Guyana Chronicle Epaper 22 11 2017

AFC submits nominee to replace Jones at GECOM Page 22

No. 105104

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

OUTRAGE … probe into sexual abuse allegations deepens ... teacher admits to relationships with former students

– gov't declares zero-tolerance for misconduct

HM ‘slack and loose’ comment draws protest

Page 9

Pages 3&5

Elderly man brutalises young sales clerk Over 700 UG staff to get back pay Page 17

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…after UG, unions sign agreement Activists protesting in front of the Bishops’ High School following sexual abuse allegations against a teacher and comments made by the school’s Principal, Winifred Ellis (Samuel Maughn photo)

GMSA wants GRA tackle beer smuggling

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Sisters jailed, fined for ‘triple banking’ man

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

GMSA wants GRA tackle beer smuggling –– GMSA director

By Svetlana Marshall

THE implementation of Excise Stamps for alcohol and tobacco products is a step in the right direction but the anti-smuggling initiative has fallen short of tackling the issue of smuggled beer on the local market, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Board Director Ramesh Dookhoo has said.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), with the aim of clamping down on the illicit trade of alcohol and tobacco products, is currently using a secured digital Excise Stamp solution to mark legitimate alcohol (excluding beer) and tobacco products being imported into the country.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday at the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the GMSA board director said tobacco and alcohol industries, locally and internationally, have for years felt the negative impacts of the illicit trades.

In the case of alcohol, Dookhoo said that over the years, the success of reputable companies, which had dealerships with major alcohol brands, have been threatened due to the large volume of contraband on the local market.

He said records would show that respected companies have lost dealerships because they were unable to compete with smugglers.

GMSA board director Ramesh Dookhoo The tobacco industry, he added, has also felt the negative impact of the illicit trade of tobacco products, in particular cigarettes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Given the significance of the problem, the GMSA

GRA Deputy Commissioner Rohan Beekhoo board director said the association is pleased that the GRA is taking critical steps to create a dent in the illicit trade of alcohol and tobacco products.

However, he said the GMSA is of the belief that the anti-smuggling initiative by

GRA is only addressing part of the problem facing local manufacturers and legitimate importers and suppliers of alcohol products.

“This is not a cure-all for the alcohol industry. One of the most smuggled products in the industry is beer, and I am very shocked that it (excise stamp) wasn’t introduced for beer,” Dookhoo told this newspaper.

“Shiploads of beers are still being smuggled into Guyana. Every now and then the customs would be lucky and find a shipload,” he added.

According to the GMSA board director, in his estimate, for every one shipment of contraband found by Customs, five shipments have gone undetected.

He contended that while the GRA may have consulted with importers, suppliers and

distributors of legally imported alcohol products, it did not consult with GMSA ahead of the implementation of the Excise Stamp, although it is a major stakeholder. Dookhoo contended that had the manufacturing association been privy to such consultations, it would have made a strong case for imported beer to be stamped as well.

“We always felt that it should have been extended to beer, because beer as you know is being smuggled into Guyana. So what is the sense of monitoring alcohol and not monitoring beer?”

Nonetheless, he said once implemented effectively, the GRA can safeguard the billions of dollars in taxes lost to the illicit trade of alcohol and tobacco Turn to page 8 ►

Over 700 UG staff to get back pay AFTER days of gridlock, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) signed an agreement with the university’s administration on Tuesday paving the way for approximately 700 lecturers and support staff of the university to receive retroactive payments for 2017.

Earlier in the month, the unions and the administration had reached an agreement for support staffers of the University to receive an eight per cent increase in their salaries, retroactive from January 1, 2017. The academic staff were in line to receive a six per cent increase on their wages and salaries, retroactive to January 1, 2017 but UGWU and the UGSSA had objected on the ground

… after UG, unions sign agreement that the university administration was pushing for it to be conditional. The administration was insisting that there must be a clause about sanctions being imposed in relation to performance.

On Tuesday, the unions, in a joint statement, said it “finally” signed the Memorandum of Agreement and Letter of Understanding with the administration, allowing for the agreed retroactive payments for 2017 to be made to the approximately 700 UA full-time and parttime members of staff of the University of Guyana.

“We are pleased to announce that the agreement we signed today [Tuesday] does not contain that performance clause. We acknowledge and salute the patience, professionalism and solidarity exhibited by

our members over the 10 months that it has taken us to conclude this agreement. ,” the unions stated.

UGWU and UGSSA said they are appreciative of those who intervened. Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, were singled out for assisting in bringing the matter to a close.

“No system is perfect, and we are acutely aware of the shortcomings of the institution that we are part of. Nonetheless, there are many fine persons who work extremely hard under difficult conditions, and dedicate themselves to doing their best for both colleagues

and students.

“The last few months must have been very trying ones for such members of staff, who found their efforts seemingly being discounted or denied. We would like to say to such members of staff– please do not lose heart,” the unions stated.

According to UGSSA, and UGWU, the improvement of the university will continue with the hard work and dedication of staff members.

“We hope that lessons have been learned from this year’s negotiations, and that we do not travel this road again in 2018.

We trust that we will be able truly focus on working constructively to improve the experiences of students and staff at the University of Guyana,” they added.

Absolutely not

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

… Bishops’ teacher denies sex abuse allegations … but admits to relationships with former students

By Ariana Gordon

THE Bishops’ High School Business and Economics teacher who has been accused of grooming and sexually molesting students of the said institution on Tuesday denied all allegations leveled against him, but admitted that he has had relationships with former students of the Georgetown-based senior secondary school.

At a news conference held at a Brickdam office, Coen Jackson, in the presence of his attorneys, Jerome Khan, Priyanka Sookraj and Siand Dhurjon said “absolutely not,” when asked by reporters if he has ever sexually molested any child or student. He admitted to having sexual relations with two former students of the senior secondary school and said, “You can’t stop people from falling in love; you can’t stop people from interacting.”

Jackson in his own defence sought to lay blame at the feet of Cultural Policy Advisor, Ruel Johnson who on Monday wrote a letter of complaint to Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson and copied the missive 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) on the issue.

Johnson in his missive, outlined the teacher’s alleged predatory behaviour over the years and noted that he learned of the allegations a few months ago and began his investigation of the matter then. He has since spoken with victims of the public school and said since his social media posts on the subject, several other past students from other schools, where Jackson taught, came forward with similar reports.

But even as Jackson sought to debunk the allegations leveled against him, he admitted that he is currently in an intimate rela-

Embattled Bishops’ High School Teacher, Coen Jackson tionship with a now 21-yearold woman who attended the Bishops’ High School.

Asked by reporters to state when that relationship started, the teacher would only say a few years ago. “She is 21…it absolutely did not start at school… they (the two former students) were never under my instruction at the time,” Jackson said in response to questions, while making it clear that he is now friends with many of his former students.

He admitted too that prior to his current relationship, he also shared a relationship with another past student who is now in her early 20s, but emphasised that both relationships began after the women left the school system and were adults. The teacher who says he has over 15 years’ experience as a teacher accepted that his relationships with the two past students does not paint a good picture. “I understand the concern. On a moral ground it doesn’t look good on me, I admit. That is one of the reasons I am contemplating…I don’t think I could carry on as a teacher at the Bishops’ High school for that reason,” Jackson stated.

He said he has been discrete about his relationships with the two past students because of the public perception.

“I understand that, however, you can’t stop people from falling in love; you can’t stop people from interacting,” he said, noting that he has a “very strong relationship with that young lady, extremely

Attorney Jerome Khan strong relationship with her.”

THIS IS NO SLAM BANG “Yes, I have been to Colombia with her, yes, I’ve been to Aruba, New York, Mexico with her.

This is not some slam bang- the impression Ruel Johnson is giving of me,” declared the teacher who said this has brought his unblemished career to an end.

“I don’t see how I could recover from something like this, ever, ever, ever. It doesn’t matter where I might go in the world… this stain, people will always have suspicious of me; I just have to live with this.”

The Business and Economics teacher described the allegations as unfortunate but noted that it stemmed from “some serious disagreements” with Johnson.

In fact, he disclosed that he was in a relationship with a past student, who is currently in a relationship with Johnson. ”Mr. Johnson is using information that came to his disposal through a relationship in which he is involved in, and with a person I had known to paint a picture of me that is far removed from the person I am, feeding a media frenzy,” Jackson said from a prepared text.

He also accused Johnson of threatening to destroy his career following their disagreements. “Mr Johnson has adapted an abrasive position as he is exposed as being intellectually weak. As a result of that he has threat-

Cultural Policy Advisor, Ruel Johnson ened to have me removed from the teaching service and launched a vicious social media campaign maligning my reputation and character.”

Jackson, 39, said too that Johnson threatened him and stated among other things that he should refrain from contacting his (Johnson’s) girlfriend or he will “destroy me publicly.”

Moreover, the teacher quoted Johnson as stating, “I can guarantee you I am going to use my considerable connection in the media to pointedly identify me and have you removed as a teacher in the public education system.” According to Jackson, Johnson “went absolutely berserk” when he discovered that he (Jackson) was still in close contact with his (Johnson’s) girlfriend.

“I have severed all communication with his person; I respect her personal space and feel sorry that she has been dragged into Johnson’s unhinged campaign,” while noting that this is the end of his teaching career.

On Tuesday, Johnson issued a statement standing by his comments on the issue.

He said, “…since this issue has started, multiple young women have in fact come out to say publicly that he has sexually propositioned them while they were his students at various institutions, including Guyana Technical Institute, the Business School, School of the Nations, Georgetown Technical Institute, Leonora Technical Institute, and Mae’s.”

He pointed a former student of the Business School’s recount of Jackson targeting young female students and failing them when they refused to give in to his sexual advances.

“Another former student from the School of the Nations wrote that he would invite students over to his house ‘asking for [fellatio] in order to receive the exams questions in advance or have a sexual relationship with him’.”

Johnson also pointed to a statement made by Dr. Melissa Ifill, who said about two years ago she learned of Jackson’s behaviour when a prospective Sixth Form student went to register at the school.

“He went into her file, copied her number and started calling and texting her - sickening gross conversations that her mother discovered, then answered the phone and heard him herself one day. Mind you, this young woman wasn’t a student as yet,” said Dr. Ifill in a Facebook comment.

SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT Meanwhile, Johnson believes that Jackson has failure to take responsibility for his advances towards the female students, for which he can be charged under the Sexual Offences Act. He said, blaming his

effort to ensure that he is no longer in a position of trust on a personal vendetta “does not exist.”

But Jackson told reporters that the Cultural Policy Advisor has created a caricature of him as a beast and predator and noted that many of his students could testify to his professionalism and competence.

“I have a track record of high performance,” he declared, adding that this is the first time such allegations have been made against him.

“This is the very first time such accusations have been made against me. I have taught at many schools- I reckon about five…nobody has ever brought any complaint to my attention, ever,” the teacher who has taken a leave of absence stated.

Meanwhile, when asked specifically about an incident involving a former student, who accused Jackson of making sexual advances, Jackson’s attorney intervened stating: “We’re not going to get into specifics because the social media with which you referred to is inundated with people who maybe anonymous, pretending to be one person or another … so that particular thing you are reading, we are not going to answer to that,” Attorney Jerome Khan Turn to page 8►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Mugabe bows out ZIMBABWE’S President Robert Mugabe has resigned, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda has said.

A letter from Mr Mugabe said that the decision was voluntary and that he had made it to allow a smooth transition of power.

The surprise announcement halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him. Lawmakers roared in jubilation and people have begun celebrating in the streets. Mr Mugabe, 93, was until now the

world’s oldest leader. He had previously refused to resign despite last week’s military takeover and days of protests.

The letter did not mention who would take over from Mr Mugabe, who has been in power since independence in 1980.

The constitution says it should be the current vice-president, Phelekezela Mphoko, a supporter of Grace Mugabe, Mr Mugabe’s wife. Mr Mudenda said moves were under way to ensure a new leader could take over by late on Wednesday. UK Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr Mugabe’s resignation “provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule”.

She said that former colonial power Britain, “as Zimbabwe’s oldest friend”, will do all it can to support free and fair elections and the rebuilding of the Zimbabwean economy. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai told the BBC he hoped that Zimbabwe was on a “new

trajectory” that would include free and fair elections.

He said Mr Mugabe should be allowed to “go and rest for his last days”.

IN OTHER REACTION: The US Embassy in Harare, the capital, said it was a “historic moment” and congratulated Zimbabweans who “raised their voices and stated peacefully and clearly that the time for change was overdue.”

South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance welcomed the move, saying Mr Mugabe had turned from “liberator to dictator.”

Prominent Zimbabwean opposition politician David Coltart tweeted: “We have removed a tyrant but not yet a tyranny.” Robert Mugabe won elections during his 37 years in power, but over the past 15 years these were marred by violence against political opponents. He presided over a

deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe, where people are on average 15% poorer now than they were in 1980.

However, Mr Mugabe was not forced out after decades in power by a popular mass movement but rather as a result of political splits within his Zanu-PF party. His dismissal of Emmerson Mnangagwa as vice-president two weeks ago was seen by many as clearing the way for Grace Mugabe to succeed her husband as leader.

It riled the military leadership, who stepped in and put Mr Mugabe under house arrest.

The leader of the influential liberation war veterans - former allies of Mr Mugabe - said after the army takeover that Mr Mugabe was a “dictator”, who “as he became old, surrendered his court to a gang of thieves around his wife”. Yet despite huge demonstrations in the streets celebrating what seemed like his impending demise, Robert Mugabe had until now refused to step down.

Robert Mugabe - Timeline of a political life Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe ‘It has happened’ His decision to finally resign has sparked wild celebrations in the streets.

“We are just so happy that things are finally going to change,” Togo Ndhlalambi, a hairdresser, told the AFP news agency. “I am the happiest person under the sun right now, because I always believed that Mugabe was going to step down in my lifetime and it has happened,” human rights activist Linda Masarira told the BBC. “And now going forward it’s time for the opposition to reorganise and ensure that we will have a government that cares for the people. And everyone has to be included.”

(BBC)

1924: Born 1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government 1980: Wins post-independence elections 1996: Marries Grace Marufu 2000: Loses referendum, pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters 2008: Comes second in first round of elections to Morgan Tsvangirai who pulls out of run-off amid nationwide attacks on his supporters 2009: Amid economic collapse, swears in Mr Tsvangirai as prime minister, who serves in uneasy government of national unity for four years 2017: Sacks long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed him.

Army intervenes and forces him to step down

Wednesday November 22th, - 05:00 hrs Thursday November 23th, - 05:00 hrs Friday November 24th, - 08:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Jackson skirting the issue

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–– says Johnson, maintains teacher preyed on young girls

By Ariana Gordon DESPITE the denial of allegations of sexual grooming of school-aged girls attending the Bishops’ High School and several other public and private education institutions by Business and Economics teacher Coen Jackson, Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson maintains that the teacher needs to be punished for his alleged wrongdoings.

In response to statements made by Jackson in the presence of his attorneys, Jerome Khan, Priyanka Sookraj and Siand Durjhon at a press conference on Tuesday, Johnson said the evidence is clear for all to see and noted that there is an overwhelming amount of complaints levelled against the teacher who has since taken a leave of absence from Bishops’ High.

Additionally, the Ministries of Education and Social Protection are in receipt of the formal complaint filed by Johnson along with at least one statement from a victim. Both entities have indicated they are actively investigating the allegations of sexual grooming and misconduct of several female students of the senior secondary school.

“I have been informed that more than one formal case is in various stages of preparation against Mr. Jackson. I believe he needs

to take these seriously,” said Johnson who noted that he was contacted by Jackson’s attorney, Jerome Khan, on Friday.

During their interaction, Johnson said Khan indicated that he was merely acting as an elder in mediating a dispute between two friends.

“I corrected Mr. Khan and said I have never been friends with Mr. Jackson and that I have encountered overwhelming evidence of his predatory behaviour on young students at the Bishops’ High School and nothing was being done about it.

“I said that I had no interest in negotiation and that I suggest that Mr. Jackson find himself a competent attorney,” the Cultural Advisor stated, while referencing a Facebook post made last Friday. Khan reportedly spoke of the potential impact such allegations would have on Jackson’s still promising career. “… but was informed by me that his behaviour disqualified from further being around young women,” said Johnson who then recalled that the attorney “floated the possibility of Jackson’s resignation bringing an end to the issue”.

The Government official made it clear that while he wants Jackson removed from the school system, there were allegedly criminal liable aspects to his behaviour – under the Sexual Offences Act – that he could not

guarantee would not be pursued.

‘GENIAL ARBITER TO RIGHTEOUS ATTORNEY’ He said Khan transformed from the “genial arbiter” into the “righteous attorney” of Jackson who is seeking to “obfuscate and distract”.

Johnson did not address Jackson’s allegations that the accusations against him spurred from some “serious disagreements”. In fact, Johnson said, “I’m unsure how to dignify that with an answer, except perhaps to say, that if my charges of his predation were unfounded, he could easily have shown me to be both intellectually adequate and a liar by answering those charges on social media where he is known to be zealous in his arguments and, to his mind, ‘intellectually adequate’.

Instead, he deleted his account.”

Jackson told the media that Johnson was upset with him because he was in contact with an ex-girlfriend, who now happens to be Johnson’s girlfriend and a former student of the Bishops’ High School.

“I also can’t dignify Mr. Jackson’s statement that he was threatened over contact with a young woman, except to say, that since this issue has started, multiple young women have in fact come out to say publicly that he has sexually propositioned them while they

were his students at various institutions, including the Guyana Technical Institute, the Business School, School of the Nations, the Georgetown Technical Institute, Leonora Technical Institute, and Mae’s.”

He pointed too, to public statements made by the teacher on his Facebook platform on the subject of a Parfaite Harmonie pastor allegedly sexually assaulting and stalking a member of his congregation.

“After quoting the story’s account of the Pastor’s stalking and making sexual advances to the victim, Jackson asks ‘Can you explain how this woman is a “victim”?...Unwanted advances don’t quite meet the standard of victimhood: not every unsavoury encounter makes one a victim’,” said the Cultural Policy Advisor, who reminded that those words were publicly stated

by Jackson.

“These are the words written himself by a predatory man whom many young girls have claimed to be sexual harassed, propositioned or groomed by him while they were students under his care in a position of trust, and his behaviour has held true to this philosophy.”

Additionally, Johnson believes there was a desperate attempt to cover Jackson’s tracks.

“I have received multiple complaints from former victims of him requesting that he delete damning

correspondence between them including his penchant for sending pictures of his genitalia.”

FUNDAMENTALLY IRRELEVANT Given the aforementioned, the Government official said he can understand why Jackson sought to make up issues that are “fundamentally irrelevant to the reality of his predatory behaviour and the systematic covering up of the same by the Bishops’ High School.”

He finds the claims by multiple young women of varying degrees of sexual violence over a period of 20 years, to have been suppressed, ignored and derided by the administration of the Bishops’ High School for the past 11 years.

According to Johnson, the teacher during his 15year tour of duty at several schools was placed at approximately 10 institutions, more than one per year.

“It was at one of the most prestigious secondary education institutions in Guyana - ironically the one with a specific reputation for excellence in educating young girls - that his predatory behaviour found its most lasting existence, over a decade,” Johnson stated, while noting that Jackson’s lawyers failed to address the issue of libel despite their claims that he has fabricated the allegations.

He noted that in his posts he did not name Jack-

son or the secondary school, while adding that the matter is personal to him as he has a young female relative attending the institution where Jackson is reportedly given “a free pass”.

Notwithstanding his reservations, Johnson said he allowed the process to take its course. Tuesday, Khan chided Johnson for stating that he had no confidence in the internal school system, while stressing that his client deserves a fair hearing in keeping with the principles of natural justice.

On Monday, the head teacher of the Bishops’ High School was heard speaking to the female students of the school in a condescending manner. She addressed them as “slack” and “loose” while chiding them for not defending their teacher on Facebook “Considering Principal Ellis’ degradation of female students and her berating them for not going on social media and defending a teacher accused of predatory behaviour, I believe my lack of faith in the Bishops’ administration to address a predatory staff member was justified,” Johnson stated.

The cultural policy advisor said Jackson has been allowed to groom and molest the female students of the school.

“I found out, and I acted. Because of that action, thankfully - as a first step - Coen Jackson’s predatory shadow no longer falls over Bishops’.”

Gov’t warns against sex abuse … ministries to probe allegations against teacher

ACTION will be taken by the Ministry of Education to have matters of sexual misconduct investigated and dealt with accordingly, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry has said.

She was speaking on the allegations against a Bishops’ High School teacher, who has since denied sexually abusing students of the said school. “I know these things can get sensational at times, but the world in which we live, matters like

that ought to be raised and ought to be dealt with very seriously and condignly and that is the ministry’s intention, to deal with the matter in the appropriate way using existing and appropriate channels that exist and, so we will activate the process and take the necessary steps,” Minister Henry told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Further, Minister Henry says regardless of its nature, misconduct will not be toler-

ated, and reports of such will be investigated according to established procedures.

“Anything considered outside of good discipline and good conduct will have to be dealt with by the ministry, sexual and otherwise. There are procedures to deal with these issues.”

The Ministry of Social Protection also in a statement said it is aware of the allegations levelled against a senior teacher at the Bishops’ High School. The mat-

ter, the ministry said is currently under investigations and “the ministry is actively involved in this process. The Ministry takes these complaints seriously and holds paramount the protection of our nation’s children,” the statement read.

A formal complaint against the 38-year-old teacher was submitted to the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson,

by Cultural Policy Advisor at the Education Ministry,

Ruel Johnson, who called for, among other things, the teacher’s suspension.

Johnson’s letter of complaint was copied to the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry; the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan; the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; the Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams; and the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

We must protect our children A FEW years ago, a party of policemen, led by a since retired, high-ranking officer, travelled from New Amsterdam to a West Coast Berbice secondary school, where they arrested a class teacher for an act of carnal knowledge of a female student below the age of consent. From what is known of the particulars, the alleged offender had been charged and placed before the court; however, the proceedings were aborted and a new preliminary inquiry ordered. He was transferred to a city school, pending the outcome. In August 2012, Justice James Bovell-Drakes discharged the matter. This position by the judge was taken following a ruling by Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, on August 10, in which he had ruled that paper committals under the 2010 sexual offences act was a breach of one’s constitutional rights.

That was 2012. But even before, there were growing reports of male teachers’ licentious conduct that involved students, which elicited a

warning from the Teaching Service Commission that serious measures would be levelled against any member of the profession found to be engaging in such serious misconduct which involved school students.

Fast forward to 2017, and the current sex scandal- making headline of a senior teacher from one of the nation’s traditional premier secondary institutions has once again trained the spotlight on the predatory behaviour of some male teachers that seem to be endemic within sections of the state’s school system, and perhaps within the private domain, as well.

Teachers, many moons ago, were held in esteem throughout Guyana.

In their communities, they were seen as persons of great learning, even wisdom, so much so that matters of dispute were often brought before these esteemed persons for adjudication. Among their many social roles/responsibilities were as adjudicators of disputes; reading letters for the illiterate; custodians

of important documents for villagers; chairing village functions; and being God-parents to many. They were also prized matrimonial catches for many a young lady.

Like the rogue policemen, some teachers have also fallen from this once esteemed profession because of the repeated complaints of sexual deviancy against them. This is indeed very tragic for a profession whose members are key in moulding those in their charge.

Every alleged accused is perceived as innocent unless otherwise proven. However, these allegations surrounding this senior educator, if true on investigation will, from known memory, reveal the biggest scandal to have ever emerged from the state’s school system.

To read of a male educator allegedly sexually molesting, and grooming female students; sexualisation of lessons; inappropriate conversations with students, and of cover-ups of such serious allegations, beckon to an unheard-of scale of sexual deviancy in the state’s

school system, in all its sordid forms. If, as is alleged, that this has been his track record for the past 10 years at the school in question, apart from others where he had taught, then this individual must face an inquiry and if found guilty, be made to suffer the full consequences as prescribed under the Sexual Offences Act of 2010.

This must also extend to those of his superiors, since many school heads are alleged to have protected such sexual molesters for the sole reason of guarding the reputations of their schools. The fact that the most senior state officials have been alerted, points to the gravity of this particular incident, and the expectation of prompt action that must begin.

Our young female students, as well as male, must be protected against this scourge. This is in addition to all those senior educators, who have been shielding these degenerates, must also be removed. The Sexual Offences Act of 2010 is clear on these offences.

‘PPP law’ has worked against them Dear’ Editor, AUBREY C. Norton makes a very poignant point (see “Jagdeo’s law comes back to haunt him” GC, Saturday, November 11, 2017). And, while but for minor mis-descriptions the caption might well have read–“Cheddi Jagan’s law comes back to haunt Jagdeo and the PPP/C” – Norton’s main point is sustainable: it was, and is an amendment to the Constitution (article 161) by the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1995 under a PPP/C presidency (Cheddi Jagan) as further amended in 2000 that was invoked by President Granger in his appointment of James Patterson as GECOM Chairman, and to that extent, their law, has with the shift of the presidency/government in 2015 to the APNU + AFC, worked against them.

So, it must be nauseatingly irksome for Jagdeo and the PPP/C to be reminded in this time of agony of their GECOM chairman-appointment impotency and disappointment, that it was their contrivance for constitutional dominance of the presidency in that appointment process, emasculating the leader of the opposition’s power under the so-called “Carter Formula,” (ie what article 161(2) should have been without the Proviso) that is the real effective self-induced, self-inflicted cause of their agony. The great irony is that the 1995 amendment had not shared the power of appointment between the President and then “Minority Leader (now leader of the opposition) as envisaged by the “Carter Formula” without the proviso. The Cheddi Jagan

amendment departed from that formula; the proviso was added to it; it is there as part of the law, we take the law as is, as we find it.

Editor, lawyers who put on their political blinkers lose sight of the law and its substance and misdirects their focus on matters of irrelevancies or red-herrings. This is the self-induced dilemma of both Kamal Ramkarran, and Christopher Ram. The lawyer’s question in the context of the main point in Norton’s articulation is, and must be: what was the PURPOSE of the 1995 proviso/amendment; and which party as between the then PNC (as opposition with “Minority Leader) and the PPP/C (as Government/Presidency) materially benefited, or was anticipated to materially benefit or gain some advantage ‘from the Proviso? Ramkarran does not address this question at all. (see “Constitutional provision relating to GECOM Chairman was passed with PNC support” – SN Sunday, November 12, 2017). Ramkarran’s point about the “Herdmanston Accord is” as I will show self-evidently misplaced and irrelevant; his point about PNC support is hollow. The then PNC derived no benefit or advantage peculiar to it, even as it supported and enabled the passing of the 1995 amendment; it appears to me that misdirecting his focus on PNC’s support is at best, an argument in mitigation (there is no law of contributory responsibility in a matter of this type); the argument about PNC support does not diminish one jot the essence and substance of Norton’s point: the law which enabled and empowered President Granger to appoint retired Judge James Patterson (not a Jagdeo nominee) was enacted

under a PPP/C government/presidency, in such manner and form that overwhelmingly benefits the President.

Aubrey C. Norton (who is not a lawyer but a politician) with his expected politician’s blinkers on, nevertheless, captures that it was under the Jagdeo presidency in 2000 (he refers to “Bill No. 2 of 2000”, so he knows the difference between Bill and Act) that the 1995 amendment (and more particularly Article 161(2)) came under further reconsideration/review and amendment, but was ADOPTED (as the saying goes – “looks, stock and barrel”) with not one iota of change to its substance; and with all the dominance of the presidency, and the potential impotence of the leader of the opposition fully preserved and maintained (the cosmetic change of “Minority Leader” to “Leader of the Opposition” apart; other change (most of them otiose) are not relevant). So, turning to Ram’s point about acting President Sam Hinds assenting to the 2000 Bill as passed (ie the “Bill No 2 of 2000” as referred to by Norton in his letter) and not Jagdeo – it is pure legalistic nonsense; it is what lawyers call - a red herring.

The substance of the matter is that it was the Jagdeo Presidency/government/Cabinet Minister who introduced the amendment Bill in the National Assembly; Jagdeo (not Samuel A. Hinds) must have approved it at Cabinet for introduction in the National Assembly.

Would he have withheld his assent if he were in Guyana, instead of PM Hinds performing his functions? In assenting, PM Hinds was not on some frolic of his own. Besides, our constitutional law does not permit a President

(Jagdeo in 2000) to disassociate himself from, or disavow, those acts of the acting president; for, to all legal intents and purposes, those acts are, de jure, the President’s (the conjoint effect of articles 170(1) and 232(9) of the Constitution, and section 26(2) of the IGCA Cap. 2:01).

Editor, the point must be stressed that the PNC (then) was not the author of the law in Article 161(2) that permits by the Proviso the subversion of the spirit of the “Carter Formula”; the PPP/C government/presidency was; and when the opportunity for its re-form (pursuant to the “Herdmanston Accord” menu) arose during the Jagdeo presidency in 2000, rather than reform it, it was knowingly adopted and maintained.

And it is a matter of some curiosity whether the PNC was meaningfully consulted for, and during the drafting of the Bills at the Attorney General’s Chambers, either in 1995 or in 2000.

Finally, I say this: by a somewhat Orwellian illogicality Jagdeo/ the PPP/C (and its lawyer proxies) would wish away the truth and constitutional truism that all Presidents are equal, and in its place conjure up some delusion that, some (the PPP presidents eg. Jagdeo) are more equal than others (eg the APNU Presidents eg David Granger). So, for them, the power and contingent duty to appoint without a list that Cheddi Jagan as President in 1995 secured by the amendment to article 161, and Jagdeo as President adopted, preserved and maintained in 2000, lapsed or expired in May Turn to page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

Need for behavioural science unit at Guyana Police Force

Dear Editor

I AGAIN make a clarion call for the establishment of a Behavioural Science Unit in the Guyana Police Force to focus on among other issues, promoting acceptable behaviour of its members.

If behaviour is not urgently and adequately addressed in the GPF ranks will continue to display deviant conduct, thereby tarnishing the image of the force and eroding its public confidence.

I write against the background of the recent shooting of a female rank by a male member of the force who apparently committed suicide.

The report about a month ago of another male member of the force stationed in Berbice, who also took his own life by hanging after images of him kissing another person of the same sex surfaced in the social media, and the constant

reports in the print and electronic media and elsewhere of inappropriate behaviour committed by members of the force at various levels, including recruits and senior officers.

Behaviour is a major phenomenon that the Guyana Police Force must deal with, as they set out to achieve the objectives of the force under Section 3 (2) of the Police Act Chapter 16; 01 and the unwritten expectations imposed on them by society. The police must not only deal with the behaviour of criminals, but also the behaviour of the general public, the behaviour of their families, their friends and their own behaviour. They can no longer regard the study of behaviour as the sole concern of the psychologist and psychiatrist.

They must learn about behaviour and the behavioural sciences in order to effectively and safely carry out the job.

What is required is a holistic approach

towards behaviour at all levels in the GPF. Piecemeal efforts will only produce piecemeal results. Cops and Faith Network and the establishment of a Suicide Section in the force to monitor suicide hotlines are good initiatives but their scope of operations is limited. We cannot be attempting to serve problems on the outside when those same problems are affecting us on the inside. A Behavioral Science Unit staffed with fit and proper persons will go a far way towards promoting acceptable behaviour among members of the GPF. Some of the areas that such a unit can focus on are: communication, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution -- do you resolve conflict by resorting to the boots, baton, the bayonet or through the barrel of a gun? Self esteem, emotional intelligence, policing multi-cultural and diverse communities, effectively dealing with people, effective investigations, cultural

awareness, anger management, critical-thinking, skills, the capacity to act and the ability to apply knowledge.

Several years ago I attended the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy. My interactions with their Behavioral Science Unit then and thereafter, enabled me to deal effectively with members of the public when in execution of my duties as a law-enforcement officer and in my relationship with my friends and family. I am certain that the creation of a similar unit in the GPF will go a long way towards promoting greater trust and public confidence in the GPF. Regards Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner Of Police (Retired)

From page 6

‘PPP law’ has worked....

2015 when the PPP/C government presidency ended; and the APNU + AFC presidency replaced it. But, not so at all. That is fiction.

No megalomaniac diatribe can change fiction to constitutional reality; the reality is that the proviso is extant today, just as in 1995, 2000, and invokable today, just as how it would have been invoked by Jagan and Jagdeo if, the then minority leader/ leader of the opposition (as

the case may be) had failed to submit a list that was acceptable to them (Anil Nandlall’s feeble, delusional desire to pretend the proviso is but mere surplusage is the latest diatribe even as he misquotes Thomas Fuller “A government of laws, and not men” SN 17/11/18.)

There is an analogy between Jagdeo, and Shylock in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”, and a judicial lesson to be learnt.

Space does not allow an erudite, elucidation. Suffice it to say that just as how in the Merchant of Venice, the “wise young judge” Portia adjudged that Shylock was entitled under the laws of Venice to his pound of flesh, BUT, the said laws also worked against him to his detriment and in Bassanio’s favour; so would Jagdeo find out that the very article 161(2) that works and was intended to work, in favour

of, and for the dominance of a PPP/C President, and to the detriment and disadvantage of a PNC minority leader/leader of the opposition, is one and the same law in 2017 that works in favour of an APNU+AFC President; and to the det-

riment and disadvantage of a PPP/C leader of the opposition. Having taking the benefit of a law, the PPP/C must with equanimity suffer and endure and abide its burden. The law is, and must be even-handed. Even-handedness re-

quires Jagdeo as leader of the opposition now, to be in the same position as a PNC minority leader/leader of the opposition would have been if he had failed to submit an acceptable list.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Absolutely ... Smuggled From page 3 posited while stating, “suppose now it’s Ruel Johnson” pretending to be a victim.

Though not yet contacted by authorities, Jackson has committed to cooperating fully when contacted. He defended the administration of the Bishops’ High School describing the situation as “unfortunate” and “regrettable.” “It is so unfortunate; they have absolutely nothing to do with these allegations. It has been horrendous, it has been absolutely unfair,” said Jackson who does not believe the head teacher of the school should step down, given her diatribe against the female students of the school on Monday.

One of his attorneys, Jerome Khan said his client has not broken the law by having sexual encounters with consenting adults, but cautioned persons who are maligning his client on social media to desist from doing so. The attorney accused Johnson of lynching his client publicly and noted that he

would not telegraph what his intention is with respect to that. Khan however called on Johnson to respect the administrative procedures that have to take place in such matters.

“You cannot say you are a high-ranking functionary of the government and you have no regard for natural justice.

How could you? You cannot be representing the government and you have no respect for natural justice – so you want to accuse, prosecute, convict, condemn and sentence in the media without allowing the administrative process to take place. That cannot be fair,” declared Khan. Johnson stated in his missive to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) that he has no confidence in the school’s administration as Jackson seems to be protected.

He said accusations of harassment and predation by the teacher have “been systematically met by mockery, disapproval, and even condemnation by the school administration.”

beer hurting legitimate ...

From page 2

products while simultaneously creating an enabling environment for legitimate operators.

MORE EMPHASIS The GMSA director opined that the revenue authority must place significant emphasis on monitoring and enforcement, and anti-corruption activities.

“How often are we going to go into the shop and check?

We have to look at corruption in the GRA itself. We have to ensure that the officers are not compromised in any way,” he posited, while questioning where products will be stamped upon being imported.

It is his belief that all alcohol and tobacco products should be transported to a warehouse where they will be stamped under the supervision of GRA Customs officers.

Dookhoo also expressed concern that the stamp could be forged.

But GRA Deputy Commissioner – Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo, on Monday told the Guyana Chronicle that 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

A GRA Customs officer placing the Excise Stamp on imported vodka during a recent outreach by the authority (GRA photo) features comparable to our bank notes, and so counterfeiting them would not be easy. Counterfeiting them would be next to impossible,” he noted.

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.

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.

The anti-smuggling initiative is being conducted in accordance with Regulations 215 (3) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

As a follow-up mechanism, monitoring and compliance officers will be armed with hand-held scanners on the ground to determine if a product was stamped, if the stamp was genuine, if it was applied to the correct product.

Failure to have the targeted imported products could result in defaulters being fined in keeping with the Customs Act. Penalties range from $10, 000 up to three times the value of the goods.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

HM ‘slack and loose’ comment draws protest

By Lisa Hamilton

A GROUP of concerned citizens on Tuesday picketed Bishops’ High School calling attention to statements made by the school’s principal which sought to shield Economics Teacher, Coen Jackson who is accused of sexually molesting several female students.

Jackson has since denied the allegations. On Tuesday the picketers called for the dismissal of the Principal, Mrs. Winifred Ellis.

Jackson stands accused

by Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson, of allegedly sexually grooming and preying on female students from several high schools during his years of teaching.

Johnson has since compiled a list of victims of the teacher, who is now repre-

a significant portion of the reactions received thus far focused primarily on protecting the reputation of the school rather than that of the students. “I’ve been to sev-

Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission and Child Rights Activist, Ms. Nicole Cole (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Blogger and columnist, Akola Thompson sented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Jerome Khan.

A recording surfaced of Ellis, berating students, during a General Assembly on Monday for failing to come to the defense of the accused teacher. Ellis referred to the female students as “slack” and “loose”, requesting those who felt uncomfortable around Jackson in the past, to publicly step out of the assembly line or make a show of hands. Identifying themselves as concerned citizens, activists and past students, the group in protest carried placards and chanted for legal action to be taken on the matter.

Newspaper columnist, Akola Thompson said that

molest them or harass them and it would always be swept under the rug because that’s just what happens,” Thompson lamented.

“Everybody normalised

it so much that we no longer see a big issue with teachers being with their students.”

Concurring was, playwright, Mosa Telford who said that she was not completely taken aback by the unfolding. “We got a culture of silence in this country. I listened to the recording last night and I couldn’t believe what this woman was saying, but then, can I say I’m completely surprised? No, because I find that [with] a lot of the older generation there’s always this thing about keeping up appearances...and keeping up the image of the school when all these nasty things are happening.”

Students display placards of their own eral high schools and in all of them, I knew at least one teacher who liked little girls, who would go after them and

Telford added, “I’m hoping that this doesn’t just come to light now and we talk about it for a few weeks

and then as usual, with a lot of other things in this country, it just goes under the table.”

Holding a placard on which Articles 3 and 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, were written, Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission and Child Rights Activist, Ms. Nicole Cole, called for the headmistress to be removed.

The activist, who iden-

tified herself as a survivor of child sexual abuse, said that after hearing the recording, it evoked unfavourable childhood memories, and she asserted that the headmistress had “victimised the victims twice”. “The child in me became so scared, even though I’m an adult and I’m an activist speaking for the rights of children, women and citizens in Guyana…What she has done is to make every child who would have gone

through the heinous abuse, re-victimise them twice...and we wonder why Guyana has a burdening rape culture?”

She further added that Guyanese needed to “name and shame” those who abuse children instead of protecting them.

“It’s adults like her, here she is telling the students how ‘loose’ they are, I want to say to you Mrs. Turn to page 11 ►

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Sexual predators should not be protected

By Akola Thompson THE complacency and silence of our people are currently our greatest weaknesses.

This has never been truer than in recent days. Several days ago, allegations of sexual grooming, harassment and predatory behaviour were made against a teacher at the Bishops’ High School, Coen Jackson.

With a career spanning over two decades and several schools, the list of victims and attempted victims that would have made themselves known but privately and publicly is overwhelming.

Here’s the thing about predation, it is always planned and understood. Perpetrators are aware of where their boundaries are and proceed to manipulate those boundaries.

What matters is that a predator used his power and trust as a teacher to groom students approaching the age of consent. He would form bonds and earn their trust in order to engage in sexual activity with them. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2010, Section 18, it states that the abuse of trust in relation to a child under the age of 18 is a crime that carries a life sentence. The harsh penalties for predatory behaviour should give an idea of how serious of an issue this is.

Predation is planned. To add some context, what Jackson is alleged to have done was often used his position as a teacher to gain access to student information. Let’s not forget the amount of information school files have on them. With those, predators in the teaching system it would be able to pick out presumably vulnerable girls who might come from broken homes or poor socio-economic backgrounds. The predator would use the information learnt to go after his students, often copying their phone numbers and proceeding to call, text and introduce sexual conversations with them.

Many students would continuously shirk the predator’s advances and still be pursued.

The thing is, it seemed to be widely known of Jackson’s alleged activities. Students and parents of students who allegedly had been victims or attempted victims of Jackson would have sought out justice from the system but would receive none. Those in the Bishops’ High School and other schools he would have worked, who knew of his alleged behaviour but left it unchecked are culpable.

The Bishops’ School board especially has been accused of covering up complaints brought against Jackson on the basis that he was a good teacher. Good teachers do not prey on their students. That should not be something that is hard to understand. That should not be something that is debatable.

We cannot keep allowing predatory men to thrive without being held accountable.

One of the first responses we would have gotten from the school came in the form of

the Headmistress of the school,---Winifred Ellis who used the school assembly to shame, victim blame and condemn students for not going to the defense of Jackson. Her address to the assembly would be recorded by a student and shared. In the recording, Ms. Ellis could be heard as saying things such as: “Y’all saw it on FB right? Y’all know what I talking about right. Can you corroborate that story?”

“I didn’t see any of you going and defend him on this story. Not one.”

“You are very slack. Very loose with youself.”

“I remember once I am coming down the corridor and I had to step back and ask a child to close her legs. A male teacher is teaching.”

There were those who were quick to come to the defense of Ellis, stating that she was a good person and as such could not have known.

If any student can tell you who the predator was at Bishops’ and they could be warned to stay away, then there is no way any one can tell me with a straight face that no teacher knew or the administrators of the board did not know or hear rumours.

People like Ms. Ellis have no place in the school institution and neither do predators.

We should keep in mind though that Jackson is just the tip of a very large pedophilic and predatory iceberg of teachers that are being protected in our school system. If you think for a minute, I think each and every one of us knows of at least one teacher who “likes young girls.” Sometimes, we know more than one. Sometimes, we are protecting the predators we know and sometimes, we ourselves are the predators.

Yesterday we carried out our first protest action in front of the Bishops’ High School.

Today we will continue our protest action from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. One thing that struck me at the protest yesterday was how many of the students seemed to think what was happening was a joke. It struck me too that students showed placards of their own, saying things such as “Think of our future” and “Our HM didn’t fail us.”

We are thinking of your future. That was why we were there. We want to ensure you are safe from predatory behaviour and sexual grooming in your learning spaces.

We want to make sure that you know we are standing with you. Your HM failed you but I don’t blame you for coming to her defense. We have bred a culture in which we are taught to normalise such behaviour.

So, I don’t blame you for not seeing the enormity of the crimes that were meted out against you.

The system has been broken for so long that we have no faith in it or we are loyal parties to it. Those cannot be the only the options.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

HM ‘slack and loose’ comment ...

From page 9

A group of protesters outside the Bishops’ High School Winifred Ellis, you are loose, you are slack, you are running a ‘bloody horror school’. Because if you have a teacher in your midst and information has come that you have girls who are subjected to abuse, then you have a right to intervene and to ensure that those students are given the best type of care.”

SILENT PROTEST However, unbeknownst to many, this was not the only protest ongoing.

During the demonstration, a few students of the Bishops’ High School (BHS)

were seen bearing placards of their own.

It is understood that while many are concerned about the welfare of the students, some pupils objected to the call for the dismissal of Ms. Ellis and are now worried about how the absence of the teacher may affect them.

Two placards, one stating, ‘Think of our future, #ThisAffectsUs’ and the other, ‘HM didn’t fail us’ were extended through the school’s window in silent protest for the visibility of public.

Jackson’s attorney has since accused Johnson of

failing to follow procedure by “leaking information to the press”, therefore interrupting the work of the system.

On the topic, another protester, Mr. Don Singh, contended by saying that if persons saw something they should, “say something, do something”.

“If we wait on officials to see, do or act, we might wait for a long time. So if you see something, say something,” a frustrated Singh added. “We need to stop being predators on our kids, on our children. Everywhere you look, someone in authority, whether it be

the police, whether it be the teachers...I’m outraged !”

Johnson has recommended the establishment of a School Sexual Predation Investigative Committee to further probe the matter.

‘Spin and kill’ charged with murder of Sophia youth TRAVIS Cleveland called ‘Spin and Kill’ was on Monday charged with the murder of Jamal Munroe which occurred earlier in this month in the same community.

The 31-year-old Cleveland was arraigned before Magistrate Alicia George at Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. He was remanded until December 20, 2017.

Cleveland address has been given as 337 South Sophia.

The murder occurred on November 03, 2017 at Black and White Bridge, ‘C’ Field, Sophia, ECD. The 24-year-old Munroe died from gunshot injuries he sustained following an argument with Cleveland. Reports were that Munroe was shot several times during an argument with the suspect, who was armed with a

DEAD: Jamal Munroe handgun, over a 32 year-old female shopkeeper of ‘D’ Field, Sophia.

Reports are that after the shooting, Munroe was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Four identified broadcasters lack readiness –– broadcasting authority chair

By Ariana Gordon

DESPITE having announced that six new radio broadcasters for 2018 have been approved, Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Leslie Sobers on Tuesday said four of the identified six have failed to show readiness.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Sobers explained that the six radio broadcasters were selected from a list of 32 applicants. The six during the period of assessment had complied with the requisite criteria and indicated willingness to proceed.

In fact, he said several of the new, selected broadcasters were anxious to be granted the licences. “Some of them have been calling me, implying that I have been moving slowly,” said the GNBA chair, who explained that when he called back, the said anxious persons were not ready.

He stated that four of the six broadcasters identified are “still lacking in a state of readiness,” while stressing that he will not distribute licences unless applicants are completely ready. Several situations could result in the lack of readiness, Sobers explained, noting that

the situation varies from person to person.

One broadcaster may have had outstanding spectrum fees for a previous year, while another may have had some other form of indebtedness to the Broadcast Authority.

“It would be improper to give a licence to someone who owes,” Sobers stated, while disclosing that all of the applicants were not new broadcasters as some are television broadcasters applying for radio licences for the first time.

In the case of entirely new applicants, they would not have any indebtedness, but may have difficulties paying spectrum fees. The six applicants who were initially selected applied for radio licences within the primary zone, while the other applicants applied for licences in varying zones.

“I am not playing as chairman; I have a job to do. The GNBA is a revenue-earning entity. It does not receive a subvention from the government; it has to make its own money. If any broadcaster is filibustering… then they’d be interfering with the cash flow. I can’t sit around and have that,” declared Sobers.

As a result of this new development, Sobers said he will

have to return to the overarching list of applicants and restart the selection process. Those selected would have to meet all criteria set by the GNBA and demonstrate readiness before being granted.

Last week when contacted, the GNBA chair told the Guyana Chronicle that the unnamed six broadcasters will be the first set of new licensees under the amended broadcasting legislation. During that interview, he said it would be inappropriate to disclose the identities of the new licensees, but noted that the six names were submitted as being compliant with all requirements.

“The six have satisfied all requirements and they were presented to the board and the board accepted and ratified– these will move ahead as [the] first set of new broadcasters– they will be licensed for 2018,” he said, noting that between now and when the licences are issued, the selected persons will be “putting themselves in order.”

However, notwithstanding their selection for the licences, Sobers noted that the GNBA will continue to peruse their documentation to ensure that nothing is left out.

“We have to run the paperwork again to make sure they have fully completed everything,” he stated.

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers The GNBA earlier this month had issued radio licences to five companies which were deemed “fully compliant” for 2016. Among the companies that received radio licences were the National Television Network (NTN), I Radio Incorporated, the National Communications Network (NCN), Wireless Connections and Radio Guyana Incorporated.

While other companies which had complied were yet to receive their licences at the time, Sobers said they have distributed the five licences to “kick start” and regularise the distribution process.

“These licences reflect the period ending December 2016,” Sobers told reporters at the distribution ceremony.

Sisters guilty of ‘triple-banking’ man

A West Berbice woman who hit her brother-in-law in the head with a piece of wood causing him to go blind in his right eye during an attack triggered by his alleged abuse of her younger sister, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Appearing before Magistrate Rhondell Weever, at Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, Bevon Bobb, 31, a mother of two was found guilty of feloniously wounding Lenny Wallerson on September 28.

Her two sisters, Onica, 22, and Rachel, 36, who also took part in the attack were also found guilty of felonious wounding but spared jail terms because the injuries they inflicted on the victim during the attack were less serious.

The two sisters were fined $50,000 each with an alternative of four months imprisonment.

The case for the prosecution was led by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Racquel Mars, that at around 23:00hrs on September 28, the victim aged 23, was riding a bicycle along the public road on his way home from a Bar-b-que when he was attacked by the three women, one of whom is his child mother.

Onica, his child mother and her sister, Rachel, threw beer bottles at him, causing injuries to his head before Bevon removed the wooden bar on his bicycle and dealt him a lash to the head, resulting in the loss of sight in his right eye.

The three women had pleaded not guilty but were found guilty after the magistrate accepted the evidence of the prosecution given by four witnesses, including the virtual complainant (VC) The court heard that the reason for the attack was triggered by Wallerson’s alleged abuse of Onica with whom he had a relationship.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

‘Don’t use public office for private gain’ – new recruits of BCCPS charged

THE Bertram Collins College of Public Service (BCCPS) on Monday received its second batch of students from across the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of the Presidency said that 60 young persons were enrolled as the second batch of cadets at the institution. They were charged to learn all they can to transform the Public Service into a professional institution.

The charge was delivered by Senior Director of the BCCPS; Colonel (rtd) Lawrence Paul during a two-day orientation exercise which concluded Tuesday at the Lecture Hall of the college’s Ogle, East Coast Demerara headquarters. Colonel Paul said once transformed, the Public Service will serve the citizenry as it should.

“Do so without fear or favour, affection or ill will and regardless of your political persuasion, because it is an arm of the state and is not an arm of any political party. Political parties may come and go but this arm will be here all the time,” he said.

Paul cautioned the new recruits against using public office for private gain and encouraged them to take steps to curb any instances of misappropriation of office that they may encounter during their training.

“So, our vision here at the Bertram Collins College is to embrace change very positively in the Public Service, not only positively but perpetually… so that this college may become

that transformative institution that will bring about fundamental performance in the Public Service and fundamental change of behaviour of public servants,” he said.

The BCCPS Senior Director also encouraged the cadets to envision themselves as the future of the Public Service as all their current senior officers will, someday, retire. “You’re the ones who will be taking over and whatever you carry into the Public Service from this college will remain with you. They cannot stop you from being the leaders because they will not be there all the time,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Executive-Director of the BCCPS, Randolph Leitch, like Paul, told the cadets that they are expected to gain self-confidence, to become grounded and to capitalise on every opportunity to learn during their training.

“We are giving you an opportunity to learn and to focus on your studies and your task now is to deliver. Our job here is to make you well grounded. Apart from content, we will be working on your attitudes, behaviours, values system and to understand the importance of these things and what is corruption and bribery.

You will be the change in the delivery of Public Service in Guyana. You will be the carriers of change,” Leitch stated.

Director of Training, Calvin Benn, and Manager-Planning, Phillip Walcott also attended the exercise. (MoTP)

New recruits of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Cadet Officer jailed for discharging loaded firearm

A 26-YEAR-OLD Cadet Officer attached to the Guyana Police Force

(GPF) was on Tuesday sentenced to two years in jail for the offence of

discharging a loaded firearm.

Glenroy Campbell of

Evans Street, Charlestown, was convicted by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts.

Campbell was found

guilty of the offence, which read that on March 9, 2013, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at Abdul Cort with intent to maim, disfig-

ure, disable or cause Cort grievous bodily harm.

The matter was prosecuted by Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Telford.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Service quality survey launched

PROJECT Development Consultancy (PDC) in collaboration with Cerulean Inc. has launched a biennial service quality survey in Guyana using SMS text technology and social media.

The survey enables customers to provide immediate feedback about their experiences through text messaging.

This text survey is a response

to the dearth of information regarding service quality delivery and customer satisfaction for decision-making in Guyana.

Customers received a direct text from Digicel on November 16 and can access the survey by clicking on this link http://sqguyana.questionpro.com “Our service quality training has always been a response to

the levels of customer service within the various industries in Guyana and the Caribbean, and so our collaboration with PDC is most fitting and timely. We think that customers will be free with information about their experiences… the survey is simple and user friendly,” said Cerulean Inc. Managing Director, Lyndell Danzie-Black.

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PDC will monitor the feedback continuously and analyse the data to identify trends and opportunities for decision-making.

“Research is the foundation behind strategic decision-making.

We must attempt to uncover the perceptions of consumers in Guyana in an effort to improve service quality” PDC Managing Director Anije Lambert said

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Top NGSA Region 10 students honoured

By Naomi Marshall

THIRTEEN students of Ituni and Kwakwani, Sub-Region Two were on Tuesday honoured by the Regional Democratic Council, Region 10 ( Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice ) for outstanding achievements at their National Grade Two, Four and Six Assessments 2017.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Kwakwani Primary School where all 13 children were given backpacks containing school supplies.

In addition, the top NGSA performers of Sub-Region 2- Ericson Dennis previously of Kwakwani Primary and Genese Edwards, Delencia Mingo, Miguel Bennett and Devon Benjamin, all formerly of Ituni Primary were presented with a cellular phone and a special gift donated by Upper Berbice Forest Producers.

Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph, in his opening remarks stated that the Regional Democratic Council have recognised that the children of Sub-Region Two are as important as those in

Linden. He noted, “So this exercise is just a token, we are giving back to the children who have worked very hard and were successful in their exam. We recognise and we love the children in Sub-Region Two, the people in Sub-Region 2, despite you may not see us all the time that does not say that you are not part of us.”

The Secondary Regional Education Officer said that the Department of Education is impressed that even though the students faced many challenges such as, lack of technology, yet they still

Students of Ituni Primary standing proudly with their tokens of appreciation. worked to achieved exceptional marks at your NGSA. She encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence as they make themselves and community proud.

Linden’s Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, in remarks noted “the playing field is not equal,” but that they are working towards having this situation regularised.

According to him, it was at a prize-giving ceremony in Linden where he realised that if not all, most of the children honoured were from Linden.

“Some of the amenities that the children in Central Linden and Georgetown enjoy the children out here don’t enjoy. We are working for a level playing field, hence, if you judge the outcome across like that, it means that we would have been omitting children who would have worked very hard in an uneven situation and we have to find a way that we could reward the children,” he explained Morian further said that all of the 13 students who received tokens on Tuesday will be given school supplies every term for the next two years providing that they achieve 65% and more at the end of the school term.

“I’m just showing the mind of the President, His Excellency David Arthur Granger who has placed a very high premium on the education of children and

has placed a lot of pressure on us to reach out to children,” noted.

Councillor Charles Sampson assured the students, parents, and teachers that the Regional Democratic Council will stick to its commitment.

Head Teacher on the Kwakwani Primary School, Alicia Smith, expressed her gratitude towards the initiative stating, “I want to say I’m truly appreciative of this gesture. Indeed, in Kwakwani you felt as though nobody cared about you, but today we are reminded that Kwakwani and the Upper Berbice River and the Lower Berbice River which is a part of Region 10 is truly a part of RDC #10.”

Kim Dennis, mother of Ericson Dennis who gained 491 at NGSA, topping the Kwakwani Primary School, expressed her gratefulness in stating “I am very much elated. I am more than grateful to God for all that he has done. I know that my son is not here at this presentation, but he is at President Collage and I would convey all the sentiments and say thank you very much to the Region.”

“I aimed for what I want cause nuff people doubt me and tell me that I couldn’t do it, and I try to do it and I did it.

I’m proud of myself,” said joyful Delencia Mingo who gained 482 at NGSA, gaining a spot at the Mackenzie High School.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Elderly man brutalises young sales clerk –– allegedly threatened several times to kill her family

DOCTORS of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) have managed to stabilise the condition of 23-year-old, Sangeeta Gopaul of Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara after she was brutally chopped by 58-year-old Samuel Williams aka Pace, on Sunday last.

Gopaul’s mother, Babita, a shopkeeper, and other relatives were furious about what had occurred and called for swift justice.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of Babita, she was in tears but managed to say what had happened to her daughter.

She said her daughter, who is a sales clerk at a store in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, returned home from work around 22:00hrs on Sunday but was attacked

by Williams who was allegedly hiding in Gopaul’s yard. “He de hiding behind a barrel in my daughter yard and when she went in

the yard he came out and start chopping her up…he chopped her in her neck and her foot then when he done, he run away,” said Babita, who could not hold back her tears.

Gopaul reportedly lived alone in an apartment so no one was around to render assistance to her after the man had escaped. Babita said she received a call from her daughter around 23:00hrs and rushed to assist her.

She was rushed to the West Demerara Hospital and was later transferred to the GPH. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) managed to apprehend Williams at his house in Meten-Meer-Zorg. He is expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court today.

According to Babita, the man had threatened to kill her family several times because they chased him from their shop. Williams was called a miscreant by several of Gopaul’s relatives and

Williams who reportedly did farming in the area, would usually boast about being rich and used those claims to belittle others who would be at the shop, villagers said.

Persons had accused Gopaul of being in a relationship with Williams but Babita debunked those

Injured: Sangeeta Gopaul friends who were at Babita’s house when the Guyana Chronicle was there.

“He would come to the shop to buy beer and so then he gone cuss up and get on…we does can’t encourage them things here because we have a church right next door,” said Babita.

claims. “He liked her but she never liked him…he would threaten me and my daughter because she don’t like him and because we chased him from the house because of his attitude,” she said, pointing out that the man had tried to attack her earlier this year but persons who were at the

shop managed to stop him.

Babita said she had lodged an official complaint at the Leonora Police Station but the police never enquired about the incident.

The woman told the Chronicle she is afraid of the man, so she hopes that justice will be served.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Three firms line up to value GuySuCo assets THE second phase in the process of selecting an accounting firm to value the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation began on Monday, a statement from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU) said.

According to the statement issued Monday, through Public Relations Consultant Alex Graham, three firms made presentations before the NICIL/SPU evaluation team at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

Head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), Colvin Heath-London, disclosed that of the four firms invited to participate in a restricted tender, three met the October 30 deadline for submissions.

and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, & Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

In letters to the SPU, after the meeting, both GAWU and NAACIE expressed support for the SPU’s efforts to keep the estates operational in the interest of the economy and the workers.

GAWU’s General-Secretary, Seepaul Narine, said “From this encounter, it was heartening to have learnt that the SPU holds the view that the sugar estates identified for closure and divestment are capable of overcoming their difficulties and can be restored to viable and profitable state.

We also believe that such feats are attainable with a different approach being tak-

Deloitte representatives speaking to SPU (L to R) Rikhi Rampersaud, Managing-Director Deloitte Trinidad, and Sharma Lalla, Consultant, Caribbean Sugar Industry Specialist The three firms, PriceWaterHouseCooopers, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte, all made presentations to the NICIL/SPU evaluation team at the Marriott on Monday.

KPMG which was also invited to tender did not make a submission by the deadline.

Speaking after the presentations Heath-London said: “The presentations were all very engaging and the firms all have the international and regional experience as expected. Each of the firms included persons with substantial experience with sugar diversification and privatisation in the Region, and as such the dialogue was rigorous and engaging.”

The SPU is expected to announce a selection by mid-December and the selected International Services Provider would be conducting the valuation of all assets related to the estates up for privatisation and diversification, in addition to advisory, financial, and other related services.

Heath-London also indicated that the other preparations are on track to have the assets ready for privatisation and or diversification. The SPU has been meeting with the management of GuySuCo as well as with other industry stakeholders including the unions, Guyana Agricultural

en towards the industry. The GAWU strongly contends that the industry’s success lies in its transformation from sugar to sugar-cane industry. In such circumstances, the entire cane plant would be utilised to produce several products. Similar ideas, we recognise, are also held by the SPU.” The unions also expressed concern over the reported moving of equipment from the estates set for privatisation and diversification and urged the SPU to quickly safeguard the assets to ensure the best possible deal for these estates and the workers and communities they support.

NAACIE General-Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar said, “In light of the interaction with SPU, NACCIE is of the view that the estates that were identified for closure/ privatisation/diversification are to be properly maintained because of recent, GuySuCo has been moving a lot of assets from those estates, that is, identified for closure to those estates that GuySuCo will keep. Also, those estates that are to be closed, the fields and other areas have been deliberately abandoned and left to deteriorate.”

Dawchan Nagasar added that, “The SPU should ensure that this practice is halted immediately. As you are

aware, these assets are very important for the survival of the estates.”

The SPU also met with executives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC). The Chairman of PSC, Edward Boyer said, “we were very impressed with the head of the SPU during the meeting we had with him. In terms of the SPU’s approach to divestment and diversification, we believe that the PSC and the SPU are on the same page.”

Boyer added that, “We just cautioned the SPU that

there should be full accountability and assessment by a credible international firm, of the assets of the GuySuCo estates that are being put up for privatisation and diversification.

This assessment should include the goodwill and all of the community services that are provided by the estates. We need this to be done up front and not repeat the Wales experience, where the estate was closed and then an assessment was being [sic] done.”

PriceWaterhouseCoopers representatives meeting with SPU – (L to R) Brian Hackett, Wilfred Baghaloo and Lisa Awai

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Indigenous leaders educated

SEVERAL indigenous village leaders and councillors from Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) recently benefited from a sensitisation training programme centred on their rights and responsibilities under the Sexual Offences, the

Domestic Violence, the Labour and the Combating Trafficking in Persons Acts.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MoIPA), 45 leaders including 22 from eight communities in the Karasabai area and 23 from

12 communities from the Annai area attended the workshop.

Senior Welfare Officer in the MoIPA Pauline Welch, said the session was to educate indigenous leaders about social issues which from time to time arise in their communities. Welch said more of-

ten than not, those within the indigenous communities are unaware of the procedures that ought to be employed. ‘Therefore, the Welfare Department sees the importance of sensitising community leaders of these important issues, thus empowering them

to better handle the situations when they arise, she stated. The aim of the sensitisation workshop was to have at least two persons who are community leaders from each village in the region, be trained in the identified areas and they would then return to their respective

communities and educate residents.

Four welfare officers and three community development officers were recently appointed for the aforementioned sub-regions, all of whom attended the forum. Over the years, the Ministries of Indigenous People’s

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

d on rights Affairs and Social Protection have been working with the respective communities and villages across the country to spread awareness about prevalent social issues.

‘The ministry has recognised that with four trained welfare officers in the field much

more work will be done in this regard,’ the statement said. These sessions were conducted by Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Welfare Officer Pauline Welch, and other social and welfare officers of the Ministry of Social Protection.

Participants of the recently concluded sensitisation training programme

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

AFC submits nominee to replace Sandra Jones at GECOM

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) on Tuesday said it has submitted a nominee for consideration by President David Granger to take up the post of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Commissioner following the death of Sandra Jones.

The party said it was asked by President Granger to submit a nominee to fill the post. Jones, a

former Human Resources Management Consultant and Commissioner died on Sunday night following a period of ailment. She served as a GECOM Commissioner from 2012 after the death of former Deputy Mayor Robert Williams.

“The Alliance For Change extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of Ms. Sandra Jones (A.A), who passed away recently

after a period of illness,” the party said in a statement. Jones’ contribution to the GECOM since 2012 was recognised by the party which said, “Jones also gave yeoman service in the field of management consultancy and human resources and is widely regarded as a patriot.”

In 2015, upon the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry (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. Jones 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.

Meanwhile, former GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally said Jones contributed meaningfully to the Commission in her area 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 have on the Commission; I am shattered,” an emotional Dr Surujbally told the Guyana Chronicleon Monday.

$1M bail for ‘Trini’ on fake kidnap charges THE 33-year-old Trinidad national who was charged and remanded last month for faking his own kidnapping here in Guyana and demanded US$700,000 from his relatives back home, was on Tuesday released on $1M bail.

Sawak Maraj was charged last month before Chief Magistrate,Ann McLennan and denied the charges of giving the police wrong information and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on October 27 at Georgetown, Maraj knowningly gave false information to the police stating that he was kidnapped and his abductors had demanded $700,000US for his release.

It is alleged that Maraj on the same day while at the Madewini Resort on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, conspired with two other persons in assisting to negotiate to obtain a ransom of $700,000 US. During Maraj’s reappearance before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday, his attorney Bernard DaSantos made an application for bail.

The Magistrate ruled in favour of the application and released Maraj on $500,000 on each count. The matter is adjourned until December 4.

A report from the police stated that Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 27, claiming Trinidad national, that he came for a job Sawak Maraj interview and was picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by two other Trinidadian nationals, who had arrived in the country earlier in the week.

Later the same day, Maraj’s relatives in Trinidad reportedly received a call from an unknown person claiming to have kidnapped Maraj shortly after his arrival, and demanding that a ransom be paid for his release.

The man’s family was also sent a photograph showing him clad only in his boxers and socks with one of his alleged abductors holding a cutlass to his neck.

The Guyana Police Force and agents from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit, after being contacted by the man’s family in Trinidad, immediately sprang into action and reviewed surveillance video at the airport.

The viewed recording showed Maraj greeting his supposed abductors, these being the other two Trinidadian nationals, and boarding a taxi without incident.

Aided by the surveillance tapes, the investigators were also able to track down the taxi driver who transported the men from the airport, and to trace the call that was made to demand the ransom that gave them the location of the phone from which it was made.

Armed with such vital information, the agents then hurried to the location where they found Maraj, the supposedly kidnapped victim, in an apartment, “relaxing and sipping on beverages.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Agricola 2008 murder

Witness recalls seeing victim falling to ground after gunshot A WITNESS testified in the Melissa Payne murder trial that she had seen when the woman fell to the ground after gunshots rang out on the Agricola Public Road on the morning of November 5, 2008.

Jermaine Savory stands indicted for the murder of the young woman and on Tuesday when the High Court trial continued, the State called Lorraine Isaacs to testify, during which she said that on the day in question she was assisting her mother to unpack some mangoes at their roadside stall at Agricola Public Road, when the incident occurred.

She related that on November 5, 2008, she was at her home at Lot 27 Public Road Agricola and around 08:30hrs she observed a traffic jam caused by a canter truck which had encountered mechanical difficulties.

Isaacs recalled seeing the driver pushing the canter and he was attempting to fix it and shortly after she heard two loud explosions in what sounded like gunshots and she saw a woman falling to the ground. The witness said she observed people gathering and she went across the road as well and noticed that the woman was in a sitting position bracing a fence and she was bleeding from what appeared to be a gunshot injury under her armpit.

She was asked whether she knows one Atto Bagot and she replied in the affirmative, since they were in a relationship and she saw him riding out of Agricola on a bicycle and it was about 15 to 20 minutes after this she heard the loud explosions.

Isaacs was also questioned as to if she knew the accused Savory and she confirmed that she did, because they are from the same village of Agricola.

Under cross-examination by defence attorney Maxwell McKay, Isaacs was grilled whether she observed anyone else on the road that morning and she said yes, noting that there is an old house in which a group of men was hanging out.

She added that on the morning in question she was not looking for anyone in particular, including the accused whom she did not recall seeing then. Inspector Eon Jackson , ballistics expert of the Guyana Police Force also testified on Tuesday before Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a 12-member jury in the Georgetown High Court.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Elson Baird, who is the officer-in-charge of the Mabaruma Police Station testified that during 2008 he was then an Inspector stationed at the Ruimveldt Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and on November 15, 2008, relative to a report of an alleged murder he assisted in the investigations.

On the morning in question Baird told the court that he, along with other ranks and one Marvel Payne, went to the crime scene and was told ‘something,’ as such, he saw a red motor canter GHH 5399 parked in front of a residence and he was told ‘something.’

The police witness added that he observed what appears to be blood stains on the ground and a piece of metal that looked like a warhead.

Baird stated that he noticed that there was a track on the western carriageway about 50 feet from the public road leading to a yard.

He recalled that policeman Desmond Johnny processed the crime scene and he was on duty on November 26,

2008 at about 14:40hrs when he saw the accused seated on a bench at the Ruimveldt Police Station and in the presence of other ranks he put the allegation of murder to him.

Baird said the accused told him “Inspector is me

and Atto do the robbery and is he who shoot the woman.”

At this point, the police witness told the court he cautioned the accused. The trial continues on Wednesday. It is alleged that on November 5, 2008 at Agricola Savory murdered Payne. According

to reports, Payne was killed after she attempted to put up a fight with gunmen who attacked her and a male friend.

The gunmen escaped with some $110,000 in cash that was in the woman’s bag along with her jewellery.

Deceased: Melissa Payne

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‘Mobile Money’ now available to pay rates and taxes

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe seals the deal with GT&T’s Vice President/Retail Officer, Tracy Smith. Also in photo, from left, are: M&CC’s PRO, Debra Lewis, and IT Manager, Adunni Christian; and GT&T’s Mobile Money Specialist, Kester Abrams and PRO, Allison Parker.

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has teamed up with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company to enable citizens to pay their rates and taxes from their mobile phones using ‘Mobile Money.’

While the telephone company is bent on popularising ‘Mobile Money’ to persuade its customers to sign up for it, the M&CC wants to ensure that the municipality is offering every option available for payments to be made, owing to its current financial crisis.

As of yesterday, rate payers could have begun accessing the service at a fee of $100 of which M&CC undertook to cover half. Thus, only $50 will be charged to customers.

In the event M&CC falls short of paying over this amount to GT&T, this does not mean that customers’ payments will not go through.

GT&T’s Vice President/Retail Officer, Ms. Tracy Smith, offered that the system is “very secure” and is operational with a pin number that the customer can change as many times as he wishes.

At a simple ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday, Smith described the system as a “safe, secure and paperless” method of payment.

While a text message is sent to the customer’s phone as a receipt for the

transaction, Information Technology head, Adunni Christian offered that customers can also pick up hard copy receipts of their transactions from M&CC if they prefer.

‘Mobile Money’ Specialist, Kester Abrams informed that customers can sign up online or at any GT&T office with an Identification Card and Proof of Address and can pick up their ‘Mobile Money’ from any of the more than 140 agents around the city.

Currently, only rate payers in Georgetown can benefit from this system, but Smith did say that the telephone company is working assiduously to have it extended outside of Georgetown to the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), and so forth.

Deputy Town Clerk, Sharon Harry-Munroe said the M&CC envisions that this service will in future assist the municipality in garnering not only taxes, but payments for other services that the municipality provides.

Public Relations Officer (PRO), Debra Lewis said the project is the brainchild of Christian who has been working diligently for quite some time now to make it a reality. She added that the council wants to make life easier for citizens who have to endure long lines and other inconveniences to get their taxes paid.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

Forde pleased with progress of Football Stadium WAYNE Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), said that the Executive Committee is pleased with the works which are underway at the GFF National Training Centre, the home of the country’s first football stadium at Providence.

Through the FIFA For-

ward Programme, the facility, one which is close to two decades in the making, will be built on the 8.5 acres land which was leased from the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Nabi and Sons was sub-contracted to work along with Greenfields and should see the first phase completed by the end of January, 2018.

The first phase of the project will see the construction of the artificial turf by Greenfields, a manufacturer of artificial turf. Other aspects of the facility will include dormitories, kitchen services, a gym and a pool.

The hope of the GFF is to see the completion of the first phase as stated on their timeline, but that would be heavily dependent on the weather.

Meanwhile, the GFF president stated that he’s happy with the work done so far by Nabi and Sons, and is hopeful by the end of

January the facility should have a pitch which will be put to use.

According to Forde, approximately 24 months is estimated for the completion of the entire facility, and he was certain that the project is going to make a tremendous impact on the way football is operated in Guyana.

Under the FIFA Forward Programme, National Federations are entitled to US$750 000 annually, but, in the case of Guyana, given the fact that it is the country’s first, Forde said that FIFA wanted to ensure that as much resources as possible are available, and as such, it was not possible for him to state the estimated cost of the entire project.

The GFF president also noted that the Federation and FIFA will next look to build a similar structure in Linden, and then Rupununi, after which the other parts of Guyana will ‘fall in line’.

Thirteenth Diamond Mineral Water hockey tournament launched

By Stephan Sookram WITH its impact felt during the inaugural Pan American tournament, the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival will go for its thirteenth lap today.

The premier indoor tournament of the GHB calendar was officially launched yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion.

Tournament co-ordinator and president of the GHB, Philip Fernandes, during the launch contended that the DMW tournament has been one of the major contributors to many of the youngsters breaking into the National teams “We had to find something to keep hockey alive and keep hockey exciting and attractive and Diamond Mineral Water was just that,” the GHB boss said.

He added, “It was that one thing every year that all the hockey people including the young people looked forward to and said: ‘Hey, we are going to see these for-

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eigners come to play and see what they can do and how we can match against them.”

Meanwhile Platinum sponsor DLL through their Brand Executive Larry Wills contended that they are more than satisfied with the support the tournament has garnered.

“The Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival is the only one of its kind in Guyana and we are pleased that our tournament has attracted both male and female teams, both locally, and internationally.”

He noted that the company has long been hydrating athletes in the sport adding that throughout their years of sponsorship, they have been privy to high class hockey throughout the tournaments The tournament begins tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with Woodpecker Hikers taking on Old Fort Shooting Stars in women’s action while Bounty GCC play Saints in the men’s game.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

Caribbean happy with CONCACAF’s League of Nations THE various football associations have met the announcement of CONCACAF’s League of Nations with resounding approval.

CONCACAF President, Victor Montagliani, announced last Thursday, that

the new competition will begin next September, and will be run as a three-tier promotion and relgation-based league.

“I believe it will serve the CONCACAF nations well. What is clear is that

it will keep the countries active and this will be an opportunity to market your football product, and you could now seek to partner with sponsors in a formal competition,” said Jamaica Football Federation(JFF)

JFF president Michael Ricketts

president Michael Ricketts.

“It seems to me that these games will be played mainly during the FIFA window, but teams could always play friendlies outside of the window. But overall, this competition will serve us well and smaller nations will now be exposed to playing

against bigger nations within CONCACAF,” he said.

There was also approval from smaller nations as well, like Grenada and the United States Virgin Islands.

“I think it is the right way to go,” said Grenada football boss, Cheney Joseph.

“The idea of the CONCACAF Nation’s Cup, in my opinion, is a positive step for the game, as it now allows smaller nations to dream big and to work towards those dreams,” he said.

The Grenada president, though, was keen to point out that the creation of the league should also come with the assistance of FIFA and CONCACAF in getting coaches and technical support for the smaller teams.

“I am also hoping that CONCACAF and FIFA will lend their resources to some of us to develop coaches and players in our region, and so hopefully the future of this

tournament in another four years should be good,” he said.

US Virgin Islands Soccer Federation Hillaren Frederick agrees with the other football bosses, saying; “The new CONCACAF Nations League is pretty interesting and it’s something everyone is looking forward to.

The thinking and feeling from FIFA is that they want to make sure that friendly matches are more meaningful, and they want to cut back on the number of friendlies.”

“CONCACAF has a feeling that all countries need to be playing more matches, so this new competition is going to help a lot of Caribbean countries — moreso the smaller countries like mine who don’t play a lot of international matches due to financing and stuff like that,” he said.

Invaders Masters dim the flames of Rising Stars THE South Essequibo Cricket Committee (SECC)-sponsored 40-overs competition was played last Sunday at the Golden Fleece ground in Essequibo with Invaders Masters securing victory over Rising Stars in one of two semi-final matches.

The match was reduced to 35 overs due to excessive moisture on the pitch. Winning the toss and batting, Rising Stars rallied to 180-8 from their allotted overs with captain Otis Roberts striking 37 including 4 fours and 2 sixes while Andy Ramnarine

hit an unbeaten 35 (4x4).

Penetrative seam bowling

by Thom Gurdeen and Barry Alphonso, both of whom captured 3 wickets each as well as Devanand Madhoo who took 2 wickets, combined to restrict their opponents. In reply, Invaders Masters paced their innings perfectly and were led by a superb unbeaten 52 by Devindra Lakhan (6x4, 3x6).

Fluent innings of 37 (5x4) from Thomas Chan and Indar Rampersaud’s 22 (4x4) ensured that the Masters achieved the target, ending on 181-6 in the final over and eventually dimmed the flames

of the Rising Stars.

Otis Roberts, however, had a fine all-round game by returning with the ball to capture 3-27 in 7 overs though in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, Invaders Masters will now battle against Aurora Night Riders in the finals set for next Sunday, following Night Riders’ triumph against Hibernia Sports Club in the other semi-final encounter at the Aurora ground.

At stake will be medals and trophies for the winning team as well as for the manof-the-match.

Spurs secure top spot with comeback win at Dortmund DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) - Already-qualified Tottenham Hotspur came from a goal down to beat hosts Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League yesterday and secure top spot in Group H with a game to spare. Spurs’ top scorer Harry Kane cancelled out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first-

half strike in the 49th minute with his sixth goal of the campaign and Heung-min Son drilled in the winner in the 76th.

The result put the Londoners on 13 points, three ahead of Real Madrid, who crushed APOEL Nicosia 6-0 away and next welcome the Germans.

Tottenham, with a superior head-to-head over the

Spaniards, host the Cypriots in their last group game.

Dortmund, finalists in 2013, have two points along with APOEL and have missed out on the knockout stage. They will have to sweat it out on the last matchday to see if they can finish third and claim a spot in the Europa League.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

England return to ‘Gabbatoir’ to face their demons

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - England’s Ashes debutants face a baptism of fire in tomorrow’s opening Test at the Gabba, where four years ago the tourists’ bats-

the world’s tougher introductions to a Test series.

Only Root, former skipper Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad and James Anderson remain from the England team that suffered a 381run hiding at the Gabba in 2013/14, when a marauding

Alastair Cook

men crumbled under an Australian short-pitched bowling assault.

Joe Root’s team spent their final tour match in Townsville last week trying to acclimatise to the muggy conditions that will greet them in Brisbane; but few of the players will have any inkling of the challenge that awaits them.

The ‘Gabbatoir’ has proved impregnable to visiting teams for nearly 30 years, with its willing pitch, stifling weather and hostile crowds adding up to one of

four years ago, told Reuters.

“Obviously we don’t let them play anywhere near Brisbane (in the lead-up) for that reason.”

Once out on the field, the bear-pit atmosphere of a packed crowd can quickly become foreboding.

Stuart Broad

Mitchell Johnson took nine wickets and set the tone for the series.

The rest of the side, and particularly their inexperienced batsmen, face a big step up after preparing against weak tour sides on tepid pitches far from Brisbane.

“It’s a tough wicket to come and start a series on, especially when you’re not playing on wickets or having practice wickets like that,” former Australia quick Ryan Harris, one of the victors at the ground

The wrap-around terraces at the bowl-like stadium create an impression of being hemmed in and stifle any breeze that might relieve the players as they labour in the soupy heat of a Brisbane summer.

“You get the humidity as well at this time of year, which drains you,” said Harris, who played much of his domestic cricket at the ground for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

“Especially out in the middle of the Gabba, it always seems to be a bit

Region 2 in need of multi-purpose facility says MP Rajkumar

DURING an interactive session with the Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, Region 2 Member of Parliament Hemraj Rajkumar reiterated his call for the Government to construct a multi-purpose facility in the Region.

The community-based meeting was held at the Regional Boardroom recently.

Over 115 participants interacted with the Minister and other officials from the ministry. During his presentation, Rajkumar indicated that he would have met with the previous Sport Minister Nicolette Henry and suggested same, though a definitive response was not made. \He then took the opportunity to once again raise the topic and was optimistic that the current Minister of Sport will ensure that his suggestion becomes a reality.

Rajkumar further highlighted the challenges that the Region faced with regard to proper and adequate facilities for athletes

Member of Parliament Hemraj Rajkumar

to train and develop their potential.

The area adjacent to the Department of Education in Cotton Field was suggested as the site for the facility.

However, it was explained at the same meeting by an Education official that the area will be given to the department to build a new Nursery school next year..

Rajkumar then suggested that vast lands exist elsewhere and that a conscious effort should be made by the authorities to have the facility built at the earliest opportunity. Minister Norton undertook to examine

the proposal.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by sports officials regarding the state of the Anna Regina Community Centre ground which remains the Region’s premier sports facility.

Currently the main pavilion is in a deplorable condition and is unsafe for occupation. The fences to the North and East are also in a state of disrepair and according to a concerned sports individual, the authorities seem unconcerned about promoting sports in the Region as well as not preserving the rich legacy of the ground.

Region 2 is in need of better playing and training facilities, therefore Rajkumar’s call to establish a multi-purpose facility is timely.

The Member of Parliament is an ardent sports fan and he has undertaken to represent the interest of the Region’s sporting athletes who he stated have tremendous potential to be outstanding national and international sportsmen and women.

hotter.”

Bad things seem to happen to England in Brisbane.

Four years ago, an ailing Jonathan Trott was dismissed cheaply in both innings amid a barrage of bouncers from Johnson and the Australian quicks. He

promptly left the tour with a stress-related illness.

In 2006/07, England fast bowler Steve Harmison famously sent the first delivery of the series to his captain Andrew Flintoff at second slip. England lost the match and the series

5-0.

Another England quick, Simon Jones, also had a first day to forget at the Gabba when he ruptured knee ligaments sliding to retrieve a ball in the outfield in the 2002/03 series.

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Diamond Upsetters trounce Herstelling Raiders as they chase final-4 spot consolidated even more as the match progressed.

Abdullah Amin increased the lead to 3-0 in the 23rd minute and in the final minute of play, Herstelling captain Solomon Austin scored an own goal which saw Diamond being gifted their fourth goal. The match ended 4-0.

With the top four teams

Herstelling Raides (in whites) in action against Diamond Upsetters.

IN their debut season as a club, Diamond Upsetters seem destined to upstage many of their more seasoned opponents in their quest to book one of the final four spots in the second edition of the Ralph Green-sponsored East Bank Football Association

Under-11 league/knock-out tournament.

Diamond recorded their second win in five matches, a rousing 4-0 triumph over Herstelling Raiders last Saturday at the Grove Playfield in the lone match played.

Shawn John opened the scoring in the 8th minute and the

advantage was doubled one minute later when Mohamed Amin found the back of the net.

Herstelling in their final match of the round-robin stage were hoping to fire back in the second half of the match but that was not to be as the Diamond Upsetters

advancing to the semi-finals which would be played using the knock-out format, Grove Hi Tech, Samatta Point Kaneville, Herstelling and Mocha Champs have all completed their round-robin matches and have accumulated 14, 11 and 9 points respectively.

Mocha Champs are ahead of Herstelling on goal differ-

ence with the two on 9 points each.

Meanwhile, Diamond Upsetters, Agricola Red Triangle, Diamond United and Friendship have two matches remaining and are all still in with a chance of making the final four. The race just got better.

Matches will continue on Saturday at the same venue.

Latest Points Table Team P W L D GF GA GD Points Grove Hi Tech 7 4 1 2 19 5 +14 14 Samatta Point/Kaneville. 7 3 2 2 4 8 -4 11 Mocha Champs 7 2 2 3 10 10 0 9 Herstelling Raiders 7 3 4 0 9 14 -5 9 Diamond Upsetters 5 2 1 2 6 3 +3 8 Agricola 5 2 3 0 13 6 +7 6 Diamond United 5 2 3 0 5 9 -4 6 Friendship 5 1 3 1 3 11 -8 4

OMSCC stages 2017 presentation … Mandolall, Driffield and Seeram share Player-of-the-Year awards

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Two former national players, Rovendra Mandolall and Shiv Seeram, along with Richard Driffield, stole the spotlight when Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) staged its 17th annual presentation, dinner and dance at the Estate Banquet Hall, Scarborough here on Saturday night.

Mandolall, a former Under-19 stalwart, who represented Hustlers Sports Club in the Over-40 A Division, copped the award in that division while Driffield of Guyana Sports Club got the nod for his outstanding performances in the B Division.

It also marked a second consecutive year for the consistent Mandolall who shared the honour with Our Own’s Troy Gobin in 2016.

Seeram, who played for both his native Guyana and his adopted country Canada, was supreme in the Over-50 class for Skeldon and was unchallenged for the Playerof-the-Year award.

Essequibian Mandolall, who took home the Tropical Breeze-sponsored trophy, was brilliant with both bat and ball, tallying 405 runs with two centuries (109, 102 not out) with a batting aver-

age of 135 while capturing 11 wickets including figures of five for nine versus GT Bannas.

Not to be outdone, Seeram who recently led the Ontario Masters team to the seventh edition of the Guyana Softball Cup, ended the season with 406 runs, his best knocks being 149 not out against GT Bannas and an undefeated 115 versus Jaguars. He copped a trophy, sponsored by businessman Nirad Lall.

Members of Our Own pose with their winnings at Saturday night’s presentation.

(Pictures courtesy Bobby Ramlagan).

scores of 54 and 77.

After failing to reach the final in 2016, Our Own Sports Club bounced back to defeat archrivals Hustlers in a sensational Over-40 division final, played before a record crowd at St Bede’s on the final day of the season. Pegasus claimed the Challengers trophy also in the Over-40 segment.

The A division Over-40 regular season champions were Hustlers while Guyana Sports topped in the B

Masters) collected prizes for smashing centuries during the season. Khemraj Budhai (Guyana Sports) and Fazil Rasool (Dirty Dozen) received special awards for averaging 86 and taking seven wickets respectively in the Over-50 division.

Terry Mathura of Guyana Sports, who had a fantastic economy rate of 2.67 runs, sending down 18 overs for a mere 48 runs in the Over-40 Division 2, along with Jerry Brittania (Caribbean Sensation) with 2.86 in the Over-50 and Azeez Baksh (Hustlers Sports Club) with 3.38 in the Over-40 Division 1 led the race in that category.

Prizes for the most catches during the season went to Khemraj Budhai of Guyana Sports with six in

division.

Caribbean Sensation carted off both the regular season as well as the championship titles in the Over-50 division. Essequibo retained the Inter-county title for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year.

Richard Driffield (right) collects his Player-of-the-Year trophy from OMSCC president Azeem Khan.

The left-handed Driffield, who was awarded the Mike’s Auto Collision trophy, totalled a season-best 486 runs which was decorated with a flamboyant 168 against Ramblers and an unbeaten 98 versus Friendship Masters.

The Captain-of-the-Year award, introduced for the first time by the OMSCC,

and sponsored by Dr Rudy Singh, went to Caribbean Sensation’s Over-50 skipper Ganesh Ramraj who led his team to victory over Skeldon in the final.

Five players, Mahendra Nauth (Royals), Roopchand Lachman (Pegasus), Rudy Singh (Pegasus), Surendra Beepat (Cougars) and Sunny Ramadhar (Friendship

Walter Seenarine (left) of Tropical Breeze hands over Player-of-the-Year trophy to Ronesha Mandolall in the presence of her father and recipient Rovendra Mandolall

the Over-40 category while Roy Brittania and Azim Kassim of Caribbean Sensation took five each.

There were double feat awards for Ahmad Bradshaw (Gentlemen) for scoring 104 not out and 84 and Ganesh Ramraj (Caribbean Sensation/Friendship) for

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

Defending champs Sparta Boss start defence against Ol Skool Balers DEFENDING Georgetown Zone champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition, Sparta Boss, will open up the defence of their title with a tough engagement against Albouystown-based Ol Skool Ballers in the final fixture on tonight’s round of matches, at California Square in East Ruimveldt.

The champs, who have been far from their best in recent competitions, will no doubt be aiming to start on a positive note and send an early signal of their intentions to all the pretenders.

Ten games are scheduled for this evening and another massive crowd is anticipated to kick off the Zone with a total of over $1M in cash prizes and trophies up for grabs, while an automatic spot in the national playoffs is also part of the rewards for the winners.

The winners will walk away with $500 000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up, third- and fourth-place finishers get $250 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

The organisers have assured the winning team that they will undertake an enhancement project within the community where they are

Flashback! Sparta Boss celebrate winning last year’s title.

based.

The event, which is set to continue tomorrow evening at the same venue, is also being sponsored by Colours Boutique.

The tournament is being coordinated by Three Peat Promotions and the organisers are imploring all teams and supporters to continue to exhibit the usual high stan-

dard of discipline throughout the event.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown 2017 Group Assignments Group-A - Sparta Boss, Channel-9 Warriors, Ol Skool Ballers and Gaza Squad.

Group-B - Leopold Street, Albouystown-A, Bad-a-Yard

and GTI Ballers.

Group-C - North East La Penitence, Festival City, New Market Street and Kingston.

Group-D - Back Circle, Albouystown-B, Trap Squad and Rising Stars.

Group-E - Gold is Money, North Ruimveldt, Smyth Street and Judgement Yard.

Group-F - Broad Street, Queen Street Tigerbay, Cal-

ifornia Square and Stabroek Ballers.

Group-G - Tucville, Bent Street, Sophia Bullies and Norton Street.

Group-H - Future Stars, Alexander Village, Upsetters and East Front Road.

Meanwhile, the fixtures for the opening two days are seen below: DAY-1: East Ruimveldt

(California Square) 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) 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-AYard - 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

Real thrash APOEL 6-0 but are Group H runners-up

By Peter Stevenson NICOSIA (Reuters) - Holders Real Madrid sealed a place in the Champions League last 16 with a thumping 6-0 victory at APOEL Nicosia on Tuesday after doubles from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo but will still finish runners-up to Tottenham Hotspur in Group H.\ Ronaldo wrapped up Real’s biggest Champions League away win with two goals at the start of the second half. He now has 18 in the competition this year, extending his record from 16 and taking his overall Champions League scoring record to 113.

Zinedine Zidane’s side, who have been inconsistent in La Liga this season, were

already coasting thanks to first-half goals from Luka Modric, a Karim Benzema double and Nacho strike.

Spurs’ 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund means they have claimed top spot on 13 points, with a game to spare, ahead of Real on 10 points.

APOEL will fight it out with Dortmund for third place and a Europa League spot, with both teams on two points.

“We can’t do anything about finishing second now.

Other teams will not want to face us in the next round and we will do our best to qualify (from the last 16),” said Zidane.

“We know Ronaldo and Benzema are good players and they were going to score sooner rather than later. In a season you always have tough moments but we always thought they would

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marco Asensio REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

improve.”

Ronaldo added: “We knew before the game that we needed to win to go through to the next round.

We played very well, we scored six times and the team

played amazing football. We are very happy. The job was done.”

EFENCE FREEZES Modric opened the scoring for Real in the 22nd

minute with a bouncing volley from the edge of the penalty area after APOEL’s Vinicius failed to clear a Dani Carvajal cross from the right.

Benzema doubled the lead in the 39th when he was put clean through by Toni Kroos, following neat interplay between the German, the Frenchman and Portuguese Ronaldo.

APOEL’s defence appeared to freeze in the buildup after they thought the referee would blow for a foul on Ronaldo. Benzema made no mistake though ending his recent goal drought.

In the 41st minute Real made it 3-0 when Nacho prodded home from close range, after his central defensive partner Raphael Varane knocked down Marco Asensio’s corner from the left.

Real scored again when Benzema doubled his tally following a lightning break in first-half added time, Ronaldo unselfishly finding the Frenchman who passed the ball into an empty net.

Ronaldo finally got on the scoresheet himself, scoring his 112th Champions League goal in the 48th with a simple header off Marcelo’s cross from the left. He then netted again in the 54th, firing home after Perez’ clearance struck the onrushing Benzema.

“That Ronaldo and Benzema both scored twice makes us really happy.

We’ve come away delighted, we did everything we wanted to do and we need to carry on like this. In the last three games we’ve scored goals and kept clean sheets,” added Zidane.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

2017 GCB/Jaguars 1-Day 50 overs League

Wins for Essequibo, West Demerara, Upper and Lower Corentyne …Royston Crandon was the day’s top scorer with 101 off 121 balls ROUND one of the Jaguars 50-Overs franchise cricket league began yesterday throughout Guyana.

Over at the Imam Bacchus ground in Essequibo, the hosts took on West Berbice in a 30-a-side fixture with the former batting first and putting up 189 for 9.

Kevon Boodie topscored with 35 while Kemol Savory and Ricardo Adams each scored 34 runs.

West Berbician off-spinner Kelvin Sinclair grabbed 4 wickets for 30 runs, Wakar Hassan 2 for 12 while Keyron Fraser and Krishandat Ramoo collected a wicket each for 34 runs.

In the end, Essequibo won by 79 runs.

Royston Crandon

Over at Port Mourant, East Coast won the toss and took to the crease, making 252 all out in 48.4 overs thanks to Kamesh Yadram 41 and Ramnarine Chatura 57 not out.

Upper Corentyne, in re-

ply, defeated East Coast reaching their target with a wicket to spare after Lindel Lewis top-scored with 66 while Kandasammy Surujnarine was unbeaten on 64. Balchand Baldeo also contributed 42 to the scoreboard. Kamesh Yadram picked up five for 47 runs with Bhaskar Yadram and Waslim Haslim supporting with 3 and 1 ­­­­wickets respectively.

Over at the Albion ground, Georgetown won the toss and inserted Lower Corentyne to have a first knock in which they posted 249 for 6 at the end of their 50 overs. Jonathon Foo hit 34 off 43 balls while middle-order batsman Royston Crandon top-scored with

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

101 off 121 balls. Devon Clements and Jason Sinclair contributed with 35 and 38 runs respectively.

Bowling for Georgetown, Paul Wintz and Ash-

mead Nedd picked up 2 wickets each for 48 and 27 runs in that order.

Young Franchise player, Ramaal Lewis also picked up a wicket along with Steven Sankar. Georgetown in reply failed to reach their target, crumbling for 136 still short by 113 runs after 38 overs.

Shemroy Barrington topscored with 29 off 29 balls, while Lewis and Wintz each added 22. Veerasammy Permaul bagged 4 wickets for 26 while Royston Crandon picked up 3 wickets for 11 runs.

West Demerara vice-captain Tagenarine Chanderpaul top-scored with an unbeaten 70, pushing his team to 167 all out in 41.2 overs. Safras Esau also added 35 to the score while the team crumbled to the bowling of East Bank’s Ronaldo Ali Mohamed and

Trevor France who each picked up 3 wickets for 26 and 29 runs respectively.

Chasing 168, East Bank folded for 136 all out in 37.3 overs with Steven Jacobs hitting 28 while Sachin Singh supported with 23 and Quazim Yusuf 22. West Demerara’s bowling line-up put up a fight with Romario Shepherd attaining 3 for 23 and Richie Looknauth supporting with 3 for 32.

West Demerara won by 32 runs.

Round two will be played tomorrow with East Coast challenging Georgetown at the GCC ground.

Essequibo will take on East Bank at Imam Bacchus, Lower Corentyne will face Upper Corentyne at Port Mourant ground while West Berbice will oppose West Demerara at Bush Lot ground from 09:30hrs.

Bonner, Warde and Carter Gayle fires Rangpur Riders fined for code breaches with another half-century

LEEWARD Island Hurricanes pair of Nkrumah Bonner and Terence Warde as well as Barbados Pride left-hander Jonathan Carter were all fined for breaches of the Code of Conduct during the fourth round of matches which ended on Sunday in the Digicel 4-Day Championship.

All three players admitted to their offences and accepted the imposition of the proposed sanctions so there was no need for formal hearings.

Bonner and Warde were reported by on-field umpires Carl Tuckett and Leslie Reifer Jr, along with reserve umpire Bernard Joseph, for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct during the match between the Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Bonner’s breach was upgraded to Level 2, due to this being his second breach within a year, and match referee Stewart Rawlins imposed a fine of 50 percent of the player’s match fee. The player breached paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct by showing dissent at an umpire’s decision when he showed his bat in obvious disap-

pointment after being adjudged lbw in the 56th over of the Hurricanes’ first innings.

Rawlins however, imposed a fine of 10 percent of Warde’s match fee, after he similarly, breached paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct by showing dissent at an umpire’s decision, when he showed his bat in obvious disappointment after being adjudged lbw in the 49th over of the Hurricanes’ second innings.

Carter was reported by on-field umpires Deighton Butler and Verdayne Smith, along with reserve umpire Roger Davis, for a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct during the match between the Pride and Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent.

Match referee Carlyle Felix imposed a fine of 50 percent of Carter’s match fee after the Pride player breached paragraph 1.3 of the Code of Conduct by using language that was obscene, offensive or insulting towards Volcanoes’ off-spinner Shane Shillingford when leaving the field following his dismissal in his side’s second innings.

DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC) – West Indies superstar Chris Gayle notched his second half-century in as many days to fire Rangpur Riders to a narrow three-run victory over Kieron Pollard’s Dhaka Dynamites but Dwayne Smith’s fifty proved in vain as Rajshahi Kings lost again in the Bangladesh Premier League here Tuesday.

The left-handed Gayle, who only arrived last weekend, pummeled 51 from 28 balls in a Man-of-the-Match performance as Riders, sent in by the league leaders, were dismissed for 142 with a ball to spare at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Gayle dominated a 36-run opening stand with New Zealander Brendon McCullum (6) and a further 35 for the second wicket with Mohammad Mithun (22), to keep the innings going.

The Jamaican had belted five fours and four sixes when he perished trying to find another boundary, holing out to deep mid-wicket off off-spinner Mosaddek Hossain in the eighth over.

West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine finished wicket-less from four overs which cost 29 runs and then suffered a one-ball ‘duck’ when he fell to the second ball of the Dynamites reply, edging pacer

Chris Gayle notched his second half-century in as many days

Mashrafe Mortaza behind with two runs on the board.

His opening partner and fellow West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago teammate, Evin Lewis, struck three sixes in 28 off 25 balls, adding 44 for the third wicket with Jahurul Islam (29).

Dynamites then lost wickets at key stages but entered the final over requiring 10 runs for victory, with Pollard at the crease.

The Windies all-rounder was

kept scoreless from the first two deliveries before depositing the third ball from pacer Thisasa Perera over the ropes at long on, leaving Dynamites with just four runs to get from three balls.

However, Pollard was kept scoreless off the fourth ball and yorked by the fifth, and last man Abu Hider was bowled by a full toss off the last ball, to give Riders a nervy win.

In the preceding game, the former Barbados and West Indies opener Smith top-scored with a superb 62 off 36 balls as Kings rallied to a competitive 166 for eight off 20 overs, after being sent in by Khulna Titans.

The right-hander struck seven fours four sixes and helped rescue the innings in a 76-run, fourth wicket stand with Mushfiqur Rahim after Kings found themselves in disarray at 21 for three in the third over.

Mushfiqur lashed 55 off 33 deliveries down the order but captain Darren Sammy managed just three.

In reply, West Indies players Chadwick Walton (4) and Carlos Brathwaite (12) both failed but captain Mahmudullah hit 56 and Ariful Haque, an unbeaten 43, to see their side home with four balls to spare.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 22, 2017

Windies touch down in New Zealand for two-Test series CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – An upbeat West Indies touched down here yesterday to continue preparation for their two-Test series against the hosts, bowling off next month.

The Caribbean side have spent the last two-and-a-half weeks in Australia undergoing training for the series which will see matches at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from December 1 to 5 and at Seddon Park in Hamilton December 9-13.

Before those Tests, however, the tourists will take on a strong New Zealand A side in a three-day tour match at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln,

starting Saturday.

The match is the only warm-up fixture prior to the Test series.

West Indies are coming off a 1-0 win in a two-Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo earlier this month, and will be hoping to take that

winning form into the current tour.

The weight of history will be against the Windies, however, as they have not won a series on New Zealand soil in 22 years.

On their last tour here four years ago, the Windies went

down 2-0 in a three-match rubber.

West Indies made just one change to the squad which toured Zimbabwe, bringing in prolific batsman Sunil Ambris for out-ofform right-hander, Kyle Hope.

FIXTURE LIST:

Batsman Jermaine Blackwood pushes his luggage following his arrival yesterday.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

November 25-27 v New Zealand A, Lincoln (22:00 GMT, 24-26 Nov) December 1-5 1st Test, Wellington (Basin Reserve) (22:00 GMT, 30 Nov-4 Dec) 9-13 2nd Test, Hamilton (22:00 GMT, 8-12 Dec) 20 1st ODI, Whangarei (22:00 GMT, 19 Dec) 23 2nd ODI, Christchurch (22:00 GMT, 22 Dec) 26 3rd ODI, Christchurch (22:00 GMT, 25 Dec) 29 1st Twenty20 international, Nelson (02:00 GMT) January 1 2nd Twenty20 international, Mount Maunganui (d/n) (06:00 GMT) 3 3rd Twenty20 international, Mount Maunganui (d/n) (06:00 GMT)

Jones calls time on GABA to wrap up 2017 with Terrence Ali National Open Championship career after Atlanta snub Suriname to send three fighters

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will hold their final event for 2017, the Terrence Ali National Open Championship, November 28-30, at the National Gymnasium.

“This tournament is our last statutory competition for the year and it’s a prerequisite for selection to the team that will represent this country at the Caribbean Championship in December, in St Lucia,” said GBA president Steve Ninvalle.

With outstanding performances expected to be rewarded a spot on Guyana’s team for the marquee Caribbean tournament, Ninvalle said the crème de la crème of fighters from gyms across Guyana are expected to be in attendance.

With this in mind, boxing fans, according to Ninvalle, will be in for a treat and he is urging persons to come out and support the fighters.

Ninvalle also disclosed that the event, this year, will be highlighted by attendance

of three fighters from Suriname, adding,for the first time some international flavour.

Asked about the attendance of the Republican Boxing Gym, which features incarcerated fighters, Ninvalle explained “the

last information I received is that they are participating. I know they had received some gear from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and are expected to participate”.

ATLANTA, United States (CMC) – Trinidadian forward Kenwyne Jones abruptly ended his 15-year professional career on Monday after Major League Soccer franchise Atlanta United opted not to renew his contract for the upcoming season.

The 33-year-old, a former Trinidad and Tobago captain, was one of seven players not retained by Atlanta following a season where he scored two goals in just 17 league appearances, and he subsequently announced his decision via the online social networking service, Twitter.

“Football has been great to me, I thank everyone who has helped me on the way, I appreciate you, but this is my last year in the sport…#onelove.”

He was later quoted as saying: “My decision to retire from playing has not been an easy one for me but having thought about it at length, and having discussed it with those closest to me, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career.

“I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have enjoyed the career I’ve had and I’ve loved every moment of it, being part of history and playing before fans of my country and the different teams I represented.

“It has been a huge distinction to captain my national team both at the senior and youth level and these were some of the best years of my life.”

Following successful spells with

Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones

Trinidadian Pro League clubs Joe Public and W Connection, the six-foot, two-inch striker came to prominence as a 19-year-old when he excited the taste buds during a three-year spell at Southampton when he smashed in 19 goals from 71 appearances.

Jones then joined Sunderland in 2007 in a deal valued at six million pounds sterling, yet again impressing in his three years on Tyneside. His strong aerial ability saw him attract attention from Premiership giants Liverpool and Chelsea but he remained with Sunderland until moving to Stoke City in 2010 for a club-re-

cord, eight million pounds sterling.

This move was followed by a two-year spell at Cardiff City and short loan stints a Bournemouth and Al Jazira in United Emirates, before linking up with Atlanta last year.

Jones won 89 caps for T&T, scoring 23 goals and was a member of the historic squad which qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

He played in three CONCACAF Gold Cup campaigns in 2005, 2013 and 2015, and was part of T&T’s recent failed 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Windies touch down in New Zealand for two-Test series

Page 39

Golden Jaguars arrive in Jakarta for International Friendly GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars, yesterday, arrived in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where they will take on the nation’s senior national team in a FIFA International Friendly on Saturday November 25.

The game will be played at the Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, a 30 000-seater facility located in Bekasi, West Java and will be a FIFA ‘A’ match.

Head coach Wayne Dover selected a predominantly local squad, which features Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Dwain Jacobs and Trayon Bobb in the 19-man team.

Dover called the squad “a good blend of overseas and local-based players,” adding “most of the locally based players have played over 10 games for Guyana at the senior level while it would be valuable exposure for the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Denzil Fordyce, Kelsey Benjamin and Curtez Kellman.”

Looking ahead to the game in Jakarta, Dover called the fixture “very

interesting,” pointing to the fact that it also marks the first time Guyana will be playing a team from South East Asia.

“The coaching staff, players and administration want to ensure we get a positive result to make history, winning our first game in that side of the world.

This effort by all involved will be seen as ‘one team, one dream’ to make it happen,” said Dover.

Former National captain Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard will be Dover’s assistant, while Eon De Veira is the team’s goalkeeper coach. Manager is Rawle Adams.

Squad: Akel Clarke (GK), Andrew Durant (GK), Anthony Abrams, Christopher Bourne, Jake Newton, Jelani Smith, Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Dwain Jacobs, Brandon Beresford, Anthony Benfield, Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb, Curtez Kellman, Denzil Fordyce, Kelsey Benjamin, Shaquille Agard, Devonte Small, and Daniel Jodah. (Rawle Toney)

The Golden Jaguars upon their arrival in Jakarta yesterday

Thirteenth Diamond Mineral Water hockey tournament launched

Forde pleased with progress of Football Stadium Page 33

Page 33

President of the GHB, Philip Fernandes, makes a point during yesterday’s launching of the 13th Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival. To his left is Devin Hooper, DDL Brand Executive Larry Wills, and Tiffany Solomon. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Works underway at GFF National Training Centre at Providence.

(Photo compliments of GFF)

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER, 22, 2017