Guyana Chronicle New York Edition E-Paper 29 07 2016

No. 104560

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

Price: $80

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Oil jobs on the way 8

JULY 29, 2016

- Trotman says training already started

Page 19

Guyana seeks overseas help for vaccines

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Chronicle journalist wins award Page 16

PPP has no supporting evidence on Jagdeo’s claim Exxon Mobil’s deep water Champion oil exploration rig.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

Hundreds at funeral of men killed in Black Bush - Mibicuri on edge as police press for breakthrough

By Nafeeza Yahya SORROW overwhelmed the small community of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Wednesday as thousands gathered for the funeral of the three men who were gunned down last week.

The bodies of Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin”, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice” were discovered by farmers in the kokerite Creek Savanah on the morning of Friday 22nd July 2016 .

Each body had a single gunshot wound that was inflicted at point-blank range.

Mr Chandradeo and his son had gunshot wounds to their heads, while Rooplall had a gunshot wound to his neck. The men, along with Chandradeo’s 13-year-old son, Alvin Chandradeo, had left their home around 15:00 hrs on Thursday afternoon to go on a fishing trip in the backlands.

The murder of the men has the community on edge, with the police yet to make a breakthrough.

For the funerals, viewing was done at the home and started from 10:00 hrs, when the curious gathered in their hundreds.

The three caskets were adorned with wreaths and were lined next to each other. The wife of Chandradeo and two of their sons sat next to the casket of Mr Chandradeo, while the wife of Rooplall and their 11-month- old daughter sat on the opposite end in front of the casket bearing her husband. The casket bearing the remains of the younger Chandradeo was in the middle. His surviving nine-year- old sister and a few cousins stood at

The three caskets bearing the remains of the men found dead aback Black Bush Polder last Friday are seen at the home of the Chandradeos at Mibicuri, where hundreds gathered for the funeral. Mrs Chandradeo, who lost her husband, 15-year-old son and brother is seen seated between her younger sons the feet of the casket; they bore blank stares for most of the time.

Tears flowed freely as the tributes were read, and as the caskets were placed in the hearse, sobs turned

into loud wails as reality sunk in that the men would never be returning home.

From the home, there was a ceremony at the Life Springs Ministry church; thereafter, hundreds of ve-

hicles followed the hearse to the Babu John cemetery where the bodies were interred in the afternoon.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed to this publication that another

suspect is in custody, taking the total to seven suspects being questioned.

The seven men were moved from Berbice to Georgetown, where the Major Crimes Unit is handling

the investigations.

According to a police source, they believe the murders stemmed from a personal vendetta and a major breakthrough is expected.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial Dress Code Dennis A Nelson –– dennisnelson. nychronicle@yahoo.com –– 917-379-6590

EVER so often, societies would have their moments of eruption on issues considered important and deserving of attention, and, where possible, have adjustments and changes made. Presently, this society is having spirited discussions and debates on its dress code.

None would deny that having the benefit of knowing the required dress code to enter some public buildings, some indeed can be considered out of character and not in keeping with the evolution that has taken place in the society over recent years.

Having said the above, what is needed, as conversations and decisions continue, is to ensure that the proverbial baby is not thrown out with the bath water. In effect, what are being called for are sober and reasoned debates to arrive at a new dress code, ever mindful that Guyana ought not to be seen as a society with no regard for sobriety and decorum.

When doing business in public, one needs to remember that the public sphere is not a private domain; and in keeping with this, the need exists to establish rules to which all are bound, and ensure space for mutual respect.

Rules are not meant to deny anyone his/her rights, but are established to regulate behaviour, to ensure and maintain decency and order based on the standards embraced by the society.

Post-Independence has seen Guyana shifting and embracing the shirt-jac as the male official dress. This decision was informed by our tropical climate and historical evolution by which the shirt and tie were seen as the trappings of the colonial masters.

Thus the shirt-jac was considered official wear, and this was worn either as a shirt or suit. Formal wear for men were shirt and tie, shirt-jac, and the traditional suit and tie.

Within recent times, it has been observed, there has been a departure from these official and formal wear in official settings to that of what is considered elegantly casual or the sports look -- which is shirt sans tie, with a jacket or blazer. This departure, while noted, needs to be examined.

As the issue morphs into a national conversation, leaders and citizens who are expected to conform to rules and adhere to certain behavioural standards need to be mindful of the impression they give to the citizenry.

The dress code is applicable to both sides: The side of those who are the users of the service, and the side of those who are delivering a service.

When the deliverer seeks to compromise the standard, the deliverer can faster contribute to a decline in behaviour that can lead to, or hasten, a breakdown in sobriety and decorum.

One has not lost sight of the fact that some are using what transpires in other societies, whose values are uniquely theirs, to impose same on this society, even though we have our own unique values emerging from our culture. For instance, in February 2009, when First Lady Michelle Obama attended in a sleeveless dress the presentation of the State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, members of Congress and society came out against her mode of dress, claiming that it was unbefitting of the occasion and the hallowedness of the walls of Congress.

Ours is a culture known for its modesty in dress, and being mindful of our surroundings. Unlike some societies, Guyana is not known to have partially nude persons walking the streets, entering stores, and shopping. For instance, we enter religious sanctuaries modestly attired, though some societies see nothing wrong with persons attending church with flip-flops, short pants or jeans on.

Wherever the debates lead us, Guyanese ought not to lose focus. Modification to the dress code -- be it on one or both sides -- must not be influenced by emotions or don’tgive-a-darn attitudes, but by the understanding that while everyone has a right, each and every one has a corresponding responsibility to ensure the society does not lose sense of its sobriety and decorum; its identity.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

Guyana seeking overseas help for Yellow Fever vaccines - No crisis, Minister Cummings says

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, has admitted that there is a shortage of Yellow Fever vaccines in Guyana, but she urged the public to “remain calm.”

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the minister noted that certain airlines and countries such as Jamaica have demanded that persons from Guyana be immunized against the Yellow Fever virus. As such, she attested that this shortage is due to the “alarming rate” at which these vaccines are being sought after in Guyana.

However, Dr Cummings has reassured the public that a new shipment of vaccines is being brought in, but this shipment will take some two weeks before it arrives in Guyana.

In the meantime, Minister of Public Health Dr Norton has said that a shipment of vaccines from Belize and Barbados will be arriving in one week’s time.

Additionally, Minister Cummings has given the assurance that “we are not faced with a crisis.” She reiterated

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings that persons who were vaccinated before just need to produce their “card” and will be allowed to travel.

She also noted that PAHO/WHO,

Washington D.C (USA) office has considered Guyana’s current shortage of vaccines and has pleaded with the Jamaican Government not to demand that persons from Guyana be immunized.

The outbreak of the fatal disease in Angola has prompted several countries to impose a travel requirement for yellow fever vaccination. According to a recent release from the ministry, persons travelling to countries listed as “endemic” for yellow fever (mainly in Africa and Asia) should also be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.

However, residents of Guyana are not required to show proof of immunization for travel to and from the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and most Caribbean and South American countries. One dose of the yellow fever vaccine, even if received as a child, is now valid for life, according to the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations.

Lethem Mayor perturbed by intruding bikers

By Alva Solomon

The bikers in Lethem on Sunday

CLOSE to 300 motorcycles operated by riders from neighbouring Brazil rode into Lethem on an “international motorcade” on Sunday, and the town’s mayor says he is deeply concerned by the event.

Reports are that the mid-morning event commenced at the border when the bikers -- who rode various models of motorcycles, including the famous Harley-Davidson brand -- assembled at the border checkpoint. After clearing immigration, the male and female bikers rode into Lethem through several streets as the town’s residents looked on.

There reportedly were more than 500 persons who crossed the border on the bikes, since many carried pillion riders. The numbers were considered significant in terms of the number of “foreign bikers” assembling in one day at one of Guyana’s newest towns. The bikes included customised rides with specially designed colours and insignias.

Lethem mayor, Carlton Beckles, told this publication that the bikers rode around the town without seeking permission from the municipality. “I will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because I am very much perturbed by this,” he said.

Beckles noted that one of the organisers of the event had called him on Saturday afternoon and requested that he address the bikers at Lethem, but this was not possible because he was out of town. He noted that the request, coming the day before the event, did not consider the municipality’s mandate of managing the affairs of the town.

He said it was the first time he had been aware that such a large gathering of bikers had assembled in the border town, and he noted that persons would, from time to time ride across to Lethem from Boa Vista in small groups.

The bikers are planning a much larger event at Boa Vista later in the year, and many Guyanese riders from Lethem are slated to join them.

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Guyana committed to helping Venezuelans on humanitarian grounds THE Government of Guyana has reiterated its commitment to assist Venezuelans who are experiencing tough economic times, but will do so on humanitarian grounds only.

This is according to

rys Lara, a single mother of three, told the court with the aid of a translator.

But the Minister of State was adamant that while Venezuela has fallen on what has been described as the worst economic crisis, the Gov-

are experiencing major economic difficulties.

“Any persons [sic] who come to Guyana and are deported are persons who have actually violated some part of the laws,” he stated.

Asked whether Gov-

Some of the Venezuelan nationals who were ordered deported Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who told reporters at a post-cabinet press briefing on Wednesday that Guyana has no issue assisting sister territories in their time of need, but cannot encourage the breaking of the country’s laws.

He was referring to the recent deportation of 14 Venezuelan nationals – nine men and five women - who were charged and fined on Monday for entering Guyana illegally by sea on July 20 at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River.

The nationals did not present themselves to an immigration officer; they pleaded guilty to the charge, but said that they were only trying their luck in search of jobs.

“Guyanese come over into our country and work freely, so we tried the same thing,” 26-year-old Yineu-

ernment of Guyana cannot condone the breaking of its laws.

“We have made it clear that on humanitarian grounds we will not turn back Venezuelans who come to seek help here in Guyana,” Harmon stated.

He noted that though Guyana will provide assistance where needed, “we have the responsibility to ensure the integrity of our borders and that the immigration procedures which are applied to any person who comes to Guyana that we will apply those procedures.”

Minister Harmon said Guyana will readily support persons who travel to come here because of dire situations as is the case in Venezuela. He reminded that Guyana is party to international agreements that require countries to give support to persons who

ernment would be inclined to “soften the law” to accommodate Venezuelans who are in search of food, Harmon replied, “The law is the law, the government will not tell the courts how to act; the fact that the persons were brought to the court meant there would have been some offence that would have been committed.”

The Minister of State said oftentimes when persons are placed before the court they “manufacture these defences.”

“We have a very humanitarian approach to this matter; we believe we have a responsibility in this part of the hemisphere to demonstrate that we are[a] warm, welcoming and hospitable country. Once they are faced with those circumstances we won’t come down with a harsh hand on them, all we require is [that] they respect our laws and that they come through the proper port of entry to report their presence in Guyana,” said the Minister of State.

LAW MUST TAKE ITS COURSE

Meanwhile, Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, during a sub-committee meeting at the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, said the illegal Venezuelans were dealt with condignly.

“If you are found in breach of the law, then the law must take its course,” he emphasised. Minister Felix was responding to a question posed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall, who described the Venezuelans as economic refugees.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who was also at the parliamentary sub-committee meeting, jumped to Felix’s defence, explaining that the word “refugee” is defined by the United Nations (UN).

According to the UN, a refugee is “someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular

Minister of State Joseph Harmon social group.

“Whether or not you are a UN refugee or you would like to be treated as a refugee when you come into a country, you still have to reach the requirements of the laws of that country.

You cannot arrive in Guyana, fail to meet immigration requirements, set up residence someplace and then expect to be treated as a refugee,” Greenidge told the committee headed

by PPP’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

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VILLAGE ECONOMY

Victorians are a proud and intense people

By Margaret Burke MUCH has, so far, been said about Victoria village: some of its challenges and despair, its visions and accomplishments, some triumphs; as well as plans that will see much more positive developments taking place.

Victoria Village was birthed out of a major struggle that saw victory in the end. Our forefathers fought, bought, and then settled, to a large extent, in this ‘first’ village. Their struggles could not be in vain, and so it is

that with zest and determination they must continue to triumph.

Most of the villagers are tremendously hopeful.

With the emergence of a new administration and the introduction of systems that would directly impact their lives, there is heightened expectation that they will not be disappointed. The battle to recover and sustain the economic ventures that were once well established, while at the same time moving into new areas of economic activity are well on the way. This is not to say, however, that

there are not those who have major concerns; and while many people care and would like to see the day when there is change for the better in the village, some feel that they must be apprehensive, and do express some anxieties.

This situation is even more obvious among the elders in the village.

VICTORIANS ARE A PROUD PEOPLE The people of Victoria seem almost always to be a happy people, even at ‘wakes’ and/or funerals.

In the midst of all the sor-

torians are known to most of the rest of Guyana, but those who are and will always be positioned in the hall of fame in Victoria are people who, through their ancestors, found a place in the village and in their country; worked hard, and in some cases continue to work hard (some behind the scenes) to ensure that villagers have a taste of the good life.

The names of people who have made their mark, not only in the village but in the country, are Professor Harold Lutchman, former Vice-Chancellor of the Uni-

Stanley Roberts, and many others, some of whom were mentioned before.

There are also those in the diaspora who take a special interest in the village.

CULTURE AND SPORT The Victoria Kings football team has managed to pull through, and in the recent changing of the guard, which saw Attorney Rexford Jackson become the new president of this organisation, there are some great plans in store. Attorney Jackson said football

“…football and other sports in the community can be used as a catalyst for change. Sports, once properly organised and developed, can give young people an opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways to their community.”

Victoria Kings Executive:In the top row, from left, are Attorney Rexford Jackson, president; vice-president, Carlotta De Jesus; treasurer Kenwyne Nurse; secretary Calvin Marks; team manager Delon Vangronigen; and Anu George, equipment manager

One of Guyana’s finest drummers, Mr. Nigel “Jilly” Fraser

row, someone somewhere among the villagers would find something to say or do to make people laugh. The village people can safely be described as a proud but intense people.

And indeed there are many Victorians who are accomplished scholars in various areas of aptitude.

Almost, if not altogether, every family in the village is represented in this category.

It is said that all Victorians are related by blood, even though some are closer related than others. After some quick socialising with folks in the village, one would realise that almost all of them can explain how they are related to many others within the village.

The names of many Vic-

versity of Guyana; Justice Jo-Ann Barlow; famous master sculptor Ivor Thom; Attorney-at-Law Rexford Jackson; Doreen Butcher, educator, agriculturist and community activist; former CEO and Land Surveying Specialist Leon Rutherford; former Village Chairman

Part 3

has always been the predominant sport in Victoria, and involvement of the young people in the village has been overwhelming.

Attorney Jackson declared that the Victoria Kings Football Club remains a football powerhouse on the East Coast of Demerara. It con-

Renowned Sculptor Ivor Thom tinues to be the only club on the East Coast to have won the prestigious Kashif and Shangai Tournament.

Over the years, many of the players have represented Guyana at the junior and senior levels.

The football programme is spearheaded by Mr Andre Huntley (coach), who has been working assiduously to develop and hone the

Victoria Kings under–17 footballers

See page 9

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Personality profile

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Presidential Guards win drill competition

THE Presidential Guards emerged victorious when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) held its annual drill competition on Friday.

The Presidential Guards, which were the crowd favourites, stole the show with their swift moves, which drew loud applause.

In the male category, three teams competed, and the Presidential Guards copped first place with 93 points. The first runner-up

The winners! The Presidential Guards in action on the TSU Drill Square, Eve Leary, on Friday

was ‘A’ Division with 85.6 points, and the second runner-up was the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) with 85 points.

Female ranks also participated. In the female category, ‘B’ Division placed first with 80.6 points, while the first runner-up went to Special Constabulary with 79 points The winners were announced by retired Officer Franklin Mingo after hours of drills’ display by scores of ranks, who were immaculately dressed, performing in blistering sunshine.

He told the large gath-

ering of members of the GPF and the public that the judges placed keen attention on drills and at the same time observed the word of command, which was required, personal drill, and mode of dress.

Mingo was impressed with the flair of drills performed by the squads, and congratulated them for the exhibition.

The Best Female Instructor went to the Presidential Guards with 20 points, while the first runner-up was the TSU with 18 points. ‘A’ Division emerged as the second

Victorians are a proud ...

From page 8

skills of all the players.

However, efforts to realise a holistic development of the club have been stymied by the lack of financial resources.

Despite these challenges, the players remain passionate about the sport. Jackson noted that, as president of the club, football and other sports in the community can be used as a catalyst to effect change. Sports, once properly organised and developed, can give young people an opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways to their community.

For some years now, not much emphasis has been placed on the area of culture by members and leaders of the community. There is, however, still a very vibrant and dynamic masquerade band in the village.

“We have one of Guyana’s finest drummers in Mr Nigel Fraser,” Attorney Jackson proudly stated.

VILLAGE DAY With the coming of the Village Day on August 7, things are about to turn around. The programme and activities for the day promise to be very exciting, to say the least. However, much more than all the excitement is the fact that for the day to be as successful as it promises to be, some of the very activities that seemed to have been dead or were dying have to now come alive.

Additionally, according to the architects of this event, there are plans in place to sustain what has now been restarted.

And for the Victoria Village Day, the events will

commence with a church service in which there will be prayers for the further upliftment of the village. All denominations are scheduled to take part, and this activity will be held at the Wilberforce Congregational Church.

This event will be followed by the unveiling of a mini-arch at the Victoria Public Road.

The Lady Sandels Park (Victoria Ground) is earmarked as the venue where the fun will begin.

Included in the events will be the inter-block competitions, with teams from Belfield (a street away), Victoria North, Public Road, Line and Line-Carla, which is the end of the township. Among the many games will be football, cricket, circle tennis and “retire race”. Face-painting will be included.

Cooking will play a major part of the events, and so there will be hot competition, with assorted pepperpot, metemgee, cook-up (with the works), fufu and cow heel soup all vying for the top place. It promises to be good.

A cultural evening, according to the organisers, is simply going to be great. Booked as part of the events is an African wedding, and it is hoped that this activity would be a real event, with the bride and groom tying the knot in actual marriage.

But taking prominence will be the presentation of awards, which will honour the top 10 Grade Six students, as well as the top five CXC students from the village.

Culminating the cultural evening will be the sounds of drums -- the drumming of the drummers at their best

for the evening’s activities.

There will also be a historic perspective on the village.

The event will be spiced up with other additions to make it memorable.

Having been put in the mood to listen and enjoy motivating discussions, there will also be an infusion of ‘ganga time’ -- storytelling in an atmosphere of camp fire. This will also be held at the Victoria Ground.

Most of the village, especially the main thoroughfare, will be taken up for these activities, with booths, tents, tables and other amenities fixed in different places.

Victoria Kings Senior Team

runner-up with 17.6 points.

The winning teams as well as individual winners received prizes.

According to Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Christopher Griffith, the GPF annual drill competition was initiated by the late Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis and was designed to instill pride and discipline in the ranks.

The event took place at the TSU Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown, and was well attended by the top brass of the force and other invitees.

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Gov’t to establish Department of Environment

A NEW department of the environment is to be created by President David Granger, who made the announcement on Monday, while addressing newly appointed Heads of Mission.

According to President Granger, the structure of government has been modified to deal with the changes and developments occurring in the country.

He said, “Again, there are several agencies responsible for protected areas, wildlife, climate change and some of them have not been put under the control of a single managerial authority.

So a Department of the Environment would be soon established. I’ve already had discussions; it will remain under the Ministry of the Presidency in order to ensure that our environment is better cared for.”

Specific attention must be placed on the environment, the President said noting that “it is the only one we have.”

This newspaper was reliably informed that Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, will remain responsible for the mining, oil and gas sectors while the Climate Change sector along with

related sectors will now fall under the newly established department.

On Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters at a post- cabinet press briefing that: “The extractive sector and the sector that is responsible for supervising or monitoring the extractive sector together; you put them together is in the wrong place. We believe it is not a right fit.”

The Minister of State reminded reporters that several environmental offices are being managed under the Ministry of the Presidency and referenced the Office of

Climate Change.

“It is the President’s intention to ensure that all of these entities are in the same place and so if you are responsible for extraction, then the entity that is responsible for supervising you must be able to do so without having to report to the same minister that is responsible for the same people who are doing the extraction,” he said.

No one has been identified as yet to head the Environment Department and according to Minister Harmon, the President “will decide which minister or person will assist in that regard.”

President David Granger Notwithstanding this change, President Granger assured the diplomats on Monday that he is satisfied with the work being carried out by the 15 government ministries.

He said “As far as our structure is concerned, we are doing well, we have a stratum of junior ministers and we expect that in the fullness of time they too would be able to bear full responsibility for those ministries…”

The President does not see the need to have a “huge governmental structure” and said “we should continue to examine our development needs,” in that regard.

He said the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE) after two decades has restored a level of independence to regions. The Head of State reminded those gathered of the creation of three additional towns which he expects to be hubs for the regions under which they fall.

“Through those capitals we would be able to provide better quality of public service—each will have their own aerodromes without having to go through Eugene Correria International Airport or Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)… so the political structure is evolving.”

President Granger stressed the need to “break the mold of an over-centralised government in Georgetown” and move towards encouraging the regions to raise revenue to ensure the needs of the residents are met.

“It is not a fad creating

towns, it is business,” he stressed, while noting that the towns have created the capability to administer their regions.

“Unless we allow the regions to develop and become stronger, even at the cost of diminishing control from Fourth Street, Kingston, we would gradually see [the] development of our country and governance within our country,” President Granger assured.

Meanwhile, referencing the calls by some for him to establish additional ministries, President Granger said he will not be persuaded to create more ministries. He said, “I have a competent cabinet” which he believes is capable of managing the country.

“I have resisted calls to create a ministry of this or that… the whole idea is that these ministries are capable and from time to time I would make some minor changes. For example, the establishment of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications; I admit that at the outset May, last year, we did not contemplate having a separate ministry. That ministry was incorporated into the Ministry of Public Infrastructure…but as time went on, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had other burdens to bear—stellings, aerodromes etc. so we decided to move Tourism into Business and set up Public Telecommunications.”

The President said he is satisfied with the work done thus far in the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

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Mr & M David Gra

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

(This week, we complete the feature we started las

As David Granger’s love of country was growing, so was another kind of love.

Just after his return from Britain, he met Sandra Chan-A-Sue, who lived about 200 yards away from his Oronoque Street, Queenstown home in the city.

The two are known to be judicious when discussing their personal life, and this time around, the President, chose to be just as economical with his words.

“I met her in my father’s house and we started dating and about two years later we married…and we’ve been together ever since.” That marriage took place 46 years ago.

When pressed on what First Lady Sandra Granger calls a secret of their meeting, President Granger assured that their actual meeting was no secret, but it was the question of what his first thoughts were when he first saw her that gave him pause, “That’s the secret,” Mr. Granger said, his words

After two years of seeing each other, she revealed that Mr. Granger would then propose marriage, in a way that only he would: “He said to me ‘I think we should get married’ and that was my proposal,” she said, smiling.

listens; he might not agree with you but he listens and the same goes for me, so we are equal in that regard,” she said.

Mrs. Granger, a graduate of both the University of Guyana and the University of Pittsburg and a career woman in her own right, worked alongside him raising their two daughters as he rose through the ranks of the GDF then became a National Security advisor, during Former President, Desmond Hoyte’s administration.

She stood resolutely at his side when he entered private enterprise as Publisher of the Guyana review. Later, he taught at the National Defence University in Washington D.C as a Professor of National Security Affairs.

As they settled into life as retirees with both of their children grown, one having migrated and the other raising her family here in Guyana, Mrs. Granger said she was looking forward to a period of relaxation as they enjoyed the fruits of their labour in a quiet retirement.

This was not to be. Mrs. Granger, told herself it must be a joke, though she admit-

On the campaign trail in the Rupununi (Kojo McPherson photo)

On their wedding day coated with a hearty chuckle.

And while not revealing that secret, First Lady, Mrs. Granger did give a bit more detail into the early days of their relationship. Mrs. Granger said that the first time she saw the man who would become her husband, she and his sister Eileen, who was her close friend, were playing Scrabble in the Grangers’ living room.

“He came in and asked if we wanted to go to a movie and we said yes. So, the first time we went out we went to see ‘Django’, with Eileen in tow.”

From their initial meeting and dates 48 years ago, President Granger said he never questioned that she was the woman he would spend his life with, and their enduring bond is proof that his gut was correct.

“We were both young. She was 19, I was 23. I was a Lieutenant at the time. I knew her family; they were a very Catholic family and she would pass my house going to church every Sunday.

“Of course I wasn’t at home most of the time because I used to live in the Army camps at different parts of the country “…we did meet when I was on leave and I came in from leave in my father’s house. And she’s a Christian and she had the same type of …social or cultural background as I had and we had similar interests. As I’ve said, we’ve been together [48] years; I wouldn’t question that,” he said.

Speaking on the strength of their relationship over the years, Mrs. Granger said that while their personalities differ, there are qualities shared between herself and President Granger that allow them to complement each other.

“I think he’s an easy person, a thoughtful person, not loud or aggressive. He

Mr and Mrs David Granger on the lawns of their State House residence.

(Saajid Husani photo) ted that she knew her husband was serious when he told her he was entering politics with the aim of becoming President.

“It was way back in 2010 when he told me (he wanted to be President), and I can quote you my response:I said ‘You… cannot… be…serious.’ That was it. I could not

believe it,” she said.

The President, though, credits his wife as a woman with great drive, whose support gave him a major boost in his journey towards the Presidency.

“She campaigned with me.On the night of the elections,we were actually sleeping on the floor of the campaign office and she was with me everywhere - rallies and other places we went to. So she has been a good partner and now that she is here with me in State House (and) continues to do her work,” he said.

The partnership they share has extended into and seems to coincide perfectly with his vision for Guyana. While he does not direct the work of the First Lady’s office, President Granger said that she knows his objectives and makes a worthwhile contribution to those objectives in her own way.

“For example, right now we’re working on boats and bicycles and shoes and buses for children to get to school and she supports that programme wholeheartedly.

“So I don’t give her directions; she knows where I want Guyana to go. She has been with me into some of these places and she is conscious of the conditions under which school children and other vulnerable citizens have to survive.

“So again, being together over four and a half decades would make her aware of the relevance of my own ideology and of course of her own views. So I am very happy. She is not a person to take the back seat, and as she likes to remind me, she is not behind me, she is beside me,” he said.

But it is the confidence in her husband as a leader that also fuels Mrs. Granger’s own passion even as she continues to get comfortable in her post as First Lady.

Speaking on her thoughts of her husband as President of the country, she said that because her husband is not an impulsive person, she knows that his decision to run was made after serious thought and consideration on the matter.

“I know he has a very deep interest in the lives of ordinary people. That was obvious while he was in the Army and it continues to be obvious today. He would not turn his eyes away from a need that existed. So I think those are the things that played in his mind with the thought that if he [ran for President] he would be able to improve the lives of the people,” she said.

The First Lady continued:“I can say I am proud of him because I know he is a principled person and he will do what he thinks is right. It might not be popular or obvious, but he will think about it hard and do what he thinks is the right thing.

I also know he will consult with people if it is a major decision, to find out whether they think he’s going along right path but in the end he will take a decision

Mrs anger

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–– The inside story of how they met, his unusual proposal, and how she felt about his decision to pursue the presidency

st Sunday on the life of President David Granger)

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger leave their Malta hotel room for a reception by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, November 27, 2015 on what he feels needs to be done.”

ROAD TO THE PRESIDENCY Even as the President finds himself at the helm of the nation with the strong support of his wife, he reflected on what led him to the decision to become an active player in national politics, putting it as a “calling” rather than a drive.

“I was drawn into this level of politics because I felt that at that point in time in 2010, I had a vision and I had an indication of support and I felt that the party to which I belonged, the People’s National Congress/Reform was a platform that could be used to translate that vision into reality,” he said, adding that his interest was not based on personal reasons. Mr. Granger said that when the party leader did not offer himself as a candidate for elections, he was approached by several persons, at which point he agreed to be a presidential candidate.

The President said he felt drawn to leadership because he had a vision for Guyana, which has evolved over the different phases of his life. Within his own party and among members of the diaspora calls increased for him to consider throwing his hat in the ring.

It seemed to him from all around that the time was right.

“On the one hand, they probably saw something in me in terms of leadership and my vision and for me I felt that I had a message too, and people shared that message.

It was not something that I imposed, but

it was something that people shared and understood.”

And so, impending elections, the decision by the PNC leader not to run for the candidacy, the prospect of a coalition, and his own belief that he could end the ‘The Troubles” [period of severe violence between 2000-2010] given his experience in the security sector, propelled him to seek the presidency.

“I believed I was the right man for the job.”That opinion was shared by the majority of Guyanese, who voted the coalition of APNU + AFCinto power in May, 2015.

In fact, he credited every move as being strategic towards the Coalition victory in the 2015 General Elections, including his attempt in the 2011 elections, in which the PPP was returned to office with a one seat Parliamentary majority.

“I don’t consider it a loss,” he said.

“I considered it as another opportunity because in July 2011, five parties came together to form A Partnership for National Unity.

“It was the first time five parties had come together and I was selected as leader of the Partnership.

“At that time of course, I was not even leader of the PNC. I didn’t become leader of the PNC until July 2012, but in July 2011 I was elected the presidential candidate for A Partnership for National Unity so we had the challenge of going into elections in November, designing a new logo, bringing people together for the first time.

“I felt that we worked very hard and we were able to increase the number of votes we won in 2011 from the previous election in 2006.”

So instead, what President Granger and his party had at that time was not a defeat, but a reason for optimism. By the time the Alliance for Change accepted a possibility for a Coalition in November 2014 and later signed the Cummingsburg Accord, President Granger felt that all the work achieved up to that time had made the Opposition a stronger element in national politics.

“We had gotten a lot of experience and I of course had gotten a lot of experience as Leader of the Opposition and I would say that when we went into the 2015 elections we were better prepared than ever before.

“We had experience in the opposition branch, we had been interacting with the population, the parties had come together and we were fully prepared for what occurred on May 11 (2015).

“In fact we were very confident and everybody was wondering what was taking the Elections Commission so long but not us, because we were very confident about the fact that we’d be going into government. It’s just a question of the numbers,” he said.

Not one to dwell too long on electoral victory, the President has over the past year, thrown himself into the task at hand.

He envisions, a prosperous, peaceful, well governed Guyana, which provides a good life for all Guyanese.

While it is too early to talk about a legacy, Mr. Granger said, when the Presidency is behind him, he would want to look back and see that he had created the “good life” he promised.

“What I’d like my legacy to be is one that people can look back and say ‘‘yes, I got a good life; I felt safe, I was employed and I was able to move around my country

Mr and Mrs Granger are pictured with their two daughters freely; I was able to enjoy my civil rights.’

I just want them to feel that they had a good life under Granger.” he said, adding “I don’t walk on water but I just want people to feel that this is the best country to live in. It’s safe from disease and from criminal violence. It’s a place you’d want to bring your children and get a good education, to enjoy good healthcare; they won’t want to migrate…

I want to see happy people.”

THE MAN BEHIND THE PRESIDENCY The man behind this vision, though, remains one that is satisfied by the simple things in life. His personal quarters at State House illustrate those things that are important to him and those

that make him happy. Principle among them is his family. There are numerous shelves dedicated to murals and photographs of his family, from his parents to his grandchildren.

The care and precision with which they are displayed tell of a man who not only places much priority in his family life, but who is also infinitely proud of his family.

The President recalled his relationship with his two daughters as being very close.

Though his busy lifestyle as Commander of the GDF and his travels would sometimes take away from home, he said that he ensured that special time would be set aside for which he would have picnics and other types of quality time with his daughters.

And though both of his daughters married very young, President Granger said that their close relationship never faltered, and that closeness has even been extended to his bond with his grandchildren.

And apart from his Presidency, his time in the GDF and his many other accomplishments, President Granger is also a published author, having penned several books on Guyana’s history and National Defence.

When it comes to his hobbies, he says some might find me boring but his manner and excitement while explaining the art and the rules of Chess which he referred to as “a game of perfect skill” would make even someone with little interest in the game take a second look. It was the same type of enthusiasm displayed when he proudly displayed his coin collection, a hobby he has had since he was 15 years old.

Some of his eclectic music collection may surprise some; prominently displayed is Buju Banton’s “Til Shiloh” album and other popularly known music of the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as less surprisingly, classical music.

Most of it, however, will not surprise those who have come to know the President as a man of faith.

While going through a prayer book given to him when he was a young man, President Granger admitted that when in doubt, he often turns to the Psalms of David, which he says helps him in many ways.

“Alot of the psalms are very inspirational; they sometimes describe the struggle that David is trying to overcome. They show David as human, he is depressed, he is searching for guidance and support and he turns to the Lord, and so it goes.They [the Psalms] are very inspirational to me,” he said.

As he shuffles through the prayer book, one can see thatPresident Granger too is human - a man of great substance, deep knowledge and intense sentiment; above all, he is a man who loves his country dearly.(Contributed)

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Oil jobs on the way

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- Trotman says training already started

By Ravin Singh THE discovery of oil reserves offshore Guyana, which is likely to elevate the country’s economic conditions, is not the only benefit to be derived from the exploration and subsequent production. In fact, Guyanese will also benefit from training in the petroleum industry while direct employment opportunities are imminent, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has said.

training has already been ongoing.

“There has been some training going on” he said, when quizzed on whether Guyanese will be befitting from training.

Earlier on Wednesday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said at a post-Cabinet press briefing that ExxonMobil has indicated to the Government that it plans to train Guyanese in various spheres of activity associated with petroleum exploration and production.

this industry.

The Natural Resources Minister said too that the Mexican Petroleum Institute visited Guyana within the last month and government is exploring the option of acquiring scholarships for Guyanese at that institution.

Additionally, he noted that as part of the new dispensation, government continues to stress on ExxonMobil that it must be involved in training, which will not be done after pro-

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes (front left) shares a word with Senior Minister Raphael Trotman prior to the start of the meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources Also in photo (L-R) James Singh, Commission of the Guyana Forestry Commission and acting Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Newell Dennision Minister Trotman made this announcement on Wednesday, as he was addressing the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. With ExxonMobil’s announcement of significant oil reserves just offshore Guyana; the country is awaiting the impending exploration which is likely to result in an elevation in the standard of living of Guyanese.

But while the direct benefits will be the royalties from the production of that mineral, secondary benefits including training for Guyanese in that sector, and employment opportunities will also be forthcoming.

In fact, the Minister revealed that some amount of

In addition, just recently Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnarine announced that his Ministry in conjunction with the University of Guyana (UG) will be establishing a special facility or school for oil and gas exploration.

And according to Trotman, he will be meeting with administrative staff of the country’s premier tertiary institution to accelerate efforts in that regards.

He also outlined several other benefits including scholarships which have been offered through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), where the government will be affording students the opportunity to be trained in

duction, but rather “pre-production”.

“As part of the new dispensation, we have stressed to the company that they must be involved in training, and not after production; pre-production. We are doing as best we can to train as many people as possible. I should add that many Guyanese who already work in the oil and gas industry in other parts of the world are expressing their willingness to come home,” the Minister said.

EMPLOYMENT Meanwhile, Country manager of ESSO – an affiliate of ExxonMobil – Jeff Simon, boasted of having an 80 per cent local

workforce in other countries where the oil giant operates.

And although he was keen to note that this type of project does not demand a large workforce, Simon said that Guyanese will still benefit from employment opportunities.

He explained that not a lot of Guyanese were employed during the drilling of the first well, but that this was significantly improved during drilling of the second well since operations were expanded.

“It’s not an enormous number of people that are required to run this kind of ship,” Simon said, referencing the ship which will be offshore during production. However, he pointed

to the fact that the company currently utilizes local suppliers for a number of products.

“We’re currently by millions of dollars in fuel here in Guyana. A lot of the food, or almost all of the food come from local suppliers. There is also security, transportation, hotels…” he said, adding that there are currently over 300 Guyanese who are in the employ of the company.

REVIEW Meanwhile, Minister Trotman also revealed that Government has indicated to the company that they would like to have some changes made to the existing contract.

He noted that while the 1999 agreement between the then Government and the company was the best agreement that could have been made by the executive, the present administration is seeking to modernize the existing agreement.

“Whatever we do will be in the best interest of Guyana; we’re not rejecting the last agreement, it was a good agreement.

This is about adding some modern features to the agreement. It’s not a case of demanding and beating over the head of ExxonMobil. We both realise (that) we could look at the agreement again and move forward,” Minister Trotman said.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

Pomeroon river communities detail needs to Minister Allicock, team

RESIDENTS of three Pomeroon River communities in Region Two recently met with the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and a team from his ministry when visits were made to the predominantly Amerindian communities of Akawini, St. Monica and Wakapao during July 20-21.

The visits were intended to give residents opportunity to discuss the issues affecting them, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has stated.

“This will help us to be able to work with you, be able to listen to you….

We are fixing anything that you decide upon together,” GINA quoted the Minister as saying.

Apart from the minister, the team comprised Region Two’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson; Chairman Devanand Ramdatt; Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks; Advisor to Minister Allicock, Mervyn Williams; Legal Advisor to the Minister, David James; and officials from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Minister Allicock said officials many times sit behind their desks and think they know the needs of the people, but it was important to him to get out to the people to know what’s going on in the villages.

He cited the need for a better working relationship among the communities, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Central Government.

And Fredericks called upon residents to have a vision for the development of their community. He said that working together is the only way development can be achieved.

The NTC Chairman

said, “There will be no government that can address all of our issues… so that is where the village council comes in, and they must have plans.”

Regional Chairman Ramdatt told the residents that they are in good hands

Chairman, who assured residents that the RDC would find ways to ensure that officers visit the village and pay the pensions on time.

Barbara France, a resident and teacher of Akawini, raised concerns

tainable management.”

Wakapao, consisting of over 2000 residents, is one of the fastest growing indigenous villages. Its residents called for the development of the community’s roads.

The Minister’s Advi-

would be looking into the matter, to make available a boat which can transport those who are differently-abled.

Wakapao is an Arawak village, and the minister said efforts would continue to revive the use of that

proposals would be submitted for consideration in the 2017 National Budget. He said that considering there are 212 indigenous communities, not all their submissions would be addressed in the Indigenous Peoples

Wakapao resident Roxanne Williams raising an issue during the meeting with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and team as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is working assiduously to effect development of indigenous communities.

Residents of Akawini, which has a population of about 1200 people, raised the issue of senior citizens not receiving their old age pension payments in a timely manner. They said the situation has become burdensome, since many depend on the money to survive.

The matter was addressed by the Regional

about transportation for students to get to and from school. “I am a widow and I have children going to Charity Secondary School, and I would also like to…have a secondary department here in Akawini,” France said.

The Regional Chairman responded by explaining, “We would have to have our technical people do a feasibility study, because we have also seen cases of schools being developed, but there were difficulties with the sus-

sor, Mervyn Williams, explained that government is currently working to have construction of three bridges and a road in the community included in the 2017 National Budget.

Roxanne Williams, a Wakapoa resident, said: “The disabled people in my community are finding it difficult to travel, and they are not getting assistance; and I see this as a big issue in my community.”

Minister Allicock assured the resident that he

language.

St. Monica, which also has a population of over 2000 residents, called upon government to provide trained teachers and have the primary school’s sanitary block and fence built.

Requests were also made for extension of the school and the health post, and for a solar panel for the latter.

All concerns and needs were noted by Minister Allicock, who explained that the residents’

Affairs’ budget. However, the Minister noted that due to the overlapping responsibilities by other ministries, all communities’ concerns would be addressed.

Additionally, Minister Allicock urged the toshaos from each village to be more engaged with the residents. They were advised that when problems arise, they should find ways of contacting the relevant officials to assist in resolving them.

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PM meets Wales workers over delay in severance payment

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo met with a delegation of Wales Estate sugar workers on Wednesday to listen to their concerns regarding the payment of their severance packages.

Eleven sugar workers: Dyanand Sham, Wilbert Daymon, Azeez Khan, Safraz Alli, Sherla Leitch, Lloyd Benjamin, Cyril Joseph, Shafeek Khan, Prem Kumar Lakhan, Mohammed Haniff and Bridgnanan, who represented 99 workers,had sought a meeting with the Prime Minister to explain their plight.

The workers told the Prime Minister that GuySuCo officials met with them and explained the plan to merge the Wales and Uitvlugt factory operations and promised they would be offered continued employment at the Uitvlugt estate.

The workers said 99 workers opted not to take up this offer from GuySuCo and to accept severance packages instead.

An agreement was made to commence payment of the severance packages in May. However, according to the workers, just before the scheduled date for the payment of the severance packages, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) sought and received an order of the court which stopped GuySuCo from making the payments.

A statement from the Department of Public Information (DPI) and posted on the Government Information Agency (GINA) website said the workers are now frustrated, because they have waited several months and GuySuCo is being prevented from paying them due to the court order.

Notwithstanding the complaints made by the sugar workers, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that based on advice received from GuySuCo, the sugar company is prepared to pay the severance. Money has been set aside for that purpose, but the company cannot violate the court’s order.

Similarly, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, confirmed that GuySuCo is prepared to effect the payment with immediate effect should the court order be lifted.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo meets with the Wales sugar workers delegation The workers thanked the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture for this information and explained that they had been erroneously advised by union officials that GuySuCo was not prepared to make the severance payments.

They said that they were part of several meetings with union officials and asked them to withdraw the injunction to allow them to be paid but to no avail. Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that GuySuCo’s hands are tied in the matter

as the company must comply with the order of the court and that the workers must make further representation to GAWU and NAACIE for them to gain relief.

The workers said they understand the need to merge the Wales and Uitvlugt factory operations and opted for the severance to get on with their lives, but were now made to face undue hardships given the amount of time that has passed after they expected to be paid. (GINA)

NO SUPPORTING EVIDENCE –– PPP ‘now working on’ substantiating Jagdeo’s ‘Indian under siege’ claim

By Svetlana Marshall THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) could not, up until yesterday, provide empirical evidence to support the claim that Guyanese of Indian origin are being assaulted in Guyana.

“There is an assault on our democracy. There is an assault on people of Indian origin. There is an assault on supporters of the PPP,” Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was quoted as saying recently at an Albion Reunion celebration in New York.

Asked yesterday whether he had evidence to substantiate those claims, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, although jumping to the defence of Jagdeo, said he had none at the moment, since it

was now being compiled.

“We are now in the course of documenting instances where witch- hunting is the rule of the day, and those most likely will go to the International Human Rights Organisation,” Rohee said.

And despite the media’s stoutest efforts to get him to provide a single name that would support his party’s claim, Rohee was unyielding.

All he would say was that the PPP will release the information when the time is right.

Asked whether it was decent for the former president to make such claims abroad, the General Secretary responded in the affirmative, saying: “One thing I can say is that Mr. Jagdeo is not an indecent man. So if he is not an inde-

cent person, then obviously his statement has to have a high degree of decency.

Decency has a strong connection with honesty and the truth.”

DESPICABLE Government, in a statement on Monday, has said Jagdeo’s claim that there is an “assault on people of Indian origin” is despicable, is without any basis, and is a complete figment of his imagination. On the contrary, the statement said, the policies of the Coalition Government are designed to achieve the good life for all Guyanese; not a handpicked few, as was the case under the PPP regime, which was rejected by the Guyanese electorate on May 11, 2015 in free and

fair elections.

“Speaking to a predominantly Indo-Guyanese audience, Mr Jagdeo attempted to inject among them a feeling that they are victims. The recent census has shown that the exodus of Indo-Guyanese was not abated during Mr. Jagdeo’s 12-year tenure as President.

Instructively, the single largest exodus went to the United States of America, where they live and work under the presidency of an African American.

“Also, under Mr Jagdeo’s presidency, Guyana witnessed the incestuous relationship with drug lords that spawned the death of hundreds of young people and several episodes of massacres and assassinations, including that of a sitting government

minister.

“Mr Jagdeo is in fact insulting the intelligence of Indo-Guyanese and all Guyanese who have repudiated him for the pervasive corruption under his regime.

“The Coalition Government remains committed to stabilising the Guyanese economy after years of lawlessness, nepotism, corruption, cronyism, mismanagement, misrule, and the flagrant misuse of resources,” the Government statement said.

In a direct response to the Government’s statement, Jagdeo said that his statements were no different from the ones he had made in Guyana.

“The comments I made in New York were no different to the ones I have made in

Guyana – at press conferences and on the campaign trail in the lead-up to the March 2016 Local Government elections. I spoke to the issues of racial and political discrimination, the lack of an economic plan, the taxation policies, as well as the repressive laws that have been advanced and the threats to local democracy under the APNU+AFC Coalition.

“Despite the charges made, my record on bolstering racial harmony and advancing equal development across the country regardless of race speaks for itself. That is not a position I need to defend. However, I have spoken out, and will continue to speak out about the injustices against our people,” Jagdeo has said in a statement.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

Visiting scouts injured in Woolford Avenue accident ST LUCIAN boys Nick Omaie Joseph, 8, and Darnell Mathews, 9, who are visiting these shores as part of the Scouts’ 14th Caribbean Cuboree celebrations, were struck down by a motor car yesterday on Woolford Avenue following a march through the city.

Joseph’s condition is said to be critical but stable, while Mathews’s mother, Jacqueline, also sustained minor injuries during the incident.

According to the police, investigations have been launched into the incident which occurred at 12:10 hrs yesterday and involved the driver of motorcar PSS

1236. The police said the female driver of the car, who had parked her vehicle in front of the North Georgetown Primary School on Woolford Avenue, was refused entry to the school because of her mode of dress. As a result, she became so annoyed that she drove out of the avenue in a huff, hitting down the two children and the parent in the process.

The victims are presently warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while the driver is in police custody.

According to reports, the car had been stuck in a ditch, and the woman report-

edly drove out of the ditch in a reckless manner while the children were marching into the Scouts Association of Guyana compound nearby.

Hospital sources reported late yesterday afternoon that Joseph was being prepped for surgery in the main operating theatre. He was expected to be placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following the operation.

A delegation from the Ministry of the Presidency led by First Lady Sandra Granger paid the injured lads a visit yesterday afternoon at the GPHC. Scores of scouts from across the

Caribbean region marched through the capital city on Monday despite the wet weather conditions. The Scout Association of Guyana is hosting the Caribbean Cuboree for the first time. Close to 1000 scouts are participating in the event.

The scouts came here from 13 Caribbean countries, namely Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

A Surinamese and a Polish contingent are also in attendance. The event concludes on Friday.

The St Lucia delegation of scouts marching along Avenue of the Republic on Monday morning

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Dutch engineering students taken on tour of city

DEPUTY Mayor Sherod Duncan yesterday led a team, including a group of visiting Dutch engineering masters degree students, around the city on a tour of the drainage and irrigation systems in various parts of the city.

As reported earlier this week, the students from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands will be working collaboratively with several agencies, including the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), on a computer (hydraulic) model for drainage in parts of Georgetown, to help predict the vulnerability of certain areas during rainfall.

Prior to moving off from City Hall, Duncan, who is performing the functions of mayor, told reporters that the visit around the city was opportune for both the visitors and the municipality, since the latter has the responsibility to maintain the capital city’s drainage systems.

“It is very useful that the Dutch are here; it will impact the city in a great way,” Duncan said. He said also that the M&CC took the liberty of inviting the team of engineers to view the administrative structure of the municipality.

The team was exposed to the drainage

system on Water Street, as well as North and South Rumveldt in the South Georgetown ward. “It’s a fact-finding mission of sorts,” he said, noting that persons who know the two areas can tell their history as regards flooding.

Duncan and several councillors at the M&CC, including Oscar Clarke and Akeem Peter, accompanied the engineering students on the tour which commenced at the koker outside Bounty Supermarket on Water Street.

The team then headed to inspect the koker within the Muneshwer’s complex further north along Water Street.

The team made several other stops along

Water Street, followed by inspecting the drainage system at the Kitty seawall and at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara.

This was followed by inspections of the drainage network at North and South Rumveldt, two areas which are usually plagued by flooding.

The team will be working alongside local engineers to measure parts of the drainage system while putting a computer (hydraulic) model together from which they will be able to say which areas in Georgetown are vulnerable for flooding at any time during rainfall.

CITY TOUR: M&CC officials interacting with Dutch engineering students at the koker in the vicinity of the Bounty Supermarket on Water Street

Alleged arsonist in Health Ministry fire freed BUSINESSMAN Keith “General” Ferrier, accused of setting fire to the Ministry of Health building on Brickdam in 2009, had the charge against him dismissed on Tuesday after the prosecution failed to prove its case when the matter was called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge against Fer-

rier had stated that between July 16 and July 17, 2009, at Brickdam, he unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the building, property of the state.

After almost three months on trial, Ferrier had his lawyer, Patrice Henry, contend that the prosecution had no case or evidence against his client.

The magistrate upheld a

Keith “General” Ferrier

no-case submission, agreeing that a prima facie case had not been made out against the businessman because the prosecution witnesses had no credibility.

Having fled the jurisdiction in 2009 and being on the run for almost seven years, Ferrier was, in March 2016, apprehended and charged when he returned

from neighbouring Venezuela, where he had been hiding for several years.

He was, however, placed on $350,000 bail during the trial.

In 2013, Colin Jones and his co-conspirator Clayton Westford were both sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of deliberately setting the fire that de-

stroyed the building. Ferrier was believed to have been the mastermind behind the attack.

The building was said to be more than one hundred years old, and had been the original Queen’s College (QC) building before it was converted

by Government into the Ministry of Health in the 1950s.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

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‘Reading’s like dreaming with your eyes wide open’ ––Courts official tells ‘Reading for Fun’ participants

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE University of Guyana, in collaboration with Courts Guyana Inc. yesterday launched its 12th annual ‘Reading is Fun’ outreach programme at the university’s library.

The launch took place in the main reading room of the UG library, where the three-week programme would engage some 60 children between the ages of eight to 13.

Courts Guyana Country Manager, Clyde De Haas noted that the company is pleased to have been involved with this programme for a number of years.

“We want to partner in programmes

like this to make a difference in the lives of people, especially children,” De Haas said, as he encouraged the enthusiasm of the children present, telling them that “reading is like dreaming with your eyes open,” as it transports you to a world of unlimited possibilities.

LIFE SKILLS He stated: “Today you are a reader; tomorrow you are a leader.” He emphasised the obvious importance of literacy and education and told the children that they will not only be exposed to literacy training, but will be taught “life skills”.

This outreach programme is one which

the University of Guyana, through its main library, engages in every year during the summer vacation. The students taking part are mostly from the Sophia area and will be benefitting from a programme tailored to foster a love for reading from an early age while enhancing their language competency and extending the scope of their imagination.

Elizabeth Ramlall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning and Development, noted that this initiative is one which began with the previous librarian, Ms. Lancaster, who engaged in outreach programmes by providing food hampers to residents in the Sophia area. However, this programme has trans-

formed into one which seeks to improve the literacy of children in the same community.

Librarian Debra Lowe noted that graduate teachers from the Faculty of Education and Humanities will be acting as research persons and will be engaging with the children.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Paulette Paul along with other library staff will also assist the graduate teachers with fostering the children’s phonetic, comprehensive and linguistic skills.

This year marks the 7th year that Courts Guyana Inc. has been collaborating with the university to make this programme a reality.

Participants in this year’s ‘Reading is Fun’ outreach yesterday with Courts Guyana and UG officials (Photo by Delano Williams)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

Moruca: a nature paradise aka with outside Kum ance ay w er at w e st Th ridge in the di the Moruca B

uca ew of the Mor the A roof-top vi in ls al st t arke Bridge with m e village of San Th foreground. e distance Jose lies in th

-top view of Another roof scape nd Moruca’s la

Scottish jars . These jars are testimon of the Scottis y h ancestors of Morucans

“Flavies” is a popular ha ng-out spot on the periph er It is accessib y of the Moruca River. le by boat an d car

Several vehi cles climb th e the recreatio nal ground at hill near Kumaka

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 29, 2016

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Morucans soaking up the football fever Two football teams which contested the finals of the Digicel Football championships finals at Santa Rosa in Moruca stand alongside game officials prior to the start of the match

They came out in large numbers to see lined the roadway outside the venue, the game. It was contested between residents were seated at the pavilion two teams from another section of opposite the ground in large numbers the North West District, one of which and the seats below the Kumaka Guest knocked their home team out of the House, which is located on the periphery Digicel 2016 football championships, of the venue, was filled to capacity. days earlier.

Several children sat atop a water The presence of dozens of hands trestle to obtain a better view of the along the fence of the Santa Rosa Rec- proceedings. The verandah outside a reational Ground that afternoon told the home opposite the ground lacked space tale of Moruca’s passion for football. for another face.

Football is a sport which is keenly “This is Moruca and we like our contested in most Hinterland communi- football,” said Bar-B-Que vendor Marties. The game appeals to almost every garet Abraham. She is one of many who generation in each community and the capitalise on such activities whenever presence of cable television in those they are taken to Moruca. She turned remote areas has impacted the game’s her chicken as she spoke on the subject. futuristic presence in every community. She said that the sport brings out the Moruca is no exception. During best of the area. During the earlier stage the week of July 14 last, the mood in of the tournament, many ventured into the community was buzzing and the Santa Rosa from near and far, as distant residents were out in their numbers as Waramuri, a riverine community loas the 16:00 hrs match-time between cated miles downriver and which is also two teams, the Hosororo Primary and Margaret Abraham attends to the North West Secher Bar-B-Q stand following ondary, neared. The a football match at Santa winner would hold Rosa recently. Abraham’s the bragging rights of and other businesses usually being the Region One capitalise on sport and social champion. events held at Moruca T h e N o r t h We s t Secondary boys defeated the home team earlier that week, and there was no telling of who Moruca was supporting. When the referee whistled the start of the game, they shouted at almost every move the Hosororo players made.

But that is the passion of the community where football is concerned. Almost every vehicle within Moruca A large crowd is usually on hand to watch football matches contested at Moruca

accessible by road.

“This is the time that is usually good,” Aunty Maggie, as she is fondly called, said as she chatted about business. Her Bar-B- Que chicken combos with fried rice, cook-up and to a lesser extent chowmein, usually sells out on any given weekend night.

During the week, her foods are also on demand but it is the hosting of activities in the community which draws foodies to her stand.

Across the road from Margaret are several shops with bars. Residents and visitors also flock these venues during the hosting of popular events. The Kumaka Waterfront is also usually busy in the aftermath of football matches, and win or lose, opinions or comments are usually the talk of the night at the popular hangout spots there.

According to one resident, the annual Moruca Expo brings out the best in the

hospitality of the residents. He said the event attracts hundreds of visitors, who venture into the community from various parts of the North West District and the Coastland, including Georgetown.

But it is football which keeps the crowd alive. Several match-ups are carded annually as part of the exposition. When the game is contested on the Santa Rosa ground, the residents voice their support, concerns, advice and even temper when the ball gets rolling, or kicking.

The highlights of those features are the monetary prizes for which the teams compete. And this year the stakes are high. While someone will walk-away a winner, it is the residents who win the ultimate prize for crowd support. “Nothing can compete with football here,” said Margaret’s customer, as she wolfed down her cookup rice.

SportS CHRONICLE

Guyana take major medal haul at Caribbean Karate Championships

The winning karatekas display their prizes.

GUYANA accumulated 40 medals from their participation at the just concluded 12th International Karate Daigaku (IKD) Caribbean Karate Championships held at the UTEC Campus in Kingston, Jamaica, which ran from July 18 to 23.

The country was represented by the Association Do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (ASK-G) with a 14-member team from the YMCA Dojo (Headquarters) and three members from the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and returned with 14 gold, 19 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

In the Team segment of the com-

petition Guyana landed three gold, silver, and bronze medals each in the Team Bunkai.

The gold came in the Girls’ 17-19 category, the silver from the Boys’ 1113 years, and the bronze in the Boys’ 14-16 years.

In Team Embu, Guyana were in for another nine medals once again in the same age categories.

Another twelve medals were won in the Team Kata, with nine from the junior age categories, and for the team kata, with an additional three being won in the adult male category.

In the Team Kumite three bronze

medals for the adult male category were awarded to Guyana team.

In Individual Kata Guyana amassed a total of two gold, one silver and two bronze, while in the Individual Kumite we ended with three silver and two bronze.

Girls’ 17-19 karateka Leah Shariff won gold in the Individual Kata and bronze in the Individual Kumite of her category. Also in this category was Minakshi Pooran who landed bronze in the Kata.

On the Boys side of this category Shane Wilson took gold in the kata and silver in the kumite, while Kemo

Cornelius earned a silver in the kumite.

The only other winner in the Individual Kata was adult male (20-39 years) bronze medallist Roger Peroune.

Other wins in the Individual Kumite included silver for Kelly-Ann Fortune (Girls’ 14-16 years), silver for Keith Beaton (adult male) and bronze for Trevon Miller (Boys’ 14-16 years).

Other Guyanese who participated at the event included Tabita Goolsarran, Shakeem Walcott, Avinash Ramlogam, Daniel Jailall, Jordan Kong, Hodeal Agard, Roland Fanfair, Navindra Soodoo, and Leon Burnette.