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POLICEMAN DROWNS ‒ in Potaro River boat accident No. 104516

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2016

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Celebrating culture Performers party at the 55th Annual Master Brewers’ Association of the Americas (MBAA) District Caribbean Dinner and Cultural Show at Thirst Park Thursday evening (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Colwyn Total lockdown King walks free 3

‒ after doctor’s wallet, cellphone went missing at Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre

Haags Bosch articles erroneous 2

‒ Attorney General demands apology from Kaieteur News

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

Haags Bosch articles erroneous ‒ Attorney General demands apology from Kaieteur News ATTORNEY GENERAL and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams has rejected a front page headline which appeared in the Friday edition of Kaieteur News of an alleged deal between prominent businessman Brian Tiwari and the Government. The headline in question read: “Haags Bosch dumpsite controversy, BK gets $1billion settlement with Govt” but on pages 3 and 28, the headline of the same story read “BK wins $1B settlement with Govt.” The “Dem boys seh…” column also carried a headline “Soulja Bai getting jook in ee eye” which appeared

on page 10 of the said publication. These articles relate to an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded contract entered on November 20, 2009 known as “Haags Bosch” with the former Government. The Attorney General’s Chambers, in a release, said myriad problems had developed with the contract over the years and the former Government belatedly terminated the contract on February 27, 2015. Consequently, Tiwari filed an action in the High Court challenging the termination. The Attorney Gen-

eral’s Chambers represented the Ministry of Local Government (now Ministry of Communities) in this action. On November 26, 2015, the then Chief Justice (ag) Justice Ian Chang SC, CCH, ruled that the termination of the contract by the former Government was not correctly done. The effect of this decision was that the contract continued and Tiwari could remain on site, the Attorney General Chambers said. On December 30, 2015, the Attorney General caused a Notice of Appeal and an Application for a Stay to be filed against the said decision. And talks were entered into with Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and

his team, Brian Tiwari and his team and Attorney General Basil Williams and his team, with a view to resolving this matter, since the work on the Haags Bosch dumpsite was at a standstill, and the stench and smoke from fires on the dumpsite were affecting the surrounding communities. The Attorney General’s Chamber explained that in the course of talks, permission was sought from Cabinet and granted to negotiate a settlement with a view to ending the contractual relationship with Tiwari and having his company exit the dumpsite. The chamber added: “Negotiations have commenced and are not yet complete. Moreover, any proposed settlement would

Attorney General Basil Williams

Kaieteur News Editor Adam Harris

have to return to Cabinet for approval. In light of the foregoing, it is evident that the said articles are erroneous, malicious and vexatious, and designed to sully the good name of the

Attorney General, his officers, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Government of Guyana. We therefore demand an apology from the publishers of the Kaieteur News.”

FORMER President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Colwyn King, exited the High Court on Friday a free man, absolved of a charge of rape. A 12-member jury found King not guilty of carnal knowledge of a girl, allegedly committed on October 6, 2009. The verdict was in a 10-2 proportion even

after the 12-member jury had deliberated for more than two and a-half hours. The trial was held in camera, and the verdict was announced before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who told King, “You escaped from the law today, but you can’t escape from God.” A smiling King exited

the court room in relative ease, and went his way even as his Attorney Darren Wade fretted about the Judge’s comments to King. The State Prosecutors were Narissa Leander and Tuanna Hardy. The trial commenced on March 5, and eight witnesses were called by the State to testify.

Freed: Colwyn King

Teen dies in Colwyn King walks free accident

THE police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Major Cunjah, 18, who succumbed in an accident on Thursday on the Aurora Public Road, Essequibo Coast. According to a police report, about 17:25 hrs, Cunjah,

of Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was the pillion rider on a motorcycle when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed on the Aurora Public Road. Both men received injuries and were admitted to the Suddie Hospital, where Cunjah later succumbed.

Duo busted with illegal gun, ammo TWO men are in police custody following the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and eight rounds of ammuntion.

A police release confirmed that on Thursday, ranks of a police mobile patrol at Turtle Creek, Middle Mazaruni, conducted a search on the two men on an

ATV during which the items were found. The men were arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

POLICEMAN DROWNS ‒ in Potaro River boat accident Guyana Police Force Police Special Constable 14536 Akeem Hyles has died following a boat accident in the Amatuk Falls area, Potaro River on Friday. The Guyana Chronicle understands that Hyles, who was attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), was among a team of Joint Services personnel and officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in a boat in the Amatuk Falls area when the vessel capsized. His body has not yet been recovered and a search is in

progress. According to a police report, Special Constable Hyles had departed Ogle Airport Friday morning with other ranks who were dispatched to assist the GGMC officials in dealing with illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park area. The Guyana Police Force has extended sincere condolences to the parents, relatives and friends of Constable Hyles. According to reports, although Constable Hyles was a good swimmer, the murky waters of the Potaro River were a challenge for him,

and he was swallowed up by the river. At his home at Lot 41 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, his mother Carol Hyles was seated on her back stairs with eyes puffed and tears flowing slowly down her face. She recalled her conversation with the last of her seven children. “He came home on Wednesday and he asked me what I wanted for my birthday on April 24th. I said a microwave oven or an ice cream can. He subsequently left, but not before telling his sister Donette (Hyles) that he

Total lockdown

Dead: Akeem Hyles

has to go into the bush (interior), and he was not too keen

on going, as it was ‘bush, bush, bush all the time’. On Thursday evening he sent $20,000 with a car driver,” the grieving mother said. Interjecting, his only sister Donette recalled her brother calling her a few minutes before he departed Ogle, saying that he was leaving for six days, and on his return he would be requesting a few days off. Donette said she was shocked when one of her brother’s colleagues called home Friday afternoon, asking whether she heard from her brother recently. “I asked him what happen and he told me of what he heard. But I did not be-

‒ after doctor’s wallet, cellphone went missing at Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre

By Navendra Seoraj IN a tense and nail-biting situation, patients, doctors and other persons panicked as they were placed under lockdown by the manager of the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, Paul Clarke, on Friday. The situation, which stemmed from a doctor reportedly losing his wallet and cellular phone, escalated quickly, with persons left to ponder why they were being treated as prisoners in a matter of minutes. Explaining the situation to this publication was a staffer of the institution, who wished to remain unidentified. She disclosed that everyone panicked when the manager locked the door, because at that time they

The Cheddi Jagan Dental School, Carmichael Street, Georgetown

were unaware of what was going on and feared the worst. It was explained that patients who were being treated were left with their mouths open while receiving treatment, and in other forms of irregular positions, as the fear grew bit by bit.

Persons were wondering when they would be let out of what was beginning to look and feel more and more like a jail-like atmosphere. Some persons, she lamented, even appeared as though they were about to break down in tears because time felt like it was never

lieve, and demanded that he confirm the report. He did seconds later,” she recounted. The family said Berbice Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, and other police ranks have visited and offered their condolences. Hyles had attended Trinity Street Primary School, The Business School, Darul-Salam College and the New Amsterdam Technical Institute before joining the Guyana Police Force six years ago. He leaves to mourn his mother Carol and his siblings: Junior, Michael, Maxwell, Kester, Paul and Donette Hyles.

going to pass by. What made it worse, the staffer said, was the fact that it was the first time an incident such as this has occurred at the institution. However, it was made clear to them through the grapevine after the police arrived and sought to solve

the matter. “The police arrived on the scene and were allowed in the building, which remained closed with a number of persons inside.” Those who were locked in got even more fearful, given that they were made aware of the fact that a thief was lingering beneath their

(noses) and might have even been interacting with them throughout the day. The staffers were left to explain to the patients and others what was going on, so as to bring calm and peace to the uneasy environment. Details remain sketchy, but she said it appeared that the matter was solved and the situation returned to normalcy in a matter of minutes. This publication understands that the doctor’s wallet and cellphone were found and no one was arrested. Efforts to contact the manager of the Dental Centre for a comment proved futile. When the Guyana Chronicle arrived on scene, most of the persons had already left, including the manager.

NAREI to push restoration of natural coastline barrier Several projects will be undertaken by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) this year that will boost infrastructure to prevent flooding. The institute’s Mangrove Restoration Project received a $25 million boost from the Government in the 2016 National Budget. This money will be expended on the restoration and management of natural coastline barriers. NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Oudho Homenauth, told the Government Information

Agency (GINA) that this money will fund the construction of a sea defence structure at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara along with the expansion of the existing structure at Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast by an additional 100 metres. He added that NAREI has also received money from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that will be used “to do some work on the East Coast of Demerara coastlines, along with the planting of mangrove trees to strengthen sea defence.” The tenders for these projects will soon be adver-

tised, and works will commence shortly thereafter. The Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project is funded through a partnership between the Government and the European Union (EU). The project which commenced in February 2010 is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through NAREI. The project not only focuses on the planting of mangrove trees, but seeks the commitment of citizens towards the protection and development of sustainable mangrove forests. This has seen the establishment of

various flood risk prevention infrastructure. NAREI’s CEO explained that, “we would have estab lished different types of groynes, you have the geotextile tubes, you have the rubble mount at Mon Repos and Cane Garden, we have brush wood dams…at Buxton and Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast.” Areas including Chateau Margot, Victoria, Buxton, and Hope on the East Coast Demerara, along with Number 47 village, West Berbice, and Leguan, and several villages along the Essequibo Coast have ben-

efited from improved sea defence under this project. “Before in these villages, you would have seen them without mangroves, now people are telling me we have planted too many mangroves,” Dr. Homenauth noted. The project has contributed significantly to flood risk management along the country’s coastland, by targeting areas for administrative and capacity development, research, community development, mangrove restoration, monitoring and awareness and education.

NAREI CEO Dr Oudho Homenauth

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Key Paris attacks suspect arrested

THE key remaining suspect in November’s Paris terror attacks, Mohamed Abrini, has been arrested in Belgium, prosecutors have confirmed. Belgian media say Abrini is also likely to be the “man in the hat” seen on CCTV before bomb blasts in the

Brussels airport departure hall on March 22. Five arrests were made on Friday. One suspect, Osama K, will be investigated over the bomb attack on the metro that followed the airport bombing. The two attacks left 32 people dead.

The gun and bomb attacks in Paris on November 13 killed 130 people. Amateur footage said to be of Abrini’s arrest shows a man being bundled into a car in Place Albert in the Anderlecht district of Brussels. Abrini had not been directly linked to the Brussels

Abrini was captured on CCTV (R) at a service station at Ressons in northern France while driving a car with Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam attacks until today. Belgian investigators confirmed at a press conference that Abrini was among those detained. Two more suspects were arrested with him. They said the fourth arrested man, named as Osama K, was being investigated for helping suicide bomber Khalid el-Bakraoui at the Maelbeek metro station. The prosecutor’s office said he had been filmed in Brussels buying sports bags used to hide the airport and metro station bombs. The authorities had on Thursday released new video

footage of the so-called “man in the hat”, appealing for the public’s help in finding him. The individual in the footage was seen beside the two suicide bombers at Brussels airport. He left the airport shortly before the blasts. At the press conference, the investigators said they were trying to determine whether the “man in the hat” was Abrini. Abrini, 31, a Belgian national of Moroccan origin, is believed to have been filmed at a petrol station with Salah Abdeslam, another arrested Paris attacks suspect, two

days before the attacks there. Abrini and brothers Salah and Brahim Abdeslam were all childhood friends from Brussels. Abrini is believed to have driven twice with the brothers from Belgium to Paris and back on 10 and 11 November. Salah Abdeslam was detained in Brussels in March, days before militants launched attacks in the Belgian capital. Brahim Abdeslam blew himself up at the Comptoir Voltaire restaurant after a shooting spree. (BBC)

Bridge to link Saudi Arabia and Egypt SAUDI Arabia’s king has announced that a bridge linking the country to Egypt will be built over the Red Sea. King Salman said in a statement that the bridge would boost commerce between the two allies. He made the announcement during the second day of

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his visit to the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have supported Egypt with billions of dollars since President Sisi took power in 2013 following mass street protests. Saudi Arabia regards Egypt as a crucial partner in efforts to build a bloc of friendly Sunni Muslim states as a bulwark against growing regional influence of Shia-led Iran. King Salman’s visit comes amid recent strains in the relationship, with President Sisi taking a less hardline stance against Syrian President

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Bashar al-Assad and Riyadh seeking more support from Cairo for its war against rebels in Yemen. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said the bridge would be named after the Saudi king. “I agreed with my brother his Excellency President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to build a bridge connecting the two countries” the king said. “This historic step to connect the two continents, Africa and Asia, is a qualitative transformation that will increase trade between the two continents to unprecedented levels,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Argentina leader to face judge over leaks

ARGENTINE President Mauricio Macri has pledged to assert his innocence when he appears before a federal prosecutor on Friday to explain his finances. An investigation began on Thursday after it transpired Macri was mentioned in the Panama Papers, leaked files of law firm Mossack Fonseca. Macri said he would file a judicial “declaration of certainty” so the court can see he is telling the truth. In a televised address, he vowed to prove he had done nothing wrong. According to local media reports, the President was listed as director of an offshore company in the Bahamas. He said he wanted to co-operate fully with any inquiry. “I know there are some people concerned about these allegations in the Panama Papers that have come out and involve me,” he said. “I want to say one more time that I am very calm, I

Protest have been held in Buenos Aires calling for the president to resign

Protest have been held in Buenos Aires calling for the president to resign have complied with the law, I have told the truth and I have nothing to hide.” Macri said that he had made clear in his initial declaration that he did not have

any shares and did not receive any payment for acting as a director of offshore companies. His office has insisted that he had no shares in the

Pope urges greater family understanding

Pope Francis has published new guidelines on family life that argue the Church should show more understanding of modern realities. The document, based on two Synods on the issue, was eagerly awaited by the world’s 1.3bn Roman Catholics. Entitled “The Joy of Love”, it does not change Catholic doctrine. But it opens the way for bishops in each country to interpret doctrine to suit their own culture, the BBC’s religion correspondent reports. P o p e F r a n c i s u rg e s priests to exercise careful discernment over “wounded families” and be merciful, rather than judgemental. He criticises the individualism that has led many in the West to value their own personal satisfaction over the needs of their spouse. While saying yes to sex education, he argues it must be within a framework of

Pope Francis greeted this newly married couple at the Vatican last month education about love. The emphasis throughout is on better pastoral care: better preparation for couples on what marriage involves, and more understanding from parish priests and others for human frailty. The document is the culmination of three years’ work by the Pope, who sent a questionnaire to families across the world asking them about their hopes and their fears. He then brought bishops and cardinals together for two Synods in Rome, at

which he encouraged them to debate and even to disagree over issues that divide the Church in many countries. Among the most divisive issues are offering communion to the divorced and remarried, contraception and the treatment of gay Catholics. BBC correspondent, Caroline Wyatt, says the lengthy document shows exactly where Pope Francis stands as he steps into the minefield of Catholic teaching on the family. (BBC)

company in question and never received any income from it. Argentina’s national tax authority and anti-corruption office will be asked to provide information to the inquiry. Prosecutor Federico Delgado said he wanted to determine if Macri had “omitted,

with malicious intent” mentioning his reported role in the Bahamas-registered offshore company Fleg Trading. La Nacion, one of the newspapers examining some of the leaked documents, reported that Macri was listed as a director of Fleg Trading from 1998 until 2009. Macri did not list the

company in his 2007 financial declaration, when he became Mayor of Buenos Aires or in his 2015 declaration when he became President. On Tuesday, Macri’s office confirmed that a business group owned by the president’s family had set up an offshore company through the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal. But his office argued that because he had never received any income from it there had been no reason to mention it in the financial declarations. Macri campaigned on a promise to combat corruption. Meanwhile, Panama’s Vice President and Foreign Minister, Isabel De Saint Malo, has defended her country, saying it had been unfairly singled out. Speaking to the BBC, she said: “This publication has information on many jurisdictions, over twenty-one jurisdictions where banks are based - and not one bank is based in Panama...So this has made Panama in a wrong and bad way the focus of attention in the world.” (BBC)

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

A responsibility for ensuring modernisation

IT HAS COME to be accepted that governance of the people’s business requires that policies and laws be the driving force in guiding the conduct of citizens and managers of the state’s business. Over a number of years, several claims have been made about the way the nation’s resources have been distributed by representatives of the government and state. There have been accusations from sections of the society about organised and sustained marginalisation against them. On occasions in the past, rather than seeking to investigate and put corrective measures in place, senior officials of government and state sought to defend their actions. Some also repeatedly queried and condemned acts again and again. By such conduct, these persons have indicated to the citizens that public opinions and the citizens’ relevance were immaterial. Development is a dynamic process, and this is what drives change in society. Change, in this instance, is embracing and executing policies, programmes and laws consistent with modernisation if the society is to develop and remain relevant. Failure to do so will result in underdevelopment and internecine conflicts. Government, officials of state, and the citizenry are not only required to be mindful of this, but also to act accordingly. For instance, recent exposure in the media accusing a government official of obstructing the Guyana Revenue Authority from executing its legitimate duties in holding Bhai San Lin accountable is generating widespread discussions. This adds to conversations on the forensic audits holding accountable those who violated the public’s trust, etc. These conversations are taking place in the streets, media through news items and opinion pieces, and on the various social media sites. The public expects any infraction, perceived or real, that has been brought to the attention of the decision-makers, regardless of at which level, to be addressed. Advocates for good governance are calling for the embrace of a principle that speaks to all being equal and being treated equally. This level of citizens’ involvement and unabashed expression of views is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society. In some part, this may be due to a lack of appetite for continued poor governance, given the ills it brought on the nation’s resources and image, and deprivation suffered by its people. In other part it may be persons desiring development that is equitable and derived through the confines of laws. And yet again, it may be a combination of both. A restive and engaged public desirous of seeing improvement in government and state practices is aided in its aspiration in this era when lessons are learnt in real time from other societies. Where citizens see governments employing best practices in other countries, particularly the use of information communications technology as a potent agent in changing society and holding persons to account, they are seeking to do likewise to achieve similar results for their country. In an environment like this, one’s words

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

How and when did Bartica get its Community Centre? Dear Editor,

THE imminent inauguration of Bartica as a town -- on April 23, 2016 -- will be an occasion of pride and joy for all Barticians. I recall -- with some disappointment -- that on my last enquiry of Barticians in 1998, and on subsequent occasions, no one who resided outside of Bartica (both young and old) seemed able to recall the circumstances and conditions under which Bartica got its community centre. Being aware that Guyanese are not prone to recording events of historical importance for the guidance, encouragement and emulation of posterity, I am reminded of Voltaire’s caution: “without memory, there can be no recognition or continuity”. As one of the dwindling number of pioneers of that happy event, I assume the duty to state, for the records, the following: In the early 1950s, there was no secondary school in Bartica, and this consequently created a need for the minds and energies of the intelligent and ambitious primary school-leavers to be channelled into meaningful directions by guidance and counselling.

To engage the youths and meet this needs’ gap, a number of community leaders and members of the Bartica Branch of the Transport Workers Union, of which I had the privilege of being the secretary, got involved in establishing several social, sporting and games’ organizations which provided activities such as cricket and football; cultural and debating clubs; girls’ guides and boy’ scouts; domestic science, weight-lifting and body-building. These organizations were headed by the late Seymour Darrell, Stella Chase, Elma Adams and Joe Holder respectively, and produced several talented students, namely: Una Salmon-Liverpool, Shirlene Nascimento, Beulah Darrell-Hodge, Cecil Moore and Lester Garraway, who all collaborated with me in the preparation of this record. It is worthy to note that the weight-lifting and body-building club produced British Guiana’s first Olympic contestant – Cecil Moore, who was a contestant at the Helsinki Games in 1952, and won a bronze medal in his weight-lifting division. While the organizations struggled to maintain their relevance to the citizens, they were constantly plagued by

a lack of adequate meeting places. The only available accommodations for holding meetings were as follows:

(a) A little dwelling house which was located on the periphery of the playground, which served both as a meeting place and the home of the caretaker/groundsman. (b) The small Anglican School which was located at Triangle Street. While accommodation for the meetings was limited, there was the very spacious playground at the junction of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue which was more than adequate to build a sizeable community centre. The Union had, for some time, been eyeing the many abandoned buildings in the former Naval Base compound of the United States of America at Makouria, a few miles from Bartica. Representation was made to the District Commissioner (DC), the late Pat Forte, that the acquisition of one of the abandoned buildings could be used as a community centre, thereby satisfying the need to keep the youths organized and focused, and preventing their minds from being diverted to the temp-

tations of alcoholism and crime. The late J.H. Pollydore, General Secretary of the Transport Workers Union, and the D.C. supported this representation to the Government. Not long after, the D.C. advised the union that the Government had approved the request, and the American Ambassador was approached to obtain his permission for the Union to select one of the abandoned buildings. There was one condition stipulated: that the union would dismantle and relocate the building to Bartica at its own expense. This entailed a vast community effort, which included skilled and unskilled workers, boat owners, businessmen and housewives, who were mobilized for the purpose of demolishing, transporting and reconstructing the building on it present site in 1954. It was indeed a proud and historic occasion, and as a witness and participant in that event, it is my pleasure to present this information to be recorded for posterity. Yours Sincerely, OSCAR E. MOORE Former Chief Labour Officer, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour

The Strathspey/Vishnu Mandir Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me space in your newspaper to highlight an urgent matter which is of utmost importance to the residents of Strathspey and other areas, who are devout Hindus and worship at the Strathspey/Vishnu Mandir, located at Lot 1 Strathspey, East Coast Demerara. As an (alleged) past pres-

ident of the mandir, I am calling on all members of the public to denounce the actions of the two Hindu priests and their family-related Committee of Management members, who have (allegedly) brought shame on our religion through their (allegedly) unethical practices and closed-door operations at the temple. Let me highlight some of the (alleged) atrocities committed by the president

and actions will later return to either haunt or liberate through comparative applications. It is clearly the public’s view that every action by a public official --appointed or elected -- whenever being questioned, deserves an explanation. This is not unique to the aspiration of the Guyanese people, but is a universal principle that is grounded in ethical behaviour. Given that there was very little regard, if any at all, paid to this value within recent years; that it is accepted in other societies, where government and state officials have answered to the

and the priests and their comof donations are (allegedly) mittee: pouring in from both overseas and local sources. (1) All the members of the present Committee of Man(2) On December 13, agement are family members 2015, at a special meeting who (allegedly) were handheld in the compound of the picked at a secret meeting temple, a decision was (alheld on May 3, 2015. The legedly) taken not to interfere election (allegedly) was not with the wooden temple, yet free and transparent, and the two priests and others records are (allegedly) not kept and are never audited, even though large amounts See page 7

public, such re-alignment is being called for here, and the calls are growing in intensity. As these issues and behaviours are contextualized, it is not unreasonable to say that in deference for the citizenry, government will make sure that these matters are resolved in transparent ways. The expectation is held that the citizens have not given up on Guyana or their leaders, and this is evident in growing calls for them to operate consistent with 21st century best practices in the treatment of the people, their institutions and resources.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Is there a conspiracy against Minister Harmon? Dear Editor, I HAVE seen Nigel Hinds’s letter concerning Minister Harmon. I daresay that everything he wrote about, and more, have crossed my mind since this thing started; and I have been trying to figure out what is going on. It just couldn’t be that appointing Tiwari as a business advisor, or telling GRA to hold its hand on the seizure of Bai Shan Lin assets could cause so much attack on the man, for, as far as I am concerned, his actions should be commended in light of what is currently happening to the business community and the economy of the country. Many business people I know feel the same way too. Truth be told, I am of the view that Harmon has realized what it really takes to run a

country, and that witch hunts, vendettas, and exclusion cannot be tenable policy positions, but instead are sure recipes for Government failure. I r o n i c a l l y, h o w e v e r, it seems that he has now become victim of this recriminatory nastiness he is attempting to steer his Government away from. He has made mention, or implied, something of a political conspiracy against him. If there is such, my interest is not only for what reason, but by whom. In pursuit, I return to Hinds’s letter, and its questions. Seemingly thorough as it is, I believe there are a lot of missing ‘dots’ for the connection. A major one for me is the role of the Kaieteur News in all of this. The relentless daily attacks against Harmon continue unabated, and although Hinds did ask

who leaked the Tiwari instrument, he surprisingly did not ask “why to Kaieteur?” and whether it was to the publisher or to the editor. Similarly, the case with the GRA/Bai Shan Lin seizure; why Kaieteur, even though the Guyana Stores taxes and re-migrant Lexus vehicles’ scam are still fresh GRA issues with which the publisher of Kaieteur is allegedly connected? In addition, I would ask: “Who are the persons in the Coalition most connected to that newspaper? Who are its lawyers? If, as claimed, the Prime Minister, the Security Vice President and the Business Minister -- all AFC people -- knew about the matters only after publication in the Kaieteur News, then who is the source? Is there someone with big ambitions and an axe to grind? Is there a link

to any foreign diplomat? Has Harmon usurped the power (cravings) of anyone in the Coalition? If so, who? Has he dashed the expectations of a publisher-wannabe-power-broker? If so, how? Are there any links to accountants and auditors who have commented? Is there a sequel to Nassau? Specifically with regards to the Tiwari case, I ask a few more, as I think aloud: Was Tiwari being paid? What harm did his appointment cause? Did he make a ‘political investment’ in the APNU/ AFC campaign? How many votes has the Coalition lost (or gained) as a result? How many, and who are the people he employs? Was Harmon able to get him to do work for free for Government or for any community? Was such precipitate action by the President necessary?

Things that cause me sadness

Dear Editor,

WORDS cannot express the sadness I felt when I looked at the dailies of Friday, 08th instant, and saw that a 12-yearold girl was charged for murder. Over the years, especially during the period when we were being governed by the PPP/C, I penned numerous letters begging/ imploring those responsible for our youths -- religious leaders and the various organisations -- to come out with a clear plan to help our youths; and I even went into details and used Zeelugt, on the East Bank of Essequibo, as an example, citing the huge school drop-outs, increased drugs and alcohol use, and prevalence of crime. To date, no help or project has been introduced to that village. Instead, there are small gangs emerging, crimes being committed (some murders) and some villagers living in torment

from youngster because the police seem reluctant to act on certain reports that they seem to judge as irrelevant, whilst those misbehaving keep increasing their misbehaviours. Because of neglect, crime seems to be getting worse, and most crimes seem to be committed by youths. While passing schools in the afternoons, especially the high schools, one could observe lots of young men, dressed in various fashion garments, liming and carrying on conversations with the school children. They are mostly school age, and theirs actions seem to be influencing many to drop out of school and join them in dressing and looking ‘cool’. Listening to their vulgar conversations with the school children is very appalling; and if one were to try to school them, one would be met with a barrage of insults, threats, and even

assault. Many parents would see the actions of these children and would openly share their opinions on proper training; but their own children might be worse off, because many parents don’t seem to care what their children are doing, and when problems arise, they quickly jump up to defend them. I am still waiting to see the administration come up with a plan to deal with these ‘loiterers’ at the schools. Finally, editor, I have posted on my Facebook page my opinion about the sorry welcome Lisa Punch got at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and to see our two young ladies from the victorious West Indies Women’s Team entering Guyana without a decent welcome is very embarrassing. That is to show the feelings those in authority have for our youths here! Our Director of Sports hastily called a press

conference to say that the GCB did not inform him, so that he could have arranged a hero’s welcome for the two young ladies. Now, my questions are: as Director of Sports, couldn’t he call and inquire, instead of waiting? Couldn’t he get the girls’ contact numbers and make contact with them personally? And apart from the press conference, did he convey any congratulatory message to them? Our youths are not getting the credit they deserve, and actions like this only seem to deter them from shining. Perhaps our Director of Sports should take time off from updating Facebook of where he is and actually show us what he is doing when not eating or drinking; because I recall seeing the deplorable conditions some of our athletes have had to endure whilst representing Guyana. SAHADEO BATES

And in relation to the GRA: Now that the Bai Shan Lin assets have been seized, what is the likely progression of the matter? Is Bai Shan Lin in genuine financial distress? What is the current situation in the country as it relates to the private sector and business activity in general? From the duties and taxes now being collected from current business activities, does something seem wrong? If fuel prices were to rise, as they usually do without warning, what would be the effect on Government business? And do we really believe that GRA can operate without any political direction? Or does anyone at GRA owe his or her employment to political considerations or directions? Editor, before I write to you again, it is my hope that some answers will come directly or indirectly, as we probe this conspiracy thing. Obviously, Minister Harmon knows a lot more than we do, but I think he should resist the temptation to speak now, and

wait for the dots to connect and the unravelling to begin. In any event, judging from previous times, I don’t think he will do a good job at waiting, and I make no apologies for saying so. I will close now with a bit of advice for the minister: The everyday task of running the country must continue. That responsibility is yours more than anyone else’s; get on with it. Businesses are hurting. People are hurting. The teachers and other public servants are waiting to be paid. The ordinary people, the constituents, believe they are now worse off. Let them be your focus, even if you have to do deals with the devil, or be their ‘Robin Hood.’ Do not be deterred. Accommodation and inclusiveness are necessary for the sake of all and country, and there is nothing wrong in talking to Luncheon; he was a master at the game. Just don’t appoint him yet. Yours faithfully, WILLIAM TELL

The Strathspey...

From page 6 (allegedly) went ahead and demolished the structure, the materials of which are at the president/priest’s residence. This has (allegedly) caused a division between the membership, and presently there are two groups, one of which is (allegedly) not permitted to enter the temple due to insults and other forms of ridicule. (3) On 2013-12-05, the mandir was registered under the Friendly Societies Act, Chapter 36:04, but members were notified. However, the priests and president have (allegedly) disregarded that registration and had it registered under the Deeds Registry System, (allegedly) without the knowledge of members. (4) The Ministry of Social Protection intervened in 2016, but, to date, things are

at a stalemate. The Registrar (apparently) seems incompetent to find a solution to this dilemma, thus causing the priests and others to (allegedly) violate the Constitution, which they later (allegedly) designed to benefit their own agenda. Presently, there are three rubber stamps which are used to solicit public funds. A copy is attached. Mr. Editor, I would appreciate if the public at large, the Hindu community and the diaspora can be informed through your newspaper of the (alleged) corruption that prevails. Persons are even buying cars. The president/priest, who runs a murti shop in the compound, was (allegedly) once stopped by the Buxton/Foulis NDC; his business is still functioning. ANONYMOUS

A thirst to know more

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

‒ of what happens within the walls of the Georgetown Prison By Shauna Jemmott WITH BOTH horrifying revelations and evidence of corruption pouring out before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown prison riots and existing conditions at the Camp Street penitentiary, there is an increasing thirst for more details of what happens beyond the gates of Lot 12. As prisoners voluntarily presented their testimonies, some with controlled vehemence, disclosures of death and threats and various other conditions, presented a façade of a daily battle within a small boundary. Tearfully unmasking their alleged hurts and injustice with tears, prisoners Michael Lewis and Carl Brown both claimed that prison officers could have rescued the men confronted by death and whose lives at the time depended upon “the keys” in the hands of the warders. The commission is yet to hear the other side of the story which must be told by prison officers in defence of themselves. Attorney- at-law Selwyn Pieters, who passionately represents the interests of the joint services, including

There is an increasing thirst for more details of what happens within the gates of the Camp Street Prison

officers of the Guyana Prison Service, one of whom has been almost completely blamed for the death of the prisoners according to the testimonies presented so far, told the media Tuesday that he is hoping that Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels can appear before the panel sooner than later. Pieters said he was disgusted by the way badness was presented almost simultaneous with the name of Samuels through media coverage of the CoI based on the testimonies of prisoners. But Samuels, of all officers, dominate testimonies by the prisoners and questions posted by attorneys and commissioners attached to the commission, based on the evidence presented. Samuels

was also suspended from the job by government after officials met with prisoners ending the three-day protest which continued even after 17 lives had already been lost in one violent mid-morning blaze. As angry as the blaze were the prisoners who thirsted for betterment and became desperate for public attention, after claiming that “nobody cared” and “everybody gah fight fuh deh self.” Steve Bacchus revealed to the commission “I see a skull on a bed frame,” raising speculations that someone could have been murdered in the dormitory. The prisoner said the head was severed from the body, but he could not believe the Capital ‘A’ inmates, a majority of whom

were men on remand charged with heinous crimes, including murder, would have killed one from among them. Roy Jacobs testified that in 2012 a prisoner complaining of feeling sick made desperate calls for prison officers’ help to seek medical attention by the prison medex. Jacobs said the prisoner’s calls in the night were never answered and he was found dead in his cell the next morning. Jacobs had also given similar testimony to that of prisoner Michael Lewis about a particular treatment of prisoners feeling sick. Lewis, a remanded murder accused, testified on March 15 that prisoners were usually “treated like beasts.” A case in point, he said, was

being in pain and asking to see the “Chief,” only to be told repeatedly by prison officers to “hold on.” Noting that the wait could go on for days, Lewis said it was not until the prisoner began to “bang at the door” that the “Chief” would appear and help would be forthcoming. Experiencing neglect in desperate situations can lead to rebellion and the prisoners admitted they sometimes behaved disorderly, lighting fires and banging doors to simply get attention. Jacobs also said prisoners in frustrating situations sometimes begin to miss their families and when depression steps in there is a personal desire for an uprising. The same Jacobs testified earlier that some wardens seem to feel the need to exercise their power with aggression at all times, which in turn aggravated inmates. The way Jacobs tells it, it is as if Newton’s Law is always in motion down at the Camp Street Jail, where “for every action, there’s an equal but opposite reaction.” He said prisoners responded to prison officers based on how officers behaved towards them, and while a respectful officer gets respect in return, one who is disrespectful will be disrespected by prisoners

naturally. Is there a daily war beyond the iron gates? Was that partly responsible for things to be blown out of proportion? Some of the prisoners accused a particular senior prison official of being consistently verbally and physically abusive, even making threats to harm. He said the inmates in the officer’s care also responded with hostility towards him as a result. At one time in a confrontation with the officer, Jacobs testified, “He tek out his gun and he tell me he is a mafia”. He said upon complaining to relatives and lawyers about the officer’s threats, he was told to “avoid him.” But if this is the case, how does a prisoner avoid someone responsible for him? Are prisoners and prison officers walking daily into the enemy’s camp? Should they even be enemies? Jacobs, in answering questions posed to him by Commissioner Merle Mendonca, a human rights activist, said, “Everybody gah fight fuh deh self… we’ve been treated like a hog [pig].” The prisoner has cried “victimisation” among the alarming frustrations of living in the overcrowded Camp Street Georgetown lock-ups.

Farmer charged Former cop accused with murder of cop of taking bribes THIRTY-EIGHT-yearold Dennis Marks was remanded to prison on Friday -- a few hours after he was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital -- after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with the murder of Police Sergeant Leonard La Rose. Marks, a farmer of Matthews Ridge, North West District in Region One, Had been shot in his left foot, and had to be lifted into Court One. The court heard that the accused murdered La Rose, who was on duty on March 1 at Holes, Matthews

Murder accused Dennis Marks [Ivan Bentham photo]

Ridge. Marks was not required to plead to the charge, and

was remanded until May 3. The case was transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court. According to reports, on the day in question, police ranks went to arrest Marks, who was wanted pending investigations into a report of alleged rape. During efforts to arrest him, Marks attacked the ranks with a knife, stabbing Sergeant La Rose to his neck and two other ranks to their chest and right hand respectively. A rank subsequently shot him to his right foot. La Rose was pronounced dead on arrival at the Matthews Ridge Hospital.

A FORMER Police Prosecutor on Thursday found herself on the wrong side of the law when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with accepting bribes. Suzette Cornett, a serving member of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and a retired police officer, is accused of accepting money from Andrew Fung on four occasions to withhold a charge of simple larceny against him. Cornett allegedly took from Fung more than $500,000 in cash, plus a Samsung television, between February 20 and

24 in Georgetown. The 54-year-old denied the accusation; while her lawyer, Lyndon Amsterdam, explained that she had 30 years of service in the Guyana Police Force before she retired in 2012. The lawyer claimed

the charges against his client were trumped-up, and asked that she be released on bail. As such, bail was granted in the sum of $100,000, and Cornett is scheduled to return to court on April 26. [Celestine Juan]

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

GTT makes $1M Jubilee Festival donation

GTT, one of the key sponsors of the Guyana Jubilee Festival, on Friday made a significant donation of $1M towards the event. The presentation was made to Telecommunications and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes by GTT’s Marketing Director Daniel Jilesen following a press conference at Colgrain House, Camp Street. Witnessing the presentation was GTT’s Public Relations Officer Allison Parker. The minister, in an elated mood, declared: “We are really excited because the Guyana Jubilee Festival, as you know, is moving ahead and has kicked off. So this morning we are excited, and it is my pleasure to say that one of our key sponsors – GTT -- has come onboard with a sponsorship cheque for $1M towards our festival.” The Guyana Jubilee Festival in observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary was launched on March 22 at Colgrain House. Meanwhile, in her brief remarks, Parker said GTT was proud to be able to sponsor the Jubilee Festival, in particular the Fashion Extravaganza. She recalled that GTT had been an integral part of every major national event over the past 25 years since its entry into the Guyana market. MEGA CONCERT “We were the sole sponsor of the 40th Independence Anniversary signature promotion – the “All in One Show” at the National Cultural Centre. Our involvement with the Jubilee Celebration

is not limited to the Jubilee Fashion Extravaganza. We have been a part of GUYEXPO. We have done major sponsorship of that event. We will also have a Mega Concert at the National Stadium on May 26. Noting that GTT continues to demonstrate its understanding of its corporate social responsibility, Parker said it is reflected in GTT’s presence across all sectors and communities of Guyana. She said GTT has much to offer at all of the abovenamed Jubilee events, and is encouraging all Guyanese to come out in their numbers to every activity in observance of our 50th Anniversary of Independence. FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA According to the minister, the Jubilee Festival is an explosion of music, art, dance and fashion with the potential for income-generating opportunities -- a very important segment of the fashion industry. Giving a sneak peek into what’s in store, Minister Hughes said: “The Fashion Extravaganza will be a series of fashion shows every afternoon from 4:30pm to approximately 8:00pm.” She said the “Fashion Segment actually provides an opportunity for over 22 Guyanese fashion designers to present to the Guyanese public -- and to diaspora visitors and everyone who is going to be here between the 19th and 22nd May -- to really see the high standard at which our fashion industry has developed.” There will also be activi-

GTT’s Marketing Director Daniel Jilesen (third from left) presenting a ceremonial cheque to Minister Cathy Hughes (second from right), while at extreme right is GTT’s Allison Parker

ties on the lawns of Colgrain House, giving the Guyana Fashion Council and the designers an opportunity to display some of their pieces that could possibly be available for sale. So the potential for income-generating opportunities -- a very important segment of our fashion industry -- is there, Minister Hughes noted. Meanwhile, the organisers of the festival have engaged the support of the Guyana Fashion Council to make sure that all the fashion designers of all ages -– of all genres of fashion -- have the opportunity to present a minimum of 10 to 15 pieces of their work at the Fashion

Extravaganza. There will also be the opportunity to view the works of most of the members of the Fashion Council and all the popular designers that Guyanese would have become accustomed to. There are four themed evenings, beginning Thursday, with the first being an Evening of Spiritual Upliftment. This occasion will present an opportunity for gospel singers and spiritual musicians with a range of uplifting music to showcase their talents. On Friday, May 20th, Sonia Noel will be launching her Guyana Fashion Week, and will have on display and

for sale a wide range of exquisite and exclusive designs. The Friday evening is dubbed “Anything Guyanese”, and presents a lovely melting pot of folk and indigenous music, as well as music that represents Guyana’s Hindu and Muslim cultures and other religions. On Saturday, 21st, there will be popular artists, including Dereck Moore, Olympia Sutherland, Pamela Fox, Roger Gary, Pat Coates, Michelle Cole, Andrea Braitwaite, Marcia Dos Santos, Sharon Freites and a range of other local fashion designers. LEGENDS In the evening, the festi-

val will be celebrating Guyana’s legends, at which the older musicians from ‘way back when’ will be recognized. Those include Keith Waithe, Dave Martins and the Trade Winds and a number of other popular musicians. The curtain comes down on Sunday with the Next Generation Concert, featuring celebrated young artistes such as Jomo, Lisa Punch and Adrian Dutchin. The organisers are promising four days filled with rich Guyanese culture, food, arts and craft, the performing arts, fashion, music and more. (Shirley Thomas)

City Council ready to be audited – Mayor Chase-Green THE Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) is open to facilitate any forensic audit, and the Office of the Auditor General is welcome at any time, according to newly elected Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. In an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA) at City Hall on Friday, the Mayor explained that between 2011 and 2012, the former council wrote the Auditor General on

three occasions to conduct an audit, but no intervention was undertaken. “So now to come and say you want a forensic audit, I have no objections; the council is there, anyone can ask for an audit. The Auditor General is free to come in at any time to do any audit. My surprise is that now there is a big call -because there is a new council in and a new town clerk -- for an audit, but I will have no objection, but I was calling

for that since 2012 and they never entered to do an audit,” she said. Chase-Green advised that the two previous audits done by Keith Burrowes and Ramon Gaskin were undertaken at the council’s behest. “Anyone who wants to come in and do an audit, they are free to do so. The law provides for that, so my hands are clean, I have no problem with that…but the persons who were calling for an audit, I don’t think they would want to spend the money for it; but if they are willing to spend

City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

the money, I have no problem with that,” she reiterated. In addition, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan explained that the new councillors must know the financial status of the Council in order to design and implement projects. He said that City Hall had, in the past, been perceived as corrupt. “We ought to lay those perceptions to rest. These new councillors coming in have a right to know what is the health of the City Council, not only financially, but in other areas; what is the health of the

other departments of the council. We need to know what we are taking over, because that is the chief basis on which we are going to lay our plans, and in order for those plans to be successful, we have to know what is the health of the council,” Duncan stated. The newly-elected 30-member Georgetown City Council which was sworn in on April 1 has promised to transform Georgetown into a modern 21st century capital city with the support of all relevant stakeholders.

A sad situation GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

‒ probe launched after woman pictured breastfeeding under bed By Navendra Seoraj

lie under a bed.

AN investigation has been launched following the publication of a photo, in various sections of the media, depicting a mother breastfeeding her child under a bed in the Maternity Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that a full investigation is being conducted into the matter. “We have launched an investigation with the view of finding out how that was allowed to happen and to also take the necessary steps, including disciplinary action, so as to avoid [sic] this from occurring again,” Minister Norton said, as he expressed his disappointment with the situation. According to a source

MATERNITY WARD PROJECT In order to curb the long-existing space problem, the Government in the 2016 National Budget had set aside $89 million for the development of the facility’s Maternity Unit, which began sometime back. The extension of the Maternity Ward is expected to be completed on May 15, 2016, and will see the unit benefiting from table-top foetal heart rate monitors, hand-held foetal heart monitors and portable ultrasound machines. The facility will feature 50 beds and a 17-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), an Operating Theatre and birthing rooms that are soundproof. GPHC is regarded as the national referral hospital, which caters

Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton

at the hospital, there is still some bit of uncertainty as to how that happened, but both mother and baby have been discharged. Space issues within the hospital’s maternity section have been prevalent in the past, but never escalated to the extent that a mother and have had to

The mother breastfeeding her newborn under a bed at the GPHC (Photo credit: Citizensreportgy)

for high-risk pregnancies among other emergency cases. The hospital delivers approximately 60 per cent of the babies born in Guyana each year. In 2014, the hospital recorded its highest birth rate with a figure of 6,085, and the services of this institution are always in demand by an abundance of patients. In light of this, Minister Norton in the past noted that

once the revival of health centres across Guyana is realised, it will ideally aid in reducing the traffic of patients at the GPHC, as they can then be referred to other health centres/hospitals. In reference to the completion of the Maternity Ward project, Minister Norton noted that the GPHC will be able to cater for the needs of referred patients as they will be provided with better and

improved services. Many have shared their experiences at the GPHC and highlighted the issue of the lack of equipment and tools. In addressing this matter, Dr Norton said that he aims to have a oneon-one sit-down session with every specialist in the Maternity Ward and the hospital as a whole to garner their inputs on a range of issues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

Lindeners uneasy about Cevon’s ‘illegal dumping’

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE garbage-collection and disposal operations by Cevon’s Waste Management in Linden have not been welcomed by the Mayor and Town Council and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), as concerns are being raised over the issue of what appears to be “illegal disposal.” Regional councillors on Thursday had their say on the issue at the RDC’s statutory meeting and made it clear that the contractual agreement between the company and the previous Regional Executive Officer (REO) through the then Ministry of Local Government did not give the municipality an opportunity to have a say on the issue. The contract that was signed in 2014 which legally allows Cevon’s Waste Management to operate in Linden did not go too well with the M&TC, but the company was fully backed by the then Ministry of Local Government.

Councillor Charles Sampson, who was an M&TC councillor at the time, said that there was nothing the RDC nor the municipality could have done, since Cevon’s is a private company operating under a private arrangement with the residents of Linden to dispose of their garbage. When the matter came up with the council, there was widespread disagreement and that was made clear to the ministry. Cevon’s Waste service was welcomed by the residents of Linden after the

municipality’s garbage-collection system became unreliable. “It didn’t come through this council, because at that time, because if it had come through this Council, we were here in the old council and we would have objected to it,” Sampson said. The councillor said that the municipality had the responsibility to collect residents’ garbage. ILLEGAL DISPOSAL Regional Executive Officer Gavin Clarke reiterated that the RDC cannot stop the company from collecting

garbage, but they can be held accountable for “illegal disposal” in the town. He said that while a contract had been signed for garbage collection, one was not signed for the operation of a dumpsite as a sanitary

landfill has certain specifications. “If those specifications are not met we have a right as a council to terminate the contract,” he said. Recent allegations have been made against Cevon’s Waste by Wisroc residents who are saying that the company is dumping garbage at the community’s watershed area. While many residents are benefiting from the garbage-collection service, Wisroc residents are being affected adversely and they are afraid that the water will become polluted and unsafe for use. With this being deemed an illegal dumpsite, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said that legal action will be taken against the garbage-disposal company.

“I am asking Cevon’s Waste on behalf of the region and the residents to stop dumping garbage there because legal action will be taken against them,” he declared. The Regional Chairman said that the situation started before he took office but it will not be allowed to continue under his watch. He said he will be sending correspondence to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have this situation remedied. “We want to promote a green environment and to promote a green environment, we have to put garbage disposal management under a separate programme and to look at the whole business of garbage disposal comprehensively,” he said.

Region 10 needs more welfare officers By Vanessa Braithwaite

Saturday, April 9, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, April 10, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Monday, April 11, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

THE availability of only two welfare officers operating throughout the entire Region 10, one in Linden and one in Kwakwani, has been deemed an issue of concern and a key factor in the social lapses the education system faces in the region. There have been reports about a notable degree of truancy in the region, stemming from the inability of parents to afford the necessary provisions to have their children attend school regularly. Parents are faced with the challenges of affording school uniforms, snacks, books and daily transportation costs. Councillor Gordon Callender told members of the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) statutory meeting on Thursday that he has noticed several school-aged children not attending school on the Wismar shore and it has been assumed that their parents cannot afford to send them. “School reopened Monday and they still have children running ‘wild, wild’,” Councillor Callender observed. Meanwhile, Councillor Charles Sampson said that he had observed children not going to school in certain

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

communities because of their cultural and religious beliefs. “Regardless of cultural heritage and beliefs, children are children and they have to go to school… if you don’t want them to go to school to mix with the ordinary folks in the community then find some mechanism to teach them at home,” said the councillor. The councillors also stressed that this matter needs to be addressed earliest and one of the solutions is to increase the number of welfare officers attached to the region. “We’ve been clamouring and asking for welfare officers, we got far, far places to visit, when officers go one place they want a day rest from the visit when they finish, so we need to take some of these challenges at a high level to get more welfare officers.” SKULKING While there have been reports of truancy in the region, deliberate skulking on the part of students, especially at the secondary level, has also been noted. Councillor Sampson said that schools throughout the region should report skulking to the relevant authorities and mechanisms should be put in place to prevent this. “This is an issue that you have to make sure that when a child is present, they are present all day… ah see a lot of situations right at Wismar Hill School where children

when they have break they don’t go back and the teachers didn’t know,” he revealed. Other factors that were cited include the porous school fences, making it easy for the children to escape and the unavailability of daytime security guards. “The biggest part of our budget goes to education and it is unfair that we spending all that money and our children are not benefiting.” The Regional Education office has been criticised for not dealing with the situation seriously and putting systems in place to decrease the level of truancy in the Region. It has been recommended that a listing from various

communities be provided with the number of children who are not attending school regularly or not at all so that First Lady Sandra Granger through her office can provide them with the means to do so. Chairman of the Education Committee, Councillor Denise Belgrave recommended that teachers graduating from the University of Guyana with a degree in Social Work should serve the schools as welfare officers, instead of teachers, so that the region will have an adequate number of officers to deal with the wide array of social issues facing the education system.

$49M breach of contract claim against Gov’t FORMER Attorney-General Mohabir Anil Nandlall is claiming damages in excess of $25 million against the current Attorney- General for breach of contract of employment. A writ to the effect was filed in the Supreme Court Registry on Friday by Plaintiff Harry Narine Nawbatt. Nandlall is mentioned on the endorsement of claim as attorney-at-law for the

Harry Narine Nawbatt

plaintiff. The endorsement of claim is also seeking special damages in the sum of twenty-four million, two hundred and ninety-five thousand one hundred and four dollars ($24,295,104.00). This writ, it is said, was issued by Mohabir, Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj, Manoj Narayan and Ms. Sasha Mahadeo, attorneys-at-law for the plaintiff. According to the statement of claim, the defendant is the legal representative of the State against whom civil suits are to be brought under the provisions of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

No ‘photocopy’ queen

‒ Miss Regal International Guyana 2016 promises real, charismatic beauties

By Shauna Jemmott ‘MISS Regal International Guyana 2016’ will be staged for the first time, and Pageant Director Debra Allen is searching for neither a photocopy nor a camouflage queen, but a unique and charismatic individual with a love for country and diplomacy. Allen, an impressive personality herself, told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview that the pageant is the first of its kind to be staged in Guyana, and springs from an international connection to the universal ‘Miss Regal International’, to be staged in Antigua later this year. Are pageant girls photocopied? Many pageants seek a copy of a Miss Universe girl, “just a look” that they see in magazines; but Allen spoke confidently of finding and respecting a girl for her uniqueness, charisma and ‘self.’ A girl who comes with such qualities will go through preparation for the universal integration in contest and diplomacy. An audition will be held at 13:00 hrs (1:00pm) on April 17 at the Millennium Manor at 43 Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Guyanese-born females who are 18 to 27 years old and at least five feet, six inches tall with a sound secondary education background will qualify for the audition. Height is not a key factor, Allen said, since consideration will also be given to girls under the minimum height requirement mentioned as long as the delegate is ready by other means. Training will be done in areas such as spirituality, posture and deportment,

ASX Model Management Director Debra Allen, Fashion Designer and CEO of ASX Modéles Fashion Agency

correct walking, vocabulary-building, questions and answers. Sequences include that of the international contest, which are evening gown, talent, swimwear and Question and Answer; and the pageant will be in keeping with the level of the international contest, which is directed by renowned Antiguan international designer and Pageant Director Calvin Southwell. Allen said Miss Regal International is on a mission to up the standard of pageantry presented in the Caribbean, presenting a universal order. The pageant’s humanitarian platforms include homelessness and breast cancer awareness.

‘Unstable’ man remanded A MAN who pleaded guilty to two indictable charges will have to wait a while before being sentenced. Forty-nine-year-old Stephen Jagroop of Duncan Street, Campbellville was on Friday remanded by Magistrate Annette Singh after he appeared before her charged for damage to property and committing a breach of the peace. The charges read that on January 2, 2016, Jagroop damaged one wooden door valued $80,000 and one iron gate valued $100,000, the property of Ayube Khan. It is also alleged that on February 3, 2016, he damaged one fence valued $500,000, property of the said defendant. He pleaded guilty to those two charges. However, he denied that on April 5, 2016, he breached the peace by using threatening and abusive language towards Farida Khan. A family member informed the court that he was mentally unstable. As a result, the magistrate ordered that he be remanded for evaluation, so as to determine whether he was capable of standing trial and/or being sentenced.

Stephen Jagroop

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

Call for reversal of Wales decision WALES sugar estate workers remain unwavering in seeking the reversal of the Government’s decision to close the estate. Through the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Ministry of Agriculture revealed on January 17, 2016 that the investment required to refurbish Wales estate remained significant, and the finances were simply not available.

However, according to a Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) release on Friday, “The closure will risk the livelihoods of about 2,500 workers and farmers and their dependents. Residents will be forced to contend with economic deterioration, and many even with ruin, should the Wales Sugar factory and the 1,500-hectare cultivation be abandoned by the Govern-

Workers on a vigil, appealing to the Government to reverse the closure of Wales Estate

ment of Guyana.” The Government, nevertheless, is contending that “diverting funds from the other estates to keep Wales afloat would seriously jeopardise the future of all estates. This cannot be allowed to happen. “It is impossible to make sugar production at Wales viable. This is made worse by the gloomy outlook for sugar prices for the foreseeable future. Wales Estate is projected to make a loss of (between) G$1.6B and $1.9

B in 2016. This, coupled with the extent of refurbishment needed, renders this estate prohibitively costly to maintain,” lamented the Government’s statement on January 17. To protect the other estates, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) said, it had no alternative but to take the following course of action with immediate effect: No further land preparation and planting; as the estate’s cultivation is harvested, the

land would be retired and held for other diversification ventures; the Wales factory would operate throughout 2016, milling both the estate’s and farmers’ canes. Further, it will be closed at the end of the 2016 second crop; with effect from 2017, farmers’ canes will be milled at the Uitvlugt factory. During this year, the routing of farmers’ canes to Uitvlugt would be determined to ensure the least additional cost; Turn to page 17 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

Abrams gets 5 years for America Street robbery

Dead: Anthony Primo

Convicted: Troy Abrams

TROY Abrams was yesterday sentenced by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to five years’ imprisonment for robbery committed on money-changers Rayburn Fraser and Osaffo Ward in America Street on November 3 last year. The charges against his alleged accomplice, Anthony Primo, were discharged because he was one of the 17 prisoners who perished on March 3, after they were trapped in a raging fire in the Capital ‘A’ Block of the Camp Street Prison. Abrams was charged on two counts of robbery under arms committed on November 3 at America Street, Georgetown. The charges detailed that Abrams and Primo robbed the money changers of a total of Gy$1.6M. Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, had called several police and civilian witnesses, including the two victims, Ward and Fraser, who said they were conducting their trade when a white car was seen coming through Avenue of Republic into America Street. Shortly after, approximately 10 gunmen daringly rode up on motorcycles and opened rapid fire on the money changers, while grabbing millions of dollars from them. The gunmen allegedly succeeded in carting off millions in both foreign and local currencies. Several AK-47, M70 and 9mm spent shells were recovered from the crime scene. According to Ward in his testimony, Abrams drew an AK-47 from a bag and pointed it at him and said “Pass meh the money before ya get shoot”, before he rode off with the cash. When an identification

(ID) parade was held by police on November 7, 2015, Ward had positively pointed out his attacker due to a scar on his attacker’s face. Abrams was pointed out by Ward because of the scar Abrams has on his chin, but Ward had failed to mention the scar in his statements. The magistrate placed no weight on Ward’s testimony, stating that the parade was ‘unfair’ and the evidence was weak; but she ruled in favour of the evidence of the other victim, Fraser. In Fraser’s testimony, he explained that he had known the two accused because he had conducted business with them before. A case of recognition was therefore established, and no ID parade was needed. Nevertheless, when Abrams was called to lead his defence, he gave the court the alibi that he was with his girlfriend in East La Penitence watching the movie ‘Soul Food’ during the time the crime was allegedly committed. However, when Abrams’s girlfriend testified in court, during cross-examination by the prosecutor, she was asked if she had ever watched a movie by the name of ‘Soul Food’, and she said she said she had never watched it. The Chief Magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution and found Abrams guilty of the charge of robbery committed on Fraser, and not guilty on the charge of robbery of Warde. In her ruling, the magistrate considered the factors: the seriousness of the offence, penalty, need to prohibit others, and the fact that the crime was well planned and executed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

‘Lil Man’ goes on trial

‒ for 2013 murder of two-year-old girl

By Michel Outridge

KEVIN Rankin, called ‘Lil Man’, appeared before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a 12-member jury in the High Court on Friday, on trial for the October 21, 2013 murder of two-yearold Kimani Phillips. The child was his niece, and he was 15 years old at the time and was home from school, having been suspended for fighting. According to State Prosecutor Narissa Leander, the accused was left at home at Lot 46 Haslington South, East Coast Demerara while his mother Diane Graham went on an errand. Her daughter’s children were left in her care, and the children were taken to the front house by relatives when Graham went out on October 21, 2013. The prosecutor stated that the case is based on circumstantial evidence which, when pieced together, will paint a perfect picture of how Rankin inflicted on the two-year-old child injuries which caused her death. Leander added that even though the incident took place three years ago, the State will call several witnesses to testify, and she asked members of the jury to consider only the evidence

given in the courtroom. The first witness called was Diane Graham, mother of the accused, who testified that, on the morning of October 21, 2013, she had left Rankin at home while she went to Money Gram to do a transaction which lasted about 20 minutes. She related that she left her daughter’s two children, including two-yearold Kimani Phillips, with her nieces who reside in the front house in the same yard, which houses an extended family. Graham said she was at her grandson’s school when she received a telephone call from one of her sisters, and she hurried home. On her way home, she saw Rankin exiting a car, and he said that Kimani “tek in” and they already took her to the health centre. Graham said the child was taken to GPHC, where she was pronounced dead on arrival, and she subsequently went to the workplace of the child’s mother and informed her of what had happened. They then returned to the GPHC, where her daughter, Denise Phillips, collapsed upon hearing of her child’s demise. Meanwhile, under cross-examination by Defence Attorney Sandil Kis-

soon, Graham said the child seemed normal to her, and she could not say whether the child had been examined by any medical personnel at the health centre before she was taken to GPHC. Graham explained under questioning that two days after the child had come to Guyana from Trinidad and Tobago, where she used to reside, she observed that the child had a constipation problem. Graham said she reported this matter to the child’s mother, but the child was not taken to see a doctor because the mother was unemployed then. Three months after the incident, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended that Rankin be charged for murder, and he was re-arrested and arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court. It was reported that Kimani Phillips had been the victim of a brutal sexual assault (sodomy) after it was observed that her anus was enlarged and she had an old bite mark on her neck. However, this was disputed among some family members. A post-mortem examination, however, revealed that the two-year-old girl died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple abdominal injuries.

Call for reversal... agricultural workers at Wales will be absorbed by Uitvlugt up to the extent of suitable vacancies on that location. Surplus labour would have to be made redundant; and the same principle would apply to the other departments. Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil was held on April 7, 2016, representing another manifestation of the workers’ myriad actions seeking a reversal of the decision to close. According to the GAWU release, some weeks ago, 67 workers were allegedly

denied continuous employment because the estate management deemed their work status as temporary. Another 105 have been deemed redundant, while hundreds of others are unaware of their fate. GAWU also accused GuySuCo of disregarding the Termination of the Employment and Severance Pay Act, stating that the corporation remained adamant in not engaging the workers’ unions – (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial

Mahaica murder accused to know fate on Monday By George Barclay DHUPAUL Singh, 54, called “Tailor” or “Tailorman” will likely learn his fate on Monday after Justice Jo-Ann Barlow sums up the Mahaica cutlass murder trial to the jury at the Demerara Assizes. Singh, who is claiming that he acted in self-defence, is on trial for the murder of Balkissoon, called “Balkie,” of Backdam, Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. After listening to addresses to the jury on Friday afternoon by lawyers for the defence and the prosecution, the judge indicated that she would sum up on Monday morning. She also exhorted the jury not to discuss the case with anyone, but to keep an open mind until Monday when she would address them and give them certain directions on the law. State Prosecutor Siand Dhurjon who, along with State Counsel Shonette Austin is prosecuting, called a number of witnesses in support of the prosecution’s case that on September 2nd 2014, “Tailorman” inflicted a wound on the left side of the neck

of Balkissoon which severed an artery to his spine and resulted in death. According to Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who performed the post-mortem, the wound was of such a nature that Balkissoon would have died almost immediately. In an answer to Defence Counsel Nadan Kisssoon, the pathologist agreed that the injury could have been inflicted by one acting in self-defence. In his statement to the police and in an unsworn statement from the dock, the accused claimed that farmer Balkissoon had earlier visited his home, cursed him and called him a lunatic. He said that later that day he “Tailorman” was on the backdam on his way to the police station when Balkissoon rode up on a bicycle. According to him, he accosted Balkissoon for insulting him at his home and calling him a mad man. He added that “Balkissoon then attacked me with his cutlass and I was too far away, he was in the process of attacking me with the weapon,when in defence of my life I fired a blow at him and ran away. While I was

Courts hosts health fair on Monday

From page 14

and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) – in the process and procedure related to the retrenchment. Nevertheless, “the workers and others remain committed to their cause to save Wales Estate. We appreciate the hands of support and the expression of solidarity with us. In the continuing struggles, we, workers, farmers and residents, are confident that such assistance can be relied on,” the statement highlighted.

running someone pelted a cutlass at me. Later, two police vehicles came and the police arrested me.” Prosecution witnesses testified that on the day in question, “Tailorman” had a cutlass in his left hand while walking on the dam when he met Balkissoon. After accosting Balkissoon,he pulled Balkissoon’s cutlass from the back of his bicycle and used the weapon to chop Balkissoon on the neck. Balkissoon fell and was later picked up dead on the dam in a pool of blood. Witnesses said that “Tailorman” ran away with two cutlasses, but a search was made for the other cutlass without success. Defence Counsel Kissoon urged the jury to return a verdict of not guilty, since there were a number of inconsistencies by the prosecution witnesses and his client had struck out in self-defence. Meanwhile, State Prosecutor Dhurjon urged the jury to find that the inconsistencies the defence counsel was talking about were trivial things designed to confuse them and that they ought to return a guilty verdict.

Courts Guyana Limited Main Street, Georgetown branch

COURTS will be hosting its first-ever health fair in the Main Street avenue, Georgetown, on Monday as part of Occupational Health and Safety Month 2016. According to a release, Health Minister George Norton and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan

will address the occasion. Courts said it endeavours to encourage good health and well-being not only among its staff, but those in its environment and Guyana at large. “Courts has partnered with the Ministry of Health and the regional health services team to offer a wide range of health care services

to the general public. Persons visiting the booths over the two-day period will be able to benefit from a range of medical services, inclusive of blood sugar and blood pressure testing, VCT testing and much more. The regional team will consist of two doctors along with nurses and they will be joined by a team from the Red Cross, who will be doing a sensitisation exercise on First Aid and will be sharing health tips. There will also be a very informative session focusing on providing more awareness about the Zika virus,” the release said. Along with all of the health care activities, members of the public will be encouraged to be part of a blood drive to help save more lives. The health fair will run from April 11 to 12 from 09:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs daily in the avenue in front of Courts Main Street. All services provided will be free.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Needs assessment for Masakenari, Parabara

A TEAM of officials and stakeholders from several Government agencies will soon visit Masakenari and Parabara villages in Region Nine to conduct a needs assessment. This is a follow-up to a meeting held between the toshaos of the villages and President David Granger on March 14, 2016.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, said that during the meeting between the President and the toshaos, at which he was present, several issues were discussed. Some of these include the

construction of a road, delivery of health care supplies, installation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) connections and hubs, and support for agriculture. Williams said contact was made with the leaders, following their return to their villages, to discuss the next steps. Masakenari and

Parabara are two communities that are close to Guyana’s bvorder with Brazil. “We heard from Toshao Paul Chekema, and immediately following that, a meeting was convened and attended by representatives of various ministries with responsibility of doing the research and report; so we are

on the road,” he said. The Ministerial Advisor assured that Government will continue to work to address the needs of the country’s indigenous peoples. “The intention now is to ensure that services are delivered and that the villages are no longer seen as being divorced from the rest of

Guyana, but to be an integral part of the national fabric,” Williams added. The team is currently working on scheduling a date for a visit to the communities for the assessments, following which a report will be prepared and presented to President Granger.

Masakenari is one of two villages that will be visited by a team of officials from several Government agencies, to ascertain what their needs are (jmbroscombe.blogspot.com)

GNBS to use GuyExpo as training ground for standardisation

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will play a larger role at GuyExpo 2016, compared to previous years. The agency will utilise the mega-event as a training ground for the standardisation of businesses, through interaction on a one-on-one basis with exhibitors, to identify the needs of businesses in establishing quality standards. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, explained that GNBS has taken on the role of being a consumer watchdog, but this is not its main focus. The primary role of the GNBS, he said, is to support business development by creating standards for businesses to implement, “Thereby improving the quality of their businesses and services, and therefore becoming more competitive. We want them to exhibit and demonstrate that role at this year’s GuyExpo,” he emphasised. GNBS Public Relations Officer Lloyd David in an in-

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin

terview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said that a database of the businesses that will be exhibiting will be established to continue works on standards implementation, after GuyExpo concludes. The agency will be looking to motivate companies to embrace standards for competitiveness through quality standards and metrology, which is a system of weights and measures used to ensure measuring devices deliver accurate results.

Robust outlook for global cereal supplies in 2016

WORLD cereal production in 2016 is set to amount to 2 521 million tonnes, just 0.2 per cent off last year’s large output and the third-highest global performance on record, according to Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) first forecast for the new season. Large inventory levels and relatively sluggish global demand mean that market conditions for staple food grains appear stable for at least another season, the agency’s latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief predicts. The FAO Food Price Index for March was also released today. Overall, the Index rose by 1.0 per cent compared to February, as soaring sugar prices and continued increase in palm oil quotations more than offset plunging dairy product prices. The Index averaged 151.0 points in March, its highest level in 2016, but still some 12.0 percent below its level of a year earlier. The FAO Food Price Index is a trade-weighted index tracking international market

Farmers thresh paddy rice in Laos prices for five key commodity groups: major cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat and sugar. Its decline over the past year reflects ample food supplies, a slowing global economy and a stronger U.S. dollar. The keystone FAO Cereal Price Index fell slightly in March - marking the fifth straight month of declineamid a favourable supply outlook in the new season. The drop was far more pronounced if compared to last year, as the sub-index is down 13.1 per

cent below its March 2015 level. The FAO Sugar Price Index rose 17.1 per cent from February, reaching its highest level since November 2014. The sharp increase reflects mainly expectations of a larger production deficit during the current crop year, but likely also reported higher use of raw sugar for the production of ethanol in Brazil. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index also rose notably, jumping 6.3 per cent from

February, as international palm oil prices surged on the back of prolonged dry weather in Malaysia and Indonesia, by far the world main producers. Soy oil prices were stable, while sunflower and rapeseed oil prices declined. The FAO Dairy Price Index dropped 8.2 per cent to its lowest level since June 2009, led by plummeting butter and cheese prices. The FAO Meat Price Index was broadly unchanged from last month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Master Brewers’ wives, Banks executives call on First Lady

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger on Thursday received a courtesy call from the wives of the members of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) and several women executives from Banks DIH, at her State House office. The group was led by Sharon Nelson, Human Resources Manager at Banks DIH Limited, and included Mena Carto, wife of Paul Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director; Liz Pereira, wife of Michael Pereira, Operations Director; Hollie Kendall, wife of Brewer Mathew Kendall; along with

Techla Gonsalves, Human Resource Executive; Kavorn Kyte-Williams, Corporate Legal Officer; and Shaundelle Easton, Linden Branch Manager, all of Banks DIH Limited. The delegation also included Gail Chu-Fook, wife of Allan Chu-Fook of the Caribbean District of the MBAA; Val Simpson, wife of Bill Simpson, who is the keynote speaker at the 55th MBAA Convention – Caribbean; and MBAA attendee Lisa Ramsumair of Trinidad and Tobago, among others. The First Lady said that while the meeting was “supposed to be a courtesy call”, it

First Lady Sandra Granger displays the bouquet presented to her by Hollie Kendall, wife of Banks DIH Brewer Matthew Kendall, at the close of the sessionmeeting pay keen attention to First Lady Sandra Granger as she makes an address

Sharon Nelson, Human Resources Manager at Banks DIH Limited (centre), and two other attendees at the meeting pay keen attention to First Lady Sandra Granger as she makes an address turned into a warm, interactive brunch session, during which the women exchanged views on a number of topical issues. “I filled them in on my service activities and answered their questions,” the First Lady said. In an invited comment, Ms Nelson said the objective of the meeting was to allow some of the spouses and women executives of Banks DIH to meet with the First Lady. Ms Nelson said she admires the First Lady’s convivial nature, and was very pleased with the meeting. Ms Carto, also in an invited comment, said that while the men are in formal sessions,

the women paid a courtesy call on the First Lady, “who entertained us to brunch, and we had a very nice conversation…. She told us all about the service activities which she is involved in, and the life of the wife of the President; and we were able to share our views with her. It was a very pleasant morning”. Ms Simpson, another MBAA spouse, said that while she has attended other conferences around the world, this is her first trip to Guyana, and she felt honoured to have met the First Lady. “It’s been very nice,” she said, adding that she was enjoying socialising with the other spouses, delegates and

dignitaries. The MBAA wives have accompanied their husbands to Guyana to attend the convention, which is being hosted by Banks DIH at the Pegasus Hotel. Over 94 companies from across the Caribbean, North America and Europe, including suppliers and brewers, are attending this annual convention, which is held in a different country every year. Carto told the Ministry of the Presidency that the MBAA meeting is “being held in Guyana for the third time, and coincidentally, it’s been held here every 10 years, so the first was 1986, then 2006, and now 2016.”

Commercial production of soybean to commence at Ebini BRAZILIAN firm New Frontier Agriculture Incorporated will shortly commence largescale commercial production of soybean in Ebini, Region 10. Dr Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), told the Government Information Agency (GINA): “The investment…is coming to fruition, the investors are going there [to the site] within a week’s time…to begin operations, and we can have for the first time a large-scale investment.” During the exclusive interview, he explained: “We know that in the Savannahs there are investments, about 50 acres. Progressively, we hope that they [New Frontier Agriculture Inc] would at least be doing 200 acres commercially this year.” NAREI has begun preparatory works to facilitate this investment. Dr Homenauth pointed out, “Our focus at Ebini would be the development of a nursery, which will happen, I suspect, before the middle of the year; the reason being because we have to go through the process of advertising and so on. We will also be expanding our orchard -- that will be further increased by at least 10 acres.” The expansion of the orchard (an orchard is an intentional planting of trees or shrubs that are maintained for food production), the CEO explained, is to better exemplify the way planting should be done. He further highlighted that there are many young entrepreneurs who may want to get into agriculture, but may not have the knowledge of crops and production. This Large-scale commercial production of soybean in Ebini, Region 10, orchard is expected to serve as a guide for those individuals. is expected to commence shortly

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

Travel writers conclude FAM trip here DURING a recently-concluded familiarisation trip to Guyana, award-winning Travel Writer Mark Stevens and his wife Sharon Matthews-Stevens, an award-winning photographer, were given the opportunity to experience Guyana’s rare beauty and authentic culture. The couple will be promoting Destination Guyana in the Canadian marketplace, and they were elated to discover for themselves the unique facets of Guyana’s tourism product.

Their itinerary, which was tailored by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), was expansive, and included visits to Yupukari, Surama, Atta Lodge, Kaieteur Falls, and the capital, Georgetown. The journalists enjoyed bird-watching, wildlife-spotting and hiking, and they also immersed themselves in the culture of the indigenous communities they visited. The Stevens’ works on the Caribbean have appeared in popular publications, including the Washington Post, Toronto Star, Ensem-

ble Vacations, and Dreamscapes among others. Late last year, the Stephens were recognised during the Caribbean Week in Canada Awards for their outstanding works. They will be pitching story ideas from their adventures in Guyana to the Outpost Magazine and the Explorer; and according to Mr Stevens, they are working towards producing a feature in a popular Canadian publication. Expounding on the benefits for the destination,

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh explained that a familiarisation trip is the most proactive, cost-effective marketing tool, as it promotes Destination Guyana and helps to expand sales, distribution and awareness. Upon their return to Georgetown, the Stevens shared highlights of their experiences and provided insights into new areas for product innovation, and said they were quite impressed by the hospitality and warmth demonstrated to them during their seven days

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh with Mr and Mrs Stevens at the conclusion of their journey to Guyana

in Guyana. Over the years, the GTA has facilitated numerous FAMs, which have generated tremendous exposure for Guyana. This trip was facilitated by a collaboration among

Wilderness Explorers, Atta Lodge, Surama and Yupukari/Caiman House, and was the second FAM for 2016; JCD (Caribbean Airlines video production team) recently completed filming here.

Guyanese busted with 550 grams of cocaine

A GUYANESE man was this week caught with 550 grams of cocaine upon his arrival at the JKF Airport in New York. According to reports, Rajendra Ramrattan, 29, of East Coast Demerara was busted with the illicit substance on Wednesday after he was selected for examination by Customs and Border Protection officers at the U.S. airport. Ramrattan arrived at JFK Airport aboard Caribbean Airlines Flight 524

from Guyana, which made an en-route stop in Trinidad. The man presented a grey suitcase and a brown bag to officers, and a plastic bag was found containing an unknown substance in the pocket of a pair of jeans in his suitcase. He told investigators that he had bought the drugs in Guyana for US$2000 and planned to sell in the U.S. Ramrattan was refused bail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 9, 2016

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Cape Arrow 09:00 hrs Pearl Oyster Bay 09:40 hrs Money Surger 10:15 hrs Tin Soldier 10:55 hrs Spirit Of Hamilton 11:35 hrs Navasha Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:20 hrs Discipline 08:50 hrs The Moore Factor 09:20 hrs New Direction 09:55 hrs Newsman 11:00 hrs Oiche Mhaith Boy English Racing Tips Aintree 08:45 hrs Squouateur 09:25 hrs Yorkhill 10:00 hrs Douvan 10:40 hrs Thistlecrack 11:20 hrs Band Of Blood 12:15 hrs The Last Samuri 13:10 hrs Madfuninthewest Lingfield 09:00 hrs Baileys Mirage 09:35 hrs The Warrior 10:10 hrs Dutch Uncle 10:45 hrs Muatadel 11:15 hrs Palawan 11:50 hrs Musdam 12:40 hrs Pike Corner Cross Sedgefield 09:05 hrs Jonny Eager 09:40 hrs Mardale 10:20 hrs Sakheeâ€™s City 10:55 hrs Duhallowcountry 11:30 hrs My Little Cracker 12:00 hrs Rocky Stone 12:45 hrs Attimo American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Celtic Chaos Race 2 Bass River Road Race 3 Kid Cruz Race 4 Happyness Race 5 Rectify Race 6 Off Limits Race 7 Mind Your Biscuits Race 8 Lewis Bay Race 9 Unified Race10 Shagaf

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Retiring Pacquiao out to preserve legacy against Bradley MANNY Pacquiao says a convincing victory over Timothy Bradley is crucial to his boxing legacy as he prepares for his farewell fight in Las Vegas today. Filipino fighter Pacquiao is one of the most revered boxers in history having won world titles in eight different weight categories - the only man to have done so. But the 37-year-old has stated his intention to hang up the gloves following the bout at MGM Grand against long-time rival Bradley to focus on his political career in his homeland. It will mark the third time the pair have faced each other with many considering Bradley lucky to win the first encounter in a controversial points decision in June 2012, a wrong Pacquiao righted with a convincing unanimous decision win in April 2014. Pacquiao turned down potential fights with Amir Khan and Terence Crawford to opt for a rubber fight with Bradley which will reportedly earn him $20 million, and he is determined to bow out in style. “It’s really important for me to win this fight, to win convincingly. It’s part of my legacy,” said Pacquiao, who has won 57 of his 65 professional fights - 38 of which came via knockout. “The most important

Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley pose for a surprisingly civil pre-fight photo. thing is the fight and making people happy. Every time I fight I know my fellow countrymen are behind me and supporting me.” Pacquiao is returning to the ring for the first time since losing the richest bout in boxing history to Floyd Mayweather Jr 11 months ago, with the Filipino later citing a shoulder injury as the reason for the loss. Reports suggest that Bradley will seek to follow a similar strategy employed by Juan Manuel Marquez during a brutal sixth-round knockout of Pacquiao in December 2012, something Pacquiao is prepared for. “I know that Floyd used the same sparring strategy, I know that they’re going to use that strategy,” he added. “But I learned a lot from that fight. So maybe they should think about another

strategy.” The theme of legacy is also important to Bradley, who is desperate to eradicate any doubts over his contentious 2012 win. Bradley - whose 2014 loss to Pacquiao is his only career defeat - later admitted that the negative reaction he received after winning the fight left him contemplating suicide. It is something that still rankles with him, particularly as he feels few people reacted in a similar fashion after a 2014 draw against Diego Chaves that many thought he deserved to have won. “You don’t hear anybody say, ‘even though he got a draw against Chaves, I felt that he beat Chaves’,” Bradley said. “You don’t hear anybody saying that, do you? No, exactly. I beat Chaves and I didn’t get that credit.

Grand National 2016

Many Clouds aims to emulate Red Rum

L A S T y e a r ’s w i n n e r Many Clouds will bid to emulate Red Rum by winning back-to-back runnings as 40 horses line up for the Grand National today. Jockey Leighton Aspell, also successful in 2014 on Pineau De Re, is seeking a historic third consecutive victory in the famous race over 30 fences. Coverage of the £1M race is expected to be watched by 600 million people worldwide. Bookmakers say more than £150M will be wagered on the race. Two-time winner Ruby Walsh, who was set to ride Sir Des Champs, was ruled out with a fractured wrist after falling twice yesterday. The Aintree showpiece - run over nearly four and a half miles - has been put back an hour to 17:15 BST,

Many Clouds beat Saint Are in a close finish last year. avoiding a clash with the af- favourite. I would choose Many ternoon’s football fixtures, in Clouds for his experience and an effort to increase audience class. He’s possibly still imfigures. proving,” said Aspell, 39. Contenders have to neHowever, the jockey did gotiate obstacles such as concede that Silviniaco Conti, Becher’s Brook and The a seven-time winner of Grade Chair, and no horse has won One races at the highest level, back-to-back runnings since had the capability to “make triple-winner Red Rum in a mockery” of his 12-1 odds. the 1970s. But Aspell believes Many Red Rum in the Grand National: Won Clouds, rated 7-1 favourite 1973: 1974: Won yesterday, can defy top weight 1975: Second 1976: Second for trainer Oliver Sherwood. “I think he’s the worthy 1977: Won (BBC Sport)

Guyanese on Windies World Cup champion teams honoured

GUYANESE players on both the West Indies Women’s and Under-19 World Cup teams were yesterday honoured during a splendid ceremony hosted by the National Sport Commission (NSC) at the 704 Sports Bar. The two women cricketers, Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle, who were part of the West Indies triumphant Women’s ICC World T20 champions team last Sunday, along with the Under-19 players Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, who landed the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier in the year, were hosted by members of the NSC, along with invitees from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and several ministers of government. Representing the NSC was Director Christopher Jones, along with commissioners Lavern Fraser and James Bondn and Chairman Ivan Persaud, who later delivered remarks congratulating the performances of the players. According to Persaud, the ladies team settled an age-old family issue of his, adding, “Thanks to you I was able to find common ground with an uncle of mine whom I had not spoken to in a long time. Thank you.” Yesterday’s ceremony came as the NSC received

scathing criticisms from sporting fans for the lacklustre way in which the women cricketers were welcomed home earlier this week but the body conceded that while they blundered, the ceremony would feature surprises. Also on hand to greet the ladies was the Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes who said, “You guys are all ambassadors for Guyana and have put Guyana on the map for the right reasons.” She also talked about awarding to all the players trips to Kaieteur Falls. “Kaieteur Falls is a symbol of Guyana and you are all symbols,” continued the minister, under whose portfolio tourism falls. Her counterpart within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry said, “I have never been in the company of five champions and it feels good. What you have done has made Guyana especially proud. You are all inspirations.” Digicel Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, committed Digicel’s support to cricket and cricketers in Guyana saying, “Thank you for being ambassadors of the Digicel brand on the world stage.” Sport Director Jones thanked the players for making Guyana proud. The

female players were each given a phone from Digicel and a cricket band from King’s Jewellery World. The players were also given the tickets for their trips to Kaieteur Falls. They received plaques from the NSC as well as cricket bat pendants for the males from Sanjay’s Jewellery. 704 Sports Bar also presented the players with a package, while Minister Henry delivered tokens of appreciation. The players were also treated to lunch at 704 after which they travelled to Giftland Mall for photo ops and autograph signings. Meanwhile, during an interview with Chronicle Sport, Jones touched on plans to keep the Guyanese populace up to date with local athletes. Yesterday’s ceremony was a promise made by the Director of Sport who, on Thursday, admitted that he had made a blunder in not meeting the Women cricketers at the airport, but promised that something special was in store for all the cricketers. Following the ceremony at 704, the players were taken through the streets of Georgetown as well as the Giftland Mall, where they interacted with fans, autographed memorabilia and took pictures.

explained an elated Campbelle. The West Indies are having a run of success this year which began with the U-19 team winning their World Cup tournament in February. The men’s senior team are now the only team to win the ICC Twenty20

World Cup twice – having won the competition previously in 2012 – while the women’s team won the tournament for the first time – making West Indies the only team to have won both the men’s and women’s versions of the tournament simultaneously.

Winning World T20 Cup makes it ...

From backpage even more special. “It’s a great feeling to be a part of history. Words cannot express the way I feel at this point in time, not just because we won the trophy but the support behind the entire team,”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Supergiants target a winning first impression in IPL opener THERE were 1 676 013 pageviews of an article on ESPNcricinfo titled “List of players sold and unsold in IPL 2016.” Even last year, with the World Cup in full swing and with no shortage of content on the site, it was this simple collection of player names and the IPL teams they would suit up for that got top billing. Based on sheer public interest - a vital measure - the

Indian Premier League is a thing of incredulity. The ninth season kicks off today by pitting the defending champions Mumbai Indians against newcomers Rising Pune Supergiants. MS Dhoni has been put front and centre, and so has the best batting track in the country. Amid all the critique that the tournament endures, the organisers certainly do know

how to sell it and the audience are quite happy to buy into it. The following in Rajasthan and Chennai might just have diminished, though. So how can that be countered? By feeding off a rivalry that has defined the IPL, of course. Mumbai are the only team that have a favourable win-loss record against the suspended Chennai Super Kings, whose key figures - captain Dhoni,

emerging from damn near unwinnable situations to become champions was very IPL. It’s immensely hard to imagine that being matched, but never say never with this tournament. Mumbai made only seven purchases at the auction, and Jos Buttler was their most expensive buy. His price soared to INR 3.8 crore, despite his limited experience in India, purely because of his ability as a 360-degree player. Now he has had the experience of playing in these condi-

tions - for a world championship no less - and his presence in the middle order may just free up Rohit Sharma to play in his preferred opening slot. The English presence this IPL season is reasonably strong. And even at the age of 35 and with only franchise cricket to sustain himself, Kevin Pietersen was among the best batsmen in the Big Bash League 2015-16. Only two men scored more than his 323 runs and none matched his four fifties in nine matches. Supergiants might be relying on their overseas roster for batting strength and their Indian recruits to shore up the bowling. They appear rather light on spinners and might have to rope in rookie M. Ashwin to partner his namesake. Mumbai Indians (probable) Lendl Simmons, Rohit Sharma (capt.), Unmukt Chand, Ambati Rayudu, Jos Buttler, (wkp.), Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, J Suchith/ Krunal Pandya/Kishore Kamath, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan

Stephen Curry had a game-high 27 points. against the Spurs in San Antonio in-between tomorrow. Limiting the Spurs to 19-for-51 shooting (37.3 percent) while running up a 71-48 margin at the midpoint of the third quarter, the Warriors were thoroughly dominant in improving to 9-0 following a loss. Neither the Warriors nor the Spurs have lost in a game immediately following a defeat this season. No team in NBA history has ever gone through the regular season without consecutive defeats. The Warriors led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter and then 23 in the third en route to just their second win in their last four home games after a 36-0 start at Oracle Arena.

Barnes had 21 points and Draymond Green 18 for the Warriors, who shot 54.2 percent from the field and 12-for25 on 3-pointers. Curry (11-for-19), Barnes (8-for-13) and Green (7-for12) all hit better than half of their shots. Kawhi Leonard scored a team-high 23 points for the Spurs, who had a four-game winning streak snapped. The loss assured the Spurs of the No.2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Tony Parker (4-for-10, 10 points), LaMarcus Aldridge (5-for-16, 11 points) and Tim Duncan (2-for-6, four points) all struggled for San Antonio, who lost to Golden State for just the fifth time in their past 29 regular-season meetings. San Antonio forward Kyle Anderson had eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds off the bench. The Spurs’ best offensive spurt of the game, a 5-for-6 start to the fourth quarter, allowed them to get back within 93-80 with 8:48 to go. However, Barnes and G re e n h i t s u b s e q u e n t 3-pointers as the Warriors expanded the lead to 18 one more time before coasting to their 41st double-digit winning margin of the season.

Jos Buttler’s presence in the middle order may free up Rohit Sharma to open the innings. lead spinner R Ashwin and head coach Stephen Fleming have broken away to form the core of the Supergiants. The world’s best will be in action again, a mere six days after a World T20 where new heroes emerged, low-scoring matches were still competitive and, despite the host nation being knocked out, the final was played at Eden Gardens in front of a near-capacity crowd. The finish - how did it go down again? Ah yes - with a flurry of sixes, a commentator screaming, and a team

Warriors beat Spurs, sew up home court advantage

THE Sports Xchange) The Golden State Warriors clinched home-court advantage through the NBA playoffs on Thursday night, riding a strong defensive performance to a 112-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in a historic meeting of the league’s top two teams. Stephen Curry had a game-high 27 points and the Warriors (70-9) held the Spurs (65-13) to 19 field goals in the first 30 minutes of the first-ever regular-season meeting of teams with 65 or more wins. Andrew Bogut had 11 rebounds and Harrison Barnes eight, as the Warriors dominated the boards to the tune of 43-32 en route to becoming just the second team in NBA history to win 70 games in the regular season. Golden State now need two victories in their last three games to tie the alltime wins record set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who went 72-10. A three-game sweep of the remaining games would give the Warriors the record. The Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies twice in the final three games of the season, with a rematch

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

Brilliant Brathwaite must build on World T20 heroics CARLOS Brathwaite is preparing to make his IPL bow with the Delhi Daredevils, having propelled himself into the limelight at the World T20. When Delhi Daredevils splashed the cash on Carlos Brathwaite at the 2016 IPL auction, eyebrows - including those of the player himself - were raised. The 27-year-old, who has little domestic experience outside the Caribbean, went into his first auction with a base price of around $30 000, but found himself at the centre of a bidding war between the Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders. Brathwaite’s price tag rocketed to roughly $630 000 in a lucrative move few

Carlos Brathwaite launches one of his four sixes in the World T20 final last Sunday.

Hetmyer 189 sinks Satro Cricket Club LED by a magnificent 189 from Shimron Hetmyer, Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) stunned Satro Cricket Club of Leguan by 167 runs when the two teams met last Sunday on the Essequibo Island. The visitors won the toss, decided to bat first and piled up 321-7 off their allotted 30 overs. Hetmyer, who stroked 15 fours and 17 sixes, got support from his brother Seon with 41, Linden Austin 28 and Waheid Edwards 17.

Shimron Hetmyer Ricardo Adams was the best bowler for the hosts

with three wickets. In reply, Satro Cricket Club were bowled out for 154 in 29 overs. Zaman Mustapha topscored with 39. He got support from Kevin Gordon 35 and Mark 24. Pacer Jermin Henry took three wickets while Trevon Stanislaus and Karamchand Ramnarine had two wickets apiece. Meanwhile, in the game on Saturday, YWCC lost to the hosts by eight runs.

had predicted but, following the all-rounder’s starring role for West Indies in the World Twenty20 final, it looks to be a shrewd acquisition. Brathwaite did not so much hog the limelight as own it as the Windies became the first team to win a second World T20 title, claiming a four-wicket victory over England in Kolkata on Sunday. With his side needing 19 runs from the final over at Eden Gardens, Brathwaite stepped up to sensationally hit Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes and wrap up a memorable win in the most emphatic fashion. Marlon Samuels may have picked up the manof-the-match award for his record-breaking 85 off 66 balls, but it was Brathwaite - quick to pay tribute to his team-mate’s

winning it as his rematch with Klitschko meant he would not fight the body’s mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov. That title is at stake today, when British Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua fights defending champion Charles Martin at the O2 Arena in London. Fury’s fight with Klitschko will take place on the same weekend as the Wimbledon singles finals, the British Grand Prix and the Euro 2016 final. (BBC Sport)

of the moment is just one of a number of big-money recruits set to boost that bid. Pawan Negi, Chris Morris, Sanju Samson a n d K a r u n N a i r a re all among the new additions to a team that already boasts Imran Tahir, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Daredevils by their very nature will err on the side of risk-taking, as demonstrated by the franchise’s blinkered pursuit of this relatively unknown and unproven quantity at February’s auction. H o w e v e r, f o l l o w ing Brathwaite’s World T20 heroics on Indian soil, those who pushed through his signing will be confident this is one risk that might just pay off. (Sportsmax.com)

never confirmed because it overlapped with two events she is due to attend at the United Nations on drugs and climate change. Rousseff, facing an impeachment effort over a series of scandals and probes in Brazil, had been expected to attend the April 21 torch-lighting event along with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and the head of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach. The ritual at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece traditionally marks the countdown to the world’s biggest multi-sports event with the lighting of the torch and a torch relay. “The President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, has cancelled her presence at the event according to information provided to the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) by the embassy of Brazil,” event organisers HOC said in a statement. Rio will host the first Olympics in South American from August 5 to 21, with their

torch relay starting on May 3 in the capital Brasilia and ending in Rio on the day of the opening ceremony. Preparations for the Games have been hit by the country’s worst recession in decades, with organisers racing to save money through a series of last-minute cost-cutting measures. Ticket sales have lagged compared to previous Games, with less than half of them sold, according to data announced by organisers last month. Organisers have also grappled with pollution in waters where sailing and rowing events will be held and the threat of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that has spread across the continent. These challenges come as authorities have said they suspect corruption in Olympic-building projects carried out by the same construction and engineering firms charged with graft in a major scandal involving state-run oil company Petrobras.

Rousseff scraps torch-lighting trip to Greece

Fury, Klitschko rematch set for July 9 in Manchester

TYSON Fury’s rematch against Wladimir Klitschko will take place in Manchester on July 9, according to the British fighter’s trainer and uncle. Peter Fury tweeted the news yesterday, and a further announcement is expected after 12:00 BST. Manchester-born Fury, 27, defeated 40-year-old Ukrainian Klitschko on points Tyson Fury in Dusseldorf last November to secure the WBA, IBF and heavyweight world champion. WBO titles. Fury was stripped of his Victory meant he became Britain’s fifth bona fide IBF belt two weeks after

contribution - who dominated the headlines for his scintillating late showing, having already picked up 3-23 with the ball. The Daredevils will hope Brathwaite is more than just a flash in the pan after making the cricket world sit up and take notice with his barnstorming performance. And there is no doubting Delhi have one of the hottest properties in T20 cricket on their hands Brathwaite was afforded a hero’s welcome upon his arrival this week, with fans gathering to sing Dwayne - or DJ Bravo’s ‘Champion’ anthem in a hotel lobby. Those supporters may now see Brathwaite as central to their ambitions of reaching the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2012, but the man

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff

By Karolos Grohmann

ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) - Embattled Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has cancelled plans to attend the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia later this month, Greece’s Olympic Committee (HOC) said yesterday. Rousseff’s office in Brasilia said her trip to Greece was

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

First batch of CPL tickets on Australia tour of sale now for 2016 season Sri Lanka to THE HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to announce that the initial batch of tickets for the forthcoming season, which will be staged this year from June 29 to August 7, can be purchased now. In excess of 300 000 fans attended the biggest party in sport last year and tournament organisers are confident that even more will sign up across the seven territories, which will this year include the staging of six matches in the Central Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Ticket prices in Central Broward Stadium will start in the region of US$23 for a single match, while tickets for one of the weekend double-headers are priced from around US$43. Ticket prices have been approved by each of the six franchises and will vary from country to country. With the matches in Fort Lauderdale and St Kitts & Nevis now confirmed, further fixture announcements for the other

CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe franchises are expected explained: “We are really exover the coming fortnight. cited about the forthcoming Tickets for these CPL CPL season and look forward matches are on sale from to welcoming even more supwww.cplt20.com. porters to our matches for the CPL Chief Executive Of- season ahead. ficer Damien O’Donohoe “We at CPL are acutely

aware of our responsibilities to promote West Indies cricket and the tickets are competitively priced for single and families across the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale. “As we now all know, the West Indies is the home of the ICC World T20 champions, and with a number of hugely talented emerging local players from the Under-19 squad and regionally, as well as our most talented roster to date of international talent, we’re shaping up for our most successful season yet. “We’re working hard behind the scenes alongside our local partners to deliver an outstanding event and help showcase all this is good about cricket in the Caribbean. “This year we will also be playing six matches in Fort Lauderdale which is a new and exciting departure for CPL, and I would urge all supporters to book their tickets early because we’re expecting huge numbers to attend again this year. Don’t miss out!”

GPF/FACC to stage 28-mile cycle road race tomorrow

FOLLOWING the successful staging of a cycle road race in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) on the Corentyne highway two Sundays ago, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has once again decided to collaborate with the FACC to stage another road race which is set for tomorrow in Berbice. According to a release, the two entities have decided to stage a 28-mile road race and it is open to cyclists who are members of the FACC only. The event will pedal off at 09:00hrs from Tacama Turn, New Amsterdam, and the participants will proceed along the New Amsterdam, Canje and Corentyne Highways to the Independence Arch at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, before turning back to

begin in Pallekele from July 26

AUSTRALIA’s three-Test series on the tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin from July 26 - unusually - in Pallekele, as authorities seek to avoid a clash between the Kandy Esala Perahera festival and the Test. Australia will also play five ODIs and two T20s on the tour, spread between Khettarama, Dambulla and Pallekele from August 21 to September 9. Hambantota is the only functional international ground that will not host matches. Sri Lanka tours usually begin in Galle, but with the Perahera season set to begin in early August, SLC has opted to make a change on this occasion. After Pallekele, the action will move to Galle before the series finishes up at the SSC. The P Sara Oval stadium is in contention to host a tour match, though this has not yet been confirmed. The one-day series begins with two ODIs in Khettarama, before moving on to two games in Dambulla, then the final one in Pallekele. The T20s are at Pallekele and Khettarama. SLC has declared its intentions to put in effective floodlights at the Dambulla ground, but at this stage, it appears that the two Dambulla matches will be day games. This tour is Australia’s first to the island since 2011, when they won the three-Test series 1-0. Australia have played 13 Tests in Sri Lanka against the hosts, won six Tests, and lost only one - in 1999. Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka 1st Test: July 26-30, Pallekele 2nd Test: August 4-8, Galle 3rd Test: August 13-17, Colombo 1st ODI: August 21, Colombo 2nd ODI: August 24, Colombo 3rd ODI: August 28, Dambulla 4th ODI: August 31, Dambulla 5th ODI: September 4, Pallekele 1st T20I: September 6, Pallekele 2nd T20I: September 9, Colombo

NOTABLE DATES

Police Officers, led by Officer-in-Charge of Sub Division 1, Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse extreme left), beam with confidence as Assistant Superintendent Keith Williams (fifth right) presents the sponsorship cheque to Randolph Roberts. race coordinator and head coach of the FACC.

finish at the junction of Main and Alexander Streets. A number of prizes

are up for grabs for the first four finishers, first two Under-16 riders as well as the first three

females. There are also eight sprint point prizes up for grabs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday April 09, 2016) (Saturday April 09, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & A U D R E Y ’ S TA S T Y SNACKETTE-176

Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Pakistan (2) New Zealand

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who are the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2016 champions? (2) Who are the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2016 champions? Answers in tomorrow’s

ANTHONY ‘The Pearl’ Andrews was 34 years old and well past his prime when he collided with Scott Pemberton on April 9, 1999 at the Fox Resort in Connecicut. The Pearl’ had racked up 40 bouts, with 27 victories in a career that spanned 17 years. Pemberton added another defeat to Andrews’ record by winning the 10-round super middleweight contest via a unanimous decision. Andrews fought one more time (in March 2000) before waving goodbye to the sport. In his early days Andrews was called `The Pearl’ for good reason. Many who witnessed his early exploits would agree that his name must be called when the ceremony to award the best fighters from Guyana is held, as he was a `gem’ of a boxer. `The Pearl’ made a dynamic entrance to professional boxing in November 1982 and won his first three fights through stoppages. His winning formula ran out in the fourth bout. Coming up against Olympic bronze medallist Michael Parris, Andrews lost on points while the bantamweight title of Guyana was at stake. However, two fights later he gained revenge and the bantamweight title, as Parris was TKOed in the eleventh round. In May 1995 Andrews challenged WBA middleweight champion Jorge Castro but was unsuccessful.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 9, 2016

WI Players meet fans in Georgetown Kemo Paul shows Minister of Education the proper technique needed to execute a cover drive.

West Indies Women’s player Tremayne Smartt autographs a music cart.

WICB clarifies position on playing kit and emails Four teams on show in

Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle pose for a photo with students of the Bishops’ High School.

STAG Elite action at #5 WCB ground tonight THE STAG Elite Football League will continue this evening with a double-header at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice and will involve Buxton United, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Monedderlust with the first match scheduled to start at 19:00hrs. In the opening game, Buxton United will come up against GDF, while the feature game pits GFC against Monedderlust from 21:00hrs. After seven rounds of matches, Buxton have five points to their name, having lost four of their matches while winning just one and being held to

two draws. They have so far scored five goals and conceded 10. GDF, on the other hand, have 11 points from three wins, two losses and two draws. The soldiers have scored 11 goals and conceded 12. Scorers for Buxton United to date are Dillon Wright (three), Tyrone Hamer (one) and Deavor Dennis (one). Goalscorers for the Army team are Olvis Mitchell (four), Nigel Braithwaite (one), Delwyn Prasen (two), Alden Lawrence (one), Sherwin Caesar (one) and Delroy Fraser (two). GFC, with one solitary point to their name will be looking to improve their points standing. So far,

from their seven matches played, they have managed only to secure one draw as they lost the other six matches. They have conceded 21 goals and scored a mere six. Their opponents for tonight’s match, Monedderlust, have three points from three drawn games and four losses. They have so far scored four goals and conceded 16. GFC’s goalscorers to date are Romario Welcome and Linden Pickett with two goals each and Peter Parks and Lennox Cort with one goal apiece. For Monedderlust, Sean Jackson has scored two goals while Pierre Joseph and Kevin Layne have scored one goal each.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) wishes to clarify the issue of playing kit/gear and the timeline for the men’s team for the just-ended 2016 ICC World Twenty20 Championship. As promised, the Secretariat made its check and the following is the sequence of events regarding the playing kit/gear: February 23 – March 7: Team had used previously issued WI clothing in Dubai. at camp Shipment of the Championship gear was already on its way to Kolkata. February 25 - The Secretariat received an email from Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) advising they were in receipt of 28 cartons of WI team clothing – this was the Championship uniform. March 3 - Team Operations Manager Rawl Lewis travelled from Dubai to India to ensure all was in place; playing gear was sorted ahead of team’s ar-

WICB Operations Manager Rawl Lewis rival on March 7 March 10 - Team play in official Championship gear vs India March 16 - Cap manufacturer indicates he is now able to ship caps via courier (additional caps, since caps used in Dubai are usable unlike the clothing which cannot be used before March 7 as per ICC rules). March 22 - Follow up re caps query made to shipper. Response that newly implemented border regulations in India delayed the shipment

Team Manager advised to get caps made in India which was done. Here is also a highlight regarding emails sent from the Secretariat to the teams – men and women. Since the beginning of the tournament and following the qualification for the final, emails have been sent from: Director of Cricket – which was copied to Men’s and Women’s captains and head coach for both teams. Chief Selector

WICB clarifies position on playing kit and emails

See story on page 35

Guyanese on Windies World Cup champion teams honoured

Female and male U-19 West Indies players are seated in front row. Standing at back from left - Ivan Persaud, Jacqueline James, Christopher Jones, Nicolette Henry, Cathy Hughes, Drubahadur and a 704 representative. (Delano Williams photo) See Story on page 31

Winning World T20 Cup makes it even more special, say Guyanese duo … It was a great learning experience By Rajiv Bisnauth

H E We s t I n d i e s Women’s team beat favourites Australia by eight wickets with three balls to spare in the ICC World T20 final in Kolkata, India, last Sunday. A bold team fought against all the odds to end a dominant Australian streak in the T20s. It is the West Indies Women’s maiden T20 title and first time beating Australia in the game’s shortest

format. Tw o G u y a n e s e , Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle, were a part of that historic achievement. However, during separate interviews yesterday at an Appreciation Ceremony at the 704 Lounge, both players agreed that the win will definitely create some lasting memories. “It’s a great feeling, words cannot explain, Smartt acknowledged.

She added: “Definitely it was a learning experience. Over the years we have just gone to the semi-finals, so we had to get that extra step. But having said that, we worked together as a team and we had a motto ‘Moving in Faith’, and that’s what helped us through”. Campbelle pointed out that while the experience was a learning one, winning the World Cup makes it See page 31

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Tremayne Smartt (right) and Shemaine Campbelle SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016