Issuu

Bates emerges queen of Berbice pageant

Page 4 No. 105102

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2017

Price: $80

Public debt down 41.2 per cent (VAT Inclusive)

–– tumbles from 22.1B in 2015 to $13B the following year

Chronixx delivers!

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Bandits rob women, escape through manhole Page 5

Team Innosys wins second Hackathon Page 5

TT companies suing Gov’t End archaic restrictions in education system Chronixx during his ecstasy-filled performance at the Guyana National Stadium Saturday night

–– youth ambassadors highlight challenges to National Assembly

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–– for money PPP administration Page refused to pay 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Public debt down 41.2 per cent –– tumbles from 22.1B in 2015 to $13B the following year

LAST year, Guyana’s total public debt service amounted to $13B, which represented a significant decrease of 41.2 per cent from $22.1B the previous year. According to the Public Debt report for 2016, tabled in the National Assembly on Friday, of the total public debt service, external debt service payments amounted to $11.1B whilst domestic debt service amounted to $1.9B. “Domestic debt service increased due to increased activities in the domestic market through open market operations,” the report stated. On the other hand, the country’s external debt service significantly decreased in 2016, from $20.3B to $11.1B or by 45.4 per cent compared to 2015. “Principal repayments accounted for this sharp reduction in external debt service; this was due to the halt of the PetroCaribe Agreement and Guyana’s Rice Trade Agreement, which resulted in principal repayments to Venezuela being stopped,” the report noted. According to the report, external debt service during the review period continued to steadily decline, being driven by a reduction in principal repayments by 55.8 per cent. However, interest payments were 3.9 per cent higher when compared to 2015, increasing marginally over the review period as a result of new disbursements from Guyana’s external creditors. “Debt service payments fell in the second quarter. Owing to the payment profile of their loans, most multilateral creditors were not serviced during this time. However, debt

service payments peaked in the third quarter, as a result of payments to IDB - Guyana’s largest multilateral creditor.” Meanwhile, public domestic debt service payments continued to increase steadily over the last three years. In 2016,

economy,” the 2016 report stated. Public domestic debt service recorded its lowest interest payments during the second quarter of the year, due to a decline in the redemption of 364day T-bills. However, the redemption of all T-bills

within the borrowing country. On-lending is a means by which the Government can support strategically important projects that aid in national development. The Government usually enters into an On-lending arrangement with primary

$1B towards the China EXIM Bank on-lent loan. Publicly Guaranteed Debt and Contingent Liabilities Meanwhile, a Government Guarantee is an undertaking by a government to honour the obligations of a beneficiary (a third

Guyana’s total public debt service amounted to $13B last year, a significant decrease of 41.2 per cent from $22.1B the previous year domestic debt service payments increased by 9.6 per cent, compared to an 11.8 per cent increase in 2015. Principal repayments increased by 0.1 per cent, whilst interest payments increased by 9.8 per cent. The increase in interest payments was attributed to, mainly, the higher issuance of 182-day and 364day T-bills by the Bank of Guyana during the year. “Increased issuance of T-bills is in keeping with the bank's monetary policy of mopping up excess liquidity in the economy, so as to curb inflationary bouts and prevent 'overheating'. It can be inferred, therefore, that these interest payments on T-bills represent the cost of maintaining a stable monetary condition of the

(91-day, 182-day and 364day) peaked during the third quarter. Principal repayments remained the smallest contributor to domestic debt service, since these are only made on one (1) domestic debt instrument the NIS Loan for the CARICOM Building Project. These principal repayments are made semi-annually in the second and fourth quarters of each year. ON-LENT LOANS On-lending arrangements refer to arrangements whereby a government contracts a loan – typically a concessional loan from an international financial institution – and then lends the funds to a public entity

loan proceeds being earmarked to fund capital expenditure(s) for the State Owned Enterprise (SOE). Often-times, the capital expenditure, for which money is on-lent, has a social benefit component to it, where its execution does not solely benefit the SOE, the report stated. In 2016, there were no new on-lending loans between the Government and the SOEs. Given the issues regarding the financial health of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), this SOE was unable to make payments of principal and interest to the Government for the loans on-lent to them. On the other hand, GPL resumed servicing its debt to the Government. In 2016, GPL paid the Government

party) in circumstances where the beneficiary fails to honour its obligations and defaults on the loan. As a result, a guaranteed loan is a contingent liability of the Government. This means that a liability to the Government is realised in the event that a particular event occurs, often times the beneficiary being unable to reach the debt service payments or payment obligations of the loan. “Government guarantees are categorised as explicit contingent liabilities because they are specific obligations to assume the liabilities by law or by contract should the event occur,” the 2016 public debt report said while noting that Government guar-

antees, like on-lending arrangements, are typically used to fund development projects that are a priority to the Government. The report said entities benefitting from Government guarantees are usually able to secure more favourable terms with Government’s support than had they negotiated on their own. While these funds are not considered a direct liability of the Government and are not reflected in the accounts of the Central Government, they represent a potential risk to the Government’s balance sheet if the debt obligations are not honoured by the beneficiary. “It is in this sense that a Government guarantee is considered a contingent liability to the Government. During 2016, the Government did not issue any guarantees,” the report, the second of its kind produced by the coalition government, stated. During the period under review, the stock of publicly guaranteed debt, remained relatively stable, totalling US$14.9M at the end of December 2016. Currently, there is only one publicly guaranteed loan on the books of Central Government, that is, the debt to Argentina (BICE). Arrears continue to accumulate on this debt since Guyana is yet to receive comparable HIPC debt relief from this creditor. “Notably, the Government has not issued guarantees for the past three decades, due to conditions stemming from the IMF's Structural Adjustment Programme in 1988.” The current policy is to on-lend loans to public corporations rather than to issue guarantees.

Bates emerges queen of Berbice pageant

WHEN the curtains came down on the much-anticipated inaugural “I am a big deal” Miss Berbice Pageant, a young aspiring entrepreneur from Rose Hall Town emerged winner of the coveted crown. Farah Valentina Bates, 18, prevailed over a bevy of 11 other beautifies. Bates, a Public Management, University of Guyana, Berbice Campus student, was adjudged the winner in the wee hours of Sunday morning, much to the delight of the crowd in attendance at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne, Berbice Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Bates said she feels honoured to be the first Miss Berbice and will use her title to focus on youth and spread awareness on suicide prevention. “We know that suicide is very much prevalent in Guyana and something needs to be done. I will take this opportunity to go out and help our young people who are contemplating suicide and bring them to the light so they can feel accepted, appreciated and let them know there is hope.” Bates, who competed under the platform `Suicide Awareness and Prevention’ was also adjudged the winner

of the `Best Smile’, `Best Talent’ and `Best Evening Gown’ titles. Her choice of gown was a light-green Randy Madray design which left many speechless as she made her way to the stage adorned with gold accessories.

caster a Social Work student at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus, competed under the platform Climate Change. Lottoya Williamson, 30, an English major, also at the University of Guyana and

Farah Valentina Bates flanked by the runners- up in the “I am a big deal” pageant. At extreme left is Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

The gown was worn with grace and elegance and the slit to the left side showcased Bates’ beautiful slender, long legs as she gracefully made her way across the stage to the thunderous applause from the crowd. Another crowd favourite, Tatiana Lancaster, 17, also of Rose Hall Town was adjudged first runnerup. Lan-

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whose platform was `Violence Against Women’ was adjudged the second runnerup and `People’s Choice Award’ winner. Gaining the third runnerup spot was Atasha Pantlitz, 17, of Princeton, Corriverton. A student of the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, her platform was `HIV/AIDS Awareness’.

Shaquilla Sharpe, 17, a librarian and an aspiring attorney-at-law whose platform was `Society’s Influence on Women’ copped the fourth runner-up spot. The 12 delegates competed in four categories: beach wear, evening wear, costume and talent. The final five delegates were each asked a question on their platform and based on their response and the judges’ score, the winner was selected. Other delegates who were awarded prizes were Kelisha Ramoutar, 19, who was adjudged Miss Photogenic and `Miss Best Walk’. She had chosen `Domestic Violence’ as her platform. Denica Henry, 20,whose Her platform was `Mental Health Awareness’ was adjudged Miss Congeniality. The RD Production pageant was deemed a success and many patrons called for it to become an annual event since it was well organised, promoted and attended. The queen received cash prizes, trophies, a trip for two to Aruwai Resort, a make up hamper from Bromeliad Inc. and gift hamper from Massy, among other prizes. The other winners also received prizes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Mugabe agrees to stand down as Zimbabwe president: source HARARE (Reuters) - Robert Mugabe agreed on Sunday to resign as Zimbabwe’s president hours after the ruling ZANU-PF party fired him as its leader following 37 years in charge, a source familiar with the negotiations said. ZANU-PF had given the 93-year-old less than 24 hours to quit as head of state or face impeachment, an attempt to secure a peaceful end to his tenure after a de facto coup. The source said the Zimbabwe military was working on a resignation statement by Mugabe, without giving details.

ZANU-PF’s Harare headquarters to seal the fate of Mugabe, whose support has crumbled in the four days since the army seized power. Even in the West, he was renowned in his early years as the “Thinking Man’s Guerrilla”, an ironic nickname for a man who would later proudly declare he held a “degree in violence”. His stunning downfall is likely to send shockwaves across Africa, where a number of entrenched strongmen, from Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni to Democratic Republic of Congo’s Joseph Kabila, are facing mounting pressure

Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa (REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File Photo)

Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster ZBC said Mugabe would address the nation shortly. Earlier on Sunday, the official Herald newspaper showed pictures of him meeting top generals at his State House offices. Mugabe, the only leader the southern African nation has known since independence from Britain in 1980, was replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the deputy he sacked this month in a move that triggered the mid-week intervention by the army. In scenes unthinkable just a week ago, the announcement drew cheers from the 200 delegates packed into

Saturday, November 18, 2017

to step down. “READY TO DIE” On Saturday, men, women and children ran alongside the armoured cars and troops who stepped in to target what the army called “criminals” in Mugabe’s inner circle. Meanwhile, the man himself remained under house arrest in his lavish “Blue Roof” compound, watching the support from his party, security services and people evaporate. Speaking from a secret location in South Africa, his nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, told Reuters Mugabe and his wife were “ready to die for what is correct” rather than step down in order to legitimise what he described as a coup. Zhuwao, who was also sanctioned by ZANU-PF, did not answer his phone on Sunday. However, Mugabe’s son Chatunga railed against those who had pushed out his father. “You can’t fire a Revolutionary leader!” he wrote on this Facebook page. “ZANU-PF is nothing without President Mugabe.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Team Innosys wins second Hackathon By Vishani Ragobeer

PARTICIPANTS of the second annual Hackathon endured 48 grueling hours to create the best application, and in the end, team Innosys walked away with the $300,000 top prize. Under the theme: “Hack to the Future”, each of the seven participating teams which included a group from neighbouring Suriname named Su-code squad, were required to create a software or mobile application catering for Rates and Taxes Management and Reporting for municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NCDs). Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle prior to the announcement, Innosys team members --Deenauth November, Munifa Erskine, Julius Simon and Sonny Kothapally -- expressed confidence that their application would be adjudged the best solution based on the mere fact that it encompassed most of the requisite functions detailed. Team member and presenter, Julius Simon pointed out that the `mere’ effort that they put into the competition was a sure and main factor that will set them apart. This effort was backed by a genuine commitment to see Guyana move forward in the digital world and thus the team is optimistic to initiate their project.

“It’s something that will really help the country, in terms of getting NDCs online and getting people to access their information just so things could move more smoothly,” Simon said and added, “I think we could contribute, hopefully, to bettering the country.” With Innosys copping first place, myMarket and Intellect Storm were adjudged the second and third places, respectively. According to Lance Hinds, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Public Communications and one of the judges, the participants were judged by a very strict criterion and the judges “slavishly stuck” by this criterion. In addition to the application being user-friendly, innovative and efficient, the judges looked for the electronic recording of owners and properties, property classification, payment options and exemptions, sending and receiving of notifications and statistical measures. The competition began at noon on Friday and ended at noon Sunday. Hinds also explained to this newspaper that the Hackathon event is a facilitator for the development of local talent, but the ministry’s vision is to have schools and other agencies host their own hackathons to harness local talent.

The winners of the second annual Hackathon- Team Innoys, from left: Deenauth November, Munifa Erskine, Julius Simon and Sonny Kothapally (Samuel Maughn photo)

Bandits rob women, escape through manhole BANDITS on Saturday stormed the South Ruimveldt-based Ultimate Image Unisex Beauty Salon, robbing the employees of over $100,000 in cash and electronics. According to a report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), two men who were masked entered the salon around noon and with the use of a gun, robbed Charis Hazel, 40, a hairdresser and

two other women-- Wonda Mundy and Pauline Swan. A sum of $68,700 in cash along with a Samsung J7 cellular phone were taken from one of the victims, while Mundy and Swan were

relieved of cash amounting to $16,000 and $25,000, respectively. The report further stated that the robbers, after committing the crime, made their escape through a manhole

at the southern side of the premises. The police have confirmed that an investigation into the robbery is ongoing and a manhunt has been launched for the suspects.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

in time and place

THE University of Guyana recently held its annual convocation at which over 2000 students graduated from the various departments at that institution. Not unexpectedly, it was a time for celebration as many of the graduates w e re f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n achievers, blazing a trail for others to follow. Others were continuing in a family tradition set by earlier generations. In the final analysis, higher education continues to be for many a stepping stone out of the doldrums of poverty and want for many of our young people—a form of social mobility. But even as they celebrated, one could not miss the lament about the state of the university. Indeed, the presentation by the student-speaker, Elsie Harry-Ross, highlighted many of the woes of the institution. Ms. Harry’s critique should be a wake-up call to all those concerned about the future of the university. She drew attention to what she views as “indifference” and “malaise.” Part of her presentation is worth repeating here: “I’ve wasted many days because too many people didn’t know where to find what and didn’t care enough to ask someone who did. This is the highest institu-

tion made for our country. If this is not the standard of excellence, then what is? New buildings will not transform the University of Guyana, a change in attitude will...UG, in my opinion, is a microcosm of Guyana. Therefore, the same inefficiencies can be experienced in the country at large. My advice to everyone listening is simple: stop it, just stop. It has to end, and we must end it. These are the issues that hinder the renaissance of too many students of our university and too many citizens of our country.” No doubt, we have heard similar testimonies before. In the past, many such critiques have been dismissed as the rumblings of the discontented or as partisan criticism. But, this time, it comes from a proud graduate, who hails the positives of her experience at the university. Some may admonish Ms. Harry for choosing the moment of accomplishment and celebration to make her remarks, but she would retort that it is at those very moments that one catches a captive audience. The University of Guyana was one of our independence gifts to ourselves and has remained an enduring example of nationhood. It began as an initiative by the then PPP government and was completed by the

succeeding PNC-UF coalition government, making it an example of bi-partisanship. It rose to become a respected institution of higher learning by attracting some of the most prominent scholars and intellectuals in Guyana and beyond. In the process, many boasted about their UG degrees and some even returned there as lecturers and researchers. Above and beyond its academic worth, UG became one of the bulwarks of the crusade for social justice at a time when universities across the world expanded their mandate to include witnessing for the victims of oppression. But even as the university played a positive role in decolonising the collective mind and preparing a new generation of nation-builders, it was becoming, like many of our public institutions, a tool of partisan contestation. It is this tendency that would ultimately erode the credibility of the institution as a national space that avoids the often poisonous partisan politics. This political entanglement would rob the university of talented faculty and the much-needed funds to push it into the rapidly changing future. In the final analysis, the University of Guyana has become a shadow of its former self. The infrastructure

fell apart, the intellectual environment suffered, workers wages and salaries stalled or declined, and students became apathetic. Leadership turn-over became more frequent than normal as the authorities looked for a new vision. Some left in frustration as the challenges became overwhelming. The new vice-chancellor seems to have discovered that truth after less than two years on the job. An enthusiastic educator, who was recruited from the Guyanese diaspora, he appears to have a keen sense of the problems of the institution, but like others before him, he did not anticipate the difficulties of managing a university that has slid as far down as UG. Since his assumption of the leadership, he has sought to make the university much more visible in the larger community by emphasising community-based outreaches. The injection of the university into the broader socio-political discourses of the day is a breath of fresh air. But this has not led to a vote of confidence among the university community as can be gleaned from Ms. Harry’s critique. The ageold struggle of the staff for better wages and working conditions is still very much alive. In this struggle, the vice-chancellor is seen as

the villain, while the workers’ cause is elevated to the status of righteousness. This is the lot of the leader who must juggle scarce resources and who would inevitably make decisions consistent with his vision. In the last analysis, the University of Guyana is too vital an institution to continue in its present state. As the only large-scale institution of higher learning in the country, the nation is poorer in the face of the malaise that exists there. We endorse Ms. Harry’s call to halt the slide. But such an endeavour requires the input of all the required stakeholders. And reform cannot be piecemeal—it must arise out of a comprehensive vision that takes into consideration Guyana’s reality and the global environment in which the country operates. As a start, the basics must be attended to. Workers’ pay must be improved as a matter of priority. For example, UG would not attract or retain top-flight lecturers with the current salary scale. And no university worth its salt can survive without a cadre of seasoned and qualified fac-

ulty. But such improvement must be tied to efficiency and improved academic output. Nowhere in the world do students have to wait weeks and months to get their grades; it is a practice that must be banished as soon as the condition allows. Lecturers should be reminded that a university is an academic and intellectual space that must be constantly nourished with knowledge-production. There is no other way. The vision of the university needs to be upgraded to become consistent with the national priorities. It is not simply about elevating business education above social sciences or natural sciences above humanities—it is about harmonising all strands of thought and knowledge to produce the rounded and grounded graduate who could be useful in the complex world in which we live. Or as Ms. Harry reminded, big shiny buildings are no substitute for academic and intellectual integrity and quality. Let the rebirth of UG begin in earnest.

Why do we shy away from the sciences? Science-defined by the Oxford Dictionary as:* The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. * A systematically organised body of knowledge on any subject. Here the definition indicates ‘any subject,’ in other words not only restricted to the so-called ‘Natural Sciences,’ but even the

Arts. A painter knows that very well, for in order to manipulate the primary colours to achieve a specific result his mix must be specific, that is, his approach must be systematic. Of prime importance to the teaching of Science is its offshoot or application -- Technology. Though the invitation is for me to discuss the ‘Teaching of Science in Guyana,’ I would instead discuss “The importance of Science and the need to teach the Sciences.” In so doing I would relate teaching of sci-

ence to the need for harnessing our environment for the good of society. I must also indicate that since we are talking about teaching, then of course one would need to consider the education system of Guyana, for teaching must by necessity take place in a framework of education. When we look at the present education system, a very pertinent question can be posed at this juncture. “Why do we shy away from

Science, or rather, the Sciences?” Guyana is often described as a land of many resources. Any attempt to harness those resources experience has demonstrated requires human and financial resources, and those human resources must of necessity be based on scientific knowledge To answer the earlier question relative to our relationship to Science, a casual look at the evolution of the education system would be helpful.

In so doing I’ll investigate how Science and Technology were dealt with in the colonial British Guiana. Early efforts at education: In the early 1830s Hermanus Post, John Wray and other liberal- minded missionaries were able to convince the powers that be that Christianity had the effect of inducing proper values amongst the enslaved population that were useful at that time. Thus, permission was granted to several missionaries to establish schools which fo-

cused on Moral and Christian Education for the enslaved Africans. This mode seems to have become so popular that an extract from the emancipation package of 12 June, 1933, shows Her Majesty’s government agreeing to “defray any such expense as may be incurred in producing upon liberal and comprehensive principles for the religious and moral ed-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Why do we shy away ... ucation of the Negro population to be emancipated.” Even though in principle the concept of educating the enslaved African was agreed upon and the British Government provided finances for this education, it took two years to decide who should administer The Negro Education Grant. In the end it was agreed that the government would subsidise the works of the existing religious bodies: The Society for the Propagation of The Faith, The London Missionary Society, The Church Missionary and the Methodist Society. This was basically what was inherited at independence -- a system of education governed by the church and subsidised by government. The preponderance of Grammar Schools at independence should not be used as proof, that there were no efforts to have a different education system. In the early post-emancipation days there was a recognition that the economic reality of the colony would be better served if the education system was adapted to meet the needs of the society. John Wray is cited as leading such a campaign in 1835. The manifested need within the education system then was for industrial and agricultural schools. In other words, education based on Science and Technology. However, there were also the voices and influences of those who controlled the relationship between colony and mother country. The colony (British Guiana) for all intents and purposes was supposed to provide raw materials and a marketplace for manufactured goods from the mother country. In such an environment, the products of the education system would have been primarily to maintain trade records, and the systems required to produce the raw materials. In other words, education to facilitate trade between the two geographical locations, BG and England. At that time, enshrined in the laws of British Guiana were prohibitions to manufacture apart from semi-processed materials such as sugar, rum, hides, and logs; also, the only legally accepted trade could have been only with the mother country, England. It is therefore understood why the demands of personalities like John Wray to use education as a tool for development were never implemented. In those early days it was because of opposition from the British Parliament and secondly, because the Planters refused to finance the establishment of such institutions. The fear of the British industrialists who controlled the Parliament was that should such education be promoted in the colony, then the locals would develop indigenous goods to re-

place those bought from Britain, with accompanying economic effects on the investments of the said British industrialists. While the local planters did not support, since they were asked to finance such education and felt that there was not adequate justification for them to pay for the establishment and operation of such schools. They were making enough profits with the arrangements as were, so why create additional costs? Primarily because of the issues of language and religion due to the presence of indentured workers, in the colony, other schools began to emerge. Along with the church schools there were estate schools catering especially for the children of the indentured and later Colony or Government schools were established. These however were also basically primary-level grammar schools. To offset the absence of industrial schools and agricultural facilities, which were deemed necessary all along, apprenticeships were encouraged. Youths on leaving school sought masters or mistress to whom they would be apprenticed to learn a trade, be it carpentry, black smithy, sewing or other. Sometime around 1910 a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) was instituted which formalised and regulated apprenticeship training for industry. Later, during the 20th century, Vocational Education became a feature within the primary school system. For the most part, the planters’ children went to schools in England and technical skills were sourced from abroad (England): - Managers, Engineers etc. Secondary schools were initiated when Queens College was established in 1844. It initially catered for the children of the poorer classes of whites in the colony and eventually admitted Africans and other races. Alongside Queens College which catered for boys, the church established Bishops High for girls and others followed, with each competing for segments of the population. These secondary schools were essentially grammar schools. Within the major industries of the colony, sugar, bauxite and manganese, locals provided the bulk of the labour force. They occupied the lower technical positions and the non-technical jobs which did not need significant scientific training save and except for medicine. If one should look back at the latter days of colonial time, the occupational demarcations were clear. Locals were excluded from employment which were science and technology-based, save and except where they may impact on the welfare of the local population, as in the health sector. From the local

population came nurses, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accounts clerks, mechanics etc. and police constables; however, we were not the engineers, managers, production managers, police officers, and the like. It was not until we attained self-government that many of the earlier wishes to have education responding to the needs of the society saw the light of day In 1951, the Government Technical Institute was established and even though it predated self- government, it came at a time when there was much talk about meeting the needs of society. That institution at the inception offered craft-level courses and by 1956 it began training technicians and in 1961 it began to offer diploma-level courses. In 1963, the Guyana School of Agriculture opened its doors for the first time with an intake

of certificate and diploma-level students. The certificate students after graduation were expected to become farmers or farm workers, while the diploma students after graduation were expected to either continue their training to become agricultural professionals or to be employed as agricultural technicians. When The University of Guyana, started in 1963 at the Queens College compound, there were no Science and Technology Faculties. The Faculties of Natural Science were added when the campus moved to Turkeyen in 1970, while the Faculty of Agriculture became a reality later. On achievement of independence within the major industries, with the exception of rice, namely sugar, bauxite and manganese, all the significant technical and managerial positions were occupied by expa-

triates. The same could be said about the Civil (Public) Service. The only nationals with an idea of those operations were clerks and maybe personnel officers, since they were the record-keepers, and many were catapulted into senior management positions The footprint of such actions are still with us today, that we see permanent secretaries of highly technical ministries being non-technical themselves. The only ministry in which I am aware that technical persons were PSs is the Ministry of Agriculture. Thus in Education, Health, Public Works and so on we have been having PSs who worked as accountants or were “Managers.” I am not aware of an Educator becoming the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, similarly no Doctor ever became the PS at the Min-

Con’t from page 6 istry of Health. Likewise, we have had persons whose training were ancillary to bauxite and sugar production heading those organisations. From my perspective it is important for persons managing a system to KNOW the system. This is a phenomenon that is recognised internationally and it is why in recent times universities have been offering MBAs, to non-social science graduates. Had our sugar industry been headed or at least if the analysis of what to do with the remnants of it (the sugar industry) been done by agricultural engineers, soil scientists and agronomists, we may have had different responses to those we are faced with today. (To be continued) Yours sincerely, E. MCRAE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Law school here still on cards –– assures AG, despite feasibility study yet to be done

THE feasibility study for the establishment of the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School here is yet to be conducted even as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams S.C. reassures that the school will be opened here. The APNU+AFC coalition government in January this year announced that the project for establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas was launched. The project comes after some two decades of lobbying for an alternative to the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad

and Tobago and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. The JOF Haynes Law School is being established through a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Guyana, the Law School of the Americas (LCA) and the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) and will add to the existing options available to holders of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and who intend to pursue their Legal Education Certificate (LEC). A timeline of 2018 was set for establishment of the local institution and according to the attorney general, whether or not the time line is met, a local law school will be

established. “It is a complex issue…we have to have a law school and whether people are putting up obstacles and so, the obstacles will have to be broken down,” Williams told reporters recently. He explained that Guyanese students are faced with hefty sums they have to pay and along with the small quota of students accepted into the Hugh Wooding Law School, are of concern to his administration. Guyanese students have struggled with the system that allows them entry to the Hugh Wooding Law School and only late last year Williams was able to secure a collaborative agreement be-

Attorney General, Basil Williams tween the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council for Legal Education (CLE) and UG, paving the way for the top 25 Guyanese law students

to have automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School. On the feasibility study, Williams said, “Well, we are working on it. I have written the vice chancellor for him to identify the land that Chancellor Desiree Bernard had in early 2001, 2002 identified… the decision was made that we would have the building on the University of Guyana (UG) Campus.” At the time that arrangement was put in place, current Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith had been just installed. “He wasn’t there, so we are informing him…. we have that communication within the Council of LEC,” said the attorney general, who noted that the vice-chancellor has not yet responded to the missive. “I must note that I see they have given out land to other people and the deputy vice-chancellor is on our committee and they haven’t signed off yet on our land,” said Williams, who noted that progress is subject to the feasibility study that was catered for in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A LOT OF WORK DONE “…that’s where we engage with the Jamaicans now. A lot of work has been done. As you know, the Jamaicans sent in an accountant, the counterpart of Christopher Ram and they were engaged and really, that was the last fine-tuning.” Currently, Dr Morris Odle who is also a member of an established task force looking into the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas has replaced Christopher Ram, since he (RAM) is no longer involved in the process. “So the thing is we

have to identify the land on the campus and move from there,” said Williams, who stressed that the plan to have the Joseph Haynes Law School has not been forgotten. “We are still pursuing the feasibility study. It is not an easy thing; you have to ensure that we get everything right,” he said, noting that the original timelines remain effective. Back in July, Williams along with the task force looking into the establishment of the Joseph Haynes Law School of the Americas met to examine the provisions in the Revised Business Plan of the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), one of the Jamaican Partners in the Public/Private Partnership intended to establish the law school. The business plan was submitted pursuant to a MoU entered into between the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), Law College of the Americas (LCA) and the Government of Guyana (GOG), which contained a provision for a feasibility study to be done to determine the viability of establishing the law school. As a follow through to the discussions, the task force was required to submit a response to the proposals in the business plan, as well as the said task force would submit counter proposals to the joint venture partners. The members of the task force present were Professor Harold Lutchman; Professor Rudolph James; Justice James Patterson; Justice Claudette Singh S.C.; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Barbara Reynolds; Economist, Dr. Morris Odle; Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram; Law Revision Consultant Justice Abdullahi Zuru; and Solicitor-General Kim Kyte.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Improving healthcare –– Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Nicholson Hospital to be upgraded to regional hospitals

THE Diamond Diagnostic Centre and the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital will be upgraded to regional hospitals under a two-year plan to lighten the current burden on the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the country’s main referral hospital. The improvement plan will be backed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and by funding from the local treasury, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said. She made the announcement during a recent meeting with councillors of the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Triumph, East Coast Demerara head office. In a press statement on Sunday, the Public Health Ministry said the multimillion- dollar transformation plan will commence early in 2018 following the signing of a tripartite

Unit which has only 18 beds to cater for men, women and children, Minister Lawrence further noted. PRUDENT TO UPGRADE “Because of these shortcomings, the MoPH thinks it is prudent to upgrade the two primary health institutions on the East Coast and East Bank to cater for victims of road accidents, violent crimes, domestic and intimate partner violence and other types of crimes in Region Four, which boasts the highest figure in every category of violence. This is so because Demerara/Mahaica is the most populated region in the country,” she reasoned. The upgrading plan is also to fulfil its “good life” promise and vision to the nation on which the APNU+AFC coalition campaigned during the 2015 elections cam-

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence addressing officials of the Region Four Democratic Council Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Ministries of Public Health and Communities and the Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) RDC. Minister Lawrence, who unveiled the proposed pact, said to be in its “embryonic stage,” explained that upgrading the two health institutions is necessary to help reduce the work load at GPHC, minimise the likelihood of errors made by fatigued hospital staff and enable better daily management of the tertiary health institutions. “Everyone wants to live in Region Four and the problem (of overcrowding at the GPHC and exhausted staff) is [sic] not going away. It is growing. It is a well-known fact that the GPHC is over-run by patients from all 10 administrative regions,” the public health minister noted. She pointed out that the GPHC attends to some 30,000 patients annually, while the number of beds at the tertiary health institution declined from a high of some 1,800 to only 440. The GPHC’s inability to attend to the growing number of patients is also reflected in the Accident and Emergency (A&E)

paign, which saw it deposing the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) coalition after 23 continuous years in office, Minister Lawrence said. The improvement plan for the two primary health institutions needs the multipartite accord since responsibility for the health sector is spread among the 10 regions and the Ministries of Community and Health. The three sides held talks earlier to find common ground to help transform the two institutions and “after lengthy discussions, I thought it was prudent that you the representatives should be brought up to date about the plans by the MoPH.” Region Four RDC Chairman Genevieve Allen told councillors at the specially held meeting addressed by Minister Lawrence. All Region Four councillors are backing the government’s health vision with PPP/C Councillor and its RDC Chief Whip, Desmond Morian, dubbing the plan as “timely [and] the way to go.” In return for their support, Morian wants Lawrence to provide documentation so that she becomes “answerable and accountable for what she has promised.” Another PPP/C Councillor, Everton Pole,

“loves the intervention by the MoPH” but asked for clarity on the division of power between the region and the two government ministries New housing programmes on the two corridors have contributed to increasing pressures also faced by the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and the Dr. C. C. Nicholson Hospital, and under the improvement plan, the IDB, PAHO/WHO and government’s backing will help bolster physical

infrastructure, hiring of new staff and other key planks under the health accord to have the two institutions “running on a 24-hour basis,” Minister Lawrence said. “We want to ensure we can provide the level of service at the two primary institutions so that patients don’t have to be pronounced dead onarrival (DOA) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),” she emphasised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Looking out for our children THEY can be “botheration” and mischievous and at times, when you least need it, they can definitely do things that are annoying, but can you imagine a world without children? A world void of their innocence, beauty and charm? Today is Univer-

sal Children’s Day, which means that children are being celebrated across the globe in different ways. In Guyana, the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is holding a ‘Children’s Forum’ at the

Ramada Princess Hotel, where children of primary school age will speak out about issues that affect them and their aspirations for the future. Primary school children seldom get the opportunity to raise issues publicly or contribute to the building of our nation, so they now have a starting point which is this new platform where they can speak out and share their views. The aim is for this to be an annual event to which primary school children can contribute and in turn, where those who hold government offices can respond to the underlying concerns and issues that the children raise. The theme of the forum is, ‘The voices of our children, standing strong and speaking out’ and children who attend and contribute to the forum will come from all the administrative regions of Guyana. But getting back to the innocence, beauty and charm of children: this month is Foster Care Month and there are many children in formal care who need Foster Parents. During this month, the foster care team at the Childcare and Protection Agency are enlightening the public with advertisements, radio and television interviews and literature. They have many stories and experiences which prove that foster care really does make a difference to a child’s life and more importantly, they want the public to understand the reasons. Children are removed from their family homes for a variety of reasons, but let us use a scenario where the home environment is dilapidated and in addition to this the children aged 4 and 6 are consistently left alone, uncared for and without food. Those children would need to be in a safe, secure environment and after some investigation, if there are no family members who could help them, they would end up in formal

care. Although their ‘bad’ environment would have been one that affected their development, safety and well-being, it would also have been the only one they knew and the sudden move to formal care would have a traumatic effect on them. This is where foster care comes in. Removing children from one ‘home’ to another home for a period of time is far less traumatic for a child. It also helps with their peace of mind, their development, safety and welfare. Foster parents provide one-to-one attention for children, they provide an individual consideration and nurturing that is not available in formal care. Although it may appear that children are fine and striving in the midst of traumatic situations, psychologically they have a lot to deal with and what parents fail to realise is that these types of unsettling events during their childhood can scar them for life. That is the main reason why foster care is so important: it offers a home away from home for the children involved and also allows some parents the time and space necessary for them to sort out their lives, so that they may eventually be reunited with their children. There are parents who do a good job when it comes to caring for and raising their children and there are those who get it terribly wrong and cause their children undue harm, pain and suffering. At the Childcare and Protection Agency, the foster care team helps children to rise above their misfortunes and to strive in the best way possible by placing them in foster homes. Could you help? Could you become a foster parent? Call the Foster Care Unit on 231 8423 to find out more.

Robbers pounce on Cubans TWO Cuban men were robbed of over $100,000 in cash and electronic items by three men who reportedly pounced on them at their apartment in Bel Air Park, Georgetown, early Saturday morning. The police in a report identified the victims as Yunier Martinez Smontoya, 36, and Adrian Quesada Del Vallin, 24, and said they were preparing to leave for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at around 08:00hrs when they were attacked. Del Vallin reportedly was robbed of his Cuban passport and ID card, while

Smontoya was relieved of his Cuban passport, ID card, US$370 an iPhone 7Plus and $74,000 in cash, among other items. According to reports, De Vallin had just opened the gate of the well-fenced yard to dump garbage when a silver-grey Premio, HC 4588 pulled up in front of the gate. The men who exited the vehicle, held Del Vallin at gunpoint and took him into the building. After grabbing the valuables, the robbers escaped in the said car. Investigations are ongoing, the police said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

End archaic restrictions in education system –– youth ambassadors highlight challenges to National Assembly By Svetlana Marshall

YOUTH Ambassadors of the Rights of the Child Commission beseeched the National Assembly to keep on the forefront of its deliberations the challenges facing the nation’s children in the areas of education, health, social protection, social cohesion and hinterland development. In observance of the anniversary of the proclamation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is being observed today, November 20, the youth ambassadors during a special caucus consulted and deliberated on the thematic areas before arriving at a consensus. Based on that consensus, Youth Ambassador Bibi Nareema Khan – a sixth form student of the St. Rose’s High School, and her colleague – Jeremy Fraser of President’s College, called the National Assembly to action during its 72nd Sitting last Friday. “The children of Guyana hereby beseech the National Assembly to continue to work in the interest of the improvement and advancement of Guyana’s education system. We view education as a life-long process of growth, realisation and capacity-building, intended to harness the values and skills of our citizens to render benevolent and beneficial roles at the community, regional, national and international levels,” Khan told the National Assembly. The youth ambassador said there is a need to continuously review, update and revise the curriculum to ensure that it remains in consonance with the shifting economic pillars of the country. It is the youth ambassadors’ belief that given the difference between hinterland and coastal schools, a single curriculum and attendant examinations are not respectful of the varying geographic, linguistic and cultural conditions along with the varying economic necessities. The need for more trained social workers/ guidance counsellors in schools, Special Needs Education, cross-streaming and improvement in the area of infrastructure were among the other issues brought to the fore. According to Khan, there are still some schools with moribund laboratories and libraries in urgent need of repair and upgrade. ARCHAIC “In many of our schools, because a student is placed in a particular stream, that student is prohibited from studying a subject offered in another stream. Such restrictions, we feel, are archaic and anachronistic and stifling of the academic and professional aspirations of our children,” the youth ambassador pointed out. In the area of health, the youth ambassador called the National Assembly’s attention to the need to have the mental health of the country’s children treated as a priority. “Oftentimes, we feel that there is not a national recognition of the impact of such scourges as bullying, peer pressure, parental pressure, neglect and abuse and other community and societal maladies on the mental health of our nation’s children. “We feel that the presence of social workers in the schools and other settings of the community will go a far way in offering the much-needed therapy. Such an approach is much-needed in addressing the bane of suicide which affects some of our communities and regions,” Khan told the 65-member National Assembly. Reducing infant, child and maternal mortality rates, preventing the spread of communicable diseases such as malaria, and reducing malnutrition among vulnerable populations must remain on the front burner, the St. Rose’s High student said. END ALL FORMS OF NEGLECT “We call attention to the need to continue

to work ardently and diligently to abolish all forms of neglect and abuse currently stultifying the holistic growth and development of our nation’s children. Such includes an effective reporting system with timely and inadequate [sic] investigations and child-sensitive protection in order to bring perpetrators to justice,” the youth ambassador implored the House as she turned her attention to the string of social issues plaguing the nation’s children. Victims of violence must be counselled and given the necessary assistance to recover and reintegrate into society, she added, while underscoring the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns aimed at combating child abuse. Her fellow Youth Ambassador, Jeremy Fraser, in making his contribution said the country must work towards creating a society where the values of equality, equity and meritocracy are upheld. “We call attention [to] the values which direct, inform and guide the work of the Rights of the Child Commission’s youth ambassadors. These include the ideals of non-discrimination; repugnance for racism and xenophobia; tolerance for dissent, exemplary conduct, teamwork; a commitment to competence and excellence; a commitment to service, the rule of law, generosity of spirit and a commitment to child rights,” Fraser said in his opening remarks. In the area of hinterland development, Fraser told the Members of Parliament that there is a clear and urgent need to significantly improve the delivery of nursery, primary and secondary education in the hinterland. But such needed improvement is not limited to education, Fraser said, while calling for similar actions to be taken in the areas of health, sport, transportation, infrastructure and security. “We call attention to the Port Kaituma and Mabaruma Sub-Regions of Region One. The deplorable state of the roads in those locations is an indicator of the hinterland’s underdevelopment. Moreover, the deplorable state of such roads hinders the provision of critical child-related services,” the youth ambassador stated. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, applauded the youth ambassadors for their eloquent presentation to the House on matters of national importance. Opposition Member and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud, echoed Dr. Scotland’s sentiments, noting that the National Assembly has taken note of the concerns of the nation’s children. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD “I would like to ask you as young people to continue to make your voices heard, to fight for democracy to be upheld in this country,” she told the youth ambassadors. Persaud also used the opportunity to extend an invitation to the youth ambassadors to engage the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, so that collectively they can address the issues raised. Leader of the House and Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo, said that in singling out issues such as the need for Special Needs Education, Cross Streaming and improvement in the area of infrastructure, the youth ambassadors are telling the elected members of the House that they have a voice. “This voice has not always been there, and I can say that as prime minister of this country, young people have been allowed an opportunity to develop themselves,” he said. Prime Minister Nagamootoo assured the nation’s children that the administration will continue to recognise them not only in the area of academia, but in sports and culture for their exemplary performance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Effective reparations for a different world

REPARATIONS for Afro New-World populations are a solid, reasonable and principled issue. The evidence for the argument is irrefutable in economic and social terms. European worlds were salvaged, enriched and propelled 100 years ahead of the

then Old World in their ability to harness technologies and cultural assets to their own benefits and above all, to establish an economic base void of paying wages. The quest for state-of-the-art knowledge of then, coupled with the theft of the collective material wealth of nations, contempt of their

humanity propelled Europe in that historical moment (specifically the slave trade and then the later colonisation of the nations of Africa into worldly economic superpowers). What constituted the most harm was the dehumanising experience in the process of creating the mental slave. Through venomous philosophies, their spin-off doctrines and false religious and concocted secular history that evolved, coupled with pseudosciences and promoted illogical biological theories to justify slavery in the African context that still exists today in popular cultural imagery on the net etc. Theories were also advocated to repress the conscience of questioning European populations, who, on the memory of their own histories questioned the Atlantic Slave trade. It must be understood that it was the contents of an African experience that constituted the Kemetic people whose change of religious beliefs led to the Hebrew Scriptures known to the world as the Bible, that were adopted and reshaped into European Christianity. Further, that Christianity in the context of the Atlantic Slave Trade was not alone guilty of ‘Holy prejudices’ Islam was equally a contributor to the destruction of the ‘African being’ especially in the old African kingdoms the new ethnic composition of Islam had settled in. The study of the Slave Trade is an intricate study, necessary for a working understanding of a background of the very impetus for Reparations. The above indications are not what this article is directed at, but the following addition is important to understand the deeper ramifications of all that was slavery and colonialism. To complete the subjection of a people, their historical memory and self-perception must be altered, repositioned and the story retold. African peoples in the slave belt were reinstructed about who they were. It was implied that they were a savage people saved from themselves by slavery, Christianity or Islam. The Coon and the Golliwog were created. Though time has eroded, the visual substance of those characters still exist subtly and at a subliminal level as guardians of the gate in the sub imagination of many New World Afro peoples, and the gate is attached to the barren prison adverse to the economics of self-awareness and balanced self-esteem. The sum of this article envelopes the fact that Europe will tolerate the cause of reparations without yielding to the raw principle of its demands; we stand a meagre chance of accomplishing some level of movement through a meaningful compromise. That compromise rests with collaboration in areas that can embody development through the transfer of shared business/technology interests, directed to existing Afro businesses that will not easily attract local institutional funding. Such businesses exist in Mining, Agriculture and the Arts etc. Both parties will benefit, the European powers fettered to reparations have all had worldwide experience in distribution and marketing, expertise we have not developed, they understand shipping, have mastered it, we have not in practice. In 2013, a newspaper article indicated that the Scottish Shipyard that built many of Guyana’s ferries was going out of business, I do hope that contact was made with these people; if not, sad, but typical. The reparations process must be constructively furthered from our end, with a proposed itinerary from where we stand.

We need to construct locally first and for the reluctant reparations table a knowledge Base Exchange engagement. Reparation is the process that parallels colonisation in the context of a transfer of knowledge, only in this case not only one side benefits. We have to determine the realistic dynamics of how best our collective well-being can be served in the short term, we have skills and talents, but not the finances to expand those skills to meaningful plantations, studios and production centres, and we are still a nation plagued by willy-nilly

merchants with a bazaar mentality, that are domestic. And as it is with the Biblical analogy: “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle...” Without saying all, I know in the long run in our interest much has to change, and we are the revolution of change, we must get used to that reality. The fact is the archives of the European nations of importance to reparations possess more economic data on what is possible in their former colonies than we are aware of. It only becomes relevant that we seek it when it is ready to be meaningfully explored, in the interim we must address our own community into compatible networks to establish trust and clear common goals, commerce is conducted on a micro and macro battlefield, in that context of the last 20 years, that past administration in the combat metaphor would have broken every agreement in the Geneva convention, and not in our interest. Reparations must be accelerated using every channel, to facilitate movement beyond moral claims and justified rhetoric. Tremendous work has been done by the Reparations Committee to inform the natural recipients of any positive response to claims from former colonisers, but I stand to be corrected in saying that we are yet to approach these nations on the pretext of sensible economic collaboration, wherein lies the threshold of functional reparations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

TT companies suing Gov’t –– for money PPP administration refused to pay

NH International Limited in collaboration with Emile Elias and Company Limited, two Trinidadian companies has yet again approached the local judiciary to obtain redress following the Government of Guyana’s failure to pay over US$8, 354, 634.41 along with G$1,420, 497, 925.53, plus costs in the sum of US$104, 461 for works done since 1995. The entity has made an application for an order to be directed to the Minister of Finance to show cause why a Writ or Order of Mandamus should not be issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 14 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05, compelling him to perform his duty and by warrant under his hand, direct that the amount due under the award of David R. Haigh Q.C on August 15, 2003 be paid to it. “Demand has been made on the Minister of Finance pursuant to Section 14 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Cap. 6:05 for payment of the said award without effect,” the applicant’s application stated. According to the facts of the case, on January 18, 1995, NH International in joint venture with Emile Elias and Company Limited (NH/EE), the contractors, entered into a contract with the Government of Guyana for the execution of works known as the Lot 1 Georgetown to Timehri Main Road Rehabilitation Project for an initial contract price of $673, 015, 420.78. During the execution of the said works disputes arose between NH/EE the

contractor and the government on several issues of payment, extensions of time and additional works carried out by the contractor. On April 16, 1998, NH/ EE demanded payment from the Government in the sum of $517, 204, 170 being an amount certified by the engineer to be due and payable to NH/EE on the final certificate No. 30. The Government at the time, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), did not make the payment. The applicant then applied to the International Centre for the Settlement of Disputes (ICSD) to appoint an adjudicator to succeed ROHACEK who was appointed by the Government and had resigned. On January 15, 2002, ICSD appointed David Haigh, Q.C as the sole adjudicator pursuant to the contract and in August 2003, he made his final award in favour of NH/EE which was amended by him on August 25, 2003. That award was US$3,861, 498.90, and should be paid over by the Government of Guyana to the entity in the proportion of 22 per cent Guyana dollars and 78 per cent in US dollars, using the agreed exchange rate of G$131.66766 for US$1. OBJECTED The Government of Guyana, represented by Dr Fenton Ramsahoye, had objected to the appointment of Haigh Q.C. and his jurisdiction to hear and determine the dispute. The entire amount now due and payable by the

Government under the said award, together with interest as at August 31, 2017, is US$38, 354, 634.41 and G$1, 420, 497, 925.53 plus costs in the sum of US$104, 461 as calculated for later payment, in accordance with the finding of the arbitrator. In his judgment, Haigh, Q.C said, “I have regretted that the Government of Guyana after the initial involvement on the jurisdictional issue chose not to participate actively in this adjudication process. It would have made my work easier if they had acted otherwise. I have attempted, nevertheless, whenever I thought it appropriate or just to do so, to reflect the positions taken either by the engineer of [the] GoG. I would commend NH/EE and Mr Peter Morris, in particular for their diligence and many courtesies. Their efforts and fairness greatly assisted me.” Meanwhile, on February 19, 2007 on the application of NH/EE, Justice Jainaryan Singh (ag) granted leave to NH/EE to enforce in Guyana the said adjudication award made on August 15, 2003, for the aforementioned sum. “The applicants have made several demands on the Government of Guyana through the Attorney General of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance but the Government of Guyana has refused, neglected and failed to pay the said award or any part thereof to the applicants,” the application by NH/EE through the Chambers of Rex McKay stated.

APPEAL The Government of Guyana had appealed the decision of the High Court Judge, noting that Justice Singh erred in law in ruling that NH/EE be granted leave to enforce the award but that appeal was dismissed on June 21, 2013. An order of the Caribbean Court of Justice made on April 21, 2015 also dismissed an appeal filed by the Government of Guyana against the decision of the Court of Appeal. In the appellate proceedings, by way of a preliminary objection, NH International Limited claimed that the Court of Appeal did not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal. The court having agreed with the company and the Attorney General appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). By way of an Originating Summons, the company had applied to a Judge in Chambers for leave to enforce the adjudication award. The Court considered whether, in the circumstances, the Attorney General (AG) has an unfettered right of appeal to the Court of Appeal. The critical issue was whether the proceedings before the judge should be considered proceedings “in Chambers”. The CCJ pointed out that the AG had been content to allow the matter to be dealt with in Chambers upon an Originating Summons as distinct from an Originating Motion. Consequently, it was too late for a court, in effect, to frustrate the proceedings on the technical submissions now

being made by the Attorney General. “More importantly, the Court reasoned that the Arbitration Act does not stipulate any particular procedure for enforcement of an award. As a result, the Court found that nothing precluded a Judge from hearing an application for leave to enforce an arbitral award in Chambers and that the relevant rules did not provide for a direct appeal from that hearing to the Court of Appeal,” an executive summary of the CCJ ruling said. The Court also expressed disappointment in the length of time it took for a straightforward case to be resolved. It held that the preliminary objection must be upheld and the appeal dismissed. Justice Saunders noted that it was sad, the treatment of the matter which conflicted with the court’s duty to promote and support arbitration. Meanwhile, as a result of Government’s default to pay, NH/EE has been advised that it is not competent in law for it to levy execution against the assets of the Government and should proceed by the legal procedure for payment, as set out in Section 14 of the State Liability Proceedings Act for statutory Mandamus directed to the Ministry of Finance. On August 10, 2015, the Chambers of Rex McKay wrote to the Registrar of the Supreme Court (ag) Rasheed Mohamed requesting him to transmit to the Minister of Finance copies of the adjudication award of Haigh Q.C. made in favour

of NH/EE. “That the predecessor Government of Guyana for 12 years up to the time they were voted out of Government in 2015, had showed little or no respect for the sanctity of the law of contract and delayed the payment of the said award by instituting unmeritorious appeals with the sole and predominant purpose unlawfully and unconstitutionally to deprive the applicant of their just and lawful award,” the applicants stated. In his affidavit, Emile Elias, the Executive Chairman of NH International and Emile Elias and Company Limited, both Trinidadian companies said on December 13, 2016 he wrote to the current AG Basil Williams S.C. offering without prejudice a settlement proposal of the said adjudication award made in favour of his company. He also wrote President Granger this year, on June 6 requesting an opportunity to discuss with him a completely fresh approach towards an amicable settlement of the said award. In response, the President had acknowledged receipt of the missive and said he was awaiting advice from the AG and Minister of Finance on the matter. The Executive Chairman said too that he believes the move to deny and deprive NH/EE the “fruits of our judgment for more than 14 years, is a denial of our constitutional rights which runs counter to the Court’s constitutional decision-making powers.

Chronixx delivers! By Rawle Toney

JAMAR McNaughton Jr, more popularly known to the world as “Chronixx”, left thousands who gathered at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday, in awe and mesmerised by his ecstasy-filled performance. And, some might still be ‘skankin sweet’ from one of the best reggae shows to ever hit the shores of Guyana. Thanks to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), “Doing More” for customers and communities across Guyana,lovers of his music got the chance to be entertained by the man who is likened by many as the present day Bobb Marley and the leader of the ‘reggae revivers’. After being kept in the groove by the Heat Wave Band, which turned in a powerful presentation of their own, especially through their lead vocalists, Calvin Burnett and Mark Batson, the crowd was all `pumped up and ready’ for the man they came from near and far to see and

hear. Backed by his Zincfence Redemption Band, the 25-year-old, after being introduced by GTT’s Marketing and Communications Consultant, Samantha Gooden just after mid-night, used the opening track – Alpha & Omega – from his debut album, ‘Dread and Terrible’, for his stage entrance. Amidst the thunderous applause and chants from the thousands in attendance, which almost caused a tremor at the Guyana National Stadium, Chronixx, truly kicked down riddim like “Sly Dunbar”, just as a part of the track states. From then onwards, it was hits after chart-topping hits and the crowd sang along word-for-word. Chronixx has released his debut LP, Chronology, a 16-track collection bringing together songs from across his musical career, some dating back to 2011. The album, as of Saturday, sits on the No. 8 spot on the iTunes Reggae Top 10, and has also held the No. 1 spot, receiving a 4.7 out of 5 ratings.

The National Stadium was treated with hits from his Chronology album; and why not? After all, his being in Guyana is part of his Chronology Caribbean tour, where he told fans that his aim is to spread peace and love, using music and Rastafari. “From here, we’re going to Trinidad, then Grenada, and back to Jamaica,” Chronixx melodiously stated from the centred stage mic where he stood and reached the hearts of the masses. Chronixx showed his versatility when he went into the Dancehall genre, singing “Behind Curtains” and “Od Ras”, using variations of styles, much to the delight of the crowd. He gave a little of incarcerated Grammy Award-winning star Buju Banton, touched on some verses of another Reggae star ‘Proteje’, and Jesse Royal music. The crowd was certainly rocking when he delivered “Smile Guyana” and how they loved it when he invited them to be his choir. One of his most popular songs this

year, “Likes”, was more than well-received. Chronixx also gave some history lessons, with tracks such as “Black is Beautiful” from his Chronology Album, where he spoke about how we’re taught of black being associated with many things, except excellence and good. In the track, he talked about Walter Rodney, Leonard Howell and Marcus Garvey and their mark on black history in the Caribbean and the wider world. He also touched “Captured Land” from the Dread and Terrible album, which speaks about how King Ferdinand II of Aragon who sponsored the first trip of Christopher Columbus, which resulted in Columbus accidentally discovering the Americas and the Caribbean, which led to the genocide of the natives and enslavement Africans. In his deliverance of “Captured Land”, Chronixx sang passionately to the Guyanese audience about Oliver Cromwell and Henry Morgan and how lands that were taken away from the people of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

This young lady was deep into Chronixx’ music, as she sang along during his performance Jamaica and the Caribbean used as slave plantations. “Majesty”, and a number of love songs were also in his repertoire, much to the delight of the ladies in attendance. In all, Chro-

nixx who is on his second trip to Guyana, delivered more than was expected and even though his performance lasted for nearly two hours, the fans kept begging for more.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Birthday present turns Lindener into latest ‘GTT Millionaire’ By Rawle Toney

A BIRTHDAY gesture for her mother turned 24-yearold Gillian Washington into the latest GTT millionaire, when the promotion was held in Linden last Friday. Washington, an insurance sales representative from the Wisroc Housing Scheme, became the first female and third winner at the Linden draw of the ‘GTT Million Dollar Smile’ promotion. “I am more than thankful to GTT,” Washington said after becoming lucky. The mother of two said, “Winning this money is very significant for me and my family, since my mom has plenty expenses and I was at my wits end wondering how I will be able help, since I only recently started working.” On the evening before the draw, Washington said she purchased a GTT handset as a present for her mother’s

birthday and it was this purchase which entered her for a chance to win the million dollars. Her number was the fifth one called after all of the other numbers called were not at the draw location. The promotion requires the winner to be at the draw location when the number is called. Washington said she will remain faithful to GTT. GTT Million Dollar Smile campaign has made it quite simple for customers to have a chance to win millions. Every customer who does an electronic top up of $1,000 or more in a single transaction, purchase a data plan for $1,000 or more, pay any GTT bill in full and on time, sign up for or upgrade a Blaze plan, purchase a GTT handset or purchase a ticket for the Chronixx show, was entered for a chance to win. The first winner, Maynard Carmichael, was en-

Allow him to speak ALTHOUGH People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Khame Sharma has been accused of peddling only negative talk during City Council meetings, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillor Welton Clarke has called for Sharma to be respected. “Sharma should be respected although we may not be from the same claw,” Clarke offered at last week’s statutory meeting. He made the observation after Sharma was heckled by other City Councillors for asking a certain question, which was later answered by Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry when another councillor, Alfred Mentore, asked the very question. Clarke noted that Sharma was being heckled whenever he stood Khame Sharma up to speak and that an established decorum or standard should be applied to all councillors irrespective of their political affiliation. Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran who chaired the meeting in Mayor Patricia Chase-Green’s absence, recalled that Clarke had brought the matter of Sharma’s treatment up in the past, but opined that there was no animosity behind councillors’ heckling. Sharma’s fellow PPP Councillor Bishram Kuppen said he too had observed how the councillor is treated each time he gets up to speak. He said Sharma should be afforded a proper opportunity to speak instead of councillors always trying to shut him up. Other Councillor Noelle Chow-Chee offered that councillors ought to give respect before they can be afforded the same. “Sharma always come here to bad talk. He can’t be allowed.”

tered through his purchase of tickets to the Chronixx show which was held last evening November 18, and David Sital, the second winner, topped up and won. The promotion next heads to Bartica on Friday and then to Essequibo on December 1, Berbice on December 15 and will return to Georgetown for the Grand Draw on December 18, where GTT will select four winners for a million dollars each.

Gillian Washington, the latest ‘GTT Million Dollar Smile’ promotion winner

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Motor cyclist hospitalised after slamming into car

A RESIDENT of Annâ€™s Grove, East Coast Demerara, is now a patient at the Georgetown Hospital after being involved in an accident with a motorcar on the Railway Embankment Road, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Saturday morning. The accident occurred in the vicinity of the CARICOM Secretariat. According to reports, Neville McKinnon, 33, was proceeding west along the embankment at a fast rate of speed on his Honda 150cc motor cycle around 08:30 hrs, when he slammed into the rear of motor vehicle

# PVV 4604, which was about to turn into the compound of the annex to the CARICOM Secretariat. It is unclear whether the female driver of the vehicle had indicated that she was turning. Public-spirited citizens rushed to help McKinnon, who had blood gushing from what appeared to be a life-threatening wound to his neck. He was later taken to hospital and is said to be in a stable condition. The driver said she was in no condition to speak when approached by the Guyana Chronicle. (Anthony Layne)

The badly damaged rear of the car following the accident Saturday morning (Anthony Layne photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

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Bolt gives Aussies ...

Continued from back page

Barcelona hailed real winners of bruising Madrid derby Real Madrid’s Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos in action with Atletico Madrid’s Koke . REUTERS/Juan Medina

By Richard Martin

BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona were declared the true winners of the Madrid derby by the Spanish media on Sunday as the thrilling yet low-quality stalemate between Atletico and Real Madrid left the Catalans enjoying a 10-point lead over the two sides in La Liga. Barca won 3-0 at Leganes on the outskirts of Madrid, before a bruising yet goalless first capital derby at the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium saw tempers flare all over the pitch and left Real captain Sergio Ramos with a broken nose. “It was a war, and Barca won it,” said the front page of sports daily AS, while Marca

declared “Barca won the derby”. The cover of Barcelona-based daily Sport also focused on Ernesto Valverde’s side and their considerable lead over the two Madrid rivals, headlining their edition “10 points clear - Barca strike a blow towards the title”. There was little mention of Barca’s nearest challengers Valencia, who can reduce the gap to the Catalans back to four points if they beat Espanyol on Sunday, a week before a top-ofthe-table clash between the two teams at the Mestalla. The editorial of AS criticised the approach of Atletico and Real in the derby. “They were obliged to win, especially Madrid. That sen-

sation could be felt in the atmosphere before the game but not during it. Neither side truly believed in themselves,” it said. Atletico forward Angel Correa missed a gilt-edged chance three minutes into the game while substitute Kevin Gameiro almost found a winner but was denied by a goalline clearance from Real’s Raphael Varane. Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo wasted Real’s best efforts as Zinedine Zidane’s side finished the game stronger, threatening Jan Oblak’s goal in the final few minutes but to no avail. Newspaper ABC was more impressed by the performances of the Madrid sides. “As you would expect, Atletico and Real Madrid

engaged in a dog fight. Barcelona raced further ahead, and the only consolation is the teams put in good performances.” Real defender Varane said: ”I‘m disappointed because we played well, we defended well and created chances but we lacked a bit of luck in front of goal. “We know we’ve got no margin for error left now. We’re professionals and we’re going to give everything to make sure we get as many points as we can.” Atletico midfielder Saul added: “We are hurting ourselves by not scoring as once we go ahead we’re very difficult to beat. We just keep on missing clear chances.”

Marsh eager to grasp what he admits could be his final Test chance SYDNEY (Reuters) - Batsman Shaun Marsh is determined to grasp what he admits is probably a final chance to establish himself as a regular member of the Australia test side after earning an Ashes recall. The 34-year-old, who has played 23 Tests since his debut in 2011, was one of a couple of surprise inclusions in the Australia squad named on Friday for next week’s opener against England in Brisbane. Marsh secured his eighth recall to the Test side with some solid form for Western Australia but conceded that failure on Australian cricket’s biggest stage could end his test career. “I‘m not trying to think about it that way, it’s another opportunity for me to get out there and play some good cricket for Australia,” Marsh, who averages 36 in tests, told reporters in Brisbane. “I know I’ve got some

runs in me still to go, so I’ve just got to prepare well and just enjoy it, have a lot of fun and bat myself in.” Marsh has been opening for his state but is likely to bat in the number six spot against England having seen off the claims of brother Mitchell, team mate Hilton Cartwright and the incum-

bent Glenn Maxwell. After playing in all four tests on the tour of India earlier this year Marsh was dumped for the following tour of Bangladesh in what was quite a blow given he was considered something of subcontinent specialist. His recall did not cause as much surprise at that of

The Left-handed Shaun Marsh admits it could be his final chance

32-year-old wicketkeeper Tim Paine, a pick criticised as “confused” by spin bowling great Shane Warne, and Marsh himself was left with just one prevailing emotion] ”It’s just excitement,“ Marsh added. ”I hadn’t really thought about it much over the last two or three of months. I just thought if I played good cricket for WA then I might have a sniff. I just can’t wait to get out there and have a crack. “An Ashes series in Australia, it doesn’t get any better than that, I‘m going to give it a red hot crack.” Injury has also played a significant role in Marsh’s stop-start career but he said he was in good shape going into the five-match series. “My body’s in really good condition at the moment,” he said. “I feel like I‘m hitting the ball the best I have done for a long while so I’ll go in with plenty of confidence.”

plosiveness when they’re running,” Bolt told the Herald Sun. “They seem to always take off at a slow rate. Getting that right will definitely help people.” The nine-time Olympic gold medalist also revealed plans in conjunction with major sponsors Gatorade for the presentation of the Gatorade Fastest Run trophy this summer. The award will be presented to the Australian cricketer who can record the fastest speed between the wick-

ets throughout the summer of cricket, including Twenty20 matches. “We’re trying to make awareness more of running (as an asset in cricket) and we’re developing the Bolt Rate which is the quickest person through the wicket,” the retired sprinter said. “I’m happy about that, because we’re going to see who is the fastest between the wickets. “Nobody can assume - now we’ll actually know who’s the fastest.” (Sportsmax.com)

Jaguars crush Red Continued from Force... back page The victory saw the three-time reigning champions move to 64.8 points, extending their lead at the top of the table to 20 points over second placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Red Force, meanwhile, suffered their first loss of the tournament slipped to fourth on 41.8 points after starting the round in second spot. Jaguars did not have to wait long to find their first success when St Clair perished in the day’s second over after adding just two, caught at the wicket off Permaul with the total on 112. Imran Khan, on 20 at the start, also fell to the combination of Permaul and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble who also snared catches to account for the last two batsmen Bryan Charles (1) and Sheldon Cottrell (7). Ramdin consumed 80 balls at the crease with two boundaries in a desperate attempt to extend their match past the first interval but Permaul had other ideas.

SCOREBOARD JAGUARS 1st Innings 484 for eight declared Red Force 1st Innings 120 Red Force 2nd Innings (following on) K Hope c Hemraj b Permaul

+A Jangoo c Rutherford b Paul 19 Y Cariah c wkpr Bramble b Paul

J Mohammed lbw b Permaul

T Webster lbw b Paul

R Primus b Paul

I Khan c wkpr Bramble b Permaul 28 D St Clair c wkpr Bramble b Permaul

*D Ramdin not out

B Charles c wkpr Bramble b Motie

S Cottrell c wkpr Bramble b Permaul

Extras: (b1, lb3, nb5)

TOTAL: (all out, 75.1 overs)

147

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-39, 3-47, 4-56, 5-56, 6-62, 7-112, 8-123, 9-138 Bowling: Joseph 7-1-28-0 (nb3); Permaul 32.1-16-54-5; Paul 14-426-4 (nb2); Rutherford 1-1-0-0; Motie 21-10-35-1 Points: Jaguars 18.2, Red Force 0.4 Player-of-the-Match: Leon Johnson (Jaguars)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Dhawan, Rahul lead India revival on fourth day KOLKATA (Reuters) Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul featured in a rollicking 166-run stand to help India erase the 122run lead they had conceded to Sri Lanka on the penultimate day of the opening Test on Sunday. Dhawan threw away his wicket at 94, but Rahul was unbeaten on 73 when bad light stopped play with the hosts on 171-1. Cheteshwar Pujara was on two at the other end with India 49 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand, an impressive fightback after being all out for 172 in their first innings. The hosts had lost the entire top half of their batting order by the time they had accumulated 50 runs in the first innings but Rahul and Dhawan ensured there was no repeat by scoring at nearly four-and-half runs an over. Dhawan was decisive with his footwork against the slow bowlers, which he demonstrated with two sixes off Sri Lanka’s spin spearhead Rangana Herath. The left-hander also hit

11 boundaries before rushing out to hit Dasun Shanaka before being caught behind.

man Herath top-scored for the tourists with a defiant 67. Paceman Mohammed

AVON and Somerset Police are expected to decide this week whether Ben Stokes will be charged for the incident outside a Bristol nightclub in late September, but no other England cricketer.

The India openers shared a shared a 166-run opening stand, before Shikhar Dhawan was undone by Dasun Shanaka for 94, leaving India at 171 for 1 at stumps ©BCCI

Rahul was his elegant self at the other end as the righthander registered his ninth 50-plus score in his last 11 test innings, which included eight crisp boundaries. Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 294 in their first innings after number nine bats-

practice game before the Ashes series opens in Brisbane on Thursday. Without his bowling and fielding, England were unable to force victory in the game against the Cricket Australia XI they had dominated for the first three days.

Police likely to make Ben Stokes assault incident decision this week

Stokes was seriously missed for the first time when England suffered the embarrassment of being baulked by two young Australian batsmen in their final

though, as he dismissed Perera caught behind for five. Conditions on the first two days of the pace-dominated contest meant Herath had a very limited role with the ball and the spinner made his mark with the bat instead, frustrating the hosts with his

dogged resistance. Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed four wickets apiece, combined to dismiss Herath with the former taking the catch after the batsman had sliced Kumar to backward point.

SCOREBOARD

Shami, who bowled without success on Saturday, claimed four wickets, including that of overnight batsmen Niroshan Dickwella and Dinesh Chandimal, in a fine display of seam bowling to curb Sri Lanka’s progress. Dilruwan Perera featured

Police set to decide on Ben Stokes charge this week as Ashes loom By Scyld Berry

in a review drama after being adjudged lbw to Shami. The batsman appeared

Jason Sangha, 18, became the youngest batsman to score a first-class century against England apart from the legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar who did so

in the Old Trafford Test of 1990, aged 17. Sangha had played only one first-class game previously, while 22 year-old Matt Short also scored his maiden century, sharing a stand of 263 with Sangha, to draw the game. England’s head coach tried to downplay the inadequacy of his side’s bowling, which managed to take only one wicket on the final day. “It was a very flat wicket,” Trevor Bayliss said. “It was good to spend some time in the field. I’m sure there will be times during the Test series where we’re out in the field all day. “There were two young guys out there that batted very, very well,” Bayliss added. “All credit to them, they looked good. It’s good for Australian cricket. “It’s not really damaging to us before the first Test. Obviously we’d like to take 10 wickets for 90 runs in every game and it would have been good to take more wickets, but this is what can happen in cricket.”

to be on his way back to the dressing room when he suddenly turned around to challenge the decision, which was overturned as the point of impact was found to be marginally outside the stumps. Shami had the last laugh

INDIA 1st innings 172 (C. Pujara 52; S. Lakmal 4-26) Sri Lanka 1st innings (Overnight: 165-4) Sadeera Samarawickrama c Saha b B. Kumar 23 Dimuth Karunaratne lbw b B. Kumar 8 Lahiru Thirimanne c Kohli b U. Yadav 51 Angelo Mathews c Rahul b U. Yadav 52 Dinesh Chandimal c Saha b Shami 28 Niroshan Dickwella c Kohli b Shami 35 Dasun Shanaka lbw b B. Kumar 0 Dilruwan Perera c Saha b Shami 5 Rangana Herath c Shami b B. Kumar 67 Suranga Lakmal b Shami 16 Lahiru Gamage not out 0 Extras: (b-4 lb-4 w-1) 9 Total: (all out, 83.4 overs) 294 Fall of wickets: 1-29 D. Karunaratne,2-34 S. Samarawickrama,3-133 L. Thirimanne,4-138 A. Mathews,5-200

N. Dickwella,6-201 D. Shanaka,7-201 D. Chandimal,8-244 D. Perera,9-290 R. Herath,10-294 S. Lakmal Bowling: B. Kumar 27 - 5 - 88 – 4, M. Shami 26.3 - 5 - 100 - 4 U. Yadav 20 - 1 - 79 - 2(w-1),R. Ashwin 8 - 2 - 13 – 0, V. Kohli 1.1 - 0 - 5 – 0, R. Jadeja 1 - 0 - 1 – 0. INDIA 2nd innings L. Rahul not out 73 S. Dhawan c Dickwella b Shanaka 94 C. Pujara not out 2 Extras: (nb-1 w-1) 2 Total: (for 1 wickets, 39.3 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-166 S. Dhawan To bat: V. Kohli, A. Rahane, W. Saha, R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, B. Kumar, M. Shami, U. Yadav Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 8 - 0 29 – 0, Lahiru Gamage 9 - 0 - 47 - 0 (nb-1), Dasun Shanaka 9.3 - 1 - 29 - 1 (w-1), Dilruwan Perera 10 - 1 41 – 0, Rangana Herath 3 - 0 - 25 - 0

Coach Lehmann defends Ashes squad selection and calls for support SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann defended the squad selection for the Ashes opener on Sunday and urged former players to back the team as they prepare to try and wrest the famous urn back from English hands. Spin-bowling great Shane Warne was among the former players who questioned decision to include wicketkeeper Tim Paine, while the inclusion of veteran batsman Shaun Marsh also raised a few eyebrows. Speaking in Brisbane, where the series gets underway at the Gabba on Thursday, Lehmann justified the selections and called for the whole country to support the team. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, aren’t they?” he said. “I’d just like all our players, ex-players, to be really positive about the Australian cricket team. Let’s just get everyone from Australia behind the Australian cricket team and let’s get moving forward.” Paine, who played the last of his four tests seven years ago, was the most controversial selection mainly because he does not even keep wickets for his state Tasmania.

”We’ve watched him keep a fair bit,“ Lehmann added. ”He’s a high quality keeper. “He’s been in good form with the gloves, as he always has been, and he has been very good for us in the T20s.” Few players are more divisive in Australia than 34-year-old Marsh, who

distracted by reports from England that suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes could be cleared to play a part in the series by police this week. Vice captain Stokes has been suspended since being arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

Australia head coach Darren Lehmann

looks likely to fill the number six slot in the batting order on his eighth recall to the test side. ”He’s in good form, so he’ll do well,“ Lehmann added. ”He’s pretty calm. “He’s grown up a lot in the last few years and played some important knocks for us. He’s really confident within himself.” Lehmann said also said Australia would not be

A report in Britain’s Daily Telegraph said that police would make a decision over whether to charge Stokes this week, potentially leaving him clear to join the England squad before the second Test in Adelaide. “We can’t worry about it at the moment,” Lehmann said. “For us it’s more of a case of dealing with the squad they’ve got here.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Jaguars One- Day Franchise League bowls off tomorrow THE Jaguars One- Day 50 Overs League will bowl off tomorrow and comes on the heels of the successful Jaguars 3-Day League, which witnessed Essequibo emerging as champions. The Jaguars 3- D ay Champions, Essequibo, second placed Upper Corentyne, and Lower Corentyne are expected to lead the charge in the quest to secure championship honours in 2017. However, the competitive West Demerara, and steady and ever-improving teams such as Georgetown and Upper Demerara/East Bank can create league upsets; and league favorites such as Essequibo and Lower Corentyne will be mindful of such a threat. , East Coast Demerara and West Berbice should not be overlooked, as they too will be seeking to establish their dominance, thereby creating a competitive environment among and between franchise teams. Further, the competitiveness of the League is expected to be boosted by the fact that, players will be seeking to make full use of this league format, by staking their claim to selection in the 2018 Jaguars One-Day 50 Overs squad. The Jaguars 50-Overs team will participate in the 2018 CWI Regional Nagico One Day 50- overs Tournament, which will commence towards the end of January, 2018.

The local League will witness seven preliminary rounds with four such rounds of matches being played in November, 2017 and the remaining three preliminary rounds in December, 2017. The franchise team which finishes with the most points at the end of the preliminary rounds, will gain the right to play in the finals on 30th December, 2017. Similarly, the second and third placed teams on conclusion of the preliminary rounds will meet in the playoffs on the 28 December, 2017. The first round of matches will see Essequibo competing against West Berbice at the Imam Bacchus ground in Essequibo while Upper Corentyne takes on East Coast Demerara at the Port Mourant ground on the Corentyne. Lower Corentyne will open the tournament against Georgetown at the Albion Community Centre ground, and Upper Demerara/East Bank opposing West Demerara at the Everest ground. THE FRANCHISE SQUADS ARE AS FOLLOWS: ESSEQUIBO: Anthony Adams, Ricardo Adams, Keemo Paul, Kevon Boddie, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Akinie Adams, Kevin Gordon, Tulsieram Premnauth, Joshua Jones, Avenish Persaud, Kemol Savory, Mark Williams, Leoryan Ram-

lakhan, Parmesh Parsotam, Vijai Surujpaul, Nealand Codogan, Ricardo Peters, Nokta Moses, Chaitram Persaud and Royan Fredricks. The coaches are Michael Franco and Ryan Hercules. UPPER CORENTYNE: Rajiv Ivan, Andy Mohan, Demetri Cameron, Samuel Kishnasammy, Shawn Pereira, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Lloydel Lewis, David Latchaya, Adrian Sukwah, Omesh Mathura, Parmeshwar Chatterpaul, Joshua Ramsammy, Troy Gonsalves, Chandrashekar Arjune, Balchand Baldeo, Totaran Rajaram, Arrif Chan, Dorasammi Mahadeo, Veramootoo Senwasane and Karan Arjpaul. The coaches are Leslie Solomon and Michael Newland. LOWER CORENTYNE: Royton Crandon, Jonathan foo, Seon Hetmyer, Devon clements, Gajanand Singh, Veerasammy Permaul, Kassim Khan, Raun Johnson, Nail Smith, Kevlon Anderson, hakeem Hinds, Jason Sinclair, Sharaz Ramcharran, Alex Algoo, Omar Weatherspoon, Waheid Edwards, suresh Dhani, Eugene La Fleur, Anthony D’ Andrade and Linden Austin. The coaches are Julian Moore and Kwasie Maltay. GEORGETOWN: Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell (Vice Captain), Robin Bacchus, Raymond Perez, Shenroy Barrington, Derwin Christian, Andrew Light, Ramaal

Lewis, Omesh Dhaniram, Dexter Solomon, Ovid Ricardson, Paul Wintz, Steven Sankar, Ashmead Nedd, Kellon Carmichael, Devon Lord, Martin Pestano-Belle, Gajanan Suknanan, Travis Mohamed, Andre Stoll and Raj Nanan. The coaches are Clive Grimmond and Winston Smith. They will be ably assisted at relevant times by Bharat Mangru. UPPER DEMERARA/ EAST BANK: Ronaldo AliMohamed, Steven Jacobs, Sherfane Rutherford, Vishual Singh, Sachin Singh, David Francis, Marc Nicholson, Quazim Yusuf, Irfaan Alli, Travon France, Quincy Grimmond, Keon Morris, Mortin Salick, Colin Benn, Dwayne Dillon, Sagar Hathiranmi, Terrence Decunha, Christopher Ragnauth, Daniel Barker, Vinaoh Rampersaud and Romain Muniram. The manager and coach are respectively Rohan Sarjoo and Orin Bailey. West Berbice: Krishandat Ramoo, Sherwyn Mc Pherson, Steffon adams, Raffel Estraido, Andrew Dutchin, Avishkar Sewkarran, Leon Andrews, Keyron Fraser, Renision Mitchell, Derrick Mc Calmon, Keith Fraser, Quacey Mc Pherson, Stephen Harris, Rendell Bobb, Arthley Bailey, Ceon Glasgow, Kelvin Sinclair, Javid Karim, wakar Hassan and Shamal Angel. Manager is David Black and the Coach Andre Percival.

Anthony Adams

Jonathan Foo

Christopher Barnwell

IAAF bid withdrawal leaves Bolt’s Nitro Athletics series in limbo A 180 degree turn from the IAAF with regard to purchasing the Nitro Athletics series could put the future of the franchise which debuted in Australia last year at risk. The track and field series, which has recently retired sprint superstar Bolt listed as an equity partner, was marketed as a shot in the arm for track and field featuring several new events like the mixed relay and elimination mile. It was expected that the concept would have been purchased by the world athletic body following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in July. A change of heart, however, saw the IAAF pull out of the deal. In its first year as a competition, the Nitro Athletics series was well received with the Usain Bolt All-Stars winning the inaugural com-

Usain Bolt All Stars won the inaugural series

petition in Melbourne. The event, however, reportedly ran at an estimated loss of US$1.38m. With Australia Athletics insistent that any continued operations of the event will be linked to the negative or positive impact on the financials the staging of the event is unlikely to resume anytime soon. “It’s unlikely it will be in the first half of next year so then you are looking at the end of next year and there is a matter of the turnaround to the year after. If it is a series then that will not happen until early 2019,” Athletics Australia CEO Darren Goche told Sydney Morning Herald. “What we are looking at and most partners are looking at is a series. It makes a lot more sense to be an international series across countries rather than just one country.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Miller, Jacobs bowl Scorpions to 157-run victory BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, (CMC) – Nikita Miller and Damion Jacobs produced further evidence that spin remains the undoing of Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ batsmen, when they bowled Jamaica Scorpions to a 157-run victory in the Regional 4-Day Championship on Sunday. Left-arm spinner Miller bagged 5-31 from 20 overs, ending with match figures of 10-87, and leg-spinner Jacobs collected 3-65 from 19.4 overs, as the Hurricanes were bowled out for 144 in their second innings on the final day of their fourthround match at Warner Park. West Indies “A” Team opener Montcin Hodge and rookie Terence Warde led the way with 30 apiece, former Scorpions’ wicketkeeper/batsman and parttime medium-fast bowler Devon Thomas made 25 and Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall added 23. Miller, playing his first match of the season, follow-

ing an off-season medical procedure, and Jacobs, a member of the West Indies “A” Team in their recent home series against Sri Lanka “A”, again emphasized their value to the Scorpions. It was the eighth time that Miller has taken 10 wickets or more in a Regional 4-Day match, making him a shoo-in for the Player-of-the-Match award, and reinforced his place at the top of the list of the most successful bowlers in the modern era of the West Indies first-class championship (1966 onwards) with 434 scalps. Jacobs ended the match with figures of 6-100 and formalised the result about 50 minutes before the scheduled tea break, when he trapped Sheeno Berridge lbw for a duck, as the Hurricanes made a mess of chasing 302 for victory. Scorpions – fifth in the standings on 18.2 points prior to the match – earned 18.4 points comprising 12 for victory, three batting points, three bowling points

and 0.4 pace bowling points. Hurricanes – previous third on 38.6 – gained just six from three bowling points, one batting point plus two pace bowling points. With the entire day to bat, the Hurricanes started the chase knowing they were one batsman short, after former West Indies Under-19 World Cup 2016 Final hero Keacy Carty was diagnosed with a fractured right hand. They knew they were under further pressure, when they reached lunch on 95 for four with the cream of their batting out of the way, and Miller and Jacobs with their tails up. Derval Green made the breakthrough for the Scorpions, when he forced lefthander Chesney Hughes to hit wicket for three in the fifth over of the day, after this it was practically the Miller show. He trapped Hodge lbw and bowled Jamaica-born Nkrumah Bonner for three, either side of Jacobs forc-

Sonic Hunters contribute to Road Safety

Members of the Sonic Hunters Motorcycle club painting the pedestrian crossing at Queen Street, Wortmanville, between Durban and Norton Street

THE Sonic Hunters Motorcycle club yesterday did their part in road safety by repainting and brightening several road markings in the Kitty area.

The club took the time out yesterday to paint the pedestrian crossing at Queen Street, Wortmanville, between Durban and Norton Street. According to the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 20, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 400*-Brian Lara (WI vs ENG, ARG, 2014) (2) 215- Chris Gayle (WI vs ZIM, Canberra, 2015) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings by a WI player to date? (2) What are the best bowling figures in an ODI game by a WI player to date? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

club, they felt the need to brighten up a few of the signs around the area in an attempt to ensure that there are no incidents due to driver-negligence. A statement also read “We felt (that) it is our social responsibility to ensure that we participate in community and group building events for our members and the community at large.” “We plan to undertake more projects like this in the near future based on the response we got today,” the statement continued. “We are hopeful that more entities can replicate our activities and not wait on the authorities to do everything. Sometimes a little bit can go a long way.”

ing Thomas to edge to the keeper, as the Hurricanes slumped to 83 for four. After the interval, Warde led the resistance for the Hurricanes, but Miller gained lbw verdicts to dismiss West Indies “A” Team wicketkeeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton for 13, Corn-

wall and him, as the home team slid to 142 for seven. Jacobs, bowling in tandem with Miller, wrapped up the innings, removing Mervin Matthew and Berridge in the space of four deliveries in his 20th over. Following a break in the tournament next weekend,

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller ended with a match haul of 10-87.

Scorpions host Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sabina Park in Jamaica in the fifth round, at the same time that the Hurricanes welcome Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to Warner Park.

SCOREBOARD

SCORPIONS 1st Innings 342 Hurricanes 1st Innings 232 Scorpions 2nd Innings 191 Hurricanes 2nd Innings (target: 302) M Hodge lbw b Miller 30 C Hughes hit wicket b Green 3 D Thomas c wkpr Taylor b Jacobs 25 T Warde lbw b Miller N Bonner b Miller +J Hamilton lbw b Miller 13 *R Cornwall lbw b Miller 23 J Louis not out 3 M Matthew c Green b Jacobs 1 S Berridge lbw b Jacobs 3 K Carty injured – Extras: (b13) 13 TOTAL: (all out, 49.4 overs) 144 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-64, 3-74, 4-83, 5-107, 6-139, 7-142, 8-143, 9-144 Bowling: Green 5-0-17-0; Thomas 5-1-18-0; Miller 20-431-5; Jacobs 19.4-4-65-3 Points: Scorpions 18.4, Hurricanes 6

Pride clinch their first match of the Regional Four-Day championship

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, (CMC) – Barbados finally won their first match of the newly-minted Regional Four-Day Championship, making light work of Windward Islands Volcanoes in thrashing them by 135 runs in their fourth round encounter here Sunday. Off-spinner Kenroy Williams was outstanding with four for 36 as the home side, set 310 for victory, collapsed to 174 all out in their second innings – 1-1/4 hours before the scheduled close on the final day at Arnos Vale. Barbadian Kyle Mayers carved out his second half-century of the match with a top score of 76 while Taryck Gabriel got 33, but the remainder of the Volcanoes batting failed to display the enterprise required. The result broke a sequence of poor results which saw the traditionally strong visitors losing one and drawing two of their opening three matches. Resuming the day on 148 for nine, Pride added a further 23 runs before they were dismissed in their second innings for 171 – 20 minutes into the morning session. And Volcanoes were quickly in trouble, losing key batsmen to slump to 62 for three at lunch. Left-hander Devon Smith, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, edged speedster Keon Harding behind to wicketkeeper Mario Rampersaud to fall for seven at 23 for one in the fourth over. Three overs later, pacer Justin Greaves (2-16) grabbed the first of his two wickets when he

bowled Tyrone Theophile for a run-a-ball 19 and when Kavem Hodge was well taken at cover by Williams off Greaves for six, Volcanoes were struggling on 41 for three. Roland Cato had posted 23 for the fourth wicket with Ga-

Off-spinner Kenroy Williams … finished with four wickets in the Volcanoes second innings.

briel when he departed four balls following the resumption for eight, lbw to off-spinner Ashley Nurse with just two added to the lunch time score. The left-handed Mayers then took responsibility for the innings in a knock that lasted 119 deliveries and included nine fours. He put on 55 for the fifth wicket with Gabriel who faced 129 balls and counted three fours, and added a further 38 for the eighth wicket with Ray Jordan (6), after three wickets tumbled for two runs in the space of 21 balls. Mayers was eventually ninth out to Williams, bringing an end to the innings, with the injured Kirk Edwards unable to bat.

SCOREBOARD PRIDE 1st Innings 360 Volcanoes 1st Innings 222 Pride 2nd Innings (overnight 148 for nine) A Alleyne b Lewis 0 S Moseley c Hodge b Shillingford 9 J Carter lbw b Hodge 25 *S Brooks c Mayers b Shillingford 11 K Stoute lbw b Mayers 21 K Williams c (sub) McCoy b Shillingford 10 J Greaves lbw b Hodge 20 A Nurse c (sub) Alexander b Shillingford 0 +M Rampersaud not out 36 J Warrican lbw b Shillingford 8 K Harding c Smith b Mayers 14 Extras: (b8, lb2, nb7) 17 TOTAL: (all out, 61 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-24, 3-54, 4-58, 5-88, 6-90, 7-90, 8-129, 9-144, 10-171. Bowling: Lewis 3-0-16-1, Shillingford 30-4-74-5, Jordan 3-014-0, Hodge 13-2-32-2, Theophile

6-3-4-0, Mayers 6-1-21-2. VOLCANOES 2nd Innings (target: 310 runs) D Smith c wkp Rampersaud b Harding 7 *T Theophile b Greaves 19 T Gabriel c Greaves b Warrican 33 K Hodge c Williams b Greaves 6 R Cato lbw b Nurse 8 K Mayers c Moseley b Williams 76 +G Benjamin c Alleyne b Williams 1 S Shillingford c Carter b Williams 0 R Jordan c Carter b Williams 6 S Lewis not out 6 K Edwards absent hurt 0 Extras: (b4, lb2, w1, nb5) 12 TOTAL: (all out, 64.5 overs) 174 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-31, 3-41, 4-64, 5-119, 6-121, 7-121, 8-159, 9-174, 10-174. Bowling: Greaves 6-0-16-2, Harding 6-0-31-1, Nurse 16-437-1, Stoute 9-5-17-0, Warrican 12-2-31-1, Williams 15.5-2-36-4. Points: Pride 19.2, Volcanoes 2.8.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 20, 2017

Joseph, Alphonso triumphant at Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament NYRON Joseph and Michael Alphonso were crowned champions in their respective categories, but both had to work extremely hard to achieve their victories, when the curtains came down on the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) Ansa Mc Al/ Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts yesterday. In the Open final Joseph (-22) was pitted against Jonathan Antczak (+7). Antczak had secured his place in the final with an upset semi-final victory over Daniel Islam, while Joseph had beaten Theron Mohabeer to book his place in the final. Joseph came out of the minus handicap with Jonathan at 10 points and eventually caught him at 11. He eventually won the first game 15 - 13. However, in the second game Joseph could only come out of the minus handicap with Jonathan at 12 points and just could not close the gap fast enough, as Antczak won the second game 15 - 12. In the third game Joseph again came out of the minus

Nyron Joseph (left) and Michael Alphonso handicap with Antczak at 10 points. At 12 – 2, Antczak was three points away from securing victory but could only win one more point as Joseph came back to win the third game 15 - 13.

Final 2017 GAPLF competition set for December 3

In Category ‘A’ defending champion Abosaide Cadogan (0) was matched against Michael Alphonso (-4). Cadogan won a close first game 15 - 12 but Alphonso rebounded to take the second game 15 - 9. In the

THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will end off 2017 with its Senior Nationals at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Sunday, December 3. According to executive member of the Federation, Martin Webster, patrons can expect a good show since the local lifters will be positioning themselves to qualify for next year’s international competitions. Moreover, overall winners of the Raw Nationals held in October--Vijai Rahim and Lisa Oudit-will be returning to showdown with the other competitors. Aiming to clean away the prizes too will be Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney, Grace and Blossom Babb and Jackquelyn Toney, while Joseph Stoll in the Masters 2 (50- 60 years) and Frank Tucker in the Masters 3 (60- 70 years) will seek to show-off on the youngsters. And ‘Golden Boy’ Romario

Gonsalves, who was part of Guyana’s contingent at the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships contested Florida this July, will also be competing for glory on December 3. The competition will begin at 10:00 hrs, and the athletes are able to compete in the Raw (Classic/Unequipped) or Equipped categories. In preparation for this final showdown, the GALPF will host a referees’ clinic on December 2, which is targeting capacity building of local referees and officials functioning as spotters and scorers. The athletes will also be duly informed of the demerits of using performance enhancing drugs and will be able to take their anti-doping tests. (Vishani Ragobeer)

third game, Cadogan jumped out to a fast start, and leading 12 - 8 it seemed as if she would successfully defend her title . However, Alphonso won the next seven points to claim a well-deserved victory 15 - 12.

In the open category, Islam (-5) placed third when he defeated Theron Mohabeer (+8 ) by two games to one. In Category ‘A’ Kirsten Gomes (0) would finish third as she defeated Gianni Carpenter (-8),

by two games to nil. In the plate finals, both matches had straight set winners. In the Open plate final, Adam Alves (+5) beat Nicholas Narain (-12) 15 - 0 in the first game.

ATP FINALS

Dimitrov comes of age to win ATP Finals title By Martyn Herman

Vijai Rahim and Lisa Oudit

Respective winners of the Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament

LONDON (Reuters) - Grigor Dimitrov claimed the biggest title of his career and sent out a huge statement of intent as the stylish Bulgarian beat David Goffin 7-5 4-6 6-3 to win the ATP Finals on Sunday. The 26-year-old recovered from losing his opening two service games to finally get the better of the willowy Belgian player, but it was fiercely-fought two-and-a-half hour duel with Goffin saving four match points before finally succumbing. Dimitrov’s unbeaten run this week in London earned him $2.5 million while the 1,500 ranking points have catapulted him to end an impressive year ranked third in the world -- behind only all-time greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. More significantly perhaps, landing the unofficial “fifth” grand slam appears to be proof that the former junior Wimbledon champion, once dubbed ‘Baby Federer’ because of his easy-on-the-eye style, has finally come of age. “It’s been an amazing week for me,” Dimitrov said on court after becoming the first player to win the elite eight-man tournament on his first appearance in the event since Spaniard Alex Corretja beat countryman Carlos Moya

in 1998. “It’s such an honour to be here and this week has been one of the best weeks I’ve ever had.” He was still on court nearly an hour after the match ended, signing autographs for the sizeable Bulgarian contingent who had roared their man to victory.

minute final -- the longest since the event adopted a three-set format -- as a Davis Cup final looms in France next weekend. Many of the capacity crowd in the O2 Arena had doubtless booked their tickets in anticipation of watching the top two seeds Federer and Nadal go head-to-head but the

Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Belgium’s David Goffin REUTERS/Toby Melville

Yet it was tough on Goffin who, like Dimitrov, was his country’s first qualifier for the ATP Finals. His substantial consolation, though, was to end the year at a career-high seventh, having become only the sixth man to beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the same tournament. He will need to recover fast from the two hour 30

two newcomers provided a fitting end to an extraordinary ATP season. Goffin managed only two games against Dimitrov when they met on Wednesday in group play but recovered to beat Dominic Thiem to reach the semis where he stunned six-times champion Federer. For Dimitrov, he was quickly a different proposition

in the final, using his pinpoint accuracy to keep his gifted opponent under control and he was way ahead on the winner count as he moved 4-3 ahead. A double-fault at 30-30 followed by a wayward forehand, though, gifted Dimitrov a break and seemed to energise the Bulgarian. Dimitrov began to assert himself and piled on the pressure when Goffin served at 5-6. Goffin saved four set points, two with forehand winners, but double-faulted on a game point of his own before Dimitrov forced an error to wrap up the opener. Goffin needed just one break of serve to take the match into a decider and looked the more likely winner for a while but when Dimitrov survived a 10-minute service game at the start of the third, saving four break points, it proved crucial. With Goffin beginning to tire, Dimitrov moved 5-2 ahead with a break and then went 0-40 ahead on Goffin’s serve. Somehow Goffin survived to extend the contest to another game and saved another match point on the Bulgarian’s serve. He looked poised to save another one as he stretched Dimitrov all over the court but with the court at his mercy he put an attempted drop-volley into the net.

Joseph, Alphonso See Page triumphant at 27 Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament

Jaguars crush Red Force by innings and 217 runs …Veerasammy Permaul bags match haul of 10 for 97

TA R O U B A , Tr i n idad, (CMC) – Left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e rmaul snatched three of the four remaining wickets to end with five in the innings and nine in the match, as Guyana Jaguars routed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 217 runs in their fourth round match here Sunday. Resuming the final day of the day/night encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium on 108 for six in their innings and with little hope of

saving the match, the hosts were dismissed for 175, 10 minutes before lunch to hand Jaguars their third win of the Regional FourDay Championship. Imran Khan and Daniel St Clair, both not out overnight, made joint top scores of 28 while captain Denesh Ramdin, batting at number nine, finished unbeaten on 22. Permaul claimed five for 54 to end with match figures of nine for 97.

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Skipper Leon Johnson was named Player-of-the-Match for his splendid innings of 163 in the first innings.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul returned a match haul of nine for .97.

John cops Diamond Mineral Water 60-mile cycle road race Bolt gives Aussies sprinting - Ninth victory for 2017 season tips ahead of Ashes

Prize winners of the various categories of the Diamond Mineral Water 60-mile cycle road race which was staged yesterday, strike a pose for photographer Samuel Maughn. TEAM Coco’s Jamal John chalked up his ninth win for the 2017 cycle season by winning the Demerara Distillers Limited-sponsored 60-mile road race under its Diamond Mineral Water Brand yesterday. After getting the starters’ green flag from outside the Ocean View International Hotel, East Coast Demerara, John was always in contention heading to the turn back point at half Way Tree, Mahaica, and stayed with the leading bunch heading to the finish line at the place of origin for the finish.

However, as the cyclists passed through Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara on the upward journey, the overall sixth place finisher, Paul Cho-Wee-Nam of Team Alanis, along with Alonzo Ambrose, Paul DeNobrega and Kamuel Moses attacked the pack and established a small lead. However, this was shortlived as the peloton wheeled them in before the turn back point and after turning back, John, DeNobrega, Cho-Wee-Nam, Christopher Griffith, Ambrose, Dey and Moses upped and

steered clear of the chasing pack. With approximately 200 metres remaining to the finish line, John jumped the others and stopped the clock at two hours, 02 minutes, 02 seconds. He also won one of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs. The other top four places (2nd to 5th) were occupied by Ambrose, DeNobrega, Christopher Griffith and Curtis Dey respectively. Cho-Wee-Nam won two prime prizes, while Deoraj Garbarran, Ambrose, Moses, Griffith and Marcus Keiler

each won one prime. Dey, by virtue of placing fifth overall, was declared the winner of the junior category. Second was Briton John and finishing third in this category was Keiler. Cho-Wee-Nam’s overall sixth place finish earned him the top finisher in the veterans’ category. Junior Niles was second. In the Mountain Bike category, Ozia McAullay was first, Seon Budhan second and Julio Melville third. The day’s activity was organized by cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

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Usain Bolt giving sprinting tips to the Aussie batsmen

THE Australia cricket team is picking up advice ahead of the Ashes series against England in Australia later this week from an unlikely source, double sprint world record holder Usain Bolt. The 31-year-old sprinter, who retired from the sport this summer is an avid fan of cricket and even played as a fast bowler before taking up track and field. Even so, the sprinter

will thankfully be sticking to his area of expertise running as he advises the batsmen on how to get maximum speed running between the wickets. According to the world’s fastest man, what it comes down to is explosiveness. “It’s all about explosiveness, and that’s one thing I’ve noticed with cricket - they don’t really have a lot of ex-

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