Issuu

Six busted with ganja at Itabali 10 PAGE

No. 105192

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Work on Lindo Creek CoI ongoing PAGE

… commission says several persons interviewed, public hearing to start soon

he Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) on Tuesday launched its Mash Band under the theme “Empowering Healthy Living by Living Healthy Lifestyles”. The ministry’s aim in this year’s celebration is to bring further awareness on the issues that affect the health of Guyanese. The band will comprise four categories: the King of the Band will focus on the many issues which contribute to mental illness; the Queen of the Band will highlight chronic Non-Communicable Diseases; the Male Individual float will depict Malaria, HIV AIDS and Tuberculosis; and the Female Individual float will feature HPV and Cervical Cancer. The male and female revellers will be dressed as super heroes portraying the seven departments of the Ministry of Public Health that tackle the various issues affecting the public. The Ministry will use the platform of the Mashramani celebration to encourage Guyanese to live healthier lives. (DPI)

23 years for killing ‘granny’

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Vessel sinks in Moruca River, two 23 PAGE

hospitalised

New ECD commander takes aim at rooting out corruption 12 PAGE

Eco Oil and Gas acquires stake in Guyana subsidiary 03 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Venezuelans putting strain on Region One health services By Zena Henry

VENEZUELAN refugees escaping the harsh economic and social crises in their homeland continue to put immense strain on health services provided by Guyana’s border communities. Dozens of the Spanish-speaking nationals are being accommodated on a weekly basis, and this regional officials say, is not only draining medical supplies, but causing authorities to increase budgetary allocations. Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley told the Guyana Chronicle that the situation is one of concern, since the number of persons coming across the border for health reasons continues to increase. Most of the cases currently being handled have to do with malaria and the stocks of medication are insufficient, Ashley said. “There is not enough to suffice for local content,” the regional chairman noted. Ashley highlighted that many Guyanese are returning from Venezuela with

their families and this too has added to the situation. In other cases, Venezuelans of Guyanese parentage or other ties are also seeking refuge. While dozens of the foreigners come looking for assistance, some are opting to settle. Ashley told the Guyana Chronicle that the region dispatched a letter to the Head of State highlighting a number of grave matters, particularly those of security concerns. Apart from health concerns, Ashley said he highlighted the issue of locals who were being harassed, attacked and even killed by the Venezuelan gang, “Sindicatos”. The chairman said that miners who ventured beyond the border were being harassed and threatened. Of much more concern, he related, those same gang members were now being spotted venturing into communities such as Whitewater and as far as Kumaka. Additional concerns relate to the exchange of drugs and guns for food. Ashley said that while there are unofficial reports relating to the trade of guns for

food, he said it was confirmed that drugs were getting into the communities. Added to that, the regional chairman said that the increased number of foreign nationals into communities has also seen an increase in disorderly behaviour, breaking and entering and petty crimes. FARMERS In another case, Ashley pointed out that Venezuelan farmers seeking cash were also bringing their produce to be sold here. He said however that there is no authority to ensure proper procedures relating to goods entering the country. He said the cattle, fruits, vegetables and other goods coming from Venezuela are not examined by local port authorities and this raises various types of concerns. Ashley pointed out that several recommendations were made to help address the concerns of the border communities. As it relates to health, the chairman said that a larger budget is being discussed, while an increase in medication quota is being requested. He said the region has upped its vector control duties, especially in areas with a high number of malaria cases. President Granger’s visit to the region sought to reassure citizens of the government’s intent to ensure the integrity

of Guyanese territory. President Granger told residents that while there is an end to provocation by Venezuela in sight, all branches of government, along with the security forces and residents, must work together to defend and protect the country, noting that government will do everything in its power to ensure their safety. “We want to make sure that you are safe and I’m here because I’m concerned about your safety. I’m here because I don’t want anybody to attack you; I don’t want anybody to hurt you; I don’t want crimes to be committed against you,” he said. The Guyana Defence Force has since set up a patrol base at Whitewater and President Granger said the military presence is intended to neutralise any illegal activity and provide a 24-hour guard system to ensure maximum security. President Granger also urged residents to create Community Policing Groups (CPGs). “The police and the army cannot be everywhere. We want you to be able to protect your own community so… I’ll ask the chairman [Regional Chairman] to sit down with the army, the police and the Toshao so that we can decide on how best we can help you to protect yourself… Every Guyanese must feel safe in his or her own country,” the President said.

Work on Lindo Creek CoI ongoing

GUYANA CHRONICLE wednesday, febRUARY 21, 2018

… commission says several persons interviewed, public hearing to begin soon

By Svetlana Marshall THOUGH public hearings have been postponed until forward notice, the Commission established to enquire into the 2008 Lindo Creek Massacre is working behind the scenes with relatives of the murdered victims, who have come forward. The Commission of Inquiry (CoI), led by Retired Justice Donald Trotman, was forced to postpone the public hearings which were scheduled to commence last Thursday, February 15, 2018. Hearings were also scheduled for Monday, February 19 and Thursday, February 22 but those were also postponed due to the absence of internal prerequisite arrangements, including transportation arrangements for witnesses or persons of interest. On Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle pressed the Commission for answers. In response, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Melanie Morris said that the

Justice Retired Donald Trotman prerequisite issues are critical to the work of the CoI. These issues which were referred to by Commissioner Trotman are being addressed and public hearings are expected to reconvene shortly. “All other matters relevant and

critical to the resumption of public hearings are also being addressed, including, logistical matters relating to witnesses etc,” Morris told this newspaper. She noted that a number of interviews have been conducted with ‘Persons of Interest,’ and that the Commission has been working closely with family members of the deceased, who have come forward. “In keeping with its Terms of Reference, the Commission has also been examining available documents, interviewing persons and holding in-camera sessions,” Morris added. In a public notice published in the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, the Commission’s Secretary and Legal Counsel, Keshia Chase said: “Pleased be advised that all Public Hearings by the Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton

Berry Wong on or about 21ST day of June, 2008, have been postponed until further notice.” However, Chase noted that the Commission will be accepting original and follow-up statements from interested parties during the life of the Commission, and will be setting subsequent hearings to facilitate the attendance of witnesses. Last Thursday, four persons were expected to appear before the Commission but one hour after the public hearings were expected to commence, they were a noshow. Commissioner Trotman explained to reporters that the uncertainty of the presence of the relatives of the deceased was among factors that influenced the decision to put the hearing on hold. He, however, ruled out that the relatives maybe somewhat hesitant to appear before the Commission. “No, I think it is a matter of logistics, transportation, many of them live pretty far out and

Eco Oil and Gas acquires stake in Guyana subsidiary THE Canada-based oil and gas exploration company, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. on Tuesday announced that Eco (Guyana) Oil and Gas (Barbados) Ltd. (Eco Barbados), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has agreed to acquire the remaining six percent interest in Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. (Eco Guyana), following which Eco Guyana will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. Eco Guyana holds a 40 percent working interest in the Orinduik Block, offshore Guyana, with the remaining 60 percent held by Tullow Oil (Operator). Eco oil and gasWorldOil. com reports that the acqui-

sition is being affected via share purchase agreements entered into between Eco Barbados and the minority shareholders of Eco Guyana (the Minority Shareholders). The total consider ation paid by the Group will be US$200,000 with US$100,000 payable upon closing, expected to be February 27 and US$100,000 payable 60 days thereafter, in addition to the issuance of a total of 1,700,384 common shares of the Company (the Common Shares). The Common Shares, which will be issued to the Minority Shareholders, represent approximately one percent of the Company’s share capital on a fully diluted basis. The closing

of the acquisition is conditional upon TSX regulatory approval and admission of the Common Shares to trading on AIM. In connection with the Acquisition, each Minority Shareholder has agreed not to dispose of more than one-third of their Common Shares, issued to them at closing of the Acquisition, for a period of 90 days. An additional one-third of the Common Shares issued to each Minority Shareholder may be disposed of from day 91 after closing, with the remaining Common Shares held by the Minority Shareholders being eligible to be disposed of after 181 days following issuance. Application will be made for the admission

to trading on AIM of the 1,700,384 Common Shares issued to the Minority Shareholders in conjunction with the acquisition of the Eco Guyana shares. Admission is expected to take place on the morning of March 5. Following Admission, the issued share capital of the Company will consist of 159,195,217 common shares. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. (CMC)

while we have been in telephonic communication with them, we have not had, in many cases, direct communication with them,” Justice Trotman explained. The CoI has been established to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the murder of the eight miners at Lindo Creek, Upper Berbice on June 21, 2008 and to report its findings and recommendations to President David Granger. Leonard Arokium, the owner of the mining camp in which the eight miners were found dead, had long argued that the killings were committed by members of the Joint Services but the police on the other hand had said that the men were murdered by the then Rondell Rawlins alias “Fine Man” gang. Arokium’s son, Dax, 29 and his brother, Cecil called “Brother” were among those killed. Arokium was not among those who were scheduled to speak last Thursday, the Guyana Chronicle has confirmed. One of the key witnesses, Courtney Wong, in an interview with this newspaper earlier this month, had said that the “truth is out there.” Courtney Wong – the brother of Clifton Wong who was among the eight miners brutally killed– said news surrounding the massacre had been smeared with lies by political leaders and the security forces, but the CoI

will give the world a chance to know the truth – “the full truth” about the incident. Close to 10 years later, Wong, who had worked along with Arokium at the mining camp as a mechanic, expressed the belief that the men had been killed by the Joint Services. “I am glad that the truth will be able to come out now,” he told this newspaper. Wong’s brother had journeyed to the Lindo Creek mining camp in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice Region to replace him after he had left for Georgetown to conduct business. He had said that when the time comes, he will testify at the CoI to ensure that justice is served. Wong was among those who had journeyed with the police to Lindo Creek after the discovery was made by Arokium on June 21, 2008. The CoI Secretariat, in a notice, said all persons wishing to testify are asked to submit statements of their intended testimonies in writing to the commission, prior to their appearing before it. Persons who wish to testify, but may need assistance in composing their witness statements will be assisted by the Commission’s Secretariat and are invited to contact the secretariat at the email address and/or telephone number lindocoi@dps.gov.gy or 227-2292.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Syria war: Pro-government forces enter Kurdish-held Afrin

SYRIAN pro-government forces have entered the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, provoking an immediate response from Turkish forces besieging the area. The government was asked for military help by a Kurdish militia that has been trying to repel an offensive by Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels. Fighters were seen passing through a checkpoint in armoured vehicles. Turkish troops then shelled the area and Turkey said it had forced the pro-government fighters to retreat. Turkey had threatened to confront govern-

ment forces if they intervened, raising the prospect of direct conflict between two of the main players in Syria’s civil war. WHY IS TURKEY ATTACKING AFRIN? Turkish leaders say they want to clear the Kurdish enclave of members of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia, which they consider a terrorist group. They say it is an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has fought for Kurdish autonomy in south-eastern Turkey

for three decades. The Syrian Kurds deny any direct organisational links to the PKK - an assertion backed by the US, which has provided the militia and allied Arab fighters with weapons and air support to help them battle the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). The Turkish air and ground assault on Afrin, dubbed “Operation Olive Branch”, began on 20 January. Since then, Turkish troops and Syrian rebels have taken about 45 villages, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UK-based monitoring group says the fighting has left at least 205 Syrian rebels and 219 Kurdish militiamen dead, along with 112 civilians. Turkey says 32 of its soldiers have been killed and denied reports of any civilian casualties in Afrin. The government has denounced the Turkish offensive as a “blatant attack” on its sovereignty. Soon after it began, the Kurdish authorities in Afrin called on the government to “carry out its sovereign obligations” and send troops

to help defend the border from Turkish attacks. The government, which has so far avoided conflict with Kurdish forces since the start of the civil war in 2011, did not immediately respond to the appeal for help. But on Tuesday state media reported that members of the “Popular Forces” had arrived in Afrin to “support the locals against the aggression waged by the Turkish regime” and to confront IS, which has no known presence in the area. A military media unit run by Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement - an ally of the Syrian government - posted photos and video of men brandishing Syrian flags passing through a checkpoint on a number of pick-up trucks and lorries mounted with heavy weapons. A reporter for the official Sana news agency said Turkish artillery had targeted the convoy after it crossed into the Kurdish enclave, as well as media personnel accompanying it. Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency later reported that Turkish troops had fired “warning shots” at “pro-regime

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terrorist groups trying to advance” towards Afrin, forcing them to retreat about 10km (6 miles). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the convoy was made up of Shia militiamen acting independently, adding that he had earlier persuaded the Syrian government’s main allies, Russia and Iran, to stop any troops being deployed. “Unfortunately, these kinds of terror organisations take wrong steps with the decisions they take. It is not possible for us to allow this. They will pay a heavy price,” the Reuters news agency quoted him as telling an news conference. Turkey had said that if Syrian forces came in to Afrin to support the Kurdish YPG forces, there would be serious consequences. The confrontation risks an escalation in Turkey’s one-month old offensive that is aimed at driving the YPG out of Afrin. There has not yet been an official statement regarding the latest events. But presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin had tweeted to say that reports suggesting that Syrian government had struck a deal with the YPG were not based on facts, adding that “dirty and secret negotiations were being held”. Ankara says it is determined to carry on its operation whatever happens. But many argue Turkey would need Russia’s backing in order

to avoid confronting Syrian troops along with the YPG. WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON IN SYRIA? Afrin is just one of many active fronts in the country’s civil war, which began as a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Government forces, supported by Russian air strikes and Iran-backed militias, are also carrying out offensives on two major rebel strongholds - the north-western province of Idlib and the besieged Eastern Ghouta region. The UN says more than 300,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Idlib since December, while almost 200 civilians are reported to have been killed in government air and artillery strikes on the Eastern Ghouta since Monday. Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry acknowledged that dozens of its citizens and people from other former Soviet states were killed or wounded in a recent battle. It gave no details, but it is believed to be a reference to an incident in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour on 7 February, when the US military said it had killed an estimated 100 pro-Syrian government fighters in response to an attack on an allied, Kurdish-led militia force battling Islamic State militants in the area. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Peru’s ex-President Fujimori ordered to stand trial again Peru’s ex-President Alberto Fujimori has been ordered to stand trial for the 1992 killings of six farmers. It comes just over a month after he was released from prison, where he was serving 25 years for human rights abuses and corruption. The 79-year-old was given a pardon on health grounds but the court in the capital Lima says this does not apply to the new case. The court also wants to try 22 others for the death-squad killings. When current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski granted the pardon in December, there were street protests in the capital, Lima. Fujimori is a deeply divisive figure in

Peru, respected by some and reviled by others for his government’s crackdown on two violent insurgencies during

beat. In December, President Kuczynski’s office said he had decided to grant him a “humanitarian pardon”.

Ex-President Alberto Fujimori was pardoned last Christmas and freed in January

his tenure from 1990-2000. On what grounds was Fujimori pardoned? He has low blood pressure and an irregular heart-

Doctors, it added, had “determined that Mr Fujimori suffers from a progressive, degenerative and incurable illness and that prison con-

ditions represent a grave risk to his life”. Mr Kuczynski later said: “I am convinced that those of us who consider ourselves democrats cannot allow Alberto Fujimori to die in prison. Justice is not vengeance. All pardons are by nature controversial.” Mr Kuczynski denies pardoning Fujimori as part of a deal with his party last year to avoid his own impeachment, for allegedly receiving illegal payments from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. WHAT WAS FUJIMORI CONVICTED OF? In 2007, he was sentenced to six years in jail

IDB calls for proposals to receive financing for projects in the Caribbean

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched the 2018 call for proposals for the Regional Public Goods (RPG) Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which supports projects involving three or more countries. The Washington-based financial institution said the RPG initiative provides technical grants to finance solutions that resolve shared challenges through regional

cooperation. Since 2004, the RPG initiative has financed 154 projects, investing more than US$112 million. The IDB said the proposals must involve a collective solution produced by at least three IDB borrowing member countries. “The initiative is open to the promotion of RPGs in any topic, alignment with the bank’ operational priorities is a selection criterion,” the statement said. It said the other two criteria are the

value added of a regional (vs. national) approach to addressing a development challenge or opportunity, as well as sustaining the benefits of regional collective action beyond the support of the initiative. The IDB said past RPG-funded projects have included a protocol for joint procurement and quality of medicines in Central America, an action plan for the energy efficiency in the Caribbe-

an hotels, support to the interoperability of foreign trade single windows, a framework for protection and registration of migrant workers in the Southern Cone and regional standards for school infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean, among others. All proposals must be presented in accordance with the general guidelines and must be submitted online on April 16, 2018.

for bribery and abuse of power, but two years later was sentenced to another 25 years in prison for human rights abuses committed during his time in office. He was found him guilty of au-

thorising other killings carried out by death squads. An estimated 69,000 people died in the conflict between left-wing insurgents and Fujimori’s authoritarian government. (BBC)

14 Bahamian tourists robbed during TT Carnival Two men are expected to appear before a Port of Spain Magistrate on Wednesday charged with 23 offences of robbery against 14 Bahamian tourists and nine other persons. The victims were passengers of a maxi taxi heading to an early morning Carnival cooler fete at Chaguaramas, last Sunday. The suspects, aged 19 and 21, both of Carenage, were charged by Cpl Morgan Jones, of the Carenage Police Station. The charges follow investigations into the robbery of two maxi taxis, in separate incidents,

that were transporting passengers to a fete in Chaguaramas. The maxi taxis were stopped along McKenzie Road, Point Cumana, Carenage, by a man holding an object resembling a firearm, around 3a.m. on Sunday. The victims told police five other suspects came out of nearby bushes, soon thereafter and announced a hold-up, relieving the visitors and other passengers of items including a Rolex watch, other items of jewellery, cellular phones and local and foreign currencies. None of the stolen items were recovered. (CMC)

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The Florida School Shooting THE recent school shooting in Florida, USA, which claimed 17 lives, compels us to yet again ask some serious questions about the state of contemporary society. Although the incident occurred in the USA and may point to something unique about that country, the rest of the world should not behave as if the root causes of the problem and the consequences of the incident do not affect all of us. And, yes, this latest represents a big problem that has gone out of control. Since the Columbine incident in 1999, there have been 25 fatal school shootings in which 122 lives have been lost in American schools. The Washington Post has estimated that approximately 150,000 students have experienced a school shooting during that period. These are staggering figures by any stretch of the imagination. Yet there seems to be no consensus at

the political level on what needs to be done to stem the tide. In the end, it must be said that the loss of so many young lives must serve as an indictment of the human family. Why has human lives become so cheap? There is something seriously wrong when individuals can walk into a school of 3,000 students and just randomly begins to shoot at all in sight. But that individual comes from a society which must take responsibility for facilitating such senseless behaviour. When we look at the volume of gun-violence and other forms of violence against children in countries around the world, we are hard-pressed not to conclude that what is happening in America is not isolated to that country. Yes, it is there that the problem is most pronounced, but it is from there that most of the world draws its behavioural patterns. Globalisation is not just about the integration

of finances, technology and markets, it is also about the integration of negative behavioural patterns. Hence the problem of gun-violence in schools and in general is a global problem. Here in Guyana, while we have not had mass shootings in schools, we have had to contend with other forms of violence -- some of which have claimed lives. Schools should be safe spaces, not frightening places. But if the larger society is frightening, then it is a stretch to assume that our schools would be safe. In the last couple of days, for example, we have learned of individuals peddling illicit drugs in schools—a phenomenon that appears to be more prevalent than it appears. So, the big lesson of the recent school shooting in the USA for us in Guyana is the need to focus on ensuring that at the level of the larger society, we should confront the issue of gun-violence as a form of disregard for

the value of human life. All too often we have dismissed individual violence as an individual error of judgement, or as deliberate action on the part of the perpetrator without giving due attention to the socialisation factor— the extent to which the individual act reflects a darker side of our collective behaviour. The second big lesson is political. Despite the normality of gun-violence in schools, American law-makers have not been able to enact legislation and policies aimed at de-normalisation of the phenomenon. The problematic of having to choose between the imperatives of political ideology and the protection of human lives is real. Politicians are more and more losing sight of the relationship between policy or lack thereof and peoples-lived realities. Politicians have drifted into a politics of abstraction in which policies are constructed solely or mostly on the basis of electoral and other

political considerations. In such a scenario, incidents such as the school shootings are viewed as separate and apart from politics. This lesson is poignant for us in Guyana, where we have often allowed party politics to stand in the way of human progress. The violence in our society must be tackled as an overriding matter of urgency. We should not wat until it gets to the magnitude of America’s, for by then we would not have the capacity or will to confront it. Beginning today, all of us should begin paying attention to the root causes

of violence both in the larger society, and in our schools. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims in Parkland, Florida. They now must bury their dead and pick up their lives after the trauma. In a sense, that trauma would be permanent for those families and the community. But we need more than prayers and condolences—we need a spiritual revolution and a political will to put a stop to the madness. For Guyana, it is a straight case of while your neighbour’s house is burning, start pouring water on yours.

The Guyana Bar Association has no credibility Dear Editor,

ON February 18, 2018, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) issued an inexplicable statement attacking the President on his intended exercise of powers invested in him by Article 127 of the constitution, to appoint the chancellor and chief justice. The Bar Association’s statement speculated, inter alia, that “Any action outside of the said Article 127 is unconstitutional, void, of no legal effect and would have embarrassing consequences.” Article 127 (1) of the constitution mandates that “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. Article 127 (2) further mandates that “If the office of Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant, or if the person holding the office of Chancellor is performing the functions of the office of

President or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, or if the person holding the office of Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office, or until the person holding such office has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as shall be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.” On January 3, 2018, President David Granger nominated current Chief Justice of Belize, the Hon Kenneth Benjamin, to be chancellor, and Acting Chancellor of Guyana, the Hon Yonette Cummings-Edwards, to be chief justice. The President, in accordance with Article 127, sought the agreement of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. On February

7, 2018, Mr Jagdeo wrote the President refusing to grant consent. President Granger subsequently said he would be guided by advice from his legal advisers on his constitutional options. He affirmed a desire to appoint substantive office-holders as the country cannot be without a chancellor and chief justice. Since 2005, the nation has been without a substantive chancellor and chief justice. Unless the GBA is clairvoyant, these comments by the President constitute the established record and the only basis upon which the GBA can objectively comment or premise legal opinion. The issuance of a highly charged, political statement chastising the Head of State on the basis of rumour, speculation and political gossip, evinces political bias. It is incontrovertible evidence that the GBA has wittingly enmeshed itself into partisan politics as an advocate and ill-advised surrogate for the

opposition leader. In so doing, it has, with prejudice, undermined its ability as a credible and objective amicus, civil society intermediary. This is antithetical to the fundamental tenets of legal ethics and justice for which the association and its members should be obligatory advocates at the bar; i.e conclusion based on confinement to principles of proof of fact, evidence or findings of fact; not speculation and hearsay. The relinquishment of the aforementioned principles caused the association’s statement to be without merit. If the GBA has a genuine concern about the President’s fidelity to the constitution, it should have met with or written the President and opposition leader and conveyed its opinion on Article 127, as well as the corrosive impact of the political “Acting” game on the judiciary. Failing which, it should have waited until the President acted. At

that point, if it deemed such action to be unconstitutional or ultra vires the constitution, it can raise hell and sue the President to overturn his action. But to speculate on, or proffer a legal opinion on the President’s contemplated action, based on the GBA’s presumption, is malicious, unprofessional and repugnant to the standards of the Bar, including fair and impartial judgement and equal justice and protection under the law. Our society should therefore reject reckless political speculations from the law body that regulates the conduct and ethics of the legal fraternity. It is corrosive to our polity. Moreover, it is reassuring that the GBA has suddenly found its voice. Where was the Bar Association when Mr. Jagdeo, as President, and his government ostensibly abused the constitution, unlawfully conflated the positions of chancellor and chief justice

and illegally appointed Mr Carl Singh to both positions? Where was the Bar Association when this cabal turned the government into a criminal enterprise, engaged in massive corruption, allegedly facilitated the narcotics trade and was complicit with torture, extrajudicial and deathsquad killings, jettisoned and politicised the judiciary and Supreme Court Registry, engineered inordinate delays and backlogs in court cases, and generally perverted the course of justice in Guyana? I submit that the GBA’s silence then and sudden voice now demonstrates a worrying pattern. The GBA has eroded its own credibility and turned itself into a joke! Regards RICKFORD BURKE President Caribbean-Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

We need to build strategic military alliances Dear Editor, VENEZUELA’S open aggression should cause our leaders’ need to strengthen our military alliances with big nations and invite them to partner with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to set up military bases and training centres throughout our nation’s western front in areas. In international affairs, Venezuela is an elephant preparing to charge a tiny ant. It does not matter that Guyana

is right; it is small and vulnerable and simply cannot stand alone in front of the charging elephant. It has no choice but to align itself with powerful military allies. Guyana can only defend itself effectively by thinking outside the box. It is imperative that our leaders capitalise on our fruitful relations and co-operation with militarily strong nations such as Brazil, France and the U.S. to establish a powerful, joint military presence in the Essequibo. I am not suggesting that we do this casually

or irresponsibly. The presence of foreign soldiers on our sovereign land requires the utmost caution; it must be calibrated prudently and calculated wisely to maintain balanced relations based on a profitable exchange of interests. In this regard, it was very heartening that Guyana recently hosted a delegation from Brazil to renew a bilateral defence pact, which included more than 30 high-ranking military officers, including the chiefs of

the air force, the intelligence branch and the navy. I also note that the GDF has provided jungle-training facilities to the French military for many years. I recall that in 2016 commanders of the GDF and the French military exchanged medals and stated their intention to reinforce good relations between the armed forces of the two nations. It is clear that Guyana has already established the groundwork to form strategic military links with Brazil and France. It is time to tighten these connections and work out a prudent arrangement by which they help us to beef up our national security in Essequibo. Of course, the trump card in this would be to get the United States to join us in setting up joint military facilities in the areas targeted by Venezuela. A U.S. military presence in Guyana would present the most formidable challenge to the Venezuelan threat. The United States military was also allowed, on more than one occasion, to use our jungle terrain for guerrilla and jungle-warfare practice. The United States now has interest in Guyana, with the discovery of large deposits of oil by the American conglomerate Exxon Mobil. The U.S. military’s Southern Command (known as SouthCom) is committed to control and has access to the extensive natural biological ,

mineral and water resources in South America, and is also involved in operations against suppliers of illegal drugs. Guyana could engage the U.S. military and offer opportunities to partner with the GDF in setting up joint military bases for training in jungle warfare, plus the preparation and stockpiling of military equipment for their Amazon Basin operations. Letting the U.S. military liaise with the GDF in western Guyana will send a clear message to Venezuela that the world’s leading superpower is on our side. This would be crucial to Guyana’s national security and might even lead to future beneficial trade deals with the U.S. Just having U.S. soldiers in Essequibo is going to provide multiple spin-off benefits above and beyond the deterrent to Venezuela. Imagine the expertise they would impart to the GDF, the anti-crime force they would represent and the commercial windfall they would generate. During World War II, the U.S. army had a military air base stationed at Timehri. Some can still recall the socio-economic benefits of their military presence, the most lasting of which is the solid structural foundation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. In particular, the cooperative security operations to monitor crime and drug

trafficking by the GDF and U.S. forces would definitely ensure that sadistic, organised criminal gangs from Venezuela like ‘El Sindicato’ do not spill over into Guyana’s mineral-rich North West district. Let us offer the U.S. one or two free bases at concessionary rates which they may want to take up due to the American investments in Guyana. This base or multi-military alliance may even embolden the citizens of Venezuela to liberate themselves. My suggestion that Guyana should approach Brazil, France and the U.S. for protection by way of joint military bases and operations in Guyana should be understood within the context of the persistent and barefaced threat of military aggression by Venezuela. They can view the training grounds as military training units as opposed to military bases. As Venezuela’s threat continues to undermine our economy, Guyana must not try to fight like a big state. We must act prudently like a small state should and make sure we have some big guns such as Brazil, France and the U.S. or all three at our side. This is my humble submission to the government and peoples of Guyana as a way forward. Regards ROSHAN KHAN

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Bar association turned itself into a joke-Rickford Burke

PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) Rickford Burke says the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has no credibility and poured cold water on a statement the body issued on Monday regarding the appointment of a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice. The GBA on Monday called on President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to work together to appoint a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice. In a statement to the media, the Bar Association said the “current climate surrounding the offices of the Chancellor and Chief Justice is repugnant and shakes the public confidence in the legal system.” “Any action outside of the said Article 127 is unconstitutional, void, of no legal effect and would have embarrassing consequences,” the association said. However, in a strongly worded statement Burke described the GBA statement as inexplicable. He noted that the association’s statement speculated inter alia, that “Any action outside of the said Article 127 is unconstitutional, void, of no legal effect and would have embarrassing consequences.” Burke noted that Article 127 (1) of the constitution mandates that “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. Article 127

(2) further mandates that “If the office of Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant or if the person holding the office of Chancellor is performing the functions of the office of President or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, or if the person holding the office of Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office or until the person holding such office has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as shall be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.” He explained that on January 3, 2018, President David Granger nominated current Chief Justice of Belize, Hon. Kenneth Benjamin, to be Chancellor, and Acting Chancellor of Guyana, Hon. Yonette Cummings-Edwards, to be Chief Justice. The President, in accordance with Article 127, sought the agreement of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. On February 7, 2018 Mr. Jagdeo wrote the President refusing to grant consent. President Granger subsequently said he will be guided by advice from his legal advisers on his constitutional options. He affirmed a desire to appoint substantive office holders as the country cannot be without a Chancellor and Chief Justice. Since 2005, the nation has been without

President of CGID, Rickford Burke a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice. Unless the GBA is clairvoyant, these comments by the President constitute the established record and the only basis upon which the GAB can objectively comment or premise legal opinion. “The issuance of a highly charged, political statement chastising the Head of State on the basis of rumor, speculation and political gossip, evinces political bias. It is incontrovertible evidence that the GBA has wittingly enmeshed itself into partisan politics as an advocate and ill-advised surrogate for the Opposition Leader. In so doing, it has, with prejudice, undermined its ability as a credible and objective amicus, civil society intermediary. This is antithetical to the fundamental tenets of legal ethics and justice for which the association and its members should be obligatory advocates

Oil/Gas entitlement can be retroactively adjusted - CGX Agreement

THE Production Sharing Agreement between CGX Resources and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, signed in 2013 by then President Donald Ramotar, spells out that the rate for cost recovery is 75 per cent of production. According to the document released on Saturday, recoverable contract costs means costs that the contractor is permitted to recover as from the date they have been incurred. It means that out of every dollar made from oil production, 75 cents go to the operator as repayment for costs incurred. After cost oil/gas of 75 per cent is removed, the profit oil/gas of 25 per cent is then split 53/47 in favour of the Government of Guyana. As per the agreement, some of the expenses that are considered cost recoverable are acquisition, renewal and relinquishment of surface rights, labour and associated costs, transportation, charges for services, material, rentals, duties and other assessments, insurance and losses, training costs, legal expenses, interest and financing costs and abandonment costs. Those expenses which are cost recoverable only with the approval of the minister are donations and contributions to organisations in Guyana, and expenditure for research into and development of new equipment, materials and techniques for petroleum exploration and production.

The PSA also stipulates that there shall be retroactive adjustments to the oil and gas entitlement, and this shall be an agreement with the minister based on recalculations using actual quantities of oil and gas produced and saved and recoverable contract costs. The contractor is expected to prepare every month a cost recovery statement containing recoverable contract costs carried forward from the previous month, recoverable contract costs for the month in question, the total recoverable contract costs, and the quantity and value of cost oil/gas taken and disposed of by the contractor for the month in question. This cost recovery statement has to be submitted to the Minister no later than 30 days at the end of such month. Following the release of the ExxonMobil Petroleum Agreement in December last year, there has been a vibrant debate nationally regarding the nature of the agreement and whether Guyana came away with a fair deal. One of the issues that stirred concern was that of cost recovery and, whether Guyana will be able to ascertain accurately what can and cannot be claimed as recoverable costs by ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen.

at the bar; i.e conclusion based on confinement to principles of proof of fact, evidence or findings of fact; not speculation and hearsay. The relinquishment of the aforementioned principles caused the Association’s statement to be without merit,” Burke charged. Burke said if the GBA has a genuine concern about the President’s fidelity to the constitution it should have met with or written the President and Opposition Leader and conveyed its opinion on Article 127, as well as the corrosive impact of the political “Acting” game on the judiciary. “Failing which it should have waited until the President acted. At that point, if it deemed such action to be unconstitutional or ultra vires the constitution; it can raise hell and sue the President to overturn his action. But to speculate on, or proffer a legal opinion on the President’s contemplated action, based on the GBA’s presumption, is malicious, unprofessional and repugnant to the standards of the Bar; including fair and impartial judgement and equal justice and protection under law. Our society should therefore reject reckless political speculations from the law body that regulates the conduct and ethics of the legal fraternity. It is corrosive to our polity.” Moreover, Burke said it is reassuring that the GBA has suddenly found its voice. Where was the Bar Association when Mr. Jagdeo, as President, and his government ostensibly

abused the constitution, unlawfully conflated the positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice and illegally appointed Mr. Carl Singh to both positions? Where was the Bar Association when this cabal turned the government into a criminal enterprise, engaged in massive corruption, allegedly facilitated the narcotics trade and was complicit with torture, extrajudicial and death squad killings, jettisoned and politicized the judiciary and Supreme court registry, engineered inordinate delays and backlogs in court cases, and generally perverted the course of justice in Guyana? I submit that the GBA’s silence then and sudden voice now demonstrates a worrying pattern. The GBA has eroded its own credibility and turned itself into a joke. EMASCULATION Attorney General, Basil Williams had made similar observations recently when he responded to claims that the government is trying to interfere with the work of the judiciary. Williams argued that it was under the tenure of Bharrat Jagdeo that the judiciary was emasculated. “Our judiciary you’d recall, the powers were removed from the Chief Justice’s Office and reposed in the Office of the Chancellor and then what they did, whenever there was a meeting of the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo always asserted Carl Singh to remain.” Williams said it is import-

ant that there is a dichotomy between the Chief Justice’s Office and the Chancellor’s functions in terms of sharing the work of the judiciary ,“so that one person alone would not be in charge of the entire judiciary.” The AG argued that the lack of separation between the two offices has affected the country significantly, while noting that a situation was created whereby the Chancellor appointed those who should be magistrates, judges and those who sit on the Court of Appeal, an unhealthy situation occurred. “How could that be healthy?” questioned the Attorney General. “At the end of the day, it means he would be sitting on appeals of decisions of the people he actually handpicked to sit on cases; that couldn’t be well for the administration of justice,” Williams, a Senior Counsel, added. Williams noted that there were several misgivings under the former President’s watch and reminded that the constitution is premised on the separation of powers: the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature. “They all have independent roles and no one should tread on the work of the other. What he had under Jagdeo–we had a marauding of the judiciary, so the complaint is not that there is interference with the judiciary, the judiciary under Jagdeo is interfering in the work of the executive and that is happening till now.”

Constable, mother in custody over missing Campbellville girl A POLICE constable is under close arrest after being taken into custody last week Thursday in connection with the disappearance of 14-year-old Danika King. Also on Monday, the mother of the very rank was also arrested and placed in custody when she went to visit him to enquire about his lengthy detention. The investigation is being conducted by the Major Crimes Unit of the Guyana Police Force The Guyana Chronicle was told that the rank who is usually in constant contact with the young lady was under close arrest in October of last year, when the very young lady had escaped from her home. He was released after she was found in the Sophia area. His mother was picked up on Monday, when she went to visit him at Police Headquarters and the allegation being put to them collectively is abduction, while the constable is also being investigated for rape. On Tuesday, Shimika Williams, the mother of the girl indicated that she is aware that the police constable and her daughter communicated often, but on each occasion that she asked her daughter about him, she would say that they are just friends. The woman in no uncertain terms indicated that she believes the policeman has something to do with her daughter’s disappearance. Asked about problems in the home and alleged mistreatment of the child by her stepfather, the mother of the child denied this. She said that her daughter is a rebel-

lious young lady when she does not get her own way. The woman said that the child’s stepfather cared for her from the age of three and like any parent or guardian, once they see a child going out of line they will seek to reprimand him/her in an effort to ensure that the child is brought up the correct way. This newspaper was told that after the child went missing and subsequently returned home last year, she reportedly told counsellors that as long as the stepfather remains in the home she would continue to run away. The mother denied that the child ever made those claims. Danika King was last seen leaving her home at Campbell Avenue to go to the shop but she did not return. That was on February 9th, 2018. On Tuesday, the mother indicated that the family has been receiving reports of sightings of the teenager around the Routes 40, 44 and 48 bus parks, but each time they move to the location she would not be seen. The policeman in custody reportedly told detectives that during the period the child was missing from her home, she was in contact with him and he even met her once upon her request, but at the time he was not aware that she was missing from home. This publication was told that the young lady summoned the policeman to a location on Lamaha Street and from there he took her to a location in Queenstown where she had requested to be taken. This was the day after she went missing from her home.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The enemies of the Republic within the gates of the Republic

ON February 6th, the world was invited to Guyana to attend the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) 2018. Every citizen was bursting with unrestrained excitement. This was the first signal that the nascent oil and gas economy was real. This summit raised negative anxieties and revealed that there are those who would never wish well for their country if they are not the ones controlling the power and wealth. When you read about the practice of politics in the Roman Empire, you have no choice but to envision a cauldron of insatiable personal ambitions that eclipsed allegiance to country. Human societies have undergone monumental transformational changes since the existence of the Roman Empire 100 bc-400 ad, socially, politically, economically and technologically. It is a wonderful fact to reflect upon, with all those centuries and changes, human nature has not altered. In today’s world, we still see the personal pursuit of power and political ambitions taking precedence over the allegiance to country. This narrow determination that sometimes afflict men and women of consequence, becomes so intense, they are willing to sacrifice country if their desires are not achieved. These men and women are the unforeseen enemies of the Republic who live within the gates and are the most dangerous because they do not appear to be the conventional enemies of the Republic. This column will discuss the enemies inside the gates of the Republic in the context of an unpatriotic advertisement that appeared in both major newspapers on the opening of the GIPEX summit. Based on what I know, the battle for power between Marcus Tullius Cicero and Catiline is the perfect exemple to illustrate the point of this column. This epic historical clash epitomises the pursuit of personal ambition and

power with little regard for country captured admirably in the Catilinarian Orations to the Roman Senate in 63 BC. Catiline was determined to wrest the position of Consulship from Cicero and embarked on a campaign to gain power at any cost; this crusade was unprecedented and was fraught with the passion of 10,000 suns, most worthy of the note of any student of politics. Marcus Tullius Cicero engaged in public campaigns to reveal the machinations of Catiline and his speech to the Roman Senate has been bequeathed to posterity as a fine warning of the dangers of the unsuspecting enemies of the Republic inside the gates of the Republic: “A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the

soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear.”-Marcus Tullius Cicero 63 BC. Pay close attention to the above-mentioned as I now bring into the discussion to February 6th, 2018. On February 6th, Guyanese opened their newspapers to arguably the most ominous unpatriotic advertisement in modern times that distastefully read: ‘Investors beware, go invest elsewhere’. This dastardly act took place on the day of the opening of the GIPEX 2018, the inaugural initiative to promote Guyana’s petroleum sector. This summit invoked the spirit of Catiline who I mentioned above, among men with wicked projects and plots. The spirit of the pursuit of power with no care for country, the spirit that says if I don’t get my way, I am willing to take the whole country down in the process. This dark advertisement was essentially designed to hurt the government of the day and deny the country much-needed investment. Most persons were flummoxed; they wanted to know how could anyone who recites the National Pledge and anthem of Guyana en-

gage in this extreme lack of dedication to country? I once heard that a politician is the only specie that would cut off his nose to spoil his face. I once read that men would chase power regardless of the consequences and partake in a march of folly (Tuchman:1984). I described above how Roman politics displayed Machiavellian politics in its worst form, but never could I have conceived that in this modern time in Guyana, patriotism and commitment to country could be dashed and crashed in one fell swoop in this dismissive fashion. So what was behind the manifestation of a naked, unbridled campaign for power reminiscent of the Romans’ days? Mustering all that I have grasped from political classes

at the University of Guyana and being an observer of politics, both international and local, for some time, I will posit that the prospects of an oil and gas economy has introduced an unprecedented political economic paradigm. The political party that controls Guyana’s transition to an oil and gas economy teems with the potential to gain enough political capital to spend for possibly the next 30 years. It is clear, that those who are presently outside of power, see the status quo and the 2020 elections as existential threats. It is in this context that the anti-nationalist advertisement emerged on the day of the opening of GIPEX.I am of the view that a group of power-hungry politicians and businessmen met in a smoke-filled room

and conjured up the ghosts of Romanesque politics and this unpatriotic advertisement became manifest. What more will come as we get closer to the 2020 elections? To what extreme will political hustling go to achieve Machiavellian ends? The ambitions of men know no boundaries when chasing money and power, it happened in Rome centuries ago and it will continue to happen wherever human nature exists. While we look beyond our borders to identify and nullify threats to the Republic, let us not rule out the possibility that the biggest threats to the Republic may dwell within the gates of the Republic, singing the National Anthem and reciting the National Pledge.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Report vandalism, Public Infrastructure Ministry urges

Another vandalised part of the power system

THE Public Infrastructure Ministry is calling on public-spirited citizens to report the damage and stealing of electrical wires that are strategically placed to power sections of the highway lights along the Rupert Craig Highway. The ministry in a statement said the destruction has caused much inconvenience to citizens. “As recently as Friday, February 16, a team from the ministry noticed an individual attempting to vandalise the power feeds which energise sections of the highway lights along the Rupert Craig Highway. Unfortunately, this individual managed to escape and, upon closer inspection, it was evident that approximately 900 feet of the cable was already removed. Incidentally, the team had been in the vicinity to conduct repairs to vandalised power feeds associated with the traffic light system at the intersection of UG Road and the Railway Embankment,” the ministry said. Similarly, vandalism of the highway lights, in the

form of illegal connections to the Highway Lighting Distribution Network, in the vicinity of the Seawall Bandstand had led to the temporary disconnection of these lights, the Public Infrastructure Ministry said. While the lights have been reconnected to ensure continued safety and convenience of the public, the vandalism of these lights has continued. “It must be emphasised that vandalism severely compromises the integrity of these electrical systems and could ultimately eliminate the benefits of the infrastructure to the public,” the ministry said. Persons can report these illegal acts to the ministry’s Public Relations Department on 227-0799, or to the nearest police station.

The damaged power feeds which energise sections of the lights along the Rupert Craig Highway

Six allegedly busted with compressed cannabis at Itabali SIX persons, inclusive of a female, were taken into custody on Monday afternoon by police ranks stationed at the Police checkpoint at Itabali, Puruni Road, Mazaruni River, Region Seven. Reports are that the individuals were arrested after the lawmen manning the checkpoint allegedly found a total of 662 grammes of compressed cannabis. According to the police, 557 grammes of the narcotic were found in a music-box belonging to one of the suspects, whilst the remainder was found hidden inside the vehicle they were in. A case file has since been forwarded to the DPP for advice in relation to the institution of charges.

One of the compressed parcels of the cannabis

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Linden must experience ‘community-level growth’ by 2020 –– Min Broomes tells residents MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes has urged Lindeners to work together to improve the status of the town. “I am here to work with you, to serve you on the way forward. So we’ll do it together,” Broomes said, noting that her aim is to help Linden experience “community-level growth” by 2020, working together. She added: “The time for complaining is over. We got to mobilise and we got to meet often, we got to plan, we got to be strategic because we have to ensure that our people are feeling their government.” Broomes challenged every councillor to get on board, go into communities and help make the town a better one.

“I call on every RDC councillor and regional councillor to get on the road, get into the neighbourhood, get into the village, go where your people are, don’t let them always run and look for you, go where they are and find them, see the roads, see the bridge, some lil opportunity you know about, share it with your comrades, get the young people motivated, the women in order, get the men in order, look for the senior citizens,” she charged. Broomes said she will be visiting Linden and will go into all the areas and constituencies to see what is happening and what can be done. Persons from the various communities will look into the kind of development

that is needed in their communities. Among the issues raised is that residents were not being employed by outof- town contractors when projects are being done in Linden. This issue they were told will be handled by the Regional Democratic Council. After the meeting, Broomes gifted the communities with lights. Clothing, among other items, were also given to residents who were present. Also present at the meeting were Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueria, former Region 10 Chairman Mortimer Mingo, Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform Region 10, Deon Adams, and councillors, among others.

Councillor Fern Mckoy receives the lights on behalf of her constituency from Minister Broomes

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes addressing the residents

Businesswoman, seamstress robbed in separate attacks AN armed bandit who posed as a customer purchasing a bottle of drink and a pack of biscuits robbed a 61-year-old businesswoman in her shop at Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday. Reports indicate that the victim was in her shop when the suspect entered and ordered a bottle of drink and a pack of biscuits. As the victim was handing him the biscuits, the suspect held on to her hand, pulled out the firearm and demanded cash. The businesswoman then raised an alarm and her husband responded and emptied the cash drawer and handed it over to the bandit. The gunman then jumped into a white Toyota Allion motor car and made good his escape.

Meanwhile, on the same day, a 55-yearold seamstress of Gulf Road, Lusignan Pasture, ECD, was robbed of cash and documents by two robbers, one armed with a handgun on Urquhart Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Inquiries revealed that the seamstress was walking on the road heading to conduct her business when two men on a motorcycle rode up behind her. The pillion rider dismounted the motorcycle and approached her, pointing a firearm in her direction. The robber then ordered the seamstress not to look at him and she complied. He then snatched her bag containing the money, jumped back onto the motorcycle and discharged a round into the air before making good his escape.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

New ECD commander takes aim at rooting out corruption … talks up service-oriented, intelligence-led policing By Rabindra Rooplall NEWLY installed ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara) Commander, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, says the issue of corruption must be addressed forthwith, and warned ranks under his watch to desist or face the full force of the law. “My approach would be service-oriented and intelligence-led. I feel it is important for us to provide the quality of service citizens need. This is in keeping with what was asked of us by the Head of State at our recent Police Conference, to ensure that ranks are competent and incorruptible because corruption destroys the fabric of society,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview. The commander continued: “Having regard with what is going on in our organisation where our stewardship is being called to question on numerous occasions, the issue of corruption must be addressed forthwith, and those who are inclined to commit atrocities must be dealt with condignly.” He explained that under his tenure, the police will have a zero tolerance for noise nuisance, drug trafficking and that there will be an increase in raids and vehicular searches. To underscore his point, the commander added that under Section16:01of the Laws of Guyana Policing Act, Chapter 18, it gives the police the mandate to stop, search and detain any vehicle where there is reason to suspect that something has been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Further, Cooper said that the police also have a mandate to stop persons and search them once there is reasonable suspicion that they have committed an offence. The commander is, therefore, requesting the support of the public to ensure that security measures are heightened for their own safety. He noted that `C’ Division is sandwiched between Georgetown and Berbice and as such police ranks must be vigilant and impartial in executing their duties. “I also want the investigation arm under my command to improve in the division so that proper investigations are done to secure convictions while acknowledging the satisfaction of the victims,” the Senior Superintendent said. He continued: “Whatever information the public has on illegalities, they can feel free to pass it on to me or my admin team, and this will be dealt with in the strictest and confidential manner in order to maintain a productive relationship to police the division properly.” Further, he said the community policing aspect of the force will be continued along with partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations, the business community

Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, ‘C’ Division Commander and all legitimate stakeholders. “I am of the firm view that working together for a common purpose will achieve all goals and I often say that the police alone cannot do it so we are looking forward for the support of member of the public,” the commanding officer said. Meanwhile, the commander who took up his office on Monday said the issues of congestion on the east coast corridor will also be addressed. Senior Superintendent Cooper, who was also awarded ‘Best Cop’ in Berbice this year, worked as the deputy commander for ‘A’ and ‘B’ Divisions. He also worked in ‘C’ Division for 13 years where he began as a constable and rose to the rank of Assistant Superintendent. He said his knowledge and experience of the division will aid him in his policing mandate. Snr. Supt. Cooper recently represented Guyana at the 19th United Nations Asia and Far East Institute and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption training programme, held from October 12th to November 16, 2016 at the Japan International Co-operation Agency in Tokyo, Japan. The programme underscored that it was established that corruption is a major problem in all countries, whether developed or developing, and must be tackled holistically and expeditiously with the power of those in authority. The knowledge gained at the engagement would help investigators and prosecutors to better handle cases of corruption in public procurement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Guyanese-American Two held for suspected delegation for Republic poisoning death of woman Anniversary in Cuba

BERBICE Police are continuing their investigation into the mysterious death of Neighbourhood Police rank Ms Zainatoon Nissa Higgins, who succumbed at the New Amsterdam Hospital after reporting that she was allegedly poisoned by her two tenants. Berbice Commander Lindon Alves in an invited comment, said following an autopsy, body samples have been extracted for further testing at the toxicology laboratory, to determine a definitive cause of death. A file has also been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice, even as a couple remains in police custody. Government Pathologist Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan had revealed that the cause of death was inconclusive, and had ordered a toxicology test after suspicion arose that the policewoman was suspected to have been poisoned. Alves said, Higgins, prior to her death had submitted a statement to the police, in which she revealed that after feeling unwell she requested her tenants to make her a cup of tea and was given sips on two occasions. After her condition worsened, a relative who spoke on condition of anonymity said the woman took two samples to the Criminal Investigation Department at the Central Police Station, before proceeding to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where she was admitted. She died on February 17, at 02:55am. Higgins had met her tenants during a visit

Zainatoon Nissa Higgins to Georgetown. There she invited them to stay at her two-flat wooden house after they had revealed that they were experiencing some challenges. It is alleged that Higgins had promised to give her property to the couple if they had cared for her. Meanwhile, her body will be buried today, according to Muslim rites. She leaves to mourn her three brothers, several nieces and nephews, along with her colleagues.

A DELEGATION of some 50 Guyanese-Americans is heading to Cuba this week for people-to-people encounters as part of the celebrations there to mark Guyana’s 48th Republic Anniversary on February 23rd. The celebrations also mark the 45th year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Cuba. According to a release by the Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce (GACC), the February 22nd to 28th visit will span three Cuban cities: Holguin, Santiago de Cuba and Havana. Members will be involved in sports, cultural and educational activities as well as attend receptions to celebrate Guyana’s Republic Anniversary. The visit has been organised by Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba Mr Halim Majeed, in conjunction with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Florida, Mr Ramzan Roshanali and President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Mr. Wesley Kirton. The visiting delegation comprises members of

the Sunshine State Softball Cricket Association (SSSCA) and the Guyanese-American Chamber. During the visit a number of softball cricket matches will be played in Santiago de Cuba and Havana in addition to a number of meetings and interactions with various Cuban organisations focused on education and to enhance the relationship with the Cuban people. This visit is under a General Licence, which pursuant to the relevant sections of the Cuban Asset Control Regulations authorises travel to Cuba for athletic and educational purposes. The main sponsors of the visit are Surinam Airways and DMC Travel of Miami. Other sponsors include the Tallawahs cricket team, Cricket Council USA, Limacol, Tropics Restaurant, Lucky City restaurant, Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL), JetBlue, and Roraima Airways/ Aruba Air. A special magazine has been produced by the Guyana Consulate in Florida to commemorate the visit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Draft tobacco regulations to be completed soon

THE regulations that will go hand-in-hand with the Tobacco Control Act are being drafted and are expected to be completed soon, Ministry of Public Health Public Relations Officer Terrence Esseboom said on Tuesday. According to Esseboom, the draft regulations, when completed, will be submitted to Demerara Tobacco Co. (DEMTOCO), after which consultations on implementation of the Tobacco Control Act and the ac-

companying regulations will commence. British American Tobacco Co, of which DEMTOCO is a subsidiary, is expected to return to Guyana when the consultations commence. The regulations are expected to guide the sale, packaging, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, the health official explained. The Tobacco Control Act took effect on December 11, 2017, following the issuing of a commencement order by Public Health Minister

Volda Lawrence. However, the initial focus is on the tobacco industry. The Public Health Ministry had said that the act would be gradually enforced. Though the ministry had announced that it would have met with the key players in the tobacco industry last month to inform them of implementation of the complete ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, those meetings have not yet been held, according to the public relations of-

ficer. Part VI of the act addresses the issues of advertising, promotion and sponsorship. According to Section 19, “All advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems are prohibited.” It was stated that the prohibition includes any tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship that promote or are likely to promote the tobacco industry, directly or indirectly. PAHO/WHO National Consultant, Attorney-at-Law Kesaundra Alves, had explained that the comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising promotion and sponsor-

ship is in keeping with Article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), noting that it was critical to block all loopholes the local tobacco industry may want to use to its advantage. “The tobacco epidemic is one that is not spread by infection but by promotion and advertisement. Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) glamorises tobacco use by associating the use of tobacco products with positive social and personal images,” Alves had posited. According to her, stamping out all forms of TAPS is the only way to eliminate the tobacco epidemic. The act provides

for a ban on smoking in indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transportation, and only in specified outdoor places, including the premises of schools and health facilities, and places for the commercial service of food and drinks. The Tobacco Control Act regulates where persons can smoke tobacco products in order to protect others from exposure to dangerous second-hand smoke, but it does not ban smoking. In August 2017, the Tobacco Control Act became law after the bill was passed by the National Assembly and was assented to by President David Granger.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Entangled mains, burst conductors caused Monday night blackout THE Guyana Power and Light Inc says Monday night’s blackout was caused by entangled mains and burst conductors within close proximity to its Kingston power plant. In a statement, GPL apologised to citizens, explaining that Monday evening, at approximately 19:39hrs; the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experienced a system shutdown as a result of entangled mains and burst

conductors. Power was restored at approximately 21:00hrs with the exception of areas fed by feeders out of the Kingston plant. As a precautionary measure, these circuits had to be de-energised to facilitate repairs, which resulted in some sections of Georgetown being repowered at approximately 00:27hrs. GPL said it remains cognisant of the inconvenience this interruption caused and offered sincere apologies.

Bandits rob Enmore greens vendors THREE masked armed robbers clad in black clothing robbed a family of greens vendors of almost $1.6M in valuables and beat one in the process at their Enmore, East Coast Demerara home on Tuesday. According to reports, the three suspects armed with handguns gained entry to the first home at Lot 57 Hope West, Enmore, where Chatterpaul Persaud called “Krishna” and his wife Melenie Deonarine lived. The men tied up their victims and

assaulted the husband, a greens vendor, before relieving them of cash and jewellery. The bandits then went into the second house in the yard, where they tied up Krishna’s parents, Ghansham and Hemawattie Persaud before robbing them of cash and jewellery. According to reports, the bandits carted off an estimated $1.5 million worth of jewellery and over $50,000 in cash.

Teen remanded on murder intent charge A 19-YEAR-OLD man of Old Road, Craig, East Bank Demerara, appeared in a City Magistrates’ Court charged with assault with intention to commit murder. It is alleged that on February15, at Craig, EBD, Morris Khan unlawfully assaulted and maliciously wounded Oswald O’Brian, with intent to commit murder. According to facts given in court by the prosecutor, O’Brian who was dealt several

lashes with a bicycle bar by the defendant is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the virtual complainant (VC) is still in the hospital. Khan was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan until March 16. 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Linden Games 2018 a success LINDEN Youth Leaders (LYL) pulled off the dynamic $5 million Linden Games 2018 which is said to be the start of something new for the mining town of Linden, and is expected to draw people from all parts of Guyana to the town in 2019. On Saturday, at LYL’s first Linden Games Award Ceremony, participants of the Linden Games were awarded for their achievements. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, who is also the group’s advocate, said he realised that much interest was not shown in the town’s product which is sports, and he intends to fix the problem through the games. “We have a sports tourism product right here. I believe this is the start and next year it’s going to be bigger, and next year we’re going to see people flocking from all over to come to Linden. If you invest in sports, we’re gonna get what

A member of the winning female cricket team (Westside) collects the team’s prize from Dr Vincent Adams their lives. you this, but play for the fun “My academic creden- of it,” Dr Adams said. tials and my accomplishHe continued: “If you ments, it wouldn’t have been gonna play and you want to without sports,” Dr Adams be serious, you make sure said. you train hard. Make sure Dr Adams told the gath- you work hard for your aca-

Trophies and medals that were given out at Saturday night’s event we’re seeing here tonight; if you invest and you put the energies out there, we’re going to get sports returning, we need something for our young people. So we had to find something. We cannot stay there and crying Linden is negative,” the mayor said. Guest speaker of the night, Dr Vincent Adams, shared with the youths the importance of sports and how it can positively impact

ering that he was the first person from Linden to represent Guyana in cricket at the national level, but injuries kept him out of the sport and he had to turn to a back-up plan which was education. “It doesn’t matter what sports you play in or how good you are, make sure you have that back-up, because the probability of you making it as a professional, etc, its almost zero; I hate to tell

A Westside’s player collects a medal for his team that won the basketball competition

demics too…. If I can make it from where I came from which is exactly the same place you folks came from, if I can make it, you can definitely make it.” The goal of the games was to resuscitate sports tourism in Linden and promote the development of Region 10 through sports. It is also a way of encouraging fitness and healthy living and engaging the constituencies in celebrating Linden as a sports-loving destination. Overall, the Linden Games was a huge success. In spite of the inclement weather, the group managed to pull off eight of the 10 sports disciplines namely, cricket, football, table tennis, cycling, domino, draughts, basketball and swimming. Wismar won three of the sports disciplines while Mackenzie won five. Special awards were also given out, such as the Ronald Bulkan Awards and the Carwyn Holland Awards. Culley Hercules, Johnny Gravesande and Daniel Williams were also awarded for their exceptional role in athletics in Guyana. Next year, the LYL will be adding boxing, lawn tennis, volleyball, karate and chess to the Linden Games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

23 years for killing 75-year-old woman … judge says he didn’t think accused was remorseful

KEVON Alfred,26,was on Tuesday morning sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for the 2014 murder of 75-yearold Joyce Lewis, having changed his plea to guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Alfred told the court that on March 25, 2014, he borrowed a car and left his West Bank Demerara home for the city to visit his sister’s residence as a result of a telephone call he received from her. She had telephoned Alfred to say that it was her birthday and she was hosting a party and in preparation for it, she wanted his help. He added that while on his way to the location, he encountered a friend and they had a conversation in which the ‘friend’ indicated he was going to Bartica the following day and he would like the accused to “drop him”. Alfred told the court that he agreed and on March 26, 2014, while he was at his sister’s home at North/East La Penitence, the same friend came there at about 04:15hrs and told him he was ready to go. The accused stated that they left in the car and the friend whom he identified as one Cordell Eastman called “Gaza,” who is in prison said he wanted to

stop at his girlfriend’s house to collect something and they went to some place in ‘South.’ Alfred said he was in the car waiting for some time and after his friend failed to return, he went into the house to look for him and saw him “running around the big lady” and he returned to the car. He told the court that he did not report the matter because he was afraid, since the friend had threatened him and said he was sorry for what happened. In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney George Thomas said that his client was only 26 years old and had been a model prisoner and was regretful. However,Justice Navindra Singh in response said that he didn’t feel the accused was remorseful and considering the circumstances of the offence, he sentenced Alfred to 23 years in jail. The state’s case, which was led by Abigail Gibbs, was that on March 2526, 2014, at the North Ruimveldt home of the deceased Joyce Lewis, 75, an unwanted guest entered the house via a window. She said he ransacked the entire house and removed the victim’s cell phone and music set, but

not before tying her ankles and hands and strangling her. Gibbs added that the intruder made a telephone call to a witness from the victim’s home using her telephone, stating that he had some items to sell. But that witness was not

interested. She told the court that the unwanted guest left his fingerprints at the scene. He also took away the victim’s cell phone and music set. The state was represented by Abigail Gibbs in association with Tiffini

Lyken and Narissa Leander. It was alleged that the home of septuagenarian Joyce Lewis, of Christaini Street, North Ruimveldt, was broken into and she was strangled to death during that home invasion.

Sentenced: Kevon Alfred

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Death over cell phone and iPod

A 12-MEMBER jury was on Tuesday morning empanelled for the 2014 alleged murder of Nigel Lawson at Quamina Street, Georgetown before Justice Navindra Singh in the Georgetown High Court. The accused Kelvin Chisholm pleaded not guilty to the offence to which he stands indicted. This states that on May 1, 2014 he allegedly murdered Nigel Lawson in a confrontation. The state is expected to call 11 witnesses. In her opening address,

State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken told the court that on the evening in question at about 08:30hrs, the motionless body of Lawson was found on Quamina Street with a wound to the body. She related that he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Lyken added that a post mortem conducted on May 7, 2014 revealed that Lawson died as a result of the perforation of the heart and lungs due to stab wounds. She added that the police conducted an investiga-

tion and the accused Kelvin Chisholm was arrested and charged for the offence. The state called its first witness, Petal Geoffrey, who said that the deceased was her brother-in-law and that he used to live at 188 Camp Street, the same residence where she still resides. She said that the last time she saw him alive was on April 27, 2014. Geoffrey told the court that the deceased was a handy man. She said she was at GPHC mortuary where she identified the body to Dr. Nehaul Singh who performed

the post mortem and that she was also present at his funeral.. Ex-cop Delicia Brown took the stand and testified that in 2014 she was a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and attached to CID Brickdam Crime Scene Unit. She related that on May 1, 2014 she was summoned to the crime scene of an alleged murder at Quamina Street, and that upon arrival she observed the motionless body of a male lying on the parapet. She collected a red jersey which was soaked with

On trial: Kelvin Chisholm a reddish substance which appeared to be blood and placed it in a self-sealed evidence bag. Brown further stated that upon examination of the body she observed a wound to the left side chest and that the arm of the deceased appeared to be broken. She added that photos of the body were taken by another rank but it was she who lodged the evidence at the Brickdam Police Station. The witness said that on September 11, 2014 she was summoned at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and when she went to uplift the evidence she was told ‘some-

thing’ and was unable to uplift same. She told the court the red jersey in question had a small hole to the left side. Lance Corporal Quinn Sandy testified that on the night in question he was on patrol when he was summoned to the scene, and upon arrival at the location he observed a motionless body of a male. He related that he was approached by a minibus operator who indicated to him that the accused had just left the scene. He then drove up to Thomas Street where he was approached by the accused. Sandy told the court that the man said to him: “A man went in my yard and pick up my cell phone and iPod and walked out.” Sandy added that as a result of what the accused told him he jumped on a bicycle and went after the man, pleading with him to hand over his articles but he refused and there was a scuffle. The witness stated that at that point the accused was arrested and placed in custody at Brickdam Police Station where he requested a telephone call which was granted. The accused is being represented by defence attorney Compton Richardson in association with Hewley Griffith.

Prison officer on bail for narco-trafficking PRISON OFFICER Jamal Carter, 26, was ordered to post $100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to trafficking in narcotics and introducing prohibited items to the New Amsterdam Prison, where he was employed. Bail was granted when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Alex Moore, at the New Amsterdam’s Court. He is expected to return to court on April 27, for fixture. Reports revealed that on February 12, the prison officer allegedly walked out of the main prison yard and went into the lunch room. Moments later, he returned with a white food bowl, along with a coat in his arms. When questioned, he said he had several packs of cigarettes which he intended to take into the yard for his brother, a prisoner. Prison Officer A senior prison officer Jamal Carter was informed and following a search, several packets of Pall Mall cigarettes were extracted from the white food bowl. Also, a plastic containing leaves, seeds and stems, confirmed to be cannabis sativa were also found concealed at the bottom of the large food bowl. The narcotic when weighed amounted to 528 grammes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SASOD pushes for gender-neutral washrooms at UG By Lisa Hamilton

ORGANISATIONS in Guyana are seeking to make the lives of transgender individuals easier by effecting changes within the University of Guyana (UG) in the hope of inducing a ripple effect to further influence the country as a whole. This was revealed during Campus Gyaff on ‘Gender Identity and Social Justice’ hosted by the Guy-

Managing Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Joel Simpson, speaks to University of Guyana (UG) students on the laws which affect transgender individuals in Guyana (Samuel Maughn photo)

ana Equality Forum (GEF) and the University of Guyana Law Society (UGLS), on Monday. The event was held in observation of the World Day of Social Justice on Tuesday and featured remarks from Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown Law Human Rights Institute, Fanny Gomez-Lugo; Managing Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson; and Alessandra Hereman of Key Populations Focal Point at the USAID Advancing Partners & Communities Guyana Project One of the main changes the organisations, including SASOD, is trying to bring about involves additional considerations for transgender individuals on the university campus. According to Simpson, the University’s Student Code of Conduct prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual identification but not on gender identity, which prevents transgender individuals from utilising the restrooms of the gender they identify with. “The best practice that we recommend is to have gender-neutral washrooms or all-gender bathrooms. So it means that you should be able to go into an individual stall and do your business regardless of what gender you are… we would have to engage in conversations with the university to… remodel so that we have gender-neutral washrooms on campus,” Simpson said. He added: “If it [gender identity] is in the official university policy, then you have a standard at which you can hold people accountable… there is nothing in the university policy or statutes to prohibit transphobic discrimination.” Meanwhile, Gomez-Lugo said many persons do not realise that there is something called “hetero-sexual privilege” which grants straight individuals rights while discriminating against those who divert from this. UNHINDERED “We can enter any bathroom we want and in the morning when we get dressed, we don’t have to think about things that we have to wear or the makeup that we have to use and how that will affect going to the bathroom,” she said. Gomez-Lugo add: “A lot of transgender friends that I have suffer from a

wide variety of infections regarding not going to the bathroom and holding it in, or perhaps they are dehydrated because they can’t drink enough fluids because they have to time their going to the bathroom to times when people don’t go or have to go to further bathrooms to evade discrimination.” Simpson says the conversations have begun with the student population and groups on campus but will soon move on to the administrative levels, as the organisations hope to eventually effectuate changes in the university’s policies. “I think the young people at the university campus are being educated and what we know about homophobia is that it stems from ignorance,” Simpson said. He contended: “The more that we do sessions like these to educate people, and the more the students who study sociology, law, and medical sciences understand and appreciate gender and sexual diversity… we will change hearts and minds.” Gomez-Lugo also touched on the works of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), discrimination and violence against transgenders, the criminalisation of private, consensual same-sex relations and state obligations. She said, too, that local laws do not allow for a change in gender on the National Identification (ID) card which does not cater for persons who travel across genders or are gender fluid. On another note, SASOD has an appellate jurisdiction before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) following its dismissal at the Court of Appeal last year, which upheld the decision of former Chief Justice Ian Chang that cross-dressing is allowed once not done for “improper purposes”. SASOD argues that the cross-dressing law found in Section 153 (1) (xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act 1893, is inconsistent with the Constitution of Guyana. Simpson hopes for a swift judgement as the government establishes a permanent Law Reform Commission to reform and modernise Guyana’s laws to include changes in the laws against cross-dressing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Ministry of Education final results for children’s Mashramani competitions costume parade, 2018 NURSERY BANDS NO# NAME OF SCHOOL NAME OF ITEM PLACE AWARDED PRIZE 1 SMYTH STREET NURSERY Protector of El Dorado. We Came First 1st 1 Trophy & $100,000 2 STARTERS NURSERY Kaleidoscope 2nd 1 Trophy & $80,000 3 LODGE NURSERY One People, One Nation Celebrating our Liquid Gold 3rd 1 Trophy & $60,000 4 HEAD START NURSERY Celebration of Our People, Their Journey to Guyana 4th 1 Trophy PRIMARY BANDS 5 GRAHAM’S HALL PRIMARY Guyana Arapaima 1st 1 Trophy & $120,000 6 NORTH GEORGETOWN PRIMARY Frolic In the Sun 2nd 1 Trophy & $100,000 7 ST ANNE’S PRIMARY POLLINATION 3rd 1 Trophy & $80,000 8 ST AMBROSE Protection for Your Financial Reputation 4th 1 Trophy SECONDARY BANDS 9 SOUTH RUIMVELDT SECONDARY Transcending Guyana’s Musical Legacy 1st 1 Trophy & $120,000 10 TUTORIAL HIGH Creativity Giving Identity to Society 2nd 1 Trophy & $100,000 11 ST JOHN’S COLLEGE Guyana the Ultimate Tourism Destination 3rd 1 Trophy & $80,000 12 KINGSTON SECONDARY Recycling and Upcycling 4th 1 Trophy MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FINAL RESULTS FOR CHILDREN’S MASHRAMANI COMPETITIONS COSTUME PARADE, 2018 OTHER CHILDREN’S ORGANISATIONS NO# NAME OF SCHOOL NAME OF ITEM PLACE AWARDED PRIZE 13 HINTERLAND SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS Celebration of Our Culture 1st 1 Trophy & $100,000 14 NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DANCE Easter Fest Through the Eyes of a Child 2nd 1 Trophy & $80,000 15 CRAFT PRODUCTION & DESIGN With Craft We Shall Celebrate, When Integrated Guyana Remains Great 3rd 1 Trophy & $60,000 16 OPEN DOORS CENTRE Celebrating Our Cultures Organisation and Festivals 4th 1 Trophy

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION 17JADEN BROOMS The World’s Beauty 1st 1 Trophy 18 OSHAY ROBERTS Education Technology 2nd 1 Trophy REGIONAL PRESENTATION 19 Region # 3 – Essequibo Islands, West Demerara

Celebration and Cooperation Through Diversification and Protection 1st 1 Trophy 20 Region # 2 From the Farm to the Pot 2nd 1 Trophy 21 Region 6 Rice Ah We Ting 48 and Still Celebrating 3rd 1 Trophy 22 Region # 4 Sustaining Development Through Quality Education, Leadership Enterprise & Cooperation 4th 1 Trophy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Buxton mechanic admits gunpoint robbery, gets four years AFTER being on remand for the past five months, a 21-year-old auto mechanic was on Tuesday sentenced to four years’ jail for robbing a businessman of $3.3M at gunpoint in the vicinity of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building on Brickdam. Shaquille Wilburg, of Public Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, admitted to the robbery under arms charge before city Magistrate Annett Singh after initially pleading not guilty.. Wilburg confessed that on October 13, 2017, on Brickdam while being armed with a gun, he robbed Linden Wilson of $3M in cash along with two cellphones, valued $300,000. The unrepresented man pleaded with the magistrate, saying he did not want to Shaquille Wilburg waste the court’s time any further. The matter was prosecuted by police officer Visram Ramjattan. According to the facts, the victim was walking along Brickdam towards the NIS when he was confronted by Wilburg who was armed with a gun. The victim handed over the articles and Wilburg made good his escape. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera. Investigators after reviewing the video footage arrested Wilburg and he was positively pointed out by the victim during an identification parade. The magistrate during sentencing told the accused: “Crime is only going to take you so far. It is either death or prison.” She encouraged him to be rehabilitated.

Magistrate to rule on alleged caution statement PRINCIPAL Magistrate Judy Latchman is set to rule on the admissibility of an alleged caution statement given to police by Rajen Dindial, who is on remand for the murder of 36-year-old Aliston Henry who was beaten to death at a wedding house at Grove last September. The ruling is scheduled to be delivered on February 28. This date was announced by the magistrate on Tuesday after Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves made closing submissions at the end of the voir dire (trial within a trial). This was done to deRajen Dindial termine the circumstances under which the alleged caution statement was given to officers and whether or not it will be admitted to form part of the prosecution’s evidence. After the ruling, the preliminary inquiry into the death of Henry will continue. According to reports, on the day in question, while at the wedding house celebration Henry had a misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable toilet which was nearby. The accused became annoyed and armed himself with a wooden food paddle and dealt Henry several lashes about his body. The injured man was placed in a push cart and taken home by public-spirited persons. He was then taken to the hospital where he succumbed days later.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

‘Cocaine-in-wood’ trial adjourned THE trial of motorcycle racer Stephen Vieira and three other men, including a former customs official, for trafficking cocaine has been adjourned until March 19, 2018. Customs Officer Sherwayne De Abreu of Street Eight, Section ‘A’ Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown; Vieira of Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown; businessman Tazim Gafoor and his son, Nazim Gafoor, a motor car racer, both of Menzies Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, are on trial for aiding Hakim Mohamed to traffic 84.986 kilograms of cocaine between March 1 and May 2, 2017. The men are being represented by attorneys-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat, Everton Lammy-Singh, Glen Hanoman and Nigel Hughes. The matter is being presided over by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court with evidence being led by Customs Anti-narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford. Main witnesses, Hakim Mohamed and CANU officer Linden Thompson have already completed their testimonies in court and were cross-examined by defence counsel. The four defendants are currently out on $5M bail each, which was granted by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire in the High Court. They were first charged and remanded on May 30, 2017. According to reports, the bust was made after CANU officials received a tip-off on May 12 last year. When the ranks acted, dressed lumber boards were being packed onto a truck. The truck driver and porters were arrested, but were subsequently released after it was discovered that the vehicle and its workers were hired to transport the timber. The drug agency in a release said that ranks conducted a search on the parapet in front of the premises of Mohamed and searched a truck laden with several pallets of 1×6 dressed lumber boards prepared for export. Several pieces of boards were drilled randomly by the ranks and a whitish substance was revealed (cocaine). The lumber, belonging to Narine Lall, was packed at a sawmill located at Lookout, East Bank Essequibo, to be transported to a wharf in Georgetown and then shipped to the United States of America, CANU stated. According to reports, Vieira is listed on the shipping documents as a representative of the shipper, Lall. An arrest warrant has been issued for Lall, according to CANU. Tazim was placed before the court, charged for his role in another cocaine matter. The 43-year-old man was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice last year September, following the discovery of over nine kilograms of cocaine.

Vessel sinks in Moruca River, two hospitalised RAMESH Maniram, the captain of the M.V. Three Brothers, and Ventle Jainarine one of four sailors who were aboard the vessel when it caught afire on Monday, are currently hospitalised at the Suddie Hospital, Essequibo Coast. The ship subsequently sank. Police said that the incident occurred at about 10:00hrs in the Moruca River. The names of the other sailors who rescued the two victims are not known at the moment. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the victims were near the vessel’s engine, when a loud explosion was heard and a fire started. The fire reportedly spread quickly across the vessel and the two victims who were the last to evacuate the vessel were burnt.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Cornwall, Warrican star as King Kohli hits 27-year peak in ODIs Windies ‘A’ thump Lions …. earns seventh-highest ODI rating of all-time VIRAT Kohli has received the highest ODI batting rating in 27 years, becoming the first Indian to move above 900 points under the ICC’s historical system of rating players. He’s also become just the second batsman in history to achieve a 900-point rating in both Test and ODI cricket at the same time.

er since Australia’s Dean Jones in 1991 and the seventh-highest in history; only Sir Viv Richards (935 in 1985), Zaheer Abbas (931 in 1983), Greg Chappell (921 in 1981), David Gower (919 in 1983), Jones (918 in 1991) and Javed Miandad (910 in 1987) have received a higher rating. Kohli’s rise comes just

Virat Kohli

Kohli scored 558 runs in the recent six-match ODI series against South Africa and was dismissed only three times, his tally including three centuries. In the latest ICC rankings revealed yesterday, Kohli extended his lead at the top of the rankings to a sizeable 65 points from AB de Villiers. His ODI rating of 909 is the highest of any play-

weeks after Australian rival Steve Smith earned the second-highest Test rating ever, placing him second to Sir Donald Bradman. After Smith contributed 76 and an unbeaten 102 in Australia’s draw against England in the fourth Magellan Ashes Test at the MCG, he moved to 947 ratings points to be 14 behind Bradman’s all-time high of 961 points, set in 1948.

SMITH CLOSES GAP ON BRADMAN Smith previously shared second place with Englishman Sir Len Hutton on 945 points before gaining two points from his outstanding effort in Melbourne. Kohli, with a rating of 912, is currently the second-ranked Test batsman behind Smith (947) and is the second man after de Villiers to concurrently have a 900-point rating in both Tests and ODIs. He is only the fifth man ever, along with de Villiers, Richards, Brian Lara and Hashim Amla, to top 900 in both formats during their career. Kohli posted scores of 112, 46 n.o., 160 n.o., 75, 36 and 129 n.o. in the six matches against the Proteas to move to 35 career centuries and boost his average from 208 matches to 58.10. Still just 29 years old, the right-hander is 14 hundreds away from equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record of 49 centuries. The latest rankings update provided plenty to celebrate for India, with paceman Jasprit Bumrah climbing three places to be the joint No.1 ODI bowler alongside Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who has moved up eight spots after his starring role against Zimbabwe.

Highest ICC ODI Batting Ratings 1) Vic Richards (WI) - 935 in 1985 2) Zaheer Abbas (Pak) - 931 in 1983 3) Grag Chappell (Aus) - 921 in 1981 4) David Gower (Eng) - 919 in 1983 5) Dean Jones (Aus) - 918 in 1991 6) Javed Miandad (Pak) - 910 in 1987 7) Virat Kohli (Ind) - 909 in 2018 8) Brian Lara (WI) - 908 in 1993 9) AB de Villiers (SA) - 902 in 2015 10) Hashim Amla (SA) - 901 in 2012 Current ICC ODI Batting Rankings 1) Virat Kohli (Ind) - 909 2) AB de Villiers (SA) - 844 3) David Warner (Aus) - 823 4) Babar Azam (Pak) - 813 5) Joe Root (Eng) - 808

6) Rohit Sharma (Ind) - 799 7) Quinton de Kock (SA) - 783 8) Faf du Plessis (SA) - 782 9) Kane Williamson (NZ) - 777 10) Shikhar Dhawan (Ind) - 769 Current ICC ODI Bowling Rankings =1) Jasprit Bumrah (Ind) - 787 =1) Rashid Khan (Afg) - 787 3) Trent Boult (NZ) - 729 4) Josh Hazlewood (Aus) - 714 5) Hasan Ali (Pak) - 711 6) Imran Tahir (SA) - 683 7) Kagiso Rabada (SA) - 679 8) Yuzvendra Chahal (Ind) - 667 9) Mitchell Santner (NZ) - 662 10) Mitchell Starc (Aus) - 658

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13:10 hrS War Creation Newcastle 10:05 hrs Culpability 10:40 hrs Time To Blossom 11:10 hrs Heaven’s Guest 11:45 hrs Stone Of Destiny 12:20 hrs Casey Jones 12:50 hrs Lost At Sea 13:25 hrs Athollblair Boy Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 09:55 hrs Defy De Mee 10:30 hrs Narcissistic 11:05 hrs Meri Devie 11:35 hrs Goodthynemilan 12:10 hrs Castafiore Park 12:45 hrs Eagle Lion 13:15 hrs Black Tears

by innings and 17 runs

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Spinners Jomel Warrican and Rahkeem Cornwall combined to bowl West Indies-A to a stunning innings and 17 runs victory and an unbeatable 2-0 series lead over England Lions in the second ‘Test’ yesterday. Left-arm spinner Warrican bagged 4-69 from 27.2 overs to end with match figures of 12-103, making him a shoo-in for the Player-of-theMatch award, and off-spinner Cornwall supported with 4-88 from 38 overs, as the Lions were bowled out for 260 in their second innings about half-hour before the scheduled close on the third day of the match at Sabina Park. Several of the Lions’ batsmen got starts without carrying on – Liam Livingstone leading the way with 48, Paul Coughlin supporting with 47, Jack Leach made 29, Mason Crane got 25, Nick Gubbins added 22, Alex Davies scored 21 and their captain Keaton Jennings contributed 20. The result followed a two-wicket victory for the hosts in the first ‘Test’ which ended last Sunday at the Trelawny Multipurpose Complex on the Jamaica north coast. West Indies-A had an encouraging start to the day, as the England Lions slumped to 104 for five at lunch, after they had resumed from their overnight total of 34 without loss. Jeremiah Louis engineered the run-out of Hameed for 18 in the fourth over of the day, and he was

followed on the stroke of half-hour by Jennings lbw to Cornwall. Joe Clarke was bowled for six by left-arm fast-medium bowler Raymon Reifer five overs later, and Warrican got into action when he trapped Gubbins lbw three overs later and had Davies caught close in, two overs before the interval. After lunch, Windies-A saw the first signs of stiff resistance from the Lions, when Liam Livingstone and Paul Coughlin combined for a stand of 81 for the sixth wicket. But Cornwall struck in successive overs to remove Livingstone caught by Louis in the deep and Toby Roland Jones lbw for two to leave the visitors on 185 for seven. There was further resistance when Jack Leach, the England Lions bowling hero in the series, came to the crease and shared two useful stands with Coughlin and fellow spinner Mason Crane. Coughlin stuck around with Leach to carry the Lions to 205 for seven at tea before he was lbw to Cornwall in the fourth over after the break. Leach remained to take the English side past the 250-mark in a stand of 43 with Crane before Warrican bowled him and had James Porter lbw for a duck in successive overs to bring the innings to a close. The series now shifts to Antigua, where the third and final ‘Test’ will be contested from February 26 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

SCORECARD

ENGLAND LIONS 1st innings 145 WEST INDIES A 1st innings 422 ENGLAND LIONS 2nd innings (o/n 34 without loss) K. Jennings lbw b Cornwall 20 H. Hameed run-out 18 N. Gubbins lbw b Warrican 22 J. Clarke b Reifer 6 L. Livingstone c Louis b Cornwall 48 A. Davies c Hamilton b Warrican 21 P. Coughlin lbw b Cornwall 47 T. Roland-Jones lbw b Cornwall 2 J. Leach b Warrican 29 M. Crane not out 25 J. Porter lbw b Warrican 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-1, nb-16) 22 Total: (all out, 100.1 overs) 260 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-65, 3-77, 4-80, 5-102, 6-185, 7-188, 8-215, 9-258. Bowling: Reifer 13-5-25-1 (nb-3), Louis 9-1-27-0 (nb-1), Joseph 13-5-45-0 (nb-7), Cornwall 38-10-88-4 (nb-4), Warrican 27.2-9-69-4 (nb-1). PLAYER-OF-THE-MATCH: J WARRICAN (WEST INDIES A)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Henrietta United take unassailable lead in senior league football tourney World Cup 2018

Mainstay Gold Star Randy Dejonge

By Elroy Stephney FOLLOWING another convincing victory last Sunday against Good Hope SC at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Henrietta United SC, sponsored by R. H.

Khan Auto Spares, have now taken an unassailable lead in the senior league football competition, sponsored by the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon Football Association (ECPFA). A fair-sized crowd saw favourites Henrietta United hammer Good Hope FC 5-1. As early as the 10th minute, the scoring was on the wall as Devon Romeo found the back of the net for the hosts. Good Hope fought back immediately though when Khalid Thomas gained a penalty and scored for the visitors in the 16th minute. Thereafter the game was impressively controlled by the hosts as they held their composure and dominated. Striker Michael Hen-

dricks pierced the net in the 29th and 52nd minutes to be the top scorer for Henrietta United while his team mates captain Christopher Livan joined the list in the 80th and Sheldon Pitt in the 88th minute to register a comprehensive 5-1 win for the home team. Meanwhile, Charity Extreme and Mainstay Gold Star played to an exciting 4-4 draw on Saturday at the same venue. The game was keenly contested with both teams trading shots and playing attacking football. Five goals were scored in the first half. Mainstay Gold Star opened the scoring as Randy Dejonge smartly found the corner of the net in the 18th minute with a neat pass that

Former trainer and 1991 Grand National winner David Barons dies aged 81 FORMER trainer David Barons, who saddled the 1991 Grand National winner Seagram, has died at the age of 81. Seagram was one of a string of top horses he imported from New Zealand. He also enjoyed back-toback wins in the Hennessy Gold Cup, now known as the Ladbrokes Trophy, with Broadheath in 1986 and Playschool in 1987. Both were ridden by Paul Nicholls, who was a stable jockey and assistant to Barons in the 1980s and subsequently became a champion trainer. (BBC Sport)

David Barons (left) with 1991 Grand National winner Seagram

Bayliss calls for assistant Farbrace to get England T20 coaching role (REUTERS) - England coach Trevor Bayliss has urged the England and Wa l e s C r i c k e t B o a r d (ECB) to consider hiring a specialist coach for their Twenty20 team, and nominated his assistant Paul Farbrace for the role. Bayliss, who said last month that he will not lead England beyond his current deal until 2019, reckons a coaching position for the shortest format should be considered as part of plans for the World T20 tournament in 2020. When asked if a specific T20 coach should be in place before his departure, Bayliss said: “The short answer is probably ‘yes’. “Eventually you will have specialist coaches as well (as players). That will obviously be a discussion with higher levels, with

(ECB director of cricket) Andrew Strauss and people like that.

England assistant T20 coach Paul Farbrace

“Obviously, Paul Farbrace, I think, would do a grand job. When I was a number two, years ago, a bloke said to me the role of the number two is to make the number one look good. I think he’s done a good job

in that respect.” England were knocked out of the T20 tri-series on Sunday after a win against New Zealand was not enough to proceed to the final against Australia in Auckland today. Bayliss said he has been considering stepping down as T20 coach because of the increasing demands of the job across the three formats. “From the start of May last year, I think we have 21 months of cricket out of 23 – and we’re halfway through that,” he added. “It’s tough and that’s what we’re paid for and we love doing it. But it doesn’t make it any easier.” England will face hosts New Zealand in the first of a five-match one-day international series on Sunday.

eluded the diving keeper. He proved unstoppable and again was on the scoring sheet in the 25th minute with another spectacular goal. Not to be outdone, Charity Extreme found their momentum and rebounded with their first goal coming from the boot of Dexter DeCosta in the 30th minute. In the 37th minute it was Charity again when Alonzo Abrams accurately found the net. At 2-2 Mainstay took the lead in the 43rd minute when Andy Atkinson scored to give his team the advantage at halftime. When play resumed there was no reprieve as Mainstay Gold Star continued to shine and sought to press home the advan-

tage. Shots were fired from all angles from both teams although about 18 minutes had elapsed without another goal. However, in the 65th minute Joseph Atkinson of Mainstay broke the shackles when he scored much to the delight of the supporting fans. But they were quickly stunned as Charity Extreme stormed back from the boot of Seth Rebeiro who pierced the net in the 73rd minute to make the score line 4-3. Charity Extreme then went for broke as the players found their renewed energy during the dying stages of the game. It paid off as Hyde Williams had the last opportunity and scored in the

Henrietta United Michael Hendricks

89th minute to seal an astonishing draw that left the spectators in frenzy. The competition continues this weekend with matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at various venues along the Essequibo Coast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

de Kock, de Villiers & du Plessis looking to play in Australia Tests

AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis

QUINTON de Kock could return from a wrist injury to play a part in South Africa’s Twenty20 series against India, with the wicketkeeper-cap-

tain Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers all pushing to be fit to face Australia in the upcoming Test series. de Kock was injured while

playing against India at Centurion, with Heinrich Klaasen coming in to play a match-winning knock in the fourth ODI, although the Proteas slumped to a 5-1 series defeat in the 50-over format. “I am happy to say de Kock has fully recovered from his left wrist injury,” said team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee. “He joined the T20 squad practice yesterday for batting practice and is good to go for the Australia Test series.” de Villiers will not play against India in 20-over action as he rests a knee injury, while du Plessis is working his way back to fitness after suffering a broken finger. “AB de Villiers was withdrawn from the T20 squad more as a precaution, looking ahead to the Test series. He will make a full recovery ahead of the first

Test match in Durban,” Moosajee explained. “Faf du Plessis sustained a fracture to the right index finger during the ODI series against India, and this usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal. At the moment we are in that 4-6 week period and he is currently being monitored weekly. “He will start batting today and we are hopeful he will come through that and be available to

captain the team for the first Test against Australia.” Moosajee also revealed that Dale Steyn could play a role in the Australia series as he battles back from a foot problem, but warned “the medical team will want him to play some form of cricket before a Test match”. Steyn will hope to prove his fitness in a four-day game with the Titans. (Omnisport).

Australia tour of South Africa Warm-up match v SA Invitational XI, Sahara Park, Benoni, Feb 22-24 First Test Kingsmead, Durban, March 1-5 Second Test St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, March 9-13 Third Test Newlands, Cape Town, March 22-26 Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3.

CWI gets to work on fixing senior player issues CRICKET West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron says his organisation recognises as one of its problems, the unavailability of senior players but is working on a strategy to rectify it. “Four of our players, and rightly so, have decided not to play for us in the ICC World Cup Qualifier, because they are making way more (money) than we can pay them. That is the reality we are dealing with. The ICC is saying that that is a matter not for them, but a matter to be discussed in Australia, India, etc. and not for world cricket. “You can understand the

dilemma that we face. We are living in a small area of about five million not-so-rich

Dave Cameron

people, and our players would like to earn at the same level as players in India, Pakistan and Australia. That is our chal-

lenge and we are facing that challenge front on, and, going forward we are looking at different ways and models to ensure that our players are given the opportunity to earn the maximum while making West Indies cricket great again,” said Cameron. Despite Cameron’s apparent understanding of the situation facing players, last month he said it would be difficult to consider Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for future Windies call-ups after they, along with Andre Russell, declined an invitation to participate in World Cup qualifiers, scheduled to start in March.

Man City, Wigan charged by FA for failing to control players

Wigan Athletic’s Dan Burn celebrates with fans on the pitch after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)

(REUTERS) - Manchester City and Wigan Athletic have been charged for failing to control their players during Monday’s FA Cup fifth-round match in which the third-tier side pulled off a huge shock by winning 1-0 at the DW Stadium. Players from both teams were involved in a clash after City midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a sliding challenge on Max Power. The clubs have until Friday to respond to the FA charge. Wigan beat the runaway Premier League leaders with a late goal from talismanic striker Will Grigg. Both clubs have also been asked for their observations

regarding the crowd trouble at the end of the game and have until February 20 to respond. British media reported that City’s Argentina striker Sergio Aguero would not face any disciplinary action over his postmatch confrontation with a fan. Wigan said they will conduct a full investigation after some ugly scenes following the final whistle, with missiles thrown and fans hurling advertising boards onto the pitch. “Whilst we appreciate that the vast majority of supporters who ran onto the pitch did so spontaneously to celebrate a famous victory, we were disappointed with the action of a minority of supporters who acted in an inappropriate

manner,” Wigan chief executive Jonathan Jackson said in a statement. ”Player and staff safety is of paramount importance and we will conduct a full investigation. “However, it is important to not let the actions of a few supporters detract from an incredible night at the DW Stadium. A special atmosphere was created by both sets of supporters and the match was yet another memorable day in the history of Wigan Athletic.” Wigan, who will next host Southampton in the quarter-finals, beat City 1-0 in the 2013 FA Cup final and knocked them out in the sixth round of the competition the following season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Forbes Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Cycling

John gunning for overall victory in final two stages By Michelangelo Jacobus

DESPITE placing third over the last weekend in the first leg of the Forbes Burnham Memorial ThreeStage Cycling road race in Berbice, Team Coco’s cyclist Jamual John will be looking to win the overall event with the final two stages set for next Sunday in Linden and Georgetown. In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, John pointed out that despite his third-place finish he still has

a chance to win the overall event. “Although I finished third last week I can still win it by either winning both legs come Sunday or by placing in the top three finishers on both occasions.” Despite his highly successful 2017 campaign in which he finished with the most wins and collected the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) Best Cyclist accolade, John has never won the Forbes Burnham Memorial Three-Stage event. This being an elusive tro-

phy, John said that he is training hard for the coming races on Sunday, “I’m putting in the work and I’ll try my best to win the last two legs of the race.” Three days ago on Sunday, Michael Anthony prevailed against 50 of the country’s top cyclists and held off Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega and Team Coco’s rider Jamual John to claim the victory in a time of one hour 54 minutes 0.1 seconds. He finished ahead of DeNobrega who pipped John on the line.

Out of the 50 starters, only 39 crossed the finish line. The annual three-stage race is organised by the Burnham Foundation group and is supervised by the Flying Stars Cycling Club. The final two legs of the race will pedal off next Sunday (February 25) with the second stage from Linden to Georgetown beginning at 07:30hrs and then the third stage on the same day at 14:00hrs from Homestretch Avenue to Belfield, East Coast Demerara and back.

Jamual John will be gunning for victory come Sunday, in the last two legs of the Forbes Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Cycling road race.

Messi breaks Chelsea duck to earn Barca 1-1 draw By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi finally opened his account against Chelsea with a 75th-minute equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw in a fascinating Champions League last 16, first leg duel at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Willian’s superb 62nd-minute effort looked like giving Chelsea a precious advantage for the second leg in Spain but they undid all their good work by handing Messi an equaliser. The Argentine maestro, teed up by Andres Iniesta after some sloppy play by the hosts, struck a low shot past keeper Thibaut Courtois for his first goal in nine attempts against Chelsea. As expected, Barca dominated possession but Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side were unfortunate not to end with a victory after Willian was twice denied by the woodwork before halftime. The second leg is on March 14 at the Nou Camp. One of Europe’s fiercest rivalries had been dormant for six years -- since Chelsea’s shock semi-final victory in 2012. But the renewal of hostilities did not disappoint in a gripping game of cat and mouse in west London. For all Barcelona’s often suffocating possession it was

Chelsea who walked in at halftime feeling hard done by. The hosts spent most of the opening period diligently shutting doors at the back as Messi and Iniesta probed for openings in Chelsea’s blue wall. But when the home side did get the ball they were clinical.

On both occasions Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was a mere spectator. Barcelona had their moments, with Messi, as usual, their chief architect, delivering one cross on a plate for Paulinho who headed wide in front of goal. Chelsea manager Antonio

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Andres Iniesta. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

BAD LUCK In the 34th minute Paulinho gave the ball away cheaply and as Chelsea worked the ball to Willian, he shuffled to his right and sent a curling right-footer thudding against the post. Willian could not believe his bad luck again shortly before halftime when Barca again invited pressure and this time his left-foot effort smacked the outside of the other post.

Conte resembled a manic orchestra conductor throughout the first half, going through his full repertoire of gesticulations, while his opposite number Ernesto Valverde was a study in measured calm. Conte was celebrating wildly in the 62nd minute as Willian’s persistence finally paid off. Again Hazard teased the Barca defence and played a pass infield to workaholic

Match officials announced for Super50 Cup semi-finals

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the match officials for the semi-finals of the Super50 Cup to be played today and tomorrow at the Coolidge Cricket Ground here.

SEMI-FINAL #1 Wednesday, February 21 Barbados Pride vs Kent (14:00hrs start/ESPN Networks) Standing umpires: Deighton Butler, Nigel Duguid TV umpire: Patrick Gustard Match referee: Vanroy Burnes 4th umpire: Bernard Joseph SEMI-FINAL #2 Thursday, February 22

Guyana Jaguars vs Windward Islands Volcanoes (14:00hrs start/ESPN Networks) Standing umpires: Patrick Gustard, Leslie Reifer Jr TV umpire: Nigel Duguid Match referee: Michael Ragoonath 4th umpire: Bernard Joseph The match officials for the Grand Final will be announced following the semi-finals.

Willian who engineered a yard of space before firing a low right-foot shot inside the left-hand post. However, all Chelsea’s great work was undone by a moment of sloppiness that was duly

punished. Andreas Christensen’s aimless ball across his own area was seized upon by Iniesta and when it was cut back to him Messi did not break stride as he curled his low effort past Courtois.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of the hosts and, although they avoided any more damage, they will need a repeat of their 2012 exploits to keep alive their European hopes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

National Race of Champions Round One set for March 25

CWI confirms new Windies coaching and support teams ST JOHN’s, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced changes to the coaching and support teams for the current Windies squads. The main aim over the next year is to ensure that the Windies qualify for the ICC World Cup 2019 and defend the ICC Women’s World T20 title. The confirmed coaching and support teams have seen the appointment of a number of persons in specific posts that include direct and full-time employment, mixed with supplementary and support services while on tour.

for later this year. Ronald Rogers will remain in the region working with Alzarri Joseph on his rehabilitation programme following his stress fracture.” Here are the full lists of the coaches and support teams for each squad:

Rawle Lewis is new Windies team manager

Windies Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams

Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, congratulated the new appointees. “Rawl Lewis has been promoted to be team manager and Raymond Reifer steps up from his former U-15s coaching role. “I’m delighted that we’re promoting from within the CWI coaching and management set up.” Referencing the background to these changes, Adams added, “We are focussed on improving team performance, as well as broadening and deepening the coaching expertise in the region. We know we’ve got vital games and tournaments this year and we’re confident that these appointments will strengthen the Windies squads for this year and our future plans.” Johnny Grave, CWI Chief Executive, confirmed, “We have assembled support teams for all three Windies squads that we believe will best assist the players in preparing and competing in their forthcoming series and tournaments.” In relation to the specific changes Grave said, “Joel Garner has agreed to become an Ambassador, supporting the fundraising IT20 match at Lord’s at the end of May and helping us launch the Windies Foundation planned

Physiotherapist, David Kershaw Strength and Conditioning coach, Corey Bocking Massage Therapist, Matthew Laubscher Te a m P s y c h o l o g i s t , Steve Sylvester Team Analyst, Dexter Augustus Team Media Officer, Philip Spooner

WINDIES MEN Team Manager, Rawl Lewis Head coach, Stuart Law Bowling coach, Alfonso Thomas Batting coach, Toby Radford Fielding coach, Ryan Maron

Competitors of all groups will be back in action on March 25 when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club hosts its first National Race of Champions. (GTRidez)

By Stephan Sookram CIRCUIT-racing fans have begun counting the days to the early anticipated Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions Round One for 2018. The first major circuit race of the year is expected to feature several of the country’s top riders and drivers when the action gets going on March 25.

According to GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed, the event has been in the planning stages since the start of this month and following the conclusion of the AGM, the body is heightening its race-preparations. “This is the first of our marquee events for the year and we want to start it off with a bang. There are a number of things we want to do to bring back specta-

tor-support for these early rounds and we will discuss them as a committee,” Mohamed said. He added, “We also want to hear from the competitors as to what we can do better for them on the days leading up and also on race day. If it means reshuffling the race orders or bringing in a few new initiatives we are always open to hearing what they (competitors) think.”

Rashid Khan, top order give Afghanistan 4-1 series win

Rashid Khan

FIFTIES from Javed Ahmadi and Rahmat Shah, and the all-round brilliance of Rashid Khan, powered Afghanistan to a 4-1 series win in Sharjah. Their margin of victory - 146 runs - was their sec-

ond highest in ODI cricket. Their biggest had come in this series as well, in the first game. After opting to bat, Afghanistan had a steady start with Ahmadi and Rahmat putting on 129 for the sec-

ond wicket following the early dismissal of Mohammad Shahzad. Their partnership contributed 54% of Afghanistan’s total. Ahmadi was particularly fluent against spin, scoring 55 runs off 53

The event is expected to undergo minimal change if any, with the standard groups getting three races. The street and sport tuner classes as well as the Starlet cup along with the groups two, three and four as well as bikes will be in action. The event’s main sponsors are Ansa McAl, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Tropical Shipping. balls. Rahmat hit Chisoro for 30 runs off 23 balls but Sikandar Raza had him slicing a catch to long-off for 59. Rahmat ended the series as the top-scorer with 272 runs in four innings at an average of 68. Three overs later, Ahmadi was run-out for 76 off 87 balls. From 142 for 1, Afghanistan slumped to 177 for 7. Rashid’s 29-ball 43, though, hauled the team to 241 for 9. In reply, Zimbabwe collapsed to 95 all out in 32.1 overs with only two of their batsmen passing 20. Rashid took 3 for 13 to finish as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets, at an outstanding average of 7.93. Brendan Taylor (27) and Craig Ervine (34) rebuilt the chase briefly with a 46-run stand, before Zimbabwe imploded. They lost their last eight wickets for 23 runs with 16-year-old Mujeeb Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid sharing the spoils. Rashid took three wickets in six balls to wrap up the tail. (ESPN Cricinfo)

WINDIES WOMEN Team Manager, Eugena Gregg Head coach, Hendy Springer Assistant coach, Gus Logie Physiotherapist, Marita Marshall Strength and Conditioning coach, Shayne Cooper Team Psychologist, Olivia Rose Esperance Team Analyst, Gary Belle Team Media Officer, Nassira Mohammed WINDIES A Team Head coach – Floyd Reifer Asst coach/Manager – Reon Griffith Asst coach (Bowling) – Roddy Estwick Physiotherapist – Khevyn Williams Strength and Conditioning coach – Gregory Seale Analyst – Dinesh Mahabir.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Rose Ramdehol, Petra team up for Futsal tournament THE upcoming annual Petra Futsal football tournament will feature goodies for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a spectator following collaboration with Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales. The company is the local franchise holder for the Hero motorcycle brand and yesterday handed over two of its Dawn 150 motorcycles as part of its partnership with the Petra organisation. Petra co-director Troy Mendonca contended that the partnership represents a fruitful investment in the futsal tournament, set to begin this weekend. “Over the years, Petra has been touting the impact that players and officials from these community teams and the spectators would have had on sport through our small-sided games. This year we have the opportunity to reward the best player of our tournament and a lucky spectator.” Representative of Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales, Joshua Ramdehol contended, “(We are) Happy to be a part of this tournament. “We are also very pleased that they would consider us to be a part of it, not just the sponsorship but the impact that they make in football in communities. Hero

globally pushes a lot in terms of sport and youth empowerment,” he added. In Saturday’s opening round Plaisance will go up against Mocha at 19:00hrs with Future Stars and Xtreme Campbellville clashing at 19:50hrs. YMCA get down to business against Albouystown at 20:40hrs with Alexander Village and Leopold Street playing 50 minutes later. The final games of the evening will see Back Circle face Broad Street and Sparta Boss against Tiger Bay. In Group A, the teams are Alpha Warriors, Tucville, Showstoppers and Kingstown while Sparta Boss, Tiger Bay, Plaisance and Mocha are in Group B. Group C has Ol Skool Ballers, Future Stars, Xtreme Campbellville and New Market Street who are set to compete while West Front Road, YMCA, Sophia and Albouystown are down for action in Group D. Group E features Bent Street, North East, Channel 9 and California Square while Back Circle, Leopold Street, Alexander Village and Broad Street play in Group F. The tournament is sponsored by Corona Beer and NAMILCO under its Wheat Germ brand. (Stephan Sookram)

North Essequibo congratulates Foster as new BCB president

PRESIDENT of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee, Prince Holder, on behalf of the Executives extended warmest congratulations to Mr Hilbert Foster on his election as president of the Berbice Cricket Board recently.

Newl-elected BCB president Hilbert Foster

During an interview with Chronicle Sport, Holder expressed confidence that Foster is the most suitable candidate to herald in a new chapter and rebuild the strong fabric that is associated with Berbice cricket for decades. Holder has since an-

nounced that his committee is prepared to join with all stakeholders including the BCB to transform cricket in Guyana especially in the rural areas and in schools. He also commended Foster for his commitment, sacrifice and perseverance over the years in transcending the Rose Hall Town and Youth Sports Club (RHTY&SC) into one of the most dynamic institutions in the country and one which has served to benefit thousands in the field of education, sports, arts and culture among other disciplines. Such strong and decisive leadership, Holder revealed, will serve in positioning Berbice Cricket to once again rise above the current dismal standard that has plagued cricket generally in Guyana. Foster secured the presidency following the BCB’s elections held last Sunday in Berbice. (Elroy Stephney)

From L-R are Rose Ramdehol’s Joshua Ramdehol, Petra coordinator Jacklyn Boodie and co-director Troy Mendonca. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Warner’s extradition appeal put off for another nine months EMBATTLED former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has succeeded in having extradition proceedings against him put off for another nine months. Warner, who remains a prominent figure in the FIFA corruption scandal which saw several high profile officials indicted by the US courts in 2015, received a blow in his bid to avoid extradition to the United States where he will face corruption charges. In November of last year, a Trinidad and Tobago court threw out an appeal filed on behalf of Warner that challenged the legality of the extradition order.

In submissions, Warner’s attorneys had argued that the

the extradition treaty two years ago violated his rights

Embattled former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner

procedures adopted by the attorney general in signing

as a citizen based on the Extradition Act. The judge

disagreed but gave the former CONCACAF boss leave to appeal the decision. Following a return to court on Monday, Justice Mark Mohammed agreed that the appeal against the decision would be heard in November. Warner was represented by Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein and attorneys Anil Maraj and Sasha Bridgemohansingh. He is accused of 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money-laundering, allegedly committed in the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990. (Sportsmax)

Milo U-18 football continues today

The Milo schools football tournament returns with action in the third round today.

YOUTH football action will this afternoon invade the Ministry of Education ground when the Milo Schools Football tournament resumes. The double-header today will feature

Business School playing Charlestown Secondary from 16:00hrs with Chase Academy and Annandale meeting in the afternoon’s closing game. Those games open the third round

of action in the tournament which is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health. Matches will continue on Sunday with four games at the same venue.

Rose Ramdehol, Petra, team up for Futsal tournament

See page 35

Cornwall, Warrican star as Windies ‘A’ thump Lions by innings and 17 runs See e Pag 30

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican bagged 4-69 to end with match figures of 12-103.

Guyana Beverages Inc. renews sponsorship with Fruta Conquerors FC for 20th year

Samuel Arjoon (3rd from right), Commercial Manager of GBI, hands over the symbolic jersey to Fruta Conquerors assistant secretary/treasurer Jolyan Lewis. From left to right - Club secretary Daniel Wilson, player Nicholas MacArthur, Club vice-president Colin Gittens, Andre Noel, Category Manager Juices, SM Jaleel and player Jeremy Garrett. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall supported with $-88. (CWI Media/Athelstan Bellamy photos)

By Michelangelo Jacobus GUYANA Beverages Incorporated (GBI) under its Fruta Juice Brand, put pen to paper in its 20th year of sponsorship with Fruta Conquerors FC, during a simple ceremony yesterday at the Red Cross Headquarters, Eve Leary. The multimillion dollar partnership will include uniforms, along with training equipment for the various levels of the club. GBI’s partnership with the Conquerors is possibly the longest-ever between a corporate entity and a football club. Speaking at the ceremony, Samuel Arjoon, Commercial Manager of GBI, noted; “GBI’s sponsorship of Fruta Conquerors over the past 20 years is one that should be measured beyond the usual commercial advantages of goodwill within the community, media exposure, increased sales and brand awareness.” He maintained; “Sponsorship for us at GBI does not mean just money but focus on the development of young people and our communities, building skills and capacities of the individual player.” Arjoon also pointed out; “I am sure the administrators of Fruta Conquerors can attest to the many accomplishments of this sponsorship. We, at GBI, are happy when we hear these stories of young people not only becoming physically fit through playing football;

also improvement in their school attendance, stories of those young boys and girls who manage to stay away from drugs and alcohol, who have become more mindful of their actions and develop healthier minds. As we all know, mental health is becoming a serious issue in our society and football can be used to address many of the issues associated with mental health. “The road ahead is tough but we at GBI will hold your hands and we shall walk together towards victory over all the obstacles that inhibit sports development in Guyana.” Also present was Andre Noel, Category Manager Juices, SM Jaleel. He praised the club for their contribution to the country’s football fraternity. He added that the club and the company have one common goal which is to nurture the talents of Guyanese at all levels. Noel further confirmed the company’s commitment to the Tucville institution which is heavily geared towards youth development, noting that GBI is looking forward to the continued success of the club. Meanwhile Fruta Conquerors vice-president Colin Gittens revealed that the club will be undertaking numerous infrastructural development projects, such as improving the playing area, lighting systems and modernising the club house.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018