the most successful sprinter ever in the history of the sport, has always flirted with the idea of a football career but has firmed up plans following his retirement last August at the World Championships in London. “It’s something that I want to do. I’m trying to get fit now,” the 31-year-old told the Herald Sun as he took charge of a training session with members of the Australia cricket side preparing for the Ashes series against England. “My doctor finally passed me after my hamstring problems at the World Championships, so now I can start training. I’ve started training while I’m here and trying to get into shape before I get home and next year I’ll get a trial and we’ll take it from there.” Bolt dominated sprinting

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ever since dramatically bursting onto the international scene at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, going on to become the first sprinter to win the 100 and 200 metres titles at three consecutive Olympiads. He is an 11-time World champion and remains the world’s fastest-ever man with his astonishing 100m record of 9.58 seconds and 200m mark of 19.19 seconds, still intact. His last appearance at the London World Championships was riddled with injury, however, as he could only manage third in the 100m before pulling up in the sprint relay. The outing raised some doubt over his ability to continue as a top tier athlete but Bolt said he would give his new interests plenty thought before making a final decision. “We’ll decide if it makes sense. When I put my mind to something, I’m going to do it,” he pointed out. “I’m going to train hard, put myself through some drills. Coach of the team in Jamaica – I’ll do some work with him also to figure out the finer details.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

Guyana male, female Rugby teams off to RAN Sevens Championship in Mexico GRFU praises President Granger’s intervention to secure Government funding By Rawle Toney GUYANA Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams departed Guyana yesterday for Mexico City, Mexico, where they will compete in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship, November 25-26, at the Campo Marte athletic grounds. This year’s RAN Sevens Championship will serve as a qualifier for the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) Games, 2018 Hong Kong Sevens, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and Commonwealth Games. While the Men are considered the most feared and decorated in the Region, the Women’s team will be making a return to international action after a few years off. The Men’s tournament has been divided into three groups with Guyana heading Pool A (including Barbados and Cayman Islands), Jamaica heading Pool B (Bermuda and Dominican Republic) and Trinidad and Tobago heading Pool C, featuring hosts Mexico, Curacao and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Looking at the squad, notably missing are captain Ryan Gonsalves and USbased Vallon Adams, both of whom have been instrumental

to Guyana’s success over the years on the international scene. In fact, both Gonsalves and Adams featured for Guyana in April, when the Green Machine participated in the Hong Kong Sevens tournament in Japan. The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), upon releasing the squad did not state the reason for the two stalwarts’ omission. England-based Dominic Lespierre will be making a return to the team, which will be captained by Dwayne Schroeder and also features Avery Corbin, Patrick King, Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Claudius Butts, Lance Adonis, Rondell McArthur, Jamal Angus, Rickford Cummings and Peabo Hamilton. Laurence Adonis is the team’s coach and will be assisted by Australia-based Angus Thompson. Phillip Browne is the team’s physiotherapist. In the Women’s tournament Guyana will face Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Mexico, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic and French Guiana, as they play in a round-robin format with the winner being the team with the best results. Collette Hope will captain the women’s team, while head coach Theodore Henry will go along with Latoya

Cordis, Alisha Mentore, Cleotta Dublin, Sabola Gray, Cindy Fraser, Tricia Munroe, Sasha James, Shonette McFarlane, Abioce Heywood, Kean Andrews and Mandy Browne. Meanwhile, the GRFU expressed its gratitude to President David Granger for intervening and affording the National teams the chance to participate at the Championship. The GRFU was also grateful for the contributions from GOA, and Noble House Seafoods, Ministry of Natural Resources, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Social Cohesion George Norton. The Union had long been struggling to secure funding to properly prepare the team and to ensure that they travelled. While the other countries were afforded the chance to feature in several Sevens tournament overseas, the Green Machine, the defending Caribbean Champions, have not played a sevens game since April when they turned out, again, at one of the IRB’s biggest tournament in Hong Kong. “Despite not attaining the targets, the teams departed prepared for sacrifices to bring glory to their country,” the GRFU said in a release.

Brighton recover twice to salvage 2-2 draw with Stoke (REUTERS)- Promoted Brighton’s promising Premier League campaign continued as they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke City on Monday. The visitors went ahead through Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting but Pascal Gross equalised just before the break only for Kurt Zouma to head Stoke back in front moments later. Jose Izquierdo then levelled for Brighton on the hour to earn a deserved point. A third straight home draw frustrated some supporters but Brighton manager Chris Hughton put the point into perspective. ”When you have been behind twice you have to show character and we did. We were not at our best to-

day. Stoke are a very manly team, we had to stand up to that. “We have to be realistic. We are playing against better teams and better players and if you can’t win games then try to make sure you don’t lose them,” he said. Stoke’s Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, always a creative threat, was influential in the opener with a fine long pass to their Cameroon forward Choupo-Moting who showed skill and composure to finish in the 28th minute. The hosts were furious when their penalty appeal was turned away after Glenn Murray fell under a Ryan Shawcross challenge and after the game the Stoke defender conceded he had brought down the veteran

striker. “I think I clipped him. The referee didn’t have the best angle. It probably was a penalty,” said Shawcross. The draw leaves Brighton in ninth place on 16 points from 12 games while Stoke are 15th on 13 points. The booing had barely quietened before Brighton levelled in the 44th as Gross turned the ball home after a powerful, diagonal, solo run past four Stoke defenders from Dutch midfielder Davy Propper. Moments later Stoke restored their advantage when Brighton defender Bruno turned his back on a corner and the ball bounced off him to onloan Chelsea defender Zouma who headed home from close range.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

Sri Lanka cling on to draw after Kohli masterclass KOLKATA, India (Reuters) - India’s captain Virat Kohli staved off the threat of defeat before their fast bowlers ensured the hosts finished on a high in the drawn opening Test against Sri Lanka in an enthralling final day at the Eden Gardens yesterday. Chasing an improbable target of 231 in little more than a session, the tourists were reeling on 75 for seven before the umpires ruled the light too poor to continue in the final session of the match. With rain washing out most of the first two days in the match, it was a stunning comeback from the world’s top-ranked Test side who were tottering at 79-6 in their first innings at one stage. Kohli propped up his side’s batting on the final day with an unbeaten 104 to register his 18th Test hundred, and 50th across formats, after paceman Suranga Lakmal’s inspired spell in the first session gave Sri Lanka hope of a maiden Test win in India. India, however, rode out the storm before declaring their second innings on 352

Virat Kohli became only the second India player to hit 50 centuries across all formats. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)

for eight immediately after Kohli hit a six to get to three figures against Sri Lanka, who have failed to win in 17 away Tests against the hosts. India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took four wickets in the first innings, picked up another four for just eight runs to take the hosts close to a win but the fading light helped Sri Lanka avoid a crushing defeat after dominating the match for more than four days. The 30-year-old Lakmal was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka in the first innings with four wickets

and he returned to haunt the world’s top-ranked side with a triple strike in the second. After resuming on 171-1, India were cruising before Lakmal got a delivery to jag back off the seam and breach KL Rahul’s defence to dismiss the right-hander for 79. Lakmal then sent back the dependable Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over to reduce the hosts to 213-4. Dilruwan Perera dived forward to complete a brilliant catch to dismiss Pujara for 22, while Rahane was out leg-before without scoring.

Reliance Masters and Cotton Field Sports Club win in T20 competition A COLOURFUL and exciting day of T20 cricket was held on Sunday at the recently renovated Reliance cricket ground in Essequibo. In a competition to organise and resuscitate cricket in the village, two matches were played and saw a fair-sized crowd cheer as the games progressed. In the first game, Reliance Masters fought off the agility and stamina of their juniors to win by 3 wickets. In a match reduced to 17 overs due to a late start, Reliance Juniors won the toss and batted. They were led by an impressive half- century from Tony Persaud whose delightful 55 included 6 fours and 2 sixes.. He was also supported by Shawn Singh’s 28 containing 4 fours. Essequibo’s former all-rounder Elroy Stephney had figures of 3-18 from four overs of off-spin to strangle the inexperienced batting line-up as Reliance Juniors despite a rapid start ended on 117 all-out in the penultimate over. In reply, wickets fell for the Masters who also had a pedestrian start. However, key innings from Dhaniram 25 (3x4) and Elroy Stephney 20 (3x4) steadied and later consolidated the innings. It later took a cameo from Aaron Fraser whose 18 with 2x4 and 1x6 ensured that the Masters crossed the line on their way to an exciting win as they reached 118-7 in the

final over. Medium pacer and former Essequibo Under-19 player Avinash Parsram generated pace to take 3-24 in 4 overs. In the other match; also reduced to 17 overs, Cotton Field SC, winning the toss and batting against Bush Lot Trend Setters, posted a formidable 170-8 in their allotted overs. In reply, Bush Lot Trend Setters folded for 105 in 16 overs to lose by 65 runs. Meanwhile, the competition will continue this weekend with the two winners clashing to determine the champions and gain bragging rights in Reliance. The competition is being organised by the Interim Management Committee of the recently resuscitated Reliance Sports Club, which has produced outstanding cricketers in the past including the Mandolall brothers, Rovendra and Avinash Parsram as well as former Essequibo captain Alfred Maycock. A competition is also scheduled to be held in memory of the late former National Youth Player Shivnandan Mandolall who died in 2013 at the age of 31. This is being organised by his brother, overseas-based sports journalist Ravendra Mahdolall and will be held in December involving teams from Reliance, Bush-Lot and Cotton Field. Trophies and medals will be at stake.

Kohli, who appeared unsure of his footwork at the start of his innings, then added 36 for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja to steady the ship before his partner perished to off-spinner Perera shortly before lunch. Ravichandran Ashwin and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha fell cheaply to all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, leaving Kohli to wriggle India out of trouble while also looking to add enough runs to take the total out of Sri Lanka’s reach. The 29-year-old Kohli, who has 32 hundreds in the 50-over format, was given out leg-before to Lakmal on 72 but survived on review after replays confirmed a thin edge off his bat. In his 119-ball knock, Kohli hit 12 fours and two sixes, the second off Lakmal over wide long-off bringing up his century. He went down on one knee and roared in delight with a clenched fist towards the dressing room. The second match in the three-Test series will be played in Nagpur from Friday.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings 172 (C. Pujara 52; S. Lakmal 4-26) SRI LANKA 1st innings 294 (R. Herath 67, A. Mathews 52, L. Thirimanne 51; B. Kumar 4-88, M. Shami 4-100) INDIA 2nd innings (o/n 171-1) L. Rahul b Lakmal 79 S. Dhawan c Dickwella b Shanaka 94 C. Pujara c D. Perera b Lakmal 22 V. Kohli not out 104 A. Rahane lbw b Lakmal 0 R. Jadeja c Thirimanne b D. Perera 9 R. Ashwin b Shanaka 7 W. Saha c Samarawickrama b Shanaka 5 B. Kumar c D. Perera b Gamage 8 M. Shami not out 12 Extras: (b-7, lb-1, nb-1, w-3) 12 Total: (for 8 wkts decl’d, 88.4 overs) 352 Fall of wickets: 1-166, 2-192, 3-213, 4-213, 5-249, 6-269, 7-281, 8-321. Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 24.4-4-93-3 (w-1), Lahiru Gamage 23-2-97-1 (nb-1), Dasun Shanaka 22-1-76-3 (w-2), Dilruwan Perera 13-2-49-1, Rangana Herath 6-1-29–0. SRI LANKA 2nd innings (Target: 231 runs) Sadeera Samarawickrama b B. Kumar 0 Dimuth Karunaratne b Shami 1 Lahiru Thirimanne c Rahane b B. Kumar 7 Angelo Mathews lbw b U. Yadav 12 Dinesh Chandimal b Shami 20 Niroshan Dickwella lbw b B. Kumar 27 Dasun Shanaka not out 6 Dilruwan Perera b B. Kumar 0 Rangana Herath not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (for 7 wickets, 26.3 overs) 75 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-14, 4-22, 5-69, 6-69, 7-75. Bowling: B. Kumar 11-8-8-4, M. Shami 9.3-4-34-2 (nb1), U. Yadav 5-0-25-1, R. Jadeja 1-0-7-0..

Wimbledon champion Novotna dies after battle with cancer By Jason Hovet, Ian Chadband PRAGUE/LONDON (Reuters) Czech tennis player Jana Novotna, who won the 1998 Wimbledon championship after falling short in two previous finals, has died at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said yesterday Novotna died on Sunday surrounded by her family in the Czech Republic. In a career spanning 14 years that included 24 WTA singles titles and 76 doubles titles, Novotna won her only singles grand slam at Wimbledon in 1998 after losing in the 1993 and 1997 finals. She won the hearts of fans around the world when she burst into tears after throwing away victory against Steffi Graf in 1993. She was consoled afterwards by a British duchess, who predicted Novotna would one day hold the trophy. The 16-time grand-slam doubles winner was one of the biggest names in the Czech Republic’s tennis history. “The tennis world is so sad about the passing of Jana Novotna,” Czech tennis heroine Martina Navratilova said on Twitter. “I am gutted and beyond words -- Jana was a true friend and an amazing woman.” Navratilova battled cancer -- a breast tumor -- in 2010, with Novotna helping her go through treatment, an experience that made them friends.

FLASHBACK: Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic hugs the winner’s trophy after victory over Nathalie Tauziat of France in the Women’s Singles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships July 4. Novotna won the match 6-4, 7-6 (7-2).

Novotna entered the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005 and stayed active in the sport, coaching players such as 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and fellow Czech Barbora Krejcikova. “Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her. Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA,” WTA Chief Executive Steve Simon said in a statement. Former U.S. Open finalist Pam Shriver said on Twitter: “Jana was as kind as she was athletic, as smart as she was competitive. I can’t believe she is gone this soon. Her smile lives forever young.”

LOVE OF TENNIS As a 24-year-old in that first Wimbledon final with German great Graf, Novotna was a point away from taking a 5-1 lead in the third set only to serve a double fault. Four years later she fell again to a teenage Martina Hingis in the final but came back a year later to beat Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat in straight sets. Novotna reached world number two in singles and was a number one doubles player multiple times. She won three Olympic medals -- a singles bronze in 1996 and two silver in doubles in 1988 and 1996. She was a member of Czechoslovakia’s Fed Cup team which defeated the Soviet Union in 1988. She remained a strong supporter of Czech Fed Cup teams, whose success in the past decade has matched the strong run of Czechoslovak teams in the 1980s. Several current Czech stars such as Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova called her an inspiration yesterday. “We will miss her,” the Czech Fed Cup team Facebook page said. After ending her career in 1999, Novotna lived in Florida before returning to her hometown of Brno. She still played in senior matches and did television commentary. In 2015, Novotna spoke to Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes of her love for the sport and said she could not go a day without tennis. “It would be horrible,” she said of that prospect.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

Wilson returned as president of East Bank Football Association … Continued emphasis to be placed on youth development

FOLLOWING the Annual General Meeting and Elections of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) last Sunday at the Kuru Kururu Youth Centre, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, Franklin Wilson was returned as president. Elections which were conducted by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Development Officer, Lyndon France, saw Kevin Anthony and Noel Harry retain their posts as respective First and Second vice-presidents. Also returning was secretary, Wayne Francois. New additions are Ms Dawn Joseph (treasurer), Ms Abigale Scott (assistant secretary/ treasurer) and Devon Winter, Dillion Roberts, Orein Angoy and Owan Wills as ordinary members. One Ordinary Member position is still outstanding due to the absence of the proposed individual. This position would be filled subsequently as per constitution. France in remarks congratulated the affiliated EBFA clubs for displaying a high degree of maturity

and collectivity with regard to proposing and ratifying a single list of persons that would continue the development of the sport on the East Bank. Wilson in response expressed the association’s gratitude to France, Mr Richard Groden and the GFF for its support in overseeing and conducting the elections. The president also thanked the clubs for reposing a high degree of trust in him and fellow executive members to continue running the affairs of the EBFA for another two years. The meeting was brought up to date with the progress of the association ever since the last AGM and elections in October 2015 at the same venue by way of an address by the President and the Secretary’s Activity Report. The Audited Financial Statement, done by W.E James Consultancy Audit, Accounting & Taxation was also presented to the AGM and subsequently approved. Continued emphasis would be placed on youth development throughout the association where the EBFA

The new EBFA Executive Committee from right: Wayne Francois, Dawn Joseph, Noel Harry, Franklin Wilson, Kevin Anthony, Abigale Scott, Devon Winter, Orein Angoy and Owan Wills.

would also be organising its own tournament other than those provided by the federation the likes of the GFF/NAMILCO Intra Association and the Pele Alumni Under-15. The NAMILCO league which is nearing its end has been played for two rounds, attracting a total of eight clubs. The Pele U-15 will commence shortly. Also being played is the 2nd annual

Ralph Green-sponsored Under-11 league/KO competition which has also attracted eight teams. Kuru Kururu Warriors FC, despite not being able to field a team for the competition, were recipients of 15 association-branded teeshirts as well as a branded ball by the EBFA, as a means of encouragement for the club which have been excelling on and off the field

of play. The EBFA would continue to work closely with the GFF to ensure it achieves fully trained coaches at each club as well as to increase the referee’s pool apart from having club administrators exposed to the relevant training that would assist in the achievement of properly functioning and effective clubs.

All the clubs were complimented for their efforts to compete in tournaments; Highway United, on the verge of receiving full membership, and Kuru Kururu Warriors were commended for their unflinching investment in ensuring participation in competitions. Meanwhile, the association will be running off a one-day 5-a-side women’s tournament to help stimulate and encourage the development of the female arm of the sport. Kuru Kururu Warriors have the lone female team in the association. This scenario is expected to change following this tournament which would be held at Kuru Kururu, with one bicycle at stake for the Most Valuable Player along with trophies and medals for the top two teams. The aforementioned items have been donated by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club which also presented a number of hand rags to the association that were handed over to the clubs last Sunday.

National Schools Championships

Still coming out for their piece of the cake – West Coast Berbice (District 5) By Tamica Garnett

WHEN West Coast Berbice (District 5) come out at the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships (Nationals), which will begin next week at varying locations, they know that they will be at a disadvantage, given the team’s small size. However, the District still look to leave their mark. Though the District has a full capacity track and field team, like many of the other 14 Districts that will be competing at the Championships, the Berbice team are struggling with their swimming and cycling teams, and so realistically concede that going after the overall title of the multi-sport event just isn’t feasible. But that’s not to say that West Coast Berbice by any means do not have a goal, nor will they be looking to leave Nationals empty-handed.

“We know that we cannot eat the whole cake so we are going there to at least get part of that cake. We’re not looking at the overall Championships, we’re going there to bring back some medals and show them what we can do,” declared the District head, Michelle Archibald. “For me we are not looking at positions in terms of winning the Championships because we have weaknesses; we are not going with a full team. But our eyes are on records, and bringing back some medals. That is our aim, my athletes know that.” After also facing a severely limited team last year, the Region Five team finished thirteenth overall, after the competition was won by the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District 10). Archibald knows that the District cannot stand a chance against powerhouses like Upper Demerara/Kwak-

wani (District 10) and North Georgetown (District 11), the two most successful Districts at the Championships, known to always be at full capacity. There are several longstanding woes that have plagued the Berbice District over the years, and while they have made improvements in the track and field division, the struggle continues in the other areas. The challenges range from lack of facilities to lack of equipment. “Up here in Region Five the focus is more on track and field than on cycling or swimming. Where swimming is concerned there is no pool that is close. For cycling we don’t have much persons equipped with their own cycles. We also won’t be participating in the high jump, because we lack that equipment,” Archibald explained. There are just 8 swimmers and 6 cyclists, while on the more optimistic side,

they have a team of 12 participants for the teachers’ competition, but even there they have challenges. She further described that over the years a few efforts have been made by the Regional Democratic Council to address some of the team’s issues, but the remedies did not pan out well. “Where the cycling is concerned our region in previous years purchased two cycles; but after the Nationals the cycles were back at the region, and when we were ready to use them again, we had to service them and so after a time they deteriorated. “So they said that it’s a personal sport and the athletes, if they are interested, have to get their own cycles. But just a few children can afford a racing bike,” Archibald noted. However, in the case of procuring other equipment, like those for the high jump,

Archibald says she has been appealing to the RDC, who promised to address the issue. “The Region is the one that the children are going to represent and if we are going to represent you then you have to ensure we have these things. “Every year when we

come back to the region we write a report and do our recommendations and say to them: look this is where we fall short, this is what we would like you to do for us. “But then it just go under the carpet, and when it’s Nationals again it comes back to the same old story again,” she pointed out.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday November 21, 2017)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 9/95-Jack Noriega (WI vs IND, QPO, 1971) (2) 7/51-Winston Davis (WI vs AUST, Leeds, 1983) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in Tests to date? (2) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in ODIs to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 21, 2017

Fruta Conquerors win on opening night

…GDF, Western Tigers play to tame draw FRUTA Conquerors needled (1 – 0) new-comers New Amsterdam United for a positive start in the third installation of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, while Western Tigers rallied to a draw against title holders Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on opening night at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on Sunday. Boasting a very youth-

ful squad, Fruta Conquers, who finished second in the league last year, picked up an important three points, thanks to their best player, Eon Alleyne, who netted the game’s lone goal in the 78th minute. In the other clash, another newcomer, Western Tigers, showed promises of being a serious contender, after coming from a goaldown to pick up a point against the league’s title

Part of the action between Fruta Conquerors and New Amsterdam United.

32-team Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tourney starts tomorrow at California Square

AMID much expectation and excitement, the 2017 edition of the Guinness 'Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship, was officially launched yesterday at the Thirst Park Sports Club. The event which will commence tomorrow at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre tarmac (California Square), comprises 32 teams battling in an initial round-robin format, comprising eight groups of four teams. Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each pool, will advance to the round of 16 elimination section. The event will feature new rules. The most important addition will occur in the final three minutes, as any goal scored in that period, will result in the team being awarded two goals. It is called a ‘Guinness Goal’. Similarly, each team will only be allowed two fouls per half, with the third infraction and every foul thereafter, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded to the opposition. Also, if any player intentionally kicks the ball outside of the arena, based on the judgement of the referee, that individual will have to leave the match for three minutes, effectively reducing their team to three players for that period. The other playing dates are November 23, 25 and 30, December 2, 5, 7, 9 and 16. Also, the other venues that will be utilised are Albouystown, Burnham Court, National Cultural Centre and Demerara Park. Lee Baptiste, Guinness

Brand Manager, declared,that the event is testimony to the company's commitment to organising social activities in the communities. He noted that street football has been an avenue to identify talents in the world, especially in England, noting, “Banks DIH Limited remains committed to social activities in the communities. I wish all the teams the best of luck to show that your community is made of more.” Colours Boutique representative, Creanna Damon, affirmed that her company is once again proud to be associated with the tournament. Rawle Welch, representative of Three Peat Promotions, thanked the company for the affording his organisation the opportunity to

coordinate the championship, declaring that the record number of team submissions for the recently concluded playoff section, indicates that the event is growing in popularity. Welch added that he expects a very competitive tournament, affirming that many of the teams possess the necessary talents to emerge victorious. Winners of the overall event will walk away with $500 000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs. The runners-up, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $250 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively. The event is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch (2nd from left), collects the symbolic ball from Colours Boutique representative Creanna Damon in the presence of Referees Coordinator Wayne Griffith (left), Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd from left) and Banks DIH Limited Communication Director and tournament consultant Troy Peters.

FIXTURES: Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown 2017 Group Fixtures Day-1: East Ruimveldt (California Square) Wednesday 22nd Bad-A-Yard vs GTI Ballers - 19:00hrs Broad Street vs Stabroek Ballers - 19:30hrs Albouystown-B vs Rising Stars - 20:00hrs North East La Penitence vs Kingston - 20:30hrs West Front Road vs Smyth Street - 21:00hrs North Ruimveldt vs Judgement Yard - 21:30hrs Festival City vs New Market Street - 22:00hrs Channel-9 vs Gaza Squad - 22:30hrs

California Square vs Queen Street Tiger Bay - 23:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Ol Skool Ballers - 23:30hrs Day-2: East Ruimveldt (California Square) Thursday 23rd Kingston vs New Market Street - 19:00hrs Albouystown-A vs GTI Ballers - 19:30hrs Bent Street vs Norton Street - 20:00hrs Leopold Street vs Bad-A-Yard - 20:30hrs Tucville vs Sophia Bullies - 21:00hrs Ol Skool vs Gaza Squad - 21:30hrs Alexander Village vs Upsetters - 22:00hrs East Front Road vs Future Stars - 22:30hrs Back Circle vs Trap Squad - 23:00hrs

holders, the GDF. Thirteen minutes into the highly anticipated clash, Carlos Adams put the Army in command with his goal, but Western Tigers kept the pressure and finally picked up the equaliser through Andrew Murray in the 27th minute. Both teams failed to capitalise on their chances at goal, and settled for the entertaining draw. The Elite League will now head to Linden for another double-header at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on Friday. In the opening game,

Buxton United and Ann’s Grove will collide at 18:00 hours, and the home side, Milerock, is set to tackle Victoria Kings at 20:00 hours. This year, the winners will receive $5M, second-place $2M, third and fourth will pocket $1M and $500 000 respectively. E.C Vieira Investments, Camex Restaurants, Impression's Branding, Marics (Honda) and Automobile Power Products are the league’s sponsors. All games will attract a five hundred dollar ($500.00) entry fee

Trim, Smith name MVPs of CONCACAF Women’s Football Day tournament

Jalade Trim (left) and Tiandi Smith

NATIONAL U-15 member, Jalade Trim, and U-17 Tiandi Smith were the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of their respective categories in the third annual CONCACAF Women’s Football Day, hosted by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) last Saturday at the National Training Centre, Leonora. The programme, which was held from 11:00hrs to 17:00hrs, saw Kwakwani win the U-15 competition while Fruta Conquerors won the U-17 edition. The participants were girls from Kwakwani, Lethem, East Bank, Georgetown, Bartica, Orealla, Berbice and West Demerara. Trim, captain of the U-15 Kwakwani Strikers, was proud of her team’s performance and had encouraging words for her peers, stating: “I am grateful that we won today. I think if more females showed up to more ATC games they would be successful.” Smith was thrilled for her nomination, and showered

her teammates with praises, adding, “We knew what we were capable of and we did our best while having fun.” Outstanding Player Awards went to Lady Jags’ Kendra Thomas and U-15 Fruta Conquerors’ Hasha Holder. The Women’s Day competition featured 12 female teams and grassroots participants who learned and laughed together under the supervision of the GFF technical staff. The programme began with grassroots exercises followed by U-15 and U-7 round-robin matches. The U-15 matches involved girls from Kwakwani, Lethem, East Bank, Georgetown Academy Training Centre (ATC), Bartica, Orealla, Junior Fruta Conquerors and New Amsterdam United, while the U-17 competition was played among Senior Fruta Conquerors, West Demerara and the U-17 Lady Jags. A special Grassroots game was also played among the participants.

Fruta Conquerors win on opening night

Page 23

Guyana Men, Women Rugby teams off to RAN Sevens Championship in Mexico GRFU praises President Granger’s intervention to secure Government funding

Page 20

Defending RAN Sevens Champions the ‘Green Machine’. (Claudius Butts, Ronald Mayers, Richard Staglon and Dominic Lespierre are not in photo)

Guyana’s National Women’s Sevens team

Regional Four-Day Championship

Guyana Jaguars open 20 points lead over now second-placed Hurricanes

RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Three-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars have opened up a significant lead at the top of the Regional Four-Day Championship, as the first class competition nears the half-way stage. Their massive innings victory over previously unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Brian Lara Stadium on Sunday, lifted them to 64.8 points – just over 20 clear of the now second-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes on 44.6. The result was the Jaguars’ third win in four outings this season and they are now the only unbeaten side in the championship after the fourth round. They were lifted by the return to form of inspirational captain Leon Johnson who stroked 165 while West Indies A star Vishaul Singh carved out his second century in three matches.

Hurricanes, unbeaten at the start of the round, suffered a heavy defeat at Warner Park in St Kitts when they went down by 157 runs to the previously win-less Jamaica Scorpions. Though moving up to second, they are just two points clear of Barbados Pride also claimed their maiden win of new season when they crushed Windward Islands Volcanoes by 135 runs at Arnos Vale. Pride, on 42.4 points, have also overhauled Red Force who now lie fourth on 41.8 points. Scorpions are fifth on 36.6 while winless Volcanoes continue bottom on 18.4. The tournament will take a near two-week break and restart with the fifth round on November 30 when Jaguars host Pride in Georgetown, Scorpions welcome Volcanoes to Kingston and Hurricanes take on Red Force at Warner Park.

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER, 21, 2017