Issuu

Aggressive strategy needed to tackle diabetes Page 5

–– GPHC chair

‘End the acting’ No. 105097

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

…CCJ President bats for substantive appointment of chancellor, chief justice … hints at judicial intervention to settle statutory lacuna

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Man charged for killing ‘peacemaker’ Page 17

Miners praise gov't for fixing interior roads

Delegates get down to business during Tuesday’s session at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) XLVI Plenary and Working Group Meetings being held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston

Fire flattens Port Kaituma fuel bond

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…but urge enforcement of weight limit

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‘Guyana has done a miracle’

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… CFATF chair

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Court throws out Nandlall’s Enmore NDC computer case … cites his failure to comply with case management timelines

HIGH Court Judge, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday dismissed a case brought by the Enmore Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) against Clive Thomas, Aubrey Heath- Retemyer and Attorney General, Basil Williams, for damages for trespass, unlawful seizure and confiscation of a quantity of desktop computer systems and power packs, among other reliefs. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry dismissed the case due to the failure of the claimant’s attorney, Anil

Nandlall, to comply with the Case Management timelines set by the Judge, pursuant to the new Civil Procedure Rules. The attorney has failed to comply with the Case Management timetable by not filing and serving any Affidavit of Documentary Evidence, and a complete list of witness or witnesses in the said matter. Back in April, the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) removed from the Enmore NDC computers belonging to the local government authority. The computers were reportedly given to the NDC by the

Basic Needs Trust Fund, and at a statutory meeting, a decision was taken to have them sold. SARU officials on arrival at the NDC, found the 15 computers in a “state of disrepair,” and it was observed that the units were improperly stored in dusty conditions, and there was no evidence to suggest that the computers were used recently. The PPP, which controls the NDC, had claimed that the computers were being used to teach evening classes for residents. As a result of the seizure, Nandlall, filed and

claimed for damages in excess of $5M. The NDC, through its attorney, claimed for damages in excess of $1M for trespass committed on April 6, 2017 at the office of the NDC by five men, members of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU); damages in excess of $1M for the unlawful seizure and confiscation of a quantity of desktop computer systems along with backup power packs, all being the property of the NDC on the said day by the said SARU agents; damages in excess of $1M for unlawful detention of a

quantity of desktop computer systems along with backup power packs; damages in excess of $1M for conversion of a quantity of desktop computer systems along with backup power packs; and aggravated and exemplary damages in excess of $1M. The claimant contended that the NDC is, and was at all material times, a statutory body corporate and an autonomous legally-elected body which is independent of the Government. Judy Stuart Adonis and Collene Liverpool, State Counsel appeared

Former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall for the Defendants while Rajendra Jaigobin appeared for the Claimant on Monday.

Elderly man in court for ganja planting A 64-year-old Mabaruma, North West District (NWD) farmer on Monday appeared before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore and released on

$75,000 bail for the offence of cultivating cannabis. Lawrence Joseph denied the allegation which stated that on November

10, at Kumaka Waterfront, Mabaruma, he cultivated cannabis. Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne opposed Joseph being released on bail and told the court that

the defendant currently has a similar matter ongoing at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court. The magistrate, however, granted bail to the

accused and adjourned the matter to today, November 15, when it will be recalled but before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Lawrence Joseph

‘End the acting’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

… CCJ President bats for substantive appointment of chancellor, chief justice … hints at judicial intervention to settle statutory lacuna

PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron, has called for the swift appointment of a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice and also hinted that a judicial intervention might be needed to address a regulatory or statutory lacuna if it does indeed exist. Attorney General Basil Williams only recently warned in the ‘PPP GECOM court challenge’ that the judicial arm should not encroach on the principles of separation of powers and the spirit and intendment of the constitution. He argued that the immunities of the President are enshrined in the constitution, by virtue of Article 182(1). “It directs that His Excellency the President shall not be personally answerable to any Court for the performance of the functions of his or her own office or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no proceedings, whether criminal or civil, shall be instituted against him or her in his or her personal capacity in respect thereof, either during his or her term of office or thereafter.” Guyana has not had a substantive chancellor of the judiciary since 2005, mainly due to the fact that the opposition and governing parties have not agreed on candidates for the post. In his address at the 37th Annual Bar Dinner held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, the CCJ President made it clear that it was not the intention of the local constitution to have the two most senior judicial officials act in the post for a prolonged period. Sir Byron noted too that no substantive chancellor has been appointed since Justice Desiree Bernard, Guyana’s first female chancellor, demitted office and was appointed as the first female judge of the CCJ. Former acting Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh, acted in that post from 2005 until his retirement earlier this year. Meanwhile, he stressed the need for the substantive appointments in the guarantee of judicial independence to citizens. “This situation has moved well beyond what ought to be acceptable in a modern democracy where respect for the rule of law is maintained. The constitution envisages the judiciary of Guyana to be headed by officials who are substantively appointed and enjoy all the legal and institutional mechanisms to secure their tenure. Anything otherwise is, to my mind, a violation of the spirit and intent of the constitution.” Article 127 (1) of the constitution speaks to the appointment of the chancellor and chief justice and says both the chancellor

and chief justice shall be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the leader of the opposition. The afore-mentioned provision was a key aspect of the 2001 amendment to the instrument whereas under the 1980 constitution, the appointments of the chancellor and chief justice could be made by the President, following consultations with the minority leader. PRES GRANGER TAKING ACTION Back in March, President David Granger administered the Oath of Office to Justices Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Roxanne George-Wiltshire, who were sworn in to perform the functions of acting chancellor of the judiciary and acting chief justice, respectively. Last month, the President told reporters that he is awaiting a response from the nominee identified for the substantive post of chancellor of the judiciary. That person has since been contacted and the President is awaiting a response from the nominee. “He has been written to and I am awaiting a response,” he added. The nominee was selected and recommended to the President by a panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh, Justice James Patterson, and Professor Harold Lutchman. Once the nominee responds, President Granger said he will consult with the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo in accordance with the constitution. The situation is the same for the nominee for the substantive post of chief justice. But on Saturday, Justice Byron reminded that the office of Chancellor of the Judiciary became vacant when Justice Desiree Bernard joined the bench of the CCJ. “So, it is with some disappointment that I acknowledge that since that time, successive Presidents and leaders of the opposition have been unable to agree on the substantive appointment of a Chancellor. This has brought us to the situation today where the number one and number two officials of the Guyana judiciary have not been substantively appointed. This is a most unfortunate state of affairs,” the CCJ President stated. Referencing Article 127 (2), Justice Byron noted the temporary nature of the appointments and pointed to the language of the said Article suggests that any such appointment is a short-term one. The use of the word “shall” in Article 127(1) imposes a mandatory obligation upon both the President and the leader of the opposition to come to an agreement on the persons to

be appointed as chancellor and chief justice. “Despite the subjective component of reaching agreement, the constitution could not have intended the decade-long paralysis that has resulted from the failure to agree,” he opined while noting “that the constitution intended that the identified officials would exercise high standards of good faith and reasonableness because failure to agree is not an acceptable option in the interpretation of that constitutional provision.” “Of course, I do acknowledge that there are practical problems in identifying precisely where the liability lies in the failure to come to an agreement. It seems entirely plausible for such liability to lie with either the President or leader of the opposition, or both, in accordance with the mandate of section 127(1) and depending on the process that has been followed to reach agreement between the two sides,” said the CCJ President. JUDICIAL INTERVENTION He believes this gives rise to the question of whether an appropriate statutory or regulatory framework to establish agreement is in existence. If the answer to this is in the affirmative, he submitted that that may be a basis for judicial intervention, and “if it is in the negative, now would be the opportune time to address such a regulatory or statutory lacuna if it does indeed exist, and that too may be a basis for judicial intervention.” Stressing the need for independence of the judiciary as is stipulated in Article 122A (1) of the constitution, Justice Byron said the constitutional provision does not contemplate and or condone in any way prolonged acting services of the country’s number one and number two judicial officers. “Such a situation poses a genuine “risk” to the constitutional promise to every citizen of an independent and impartial judiciary,” he warned noting that the constitution is the supreme law of the land and no authority is above it. The CCJ President reminded that the court is duty-bound to interpret and ensure that the provisions of the constitution are applied, while stressing that the delay in complying with Article 127 (1) of the constitution “has long reached a level of justiciability and the most appropriate authority for resolving this situation is the court system.” He noted too that the said Article is mandatory and not discretionary and any failure to fulfil the obligation should

President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron be seen as a breach of the constitution. Additionally, the learned judge reminded that the interpretation of Article 127 was the subject of litigation 10 years ago in the case of Committee for the Defence of the Constitution v AG. In that case, the court was confronted with a challenge to Justice Carl Singh performing the functions of both chancellor and chief justice. The court ultimately determined that it was a breach of the constitution for the functions of both offices to be performed simultaneously. “What is interesting about this case is that while the court appears to have acknowledged that the failure to appoint a substantive chancellor for a prolonged period violated Article 122A (1) of the constitution, it seems to have viewed itself as constrained by Article 127 not specifying any time limit for the period of an acting appointment or within which agreement must be reached.” “With the passage of 12 years the undesirability of further delay could no longer be controversial. This is a very serious issue, because attacking the problems of delay and all other issues that need reform requires strong leadership. It is simply obvious that a leader who is not appointed is under a disadvantage, and criticisms of the sector,” Justice Byron declared.

Policeman testifies in Nandlall’s law books larceny trial

THE trial against former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall in relation to the alleged larceny of over $2 million worth of law books from the Ministry of Legal Affairs continued on Tuesday with the testimony of a police witness. The former AG is on trial for the alleged theft of the Lexis Nexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth that cost

some $2M. The law reports are the property of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the charge contends. Before trial Magistrate Fabayo Azore, Police Corporal Munnilall Persaud, who is attached to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), took to the witness stand while being led by Special prosecutor Patrice Henry. Nandlall is represented by

Attorney-at-Law Neil Boston, S.C, Glen Hanoman and Devindra Kissoon. The matter has been adjourned until December 8 for continuation. Earlier, two witnesses had testified. They are; Janise Joe, former stores clerk at the Ministry of Legal Affairs (1999-2014), and Daniel Persaud, an accounts clerk at the said ministry. Over the last two years,

Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG, the law books were purchased for him by the state with approval by former President Ramotar. Nandlall had explained that the law books are in his possession and he has no intention of returning them to the state. He subsequently secured an order in the High Court which bars the police from

seizing the books. Nandlall had stated that the reports were acquired during his term in the office as attorney general and minister of legal affairs. He previously stated that he commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports sometime in 2003, and the arrangement was that the reports be shipped to him

along with an invoice. He noted that before his appointment as attorney-general and minister of legal affairs, he requested that as a condition of his service, the state stand this expense and this was agreed. The items were taken with him when his party demitted office in May 2015. This, he said, was communicated to the relevant authorities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Sex and the City scandal…

Fired constables reinstated By Telesha Ramnarine

TOWN Clerk Royston King Tuesday night took a decision to rescind a decision he made last month to fire the two officers at the centre of the City Constabulary sex scandal involving a 15-year-old boy. The officers, Lance Corporal Clifton Pellew and Quacy Baveghems, will now be sent on administrative leave until the investigation by the Legal Affairs and Security Committee and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are completed and recommendations are made regarding the way forward. King took the decision to reinstate the officers following a letter from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, which outlined how flawed King’s decision was in the first place to fire the officers. Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, too, noted that King had misled the council in this matter. “I am advised that due process to discipline Mr. Baveghems has not been followed in this matter and

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green reads to councillors a letter from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

I now advise that same be done, forthwith, affording him an opportunity to answer allegations that have to be laid to him. “It is important that you note that the Ministry of Communities will not condone unfair and/or wrongful treatment meted out to employees of any local democratic organ, and will endeavour to safe-

guard their employment and natural justice rights,” the minister wrote. He pointed out that at the time of the dismissals, the Legal Affairs and Security Committee was still in the process of investigating the matter and had not yet completed its work. “Therefore, your actions may be deemed as ultra vires, since the [com-

mittee] was not given the opportunity to complete its responsibilities, neither was the committee allowed to report its findings and make recommendations to the council,” the minister said. Meanwhile, the Council took a decision to give the Legal Affairs and Security Committee seven working days beginning today

(Wednesday) to wrap up its investigation. The mayor said she had a “big beef” with the town clerk at the time he decided to fire the two men. When she informed King that she was not satisfied with his decision, King pointed out that he had the authority to make an administrative decision. FRIENDS Chase-Green was not particularly in favour of changing the decision in favour of the minister and pointed out how Baveghems stood in the Constabulary and allowed the sex act to completion instead of doing something about it. Baveghems, who has written to various persons complaining of unlawful dismissal, even saw when Pellew took out a condom, Chase-Green said. “He

Wednesday,November 15th, 2017 -14:30hrs Thursday, November 16th, 2017 -14:30hrs Friday ,November 14th , 2017-14:30hrs

witnessed the act but did nothing. He did not even report it in the diary.” Chase-Green also chided Chief Constable Andrew Foo for not doing anything about the matter and observed that if anyone should be sent home, it ought to be Foo. “Why did the chief constable release the boy? Who’s the accessory to the crime? Who has the authority to charge people? The chief constable did nothing because he has a blue eye baby in the batch and didn’t want anything to become exposed.” The mayor inferred a second time that Foo did nothing about the matter because he is “friends” with Pellew. But Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee, Councillor Sherod Duncan, offered that although all of the emotions and evidence might be there, the officer should be given a hearing. D e p u t y Mayor Lionel Jaikarran offered that the officers should not have been dismissed before the investigation was completed. And People’s Progressive Party Councillor Bishram Kuppen similarly commented that King took a wrong decision in terminating the services without the investigation being completed. Councillor Oscar Clarke offered that the matter was handled badly from the very start. The Chronicle understands that the juvenile was allegedly approached by Pellew in the wee hours of the morning and made to engage in the act. The incident occurred sometime between August 22 and 23 last. The chief constable h a d t o l d t h i s n e w s p aper that although he was aware that the lance corporal at reference faced a similar matter in 2016, everyone is deemed innocent until they are proven guilty. Pellew’s 2016 matter was reportedly dropped, because the victim did not pursue it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Aggressive strategy needed to tackle diabetes

-GPHC chair By Navendra Seoraj

WITH diabetes cases numbering in the thousands, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chairperson, Kesaundra Alves has said that an aggressive action plan is needed to tackle the disease. Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood According to statistics, some 141 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes, with more than 44.3 million recorded in North American and Caribbean

countries, a figure which is expected to rise to 60.5 million by 2040. In 2015, the number of diabetic cases in Guyana stood at 49,800 and the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s country profile of 2016 revealed that most deaths occurred in the 30-69 age range, males 160 and females 180, while those 70 years and above, males less than 100 deaths and females 140. While there have been many attempts locally to reduce those figures, there is still much work to be done, said Alves at a World Diabetes Day programme, organised by the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove and held at the Ramada Hotel, Providence, on Tuesday. “World Diabetes Day is being observed globally with

GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves addresses the gathering at the Ramada Hotel

the objective of heightening awareness and making more effective interventions to combat this disease which is prevalent at the national, regional and international levels,” the GPHC chairperson said. Statistics from the Ameri-

Members of the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove share a moment with the GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves (centre)

cas revealed that the situation is quite alarming in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Those countries reportedly occupy the top positions, out of 54 countries, with regard to the incidence of diabetes and deaths of persons during their working life. Alves, in making reference to that, said that the local economy will be severely compromised if, on a yearly basis, the human resources dwindle as a consequence of diabetes which can be prevented or better managed if only persons change their lifestyle and work at reducing the risk factors that are attributed to this disease. “Collectively, you and I have to make a concerted effort to reverse this upward trend, and so I want to compliment the members of the Diamond/Grove Lions Club who have taken this initiative to organise this forum, with a view to educating residents of the surrounding communities on the prevalence of this disease and to apprise them of the numerous ways in which human suffering related to debates and its complications can be alleviated,” said Alves. She also zeroed in on the theme for World Diabetes Day “Women and diabetes -- our right to a healthy future.” According to her, in Guyana, the statistics reveal that more women than men are affected by the disease and are less able to withstand the burden of the disease.

A staff of the Ramada Hotel being given a free optical checkup which was made available by the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove

The third sustainable goal of the United Nations (UN) speaks to the health and well-being of all women and girls. Alves said the local health systems must be fully responsive to them in the sense of offering high quality, more comprehensive and readily available services. “As we think of women with diabetes and those prone to the disease, it is important that they have access to essential diabetes medicine and technologies and self-management education and information they need to achieve optimal generations,” she said. Members of the Lions Club also supported her notion of building and strengthening

capacity to place women and girls as a top priority for the Ministry of Public Health. Alves said the Ministry has been severely challenged with the high incidence of diabetes but [it] has been able, with the emergence of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project, to better address and manage the disease. The programme is focused on four priority areas, namely: Diabetic retinopathy; Diabetes in pregnancy; The development of a diabetes database at the Ministry of Public Health; and a public awareness component through the Chronic Disease Unit at the Ministry of Public Health.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Elevating our Parliament THE National Assembly is an institution for which Guyanese have respect, given that it is the most representative branch of government, the nation’s highest decision-making forum, and what flows from its members impacts the lives of all. There was a period in the nation’s history when citizens looked forward to parliamentary sittings. Those were sittings when members showcased their oratorical skills and intellectual prowess on the issues they spoke to, inclusive of the parliamentary standing orders, the nation’s constitution and laws, and referencing world events in justifying their positions. With recent flare-ups in the parliament, one cannot help recalling the parting words of the late Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Doodnauth Singh S.C., when in 2009, as a member of the National Assembly, he told his colleagues that it was a privilege to serve, but he would not say that it has always been a pleasure. Singh went on to express concern that the people’s business was not always addressed in a civilised and decent atmosphere. This view eight years hence not only haunts the Assembly’s hallowed halls, but has become more pervasive and increasingly worse. It can only be hoped that there would be appreciation for the fact that parliamentary immunity does not grant immunity to be crass, disrespectful of the other, show no regard for authority, or engage in the abuse of authority and privilege. While parliamentary discourse and debate would involve cut and thrust, cut and thrust is an art that encompasses the skilful use of language, which is quite unlike the crassness that the

society is being subjected to. Were our children behaving in like manner in the classrooms, they would have been punished, and deservedly so. In this media age, adults should remember when they behave like rascals they are not only failing themselves, but their children, family and society. The less-than-desirable behaviour which is informed by less-than-desirable regard for the House and citizens has debilitating consequences for the society. In our democracy there has always been an opposition and government sitting in the House, which in itself is an inclusionary undercurrent in influencing governance. Being in opposition does not mean the party or its members have to oppose for the sake of opposing. Being in the government does not mean that the group or its members have to ignore the voice of the opposition. Being on either side of the House does not grant licence to be unbecoming. It has become a disturbing aspect of our politics to see our parliamentarians sleeping when the House is in session or their attention diverted to issues not before them. In the social media craze, it is not unusual to see parliamentarians taking less than becoming pictures of their colleagues, more particularly on the other side, and posting them sometimes when the House is still in session. Evidently, among some the attention span required to prepare, discuss and debate the people’s business is infinitesimal. On the other hand, some presentations are a far cry from the issues before the House, which demonstrate lack of understanding and failure to do the required homework.

Our present parliament has within it, members who are relatively much more academically qualified than their predecessors. This certificated progress regrettably is not represented in the quality of presentations, debate, cut and thrust, and intellectual curiosity. Intellectual curiosity will necessitate doing the required homework in improving the quality of presentations, having thorough understanding of the issues and rules, and listening to the people’s expectations and being able to meet them. Cavalier attitudes in the absence of knowledge reflects a sense of irresponsibility. The consequence of this behaviour forces the society to lose confidence in our parliamentary representatives and shy away from politics, because it is seen as a game played by irresponsible adults. Fifty-one years as an independent nation is not unreasonable to expect that our parliamentarians would have been building on the quality of performance demonstrated by those in the earlier era.

Full disclosure of oil contract is a There should live consideration before Cabinet be no cover-up

Dear Editor

We thank you for the opportunity to respond to a letter appearing in the November 14, 2017 edition of the Stabroek News and headlined ‘Guyanese need the release of the Exxon contract and to know if a signing bonus was paid’. The Ministry of Natural Resources has taken note of each and every call for the ExxonMobil agreement to be disclosed in the interest of transparency, from a number of stakeholders. These calls whilst validly grounded on the basis of transparency, also engender the promotion of related discussions and necessary considerations of national and international importance. Within this wider framework, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has expressed its intent to publish the details of all Production Sharing Contracts as soon as

it is opportune to do so. The MNR takes this opportunity as well to guide that all international and local oil companies operating in Guyana have Production Sharing Contracts which contain confidentiality clauses. It is also the responsibility of Government in the interest of transparency and good governance, to engage all companies as the Government works towards publication. These weighty considerations and deliberations are not matters residing solely within the ambit of the Minister of Natural Resources, but are reflective of the collective position of His Excellency, the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. Minister Trotman’s position is not his own, but that of a Government committed to the best interests of all Guyanese now and in the future. It is with this interest in

mind that the Government of Guyana thought it prudent to release key financial provisions of the contract – the royalty (2%), the production sharing percentage (50/50) and the cost recovery ceiling (75%). In addition every discovery carries a release on the quality and estimates of recoverable barrels of oil. This information allows Guyanese to gain a fundamental understanding of the expected financial returns to the nation and is not to be brushed aside simply in the pursuit of ‘more disclosure’. The MNR urges Guyanese to soberly consider what we expect, what opportunities are arising and what arrangements we need to to put in place to properly manage the fortune that is coming our way; even as we work towards further releasing the contents of the contractual engagements in existence. In closing we wish to emphasis, yet again, that this

matter of full disclosure is a live consideration before Cabinet and the Ministry of Natural Resources shall continue to engage all stakeholders on this and other matters pertaining to the transparent and responsible development of the petroleum sector. We continue to welcome the contributions of all Guyanese and look forward to continued and productive engagement as we work towards increasing access to contractual information regarding our burgeoning petroleum sector in such a manner which preserves the public benefit and right to sustainable development, in the interest of openness and accountability. Yours faithfully, N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources

--this case needs to be made public

Dear Editor, AT present, there is a reported case of alleged sexual abuse committed on a school girl in the community of St. Deny’s, Tapakuma, Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). This horrible act that has been committed on this child must never go unchecked. Many feel however, that the alleged perpetrator may again get off the hook since his relative has ‘strings all over the world’ and are afraid to speak out against the evil in this community. The residents are of the view that should this crime go unsolved, it would only lead to further trouble. Sir, there are known instances of alleged misconduct of a similar nature committed by this very resident in the past, but no justice was ever served. Editor, there is

a recent case where a schoolboy was sexually abused and murdered in Berbice. This was all because, although residents reported incidents of assaults, police were slow to act. Residents of St. Deny’s , however, are upbeat and of the firm view that in this case there would be no stone left unturned, that the case would be thoroughly investigated and the necessary action be taken by the relevant law enforcement institution (s), to keep the criminal-minded at bay from preying on our young children, our young girls in particular. Please be assured that the matter above will reach the desk of the President, the Head of the Armed Forces of Guyana, should the circumstances occasion this. Regards NAME PROVIDED

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Christopher Ram’s I felt no compulsion --to pen a letter on this matter letter is misleading Dear Editor,

Dear Editor CHRISTOPHER Ram wrote that Act No 2 of 2000 has nothing to do with the Elections Commission; that rather it has to do with taxes. Ram should apologise to the nation for misleading it. This establishes that my date was absolutely correct. Unfortunately, in an attempt to dispute the facts, Mr. Ram sought employment at Brass Aluminum Fabrication, and fabricated his own history of events. Thank heavens that President Granger had the foresight to see that Ram is not a fit and proper person! It is mind-boggling that Chris Ram and Komal Ramkarran would seek refuge in the view that it was a consensus clause, rather than face the reality that this clause was initiated by Jagdeo and the PPP. Suddenly, the PPP cannot remember who initiated it! Even their two spokespersons, Teixeira and Nandlall, are struck by convenient

amnesia. Let me remind them: Jagdeo and the PPP did. In the history of the National Assembly, all Bills that were tabled and debated while the PPP was in government came from the PPP. Raphael Trotman did table a Freedom of Information Bill. It never saw the light of day! Jagdeo and the PPP refused to have it debated. To state that the Act was assented to by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the functions of President, doesn’t help, even though it is true. It was well known that Sam Hinds was an innocuous Prime Minister, who acted in keeping with the Jagdeo’s script. In essence, it was Jagdeo’s doing. Hinds assented to it because the dictator, Jagdeo, was overseas. It WAS a PPP Bill. Please don’t raise the argument that Jagdeo didn’t assent to Bill No. 2 of 2000, and that the Bill was unanimous. He did, since there were a number of Bills in the same process that were unanimous that

he disagreed with and refused to assent to and make law. Among them is Bill No. 18 of 2000 in the Constitution Amendment process. He created history by being the first President in Guyana to not assent to a Bill that was unanimous. This law that entrenches unilateralism is Jagdeo and the PPP’s DOING, and it has returned to haunt them. No fabrication by Chris Ram could change the fact that in 2000, the law was passed and assented to under Jagdeo’s presidency. I find it the summit of stupidity for a lawyer to ask, “How did Aubrey Norton vote on the issue?” having asserted that the Act was a consensus/unanimous document. The senior Ramkarran, who is a knowledgeable person, should advise him that you don’t vote in such circumstances; the Speaker merely notes that the ‘ayes’ have it. Regards AUBREY C. NORTON

I WRITE this letter to seek clarity from my distinguished, longstanding comrade and friend, David Hinds, on a remark he made in his November 11, 2017 “Hinds’ Sight” column captioned, “Political decisions have consequences”. In his column, Hinds made the observation that the APNU+AFC coalition, in relation to President David Granger’s unilateral action of naming a chairperson for GECOM, failed to do the required public education in an attempt at creating its own political narrative to win what was/is a battle of credibility. On this score, I agree with his position. However, he went on to state, “This government, to its detriment, depends on PR rather than PN (Political Narratives). I am not certain

what he is saying here, and I would welcome an explanation from him of what is it he was attempting to point out. But, more importantly, I was taken aback by his question that followed the above, “Where were the likes of Aubrey Norton, Tacuma Ogunseye and Gary Best before the decision was made?” Because I am not sure what was intended by the question, I believe it is important to let David know that from the commencement of the controversy, that is, after Opposition Leader Jagdeo had submitted his first list to President Granger, Deon Abrams, Desmond Trotman and I had -- on at least three occasions on the Walter Rodney Groundings programme, which is aired on HBTV CH 9 -- dealt extensively on this matter. Particular emphasis was made on the political and constitutional jeopardies inherent

in the decisions that could be made. Our discussions took place long before the president announced his decision. Having expressed my views on the issue of the GECOM chairmanship on several occasions on Groundings, I felt no compulsion to pen a letter on this matter to the newspapers. It is therefore difficult to understand why my friend and comrade, David, would want to interpret my not having addressed my concerns in the print media as a failure to do so at all. David, more than anyone else, is aware that the newspapers is not the only medium available to persons to state their public positions on important national issues, political and otherwise. Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

We need to have safe access to abortion By Akola Thompson

ABORTION. It is a word that more often than not causes a fierce divide amongst the populace. The procedure in which an embryo or fetus is deliberately terminated by the host before it can survive outside of the uterus is one that has always been mired in controversy. There is the “pro-life,” faction that is of the belief that life begins at conception and as such, abortion should be considered murder. There is the “pro-abortion” faction (of which I am a proud member) who argues that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights. As such, one has a choice

about whether or not they take an embryo/fetus to full term. Then, there is the “middle” faction (of which I used to be a member) that is ethically against abortion but support the host’s right to an abortion. There are shades of grey within this one though. While some support the right to an abortion, others believe that abortions should only be carried out in instances such as where it is necessary to abort the embryo/fetus to save the hosts life. As someone who is pro-abortion, I understand the emotions of pro-lifers and those somewhere in the middle. However, many persons only hold this position because there are many myths surrounding abortion. One of

the largest and most surprising myths surrounding abortion in Guyana is that it is illegal. Abortion has been legal in Guyana since 1996 under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Thinking of it, we have extremely progressive laws where abortions are concerned. There had been one hick in it though. Before, while abortion was legal, it was not readily available. This is one of the tactics most often used by those who wish to hinder a woman’s access to an abortion. In the US, abortions are constantly being made harder for women to safely access given new policies and laws that see abortion clinics having to change their room and corridor sizes to abide by new

policies. Given these, many smaller clinics would have had to close their doors since they could no longer meet the minimum requirements and refurbishing would have been too expensive. Regulations such as these serve no other purpose other than to hinder the free access to abortions. In the US, due to a certain law, taxpayer dollars cannot be used to provide abortions. We had a similar situation here where abortions were not made available at public hospitals or clinics. This has over the years been removed and abortions are now freely available at several public clinics and hospitals. The Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), Suddie Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital,

Mahdia and Mabaruma are some of these places. Due to the restriction before however, women would have either had to find the money for a private clinic or they would attempt to carry out an abortion themselves, or seek out someone who may not be necessarily qualified. With the number of self-attempted abortions and back-alley abortions that would have taken place due to poverty and inaccessibility, many lives were lost and many would have become sterile. Even though abortions are freely available at some places, because of the stigma against abortion many women are still having ‘back alley’ abortions or seek to do it themselves. Only a year ago, a woman died after she injected gramazone into her stomach to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. We cannot ignore the role stigma has to play in situations like that. One of the most common pro-life deceptions used against abortion is that there are high risks involved and, that women who have abortions develop mental illness or feelings of regret. The only time an abortion has high risks involved is when someone who is not trained and certified to carry out the procedure attempts to do it That is why making abortions accessible is important. You are not promoting abortions when you make it accessible you are saving lives. Also, various studies over the years have debunked the myth that abortions are regretted. The feeling most common with an abortion is relief and those who have had abortions state that it was the right decision for them at the time. Now, let me explain the concept of bodily autonomy. This is often a concept that pro-lifers always have trouble understanding. Because I as a person have human rights, I have a say in what goes in to my body and what stays in. I have the final say in what is done with my body. It is for this reason that while you can advise a diabetic patient that they need to take off a foot in order to survive, they have the final say in whether they want to get that foot amputated or not. It is also the reason that,

unless you sign an organ donor consent form before your death, your body parts cannot be harvested. Because a embryo/fetus cannot survive on its own before a certain point, it is the mother’s choice to decide whether she wants to take the pregnancy to full term or not. One of the myths that we need to stop touting is the one that states that abortion is used as contraception. This is an inaccurate claim used to muddy the waters in the abortion debate. Firstly, abortion and contraception are two entirely different things. While they both fall under the category of sexual and reproductive health, they are two distinctly different things. Contraception is a range of methods and devices available that helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies, whereas abortion is usually used as a last resort to get rid of a pregnancy. Many abortions only happen after contraception would have failed. Then of course there are those who argue that instead of abortions, children should instead be put up for adoption. But why would you want to bring an unwanted child into a world that would further crush them? The amount of children who waste away and age out of foster homes is ridiculous. All of these children would most likely have harboured feelings of neglect and loneliness given their thoughts of abandonment. Then too, it isn’t as if pro-lifers are lining up at adoption centres to save the precious children. Their condemnation is based on a false and misplaced sense of morality. Here’s the thing women will have abortions. No matter what policies or laws we put in place, they will have abortions. The only difference is that without necessary policies in place, safe access to abortion becomes difficult and botched abortions-related deaths would be on the rise. If we are serious about keeping our women safe, we sill seek to dismantle the stigma and fear surrounding abortion and create a space in which women do not feel attacked for wanting to have an abortion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Lone gunman targets Lamaha Park shop – relieves delivery boys of ‘petty-cash’, valuables

By Michel Outridge TWO unsuspecting Guyana Beverages Inc. employees were robbed by a lone gunman on Tuesday morning at Ingrid’s Grocery at Lot 338 Lamaha Park, Georgetown. The incident reportedly occurred at around 09:40hrs, and according to the owner of the small shop, Ingrid Kennedy, the beverage people had just arrived to take her orders and were about to go get the stock when the man pulled out a gun and relieved them of whatever little ‘petty-cash’ they had on them, as well as their wallets and cellphones. According to one of many eyewitnesses, the bandit had the gun hidden under his shirt. On seeing that, the shop owner began shouting, “Thief! Thief!” But by that time, the gunman had already got what he was after and made good his escape on a CG motorcycle which was being ridden by an accomplice.

Ms Kennedy said that from the time she laid eyes on the strange young man, she somehow knew he was up to no good. And her hunch proved right when he whipped out the gun; but the poor delivery boys were too traumatised to put up a fight and just handed over the goodies. The Guyana Beverages Inc. yesterday confirmed that two of their employees called in to report that they had been robbed, but was unsure of the amount, since they had not returned to the office and were said to be with the police. In response to calls for help from Lamaha Park residents, Head of the Forensic Laboratory, Superintendent Philip Azore himself turned up on the scene, while ranks were dispatched to hunt down the two criminals, who were observed riding round and round following the robbery as if they were not yet satisfied with the day’s “pickings” and were in search of more easy prey. And, as luck would have

it, within hours the police were reporting that one of the two suspects had been arrested and is assisting with the investigation. They’ve also reported impounding two CG motorcycles, one of which was allegedly involved in the hold-up. The two victims were able to positively identify the motorcycle as the one that was used in perpetrating the robbery that morning. Frustrated residents gathered at the shop following the incident told the Guyana Chronicle that they cannot sleep at nights for fear of being robbed. Just recently, the home of Ministry of the Presidency’s photographer, Ms Sandra Prince, was broken into, and important documents among other valuables were carted off. Residents say the area has seen a series of break-ins lately, mostly at nights, by what appears to be a well– organised gang of criminals. Many are afraid to be on the

Ingrid’s Grocery, where the holdup occurred early Tuesday morning (Photo by Michel Outridge) streets after dark, as almost every night there’s a hold-up. Superintendent Azore told the Guyana Chronicle that following a community meeting with Lamaha Park residents two Sundays ago, the police have been do-

ing some work in the area, including regular mobile patrols. He told residents on Tuesday that based on information garnered, the bandits who operate in the area are being harboured by a few bad

eggs in the community, and urged them to remain vigilant and report all incidents of criminal activities, since the police can only do so much. He is expected to hold another community meeting with residents shortly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Taxi driver wanted in teacher’s murder

THE police are seeking to contact a taxi driver whose cellphone number appeared repeatedly on Kescia Branche’s phone as they draw near to wrapping up their investigations into her death. The police were granted an

additional 72 hours Monday to further detain the suspects. A total of nine statements have been taken from persons and three suspects are in custody, including the father of Branche’s three-year-old son. Police related that the taxi driver’s car was impounded at

the Brickdam Police Station and it is suspected that he left the country after Branche’s body was found with a broken leg and in an unconscious state on November 5. Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to

see the teacher alive. The Richard Ishmael Secondary school teacher died two days after being found battered in the City at the Georgetown Public Hospital. A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

The police had requested CCTV footage in the area and it was reviewed. Crime Chief (ag), Paul Williams recently said that persons will be charged this week as the investigation continues into the death of Branche.

Dead: Kescia Branche

Taxi owner tells court he uses 'ecstasy' for sex

THE owner of EZEE Runnings Taxi Service was on Tuesday remanded to prison after denying being in possession of ecstasy, for the purpose of trafficking. Kapildea Ramsawak, 34, of Campbellville appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer two charges. Particulars of the first charge, alleged that Ramsawak on November 10 at Lodge, had 496 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. It is further alleged that on the said date, at Campbellville , he had 2.6 grams of ecstasy in his possession. Police Prosecutor, Dylon Bess opposed bail being

granted to Ramsawak on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges. According to Bess, on the day in question the police raided a shop in the Lodge area and saw Ramsawak running from the business place. He was pursued and arrested. Ramsawak was searched and the alleged cannabis was found in his possession. Ramsawak was then taken to his Campbellville home and the ecstasy was found in his bedroom. The prosecution further disclosed that Ramsawak told the ranks that he uses the ecstasy for ‘sexual purposes’. The magistrate however remanded the accused for the trafficking of cannabis matter and granted him $25,000 bail

Kapildea Ramsawak for the one in relation to the ecstasy possession. Ramsawak , however, will return to court today (Wednesday) as both matters will again be called up.

Policeman accidentally shot pursuing bandit A POLICE constable is receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being accidentally shot in his upper right arm by one of his colleagues on Tuesday. His condition is considered stable. Reports indicate that a

robbery suspect was apprehended at Leopold and Breda Streets, Charlestown, about 15:30hrs and residents in the area turned out in their numbers, resulting in confusion that caused the alleged robber to flee. Back-up was summoned and two armed policemen began chasing the suspect,

when the one of the officers in pursuit stumbled, resulting in his M70 rifle falling onto the ground and a round being discharged, hitting his colleague who was ahead of him. This resulted in the alleged robber making good his escape. The police are investigating the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

SCS now willing to produce financial documents –– face-to-face renegotiations to commence in two weeks

By Telesha Ramnarine SMART City Solutions (SCS), the foreign company which has been given approval to install parking meters in Georgetown, is now ready to produce the financial documents that the company once refused to release, to the new renegotiating committee. Chairman of the new committee, Councillor Akeem Peter, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that senior officials of the company are currently out of the jurisdiction, and have committed to releasing the documents when they return. They are expected to return in two weeks. “They will be delivering the documents in 14 days’ time so that we can start face- to-face negotiations across the table,” Peter informed. The committee has completed its internal review of the contract after two members of the public were chosen to seal the nine-man team that will renegotiate with SCS. Owen Godfrey Edwards, a civil engineer, and Robin Hunte, an accountant and lawyer, were chosen over the two other names that were proposed, these being MBA

doctoral student, Joseph Eastman and retired schoolteacher, Pamela Arthur. Thirteen of 25 city councillors had voted in favour of setting up a new committee, consisting of members of the public this time around, to start a fresh process of negotiation with SCS. Apart from Peter, who was selected Chairman, another APNU Councillor Noelle Chow-Chee was named Vice-Chairman. The other members are councillors Oscar Clarke, Jameel Rasul, James Samuels, Heston Bostwick and Ivor Henry. Town Clerk, Royston King and City Treasurer, Ron Mc Calman will serve in an advisory capacity. People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s Bishram Kuppen, who is opposed to King’s sitting on the committee for fear he would influence the direction that it takes, was chosen to sit on the new team by Councillor Bostwick, but he declined the nomination. SUITABLE DEAL In an invited comment, Peter had told Guyana Chronicle that the new committee will be working to achieve “the most possible and suitable deal” for the citizens of Georgetown.

“One of the first things I would be doing is asking for much more external helpers as it relates to the accounting systems. Numbers would play a great role,” he said, adding that the working income of most of the workers in Georgetown and the affordability of parking meters on the ‘normal’ person will have to be taken into account. “We will bring the human face back to the issue, because we understood that it wasn’t really about parking meters, but it was about the contract. We want to help people understand the process,” Peter explained. He said, too, that along with a reduction in the cost to park, the team will also be looking at the spaces that were offered to SCS, such as those in front of schools. “Even though we began on a wrong foot, I view this as an opportunity now for us to realign ourselves along the right path, and get a human face to parking meters. The submission of documents is not an option; it’s a necessity, a must-do. Once those are submitted, I see us moving forward,” he said. The contract the M&CC entered into with SCS came under heavy criticism from some City councillors, who

called for a complete revocation of it, while others suggested waiting on the outcome of a court case that has a bearing on the matter. Deputy Mayor, Lionel

Jaikarran had said the project lacked transparency from the beginning, was not open to public scrutiny, and should be shelved immediately. Alliance for Change

(AFC) Councillor, Sherod Duncan, along with PPP Councillors Kuppen and Khame Sharma, also called for the complete revocation of the contract.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Night school initiative to extend to Regions One, Three, Nine

THE Youth Empowerment Night School programme will soon be extended to Port Kaituma, Region One; Meten-Meer-Zorg, Region Three and the Rupununi in Region Nine. This is according to the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Au-

brey Norton. The Night School programme was launched in North Ruimveldt, Sophia, and Soesdyke in 2016, targeting school drop-outs and persons who gained less than five subjects at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CSEC). Speaking to the De-

partment of Public Information (DPI), Norton explained that the department has been visiting several areas and conducting surveys to determine the number of students who are out of school or do not have the required number of CSEC subjects to secure a job.

“…We also had some of them even drop out of school and we wanted to give them a second chance. And so, we piloted three-night school programmes. We also found that the level of poverty didn’t permit many of them to travel far for school, and so we have begun the night school,” Norton explained. He also reported that the programme would have thus far, recorded a 75 per cent success among the students who wrote CSEC. While there were satisfac-

tory results in English, the department is currently in discussion with the teachers on methods to improve in the area of mathematics. According to Norton, one of the recommendations that came out of the discussions, is that teachers need to develop more creative techniques to motivate the young people to be committed to their studies. Currently, there are over 100 students in North Ruimveldt benefitting; 100 in Sophia and over 70 in Soesdyke.

The teachers are employed from within the area and are paid 3,000 per hour to instruct the students. Meanwhile, the Presidential Advisor’s office is also facilitating music programmes for the youths in Linden, Region 10 and New Amsterdam, Region Six. This programme will soon be extended to Essequibo, Region Two. All of these projects are led by young people who were trained in leadership by the department.

Kato School to open in January PREPARATIONS are ongoing to have Kato Secondary School opened for the new school term in January. Regional Executive Officer, (REO) Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Gavin Gunga explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the school is currently still being outfitted with furniture, equipment, and other requisite supplies before the school opens. “The plan right now is to commission the Kato School in the last week of this school term. So right now, the trucks and contractors are delivering those furniture and necessary supplies to commence school in January,” Gunga

said. The REO added that teachers have also been secured for the new school term. He disclosed that he was informed by the Ministry of Education’s, Teachers Service Commission that the necessary personnel to execute the functions of the school are there and “once school starts in January, students and teachers will be there.” According to Gunga, all the technical checks were conducted and the school was given the green light to open in January. Students from nearby institutions, including Mahdia Secondary, Sand Creek Secondary, and Paramakatoi Secondary

School students, who presently are housed at that institution’s overcrowded dormitory, will be transferred to the Kato Secondary School. In July last, Minister of State Joseph Harmon at a post-Cabinet briefing, announced that the Kato Secondary School, which was constructed at a cost of over a $100M, was unsafe for occupancy. After several interventions by government, remedial works were completed by the contractor who was issued with the Certificate of Practical Completion, by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, for the school. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Fire flattens Port Kaituma fuel bond

A FUEL bond at Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, North West District and two properties nearby were totally destroyed by fire in the

wee hours of Tuesday morning. Reports indicate that the bond belongs to 53-year-old businessman Brian Gamell.

According to reports, on Monday night, the businessman secured his fuel bond which is in an open area before leaving for home nearby.

The aftermath of the fire that destroyed three properties on Tuesday morning

Gamell told the police that after he had done so, he heard persons talking loudly in the vicinity of the bond but did not pay much attention. Minutes after he heard an explosion and upon looking outside, he realised his bond was ablaze. Reports further indicate that the fire rapidly engulfed the building and the businessman’s home also went up in flames.

One of the businessman’s vehicles GNN 4254, which was parked nearby was also destroyed. No one was injured in the fire. APNU parliamentarian Richard Alleyne said if the fire engines that were dispatched to the area were in proper working condition, more could have been saved and persons would not now be homeless.

Had it not been for the quick action by residents who formed a bucket brigade, other properties would have gone up in flames. “No fuel should be stored in the community and there are lands in other areas that offer more security measures,” Alleyne said. Gamell and his family, along with another, are now homeless.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Banks DIH honours long-service workers

NINETEEN employees of Banks DIH who have attained 20 years of service with the company were honoured during its annual 20-Year-Club Luncheon held last Friday at the Sports Club at Thirst Park. Clifford Reis, chairman and managing-director of Banks DIH presented gold pins with the company’s emblem to the recipients, including two employees who were from the Berbice branch. Louis Holder, Chief Executive Officer of Amy’s

Pomeroon Foods Inc. who delivered the feature address, congratulated the awardees for their commitment and dedication to the company. Holder said that advances in science and technology had dramatically altered the nature and composition of the 21st century workforce, and it may be difficult for companies in the future to maintain employees for that extended period of time, due to technological advancements in artificial intelligence and robotic engineering. He applauded Banks DIH

The employees who have been recognised for 20 years of service pose with Mr. Clifford Reis, chairman,managing-director, Mr. George Mc Donald, co-managing-director,marketing director and Mr. Michael Pereira – operations director. Limited for maintaining very good employee relationships. Also present at the function were Mr. George McDonald, co-managing-director/Marketing Director; Mr. Michael Pereira, Operations Director; Mr. Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director; and Mr. Shabir Hussein, Engineering Services Director. The awardees were:

Shawn Smith and Nirmal Kishur – Liquor/Beverage Salesmen ; Satesh Kistoo, Winslow Thom and Earl Wilson – Beverage Salesmen; Mark Rowe – Novelty Ice Sales, Bhola Tiwari and Ron Harris – Head Office; Seabra Cooper – Rum Factory; Shawn Clementson – Property Maintenance; Matthew Kendall and

Dhaneshwar Ramnauth – Brewery; Christopher Williams – ICT Department; Edwin Grogan–Trisco; Paul Grooms – Bakery; Farida Bacchus – Human Resources Department; Cullen Rowland–Merchandising Department; Fraechie Kendall-Hardy – Berbice Outdoor; and Audrey Sam-Liverpool Trisco,Bread Sales.

Dozens of new wildlife species discovered in Kaieteur Park, Potaro DOZENS of new species have been discovered in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and the Upper Potaro area in Guyana, the World Wildlife Fund Guianas said in a release. Some of the new discoveries are believed not to be found in any other part of the world, and were among the most significant finding of a recent report released by WWF -Guianas, The University of Guyana, The Protected Areas Commission and Global Wildlife Conservation.

According to the release, this is the second report in a series that highlights Guyana’s incredibly rich biodiversity and represents the most recent broad-based floral and faunal assessment in this unique region. The verdant forests, rivers, streams and even tiny rock seepages within the Kaieteur Plateau teem with life, the researchers have documented. A formal launch of the second Biodiversity Assessment Survey Report is scheduled for November 16, at the Cara Lodge.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Miners praise gov’t for fixing interior roads, airstrips … but urge enforcement of weight limit

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] said it welcomes recent efforts by the Government to maintain and improve the interior roads, airstrips, and landings which service the various mining and other hinterland locations. In a release, the GGDMA said gold and diamond mining continues to be the main economic driver of development in Guyana and safe, reliable and efficient passenger and cargo services are critical to the success of mining operations. “The GGDMA recognises that the infrastructure in the mining districts was developed through the efforts of bauxite, manganese, gold and diamond miners, together with forest concessionaires and central government. We submit that this sharing of responsibilities and facilities by stakeholders is fundamental to the continued development of the extractive and other industries. “ The GGDMA calls upon the service providers to make a concerted effort to further improve their overall service. “We call upon truck operators and trucking services to stop overloading their trucks. This is critical as the rainy season is quickly approaching. When the roads become deplorable there is more down time and hence [it] increases the operations cost to miners and other hinterland road users, who now have to pay double to have their fuel and other supplies delivered to their camps,” the GGDMA said. Additionally, the GGDMA said many of their miners’ trucks and other equipment are being severely damaged due to the deplorable roads. This once again puts additional financial pressure on the miner as unnecessary maintenance cost. As such, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] “is calling on the Government of Guyana to enforce the established Road Users Agreement which stipulates and monitors the weight restrictions for trucks and vehicles transporting fuel and other supplies at key points such as Linden and Bartica. The GGDMA is of the view that some trucking services are damaging the roads, due to the in excessive weights. We also call on the Government to enforce the Road Users Agreement which is fully supported by the GGDMA to encourage a culture of responsible use of interior roads,” the release added. The mining body has also called on all trucking services to adhere to the Road Users Agreement so that the current repairs and maintenance that is being carried out by the government, will be of a longterm benefit to miners and all hinterland road users.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

‘Guyana has done a miracle’ …CFATF chair hails Guyana’s progress on AML fight

From l-r Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, Faris Al Rawi; Angela Brooks, Director of Public Prosecutions, Turks and Caicos Islands; Adriel Braithwaite, AG of Barbados AG Rhondalee Knowles of the Turks & Caicos and Chairperson of CFATF and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, Basil Williams, who is also deputy chair of the grouping. CHAIRPERSON of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles, said that although Guyana is not up for assessment in the fourth round, thus far this country “…has done a miraculous job” in exiting the third round and continues to make progress in strengthening its

anti-money laundering regime. Braithwaite- Knwles also commended Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, for his tenure in the CFATF and his role in moving Guyana forward out of jeopardy in the Third Round in a very short period of time. “I think what Guyana has done to position itself for this fourth round is also impressive in the sense that

what the AG has done is put Guyana forward as the incoming chair. And by [him] being deputy chair for one year, effectively, Guyana has gained more experience, more awareness and has used every opportunity to best position itself.” Meanwhile, CFATF Executive-Director Calvin Wilson said that it was evident that the region places great importance on the is-

sue of combating the financing of terrorism through money laundering as the gathering was the largest of senior officials. The formal opening ceremony of the meeting will be held this morning at the Marriott Hotel and will be addressed by President David Granger. With 12 attorneys general and ministers of justice from around the world, the conference agenda will focus on the assessment

of the 25 members within the Caribbean Region. As Guyana continues to move forward towards becoming fully compliant, three countries, Haiti, St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines remain abaft in the third round of the Mutual Evaluation Programme. The countries were scheduled to make follow-up reports to the International Cooperation Review Group to determine whether they would

advance to the next round. “We [are] monitoring their compliance with rectifying the identified deficiencies, in their Mutual Evaluation Reports, but we also [are] looking to the future, and the future is the fourth round which started in 2015,” said Wilson. Countries such as The Bahamas, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have had their Mutual Evaluations completed.

Issano, Karrau to Buckhall road works progressing REHABILITATION of the Issano and Karrau to Buckhall roads are major projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The Ministry’s Hinterland Engineer, Jeffrey Walcott explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that Phase One of the works on the Issano road is some 40 per cent completed. He noted that the works which commenced three months ago will see the rehabilitation of 35 miles of roadway to White Hill. He added that the existing road is comprised of sand but will be upgraded to an unpaved laterite road. The Issano road runs 75 miles from the Bartica/Potaro road and extends approximately 52 miles to the Issano landing. The roadway which is primarily used by miners has deteriorated over the

years making travel arduous. Walcott said too, that the ministry is working towards upgrading the stretch of roadway that runs directly to the landing during the second phase of the project, which is expected to commence next year. A contract for the sum of $92M was awarded to Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC) for rehabilitative works to be undertaken on the thoroughfare. Executive Director at MMC, Mark Soares said the works are progressing. “The road was a very narrow sand road. Two vehicles could not pass one another on the road and we are trying to widen it to three times the width right now. The current width of the laterite is 21 inches and there is another seven or eight feet of clearing on both sides. Some places (on the road) we are doing is 12 inches thick of laterite.”

Meanwhile, the ministry is also rehabilitating the Karrau to Buckhall road in the said region, to allow residents, miners, and loggers easier access between the two communities. A $98M contract for works on the Karrau to Buckhall road was awarded to International Import and Supplies. The company is also responsible for the upgrade of the almost completed Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge road. The project which only began one month ago is 15 percent completed. Four bridges within the Karrau to Buckhall corridor are also slated for maintenance repairs. Walcott underscored that “bridges have always been one of the sore points for hinterland corridors because the kind of loads they face and the maintenance associated with it. Our design department has specifically modified the de-

Ongoing works on the Karrau to Buckhall road sign of bridges to make them more economical and robust, capable of carrying 40 tons so those will be built along this corridor.” He added that the roadways are being adjusted to accommodate the bridges, which are also being elevat-

ed to counteract high water levels during the wet season. Karrau’s Toshao, Bertelle Thomas commended the road works. He said “before the road (Karrau to Buckhall) was repaired we used the same road; at that time and for up to seven miles it was

filled with potholes which were negatively affecting the residents, especially those using it on a daily basis. Now that it is rehabilitated it will be 100 percent better and will benefit everyone on a positive side.” (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Mahdia residents protest RDC 'corruption' THE Regional Democratic Council of Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni) which is under new management is being accused of `massive corruption’, even as a probe into an alleged $40M School Feeding Programme fraud is ongoing. On Thursday, a group from Mahdia took to the road outside the administrative building, carrying placards which expressed several of the issues they are disturbed

about, including a 2016 Audit Report which in addition to unearthing the school feeding lapses, highlighted other discrepancies relating to the overpayment of salaries, deductions and several contracts. The protesters are also contending that there is a bias in the selection of the Interim Management Community (IMC) which was established to manage the Neighbourhood Democratic

Council (NDC), a necessity for Mahdia to receive its township status. To this end, they are calling for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), as well as, the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) to further investigate the operations of the administration. It was as a result of the disclosures in the 2016 Audit Report, which led to the dismissal of Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rafel Downes. Downes was

dismissed in May 2017. Now, fingers are being pointed by the aggrieved group at the acting REO, Mr. Gavin Gounga, who they claim has employed an assistant accountant who it is alleged is currently under investigation. One of the protesters, Abijah Trotman, in an appeal to the high authorities for action, remarked “Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, we are with you 100 per cent. We are strong

supporters of the Coalition, but... the RDC, Region Eight is stressing us out.” Meanwhile, Gounga, who has been acting in the position since May 22, 2017, told the Guyana Chronicle that much of what the protesters are complaining about are public findings and nothing new. “It’s no secret. What they are saying are the findings of the Auditor General when the auditors came here to do the 2016 Audit. So the

matter is still in the investigative stage, it has not [reached] a conclusion as yet.” He also stated that it would have to be a call from his superiors, (the Permanent Secretary and the Financial Secretary) to effect any dismissal of the assistant accountant, since it is not within his jurisdiction to do so. Nonetheless, ‘secret sufferers’, are what the protesters say they are being treated as.

Protesters displaying their placards

The Office of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) where the protesters gathered

A truck, driven by protesters, bearing placards calling for SARU and SOCU to get involved

ONE week after 27-yearold, Hafeez Douglas, was fatally stabbed after intervening in an argument between two brothers, at Christiana Street, North Ruimveldt, his attacker was on Tuesday charged with murder.

According to reports Abel and his brother were having an argument at a shop when Douglas intervened, causing another argument. Abel and Douglas then began to scuffle, during which Douglas was stabbed several times about the body

Man charged for killing ‘peacemaker’ Jermaine Abel, 26, appeared before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore, and was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that on November 8, at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown he murdered Douglas. Police Prosecutor, Cor-

poral Dylon Bess told the court that the police file is incomplete and the post mortem report is still outstanding. The Magistrate adjourned the matter until tomorrow (Wednesday) and transferred it to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

with a sharp metal instrument. He fell onto the roadway in front of a shop and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Jermain Abel

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Speeding, drunk driving still big problems ––‘Operation Safeway’ reveals, after snaring 20,070 errant drivers in a year SINCE the launch of ‘Operation Safeway’ about a year ago, the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s traffic department has made a total of 20,070 cases against errant drivers. Of the lot, Traffic Chief Dion Moore told reporters on Monday, 7,375 were for speeding, while another 2,801 were for being tested and found to be above the prescribed alcohol limit. Most of those infringements, as many as 1,903, were found to have occurred at night, he said. As to what measures the department has put in place for the Christmas holidays, Moore said, “To avoid undue disruption, the public will be notified, via the media, of any proposed road closure or diversion of traffic. “In Georgetown, three crash trucks will be used to tow away illegally parked vehicles; wheel clamps will be used; vehicle escorts will be provided as needed.” As to how the department has been faring oth-

Traffic Chief Dion Moore at the podium, making a power-point presentation at Monday’s meeting erwise, Moore said that between January and September of this year, there have been 72 deaths from 65 accidents, all mainly due to speeding and driving under the influence. When ‘Operation

Safeway’ was launched on September 15, 2016, the GPF had already recorded 89 accidents with 96 deaths. At the time, it was a 33 and 17 per cent increase on the 2015 figures for fatal accidents

and deaths, respectively. The year 2016, he said, will go down in history as one of the deadliest for road-users in recent times, with 116 fatal accidents resulting in 127 deaths.

Construction underway for new hinterland dorm

COME 2018, tertiary level hinterland students will be housed in a new dormitory outfitted with all the necessary amenities. The building is being constructed at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, at the cost of $186 million. The facility will accommodate some 120 hinterland students who are furthering their studies at higher institutes of learning on the coast. These include the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Economics, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the University of Guyana (UG). Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, recently visited the construction site where the contractors were diligently working to meet the

deadline for the project. The minister was satisfied with the level of work done thus far, and anticipates that the dormitory will be completed early next year. “I am eager as everyone else, for this facility because this accommodation is urgently needed for the hinterland students to further their studies,” Minister Allicock emphasised. The building is being constructed in the same geographic space as the Hinterland Student Dormitory at Liliendaal, which currently houses a few of the students. Other pupils are being accommodated at guardians, family members and at the Amerindian Hostel. Over the past 10 years, an estimated 600 students have benefitted from hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions on the coast.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Price, King crowned... From Backpage

champion and Motilall Deodass won the Starlet Cup. Chet Singh had a stellar year to take the local Group Two Champion Driver-of-the-Year trophy while Vishok Persaud took the Group Three title. King and Kristian Jeffrey took the Group 4 2WD and AWD title respectively.

Kevin Persaud was outstanding as he took the Super Sport local trophy. It was also announced by Caribbean Motor Racing Association Chair Silbourne Clarke that the first instalment of the 2018 championship will take place in Trinidad.

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Thrice Race 2 Three Eighty Eight Race 3 Mini Miles Race 4 Foreign Affair Race 5 Market Sentiment

Race 6 Audible Race 7 May Be A Diamond Race 8 Can You Digit Race 9 Fast Mama Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:15 hrs La Bella Vida 08:45 hrs Cap D’Aubois 09:15 hrs Dinnie’s Vinnie 09:50 hrs Blow By Blow 10:25 hrs A Hardy Nailer 10:55 hrs Monkshood 11;25 hrs The Church Gate 12:00 hrs Braize English Racing Tips Ayr 08:30 hrs Blue Kascade 09:00 hrs Uncle Alastair 09:35 hrs Reivers Lodge 10:10 hrs Attention Seaker 10:40 hrs Lough Derg Jewel 11:10 hrs Knockanrawley 11:45 hrs Emissaire Bamgor 08:40 hrs Agamemmon 09:10 hrs Rene’s Girl 09:45 hrs Potters Legend 10:20 hrs If The Cap Fits 10:50 hrs Dashing Oscar 11:20 hrs Pageburg 11:55 hrs Everybody’s Talkin Exeter 08:50 hrs Present Times 09:25 hrs Persian Delight 10:00 hrs Yanmare 10:30 hrs Longtown 11:35 hrs Tillythetank 12:05 hrs Whitemoon South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:35 hrs Final Chance 09:10 hrs First Swallow 09:50 hrs Photocopy10:25 hrs Sassy Lady 11:00 hrs Silver Master 11:35 hrs Elegancia

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Meet Jermaine King, the 6’5”inch all-rounder.

`I want to become the best in the world’ On the lighter side of things and sharing more of his experiences in his short Athletics career to date, “Big king” tells of some changes he has encountered since his rise to prominence. “People are paying more

By: Colin Bynoe

AT 16 years and standing 6’5, Jermaine Dorwin King strides lankily to the starting line, and with a wave, he acknowledges the applause of his supporters in the stands when his name is made known. All eight (8) runners come together to their respective lanes; King’s demeanor suggests he has done this before. Jermaine’s supporters in the stands anticipate a grand finish. The starter utter “on your mark”, a slight pause in the air create an aura of excitement; “set” then the gun goes pow!. King reacts to the gun late, into the drive phase he goes with his lengthy strides; by 60 metres into the race his top speed emerges. At this point Paraguay’s Fabrizio Aquino takes the lead. Guyana’s young star Jermaine King accelerates, pushing himself to the limit with a slight grimace on his face as he strides to make his country proud. The race to the podium seems evident for Guyana at 80 metres, as he steps on the gas; King dips at the finish line with three other competitors’ effortlessly close to him; photo finish-- what a race! Paraguay’s Fabrizio Aquino won in 10.92 seconds, Guyana takes silver with a registered time of 10.963 seconds, while Colombia’s Gian Mosquera comes in third with a time of 10.966 seconds. Born to Michelle Forde on the 10th day of February, 2001, Jermaine Dorwin King (Big King) resides with his mother in the quiet village of Forth Ordinance, East Canje Berbice. He’s a fifth form student at Canje Secondary. Jermaine prides himself in

Jermaine King (centre) poses with teamamates after the Digicel Schools football victory

seeing his mother happy when he’s on the field-whether playing Basketball, football or even when involved in athletics. According to the Collins English Dictionary, an “All Rounder” is a versatile person skilled in many areas, especially in sports. Jermaine King represented Guyana in two separate disciplines this year--at the 2017 Centrobasket U-17 Basketball Championship, and quite recently at the 2017 South American Youth Games in Chile. “My mother Michelle Forde encouraged me to play Basketball and also Athletics”he said. His exploits in the Centrobasket Championship so far reads 9 Ppg, 11Rpg, and 0.2 Apg. When asked, “Which you enjoy more, Athletics or Basketball?” King positively responded “Athletics”. He started ‘running’ at age 15 at his school’s Inter House Sports. He ran the 100m in which he placed fourth.

Although finishing fourth, King was spotted by ‘Coach Callie’. Callie took the young man under his charge and ‘perked’ up his talent. Young King, from Forth Ordinance, relishes the competitiveness that athletics poses and also savours seeing his mother happy and the people around him happy. Sharing his experience on his major achievement thus far at the 2017 South American Youth games, where he participated for the first time overseas in the sprint double--100m and 200m—he said, “It was hard at first but I had to face it”. His preparation for a race includes several run-outs and maintaining a good warm-up. In the 200m he was edged from a podium finish, registering a hard-fought fourth place. In the feature event—the 100m finals--he skillfully brought home the silver medal for Guyana, cherishing his moment at the games.

interest in me, and I start having more girls”. Regardless of these changes, “Big king” is focussed on what he wishes to achieve. His desire is to continue running, and if possible secure a scholar-

ship to develop his all-round ability and make a name for himself. Let’s wish the young man continued success. “I want to become the best in the world, better than Bolt”, he concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Sri Lanka unlikely to break Test duck in India By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Sri Lanka have never won a Test in India and with Virat Kohli’s men on a run of near-flawless home form the visitors are unlikely to break their duck in a three-match series starting in Kolkata tomorrow.

In a bumper home season, which started in September 2016, India won 10 of 13 Test matches, with their solitary defeat coming against Steve Smith’s Australia. Even on home ground Sri Lanka have struggled against India, losing 9-0 across all three formats in July and August.

Under Kohli, the world’s top-ranked Test side have won eight consecutive series dating back to 2015, and Sri Lanka look incapable of stopping them from winning a ninth, to tie England and Australia for the record for most consecutive Test series wins. After being hammered

at home by India, Sri Lanka then won a two-Test series against Pakistan 2-0 in the United Arab Emirates but subsequently lost all eight limited-overs matches against the same opponents. Their Test record in India inspires little confidence as they have failed to record a single victory in 17 matches, the last of which

Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews

was played eight years ago. Former captain Angelo Mathews and spin spearhead Rangana Herath were the only two current squad members who played a part in that 2009 series and Sri Lanka will lean on them heavily once again. Sri Lanka coach Nic Pothas hopes the players have learnt from the recent home series whitewash but wants them to focus on their own strengths instead of the Indian threat. “The mistake you can make here is come and be infatuated with the Indian side and concentrate too much on them,” Pothas said on the team’s arrival in India. ”We know they are a good side. We played them only a month ago. We have to concentrate on our strengths and jobs, and if we can execute them well it will be a challenging series. “The series against India was a huge learner for us. I also mentioned that if we didn’t learn from a very good team then that would have made the biggest error.” DUAL SPIN THREAT While Sri Lanka’s bowling attack must find a way to stop the likes of Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara from scoring heavily, their batsmen will have to contend with India’s dual spin threat of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Most sides have found off-spinner Ashwin and

left-armer Jadeja too hot to handle but Sri Lanka might be in for an even rougher ride with the pair likely keen to prove a point after being overlooked by selectors for India’s limited-overs sides. While good news is in short supply for Sri Lanka they will at least be thankful for not having to face 24-year-old all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is being rested having played non-stop from the Champions Trophy in June. Pandya made his Test debut in the series in Sri Lanka and made a big impact, hitting a maiden fifty and hundred while taking four wickets with his medium pace bowling. Many have touted the series against Sri Lanka as a chance to prepare for a tough tour to South Africa at the end of the year but India wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha said the hosts were focused on only one team. “It’s not like the Sri Lanka series is to prepare for South Africa,” Saha told reporters. “It’s a standalone series. ”Every Test is a challenge, and we will take it match by match, as a team and as individuals. “Once this gets over, we will worry about South Africa and the challenge it brings.” After Eden Gardens hosts the first Test, the two sides will travel to Nagpur and Delhi for the second and third matches.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

West Demerara hopes encampment for athletes will improve standings at Nationals By Tamica Garnett WITH the 57th National Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships (Nationals) being held on the West Demerara for the first time in its history, the home district is really hoping to improve its standings and put on a good show at this year’s event. According to head of West Demerara District 3, Gem Bowman, the District is hoping that a three-day encampment of some of its athletes will help to improve its standings at the week-long event. “We’re hoping for a lot this year because it’s the first time that we’re actually using the track in Region Three, so we’re hoping to come out successful,” an enthusiastic Bowman shared. After sharing fifth place with South Georgetown (District 13) in 2015, West Demerara improved to finish fourth place last year at the national competition. The District has already ensured a full complement of teachers, to put up a successful defence of their longstanding title in the teachers’ competition of the Championships.

West Demerara District 3 at Nationals 2016

Bowman also hopes to see improvement from the track and field athletes, where the District also will be fielding a full complement. However, she admitted that the team struggled for yet another year to source sufficient athletes for its swimming and cycling teams. “We don’t have the full team for the cycling and the swimming. We tried but at the end some persons pulled out and so on. We were really hoping to get the cyclists from the Islands, Wakenaam and Leguan, but for several reasons that didn’t work out. The swimmers would be few and they are not very strong swimmers. “We have mostly the smaller age groups, we have the full complement for Un-

der-10, Under-12, Under-14, but the Under-16, Under-18 and those higher age groups, we don’t have all,” she explained. Bowman noted that the lack of swimming facilities may play a role, there not being a large enough pool of swimmers on the West Demerara to meet the District’s needs “Even when we had to have trials, we had to get permission to use the Liliendaal pool (National Aquatic Centre) to take the few who turned up to do our selection,” said Bowman. The NAC is all the way on the East Coast of Demerara. Bowman is nonetheless optimistic, that the teachers and track & field competitions will be able to buoy

them over, hoping to put as much focus as possible on these areas so they can eke out as many points as possible. “At least with the teachers we want to maintain our first place, and in the track and field we hope to be among the top,” she anticipated. “Right now we’re planning to have a three-day training session for the athletes from November 22 to 24. But we’re still only in the process of organising it. We still have to get it approved because of the funds. “We’re hoping to have it right at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora. We’re hoping we get the teachers too but the main focus will be on the athletes.”

Everest Masters overpower UK Guyana team in T20 clash LAST Sunday at the Everest cricket ground, hosts Everest Masters convincingly outplayed the visiting Guyana UK team to win by six wickets. Despite soggy and overcast weather conditions, UK Guyana team won the toss and batted first. While most of their batsmen struggled in the conditions, a fine half-century by Navin Persaud contributed towards his team’s total of 109-8 from their allotted 20 overs. His 65 was laced with 3 fours and 2 sixes, with Raj Nanan, 16, being the only other batsman to reach double figures. Former national opening batsman Rohan Sarjoo was clinical with the ball

The winning Everest Masters team celebrate their victory

instead, by capturing 3-18 from 4 overs while off-spinner Johnny Azeez claimed 2-21 from his 4 overs. In reply, Everest Masters treated their hosts roughly by racing to 111-4 from 16 overs. Essequibian

Sahadeo Hardaiow topscored with 37 (3x4, 1x6) while Troy Gonsalves made 36 including 1 four and 2 sixes. Navin Persaud had a good all-round game by returning with the ball to take

2-23 from his 4 overs. He was later named man-ofthe-match and was presented with a trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall. Everest Masters were also presented with the winning trophy compliments of the UK Guyana team. The visitors took the opportunity to donate a set of cricket gear to the club including balls and a clock. The hosts in return presented the UK Guyana Team with a plaque which was also sponsored by Trophy Stall. More T20 matches are set to be played by the Everest Masters against visiting teams from the USA, UK and the Caribbean.

Upper/Corentyne beat Lower Corentyne in BCB Under-15 competition THE third and final round of the Berbice Cricket Board’s Inter-Zone 50 overs cricket competition was contested under the watchful eye of Chairman of Selectors Leslie Solomon and his panel, as they sought to identify the 30-man squad to be encamped for training in preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board’s Under-15 Inter-County Competition scheduled for February 2018. Over at the Jai Hind ground in Albion table-topper Upper Corentyne continued to prove their dominance by defeating the hapless Lower Corentyne lads by 135 runs in their 50-over encounter.. Batting first Upper Corentyne scored 215 for 5 with a good knock of 83 from Vettorie Latchman. Mahendra Gopilall supported with 37 while Jonathon Rampersaud made 33. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Leon Cecil took 1-34 in 10 overs, Rudra Goberdhan 1-36 in 9, Parvanand Ganesh 1-42 in 10, Damian Cecil 1 for 32 in 5 and Hemchand Maniram 1-17 in 4 overs. In their reply to the target set by Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne were bowled out for 80 in 36.1 overs.. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Matthew Pottaya took 5-16 in 9, Jeremy Sandia 2-26, Jonathon Rampersaud 1-21, Rampersaud Ramnauth 1-7 and M. Gopilall 1-10.

At the Young Warriors ground in Cumberland, Western Berbice defeated hosts New Amsterdam/ Canje by 51 runs in their match and have advanced to second spot in the competition. Batting first, Western Berbice scored 133 in 30.5 overs. Darius Joseph top-scored with 52, A. Antwon 31 and V. Singh 16. Bowling for New Amsterdam, C Arokium took 3 for 34 in his 6 overs, while Isaiah Thorne and J. Persaud took 2 wickets each. Batting second, New Amsterdam/Canje scored 82 all out in 27 overs. T. Caesar continued to show aggression as he top-scored with 35. All the other batsmen failed to contribute significantly to the total score. Bowling for Western Berbice, L Budhram took 5 wickets, S. Rupnarine 3, and A. Alexander 1. The president and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Port Mourant Cricket Club, the Jai Hind Cricket Club, the Young Warriors Cricket Club and the Bush Lot Cricket Club for permitting the use of their venues for the staging of this tournament. Final points standings are as follows: Upper Corentyne 6 points, Lower Corentyne 0 points, New Amsterdam/Canje 2 points, Western Berbice 4 points.

Spartans `B’ reign supreme in Lions/Clear Water inaugural dominoes competition AFTER six competitive rounds of dominoes, Spartans `B’ were crowned winners of the Lions Clear/ Water-sponsored dominoes tournament last weekend. In the first three rounds of the final, Spartans `B’, Transport and the famous Mix Up were near inseparable with the score-line reading 30, 30 and 25 respectively, but in the fourth round, Spartans made their first move and powered away with 18 games to take a nine- and a 10-game lead respectively. Going full throttle, Spartans `B’ again powered their way in the fifth sitting to mark another 18 games., literally sealing their

position while Transport and Mix Up were jostling for second position. In the end, the scoreline read: Winners -Spartans `B’ 88 games, Transport 73 games and Mix Up in the third position with 68 games. For winning, Spartans `B’ were rewarded with $250 000, a trophy and medals, while Transport for their efforts, walked away with $140 000, a trophy and medals. Mix up received $60 000, a trophy and medals. The MVP of the finals was Leroy Edwards of Spartans, chalking up the maximum 18 games.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

New Zealand name 12-man squad to face Windies in first Test …B J Watling a doubtful starter AUCKLAND, New Zealand, (CMC) – Wicketkeeper BJ Watling has been included in a 12man squad to face West Indies in next month’s first Test but doubts remain over his fitness, as he continues to battle a hip injury. New Zealand Cricket said Tuesday while the 32-year-old was a part of the squad, he would be “monitored and evaluated over the coming week” as selectors continued to assess his recovery. The injury has forced Watling to miss the last two rounds of the domestic first class tournament

for Northern Districts. He will, however, play as a batsman against Auckland this week and then also face Otago in the fifth round at month end, where selectors are hoping he will be able to take up wicket-keeping duties.

He’s going well but he’s still a bit problematic with his hip. He’s been through the normal testing and is still feeling it just a bit,” said selector Gavin Larsen. “It’s precautionary at this stage; he’ll bat in this game [this week] and we’re very hopeful he can wear the gloves in the round five Plunket Shield game. He’ll need

to keep, most importantly for his own peace of mind and confidence.” If Watlin fails to be ready for the opening Test, it is expected that the uncapped Tom Blundell, who has been named in the Black Caps A side to face West Indies in a threeday tour match later this month, will get the call-up. The 27-year-old has played a single Twenty20 International and 39 first class matches. “Clearly we’ll be having a really good look at him,” Larsen said. The remainder of the Test squad is predictable with regular captain Kane

Black Caps first choice Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling

Williamson leading a side that includes the likes of Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, all of whom featured in the three-Test series against

South Africa last March. They face a West Indies side whom they have not lost to at home in 22 years, and Larsen said it was important to start the series strongly.

“Aside from a question mark over BJ, we have a fully fit squad who have all shown they have what it takes to perform at Test level,” Larsen noted. “We want to hit the ground running for that first match at the Basin Reserve. It’s a special place to play cricket and we’re determined to start the summer on a positive note.” One more player will be added to the squad following the A-side’s outing against West Indies. SQUAD – Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, +BJ Watling, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner.

Fixtures out for Guinness Playoffs set for Friday … Teams must be at venue for 18:00hrs

COORDINATORS of Three Peat Promotions have released the fixtures for the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone Playoffs which are scheduled to be played this Friday, at the Meadow Brook tarmac, commencing at 18:00hrs. According to a release from the coordinators, because of the overwhelming response by teams from various parts of the Georgetown environs and the organisers’ request to include as many communities as possible, this year’s entries have surpassed previous years. It therefore means that even at the playoff stage the excitement has started and it is anticipated that a large number of spectators will converge on the Meadow Brook facility to witness and support

teams from their respective communities. Also of interest is who will join the sixteen automatic qualifiers to make up the required thirty-two teams to contest the tournament which commences on November 22, at California Square in East Ruimveldt. The closing date for teams to submit entries for both segments is November 16 and teams are being urged to adhere to the request of the organisers and coordinating group so that the group draws could be made early. Winners of the overall event will walk-away with $500 000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs. The runners-up, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $250 000, $200 000 and

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)Shane Dowrich-6 (5 catches/1 stumping) (2)Regis Chakabva-4 (2 catches/2 stumpings) Today’s Quiz: (1)How many players have represented the WI in

Test cricket to date?

(2)How many players have represented the WI in

ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

$100 000 respectively. Forms can be uplifted from Banks DIH Limited, ‘Caesar’s Place’ D’Urban Street location, Referee Coordinator Wayne Griffith on 697-7777, Three Peat Promotions’ Rawle Welch on: 688-1776 or Duncan Saul at Stabroek News. Teams who do not submit entries by the stipulated deadline will not

be permitted to play. The fixtures are seen below: 1. Future Stars vs Eccles All-Stars 2. MBK All-Stars vs Smyth Street 3. Ol Skool Ballers vs New Level 4. Jackson Sports Bar vs Rising Stars 5. Upsetters vs Albouystown Redemption 6. Cross Street vs Stabroek Ballers

7. California Square vs Bel Air 8. Globe Yard vs Hardina Street Warriors 9. Sophia Bullies vs East La Penitence Warriors 10. Fruit Stand vs Gaza Squad 11. School Yard All-Stars vs Dam Squad 12. Pike Street Sophia vs Island All-Stars 13. Charlotte Street vs LA Warriors 14. Piccadilly Street vs

Young Ballers 15. Rasville Dreamchasers vs Terror Squad 16. Breda Street All-Stars vs Star Ballers 17. South Stars vs Spot-7 18. New Market Street vs Bel-Air 19. Goal Getters vs Judgment Yard 20. Costello vs Norton Street Ballers 21. GTI Ballers vs Team Legacy

England fully prepared for Australia’s aggression, says Root MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - England were caught out by Australia’s aggression during the ill-fated 2013/14 Ashes campaign but captain Joe Root says they are fully prepared for short-pitched bowling and on-field chatter when the series kicks off in Brisbane next week. Root was a member of Alastair Cook’s side that was demolished by a Mitchell Johnson-led pace assault and sledging relentlessly throughout the 5-0 series defeat four years ago. Root, then 22, won praise for a defiant half-century in the Adelaide Test but, like the rest of the England batters, struggled to score runs on most of Australia’s pitches. “I think last time it maybe caught us out,” Root told reporters yesterday in Townsville where England are preparing for their final warm-up match against a

Cricket Australia XI. “I think we’re a little bit wiser to it this time around. “It’s still about making sure we’re absolutely prepared for any scenario out there. “We’re expecting it to be hostile, we’re expecting it to be very loud and rowdy atmosphere at the Gabba. “Hopefully we’ll be in a really good place and really ready for that because I think we’ve got our heads round what to expect.” With all-rounder Ben Stokes absent from the tour, Root will have a bigger load to carry in leading a team with a number of inexperienced batsmen. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon said last week the home side’s bowlers would compete fiercely for the England captain’s wicket. Root was unfazed by the attention.

little in-house rivalries, if you like.” Former England captain and media pundit Michael Vaughan has accused Australia of making things hard for England in their preparations by serving up low-quality tour sides away from the Test venues. The tourists will play another modest Cricket Australia XI in the remote northern city of Townsville from today. Root said it was nothing different from the last tour. “I think we’ve mentally England captain Joe Root approached that slightly differently this time round and “I’ve heard a lot of chat probably slightly better, if about them targeting me in I‘m being brutally honest,” he said. particular,” he said. “Obviously it would “From our point of view we’ll be targeting every sin- have been nice to get a feel gle one of them, we won’t be for the grounds, especially for the guys who haven’t singling any guys out. “Bring it on. It’s what it’s played at those venues. “I don’t think it makes about. You want that comtoo much of a difference.” petitive element and those

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Fourth Smalta Girls U-11 football tournament launched By Stephan Sookram

WITH the strict aim of ensuring that more females enjoy the game of football and have healthy lifestyles, the fourth Smalta Girls U-11 football tournament was launched yesterday. At a brief ceremony at the National Library in Georgetown, the tournament is set to begin on Saturday with sixteen teams participating. According to the director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, the tournament, which will feature sixteen primary school teams, will take on a different dimension. “It makes us happy to pull off another tournament that will assist in the development of women’s football,” Mendonca added. GFF vice-president Rawlston Adams contended that the initiative is one that fits hand-in-hand with the federation’s drive to give the women an equal opportunity at development.

Sponsors and officials of the organising committee pose with the children prior to the launch of the 2017 Girls’ U-11 football tournament.

He added, “Team sports help young people and teach them accountability among other things,” adding that while the Ministry of Edu-

cation has been doing work on ground enhancement, there is still some more to be done. From the Federation’s

standpoint also, Adams believes that they too can do more and are doing more to support women’s football locally.

Oneka Scott, Adolescent Health Coordinator within the Ministry of Public Health contended that the tournament will serve as a

basis to promote the vaccine to fight against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). “On the dawn of launching another football tournament for our female athletes, we are using this platform to also promote the HPV vaccine.” She contended that Guyana cannot be left behind as the rest of the world moves forward with protecting young women. Title sponsor, through representative Sean Abel, added that the entity is once again pleased to be on board with the tournament adding that its support also hinges on the movement behind the issue of HPV Ministry of Education Department of Sport Coordinator, Nicholas Fraser stated that while he echoes the statements made by those before him, he is glad to see so many women rushing to get involved in sport. The tournament begins this Saturday at the National Service ground from 10:00hrs.

GFA’s STAG Premier League put on hold to facilitate GFF’s Elite League launch … Ansa McAl pulls plug as ‘title sponsor’ THE Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) STAG Premier League has been put on hold to facilitate the launch of the Guyana Football Association’s (GFF) Elite League which will commence on Sunday. The GFA’s Premier League has completed four rounds of competition with another 14 rounds remaining.

According to tournament coordinator `English Parris’, the tournament is scheduled to conclude during the month of May next year, but this will depend on the GFF’s Elite League fixture from now to then. At the moment, after four of the 18 rounds, of competition, Police lead the points standings with 12 from four

consecutive victories, scoring 15 goals and conceding a mere three for a goal difference of plus 12. Not to be outdone, Camptown and Santos both have nine points from four matches each, and they both won three matches and lost one each, with Santos scoring seven goals and conceding two for a plus five goal dif-

ference. Camptown on the other hand scored six goals and conceded four for a goal difference of plus two. Riddim Squad also have nine points from four matches. The team won three matches, scoring seven goals in the process, but conceding a similar number of goals. The leading goalscorer in the competition is Police’s

Rawle Haynes with five goals to his name and is closely followed by Santos’ William Europe with four. Haynes netted a brace in Police’s 3-0 win against Flamingo in a round two fixture and another double his team’s 3-0 win versus Black Pearl in a third round match. His fifth goal was a 27th minute strike on Police’s 5-2 win against

Beacons in a fourth-round fixture. Europe, on the other hand, bagged a brace in Santos’ 3-0 first-round fixture versus Northern Rangers, a 55th minute goal in his team’s 2-0 win against Pele in a round two match and a 67th minute strike in Santos’ 2-1 win against Camptown in a fourth-round fixture.

No fixtures or sponsors’ information but GFF to kick off Elite League on Sunday THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will kick off the third season of their ‘Elite League’, featuring ten of the country’s teams, with a double-header on Sunday, November 19 at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. According a release from the GFF, the third installation of the country’s premier football league, will see greater emphasis on player-oriented initiatives, will start with grand opening ceremony from 15:00hrs. Following that spectators will see the ‘Big Four’ winners - Fruta Conquerors face

newcomers New Amsterdam from 17:30hrs, and defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) tackle first-timers Western Tigers FC at 20:00hrs. The new season will see six of the top clubs added to the pool of elite teams following their receipt of their respective CONCACAF Club licences in September, including Western Tigers FC, Cougars FC, New Amsterdam United FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Den Amstel FC and Milerock FC. Ian Alves, Competitions Director of the GFF said the Federation is looking forward

to a competitive season with the additional clubs and incentives, and that the players also have a responsibility to ensure this is realised. “In return, players have been asked to bring their best game on each match day in order to make the league attractive to the fans. We therefore urge club supporters and football fans in general to come out and experience Guyana’s highest level of football as we continue to grow and develop the league towards self-sustenance in the near future,” Alves said. This year, the winners

GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves

will receive $5M, second-place $2M, third and fourth will pocket $1M and $500 000 respectively.

Meanwhile, with regard to sponsorship, only Church’s Chicken was named. The previous two seasons were called the ‘STAG’ Elite League, but the GFF had downplayed the rumoured fallout between the federation and Ansa McAl, with president Wayne Forde telling reporters recently that they’re awaiting a confirmation from the Trinidadian company. However, Communications and Public Relations Officer, Debra Francis, when asked about Ansa McAl and STAG Beer’s involvement in this year’s league after plugging mil-

lions over the past two years, stated, “The question will be best responded to by Ansa McAl but they have not recommitted to the title sponsorship for the new season.” Francis also said that “the sponsors for the league are still being finalised, to the best of my knowledge, and will be released in due course”. Asked about the fixtures, the Communications and Public Relations Officer explained that it is still being finalised and will be disseminated upon completion.

Fourth Smalta Girls U-11 football tournament launched See Page 31

Price, King crowned CMRC Champions … Trinidad and Tobago retain Country title

Bryce Prince was unstoppable in this 2017 Caribbean Super Stock campaign.

Andrew King is the reigning CMRC Group 4 AWD champion.

By Stephan Sookram ANDREW King is the King of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Group Four All-Wheel Drive class after being crowned Champion Driver Monday evening at the presentation ceremony. King, who drives a Mazda Rx7 but opted to compete in the AWD class won ahead of Jamaica’s Kyle Greg and his Radical to ensure that a Guyanese holds on to the title lost last year to Jamaican Doug Gore. In the Two-wheel drive class, many were powerless to stop Barbadian Mark Maloney from retaining it yet again. The Group Three class was always going to go to Paul Vieira who finished ahead of countryman Ronald Wortman. Both Wortman’s and Vieira’s cars were shipped here but arrived late on Sun-

The Trinidad and Tobago team celebrate winning another CMRC Country title.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

day on account of the shipping vessel encountering difficulties. The Group Two Caribbean title was also retained by Mark Thompson of Barbados with 155.5 points ahead of the Trinidad trio of Daryl Ali, Luke Bhola and Bridget Singh. On the Super Stocks, it was all Bryce Prince who railroaded the competition to take his maiden title and he looks set to continue next year. Meanwhile Trinidad and Tobago retained their Country Championship title after blitzing the field for the year 2017. In spite of scoring just 50 points from the final leg, the Trinis were crowned champions by a considerable margin On the local front, Azad Hassan took the Sport Tuner class while Narine Dasrat was crowned Street Tuner Turn to Page 26 WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER, 15 , 2017