Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 21 04 2017

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

150+

Guyanese

with

organizations

Consulate

Ovcr 150 Guyanese organisations are now registered with the Consulate General's office following the creation of a website that is supposed to help keep a record of the Diaspora in the United States.

New York is home to the largest ments, the Consul General said that as Guyanese population in the Diaspora, of late many persons, including foreignwhile Guyanese on the whole, makeup ers, but mostly Guyanese, have been the fifth largest immigration population coming to the Consulate General's ofin the US. fice to ascertain information about inWith such a large grouping. Consul General Barbara Atherly explained that there arc many matters to be transacted on a daily basis. Atherly was at IIP the time speaking at the conclusion of the heads of mission conference held at the Pegasus Hotel a week ago. i

By ZENA HENRY She told reporters that given the size of the Guyanese Diaspora, it is also very important to try to keep close relations with as many persons as possible.

"You find that you have a large number of persons to deal with; from counsel matters, relating to passports, life certificates and other counselor matters and issues about engagements with the Diaspora."

As it relates to Diaspora engage-

registered

General's development of the country. She noted however that,"... we have to be careful how we harness their skills and other investments they would bring to Guyana and ensure it is done in an orderly and systematic fashion and not jump hurdles."

The Consul General also said that the Diaspora is being encouraged, "to go through the right channels to ensure that what they do will be on record and bring benefits, not just to themselves but to the general economy of Guyana."

While, it is understood that the Diaspora would want to play a greater role in the Guyanese economy, it was recently indicated i

by Minister of Foreign Hon. BARBARA ATHERLY Affairs Carl Greenidge, Guyana's Consul General of New York that prior to his post as head of the country's foreign affairs vestments in Guyana especially with matter, there had existed no system or the upcoming oil production. data base cataloging the Guy-anese Ms. Atherly told the Guy-anese groups or Diaspora organisations in any media that many members of the Dias- part of the world. pora are skilled and very knowledge"Who is the Diaspora? The Minisable and would be valuable assets in the ter had questioned when speaking about

More passengers

beveling

It can be assumed that Guyanese-owned Fly Jamaica Airways is easily becoming a passenger favorite that is synonymous with reliable service. The Jamaicabased airline has reported in that country that passengerload has increased by 50 percent.

Chairman and CEO of Fly Jamaica, hassled with high prices and extremely Captain Ronald Reece told Jamaica's Fi- poor service from Caribbean Airlines at nancial Gleaner, that the number of per- a time when air lift was limited, but much sons choosing to fly with the airline has needed by the traveling public. increased over the past year, "allowing The other airline which started a litthe airline to hold its own in the flight in- tle after Fly Jamaica, the Americandustry." owned Dynamic Airways, was thought to The report said that Reece said the aid in relieving the Guyanese public of its airline's success was due to customer loy- flying woes, but have come up short on alty since the company continued to op- several occasions and was recently penalerate the same routes. ized by the Department of Transportation "We got growth from existing routes (DoT) for failure to inform passengers based on increased customers' confidence about flight cancellations and also not and increased loyalty in the brand," said making timely comReece. "So we are pushing on, because pensations to passengers among other irpeople that fly with us like our service regularities, in a major snafu last year. and come back."

Fly Jamaica has noted that it curIt has been stated recently that the rently has 362 employees and has renumber of Guyanese traveling with Fly cently attracted some more pilots, Jamaica Airways has been increasing, in- Jamaicans who were working in the dicating a change in airline choice from United Arab Emirates. the Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines, Passengers who flew with Fly JaFly Jamaica's main competitor on the maica in 2016 totalled some 135,830, "up Guyana/New York route. from roughly 93,325 a year earlier, a 45 In the past, Guyanese have been percent increase," according to Captain

office the number of organisations approaching the government for assistance and contending to be the legitimate representative of the Diaspora. He had explained that Guyanese abroad were becoming impatient, but had stressed the need to have the overseas based groups and persons registered.

The Consul General has announced however that a new website has been launched to help with this matter. "We have recently launched a new user friendly website and we have Guyanese associations and organisations registered on line. So far, we have over 150 organisations that we have to deal with."

Ms. Atherly said that one of the main aims of her office in relation to Diaspora engagements is, "to see to what extent we can have the organisations working in collaboration with each other and to ensure that they are not duplicating efforts."

The Consul General encouraged anyone wanting to register as a group and organisation or independently to make contact with the Consulate General's office which is located at 308 W 38th St, New York. The agency can be contacted on telephone number.

(212) 947-5113.

with Fly Jamaica

Reece.

Fly Jamaica's internally-generated graphs were said to show representation of the carrier's growth based on its main competitors; Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines, and the routes the airline fly.

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The destination routes flown by the airline include Kingston, Toronto, Georgetown and New York.

It was reported that the company recently flew a charter service from Venezuela to China. The airline operates mainly from the Norman Manley International Airport, using two Boeing aircraft — a 757 single-aisle cabin seating 198 persons, and a 767 twin-aisle cabin seating 246.

"We still have seats available; we are not flying full on every flight. So seats are available from North America and South America," Reece told the newspaper.

It was explained that Fly Jamaica

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CART. RONALD REECE Fly Jamaica's CEO Airways continues to examine the feasibility of adding Fort Lauderdale as a new route which will include boosting the Airline's fleet with two smaller aircraft.

"In order to do Kingston to Fort Lauderdale, we would have to do a daily service, which would require two 737800s in order to go back and forth," Reece said.

Captain Reece had announced in January the company's consideration of listing the airline on the Jamaica Stock Exchange to raise financing for "four additional aircraft".

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

3

lb

Plait

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the police legal advisor are assisting with investigations into an alleged plot to shoot President David Granger while he is on one of his many outreaches.

Minster of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post-Cabinet briefing Thursday morning at the Ministry of Presidency, disclosed that the administration has been provided with some information by the police about an ongoing investigation of this nature.

The investigation has reached a point where the advice of the police legal advisor is also being sought, Harmon said.

Harmon made the disclosure when asked about the alleged plot by a reporter.

"While we have a popular President that all the people around the country love and embrace him, there are sometimes misguided people, especially of what they see on facebook and copycat type of issues and therefore we always have to be careful," Harmon said.

He explained that

to

since the investigation is ongoing he is not at liberty to disclose in any great detail the nature of the inquiry.

"I have the full confidence of the ability of the security forces to protect our President and the ministers of Government, who have been elected by the people to run the Government," Harmon noted.

When asked if names of high-ranking policemen were listed as being involved, Harmon said he was not briefed about such information.

Only last week, Harmon defended the new concrete fence securing the Ministry of the Presidency (MoP), emphasising that it must be consistent with security features of a high office such as one of the President.

The previous chainlink fence has been dismantled for a more than 12-foot high concrete wall that also provides now, for very little view into the premises.

Harmon then had told reporters that the Mo TP has to be a safe zone.

"We have to ensure that, whatever physical facilities that we put in place, can guarantee the physical security of

HI

this premises and the physical security of the persons who enter and leave this premises."

He pointed to the 2002 shooting that left two persons dead after they had stormed the then Office of the President (OP). Persons were protesting against the then People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government's treatment of the people of Kwakwani and other Berbice bauxite mining areas, when they barged into the presidential compound and were shot by guards.

"We have to put in place security arrangements that will prevent us from using maximum force as was done in the previous administration," Harmon said, adding: "It is important for us to ensure that we have proper facilities. This is the office of his Excellency the President...we have to ensure that all of the security arrangements that are put in place are consistent with that high office which the president holds, and the fact that it is located here."

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was Guyana's President at the time the protesters were shot. He had recently ridiculed the new

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security feature, calling it the "Great Wall of China".

"The Opposition Leader is entitled to give his opinion on several matters which he expresses very easily these days," said Harmon.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017 —

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GUYANA

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One can take a look at the Industrial Revolution, mainly the advancements made by First World countries in their move from handcraft production to machinery and technology and immediately see success.

sell the very items back to the producers of the raw material. It is seen all over the Caribbean, where many countries sometimes struggle to sell their own productions because of foreign products, the majority being from First World countries dominating the supermarket shelves and clothing and footwear and appliance stores.

Whatever kind of Industrial Rev-

This means better systems to conduct business. Guyana should therefore be endorsing its own brand and image to showcase in time with its emerging oil industry. Guyana will The Industrial Revolution of the of all European nations. have to be able to sell itself, if hopemid-1700s to early-1800s is described Many of these nations owned fully, we do not intend to put heavy as the transition to new manufacturing colonies, particularly in the Caribdependence on oil revenues. processes, from hand production bean, Africa, the Americas and other Hinterland and coastal communimethods to machines and other man- places around the world, where they ties are calling for overseas markets ufacturing techniques in for their goods, the limited many European societies. juice factories in the country It saw improved effiare sometimes importing ciency of water power, the fruits because there aren't increasing use of steam enough locally. The agriculpower, the development of tural sector is screaming for * machine tools and the rise of investment. Emerging cloththe factory system. Textiles ing designers are finding difwas said to be the dominant t ficulty in securing fabric, industry of the Industrial while the majority of appliRevolution in terms of emances and items are being im— ployment, value of output ported. The telecoms, tourism and capital invested. and health care are other areas & In modern history, the wide open for investment.

Industrial Revolution is deTo see the change Guyscribed as the process of anese want in the country, change from an agrarian and I they must be willing to invest handicraft economy to one in their own, as constant borr dominated by industry and rowing by the government machine manufacturing, a from international financial process reported to have institutions only adds to the begun in Britain in the 18th country's debt and can lead to century and later spread to increased taxation.

Guyana being able to produce a wide variety of competitive commodities is a step in other parts of the world.

Only the Diaspora can help the right direction.

The Industrial Revoluto create the partnership tion brought great success to economies could acquire cheap raw materials olution passed through Third World needed between the government and that were able to manage cost of pro- such as fruits and vegetables to be countries, it was a small wave. And the private sector that would open the duction, while creating a variety of processed, and fabric among other that is evident, when in 2017 a country door to the next step in the economy's products on larger scales. It was pre- items. like Guyana is producing commodi- growth. dicted in the early 1800s that industriToday they continue to have ties at a loss, but maintains thousands When listening to many governalization would have been the destiny steady markets, where they are able to of workers to perform a task that has ment ministers speak of the lack of inlong been mechanized. frastructure, particularly that which — WANTED —

Guyana itself is desperately in need of an industrial revolution and Guyana Sprouts believes that only the Diaspora can make that happen.

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team selling print and on-line advertising to an established account list.

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean and is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyanachronicle.com).

Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you.

Email your resume and references to Dennis Nelson @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

The bulk of talent and collective wealth of Guyanese citizens is believed to be outside of Guyana, where almost two million citizens are assumed to be residing. There are less than 900,000 Guyanese currently living in Guyana.

Guyana is well-poised to become self-sufficient and to repeat President David Granger's constant chant, "become the food basket of the Caribbean once again." The government have state that they are currently creating policies for economic growth.

lays the foundation for further development in many sectors and urged the need for active relations with the private sector, preferably, Guyanese investors to help make it happen.

When Guyana Sprouts assesses the economic situation in Guyana it almost feels like Guyana's development is demanding more than what its current population can offer.

This is an area where little to nothing has been said. It might even be an interesting area to explore especially if it could encourage the Guyanese Diaspora groups to band together and come up with a plan to save Guyana. The country is starving for new money to be pumped into it.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

5

The Handel

Things

That

Bother

Ms

Andrews Drums of War Column The Listening to the experts on America's foreign policy, one thing is clear. National Coalition, the opposition could be manufactured by anyone The war hawks are back in full control of it. The days of "strategic pa- group backed by Western powers, who has access to a machine shop tience" are over. Are we, then, done with diplomacy? What has begun? agreed with the U.S. estimate. But with modest capabilities, that is, the Days of impatience? Creating pretexts for war? I hear the drums of war, beatwhen pressed by the Associated Press claim is incorrect that only the Syrian ing ever closer to the Syrian Arab Republic and the Democratic People's Refor a list of names, it could come up government could manufacture the public of Korea. munition."

IS THERE PROOF THAT The Independent International ASSAD USED CHEMICAL Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian WEAPONS Arab Republic later stated that it had Is there sufficient evidence that not reached conclusive findings as to Bashar al-Assad used chemical r the use of chemical weapons in Syria weapons on his people on April 4? by any parties to the conflict.

Was the US strike on Syria legally A REPEAT OF 2013 justified? What is America's policy Once again, the US blames towards Syria?

Bashar al-Assad for using chemical Referring to the chemical attack weapons on his people on April 4, in of April 4, The New York Times (April the town of Khan Sheikhoun, Ibiid.

4, 2017) referred to it as "one of the President Assad says the accusations worst chemical bombings in Syria are "100 percent fabrication used to turned a northern rebel-held area into justify American air strikes." Our ima toxic kill zone on Tuesday. The impression is that the West, mainly the ages of children and the elderly lying United States, is hand in glove with dead, bothered me. The US administhe terrorists," he said, referring to the tration immediately blamed the Syrrebel groups that are fighting his ian Government. However, too often Wt* regime. the emotion of the moment clouds our BASHAR AL-ASSAD AND PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP judgments. Therefore, it is necessary The "evidence" produced so far, to examine the evidence presented of the highest estimates of other relia four-page report by the White with only 395." before drawing conclusions.

House, is weak and relies heavily on able sources. War and Peace (Dec 1, The US argued that the attack social media and is "mostly derived 2014) reported: "Doctors Without PREVIOUS FALSE could not have been executed by the from social media accounts, sprinkled ALLEGAnONS AGAINST SYRIA Borders, which had medical person- rebels, because they did not have the This is not the first time that the nel on the ground in A1 Ghouta, esti- expertise to build such rockets. How- with the standard "we have more inUS has accused Syria of using chem- mated 355 deaths. British intelligence ever, experts argued that "improvised telligence, but we cannot release it at ical agents against its people. In 2013, indicated 350, and the pro-opposition artillery rockets could have been con- this time" rhetoric."

The so-called videos and satelit accused Syria of using chemical Syrian Observatory for Human structed by the army or the rebels.

Rights counted 502.

Only the Syrian weapons against Syrian rebels, killing (continued on page 22) "The indigenous chemical munition approximately 1,400. The Washington Post (August 20, 2013) reported: a \ & "Three days before the rockets fell Boston Shipping f: v outside Damascus, a team of Syrian specialists gathered in the northern ■V J suburb of Adra for a task that U.S. ofInc. ficials say had become routine in the third year of the country's civil conWe Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door flict: filling warheads with deadly TO WE SHIP chemicals to kill Syrian rebels."

GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS The report said that, "unknown to Syrian officials, U.S. spy agencies recorded each step in the alleged chemical attack, from the extensive preparations to the launching of rockets to the after-action assessments by Syrian officials. Those records and intercepts would become the core of the Obama administration's evidentiary case linking the Syrian government to what one official called an "indiscriminate, inconceivable horror" — the use of outlawed toxins to kill nearly 1,500 civilians, including at least 426 children."

The White House figure of 1,429, was nearly three times the size

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

16 (T^rpnlclc^

new

housing

schemes

K

I ditor In ( hict Nigel Williams Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com u nigcl IOC" 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

â&#x201A;Źb (tonal

Guyana's

tourism

product OVER the last three days, a family of five whose teenage members had never set foot on Guyana's soil decided to explore the land their parents kept harping so much about. The first-hand look at the country's tourism potential almost pushed them over the edge (Kaieteur Falls).

According to the trio, it was a revelation. It was awesome.

The amazing topography and vast natural resources, the tropical rainforests replete with exotic flora and fauna. the wide expanse of rich, virgin territory - all served as a pleasant warning that the South American republic was set to become a major eco-tourism destination in the near future. And while tourism was still a relatively new industry, it was now one of the largest foreign exchange earners for the country, having made imoads into the Diasporic and traditional markets in North America and Europe.

As they zipped through a corridor of overhanging vegetation, they stared spellbound at a curious scene.

A petite, bare-footed Amerindian girl sat in a canoe, blowing bubbles through a bamboo shoot. Between puffs, she sang "Oh Beautiful Guyana." a national song that thanked nature for being so kind to a land blessed with abundant resources. The girl's brother, sitting next to her. was fighting a global war with his hand-held electronic game.

The paradox of Old World - New World co-existence was not lost on the five of them. It brought home the fact that even as they were world-wide travellers they were unaware that such beauty and magnificence lay within easy reach and at little cost.

to

get

IN a bid to offer prospective home-owners a package deal of sorts, the government will be throwing water and electricity into its new housing drive.

In the circumstances. 16 new housing schemes have been earmarked to have the relevant infrastructure for water and electricity in place at the very outset.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced just last week.

Noting that unlike under the previous administration, when houses were handed over to citizens without the requisite services. Minister Harmon told the media that this time around, things will be done a little differently.

For starters, he said, the government will be procuring conductors for the Ministry of Communities so that areas can be divided into lots.

For Lot One. for instance. Dynamic Engineering will provide the conductors at a cost of $84.5M. while the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company will provide the items for Lot Two at a cost of $87.1M. He went on to explain that the conductors will be used to power housing schemes in six regions across the country, namely: Onderneeming. in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supe-

water,

naam); Lust-en-Rust and Zeelugt in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Farm. Covent Garden. Peters Hall. Eccles Industrial Park. Perseverance. Paradise. Enmore.

Bamwell. and the Diamond commercial and industrial area, all in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Hope and Bultirock in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Kilkoy Chesney in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Minister Harmon recalled that under the People's Progressive Party (PPP) administration, several housing developments were started whereby citizens were allocated house lots. Those persons were even encouraged to build, he said, "but then, there were no lights; and no water in some cases."

In this new dispensation, however, those services will be contracted out. "These contracts have been awarded to ensure the installation of electrical transmission and distribution networks are done to these areas," Minister Harmon said.

THE GOOD NEWS And the good news is, those persons who have built their homes and were unable to move in because

It didn't take long for them to be completely overwhelmed and bowled over. Betw een arrival and departure, they were exposed to the beautiful and verdant Interior and a city proud of its historical landmarks.

They saw the majestic Kaieteur Falls for the first time and according to all live, they continue to see it in their mind's eyes.

They fell in love with Baganara Island Resort. It aims 'to bring your dream to life'.. .and it did. 187 acres of lush green foliage, table tennis and beach volleyball combined to provide much-needed exercise for them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Brooklyn and Manhattan-based practitioners.

The Shanklands Rainforest Resort, nestled between the might) Essequibo River and the unspoiled forest, awaited. They opted for rastic accommodation that included a hammock and they slept the sleep of the innocent. At dawn, they watched parrots and macaws in a series of races that had no lanes, no officials and no finish lines. They followed the course of a jetliner, so tiny in the sky. vision unimpeded by high-risers or smog. The quiet was deafening. No telephones, no intrasions, no mosquitoes.

They left Guyana sated with knowledge, the desire to visit again and the resolve to get the word out that Guyana is the place to go for a vacation.

But while we must applaud the ebullience and bubbly enthusiasm pouring out of the relevant ministries and travel agencies, we must remind ourselves that the tourism road ahead is strewn with a myriad of obstacles and veritable landmines. From the time people land at the airports (Cheddi Jagan International and Ogle) up to when they're

electricity

of the unavailability of basic amenities will soon be able to do so.

In recent times, many home-owners have been heard complaining about the many shortcomings with the turn-key houses being built and offered during the PPP administration. These faults, in many cases, had to do with poor construction, poor roads, and the unavailability of such basic services as water, electricity, telephone lines, and. as of late. Internet access.

This new administration, however, has been working assiduously to remedy that situation by providing basic services when handing over homes built by the State.

The Ministry of Housing has now included new building types for citizens to include duplexes and town houses that would take up less space, and house more families with less financial impact on the State.

Intense construction is taking place in one of the newer housing schemes, the one at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara. where a housing exposition is scheduled to be held shortly.

Perseverance is one of the housing schemes that saw many residents being without water. It has since been upgraded, and is to become a model housing

scheme from which home applicants can choose when their time comes around to receive their properties from the government.

The installation of additional electricity poles was also recently concluded. Perseverance's Project Manager Mr Kennard Dazzle told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

"All that is needed now." he said, "is for the connection to be made to the existing netw ork." since transformers, power lines and other items are already in place.

Minister of Telecommunications. Ms Catherine Hughes, has also pledged to work on ensming telephone access is among the basic services in upcoming housing developments.

She said that a Universal Service Fund has been made available in the Telecommunications Bill to help provide telecoms service in fairly new housing and remote areas, where a company might not want to venture due to poor investment returns.

Hughes said that the government wants to come up with at least some of the funds and work with private partners to ensure that every new housing scheme has Internet, telephone and other telecommunication services.

waving goodbye, they are our responsibilities. We have to get our security up to scratch; there are not enough CCTV cameras all along the East Bank and East Coast roads to engender some feeling of safety. And we are painfully aware of the stick-ups by those 'spotters' and set-ups by family members.

Last year in preparation for our 50th anniversary of independence. tourism workers were trained and prepared for all events - front office, house-keeping, food production, food and beverage services, travel consultants, and tour operators. Hotels, resorts and restaurants conducted seminars to prepare the workforce, especially with new gemes like gastronomy and wine tourism becoming key components for experiencing the culture and lifestyle of any destination and a growing travel motivation.

We have to squeeze everything out of our vaunted eco-tourism market - typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions and no damage is done to the environment. The authorities must also encourage a partnership with social media which can lead to huge advantages for advertising and marketing. Wedding tourism seems to be the fad these days. United States investigative heavyweights, National Geographic. USA Today and the Huffington Post, have already paid visits to our beautiful country.

The 'familiarisation tour' was part of a drive to showcase the unique attraction of Guyana to the U.S. market.

And hopefully the rest of the world.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

7

A view from New York The WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

War Is

c

in reaction to a few photographs of children being dowsed with water from a supposed chemical attack. No other proof necessary.

You know, sane, thinking humans would have immediately thought: what did Assad have to gain from this? And who stands to gain in the broader scheme of things? For Assad to just up and kill defenseless women and children is cruel and inhumane even by his standards. But the man's no political slowcoach. He would have known that the world, including America, would be outraged. His actions would have also embarrassed his biggest patron and supporter — Russia. So Assad has to be a blithering idiot to do something that stupid that would take the edge of his recent military successes.

ditioned populace supported his actions

v %

Real Again

Fact is he had NOTHING TO GAIN and everything to lose.

Ok, what about President Trump?

Attacking a secondary Syrian airstrip with outmoded aircraft, few personnel, and very limited use created the optics for looking tough and resolute. Careful not to piss off the Russians, the United States military warned them of the impending strike. So you can be certain that they in turn warned the Syrians. In the end the strike LOOKED GOOD on United States television but achieved very, very little. It has not changed the

on Syria and on-air personalities screeching about "beautiful weapons"

A

Of Nuclear

and "Trump becoming President."

Now Trump has got the formula for becoming the darling of the media: just bomb any place that's not on the European map or mainland America and those loes will love it! So he's ramping up the Cold War-style military rhetoric for a horribly simple reason: Trump's reckless generals tried "a little war" to see how it would work on the American people and it went down well. The media loved it and a war-con-

If recent events are a harbinger of things to come then the potential for a nuclear war is real — very real. A few weeks ago, just after 100 days in office as United States 45th President, Donald J. Trump's Administration deployed a "super bomb" on a remote part of Afghanistan ostensibly to destroy a network of underground tunnels allegedly used by the terror group ISIS (DAESH). Called the "mother of all bombs (MOAB)" the bomb weighed 10 tons packed full with high explosives that was dropped via parachute from a US C-130 transport plane. The weapon was detonated in mid-air in a way that it kills every living thing in just over a one-mile radius. In the aftermath of its first-time use the United States boasted that it had killed 94 militants.

Hey America! 1 don't wish to works sound the cymbals in jubilation scare you, but right now the vast major- after President Trump's missile attacks ity of the world's nuclear- arsenals are in the twitchy hands of arrogant boymen for whom the idea of using them is becoming every day more and plausible. This "death wish" mentality is the natural outgrowth of politicians engaging in brinkmanship and playing dan1P gerous games "I dare you" to see who B will blink first. Such insanity is driven by a political machismo unheard of in many, many years when some level of sanity prevailed on the world stage.

Who are these crazy men? Let's start with the North Korea leader Kim Jong-un. He's on an aggressive warbinge with an oversized lust for weapons — including nuclear weapons. For him, if he feels threatened, using a nuclear weapon is not only thinkable, but also right. Then there's Russia's strongman Vladimir Putin. Under him Russia has been preparing for a nuclear scenario for some time. Its been reported that every Russian war-game usually ends with a "nuclear de-escalation" phase: a practice dud run by dropping a nuclear bomb and then talk peace afterwards.

And United States President Donald Trump? Well, we know that since the 1980s he's has been obsessed with nuclear weapons. We also know that he stubbornly refuses to take advice from military professionals ("believe me, I know better than them") and that he seems not to understand the core NATO concept of nuclear weaponry as a political deterrent, as opposed to a sexy military super weapon for use when confronted by some country or leader he does not like.

Provoking Kim Jong-Un and needing to "win" against this rogue nation, President Trump has dispatched a US aircraft carrier strike force towards North Korea to menace Kim's rogue regime. This sudden mania for speaking of nuclear warfare, among men with untrammeled power, should be the biggest news item and the major concern of democratic and peace-loving politicians. And there is something exceedingly troubling when major United States news net-

Threat

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(continued on page 22)

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8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Nandlall

sues

AG

Williams

— after admitting that law books were bought with taxpayers' money for

defamation

AFTER admitting that state funds were used to purchase law books for him while he was Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall has decided to sue AG and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams for libellous statements made in relation to the alleged theft of those books.

Over the last two years, Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG, law books were purchased for him by the state, using taxpayers' money.

The missing books were

bought from Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, and are said to be worth over $2.5M. However, after the PPP was unseated in 2015, Nandlall took possession of the books which were bought for him as AG, by the state.

Since then. Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams has been questioned about the missing books and has committed to taking legal action against Nandlall.

The AG has accused Nandlall of allegedly

stealing the books, since they were not in possession of the AG's chambers, despite the fact that they were bought for the then AG with state funds.

At a press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) in March, the AG said: "Mr Nandlall will be charged for [the] missing law books... Mr. Nandlall has stolen government property and he will be charged..."

Expressing similar sentiments at another forum, Williams said: "Nandlall stole govern-

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Elaine Henry, cta, mcc

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ment property...the law books...he still has the law books and he will get lock up for the law books and anyone who claim they gave him permission to steal the law books will get lock up as well, because there is no immunity for stealing and doing criminal acts in this country."

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Since then, Nandlall has filed legal action against the AG, seeking to claim in excess of $125M for defamation.

The former AG is being represented by Attorneys Odai Ramischand, Euclin S Gomes, Sase R Gunraj, Manoj Narayan, Sasha S Mahadeo-Narayan & Raj endra R. Jaigobin Nandlall is claiming damages in excess of $25M for libel published on the 24th day of March, 2017, at a press conference, hosted at the National Communication Network Inc.; damages in excess of $25M for libel published in the Guyana Times newspaper, on March 25th, 2017; damages in excess of $25M for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice, on March 26, 2017; damages in excess of $25M for libel published

by Demerarawaves on March 27, 2017; and an injunction restraining Williams from repeating similar statements for which he is being sued.

GUYANA

The AG has 28 days after being served the statement of claim, to prepare a defence, serve it to Nandlall, and file it, with proof of service at a Registry.

Should Williams fail to defend the proceeding, Nandlall's lawyers say judgment may be given against him in his absence and without further notice.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Three

9

estates

to

rema

n

... Gov't to retain Blairmont, Albion, Uitvlugt —President tells West Berbice expo AMID the contraction of the sugar industry here, President David Granger announced Saturday evening that the Blairmont, Uitvlugt and Albion estates are likely to remain when government makes a decision to restructure the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

"We have to produce our commodities more cheaply, otherwise we will not be able to compete, whoever is in the Government. We will not be able to compete if your commodities are too expensive. We want to save the sugar industry, but it must be efficient and compet-

Former

itive," President Granger told the opening of the West Berbice Trade Fair and Exposition held at Bath Settlement. "And Mr Sacoor (Imran Sacoor) is right.

We are not working to destroy the industry, we are working to develop the industry and the industry has been contracting. "Some countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Belize have seen their industries contract. Some have disappeared altogether because the cost of production was too high," President Granger said.

He added that Guyana is trying to preserve its in-

Minister

Frank Hope

dies

FORMER Minister of Government, US-based Guyanese Franklin Eleazer Hope, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Maryland USA on the 13th April 2017, family members have confirmed.

In keeping with his wishes, his body was cremated and will be remembered in a private memorial. Bom in Buxton where he grew up and had his formative years, he attended Teachers Training College, eventually achieving the position of Deputy Head Master.

He left the teaching profession to pursue studies in economics (UK) and statistics (USA).

On returning to Guyana. joined the staff at the Bureau of Statistics where he subsequently attained the position of Chief Statistician.

He was appointed Secretary to the Treasury in 1970 and Minis2 ter of Finance and Trade Former Minister of Finance and Trade, in 1972. He remained Franklin Eleazer Hope a member of the cabinet until 1983 when he resigned from his ministerial position to take up an appointment with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington DC. He had returned to Guyana in 1991 as a representative of the World Bank, to head the implementation of the Economic Recovery Program (ERP) during the President Desmond Hoyte administration. In retirement. he spent lots of time gardening and sitting in his favourite leather reclining chair, watching CNN. family members said. His interest in economic and political events around the world never ceased.

He is survived by his wife, children, daughters-in law, sons-in law, grandchildren, a great-grandson and his brother.

dustry. "That is why there will be a Blairmont and that is why there is going to be an Albion and we will preserve as many of our plantations and estates as possible. Uitvlugt will remain, but we have to deal with the problems of cost.

So ladies and gentlemen I agree with the slogan chosen for this fair and exposition; that we must think about diversification."

Government is expected to present a White Paper in the National Assembly soon, pertaining to the future of GuySuCo. the Cabinet Secretary announced back in March. The issue was discussed extensively at the ministerial conference held on February 28. at State House, when Minister of Agriculture. Noel Holder, made his presentation. The conclusion of consultations among government, the unions and the opposition on GuySuCo's future, along with the options advanced by the government and the proposal made by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). will form the basis of the White Paper. Harmon had told a news briefing.

When asked if any sugar estates will be closed, Harmon had said that proposals were made to that effect, along with diversification of several estates. He however emphasised that the

CA$H

welfare of sugar workers and their families is the top priority of the APNU+AFC government. "The welfare of the workers and their families is of primary concern. The other economic concerns and so on will of course be dealt with, but the workers" interest is at the forefront of whatever policy we're going to embrace with respect to the sugar industry," Harmon said.

The White Paper is expected to deal with the Commission of Inquiry (Col) into the sugar industry, the proposals by GuySuCo, the consultations held with stakeholders and GAWU's presentation, the decisions facing government relating to the recovery of drainage and irrigation charges of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, diversification of the Skeldon factory and the leased lands.

In a report which was presented to the Parliamentary Economic Services Committee in January

by GuySuCo's Chairman, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman, it stated that the outlook for Guyana's sugar industry continues to be grim as the officials declared that funds injected into sugar industry at this time will be funds "wasted."

The industry has re-

PAI D

FOR

ceived criticisms from all levels; with a debt of $77.3B and consecutive losses, officials are advising that the industry is one not worth investing in unless plans for the reorganisation, restructuring and diversification of the industry are present.

Figmes based on 2015 audited accounts, show that GuySuCo recorded a profit once in the past six years, which was recorded in 2013 due to the tax adjustment.

Thus, "radical reorganisation. contraction of sugar and major diversification are urgently required for better predictability and planning." stated the report.

The corporation's performance deteriorated after having invested its own funds in the SSMP project (2005 onwards) which did not yield returns as expected, causing cash flow difficulties. coupled with declining sugar prices and increased costs, particularly employment costs, affecting capital and maintenance projects required to sustain and improve production levels.

The report stated that there needs to be validation of GuySuCo's head office/ central services; with the proposed plan of retaining only three estates, Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt. It was suggested that GuySuCo's agriculture research centre be delinked and merged with the national

OLD

L

; -

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President David Granger research centre being developed with IDB funding.

And, the corporation's training centre be developed as an independent technical school. But, according to the report, in order to rationalise the sugar industry from seven estates, it requires specialist expertise, because the sugar industry lacks skills and experience.

The report indicated that GuySuCo's state of affairs must not remain the same, because time is of the essence and decisions need to be made, as $18B would be required in 2017 and a further $21B in 2018, to run GuySuCo.

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10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

SIM

for

Rupununi

Rodeo

Minister Harmon assures residents of continued support MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon and Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People's Affairs, Sydney Allicock, on Saturday handed over SIM to the Rupununi Rodeo Committee as Minister Harmon pledged the Government's support for development of the Rupununi Rodeo and its facilities.

The minister, who was at the time delivering an address at the opening of the Annual Rupununi Ranchers Easter Rodeo atLethem. said that the event is one of great significance, not only to the residents of that region, but to the country as a whole.

He noted that the event is one which attracts hundreds from across the country .the continent and farther afield.

As such, he said that the Government is committed to ensuring that the Rodeo Committee is supported in its expansion and improvement efforts.

To this end. he announced that the Government will be working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the Rodeo Committee to earmark more space for a venue for the event.

"This event has grown to international stature with persons coming from Suriname and French Guiana to be a part of what is happening here. What we would like to assure you is that the administration of [President] Granger gives full support to the development of these activities. I want to assure you that we are having discussions with the view of ensuring that more land is provided, so that we can have a bigger venue and we can have international standards here at this rodeo.

When we celebrate rodeo, we celebrate the life that is Guyana, the life of the Rupununi. The hinterland of which the Rupununi is a part, is a part of our fabric and we want to ensure that every portion of that fabric is well stitched and mended together." he said.

Minister Allicock. in brief remarks, expressed similar sentiments, noting that the event has now become a significant calendar activity and provides the ideal opportunity to showcase the talents of vacqueros in the region.

"This is our life this is us, we are the Rupununi.

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_ Minister Harmon and Vice-President Allicock presenting the cheque for $1M to Rebecca Faria, executive member of the Rupununi Rodeo Committee We are riders, we are performers and I am so happy to see this here today. You can be assured that we are going to continue giving you our support as we seek

to create the good life for all," he said.

GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles, said that the

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v.-i m. _ _ Minister Harmon greeting vendors at the Rupununi Rodeo during a walkabout on Saturday

event has grown significantly over the years and with the added support from the Government, it is expected that it will achieve further growth.

"I am proud that we are hosting rodeo this year with Lethem being a township.

Lethem is the home to rodeo and we will continue to be a part of this rodeo. This rodeo can only get better in the coming years." a Ministry of the Presidency release quoted him as saying.

Rebecca Faria, an executive member of the Rupununi Rodeo Committee, in an invited comment, said that this year the committee has decided to focus on and promote its female vacqueros, since the rodeo is usually seen as a maledominated event.

As such, the organisers have raised the women's prizes to equal those of their male counterparts. Previously. the women received prizes which were far below those of the male participants. lyla Chenya. who hails from the Saddle Mountain

Ranch, in an invited comment. said that she is pleased to see the committee affording women equal opportunities this year at the rodeo.

"This is a really good move by the committee because it shows that they are thinking about giving us equality with the men. even though some of us won't be able to do the seconds that they clock, but its shows that we are brave and nothing can stop us." lyla said.

She encouraged Guyanese to come out and support the event as she noted, "it's a different part of Guyana, a different culture and a different experience."

Each year, the event kicks off on the Saturday before Easter and continues until Easter Monday, with daytime activities like wild-bull riding, horse-racing, wild-cow milking, wild-horse riding, a female barrel race and steer roping, among other exhilarating events. In recent times, a Miss Rupununi Rodeo Beauty Pageant has been added, featuring beauties from the region and neighbouring Brazil.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

11

\ A % S My

Favorite

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Recipes

SWEET PEPPERS STUFFED WITH RICE Ingredients: 2 ozs. margarine 3 ozs. rice 1/2 pint water salt and pepper 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 sprig thyme 4 sweet peppers 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 tbsp. oil 2 medium-sized onions, sliced Instructions: 1. Melt 1 oz. margarine in a saucepan, add rice and stir for aminute.

2. Add water, salt and pepper, thyme, cover tightly and simmerfor 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile cut a slice off stemend of the peppers and carefullydiscard all the seeds.

4. Three-quarter fill each pepper with rice and replace the lids.

5. Cut tomatoes in half and squeeze out the juice, then heat the remaining margarine and the oil in a flame proof casserole, add the stuffed peppers and the onions and cook over moderate heat for 10 minutes ,then add tomatoes, garlic and a little salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.

6. Carefully turn the peppers and continue cooking, for another 15-30 minutes until surplus moisture evaporates.

7. Serve hot or cold.

THE HYPNOTIST It was opening night at the Orpheum and the Amazing Eileen was topping the bill. People came from miles around to see the famed hypnotist do her stuff.

As the Amazing Eileen took to the stage, she announced, "Unlike most stage hypnotists who invite two or three people up onto the stage to be put into a trance, I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience."

The excitement was almost electric as the Amazing Eileen withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from her coat. "1 want you each to keep your eye on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. Its been in my family for six generations." She began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting, "Watch the watch, watch the watch, watch the watch . . ." The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch,

IPSAMCT

by JAMES SYDNEY IGUANA "W" "W"ave iguana, will eat" is ' Hâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;H the response of many -M- B people of the Caribbean who set eyes on an iguana.

Largely because of this, the iguana is considered endangered in the Caribbean and Central and South America, its native habitat.

The flesh and the eggs of the planteating iguana, called "guana" in Guyana, are widely regarded as very special food. As a result iguanas have been hunted, trapped and eaten or sold in markets all over the Caribbean. The result? Iguanas are in danger of becoming extinct.

In Jamaica, fear of extinction caused the formation of the Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group. Apart from human activity, there are threats from the mongoose, and also from feral pigs and dogs. The greatest threat however, is the development of new areas for human settlements.

The story is much the same in the other territories of the Caribbean. In Guyana attempts are being made to re-

]Pood

or Friend?

introduce the common Iguana into the 200 sq. mile Pakuri Arawak Territory, where over hunting caused the iguana to become extinct. The plan includes buying adult iguanas from the food markets in the capital, Georgetown, and releasing them into the remote forested areas of the upper Mahaica River - an area "free of human interference."

Some people keep iguanas as pets.

Iguanas are said to be hard tocare for ... but easy to love. They arc said to tame very easily, given the patience and skill required.

An iguana measures 3 to 6 ft long, two-thirds of this length being the tail.

It lives 15 to 20 years in captivity. Each one is different, with different tastes and

*&' >

V

until suddenly it slipped from the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the floor, breaking into many pieces. "Sh...t" said the hypnotist. It took three weeks to clean up the theatre.

THE SEVEN DEGREES OF STUPIDITY First Degree A married couple was asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning.

The wife, picked up the phone, listened a moment and said, "How should I know, that's 200 miles from here!" and hung up. The husband said, "Who was that?" The wife said, "1 don't know, some woman wanting to know "if the coast is clear."

Second Degree Two blondes are walking down the street. One notices a compact on the sidewalk and leans down to pick it up. She opens it, looks in the mirror and says, "Hmm, this person looks familiar."

The second blonde says, "Here, let me see!" So the first blonde hands her the compact. The second one looksin the mirror and says, "You dummy, it's me!"

Next week - the other five degrees temperaments. An iguana could be friendly, or it could be grouchy.

One means an iguana uses to communicate is the "bob." Iguana experts say that the "greeting bob", which starts with an upswing movement of the head, followed by smaller movements, is the friendliest of the bobs and that an iguana may recognize it if you do it, and respond. There are other kinds of bob, such as the "territorial bob," the "annoyance and dismissal bob" and the "shudder bob." Pet owners often have fun using bobs to say "hello" back and forth.

But iguanas can also be aggressive.

Head bobbing helps here. If your iguana is feeling "territorial" (body puffed up), it is useful to bob hello to relax him. If iguanas are allowed to bask high upabove the owner's head, they tend to consider themselves dominant.

The tail of the iguana, with its sharp edge along the top, is used as a whip when the iguana does not want someone to handle it. An iguana may drop off its tail when it feels threatened or when it gets caught in a small space or even between a person's fingers.

However, young iguanas often regenerate a lost tail.

Not surprisingly, there are those who do not like the idea of using iguanas as food and are doing everything possible to popularize keeping them as pets. There are also organizations willing to assist anyone putting up an iguana for adoption.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Gov't

kickstarts

upgrade CONSTRUCTION of six living quarters at the Mazaruni Prisons of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), along with prison blocks for inmates are set to commence today after cabinet had approved the contract in February last, senior prison sources confirmed.

The contract which was allocated in two lots, saw one lot attracting $41,127,930. That contract has been awarded to N&A Construction. The other lot has attracted $35, 820,000, and awarded to A.A.V Raghubeer General Construction. President David Granger, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan had visited the prison several months ago. The visit related to issues with regard to the living quarters of Prison Officers and constmction of more prison blocks to facilitate transfer of prisoners from the Georgetown Prison in an effort to ease the overcrowding at the facility.

During their tour of the Mazaruni Prison, the President and his team not only assessed the living conditions of the prisoners

My

of

and the prison officers, but interacted with both parties. The staffing population is currently below its 95 quota. There are 54 persons on staff, but the

$77M

Mazaruni

tional living quarters for the prison officers.

"We had a good look at the conditions and what we discovered was that the living quarters for those

$10,000 every time they had to travel." Minister Harmon had said "So if you look at the salary of a prison officer and the fact that he needs to go home

Prison

The State currently spends over $400,000 on one prisoner per year at the Camp Street penitentiary.

Repeat offenders have increased over the years, this, was disclosed in the findings of a Commission n ■ of Inquiry (Col) into the . ^Mif T Camp Street prison riot k■ Kia that claimed 17 lives foli I lowing a fire on March 3.

2016.

Cabinet, earlier this year had also agreed to the I establishment of a Steer-J, i ing Committee for the Inter-American Devel>" opment Bank (IDB)-approved US$8 million v.

Criminal Justice System Project.

This project is aimed at assisting Guyana to over1 come prison overcrowd'■ ing, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.

The Committee will President David Granger and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan and comprise representatives prison officials during their tour of the Mazaruni Penal Settlement last year of the Ministry of Le(File Photo) gal Affairs, the Supreme Court of Judicature, the Offrcer-in-Charge of the prison officers were in a and check with his family Chambers of the Director prison is hopeful that the deplorable state and need- and so on, we needed to of Public Prosecutions, the staff population could be ed attention. "As soon as do something to ensure Ministry of Public Secuincreased to a maximum the prison officers go off that the conditions under rity, the Social Protection of 200. But this move, he of duty, they were going which these officers live Ministry, and the Ministry said, would require addi- home. It costs them about are improved." of Finance.

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The Committee will provide oversight and strategic direction and recommendations, and ensure the coordination of the programme of activities with those of the various Government offices that will be affected by its implementation.

The IDB website states that the loan objective is to contribute meaningfully to addressing the high concentration of the prison population in the country, which stands at 256 per 100,000 of the national population, well above the world average of 146 per 100,000.

The IDB stated: "The Guyanese criminal justice system 'tends to use incarceration as the default sanction. However, high rates of imprisonment have been associated with an individual's future proclivity for crime and difficulties in securing employment, among other negative factors. Building or expanding prison facilities can be a short-term fix for overcrowding, but if root causes are not addressed, the new facilities will eventually be filled."

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Bmtoi FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Tuesday joined the Battersfield family of Buxton to distribute over 800 toiletry hampers to children from six schools in and near the community, at the Arundel Congregation-

13

family donates Lady commended the family, many of whom now reside in the United States, for contributing to the community. "I think it is a beautiful way for the Battersfield family to introduce this tradition. I don't call it giving back. I call it

facilitated her participation in today's activity. "People go away and they come back. It's as if there's something calling them back to do something for their community... You have examples like Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.

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7

hampers to

tention to make it an annual event.

In an invited comment, Ms. Marcia Auguste of Buxton, whose son received a hamper, said that she was particularly pleased that the First Lady took the time to meet and interact with the children.

"I think it is a privilege to have First Lady here because most times we get the President when it is Christmas and Easter... [but] having the First Lady here is a privilege. Most children don't really know her and never meet her [so] this is very good," she said.

ipate in the exercise as "she has brought a change to our country with her desire to put her people first". Thirty-five members from three generations of the Battersfield family travelled to Guyana to host the outreach exercise.

The children, who received the hampers were drawn from the Friendship Nursery School. Company Road Nursery School. Hendon Nursery School. Friendship Primary School and Company Road Primary and Buxton Primary Schools. This is the second year that the family is hosting the outreach exercise and they expressed the in-

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Some of the youngest recipients of hampers at Tuesday's donation exercise at the Arundel Congregational Church. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is pictured in the back row, centre

Cite

giving forward because they are using the resources that they have been blessed with" Mrs. Granger said.

The First Lady also applauded other persons from the community, who continue to contribute to enhancing the lives of its residents, such as Ms. Joycelyn Wilson, who

businessmen

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you have the Battersfield family, you have other families. who live in the villages... and give forward to the children of the community." she said.

Meanwhile. Ms. Carol Battersfield said that her family was pleased that the First Lady agreed to partic-

4

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Up, up and away! One child tries his best to get his kite aloft (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

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Some members of the Battersfield family, who participated in the donation exercise. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is pictured at centre.

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OVER 2000 children were on Sunday treated to an Easter extravaganza by city businessmen in keeping with an annual tradition of theirs.

The event was held at "The Garage" on Aubrey Barker Road in South Ruimveldt. thanks to the owner of that facility and the proprietor of Dynasty Sports Bar. It marked the fourth consecutive year that children have been feted and treated to a day of fun and surprises at tire South Ruimveldt eatery.

Owner of "The Garage".

Mr. Estwick Northe said that this year they prepared for 2000 children, as opposed to the past when preparations were made for only a thousand.

Kids received kites, meals and other surprises and were entertained by music.

Northe told the Guyana Chronicle. "As a businessman. once you're making

Ms. Patronella Blair of Friendship, whose two children received hampers, said that she is happy that the Battersfield family thought of this initiative, as it will help to reduce her expenses when preparing them for the new school term.

"It is very nice that the Battersfield family could give back to our community and to the children and it is very appreciated by me, also other parents. I would like everyone to know it is... accepted... it is very helpful," she said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

-

W

al Church.

The family, which is well known in Buxton. said that they invited the First Lady to participate in the exercise because they are inspired by her commitment to providing educational and other opportunities for Guyanese.

In her remarks, the First

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Owner of 'The Garage', Mr Estwick Northe (right) shares a moment with the boisterous children on Sunday money, you have to give back to the society in some way.

And I believe by doing this, we can share happiness to the youths of today."

Since the establishment of "The Garage". Northe said he's always, about this

time of year, feted over 500 children.

That number, he said, has since grown over the years, and he now anticipates having to cater for more than 2000 children come next year.

Adults in attendance lauded the businessmen for what he is doing, and called on the rest of society to join in the spreading of joy, not only at this time of the year, but also whenever the need arises.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Citizens can benefit via annual cheques or regional social services - Trotman

By Alva Solomon AS the country's petroleum sector evolves, the authorities will consider whether the citizenry will receive benefits directly such as year-end cheques,or via social services within the regions.

This was noted on Wednesday by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman when he appeared before the Economic Services Committee of the National Assembly to provide an update on the work of the Natural Resources Ministry. Junior Minister, Simona Broomes and staff of several agencies which fall under the umbrella of the minisliy .including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC),accompanied the ministerial team.

The ministers and support staff were asked by the committee for updates on the oil and gas sector, the aftermath of Chinese logging company Bai Shan Lin's closure of operations in Guyana as well as information on the mining syndicates.

Trotman during his presentation, told the committee which is chaired by

Minister of Communities, Ronald Balkan, that the population will benefit from the petroleum sector after American oil giant ExxonMobil starts pumping gas in commercial quantities mid-2020. In his update, Trotman told the committee that the government has completed the structure for the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, an aspect of the regulatory framework for the oversight of the country's newest economic sector. He said that the bill will have budget support or what he termed "budget stabilization" which he noted is to ensure that the ministry of Finance is capable of carrying out programmes relative to the petroleum sector.

He said that government will ensure that the nation's children and adults can benefit from the "finite" resource. noting oil will not be around forever. To this end he mentioned that social programmes will be undertaken from the funds of the sector to ensure everyone has the best education and health care. He elaborated that the authorities will ensure both citizens and regions benefit from the oil revenues.

"The idea is that regions would receive a percentage perhaps following the fiscal

Minister of Natural Resources , Raphael Trotman (right),addresses the Economic Services Committee as Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes (center) and another official of the ministry look on. transfer system as is use currently," Trotman said noting that the decision will rest with the Minister of Finance and ultimately the National Assembly. He further explained that the population can receive benefits in a variance, in which each citizen would receive a cheque at year end such as what occurs in Alaska.

On the other hand he noted the funds can be provided to each region of the country for the development of various sectors. This occurs in Pen and Colombia, he noted.

He added that Regions

Five, Six and Ten will benefit from the establishment of a petroleum facility which is carded for Crab Island in Berbice. Meanwhile, as the ministry works along with ExxonMobil to determine the volume of the natural gas in the Stabroek Block, Trotman assured the committee that the ministry will pay keen attention to the usage of the gas. "What is for certain is that we would not be squandering the gas or flaring the gas," he said.

He noted that the idea of the resuscitation of an alumina plant can become a reality since a plant of such

nature requires high energy and the natural gas plant can produce that energy required to power the plant.

Trotman posited that Guyana may be able to access 50 million cubic feet per day of natural gas which by calculation can provide the country with 200 megawatts of power. He said the move can become the answer to some of the country's electricity woes.

As it relates to Chinese logging company, Bai Shan Lin, Trotman informed the committee that the government was left with "little choice" following a national

Members of the committee during Wednesday's meeting

outcry regarding the company's forest practises as well as the entity's heavy financial indebtedness. He said the GFC made futile efforts to recoup monies owed by the company and as such, the logging company could not be allowed to operate without honouring its financial obligations to the state.

Trotman said government is concerned about the logs which were left lying behind,and he noted that the situation would be assessed to determine whether the logs will be auctioned or sold to individual companies.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Befler

15

Internet

at

UG

— UG, Public Telecommunications Ministry sign pact to boost ICT

By Ravin Singh

platform on campus.

At a simple ceremony at UG's Turkeyen Campus on Wednesday, the two entities inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will result in better Internet access across campus and an inter-connection between the Tain, John and Turkeyen campuses

With routine complaints about poor Internet access on campus. Minister of Public Telecommunications,Cathy Hughes,said the goal of her Ministry is to better equip the university to provide broadband Internet access, which supports productivity and expansion.

"Our goal has been to better equip the university and to provide broadband Internet access. UG has struggled with the provision of reliable Internet access... so our focus is to ensure that as many locations at the university have wireless Internet access at a level that supports pro-

ductivity and expansion," she said.

INTERNET woes at the This, according to the minister, will be supported University of Guyana (UG) will soon be a thing by a wireless fibre-optic of the past as the Ministry ring which the e-Governof Public Telecommuniment Unit of the Ministry cations aims to strengthhas created, to connect the en the Information and university onto the e-GovCommunications Teleemment network.

"Our focus is also on communications (ICT) ensuring that we are able to equip lecture theatres and hotspots across the campus," she added. & Further, the minister revealed that her Ministry siU will soon be handing over a B video conferencing facility 7 which will allow lecturers and students to interact in ■ real time with the other two campuses. m In addition to the signing of the MoU, the Public Telecommunications Ministry also handed over 20 laptops to the institution, iHi for lecturers.

'U' The minister explained that this was part of the Ministry's vision of env<> suring lecturers are better equipped.

■t. ■■ "It is going to be an incredible time for learning.

We want to make sure that we are investing as much as possible to deal with some of the challenges the university is facing. We Minister of Public Telecommunications and University of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor want to bring the highest Ivelaw Griffith sign the Memorandum of Understanding in the VC's office on Wednesday level of tertiary training

that could be provided," Minister Hughes said.

Meanwhile, e-Govemment Unit General Manager Francis Simmonds noted that there are systems in place to ensure the use of Internet on campus is strictly for work purposes.

He explained that firewalls have been created and if students decide to use the Internet services for purposes not intended, then they will be blocked from accessing certain materials online.

Offering brief comments at the signing of the MoU was UG Vice Chancellor.

Professor Ivelaw Griffith, who noted that the agreement represents the end of a torturous long-standing frustration by a lot of students.

Cognisant of the fact that reliable Internet provision is one of the challenges at the university.

Professor Griffith extended appreciation to the Public Telecommunication Ministry for its support in ensuing students have a comfortable and friendly learning environment.

He noted too that this is just the first step in a series of collaborations which will see the university benefitting from Government agencies and the private sector.

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■v-: • UG's Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Ivelaw Griffith receives one of the 20 laptops from Minister of Public telecommunications Cathy Hughes in the presence of staffers of UG and the Ministry. The laptops were donated by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for lecturers at UG

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Gold

declaration

...first-quarter returns MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during a recent presentation in Lethem on the works of his ministry, revealed that 163,000 ounces of gold has been declared for the first quarter of 2017.

Minister Trotman said that the 2017 budget has set the target of 694,000 ounces of gold, but the ministry is aiming for 700,000 ounces.

Last year's unprecedented declaration earned the country USD$730,915,229. The country recorded the highest gold declaration with 641,668 ounces, 16.6 percent above its target. Small and medium-scale miners accounted for 429,188 ounces, while Guyana Goldfields and Troy Re-

'Trini'

sources, large gold-mining operations, contributed 145,236 ounces and 67,244 ounces respec-

II>EA-»P

get a better sense of what exactly we have," Minister Trotman told the Government Information Agency

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lively. The Guyana Gold Board recorded 451,490 ounces of gold in 2015, surpassing the 380,000

%

ing of rare earth minerals, particularly lithium, in the coming year. "We're looking to do a survey to

artiste

irate Palm Court patron.

The incident reportedly occurred outside of the popular downtown Main Street nightspot after Rodney Le Blanc, as is the

(GINA) recently.

Last year, a permit was given to a Canadian company for prospecting for

assaulted

artiste's given name, had wrapped up a successful appointment there.

According to eyewitnesses, 'Benjai", who was one of the main acts at an

target

at 163,000 ounces

a

soca

POPULAR Soca artiste, 'Benjai' of Trinidad and Tobago was severely injured in the face early Sunday morning following an altercation with an

ounces target.

Meanwhile, Trotman said that more attention will be placed on the min-

on

lithium. Minister Trotman highlighted. "That company has started doing some drilling and has seen signs of lithium. I believe they are now in the process of looking for financiers to go further," the minister further explained.

The Canada-based company, Guyana Strategic Metals (GSM) Incorporated is operating in Region Seven, Minister Trotman said. GSM earlier this year signed an agreement with an Australian company, Greenpower Energy, to acquire interests in the exploration. In the coming months, Greenpower Energy is expected to carry out an airborne geophysical survey to focus on the follow-up work. Lithium is said to be the lightest known metal and is com-

outside

Palm

event titled "Easter Phenomenon", was mingling with patrons outside of the establishment when he became embroiled in an argument.

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Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman monly used to make rechargeable batteries such as those found in cellphones.

The metal was said to have been discovered some five years ago in Guyana. (GINA)

Sources say that in the heat of the argument, the assailant whipped out a beer bottle and hit 'Benjai" in the face so hard it shattered on impact.

The singer was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where he received over a dozen stiches in the face.

Some say the assault stemmed from a misunderstanding between 'Benjai", who was allegedly intoxicated, and a taxi driver.

"The singer was so drunk... He was outside drinking from a Ciroc bottle and trying to impress about six ladies that were around him," one eyewit-

Court

ness said.

It so happened, the eyewitness said, that three of the women were bracing the man's car, and he did not take too kindly to it.

"When the driver of the car kindly asked the three girls that was bracing on his car to remove," he said, "the singer became annoyed and started to hit the back of the car window with the Ciroc bottle.

"The argument started when the driver came out and asked what was the problem."

The eyewitness further said that in the height of the argument, 'Benjai" advanced to the driver with the Ciroc bottle, but the man did not retaliate.

"He get lash to he face after another man in the club see what was going on, because he did trouble the man girl earlier.

"And that man, who was in no way affiliated with the driver, decided to assault him," the eyewitness said.

Police were, however, unable to confirm what took place outside the Palm Court on Sunday morning, and whether anyone was apprehended.

The event was promoted by Pulse Entertainment.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Police IN THE spirit of the Easter holiday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force countrywide donated a number of kites to the children in youth groups within their respective districts.

The Felix Austin Police College "ET Division (Berbice), under the command of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Antonio Fredericks, recently donated kites to the youth group and youths in the villages of Kildonan, Friendship and Numey on the Corentyne.

He was ably assisted in accomplishing the task by

spread Corporals Dexter Brandt and Nykofi Austin, along with W/Constable Marcia Bagot.

And, as any father would, ASP Fredericks cautioned the youngsters to be careful when flying their kites.

"I want you guys to be safe when you are flying your kites," he said, adding: "On the Corentyne here, we have the foreshore and open centre grounds that you guys can go at; don't fly your kites next to the GPL wires, because you might want to try to get it, and you might end

17

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The youths with their kites along with ASP Fredericks (back right) and other police ranks

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Children who benefited from police kite donations on the East Coast of Demerara

up putting yourselves in danger."

Corporal Austin went one better, as he took it upon himself to teach one of his young charges the secret to flying a kite.

Needless to say, the lad was overjoyed to have one of Guyana's finest not only give him a kite but teach him to fly it as well.

He said the simple gesture has made his day, as it's his first time participating in such an activity.

Meanwhile, on the Essequibo Coast, some 30 children from the Henrietta-Anna Regina Youth Group received kites from ranks of the Anna Regina Police Station.

The kites were distributed by Sergeant 18348 Parris and other ranks.

The children were happy to receive the kites for the holidays and thanked the police for the timely

donation.

Another 20 children from the Onderneeming youth group were given kites by ranks of the Suddie Police Station. The kites were handed over to the children by the Sub-Divisional Officer, ASP Cummerbatch and Sergeant 16118 Moore.

And, on the East Coast Demerara, a total of 575 kites were distributed by 'C Division ranks to children in Bareroot, Vigilance North and South, BY, Sophia and the Bosco Boys Orphanage at Plaisance.

Over on the West Coast Demerara, some 110 children from the "jetty squatting area" were the recipients of kites from Inspector Mahendranauth, Sergeant 18871 Clarke, and ranks from the Vreed-en- Hoop Police Station.

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Police ranks donate kites to children of the jetty squatting area, West Coast Demerara

Children from the Henrietta-Anna Regina Youth Group received kites from ranks of Anna Regina Police Station

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate,

Tax

Informants

tans and Business $ TAXES

The Edgar Henry Column

n

The

Previously the tax whistleblowers miniIjust love to mention quotes we used as children while growing up in the Caribbean. This one "Wonders never cease hut daily mum award was 15 percent of the collection. The award is calculated based on the increase" comes to mind since there's now a new way to earn total of the tax, interest, penalties, and adsome extra cash; simply become an IRS tax informant or ICE inditions to taxes collected by the IRS; as a formant. result of the allegations or information proFor the purpose of the business aspect the IRS in its initiative to catch taxpayers vided by the person who comes forward to I would like to focus on the Tax informants. who are paying fewer taxes than they actually reveal the underpayment. An award may Your odds of actually collecting any owe to the government. This step provides a also be claimed for reporting information money as a tax informer are probably a bit substantial incentive for people to come for- about an underpayment that would reduce low, as cases can often take years to work ward and identify other persons, companies. the amount of a refund claimed by a taxtheir way through the system. Nonetheless, the IRS is offering a finder's fee to people The IRS estimates that $290 billion goes who are instrumental in busting tax cheats.

IMORMAMS PAYCHECK unpaid each year because of people and Last year, the amount that tax informants would be paid was increased to 30% of companies cheating on their taxes. any money the IRS collects in a case. This program, as enacted by the Tax Relief and Before payment is made, the cases must Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432), places no cap on the dollar amount of the he fully resolved which can take years award, so the person who comes forward to identify a large underpayment of tax by anhut the IRS has to actually collect money other taxpayer stands to potentially collect millions of dollars of awards from the govfrom the companies before making a ernment for his or her efforts.

This enhanced whistleblower reward payout. If no money is collected, there is was done to encourage honest citizens to no reward. give more help to the IRS. The IRS estimates that $290 billion goes unpaid each year because of people and companies trusts, partnerships, or other entities that are payer. A whistleblower that reports a billion cheating on their taxes. Before payment is underpaying their taxes in any way, be it as a dollar underpayment of tax, including made, the cases must be fully resolved result of fraud, aggressive or uncertain tax penalties and interest could result in an which can take years but the IRS has to ac- positions, or even simple mistakes. award payment of up to three hundred milREWARD AMOUNTS tually collect money from the companies lion dollars, 30% if collected by the IRS. before making a payout. If no money is colThe statute that revised Section 7623 WHAT IS THE SMALLEST AWARD? lected, there is no reward. of the Internal Revenue Code now provides At this time, the program is targeted at IRS WHISTLEBLOWER REWARDS awards of up to 30 percent of the amount revealing large underpayments of tax. A perthat is ultimately collected by the IRS to son can only receive an award under the proPROGRAM Congress has taken another step to help persons who identify underpayments of tax. gram if the total amount of the underpayment

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Loose of the tax, interest, penalties, additions to tax, and additional amounts in dispute that are ultimately collected by the IRS exceeds $2 million. In addition, the income of an individual taxpayer who owes tax that has been reported under this program must exceed $200,000 in the year the tax was due. As a practical matter, penalties ranging from 20-40 percent of the tax due and the effect of compounding interest often result in the doubling of the total amount of a deficiency of tax that would have otherwise been paid if it had been properly reported on a tax return in the first instance.

WHAT IF THE IRS OFFERS NOTHING? One of the more significant changes contained in the new legislation is that tax whistleblowers now have a legal course of action if they feel the IRS has not been fair in determining their award. While hiring an attorney is a good first step towards making certain that this does not happen in your case, it is no guarantee. If the IRS awards no money or a too-low amount in your case, you can appeal this determination in the United States Tax Court.

SCAM AGENCIES With the IRS bringing out its annual listings for the numerous tax scams that are taking place, the debate on the misuse of tax laws has become hotter. The agency looks at different kinds of tax scams that have taken place in a year, to keep the people of United States aware of the fraud agencies and their owners who move around in the guise of tax professionals.

The modus operandi of the pseudo tax agencies and tax counselors is to manipulate the established rules and laws in order to get tax reduction. They catch hold of people who are most prone to falling for their false claims. Following the tax-deduction techniques given by them can land you in prison. The IRS keeps a strict tab on the numerous agencies and takes legal action against the fraudulent ones.

BE CAREFUL If you have information for the IRS, don't be afraid to report it. Just remember, calling them and saying you "know" your brother is cheating on his taxes won't get them to do anything. The IRS needs details and proof. Without both of those, they almost certainly won't look into the matter. Indeed this is a unique way of earning some extra bucks as the IRS relies on your information.

They could afford to pay you handsomely since they do not have to hire a scouting or policing agency to do the same job.

Jt is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it" To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

19

Ebini

- to

become the

THE small community of Ebini, located up the Upper Berbice River, close to an hour's ride by boat from Kwakwani, is set to become the agricultural hub of Region 10.

And it's all thanks to the Regional Democratic Council, which is pursuing all avenues to boost the agricultural sector in the region, which has been

Regional Chairman Renis Morian ailing for some decades now.

The community, which has its genesis in farming, continues to depend on the soil for surv ival, and agriculture as well as livestock rearing are the main economic activities.

Being aware of the fertile soil and the availability of many experienced farmers, the National Agricultural Research Extension Institution (NAREI), in collaboration with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), is making serious strides to revive agriculture in Ebini.

In a missive to Regional Chairman, Mr Renis Morian, NAREI reported that the two entities at reference have a total of 25 employees in the community. They currently occupy about 1500 acres of farming land, 1000 acres of which are dedicated to livestock production, specifically cattle and sheep.

The remaining 500 acres comprise of orchard crops, which are currently under cultivation, and this will be expanded by another 20 acres this year.

Thirty acres are under coconuts, and about five acres are dedicated to grapefruit production. NAREI is currently conducting experiments on corn, soybeans, red peas, cas-

sava and black-eye peas, while a nursery was recently set up to produce seedlings.

As if this were not enough, NAREI has also recently acquired an additional 15000 acres of land from the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) for the new project to be implemented with the IDB. This operation will soon compete with the large-scale operations of a Brazilian investor who is in the process of commencing com and soya bean production.

The investor and his team are proposing to do a 200-acre plot of soybean around May-June 2017.

THE CHALLENGES Regional Chairman Renis Morian, in his quest to boost agricultural production in the community given its potential in that regard, recently dispatched a team, led by former Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo, to meet with farmers in the community, who were eager to voice their concerns and

i

Pit

r

M Former Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo talk about the challenges.

At the meeting, held on March 21 with about 34 farmers, it was revealed to the team that only about 65-70 acres of land are accessible to them.

Each farmer is entitled to between 5-10 acres of this amount. The farmers highlighted their plight of working with limited equipment and seeds, but making priority on the list is the deplorable state of the access road which is approximately a mile long and leads from the waterfront to the Ebini Savannah.

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A typical day at the Skeldon market pled with the lack of cheap and reliable river transportation. has resulted in farmers losing big on their produce.

"We were informed that quite a lot of the produce perished before meeting markets, and that the middle-mea who are few in number, usually offer them prices for their produce, which is way below what it cost them to produce their products." Mingo wrote in his report to Morian following the meeting with the Ebini farmers.

"About six of the farmers informed us that on one acre of land they cultiv ated with watermelons, their yield was about 8000 pounds of melon per farmer, and they were forced to sell same for about $25-30 per pound," he added.

The farmers hav e also opted for the lands to be leased to them by the government through Lands and Surv ey so that they can become qualified for loans from banks or lending institutions.

This financing will assist them in expanding their farms.

The farmers also highlighted that during the dry season, their crops suffer as a result of limited water resources and are requesting that at least two wells be dug in the Sav annah.

Regional Chairman Morian has noted these challenges and will be putting systems in place to alleviate them soonest.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Fleeing

hard

Guyanese living in

times

Venezuela returning home

cite food crisis, political unrest

By Zena Henry THE decline of neighbouring Venezuela's economy and the resultant strain on its cost of living is causing many Guyanese living there to think seriously about coming back home.

This is according to Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela, Ms Cheryl Miles during an update on Guyana-Venezuela relations at the conclusion of a heads of missions conference held here recentlv at the Pegasus Hotel.

Guyana and Venezuela are still to resolve a decades-old border controversy currently being managed by the United Nations. In a televised interview with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Miles explained that since her posting to Venezuela, much of her work has been in relation to the Diaspora which makes up some 250.000 Guyanese living in Venezuela.

And. despite the social state the country is in. she said, many Guyanese are holding their own. but some are having second thoughts.

"Many people now are thinking of returning to Guyana because of the difficulties in Venezuela." the veteran diplomat said.

She said that while many persons are seeking guid-

ance on how they can reintegrate into Guyanese society. in many cases, they are concerned that because their children may not have learned English in a structured way. that could be a hindrance in their being able to attend school in Guyana.

"We are trying to see in what ways we can make it easier for them to reintegrate," Miles said, adding that it is one of the tasks with which the Embassy is currently preoccupied.

CROSS-BORDER TRADE This newspaper had reported back in February that scores of Venezuelans would regularly cross the border at Kumaka, in Region One (Barima-Waini) to do business. According to Kumaka residents at the time, this is what had obtained throughout 2016, as the economic situation in Venezuela took a turn for the worse.

Media reports have since suggested that supermarket shelves in Venezuela are chronically bare, and power shortages are so severe that government offices are forced to only open two days a week.

Add to this the collapse of the healthcare system, the spiralling crime rate, and progressively worsening

inflation, and one could well imagine the state of play in Venezuela these days.

And as the New York Times had reported, with the plummeting of the price of oil. Venezuela's only export of note, this means revenues could fall by as much as 40 per cent this year.

It's a situation that has. since earlier in the year, resulted in a number of Venezuela-based Guyanese relocating to the place they once called home within communities in the North West District.

According to Kumaka residents, many persons who had relocated to Venezuela during the 1980s have since returned to the North West in search of greener pastures.

"They come across with fuel and plastic containers and clothes, and take back sugar, rice and even things like toilet paper." a Kumaka vendor named Michael said of those Venezuelans coming here to trade items that are difficult to source in their homeland.

He said that the goods brought here by the Spanish-speaking traders are sold dirt cheap. "A set of bowls, the ones with more than one, you can get that cheap," Michael said.

KUMAKA FRONT At the Kumaka Water-

front, several stalls would line the edges of the roadway close to the Aruka River, a sight that was almost non-existent prior to the collapse of the Venezuelan economy.

The area was once a matter of concern in the past, as water from the meandering Aruka River had almost eroded that section of the waterfront in recent years.

However, revetment works were undertaken in the area and it has since stood the test of time. Consumer items that do exceedingly well at Kumaka include fuel, such as gasoline, which retails at approximately G$ 17.000 per barrel. The price reportedly dropped significantly a month ago when the authorities clamped down on the trade of fuel at Morawhanna.

At the time, the price per barrel had risen to approximately $28,000.

"We buy gas at about $400 a gallon." a minibus driver had told this publication at Kumaka. He said that when the authorities visit the area, the prices would increase. Last December.

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Mr Godfrey Statia. spoke on the issue of fuel-smuggling in the area.

"We also know there is fuel-smuggling in the Essequibo. in Morawhanna; we

V

Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela, Ms Cheryl Miles also plan to put a presence at Morawhanna." Statia was quoted as telling the media at the time.

At the remote villages outside Mabaruma, persons would trade mainly food items with Venezuelans across the Amacuro River. The goods are usu-

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ally bought at Kumaka and ferried to the border location, a practice which is not expected to end anytime soon.

BORDER CONTROVERSY As Ambassador Miles pointed out regarding the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Georgetown maintains the firm position that the matter should go to the international court.

She drew reference to the recent visit of the UN General-Secretary's personal representative. Ambassador Dag Nylander who was here to help the two countries find a solution to the problem by the end of the year.

If this does not happen, then recommendations will be given by the UN on how the controversy should be handled, with the matter's referral to the International Court of Justice being the likely outcome.

"Our sides are very far apart," Ambassador Miles said. "We would like to see the issue go to the International Court of Justice; it is our firm position, and Venezuela doesn't want that.

They prefer a different form of settlement."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

21

New York Chronicle Horoscope

mi

ARSES (Mar. 21 - April 20) You will find their philosophies worth exploring. You need to control your temper and deal with the situation rationally. Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances. Double-check before you go out. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

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TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself. You should avoid getting involved in the personal problems of colleagues. Arguments with employers or colleagues will be to your detriment. Don't push your luck with authority figures. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Opposition is present and you should be prepared to counteract it as best you can. Based on your excitement, serious-minded individuals will be more than interested in backing your ideas. You will be popular with acquaintances; however, loved ones could feel left out and insecure. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You will be in a high cycle regarding work. You may find it difficult to communicate. Your ability to see other people's points of view will allow you to come to reasonable agreements. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened.

Don't let your partner goad you into wearing your heart on your sleeve. This is a great day to spend with family. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You may have problems with children. You're undergoing changes. You can make excellent career moves if you are open to the opportunities that exist. Your creative talent will prove to be lucrative if put to proper use.

You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Don't make excuses. You will be well looked upon due to your compassionateand giving nature. Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Lighten up your serious attitude. Your luckiest event this week will occur on Wednesday.

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12. Supermodel Banks 13. Entreat 14. Tater 15. Most bizarre 17. Correspond with (2 wds.)

19. point (2 wds.)

22. Caress 26. Semicircular 27 28.

29. Eccentric sort 30. Luxurious coat 31. Kimono 32. Ambulance worker (abbr.)

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you.

You will be overly generous with children this month. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. You are best to avoid such unsavory circumstances, especially if you're in a group situation. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

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34. Witch-hunting city 35. Glossy 37. Cool 38. Minced 40. Radical change 43. List shortener (2 wds.)

47. Chewing substance 48. Highland headland 49. TV's Kelly 50. "Veep" channel (abbr.)

51. Hospital workers (abbr.)

52. Pour forth DOWN 1. Missing school (abbr.)

2. Road trip necessity 3. Common virus 4. When "hump day" arrives

■B" O TT"E"T--5-TTTTTTTTTT-5-TT M C O N V E N T 1 O N E C H F

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Do not invest in ventures that only appear to be lucrative. Make love, not war, and all will be fine. You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations. Don't make large purchases unless you have discussed your choices with you mate. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will have some problems with children, but if you are patient you will win their favor. Don't bother complaining, do the work yourself. Try not to spend too much on children or entertainment. Travel will also entice you.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

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PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You may be more emotional than usual. Your high energy will helyou through this rather hectic day. Be creative in your efforts. Be sure to organize events that will keep the children busy. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Tuesday

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ISSUE 45 CROSSWORD ANSWER A rF1 B D A N A p A V O N| u P ON D U O D E C O R A T EJ c O D S E R nK S L AC S H EA D R OWS E D 1 V O [Rj c E S O1 W E D A R Cj 1 N G U S E S 1 AE D s u B s 1 D E K N A V E" S [B R 0 1 M A N ■u R G E R U S M c M 1 L 1 T A R Y F O O T E B B S AG A (3 13 13 Hram a.J2. E. 5. No, to Putin 6. Shorter 7. Shipping box 8. Solemn fear 9. Numerals (abbr.)

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31. Attackers 33. At one's disposal (2 wds.)

34. " Loves You" 36. Cold as 37. Some NCOs 39. Exceed 40. "That's gross!"

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

(from page 5) lite imagery cited by the White House that traces back to Assad cannot be found. No sources are referenced.

The report has no signature and is only marked "SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL. We are asked to trust the administration, because they are honorable persons. How can we after Iraq?

The opening paragraph says, "the US is confident" about their claim. No evidence, merely a gut feeling.

The so-called sources the White House relies upon are "observers at the scene." Give us some of their names.

Gareth Porter (Information Clearing House) writes: The Trump administration officials dismissed the Russian claim that the Syrian airstrike had targeted a munitions warehouse controlled by Islamic extremists as an afterthought to cover up the Syrian government's culpability for the chemical attack. Moreover, the Trump officials claimed that US intelligence had located the site where the Syrian regime had dropped the chemical weapons.

The same writer says that two revelations contradict the Trump's line on the April 4 attacks. A former

The

US official said that the Russians had informed their US counterparts about the Syrian military's plan to strike the warehouse in Khan Sheikhoun 24 hours before the strike. "And a leading analyst on military technology, Dr. Theodore Postol of MIT, has concluded that the alleged device for a sarin attack could not have been delivered from the air but only from the ground, meaning that the chemical attack may not have been the result of the Syrian airstrike."

Gareth Porter says that an internal administration paper on the issue now circulating in Washington, obtained, clearly refers to "a regime airstrike on a terrorist ammunition dump in the eastern suburbs of Khan Sheikhoun." The evidence presented by the Russians, like that of the Americans, does not lead to a conclusion as to who used chemical weapons on April 4.

PRETEXT FOR WAR Why would Assad attack his own people while he is winning the war? He would gain nothing militarily and risk international outrage. On the other hand, the rebels have had quite a lot to gain by mounting a chemical attack on April 4. They would have reckoned that the US would blame Assad and attack Syria, weakening its defense and giving an

Threat

(from page 7) course of the civil war or diminished Assad's military arsenal and ability to prosecute this war — period.

So who had all to gain? You go figure it out.

But let's get back to the issue of nuclear- war- as an "on the table option."

In political doubletalk this means that using a nuclear weapon or weapons is "on the table." Nobody, nobody, should doubt the United State's resolve when it come to this, especially during this Trump Era. There is the very real possibility that if the people of the world do not act in concert and say "no" to nuclear- weapons and DEMAND an end to then- production and stockpile, then political egomaniacs will see this as a green light to do the unthinkable. We also cannot submit to our "human nature", and blank out that possibility because of the devastation and horrible human consequences that a nuclear- detonation conjures up in our imagination.

And the bases for this unthinkable possibility are the radical changes and shifts in global politics. Nowadays,

advantage to them.

WAR BENEFITS THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX In his farewell address to Congress in 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist."

What is this complex? It is the country's military establishment- industries producing arms or other military materials, military contractors and lobbyists perpetuating war.

Sixty plus years after Eisenhower's great speech, the US finds itself in perpetual wars. In recent times, it was Iraq, then Libya and now threats of war against, Syria and North Korea. Perpetual war represents perpetually huge profits for the military-industrial complex.

In the last 8 years, trillions of dollars have reached the coffers of military and homeland security companies. In the first 10 days of the war with Libya, the US spent approximately $550. Of this, $340 went for military weapons (mostly cruise missiles, some at a price

Of Nuclear War Is

everywhere we look global politics is fast becoming an activity that is driven, not by issues, concerns, and people-centered challenges, but by raw emotion, fickle, substanceless unilateral, crowd-pleasing, and millions of gullible people falling under the control of rich, erratic family groups and mafias, rather than the old political model of technocrats representing ruling elites.

Within the ranks of these populist conmen and women-tumed-politicians are many opportunistic groupings that include warmongers orgasmically jacked up on using the latest military hardware as part of then- war profiteering. They reject objective multilateralism — ironing out of differences between states and nations in a civil, non-military way — as a serious irritant. Its why many of the world's political oligarchs — from Trump to Putin and everyone in between — are busy forcing NGOs to register, systematically cutting off foreign aid to them and instituting incremental dictatorial systems at home.

If you think that nuclear war is a

tag of $1.4 m), equipment and stores.

Market Watch estimates that it could cost about $60 million to replace the cruise missiles that the U.S. used to bomb a Syrian airfield on April 7,2017 IS THERE A BROADER STRATEGY? There is no discernible broader military strategy in Trump's bombing of Syria. I do not suffer fools gladly.

Thus, the media's analysis (if it could be so called) of his folly as unpredictable bothers me.

Is he working towards removing Assad from power? Apart from the fact that such action would lead to a failed state, it would be a long and difficult venture, since Russia is bent on keeping him. The American people are so tired of war, such action would be met with powerful opposition from Congress.

CONCLUSION Aldous Huxley said, "That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history." George Santayana reminds us, "If we do not leam from the mistakes of history, we are doomed to repeat them." Perhaps our government has not looked at the lesson taught by invading Iraq and Libya and killing its legitimate Heads of State.

Both countries are now failed states.

The drums of war tell me that we have not learned, as they say, our lesson.

Real Again

joke. Think about this; • The 15-kiloton bomb dropped on Hhoshima in 1945 destroyed 13 square kilometers (almost 6 miles) of the Japanese city. The heart of the explosion reached several million degrees centigrade. Everybody within half a mile of the center of the blast was killed and 92 per cent of the city's structures were destroyed or damaged. Around 75,000 people were killed immediately but many more died from radiation poisoning. By the end of 1950, the death toll was 200,000.

• The Nagasaki bomb three days later killed 40,000 immediately, rising to 140,000 by 1950. Even today, more babies are born dead or deformed in these areas.

• Current nuclear weapons are much more powerful than those dropped on Japan. Just 50 could kill 200 million people — or the combined populations of Britain, Canada, Australia, Aotearoa/NZ and Germany.

I believe that a great place to start is the United Nations, no matter how

flawed an organization and largely toothless when put against its undemocratic Security Council. It's here that the world's peaceful nations can highlight the criminal and reckless nature of any rush to nuclear war. The world's people should insist on the non-proliferation of nuclear weaponry and a pledge to never use them first. I think that during insane times peace-loving peoples (and nations) must recommit themselves to the example of solving issues by diplomatic means. Nuclear war, or the "limited use" of such weapons creates a dangerous childish tit-for-tat game played by political egomaniacs and then- brutish enablers.

To quote Hal David and Burt Bacharach: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love It's the only thing that there's just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No, not just for some but for everyone."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

GTT

to

...

23

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capacity

overseas

traffic

... sajs Guyana losing US$30Mdue to DigiceVs trans-border link TELECOMMUNICATION giant GTT Communications Inc has assured government that it has the capacity to handle the volume of data and international voice services being demanded by Guyanese.

In a statement issued on Wednesday. GTT said that it operates a reliable international service that contributes to the economy, employs over 600 Guyana workers and has the capacity to handle all of the country's overseas traffic.

In March, the Ministry of Public Telecommunication had said that GTT must provide the evidence that it has the network capacity to meet the needs of the market before a decision is taken to discontinue DigiceTs link to Suriname. The Ministry's statement came amid calls by GTT for an investigation to

be conducted into DigiceTs alleged "illegal, unlicensed trans-border link between Guyana and Suriname".

In response to the Ministry on Wednesday. GTT said that it is a legally licensed operation and provides transparency to citizens; its system is built to handle more than 70Gbps capacity - exceeding the capacity needed to handle all international traffic by more than 50%; it is currently operating well below capacity.

According to GTT. it has redundant paths to Internet via subsea fibre optics and the company has paid over US$45 million U.S in taxes over the last 5 years.

Meanwhile. GTT also alleged that Digicel (Guyana) has been engaged in practices which has resulted in Guyana losing over US$30M in taxes.

"The people of Guyana also deserve to know whether. and how much DigiceTs bypass operation has cost our country in lost tax payments.

The damage to Guyana could be $30 million U.S. or more" GTT said in the statement.

Additionally, the telecommunications provider indicated that Digicel was bypassing the local network and using a Surinamese network for the provision of its data service.

Digicel had signed an interconnection agreement with GTT. The company alleged that Digicel has kept this operation secret from the public, the business community and the media for years.

"Now that the illegal bypass service has been acknowledged by Digicel and confrrmed by the government, the public deserves full trans-

parency and action by our leaders. We therefore, again call for DigiceTs bypass operation to be audited by an independent and trasted organisation." GTT said.

"The damage to Guyana could be $30 million US or more" the company said, adding that "the public needs to know if Digicel has in fact robbed our country of badly needed revenues by failing in its obligation to pay such a large sum."

The telecommunication company also weighed in on liberalisation of the telecommunication sector, offering that this "could be very positive for Guyana." only if laws are enforced and the public has transparency.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunication had said that it was actively engaging both GTT and Digicel in

discussions on GTT's claims of unlicensed transmission of voice and data traffic by Digicel across the Guyana-Suriname border.

It said that the matter has proven to be a complex one. exacerbated by demands of the market for adequate voice and data services. "Among the issues to be considered are whether GTT has sufficient data capacity to meet the needs of the market and the degree of congestion of its network." the Ministry headed

by Minister Cathy Hughes had noted last month.

The Ministry, however, said its current position should not be misconstmed to mean that it is willing to condone illegal activities.

"The Ministry wishes to emphasise that this does not mean that the Government is

in any way eager to condone this activity, but in this age of such high dependence on telecommunications and the Internet for the conduct of business, learning and many activities of life, we must be satisfied that there is adequate communications available for the people." the Ministry had stated.

It said that while Government is committed to ensuring that applicable licence terms and conditions are honoured, it must also ensure that the required obligations in the licence that provide for adequate service are met, as well as the needs of the people. The Public Telecommunications Ministry said it is well aware that increased investment and greater network capacity are needed to meet the demands of consumers.

HE HEALTH AND EDUCATION RELIEF Equal opportunities for women

ORGANIZATION FOR CANCER, INC. CH.E.R.O.C) presents

— in mining syndicates, Broomes assures

By Alva Solomon AS Government works towards advancing the mining sector, the syndicate initiative is being undertaken to ensure that women receive equal opportunities in the movement.

This was noted on Wednesday by Junior Minister of Natural Resomces.Simona Broomes.when she accompanied Minister of Natural Resources.Raphael Trotman. who appeared before the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Services.

The authorities created the opportunity for small miners who traditionally have had limited access to mining lands, invariably as tenants to bigger mining landlords.under conditions which were deemed to be unfair, even exploitative.

Broomes told the committee on Wednesday that Guyanese are aware of the challenges small miners face in the sector.

She said that initiative was taken to cluster the small miners together by pooling resomces. noting that it advances social cohesion.

She pointed out that Government is providing general attention to women in the male-dominated sector.

"The view and the consideration of women are being looked at." she said.

Broomes said since the formation, there are women who function in the syndicates in senior positions, noting that it provides a whole "new outlook" for the female gender.

She said syndicates provide equal opportunities for women involved in mining, noting that the move has

been long overdue.

"Women are not only chefs and cooks." she said as she made reference to those involved in mining.

A syndicate is comprised of many persons, as much as one hundred members, and according to Broomes. the Natural Resomces Ministry has ensured that the groups are mainly focused on addressing the concerns of small miners within the sector.

To date, there are some 15 syndicates across the mining districts of the country; the maximum number being pursued is 20.

At Wednesday's meeting, committee member and Minister of State,Joseph Harmon and Opposition Member of Parliament,Neil Kumar,commended Broomes on the initiative.

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24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Two

meat

facilities COMPONENT three of the recently launched Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) will advocate for the compliance of sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS).

One of the major undertakings under this component will be the construction of two pilot facilities for meat processing in Regions Five and Nine. The SADP has a long-term objective of increasing productivity, while maintaining a sustainable and climate resilient use of natural resomces in Guyana.

With increased access to meat processing facilities, there will be higher produc-

COAAE

tivity. which will contribute to reduced pressure on the fragile eco-systems while increasing income for small and medium scale farmers.

Component three of the SADP programme has been allocated US$2.8M. from a loan valued at US$15M. which has been approved by the Inter-American Development Bank to facilitate this aspect of the programme.

When constructed, the SADP is expected to increase the country's capacity to comply with sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) which will open up markets for livestock production.

Minister of Agriculture.

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Noel Holder, said that once there is complete compliance with SPS. Guyana stands a better chance of exporting meat and its by-products.

Guyana currently has 10 registered abattoirs; however due to outdated standards managing these facilities, there is the need to ensure that livestock farmers have adequate access to more state-of-theart facilities.

"By ensuring compliance with SPS standards, the overall quality of meat processed in the abattoirs will be enhanced. The longer term position of our Food Safety System can then be recognised by international

EX/VAAINE

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Regions trading partners and open the opportunity for export of meat products. This is in line with our policy as outlined in the Food Safety and Animal Welfare Bill presented in Parliament earlier this year."

Minister Holder noted.

It is widely recognised that rising SPS standards have created numerous obstacles to the international exchange of agricultural commodities. The issue is of particular importance for developing countries such as Guyana, which has an abundance of agricultural resomces.

Head of the Agriculture Sector Development Unit

(ASDU). Khemlall Alvin said that opportunities for exporting meat from Guyana are limited as a result of these outdated standards.

"Some of the current standards. for example, the Public Health Ordinance dates back since 1915 - it's very outdated. The standards for the abattoir are mirrored off of Indian standards, which are dated back to 1978 and a comprehensive cost is not available for the standards to be upgraded." he further added.

To alleviate this challenge, the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance engaged the Inter-Amer-

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Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder ican Development Bank, proposing to review and update standards and codes related to products destined for both local and potential export markets, as well as local markets. (GINA)

Son remanded for allegedly

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COLIN Ross of Lot 14 Kildonan Village, East Berbice Corentyne appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Number 51 Magistrate's Court, charged with the murder of his father, which occurred on April 10,2017.

The 52-year-old father of two was not required to plead to the indictable offence and was remanded to prison until May 8. 2017. It is alleged that on the day in question.

Ross murdered 82-year-old Rudolph Ross in the course of arson at the dwelling house.

Ross, who did not have legal representation, told the

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1

$ Dead: Rudolph Ross

court that he was a farmer; his case was transferred to the Whim Magistrates' Court.

On April. 10. fire ripped through the home of the older Ross and his charred remains were later found lying by a window on the eastern side of the two-storey wooden and concrete stracture. The fire reportedly started at 03:00hrs in the kitchen, located in the upper flat of the house.

The elderly man resided with Colin Ross, who was not at home at the time of the fire.

However, the younger Ross arrived five hours after and reportedly gave conflicting stories of where he was at the time of the fire. He was subsequently arrested and after days of interrogation he admitted to being at home when the fire started.

He however told investigators that an electrical appliance was left on. This newspaper however understands that on the day in question, the father and son had an argument and he [Ross] left the house with his belongings.

A neighbom. Brian Jackson, 41. told Guyana Chronicle that he was awoken by loud cries for help from the elderly man. Jackson said he immediately summoned help and a bucket brigade was formed in an effort to save

the elderly man. Ross was trapped due to grille work, the thick smoke and intense heat.

SB

ML Murder accused, Colin Ross Brian explained that while the bucket brigade was trying to douse the infemo. he and another neighbor tried to get the senior citizen out but had to retreat after the heat became too much.

Ross, a father of seven, was described as an avid church member and a respectable individual in the community.

He once served as the Overseer of the Bush Lot/ Adventure Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017 r

25

>• The

CONGRATS!

CONGRATS!!

CONGRATS!!!

Peter Haynes \

Column

AND AGAIN CONGRATS!!!!

Arelative recently accused me of taking pleasure in beating up on individuals; even if photo-ops that we are forced to experience with boring regularity and to concenttate instead on putting necessary and that were true, I would simply respond that when things are done right and in a basic programmes in place. For example, the much talked timely manner, there is no need for criticism, hut today I can only utter "CON- about reinstatement of sports in the school curriculum has GRATS!" as I start this column. been a topic of conversation for almost two years, but to date The blessed Easter weekend was, in my opinion, an ex- country's good. Testimony of that truth is the recent an- nothing whatsoever has been done for the public to see contremely rewarding one for Guyana's sportsmen and sports- nouncement of the inclusion of Shimron Hetmyer in the cerning this programme.! women. There were successes both at home and abroad in a West Indies squad for the first Test against Pakistan! While At a time when parents are protesting against the apnumber of sporting activities, and if I did not celebrate and it is a pity that this young man did not get the three runs to plication of 14% VAT on private schools and private lessons, call everyone to reflect on the importance of these successes, make a century that we would all remember in the future, let may I suggest that they demand instead that these schools any and everybody would be justified in calling me a hyp- us congratulate him and also exhort him, "Next time get the actually teach their curricula— i.e. address a curriculum in ocrite. But since I am one to tell it like it is. 1 will not let century!" its entirety, including sports and recreational activities — these many successes pass without shouting "CONGRATS!" As if our Easter season was completely charmed, the during normal school hours? Not doing so means that parfrom the rooftop.

Guyanese players participating in the Caribbean Cadet and ents are not paying attention to the fact they it is they who Firstly, what a joy it was to read about the successful Junior Table Tennis Championships also provided us with are encouraging private schools and providers of private lesstaging of the annual RUPUNUNI RODEO and to leam that many reasons to be saying "Congrats!" Our youngsters sons to create and develop their thriving businesses — by the administration decided to enhance its support not holding schools accountable for delivering their for this event by contributing $1M to ensure that it curricula! Parents need to attend PTA meetings and decontinues to grow! There is of course, the likelihood mand answers from Head-teachers and their children's that the rodeo could — or rather should — become teachers as to why it is necessary for their children to Va BP* an international event, engaging participants from receive expensive private lessons before and after other South American and regional countries. Were school. \9m- B I this to occur, I am sure that the rodeo organisers Another area in need of action is the "National would get the necessary assistance from the MinL. .

Sports Policy" which was promised for presentation istry of Business to expand this effort, making it a in "early 2017". Almost one- third of 2017 has passed; tourist attraction for Guyana over the Easter weekit is no longer 'early'; how about promulgating a Naend. tional Sports Policy? We have been told that ParliaSimilarly, the BARTICA REGATTA, which ment has approved millions of dollars for the Ministry has been held on a modest scale for decades, is of Sports' programmes; that these monies are intended being touted as having international appeal. Surely to improve and develop facilities such as the Leonora the motor boat racers in Trinidad and Tobago and Athletic and the Aquatic Centre; and that facilities in Barbados, to name two Caribbean islands, would all Regions would be developed. There is a possibility RUPUNUNI RODEO welcome the opportunity to journey to Guyana to that these projects have started, but we do not know; take part in such an event. The Regatta could easily sell itself gained podium places in the Girls Under 18 Doubles — Sil- these are the photographs that the public would like to see on the international market as a special entertainment for the ver; Boys Under 15 Doubles — Silver: Boys and Girls Under in the newspapers, not photo-ops about the presentation of Easter weekend, and this would contribute not only to Bar- 15 team events, the players respectively gained silver and gear, which serve for nothing when properly manicured fatica's development but also to that of the several towns in bronze medals. These results are heartening; our youngsters cilities do not exist. that part of the country, which have begun to compete for competing and winning at this level augur well for the future We want to be able to say "CONGRATS!" without havprominence — and, of course, such a positive rivalry would of Guyana's Table Tennis (Ping Pong for our American read- ing to constantly call out the individuals who are supposed create a greater good, a situation in which there is only one ers), and our hope is that they will continue to be serious and to be responsible for developing the nation's sports! If they winner — the people of Guyana! return to the podium, at even higher levels, at next year's do their jobs, the projects and programmes will not merely That's two for two sports events deserving of hearty championships. remain words and promises. So please, as we go forward congratulations over the Easter weekend, but there are more.

But the best has been left for last; at the CARIFTA from this Easter weekend of triumphs, let us finally see the The national cricket team won its last WICB 4-day Games, Guyana truly made its mark! Compton Caesar, win- reintroduction of sports in the school curricula of this nation, game so handsomely that Guyana is assured of the Champi- ning the Gold Medal in the Boys' Under 20,100 meters race, and the presentation of a National Sports Policy for Guyana! onship for the third consecutive year! We could say that at recorded a performance that ranks as the best ever I« least in Guyana some things are being done right for the by a Guyanese in this event, and when we consider game of cricket. At this time, I will not get into the contro- that he was competing against Jamaicans, Barbadiversy brewing about the rationale for the Assistant Head ans, and Trinidadians who formerly literally owned / Coach and not the Head Coach being nominated for the Na- that position, we must shout "CONGRATS!" The * tional Sports Commission's Coach of the Year Award — ex- performance of other members of the team also cept to note that it is known, for sure, that the Head Coach helped to swell our pride, leading Guyana to finish w has done his job and needs to be congratulated for continuing fifth in the medal standings; competing against 16 his good work. However, if the nomination for the NSC's other Caribbean countries, the marvelous Guyana award is an indication of the Guyana Cricket Board's think- team won four gold, one silver, and three bronze ing for the future, 1 will be joining the conversation if it medals.

■ < moves to replace the Head Coach.

There is talk of moving Guyana's Schools' Where cricket is concerned, one heartening fact is that Championships to the Easter term, rather than stagmy comments in previous columns that the selection of the ing them during the Christmas term, to permit the team must give exposure to the youngsters has proved to be youths to be ttaining and competing from January the direction in which the Board should be going for the and peaking in time for the CARIFTA Games. It is The competing countries in the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table my hope that the Guyana Teachers Union Tennis Championships will go along with this sensible change in sports planning.

Having listed the many Championships and Advertise in this events which have made Guyana proud over the past week, leaves me now to renew my call for changes newspaper call in a number of approaches and attitudes, in the name of the development of sports, to build upon these successes. ^^evms at; My first appeal goes to the Minister responsible for Sports and the Director of Sports to forget 917 579 6f90 about participating in the creation of the endless BARTICA REGATTA

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Alvin KaUicharran rose to the occasion

He was the complete player against both spin and pace bowling...

For KaUicharran. this was only the beginSchool prodigies do not always justify predictions, but by the end ning. He came out head and shoulders above the of the 1970 season, Alvin KaUicharran at 21-years-old had rest of the players and many predicted a bright achieved enough to justify the predictions of those who several future for him. He would have been selected to years before proclaimed him as the most promising batting prospect represent Berbice against Dcmcrara in the Jones Cup inter-county final that same year, but the seof Berbice and Guyana cricket. The story of Kallicharran's cricket as- lectors thought otherwise. The Guyana seleccent is that of a boy reared as it were with a bat in his hand. The urge tors, however, recognized his ability and invited to hit the ball came to him strongly at a very early age, with youthful him to trials for the 1967 Shell Shield scries, and finally he made his first-class debut against the zest; he spent many hours doing so on the Port Mourant cricket Windward Islands in Grenada at the age of 16 ground. years 6 months to become the youngest player In his most formative years, KaUicharran rcer at such a tender age reminds me of a folk- to appear for Guyana in the Shell Shield comcould have wished for no better cricket stimula- lore told to me by some village fathers concern- petition. On a tricky wicket, KaUicharran made tion than that given to him by Joe Solomon — ing the youths at Port Mourant. Trust me it is a paltry 14. He returned home, where he played you would recall that Joe will be remembered true! It is often said that the first word a baby in the Firestone Cup final-emblem of cricket suas long as cricket is played in this world, for the boy born at Port Mourant ever utters is "BAT". premacy among Berbice Secondary Schools, for most famous throw in cricket history, which re- If we believe that, then we can also believe the Port Mort Comprehensive against arch-rivals sulted in the first tied Test in cricket. As Guy- story told about boys at Port Mourant, who after Corentyne High. The experience gained in the suco's cricket coach,. Joe guided Alvin in his spending the entire day fishing and came home Shell Shield tournament stood in good stead. In approach to batsmanship, emphasizing the im- to display their large catch of hassa, are imme- his team's first innings he made 63 and a hurriportance of concentration and the necessity of diately spanked and reprimanded by their fa- cane 83 with five sixes and ten fours, in the seckeeping down his head. With these fundamental thers — but those who came home and boasted ond innings, as his team raced to victory, scoring years digested, KaUicharran's flair for timing the of scoring 10 mns and taking two wickets dur- 151 in just 48 minutes. ball carried him ahead. ing a cricket match which lasted the whole day Like all young and ambitious players, the In 1972, this diminutive left-handed bats- were praised, patten on the back, feted as heroes urge was there to play Case Cup cricket — the man was seen as one of the best replacements and ceremoniously honored in the household. In premier competition in the country. KaUicharran for Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai on the West Port Mourant, it is more than just a natural like- was no exception. He became a prominent Indies Test team. Like Wcs Hall. I also shared ness for games, it is in fact an in-bom addiction. member of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) the view that KaUicharran had the right temperaAt age 10, KaUicharran the slim boy with which had as its Case Cup skipper, former West ment for Test cricket and should have gained his Test cap since the first Test against India the year before. He finally won it against New Zealand before his home crowd at Bourda, and Kallicharran's justification of his place in the >■ side is now history.

He had an even greater responsibility as a member of the Guyana team in Guyana's bid to ■M % regain lost glory in the Shell Shield tournament, r particularly with Kanhai, Lloyd and Butcher not M being available. KaUicharran had amassed some mi truly outstanding achievements over the years he had been engaged in the sunshine game.

Taking a step back in the life of Alvin KaUicharran let me give those who are not i aware of this Guyanese genius provess in cricket if a brief outline of how Alvin emerged as the Ay: diminutive master batsman.

Alvin KaUicharran started his cricketing days at Port Mourant, which has become one of the most important cricket nurseries in Guyana KaUicharran executing his favorite sweep against Derek Underwood, West Indies v. and even the Caribbean. It is that sugar estate England 1976. Wicketkeeper Alan Knott is mesmerized by his excellence. which produced the late and great John Trim and also cricket stalwarts such as: Rohan Kanhai. a gentle smile was selected to play inter-district Indies opening batsman Stephen Camacho and Ivan Madray, Joe Solomon, Basil Butcher. cricket. The pint-sized batsman made several also one of the famous "W's", Clyde Walcott as Johnny Tcckasingh, Rex Ramnarace, Andre Per- scores of 50 and over and at that tender age al- a member. But KaUicharran had to be content to cival. the Bcasmonic brothers. — Gopie, Vinoo, ready had the makings of a batsman of class. At play in the Guyana Colts team as the presence Randolph and Tyrone —Mahcndra and Vishal 13, he scored his first century, when he led the of Kanhai. Butcher, Solomon and Lloyd kept Nagamootoo, Stanley and Derek KaUicharran Berbice primary schools in an all-age competi- him out of the Guyana side. among others. tion against arch-rivals Demerara. He was introIn 1969. when the "big guns" were away Cricket has always been the top game on duced as probably the "shortest" captain in the on duty in Australia, KaUicharran enhanced his the sugar estates, and KaUicharran started play- game to the Premier of then British Guiana, Dr. reputation as a future West Indies batsman, with ing from the time he was six as a pupil of St. Cheddi Jagan, another brilliant son of Port two fine innings against Barbados (64) and Joseph's Anglican School. He made remarkable Mourant. During that time the sugar estates Trinidad and Tobago (99). 1970 was perhaps his progress and the following year was a prominent were well-served by Clyde Walcott as cricket best year, when he gave an incredibly outstandmember of the school's team. Beginning his ca- coach. At that stage, young KaUicharran, a ing performance in the Shell Shield tournament. member of the Port Mourant Youth Club came KaUicharran, who is familiarly called "Kalli": under the tutelage of one of his idols, Joe showed consistency in every match — 58 and Solomon.

72 run-out against Jamaica, 13 and 52 versus Trinidad and Tobago, 137 against the Combined The first-ever schoolboys tournament was Islands and 13 and 52 versus Barbados. In all he organized by the West Indies Cricket Board of . a Control (WICBC) in 1966. This was indeed a played seven innings averaging 56.71 runs.

Equally an outstanding fieldsman as he blessing in disguise for out of it, a number of was a batsman, his dazzling speed, his clean and young West Indies cricketers emerged, who made a name for themselves. KaUicharran was sure collecting of the ball and his accurate throw one of them. He made 98 not out in the opening from the deep is reminiscent of Lloyd, Kanhai, match against the Combined Islands and as if Butcher, Fredericks and Solomon. tabooed against make that elusive century, KaUicharran delighted Berbice spectators scored another 98 in the next match against in the 1970 Inter-county Jones Cup final at SkclTrinidad and Tobago. He also proved his don Community Center ground with a dazzling prowess with the ball by taking six wickets 123 which bore the stamp of a master. After tak■_L against Barbados. ing two hours for his first fifty, he galloped to KaUicharran hoists Dennis Lillee for six

»

1

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by SHAN RAZACK

S

tin his second in a mere thirty five minutes. It was also the first time in 14 years that the venue was shifted from the traditional Rose Hall "Oval", Canje to Skeldon cricket ground, Corrivcrton.

In the opening match in the 1971 Shell Shield series, KaUicharran blasted an exuberant 96 off the Barbadian's attack. He also scored 56 playing for the President's XI against the Indian touring team. He looked an almost certainty for the West Indies side against New Zealand in the opening Test in Jamaica, but as fate would have it, Kalli had to wait until the fourth Test because of the dynamic batting of Lawrence Rowc, which denied him. Fortune favors the young and the restless and young KaUicharran proved his mettle with a scintillating 154 and followed up with 54 for Guyana against New Zealand to earn a place on the Test side.

There, in front of his home crowd, he joined the distinguished band of players who made a century in their Test debut on a placid Bourda wicket, scoring his last 41 runs in an hour after his innings had been interrupted by a bottle-throwing incident. In his second innings in the final match at Queen's Park Oval, Portof-Spain, Trinidad, KaUicharran scored another splendid century to secure his place in the side against the touring Australians the following year. The rest is known all to well to be repeated!

Like his mentor Rohan Kanhai, KaUicharran was a tough player and derived his power from his tremendous sense of timing. The wristy left-hander had all the strokes at his command and was acknowledged as one of the best postwar players of spin bowling. His compatriot and captain Clivc Lloyd, said of KaUicharran: "(He) is one of the best players of spin bowling I have seen, and one only needs to glance at his scores at Queen's Park Oval ... a traditional spinners' paradise to be convinced of this. This is not to say that he was inadequate against pace and, at his best, is the complete player." Kallicharran's rise to the top is an achievement which our young cricketers should try and emulate. He has shown determination, guts and dedication which undoubtedly arc responsible for his attaining such lofty heights.

In a colorful career of 66 Tests lasting from 1972 to 1981 he scored 4,399 runs at an average of 44. 43. He blasted the Indian attack to the tune of 187, the highest of his 12 Test centuries.

In a first-class career from 1966 to 1984, which KaUicharran played for Warwickshire, Transvaal and Orange Free State he scored 31,333 at an average of 45.20, including 84 centuries, one more than Rohan Kanhai — six double centuries and took 84 wickets witt an average of 48.22.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 21, 2017

Gayle

becomes

M

reaches

first

still hctv*?

ct

to

lot

27

historic

score

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10,000120

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West Indies swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle, who is feeling privileged to become the first batsman to score 10,000 T20 runs, has insisted that he still has a lot more to offer to the fans and would like to get a few more thousand Gayle's first significant The left-hander, who contribution in this season of was brought in as a replacethe Indian Premier League ment for the injured AB de (IPL) - a 38-ball 77 runs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Villiers, put together a 122helped Royal Challengers run opening stand with skipBangalore beat Gujarat Lions per Virat Kohli as Royal by 21 runs in Rajkot on Tues- Challengers blasted 213 for day evening.

2, the highest total of the sea-

SI stan

in

fare

runs under his belt. son.

Gayle blasted five fours and seven monstrous sixes before he got out.

"People are still looking out for Chris Gayle. The universe boss is still here and still alive," ESPNcrincinfo

poorly

Test warm-up

West Indies President's XI419 (Vishaul Singh 135*, Hetmyer 97, Powell 58, Amir 3-66) and 152 for 2 (Powell 84*) drew with Pakistan 192 (Shehzad 55, Sarfraz 50, Jacobs 4-45) Pakistan had a poor outing remained hopeful that he would recover in in their only warm-up time to play a role in the Test series. :game in the lead up to the first Test against West Indies, their batsmen conceding a large first-innings

lead

and

their

bowlers unable to make swift inroads into the West Indies President's XI. The home team chose to bat at the Trelawny Stadium in Jamaica and made 419 in the first innings, a score built on halfcenturies from Shimron Hetmyer VISHAUL SINGH and Kieran Pow(selected for the 1st Test ell, and an un- squad against Pakistan) beaten hundred from Vishaul Singh, all of whom were eventually rewarded by a call-up to the West Indies squad for the first Test. Mohammad Amir claimed 3 for 66 in 22.1 overs, while Yasir Shah sent down 37 overs for his two wickets.

Hasan Ali strained his groin while fielding in the first innings, but the PCB

The hosts were dismissed in 126.1 overs, on the second day, and Pakistan did not begin their reply well. Apart from Ahmed Shehzad, who made 55, none of the top five made it to 20, with Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq scoring 7 and 8 respectively. Sarfraz Ahmed made a brisk 50 to shore up the innings but Pakistan were shot out in 68 overs for 192, trailing by 227.

The West Indies President's XI opted to bat again, though, SHIMRON HETMYER (selected for the 1st Test and Powell made squad against Pakistan) another half-century as the match ended in a draw. Pakistan were able to take only two second-innings wickets in 42 overs, as the hosts posted 152. Ali did not bowl in the second innings.

The first Test between West Indies and Pakistan begin in Kingston today, (Friday, April 21).

quoted Gayle as saying.

"It was great fun. You know it's good to be back. I wanted this so badly, but first of all to get 10,000 runs, it was actually on my mind, so I'm glad to get that sort of achievement. It's a privilege to actually be the first person to get there. Hopefully T can continue entertaining the fans," he added.

The 37-year-old also became the first player to score more than 10,000 runs in three levels â&#x20AC;&#x201D; first-class, list-A and T20s.

Gayle also expressed gratitude to all those who helped him achieve this feat and said, "I just want to thank the fans and all the franchises where I have actually played around the world. Even playing for West Indies as well. At

the end of the day, they have actually played a part in this 10,000 runs as well. So, I want to thank all the franchises."

"It has been fantastic and like I said still I have a lot more to offer to the fans.

Hopefully, I can keep entertaining and get a few more thousand runs under my belt," he added.

Interestingly, the Caribbean batsman might end up being the only player in the 10,000 club in T20s for a long time as no other batsman has crossed 8,000-run mark in T20s, with the second highest run-scorer after Gayle being former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, followed by Brad Hodge and David Warner.

(ANI)

New York Ed lion «««

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

Eight

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— Caesar, Bright, Hooper and at

CARIFTA

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Compton Caesar on the verge of winning the historic 100m at the CARIFTA Games.

By Rawle Toney WHAT could go down as one of the best showing by the 'Land of Many Waters' at the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games is Guyana finishing the three-day event in Curacao with a total of eight medals - four gold, one silver and three bronze.

The highlight came through Linden's Compton Caesar, who clocked 10.46 seconds, to clip Barbados" Jaquone Hoyte (10.47) and Jamaica's Jelani Walker (10.61 seconds) to hand Guyana an impressive start to the competition.

It was the first time in the history of the CARIFTA Games, which started in 1972, that a Guyanese has won the male 100m; an event that's usually dominated by the Jamaicans.

Overseas-based Natricia Hooper also copped gold, winning the Girls" U-18 triple jump with a leap of 13.08 metres. It was redemption for Hooper who was disqualified in the 400m for a false start; a race she was heavily favoured to win.

Claudrice McKoy took a bronze medal in the Girls" Under-18 1500m (4:50.88), but, the diminutive athlete returned to win the

U-18 3000m with a time of ten minutes 39.03 seconds (10:39.03).

Anfernee Headecker had a spirited run against a strong field in the Boys" U-20 1500m, but the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) track club athlete managed to finish second with a time of three minutes 58.22 seconds (3:58.22) Chantoba Bright, competing in the long jump, leaped a distance of 5.91 metres to win the event she finished in second last year.

Bright, however, had to settle for bronze in the Girls" U-18 triple jump, covering a distance of 12.35m. She finished be-

hind Jamaicans Lamara Distin (12.40m) and Latavia Brown (12.74m).

On the final day, Samuel Lynch (1:56.52) and Headecker (1:59.68) finished fifth and seventh respectively in the Boys" U-20 800m in a race won by Barbados" Jonathan Jones (1:51.51), with Jamaican Agerian Jackson second (1:52.07) and Lidji Mbaye (1:52.59) third.

Matthew McKenzie"s time of 18 minutes 52.28 seconds (18:52.28) was just good enough for sixth place in the Boys" U-20 5000m, which was won by Dominic Dyer (15:55.02) of the Cayman Islands. Kalique

St Jean from Antigua was third, clocking 16:02.77.

Chantoba Bright, Onassha Rogers, Claudrice McKoy and Kenisha Phillips competed in the Girls" U-18 4x400m but their time of three minutes 52.24 seconds (3:52.24) was only good enough for sixth place.

The race was won by Jamaica (3:38.73), the Bahamas (3:41.24) were second and Trinidad and Tobago (3:43.05) third.

Compton Caesar, Anfernee Headecker, Matthew McKenzie and Samuel Lynch ran in the Boys" 4x400m U-20 but, were eventually disqualified for lane violation.

Trinidad and Tobago took gold in the event, with their time of 3:09.32, edging the Christopher Taylor-anchored Jamaica team (3:10.34). The Bahamas finished third (3:18.03) GUYANA MEDAL BREAKDOWN Compton Caesar - gold (100m), bronze (200M) Chantoba Bright - gold (long jump), bronze (triple jump) Claudrice McKoy - gold (300m), bronze (1500m) Natricia Hooper - gold (triple jump) Anfernee Headecker silver (1500m)