Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 24 03 2017

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Oil Rig, Stena Carron is conducting exploratory drilling operations on the Snoek well, a new reservoir within the Stabroek Block 130 miles off the Atlantic sea-coast of Guyana (OPM photo)

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Hotel owner

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charged with hiring

Prize Laureate SiiliE back to

hitman, granted bail

The passing of Nobel

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...as SCS receives suspension order

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

More

green

initiatives taking

Change, A team, comprising the staff from the Office of Climate Change and volunteers from the CYEN, delivered a 90-minute sessions to the All Saints Primary, the New Amsterdam Multilateral and the Manchester Secondary schools in East Berbice-Corentyne.

Yasmin Bowman, Communications Specialist at the OCC, said in a government statement that the outreach to the region is one in a series of outreaches, which have been planned by the Department for the first quarter of 2017.

Guyana's green agenda seems to be rolling out just fine with a number of prominent figures and companies adhering to the mantra of going green.

While the government continues to be instrumental in the encouragement process, private persons are wasting no time in adjusting to the benefits of going green, particularly when it brings ease Guyana Chronicle (NY) had reported on a number of businesses such as Eureka labs completely activating solar energy systems on their premisess. This time a businessman has purchased an entire wind turbine.

The owner of Plastics International Hotel, Haresh Sugrim is said to be from

to their pockets. in collaboration with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), has designated the first quarter of 2017 to educate school children on the importance of the green agenda in relation to Climate

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Bylena Henry Skeldon Berbice and is keen on assisting in turning Guyana into a green state. Mr. Sugrim said that he will be using the wind turbine which has a production capacity of 25 kilo volt X Amps kVA to power his hotel establishment. He also said that he was encouraged by the President's intention to make Guyana a green economy and invited other business persons to "do something to save the earth."

In the meantime, the Office of Climate Change (OCC), which falls under the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency,

Hotel

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Staffers

owner charged

A BUSINESSMAN was granted $1.5M bail after he was charged with soliciting a man to commit murder.

Ganesh Rajkumar. 65. of Durban and Henry Streets, appeared before Chief Mag-

place

istrate Ann McLennan on Monday and was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on August 25.

2016 at Durban and Henry Streets, he solicited Mark Sandy to murder Roger Con-

GOLD PALACE JEWELRY

with

hiring

nors.

The accused was represented by Senior Counsel.

Neil Boston, who told the court the allegation was made

by Sandy after he learned that Rajkumar was entering

hitman,

a sizable deal with a bank, to pump money into his business. Boston added that Sandy's allegation is a failed extortion attempt.

He added that Sandy was employed by the accused.

in

Guyana

She said a total of 20 schools were targeted and thus far, 14 have been completed. She also said that the team is engaging a lot of the schools in Regions 4, 5,6 and 10.

"The purpose of these sessions is ... to bring awareness to the students on Climate Change." She said based on interactions, it was observed that a number of children were not familiar with Climate Change, "... So we are hoping that once we visit the school, we can bring awareness to the children," Bowman explained.

It was felt however that the initiative should he taken countrywide. Head Master of the All Saints Primary, Bassant Jagdeo, told the team that the green agenda initiative should go national to incite, "behavioural changes that can be achieved for the good of the environment and the country as a whole.

It was noted that an effort would be made to take the matter of Climate Change to communities and homes. It was stated that to achieve a better attitude towards the environment, parents, must become aware of Climate Change so they in turn can make their children aware.

It was declared that athletic clubs, religious organisations and other groups should be targeted to circulate the message of saving the environment.

granted

Rajkumar. who is the owner of the Arawak Hotel in Corriverton. Berbice. It is believed that he also has a number of mining concessions.

Police prosecutor. Corporal Deniro Jones, objected to bail for Rajkumar based on the nature of the offense and the penalty attached. Jones added that Rajkumar has the means, not only to flee

bail

the jurisdiction, but also to interfere with the witnesses.

Rajkumar's defense attorney rebutted that the only witness for the prosecution would be Sandy. He added that his client has cooperated throughout with police officers. which represents good faith.

Bail was granted and Rajkumar will return to court on March 28,2017.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Exxon

3

ramps

up

drilling

conducting exploratory operations on new reservoir - PM, other ministers get tour

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northwest of the 2015 Liza discovery. Exxon plans to move to two other locations in the months ahead, including the Liza 4 field.

Only recently government appointed Dr. Jan Mangal. an expert in offshore and civil engineering, as Petroleum Advisor in the Ministry

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tion on the development of the petroleum industry.

"He will be advising the Minister and the Ministry of Natural Resources on matters of policy... We are happy to have a Guyanese person possessing the skills that are now available to us," he said.

of the Presidency.

Guyanese by birth. Dr. Mangal brings with him a wealth of technical expertise and experiences in the area of oil and gas development.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has said that Dr. Mangal will be advising the administra-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, along with officials of ExxonMobil on the oil rig PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on Wednesday boarded the giant oil rig, Stena Carron, which is conducting exploratory drilling operations on the Snoek well, a new reservoir within the Stabroek Block 130 miles off the Atlantic sea-coast of Guyana.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Vice-President. Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources. Simona Broomes. and Joanna Homer.

Legal Officer.

According to a release from the Prime Minister's Office, the 11-compartment Norwegian-owned drill ship has done advanced feasibility drills at the billion-barrel Liza wells, which is some 10 miles from the Snoek well, the latest in the string of oil finds in Guyana.

The Guyanese delegation met Rig Manager Kenny Ward. Operations Manager Allan Mathieson and Drilling Superintendent Billy Jack Lawson. They explained various aspects of the new oil find and revealed that pipes have already been laid to connect with the oil well at the site. Various specimen and quality tests are also underway. They also displayed the rig's computerized system to monitor oil extraction and safety issues.

Also on the tour were Doug McGehee and Kimberly Brassington. Operations Manager and Director of Government Affairs of Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited, the local incorporated company of ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil has announced massive finds of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstones in Liza 1. 2 and 3 and the nearby Payara reservoirs that made Guyana

the latest petroleum frontier.

ExxonMobil has given a preliminary schedule of oil production in 2020.

An article which appeared in the New York Times in January stated that Guyana is poised to become the next big oil producer in the Western Hemisphere, attracting the attention and investment dollars of some of the biggest oil companies in the world.

The report referred to an announcement by ExxonMobil and Hess Guyana Exploration of the successful drilling of a deep-water exploration well that may soon confirm that the seafloor beneath Guyana's coastal waters contain one of the richest oil and natural gas discoveries in decades. Experts now estimate that one of its offshore fields alone, known as Liza, could contain 1.4 billion barrels of oil mixed with natural gas. comparable to some of the larger fields drilled in South America.

The report stated that early. rough estimates by experts of how much recoverable oil Guyana could have range to more than four billion barrels. which at today's prices would be worth more than US$200B. In addition to the Liza field. Exxon and drilling partner. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited are also exploring the Payara field, which is part of a block of 6.6 million acres. On January 12. Exxon announced that its drilling partner encountered more than 95 feet (29 metres) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs at Payara. It said that the area was safely drilled to 18.080 feet (5.512 meters) in 6.660 feet (2.030 metres) of water.

The Payara field discovery is about 10 miles (16 km)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017 . ■ : ci -i'

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G U Yfl N AiSBffiO ■ rm. wi/z&y * ; Race issues must not make m

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Guyana a dangerous plaee?

The tension that is slowly developing in Guyana can be felt by those who are observant and are reading between the lines. There are occurrences taking place that may seem insignificant now, but might very well have the potential to grow into something much greater.

There is no doubt that the two majority races, Indian and Black, are becoming more vocal about their disapproval of each other. Just a quick look on the Facebook site would give an idea of what the two really think of each other.

former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is telling Berbicians that they should take to the streets "if it comes to that," and that they should not be afraid to do so. The "that" the councilor said Nandlall was talking about

Berbice farmers to take their tractors and combines into protest against the Agriculture Ministry's MM A. The Councilor called on the broadcast authority to look into the contents of the NTN stream, where the opposition members usually go to speak to their supporters, since he believes that the station only promotes division among the people.

It has been noted that some other "opposition-backed" media

Especially now that some members of the People's Progressive Party have been arrested and questioned over the Pradoville 2 properties; one of the many alleged malfeasance accusations the former administration is accused of, their charge is that there is an attack on Indians by the current government.

The PPP had claimed mass firing of public servants — IndoGuyanese —and a deliberate attempt by the government to replace Indians at key levels and positions. The insinuation now is that the government is trying to destroy the country's Indian leadership, if top executives are to be brought before the court.

APNU+AFC Councilor Abel Seetaram continues to complain about the nothing short of hate speech that is being spewed on the Berbice NTN station. He said that

V y-t ■ h -S A IfSK hWA,. ■ is if PPP members are charged for the Pradoville 2 scandal.

Seetaram said Nandlall told

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Quick reaction by the police force may have averted trouble after an incident when two Black men were beaten in a predominately Indo -Guyanese community, was completely blown out of proportion by sections of the local media. The police cleared the air stating that what was initially described as a race-related attack was actually a vigilante beating for two men, who residents thought were stealing in the neighbourhood.

These are major distractions from the ultimate goals of all Guyanese. The government said there were grounds to investigate the actions of the last government that was alleged to be involved in many corrupt activities. The government has claimed to have found a number of discrepancies that they plan to bring to the fore. If that be the case, then all Guyanese should be vigilant and pay attention to what is happening in the country's political setting.

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that members of the three agencies were seen celebrating over drinks after the arrest of PPP members and associates. They have called for an investigation into the 'drink up.'

aii- n.houses are also spewing messages of division. It was also mentioned that the Guyana Times and Citizens' Report give the public only the negative side of government-related stories.

Over a week ago, the PPP made a police report against a member of the African Cultural group and well-known professor Eric Phillips, who they say made threats against them and their families.

Phillips has always been vocal against the PPP and had warned them that should anything happen to his family or people in his circle the same favour would be returned.

The opposition has also claimed that the British High Commission, S.O,C,U, and the government are conspiring against the party and its supporters. They said

It is clear that Guyana has a huge race problem that everyone seem to ignore. Yet ever so often, it raises its ugly head, and sometimes in the most unexpected places. It's rampant in many social places and other areas where the two groups have to use the same space.

It is a fragile situation which can be manipulated, and thus pose a threat to the development of the country. There are those who would wish and could easily provoke this dangerous shadow with an orchestrated act. Guyana can easily become a dangerous place if people become desperate.

Guyanese from all walks of life, at home or abroad must speak out, not for their race, but for their Third World country, Guyana. For a proud country, where the people want to be happy and free. Citizens must be vigilant and mindful that politics must help the people, not divide them.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

5

The Things

Andrews Column

Tits t

0

n

Handel

t

after World War II between the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its satellite states) and the Western Bloc (the United States and its NATO allies). It began in 1947 and lasted until 1991, when the Soviet Union was dismantled. The term was used, because there was no direct fighting between the sides. A new cold war now exists.

There is a difference between what President Trump says about Russia and what lawmakers are saying.

Tension exists between Russia and the US, because of allegations that Russian Intelligence interfered in the US 2016 elections. James B. Comey, F.B.I. Director, confirmed last Monday before the House Intelligence Committee (HIC) that the F.B.I. was investigating them.

Before Mr. Comey's disclosure, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), representing 17 intelligence agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly stated that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and made its documents available to WikiLeaks, who published them.

In January 2017, James R. Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, testified before a Senate committee that Russia's meddling in the 2016 Presidential campaign not only hacked US individuals and the Democratic National Committee (DNC), but included disinformation and the dissemination of fake news. Russian officials have repeatedly denied these allegations.

A WORD ABOUT U.S. GOVERNMENT HACKING Hacking is to use a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system. All countries engage in hacking the computers of their enemies and, in some instances, friends. The US invests tens of millions of dollars annually in offensive hacking operations to exploit vulnerabihties in the computers of its enemies.

Journalist Joseph Mann states, "Even as the US Government confronts rival powers over widespread internet espionage, it has become the biggest buyer in a burgeoning gray market where hackers and security firms sell tools for breaking into computers." Mann also noted that the country's most well-known cyber endeavor — the Stunxet worm that targeted Iranian nuclear plants is an example of attempts to attack foreign entities.

Bi

We did not need some ghost to tell us that the Russians are hacking our computers at a Government level. The question was to what extent. When we shall have discovered the extent, what action can we take? Surely, no more

Much has been made of Vladimir Putin's preference for Donald Trump during the 2016 election campaign.

What of this? The US continually expresses its preference for candidates in other countries' elections. Mr. Putin had a reason for preferring Mr. Trump and it had nothing to do with lifting of sanctions if his pick won.

It had to do with his dislike for Hilary Clinton. Michael Crowley, in POLITICO 7/25/16 states, "Behind the allegations of a Russian hack of the DNC is the Kremlin leader's fury at

ow1

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1

PRESIDENT TRUMP than we are accustomed to taking hacking their computers.

PUTIN'S PREFERENCE

Clinton for challenging the fairness of Russian elections." Putin made clear that he thought she was behind the mass protests that erupted against him

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in Moscow in 2011. She had said that the recent election results were "dishonest and unfair. If you were Mr. Putin, would you support a declared enemy?

RUSSIAN INFLUENCED THE 2016 ELECTIONS? Whenever I hear the allegation that Russia influenced the 2016 US elections, I ask how? Did Russia tell US voters how to vote? However, my reluctance to buy this argument is beside the point. It is enough that US lawmakers and opinion makers beheve it.

RUSSIA'S ANNEXATION OF CRIMEA During the 2016 U.S., Presidential campaign, candidate Donald Trump said that he recognized Crimea as Russian. President Trump has not altered his position. However, most lawmakers view the annexation as illegal.

Consequently, the United States and the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Russia, plunging Western relations with Russia to their worst level since the First Cold War. A former U.S. Ambassador to Moscow, Deputy Secretary General of NATO said, "I've witnessed some tense times.

But it's hard to think of a period, at least since the end of the Cold War, when relations have been as strained as (continued on page 10)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

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tdteM ÂŁettewÂŁdt&id

I ditor In ( hict Nigel Williams

Region

5

residents

urged

Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com u nigcl 10(w hotniail.corn gnnlcditorial (a gnidil.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Tel: 917-379-6590

Ctiitorial

Fixing

to

open

RESIDENTS of Mahaica-Berbice (Five) have been encouraged to become job creators as opposed to dependents by pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

This charge was made by Shazeena Seetayah, of the Ministry of Social Protection during a seminar on interview techniques last Friday. The seminar was held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom. Fort Wellington. West Coast Berbice (WCB) and targeted the unemployed in that region.

During the seminar, residents raised the issue of lack of jobs which has affected individuals of all age range in the region. In addressing this concern Seetayah. who was a facilitator at the seminar, committed on the Ministry's behalf to assist individuals in finding jobs, while encouraging them to create their own jobs through entrepreneurial ventures.

She explained to the participants

own

businesses

that the Central Recruitement and Manpower Agency (CRMA) of the Ministry, continues to work with persons until they are able to secure employment. The agency is a division of the Social Protection Ministry that registers applicants for employment, taking specific note of their occupational qualifications, experiences and desires, and interviews them for employment and evaluates, if necessary, their physical and vocational abilities.

Its objective is to place individuals seeking jobs in suitable employment while providing career guidance and counselling. Over the last two year.

President David Granger has emphasized the need for individuals to venture into entrepreneurship and become job creators as opposed to depending on businesses to provide jobs for them.

Meanwhile. Valarie Moore. Chief Central Recruitment and Manpower Officer, said based on the feedback from employers, it is the interview

process which is cracial and most applicants are disqualified at that stage.

She said that as a result, the department has implemented training sessions in the area of interview techniques as a part of their work programme for 2017.

The Ministry said in a statement that at the end of the seminar, participants were expected to be better able to prepare for and enter the work environment. They were encouraged to utilize and support the services of the CRMA. To help individuals achieve this, the sessions provided them with useful information and techniques on preparing a resume and the interview process. Additionally, there was a practical session were participants were able to participate in mock interviews. Grateful for the opportunity to have been part of an exercise which they said benefitted them tremendously, participants extended words of acknowledgements to the Ministrv.

our

Please

do

the

bridges

education - Region 10 residents urge Gov t

system WITH rapid advancements in science and technology, education remains a constantly evolving process, and for a nation like Guyana to advance socially, economically and politically, its education system will have to rise to the challenges.

Currently, we are behind in the scheme of things. Our education system is based on an old model of development, and not much has changed from the dogma of the 1960s and 1970s when strong focus was placed on the arts and commerce and little attention on science, mathematics and technology.

Today, the reverse is required for success in this rapidly changing world, and our school system needs to adapt to these challenges if we are going to keep abreast with the advancement of other developing nations. Encouragingly, from the pronouncements of President David Granger and Education Minister. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. the Government appears to be fully aware of the plethora of challenges facing the school system, and want to make a concerted effort to fix them.

Problems such as poor performances in English and Mathematics at both the primary and secondary schools, teachers giving inadequate attention in the classrooms, delinquent behaviour by students and the need to shift greater attention to science, mathematics and technology are issues which cannot be addressed overnight, but overtime.

One gets the feeling that the urge for change in there, but stronger action and skilful direction is needed for it to happen. In the school system, there are efforts to place more attention on the sciences and mathematics, but more would be required on the part of teachers to stimulate students' interest in these subjects at the early grade levels.

This would entail the Ministry's experts revisiting how science and mathematics are being taught and promoted

RESIDENTS of the mining communities of Region 10, including Coomacka, Nottinghamshire, Three Friends and Old England are satisfied with the extensive repairs done to their communities' access road, but are disappointed that two main access bridges remain in threatening condition.

The road repairs commenced after an eight-day protest by residents prompted the intervention of Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs. Sydney Allicock and junior Minister of Public Infrastructure. Annette Ferguson.

"Works on the road is completed, they ran the entire road, to where they

finish is really nice." Coomacka resident Dexter Harding said. Residents however were concerned about the state of the bridges.

Speaking on behalf of the residents.

Councillor and Community Leader.

Dexter Harding said the deplorable bridges pose a serious threat to life and limb.

"As for the bridges, no movement on the bridges, we need to keep probing the necessary authorities to get some movement because if something happen we will get the blame." Harding said.

During the ministers' visit, the residents reinforced the need for urgent

in the school system. Whatever the method or means used in doing this, whether it is through science fairs, essay competitions or documentary films, the story has to be told that life and business in today's world revolve around science and technology. And ethical harnessing of knowledge in these fields is paramount to improving citizens' lives and catapulting development of their country.

In this day and age. Guyana needs more chemists, biologists. physicists, engineers, geologists, architects, environmentalists. forestry and plant experts and doctors, and this is not to say that economists, accountants and other persons of the social sciences are not important. And with oil on the horizon, and the massive roll out of development projects that will follow. Guyana is at the cross-road where its education system needs to be aligned to meet national needs.

Here is where the inquiry into the education system was very important as it provided a golden opportunity to set the foundation to build an education system that will provide the

repairs to the bridges since it was close to collapsing.

"Our main focus now is our bridges. We know that once our bridges do. our roads can be done." said one resident to the ministers.

They also revealed that $4.5M was paid to a contractor to do repairs to the bridges but he allegedly carried out substandard work and the situation was not improved.

With the impending rainy season, residents are concerned about whether attention will be given to the bridges as promised. Regional Chairman, Renis Morian also expressed concern over the situation, saying that he will again bring it to the attention of Minister Ferguson earliest.

competencies required to fashion a modem Guyana, known for her knowledge economy and competitiveness on the global arena. These are but some aspect of what is required of our education system. The system also needs to produce rounded individuals, who embrace love, tolerance and respect.

Most of the problems we face today such as unemployment. suicide and racial division can be addressed through an education system that not only imparts content, but provides an inspiration for positive change. After all. education is expected to provide individuals with the understanding, knowledge and skills, to thrive and peacefully co-exist among his fellow men notwithstanding their race, religion or political persuasion.

It is hoped that the findings of the education Col due this month-end will capture some of these issues and that our leaders will take steps to implement them. Education is also everyone's business, and all should play a role in moulding a Guyana we all can be proud off. This would not happen by mere word but concomitant action.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

7

A view from New York m

V.S.

WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

Militarism,

s and

The

President Donald J. Trump wants $54 billion to boost military lace stupidity and intellectual laziness.

To be sure, the open-ended wars in spending on the United States armed forces "just in case we Iraq and Afghanistan did scale down someneed it." While the United States has been perpetually at war what during the Obama Administration. for over 25 years now, sustaining its huge military war machine, However, in one form or another, they still though the military industrial complex, necessitates that from time persist by other means — limited "boots to time, on the war continuum that "an enemy" is identified so that on the ground," "military advisors" etc.

US "military readiness" to defend "vital United States interests" And other undeclared wars are still being triggers spending on war materials. The trick to funding these wars waged. For example, in 2016 alone, the US bombed Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Paklies in a Congressional sleight of hand that both Democrats and istan, Syria, Libya and Somalia. Every year Republicans use — they do not declare war, as is the Constitutional since 2003, the military has swiped the marole of the US Congress, but tack on military spending to budget jority of the US discretionary budget. supplemental bills. That way America's wars of today can be paid America is currently spending more on the for while nobody has to take responsibility or blame for the ensuing military (accounting for inflation) than it did at the height of the Vietnam War. murder, mayhem, and displacement of entire populations.

The Donald Limited lip service from this "ole Trump Administraboys" club on Capitol Hill about debate tion jingoistic, and what not, is designed to hoodwink a Every gun that is made saber rattling has gullible and uncaring American populace exposed the way in that these military adventures are "in our which US miliinterests and necessary to protect democevery warship launched, every tarism is taken for racy abroad." Nobody even bothers to tell granted by "we the these spineless creatures of hypocrisy that signifies, in the final sense, people," and mirone cannot export democracy at the point rors the ways in of a bayonet on an AR-16. Indeed, there which other forms are no victors in war since such "victories" of mass violence a theft from Diose are measured in how many more people are now seen as acwere murdered to force a surrender. This ceptable and inillogic uses only the yardstick of death, who hunger and are not fed, evitable. These inmurder, destruction and displacement as those who are cold and are not clothed. clude aggressive, such measurements of "victory." Point is minority-targeted that even if Jesus Christ turned up in ConHits world in arms is not spding money alone. policing in the inner gress with the grand announcement to II is spending the sweat ofits laborers, cities, selective and "turn swords into plowshares" these guys racist deportations, (and some gals) would find a way to start the genius of its scientists, war genocide and a new war to "defend Christ's people and erasure of indigetheir plowshares." (he hopes of its children.

1 nous peoples, an Today, in the Era of Trump, blank checks for wars are ingrained in the American status quo. Nobody questions the rationale for more and more money for the Pentagon to buy its new toys of death and destmction. That would be "unpatriotic." The US government has developed the unique technique of shaming Americans who promote a dissenting view of the military and wars of perpetuity. You see, from the early days of the American state, the military evolved largely as a vehicle of colonial domination and genocide.

The Iraq and Afghanistan wars were simply a modern version of the United States colonial war repackaged and made up in the time of capitalism's hiccups and the rise of the greedy elite.

For most of America, blinded by a supine media's puff pieces about "our men and women in uniform" and their "sacrifice" for the nation, masks and conceals the fact that, for example, the Iraq War was one moment in the long history of the US military's actively disrupting, upending and devastating the lives and communities of millions of people of color, both at home and abroad. To keep ordinary people in the dark there is from time to time talk about "bringing the troops home" and "time to end America's wars" that appeal to a war-weary popu-

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Poor exploitative market-driven health care system that favors the rich and discriminates against the poor and vulnerable, the vastly inequitable education system, and disastrous environmental policies.

The great Eastern sage Confucius is credited with saying that "if rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it." Today, the American people are so perfectly conditioned and monumentally stupid, as evidenced by a man who boasted on national and international television that "I could shoot someone on the streets of Manhattan and I would not lose support." He's now the President of the United States and he was right — to a point. But people of goodwill have an obligation to choose life-saving programs and services and give them priority over violent outcomes. That begins with us NOT granting legitimacy to ANY AND ALL FORMS of state violence. President Trump has signaled that he's not interested much in a pro-life, pro-people budget. When the President cuts ALMOST every federal government agency and department that helps poor and vulnerable people to fund a massive military war machine, then he's chosen death and destruction, over life and living.

For example, if Trump gest what he's asked Congress for, the Department of Education will take a 14 percent hit, Health and Human Services will shrink by 16 percent, the Department of Housing and Urban Development budget will decrease by 16 percent, and the EPA will suffer a 31 percent blow and lose over 3,200 jobs. (continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Georgetown

back

to

normal

...as SCS receives suspension order THE Mayor and City Council, through Town Clerk, Royston King, has officially informed Smart City Solutions (SCS) about government's suspension of the bylaws governing the meter parking system.

Cabinet on Tuesday night instructed Minister of Communities. Ronald Bulkan. to suspend the by-laws with immediate effect for three months; however despite the suspension SCS still had its clampers out on the streets early Wednesday morning.

But after SCS was officially informed by King. SCS employees were re-called.

Minister Bulkan had noted Tuesday night that the new Order is unambiguous and leaves no room for discretion on the part of the City with

regard to conformity.

"This is a done deal and on the basis of this new Order. the Council would be clearly advised to inform the company [Smart City Solutions] that paid parking would be suspended. The company would be invited to enter into negotiations and at that stage it would be up to the company to determine what its response to this new action of the Government would be." he said.

Meanwhile, when contacted. Deputy Mayor. Sherod Duncan, told Guyana Chronicle. "We received the gazetted order today [Wednesday] which stated that the parking meter by-laws are suspended."

The order was subsequently submitted to SCS. the Mexican company responsi-

ble for implementing the project. ft was explained to the Guyana Chronicle that during the interim of the suspension, the M&CC will engage SCS and other stakeholders in order to make a conclusive decision on the future of the project.

But Duncan indicated that if SCS believes that the suspension is in breach of the contract, they can take necessary action.

Since its implementation on January 23. 2017. several flaws were identified in the contract, following which two court actions were filed against city Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, the Town Clerk and Minister Bulkan by members of the business community.

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Georgetown back to normal as persons take advantage of free parking structure. David Patterson, was also one of the driving forces behind Cabinet's decision to recommend the suspension of the controversial parking meters project, given the fact that there are severe legal implications.

During a radio programme on 94.1 Boom FM. Minister Patterson made it clear that there are several legal implications that could possibly see his ministry ending up in a legal battle.

According to Patterson, "some three to four weeks ago. a team had met with Council officials following a Cabinet subcommittee meeting on the parking meter issue where several proposals were made to the Council. He said that the body had acted on some proposals while others, including a possible suspension of the parking meter project for broader consultations and a contract

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review, were ignored."

Patterson continued that key government ministers felt that it would be best, that the parking meter contract be suspended for a minimum of three months to allow certain issues to be "ironed out."

He related that among these legal issues is the fact there are "declared urban roads" in the city for which his ministry is responsible.

The Minister said that before the implementation of the parking meters, he had cause to write the Council, informing them that they were putting parking meters on roads controlled by the ministry although there was "no agreement" between the Council and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Meanwhile. Coupled with Government's consistent pressure on City Hall, a Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) took to Re-

GUYANA

gent Street in front of City Hall during the first week of Febmary.

The Movement quickly gained traction and soon enough saw almost an entire section of Regent Street between Avenue of the Republic and King Street being filled with a number of protestors. And after braving inclement weather among other things for weeks, the MAPM was finally able to gain satisfaction.

In a statement on Wednesday. the Movement indicated that "we thank the Government of Guyana for demonstrating leadership at a time when the citizens need it most.

"We await the review of the parking meter contract between the M&CC and SCS and expect given the inherent problems associated with the said contract, it will be revoked."

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

The

9

The Masses at the

Gate: What's Behind

Vivian Williams /

Column the People's Movement in Guyana

For decades Guyana abandoned the principles of a merit-based society, opting instead for a system of political patronage. The country's private sector followed in the shadows of the ruling political elites, elevating patronage and nepotism above merit and competence. Though One People, One Nation, One Destiny, the probability of success on the merits eluded generations of a hardworking and ingenious people. For more than a quarter of a century, talented people have been falling through the cracks, the trajectory of thenlives altered during adulthood precisely because of their ethnicity, thoughts and political association or lack thereof. Several generations of brilliant and extraordinarily talented people have been ostracized, marginalized and deprived even after the tides of colonial exploitation receded. These are the masses at the gate, trampled and systematically abused but still clinging to hope for a better day.

The masses at the gate are weary and fed-up of a system that excludes them, talks down to them and treats them as passive dwellers in a lopsided state built on a center-periphery model and greased by a top-down mentality. They have grown accustomed to barricades erected across the city, keeping them at bay from the Parliament when that deliberative body is in session. Barricades that jolt their quest for social and economic mobility are everywhere. For those who have been trying to climb out of the cracks for decades, time is running out.

People are desperate, angry and very impatient, so when they heard the rallying crying "IT IS TIME" a few years ago, they jumped on board with great expectations. nil CRY FOR .II S I ICI IS DEAFENING The exigency embodied in the mantra "IT IS TIME", with its openended exhortation, lit a fire in a forest of discontent and secured a victory for the governing Coalition. Now in power, the Coalition should NOT expect great expectations to be displaced by feel-good rhetoric. Anxiety and uneasiness are part of the mood of the country. The masses at the gate expect transformative governance that produces structural changes that open up the gates to opportunities and prosperity. The people need social and economic justice and they need it fast. This is a reason why justifications premised on flashbacks are not going to satisfy public relations goals. The government has got to learn to sell a vision of change and governance of a new and distinctive quality.

Part of the great expectation is for a change in the fabric of the society and the way things are done. It requires new-direction-innovation not improvement-innovation. Improvement-innovation is useful to fix deficiencies in a sustainable system. It provides patch-work and corrective action for weak links in a chain.

This is useful when the overall vision and

trajectory are ideal and progressive.

Guyana does NOT have a system that needs fixing. The system needs to be uprooted and replaced with a completely new System. In a country where systemic marginalization has been the norm for

Poverty is spreading, not shrinking. The number of homeless and destitute persons continues to rise. The solution is to reduce poverty, rather than increase the number of institutions such as drop-in centres ..."— David Granger.

PUTTING VAT, PARKING METERS AND LICENSING FEES IN CONTEXT The statement is an indication why social and economic justice should top the government's agenda. The government should not be distracted from this goal. To avoid derailment, attention must be paid to the unintended consequences of the various actions and policies being implemented. Surely, poverty would not be reduced by heaping all kinds of expenditure on the poor. Though various forms of taxation increase revenue for the government, the local and central govemr m

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CITIZENS PROTESTING THE PARKING METERS decades, the need for a vision that drives new direction-innovation is so pellucid, it should be regarded as an undisputed fact.

When social and political activist Dr. David Hinds wrote that the government is a modified version of its predecessor, he is echoing the argument that the Coalition has NOT sufficiently reformed the processes of governance. Instead of taking note, the government pouted instead of introspecting. The response was anyone who compares it with its predecessor must be out of their mind.

While campaigning against the PPP administration, President Granger who was the Leader of the Opposition at the time, was more attuned to the circumstances of the time. He poignantly summed up the nation's flirtation with poverty. His own words then were: "It is a modern-day miracle that many mothers manage their families on their meagre earnings in the face of massive impediments in Guyana today.

ment should expect fierce resistance if they keep dipping into poor people's pockets at every turn.

Historically, taxes and licensing fees have been used to marginalize various groups in society. In Guyana, these tools were used to maintain class structure through discriminatory policies. Half a century of Independence did not change the fundamentals of social and economic marginalization. The persistence of the structures of inequalities and hostilities are captured in the unpublished play "The Deeds of State" in which one of the characters muses: After all these decades of Independence, why are we still in this Gawd damn mess? Tell me why the seeds the slave masters planted in the back-dams of yesterday 's are still flourishing in the towns today.- Vivian Williams' Deeds of State.

The usual response is that the two dominant political parties are maintaining the status quo but there is more to it than

meets the eyes. In a forthcoming article, I explain how organizational and socialstructural anchoring are key contributors to partisanship in Guyana. Organizational basis of partisanship includes linkages to associations and institutions such as trade unions, that impact public opinion and political association.

In Guyana, trade unions are politically aligned and there are structural divisions within the workforce. Rural Indians are primarily employed in the agricultural sector and are represented by unions such as the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees NAACIE. These unions are aligned with the PPP. On the other hand, AfroGuyanese supporters of the PNC are concentrated in government jobs, represented by unions such as The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and Guyana Teacher's Union (GTU). These unions historically support the PNC which is the dominant partner in the current coalition government.

The organization and structure of Guyana's workforce contribute the marginalization and partisanship in two ways.

First, a government could discriminate against and marginalize an entire segment of the population through the adoption of policies and allocation of resources. The ongoing debate on how the previous government destroyed bauxite, while propping up the sugar industry is a good example. In an article titled Do Suh Nah Like Suh, trade unionist Lincoln Lewis examined this issue. This is the reason why the current furor over the fate of the sugar industry goes way beyond mere economic considerations.

Dysfunctional organizational structures also contribute to the anchoring of partisanship in Guyana. Various institutions such as the trade unions, the private sector and even the media do not act as a check on the political elites or effectively convey to the ruling political elites, the real concerns and interests of their constituencies. Instead, they maintain the partisan status quo through narratives combined with ambient stimuli that compels political loyalty. This is one of the reasons why there is often a disconnect between public officials and the people they serve. With a top-down mentality, what passes as consultation often takes place in echo chambers. There is an absence of an effective mechanism for the views and priorities of people to work their way up to the top and be reflected in policy decisions. This has produced disenchantment on both sides of the political spectrum.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

GENERIC BUSINESS SYSTEMS REVISITED "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in th things that have been made. So they are without excuse." — Romans 1:19-20 ■

■refining my thoughts on the emergence of the 5M Shepherding

concept

(Model,

Management,

Mindset, Mentoring and Money) as necessary and suffi-

r

JL

in the Growth of the human body.

The Male (11) and Female (12) reproductive systems work together to produce offspring. This permits the sustainability of mankind.

As we have transitioned in the above human system synthesis of the design of the robust human body, a simple logical sequential pattern has been revealed: Structure —► Security —► Life —► Growth —► Sustainability.

Let us match this sequential

(from page 5) they are today."

What worries the U.S. and the West, is Russia's presumed intentions for expansion. Russia's frequent reference to its responsibihty for ethnic Russians is aimed at Latvia, Estonia and Central Asian Republics, especially Kazakhstan. In Latvia, Russians comprise 27% of the population; in Estonia, it is 24% and in Kazakhstan it is 20%.

IS RUSSIA REALLY A THREAT TO Mil BALTIC STATES? I doubt that, after the International outcry against his Crimea adventure, Mr. Putin will use force to occupy these countries. However, it does not mean that they have nothing to fear. As Agnia Grigas, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a Washington DCbased think-tank, observes, "Russia could resort to fomenting separatists, training local radicals or militants, sending its own activists and volun-

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INVESMENT FINANCE Structure Security

OPERATIONS Growth

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainability

EU

NOJHJNG BEATS IESS SUCCESS

.

brain, the cardiovascular system (6), the respiratory system (7) and the endocrine system (8) combine to give Life to the body. The digestive system (9) feeds the body and together with the urinary system (10)

human body system pattern to the systems of a private sector business or a public sector department. Then, the Corporate Governance system constitutes the Structure, the Investment Finance system forms the

teers over the border."

countries where the exercises are conducted are NATO members.

SURVIVAL OF THE RUSSIAN STATE When the Soviet Union was dismantled, Russian pride suffered a dreadful setback. Quite naturally, the US was blamed for it. "Mr. Gorbachev tore down this wall!" True or not, Mr. Putin views the US as the greatest threat to the survival of the Russian State. His thinking and actions are geared to protecting Russian Sovereignty.

Let me note at this point that NATO does not do anything militarily without US approval. NATO continues to stage major military exercises that involve tens of thousands of troops along Russia's borders in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The most recent one in Poland involved 31,000 troops from 24 countries — the largest war game since the Cold War. It is reasonable for Russia to view this as a threat to its sovereignty, despite the

Dr. Basil Springer's Column

cient for sustainable success.

In this process, the against which to pattern a similar ManOBiz™ (the management of model for the systems of a busibusiness systems) Matrix has ness? evolved as a Shepherding tool to faThe skeleton (1) and the muscilitate the development of a private cles (2) constitute the Structure. The sector business or a public sector skin/hair/nails (3) and the immune department on the journey to sus- system (4) form the Security. The tainable success. nervous system (5), directed by the Over the next several weeks I shall update readers on the results of GENERIC BUSINESS SYSTEMS REVISITED this evolutionary process beginning this week with the inspiration for the business systems approach which embodies the five business systems - Corporate Governance, Investment Finance, Marketing, Operations and People Development.

The human body is God-made.

Not only has the under-five global human mortality rate reached 4.6 percent in 2013 and is still declining, but the human body is very robust as manifested by the way it bounces back in spite of the way it is sometimes treated.

What can we learn from the 12 successful systems of the human body - www.innerbody.com -

fi

The U.S. and Britain are also conducting large-scale military exercises in the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus. Not only does Georgia border Russia, it also has two unresolved conflicts involving the breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

US-RUSSIA OBJECTIVES IN SYRIA The U.S. and Russia both want Isis defeated and the Civil War ended.

However, there is difference with respect to the destiny of Bashar-al-Assad, Syrian President. Russia wants a Syria with Assad; the U.S. wants one without him. Like Muhammar Khadafy and Saddam Hussein, Bashar-al-Assad is not a Democrat, in the Western sense.

He is good for his country and the only one that can make it strong again. If he goes, Syria will suffer the fate of Iraq and Libya.

gives Life, the Operations system results in Growth, and the People Development system permits Sustainability.

The next steps, over the coming weeks, will be to reveal, first of all what is involved in the five management (planning, organizing, staffing, leadership and monitoring) functions and secondly how these business systems, one business system at a time, may contribute to sustainable success.

It has been my experience that this new generic perspective helps in the management development process.

God has shown us the human systems that are endemic to the development of robust human beings. Let us learn from his eternal power and divine nature to create business systems that can reduce the failure rate of start-up businesses from 90 percent, in the first five years, and create a movement from chaos to order.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Carib-bean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his col-umns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com)

Lawmakers, such as John McCain and Lindsay Graham, will push Donald Trump to confront Isis with ground troops. Russia will be a willing ally in this. Getting rid of Assad is nation building, which the Republican hawks want. Trump is against nation building and will not support any policy that takes out the Syrian leader. I am not a fan of Trump; but I support him in this.

I hope that the new administration will improve the situation between Russia and America. Lifting the sanctions might go a far way in this direction. Each country should also respect the sovereignty of the other and its traditional spheres of influence. Russia cannot build a missile defense system in South America (the Munro Doctrine). The U.S. should dismantle its defense complex in Poland. There should be open-minded negotiations on sanctions.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

11

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2. Add rice, sausages, eggs, salt and pepper. Heat thoroughly, stirring constantly.

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THE JOB INTERVIEW Three men were at the CIA Building for a job interview. The first man walked into the office. The interviewing CIA agent said "To be in the CIA you must be loyal, dedicated, and give us your all. Your wife is in the next room. I want you to go in there and shoot her with this gun."

The man took the gun, hesitated, and said "Sony, I can't do it."

The next interviewee came into the office. The Agent said "To be in the CIA you must be loyal, dedicated, and give us your all. Your wife is in the next room.1 want you to go in there and shoot her with this gun." The man took the gun, walked into the room, then walked out. "Sorry," he said.

The last man came into the office. The interviewer said "To be in the CIA you must be loyal, dedicated, and give us your all. Your wife is in the next room. I want you to go in there and shoot her with this gun."

The man took the gun and went into the room. The agent heard six shots, silence, then a lot of screaming.

The man came out of the room and said, "Someone loaded the gun with blanks, so I beat her to death with the curtain railing, chair and the glass table.!"

THERE'S ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE A keen country lad applied for a salesman's job at a city department store. In fact it was the biggest store in the world - you could get anything there. The boss asked him, "Have you ever been a salesman before?"

1

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by JAMES SYDNEY

THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD When we use the term

"country,"

we usually refer to an Independent state that has a distinct territory and its own goyernment.

If we use that definition, the world's smallest independent state is Vatican City. Its official name is the Holy See and it lies within Rome, Italy. Vatican City has a total area of 0.44 square miles, about three-quarters the size of The Mall in Washington D.C. It is the seat of government of the Catholic Church and the spiritual center for the world's Roman Catholics, numbering about 1 billion.

Vatican City, a landlocked country, has mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers (May to September). It has a population of 880 (year 2000),

none of whom are permanent residents.

The state has no natural resources - no arable land, no permanent crops, no permanent pastures, no forests and woodland, no irrigated land.

It is ruled by the Pope through a civil governor and it has its own flag, post office, railway station, and money. It also has a telephone system and radio broadcasting station.

Economic support for this tiny state comes chiefly from contributions made by Catholics throughout the world. The contributions are known as Peter's Pence, formerly a yearly tax of a penny levied by the Holy See on households. The Holy See is also called the see of Peter.

Within Vatican City there is the Vatican Palace (the Pope's residence) , the gardens, and the large St. Peter's Basilica. In the palace are art museums and libraries. The Vatican

Library, in a separate wing, is one of the greatest in the world.

This small, but influential, state has diplomatic relations with other countries and receives representatives from many nations.

Yes, I was a salesman in the country," said the lad.

The boss liked the cut of him and said, "You can start tomorrow and I'll come and see you." The day was long and arduous for the young man, but finally 5:00 came around. The boss duly fronted up and asked, "How many sales did you make today?".

"One" said the young salesman.

"Only one?" blurted the boss. "Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. How much was the sale worth??.

"Three hundred thousand, three hundred and thirty four dollars" said the young man.

"How did you manage that?" asked the flabbergasted boss.

"Well", said the salesman "this man came in and I sold him a small fish hook, then a medium hook and finally a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one and a huge big one. I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down the coast. I said he would probably need a boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty foot schooner with the twin engines. Then he said his Volkswagen probably wouldn't be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him the new Deluxe Cruiser" The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, "You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook".

"No" answered the salesman, "he came in to buy a box of sanitary napkins for his wife and I said to him, "Your weekend's shot, you may as well go fishing."

Popes in their secular role ruled much of the Italian peninsula, including Rome, for more than a thousand years, until 1870. In 1859, this land, called the "Papal States," covered about 16,000 square miles.

In 1870, Rome was made the national capital of Italy. In spite of the objections of the Pope, the Papal States were made part of the kingdom of Italy.

In 1929, an agreement was reached between the new Pope and the Italian government and the Vatican City was set up. '..L,

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12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

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Coach, Stan Harmon, extreme right, standing with Central Brooklyn Soccer team members and Japan Soccer Club after a tournament in Portugal, last year.

Harmon, a former Head Coach of Medgar Evers College, said the Brooklyn Soccer Club members — brand ambassador for Nike — drawn from the Crown Heights, East Flatbush, East New York, Canarsie and Bedford Stuyvesant areas, will be participating in the Mundialito Youth Soccer tournament for the third time.

He added that the talented young players, are coached on the Old Boys High and South Shore High School fields, and have played in the U.S. Club Soccer League during September to November, breaking for the winter season and returning to play from April to June.

The club is geared to accommodate players under the age of 14 and for the first time, Central Brooklyn will have teams participating in three age groups — U-10, U-12 and U-14.

"In earlier years our teams have performed creditable against top international competition, and this year, we are expecting outstanding performances especially from our much vaunted U-10 who are the U-10 champion in the New York Youth Soccer League," said Harmon, adding that the league's field 7 age group teams in competition Under 8-18, have a developmental program with over 100 players.

Mundialito, the biggest International Soccer Tournament for children in the world, with more than 300 teams and 5,000 participants from 50 countries of the 5 continents, will welcome the Central Brooklyn Soccer Club, established in 2012 with a vision to allow youth to

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Focus on education and personal development.

"Our first graduating class would be this year and a few of the players have been actively courted by colleges throughout the U.S. We also have two players with professional teams and six in soccer academies," who, according to Harmon, participates in New York Club Soccer League in the U-8 to U-18 divisions .

Central Brooklyn Soccer Club also fields older age groups U-16 and U-18.

The U-16s participated in the Dubai Super Cup Tournament in 2014, and the Manchester Super Cup in England in 2016. This year, the U-18s will take part in the Disney International Soccer Tournament in Orlando, Florida.

In addition, the club runs a year round developmental program for beginners.

"We are in the process of establishing a linkage with the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) to develop its community footballing program," said Harmon The team also played unofficial games with DC United Academy and several games with the New York Red Bulls Academy.

"Eight of our players are on the New York High school championship team at Martin Luther King High School in Manhattan, added Harmon.

Read more about us on: www.centralbrooklynsoccer.com centralbrooklynsoccer@gmail.com.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

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By Vishani Ragobeer Outspoken and ambitious are just two words that can effectively describe this young man. Additionally, with a spark for leadership and passionate about youth empowerment, 19-year-old Eden Corbin is perhaps the shining role model for Guyanese youths.

This young man. after being the first Guyanese to be elected as Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee (IAC) for the Guild Council at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus only last week, shared his story with the Guyana Chronicle.

Corbin is currently a first year Law student at this Trinidadian University but he wasn't always the diligent law student he is today. The young man studied Business while he attended Queen's College and then proceeded to study law at the Bishop's High School after graduating.

"My aim was always to do law. but I decided that I would prefer to have a good foundation... like a plan B. just in case it [law] didn't work out."

Corbin highlighted.

Stumbling upon the opportunity to ran for the position of Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee (IAC) just after entering UWI. Eden wasted no time in seizing this opportunity.

"I decided to ran because I found out about the position and what I could do with the position." he related and underscored. "There's more to life than just studying."

After investing much of his time and sharing his ideals and opinions at several forums in the University, the lad was elected as the IAC chairperson edging past his only opponent and yet another Guyanese studying at the University Kena Melville.

He explained that the Chairperson of the IAC has the herculean task of dealing with the representation of all international matters relating to the students' guild and is responsible for the Island Associations and representing all regional and international students attending the university.

While sharing his ideals, he expressed. "I intend to promote regionalism over nationalism because we can do so much more if we were to truly unite all of the CARICOM countries and operate as one."

Interestingly however, this

-

/

/

_ Eden during a visit to the St. Stanislaus College

lbEA-*P

the

that youths

way forward

isn't a case of Corbin now 'breaking out' of his figurative 'shell' but Corbin recounted.

"I don't think I ever did something this big before."

Throughout his senior academic life, while his academics were definite priority.

Corbin never concentrated all his efforts on academics. Instead, he made himself an outspoken and well-rounded person, combining his love for music and poetry with his passion for activism.

"I wasn't always the smartest in my class but I didn't let that define me. I made the best out of what I was given." Eden highlighted.

In 2015. he acted as the Prime Minister of Guyana's youth parliament hosted by the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2015. Corbin. alongside 34 other youths aged 14-17 engaged in 'parliamentary discussions'.

His love for poetry and music is something which he has shared with many persons on numerous occasions. His spoken word sessions have become very popular and for the observance of International Women's Day 2016. the young man charmed a packed Arthur Chung Convention Centre (which was attended by several government ministers and prominent persons in society).

Earlier this year, he also engaged in outreach programs in Guyana on behalf of UWI where he visited several of the top secondary schools. Here he related the pros and cons of studying at UWI and urged students to further their education.

Now. in addition to occupying the position of the UWI IAC chairperson. Eden is also the resident of UWe speak- a student

m

Eden Corbin activist group that uses poetry primarily to allow students to express their views on social issues and share their ideas.

Currently. Corbin is juggling his youth empowerment and activism group, his new role as the chairperson of the IAC and his academic endeavors. Nevertheless. Eden is anticipating what the future has in store for him.

Before ending his chat with the Guyana Chronicle, Eden urged all young people to never let their situations define them.

"Your worst enemy is you," he attested and said, "You can do anything with the right mindset and drive."

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14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017 Women in Football; "#BeBoldForChangei

History

to

inspire

IN TERNATIONAL X Women's Day 2017 was celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, and observed under the theme, "#BeBoldForChange".

It focused on "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030". It is a day when women's achievements are celebrated in various fields, whether culturally, socially, economically or politically.

In Guyana, it's no different, and the Guyana Football Federation would like to v/ join the mandate and celebrate women in football. v/ This includes women in the various aspects of football: Leadership, administration, referee, player.

Guyana's famed Lady Jaguars has. without a doubt, been Guyana's most successful footballing national team, re-writing the record books since 2010 with qualification to two senior CONCACAF Tournaments. The squad, throughout the years, has retained the same core group of players, and despite not playing regularly together, they have managed to raise their game when it comes to international tournaments; they have been a remarkable success, and a great advert for women's football.

One player in particular encapsulates this ability to perform on the big occasion: Attacking mid-fielder. Mariam El-Masri. This 25-year-old is not only the first female Guyanese to score at a CONCACAF tournament when she did so in 2010. but also the first to score in Olympic qualifiers, when she scored a magnificent goal last year in Guyana's 2-1

TH€

maker,

WOMAN

For Nzinga Maxwell, her relationship with the game of football has been an everlasting one. She says clearly: "I've had a passion for football all my life." And so it was only natural for her to take up a role with a local club.

"The Kashif and Shanghai tournament brought out a lot of joy in me when I attended. I made a friend in Sampson Gilbert, current Head Coach of Fruta Conquerors, and that's the reason I ended up becoming a member.''

In a game often dominated by men. Maxwell holds the unique position as the only female team manager of an Elite League club, handling its operations.

Gl-Masri

Guyana

hopes

oi^sagain

~

~

Attacking midfielder Mariam El-Masri N

V n

victory over Guatemala.

Despite being based in Canada. El-Masri retains a sense of pride in being Guyanese; she describes her goal in the Olympic qualifiers as invoking' 'an amazing feeling scoring for my country; there're no words to describe the feeling."

An accomplished career has seen her play football in both Canada and Denmark as she sought to develop her career. Since the Olympic qualifiers, things have not gone so well for El-Masri: "unfortunately after the Olympic Qualifiers I sustained a very severe concussion: it caused me to take a break from

AT TH€

"I ensure the players are well equipped during games, keeping all the equipment in order and managing them on a daily basis." As team manager. Ms Maxwell keeps everything organised from travel arrangements to "checking attendance." yet enjoying every part of her role. 'Honestly, it has been a joy to me" she happily proclaims.

In speaking of her role.

Fruta Conquerors Secretary Daniel Thomas emphasised her importance to the club, and game of football: "Nzinga has been our manager since 2015 and has done a splendid job in ensuring players are ready come game day. She provides logistical support be-

soccer'' she says when discussing her career. However, showing v - ' resolve, she has recently returned to the beautiful game: "I am playing locally with club side GS United in Toronto. Canada. We won the Ontario Championships and came third in the Canadian National Championships".

This recovery is a boost to Guyana's National Women's programme; the 2017 Women's Caribbean Cup is slated to begin in May. and El-Masri will be hoping to score in her third major tournament for the Lady Jags. "I am very much looking forward to

H€AAT OF ^»

FAUTA

the Canbean Cup later this year, and hopefully I will also get the opportunity to play club football at a higher level in the near future".

When asked about how the Lady Jags ■ manage to maintain such a successful record despite frequent periods of inactivity. El-Masri says: "We just have that connection every time we get together it's like we never left each other."

Guyana's Lady Jaguar with the Golden Boot is roaring to represent the nation once again.

CONQUCAOAS

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Nzmgal Maxwellrand v.oungtfootbaMers tween the coaches, executive committee of the club and GFF. She prepares the game

day football kits and ensures players who require hospital treatment and physio therapy

sessions receive them. She performs admirably in what is a male-dominated envi-

ronment and has earned the club's respect. She is very knowledge when it comes to the rales and regulations of the League, and has attended many technical meetings with the Federation to brash up on her knowledge".

With such a glowing reference, it is clear to see that Ms. Maxwell has such a positive role at the club, and hopefully sets a precedent for more females to become involved at clubs in roles which have traditionally been held by men...such as the role of Team Manager.

In a final comment, Ms. Maxwell sums up the nature of her role with confidence: "Being a team manager is a major job, but I accept it."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Shenese

local

kick

Bobb

boxing

is

15

the

first female

champion

at age

20

- credits discipline and endurance for her achievement <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><^^

By Michel Outridge She is the kind of young woman, whose demeanor and quiet personality will fool you. Just looking at her you won't believe she packs a mean punch and her kick can knock you senseless in seconds.

Shenese Bobb at age 20 is Guyana's first ever female kick boxing champion. And she won gold in Trinidad and Tobago in the Real Sport Promotion "Ruff N Tuff" which was held \ v March 4. 2017 in . the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) regional category.

Bobb is a trainee at the Felix Austin Police College for the past two months and while undergoing mandatory martial arts training under the guidance of karate instructor Troy Bobb. she developed a liking for the highly competitive sport.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Self-Defense Instructor recognised her willingness to learn and she accepted his offer for training which takes place three and a half hours, five days per week.

Bobb told the Sunday Chronicle that the intense training is not easy but she knows she is destined for greater things and wanted to push herself to reach a stage where she can successfully compete in the international arena.

The soft-spoken young lady hails from Rosignol. West Coast Berbice and embarked on a career of being a detective and helping to solve crimes.

Bobb will pass out as a Police recruit in two months' time, but is focused on becoming more proficient in her art as she continues to train for her upcoming rematch at Princess Hotel on March 25.

The humble trainee cop says she is

least some of them are. I get a few stares and sniggers here and there but no one wants a fight with me because they know what I am capable of."

Bobb stressed the importance of discipline and wants to push herself to the limits in enhancing her career as a kick boxer since she is very fond of the sport which she describes as being 'tough.'

The Trinidad Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation coordinated the event in which Bobb emerged a winner and the MMA in the Caribbean is associated with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), which is the international governing body for the sport that also controls the super popular Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) which features the most top-ranked fighters in the sport.

Shenese Bobb with her competitor and the referee after her win in Trinidad recently

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not worried since she is under the expert guidance of coach Troy Bobb who. has been in martial arts for the past 36 years.

She related that she was very elated and surprised at the same time when she knocked out her Tobago-born competitor in less than a minute of the 15-minute scheduled match.

She said. "When I won it didn't really hit home that I had created history for Guyana but after I realised what I had achieved I was very pleased with myself."

Bobb journeyed to Trinidad with two other policemen, one of whom won silver after he secured a second place, through sponsorship and today it is no different since she is seeking same for her upcoming rematch at Princess Hotel later this month.

The champion was in high praise for her coach Troy Bobb. who was instrumental in her achieving her goal of being a winner. Because of his guidance and that of Force Training Officer Paul Williams, she felt she was on her way to greater things.

Bobb is no 'girlie' girl. She is the third

i

child of six siblings from a home where she grew up as a 'Tom Boy' with a father, who works in the interior and a mother who is a landscaper.

She is also a track and field athlete, the Guyana Police Force scout for steel pan players and a one-time football referee. She is also an avid football fan.

With her positive outlook and selfmotivating attitude Bobb told the Sunday Chronicle that with her win as a champion kick boxer she has gained the respect of her peers.

She said. "My fellow trainees are somewhat indifferent, at

m

mm Trainee cop Shenese Bobb and her self-defense coach Troy Bobb

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Sweeping

changes

- Lawrence calls for changes in nursing school programme A RE-EXAMINATION of contracts offered to nursing tutors, as well as a curriculum review of the professional nursing programme are among several measures to reverse the dismal failure rate at the Professional Nurses State Final Examination.

It was revealed that the student nurses in the last examination failed mainly section tw o of the examination paper, which required reasoning.

According to a release from the Ministry of Public Health on Friday. Minister of Public Health. Volda Lawrence demanded of the Guyana Nursing Council that sweeping policy chang-

'Texila

U'

es be made, with an eye on reversing students' dismal performances at the exams.

Officials of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). including its Director. Jennifer Cumberbatch and Chief Test Development Officer. Deon Farrell also ahended the meeting at the minister's office on Brickdam.

"We will not have a repeat of this poor student performance. "Lawrence said at the meeting.

She suggested that the Nursing Council hold a retreat with tutors to help analyse the nature of the problem.

It will also serve as a form of therapy for both groups.

Cumberbatch and Farrell both revealed that students' worse performance was in Paper II of the examination, which required higher-order reasoning such as explaining and evaluating.

The students "performed well" on questions demanding a recall of content, the release stated.

Lawrence called for a probe into the teaching methodologies and strategies by the nursing tutors. Pedagogical changes are expected to be highlighted among the raft of proposed changes to be submihed by Director of Health Sciences Education.

Wilton Benn. He is expected to present a blueprint of the proposed changes to improve

mulls construction

the nursing sector next month to Lawrence.

Benn also promised to deliver the document and pleaded with the minister "for patience" with the sector as they move to end the crisis.

Despite the poor performances. the release stated that the ministry is willing to ensure that the students continue to receive stipends until they re-write the exam later in the year.

Lawrence reminded that the students "had expectations and expenses" when they enrolled into the professional programme.

In addition, it was noted the Public Health Ministry is willing to help fund ideas which will help students

THE Texila American University-Guyana is thinking seriously about constructing a specialty hospital at its Providence, East Bank Demerara complex.

The university has given as the rationale behind the decision. Guyana's growing popularity as the destination of choice for medical studies.

Texila U's President. Mr Saju Bhaskar. told repohers Monday during a tour of its Providence campus that the institution is currently undertaking a market study for the planned specialty hospital project.

He said that the body is examining the prospects of the project, with catered plans for the provision of medical services such as neurology, urology and cancer treatments.

"Maybe it will take an-

other six months for us to really start off." Bhaskar said of its hospital plans, adding that seeing that the campus is only occupying the front portion of the complex, there is adequate space available for that project.

Bhaskar said. too. that the institution is planning to include in its curriculum business and Information Communication Technology (ICT) programmes. These two areas of study, he said, will be offered for pah-time studies aside from the medical programme.

Currently, the institution is preparing to commission its Providence campus, constmction of which cost in the vicinity of US$10M. APPLICATIONS POURING IN And according to Bhaskar. the investment is already

r t

■i

A Texila U medical staff explains the function of the various parts of the human body during the tour of the institution showing signs of paying off. as applications have already begun to pour in from prospective candidates in such

Ttatilm Amerieaii University

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence succeed in the profession and the nursing sector, while permanently reversing the high failure rate among its intake.

"This is my burden."

Lawrence said.

The Pan American Health Organisation / World Health

sister CARICOM countries as Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

During Monday's tour, repohers were given a firsthand look at the facilities, and according to officials, the institution is just awaiting word from the authorities to

officially commission the campus.

The campus is divided into two expansive blocks, the first of which comprises the registrar's office, the finance depahment and the student and examination affairs unit.

Executive offices, as well as classrooms are also located on that block.

On the second block, there are additional classrooms and laboratory facilities, among them those dedicated to the study of pathology, microbiology and bio-chemistry, all of which are fully equipped and cater for large-sized classrooms.

The institution also has in place a multimedia laboratory. which is equipped with 140 computer workstations for examination and assessment purposes, as well as a computerised e-library. where students have access to thousands of reference material Online.

VAST LIBRARY During the torn, the media was also given the opportunity to view the campus' vast

library, which has the capacity to not only house hundreds of books, but to also accommodate dozens of students wanting to use the facility to read.

According to the university. plans are also afoot to facilitate a student lounge and playground so as to add to the aesthetics of the campus.

The campus has a student capacity of 1500. and already there are 434 students on its roster, the majority of whom are locals. To date, there are quite a few foreign students from various countries enrolled in the medical programmes, including from India. Jamaica. Trinidad and Nigeria.

According to the university. Guyanese students are being offered partial scholarships to study at the university at 50% of the regular cost per year.

The university was established here in 2010, and offers medical programmes in such areas of study as the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Nursing (BSN/ RN-BSN), and Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm).

■

I I m

\

of specialty hospital at Providence

- ready to commission new campus

By Alva Solomon

■ t!

Organisation (PAHO/WHO). a major supporter of the country's health sector is "less than enthusiastic" by the latest high failure rate by local nurses in training, the ministry noted.

It said that Lawrence is expected to meet with officials in Washington next week.

In 2014. only 19 out of 267 students passed the test, the ministry noted, adding that the failure rate has been a challenge for Guyana for a number of years.

Guyana Nursing Council officials have said the problem is region-wide.

Local nursing students can re-sit the examinations three times. If they fail on the third occasion, they can retake the test but in a private capacity.

Sa l;:L .

Ss

.-1= FL U

. vrFront view of the Texila American University-Guyana campus at Providence, East Bank Demerara

The university's biochemistry laboratory

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

17

Obituary

The

Passing

Sir

of

Nobel

Prize

Derek Walcott

One of the Caribbean's great literary giants of the 20th century has died. St. Lucia bom, Sir Derek Walcott, passed away on March 17, after a prolonged illness. The renowned, world-famous poet and playwright, who received the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992, was 87-years-old. According to unconfirmed reports Walcott was hospitalized for some time with an undisclosed illness, and only recently returned to his Castries, St. Lucia home after being discharged.

Over the course of his long, illustrious and checkered career in academia, Walcott won many awards for his literary works including an Obie Award in 1971 for his play "Dream on Monkey Mountain', a MacArthur Foundation "genius" award, a Royal Society of Literature Award, the Queen's Medal for Poetry,

at

Laureate

87

his time between Trinidad,, where he had his home as a writer, and Boston University, where he taught literature and creative writing. Walcott had been an assiduous traveller to other countries but had always, not least in his efforts to create an indigenous drama, felt himself deeply-rooted in the Caribbean society with its cultural fusion of African, Asiatic and European elements. He was knighted in

(6

"I went to my mother and said, 'I'd like to publish a book of poems, and I think it's going to cost me two hundred dollars.' She was just a seamstress and a schoolteacher, and I remember her being very upset because she wanted to do it. Somehow she got itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a lot of money for a woman to have found on her salary.

She gave it to me, and I sent off to Trinidad and had the book printed.

When the books came back I would sell them to friends. I made the money back."

By Michael Derek Roberts the inaugural OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, the 2011 T. S. Eliot Prize for his book of poetry "White Egrets" and the Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry Lifetime Recognition Award in 2015.

Sir Derek Walcott was born in 1930 in the town of Castries in St. Lucia. The experience of growing up on the isolated volcanic island, an exBritish colony, had a strong and profound influence on all of Walcott's life and works. Both his grandmothers were said to have been the descendants of African slaves.

His father was a Bohemian watercolorist, died when he and his twin brother, Roderick, were very young children. His mother, a schoolteacher, ran the town's Methodist school.

After studying at St. Mary's College in St. Lucia and at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, Walcott moved to Trinidad and Tobago in 1953, where he worked as a theatre and art critic. At the age of 18, he made his debut with 25 Poems, but his breakthrough came with the col-

J %.â&#x2013; v;>

THE LATE SIR DEREK WALCOH lection of poems, "In a Green Night" (1962). In 1959, he founded the 2016 and was amongst three St. LuTrinidad Theatre Workshop that pro- cians to receive the Knight and Dame Commander title. duced many of his early works.

Walcott studied as a writer, beFor many years, he had divided

To announce important milestones, the

coming "an elated, exuberant poet madly in love with English" and strongly influenced by modernist poets such as T. S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. Walcott had an early sense of a vocation as a writer. At 14, Walcott published his first poem, a Miltonic, religious poem in the newspaper, The Voice of St. Lucia. An English Catholic priest condemned the Methodist-inspired poem as blasphemous in a response printed in the newspaper. By 19, Walcott had selfpublished his first two collections with the aid of his mother, who paid for the printing: 25 Poems (1948) and Epitaph for the Young: XII Cantos (1949). He sold copies to his friends and covered the costs. He later commented:

Sir Derek Alton Walcott, KCSL OBE OCC was Professor of Poetry at the University of Essex from 2010 to 2013. He was the second St. Lucian to have won the Nobel Prize, following Sir Arthur Lewis, who won the award for economics in 1979. The Swedish Academy of Letters praised Walcott by saying: "In him, West Indian culture has found its great poets." Concluding that Sir Derek Walcott's works demonstrated a mix of "historical vision, the outcome of a multicultural commitment and a "melodious and sensitive style."

He will be missed.

passing of your Loved Ones,

upcoming events or any other special announcements in this paper.

call:

(917)

379-6590

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate,

Things

that can alter

Taxes and Business S TAXES

the value

The Edgar Henry Column

A WELL-APPOINTED MASTER SUITE Some people have a passion and are really excited about master bedroom suites.

The wish list is basically a luxurious bathroom and lounging areas, with his and hers

There are several features that can add value to your home, and others that could rapidly reduce the sales price. In this article, I will change gears and explain what is necessary to alter or change the value of your real estate investment in the eyes of potential purchasers.

In the political arena of the United States, people asked for a change, and with the slogans, "Yes we can" and "Change you can believe" Barack H. Obama achieved the highest office in the land. A position he held for eight (8) years, consisting of two (2) terms. Following his reign emerged another change with the slogan "Let us make America great again" and millionaire Donald J. Trump emerged as president to run this great nation, AN UPDATED KITCHEN Times have changed drastically as it relates to placement of values while purchasing a home. Fifteen years ago, nobody really cared, the anxiety was to get a piece of the rock. Today everyone is placing emphasis on certain conveniences. The majority of persons looking to purchase homes, place particular importance on certain amenities. Understandably so, women in particular feel that kitchens are critical, and they simply adore a big kitchen with a lot of workspace. They look for solid surface counters and high-quality flooring, such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. Even if the kitchen is not huge, it should have countertops that are serviceable and ones that aren't going to have to be replaced soon. Cabinetry in good condition has to be well-appointed and large enough to fit their needs.

It doesn't hurt if it opens onto another room.

For instance, nowadays a lot of families are

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-

looking to have a window over the sink.

MODERN BATHROOMS Buyers are looking for master baths that give a little room to roam; a big asset would be a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. In my 30 years as a real estate broker, I am amused by people who have them in the master bath and don't ever use them after acquisition, but guess what? It's a big feature that attracts the eye and coincides with the asking price for leverage. Some other features buyers are seeking are separate showers with steam and/or multiple jets, double sink, and a separate room for the toilet. The seller has to make sure the plumbing and hot water heater can handle the job.

SHIPPING

SHIPPING

of your home

&

walk-in closets. They love natural materials such as ceramic tiles, hardwood floors, not much carpeting and granite. In floor coverings they look for ceramic tiles or parquet wood rather than linoleum, which can tear easily. In the rest of the house, wood or laminate products are a plus over wall-to-wall carpeting. But if you have carpet, it should be a good product and well maintained so that a person doesn't have to spend $5,000 off the bat to replace it.

OUTSIDE APPEARANCE AND CURB APPEAL. A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value of the home. A light, airy spacious home is

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at times preferable. People normally buy space and light. However you will find the occasional person who walks into a really dark house and remark 'I love this.' Most people are still looking at exposures and windows. It's been a cold winter for most of the country and we probably experienced the last snow storm last week. Thus energy efficiency is very important. Insulated windows are always a plus; typically, they pay for themselves in the long run. Beautiful Landscaping and having outdoor spaces with touches such as pergolas and Victorian garden swings can be very helpful. Conversely, you don't have to spend a fortune on plants, either, just keep it typical and in tune with the neighborhood.

LOTS OF STORAGE Nothing beats an oversized garage, some attic space and plenty of closets. If you have a two-car garage, do you have extra space for those things we all have, such as bicycles, lawn mower, and a snow blower?

Space is important. Unless you're living in a condo, retirement community, or in a town neighborhood, most buyers will look for at least a two-car garage. If you don't have a garage, it's a real negative, also if you have a one-car garage that could also be a problem.

A finished basement adds even more value.

If a basement is dry, it's a plus, but it's a negative if it has water problems.

LIABIIT1IFS On the flip side, here are a few things that could harm your home's value such as a swimming pool. Forget what you might have heard.

An in-ground pool in most parts of the country doesn't automatically raise the value of your home. Having a pool will automatically limit your market option when it comes time to sell.

It's a constant upkeep. Generally they crack, the equipment goes down, it's expensive to replace, and the liability is high. Purchasers shy away from it especially if they have small children. Others consider it a mixed blessing. For the people who want the pool, they're willing to pay for it. But there are an awful lot of people who have small children don't want a pool.

You have to weigh the odds.

Who wants an electrical system or plumbing system incapable of handling modern conveniences? Would you buy a home if the appliances were worn or broken? Roofs are expensive to replace and a good roof is considered standard equipment in a house. If your roof has problems, expect to take a hit in the price. If you've got an old roof and outdated paint, I don't care if you've upgraded the kitchen, you won't even get the buyer out of the car. If you know you've got to have something fixed, fix it. Otherwise, people will subtract the cost or not make an offer on the house. And if people think the house hasn't been taken care of, they will wonder what else they're not seeing. Besides being a danger to human health, lead, mold or asbestos can kill home value from an environmental hazards point of view.

"It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

19

HARRIS LARGE (Ed Harris Column) Saint Lucians everywhere are mourning the loss of our Nobel Laureate - Sir Derek Alton Walcott, a cultural icon and poet to the world. He passed away at the age of 87. May his soul rest in peace.

While we mourn the loss of our Cultural Icon, the voices of dissent to the Government's efforts to bring about economic prosperity keep banging away providing every reason why the Desert Star Holdings project—Pearl of the Caribbean is not good for our country if the agreement should be pursued in its current form, even though the project has aheady advanced to phase 2.

I am overwhelmed, I am exhausted, however with compass in hand, I hope to be able to navigate my way through the uncertainties and anxieties that pervade at this time in our dear land of Saint Lucia. Everybody is talking and nobody is listening. I believe in situations like these the best thing to do is to step back and be a spectator, until you can understand the situation better with all the facts at hand. However, when so much is at stake there is no way any citizen concerned with the welfare of the state and by extension his/her own welfare can stand by idly and simply not get involved. There is so much at stake that the current situation must involve everyone.

If you ask anyone in St. Lucia who is unemployed and feeling the economic pinch, that person will point to the need for jobs, if he/she is in business then that person will give you a history of failed expectations in the past 5 to 7 years and end up that things are bad, of course there are a few exceptions. In every situation, there will always be persons who are doing better than others. However, there must be some ease for the masses when there is a battle to put food on the table and take care of the bills.

The environmentalists have come out in great numbers under the umbrella of the St. Lucia National Trust to present

their case about the possible disruption to the Eco system if the Dessert Star Holding Limited, developers of the Pearl of the Caribbean goes ahead with the causeway to link Maria Islands to the mainland, and the investors in the Dolphin Park project are allowed to proceed with their plans. Public meetings to

Keeper is set in the author's hometown of Vieux Fort, the southernmost part of the island, and employs the American World War II occupation of the town as its backdrop.

The Vieux Fort Community will be hosting the official launching of The Stall Keeper at 4PM on Sunday, 2 April at a venue to be decided. The event is free and open to the public, and besides book reading and signing by the author, it will pay tribute to the late Emmanuel "Bugs" O'Brien and Sir Derek Walcott, it will also feature poetry, dance, music,

r* .4 V

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J r ■ma. iti

h

-

J 'U tilin •> V Mass casualties reported at R.G. Quarries explosion in St. Lucia.

whip up support for both sides of the argument are being held in the North and South of the island. There are a few questions that need to be answered unambiguously, especially the pay back clause. The nation needs an update as to the real status of the DSH investment in St. Lucia.

Jako Books, a division of Jako Productions , has announced the publication of The Stall Keeper, Dr. Anderson Reynolds' long awaited and much anticipated third book, and second novel.

Unlike Dr. Reynolds' first novel which was set largely in Castries, the northern city and capital of St. Lucia, The Stall

Make 2017 a successful year

folk drumming, a dramatization of a scene from The Stall Keeper, and a short video of the growing body of Vieux Fort Literature.

Congratulations to the newly appointed Editor of the Voice Newspaper, Mr. Stan Bishop. He takes over from veteran journalist Mr. Guy Ellis, who has retired.

As I am about to close off on writing my column, a major tragedy struck St. Lucia with an explosion at R.G. Quarry in Cul D' Sac that was felt several miles away. The fire service had to mobilise all its nationwide resources. It is reported that the explosion sent bodies flying in the air and the death toll is still sketchy, several persons are reported dead.

My suggested website of the week is www.thevoiceslu.com Say hello to the new Editor.

Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is in Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles!

Edward Harris: Biblicist, Author/Publisher, Business Consultant, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Networker, CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker.

Email: jobfreelife72@yahoo.co Website: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/edharris biz.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

AG

wants

court

to

throw

out

- says CJRCIfailed to make full, frank Red Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; the two named defendants in the Red House lease case, submitted their submissions in response to claims made by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. (CJRCI), arguing that the applicant has failed to make full and frank disclosure of all materials facts of the case.

In the written submission. the defendants contended that the declaration made by the Research Centre that the Red House lease which was issued under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01 was valid. binding and in force, is flawed.

President David Granger late last year ordered that the controversial lease for the Red House, which housed the CJRCI be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property. The decision had come after Williams had issued a statement detailing the history of the CJRCI's occupancy of the building and outlining that there was no valid lease agreement as former President Bharrat Jagdeo had refused to ap-

House prove at least two applications for the lease.

However. Chairman of the Management Committee of the Centre. Hydar Ally subsequently moved to the High Court requesting Conservatory Orders to restrain or prevent the government from taking possession of the building; declared that the lease was valid and that President Granger's revocation order was illegal.

The Attorney General in his submission contends that the CJRCI having gone to the court Ex Parte was obliged to make a full and frank disclosure of all material facts.

As such. Williams said that CJRCI did not disclose to the court several material facts including the fact that the lease must be sanctioned or approved by the President under Section 10 of the Deeds Registry Act 3:01 and was not; that the paltry rental sum of the lease, to wit. $1000 per month; by the provisions of the Deeds Registry Act the lease of 99 years must be executed in the manner of a transport before the Court and was not; that the lease must be filed as of record in the Deeds Registry and was not; that the lease was not pleadable in a Court

Attorney General, Basil Williams of Justice and invalid if not executed before the Court, filed as a record and annotated by the Registrar in the Deeds Registry and that no reference to the Red House being a Heritage site under the National Trast Act Chapter 20:03 and could not be leased by the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01.

Additionally. Williams argued that the Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter and noted that the principle that every court before proceeding to hear a matter must determine

Guyanese

PH.D. On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Guyanese public safety scholar, Yeon Shirland Adams, graduated with a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Public Safety from Capella University in a simple, yet symbolic ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Adams, a former member of the Guyana Defence Force Military Police Corp.

Guyana Police Force and Professional Guard Services was one of 1.700 graduating students from Capella University.

His six years of study entailed research on many issues related to effective leadership and administration of various public safety organizations; police, corrections (Prisons), courts, and emergency management. Dr. Adams culminated his studies with a 13- page dissertation (study) titled: "A Phenomenological Study of Caribbean Police Collaborative Efforts" that explored the challenges to police cross-jurisdictional collaborative efforts in the Caribbean to effectively control transna-

case

in

disclosure of all material facts

if it had jurisdiction to do so. "Since the Applicant/ Plaintiff contends that the matter is a constitutional action which seeks to protect its fundamental rights under the Constitution, it is required to come by way of constitutional motion to the court under Article 153 of the Constitution and not

by Write of Summons and should be strack out as being an abuse of the process of the Court and the Court will lack jurisdiction to proceed."

The Attorney General argued also that a mere reference to a claim for constitutional relief or assertion of a fundamental right does not suffice to entitle a court to exercise its constitutional jurisdiction.

"The defendants likewise submit that this is a private law action for the determination of the validity of a lease and the lawfulness of its revocation and cannot be transformed into a constitutional matter as the Applicant/ Plaintiff failed to please sufficient facts to show it was the lawful owner of a leasehold interest in the Red House Properly under a valid lease to ground a prima facie breach of the fundamental right claimed."

The ruling on the jurisdiction of the court to hear proceedings will be made on March 24.

As such. Williams said that it could not be seriously contended that the applicant/ plaintiff had a fundamental right to property the subject of an invalid lease. Arguably, the CJRCI though indicating in its Writ of Summons and Endorsement of Claim and Ex Parte Affidavit that the Red House lease is valid, binding and in force, it did not provide the court with sufficient particulars which give rise to and support such a claim.

Moreover, he posited that the CJRCLs contention that the provisions of Section 13 of the Deeds Registry Act does not apply to government lands is flawed. Based on the aforementioned. the CJRCI was required to execute the 99 years Red House lease in the manner of a transport before the court; file it as of record in the Deeds Registry and the Registrar annotates it in the Register before it reaches a bona fide transferee for value without notice.

"The Red House which as a result cannot be pleased in any court of law robs this

graduates

Public

tional crime using a qualitative research methodology with a social constractionist and interpretive approach.

The study was unique as it was the first to document these challenges from a Caribbean perspective. One challenge outlined in the study, the lack of a regional arrest warrant, was discussed at recently concluded CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Guyana. Moreover, the study offered many recommendations to improving police cross-jurisdictional collaborative efforts to control crime within the region.

Dr. Adams completed his Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2007. a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and International Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. CUNY Baccalaureate Program in 2004 and an Associate in Applied Science

with

Safety

A I / Mr and Mrs Adams

Honourable Court of Jurisdiction to proceed." said Williams who maintained that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the case. He noted too that in the case of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the second named defendant, where that Commission revoked the Red House Lease, it was done in the name and under the executive authority of the President.

"Thus the act of revoking the Red House lease was not done directly but indirectly by the President acting through an officer subordinate to him in accordance with the Carltona Principle."

He continued: "Mutatis Mutandis (in like manner) no order can be made against the president challenging the act of the second named defendant when the latter was acting for and in the name of the president." The CJRCI is seeking damages in excess of $1M for breach of lease of government land for educational or research purposes; damages in excess of $1M for breach of the applicant's fundamental rights and freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitution of Guvana.

in Computer Application at Medgar Evers College in 2001.

Dr. Adams is currently a member of staff with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York (the UN emergency response organization) and is now qualified to lecture undergraduate and graduate students in the criminal justice and its related disciplines.

He also mentors students and is active in Guyanese and international community-based organizations; Guyana Action Committee, Lions International, American Criminal Justice Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Ex-Police Association of Guyana and the alumni association of Medgar Evers College, John Jay College and Capella University. He will also continue to conduct public safety research within the Caribbean setting as there is paucity in the literature.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Ntw York dinalclo Horoscope AMES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Try not to jump to conclusions. Minor accidents could occur if you don't take precautions. You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it. Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

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TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. You will be your usual charming self and the partners you attract may be the adventurous type. Don't believe everything you hear. You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Emotional relationships will be plentiful if you attend group activities.

For best results get out of the office and do your job en route. Depression may be likely if you're away from home. Don't let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. Someone you work with may be withholding valuable information. Problems with financial investments could make you nervous. Don't let others take advantage of your good nature. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) It's doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass next week. Don't fall for damaging rumors, and refuse to get involved in gossip.

You could come into extra cash. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) It's is unlikely that there will be any hindrances to success in your way next week. Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. In return, the satisfaction you get is enough for you. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You will be in the doghouse if you are being dogmatic. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished. You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents. Your ability to come up with good solutions for problems related to work will no doubt help you in getting a promotion. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

ISSUE 41 CROSSWORD ANSWER 5 6 8 9 10 2 3 A E T A T ■1TT A M S ' ■ 13 R E "S S u E ft o W E N " L E E T E L E■T O G A 4 16 1 M A H 0 X L A S T L A P 1 17 18 19 20 A iT L D O E ■ ■ K E N N E T H rP A P E R 21 22 23 25 D 1 M E R R A N Y ■ 6 27 28 29 E A R S P L U R G 1: S a H 1 M 1 e: s S ■ 0 32 33 A iP 1 N G aR D ! N A L " ■ ■L L E A N WE B B N E 0 5 36 38 39 ■ G E N E x N Ok L C E E ■ ■ 40 42 A LFIX R X ■ s E _E H "R S _ | 1 3.

3 on some clocks 44 , 4 ■ ■ 6 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 5. Cribbage marker ■ ■ 6. Very smooth 4 55 56 _ » 7. Bear the price 7 58 59 8. Diamond locale (2 wds.)

■ ■■ 9. Flabbergast ACROSS 35. Rasps 10. High school proficiency test 1.

-a-brac 37. Yahoo! rival (abbr.)

5. Links group (abbr.)

39. Utah-based church 12. Minnesota city (2 wds.)

8. Straggle (abbr.)

18. Dashboard abbr.

11. Racetrack enclosure 40. On the briny 20. Boat blades 12. Inner person 41. Fakes 21. Gandhi's homeland 13. Sheep's mom 43. Contradict!ve con22. Felix Unger's creator (2 wds.)

14. Cincinnati's state traction 23. Like Sanka 15. Week-ending inits.

45. ID digits 25. Minds 16. up (disgusted) 46. Actor DeLuise 26. Switch position 17. Electrical unit 48. Proofreader's word 29. Privileges (abbr.) (abbr.)

50. Sound a siren 31. Third letters 19. Kick 54. Mysterious sky 33. Bandleader Jimmy 21. Stamper's tool sighting (abbr.)

36. Beach shoe 24. Pool float 55. Creative 38.

Palmas 26. United 56. "Night" author 42. Not married 27. Shade of color Wiesel 44. Garr or Hatcher 28. Less wet 57. Solo of "Star Wars" 46. "Obviously!"

30. Banking insurance 58. Tupperware top 47. "Son gun!" (2 wds.) letters 59. 10-cent coin 49. Inc., to a Brit 32. Calculator display DOWN 51. "The Greatest" boxer (abbr.)

1. Sis's sibling 52. Wheel part 34. Exported 2. Cheerleader s shout 53. Born as

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Focus on your own domestic problems. You might find group functions tiring. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

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CAPRICORN (Dec 22. - Jan. 20) You must try to lay your cards on the table. Talk to your mate and tell him or her how you feel. Try to satisfy both of your needs. Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. Networking will be a necessity. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

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DICE PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Don't let relatives make demands of you. Pamper yourself; you deserve it.

You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments. Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday,

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BOARD AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives.

Empty promises are evident. You will enjoy socializing and unusual forms of entertainment. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try to understand their point of view. You can make money through solid investment plans. You will inspire confidence in others. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organizational function. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

WILLIAMS CHAIRS HOUSING AND BUILDINGS

COMMITTEE BUDGET OVERSIGHT HEARING NEW YORK, NY- On March 15, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, chaired a Housing and Buildings Committee oversight hearing on the Fiscal 2018 preliminary operating and capital budgets for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Fiscal 2018 preliminary operating budget for the Department of Buildings (DOB). The committee heard testimony from HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer, DOB Commissioner Rick Chandler, and interested members of the pubUc. "There is a real concern about what will happen to some of the City's vital programs that assist low-income New Yorkers with housing," said Council Member Williams, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings. "The Trump Administration has announced in their America First budget that federal funding for housing programs will be cut by $6 billion. As local legislators, we are now challenged to evaluate how we will bear this Trump storm and still provide much-needed services to our City."

The committee examined all components of HPD's $903 million dollar expense budget, and $3 billion dollar capital budget, along with details and progress related to Mayor de Blasio's Housing Plan, The committee also received updates on the progress related to the DOB's One City Built to Last initiative, improvements to its permit filing system and how DOB will address the increase in construction related accidents and injuries.

Last week, the Trump Administration announced

U.S.

major cuts to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). NYCHA will receive at least $35 million less in federal aid this year. The Trump Administration may also slash funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) BY $6 billion.

Given the recent reports that the federal government has proposed budget cuts to vital housing programs, including Community Development Block (CDBG) funding, and the Section 8 program, the Committee hopes to gain a clearer sense of how HPD would absorb these potential

hoto Credit: John McCarten, JNYC Council cuts and how this will impact it's operations and service levels. CDBG funding is used to support the City's code enforcement.

Currently, HPD receives 86 percent of their budget from the federal government, making it one of the few City agencies that has a disproportionate reliance on federal funds. President Donald Trump's threats to deny federal

Militarism,

Death

and

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funding to sanctuary cities, would impact the agency severely, given New York City is a self-proclaimed sanctuary city. In an effort to combat potential cuts, HPD sent a joint letter with other agencies to the HUD transition team in January. The letter detailed the devastating impact cuts would have on the most vulnerable in NYC. HPD also coordinated meetings with policy makers in Washington D.C. to reiterate the importance of federal funding for the agency.

"I know firsthand that the work we do is a lifeline for thousands of families across the City," Torres-Springer said during the hearing. "We all know that housing is a top expense for all New Yorkers. For far too many, rising rents threaten the ability for people to stay in the City that they love.

"HPD has a disproportionate reliance on federal funds.

Although the current administration has not formally announced specific cuts to federal grants that help fund HPD's mission, the President and senior congressional leadership have publicly articulated an agenda of economic and social policies that would undermine the agencies ability to deliver on our commitment to deliver affordable housing. Any cuts to CDBG funding would have profound impacts on low and moderate income households who HPD programs serve, and of course we are extremely concerned about a loss of Section 8 funding, which is so critical to helping our most vulnerable families remain stable in their homes."

There was also a vote on Council Member Elizabeth Crowley's unlicensed electrical work bill, which was passed unanimously. Intro 0247, would increase the penalties for performing electrical work without a required license.

Funding would be eliminated for the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Chemical Safety Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Legal Services Corporation (which provides civil legal assistance to vulnerable low-income people who can't afford the $400 an hour rate of a decent attorney).

Trump's budget proposal represents an act of brutal deprioritization and deliberate neglect of most American people's needs. It is a frontal attack on the lives of poor people and people of color. It is an anti-science screeching call-to-arms against the environment and by extension against the long-term survival of most of Earth's species — including Homo Sapiens. It is war waged against the arts, against learning, against recreation, against shared space — against the things that help give life meaning and purpose beyond mere survival.

If we don't act now as informed and enraged civil society then the US military budget will continue to exceed the combined military spending of the next seven countries: China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, the UK, India and Germany. Indeed, a new "People's American Century" must confront President Trump's proposed cuts to peoplecentered domestic programs and question the legitimacy that has been granted to wage endless wars and militarism over the course of the past 25 years.

The conversation must start with disaffected and forgotten communities in ghettos and the inner cities of America, village population by the rural poor and hamlets of the Rust Belt, the disenfranchised workers displaced by new-

The

Poor

age technology and corporate downsizing, and the Baby Boomers who just can't retire. This conversation must be about our priorities, a rejection of healthcare as a profitdriven commodity peddled by corporations for a price that the vast majority of the people couldn't afford. We have to end and reject ALL forms of state violence — endless wars, rabid militarism, unjust and unfair deportations, commercial prisons, surveillance, corporate greed and deprivation.

The new "People's American Century" can start by people imagining how better to spend the money currently funneled toward this sustained violence. For example.

President Trump's proposed military budget of $54 billion can provide Medicaid with 15 million new adults, grant 1.6 million students a free four-year college education, create one million infrastructure jobs, and fund the Meals on Wheels program for 7,180 years.

Finally, Americans have to stop talking about "our wars", as if they are glorified nation-building programs that don't have devastating consequences on the most vulnerable Black and Brown people. Americans must also stop playing ostrich and burying their heads in the sand, wrap themselves in the flag to insulate them from feeling and pretending that everything is all right. That's cowardice and pseudo-patriotism. We have to see that high-tech military drones, smart bombs, 21st century imperialism, and decades of colossal counter-productive military budgets have devastated mainstream America and wreaked havoc across the world. So we MUST "imagine life without them." And for the survival of the species do the incredibly hard human things that embrace life and hope, and reject the equally incredible stupid things that humans are capable of in the name of progress.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Sugar

23

confab

opens

today

- Guyana, other Caricom countries for major talks on sugar industry AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder will be heading a delegation to Jamaica, where he is expected to attend a high-level Caribbean Sugar Policy Workshop in Kingston, which opens today.

The event has been organised jointly by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean. CARICOM and other partners from inside and beyond the region, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a release. The meetings will focus on challenges and risks facing regional sugar producers in light of changes to the European Union (EU) sugar regime. Participants will listen to the experiences of sugar producing states, including Guyana, and suggest possible mitigating actions.

Issues that will be addressed during the first session of conference are: the 2017 EU sugar reform and short-term threats on the Caribbean sugar industry; ways in which countries can access new markets; managing the politics of transforming the industry and ways

Guyana

in which the industry can respond to the trends as it relates to sugar consumption.

The second day will see participants developing policy responses by addressing trade and tariff policy options open to Caribbean policy makers and policy measures that Caribbean policy-makers can adopt to support a viable sugar industry.

The third day is scheduled to facilitate a high-level ministerial sugar stake-holders group meeting to address what can be done at that level to influence a positive change in the industry.

While Minister Holder is expected to present on the final day of the conference.

GuySuCo's Chief Executive Officer. Errol Hanoman. will be making presentations on the challenges facing Guyana's sugar industry and government's planned interventions by way of diversification. Jamaica. Belize.

Guyana and the Dominican Republic are listed as top producers in the Caribbean.

However, many other nations are directly impacted

by a number of debilitating factors, chief among which is the removal of the preferential quotas to the EU. These changes are set to take effect in October this year.

The scrapping of national sugar production quotas for Europe is expected to result in a reduction of the price paid for sugar from the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). while causing the overall volume of EU sugar imports to fall as Europe becomes self-sufficient.

Caribbean sugar producers will now be forced to sell their sugar on the world market, competing with beet sugar producers at prices significantly lower than what was formerly enjoyed with the preferential EU market. This combined with the existing problems facing Caribbean producers, could jeopardise the industry in the region, provided urgent interventions are not devised in the short term.

Today's meeting in Jamaica seeks to provide an opportunity for sugar pro-

negotiates

- receives permit to export paddy FOLLOWING a recent clearance by the Mexican government for countries to bid for quotas to export rice into that country, Guyana is negotiating prices with Mexican companies who are interested in this country's rice.

According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture. Mexico's National

Service of Health. Safety and Agro-Food Quality (SENASICA) recently approved imports of paddy from these shores. In addition. SENASICA is currently processing Guyana's SPS certificate to import rice, the release stated.

It was noted that several countries, including Guyana. are set to make a bid

Bandit

killed

THE armed bandit shot dead in the wee hours of Sunday morning during a confrontation with a businessman in Bel Air was identified as 32-year-old old Ray Golden of Independence Boulevard, Albouystown Georgetown; Parfaite Harmonic, West Bank Demerara and of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, respectively.

The businessman was not injured in the shootout, but a friend of his. the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling was and is current-

ly hospitalised at a private institution. The fallen bandit was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to reports, the businessman had just seen one of two friends home in Belvoir Court after a night out at the movies when the incident occurred. It happened around 00:30hrs as the friend was about to secme the gate to his premises, when he was accosted by two men. one of whom brandished a firearm and ordered him to 'Freeze!'

The driver, sensing that some-

rice

deal

for exports to the Mexican rice market. As such, negotiations have been ongoing between the Ministers of Agriculture of both countries to ensure Guyana satisfies the necessary criteria to be a part of the bidding process.

According to the release, applications can only be made in quotas of 10.000 metric tonnes and each country is only allowed to apply for three (3) quotas. In addition. following a recent

in

ducing Caribbean nations to present their cases, outlining the unique challenges facing them individually, while devising strategies to collectively move forward.

Meanwhile, a Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) article said the sugar officials fear that the end will lead to a fall in prices and a decrease in sugar imports from the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, with particular impact on Caribbean producers.

"With our exports still focused on EU markets, the Caribbean sugar industry faces a period of instability and change, and must urgently adapt in order to meet the challenge of competing with other sugar producing nations worldwide, which have lower production costs or in a global market that is heavily distorted by trade barriers and government support." said Karl James, the chairman of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC).

"The prospect of the exit of the United Kingdom from

with

thing was amiss, decided to reverse the vehicle to check on his friend, and came under a hail of bullets as the armed bandit opened fire. In the fusillade. the front windscreen of the vehicle was shattered and the driver was hit on his arm.

The businessman, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, immediately drew his licensed .32 Taurus pistol and returned lire, hitting the bandit squarely in the chest.

His accomplice, not wanting to wait around, took to his heels, leaving his fallen ac-

Mexican

exposition in the Spanish -speaking country. Guyana began negotiating prices with companies in Mexico that expressed interest in purchasing paddy during the recently concluded Exposition.

Representatives from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association, along with other private millers recently attended the Expo Antad in Guadalajara. Mexico.

Belvoir

the EU further adds to the uncertainty ahead. The focus must be on identifying the practical next steps that we in the industry, and our governments, can take as priority measures to reinvigorate our sugar sector and provide it with the means to prosper and grow in the 21st Century."

"We look forward to taking forward with our partners in government, the policy recommendations from this important workshop to give the sugar industry in the Caribbean a positive future." he added.

The tw o-day meeting which begins on Thursday is being held in collaboration with the Caribbean Council, the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Jamaica promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The meeting is being funded by the EU, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ASR Group, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and will bring together

complice behind. The police were subsequently informed of the shooting, and upon arriving at the scene, found a .32 pistol believed to have belonged to the deceased suspect. They also found seven .32 calibre spent shells and a cellular phone. The police are reportedly reviewing footage from several CCTV surveillance cameras in the neighbourhood to build their case. The body of the slain bandit was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. A post-mortem is expected to be done Wednesdav.

I

^

J Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder industry leaders and policy-makers for an in-depth discussion on how the Caribbean sugar industry now needs to adapt to the new market realities. Delegates will also discuss the policy options which are available to both industry and regional governments.

The recommendations of the industry workshop will be presented to the Sixth Meeting of the CARICOM Stakeholders on Sugar, which will be convened by the CARICOM Secretariat and held here on Fridav.

companies

During a visit. Mexican Ambassador to Guyana and Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM. Ivan Sierra, made provisions for the team to liaison with the authorities there. This information was later published in the Mexican official Gazette.

The release in the Mexico's Official Gazette stated that during January to December 2017. the Government of Mexico granted approval for 150.000 metric

shooting

i

tonnes of paddy and rice products to enter Mexico from outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), free of the payment of taxes (zero taxes).

On a normal basis, taxes by countries other than NAFTA member states trading with Mexico, are required at a rate of 9% on paddy and 20% on rice products, the release added.

identified

A *:

The .32 auto berretta gun that the bandit used

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Linden

cops

cash-in

on

house

lots

- Given priority with Linden duplexes

By Vanessa Braithwaite SEVERAL excited Linden police officers on Wednesday became owners of low-income house lots after sharing their frustration over the slow system with the Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Patterson.

The police officers stormed the Mackenzie Police Station, where Minister Patterson hosted a special outreach in an effort to edify them on the housing projects that will soon commence by her ministry and how they can benefit from same.

The Minister, along with her team from Central Housing and Planning Authority, made a detailed presentation of the housing units which will be built across Guyana, but most importantly highlighted the 70 duplex apartments that will be constmcted in Linden.

But after the presentation, many of the officers still opted to own lands, which will allow them to constract their own home. They noted that even though they applied many years ago for land, they are yet to be allocated a plot.

Minister Patterson took this opportunity and immediately sold low-income lands for ($92,000) to police officers who were in receipt of their letters.

Once they were able to pay half of the cost of the land, the officers were made land-owners. Many rushed to capitalise on this offer and were given lot numbers to lands located in Amelia's Ward.

Meanwhile. 40 of the duplexes will be built in Amelia's Ward, while 30 will be built in Wisroc. The Minister explained to the police officers that the duplexes will cost between 6-8 million dollars, but the final cost is

still to be ironed out. The officers. who were taken aback by the cost, explained that with their salaries, the bank will not grant loans and therefore the possibility of them owning the duplexes will be very slim. The Minister said she is aware of the salaries of the police officers and agreed that it will be difficult indeed for them to access loans. As such, she noted that provisions will be put in place to accommodate the ranks.

"I am quite aware [of] where the salary level is and we want to provide for state employees so therefore at the end of the consultation, a proposal will be pulled.

I've already spoken to one of the senior personnel at the Ministry of Finance because I recognise that there has to be government involvement.

I have asked if the bank can look at extending the repayment period which will reduce your monthly install-

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Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Patterson presents a receipt of payment for a land in Amelia's Ward, Linden to a female Police Constable attached to the Mackenzie Police Station ment or if the government would be willing to negotiate with the bank to see if the interest rate can come down," Minister Patterson told the ranks.

Constraction of the duplexes will commence in May and priority will be given to State employees, youths and middle-income earners. In response to a question from the cops, the Minister explained that the duplexes have three designs: one design will be tw o flats, the other will be on stilt, giving the owner the choice of enclosing their bottom flat, while the other will be

two storeys. There will be duplexes constmcted of both concrete and timber and these will carry varying cost.

The apartments carry a measurement of 30 x 40. while the land will be 75 x 75. Each duplex will carry two bedrooms and the separating wall goes from the front of the yard to the back, allowing each owner to have their own yard space; it will also be both fire and soundproof.

The schemes will be furnished with social and infrastructural facilities. Once payment is complete, the owners will be given a cer-

tificate of title. The Ministry also plans to implement a "rent to own" system rather than be burdened with a hefty mortgage. The Minister however encomaged the cops to take advantage of the duplexes. given the limited lands available in Linden.

"Let's maximize on the duplexes because that will start very soon because we don't have house land to give all of you." the minister urged.

She encouraged them to attend the housing exhibition, which will held in May, to get a first-hand view of what is in store.

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POLICE are investigating the murder of a Guyanese national who has been living in Trinidad for the last 25 years. Sewkumar Dalchand, 52, was found murdered at his home in Macoya Road Extension, Wednesday morning. The house was ransacked and his vehicle was missing. His hands and feet were bound.

Relatives say they had not heard from him since Sunday and went looking for him on Wednesday morning when he was discovered

dead. They say Dalchand was a wholesale trader who was well known in the community and gave a lot towards the development of the area. He migrated to Trinidad 25 years ago. after living a poor life in Guyana, and found success there. Police say that the body was also in an advanced state of decomposition.

The body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre where a post-mortem will be performed to determine the cause of death. Officers of the Homicide Bureau are

Sewkumar Dalchand continuing investigations.

(CNC3)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

Tiw

25

CBC NEEDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM ELBA TO

Peter Haynes BENEFIT FROM NEW COMPETITION SYSTEM FIB A President Horacio Muratore is very much looking forward to November 2017 and the launch of FIBA's New Competition System, which opens a new era for basketball. He explained that this revolutionary calendar is a game changer for the sport all around the world.

President Muratore has said that the New Competition System is something that the FIB A has been talking about since 2010, and he therefore hopes that everybody in basketball is as excited about it as the FIB A Executive Committee. The National team, he said, is the best product that any nation can have in a sport, and so this change is a measure that is destined to help basketball grow all over the world.

Muratore also noted that some stakeholders in the basketball family have expressed doubts about this plan, but the organization remains convinced that when the New Competition System tips off in November, everyone will realise that it is in the best interests of the sport's entire community.

In addition, he expressed the view that people are happy and excited to see their national teams playing at home on a regular basis.

FIBA's Executive knows that the new era will bring about considerable changes, and the National Federations are also understandably recognizing that there will be numerous challenges ahead.

FIB A is reported to be working closely with the National Federations to help them in the transitional period so that they can reap the greatest profits when the new plan comes into force. This assistance will reportedly involve supporting the National Federations through a variety of initiatives: not only will FIB A provide financial support such as TV production, players' insurance, coverage of the costs of officials, as well as technical assistance.

FIBA's upcoming regulations have not been outlined by President Muratore, because he expects the National Associations to finance all the attendant expenses such as team preparation which will include training, travelling to training sessions, meals during encampment, airfares, uniforms, and such incidentals.

Most telling on the National Federations, especially where local governments had never envisaged that "Indoor" facilities would need to be those mandated for hosting an international tournament sanctioned

by FIBA, but small underdeveloped and developing nations will be excluded from these competitions.

The FIBA President emphasized the importance of the assistance being given to the National Federations for financing TV production; players' insurance that would also cover the costs of officials; and assistance on technical issues. While those areas of assistance are welcome, the development of the

comes a FIBA partner in the sports apparel (clothing, footwear and accessories) product arena. As such, it has sponsorship rights for all Men's and Women's editions of FIBA's competitions for the 2017-2027 period, with the list of qualifiers and championship competitions applying to every conceivable event sanctioned by FIBA. The value in millions of United States dollars of this partnership was not disclosed, but given NIKE's reputation, it will certainly involve mega bucks.

Many International Sports Federations have assisted National Federations to develop by providing the materials and cost of labour for the development of internationally accepted facilities, notable among these are the Football and Hockey Federations. However, the small underdeveloped nations comprising the Caribbean Basketball Confederation will not be in receipt of any of the

FBfi

4

game depends on the various countries ' aspiring youngsters having adequate and internationally accepted facilities. Obviously, small underdeveloped countries like most of the members of the Caribbean Basketball Federation would like to hear Mr. Muratore say that FIBA will provide the funds needed to build facilities in their nations once the respective governments donate the land.

On March 1, 2017, FIBA signed an 11-year strategic partnership with NIKE (2017 -2027) commercial agreement covering FIBA's Senior Men's, Women's, and Youth flagship National Team National Championships. NIKE thus be-

We Are Basketball

large sums of money that FIBA will receive during the next 11 years, be-

i

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AT

FIBA PRESIDENT HORACIO MURATORE cause FIB A categorizes its National Federations in classes: "A" - 28 countries; "B" - 19 countries; "C" 27 countries; and "D" â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all other affiliated countries.

The Caribbean Basketball Confederation falls into Category "D" and will be expected to display Nike signs prominently but, given its lowly status, will not be receiving even the crumbs falling from FIBA's table.

It is understood that NIKE is just one of the partners contributing to FIBA's coffers, and in the circumstances it is important for FIBA to urgently consider refocusing its attention on basketball development by giving the Category "D" National Federations some of the vast amounts that they traditionally receive from sponsorships.

So, President Muratore, as you look across to the Caribbean from your Argentinian homeland, please let your conscience direct you towards giving substantial financial assistance to the English-speaking members of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation!

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newspaper

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26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

How British Guiana became Caribbean cricket champions

4 record four centuries were recorded by the Guyanese batsmen... ' ' kw

by OUIIM SHAN RAZACK boundaty studded centuries.

They were assoBasil Butcher, a stylish stroke player had scored an undefeated ciated in an unfinished sixth wicket stand of 154 against Jamaica and four against Barbados, had been 280 mns. This is the highest score on this hailed as the successor of Robert Chrisdani, for artistry and ground, but far from the existing West Indies elegance was third in the batting aggregate for British Guiana record of 487 by George Headley (344 NO) and Charles Passilaigue (261 NO) at with 158 runs.

Kingston, Jamaica against Lord Tennyson's What the then British Guiana Cricket up and neither batsman gave the indication of XI in the 1931-32 series. When play resumed, Board of Control (BGCBC) had tried to avoid being likely to get out. It was when the new Basil Butcher carried his bat for 154 to record for the past decade, or even longer, was ball was taken that Pairaudeau fell to a spec- his first international hundred — his previous forcibly brought to the attention of those con- tacular catch in the leg trap by Lewis of the highest First-Class score was 62. His fellow cerned. And it is with some reluctance that bowling of Roy Gilchrist with the score at Berbician Joe Solomon also scored his first they had widened the scope and had decided 207. In came Ivan Madray to stand guard with century with his knock of 114. Two others to go back to "God's country." It is common Kanhai still on 75. Play came to a close with Brace Pairaudeau and Rohan Kanhai got hunCOLLIE SMITH & ALF VALENTINE knowledge that Georgetown provided British the score at 212-2. British Guiana cricketers dreds, to bring the total to four centuries — a Guiana with her international cricket teams showed complete dominance over their Ja- record for British Guiana. Butcher scored the on top. The score at stumps were 321 for four, year after year, and although strenuous efforts maican counterparts the second day when fastest century of the foursome, his hundred Binns 93 and Smith on 91. The five day semihad been made to get officials interested in they rattled up 475 runs for the loss of five coming in 237 minutes. His entire innings oc- final of the Intercolonial quadrangular cricket talented cricketers in the country districts, wickets — nearly 11,000 fans including His cupied 316 minutes and included 21 bound- tournament between British Guiana and Janothing was done about it. Berbice was fa- Excellency the Governor, Sir Patrick Renison, aries. He never gave a semblance of a chance. maica ended in a draw. vored with one representative now and then. K.C.M.G. and his beautiful daughter ElizaThe home team, by virtue of their first Solomon scored his century in 263 minbeth witnessed a scintillating display of bats- utes with 13 fours and his 114 not out came innings lead over the Jamaicans had qualified manship by the local cricketers, which pushed in 294 minutes. He also was as solid as ever to contest the finals with Barbados. The final their overnight score from 212-2 to 475-5. and as delightful to watch. The entire British scores were British Guiana 601 for 5 declared The day's play saw 263 rans being scored Guiana innings lasted 754 minutes. Paceman and 60 for one; Jamaica 469. Two centuries with only three wickets falling. Rohan Kan- Roy Gilchrist 3-129 and Alf Valentine 2-65 by the West Indies batsmen Collie Smith 109 hai, the promising young wicket-keeper bats- were the most outstanding Jamaica bowlers. and Alfie Binns 151, who were associated in man scored an impressive 129. The Berbician When Jamaica batted, right-arm leg a fifth wicket partnership of 224 rans failed thus became the second batsman to score a spinner the late Ivan Madray claimed the first to give Jamaica the initiative. They fell short century for British Guiana and passed his pre- wicket for British Guiana, when he had J. K. of the home team's total by 132 mns. Smith vious highest First-Class match score of 51. Holt Jr. caught by Walcott in the slips for 13 was first to go before lunch when he was Producing a wide array of strokes and em- with the score at 32. At stumps the score was caught by substitute RWGL Mitchell (for ploying defensive tactics when the occasion 78 for one, skipper Allan Rae 49 and Easton Butcher) off the bowling of Madray, He had demanded it. He was at the wicket for 286 Mc Morris 15, after 141 minutes of play. struck 12 boundaries. Alfie Binns went next; minutes, hitting 17 boundaries. Kanhai who hitting the ball twice for 151. His dismissal was widely debated. It was after the third new ball was taken that the incident occurred. The i 1 batsman blocked a yorker from "Braiser" LANCE GIBBS Thomas and then followed up by hitting the but the time had come when the nucleus of ball a second time. The bowler as well as the the Guiana team came from the Ancient wicket-keeper appealed and umpire "Wing" County. The Berbicians were given five Gillette ruled the batsman out. The mle applaces on the team which met Barbados in the plied in the instance reads as follows: "The quadrangular final at Bourda in 1956, striker is out, hit the ball twice", if the ball is 1 BG's batting machinery lived up to exstruck or be stopped by any part of his person, pectations at Bourda when in grand but reand he willfully strike it again, except for the strained display on the opening day in the sole purpose of guarding his wicket, which he Quadrangular cricket tournament against Jamay do with his bat or any part of his person Five Berbicians were included in the Guyana side which played Barbados in the first maica, British Guiana ended the day scoring other than his hand. It is for the umpire to deever Inter-territorial quadrangular finals at Bourda in 1936. From left with Captain 212 mns for the loss of two wickets. Bruce and Coach (Clyde Walcott - third from left): Ivan Madray, Basil Butcher, Sonny "SugPairaudeau, West Indies and British Guiana arboy" Baijnauth, Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon. Four of the five Kanhai, Madray, opening batsman gave a pointer to the West Butcher and Solomon went on to play Test cricket.

Indies selectors when he scored an unblemished 111 and thus strengthened his claims for received a standing ovation as he departed, Jamaica ended the fourth day against a place on the West Indies team to tour Eng- was associated in a third wicket stand worth BG in a very commanding position having land the next year (1957). Pairaudeau was 70 mns before Madray was dismissed for 25. scored 321 for four wickets. Two West Indies seen at his impetuous best and completely Clyde Walcott, the British Guiana skipper Testies Alfie Binns 93 and Collie Smith 91 mastered the Jamaican attack hitting 12 fours came in and was dismissed for 25 with the paved the way for the grand recovery for Jaand one six during in his stay of 286 minutes. score on 315. And this brought another Berbi- maica. They were associated in an unfinished He was partnered with Rohan Kanhai (75 cian, stylish Basil Butcher to the middle. fifth wicket partnership of 189 rans. Coming NO) another young and debonair batsman, The fourth Berbice player on the team together when the side looked like collapsing who was also laying claims for selection to Joe Solomon joined Butcher. The Jamaica against some accurate spin bowling by two of the West Indies team in a second wicket stand team, which had suddenly gained the initia- the best in the business Madray and Gibbs, worth 167 mns. tive, saw it slip away as these two batsmen they set about to retrieve the advantage. They ROY GILCHRIST Nearly 10,000 fans were on hand to see played intelligent cricket attacking the bowl- had done a good job and looked like getting British Guiana take first knock on a perfect ing, when the occasion demanded it and often centuries for Jamaica. Skipper Allan Rae 49 cide whether the ball had been so struck a secwicket after Clyde Walcott had won the toss resorted to defensive play when the bowlers and Easton Mc Morris 15 resumed batting ond time legitimately or not. and decided to bat. Jamaica toiled all day in were becoming penetrative. Butcher was on with the total at 78 for one. Neither seemed With the departure of Binns which brilliant sunshine but could not make an im- an enterprising 83 and so too was Solomon's unduly worried until McMorris fell to the seemed to have been unfavorably received in pression on the local batsman. They however, 60, both looked well set for individual cen- wiles of Gibbs caught off Pairaudeau, then certain quarters it was only a matter of time were able to pin down the opening pair, Bmce turies. The day's play terminated with the Rae was caught by Glendon Gibbs off before the end came. But the tail enders held Pairaudeau and Glendon Gibbs during the score at 475 for five.

Madray for 80. Rae passed 4,000 mns in out before Edun claimed the last wicket. The pre-lunch period to 40 mns, when Gibbs was At the resumption of play on the third First-Class matches when he reached 45. two spinners Lance Gibbs 80-35-113-4 and dismissed in the last over before lunch. His day, another gigantic crowd in gay holiday Neville Bonitto went for 4. Four wickets Ivan Madray 84-18-165-4 were British was a painstaking display for 12 mns. With mood saw the two young Berbicians, each down for 132 rans and the home team were Guiana's most successful bowlers. the appearance of Kanhai things brightened with an eye to West Indian selection hit

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 24, 2017

India

in

will

be

27

'little

Dharamsala:

bit

nervous1

Johnson

Melbourne [Australia]: Expecting the pitch in Dharamsala to favour the pace bowlers, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson believes the Steve Smith-led side will be more confident compared to the Indians, who will be 'a little nervous' for the series decider, beginning "Dharamsala is an amazing ground and . . . the only times I have seen it are with grass on (the pitch). So I think that's why the Australians will probably be confident . . . and India will be a little bit nervous," cricket.com.au quoted Johnson as saying.

The 73-Test veteran also feels that Smith could bring in Jackson Bird, alongside fellow quicks Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, at the expense of spinner Steve O'Keefe for the final Test.

O'Keefe was Australia's matchwinner in the first Test in Pune, claiming 12 wickets in India's shock 333-run defeat.

Saturday.

However, in the following two Tests, the left-armer took just six wickets.

Johnson, 35, said that if the wicket at Dharamsala turns out to be more of an Australian kind, then Bird would come in as the third quick in the Playing XI. "I think we're going to lose a spinner out of this Test match," he said.

"The spinners have been great throughout the series. There's been a lot of pressure on the spinners to go out there and perform and I think they've had some good patches and some bad patches. But that's the game."

"It's a tough one because

/

MITCHELL JOHNSON they've both had their moments in this series, but I think you've got to go with experience. I think Nathan

Lyon will get a lot more bounce and he has been turning the ball quite nicely," he added.

(ANI)

Pak tour of Windies will be

West Indies star Andre Russell

controversy-free â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Talat Ali

appeals to have one-year ban

Karachi [Pakistan]: In the wake does not mean they won't enjoy touring as long of the recent Pakistan Super as they remain great ambassadors of Pakistan League (PSL) spot-fixing scandal, cricket," he said.

The 66-year-old also revealed that both national team manager Talat Ali PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and PSL chairhas assured that the upcoming man held an exclusive meeting to discuss the tour of West Indies will be abissue and, therefore, he remains hopeful that the solutely controversy-free. upcoming series would go smoothly.

The former Test opener, who has started "Both PCB chairman [Shaharyar M. his second tenure as team manager after a stint Khan] and Najam Sethi [chief of PCB execubetween 2006 and 2008, said that his players tive committee] held exclusive meetings in this are keen to move on from controversy and are regard with the players and clearly told them looking forward to shifting their where they stood. So I feel this focus entirely on the coming will, Insha'Allah, be a great trip fixtures. f* for the boys. The tour to New "As we all know the inZealand and Australia [when quiry into the [spot-fixing] Talat's predecessor Wasim Bari scandal has started. At this point was the team manager] also in time, we must focus on the went smoothly [discipline wise] coming fixtures, particularly the â&#x2013; despite poor [on-field] results," three ODIs. We are going [to he added. the West Indies] with clarity in Pakistan is slated to play the mind that together our goal four Twenty20s, three ODIs is to not just perform well but and as many Tests against West Insha'Allah win the series," the Indies, beginning March 26 at TALAT ALI Dawn quoted Talat Ali as sayKensington Oval in Barbados. ing.

Earlier, the Islamabad United pair of Talat also expressed confidence that there would not be any disciplinary issues during the Khalid Latif and Sharjeel Khan were suspended Caribbean tour because of the zero-tolerance by the PCB for their alleged involvement in the policy adopted by the Pakistan Cricket Board infamous spot-fixing scandal during the first week of the PSL. (PCB).

"I'm a strict disciplinarian and will see to Later, three more players namely, Moit that there are no issues as regards players mis- hammad Man, Shahzeb Hasan and Nasir behaving or bringing the game into dispute. Our Jamshed were also suspended following furprimary target is to focus on the game. But it ther investigation, (ANI)

for a doping violation dismissed West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has appealed to have his one-year ban for a doping whereabouts rule violation dismissed.

Russell, a two-time Twenty20 World Cup winner with the West Indies, was revealed to have committed the violation a year ago after registering three filing failures in 2015.

That constituted a failed drugs test under World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) rules.

Reuters has obtained a copy of Russell's appeal document that was submitted to the Jamaican AntiDoping Appeals Tribunal on March 20.

It calls for the decision rendered by the independent anti-doping disciplinary

panel be set aside.

Jamaica's anti-doping commission (JADCO) has appealed to have Russell's suspension doubled from one year to two .

In a second filing, Russell called for this appeal to be dismissed on the grounds that there is no basis for his suspension to be extended.

(Renter)

New York

Ed

ti on ; â&#x2013; aa

;

CMrnNA

The Chronicle can also be read @ http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Stroman,

to

USA

win

shut

World

down

^^tONAL

LlMlt EiL*

Puerto

Baseball

Rico

Classic

LOS ANGELES ~ Right-hander Marcus Stroman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Ian Kinsler had a tworun home run, and the United States beat Puerto Rico 80 to win the World Baseball Classic for the first time on A

Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.

Stroman gave up a walk to Carlos Beltran in the second inning

had an RBI single in the seventh inning. McCutchen drove in the final

and retired 14 in a row before Angel Pagan lined an opposite-field double

run with an infield single in the eighth.

down the left field line to open the seventh inning. The U.S. led 7-0 at the time of Pagan's hit.

Manager Jim Leyland then removed Stroman, who received a thunderous ovation from the crowd of 51,565. The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher was greeted with hugs in the dugout as the U.S. won in its first appearance in the title game in the fourth World Baseball Classic.

Puerto

Rico,

which

I NT

had

outscored its opponents 55-18 while winning its first seven games, beat Stroman and the United States 6-5 in the second round Friday.

Crawford was 10-for-26 (.385) with three doubles and six RBIs in eight WBC games. Yelich had two hits Wednesday and finished 9-for29 (.310).

MARCUS STROMAN round at Petco Park in San Diego.

Kinsler singled to open the

NOTES: During pregame introductions, Puerto Rico's starters

fifth inning before Jones walked.

removed their caps and brought

Puerto Rico manager Edwin Rodriguez made a mound visit but

their hands to their heads to display

opted to leave Lugo in, and Yelich singled to drive in Kinsler for a 3-0

Carlos Beltran brought his hand to his bleached beard. The players

lead.

changed hair color during training as

Sam Dyson, Pat Neshek and

Jonathan Lucroy singled to open the third inning before Kinsler

David Robertson each threw a scoreless inning to complete the

hit an 0-1 fastball to left-center field for his first homer of the WBC. Cen-

United States' three-hit shutout.

ter

Hernandez

Joe Jimenez replaced Lugo and

a show of team unity . . . Puerto

Kinsler's two-run homer off Seth Lugo broke a scoreless tie in

leaped at the fence but did not have a play.

got two groundouts before McCutchen's infield single made it 4-0.

Rico won three of the previous five

the third inning, and Christian Yelich and Andrew McCutchen had

The United States hit three

run-scoring singles in the fifth.

homers off Lugo in their two meetings. Buster Posey and Adam Jones

Lugo, who had victories in each of the first two rounds, gave up seven hits and four runs in four-plus

Brandon Crawford hit a tworun single and Giancarlo Stanton

hit bases-empty homers in Puerto Rico's 6-5 victory in the second

innings. He struck out seven and walked four.

fielder

Enrique

their newly blond hair. Clean-head

meetings against the United States in the WBC. Puerto Rico eliminated the U.S. in 2013 with a 4-3 victory in the second round of pool play.

(Sports Xchange -CaribbeaiiNews.net)

Bonus for women cricketers as Australia offers big pay deal (REUTERS) - Cricket Australia (CA) has proposed a new pay deal to players which offers large salary increases, particularly for women, but breaks with the 20-year model of a fixed percentage of revenue from the game going to the cricketers.

The A $ 4 1 9 M (ÂŁ259.21M) offer is a 35 percent increase on the current five-year deal, which expires

in July, and was laid out by CA chief James Sutherland yesterday.

CA said the new deal meant international men's players, taking into account bonuses, match fees and domestic Twenty20 wages, would be earning an average of $1.45M a year by the 2021-22 season.

"We have placed the emphasis on increasing the guaranteed amount that the

men will receive, rather than rely on any projected increase in revenue." Sutherland said. "... CA believes that the model devised in the 1990s, which is based on a fixed percentage of revenue, has served its intended purpose ~ to make Australia's cricketers some of the best paid sportspeople in the country."

The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA). the play-

er's union, responded by saying they needed to scratinise the small print of the offer and reiterated its stance that any new deal should include a revenue-sharing model.

"CA has responded to the ACA's calls for improved pay and conditions for all cricket players regardless of gender and of the need for more investment in grassroots cricket." ACA chief Alistair Nicholson said.

"The ACA has fought long and hard for these causes. Men and women have stood united for a fairer deal for all and for the next generation of cricketers. The ACA commends our members for their resolve."

The biggest winners under the new deal would be women players, who will be included in the "memorandum of understanding" for a first time.

"Under the proposal, women will receive an immediate average pay increase of more than 125 percent."

Sutherland added.

"As a result, our international women cricketers will see their average pay increase from A$79 000 to A$179 000, as of July 1 this year. By 2021, we expect to see our international women cricketers earning an average of A$210 000."