Chronicle 03 6 2016

Prison repairs begin No. 104483

SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016

Price: $140

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Wapichan people in new push to secure ancestral lands 4

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Wapichan people at last week’s Global Call to Action on Indigenous Peoples and Community Land Rights

Traffic Chief hospitalised after car crash Page

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Minibus slams into car, killing pensioner Page

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President 15 adds weight to Bartica Local Gov’t race Page

Dead: William Trim

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Toshao Paul Chekema (centre) and Advisor on Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, with members of the team working on the conical palm-thatched roof of the Umana Yana

Umana Yana looking regal THE Umana Yana’s conical palm-thatched roof is almost complete, and other works on the structure are set to be finished by April month-end. And now that this part of the project will soon be completed, the team of 35 Wai-Wai villagers, led by Toshao Paul Chekema, will be leaving for their home community of Masakenari in Region Nine on Monday. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Advisor on Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, said the pace of construction of the historic Umana Yana is on schedule. He said the team has done a fanatic job, although it was a challenge to procure some of the leaves. Williams said the toshao had worked on the previous Umana Yana in 2010, and now he is leading the team decades after his uncle, Chief Elka, had worked on the original benab, in August 1972.

“We are pleased with the work done, and their effort was amazing in making this aspect of the structure a reality,” Williams, who expressed gratitude to the team on behalf of the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, said. The original structure was erected as a VIP Lounge and recreation centre for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Georgetown Guyana in August 1972. “As Guyana celebrated then, so will we also celebrate now in this jubilee; and this is something to be celebrated nationally, and is to be treasured and protected while being accorded its rightful place in the history of this country, especially in the year 2016,” Williams explained. The surrounding walls, the floor, the fence, and installation of lights on the structure have not yet been completed. Toshao Paul Chekema said the team is proud to assist in the reconstruction of the Umana Yana. He

said his family tradition is a proud one, and their services are open to any market for persons who are interested in building benabs. Indigenous buildings are known for their coolness in the tropical heat, because of the natural materials used, especially the thatched roof. The old Umana Yana was a much admired part of Georgetown's scenery, and was constantly used as an exhibition and conference centre. The 55-foot-high structure was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. The original structure was put up in 80 days, but was destroyed by fire in just 15 minutes, on September 9, 2014. The materials were supplied by the villages of Masakenari and Moraikobai. Work commenced since last year at the original site, and the cost of the entire project is expected to be around $66.7M.

Minibus slams into car, killing pensioner

A pensioner was killed Saturday evening after the car he was driving collided with a minibus in the city. Dead is 76-year-old William Trim of Wren’s Avenue, South Ruimveldt Gardens.

The Guyana Fire Service, which was called to the scene, removed the man from his vehicle and he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mr Trim was driving his

car, PFF 8165, along Aubrey Barker Road when it is believed that a route 41 minibus, PVV 1302, crashed into him. The driver of the minibus is in police custody at the East La Penitence Police Station. According to reports, the pensioner, a father of three, had just left a shop in the area, and had just pulled out when the speeding minibus swerved from another vehicle and crashed into him. Persons at the scene said that the minibus driver had

her father left home to trim his hair and never returned. She described him as a loving and caring father who regularly attended church.

Dead: William Trim been cautioned by passengers to slow down. None of the passengers was severely injured. According to the pensioner’s daughter, Lavern Trim,

The elderly Trim recently recuperated from an illness and had been in good spirits of late. (Rabindra Rooplall)

The mangled remains of the pensioner’s car. (Ivan Bentham photo)

Prison repairs begin

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

By Leroy Smith

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has commenced remedial works at the Georgetown Prison, portions of which were damaged during last week’s riot which left

17 prisoners dead. The police and army continued to maintain a strong presence at the facility. Director of Prisons, Carl Graham, told the Guyana Chronicle that in addition to the assistance

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from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the prison would be using its own in-house infrastructure team to support those sent by the ministry. Regarding the general mood in the prison following Friday’s meeting

The section of the prison which was broken down by prisoners has since been barricaded (Delano Williams photo)

Prisoners offload 400 new mattresses donated by Food For The Poor (Adrian Narine photo)

between two government ministers and the prisoners, Graham explained that the situation is “stable.” He said that prisoners are now comfortable with respect to their sleeping areas and other facilities, which were immediately remedied. Graham could not say

when there would be a complete withdrawal of the troops from the area. During a visit at the location on Saturday, it was observed that fire tenders were parked and ready to go into action in case of any eventuality. The prisoners set nine fires last Wednesday night

and another on Thursday, which led to the deaths of the 17 prisoners. On Friday, Food for the Poor donated 400 mattresses to the prison. It is understood that the shipment for the prison was something that was already in the pipeline before the unrest.

Traffic Chief hospitalised after car crash By Leroy Smith POLICE Traffic Chief Dion Moore was, up to late last evening, hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being involved in an early morning car crash at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Moore and 25-year-old Adrian Edwards of John Street, Lodge were reportedly the only occupants of PRR 6099, a black Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV heading north along the western carriageway of the East Bank Demerara highway at approximately 01.30hrs on Saturday when, in the vicinity of the Macorp Building, Edwards lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into a utility pole which separates the western and eastern carriageways. The Traffic Chief was reportedly knocked unconscious following the accident, and police ranks hearing of the accident swooped on the scene and rushed Moore to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the High Dependency Unit. His condition was being monitored by doctors and other health workers up to press time. Restrictions were placed on the persons who were allowed to visit him, as they were asked to allow the police officer to rest. Hospital sources, however, confirmed that the senior cop was alert, responding to treatment, and was able to speak. Superintendent Dion Moore has been serving the Guyana

Police Force for several years, and has had extensive stints in the Traffic Department of the Force at various levels and locations, before being elevated to Traffic Chief. He also served as the Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division. Edwards was treated for his injuries but was not hospitalized. Taken into police custody, he told police that he was driving at a normal rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the utility pole. Edwards had an elevated alcohol level test conducted on him after he was taken into custody, but that proved he was not above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. Additionally it was reported to this publication that the young man did not display any physical signs of being under the influence, such as staggering or having a hard time communicating with police ranks. Investigations into this accident are ongoing. Moore’s accident comes exactly one month after the car of Assistant Police Commissioner Balram Persaud slammed into a utility pole on the West Bank, Demerara. Hospitalized following that accident, Persaud subsequently died. Over the last three years, there have been serious accidents involving senior members of the Guyana Police. Former Police Commissioner Henry Greene, Former ‘A’ Division Commander Derrick Josiah, and Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud have all succumbed to injuries they had sustained in road accidents.

Traffic Chief Dion Moore

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

PPP launches GT Local Gov’t campaign By Fareeza Haniff THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is finally in the Local Government Elections (LGE) mode. It officially launched its Local Government Elections campaign on Saturday in Georgetown. The Party decided to launch its Georgetown candidates in its strong hold, Kitty; however the event was marred by a poor turnout. Several of the candidates were present and spoke to the Guyana Chronicle about their plans to reform the capital city. Businessman Bhisram Kuppen is representing Constituency 7 (Bourda Lacytown,

Stabroek Central). According to him, he has not seen any development in Georgetown in the last 19 years. Kuppen promises that if he is elected, “real changes will come to Georgetown.” “We know currently that the Mayor and the Town Clerk have embarked on many projects, but they seem geared to bamboozle the people of Georgetown. For all this time, they have not accomplished anything,” the businessman said. He also wants members of the City Constabulary to be properly trained, so that they do not “harass vendors”; and for City Hall to be more busi-

ness-friendly. “I am going out there because I’ve seen the city; I’ve been a businessman for a very long time. I want to see real changes in the city that is deserving of the capital city; it doesn’t look like a capital right now.” Kuppen is a bar owner who

person, I would like to play a part in bringing about a change in my city,” Sookram said. He also plans to alleviate flooding in the markets. Meanwhile, another candidate, Victor Sobers, is contesting Constituency 1 (Tiger Bay, South Cummingsburg). Sobers told this newspaper that

security in his community. He pointed out that a lot of robberies occur in the nights due to the lack of street lights. “We want proper maintenance of roads, drainage, and more facilities for youths, so they wouldn’t do drugs and stuff,” the young man said.

youths and more accountability at City Hall, and a community centre for skills training.” According to Inshanally, there should be incentives for enhancement of the community, along with a village office to manage the community. Representing the Kitty constituency is 24–year–old

The PPP Georgetown candidates who will be contesting Local Government Elections (Delano Williams photo) admittedly is involved in Real Estate and Technology. The Guyana Chronicle also spoke to 37–year–old Shazad Sookram, who is a candidate residing in Kitty. He believes that Georgetown has been neglected over the years, and wants City Hall to become more accountable. “I’ve seen the beauty and elegance of Georgetown, the warmth of the people, and I’ve seen the neglect that the City Council has done to Georgetown; the garbage piling up the place. They say Georgetown is able to breathe again, but at this Local Government Elections we want to take back our city; and as a youth and as a young

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his main aim is to tackle school drop-outs, specifically males. “I would like to see young boys go to school,” Sobers said. He is of the view that the male students should be provided with incentives in the form of trophies for good performance. Sobers, a manager at a fishing complex, also plans to have the religious community play a more active role in the lives of youths. This newspaper also spoke with 20-–year–old Michael Bhagwandeen, who is contesting the Riverview/ Independence Boulevard constituency. Bhagwandeen said he will push for better

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Bhagwandeen is a student of the University of Guyana, where he is studying economics and business. Another young candidate, 31–year–old IT Consultant Phillip Inshanally, is contesting the Meadow Bank, Houston, McDoom and Agricola constituency. He told this newspaper that he plans to “clean up the environment and create recreational facilities.” “We need a permanent maintenance, because the maintenance right now, it sucks. We want better garbage collection. We want three months’ amnesty for delinquent taxpayers, more social programmes for the

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Nalissa Ferguson, who said the drainage and roads in her community are “terrible.” She wants to remedy this situation, and hopes to install some street lights and a playground. Other Georgetown candidates of the PPP are Ramdyal Persaud, Maryln Kennedy, Kheme Sharma, Ashmeed Hassan, Nandanie Flores and Robeson Benn Jr. Local Government Elections will be held in Guyana on March 18, after an absence of 22 years. The two main parties contesting are the PPP and the APNU+AFC. There are also several small parties and independent candidates contesting the elections.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Bus, bicycles for Bartica children SCHOOLCHILDREN of Bartica and surrounding communities now have a 50-seater bus and some bicycles, thanks to businessman Nizam Kassim. President David Granger commissioned the bus on Third Avenue, Bartica, in the presence of a large crowd of residents. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford; and Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) Gifford Marshall were among the officials who witnessed the event. In addition to David “G” School Bus No. 6, 30 bicycles were provided to children of Bartica, the majority of whom attend the Bartica Secondary School, but live a great distance from the school in areas such as Three Miles, Kalcoon Camp and Mora Camp. This batch of 30 complements the first batch of 21 which was donated in January. The bus will not only transport children in central Bartica, but in the outlying areas as far as Five Miles. This initiative forms part of the President’s Three B’s Initiative. In delivering the feature address, President Granger said education, which is next to food, water and clothing, is the best investment that can be made in the development of a child; hence, it is his mission to ensure that every child has access to education. “I have taken a personal vow to ensure that every Guyanese child goes to school,” the President posited. Education, he said, paves

the way for meaningful employment. “Too many young people are dropping out of school…in fact, 4,000 primary and secondary schoolchildren drop out of school every day; it has to stop,” he stressed. Education, he further added, is the foundation of equality, pointing out that one of the reasons poverty continues to prevail is because of inequality. Equality in education allows for a better opportunity at employment, the President further explained. “A lot of what divides our society is education,” he added. Emphasis must also be placed on enterprise, he said, noting that residents must empower themselves by using the available resources to become thriving entrepreneurs. Minister Ally, in her address, said the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government is in full support of the President’s Three Bs Programme, even as she applauded Mr. Kassim for supporting the President’s mission to ensure every child has access to education. The Social Cohesion Ministry, she said, in collaboration with the Education Ministry will be evaluating the Three Bs Programme to measure its impact on the student population of Guyana. “We are not in the business of offering handouts,

A Bartica lad shakes hands with President David Granger at the ceremony to hand over a 50-seater bus and bicycles for use by children of Bartica and surrounding communities but rather it is one designed to improve our human capital – our children, and ultimately contribute to sustainable development,” she stated clearly. To date, the government under the Three B’s Programme, has provided the children of Guyana with a total of nine buses, six boats and more than 300 bicycles since the initiation of the programme.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Guyanese remanded in Barbados over multi-million-dollar drug bust A GUYANESE man is among two persons who were remanded to prison Friday following a $6M drug bust at Carlisle Bay, Barbados. A report in the Barbados Today newspaper noted that Guyanese national Neville

Hillary Phagu, 39, and Barbadian Jeffrey Harrington Callender, 48, of Coral Land, Haggatt Hall, St Michael, appeared in the District A Magistrates Court Friday and were remanded until March 31. They were represented

by attorneys Satcha Kissoon and Romain Marshall and were jointly charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and traf-

ficking cannabis. Phagu was additionally charged with importation of cocaine and importation of cannabis. The newspaper article noted that police seized one boat, 122.9 kg of cocaine and 94 kg of cannabis during the operation.

Editorial

A New Caribbean Politics THE close result of the just concluded election in Jamaica has engendered a new debate on the nature of contemporary Anglophone Caribbean politics. Five and a half decades after the first countries gained independence, we may be witnessing a transition to a new political framework. While the Jamaican result gained a lot of attention, it is not singular. We now have in the Region three governments with one-seat majorities—Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica. A look at the popular votes in the six elections over the last year shows none of the victorious parties garnering more that 53% of the popular votes-- St Vincent and the Grenadines 52.28%-47.72; Belize 50.52%-49.48; Guyana 50.30%-49.70%; St. Kitts-Nevis 50.8%49.2 (in favour of the Opposition); Trinidad and Tobago 51.68% 48.32%; Jamaica 50.13%-49.87%.. This is unprecedented. It points to evenly divided electorates, a development that can be interpreted in at least two ways. First, it is a reflection of entrenched political tribalism which has always been part of the political culture. Second, it could mean that none of the competing parties is able to attract new or cross-over support. Their inability to attract new voter support may be linked to the low voter turn-out, which in the last two Jamaican elections stood at 53% and 47% respectively. A third reading of these close results may be that citizens are signalling to the parties a desire for consensus politics rather than the old politics of competition and confrontation. A second observation about the Jamaican situation is the fact that the last two governments there have been one-term governments. The last JLP government under Bruce Golding and Andrew Holness was booted out of office after a single term and now the Portia Simpson-Miller government that replaced it has suffered the same fate. Again this is not confined to Jamaica. During the last decade, we have seen one-term governments in St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. Those which survived the one-term syndrome such as the UPP in Antigua and Barbuda and the DLP in Barbados did so by winning second terms with very slim majorities Some have opined that this development points to the fact that voters do not see much difference between the parties as far as quality of governance is concerned. Hence, to constant flipping from one to the other. What is also clear is that there are less ideological differences between the parties these days. This means that one does not present any clear alternative to the other. So it is just a matter of voting against the other party rather

Barbadian Jefrrey Harrington Callender (Barbados Nation photo)

Guyanese Neville Hilary Phagu (Barbados Nation photo)

A Commission of Inquiry must restrict itself to the facts under the Evidence Act and the common law of England IN a letter by Mr. Mohabir Anil Nandlall published on page six of the Stabroek News of February 27th 2016, headlined: “Hearsay evidence inadmissible in a court can be received in an inquiry,” Mr Nandlall stated: “Regarding the evidence it is trite law that the rules of evidence applicable to a court of law in litigation do not apply to commissions of inquiry. This is a universal principle…” A Commission of Inquiry appointed to make findings of fact is permitted to admit hearsay evidence. However, the commission is obliged, when considering the question of involvement of anyone, to restrict itself to the facts admissi-

than voting for the one of your choice. Are these regular change of governments and close results a recipe for instability? In a sense they are. Governments with slim majorities are often not allowed the scope to effectively govern by the opposition, which feels its strength is equal to that of the governing parties. Further, governments which serve one term hardly ever has time to implement policies; by the time they are settled, it’s time to go back to the polls. In a region where there is very little continuity by new governments, these frequent change of governments could be counter-productive as far as economic and other policies are concerned. Ultimately, the Region has to come to grips with these new realities of our political landscape. Governments have to find new ways to accommodate the opposition when the results are close and the opposition parties have to adopt less confrontational stances. Here in Guyana, we have talked for decades about power-sharing without ever moving in that direction in any purposeful manner. Now more than ever that form of government needs to be explored across the Region.

ble under the Evidence Act and the common law of England. Professor Keeton in a study of the functioning of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act in England 1921, in his Treatise Trial by Tribunal (1960) page 18 said: “In sifting the facts concerning the existence of rumours giving rise to the inquiry, all evidence is relevant and this part of the inquiry is simply fact-finding. When the question of the involvement of a particular person in a particular transaction is under consideration, however, the Tribunal restricts itself to the facts admissible under the normal rule of evidence.” If a commission were permitted to condemn anyone on hearsay evidence without applying the normal rule of evidence, it would be a return to the tyranny of the Court of Star Chamber which had become synonymous with the misuse and abuse of power. There is no dispute that a Commission of Inquiry is not a Court and its proceedings are not judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative; nevertheless, the rules of fairness and fair play must be observed. In Re Pergamon Press Ltd (1970) 3 WLR 792 Lord Denning said: “Seeing that their work at their report may lead to such consequences, I am clearly of the opinion that the inspectors must act fairly. This is a duty which rests on them, as on many other bodies, even though they are not judicial, nor quasi-judicial, but only administrative…” In the same case, Sachs L.J. said: “It seems to me… very clear that in the conduct of the proceedings there must be displayed that measure of natural justice… the Inspector’s duty, in their statutory fact- finding capacity to produce a report which may be made public and thus cause severe injury to an individual by its findings.” Rex H. McKay, S.C.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Region One farmers want gov’t help with marketing BUSINESSMEN of Kumaka, the business hub of the Mabaruma sub-region in the North West District of Region One, want the government to help them develop agricultural marketing strategies so they can make Region One the breadbasket of the country. They met with Business Minister Dominic Gaskin on Saturday afternoon at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) regional office in the community, and voiced their conviction that the region has enormous potential to provide the country with agricultural crops, including ground provisions, citrus and spices. David Farnum, a farmer, told the meeting that while the farmers are able to reap crops annually, including seasonal crops, the lack of markets is a major humbug. “People want a marketing system set up”, he told the gathering. I would like Region One to become the breadbasket of Guyana.” He was upset when he heard persons were importing into the area from the capital city cash crops such as bora. He said the region has rich soil and, in the years gone by, produced loads of crops which were transported to the city via ferry. He said the region needs to market its agricultural potential. His sentiments were echoed by other residents, including Victor O’Selmo, another farmer, who said the communities in the sub-region have depended on farming for years. O’Selmo noted that while the farming public can benefit from markets, there is need for a cooperative banking system to assist the farmers in the region. Other persons spoke of the need for improvements in the transportation sector, primarily by water.

The Business Minister was told that persons would privately hire vessels to ferry their cargo into the region, and businessman Malcolm Chan-a-Sue noted that this service is costly and adds to the increased prices persons pay for goods sold on arrival in the region. Businesswoman Evelyn Melville noted that the private boat operators cannot ferry the volume of goods some business persons would want imported into the region. Residents also told the Minister of the need for a bank to open its doors in the region, and some pointed to the township status which is planned by the government for Mabaruma. Minster Gaskin told the residents that indeed a bank is an important feature for areas such as Mabaruma. The Minister, who was on his first visit to the area, travelled by boat through the Coast from Charity in the Pomeroon, and told the residents that his first impression of the community at Kumaka was one of neglect. He said that while the community may not be the first in that regard, there are developmental programmes on the government’s agenda so all areas across the country can benefit. He said that President David Granger has noted the need for infrastructural development across the country, and, according to him, among those hinted at for advancement is the creation of “proper” transportation networks. To this end, he said, connecting the hinterland with the coast is important. “It will make business easier for investment”, he told the gathering. Gaskin was accompanied by a team of officials from the Ministry of Business. He informed the meeting that the ministry has received reports that registration forms from the Small Business Bu-

A Warrau family paddling along the Aruka River near Kumaka in the North West District yesterday. The family, which spoke in the Warrau dialect, had visited Kumaka to do some shopping. Saturday is considered one of the busiest days of the business community reau (SBB), an entity which falls under the purview of that ministry, were being selectively distributed across the communities there. The ministry clarified that no one individual or political party is involved in the processing of loans, grants, or any other service offered by the agency. The minister informed residents that the entity keeps a register of the small businesses in Guyana, and involves the registration of businesses that may wish to benefit from any programmes or projects being executed by the agency. Gaskin cited the importance of the imminent Local Government Elections, and noted that the structure provides for better management of the communities. He said the absence of those elections may have resulted in a broken system across the country at the regional level. He said persons are free to select any group or individual who they belief is capable of managing the communities. He said that those persons must be held accountable in this regard.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Forensic state audits…

‘Concrete evidence’ needed before charges could be laid – President By Fareeza Haniff THE government wants to ensure that it has “concrete evidence” of malpractice before steps are taken to bring charges against any official of the former administration. This is according to President David Granger, who, during his weekly programme, The Public Interest, said that even though the forensic audits may have discovered acts of corruption, it does not mean that there is evidence which would be accepted in a court of law. “Laying charges seems to be a very attractive option, but I would like to emphasise that we need to have evidence before we run to court like a headless chicken. We just want to get the concrete evidence,” the President said. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, had said that audits into agencies, projects and funds have indicated that there seems to have been deliberate, premeditated plans to engage in corruption under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, which was defeated in last May’s general election. Sharma said the audits have identified many instances in which the PPP government had violated the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

He said there have been many instances of “dishonesty, deficiency, discrepancies; some of which were never highlighted in reports from the Auditor General and consequently the National Assembly…”

“Laying charges seem to be a very attractive option, but I would like to emphasise that we need to have evidence before we run to court like a headless chicken. We just want to get the concrete evidence,” the President said. The audits are yet to be made public, and according to President Granger, once it is reviewed by Cabinet, the report “will be put in the hands of the law.” “The Cabinet doesn’t direct the courts. Once we

have recommendations from the law officers that there are cases to answer, that is the course we will follow. We don’t tell the courts what to do; if there are cases to answer, the Director of Public Prosecutions and other persons so qualified will advise,” the Head of State said. According to the President, the main focus of the APNU+AFC administration is to correct or to prevent any malpractice from occurring or recurring. “It’s not a witch hunt; and again, if persons have committed offences, we want to see them tried, we want to see justice done. But in so doing, we would like to ensure that the cases are strong enough to bring about convictions.” During the 2016 budget debate last month, Minister Sharma had said that based on the findings of the audits seen, he is of the opinion that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that premediated plans had existed to engage in corruption. He said the evidence would support charges in relation to deception, acts of fraud, misfeasance in public office, and political corruption. Since assuming office in May 2015, the APNU+AFC administration has spent over $133M on forensic audits for several state agencies and other bodies.

Demand for coconuts grows - but exporter wants improved industry standards

By Shauna Jemmott AS the demand for Guyana’s coconuts increases on the North American market, a leading coconut exporter is calling on coconut farmers to re-cultivate their lands and at the same time pay attention to standards, quality and honesty. Shook Shivmangal, President of Compass International Trading Company (CITC), said while his company is doing as much as it can to uphold export laws and improve the quality of coconuts Guyana supplies the market, he is seeking only “honesty” from farmers who supply his company with the dry coconuts. “Whatever food product we’re processing, we must [be] able to comply with the Food and Drug regulations and the Guyana Government regulations,” he told the Sunday Chronicle in an interview at his office located at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. “We want [to] run a very professional business and we would like for farmers to call us and we could mobilise them.” According to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana produces about 242 million nuts per year from trees planted on some 70,

000 acres of land. Average production per acre is 4,000 nuts, but NAREI says there is potential to harness at least 0.10 million acres to reach a production target of a minimum of 500 million nuts. Shivmangal’s company boasts full compliance with standards and procedures

Shook Shivmangal governing export in Guyana and internationally, Shivmangal told the Sunday Chronicle. His company has, over the eight years of its existence cashed in on the “old crop”’ from coconut trees planted decades ago. Those old coconuts, which produce more fats, have become high in demand on the foreign market. He complained that while

his company is creating avenues for coconut farmers to benefit from their product, some exporters are supplying the very markets with bad nuts, creating a stain on Guyana’s coconut export industry. And also with competition high on the market, the price has decreased over the years. With higher demands from overseas buyers, he is seeking assistance from government to extend his business in ways in which Guyana would be able to meet a challenge, whereby he was given five to six years to show massive improvement in quantity of supplies. Additional products this year include the production of virgin coconut oils, frozen coconuts, and coconut water. He said his company is also preparing to venture into the export of frozen papaya and passion fruit, since major overseas buyers have expressed an interest. He is therefore encouraging farmers to plant more of the fruits so that they, too, can benefit. “My goal is to help the agriculture sector, because I came from a farming background. We want to encourage farmers. “Guyana is a poor country [and] farmers may go for a dollar more from foreign

exporters, but think about the long-run and export good quality, so that more products will be demanded from Guyana.” As a boy, Shivmangal worked on his family’s rice farm in Berbice and worked as a cane-cutter before he migrated to the United States in 1984. After several visits home, he observed coconut being wasted, even in his home county, Berbice. “ We c a l l s o m e t h i n g Pompey nuts. When the coconut begins to grow, “pompey

nut” is the nut that buss eye and grow [and] when you cut it there is something inside and what the inside is, you could eat it – something we call “pompey” [some call it kaja]. “I saw that was throwing away all over the place, because the coconut is not being used. I thought that there was a dire need for a market for this coconut…so I went out to different companies [in North America] to acquire markets.” He said he began buying

coconuts from The Pomeroon in Region Two, and while the quality of the nuts could not meet demanded standards, his company, with the help of its overseas partners, assisted the farmers in supplying what was needed to improve the quality of coconuts. Compass International is also thankful to parent company Caribbean I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d i n g Company, for assistance in becoming one of the major coconut export companies in Guyana.

Coconuts being loaded into a container for export

HINDS’SIGHT

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

Dr David Hinds

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The narrative of ‘self and the other’ is deeply embedded in our political psyche

THIS past week, I had the rare distinction or non-distinction of being simultaneously described by former president Donald Ramotar as a “PPP hater” and “PNC Lover” and by many PNC supporters as a “Burnham basher,” who is out to soil the good name of the former president and his party. Both sides were responding to the same comments I made in relation to the history of State violence in Guyana. I have long known that when it comes to politics, Guyanese generally read and see the same things very differently. This is what the fusion of party politics and ethnicity does to the psyche of a country. I have long come to the conclusion that there is a hard-core segment of Guyanese society, predominantly African-Guyanese, that would never under any circumstances come to grips with the fact that the PNC and its founder-leader, Mr Forbes Burnham, committed excesses when they occupied the seat of government. The debate over the Rodney CoI Report has reconfirmed this feeling. This same segment of the population would give the party and the leader every credit for every positive development, small and large, that occurred in Guyana between 1964 and 1992. The leader gets credit for every positive thing, but is denied the same for the negatives. In fact, many would deny that any negative developments occurred during that period. We know that that is not humanly possible, but in our pursuit of hero-worship, we silence reason. That kind of popular political instinct comes from a particular place. It is both a response to and defence against a similar instinct that resides on the other side of the political divide. Dr Jagan and the PPP are constantly constructed by a mainly Indian-Guyanese segment as incorruptible, saintly and devoid of any political immorality. The party and the leader are presented as the opposite of the deeply flawed Burnham-PNC. As President Ramotar puts it when asked about State Violence under the PPP: “I want to make it clear that the PPP was never involved in any State violence and had nothing to gain from that. Crum-Ewing and McKinnon did not threaten us. None of them threatened the PPP politically. And that is not how we operate…we have always believed in the strength of our arguments and Hinds by his comments has degenerated into a PPP hater who wants to divert attention from the Rodney report and start sharing blame as if both parties are guilty of State violence, which is utter nonsense. He has now become a PNC lover. And

therefore to make them look good he has to cast aspersions upon the PPP.” (Kaieteur News February 29). At one level the former president could not possibly believe what he said, but at another level he has to believe it. To not do so is to condemn himself and by extension his party and the governments they had formed, and self-condemnation is one of the hardest things for human beings to do. The PPP has to create haters and lovers in order to maintain its narrative—they point out what happened under our watch, not because it happened at all, but because they hate us. And if they hate us, they must logically love our rivals. This PPP-type of narrative comes from the same place of defence against and response to the other side. Over time it becomes political culture and instinct—political truth. Successive generations sip the brew and become intoxicated. But who can blame them? If you are African- Guyanese of a certain age, you remember the excesses of the 1957-64 PPP government and you form your notion of government by the other side. It is the same if you are Indian-Guyanese of a certain age who lived through the 1964-92 period and African-Guyanese who lived through the 1992-2015 era. This narrative of self and the other is deeply embedded in our political psyche. It varies in its intensity within the respective groups, but it’s there. It gets very crazy at times. We divide the Government and State between theirs and ours. Theirs are bad and ours are good—good versus evil. Speaking of Rodney, his greatest sin in the eyes of those who are wedded to the African- Guyanese narrative, is that he, an African, opposed an African government. The anti-Rodney narrative in the African-Guyanese community fuses three sometimes contradictory elements. First, the Comrade Leader had nothing to do with his demise. Second, he was wrong to oppose his fellow Black leader. Why Rodney couldn’t work with Burnham rather than opposing him, they ask. They conveniently forget that one segment of Rodney’s party, ASCRIA and Kwayana, worked closely with Burnham during the years 1964-71 and that that relationship ended over ASCRIA’s perception that the government and State were becoming authoritarian. The point is that by the time Rodney arrived in 1974, the government had already gone astray. And what is also forgotten is that thousands of African-Guyanese joined Rodney’s resistance against the very government they voted for. Guyana’s politics are not as simplistic as the dual-narrative suggests.

As an African-Guyanese, I am pleading with the African-Guyanese community not to descend to the point of justifying Government and State violence. As a people who have for 400 years been victims of extreme forms of State Violence and still are, we have to set an example to others both in terms of our conduct in government and in our outrage against official violence. We have to value all lives, including the lives of those opposed to our views. We Africans are a diverse people and have always generated diverse ideas—it is one of our beauties. And if we have not learned by now how to treat with that diversity of thought and action without resort to mindless violence, we will be forever doomed. Let us learn to love our idols without hating their rivals. There has to be a way to praise Burnham’s virtues without denigrating Rodney. And there has to be a way to look at our past, the good and the not-so-good aspects of it, straight in the eye and acknowledge both our beauty and our ugliness. The ultimate test of humanity is our ability to be human even in the face of adversity. Many are asking for us to move on, but we cannot move on in denial; we have to be honest with ourselves. We can learn from our poetic voice, Martin Carter, who penned the following thought— I turn to the histories of men and the lives of peoples/ I examine the shower of sparks the wealth of the dreams./I am pleased with the glories and sad with the sorrows /rich with the riches, poor with the loss./From the nigger yard of yesterday, I come with my burdens/ To the world of tomorrow I turn with my strength. I am also calling on our political leaders to do better. Now is the time for visionary leadership. The role of the leader is not only to run a government, but to be a source of reason. As political leaders we have to find a way to quarrel less and reason more. Difference is normal, but when we attach bad meaning to difference it becomes dangerous. Guyana has to learn quickly how to deal with differences in our politics. Our leaders have to set the example and if they do, our society would be a healthier place More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

No evidence – another accused goes free

IANA Noble, who was an alleged victim of an assault to commit murder at Wismar by accused Jennifer Warden in 2010, on Friday refused to testify against Warden. As a consequence, there was no evidence given against Warden and she was freed. The incident took place at the Demerara Assizes before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry midway through the trial Friday morning, when the complainant informed the court that

she no longer wanted to testify against the accused. The complainant told the prosecution that her action was not the result of anyone forcing her to do or say anything and that what was done was her work and no one else. After hearing this, the prosecution decided not to offer further evidence in the matter. Justice Sewnarine then told the jury that as a result of

what had transpired, the Law provided that she, the judge, must direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused. Later, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty in favour of the accused, Jennifer Warden. State counsel Michael Sharoud and Orenthia Schmidt conducted the case for the prosecution. Linden Amsterdam represented the accused.

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Private sector disputes Guyana’s ranking on Corruption Index - ABC diplomats say index useful for gov’t

By Ariana Gordon THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Friday made it vehemently clear that it is not in agreement with Guyana’s ranking on the International Corruption Perception Index (CPI). Guyana is ranked 119 on the Index put out by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International, and garnered a score of 29. Guyana has over the years received a poor rating on the Index. But the PSC said the findings cannot be viewed as credible, as it speaks to a “perception” and not necessarily the reality on the ground. Member of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia, did not hesitate in making it clear that he personally has a problem with the Index. “I take great offence to that report and I would say to you that we have never been approached by the people who do those surveys to get our opinions. “We don’t know where they are getting that opinion and so the Corruption Perceptions Index is one which seems to be lopsided,” remarked Gouveia. He was at the time speaking at a press conference hosted by the PSC and various diplomatic missions here. The PSC member made it clear that the private sector should be consulted in the preparation of the Index. He said, those conducting the survey are doing so in isolation from the varying sections of society. “It should be compulsory that you engage the private

sector,because if there is any corruption taking place then the formal private sector would be in the middle of it.” Mr Gouveia, however, agrees that there are necessary steps that must be taken in order for Guyana to enjoy a better ranking on the Index, such as the operationalisation of the Procurement Com-

private sector. British High Commissioner Gregg Quinn said the report should be of good use to the government as it points to areas where improvements can be made. Quinn acknowledged that the PSC should have been consulted, but said that does not negate the fact that the report is valuable.

is being used for. Hunte said once used correctly, it can be valuable. “If someone is taking the [Index] and saying ‘because of this rank, Guyana is more corrupt than X country,’ then that would be an incorrect use of that tool. “But what the tool tells you is how people perceive

view Guyana. Hunt noted that the Index may give an indication as to why Guyana may be facing a more difficult road than some other countries. But despite the explanations provided by the diplomats, the PSC member held strong on his view that the report lacks credibility

Gerry Gouveia, Member of the PSC

Gregg Quinn, British High Commissioner

Bryan Hunt, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy

Daniel Joly, Charge d Affaires of the Canadian High Commission

mission and the effective functioning of the Integrity Commission. “The government could in fact operationalise the Integrity Commission; it has been lingering for the longest while…the Procurement Commission they need to get it done. “We are very pleased that the Ombudsman is working, but when those institutions are functioning, they allow us to undermine that Perception Index because those bodies will speak their facts.” Diplomats have disagreed with the position taken by the

“If people feel that there is a corruption problem, then that by itself is an issue that is worthy of being addressed, because that is the fundamental problem…People believe that there is a corruption problem and that is one of the issues which must not be ignored,” the British High Commissioner stated. The report he said represents the thoughts of the people on what is actually occurring in Guyana. Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, Bryan Hunt, said that it is important to examine what the Index

Guyana and that is important because the way people perceive Guyana, drives investment decisions both from the interior and from the exterior.” The U.S. envoy stated that it is important for the leaders of any country to know the public’s perception. “…it is important to know if you are perceived to be corrupt, to know what you need to change whether that is in policy, media engagement, or public education,” Hunt added, while noting that Index gives a good idea of the way people think and

“It is improper not to consult the private sector… to totally ignore the formal PSC is damaging the image of the country. I have serious problems with the way it is being done,” said Gouveia. “It should be compulsory that you engage the private sector, because if there is any corruption taking place then the formal private sector would be in the middle of it.” In response to Gouveia’s displeasure on the issue, Hunt said, “If the ordinary Guyanese is unaware (of what the government is doing) then

they will give a different response than exists.” Government he noted, may very well need to up its public awareness campaign to keep citizens informed about what it is doing to address the issue of corruption here. Charge d’Affaires, Canadian High Commission, Daniel Joly, said that Investments are driven by corruption perceptions and as such he thinks it is important to fight actual corruption and not the perception of corruption. “I think it is very important that we be seen, and that applies to the private sector, the government and the individuals, not fighting the perception but the actual corruption. That’s why we are supporting Transparency International throughout the world. “The campaign against corruption…wasn’t popular with the previous government, but it underscores the importance of joining efforts against corruption.” The Transparency International Corruption Perception Index of 2015 which was released less than two months ago, stated that while governments have spoken about issues of corruption, little has been done to tackle corruption. Countries such as Guyana, the report said, have illustrated little sign of improvements. Guyana’s score of 29 was a decline from its previous year of 30, but notwithstanding the country did move up in its ranking. In 2014, Guyana was ranked 124 out of 175 countries while last year, it ranked 199 of 168 countries.

Local Gov’t Elections…

PPP Commissioners worried about US$500, 000 bill for elections supplies - says GECOM will review procurement process

By Rabindra Rooplall THE country’s elections body has agreed to review the processes leading to the procurement of ballot paper for use in this month’s Local Government Elections (LGE).

Representatives of the opposition People’s Progress Party (PPP) who sit on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have raised serious questions regarding the procurement of ballot papers, which reportedly cost

US$500, 000. “We have taken a decision; all six commissioners without exception have agreed that this particular procurement of ballot papers and materials for this Please see page 11 ►

PPP members of GECOM, from left, Sase Gunraj, Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick

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Broomes has big broom for mines … education, improved working conditions priorities on her agenda TWO months after being instance. Ministry -- and even while ally touched me and caused transferred to the Minisshe was at the Ministry of me to want to be there and do try of Natural Resources, NOT TRUE Social Protection -- Minis- my best… There are several Minister Simona Broomes Another claim being ped- ter Broomes has seen and women whose husbands died is ready to button her shirt, dled by some sections of heard the stories of count- and left properties and they lace her boots, and move in society and the media is that less miners during what is just lose them because of lack the Guyana mining sector Minister Broomes has mining called ‘open day’, held every of knowledge, and that is a to bring assistance and properties in an Amerindian Wednesday. sad reality,” the Minister told order, and just to ensure area, but this is also not true. “I think me being at the the Guyana Chronicle. that in the not-too-distant Minister Broomes told this Ministry of Natural ReShe said plans are in train future the mining sector in newspaper that she acquired sources serves the country to have ‘open days’ in the Guyana will benefit all the the land in 2005, and the Am- well…,” Minister Broomes interior locations, so that players and will become a erindian community applied said in a recent sit-down miners who have difficulty model industry. for an extension covering that with the Guyana Chron- travelling to the City would This Minister within the area in 2013. icle. be given opportunity to have Ministry of Natural Resourc“I really don’t want to At last Wednesday’s open their grievances heard. This, es is quite aware that it is an get into the details, except day, she had a particularly she said, will feed more acuphill task, one that she can- to say that 90 per cent of the poignant moment when a curate information and assist not achieve on her own; but area the community applied visually-impaired woman the Ministry in making infor her, the vision of the Da- for as extension is owned by walked into the room to tell formed policy decisions. vid Granger Administration miners,” the Minister said. her story of not being alThe technical persons is quite clear, and with the She indicated that both lowed to pay for claims her from the various agencies, leadership of the Minister of claims are politically moti- husband had died and left. particularly from the GGMC Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Minister Broomes is confident that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Initially appointed Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, during her months there, Minister Broomes established herself as a highly effective lead advocate for workers’ rights and a healthy and safe work environment. Her visits to workplaces and engagements with wrongfully dismissed workers have resulted in the righting of a number of wrongs. President David Granger’s move to re-appoint her to the Ministry of Natural Resources, where her primary responsibilities include providing oversight for the maintenance of best practices in the mining sector, is rooted Minister Simona Broomes sharing a moment with visually impaired Winifred in the fact that she is a miner Garraway at last Wednesday’s Open Day session and businesswoman by profession. Noting that she is not vated, and pointed out that The woman, who with the and the Guyana Forestry afraid to confront any issue, she has served the mining in- assistance of a granddaughter Commission, will be at those Minister Broomes, who, prior dustry at every level, includ- kept meticulous records, said outreaches. to her entry into mainstream ing being a member of the she almost gave up when a politics was the prime mover Special Land Use Committee daughter who was overseas EDUCATION NEEDED behind the creation of the set up by then President, returned to fight the matter, Minister Broomes said Guyana Women Miners Or- Bharrat Jagdeo. but subsequently died due to the mining industry is at a ganization (GWMO), in JanThe Minister does not illness. Surrounded by her juncture where education is uary 2012, said the claim of demur to admit that she relatives, the woman said needed, and that will be a conflict of interest when she was one of the female min- she saw Minister Broomes primary focus for her. was appointed to the Min- ers who stood out in the as a second chance, and the “I am pleased to anistry was just that -- a mere industry, as she was a miner Minister vowed Winifred nounce that our target and claim. She revealed that the who ensured that she read Garraway will be assisted; aim of how we will educate Ministry would have received and understood the regula- and once it is proven she had persons will be done in a legal advice on the issue from tions, and never ‘rolled over been wronged, it would be more direct manner; meaning a lawyer, who made it clear and died’ when faced with righted. that we will take the eduthat the issue of conflict of an obstacle. “This woman was pushed cation to the fields, which I interest does not arise in her Since moving to the around several times…it re- think was what was lacking

PPP Commissioners worried about ... ◄ From page 10 year and the whole process of when it started to when it arrived needs to be investigated,” said GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick. Shadick and the PPP’s other Commissioners Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn addressed the issue at a press conference at the PPP’s Freedom House headquarters in Georgetown. She said that the commissioners have expressed concerns that the appropriate and transparent procurement practices were not followed by GECOM, which will administer Local

Government elections on March 18. “The just concluded procurement of ballot papers and other election materials from printers in Canada for the imminent LGE has given cause for serious alarm,” Shadick stated. She said that though the materials arrived on time, the estimated cost increased overall more than 25% compared to what was spent to hold general and regional elections last May. Shadick, an attorney-at-law, said recently that she along with other commissioners were at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to observe the arrival of ballot papers,

for many years,” the Minister said. She pointed out that miners are not in Georgetown “sitting by waiting for a meeting to be announced”. They are in the fields, and for decades it appeared as if Guyana is about the coastland. Her aim is to work in conjunction with her colleague, Minister Trotman, to achieve the vision of the Government in the sector. She pointed out that, as Opposition Leader, President Granger would have heard and seen so much about mining; and as the Head of State, he continues to hear and see which brings concern to him. He wants to see a positive change in the industry, and, Minister Broomes said, with Minister Trotman at her side, it can be done, as all the players in the industry will get on board. LAND AVAILABILITY On the issue of making lands available to small miners, Broomes said that, in this area, which was addressed publicly by Minister Trotman, the Ministry will be looking at all the available lands, and the right decisions will be made. She pointed out that the Ministry cannot inform miners which land has gold, but they will know what land is available and would be given time to prospect the said lands before they even apply. She warned against miners receiving properties then selling same out and “continue to cry foul that they don’t have mining properties”. “I think better days are ahead for miners, but they have to be more responsible,” the Minister said as she added that miners cannot “just go on people’s properties and raid, and don’t see a position from GGMC and get your permission to work”. In the past, there was not such a rush, but “now it is a different time, and you have to step it up”, the Minister said. She pointed out that there are certain basic guidelines that miners must follow, and they must take the steps to safeguard their

investments. “You know the right thing, you do the right thing; and once you do the right thing, you make it easier for yourself. So I would want to encourage miners to do the right thing; and be reminded that mining is not a hustle, mining is a business, and they have to see it as a business and work within the rules and regulations,” the Minister said. She declared that some miners are fully aware of the regulations, but they continue to flout them, hoping they would be given a pass. She pointed out that if a miner is breaching the law, she, as a Minister, cannot ask the mines officer not to apply the regulations. “If we do that, then we will be guilty of doing the same things that happened before us,” she stated. The Ministry is in the process of creating a Compliance Division, which already has a Director in the name of Derrick Lawrence. The Minister made it clear that the division is not about “being police and soldiers and going out there with batons and guns”, but over the years, compliance with mining and forestry regulations has been lax. FIGHTING TIP In recent times, and before she was appointed Minister, the primary purpose of Broomes’s GWMO was raising public awareness of the scourge of trafficking in persons (TIP), which is prevalent in Guyana’s gold-mining regions. Under her leadership, the GWMO rescued a number of girls and women who were alleged victims of trafficking. She told this newspaper that she will continue to fight to address this issue. The Minister noted that TIP falls under the National Task Force headed by the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and the Ministry of Social Protection. She pointed out that she is a member of the taskforce, and, as such, will assist in the fight against this crime.

statements of poll and tally sheets from Canada. Shadick said she took photos and these will be included in the report that would be sent to the forensic auditors. She said GECOM is a budget agency that is allowed to draw down funds directly from the Consolidated Fund and as such there is need for greater scrutiny of accountability procedures. The commissioners also noted that $6M was expended on a lawyer without the body’s approval. After calling for a full investigation into the process, the PPP/C-nominated commissioners stated that GECOM has no proper procurement system or process, since the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) should be used to place all tenders surpassing certain amounts.

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Bartica’s Team Integrity promises greater transparency By Svetlana Marshall HAVING inherited a broken local government system at the level of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Team Integrity is promising the residents of Bartica greater transparency as its members call on the masses to throw their support behind the party at the upcoming Local Government Elections. Come March 18, Team Integrity will be contesting the Local Government Elections in all nine constituencies in the emerging town of Bartica, Region Seven. Under the umbrella of the APNU+AFC coalition, Team Integrity will be contesting in both components of the elections: First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation (PR). Ms Kamal Persaud, Team Integrity’s Deputy Mayoral Candidate, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Friday, said the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), reduced to an Interim Management Committee (IMC) that was poorly managed, to the detriment of residents. Currently Deputy Chairperson of the Bartica IMC, Ms Persaud said that upon entering office approximately four months ago, the new committee, headed by IMC Chairman Gifford Marshall, was faced with a debt of more than $9M -- the accumulation of a $9M lawsuit won by a citizen, and an outstanding debt of close to $1M owed to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for electricity supplied to the NDC Office, the Bartica Municipal Market and the Abattoir. The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) had also sent the IMC a letter indicating that some $906,553 in contributions were outstanding; and the situation was further compounded with the discovery that a mere $147,000 had been left in the Market and General Accounts of the IMC. Though it continues to be a challenge, Ms Persaud said, the IMC has been reducing its financial burdens “one step at a time”. Moving ahead, the APNU+AFC candidate said the residents of Bartica can continue to expect, at the level of the IMC, the high levels of integrity and transparency which the coalition representatives are currently displaying. TIME FOR CHANGE “Residents are tired of the old system. Persons get into office and they do as they like; there is no accountability, no respect for taxpayers, and in some cases they can’t

tain of garbage had, in the past, covered the main access road, but the IMC has managed to clear the road and have garbage contained within the realm of the dumpsite. More work, however, needs to be done. “We have managed to clear the road, and we have made it more accessible. We have been able to remove the build-up of garbage from the roadside with the hope that residents do not dump their garbage just at the entrance, as was the case in the past,” she explained. FUTURE PLANS

APNU+AFC Team Integrity Deputy Mayoral Candidate, Kamal Persaud even ask how their monies are being spent. But this will not be the case once we are voted into office,” Ms Persaud assured. She noted that APNU+AFC will remain accountable to the people of Bartica, and by extension the rest of Guyana. Team Integrity, it was pointed out, comprises a group of individuals who have long been championing the need for the issues affecting Bartica to be addressed. “We are a team comprising persons of different aspects of life. One thing that is grounded among us is that we have a natural love for our community. Most of us have been social activists who have lobbied not now, but years gone by, for key issues affecting Bartica to be addressed,” she posited. Though, the current IMC has been in office for only four months, it has made significant progress in meeting the needs of residents, Ms Persaud said. The Byderabo Dumpsite, which continues to be a major health and environmental hazard, is being rectified. The moun-

An area once covered with overgrown vegetation is being cleared in Bartica

Ms Persaud said the IMC is working to have the dumpsite relocated. “Our future plan is to have the dumpsite relocated. Once in office, we will convert the Byderabo Dumpsite into a green site, (and would begin) harvesting solar energy from that area. There is an area marked for a landfill site 13 miles up the Bartica/Potaro Road, close to an area we call St Mary’s, within the boundaries of Bartica,” she explained. The unreliable supply of electricity is another issue that has been plaguing Bartica for many years, much to the dissatisfaction of residents. In fact, Ms Persaud said she was one of the residents who used to constantly protest and call on the then PPP/C Government for a new power station. According to the APNU+AFC candidate, the protest did not end when the Administration changed. She explained that presentations were made at the level of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company and Central Government. Consistent with the Government’s plans to ‘Green Bartica’, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, through a public tender process, has already received 22 bids from independent power producers to design and develop a generation system utilising an appropriate renewable energy technology or combination of technologies under a build-own-operate-and-transfer (BOOT) agreement to supply 1.5 MW of power to the GPL Bartica Grid. The four-month-old IMC has already cleaned a number of kokers, drains and parapets in Bartica. Roads which were once impassable have been resurfaced with the help of corporate citizens. The resource centre at Byderabo, which was also in a state of disrepair, has been repaired with the instillation of telephone and Internet services for the benefit of students, in addition to the restoration of the playground at the Bartica Bandstand, Ms Persaud disclosed.

Nothing like a good ‘ole’ afternoon swing. This boy is playing at one of the play grounds just on the bank of the Essequibo River

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

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Sunday March 6th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Monday March 7th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday March 8th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

President adds weight to Bartica Local Gov’t race

President David Granger greets candidates for the APNU+AFC coalition Saturday. (Svetlana Marshall photo) By Svetlana Marshall The commissioning ceremony for a 50-seater school bus in Bartica was Saturday afternoon transformed into an electrifying Local Government Elections Campaign meeting with the coalition government seeking backing for its candidates. “Is Holbert Knights here?” President David Granger asked as he took the stage on Third Avenue, Bartica before a multitude of people, reminding them not to vote for an individual who would have failed them in a past. Knights is a former Region Seven chairman who now leads Bartica Green Independence Alliance (BIGA), one of the groups contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections. He reminded the residents that it was the APNU and the AFC, while still in the Opposition, that fought vigorously for the return of Local Government Elections which was last held in 1994. “We worked together in the Parliament. We have crafted Local Government Elections Bills. We gave the former Government a deadline they must hold Local Government Elections by the 1st August, 2014 and when they didn’t do that, we went on the streets and picketed,” he recalled. He said the APNU and AFC united in a push for Local Government Elections, not because the parties wanted to win, but because the citizens of Guyana deserve to have an effective Local Government System. Alluding to the candidates for the coalition APNU+AFC, the President said, “even if these people in front of you don’t perform, move them and put another set after three years, but the choice is yours, and we are not taking away that choice from you, we are giving you a choice.” “If we do not stay united, somebody is going to ride a Trojan Horse into this town, a Trojan Horse; they want you to think it is a gift but the gift is in unity.”

President Granger was modest in his delivery but it was Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally that stood in the face of the Opposition much to the satisfaction of the cheering crowd. Minister Trotman, in a very thrilling speech, told the residents that in everything in life there is order. “I accept that there is one supreme God...and there is one Government, there is one President, there is one party in power, there is one opposition against the party in power, and if there is any other group standing with that Opposition, it is against the Government,” the Natural Resources Minister declared. He said Region Seven will experience unprecedented growth, pointing out that the feasibility study on the road from Parika to Goshen is near completed. Additionally, he said, a road from Bartica to Mahdia will be built along with a new stelling with commercial space and a new generating capacity to bring an end to power outages in the area. Before returning to his seat, he reminded the residents to trust their leadership, be disciplined, be focused and fight for what they believed in. Minister Ally reminded the residents that the coalition’s symbol is the hand in the key, stating clearly that APNU+AFC is a national coalition with competent representatives all the regions of the country. “I am proud to acknowledge that our local leaders here are working assiduously to make Bartica a place where you are proud of. Already you are seeing the transformation of Bartica from what is use to be…,” she pointed out. She said while it is a good thing to aspire for power and upward mobility, it must be done in unity. “We extended the olive branch for a little group who call themselves BIGA to unite with us but it did not happen, but today I call on

all Bartica to unite because in unity there is strength,” Minister Ally said while imploring them to join the APNU+AFC. “Do not split your voters!” she further urged them, stating that if that is done, avenues would be opened for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to slip in. “You must say no to the PPP! We have ensured 23 years of corruption, bad governance, thievery, discrimination, hardship, nepotism, favorism… and we cannot afford to go back there, we have to move forward.” Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, who were all present echoed similar sentiments, calling on Barticians to vote wisely in May 18 Local Government Elections.

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Wapichan people in new push to secure ancestral lands THE Indigenous people from 15 communities of the Wapichan tribe in the South Rupununi -- women, youth, village leaders and elders -- met in the mixed Makushi/Wapichan village of Shulinab last Wednesday and Thursday, and have joined a global campaign in support of Indigenous peoples and community land rights. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Wapichan people disclosed that their claim is 2.8 million hectares of ancestral territory in the Rupununi Savannahs and tropical forest of the Upper Essequibo Basin. “Since I was a little girl, I used to hear my daddy talking about the land; naming our creeks, rivers and mountains,” Elizabeth Andre of Aishalton village said. “I never believed that after all this time -- which is nearly 60 years now -- nothing would have been done to properly protect our territory. “We look to our new government to take action now. We have waited long enough.” The Wapichan people have title to about 15 percent of what they say is their ancestral territory. They say that untitled collective land remains vulnerable to aggressive land grabbing, destructive logging, and illegal mining. Wapichan villages have, over the last two decades, stepped up their efforts to mobilise their people to protect and secure their territory against land grabbers and

destructive development. According to the statement, many villagers and leaders present at the meeting called for fair and effective actions to title their collective land. “We want all our lands titled together. We do not want divisions and gaps. We want our lands whole. My mother is very elderly. I want her to see our territory legally recognized, so she may die peacefully, knowing that our people and our future generations are secure on our collective land,” Ms Andre added. The Wapichan people have pointed to a number of activities which threaten their way of life, including destructive mining around Marudi Mountain and the movement of Brazilian gold miners close to pristine forest areas around Blue Mountain, a sacred site of the Wapichan people. RESPONSE In responding to these challenges, participants have underlined the collective support of all their villages for membership of the Global Call to Action on Indigenous Community Land Rights, launched last week by Indigenous peoples, communities and a coalition of international social justice and development NGOs, including Oxfam, Rights and Resource Initiative, and Forest Peoples Programme. Paulinus Albert, Toshao of Potarinao Village and Chairperson of the South and South Central Rupununi Districts Toshao Council, said: “By joining this global campaign for Indigenous

and community land rights, our villages aim to raise the national and global profile of our long struggle for this Wapichan territory. “We want the whole of Guyana and the world to know how much we love our land, and how we need it fully secured for our present and future generations to come.” The gathering of the Wapichan villages applauded President David Granger for his written agreement to hold formal discussions between the government and Wapichan representative organisations on steps needed to legally secure their collective territory. G a v i n Wi n t e r, g r e a t grandson of the late Henry Winter, who had submitted the Wapichan land claim to the Amerindian Lands Commission in 1967, said: “the Independence Agreement with Britain required that issues relating to Amerindian land rights be resolved through secure land title over our traditional lands. This Agreement has still not been fully implemented. Most of our traditional Wapichan territory in the South Rupununi remains untitled and insecure. In the year of the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, our villages want the land issue settled once and for all. “We welcome the President’s commitment to start talks with the Wapichan people on measures to settle our land issue. We are seeking a fair, open and effective settlement process that will fully recognize our collective land

Wapichan women and children gesture outside the Shulinab meeting place for the Global Call to Action on Indigenous Peoples and Community Land Rights rights and enable us to own, govern and control this territory that we call Wapichan wiizi.” The Wapichan people hope to hold preliminary discussions with the government in the coming weeks, paving

Wapichan people at last week’s Global Call to Action on Indigenous Peoples and Community Land Rights

the way for formal talks by May. The villages are hopeful that a ‘good faith’ process can be agreed for delimitation, demarcation and titling of all of their territory, in line with Indigenous peoples’ rights and international standards. The villages are also asking that the Norwegian-funded Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project, implemented by the UNDP, adopt participatory and rights-based approaches to advance land titling, to the full satisfaction of the communities and in compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In a speech to the villagers and Wapichan land rights campaigners, Nicholas Fredericks, Toshao of Shulinab village, said: “UNDP and Norway have to be sure that their land titling project is fully in line with our rights, as established in the Constitution of Guyana and in international treaties signed by our country. There is a genuine op-

portunity now, with the land talks planned and the ALT project, to set best practice for securing Indigenous peoples’ lands and territories in Guyana and other countries…We stand ready for the talks, and we will continue to push for land rights justice for our people.” The Wapichan people are settled in 17 communities, and make a living from small-scale farming, hunting, fishing, and gathering, combined with free-range ranching, a little cash cropping (mainly peanuts) and traditional artisanal mining for cash income. The Wapichan villages have jointly sought full legal recognition of their lands since before Guyana gained independence from Britain in 1966. In 1967, village leaders submitted a petition for collective legal title over their entire territory, to the Amerindian Lands Commission which was tasked under the Independence Agreement to settle Amerindian land claims.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

The house destroyed by fire (Nafeeza Yahya photo)

Fire destroys Corentyne house - family of three left homeless

By Nafeeza Yahya FIRE of unknown origin struck just after 02:00hr on Saturday, completely destroying a two-storey house at Bush Lot, Corentyne Coast and leaving a family of three homeless. A nearby house was also severely damaged, leaving the residents there contemplating their losses. Reports are that the fire began in the kitchen, located in the lower flat of the two-storey wooden building, and quickly swept through the entire house. At time of the fire, no one was at home. Vijai Mahadeo, who resided at the house with his pregnant wife and son, spent the night at his mother’s home. Mahadeo said that by the time he got the call about the fire, it was

too late for him to save anything. “Everything was lost,” he said. A resident who, with the help of other neighbours, assisted in forming a bucket brigade, said the fire tender took a while to reach the scene, and by that time the house next door was already on fire, so the bucket brigade diverted its energy to save the other home. He said the fire fighters had difficulty accessing water, and the entire house was engulfed; but after a while, they managed to source some water. Meanwhile, the neighbour whose house was partially destroyed has estimated her losses in hundreds of thousands of dollars. She said part of

the home was saved, since other neighbours formed a bucket brigade and used water from another neighbour’s pool to soak her house. She said the fire and heat were very intense, and the rear of her home and the kitchen in the lower flat were destroyed. The woman said that after hearing the sound of a vehicle alarm and the shouts of fire, she hurriedly grabbed her two kids, alerted her brother and sister, and they all quickly exited the home. When this publication visited the scene, family members were assessing their losses, removing the debris, damaged clothing and other articles from the upper flat as they contemplated their next move.

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Chase Academy awards scholarship to GABA THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association(GABA) emphasis on its nursery of boxing has been given a shot in the arm as top Georgetown private school

Chase Academy, has offered a scholarship to a young pugilist. This was disclosed yesterday by GABA president Steve Ninvalle who indicated

that after formal talks with Administrator/Principal of the institution, Henry Chase, the latter “graciously and unhesitatingly” accepted the association’s proposal.

Chase Academy will make the scholarship available to a young boxer participating in the upcoming International Schoolboys and Juniors tournament. GABA has planned the Caribbean’s first Schoolboys and Juniors tournament for April 29 and 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. “If we are to have better athletes, then the emphasis must be academics and sports. It is only through such a marriage that the full potential of our sportsmen and women can be realised,”

Ninvalle declared. The GABA head noted that it is not the first time that Chase Academy, which has a prominent and strong sports programme, has assisted young sportspersons. “We have observed Mr. Chase’s magnanimity over the years and are heartened by his decision to assist the boxing fraternity. My personal hope is that this creates the catalyst which allows for more civic- minded persons to come on board.” According to Ninvalle, the modalities of the scholarship would be worked out

depending on the age of the selected boxer. In recent times, Chase Academy has been dominating the country at schools cricket and football. Next month’s competition has attracted interest across CARICOM, as there has been a paucity of action in the Region’s junior department. So far Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia have confirmed participation. GABA has named a 40man squad to train for possible selection to represent this country in the competition.

West Indies women lose to South Africa by 11 runs THE West Indies women, chasing a mere 126 for victory in the first game of a Twenty20 series against South Africa fell 11 runs short even after some heroic batting from Deandra Dottin. Batting first at Kingsmead, the Proteas were bolstered by Lizelle Lee’s 35 from 32 deliveries, while opener Dane van Niekirk got 22 from 25. Cameos from Trisha Chetty, 20 from 47, and Sune Luus, 16 not out, also helped the Proteas cause against the bowling of Haley Matthews 2-24, and Anisha Mohammed, 2-23. While Tremayne Smartt went wicketless, her spell of four overs was brilliant, accounting for just 14 runs. In response, the Caribbean side struggled to 16-4 with Shabnim Ismail ripping through the top order, accounting for the wickets of Kycia Knight, 8, Stafanie Taylor, 4, and Matthews, 0.

When Kyshona Knight was dismissed by Odine Kirsten, things looked grim. Dottin, 40, and Stacy-Ann King, 29, pulled off a remarkable recovery job to leave the West Indies women in good shape at 87-4. However, when King went with the score on 88 and Dottin lost her wicket to van Niekirk with the score on 89, the tide had shifted. Shermaine Campbelle, 16 not out, and Shaquana Quintyne, 10, tried to swing the game back to the West Indies but the run rate had simply climbed too high for new batters to the crease. Van Niekirk with 2-19 was brilliant as her wickets broke the back of the innings. The West Indies will attempt to get it right against the Proteas today when they meet in the second game of the series. (Sportsmax.com)

Colts, Bulls advance ... From back page quarter (15 – 14). Welch, who ended the night with a game-high 39 points helped the Bulls to outscore the Jets 20 – 15 in the second quarter, and closed the half leading 35 – 29. The Jets, with a better front court than the Bulls, rallied behind their “bigs” Javon Nelson (19 points), Joel (15) and Alister Webster (12 points, nine rebounds), to score 19 points in the third stanza; two more than their counterparts, but still trailed 52 – 48. The final period belonged to the Bulls with Welch going on a rampage and was virtually unstoppable in the back court for the Jets. Defensively, the Bulls were just as

good, as they were offensively in the fourth quarter as they went to on to outscore the Jets 29 – 18. The opening game was a one-sided contest. Block 22 Flames put up no resistance to Colts, with the exception of the first period when they only tailed behind 17 – 19. However, being outscored 3 – 22 in the second period, the Linden team found themselves falling in an impossible position to come back, going into the second half 41 – 20. National Junior point guard Stanton Rose, who led all scorers with 19 points on the night, helped the Colts to finish 58 – 35 to end the third quarter and finally closing the game with a 22 – 10 blitz in the fourth quarter. (Rawle Toney)

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EIGHT EIGHTS IN the history of Test cricket, there have been eight occasions on which a bowler has taken eight wickets in an innings on debut. Two of them-Australia’s Bob Massie and India’s Narendra Hirwani-have each done it twice and occupy the top two positions with the best match figures by a player in his maiden Test. Massie swung his way to fame with eight for 84 and eight for 53 against England at Lord’s in 1972,while Hirwani spun his web into the record books with eight for 61 and eight for 75 against the West Indies at Madras (Chennai) in 1987-88. In terms of match analysis, Hirwani is ahead of Massie by a single run with 16 for 136 as against 16 for 137. However, some 77 years before Massie enthralled the world with his magical movement through the air and off the pitch, another Aussie captured an eight-wicket haul in his first Test. Albert Edwin Trott was a Victorian who could bowl anything from fast to slow and spun the ball vigorously. He was a left-hander with a low round-arm action and an effective lower-order batsman good enough to be classified as an all-rounder. In the 1894-95 Ashes series in Australia, he was drafted into the team for the third Test at Adelaide after England had won the first two games of the five-match series. Australia batted first and compiled a respectable 238 with Trott strolling to an unbeaten 38 batting at number 10 in the order. England were then shot out for a low-keyed 124 with the debutant sending down only three overs for nine runs without any rewards-no hint of what his performance would be like in the second innings. With a lead of 114, Australia racked up a commanding 411 (Trott 72 not out) setting England a mammoth 526 for victory. They were blown away for a pitiful 143 and lost by a huge 382 runs with Trott being almost unplayable. He opened the bowling, as he did in the first innings, and with a combination of speed, spin, variation and control claimed eight wickets for 43 runs off 27 overs. When the last man came in to bat, Trott must have fancied his chances of taking nine wickets, but that was not to be. Ironically, it was Trott who took the catch to dismiss the last man and end the game. The bowler was his captain George Giffin, who also took the other wicket in the innings. Trott played in the two remaining Tests of the series, but for some unknown reason was overlooked for the tour of England later in 1885-even with his brother Harry Trott at the helm. A few years later he travelled to England on his own and soon began playing for Middlesex. In 1899 he played two Test matches for England against South Africa and shortly after, the curtains came down on his career. In 1950, West Indies set out on tour to England to contest four Test matches against the colonial masters, hoping that they would at least break new ground by winning a match or two for the first time on their fourth visit since gaining Test status in 1928. The party included two young and inexperienced spinners-Sonny Ramadhin and Alfred Valentine-who between them had played only two first-class matches and a similar

Inside

number of trial games just prior to leaving the Caribbean. Valentine was a tall, slimly-built, bespectacled left-arm orthodox spinner who kept an immaculate length and gave the ball a sharp tweak. In England, he began slowly, but just prior to the first Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, he claimed match figures of 13 for 67 against Lancashire on the very ground and as a result sealed his place in the starting eleven. England batted first and at lunch on the opening day had lost five wickets-all to Valentine-and were in even further trouble since the innings of the great Sir Len Hutton was temporarily suspended

Alfred Valentine

when he was forced to retire very early in the contest. Trevor Bailey and the wicket-keeper, Godfrey Evans, then put on a face-saving 161 run partnership for the sixth wicket, but once they were separated by Valentine, the end came swiftly and the innings closed at 312. Hutton did re-appear and added a further 24 runs to his score, but he too was undone by the guile of the debutant and was bowled. In fact, he took the first eight wickets to fall ending with eight for 104 from 50 overs of consistent control, generous flight and testing spin. It should be noted that the other two wickets went to his “pal” Ramadhin. The match ended in draw with Valentine bagging another three wickets in the second innings. However, the tone of the series was set as West Indies won the remaining three matches principally on the success of Valentine (33 wickets) and Ramadhin (26 wickets) After the Massie-Hirwani era, the South African all-rounder Lance Klusener was the next “eight-for man” on debut. A tall, right-arm fast-medium bowler, he was chosen for the second Test against India at Kolkata in 1996-97 after his team

Edge

With Edwin Seeraj had lost the first game of the three-match series. South Africa, winning the toss and batting, reached 428 with the openers Andrew Hudson and Gary Kirsten recording hundreds. The Indians replied with 329 on the heels of a composed 109 from the stylist Mohammed Azharuddin and Klusener had figures of nought for 75 off only 14 overs. With Kirsten registering his second century in the match and ably assisted by Daryll Cullinan’s unbeaten 153, South Africa declared at 367 for three wickets setting India 467 runs to win. They were skittled out for a meagre 137 to lose by the wide margin of 329 runs. Only Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were spared the wrath of Klusener as he bowled with great accuracy and skill to capture eight for 64 off 21.3 overs. In his 49 matches, his debut performance remained his best innings and match figures. The final player to join the “eight-wicket club” on debut is the Australian off-spinner Jason Krejza who played his first Test against India at Nagpur in November, 2008. He was not the first-choice spinner and was chosen at the expense of the consistent Stuart Clark as the Australians tried desperately to level the series in the final Test. Although his team lost the match and the series 2-0, he did himself proud even though he conceded more runs than anyone in their maiden Test performance. It should be noted that a year before his entry into the Test arena, he was suspended from pre-season training in South Australia

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as the penalty for being charged for speeding and drunk-driving. He also moved to Tasmania midway through the 2006-2007 season to seek more opportunities to play first-class cricket, since the presence of the trio of Stuart McGill, Nathan Hauritz and Beau Casson limited his appearances. When India batted first only the veteran Sachin Tendulkar and the debutant Murali Vijay escaped the hands of Krejza as they fell to Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson respectively. Bowling with a high-arm action, he was not afraid to flight the ball and generated enough turn and bounce to make seasoned batsmen, weaned on spin, uncomfortable. In a total of 441, he sent down 43.5 overs and secured eight wickets for 215 runs. In the second innings he snared another four victims for 143 to claim match figures of 12 for 358-a truly remarkable effort-that puts him at number four on the all-time list of the best match figures by a debutant. Unfortunately, Krejza played his second and final Test a month later when the Aussies hosted the South Africans at Perth in the first Test of the 2008-2009 series. The visitors romped to a six-wicket victory, reaching 414 for four as they effected the second biggest successful run chase in Test cricket’s history. Krejza, for his part, had a poor game finishing with figures of 1 for 102 off 25 overs and 0 for 102 off 24 overs and was promptly discarded.

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Windies’ Russell set for World T20 despite doping violation By Kayon Raynor KINGSTON, (Reuters)-Andre Russell looks set to play in the World Twenty20 after the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission said on Friday the West Indies all-rounder would not be suspended pending a hearing into his “anti-doping whereabouts” rule violation. The 27-year-old,

named in the West Indies squad for the World Twenty20 in India that starts next week, has missed three doping tests within a 12-month period and faces a possible twoyear ban from cricket if found guilty. “The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has referred the matter regarding Mr. Andre Russell to the Independent Anti-Doping Dis-

ANDRE RUSSELL

Azeez five-for sets up huge win for Lions over Mavericks ...Tigers, Bears and Buffaloes record big victories also EAST Bank Lions captain Johnny Azeez captured 5-17 to send West Demerara Mavericks crashing to an eight-wicket defeat in round two of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) sponsored RSI Over-40 T/20 cricket tournament played last Friday. Eon Williams hammered seven fours and three maximums in 81 but when he fell, Mavericks never recovered. From a position of 108-3 they were bowled out for 144 in 19.2 overs, losing their last six wickets for two runs. When Lions took to the crease, Sahadeo Hardiow and Shivnarine Chanderpaul showed intentions of finishing the match early as they were scoring at 10 runs per over in the first eight overs. Hardiow fell for 36, but together with the new batsman, Saheed Mohamed, Chanderpaul continued pressing for an early finish.

Chanderpaul was eventually caught on the long-off boundary for an even 50 in the 14th over. Nonetheless, Mohamed continued and finished the match in the 16th over, with his personal score being 45. At the Zeeburg ground, Upper East Coast Tigers defeated West Coast Demerara Seals by 20 runs. Batting first, Tigers compiled 192-5 with Eon Abel and Mustaq Shah making 64 each. Abel hit five boundaries and five sixes, while Shah had seven boundaries and two sixes. Latchman Yadram found the boundary six times in his 39. Bowling for Seals, Rampersaud Shivpersaud took 3-20. Seals were keeping up with the run chase for most of the innings, but their overs expired at 172-7. Their innings was built on the back of Shivpersaud who was unbeaten on 101, with eight boundaries and five maximums. Wasir Khan contributed 27.

Georgetown Buffaloes overcame Upper East Bank Colts by six wickets at the Everest ground. Colts made 146-8, with Sanjeev Datadin top-scoring with 62. Buffaloes’ captain Lenny Messiah grabbed 3-9 and Wilfred Whyte accounted for 2-13. Buffaloes reached the target comfortably with Rodolph Baker hitting a half century (57) and Reginald Rodrigues scoring 42. At the Lusignan ground, Georgetown Bears registered a 17-run win over Lower East Coast Bulls. Bears took first strike and posted 139-8. Jason Melville was the main scorer with 49, while Daniel Harricharran contributed 22. In reply, Bulls were bundled out for 122 with Chandrika Jeenarine making 51. Carlos Reid and Mark Ferreira accounted for three and two wickets respectively. The third round is slated for Friday, March 11.

All in place for Budhan’s horse race meet today ALL is set for today’s grand one-day horserace meet organised by the Budhan Memorial Turf Club. The meet is slated for the club’s Track at No. 66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The seven-race meet has attracted over 60 of the country’s best race horses, and according to organisers, the day’s event is expected to be a real family day of outing. The event, which will be governed by the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, will be contested for over three million dollars in cash and prizes. The feature event of the day will be

the J1 and Lower race, which will carry a first- place package of $250,000. Other races slated for the day include: J3 and lower, K2 and lower, L1 and lower, L2 and lower, Three-Year Old Guyana Bred and the Unclassified. Organisers informed this media outfit that the turf’s track is in excellent condition and all systems are in place for a grand day of horse racing. Admission to the venue is $1000 for adults and $300 for children. Programmes will be distributed free of cost. Race time is 12:30 hrs.

ciplinary Panel,” JADCO executive director Carey Brown said in a statement on Friday. “The Commission is awaiting a date for the hearing. Mr. Russell has not been provisionally suspended.” P re c e d e n t w o u l d suggest that the panel, chaired by Kent Pantry, is unlikely to set a hearing date until long after the World Twenty20 is

concluded on April 3. Russell, who helped West Indies win the 2012 World Twenty20, is therefore likely to be available for the opening Super 10 match against England in Mumbai on March 16. Athletes must tell their local anti-doping agency where they will be for at least one hour each day to facilitate drug tests, World An-

ti-Doping Agency rules state. If an athlete misses three drug checks within a 12-monthperiod, that counts as a positive test. Russell, who last month helped Islamabad United win the Pakistan Super league and was named man of the tournament, also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Beckenbauer denies any wrongdoing

BERLIN, (Reuters)-Former organising chief Franz Beckenbauer denied any wrongdoing yesterday in an affair involving the 2006 World Cup in Germany and said he knew nothing of a multi-million payment to a disgraced former FIFA official in Qatar. The World Cup-winning player and coach is in the spotlight after a German FA (DFB)-commissioned report on Friday showed a payment of 10 million Swiss francs in 2002 to a firm whose sole owner then was Mohamed Bin Hammam, the former president of the Asian Football Confederation who was banned from all soccer-related activity in December 2012. The World Cup affair, which has shocked soccer-mad Germany, was triggered by the payment from the DFB to FIFA in 2005 which the DFB said last year was the return of a loan via FIFA from former Adidas chief Robert Louis-Dreyfus. Der Spiegel magazine alleged it was repayment of a loan used to buy votes in the 2000 election for the 2006 World Cup. Beckenbauer told Bild newspaper’s Sunday edition there was no attempt to buy votes in 2000 to get the World Cup awarded to Germany, a claim echoed by the report by Freshfields law firm that found no proof of any vote buying. “Definitely not for that. We did not buy votes. It (payment) was about a provision of security,” Beckenbauer claimed. “In order to get a financial contribution from FIFA. Otherwise there would not be a World Cup in Germany.” Beckenbauer’s claim, however, has been rejected by both FIFA and the DFB with the report saying the 6.7 million euro payment to FIFA equalling at the time about 10 million Swiss francs was then sent straight on to the late Louis-Dreyfus.

There was also a separate payment in 2002 which appeared in Friday’s 361page report to Bin Hammam’s Kemco scaffolding company in Qatar. The money left Beckenbauer’s shared account with his then advisor Robert Schwan and went via a Swiss law firm’s account to Kemco. “Nothing,” he said when asked what

FRANZ BECKENBAUER he know about that transfer. “Robert took care of everything. From changing the light bulbs to the important contracts.” Schwan died in 2002. “I only found out on Wednesday that money had gone to Qatar,” Beckenbauer told the newspaper. DFB interim chief Rainer Koch said on Friday he still did not understand why the money was sent to FIFA. “In hindsight I may have made mistakes. But afterwards you are always smarter,” Beckenbauer said. “But the World Cup was not bought.”

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Soccer lawmakers approve use of video technology By Mike Collett CARDIFF, (Reuters)-Soccer’s lawmakers approved yesterday the use of video technology to aid referees during matches, with a two-year trial run to start no later than the season after next. In the most significant rewriting of the laws of the game for more than 100 years, they also changed the rules on penalty kicks, the so-called triple punishment for denying goal-scoring opportunities and the match kick-off itself. Referees also now have the power to red card players for fighting in the tunnel or on the pitch before a match starts. With the changes coming into force on June 1, any

players involved in that kind of behaviour at this summer’s European championships in France now face being sent off before the ball has been kicked. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s lawmaking body founded in 1886 and some 18 years before FIFA, comprises four members from the world body and one from each of the four British associations. The use of video technology will be allowed in four questionable cases: to determine if a goal has been scored, sendings off, penalties and mistaken identity. “We have taken a really historic decision for football. IFAB and FIFA are now leading the debate and not stopping the debate,” new

FIFA president Gianni Infantino told reporters at a news

FIFA president Gianni Infantino conference. “We have shown we are listening to football and

applying common sense. We have to be cautious but are taking concrete steps forwards to show a new era has started in FIFA and IFAB.” As well as approving the long-debated trials of video technology, the board also agreed a widespread revision of the laws, editing the rulebook from 22,000 to 12,000 words. One of the most significant changes regards the so-called triple-punishment of sending off, penalty and suspension for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity within the penalty area. Now, if the defending goalkeeper or defender makes an obvious challenge for the ball the punishment is downgraded to a yellow

Team Evolution tipped to cart off Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle race top prizes By Michael DaSilva TEAM Evolution is tipped to cart off the hog’s share of the prizes when national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed conducts the 19 th Annual Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle road race in Berbice today. All of Team Evolution’s cyclists are in top shape at the moment and dominating tomorrow’s 50-mile road race should not be a bother. It took the team three races since the start of the 2016 season to find their form. Only just over a week ago, the team dominated the Forbes Burnham Memorial ThreeStage road race held in honour of the Late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, with Raul Leal winning the overall event. Today’s race can see Team Evolution once again

dominating another of a former late Guyana president, this time in the person of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The race is slated to start in front of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s Freedom House office on Main Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, beginning at 09:00hrs. The event which is being sponsored by sporting enthusiasts will have at stake prizes for the top six overall finishers, as well as the top three finishers in the junior, female, veterans and mountain bike categories. The first over 60 years of age rider to cross the finish line will also be rewarded for his effort. The defending overall champion is Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds, who stopped the clock at two hours 38 minutes 29.44 seconds to win the event.

The junior category was won by Raphael Leung, while the mountain bike and female categories were won by Oziah McAully and Marica Dick respectively. Walter Issacs was the first rider over 60 years of age to cross the finish line. L a s t y e a r, A l o n z o Greaves placed second to Hinds in the overall placings, while Raynauth Jeffrey, Robin Persaud, Hamzah Eastman and Raul Leal occupied the other top four places in the overall competition. Andrew Hicks and Christopher Griffith placed second and third respectively in the junior category, while Julio Melville and Deoraj Garbarran was second and third respectively in the mountain bike division. Whitney Poyer and Toshawana Doris was second

and third respectively in the female category. This year, as is usual, the veterans, females and mountain bikers will battle from the starting point ( Main Street, New Amsterdam) to Hog Stye on the Corentyne Coast and turn back to finish at Port Mourant, while the juniors and seniors will engage each other from the starting point and proceed to Number 51 Village, Corentyne, before turning back to finish at Port Mourant. Eight prime prizes are at stake during the course of the event and interested cyclists from Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and Linden are asked to note that transportation from Georgetown to New Amsterdam will leave the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Main Street, Georgetown, at 05:00hrs.

Mohamed ton gives GCC first day honours RIDING high on a superb hundred from Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ended day one of their Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)-sponsored GISE/ Star Rentals/Trophy Stall first division game against Police Sport Club (PSC) in a commanding position. On a flat batting pitch, Mohamed smashed his

way to 124 and anchored GCC to 326-8 declared. It was an innings of maturity which spanned 134 balls, with 17 fours and two sixes. Sachin Singh stroke a compact 62, while Martin Pestano-Bell (42), Manny Ford (28) and Omesh Boodram (21 not out) were the other principal scorers after GCC were sent in to bat. Bowling for PSC

RONALDO ALI-MOHAMED

Vi s h a u l J a i g o b i n claimed 4-64. He received good support from Stephen Harris (2-48), Eon Rodrigues (1-39) and Kevin Leitch (1-54). After the declaration was made, Police reached 46-1 when bails were lifted. Reginald Rodrigues was the batsman dismissed to Denzil Harry for four. PSC trailed GCC first innings by 280 runs.

card rather than an automatic red one. Another change concerns the penalty kick so that if a kicker tries to deceive the goalkeeper by stopping and starting in his run-up, the right to have a retake is removed. Instead, the defending team are awarded an indirect free-kick and the attacking player is yellow carded. If goalkeepers move off their line they will also be yellow carded. As well as conducting experiments with video technology, IFAB have sanctioned further trials allowing a fourth substitute in extra time. The use of sinbins is only continuing in minor agegroup matches and not at the higher, senior level.

David Elleray, the former Premier League referee who is now the head of the English FA’s Referees Committee and the author of the new edition, explained that the existing laws had to be refreshed as they no longer applied to the modern game. “We wanted to bring some common sense to the laws, to reflect what football expects the referees to do today and eliminate the confusion in the game,” he said. “We are giving referees the licence to be closer to the understanding and spirit of the game. We have to move forward. Everyone believes we have been talking too long about these changes and now we have to see what benefits they will bring.”

Notable Dates CRUISERWEIGHT Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite has been away from competitive boxing since October 2012. Braithwaite, the second Guyanese to win a world title, had his last victory on March 6, 2010. He fought Adam Harris at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and needed only one round to dispose of his opponent. Harris lost by a Technical Knock Out (TKO) with one second left in the first round. The southpaw Braithwaite would then rush into two successive defeats which ushered in his unofficial retirement. Fighting back in Guyana following an absence of 14 years, the `Big Truck’ was proven not road worthy against Barbadian Shawn `The Sniper’ Cox. Local fans gathered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on February 25, 2012 were in for a shock as Braithwaite, now fighting in the heavyweight division, was over powered by Cox and knock down three times leading to a first round Knock Out. In October of the same year, Braithwaite moved down back to the cruiserweight division and returned from the USA to battle compatriot Shawn Corbin. The former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion was defeated by Unanimous Decision. Braithwaite has not entered the ring since and will turn 41 in August

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday March 06, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) George Headley (2) Desmond Haynes

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI has most Test hundreds? How many? (2) Which WI has most ODI hundreds? How many?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 6, 2016

GTTA National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships…

‘To whom much is given, much is expected’ - Jones tells players

By Stephan Sookram “TO whom much is given, much is expected.” These were the words of Director of Sport Christopher Jones as he opened the 2016 edition of the National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships yesterday. Ongoing at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) sanctioned tournament which commenced on Friday, had a break on Saturday for a brief opening ceremony, graced by the presence of the NSC boss. And Jones, who was the guest speaker, said the players need to make proud those parents, administrators and coaches who are investing

their time and energies. In his brief remarks, the director opened by recounting words of the wise, while also adding that: “In any competition I consider that you have winners all round, because If you were not a winner, you would not have made it this far.” He continued, “If you do not win first in this competition but you get second or third, it simply means you’ve had a bad day and if you go back the next day, you can very well win first place.” He emphasised discipline as a watch word for the youngsters, saying: “In everything we do, we must demonstrate a level of discipline and respect for the game, because every game

Simmons out of World T20 due to back injury

WEST Indies batsman Lendl Simmons will miss the World Twenty20 after suffering a back injury. The West Indies Cricket Board(WICB) has not yet named a replacement and it is understood that the selectors, led by former captain Clive Lloyd, have not yet agreed on a unanimous choice. Dwayne Smith, who won the Man of the Match in the final of the Pakistan Super League after helping Islamabad United take the title last month, remains a favourite. The selectors, however, could also pick Barbados batsman Jonathan Carter, who was a part of the squad for the 2015 World Cup. Carter, who has only played ODIs for West Indies so far, made his debut in January 2015 against South Africa and went on to play three matches in the World Cup, scoring his only ODI fifty in the tournament. He has scored brisk hundreds for West Indies A and Barbados in the past and has played 51 T20 matches, scoring 906 runs, including one century and five fifties. Simmons is the fourth player from the West Indies squad to be ruled out of the World T20 in India. Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo had earlier withdrawn from the team. Narine, who had been banned from bowling in internationals in November last year due to a suspect action stated cited “insufficient progress in the rehabilitative work” on his action as the reason for his withdrawal. Pollard had not rehabilitated sufficiently from a knee injury he suffered last November, while Bravo pulled out by stating he wanted to focus on Test cricket. Simmons was a part of the West Indies squad for the 2009, 2012 and 2014 editions of the World T20, although he did not play a game in 2012 when the side won the tournament. He has played 34 T20Is since his debut in June 2007, scoring 761 runs at an average of 25.36 with four fifties, and his last game in the format was against South Africa in January 2015. Since his last international appearance, Simmons has played in T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, the Bangladesh Premier League, the Big Bash League and the inaugural Pakistan Super League. In that period, he has scored 1406 runs in 46 matches at an average of 32.69 with 13 fifties. (ESPN Cricinfo)

has rules we must be guided by and once you live your life in discipline, not only in tournaments and competitions, you will demonstrate it in life.” M e a n w h i l e , G T TA president Godfrey Munroe contended that after a four-year hiatus, the tournament is back on the calendar with an aim to crown champions firstly and then

identify talent to represent Guyana at the various international and regional tournaments. At the end of day two yesterday, Jonathan Van Lange took the Novice category for males ahead of Sage Melville and Ravindra Mathura; while on the distaff side, Kiara Stall won ahead of Crystal Mellville and Nickey Melville.

Action continues today from 10:00hrs with the Boys’ Under-11 final,in which Kaysan Ninvalle will play Danesh Persaud, while in the girls’ division, Thuraia Thomas and Kassia Liverpool will play for the trophy. In the girls’ Under-13 division, Nevaeah Clarkston beat Abagail Martin and Jamay Johnson, while in the

boys’ division, Ninvalle will play Nyron Bisso. In the Under-15 finals round-robin play off, Vincente Henery, Terrance Rausch, Nicholas Romain, and Ninvalle have moved onto the quarter-final. The Under- 15 girls will see Selenas Jackman playing Clarkston in the final with the presentation ceremony set for 15:00hrs

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (Front row, centre) poses for a picture with the players in the GTTA National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships.

Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors remain unbeaten

...double-header tonight at GDF Ground SLINGERZ FC and Fruta Conquerors kept their unbeaten run in the STAG Elite League Finale, after securing wins on Friday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground. While Fruta Conquerors earned a 2 – 1 win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to pick up their second win in three matches, Slingerz FC ensured that their perfect start to the second half of the league continues to be unblemished following their 2 – 0 win over the home side (GFC).

Playing in the opening game of the double-header, Jahall Greaves put the Tucville-based club in the lead with his goal in the 18th minute and Shaquille Agard doubled the lead in the 35th minute. Delwin Fraser scored the army’s lone goal in the 68th minute. It was Coach Denzil Thompson team’s second loss of the league (Finale) and has now dropped to fifth place on the table behind leaders Slingerz FC, Alpha United, Fruta Conquerors and Pele FC. Meanwhile, Vurlon Mills (26th) and

Trayonn Bobb (43rd) netted in Slingerz FC win over GFC as they moved to nine points; two more than rivals Alpha United (seven) on the table. The GDF will play Pele tonight in game two, at 20:00 hrs at their Base Camp Ayanganna Ground, while GFC and Buxton United will play the opening game from 18:00 hrs to see who will pick up their first win of the league, given the fact that both clubs are winless after three matches. (Rawle Toney)

Windies bowling coming together - Ambrose

THE West Indies are seen as a dangerous team heading into the World T20 Tournament this week.So dangerous they have been ranked number two in the world. It is no secret that the regional side can bat any team out of a game, but their bowling has come into question. However, according to West Indies bowling consultant Curtley Ambrose, the bowling has improved

West Indies bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose.

ahead of the World tournament the West Indies are seeking to win for the second time after their 2012 win. “I think the bowling is really coming together. We have had a couple of good games so far, and there’s room for improvement, obviously, but I am quite satisfied at the moment with the way the guys are bowling,” said Sir Curtly. Ambrose was speaking after the team beat Warwickshire in a practice game by 11 runs ear-

lier this week. Before that, the West Indies had gotten the better of Zimbabwe on two occasions with Dwayne Bravo proving to be a brilliant death bowler on all three occasions. “As a bowling unit, we are working with a plan and, so far, the plan has gone well and I’m just hoping by the time we get to India, everything will just come together where we can do well in this tournament,” said Ambrose.(Sportsmax.com).

Road to Mecca III

Chase Academy awards scholarship Administrator/Principal to GABA of Chase Academy, Henry See story on page 27

Colts, Bulls advance to quarter-finals

Chase

See story on page 26 Half Mile Bulls’ Michael Turner goes hard to the rim while being swarmed by A/Ward Jets defenders.

LAST year’s losing finalist Colts began their “road to redemption” with a 80 – 45 points blow-out over Linden’s Block 22 Flames when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championship got on the way on Friday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. In the second game of the night, an all-Linden affair saw the Mining Town’s number seed Half Mile Bulls, defeating Amelia’s Ward Jets 81 – 61. By far, the most entertaining of the two matches played on opening night, the Bulls versus Jets game lived up to all the hype. Terron Welch carried his side’s scoring and was dominant throughout the game, first leading the Bulls to a one-point game at the end of the first See page 27

EBFA / Ralph Green U-11 League

Friendship upset defending champs Herstelling on debut

The victorious Friendship Under-11 team after upsetting the defending Champions yesterday.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

PLAYING in East Bank organsied football for the first time, the village of Friendship made the best possible start when they defeated defending champions Herstelling Raiders 2-0 as play in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League kicked off yesterday at the Grove Playfield. Both goals were scored via the penalty route by star of the Friendship team, Shavi Atkinson who led the team well and showed a good head for the game. The match started with both teams trying to field each other out but it was the Friendship unit which looked the more experienced of the two as they passed the ball

around with Atkinson leading the charge. In the 5th minute of the first half, Friendship was awarded a penalty which was clinically put away by Atkinson past Herstelling’s goalkeeper Tyron Persaud. The first half ended with Friendship holding on to their advantage. The debutants continued to look the better of the two sides and was again awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute for a handled ball in the area. Atkinson again stepped up to take the kick and he scored again to give his side a 2-0 advantage which remained until full time in the 30 minute encounter. Competition will continue next Saturday morning at the same venue.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016