Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_5_28_2019

TUESDAY 28th May, 2019

No.105651

Strong civil society key to EITI success …local-content consultant

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Guyana-Suriname ferry service suspended

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‘Breaking down the digital divide’ 13 PAGE

…Persons with disabilities having greater access to gov’t services

Police intensify search for Brazilian cop-shooter 15 PAGE

2019 Miss Guyana India, Rafeena Haniff, is being crowned by 2018 Miss Guyana India, Shoshanna Ramdeen (Elvin Croker photo) SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Strong civil society key to EITI success …local-content consultant

By Lisa Hamilton THE strengthening of civil society at the local level to ensure is a key variable in ensuring the success of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Guyana has recently embarked upon.

This the opinion of Local Content Consultant Oil and Gas and Mining in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Canada, Rene Roger Tissot.

He spoke with the newspaper at the sidelines of the 15th Annual Institute of the Americas’ pre-La Jolla Conference Workshop hosted in San Diego last week on the EITI and several other oil and gas related topics.

Guyana submitted its first EITI report to the International Secretariat on April 25, 2019 aimed at promoting the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

Guyana’s own goals, according to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, point towards improving investment climate;

strengthening licensing, record keeping, tax collections systems and legal and fiscal frameworks; improving reforms and governance and promoting greater economic and political stability.

The 6,000-page report details payments made by extractive entities; revenues received by Government Agencies; material payments and benefits to these agencies as required by the EITI Standard.

“I understand that Guyana has become a signatory.

I think that’s a good idea…I think it’s good at this time because it is never too late to be transparent,” Tissot told the newspaper.

However, in listing a number of limitations which have affected the EITIs of several countries the past, a weak civil society was named as one of the main problems observed.

“The key variable for the EITI to work is the capability of civil society to hold their political leaders accountable and that, in some places, particularly in Africa, has not happened. So even if

you have a very strong civil society outside of the country such as Non-Government Organisations etcetera, if in the country’s civil society is not able to make government accountable, the impact and strength of this type of mechanism is weakened,” he explained.

The expert explained that should accountability be lacking, while members of the public will see evidence of discrepancies, the said discrepancies will continue as no one seeks to reproach or lobby for correction of the same.

In other words, a weak civil society in resource rich countries can equate to transparency without accountability. “It’s that linkage and it seems to be missing somehow and forms a problem in many developing countries,” Tissot said.

Questioned of the ways in which civil society can become strengthened to avoid the challenge, the expert listed education as a definite necessity.

He also stressed the involvement of the media is

Guyana-Suriname ferry service suspended

Local Content Consultant, Rene Roger Tissot

absolutely necessary, stating: “The media needs to be informed but needs to avoid an inflammatory process.

Sometimes we tend to react to inflammatory information because it is attractive or sells but the media needs to be very responsible in terms of providing fact and information based and grounded in truth.”

Later explaining how civil society, once strengthened, can ensure its voice is heard, Tissot said that this is best achieved through each citizen utilising their democratic right to vote into power the government which efforts point towards achiev-

ing transparency and proper resource management.

“In a democratic system, the political process is the one to decide. Ultimately, if the system is failing, the people in a democracy would choose a different path or a different political party,” he said, adding: “And it’s not just stating ‘I’m going to elect the other guy’ but it’s also encouraging people to enter into the political arena to represent their constituency in the specific areas.”

Although becoming a signatory of the EITI is voluntary, once implementation begins the country is required to achieve compliance with the EITI Requirements with the participation of all companies and government agencies making or receiving payments.

According to the EITI Secretariat, a country implementing the EITI can be suspended for many reasons -both political and technical.

Following Guyana’s submitted on April 25, 2019, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) accused the report as working to cripple the local industry.

It expressed fears of that

the information within the report would put small miners at risk of criminal targeting and security risks. Tissot acknowledged the same as “valid points” but stated that such concerns have been raised in the past in other countries and opened the door for discussion on how security can be improved enable the companies and agencies to remain both safe and transparent.

A similar position has been laid by Minister Trotman who referred to the matters raised by the GGDMA as “genuine concerns” assuring that the Ministry and its stakeholders are working to maintain a high level of security for miners in this regard. He also emphasized the importance of the EITI report to Guyana stating that it is an important tool for better and open government and remains “vitally important” for the country’s positive development.

Aspiring lawyer crowned Miss India Guyana

The ailing M.V. Canawaima has been put out of operations

THE Management of the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service has advised that operations have been suspended from Monday until further notice.

According to a Department of Public Information release, Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene explained that the Canawaima Ferry has been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired.

The Terminal Manager further disclosed that if the Canawaima Ferry is docked,

a replacement vessel would be sourced. The matter is engaging the attention of both Guyanese and Surinamese authorities, the DPI release concluded.

It is not the first time the ferry service has been suspended due to mechanical problems of the vessel. Back in January 2018, ferry service was down from January 6-14, 2018, since, at that time, M.V Canawaima was scheduled for an emergency docking in order to restore both engines.

“The M.V Canawaima continues to experience extensive mechanical challeng-

es that prompted the hire of a tug to assist in the propulsion of the vessel,” then Terminal Manager Deyne Harry had told a news conference at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The ferry vessel, which travels from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side of the border with Suriname to Nickerie on the other side, has been reportedly delayed on several occasions due to mechanical problems.

Both the Governments of Guyana and Suriname are usually responsible for the rehabilitation of the vessel.

Miss India Guyana 2019, Rafeena Haniff (centre) is flanked by, from left, second runner-up Sharona Haniff; Miss Teen India Guyana 2019 Yashmini Sarjoo; Mrs India Guyana 2019 Kristal Inshan; and Miss India Guyana 2019 first runner-up Sandeka Rampersaud (Elvin Croker photo)

DESPITE being the only newcomer in a lineup of experienced young ladies.

18-year-old Rafeena Haniff rose to the occasion to beat her five rivals to take the Miss India Worldwide Guyana 2019 crown when the pageant Coronation Night was held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Sunday night.

The night also saw the crowning of Miss Teen India Guyana and Mrs. India Guyana 2019 winners, which went to 17-year-old Yashmini Sarjoo and Kristal Inshan respectively. Haniff’s win was announced shortly after the two were revealed.

Holding hands with first runner-up Sandeka Rampersaud, Haniff broke into

tears as she was announced as the queen in true dramatic fashion by the night’s emcee, media personality Joel Ghansham.

The aspiring criminal lawyer was crowned by outgoing queen, Shoshanna Ramdee, Miss India Guyana 2018. “I am so grateful for this’ I can’t even explain how TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Divided pro-EU leaders open talks after tense election BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Parties committed to closer European Union integration began bargaining over jobs and policy on Monday after an election to the EU parliament which fragmented the center but gave only limited gains to nationalists.

National leaders of the bloc, many of whom hailed the vote as a vindication, will meet to chart the next steps on Tuesday. Matteo Salvini, Italian deputy prime minister, leader of the anti-immigration League and potential builder of a far-right alliance across Europe, said his 34% of the Italian national vote was a mandate to rip up euro zone

budget austerity rules.

But despite other wins for eurosceptics in big countries, including France, Poland and would-be ex-member Britain, the result was taken as a vote of confidence by mainstream leaders after turnout surged and nationalists advanced only modestly.

“The European elections were tangible proof that European democracy is alive and well,” Margaritis Schinas, chief spokesman of the executive European Commission, told reporters.

“The populists didn’t win this election.”

Facing a more hostile Russia, China’s growing

economic might and an unpredictable U.S. President Donald Trump, many Europeans appeared to heed a message that the EU needed to stick together to protect workers’ rights, free speech and democracy. Turnout rose to 51% from just 43% in the last election in 2014.

Salvini, calling the shots in Rome and who now emerges as leader of a potential new European Parliament group hostile to the Brussels establishment, told a news conference: “The time has come to totally re-discuss old and outdated rules that have hurt Europe. Otherwise a vote like this cannot be explained.”

But the far-right and other nationalists, including Nigel Farage’s triumphant new Brexit Party, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, which edged President Emmanuel Macron’s liberals in France, and the ruling parties of Poland and Hungary may find it hard to overcome long-standing differences and turn what

may be about a quarter of Parliament’s seats into a united force.

Christian Democrats, and center-left S&D lose a joint majority in the legislature.

LEADERS TO MEET The 28 EU national leaders, including outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May, will meet over dinner in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss the succession to Commission President JeanClaude Juncker and other key jobs, including the head of the European Central Bank, in the light of the election results.

Hard bargaining, playing off national interest, party lines and gender issues, will last at least until a key summit on June 20-21. A standoff is likely with parliament, where EU party chiefs want the national leaders to back down from a refusal to replace Juncker with a lawmaker from among their winning ranks.

The vote saw the center-right EPP, dented by losses for the likes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s

ADVERTISEMENT But gains for liberals, like those of French President Emmanuel Macron’s new movement, and for the Greens, second in Germany, third in France and fourth Britain, means a four-party alliance is already in the works. These four pro-Union groups lost fewer than 20 seats to retain 503 in the 751-seat chamber.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - 1:00 hrs & 13:00hrs

PARLIAMENT NEGOTIATIONS Leaders of those groups met on Monday, although building a common platform, let alone agreeing on who to back for top EU jobs, is unlikely to be smooth. Sources in three parties said a planned dinner on Monday to thrash out a position to put to national leaders seemed by late afternoon unlikely to go ahead.

At the expense of Merkel, long Europe’s key power-broker but now in her final term, there has been leftward shift in the balance of power, with the Greens, Macron and Spain’s newly re-elected socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez flexing muscles.

“We are going to build a social Europe, a Europe that protects,” Sanchez said before he flew to Paris for talks with Macron to coordinate ahead of the wider Brussels summit.

That could mean a big-

ger push to tax multinational companies and tighten environmental rules on industry, as well as a more protectionist bent in trade negotiations, with a greater stress put on pressing commercial partners to combat climate change.

The battle for top jobs may also be divisive for parliament.

Manfred Weber, the firstplaced EPP’s German lead candidate, is pushing hard to be nominated as Juncker’s successor. But the Socialists have a claim with Dutchman Frans Timmermans, Junker’s current deputy. Macron and his liberal allies may push for one of the few women in the race, Danish EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, or French Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

The euro made early gains on relief at the limited success of eurosceptics but settled back as investors pondered the fragmentation of the pro-EU middle ground of European politics.

Provisional results published by the European Parliament at 1305 GMT showed the EPP on 180 seats, S&D on 145, liberals on 109 and Greens on 69 for a total of 503. Two far-right groups shared 112 seats, rising to 171 with a third eurosceptic bloc. Farage’s party won 29 seats, matching Merkel’s conservatives as the biggest in the chamber, one ahead of Salvini’s League.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Nation must come together to tap oil wealth …AG urges at Region 4 Independence observance

GUYANESE must unite in order to fully benefit from the wealth and development that will result from Guyana’s ‘Green’ transformation and the production of oil, according to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of the Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

While addressing a forum held in the Triumph East Coast Demerara compound of the Region Four RDC building in observance of Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, the AG reminded that 53 years ago Guyana was birthed as an “empowered” country that was “sovereign, independent and indissoluble”.

“This new beginning allowed us to forge our own destiny, chart our own course and make Guyana the country that we want her to be,” he underscored. “This is significant, as our descendants came as slaves and indentured servants but on this day 53 years ago we stood together as free men and women in a free Guyana.”

As Guyana celebrated its 53rd Independence Anni-

said, while reminding that Natural Resource Fund, which will sustainably manage Guyana’s natural resource wealth, has already been passed into law. Even with government's efforts, he noted that citizens too have their

A school choir performing at the event Attorney General (AG) and Minister of the Legal Affairs, Basil Williams addressing the gathering. Also at the table are: Chairman of Region Four, Genevieve Allen and Vice Chairman, Earl Lambert at the head table

A section of the gathering at the Independence ceremony

versary on May 26, Minister Williams noted that the time was ripe for Guyanese to remember the struggle that led

to the country’s foundation and use this to prepare for the imminent transformation of the country. “Now is the time

Aspiring lawyer crowned ...

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thankful and grateful I am,” cried Haniff as she took in the shock of her win.

“I worked hard; I was dedicated, but I knew it could have been anybody, because we all worked so hard,” she said, adding: “The crown could’ve gone to any one of my pageant sisters, so I am so grateful. I want to use this to advocate and make a positive change in my community, and in my country.”

Haniff, who currently works as a clerk at the Frandec Travel Service, was backed up by a very vocal group of supporters in the audience, and was established early on as a crowd favourite.

Though this is just the first pageant she has ever participated in, Haniff, who hails from La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), said she has always admired pageantry, particularly the Miss India Guyana pageant. “Growing up, it was more about the glitz and glamour for me.

But as I continued to pursue my dream of participating in pageants, I realised that the

from our burgeoning green economy and oil industry we must come together,” he contended, however. And this is why, according to him, the theme for Guyana’s 53rd Independence anniversary: “A United Guyanese are we

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Miss India Guyana pageant is much more than that,” she noted.

The title of first runner-up went to former Miss Wakenaam, Sandeka Rampersaud. Former Miss Guyana Talented Teen, Sharona Haniff finished in the third runner- up spot.

With the night starting out with six beauties, it was narrowed down to the final three following the girls being judged on their in-

troduction, evening gown, and talent pieces. The final three were then faced with the defining final questions. For the win, Haniff was asked what she would do if she won the crown, to which she replied that she would use her win as a platform for advocacy.

Haniff will now travel to Mumbai, India later this year to represent Guyana at the International Miss India Worldwide Pageant.

to take Guyana to higher heights as we eagerly await the economic transformation which will come from the green economy, which is the brainchild of His Excellency, President David Granger and our emerging oil sector,” he posited.

This transformation, according to him, is one which will propel the country and its people into an abundant future, where Guyana will become an economic hub. “If we, the Guyanese people, are to benefit fully

at 53”, is an indicative one.

He shared the famous saying: “united we stand, divided we fall,” and noted: “Guyana is for all Guyanese and we must loudly reject those who seek to divide us.” The AG also urged members of the audience to be vigilant of those with “nefarious plans”, aiming to divide and cripple Guyana.

As a government, he affirmed that the incumbent APNU+AFC coalition has been working to ensure that Guyanese reap the benefits of the development that is to come, and that has already come. This will be done by ‘leading from the front’ with the implementation of laws and policies, according to AG. “Our primary objective is to ensure that an enabling and supportive environment exists for Guyanese to compete fairly and prosper,” he

part to play and should grasp opportunities to “create and produce”. “The time is ripe for entrepreneurs, especially young people, to emerge,” he stressed and added: “Failure to do all we can to ensure that we are the beneficiaries of our natural resources would be a tragedy.”

As the country prepares more and more for further development, the AG noted that cooperation is imperative since there is strength in unity. “Guyana belongs to all of us and if we love our country we will do what is best for Guyana and put country above selfish ideals. We owe this to those who have gone before us and have struggled,” he said. The event also saw brief remarks from Chairman of Region Four, Genevieve Allen and a number of cultural items.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

The future belongs to young people

IN his Independence Day address, President David Granger declared that the future belongs to young people.

The Head-of-State said the resources derived from economic expansion and diversification of the country with the impending oil industry will be deployed, primarily to secure and safeguard “our children’s and grandchildren’s future.” “Young people can be assured of greater opportunities as a result of oil production and the policies of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy,” the Guyanese leader assured the nation. He said already young people are playing a pivotal role in driving development, and his government will further position them to assume responsibility for the nation’s future. The address

by His Excellency reminds

us of the lyrics of Whitney Houston’s, “Greatest Love of All,” which also remind us of children’s value, the empty reservoir of their impressionable minds, and the importance of nourishing it that will put them in good stead to lead the way. For our young people to take hold of the future, then, like Houston advised in her song, we must teach them well.

Some are wont to say that children did not ask us to be here, and with their presence comes responsibility to ensure their socialisation is such that they can lead productive lives, bringing reward to themselves, family, and society. There are others who argue that you make the children, but you don’t make their minds. This outlook is more steeped in resignation and oft used when children are engaged in anti-social

behaviour, or may have disappointed their loved ones.

The mind is like a sponge, having the ability to absorb what’s happening around it. Our children are impressionable and the process of learning, according to science, starts within the womb, which is described as uteral moulding. Children today, as against the days of yore, are exposed to many more channels or avenues for information, knowledge, and acts that are informing their reality.

In this Information Age, children face and navigate their daily existence and interpretations of reality by the technology in their homes, hands, classrooms, and other environs. These technologies have their positives and negatives, as in the latter instance children can be seen engaging in acts considered

age- inappropriate and not in their best interests.

The African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child still remains appropriate. And though the proverbial village is no longer confined to a physical geographic space, the wisdom of it cannot be ignored. Technology has brought the world to the fingertips of man and with it the benefits and pitfalls. In this environment, it becomes the responsibility of adults to carve out and create the needed space where it can be used for the children’s best interests.

Gone are the days when the sources of information were confined to the families, neighbourhoods and schools, and the fairy tales that were told in the past about sex, childbirth and other related issues can no longer be told.

With the multiplicity of in-

formation sources out there and relatively easy access to them, where the family fails to educate, misinformation and curiosity could lead to dire consequences.

The influence of peer pressure to explore, prove oneself and conform to behavioural lifestyles deemed counter-productive, escaping these rely on strong support mechanisms, most times in and around the home. When this is assured, children develop confidence of positive convictions, their abilities, and love for self, and become more open in sharing experiences on issues that occurred away from home with adults and peers within this environment, who can provide a shoulder to lean on.

It is much better in today’s society to make children au fait with the facts and truths. When they are

properly informed, armed with knowledge, and understanding of what the issues are, they are more likely to make sober decisions. The responsibility for children enjoying every phase of their childhoods and having the benefit of the process of education is vested in active players in society, such as the home, school, village, and social organisations. These institutions can provide the needed mentorship.

Houston’s entreaty that the children are our future, we should teach them well and let them lead the way, by showing them all the beauty they possess inside, and giving them a sense of pride to make it easier, remains applicable, each and every day of their lives.

There appears to be something wrong about the jailing of the police inspector Dear Editor RECENT information in the print and electronic media revealed that Magistrate Rondel Weaver, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, sentenced police inspector, Prem Narine, to seven days in prison.

During the course of the same day, his attorneys-at-law petitioned the Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire, who ordered the policeman’s immediate release. I am not au fait with all the facts in issue or facts relevant to the issue in relation to this case. However, it is apparent that there was some exchange of words

and other issues in open Court between the police inspector and the magistrate, who in her own judgement deemed the conduct of the policeman as contemptuous.

No charge was read to the policeman. According to him, the Magistrate told him that he was in Contempt of Court and sentenced him to seven days in prison-- all in one breath.

The process leading up to the jailing of the policeman appeared to be flawed.

It was not in keeping with natural justice and standard operating court procedures.

The principle of the Right To Be Heard was dashed out of the Court’s window. The inspector was not given the opportunity to defend him-

self or to have an attorney to plead his case. Prisoners are entitled to this right, more so, policemen. He was cited for some alleged contemptuous act and immediately sentenced to seven days in prison. Luckily, during the day in question, his attorneys-at-law were given a hearing by the Acting Chief Justice who ruled against the magistrate and ordered the release of the inspector before the rising of the Court.

I am not certain what was the exact offence the law enforcement officer committed? Not certain if a charge of Contempt of Court lies within the ambit of the Magistrate’s Court. Certainly, it is within the remit of the High Court.

Flashback! A few de-

cades ago, Justice Keith Massiah, in the High Court, cited a prominent attorney-at -law for Contempt of Court. It was during the morning session of the court proceedings. He ordered the Court Orderly to arrest the attorney-at-law and keep him there until 1.00 pm that day. Unlike Magistrate Rondel Weaver, Justice Keith Massiah instructed the attorney-at-law to appear before him at the appointed time with his defence team and address him, “or the jaws of the Georgetown Prison will open up and swallow him.”

As instructed, the accused appeared before the Justice with a battery of attorneys-at-law, including some senior counsels. The defence was adequately put to the Judge who warned

the accused. End of the case.

The Right To Be Heard is a God-Given right. It is not only pertinent for legal matters but in resolving conflicts in our daily lives and living. It started in Genesis when Adam and Eve committed themselves. Although God knew exactly what took place, he did not pass judgement on them immediately.

Instead, he called them and inquired what happened before imposing judgement.

That is how it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end. No one must be allowed to take away that right from us.

I hasten to commend the members of the defence team of Inspector Prem Narine for their prompt

and intelligent action in successfully petitioning the Acting Chief Justice on behalf of their client and to salute her for not only giving them a hearing, but taking swift, certain and appropriate action which abbreviated a shocking case of miscarriage of justice committed by Magistrate Rondel Weaver. Hope that inspector Prem Narine will take legal action to expunge from the records the conviction imposed on him.

Regards Clinton Conway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

NICIL finds renewed purpose Dear Mr. Editor, I WRITE to solicit space in your newspapers to write to the Guyanese public, both locally and overseas.

I am a Guyanese living in the United Kingdom for the past 32 years.

I have not for one moment lost contact with the everyday life in Guyana and its politics. I feel compelled to write so that the Guyanese public at large and overseas can be aware of the great things that are emanating from the Government entity--the National investment and Commercial industrial limited (NICIL).

I visited Guyana some two months ago and made all arrangements to stay at my niece’s home in Linden, which I did. During my course of stay, I asked about the Watooka House, which once housed the expatriates who were working in the Bauxite Industry. The last time I asked about this place was when I visited Guyana in 2013. This place was in such a dilapidated state that I was quite ashamed that government can leave its resources to such rot. I guess because of what was permeating the Guyana society then, this property, like many others, might be one that was

ignored so it can fall in the “hands of the blessed.”

As my niece proceeded to take me around, I was pleasantly greeted by a structure which I thought would never have returned to its former glory. I was shown around the lawns and interior of Watooka House. In its current rehabilitated state, (it) reminded me of its once glory days when my niece was married there, only now there are some modern amenities which has added a luxurious touch.

I was awed by the 360 degrees transformation since my last visit and enquired who was responsible for Wa-

tooka House. The young lady who showed us around proceeded to tell me that this was the work of NICIL, headed

by Mr. Colvin Heath-London. My mind went instantly to the Marriot Hotel, as I was of the impression, at the sound of the name of NICIL, that this was one of the entities which squandered government funds. It is such a refreshing time to see that a government entity can be proactive in selling the government in a positive way.

As I expressed my satisfaction for the restoration of the Watooka House, the young lady proceeded to bring to my attention two other re-

habilitated entities (LBI & SKELDON).

Editor, it is important that we give honour and gratitude to where it is due.

Since Mr. London’s initiative and NICIL should be highlighted to the Guyanese public travelling to Linden so that the government will be able to promote its work, bringing new branding to the name NICIL. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Heath-London for resuscitating the Watooka House and the other government entities mentioned to me. It is quite refreshing to see the government employing and

engaging visionaries in the form of Mr. Colvin HeathLondon. I write to tell the Guyanese people that in our midst there are entities and works done by the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited that are worthy of good mention. Thanks to NICIL and Mr. Heath -London for being the visionary you are in regards to restoring government assets for income generation.

Regards Leontine Allicock

The incident between police inspector and magistrate Dear Editor PERMIT me space for a comment with reference to Newssource, May 23,2019 headlined, “Chief Justice orders release of Police Inspector jailed by magistrate for misconduct in Court’’.

It is a requirement, and a procedural professional expectation that prosecuting witnesses, especially in the category of police officers, would refresh their memories with the facts of whatever statements pertaining to a case, before mounting the witness stand.

I stand to be corrected when I state that it seemed not to have been the case with Inspector Prem Narine when he was called to give evidence; for it occasioned him to ask the presiding Magistrate Rondell Weaver to refresh his memory.

From all appearances, these requests, in the magistrate’s opinion, were too many, perhaps prompting her ire which followed what was an undesirable exchange between herself and the officer. One cannot fault the magistrate’s reaction, for it was clear that she was being asked by Inspector Narine to aid him in an exercise that ought not to have been taking place, especially against the background that at his level, such unpreparedness is unexpected/unacceptable in court.

It is well known that in

instances of shoddy preparedness, attorneys have, from time to time, been the recipients of severe reprimands from Judges; and they dare not respond in a (manner) that would suggest disrespect even if there is resentment for the chiding. But in the extant case, there is clear evidence of Inspector Narine’s outrightly rejecting the magistrate’s remarks which primarily had been about his requests for refreshing his memory, however she might have said it. It was her right to express dissatisfaction. Further, it was her prerogative to ask Inspector Narine to leave the stand and take his seat. His decision to walk out reeks not only of blatant disrespect and disregard for the magistrate’s order, but also contemptuous of her authority as presiding magistrate. Is such behavior permissible in a court of law?

Not as far as is known.

There were other disturbing aspects of this drama, such as the magistrate having to request the police officers several times to arrest Inspector Narine, before they eventually did. It was an instruction which, as officers of the law, they were bound to obey and carry out. Were these officers afraid to effect such an edict because of Narine’s seniority; or was it a case of indirect support for their colleague?

Of course, Inspector Na-

rine’s conduct was definitely one of contempt, which warranted a penalty, even if reduced to misconduct, which should not have been. But it would seem that because of a legal technicality, challenged in the High Court, Inspector Narine was eventually spared.

Editor, let me as a citizen, make this observation: first, repeating the fact that every police officer must be cognizant of the fact that they must properly be prepared with their briefs for court cases. For as far as my layman’s understanding of the law in such matters, it is not the magistrate’s right or even judge’s to refresh any witness’ memory, except where there are clear instances of contradictory evidence which must be pointed out.

Second, no police officer, irrespective of rank or crime-fighting successes/capabilities/reputation, should hold themselves above reprimand by the court, especially when they are at fault. This incident does not bode well for the respect that ought to be shown to the magistracy.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Addressing mental health disorders

…Region 5 Health Dep’t taking ‘bottom-up’ approach in tackling mental health

By Svetlana Marshall THE Public Health Ministry’s Department of Health in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is taking a ‘bottom-up’ approach as it aggressively tackles mental health disorders in the district.

On Saturday, the Department of Health, in collaboration with SAVE Guyana, a non-governmental organization, not only exposed public service officers in the education, security, health and social services sectors to the factors influencing mental health disorders but equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to identify signs of depression and other disorders. Most importantly, the public service officers, who on a daily basis come into contact with persons from all walks of life, were told of ways they can provide assistance to those in need of help.

The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Workshop, which was held at the Region Five Regional Dem-

ocratic Council’s (RDC) Fort Wellington Office, took place at a time when news of another suicide ‘rocked’ a neighouring village. A young man, in No. 28 Village, reportedly took his own life after experiencing domestic issues.

On the margins of the one-day workshop, the Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Desmond Nicholson, said it was unfortunate that the young man did not get the help he needed, but assured that the Department of Health will redouble its efforts in helping persons at the grassroots level to detect persons with depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental disorders .

FRONT BURNER ISSUES Alluding to the fact that Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is now among the top three regions in the country with high numbers of self-harm and suicide cases, Dr. Nicholson said the Department of Health has placed Mental Health issues on the front

burner. He said the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Workshop complements the

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) remains at the top of the chart.

It is expected that, through

should take it one step further.

Hannays, on the sideline of the workshop said not only

Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Desmond Nicholson

SAVE Guyana Vice President and Training and Education Director, Leslyn Holder

Canadian Certified Addiction and Behavioural Therapist, Shirvington Hannays

Self-Harm Surveillance Programme, which was launched in the region last January, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit.

Region Five reportedly has the second highest number of self-harm and suicide cases in the country followed by Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Region

the Self-Harm Surveillance Programme, which is being implemented in other parts of the country, the Department of Health would be able to remove the stigma associated with Mental Health Disorders, and provide needed care to those affected.

Last April, the Department of Health facilitated the first of three Mental Health GAP Action (mhGAP) workshops for 2019. Under the programme, doctors, nurses, health workers, welfare officers and even teachers are being equipped with lower-level psychiatric education for providing effective mental health care. This programme is known to be effective in helping persons with mental disorders such as depression, psychosis, self-harm which can lead to suicide, epilepsy, dementia and stresses that are due to the use of substances.

“We want to make mental health something that is no longer seen as a stigma, so persons could walk into the health center and speak to someone who is competent enough to handle their mental health problems whether it be dementia, epilepsy, schizophrenia, drug abuse, whether they are issues of self-harm or suicide,” Dr. Nicholson told this newspaper. He said as part of the Regional Health Department’s Programme, it has opted to partner with SAVE Guyana.

should the health authorities train doctors and nurses but they should also equip grandparents with lower-level psychiatric education for providing effective mental health care. This, he said, is being done in Ghana, and other parts of the world, and should be done here too.

“We are looking for the policies to come from above but we have to go back to the grassroots, and see what is the language and the lingo that we use, who are the natural gate keepers in our community and then make sure that we go with them,” Hannays said. He emphasized that if grandmothers can be trained as psychologists in Africa, the same can be done here.

Addressing some of the causes of mental health issues such as suicide, the Canadian-based Behavioural Therapist said that for an extensive period Guyanese have experienced “hopelessness” and “helplessness.”

“Unless that is addressed where people start feeling hopeful again that the future can be different than the way it is, people would always become hopeless, helpless, isolated, and then self-esteem becomes a problem,” he explained. He said these feelings at times lead to self-harm and suicide.

“I am hoping that the drilling of oil next year can bring about a sense of hopefulness generally,” he told this newspaper. According to him, with Guyana once described as the “suicide capital of the world,” it is believed that there are approximately 250,000 to 300, 000 persons in the country diagnosed with mental illness.

“Diagnosis doesn’t mean schizophrenia, it could mean depression, it could mean anxiety disorder,” he posited

MENTAL HEALTH CARE Canadian Certified Addiction and Behavioural Therapist, Shirvington Hannays, while applauding the Department of Health and SAVE Guyana for the bold steps taken to remove the stigma and simultaneously provide the necessary help, said they

while adding that “it is too sad that a country this size of population that people don’t see that hopefulness for the future with all of our natural resources.” Hannays said, first and foremost, the authorities must address the self-esteem issues.

In Guyana, it is said that men are more likely to commit suicide than women, and according the Behavioural Therapist there is a reason for that. He told this newspaper that men are often taught to disregard their feelings, and that must be changed. “Men need to be encouraged to acknowledge first and foremost that they have feelings.

Men in a lot of ways are not socialized to feel that there are times that they can be vulnerable. We have to first of all embrace that men have feelings, and there are ways in which they can deal with that in a productive and a positive way instead of trying to suppress it,” Hannays said.

SAVE Guyana Vice President and Training and Education Director, Leslyn Holder, said depression, uncontrollable anger, family discord and domestic violence are among common causes associated with suicide and suicidal behavior. Holder said since 2015, Guyana has made tremendous progress in tackling mental health issues but said much more needs to be done.

Like Hannays, Holder made a pitch for the re-introduction of the “Gate Keepers” programme which would see people at the grassroots level helping each other to address some of their mental health issues. She said no one community or organization could do it alone.

SAVE Guyana – Suicide and Violence Eradication (SAVE) Guyana – has been educating persons on suicide warning signs, risk and preventative factors; and steps for safe storage and use of pesticides and other poisons.

Importantly, it has been educating persons on Mental Health Disorders, and refuting myths. The workshop also touched on abuse.

Saturday’s workshop saw participation from the Regional Department of Health, the Mahaicony Hospital, the Fort Wellington District Hospital, the Fort Wellington Police Station, the Department of Education, the Child Care and Protection Agency and the Hugo Chavez Centre, among other organisations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

AG heads Guyana delegation at CFATF conference ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams is leading a Guyanese delegation to the XLIX Plenary and Working Group Meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force being held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The meeting, which opened on Monday, will discuss a range of issues, a release from the Ministry of Legal Affairs said.

In addition to Williams, other members of the Guyana delegation include: Ms Tamika Barkoye of the Ministry of Legal Affairs; Ms Joanne Bond and Mr. Rommel St. Hill of the AG Chambers; Mr Matthew Langevine, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit; Ms. Alicia Williams also of the FIU; Ms Eondrene Thompson, General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board; Ms Perlina Gifth, of the Ministry of Social Protection; Ms Natasha Backer and Mrs Teshana Lake of the DPP Chambers; Mr Shaun Allicock – Securities; Governor

Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga; Mrs Kara Duff-Yehudah of the GGMC; and Mr

Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) training and sensitisation work-

Guyana’s AML/CFT regime, and the Chairperson of the AML/CFT and Proliferation

cal as Guyana prepares for its CFATF Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation, sched-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC, and members of the delegation at the conference

Lloyd Moore of the Gaming Authority.

According to the release, Guyana recently hosted two Anti-Money Laundering and

shops for attorneys-at-law and accountants/auditors.

Those workshops were organised by Mr Williams, who is the prime contact for

Financing National Co-ordination Committee.

The workshops, which were held at the Cara Lodge Hotel, were seen as criti-

uled for the first quarter of 2022, and more so, given that the Money Laundering (ML) vulnerability levels for attorneys-at-law and ac-

countants/auditors are generally considered to be high, based on AML/CFT trends globally, the release stated.

The completion of Guyana’s first Money laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) National Risk Assessment in 2016 concluded that the ML vulnerabilities and risk with these sectors in Guyana are consistent with international norms. The workshops also highlighted that the obligations of attorneys-at-law and accountants/auditors be classified as Designated Non-Financial Businesses or Professions (DNFBPs) under local AML/CFT legislation.

With Guyana being on the cusp of an economic transformation with the development of the Oil and Gas Industry, Williams has insisted that it is important to make the country a safe and secure place that attracts investors.

Charity Police Station can now be contacted …desktop wireless telephone donated AFTER being without a working telephone for the past two years, the Charity Police Station Management Committee and Business

Community purchased and donated one Desktop Wireless Telephone for the Charity Police Station.

Reports indicate that the

original phone that serviced that police station was down due to a technical fault with the landlines owned by the Guyana Telephone and Tele-

graph Company Ltd. Persons can now contact police ranks at that station on numbers 613-0573 and 6720140 which were installed in the wireless phone at the Charity Police Station.

The telephone was handed over by Mr. Duleep Singh, Chairman of the Station Management Committee.

The Desktop Wireless Telephone that was donated to the Charity Police Station.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Unions call for more evaluations of UG’s administrators WHILE the University of Guyana Workers Union [UGWU] and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association [UGSSA] are pleased that Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Ivelaw Griffith’s performance will be evaluated before he gets a new contract for employment, the two bodies have urged for more evaluations to be done of senior functionaries of the institution.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the unions said that, to the best of their knowledge, no evaluation of

current administrators has ever taken place, “though we believe new contracts have been awarded to some of them.”

They said that in the interest of accountability, and for the university to learn from the tenure of any senior administrator, this practice should become standard.

“We are pleased that the University Council has also moved to establish that evaluation should become a routine aspect of any Vice-Chancellor’s tenure,” the unions said.

The unions said that their stance regarding the VC has been vindicated by the university council and the bodies noted that “two important “decisions were taken by the council last Thursday.

The first decision was the move by the council for the VC to proceed on endof-contract leave and the second relates to the VC’s request to be considered for a new contract. The unions noted that they have been advocating for evaluations of performance of senior staff.

“Council after prolonged debate decided that an evaluation must be done before any decision is made about either award or non-award of the contract,” the two unions noted.

The unions said that they have always noted that the University’s practice is to allow persons to proceed on

leave, with exceptions being allowed in certain fairly rare instances. “Usually payment in lieu of leave would be done at the University’s request and in keeping with its needs and the availability of funds. The first Council decision of 15th April was therefore entirely proper.

The round robin fiasco represented an attempt to overturn the correct decision. We are therefore grateful that in the end Council recognized the error involved in the directive to allow the Vice-Chancellor to be paid and to remain on the job,” the two bodies said.

The unions said that they are aware that there are members of Council who do not seem to yet grasp key principles, or if they do, did not seem to want them applied in the case of the Vice-Chancellor. “While this is unfortunate, we shall not

cease our relentless advocacy of these principles, and we hope that these members of Council will be able to fully endorse them in the future,” the bodies said.

Last Thursday, UG’s Council ordered Professor Ivelaw Griffith to proceed on leave, effective May 28, 2019.

According to a release from the university, the decision was made at a special meeting for the VC to proceed on leave in accordance with the terms and conditions of his contract.

In the interim, the Council has directed that Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Engagement), Professor Michael Scott, will perform the functions of Vice-Chancellor for the period May 28, 2019 to June 13, 2019.

Gold Board clears air on Adolphus Mining, Inc …says company satisfied all criteria for dealer’s licence AGAINST the background of a speculative online report, the Guyana Gold Board on Monday clarified that it did issue a dealer’s licence to Adolphus Mining Inc, but not before all the necessary checks and verifications were conducted.

“It has been drawn to the attention of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) that there is an Online news item re. the issuance of a dealer’s licence to Adolphus Mining, Inc. The Guyana Gold Board confirms that a dealer’s licence was approved by the Board for Adolphus Mining, Inc. for 2019. Mr. Travis Chase is a director of said entity.”

According to the GGB, in the instance of Adolphus Mining, Inc., the GGB management and directorate conducted the required due

diligence customary for all existing dealers and any applicants for the issuance of a dealer’s licence.

Additionally, the GGB said the management and Board were aware of the circumstances surrounding a quantity of gold that was brought before the then GGB management in 2011. With regard to the gold from 2011, additional due diligence revealed that: 1) the holder of that gold was the producer, now licensed as a dealer; 2) all reports and ensuing official inquiries, at that time (and by the current board), relative to that gold indicated the miner and his gold holding involved a private conflict; 3) the gold was weighed at the GGB and full payment was made at market rates prevailing in 2011; and

4) there were neither charges nor court matters nor convictions nor fines nor anything prejudicial levied in relation to that gold.

“All of the aforementioned were part of the review and approval process by management and the directorate of the GGB in 2018/19. There was nothing that militated materially against, or that did serve as an effective bar to the issuance of a gold dealer’s licence to Adolphus Mining, Inc. The GGB is concerned that it was not consulted for clarification prior to the release and publication of this news item, which both invades the privacy of the parties named, and casts a number of unfounded aspersions,” the release added.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Guyanese hold flag-raising ceremony in Toronto SCORES of Guyanese in Ontario, Canada, flocked the Mel Lastman Square on Yonge Street in the capital Toronto, on Friday last to celebrate Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary in a moving flag-raising ceremony held under the auspices of the Consulate-General of Guyana in Toronto.

Among the dignitaries at the ceremony, which featured an address by Guyana’s Consul-General to Toronto, Ms. Anyin Choo, were Ontario Legislator of Guyanese heritage, Ms. Sara Singh, MPP, who represents the Town of Brampton in the Provincial Parliament; Councillor Ashmeed Khan of the Town of Ajax, also of Guyanese heritage; and members of the Caribbean Consular Corps in Toronto.

The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted against a sunny spring sky and a steady wind, by former members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) residing in Canada, following a simple marching parade and salute. Following a brief welcome by Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Grace Joseph, Consul at the Consulate-General of Guyana in Toronto, Guyanese-Canadian vocalist and recording artiste, Ms. Faith Amour, sang the National Anthems of Guyana and Canada at the event, which also attracted an audience of Canadian citizens from the commercial hub in the busy Yonge Street corridor near the North York Civic Centre.

Prayers were led by representatives of the three major religions in Guyana, Brother Omar Farouk of the Muslin faith; Pandit Joe Jaglall of the Hindu community; and Bishop Joseph Fisher of the Christian faith.

Consul- General Choo, in her feature address, noted the centuries of struggles and

resistance by our ancestors against colonial rule.

Ms. Choo urged: “As we celebrate yet another milestone in the history of our country, let us not forget the sacrifice made by our founding leaders and the struggles made in unity across diversity for our nation for us, the future generation, and for the future generations to come.”

The Consul-General assured her audience that Guyanese are living in a nation that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, and respect for fundamental human rights and democracy.

“Today, we are fortunate to celebrate our cultural diversity in a multicultural society that promotes citizens’ unhindered devotion to their respective religions and cultures, because Guyana is a land of six peoples; a kaleidoscope of colourful diversity and multi-ethnicity, none of which would be possible without the unified efforts of our nation’s founding fathers who fought for the independence of Guyana,” Ms. Choo emphasised.

Guyanese in attendance were told that as a young nation, Guyana still faces many challenges in the 21st Century, such as challenges to its territorial integrity, national security, economic development, trade liberalisation and globalisation, and climate change, which threatens the country’s very existence.

According to the Consul-General, in light of the realities Guyana faces, Guyanese must recognise the need for unity. “Our ability to achieve unity in diversity will be our greatest challenge as a nation, and so I wish to urge all Guyanese, let us embrace each other and work in unity to overcome the challenges that lie ahead as a nation,”

she said. Recognising that within a matter of months, Guyana will become an oil-producing nation, a step which will, hopefully, transform the economy, better the lives of the citizens, and further the social and economic progress, Ms. Choo observed that as a small developing country, Guyana is constantly faced with the challenges of choosing between its own existence and its economic survival.

On environmental initiatives, it was disclosed that despite its huge oil finds, Guyana has committed to reducing its carbon footprints, and taken steps to transform its economy into a ‘green’ one through the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). “As citizens of Guyana, we must ensure that our natural resources are utilised in a transparent and sustainable manner that will benefit and improve the lives of our fellow Guyanese, and protect the environment for future generations,” Consul-General Choo said, adding: “This can only happen through a collective effort towards one goal: The development of our homeland, Guyana.”

The Guyana representative in Toronto declared that on this historic day of Guyana’s independence, citizens should recognise and reflect on the importance of working in unity by cooperating and embracing each other as equals.

Meanwhile, in brief remarks, Ms. Tania Lopez Larroque, Consul-General of Consulate General the Republic of Cuba, and Chair of the Caribbean Consular Corps, spoke of the cooperation among Caribbean nations in instances of natural disasters and other challenges. According to Cuba’s representative in Toronto, Cuba and Guyana

Sugar worker’s body recovered from canal THE decomposed body of a sugar worker from Berbice was recovered from a canal in Rose Hall Town on Monday by the police, four days after he went missing.

Hukumchan Inshanally, 56, left home for work Friday morning but never returned.

His family had launched a search but came up empty-handed.

It was around noon on Monday that news reached the family that a body believed to be his was found in a canal. The family later positively identified the body as that of Inshanally.

His wife, Sharda, was in

Hukumchan Inshanally

a state of disbelief when the news reached her. She had been hopeful that her husband would return home unharmed, and described him as a simple, honest and hardworking man.

Some of his relatives believe he may have slipped and fallen into the canal as he attempted to cross it and drowned and was eventually eaten by reptiles. Others are suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his death, and are calling on the police to question the people he was last seen with.

Consul-General Anyin Choo addressing the gathering at the flag-raising ceremony

have had a long history of collaboration and cooperation in many areas, especially on Agricultural

projects. The vote of thanks was done by Mr. Gerald Whyte, Consul at the Consulate-General of Guyana

in Toronto. A reception was held at the consulate immediately following the flag- raising ceremony.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Independence celebrations

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is greeted by young learners (Samuel Maughn photos)

Young dancers at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

President Granger greets Brigadier Patrick West as he arrives at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

Colourful young dancers at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

Members of the Girl Guides taking part at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

Young drummers at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

A cultural display at Guyana’s 53rd Independence Flag-raising ceremony

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

‘Breaking down the digital divide’ …Persons with disabilities having greater access to gov’t services …want more government websites to be accessible

By Vishani Ragobeer ROSEMARIE RAMITT is a teacher by profession.

She works with visually impaired students, to prepare them for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

She herself has a visual impairment.

“I do everything on my computer,” Ramitt told the Guyana Chronicle. Through the use of specialised software, like Jaws- which is a computer screen reader programme, she has been able to access many digital services, making her life much easier.

Resultantly, she related, “It’s really just getting used to the device in terms of how to use and learning how it benefits you, in terms of all the things that it can do.”

However, the challenge that exists for her is that though efforts have been made to place key government services online, these services have not been crafted in a way that is always compatible with the software that assists visually impaired persons.

Giving a practical demonstration, she tried logging into the University of Guyana (UG)’s student portal. With the help of a screen reader, she was able to get into the student portal and input her unique user identification number (ID). However, she forgot her password.

Normally, this isn’t a huge problem; there is a feature that exists that would send a message to the email you provided, which would subsequently allow you to reset the password. Ramitt did this, but before she could complete the process of resetting her password, there was an added security feature that required her to type the characters displayed.

As a visually impaired person, there was no way that she would do this on her own.

As such, she was unable to reset her password and could not access her UG student account.

The challenge encountered by Ramitt is one which many Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly those who are visually and hearing impaired, face in accessing web services. To address this, this International Telecommunications Union

Web Services Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Jaime Skeete

Local ICT workers being trained to make web services more accessible for PWDs in Guyana [Vishani Ragobeer photo]

Rosemarie Ramitt, a visually impaired teacher, shows the difficulties she faced in accessing certain web services [Delano Williams photo]

(ITU) crafted an “Internet for @ll” programme, which seeks to equip governments and other stakeholders with the skills to make web services more accessible.

“Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are necessary to ensure that all citizens have access to public information and communication and public services, such as health; e-government, emergency, etc,” ITU Senior Programme Officer, Roxana Iliescu, said.

Illiescu noted that though ICT is present in every aspect of life, not every person is readily able to access the technology. And according to her, digital inclusion must be a fundamental part of a country’s developmental agenda. “Digital inclusion means the empowerment of people through ICT,” Iliescu explained. “It is the ability of persons to access ICTs.” In so doing, the ITU officer noted that PWDs would benefit from greater socio-economic empowerment

of PWDs, which would, in turn, contribute to wider national development.

During the past week, ICT experts from the ITU were in Guyana training ICT specialists and officers from various government ministries and the University of Guyana to enhance digital public services, so that it could be accessible for PWDs. “The participants basically received the knowledge needed in terms of making sure that the sites we have for government ministries and agencies are in such a position that any person with a visual impairment or so can use the site,” Web Services Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Jaime Skeete, explained.

During this training, the participants were specifically exposed to the creation and remediation of accessibility for digital content- to make documents and files more accessible, and in web development and web design- to make the websites which encompass

more accessible to PWDs. Furthermore, he noted that the participants must now head back to their respective ministries and agencies to develop their services to the necessary levels of accessibility.

“There is a one-month period where each participant will communicate directly to the ITU experts to bring their digital content up to this standard,” Jaime said. “Once the ITU experts are satisfied [with the developments made to the websites] then the participants will gain the certification to say that they have been able to build accessible websites.”

But the work in making these services more acces-

A look at the Student login portal for the University of Guyana. At the bottom, the security feature that required Rosemarie to input the characters on the screen is shown

the files more accessible for PWDs. In the case of the UG student portal Rosemarie tried to access, a “sound” feature could be integrated too as part of the security measures.

Here, in addition to there being the feature of typing the characters seen, there could be an option where she can input the sounds she hears. This is just one way of making online services more accessible. Skeete further explained that the websites for government ministries and agencies were assessed to see just how accessible they were and subsequently, recommendations were made by the ITU experts as to how these can be improved.

These would include making the sites more accessible for screen readers, increasing font sizes and colour contrasts- for visually impaired persons; and captioning multimedia content- for hearing impaired persons.

And throughout this process, PWDs- including Rosemarie- were there to ‘test out’ the services and their subsequent improvements.

Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, had previously said that close to 200 government services will be placed online as her ministry is continuing its work to expand access to ICT countrywide. It is envisioned that all citizens, regardless of any differences in capabilities, ethnicity, age or otherwise, would be able to equitably access these services.

The “Internet for @ll” Programme is in line with ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution 200 ‘Connect 2020 Agenda for Global Telecommunication/ICT Development’ and ITU Strategic Goal to ensure ICT is accessible to PWDs. The programme is focused on two fundamental aspects: national political buy-in, which came in the form of the government (through the Public Telecommunications) and other stakeholders subscribing to the programme; and capacity building, which was the week long training session.

Jaime also highlighted that through the collaboration with the ITU, government ministries are now mandated to make their digital services

sible doesn’t just stop here.

An added dimension to the programme is that it has been crafted with a “self-sustainable model”, through which UG will now develop this programme with the course content provided by the ITU and have other stakeholders trained to improve their web services. In the next few weeks, personnel from the university’s Computer Science department will develop the course for persons to receive training in. “[Making the web services more accessible] is a requirement for government ministries, but folks like the private sector and so are encouraged to do the same,” Skeete related.

“For the past two years, technology for PWDs in Guyana has really grown,” Rosemarie contended. However, she also shared: “I would like to see a lot more websites that are accessible, especially government websites because we depend on those for information and services and we need to have access to that kind of critical information.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Moraikobai residents receive HEYS grants

TWELVE persons from Moraikobai, Mahaica-Berbice are now beneficiaries of the Hinterland Em-

A total sum of $600,000 was set aside for various projects in the village this quarter and the participants last Fri-

mony to the changes realised in her life through the programme, Marina Hope said “because of the HEYS

A section of the gathering at the event where the grants were given to the participants in the programme.

ployment Youth Service (HEYS) project- the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs flagship youth programme.

day received a $50,000 grant each to boost their respective establishments, the ministry stated.

During a moving testi-

programme, today I am now a seamstress; own my own sewing machine, and a grocery shop. I never had this opportunity before and I am

really thankful for it.”

Latoya Jacobs, another beneficiary of the programme said, “this HEYS programme

was able to build and own my own home and for that I am happy.”

Clinton, who spoke on

A participant receives her grant from David James, who is the Legal Advisor to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock

did a wonderful thing for me in my life, I was at home sitting down doing nothing, and since this programme came out, I started knowing things that I never know especially the catering side.

I never know to make like egg ball, pine tart and now I trying with all of that.”

Cheryl Clinton, a single parent said, “starting in the HEYS programme I was living a single parent life, I have four kids and it was not easy and I must thank the Government for choosing to put the programme in this village. I’m happy to be on board because from that I

behalf of her cousin Vanessa Clinton who is differently -abled, said that the latter runs a successful poultry business. “It is helping her a lot because she has a family of two. It’s helping her to send her daughter to school and in the home and even help her husband so the business she is in is great and is helping her,” she said.

Neil Persaud, who is the Programme Monitor for Coastal Villages, spoke of the benefits the programme has brought to persons. “We have seen the fruits of this programme today, the evidence is there. The pro-

gramme is a catalyst or an agent that causes development in a faster way and this is what HEYS is all about.

It is for your development.

I like the stories where you were once dependent now you are independent, that’s the goal, that’s what we want,” he said.

He added, “we want to thank those who would have made use of this opportunity to develop yourself and build and become independent so we want to encourage you to continue on that path.”

Persaud further explained that the APNU+AFC government has invested some $9.5M in the village of Moraikobai in an effort to not only empower them individually, but also to boost economic activities there.

David James, who is the Legal Adviser to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, said he was pleased to see the vision of President David Granger for Hinterland Development realised.

“Today looking at what you have done, HEYS is a programme that has borne fruit and has fulfilled the promise that it was meant to be, the promise that it would improve your life, it would improve the life of your community, which TURN TO PAGE 15 ►

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Police intensify search for Brazilian cop-shooter A POLICE constable was shot to the chest on Sunday while, allegedly, trying to arrest a Brazilian for possession of illegal ammunition at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River.

The Police Constable was identified as Anthony Weekes and he was flown to Georgetown Sunday and is presently a patient at the

St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in a stable condition.

Additional ranks have been dispatched to the location as searches for the suspect continue. Reports indicate that police ranks received information that the Brazilian miner had unlicensed weapons at the camp and Constable Weekes and two others visited the camp

Shooter at KK Service Station being sought

The KK Service Station

POLICE are on the hunt for a man who opened fire from a car at the KK Service Station, Plantation Unity, East Coast Demerara, in the wee hours of Monday morning, in the aftermath of a fight at the venue.

Reports indicate that at 02:10hrs, there was a fight between persons at the service station which quickly escalated into weapons being fired. “Individuals at the service station disputed amongst themselves which led to physical fighting. A Sheriff Security’s Officer approached and the fight ceased and persons in a heavily-tinted white vehicle that

‘uplifted’ the person involved in the fight began shooting at the Service Station’s gas pump,” one eyewitness said.

It was disclosed that the Sheriff Security’s Officer quickly took cover and returned fire causing the vehicle to speed away heading into the Berbice direction.

Police were then contacted and the scene was visited as investigations continue into the shooting. “We would like to commend the Security Officer of Sheriff Security Service for the great work that was done.

He stepped in when he was needed and protected his surroundings and everyone in it,” said one man.

FROM PAGE 14

Moraikobai residents ... means that you will have a better life.”

He added, “you have already shown that you have started well, you have shown the desire, you have shown the commitment and this is not an end in itself… this could be the stepping stone to many things greater and bigger in the future, so I think that is the story and the lesson you should learn from HEYS.” Twenty youths from the village participated in the one-year programme (20172018), and to date, all of the participants have thriving

businesses. A remaining eight participants will soon receive their grants. The village of Moraikobai is located some ninety eight miles up the Mahaicony River and is home to more than 600 residents, who mainly depend on logging, fishing and hunting for their daily existence.

They can now boast of having established village shops, fuel depots, a salon, garment construction shops, snackettes, poultry farms, cassareep shops and ground provision farms.

The .38 rounds found at the camp

on foot at around 05:30hrs Sunday.

Police alleged that they went to the suspect’s sleeping quarters and found him lying on his bed. Reports further indicate that the suspect drew a firearm from underneath his pillow and discharged four rounds in the direction of the ranks, one of which struck Constable Weekes to his left side chest.

The policemen alleged-

ly sought cover and, in the process, the suspect escaped.

A search of his camp unearthed thirty-six .38 rounds of ammunition along with a suspected warhead lodged in a fuel barrel. Seven workers of the operation who were in camp at the time have been arrested and are in custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 28, 2019

Holder sees 2019 World Cup as a chance to create new history

BRISTOL, England, (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder has underscored the importance of the ICC World Cup to the Caribbean, and hopes his West Indies side can make the region proud when the tournament bowls off here Thursday.

West Indies boast a fabled history in the tournament, winning the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 – both staged in England – and reaching the final of the 1983 edition before dramatically losing to India.

Though there has been little success since then, fans’ expectations have been raised especially following the side’s 2-2 draw with world number ones England in the five-match one-day series earlier this year, and Holder said they would be aiming to put some smiles on the faces of supporters again.0 “We’ve spoken a lot

about restoring pride to West Indian cricket,” said Holder, the world’s leading all-rounder in Tests.

“We know the significance of our success to an entire region. When the West Indies are doing well, an entire region is happy. What other sport can say that? The success of those teams of the past is held close in the hearts of all our people, they adore their cricket.”

Legendary captain Clive Lloyd was the architect of the region’s previous World Cup titles, and his hundred in the ’75 final against Australia at Lord’s help set the two teams apart.

The final four years later belonged to Lloyd’s heir apparent, Sir Vivian Richards, who unveiled a magical unbeaten 138 against England, again at Lord’s, to power West Indies.

While those memories remain fresh in the minds of

Caribbean people, Holder said his side were looking to create their own history in coming weeks.

“I understand their achievements but I don’t want to dwell on it. I want to create my own legacy and we are in control of how people remember this team in 30 or 40 years,” Holder pointed out.

“As a collective we can highlight the significance of history but it comes down to you as an individual. No one can change the past and we wouldn’t want to but let’s focus on the future and what we can control.”

West Indies will not be among the favourites when they face Pakistan in their opening match in Nottingham on Friday. They have not won a series in five years and were forced to play in an ICC qualifying tournament to reach the World Cup, after finding themselves ranked

ninth in September 2017.

However, their daring brand of cricket in the recent series against England has offered plenty hope, and Holder believes opponents can write off West Indies at their peril.

“We know we are underdogs and it’s not a problem for us, we’ll be doing everything in our power to win this competition,” he stressed.

“Just look at Tiger Woods [winning the Masters earlier this year], it proves anything can happen in sport and sometimes. When the pressure is off or attention is elsewhere, amazing things happen.”

West Indies take on New Zealand today in their final official warm-up match before the tournament bowls off. Their first warm-up on Sunday against South Africa was rained off after only 76 balls.

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MHS win bragging rights after beating `Muli’ 324-238 points MACKENZIE High School (MHS) won the bragging rights as they topped Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School ‘Multi’ 324-238 points when they squared off on Independence Day, Sunday, in a rain-affected showdown in athletics at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

Junior national athlete, Deshanna Skeete, running for the Mackenzie High School, emerged as the most outstanding athlete of the championship with 30 points, while Christianburg-Wismar Secondary’s Shaquka Tyrell was also in brilliant form, accumulating 28 points as they were the Champion Female Athletes, while Russell Payton of Mackenzie High School scored 26 points to be the Outstanding Athlete while Christianburg-Wismar Secondary’s Tristan Clarke gained 25 points to be among the best at the Championship.

Rolling back a rivalry which started in the mid 1970’s, both schools were keen on showing the talent that, over the

years, made them the powerhouses in track and field in the mining town.

From then to now, the Upper Demerara / Kwakwani District 10 has emerged as the most dominant in the history of the National Championship and the pivotal roles, played by both MHS and Multi, cannot be denied and some of those athletes who were outstanding through those years were on hand to witness the battle of the titans and among them were former athletes, Michael Goodluck of Mackenzie High and Sandra Baird of the Christianburg-Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’ School.

Also present were the Amateur Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Aubrey Hutson and Region 10 Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford.

While Mackenzie High School won the championship, the two competing schools were rewarded with a smart television and $100,000. (Joe Chapman)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

Sugar Ray says boxing not dead, rival Duran not so sure

By Rory Carroll LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard says that while the sport may not be the national obsession it was during his prime, it is still healthy, an assertion disputed by longtime rival-turned-friend Roberto Duran.

In a joint interview to promote a new film on the Panamanian’s career, entitled “I Am Duran”, the former enemies traded barbs - and laughs - about the state of the sport as well as the nature of their historic battles which captivated the sporting world in the 1980s.

“Boxing is not dead like some say it is,” said Leonard,

who lost his WBC Welterweight title to Duran in the “Brawl in Montreal” in 1980 before winning it back in an infamous rematch later that

same year.

“But the sport itself has to fix itself. Don’t just say you’re the best - show the people or the fans that you

Sugar Ray Leonard walks the red carpet during the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Caesar’s Palace. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

are the best by fighting the best and let them be the judge,” he told Reuters.

Duran, 67, made it clear he did not think much of the current crop of fighters.

“No respect,” he said through an interpreter when asked about the personalities who populate the ring today, such as heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and WBC heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder.

“We were born in the time period of the real fighters,” he said.

“If you compare today’s boxers to the boxers like us from back in those days, these guys would have never won.”

Duran, who fought his way out of poverty to become an icon in his native Panama, said he did, however, like Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who currently holds three of the four middleweight titles.

“I admire the Mexican kid who obviously is doing very well. I always think that Americans are the ones making the big bucks here in this sport,” he said.

“However, we have Canelo now. He’s not only a Mexican but he’s also a Latino who’s doing really well and making a lot of money.”

‘WHO HIT THE HARDEST?’ Leonard said Duran, whose relentless, aggressive fighting style and punishing punches earned him an astounding 103-16 career record, is among the best he ever faced.

“People ask me that all the time, who hit you the hardest?” Leonard said.

“And a lot of times I say Roberto Duran because Duran hit me so hard — and so many times in so many il-

eighth round.

Leonard successfully changed his tactics in the rematch, moving constantly

Former boxer Roberto Duran gestures as he arrives at a photocall for the film “Hands of stone” out of competition at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 16, 2016. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

legal places — that it felt like a few people in the ring,” he said, flashing his trademark smile.

“He was so quick and so elusive. Just an amazing, amazing champion.”

Leonard, who won 36 and drew one of his 40 fights, said he lost the first meeting with Duran, a 15-round unanimous decision, in part because he chose to stand toe to toe with Duran instead of relying on his superior speed.

Leonard has said he wanted to hurt Duran after he made disparaging remarks about Leonard’s wife in the lead up to the fight, the only fight Leonard said he ever went into angry.

The two would face off in a rematch later that year in a fight dubbed “No Mas” after Duran shocked the world by quitting midway through the

and taunting Duran in ways that unnerved the champion.

Duran said he was forced to stop fighting due to overwhelming muscle pain that he said was connected to the rapid weight loss he went through to make the weight for the rematch.

Duran, who is known for his acerbic wit and love of a good time, had packed on the pounds while celebrating his win over Leonard.

But time heals all wounds and Leonard says he is happy to call him a friend, even if it took some getting used to.

“It seems so surreal when I see him because the first thing I want to do is do this,” said Leonard, putting up his fists.

“But in all sincerity, I love this guy. This guy made me the fighter I am today.”

Bravo reveals Holder blocked his return to World Cup squad TRINIDAD and Tobago all-rounder Dwayne Bravo says he wanted to be a part of the West Indies squad for the ICC 50 over World Cup but captain Jason Holder felt it wasn’t right.

The 35 year old who retired from international cricket last year, has not played an ODI for the Caribbean side since 2014, but was named in a 10 man reserve list for the tournament.

And although he was slightly disappointed in missing out on the original 15-

man squad, Bravo speaking in a recent interview with Trinidad’s I-95.5 radio, says Holder preferred players who have been active. “When the opportunity came up and there was a slight chance of me being there in the World Cup, I had a chat with the captain Jason Holder and let him know that I could be available if opportunities are there.

He said as much as he would have loved to have me in the set-up, it might be a bit unfair to the other guys who

were there before which I accept because I haven’t played for four years and already retired,” noted Bravo.

However, Bravo says he is still available for the World Cup if he is selected as a replacement and is looking forward to being a part of future T20 teams . Bravo could make his return for the Windies in August, for the three T20 internationals against India in Florida.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

Warriors heavily favored over Raptors in NBA Finals (REUTERS)-The Golden State Warriors are favored in the NBA Finals for the fifth consecutive year, as they opened as heavy favorites against the Toronto Raptors late Saturday night.

Most sportsbooks had the Warriors around -300 to win the series, meaning a $300 bet would win $100.

The Raptors were offered by several outlets at +250 — meaning a $100 bet would win $250 — making them the second-largest underdogs in the past eight NBA

Finals (2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers).

The Warriors, seeking their third straight title and fourth in five years, were already installed as favorites before their Finals opponent was known, with most sportsbooks putting them at -275 vs. any opponent, and around -180 if facing the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors rallied past the Bucks in Game 6 on Saturday night for their fourth straight win, claiming the best-of-seven series 4-2 to

Nadal back to his merciless old self on new French Open centre court

By Julien Pretot PARIS (Reuters) - Claycourt master Rafael Nadal quickly adapted to the new surroundings at Roland Garros with a 6-2 6-1 6-3 demolition of German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the first round of the French Open on Monday.

On a revamped Court P h i l i p p e C h a t r i e r, t h e 11-times champion wasted little time in despatching Hanfmann after the German had the audacity to say in the run up to the match that he could do ‘some damage’.

Nadal will next meet another qualifier, German Yannick Maden.

Hanfmann failed to seize potential opportunities as Nadal, who usually starts slowly at Roland Garros, limited his unforced errors to 11.

The quest for perfection has always defined Nadal and the win improved his Roland Garros record to a remarkable 87-2. The Spaniard is hoping to become the first player to win the same Grand Slam title 12 times.

“What I did during all my career probably is go on court with the goal to improve something, and that makes me feel alive always and makes me feel passionate about the process of improving anything,” the second seed explained. After suffering

Rafael Nadal

consecutive semi-final exits in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid this season, questions were asked about Nadal’s form heading into his favourite Grand Slam.

He answered many of those doubts by beating rival Novak Djokovic to win the Italian Open title in Rome, but even that was not enough to convince Nadal that he was ready for Paris.

“It’s very difficult to be convinced that you’re okay.

I don’t know if many people are convinced about anything in this life,” he said.

“I think when you’re convinced about something, you’re very arrogant, because most of the time you can hope that something is going to happen, and have the desire for something to happen.

“But to be convinced, I’m almost convinced about nothing in this world.”

Portland, OR, USA; The Golden State Warriors get together for a team photo after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in game four of the Western conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

reach the first NBA Finals in franchise history. They have home-court advantage in the series, which begins Thursday, though most sportsbooks have Toronto between a 1-point favorite and a 1-point underdog at home in Game 1.

The Warriors have won six straight games, including five without Kevin Durant, who strained his calf on May 8 and is not expected to be ready for the start of the Finals. The team is hopeful he can return during the series, while

center DeMarcus Cousins could also return from a torn quad muscle.

Golden State last played on May 20, providing five more days of rest than Toronto will have.

The Raptors went 2-0 against the Warriors this season, winning 131-128 in overtime at home on Nov. 29 and 113-93 in Oakland, Calif., on Dec. 12. Stephen Curry missed the first meeting, while Kawhi Leonard missed the second.

Serena comes from behind to reach French Open second round SERENA Williams survived a scare as she fought back to beat Russian world number 83 Vitalia Diatchenko in the French Open first round.

American Williams, who has been battling injury, showed rustiness in a poor first set filled with loose shots.

But the 23-time Grand Slam champion found her rhythm to claim 12 of the final 13 games and win 2-6 6-1 6-0 at Roland Garros in Paris.

Williams, 37, faces Japan’s Kurumi Nara or Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic next.

“There is always a lot of fear for a first-round match,” Williams said.

“I made lots of mistakes in the first set and I just said ‘good luck, Serena’.

Serena Williams has won the French Open singles title three times

“I was strong after that.

Now I feel like I need to go and practise.”

The women’s draw at Roland Garros had already lost Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber and former world number ones Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams to first-round defeats, while sixth seed Petra Kvitova pulled out injured.

It started to look like Williams’ name would be added to the list of casualties.

Her season has been disrupted by a persistent knee injury and she was even pictured sat in a wheelchair - seemingly as a protective measure - on a trip to Disneyland Paris with her daughter Olympia last week.

The injury forced her to pull out of the Italian Open two weeks ago, meaning she had played only once on clay since last year’s Roland Garros.

Since losing to Karolina Pliskova in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January, Williams has played in only three tournaments - Indian Wells, Miami and Rome - and has withdrawn from all of them.

So it was unsurprising to see the 10th seed make 14 unforced errors in the opening set against 28-year-old Diatchenko.

Loud screams of frustration at the start of the second set seemed to have a cathartic effect, with Williams finding her stride soon after.

The three-time French Open champion, who is aiming to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, hit 20 winners in the final two sets as she increased the intensity against a rapidly wilting Diatchenko.

In the end it was a procession to an 800th victory in the main draw of a tournament as Williams became the first woman to reach the milestone. (BBC Sport)

Djokovic up and running with easy win in Paris PARIS (Reuters) - Top seed Novak Djokovic eased into the second round of the French Open on Monday with a 6-4 6-2 6-2 defeat of young Polish player Hubert Hurkacz.

The 32-year-old Serb is bidding for a second Roland Garros title and to become the first man in the professional era to hold all four Grand Slam titles on two separate occasions.

Reigning champion Rafael Nadal, the man most likely to block Djokovic’s path to a second “Nole Slam”, had earlier launched his bid for a 12th title on the Parisian clay in sublime fashion.

But Djokovic more than matched the Spaniard’s display with a near faultless performance in the afternoon sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to seal a 22nd consecu-

tive win in Grand Slam play since losing in the quarter-finals here last year.

He broke serve in the opening game on his way to taking the opening set in routine fashion and the only blip was when he dropped serve at 4-1 in the second set. The match was more or less in the bag by then, however, and Djokovic cantered to victory to set

Novak Djokovic was broken once in the second set in a nearflawless performance.

up a second-round clash with Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

Aston Villa return to Premier League

with win over Derby County

LONDON (Reuters) - Aston Villa returned to the Premier League, after a three-year absence, beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Monday.

Goals from Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn put Villa 2-0 up before Martyn Waghorn pulled one back for Derby in the 81st minute, but Dean Smith’s side held on for the victory under intense pressure.

The playoff final is considered the most lucrative single game of football in the world, with promotion earning Villa an estimated 170 million pounds ($215.51 million) in revenue.

Norwich City and Shef-

field United had already secured promotion to the top flight for next season after finishing in the top two positions in the second tier Championship.

Villa, European champions in 1982, were relegated in 2016 and lost to Fulham in last year’s playoff final.

El Ghazi opened the scoring just before the break with a diving header from Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross from the right.

McGinn doubled the advantage in the 59th minute when a deflected shot from El Ghazi looped into the area. Derby keeper Kelle Roos came out but was unable to capture the ball under a challenge from McGinn,

Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - Aston Villa’s Anwar El-Ghazi celebrates scoring their first goal with Tammy Abraham Action Images via Reuters/Tony O’Brien

who bundled it home.

Derby, managed by former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard, got back in the game when substitute Jack Marriott’s

Khawaja guides Australia to comfortable win over Sri Lanka (REUTERS) - Opener Usman Khawaja shrugged off injury concerns to guide Australia to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their final World Cup warm-up match on Monday.

Australia’s disciplined bowling performance restricted Sri Lanka to 239-8, but they looked to have suffered a blow when Khawaja limped off after being hit on the knee while fielding.

He later emerged to open the batting alongside captain Aaron Finch and continued his push for a spot in the Australian top order with a 105-ball 89.

Shaun Marsh (34), Glenn Maxwell (36) and Marcus Stoinis (32)failed to build on solid starts but wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey and Pat Cummins ensured Australia chased down the total with 31 balls to spare.

Finch, who deployed eight bowlers on a chilly day in Southampton, was pleased with preparations ahead of their World Cup opener against Afghanistan on Saturday.

“Feels like we are ready

low shot was turned in by Waghorn and they piled on the pressure in the final minutes, but were unable to break through.

Villa’s local-born mid-

fielder Jack Grealish, who was close to leaving the club before the start of the season, showed his class throughout and was delighted with promotion.

“I’m speechless. It was such a hard game... It means the world to go up, we know where this club belongs.

I’ve stayed here and we’re back there now. I’ve led my boyhood team to the Premier League,” he said.

A 10-match winning streak during the run-in propelled Smith’s Villa side into the playoffs where they got past West Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals.

Smith, who began the season at Brentford and took

Archer, Roy star as England cruise to nine-wicket win over Afghanistan

England opener Jason Roy smacked an unbeaten 89 from 46 balls.

Usman Khawaja top scored for the Aussies with 89 off 105 balls

to go,” Finch said. “Practice games are great to keep ticking the boxes and ensure we are doing our basics well.

“Guys are putting their hands up, and it will be a brutal selection call come our first game.

“We have specific plans against Afghanistan, they have some world class players.”

Sri Lanka were off to a steady start after opting to bat first but wickets at regular intervals from Australian spinners in the middle overs meant they failed to post a big score.

Opener Lahiru Thirimanne carved out a com-

posed half-century but his dismissal by off-spinner Nathan Lyon sparked a middle-order collapse as Sri Lanka slipped from 110-2 to 161-6.

All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (43) shared a 64-run seventh-wicket stand with Thisara Perera (27) to ensure Sri Lanka breached the 200run mark, before Mitchell Starc rattled his stumps in the 47th over.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins was Australia’s most economical bowler, collecting 1-23 from eight overs, while leg-spinner Adam Zampa collected 2-39 from nine overs.

over from Steve Bruce at Villa Park in October, said the club had an exciting future with the backing of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

“It feels very good. The lads are a terrific bunch.

They take on different ideas, they deserve it. I believe pressure is what you put on yourself, we work hard every day, the only difference is expectation. We’ve got two owners have got a lot of money, and are in it for the long haul. The potential now is massive,” he said.

(REUTERS) - England cruised to a nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in their final World Cup warm-up at The Oval on Monday after a Jofra Archer-led bowling attack restricted the underdogs to 160.

Opener Jason Roy smashed an unbeaten 46-ball 89, studded with 11 fours and four sixes, and Joe Root finished on 29 not out as England chased down the total with 32.3 overs to spare.

After defeat to Australia in their previous warm-up game, Roy was pleased with his team’s all-round display ahead of Thursday’s World Cup opener against South Africa at the same venue.

“I am feeling really good.

I want the tournament to start now. It was a good preparation leading into Thursday (opening World

Cup

match,”

Jofra Archer immediately put Afghanistan under pressure with a hostile opening spellell.

Roy

said.

“We want to be doing this on Thursday and doing it throughout the whole tournament. The World Cup can’t come soon enough.”

After England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and opted to field, Archer and Root’s parttime off-spin delivered three wickets apiece in bowler-friendly conditions.

Barbados-born fast bowler Archer struck twice with the new ball, drawing a top edge from Hazratullah Zazai before wicketkeeperbatsman Rahmat Shah holed out to mid-on. He finished with three for 32.

The wheels came off the Afghanistan innings when they lost four wickets in the space of just eight deliveries, with Hashmatullah Shahidi (19) and Najibullah Zadran

(1)

carelessly

run

out.

Captain Gulbadin Naib (14) was caught at long-on to Moeen Ali and Rashid Khan edged Root to slip for a golden duck. Root claimed his third wicket as Aftab Alam chipped straight to point.

Mohammad Nabi offered some resistance with a 42ball 44, which included three sixes, but he was the last man out when a thick edge off Archer found Jonny Bairstow at deep third-man.

Earlier in the day, England’s medical department delivered some positive news as seamer Mark Wood was declared fit to face South Africa.

The 29-year-old Durham bowler had left the field after feeling discomfort in his left foot against Australia but scans have shown no sign of injury.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday May 28, 2019

Reggae Girlz ‘adjusting well’ despite weekend travel nightmare

REGGAE Girlz Head Coach Hue Menzies said his players have managed to put the weekend’s travel mishaps behind and are settling in nicely before today’s final World Cup warm-up match against a tough Scotland unit.

with the itinerary for the delegation were due solely to the availability of the total number of seats available at the time of making the reservations,” the JFF said.

“The itinerary utilised was done in an effort to keep the entire travelling group together.”

Scotland defeated worldnumber 10 Brazil in April which makes them a confident team in the lead up to the number 53 ranked Girlz.

The Reggae Girlz were subjected to an unnecessary circuitous journey to Scotland from Florida that saw them travel from the USA to Morocco before eventually arriving in Scotland in separate groups between Saturday evening

However, to add to the players’ worries, when they arrived in Scotland they discovered that several pieces of luggage were missing and up to Monday remained so.

The Reggae Girls have managed to put their weekend travel mishaps behind them.

and

Sunday

morning.

The

Jamaica

Football

Federation (JFF) offered a vague explanation of the matter in a statement released

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel cleared of injury

Shannon Gabriel (right) makes a point to fellow speedster Oshane Thomas during a practice session in Bristol last weekend. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

BRISTOL, England, (CMC) – Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has been cleared of injury after limping off during the rain-abandoned official warm-up match against South Africa here Sunday.

The 31-year-old sent down just two deliveries before leaving the field as South Africa reached 95 without loss after being sent in.

Gabriel had earlier taken a blow to the knee while fielding and went off as a precaution after experiencing some discomfort at the start of his spell.

His over was finished by fast-bowling all-rounder Andre Russell.

Gabriel, expected to spearhead West Indies’ attack in the upcoming ICC World Cup, did not feature in last Wednesday’s unofficial warm-up against Australia.

Today’ss final official warm-up against New Zealand therefore will be his last chance for match practice ahead of the Windies’ opening match of the World Cup against Pakistan on Friday in Nottingham.

He was in reasonably decent form during the recent Tri-Nations Series involving hosts Ireland and Bangladesh, taking seven wickets in four appearances.

With the weather allowing just 76 deliveries in Sunday’s encounter against here, the Windies will be hoping for a full game against the Black Caps in order to finetune their preparation.

The World Cup bowls off May 30 with England hosting South Africa at the Oval, and runs until July 14.

late

Saturday

“Challenges

evening. experienced

Menzies, however, said the players were focused on the task at hand and have so far managed to put the matter behind them, for now.

“The spirit of the girl has been great,” Menzies told Sportsmax.TV on Monday.

“Obviously, we had some challenges travelling but we have to look at the positive side, and the mind is always stronger than the body so we want them to really focus on getting acclimated as quickly as we can, trying to rest them as much as we can.”

He revealed that because of the situation, the players have missed a few training sessions but “we feel like we have adjusted well.”

Guyadeen wins Tiger Woods flight and best net at WIAGA Spring Tournament CRISENDAT Guyadeen stormed to an overall score of 146 to win the Tiger Woods Flight (the top flight of the tournament) and the best net when action in the West Indian/ American Golf Association (WIAGA) Spring Tournament concluded on Saturday.

Golfers were given the opportunity to use their two best rounds over the three days (every Saturday over the last three weeks) in their final score.

Guyadeen, who scored an amazing 64 on the opening day, which included seven birdies over 18 holes at the Douglaston Golf Course in Queens, NY, had finished with another top score of 77 at the Forest Park Golf Course in Brooklyn in the second round.

At that course in Woodhaven, NY, where US president, Donald Trump, learnt to play the sport with his dad, the Berbice born Guyadeen had scored 36 in his front nine and 41 in his last nine holes.

Over the weekend, the 60-year-old finished the competition with a score of 82 on the 7000 yards Marine Park Course (where the annual Brooklyn Open is played).

He then used the 82 (final day score was mandatory for the golfers) and his 64 from the opening week, for an overall score of 146. Although Guyadeen just missed out on winning the final day, he did enough in his earlier round for the best overall finish.

Thirty-nine golfers took part in

Crisendat Guyadeen finished with the best overall score at the West Indian American Golf Association Spring Tournament.

three flights (Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Joe Sol-

oman flights) during the three days of competition.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday May 28, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Clive Lloyd-1975 (2) Dickie Bird & Tom Spencer (ENG) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times Australia have won the World Cup to date?

(2)

How many times the WI have won?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Bravo reveals Holder Holder sees 2019 World blocked his return to World Cup squad Cup as a chance to

create new history 19

Page

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo is one of the 10 reserve players named by the CWI selectors for the World Cup.

POINTING THE WAY: West Indies skipper Jason Holder is hoping to create new memories during the upcoming World Cup.

2019 NBA Finals fixture list Golden State Warriors vs.

Toronto Raptors Game 1: Thur, May 30, Golden State at Toronto | 9 ET (ABC) Game 2: Sun, June 2, Golden State at Toronto | 8 ET (ABC)

Page

20

Team NCNeil/Cameron Athletics

MHS win bragging rights after beating `Muli’ 324-238 points Page

19

Game 3: Wed, June 5, Toronto at Golden State | 9 ET (ABC) Game 4: Fri, June 7, Toronto at Golden State | 9 ET (ABC) *Game 5: Mon, June 10, Golden State at Toronto | 9 ET (ABC) *Game 6: Thur, June 13, Toronto at Golden State | 9 ET (ABC) *Game 7: Sun, June 16, Golden State at Toronto | 8 ET (ABC)

Mackenzie High School-- Winners of the championship. At left is Shawn McNeil, at right is MP Audwin Rutherford and 2nd right is Floyd Cameron Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2019