Issuu

MARAD launch, ‘Setter’, back in operation Page 3

‘PPP all bluff’ No. 105159

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…President says PPP attempts at security reform were insincere …receives final report from British expert

Page 3

Whistleblowers now offered protection Page 2

…with passage of Protected Disclosures Bill

National Land Policy closer Page 9

…with signing of US$15M pact between Guyana, FAO

British Senior Security Sector Reform Adviser, Lt Col (ret’d) Russell Combe presenting President David Granger with the Report on the Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) (Delano Williams’ Photo)

City Constable charged for killing vendor ■ Page 17

No backlog of financial crimes cases Page 15

…DPP, Police Legal Adviser deny sloth in processing SOCU cases

Whistleblowers now offered protection …with passage of Protected Disclosures Bill By Ravin Singh WHISTLEBLOWERS who raise concerns about malpractices in the workplace by officials or employers, will now enjoy the full protection of the state with the passage of the Protected Disclosures Bill 2017. The Bill, which was piloted by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, was passed unopposed in the National As-

sembly on Thursday evening. The Bill is now awaiting the assent of the President before it becomes law. According to the Explanatory Memorandum, the Bill aims to combat corruption and other wrongdoings in the public and private sector by encouraging and facilitating specified disclosures of improper conduct. Further, the Bill seeks to protect persons making those disclosures from detrimental

actions; and to establish the Protected Disclosures Commission which will receive, investigate and deal with disclosures of improper conduct and other connected matters. AG Williams, who provided an overview of the Bill, referenced a commencement provision in the Bill which allows the Minister of Legal Affairs to trigger the operationalizing of the Act, after it is assented to. “In doing so, we trust that

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

corruption in all its forms and state assets, in whatever nature, will be safe and secure from henceforth” a hopeful AG Williams said. However, the Bill was not passed without some amount of criticisms from the political opposition. Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Adrian Anamayah agreed that such legislation was needed to combat corruption, but questioned whether the “best model” had been adopted. Minister Williams clarified later in the debate that the Bill was a Model Bill which straddles several countries, in CARICOM and Latin America, and it had to be adaptive to Guyana. He said that the “best model” could not have been “adopted” as was suggested

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

by Anamayah, since it needed to take the needs of the country into consideration. He also mentioned the drafting of the Bill, which he boasted, was done by an “experienced team”. “We had a very experienced team dealing with this Bill at the Chambers. A comprehensive study of best practices was done” the AG said. With the Bill providing for a Commission to deal with reports of improper conduct, Anamayah also questioned the need for such a body when other countries did not have it. Anamayah was supported by the Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, who questioned the composition of the Com-

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

mission and hinted at political intervention. The Commission will comprise a Chairman who will be appointed by the Minister, and four other members. The Chairman must be someone who is or has been a Judge or is qualified to be appointed as a Judge, while the other four members are to be appointed by the Minister after being elected by the National Assembly. They will be drawn from either: the Private Sector Commission; Guyana Bar Association; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana Trades Union Congress; and Guyana Police Association, being a retired police officer who was not below the rank of Inspector. Several other PPP MPs raised concerns about the minister having the control to appoint and direct the work of the commission, when the Bill was intended to have an independent commission. “What if we have a case where a complaint is brought against the minister himself? What then would the commission do, given that their directives can legally come from the minister? It defeats the purpose” Teixeira decried. She called for the Bill to be resent to a special select committee for further fine-tuning as she, nor her colleagues, could support it in its current form. MASSIVE CONSULTATIONS However, AG Williams was keen to note that government held “massive consul-

tations,” and massive public education campaigns were conducted. “There were ample opportunities for changes to be made and recommendations to be made. Changes were made over time based on recommendations that came in” he said, refusing to support the call by Teixeira for it to be resent to committee. Concerns were also raised about financing for the Commission and its staff by PPP MPs. But these were dismissed by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan who offered that “You cannot have your cake and eat it too”.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Ramjattan used the expression to illustrate that the opposition had been calling for the government to act in relation to witness protection, and when it has done so, they are now complaining about costs. “If we look at the cost factor, we must understand what is the cost attached to not having this Act in place. And if we examine it, we will see that the absence of it will cost the state more. There is a social value to people speaking out and it strengthens the fight against corruption and so if that will cost money, then there is nothing we can do about that. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. We have to be prepared to spend to see improvements in the country” Minister Ramjattan said. He added too that the legislation was needed as it satisfies Guyana’s international obligations. The successful passage of this Bill moves the country towards full compliance with the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (1996).

‘PPP all bluff’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

…President says PPP attempts at security reform were insincere …receives final report from British expert

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger, on receiving the report on the Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) from British Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor, Lt Col (ret’d) Russell Combe, said attempts under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration to reform the country’s security sector were “insincere.” In fact, he said it was “all a bluff.” Minutes after receiving the report in the presence of high ranking officials from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force at State House on Thursday, President Granger said though brief, the ceremony was a significant one, noting that it forms part of a process that started nearly 20 years ago when the then government embarked on Security Sector Reform. “This came about because of the escalation in narcotics trafficking which brought with it a horrific spate of violence…The linkages were there – with the rise in narcotics trafficking there was a surge in violence, surge in execution killings, surge of corruption of the security

President David Granger stands with British Security Expert, Lt Colonel Russell Combe Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Patrick West (left) and Crime Chief, Paul Williams

forces and the failure to deal with the narco trafficking,” the President said. He said the Administration at the time was attempting to deal with the “symptoms” and not the “disease” – narcotics trafficking. “So many of the attempts at security reform were insincere, they wanted to deal with the murders but they didn’t want to deal with the cause of the murders,” the President posited. The earliest attempts at initiating reforms started back in 1999 when United Kingdom Regional Advisor, Paul Matthias, visited Guyana to discuss security assistance from Britain. This

was followed by the Symonds Report and the establishment of the National Security Strategy Organising Committee in 2000. In 2002, the Border and National Security committee, the National Consultation on Crime and the National Steering Committee on Crime were established. It was recalled that in subsequent years, legislation was passed, more crime fighting bodies were established and the initial version of the SSRP was signed, but was later scrapped by the then Government. According to President Granger, many of the initiatives did not succeed because they were not intended to succeed. In his words, “it was all a bluff.”

MARAD launch back in operation THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has boosted its capacity with the commissioning of the pilot launch, the “Setter”, which had been out of service for more than two years. According to a release, the project was awarded to Courtney Benn Construction Company last year at a cost of $37.4M. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson was present on Wednesday at the commissioning of the vessel, along with representatives from MARAD and Courtney Benn Construction Company in the Demerara River. Minister Ferguson told reporters that the project had about additional cost. She also spoke about the lifetime of vessels in fleet of

the authorities. “Once we have periodic maintenance of these vessels, they can give us some amount of life. I also want to report that since we came into government, the Setter was down for two years. This government is committed to ensure our waterways are made safe. That is why we invested huge sums of monies to ensure that we bring these vessels back into operation” she said. The Setter adds to the authorities’ fleet of pilot boats, the other being “The Aruka”, which is in dock for servicing. According to Courtney Benn, repairs to the Setter started in March of 2017. He said the electrical network, as well as the entire engine had to be completely overhauled. Benn went on to state that

the work is of a good quality and he is fully satisfied with this type of work which was undertaken on the vessel. Most of the vessels at the Courtney Benn wharf are over 50 years old. In Courtney Benn’s shipyard in Georgetown and Mazaruni, there are a number of other vessels which are being upgraded and they include the MV Kimbia, which is a joint project being undertaken with a team of Dutch engineers. The ML Thompson is also in dock for servicing. “The Kimbia is in a bad state, especially the steering, so after we finish doing the engine we discovered that some years ago they took out [parts] from the vessel, causing the Kimbia to breakdown every time it goes out to sea,” Benn said.

“We passed through nearly 20 years of woulda, coulda and shoulda without any attempt to seriously deal with the security problems of this country and ,like a disease,we cannot pretend to treat it, you can’t promise to treat it, you can’t threaten to treat it, you can’t talk about treating it without actually getting down to the root cause,” he told those present. President Granger recalled that upon entering office in May 2015, he met with

the then British High Commissioner and subsequently the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, during which assistance was sought in the area of security reform. Turning his attention to Colonel Combe, the President said that the British Security Expert has been on the ground and is fully aware of the scale of the problem, positing that it is a national problem. With the Security Sector Report submitted, President Granger said the country could now get on with the programme. “We can now get away from the pretense and insincerity of the last two decades and make Guyana safe,” the President said while thanking Colonel Combe for the work done so far. The British Security Expert, in delivering brief remarks, said the report builds on the interim report he had submitted last June. Noting that the submission of the report does not signal the beginning or the ending, he said activities supported by

the United Kingdom, under the programme, have already commenced. In September 2017, a number of officers had undergone training in the area of Strategic Planning, while in November there was a consultancy on maritime capabilities. “So this is not the beginning nor is it the end,” the retired Colonel assured. “The report also has taken into account earlier consultations that have taken place, particularly with the police. These are reflected inside the report. It does focus on the police but it is not exclusive,” he further explained while adding that the report also takes into account the Guyana Prison Service and the Coast Guard. “The next activity that the UK is funding is some leadership training of the Guyana Prison Service,” he added. Colonel Combe is likely to return to Guyana to continue his work at the Ministry of the Presidency from March to April 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Koreas to carry Romania to have first-ever female PM single flag at Olympics

NORTH and South Korea have agreed to march together under a single “unified Korea” flag at n e x t m o n t h ’s Wi n t e r Olympics in the South. They also agreed to field a joint women’s ice hockey team in rare talks at the truce village of Panmunjom.

These are the first high-level talks between the countries in more than two years. It marks a thaw in relations that began in the new year when North Korea offered to send a team to the games. The games will take place between 9 and 25 February in Pyeongchang in South Korea. If the plans are realised, a hundreds-strong North Korean delegation -- including 230 cheerleaders, 140 orchestral musicians and 30 taekwondo athletes -- could cross into the South via the land border to attend the Winter Olympics. It will mean the opening of the cross-border road for the first time in almost two years. (BBC)

Friday, January 19, 2018 Saturday, January 20, 2018

mania’s third prime minister in seven months. The PSD has been gripped by a power strug-

gle, which also claimed former PM Sorin Grindeanu in June. “For me, it’s very clear

that the Social Democrats have a majority... so I weighed all the arguments and decided to name their proposal [Ms Dancila] for premier,” Mr Iohannis said after announcing the appointment. Ms Dancila has served in the European Parliament since 2009. Mr Dragnea described her as “a respected MEP in Brussels... who doesn’t seek conflict, is communicative, and has good relations with the [European] Commission.” (BBC)

Viorica Dancila

Police arrest fake healer --for giving chidless women false hope

POLICE in Guinea say they have arrested a healer for conning hundreds of women into believing they were pregnant. N’na Fanta Camara gave women who had been unable to conceive

a mixture of leaves, herbs and other medicines that caused them to bloat and look pregnant. For her services, patients paid $33 (£24), in a country where the average monthly wage

is around $48 (£35). Police believe Ms Camara made thousands of dollars a month, though she says she was only trying to help. On Tuesday, more than 200 women protested outside the police station in the Guinean capital of Conakry where Ms Camara was held. Over 700 women,

aged 17 to 45, are believed to have been affected by Ms Camara’s pregnancy “cure”. The high numbers reflect Guinea, and the rest of Africa’s, dependence on traditional healers. In 2006, the World Health Organization said that 80% of Africans used traditional medical treatments. (BBC)

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VIORICA Dancila has been named as Romania’s first female PM following the sudden resignation of Mihai Tudose. Ms Dancila, a member of the European Parliament, is regarded as an ally of the governing Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader, Liviu Dragnea. President Klaus Iohannis says he wants her appointment approved quickly by parliament, and a new government in place by 1 February. Ms Dancila, 54, is Ro-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Holness declares State of Emergency in western Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Government of Jamaica has declared a state of emergency for the western parish of St. James, home to the tourist capital of Montego Bay. At a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he made the recommendation for a state of public emergency to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, who has since signed a proclamation dated January 18. “The proclamation has been gazetted and a state of public emergency is now in effect for the parish of St. James,” Holness said. The Prime Minister stated that under the state of emergency, the security forces will have extraordinary powers. “This does not mean that the use of these extraordinary powers are arbitrary or beyond review. This does not mean the suspension of the rule of

law. The security forces are expected, and have been directed, to treat citizens with respect and protect the dignity and safety of all,” Holness said. Noting that the operations, although directed at criminals and their facilitators, will create some level of general discomfort, the PM went on to say: “We ask the public to cooperate with the security forces. Now is the time, if you know where the guns are, please tell us; if you know where the criminals are, please tell us.” Meanwhile, National Security Minister Robert Montague warned residents that several activities may be curtailed. “We will be relentless as we pursue the criminals,” Montague said. “We therefore seek the patience and understanding of all the citizens. As you travel, you will encounter roadblocks. Although there will

be instances where some activities will be curtailed, as much as possible we do not intend to stop the good citizens from doing what they would normally do in the scope of things.” For his part, Police Commissioner George Quallo said the parish has presented a major challenge to police operations. “There are numerous gangs operating in St. James,: the commissioner said. “They are involved in murders, shootings, scammings, extortions and other illicit activities. They use murder as a tool to further their criminal interest, they create an atmosphere of insecurity throughout St. James and surrounding areas.” The Commissioner said the key operational objectives of the security forces is to disrupt the activities of these gangs. “One of primary activities is also the protection

of the rights of citizens. We will be going after wanted men, seizing weapons and taking place our communities. We want to ensure the public that the security forces are there for your protection. Quallo also noted that a hotline has been established for citizens to register their concerns and get information about activities of the security forces . He added that last year there were 335 murders in St. James, almost twice the number committed in the central parish of Clarendon, that had the second highest number of killings. A State of Emergency related to crime and violence was last imposed in a section of Jamaica eight years ago during the operation to capture the fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. That State of Emergency covers Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine.

Haiti, Suriname in regularisation talks

--over illegal Haitians in Dutch CARICOM country PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – Haiti says it is pleased with a decision by Suriname to regularise more than 1,500 Haitians who have been residing in the Dutch Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. Consul General of the Republic of Haiti in Suriname, Alex Jospitre, accompanied by the Vice-Consul Rosario Alexandre held what has been described as “important and fruitful meeting” with Justice and Police Minister, Ferdinand Welzijn, regarding the regularisation of Haitians in the country. A statement issued following the talks has noted that Welzijn had reiterated that Suriname is moving to ease the uncertainty regarding the irregular situation facing the estimated 1, 800 Haitians who had been able to obtain temporary residence for a two-year period through an initiative undertaken by the Desi Bouterse government three months

ago. Jospitre said he was pleased with the outcome of the talks and the initiative “because our regularized compatriots will soon be entitled to social benefits and civil rights such as access to health insurance coverage, driver’s license, authorization of work, the right to invest, the right to property, the possibility to marry foreigners, to move freely through and out of the country”. In addition, Jospitre said that the meeting also explored other initiatives the possibility of an extension of the process of legalization, which expired on December 20, last year for the benefit of Haitians who could not meet in time the requested documents and funds. He said a request for the possibility of special treatment for Haitians, who have entered Suriname illegally and who have not been included in the recent process of legalisation.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Partnerships WHEN the history of Guyana is properly written, the year 2015 will go down as one of the most significant years in the history of Guyana. It was the year when the Guyanese electorate went against the political grain by electing a majority government that was not the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). On account of our ethnic voting patterns, the PPP, whose traditional base has been the majority Indian-Guyanese community, had won a number of the elections held here. So when that party was relegated to the opposition benches after the May 11, 2015 polls, that relegation represented a break with a six-decade-old tradition. Leader of the PPP,

Bharrat Jagdeo had identified complacency and arrogance among party and government functionaries as key factors. Others had pointed to government corruption and general mismanagement of the ship of government and state as other contributory factors. While all of the above may be true, few can doubt that the evolution of Partnership Politics was a major factor, if not THE major factor. Beginning in 2011 with the formation of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and culminating in 2015 with the APNU+AFC coalition, the electorate was presented with new alternatives at the last two elections. The APNU consolidated the fractured traditional PNC base to mount a serious challenge

in 2011, which, along with the AFC’s incursion into the PPP’s traditional base, caused the latter to lose its accustomed parliamentary majority. The big question in 2015 was whether the APNU and the AFC could together achieve what they did separately in 2011. After much agonizing, they actually did achieve what seemed unachievable a few short years prior. The significance of the rise of Partnership Politics may be lost on some, particularly on the opposition side. We now have an entire generation of Guyanese who are being socialised in the politics of pluralism, and for whom one-party politics may be a foreign consideration. Jagdeo may have recognised this when, in assessing the

reasons for the PPP’s loss of the election, pointed to young PPP supporters who opted for change by voting for the coalition. While he is hoping that that move was temporary, he may well find out that it is more permanent than he thinks. Can it be that Guyana has finally stumbled upon a political formula that could usher in that long-desired plural form of government that reflects the country’s ethnic diversity? There are many who still speak about the dominance of the PNC in the APNU, and the dominance of the APNU in the coalition as a truism. Such calculations lose sight of the fact that the partnership has begun to take on a life of its own. The idea and reality of the coalition forged a popular optimism

among a majority of the electorate that drove a higher-than-normal turnout to the polls. In other words, the coalition benefited from a spirit of national consensus that is widespread in the country. Partnership politics is never easy, and this governing coalition brings together parties with differing political cultures and ideological groundings. Significantly, it brings together at least two parties that were once political enemies. The presence of a coalition does not mean

the absence of tension; the latter is inevitable. Yet, if each party intentionally puts the interests of the entire country ahead of partisan disagreements, the country would inevitably benefit. As Professor Clive Thomas, one of the early architects of the APNU, put it, the test of political substance lies not in how well one works with comrades, but in how well one is able to work with those with whom one does not share a natural political culture. (Reprinted)

This woman deserves justice Dear Editor,

I REFER to an article in Stabroek News, of January 06, 2018, “Mother says offered $8M to settle case against Muslim scholar accused of raping boys.” It is obvious that there are forces that are hell bent on helping the alleged sexual abuser to avoid a court appearance that may lead to a possible conviction and condign sentence. And this is not difficult to discern; for since 2012 when charges were initially instituted against the defendant and committal confirmed in 2014, there has been a pattern of what

can be described as inexplicable postponements that culminated in certain strategic documents reported missing from the case file. This, as we all know through the years at the height of its numerous occurrences under the last regime, is designed to bring about a dismissal. However, the fact of the re-construction of the missing documents was, I believe, due to the high profile nature of the case. Cards on the table – the alleged act is an abomination. The fact of a reported $8M being offered to the mother of the victims for settlement– “cheque book

justice’’, as described by a former Bar Association President – speaks of the pressure being brought to bear on this woman, who is fighting a lone battle for justice. It is surprising, that for the many groups/organisations and well-known public personalities that have been speaking out against sexual abuse and domestic violence, only Red Thread, as far as I am aware, have uttered a word in connection with this matter, or on behalf of the victims and their mother. Editor, it is even noted that there were some persons, reported to be part of the Movement Against

Parking Meters, protesting outside of City Hall, against the manner that the latter authorities have dealt with the matter of an alleged sexual abuse of a minor in its precincts. It was commendable, except that it should be asked whether such action was not one of convenience, designed to further up the ante against the Mayor and Council! If it were genuine, then such a case involving the cleric ought to have attracted similar action. As a nation, we have to understand that the brutal act of sexual abuse ought not to be incidents of selective convenience,

but instead must attract the unanimous and unconditional condemnation of ALL sectors, irrespective of ethnicity, or social standing. Finally, the pattern is clear to frustrate this woman, thereby forcing her to eventually abandon her pursuit of justice for her children. The fact that she has refused the cheque book inducement, speak volumes as to her morality and determination to go the distance in challenging this national evil of sexual abuse. What about her safety, since she has reported that herself and children are “continually tormented” by “strange

men passing by their house and taking photographs of them”? Are the relevant authorities aware of this, and if so what is being done? Such tactics are undisguised intimidation – to cause fear. How can society, with all those voices, allow such a shameful travesty to continue before its very eyes? Is it because this woman and her family are less privileged? She deserves justice for her children, no more or less, as in all similar circumstance. Regards EARLE HAMILTON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

It is better to go with assured, safe progress Dear Editor,

RECENTLY a man said to me: “Guyanese don’t know about order you know. They don’t like all this cleaning up that the government is doing.” He was inaccurate because it’s instead that Guyanese have gotten so used to disorder under the PPP/C that the shift to order has been shocking. There are obviously good things, like the cleaning up of Georgetown’s streets and waterways, and things that require some getting used to, like the more effective tax collection systems being put in place. Guyanese are

now making their minds up about these things, but I want to pour some daylight on the recent outbursts by MP Juan Edghill, leading to his four day suspension from the national assembly. There is definitely a pattern of lawlessness by the PPP/C that is both dangerous and costly. Something as small as the Speaker telling a PPP/C MP to sit escalated into a full protest involving nearly all that party’s MPs and the numerous police called in to enforce the speaker’s lawful instructions. If they can’t follow something as simple as a directive by the Speaker of the National Assembly, then you can only imagine

Fly Jamaica must publicly apologise to passengers Dear Editor,

PASSENGERS of Fly Jamaica OJ275 out of JFK airport last Saturday went through a nightmare none of them ever wish to experience ever again. First of all the flight was pushed back from its original 12 noon departure to 5:00 pm (on Fly Jamaica website) then to a further 9:00 pm. But guess what? Passengers were being informed that they still must check in at the original check in time at 9:00am and that they may not get on the flight if they wait to check in later. I was told by my travel agent that the airline only have the airport counter for three hours that morning and that was why they needed passengers to check in extra early. So we arrived that morning to check in for a flight that would leave later that night. After checking in we were advised to go back home and return to clear immigration at around 7:00pm. I have never heard of such practice in my life. Anyway, we went back home and returned in the night.

The nightmare was just beginning. 9:00pm passed. No flight departed. We still waited and waited at the gate. There was no Fly Jamaica aircraft in sight. And to add to passengers’ frustration, there were no announcements. We sat there waiting, hoping and praying to get out of NY and on to our destination. Countless international flights were checking in, boarding and leaving and Fly Jamaica 275 could not. Then around 10:00pm the plane arrived at the gate. Then it was announced that boarding would be 10:45pm. This was not so. We waited and waited. 10:45pm came and went. It was until 11:30pm then they boarded. The flight didn’t leave until around 1:00 a.m Sunday. Why ? You mean to tell me after all the horror Dynamic Airways put us through, this airline is doing the same? Days before Christmas it was also a nightmare. Why aren’t these issues and specific cases not highlighted in the media? I am terrified at what might happen on my return flight. This must not happen again. LEON SUSERAN

the chaos that the PPP/C will happily let loose if they return to office. Add to that the national revenue from oil and you have a recipe for disaster on the scale Guyanese haven’t seen. Corruption might not yet have been stamped out in the current regime, but at least they are making a serious effort to organize the nation and set up clear structures. It is no accident that the passport office is a breeze to deal with and the Guyana Revenue Authority an experience just as efficient. The PPP/C would bring revenues from oil to Guyanese in a basket full of holes. Money will leak into

the pockets of government officials without end if there is no order. More than simple graft, however, we have to ask questions about the safety of citizens if a party that governed during the time of death squads is handed hundreds of millions of US dollars a year. Would we see a return of death squads under a PPP/C government? With a track record of flouting rules and any kind of law and order, this is a very valid question. What if someone junior in that party, recognising that enforcing the law is not a party priority, decides this is the way to deal with political opponents. Will

the military then have to be called up to run criminal elements out of the country as they were during that dark time in Guyana’s history? These concerns are really not about MP Juan Edghill’s open defiance of the law-that was a trivial mistake on his part. They are about an attitude to law and order that means Guyanese have to contend with all manner of terrifying possibilities if the PPP/C gets their hands on so much money. Guyanese have to know that under the current administration, progress will be steady, reasonable and safe. Under the PPP/C, literally anything

can happen. Maybe the economy will boom. Maybe all the oil money will be stolen and MPs flee the country from airstrips in the bush. Maybe death squads will lead to massive civil unrest and the economy tank as a result. These are all reasonable possibilities, but one thing is clear; it is better to go with assured, safe progress than the possibility that literally anything will happen, including the army chasing criminals through your village late at night. Regards MALCOLM MARSHALL

UK-based witness to testify via Skype today

– as trial into 2013 ‘Agricola murder’ winds down AS the trial of 27-yearold former soldier, Abiola Jacobs for the murder in 2013 of Donna Taylor winds down, UK-based witness Samantha Sabatt is expected to testify today via Skype. Sabatt was to have testified on Thursday, but due to unforseen circumstances with the arrangement, the matter, which is before Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a 12-member jury in the Georgetown High Court, was adjourned. Taylor was reportedly found aback her Agricola home on Friday, January 31, 2013 with her throat

slit, her hands bound behind her, and a piece of cloth wrapped around her neck. Police say she was asleep when she was dragged from her bed and taken to the back of the yard where she was killed. Sabatt, who lives in the United Kingdom and was a house-guest of Taylor’s at the time of the murder, had to jump through an upper floor bedroom window, injuring herself in the process, when the killers came looking for her. She was home at the time to attend her father’s funeral. Jacobs, of Lot 55 Evan Phillips Park, Agricola,

East Bank Demerara, was the girlfriend of the dead woman’s son, Bertram Taylor, Jr. but the young man had reportedly broken off the relationship with her because of her aggressive attitude. Reports are that the young man was very close to his mother, and it was because of that closeness the accused felt that the woman had influenced her son’s decision to sever the relationship. The state is being led by Mandel Moore in association with Lisa Cave, while the defence attorney is Adrian Thompson.

Get with the programme – Standards Bureau urges local processors, exporters of coconut water THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging members of the local coconut water industry to adopt standards in the packaging of their products. According to Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lloyd David the Bureau has been zealously advocating for local food manufacturers, food operators and agro-processors to purchase and implement the national food standards which it has available. David said the majority of these food standards were developed from regional and or international food standards, hence their contents are in harmony with regional and international requirements. Two such standards are the Guyana Standard, GYS 508:2013, ‘Specification for packaged natural coconut water’ and GCP 30:2013, ‘The Code of Practice for packaged natural coconut water’. These standards, David said, are identical to the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) Standards, and were adopted by the GNBS for use in the local coconut water industry to facilitate trade among CARICOM member states and other jurisdictions. “It is therefore necessary for our local manufacturers to provide objective evidence that they are conforming to these minimum requirements,” he said. As he went on to explain, the GCP 30 was developed

with the aim of streamlining the coconut water industry by defining requirements for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water. This Code of Practice, he said, gives recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water, in that it gives specific details on how to harvest, package, store, transport and distribute the product. For example, David said, under ‘Harvesting’, the Standard states: “Free fall of coconuts should not be allowed; coconuts should be lowered to the ground.” Proper harvesting techniques, David said, ensure minimal or no damage to the coconuts, thereby contributing to an untainted end-product. The Standard also provides guidance as to the location, internal structure and fittings, floor design, drains, windows and doors of buildings and facilities for processing coconut water. David said the GYS 508 was developed to differentiate the production of undiluted natural coconut water; that is, coconut water that has been packaged in its natural state without the use of additives. According to the Standard, additives can be “artificial substance or ingredients added to the coconut water to enhance quality or preservation.” This Standard also includes analytical parameters, or limits, for the composition, physio-chemical, and microbiological limits

Coconut water bottled in Guyana

for coconut water, which provides objective evidence and the necessary assurance that the coconut water is conforming to the recognised requirements. Additionally, the Standard gives guidance for the labelling of natural coconut water; that is, “the name of the product shall be Packaged Natural Coconut Water.” Said David: “For coconut water processors who desire to guarantee their customers that they are producing coconut water which is safe for human consumption, these Standards are for you: “Contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Marketing and Communication Department today to obtain copies of these standards.” The GNBS is a key agency that supports trade and enhances business competitiveness through the implementation of standards. Standards are primarily voluntary, but they play an important role in Guyana’s economy by facilitating easy business interactions and confidence in the products and services emanating from the various sectors.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Thinking energy-efficient saves money, the environment

– says GEA’s Dr. Mahender Sharma THINKING of ways to beat your auto energy consumption while contributing positively to saving the environment? Well, take time out to hear from the competent authority. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr. Mahender Sharma recommends “the rational and efficient use of energy” as a unique opportunity to protect the environment and at the same time save money. He has proposed some simple lifestyle choices that result in energy saving, while helping to reduce cost and simultaneously allowing every citizen to play a critical role in helping to protect the environment. “By increasing awareness of energy-saving opportunities, we can lower our fuel bills without sacrificing our comforts,” Dr. Sharma told persons gathered for the commissioning of the Ross Rubis Service Station at Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday. He said that while there are many opportunities in the home and office for saving energy, it would also

Dr. Mahender Sharma addressing invitees at the commissioning on Wednesday of the Ross Rubis Service Station (Photo by Delano Williams)

be appropriate to talk about energy-saving opportunities in the transportation sector. He proposed a list of simple actions or measures that can improve efficient fuel consumption, namely: ● Removing excess weight from the vehicle; ● ensuring properly inflated tyres and routine maintenance; ● planning your day to combine errands into one trip; ● avoiding unnecessary idling and revving of the engine prior to take-off;

● warming up the engine by driving the vehicle’ and ● avoiding excessive speed. Dr. Sharma concedes that the cost of energy plays a significant role in our lives, making it imperative that opportunities for the reduced use of energy be explored. “As a country,” he said, “we are still largely dependent on imported fossil-based energy sources. “Nevertheless, opportunities exist for us to reduce our dependence.”

State Minister holds talks with delegation from Estonia MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday held talks with a delegation from Estonia at his Ministry of the Presidency office. Included in the delegation was a member of the Estonian President’s Advisory Committee on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) campaign, Ms. Marianne Mikko, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of UNSC Campaign Task Force, Mr. Margus Kolga, and UNSC Counsellor, Ms. Mari Tomingas. In June 2017, Cabinet members benefitted from a presentation from Dr. Arvo Ott, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy in Estonia and as a follow-up to that engagement, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Ms. Catherine Hughes, and Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Mr. Floyd Levi attended an e-governance conference in Tallinn, Estonia.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon greets Ms. Marianne Mikko, member of the Delegation from Estonia, and Member of the Estonian President’s Advisory Committee on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Campaign for 2020-2021

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon is pictured here with other members of the Delegation from Estonia: UNSC Campaign Task Force Counsellor, Ms. Mari Tomingas, and Ambassador-at-Large and Head of UNSC Campaign Task Force, Mr. Margus Kolga

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

National Land Policy closer …with signing of US$15M pact between Guyana, FAO THE Government of Guyana and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) signed a US$15M Sustainable Land Development and Management agreement – paving the way for the implementation of a project that resulted in the development of the country’s first National Land Policy and the simultaneous strengthening of institutional and human capacities. The agreement was signed by FAO’s Country Representative, Reuben Robertson, Guyana’s Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in the presence of President David Granger at State House on Thursday. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka; and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn, were among those who participated in the signing ceremony at State House. FAO and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission are partnering to execute the multimillion dollar project. FAO in opting to partner with the Lands and Surveys Commission and the Ministry of the Presidency’s Project Management Office (PMO) committed US$100,000 to facilitate the recruitment of consultants and to provide technical expertise within the FAO to assist with the formulation of the project document. In his remarks during the signing ceremony, the FAO’s Country Representative said the US$15,092,277 project of which US$14,092,277 is funded under GRIF, seeks to address four main areas over a period of four years. Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management in Policy, Regulation, Institutional and Governance mechanisms to prevent land degradation and restore degraded lands, are the objectives of component one, Robertson explained while noting that Component Two will address the strengthening of Institutional and Human Capacities. Under Component Three, local governance in three regions will be strengthened

mandate in a sustainable and effective manner will be significantly strengthened. It was appointed out that in Guyana, there are 34 legislation that speaks to land – a situation that has caused a number of issues. These issues of overlapping, however, will be addressed during the life of the project, he assured. “Additionally it is expected that there will be enhanced land governance through regulatory and fi-

are among the core strategic areas. The ‘Strategy’ will place emphasis on the effective management and protection of our land and marine resources, our ecosystems and the rich biodiversity of these systems, inter alia,” the President explained. He, however, took note of the fact that increased demand for lands for farming, logging and mining has increased the threats to the country’s natural capital with logging and mining listed as

For these reasons, he said Guyana has committed itself to preserving its land assets. “It has agreed to place an additional two million hectares of our territory under conservation and convert the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development into a world-class biodiversity research facility. We shall also promote more efficient mining and logging practices, including post-extractive land reclamation; push sustainable forestry practices including reduced-impact

management should be to contribute to government projects and programmes that are aimed at achieving poverty reduction, economic growth , while promoting the full utilization of land resources in a sustainable manner. As such, issues to do with improving land tenure security; enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and improving service delivery of land titling and registration, and enhancing local government capacity to undertake land management functions, must be brought into con-

President David Granger

for the implementation of Sustainable Land Development and Management. The final component will address project management, monitoring and evaluation. Robertson said over the next four years, it is expected that an enabling environment for Sustainable Land Development and Management will be mainstreamed. “The conflicts which currently exist are addressed through the strengthening of policies, legislation and improved governance mechanisms,” he posited. Additionally, it is expected that the project will contribute to the Government’s policy on achieving a Green State. Commissioner Benn said the Lands and Surveys Commission is faced with many challenges, and the project will seek to address many of those. “In recent years, Guyana experienced an expansion of land-based investment across the country, forestry, agriculture and mining, to name a few, on public lands, but these investments have been plagued with a number of issues including overlapping responsibilities and conflicting[sic] resulting there from. We suffer from a lack of comprehensive baseline information to help us to make analytical decisions and we have an absence of good monitoring practices and framework for overseeing the work that we do when it comes to land,” he explained. With the role out of the Sustainable Land Development and Management Project, Commissioner Benn said the Commission’s capacity to fully execute its legal

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan; FAO Country Representative, Reuben Robertson; and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, signing the Sustainable Land Development and Management Project document at State House (Photo by Delano Williams)

nancial systems, spatial data information and management, and enhanced institutional capacities. Importantly, the project will also assist in building the capacities of key stakeholders outside of the commission, the capacity of GLSC will be strengthened through updating and streamlining institutional responsibilities and procedures, and establishing an opened data environment,” Commissioner Benn further explained. It will also allow for the country’s first National Centre for Geospatial Excellence. President Granger, in his address, said Guyana’s landbased natural capital must be managed sustainably if present and future generations are to enjoy the ‘good life,’ and the project will aid in that regard, in addition to the Green State Development Strategy. “Guyana is crafting a Framework Document of the Green State Development Strategy in order to ensure sustainable development. Land use planning and natural resource management

the main causes of deforestation. “Small-scale mining alone accounted for 89 per cent of deforestation over the past three years. River mining is polluting our waterways on which many hinterland residents still depend for bathing, drinking, fishing and washing,” he pointed out while noting that reckless use and management of land can impact adversely on the environment and citizens’ quality of life.

logging and improved forest monitoring and pursue mineral mapping so to identify areas of marginal, or less than viable, mineral deposits,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister in endorsing the project, said it is designed to ensure that the productivity and economic potential of the country’s land is maintained. “Indeed, the overarching goal of sustainable land

tention. I am happy that this project has been designed to tackle many of these areas,” Minister Jordan stated. He noted that land management is essential since it combines technologies, policies and activities with socio-economic principles and environmental concerns, in order to maintain and enhance the production of goods and services.

Armed bicycle bandits rob soldier – one suspect in custody MINUTES after a Guyana Defence Force rank was robbed of his cellular phone by three knife-wielding bicycle bandits in the presence of a colleague, a passing police patrol arrested one of the suspects a short distance from where the robbery occurred. Reports are that at

around 02:00hrs on Thursday, the soldier, who resides at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, and an army colleague were in the vicinity of D’Urban and High Streets when the robbers pounced. They managed to relieve the rank from Nabaclis of his phone, valued $22,000. Whilst fleeing from the bandits, the two soldiers

managed to stop a passing police patrol and make a report of the robbery. Based on that report, the police were able to apprehend one of the suspects, who has been positively identified. That suspect, the police say, is an unemployed 20-year-old Norton Street, Lodge man.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Guyana renews ties with several countries PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accepted letters of credence from three ambassadors, among them Haralambos Kafkarides, Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Guyana. The new High Commissioner will be resident in Brasilia, Brazil. President Granger said that the relationship between the two countries are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of

regional peace and security. In this regard, he said that, “Guyana reaffirms its unequivocal support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. Guyana rejects the use of force as a means of settling disputes. Guyana affirms the right of the people of Cyprus to have ownership and possession of all of its resources.” “Guyana looks forward, also, to strengthening our bilateral relations. Cyprus’s experience in the field of tourism can be of considerable benefit to Guyana as we develop a diversified tourism product. It is my hope that during your tenure as High Commissioner that co-

operation between our two countries can be advanced,” President Granger said. For his part High Commissioner Kafkarides said that Cyprus attaches great importance to the strengthening of its relations with Guyana at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. “Our two countries have signed a number of bilateral agreements and we are discussing the conclusion of others. High-level official visits have also contributed to the enhancement of our bonds of friendship and cooperation,” he said. Guyana and Cyprus established formal diplomatic ties 45 years ago, in February 1972. Additionally, President Granger said that Guyana is

Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to Guyana, Mr. David Solomonia presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger in the presence of Minister of Public Affairs, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Audrey Waddell

looking forward to sharing experiences and expertise with the Republic of Geor-

After the formalities: From left are: Minister of Public Affairs, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; High Commissioner Haralambos Kafkarides; President David Granger; Mrs. Kafkarides; and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Audrey Waddell

one which will emphasise investment and innovation for our mutual benefit. Guyana is keen to benefit from Georgia’s expertise in the fields of agriculture, education and information communication technology,” he said. Echoing the President’s sentiments, Ambassador Solomonia said that there is much scope for improved trade and economic exchanges between the two states which has the potential to significantly enhance social welfare and economic prosperity. Guyana and Georgia established diplomatic relations in April 2012 aimed, primarily, at promoting greater understanding and increasing people-to-people contact.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to advance their shared interests. This, he said, is a reflection of the two countries’ confidence in the efficacy of multilateral diplomacy to address international issues which are beyond the capacities of single states, strong or weak, rich or poor. “Guyana looks forward to intensifying bilateral cooperation with Qatar and welcome Qatar’s resolve to strengthen relations with Guyana. Distance and economic, political and cultural differences should not constrain our collaboration in the future,” the President said. Meanwhile, Ambassador Al-Hayki informed that his country has commit-

Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Al-Hayki presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger

gia as both countries move to pursue green development initiatives. The Head of State made these remarks when he accredited Mr. David Solomonia as the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to Guyana. Ambassador Solomonia will be resident in Brasilia, Brazil. The President noted that Guyana’s efforts to improve conditions of life for all its citizens and Georgia’s proven expertise in several fields of common interest represent a platform for enduring cooperation. “Guyana looks forward, therefore, to a new phase in our relations,

Also on Wednesday President Granger invited the State of Qatar to examine ways of investing in the development of the emergent oil and gas sector when he accepted the Letters of Credence from Mr. Mohammed Ahmad Al-Hayki, accrediting him as the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Guyana. Ambassador Al-Hayki will be based in Brasilia, Brazil. During the ceremony, President Granger said that Guyana and Qatar have utilised their membership in organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the

ted to using its financial resources to investing in education, health and social welfare and human resources development. These investments have resulted in Qatar having one of the most advanced education systems and some of the best universities in the world. “I am honoured and looking forward to working and cooperating with members of your esteemed Government to develop and enhance the existing cordial relations between our countries,” he said. Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in August 1996.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Local charity roots for juveniles in detention – puts $500,000 towards their upkeep By Lisa Hamilton YOUTHS of the Juvenile Detention Centre at Sophia will now receive G$500,000 worth of assis-

tance following a donation from the local chapter of the group, ‘100 People Who Care’. The money will be utilised by the Enhance Po-

tential to Inspire Change (EPIC) Guyana Foundation, another local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which aids children who are detained at the juvenile

Executive members of the local charity, 100 People Who Care. From left are: Chairperson, Valerie Jenkinson, and Co-founders of the organisation’s local chapter, Kian Jabour and Caitlin Vieira

holding centre. EPIC was nominated by Alex Arjoon and Stuart Gonsalves at the first meeting for the year for People Who Care, which assembles once every three months to choose local charities, NGOs, or worthy causes for charitable donations. The meeting was held on Wednesday at the GT Motorsports Hall on Thomas Lands. At each gathering, every member of the organisation contributes the sum of G$5,000 towards

achieving the half-a-million dollars needed to provide a better standard-of-living for the less fortunate. Chairperson of the organisation, Valerie Jenkinson explained the process by which the charities are chosen, stating that all nominated names are placed into a bag from which three are chosen. The nominators of those chosen are then tasked with making a five-minute presentation, stating why they chose the charity they did,

after which there is a voting process which reveals the winning Foundation. “We learn about these small charities that nobody has an idea existed, and the wonderful work they’re doing on a shoestring,” Jenkinson said, adding: “They’re not government-supported; they’re just working on very, very minimal funds. So if we can get to 100 members and give somebody $500,000, it makes a huge difference.” Turn to page 12 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Local charity roots for juveniles... Last October, People Who Care was able to assist the Hauruni Girls Home on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway where, besides infrastructural development, 17 children there were in receipt of school supplies, hygiene products, as well as treatment for lice and other medical conditions. The children at that home are said to have either faced issues of abuse or are orphaned due to varying circumstances. Co-founder of the or-

ganisation’s local chapter is Caitlin Vieira, a psychologist by profession, who told the Guyana Chronicle that not only do members have the chance to make a difference, but to learn during the one-hour meetings every quarter. “I really do believe that people want to make a difference, but due to financial and time restraints, there are some issues. So we meet once every three months; and it’s just $5,000,” Vieira said.

“More importantly, we get to learn about the different charities and initiatives that are in Guyana, because people come and give this information all the time. So it’s not only making a difference, but its learning,” she added. Co-founder, Kian Jabour says that the idea is a competent one, as it fits right in with today’s fast-paced world. “It really is a very open concept; inclusive of everyone and at the same time

very effective and efficient,” Jabour said, adding: “And I think that’s where the world is right now: We all care about our time; our time is our money, so the faster that we can help and the easier it is, it’s the more we’ll do.” The 100 Who Care Alliance presently has various branches of 100 Women Who Care, 100 Men Who Care, 100 People Who Care and 100 Kids Who Care. The organisation was founded by Karen Dunigan

From page 11

in Michigan, USA in 2008, and at her first meeting, members raised US$10,000 to buy 300 new baby cribs for an organisation in their city. Subsequently, Jenkinson went on to launch the organisation’s first presence in the Caribbean--in St. Lucia-and, to date, there are over 500 chapters worldwide. “The thing about this,” Jenkinson said, “is that nobody has to do anything. If you’re a busy person, you don’t have to bake cook-

ies, you don’t have to sell anything, you don’t have to attend endless meetings. “Come to the next meeting, take a look at what we’re doing. If you like it; join. You don’t have to make a commitment before you’ve seen what we do.” Jenkinson says that altogether, the organisation has raised over US$53M worldwide, simply by each person giving a small portion. The group’s next meeting is set for Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

30 police ranks trained to ‘deal with delicate matters’ – after completing guidance and counselling course

Assistant Commissioner Ms. Maxine Graham and the graduates

THIRTY members of the Guyana Police Force were on Wednesday presented with certificates after successfully completing studies in Guidance and Counselling. The Force in its continued efforts to empower its ranks through education, selected thirty ranks, both junior and senior, from various departments to attend the course at the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Education and Humanities. Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Administration, Ms. Maxine Graham, expressed her satisfaction

that all of the participants of this course emerged successful. She encouraged the graduands to continue to work diligently towards success. The class consisted of ranks of the departments of Criminal Investigation, General Duties, Traffic, and Welfare. The course, which lasted four weeks, focussed on Guidance and Counselling, a facet which covers a wide range of topics but also focussed strongly on areas such as Confidentiality, Empathy and Respect. The knowledge gained will enable ranks dealing

with Child Abuse, Sexual Offences and other delicate matters to effectively resolve those issues while simultaneously and effectively preserving the psychological aspect of the process. The knowledge acquired from this course will also impact the Welfare Department of the Guyana Police Force. As with any organisation, the Welfare Department works closely with members of the Force, assisting with issues affecting same and offers extensive Counselling and Guidance for serving members, as well as family members of those deceased.

CJIA/GTA host housekeeping workshop for custodians

CEO Ghir delivering remarks to the Custodians

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority, concluded on Wednesday a two-day workshop on housekeeping with 25 of its airport custodians. The workshop, held in the airport’s boardroom with facilitator Susan Isaacs, focused on international cleaning procedures and practices and customer service, in keeping with the airport management’s mandate to maintain a high quality of standard and service it provides to airport users. In a release, CJIA said participants were also briefed on how to use the

cleaning equipment correctly and safely; proper usage of cleaning agents and chemicals; ways to handle conflicts with airport users and practice basic communication etiquette. Cognisant of the fact that cleanliness is key to the airport operations, Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer, in delivering opening remarks, underscored how critical the Custodians’ role is within the airport’s operations. “First impression counts and you must see yourself as ambassadors not only of the airport but the country at large; give of your best at all times and take pride in what you do,” he told the Custodians. The workshop is a se-

ries of programmes earmarked for the Custodians for the year. Michelle Clarke, a Custodian Supervisor, found the workshop to be uplifting, “I thought it was just going to be about cleaning, but it was more than that. It reinforced my commitment to the job.” Marika Dawson, employed as a Custodian for over a year, revealed “It was an excellent workshop and I can’t wait to learn more in the future.” Following this successful collaboration with GTA, plans are in the making for workshops to be held with the Taxi Drivers and Red Cap operators next month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Regional personnel management challenges to be addressed – Communities Ministry

THE Ministry of Communities’ Action Roundtable for Regional Development 2018 will seek to aggres-

sively address the plethora of challenges in regional personnel management. The discussions are be-

ing held under the theme: “Strengthening Governance through Human Resource Development and

Planning in a Green Economy.” Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday at the National Racquet Centre, challenged the regional administrative heads and other representatives to do better in 2018 with emphasis on human resource development. While reflecting on the accomplishments of 2017, the minister acknowledged that much was achieved but more could have been done in furtherance of the respective regional work programmes. This government is resolutely committed to decentralisation and people’s empowerment, given its policy, according to Minister Bulkan, who noted: “Decisions should be made as close as possible to the people who are affected by them.” He expressed that it is important that regional leaders be in tune with that vision to ensure there is a strong expression of regionalism. “Stronger regions are the vehicles that will ensure that citizens, regardless of where they may live, have equal quality of public services and an improved quality of life.”

Article 72 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, Minister Bulkan emphasised, makes it abundantly clear that the regions are not appendages of the central government. Quoting from a speech made by President David Granger, the minister told regional representatives that, “You are not a little bunch of central government, you are administering whole regions”. The management of geographical spaces larger than many Caribbean countries, the minister said, highlights the importance of Regional Executive Officers (REOs) within the governance structure. Referring to the President’s vision for the regional administration, Minister Bulkan quoted, “I want to see a region with aerodromes, with sports stadiums, worldclass cricket coming here, with banking systems, with all your organs of the state, hospitals, banks, NIS, law courts. I want to see a region functioning almost like a state in the USA. I want to see the regional chairperson like a State Governor…”. Every REO, the Communities Minister said, must be guided by this vision regardless of how large or small

the task. This vision was articulated while this administration was in opposition, he recalled, and it is one that is being promoted and executed with evidence to support. In addition, Minister Bulkan said implementation of the Public Service Investment Programme (PSIP) lies in the investment in human capital. “A Public Service that is equipped with the knowledge, skills and commitment is essential. It is our regional public servants who are directly responsible for the implementation and execution of the policies and programmes of our Regional Democratic Councils.” Challenges in relation to staff shortages, particularly in the hinterland, have prompted the ministry to place a greater focus on human resource development. It was explained that the Action Roundtable is not just about complaints, rather, participants will aim to strategise in order to aggressively confront impediments to the implementation of the PSIP. Action and solutions, the minister emphasised, should be the guiding words throughout the discussions. (DPI)

Stranded Cubans to travel home CUBANS who have been stranded in Guyana for the past three days, were expected to return to their homeland on Wednesday, said local representative of Aruba Air, Capt. Gerry Gouveia. According to a press statement, Aruba Air was expected to dispatch two aircraft to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday afternoon. The delays resulted from mechanical issues to one of the aircraft after birds got trapped in its engine while en route to Guyana. “Aruba Air’s top priority is safety. The mechanical issue took a bit longer to rectify than initially anticipated and

the aircraft is now back in service. Additionally, a second aircraft is being diverted to the Guyana route to effectively deal with the backlog of passengers,” said Gouveia. Since that incident occurred, the affected Cubans were accommodated at Roraima Airways Residence Inn and Duke Lodge Hotels, as well as at the Diocesan Youth Centre in Subryanville and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) on Brickdam. Capt. Gouveia explained that a standard operating arrangement was in place for delayed Aruba Air passengers to be accommodated at Residence Inn but due to the extended delay, additional

accommodation had to be secured. “Aruba Air had expected to have the Guyana flight operational on Monday, but the mechanical issue was not rectified by that time as was anticipated. This resulted in the need for additional accommodation at short notice and arrangements were immediately put in place to have them comfortably accommodated in groups, so that they could interact among themselves and at the same time be communicated with together and updated on departure information,” Gouveia said. Aruba Air apologises for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

No backlog of financial crimes cases …DPP, Police Legal Adviser deny sloth in processing SOCU cases By Ariana Gordon DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack and Police Legal Adviser (PLA) Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh have both denied that there is a backlog of unprocessed cases involving financial crimes,

Police Legal Adviser (PLA), Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh

stacked at their offices. Speaking with reporters Wednesday on the sidelines of an event held at State House, both Ali-Hack and Justice Singh denied statements made by Dr Sam Sittlington, Irish Financial Investigation expert who has once again been appointed as an adviser to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Sittlington has been hired by the British government to serve as a Financial Investigations Mentor or advisor to SOCU. He told reporters just over a week ago, upon his return, that SOCU has done much work over the past year but many of the cases the Unit has worked on are sitting either with the PLA or DPP. SOCU after investigations would send its cases to the DPP or PLA for guidance on how to proceed as it relates to charges.

Dr Sam Sittlington, Irish Financial Investigation expert

He said, “I am trying to get the handle on why cases I was looking at last year at this time are still sitting either in the PLA’s office or the DPP’s office.” However, on Wednesday, the DPP in response to questions posed by Guyana Chronicle, said she has

only received four files from SOCU last week and those files have since received attention. One of the files, Ali-Hack said, left her office last week while the remaining three were scheduled to leave on Thursday. Asked whether there has been a delay in moving forward with the files received, the DPP repeated, “There were only four files [that]came in last week and one went out last week and the other three are leaving this week.” She was not in a position to state which file was returned to SOCU and noted that as far as she is aware, Dr Sittlington has not requested a meeting with her. Similarly, Justice (ret’d) Singh told reporters that it is difficult for her to fathom the reported statements by Dr Sittlington. She explained that while she has not heard the statements first hand, she

knows that there is no backlog of cases at her office. In fact, she told reporters unequivocally that all matters have been progressing. “I do not know which matters he (Sittlington) is speaking

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack

about because all the matters I have are in progress, there are things being done,” said Justice Singh who pointed to the Pradoville 2 case where she disclosed that a valuation is being sought. Though she was not in

a position to state the number of cases before her, she made it clear that investigations are ongoing. “Certain files have to be sent back for further investigation. So it is not that the file is static but what they are really saying is perhaps they feel we should have charged right away.” “There are three matters in the DPP’s chambers awaiting approval to charge. We cannot just go and charge people. We have to send it; they would have done their investigations, but even after investigations files are not completed you then have to advise on them and then you would see certain things missing and you’d see certain statements,” the PLA explained. Justice Singh intends to communicate with Dr Sittlington in the near future, and when that meeting is scheduled, she intends to raise the allegation of backlog of cases with him.

American Medical Institution not accredited THE National Accreditation Council of Guyana (NAC) wishes to advise the public that the American Medical Institution is not registered with the NAC as is legally required for post-secondary and tertiary educa-

tional institutions operating in Guyana. In a release, the NAC said it has come to its attention that the said institution which has been operating out of the Chritchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue has in-

formed its students and members of the public that it has been granted approval to operate by Mr. Vincent Alexander, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NAC. “Please be advised that the Chairman has not, on

any occasion or for any reason, granted approval. This institution is not known to the NAC. The NAC would like to appeal to the public, especially prospective students, to check with NAC’s office which is located at 109

Barima Avenue, Bel-Air Park, Georgetown, to ensure that their institution and programme of choice are registered with and approved by the NAC.” Inquires can also be made by email at info@ nac.gov.gy ; facebook

at NationalAccreditationCouncilGuyana; or via any of the following telephone numbers: 2258360, 225-9526, 223-7901, 223-7935. A list of registered institutions can be found on its website at www.nac.gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

City Constable charged for killing vendor …gets $800,000 bail FIFTY-YEAR-OLD Lance Corporal attached to the City Constabulary, Gregory Bascom was Thursday charged with manslaughter for the unlawful killing of 34-year-old Marlon Fredericks last Sunday. The courtroom was filled with co-workers and relatives of the accused who

Dead: Marlon Fredericks

came to show support. Bascom of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that Bascom unlawfully killed Fredericks on January 14 at Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown. Bascom's attorney, Roger Yearwood during an application for bail deemed the killing as an “unfortunate incident.” The attorney went on to say that his client was operating within the course of his duties. Yearwood explained that his client is interdicted from work. The prosecutor, Celine Evans made no objection to bail but requested that a report condition be attached. The Chief Magistrate released Bascom on $800,000 bail and adjourned the matter

Arawak Cement expands – now offering pre-cast, its services pre-engineered products

A view of the prefabricated flooring in use

BARBADOS-based Arawak Cement Company has expanded its services with the recent launch of its Arawak pre-cast concrete and pre-engineered concrete buildings division. According to Arawak, which is a member of the CEMEX-TCL Group, its precast concrete and pre-engineered concrete products are made with the highest quality of cement from the TCL Group in combination with CEMEX Admixture technologies. “Arawak presents pre-fabricated concrete solutions designed to increase productivity at the job site, and at a better cost, ensuring greater savings to the customer,” it says in a press release, adding: “Additional features include, among others, prestressed beam and blockfloor systems, insulated concrete walls, lightweight structural concrete, and rap-

id-curing concrete.” These technologies, the company said, were discussed at a breakfast seminar last November at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados, where several members of the local and regional building community spoke about the opportunity for technical solutions developed by CEMEX, to optimise the process of production of concrete in the CARICOM community, including advanced concrete technology that will be used to address current and future climate challenges. As a member of the CEMEX/TCL Group, Arawak says it now has access to over 100 years of experience and know-how, and that the new division offers a range of structural concrete in a portfolio that includes bridges, docks, jetties, low-cost housing, and pre-engineered concrete for multi-story commercial buildings and hotels.

Lance Corporal attached to the City Constabulary, Gregory Bascom

until February 12. He was ordered to lodge his passport at the court and report every Friday until the completion of the trial into the matter. On Saturday Fredericks of Tiger Bay, Georgetown, was apprehend by law enforcement officers from the City Constabulary for a number of simple larceny cases during which he was beaten. Fredericks was kept in custody at the entity’s Bourda Outpost and it is alleged that he attempted to flee custody

and was shot as a result. His mother Claudette Fredericks had gone to visit him when she witnessed the shooting. A post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was as a result of complication to his lower back due to gunshot wound. Eyewitnesses said his death could have been avoided since he was in a weakened state and could not have run away; hence apprehending him should have been an easy task for the Lance Corporal. Claudette

Fredericks said her son was a drug addict who had relapsed twice following stints at a rehabilitation facility. She said that seeing her son being brutally beaten while surrendering to the police has been one of the most traumatising moments of her life. She said that because of the beating, her son had not eaten since he was taken into custody, and family members felt his death could have been avoided.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Guyanese should be real and truthful in their music - Upcoming artist encourages patriotism through their art By Lisa Hamilton THE issue of Guyanese entertainers imitating international accents in their music and radio ads is an age-old matter which does not receive the necessary spotlight it deserves. This is according to aspiring recording artiste, Quacy Hector, who says that it is not easy being influenced by aspects of this practice but, personally, he wants Guyanese to be proud enough to promote their own culture in their music. The Linden-born 26-yearold says that, although he is not well-known or seasoned in the business, he is conscious of the factors which influence these actions in other budding and well-known local artistes. From the age of 10, Hector says he developed a passion for music through writing poetry and he, like many others, was drawn to the alluring lifestyle of international rappers such as 50 Cent and Eminem. As he grew, he put his talents to work, in 2006, when he performed his music at 704 Sports Bar Club and Sky Lounge during Poetry, Jazz and Hip Hop Nights.

‘True Hector, No Lie’ (THNL) is the brand name he gives his creations and in his own time, he writes, records and self-edits Reggae/Dancehall music videos, publishing his work on platforms such as Youtube and Facebook. The main challenge this presents, however, is locating a quiet environment for recording. Nonetheless, Hector relates that he manages fairly well as he has gotten used to doing things on his own. When it comes to the matter of originality, sound and style of singing, the artiste says he looks up to the likes of Kwasi Ace and Blaze Antonio as upcoming artistes who stay true to their roots. Speaking on Blaze Antonio, he said: “He’s not singing with any [foreign] accent. He actually started a gig for himself but that’s one type of music, that’s comedy.” He says that there are many other genres and ways through which Guyanese can promote and be proud of their culture but the state of Guyana’s Music Industry leaves much to be desired. “We don’t have a music industry and Guyanese have this mindset that Guyanese

Quacy Hector

artistes don’t ‘mek it’,” Hector explained, adding: “They prefer to go and listen to other artistes or they won’t pay to

see Guyanese artistes. They have to kill that mentality that they have.” Hector then went on to

add: “These Guyanese artistes who sing like Jamaican artistes, it’s because we don’t have a music industry and we don’t promote it or push it. Normally what Guyanese artistes do is try to go abroad and try [to get famous] from abroad.” Hector says that the media also plays a big role in shaping the music society pays attention to and deems important. “A lot of artistes may be a fan of Vybz Kartel or Alkaline or Drake and they try to imitate the artistes because those are the only persons they’re actually getting to look at,” the musician explained. Every culture, he says, has their own style and sound of music, but Guyanese need to work on their originality and being proud of their own accent. “They should focus more on things that are happening in the country and talk about things that they experience. Try to be yourself, try to focus on the culture and if you portray your culture in such a way that other people would be attracted to it and be pulled to it, your music will go around the world,” he said. Hector says that politics

also plays a role in the issue and recommends that the government introduce a branch which focuses primarily on music and its development in Guyana. In his own music, Hector says that he tries his best to incorporate his creole dialect even though negative comments, some even from friends, encourage him to “sing what people want to hear.” This, according to Hector, is oftentimes not conscious music. “I used to sing secular music and I am still tempted to go back and sing secular music but I want to stay on a positive level,” the young man established. Presently, Quacy Hector works at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) as a Livestock Extension Assistant and tries to balance his job with his music production as he seeks to develop a bigger fan base to expand his reach. “I’ll always be real in my music and truthful. My music is like a medicine, there are a lot of persons who are sick, who are not feeling well and THNL can be the antidote,” he said.

How Remar keeps local music fresh’ By Michel Outridge SURELY you must have heard the song ‘Baddie’ playing on the radio. It’s certainly a hit, and it belongs to one of our very own- local hip-hop artist Remar. Dominic “Remar” Weekes is Guyanese, born and raised in Alberttown, and says “music is in [his] blood” and he is always trying to bring newer music on the local scene while exercising his songwriting skills. Remar said that he realised he was born to sing and be a songwriter and simply enhanced himself by having his latest song “Baddie” finetuned in the US after recording it locally in Guyana. This father of one told The Buzz that since at a very young age he had the desire to be on

stage and his passion for music blossomed after participating in school in the dramatic poetry completion which was usually held around Mashramani at Winfer Gardens Primary School. Weekes said that was when he was about five years old he knew he had a place in the music industry and progressed over the years. He stated that it was somewhere between the ages of nine and 13 that he had a vision of how his talent can be used by tapping into the arts. This 26-year-old artiste said that what cemented his belief that he can do it is when Kanye West album “The College Drop-Out” was released. He took a real liking to hip-hop after that and developed his own view of hip-hop music. Remar, who is a past

Queen’s College student, used to produce his own mixtapes in 2009 which he sold at school and was also the songwriter of the 50th Golden Jubilee collaboration with other local artists for the lead single song “Golden Children”. Weekes related that an entire album was composed for that occasion and he was privileged to lend his writing skills especially for that observance where he also penned the song “GT Woman” which was voiced by Dublin. “Music is what I do and I would like to solidify my music here in Guyana before taking it abroad. Music is my job and my life and I will keep pressing forward so people can look forward to more of my music,” he said.

The rising local artiste Dominic “Remar” Weekes on stage performing for his fans.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

THE SELECTIVE & SELF DESTRUCTIVE PRIORITIES OF OUR INHERITED COLD WAR POLITICS THE political culture of the CARICOM nations is necessarily responsive rather than proactive. We have shifted little in active creative and new initiatives since the visionary creation of CARICOM in 1972. The category of citizens that have suffered the most especially in Guyana is its creative souls. To quote columnist David Jessup Stabroek January

ternational IP platforms. Her conclusion is that “Policy-makers in CARICOM struggle to understand the economic concepts which are relevant to intellectual property rights and how policies can be created which can help to utilise these legal mechanisms for their benefit.” For talented persons with an economic interest in the copyright discourse, her blog is a must source

ing for a stipend, that kept me barely alive, but I remained inspired because a stage was provided for artistic engagement with rewards, managed by professionals who understood what you were saying. The years following the death of President Forbes Burnham, and his Caribbean counterparts, so faded the artistic pre-post independence generation, ushering in the strange inept leadership that

5, 2014, he related the following: “The Caribbean is not short of ideas. Week after week, meetings take place; reports are published; regional initiatives are announced; speeches are made, columns written, and papers presented. From time to time, the region’s elder statesmen speak from experience, with passion and eloquence about the role of Caribbean identity. Despite this, the thoughts are not embraced; the words go unactioned, the concept of region as a unified entity diminishes, and the gulf between the dream and reality is widening.” Another reference closer to the identified group is necessary to compound the presentation of this article.I must refer readers to the letter by the lawyer Abiola Inniss, the leading researcher, analyst and writer for almost a decade in the field of Caribbean Intellectual Property Law and policy, cataloguing the laws and policies related to Intellectual property rights within the CARICOM states and their relationships to in-

of information. Today in Guyana we can compare the national political and social commentary about the closure of some Sugar estates in contrast to the decades-old recognition that this was an inevitable outcome to which the union [GAWU] and the political party of the sugar workers [the PPP] did nothing to deflect, because of an inherited cold war political cultic philosophy rather than the economic reality. The mass collapse of industries happened before, at Linden, the Water Front-Stevedores, Civil Service, during the late 70s and early 80s, thousands lost their incomes. They too had families, they didn’t commit suicide, but many died from hypertension and alcohol abuse- I witnessed that. I should add that they were mainly Afro-Guyanese, with no unions, Private Sector sympathies, social commentators or then-opposition voices which were so abundantly heard. I was redeployed from GRB, but my passion and extracurricular efforts in the Arts enabled me to gain employment via train-

both Abiola Inniss and David Jessup is referring to. Guyana retrogressed from around 1995. But it was the arts and its serious practitioners among whom my present career was founded, that suffered the most from mainly 1993 to 2014 with some encouraging possibilities over the last two years. Creative material and its potential remained at the private expression of those gladly enslaved by the muse, but not expedited as the lucrative trade of ideas across CARICOM through books for children and young adults etc. Retrogression became the order of the day when I bought a bad photocopy of a school book for my youngest, that was developed in colour by the curriculum development in the late 70s under the supervision of Oswald Kendall, to then enter the surreal as the government after the Millennium decided that copyright was nonsense and that they would steal intellectual property and condemn the creative community to poverty. The Private Sector

condemned the violation of the International Copyright owners who were violated but never raised a voice for the local creative community. On one hand a section of the Guyana state paid Neyo the American artiste in 2012, US$250,000 for one hour [see Freddie Kissoon’s column, Wednesday, September 26, 2012, the column was never contested by the state. On the

other hand when I had requested to see the Minister Frank Anthony and he avoided me until I ran into him exiting the women’s exhibition at Castellani house, his brief response was, for my work I wanted to be paid a lot of money. This is a mentality that a generation grew up witnessing. On another time he had pointed to a mural at the Umana Yana that

was done by George Simon telling me that “George did it for free, you know.” 2018, I welcome the Budget idea of a creative centre or as an official and I whispered in agreement, rather a Cultural Industries secretariat, that should be peopled by persons who actually experienced the inner workings of the labyrinth that is the business of the Arts, and not just bodies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Divas Art and Craft to assure a lasting fashion statement

FOR ages women have battled with the unpleasant experience of having to deal with fading jewellery and accessories. It is with this thought in mind that folks at the newly opened Divas Art and Craft Store located at the Avinash Complex, Water Street, Georgetown are bringing to the market, accessories and costume

jewellery that last a lifetime. Using authentic stones and beads, the Divas Art and Craft Store has continued to wow its customers with their clean finish, and intricate styles they add to their pieces. To guarantee ultimate customer satisfaction management at this spanking new joint, the establishment inculcates the use of ‘non-fade’ materials to

A staff in the process of creating an intricate bracelet made to order.

ensure that the jewellery does not fade or change colour. And customers are already raving about the experience of being able to sit and wait as their pieces are made to order in the nick of time. Upon entering the store one is transported to a colourful world of radiant colours, brilliant hues and shades, as the very attractive pieces are

displayed at strategic points in the store. There are pieces there to suit persons at any level of society, and practically persons of any descent can be assured they will find something there to meet their needs. Jewellery there assure sophisticated evening allure, bubbly fashion statements, outdoor free-spiritedness, sensual cap-

Unique pieces of hand-crafted jewellery available

tivation and so much more. The staff are also trained to walk customers through to help them select the correct pieces to produce the kind of statement they want to exude. Cultivated beads and precious stones are transformed into breath-taking jewellery ranging from jade, turquoise, topaz, hazel, and hues associated with different moods.

The seashell necklaces and bracelets are astounding, and the earrings are to die for. Management is offering to have interested persons trained in the art of making jewellery. They can be contacted on telephone numbers 698 6530, or 691 0963, and can be followed on their Facebook page dubbed, Divas Art and Craft.

Some of the jewellery on display

Epic musical battle set for Armageddon Clash 2018 COME January 27 the National Park is set to come alive with the mixes of six local disc jockeys as they go through four rounds to prove just who’s the best as Empire Media Inc’s Armageddon Clash returns, and defending champion, Selector Face is promising a “blood bath”, musically speaking.

up like a kids’ meal.” He’s going to be coming just as hard after the others as well. “Every DJ in this competition is under my microscope. There’s no big or small DJ where I’m concerned, everyone is in the path of my sniper rifle; find, seek, destroy and kill,” he said. On his end, Magnum also

Armageddon Clash 2018 line up, (from left), DJ Versatile, DJ Dellon, DJ Magnum, Selector Face, DJ Dauren and DJ Keston

“It’s going to be a musical slaughtering, and I, Selector Face, will emerge victorious,” warned Face. “Fans can expect bigger and better performance from Selector Face. Coming in as the defending champion I’m the most motivated person in this Clash. I’ve literally lost as many clashes as some people can remember so I know what it takes to win after failing a lot of times.” Face, whose real name is Seretter McAllister, is set to once again meet up with last year’s second place, DJ Magnum, who found himself out of the competition, last year, after a fatal rule violation in the final round. Face, however, is not bothered about once again coming up against his longtime rival, having this to say: “I’m going to chop that

means serious business, promising “straight busshead”. Magnum still harbours ill feelings over last year’s outcome, claiming that he was unfairly axed. “The decision was complicated because Buju Banton is known as a singer and DJ. Nevertheless, they decided to continue the clash. I was very, very, very upset. This is going to be my last Clash, and I’m doing this for the fans, not even for myself. Any other clash is going to be all about the money, if the dollars ain’t right I wouldn’t be clashing,” Magnum established. Face and Magnum will face off against four other acts: 2017 Art of War Champions DJ Dellon/ Selector Charlie; 2017 Art of War finalist DJ Dauren; DJ Versatile, who won the Elimination Chamber Battle last December; and DJ

Keston, who was voted by fans as a wild card entry. Another returning act, DJ Dellon and Selector Charlie, like Magnum, had also robbed themselves of a chance at the trophy last year after getting the boot for a rule violation when they replayed a song and had to exit after the third round. “From last year’s Armageddon some of the fans were upset, and some of them were really heartbroken. But what is most important, people are looking forward to us not just entering the competition, but to win it because the mistake [last year] was done by us. So, we are very focused and very set on not violating the rules on this go around,” DJ Dellon explained. Promising nothing but “A” game from him and his selector, he also had his own reason why the trophy should be his. “As the 2017 defending Art of War champion, it is our responsibility to become the 2018 Armageddon champion. The fans will not expect champions to go to war to lose, so we’re coming there real hard. We’re coming to dominate, we’re going for a musical massacre,” he said. The competitors are set to go through four rounds of competition, with the first three rounds each lasting eight minutes apiece. It’ll start with the “Good Over Evil/God Bless Round” where only ‘God bless’ tunes will be allowed, dubplates can be played. The end of this will see the first elimination. Next up is the “Unleash the Beast” round, for another elimination. The “Dooms Day” round will see casualties, leaving just two in the final “Last Days/Tune for Tune” round. Unlike last year where the contenders faced a judging panel, this year they’ll be judged solely by the crowd, while the emcee of the night will police the DJs for violations of the rules. Apart from just vying for the bragging rights, the DJs will be gunning after some $1 million in cash prize money.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

nd with a , p u g it’s in lly pickner you know ekend a n fi s i e is w tying e cor The pajrust around theavy soon. That the Blue Mash be hot and hbig going on , so if you’re y o going te’s somethinglves Henness on that ther and it invo t your buzz ou. r Martini,looking to gethe thing for pyle at HJ Wate k. o e might bll about big pne the East Baner t Tow , it’s a arty o SundayBig People Ped on Friday saome Soca. World’set things starot Giftland for t G ead up h r o , s Suite

Today

The Strip Hookah Lounge and Boardroom 313 presents “Strip Soca” with music by DJ Blackz and DJ Smith

Tower Suites wants to take you to Jamaica for a night of great reggae and spicy foods by an authentic Jamaican Chef! It’s their FridayJamaican After work Lime, only at Tower Suites! Bucket specials on Jamaican Red Strip Beer and Dragon Stout. Pulse entertainment presents the party called “Soca Addiction” the wildest Soca party in town at District Ultra Lounge. Soca mixes by DJ Ryan and DJ Shizzle, bottle specials and it doesn’t get better! Two lucky ladies will win Amazon Gems costumes for the GTT/Pulse mash band.

Tomorrow

It’s the 5th Annual Ladies Night Out Dance! This event will be blissful. It’s going down on the East Coast (Lawns B.V. E.C.D) Music by Determine Sound (Father Moey) popular DJ Akelo and Super Ray Sound.

MBK and MSK presents “Hennything Goes” at Blue Martini. Dress to impress and head out to enjoy bottle specials on Hennessy. Music by Mix Master Tony and DJ Darry. Doors open from 21:00hrs. Ticket: $1,000 The Administration of Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice) will launch its programme for Mash ramani 2018 with an Exhibition and Cultural Evening at Park Square Fun City, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara at 14:00hrs. The event will feature the products and services of nail technicians, caterers, florists, hair dressers, and other businessmen and women in Region Five.A cultural evening will be held from 19:00 hrs with cultural performances from the National Dance Company, artistes of the Moraikobai Village Council, renditions from the National Steel Orchestra and the Mahaicony Secondary School Steel Band Group and other cultural artistes.Music will be provided by the popular Junglist Sounds with DJ Slaughta in command. The cultural evening will also see a guest appearance by Miss Moraikibai 2017 Ms Annastacia Harripersaud. The event will also feature a Department of Health Booth manned by staffers of the health care services in the Region which will be giving free medical services to those who attend and care to access those services. And there will also be free giveaways of complimentary tickets to another grand event to be announced later, also be held in Mahaicony.. Admission to both events is free.

Sunday

Ladies, it’s your time! Marvellous entertainment presents ‘’Ladies First ‘’ at Club Blue Iguana. Enjoy beer specials, and music by special guest, DJ Anisah , DJ Energy,DJ David, Determine and Stereo Sonic . Ladies free all night. Get ready for the grown folks party of the year! It’s a “Big People Fete” at Hits and Jams Water World with two of the very best one-man bands: Stitchie Vibes Machine, and Supa Ray. Everybody free before 18:00hrs. $1000 after!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Sixth Milo School Football tournament launched especially at the school level and I think over the years, it has served its purpose and has taken its place in the setup of football in Guyana.” He also made reference to several youngsters who have been products of the programme and who have gained places in the various national teams. Meanwhile, head of the Physical Education Department within the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, contended that the body has been adhering to the advice of his office. He continued, “It’s very heartening to see that the tournament is expanding to outof-town schools and there are many talented youths out there who sometimes don’t get the opportunity to showcase their talents and develop themselves.” TECHNICAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation Ian Greenwood contended that the tournament continues to be one used for spotting potential and youth team prospects. In this regard, the Federation is encouraging teachers and coaches to take advantage of the technical support being offered by his office ahead of the

tournament. “The GFF technical department is open for anybody who wants to come and discuss things. We have technical officers in the various regions who can come down and help with your schools and prepare things.” This, he noted, can be accessed through the Petra Organisation, the coordinators of the Milo tournament. Executive officer of Beepats, Jonathan Beepat, contended that for the period his company has been in existence, the entity has prided itself in assisting sport as its corporate social responsibility. “Being a family-owned business from my grandfather’s days and even my father’s days, we’ve always sponsored sports.” Beepat said the company has assisted many big names in the sport world. $1.1M is up for grabs with the tournament winners getting to choose for their school a developmental project worth $500 000. Second-place will have a $300 000 budget, third-place $200 000 and fourth-place $100 000. The teams will be released shortly.

ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup

Brook’s century puts England in strong position to top Group C CAPTAIN Harry Brook scored a fine century as England defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown yesterday to put themselves in line to top Group C in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Brook’s 102 not out was supplemented with a fine allround effort of 48 not out and three for 26 by Euan Woods as the 1998 champions completed a second straight win. England are at par with Bangladesh on four points and a win over Canada tomorrow will enable them to top the group with six points, also making Bangladesh the second side to qualify for the Super League quarterfinals.

Seamers, openers ...

Continued from back page

he was caught at mid-off, off a no-ball from Sherfane Rutherford went to lunch on 38 in company with Cariah on five, with the visitors 82-4. The pair continued to frustrate the hosts on either side of the lunch break, and took their partnership to 57 before a mix-up between the two batsmen resulted in the Cariah’s dismissal. Soon after Ramdin brought up his fifty. The tourists then lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs as Reifer and Paul combined for the demolition. It was Reifer’s fourth five-wicket haul, in his 55th first-class game. The Jaguars were then off to a solid start to their innings, reaching 29 without loss at the tea interval with Hemraj hitting three fours in his 18 while Chanderpaul was on 11. Taking advantage of the improved conditions, the left-handed pair continued the hosts’ dominance and were largely untroubled by the visitors’ attack. The duo cashed in on some ordinary Red Force bowling, getting boundaries regularly; but it was Hemraj who cut, drove and pulled with power and was particularly harsh on leg-spinner Imran Khan, ensuring he never found his groove. Hemraj hit a series of boundaries, including

a six which took him past his half-century - his fifth for the season. However, after hitting Bryan Charles for his second maximum, Hemraj lost concentration and was caught at mid-off the next delivery, to end the 109-run opening stand. Hetmyer and Chanderpaul then batted safely to the close. Play resumes today at 09:30hrs.

SCOREBOARD

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO Red Force 1st innings A. Jangoo c Hemraj b Reifer 7 J. Solozano c Persaud b Permaul 21 T. Webster b Reifer 0 J. Mohammed c Permaul b Reifer 0 D. Ramdin b Paul 50 Y. Cariah run-out (Chanderpaul) 26 S. Katwaroo c wkp. Bramble b Paul 0 I. Khan c Motie b Refier 13 D. St Clair c Permaul b Refier 0 A. Phillip lbw b Paul 0 B. Charles not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-6, w-1, nb-10) 18 TOTAL: (all out, 44.3 overs) 135 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-15, 4-52, 5-109, 6-110, 7-129, 8-135, 9-135. Bowling: Paul 14.3-4-36-3, Refier 11-1-40-5, Rutherford 5-018-0, Permaul 11-5-30-1, Motie 3-0-4-0. GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings Chanderpaul not out 34 C. Hemraj c St Clair b Charles 72 S. Hetmyer not out 4 Extras: (nb-4, w-2) 6 TOTAL: (one wicket, 44 overs) 116 Fall of wickets: 1-109 Bowling: Phillip 7-4-12-0, St Clair 7-1-27-0, Charles 14-6-25-1, Webster 6-0-25-0, Imran Khan 8-2-27-0, Mohammed 1-1-0-0.

England captain Harry Brook strikes a flamboyant 102 not out.

Canada remained in contention for a place in the Super League quarterfinals from Group C when they defeated Namibia by four wickets at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch. However, to reach the Super League quarterfinals, they will have to convincingly beat England so that they can improve their net run-rate, which currently sits at -0.277 as compared to England’s +3.27 and Bangladesh’s +0.43. While Canada are still in the running for a place in the Super League quarterfinals, Namibia, who had qualified directly for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 as the highest-placed Associate in 2016, will now play in the Plate Championship after succumbing to their third straight defeat. SCORES IN BRIEF: Group C England beat Bangladesh by seven wickets, John Davies Oval, Queenstown Bangladesh 175 all out, 49.2 overs (Afif Hossain 63, Aminul Islam 31; Ethan Bamber 3-19, Euan Woods 3-26) England 177-3, 29.3 overs (Harry Brook 102 not out, Euan Woods 48 not out) Player-of-the-match: Harry Brook (England) Canada beat Namibia by four wickets, Bert Sutcliffe

Oval, Christchurch Namibia 193 all out, 46 overs (Lohen Louwrens 38, Eben van Wyk 32, Erich van Mollendroff 30; Akash Gill 4-43, Rommel Shahzad 2-27, Rishiv Joshi 2-28, Aran Padmanathan 2-38)

Canada 197-6, 42 overs (Arslan Khan 72, Akash Gill 52, Kevin Singh 50 not out; Petrus Burger 2-29, Shaun Fouche 2-34) Player-of-the-match: Akash Gill (Canada) Today’s fixtures:

Australia v Papua New Guinea, Lincoln 3, Christchurch (Group B) India v Zimbabwe, Bay Oval, Tauranga (Group B) Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Cobham Oval, Whangarei (Group D)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Australian Open

Federer through but Stan Wawrinka beaten ROGER Federer enjoyed the kinder conditions of the night session as he beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff at the Australian Open tennis. After the temperature earlier neared 40C, second seed Federer saw off Struff 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in closer to 30C. The five-time champion goes on to face French 29th

seed Richard Gasquet in the third round. Federer’s fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka was beaten in his second match since returning from knee surgery. The 2014 champion, seeded ninth, only decided to play in Melbourne on the eve of the tournament and was well below his best as he lost 6-2, 6-1, 6-4

to Tennys Sandgren of the USA. “I think the last 12 days was more than what I could have dreamed coming here,” Wawrinka said. “I really came without thinking I will be able to play the first match. That’s a big step for me.” There were no such problems on Rod Laver Arena for

Federer despite an impressive performance from Struff, the world number 55. Federer, 36, broke serve once in each of the first two sets but had to recover from a break down in the third before sealing victory in the tie-break.

Roger Federer

Asked if he had requested an evening match, Federer said: “It’s not my call, it’s (he tourna-

ment officials’ call. “I wouldn’t have minded playing during the day because if you want to get to the top, you’ve got to thrive in all conditions.” Belgian seventh seed David Goffin was knocked out in the second round, going down 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) to 36-year-old Julien Benneteau, the world number 59. Julien Benneteau has reached the Australian Open third round on three previous occasions Six-time champion Novak Djokovic made it through in “brutal” mid-afternoon conditions with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win over France’s Gael Monfils. Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, booked a thirdround meeting with Hyeon Chung of South Korea after beating fellow German Peter Gojowczyk 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem, 24, recovered from two sets down to beat American Denis Kudla and reach the last 32. The Austrian lost a tiebreak in the opener but fought back to win 6-7 (6-8), 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. In round three Thiem will face France’s 26th seed Adrian Mannarino, who beat Czech Jiri Vesely 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-3. Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro, the 12th seed, took four sets to see off Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (0-7), 6-4. American Sam Querrey, the 13th seed, had a surprise exit to world number 80 Marton Fucsovics, going down 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-2 to the Hungarian. Czech Tomas Berdych, twice a semi-finalist in Melbourne, beat Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. (BBC Sport)

Ireland beat Scotland to clinch tri-series after 24-run victory in Dubai

IRELAND clinched victory in the triangular one-day series in Dubai after beating Scotland by 24 runs in a high-scoring contest yesterday. Paul Stirling top-scored with 74 for the Irish as Niall O’Brien hit 51. Andrew Balbirnie (47), Kevin O’Brien (46), Simi Singh (45) and Gary Wilson (40 not out) also piled on the runs as Ireland reached 331-5. Michael Jones (74), Michael Leask (59) and Calum MacLeod (58) passed 50 but the Scots ultimately fell short. Ireland’s target always looked out of reach despite

Scotland’s brave chase with George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy and Peter Chase all taking two wickets. Scotland still have two games to play against hosts the United Arab Emirates but the Irish have already secured the series after winning all four of their games. Captain William Porterfield was the only Irish batsman to fail, as Stirling’s 117-partnership with Andrew Balbirnie gave their innings a strong foundation. Stirling hit 10 fours as he reached his 15th ODI half-century before he and Balbirnie fell

in quick succession. Singh and Niall O’Brien shared a 97-run fourth-wicket stand, with Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson later putting on 85 for the sixth wicket. Kevin O’Brien’s innings included four sixes as the Irish added 103 in their last 10 overs. Scotland’s Jones hit his second successive half-century but despite some late big hitting from Leask and MacLeod, the Irish always looked in control. The sides are using the series as preparations for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in March. (BBC Sport)

Man City could let points lead slip, warns Man United’s Phil Jones PHIL Jones has warned Manchester City their 12-point lead in the Premier League title race could still be overhauled, just as Manchester United’s lead was in the 2011-12 season. Pep Guardiola’s side lost their first league game this season at Anfield on Sunday, with Manchester United beating Stoke 3-0 on Monday to close the gap at the top of the table to 12 points. Jones recalls his first season at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side

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were eight points clear of second-placed City with only six games to go. City still went on to clinch the title on a memorable final day of the 2011-12 season with Sergio Aguero’s winning goal against QPR coming from virtually the last kick of the entire campaign. “Football’s football, never say never,” said Jones. “I remember in my first season we were eight points clear, absolutely cruising, (everyone

thought there was) no way we’d let the lead slip, and we lost it on the final day. “Football’s football. People can say what they want but we’ll continue to be positive and push forward. You never know. It happened in 2012 to us so why not?” Man United face a trip to Burnley on Saturday and will hope to close the gap further to nine points before Man City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in the day’s late kick-off.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Kohli, Smith win top ICC Awards MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India captain Virat Kohli had something to cheer yesterday when he was named ICC World Cricketer-of-theYear - a day after suffering his first Test series defeat as skipper in South Africa. The 29-year-old was rewarded for his prolific run in the qualification period from September 2016 to the end of 2017 when he amassed 2 203 runs - including eight centuries - in Tests, 1 818 in ODIs and 299 in Twenty20 internationals. Kohli, who also led India to the top of the world’s Test rankings during the period, received the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, which team mate Ravichandran Ashwin had won last year. The top order batsman, who shone with the bat in South Africa even though his team dropped 2-0 behind in the three-Test series, was also adjudged the ODI player-ofthe-year.

“It means a lot to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for becoming the ICC Cricketerof-the-Year 2017 and also the ICC ODI Player-of-the-Year,”

Hurricanes batsman Akeem Saunders fined EC$300 on cannabis charge

RHTYSC’s Gizmos & Gadgets teams make donation to Rose Hall basketball club

ST KITTS cricketer Akeem Saunders was yesterday fined EC$300 on a charge of importation of cannabis when he appeared before Magistrate Emmanuel at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court in District B in Antigua. Saunders, who plays for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, was arrested on Monday, January 15, when he arrived in Antigua in transit to St Kitts. On his arrival, Narcotics police and others from the K9 Division discovered 13gs of cannabis in his shoe. He was subsequently charged with importation of cannabis and possession of cannabis. He was first brought to court on Tuesday, January 16, but was remanded until yesterday when he was convicted on the importation charge and reprimanded on the charge of possession. Police in Antigua said he returned to St Kitts yesterday. The 23-year-old righthand batsman has scored just over 400 runs so far in the Digicel Regional 4-Day competition this season. He scored 64 runs against Barbados on December 7 and 101 against Guyana December 14. (Sportsmax)

our for me. It’s probably the biggest of all in world cricket and two Indians getting it back-to-back makes it more special.”

Australia captain Steve Smith

Kohli, who was named captain of both the ICC Test and ODI teams for the year, said in an ICC statement. “I won that back in 2012 also but it’s the first time winning the Garfield Sobers Trophy, and it’s a huge hon-

THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has decided to assist only organisations and clubs who are fully committed to making a positive difference in the lives of youths. The Club’s Gizmos & Gadgets first division and Under-21 cricket teams last Monday handed over a financial donation to the Rose Hall Town Basketball Club to assist in purchasing new basketballs for this year’s season. Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Hilbert Foster stated that the Rose Hall Town Basketball Club requested assistance and the request was approved immediately as the RHTYSC is fully aware of the outstanding work the basketball club was doing, not only to promote the game but also to keep youths off the road and away from a life of drugs, crime and alcohol. Foster stated they decided at an executive level to scale back on donations to cricket clubs and to assist other sport organisations based on funds available. This decision, Foster pointed out, was made because the RHTYSC has already assisted over 100 cricket clubs in Berbice

Australia’s Ashes-winning captain Steve Smith was named the Test Cricketer-ofthe-Year, having scored 1 875 runs in 16 matches at an average of 78.12, with eight hundreds and five half-centuries. Smith scored 687 runs at

with millions worth of gear, scorebooks and equipment and it was the club’s view that these clubs should start to assist themselves. The RHTYSC would continue to assist only cricket clubs which have a structured youth section and are committed to using sports as alternatives to a life on the road. Special emphasis would

an average of 137.40 against England in the Ashes series to go with three centuries in four Tests in India in early 2017.

bled and I love playing Test cricket – it’s the game that challenges your skills and your mind the most.”

India captain Virat Kohli

“It’s a great honour to win the Test Player-of-the-Year award. It’s called Test cricket for a reason and I’m very humbled to win that award,” Smith said. “I’ve had a really good year ... I am incredibly hum-

be placed on disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, football, scrabble, chess and table tennis. The RHTYSC would assist with trophies, medals, prizes and where possible, finance. The Rose Hall Town Basketball Team has no relationship with the RHTYSC but shares the Area ‘H’ Ground as its home venue. The team plays on an

ICC AWARDS Test Team-of-the-Year: Dean Elgar, David Warner, Virat Kohli (captain), Steven Smith, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ben Stokes, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell

all-weather court which was built with funds obtained in 1998 by the RHTYSC from former Guyana President, the late Janet Jagan. The team recently dominated basketball in the Ancient County and has produced one national player Kevlon Wiggins. Perry Cort expressed gratitude to the members of the Rose

Kevlon Anderson hands over the donation to Perry Cort of the Rose Hall Town basketball team.

Starc, Kagiso Rabada, James Anderson ODI Team-of-the-Year: David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (captain), Babar Azam, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ben Stokes, Trent Boult, Hasan Ali, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah ICC Men’s Cricketer-ofthe-Year - Virat Kohli (India) Men’s Test Cricketerof-the-Year - Steve Smith (Australia) Men’s ODI Cricketer-ofthe-Year - Virat Kohli (India) Men’s Emerging Cricketer-of-the-Year - Hasan Ali (Pakistan) Men’s Associate Cricketer-of-the-Year - Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) M e n ’s T 2 0 I P e r f o rmance-of-the-Year - Yuzvendra Chahal (6-25 v England) (India) ICC Umpire-of-the-Year - Marais Erasmus ICC Spirit-of-Cricket Anya Shrubsole (England)

Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets first division and U-21 teams for the much-needed financial donations. The official team, Cort stated, is urgently in need of basketballs to practise and play matches and the donation would enable purchase of same. The RHTYSC has committed to giving more financial assistance to the team in 2018 while the Club would also engage the basketball team in discussions later in the year about upgrading the all-weather court. Floodlights will shortly be installed with funding obtained by the RHTYSC from the Region 6 Regional Democratic Council. The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets U-21 and first division teams are led by Kevlin Sinclair and Shawn Pereira respectively and include players like Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Jason Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Chanderpaul Govindan and Collis Butts. Both teams plan to host at least 50 personal development projects in 2018.

Early registration for GMR&SC Endurance meet opens today EARLY registration for next weekend’s season-opening Endurance race of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) opens today. Competitors can uplift registration forms at the club’s Albert Street office during business hours. Teams will pay a fee of $5 000 per entry. According to information from the club, competitors will be gridded on their entries on a first-come basis, so persons are urged to get registered early. “We want less of a hassle this year so we’ve opened the pre-registration period. We are going to grid based on how people register their team,” GMR&SC president

Rameez Mohamed was quoted as saying. Five classes will be in action on the day which will feature both bikes and cars competing in separate races. In the first class, cars up to 1500cc will be considered eligible, with the second class being from 1501 to 1600cc. The third class will see cars in the 1601-2000cc class with the unlimited class featuring cars over 2000cc. On release of the calendar yesterday, president of the club Rameez Mohamed commented, “We know that the guys (racers) were asking for early indication of events so we tried as much as possible to get that out so persons can

Competitors have been urged to sign up early for next weekend’s season-opening Endurance race of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club. (GTRidez photo)

prepare.” He continued, “We also saw the need to get the bikes involved (for this Endurance) as well because they are an important stakeholder in racing and the support for them during the last outing was outstanding.” “What we also have this year is the Endurance calendar being done on a championship basis rather than by meet so persons can rebound from a bad weekend to still fight for a championship.” The Endurance championship will be followed by a local drag race meet on February 11 with the club’s Annual General Meeting set for the 16th.

Brooks hits 102 unbeaten, Moseley 79 to take Pride 261 for 2 Sydney Sixers win third straight BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados Pride captain Shamarh Brooks hit his fourth first-class hundred to lead his side’s batting against Jamaica Scorpions in the Regional 4-Day Championship yesterday here. Brooks was undefeated on 104, as Pride reached 261 for two in their first innings after they decided to bat on the first day of their 10th and final round match at Kensington Oval. The incumbent West Indies ‘A’ Team ‘Test’ captain shared two successive significant stands with left-handers Shayne Moseley, who made 72, and Jonathan Carter, not out on 36. Strangely, left-arm spinner Christopher Lamont shared the new ball with Derval Green, and this set the tone for the visitors for the rest of the day, as the Pride batsmen indulged themselves on a surface that played very true.

Brooks, a hometown favourite, due to his languid batting style, reached his landmark from 194 balls, when he turned Lamont into square leg for a single, bringing a roar of approval from the small crowd that turned up. It was his first hundred in 24 first-class matches, since he collected 111 against Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in November 2015 at this venue. He has so far batted 264 minutes, faced 194 balls and struck 14 fours, sharing 108 for the second wicket with Moseley and 96 – unbroken – for the third wicket with Carter. Pride had a solid launching pad from Moseley and West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite when they put on 57 for the first wicket in just over an hour of batting. Brathwaite made 32 before he was well caught by Fabian Allen, running to his right at mid-on, when he advanced to

try and hit John Campbell’s uncomplicated off-spin over the top. Brooks came to the crease and with Moseley scored relatively freely to carry Pride to lunch on 115 for one. Moseley was unbeaten on 50, reaching his landmark from 82 balls, when he drove Rovman Powell through the off-side for a sweetly-timed ninth four. He carried on smartly after the interval and with Brooks playing as easily as he typically does he had the Scorpions’ attack at his mercy. This prompted Scorpions captain Nikita Miller to turn to the tame off-spin of Andre McCarthy and he struck with his first delivery, when Moseley’s avarice got the better of him and Paul Palmer pouched a catch at mid-off from an ill-advised drive. Pride were 165 for two, and Carter and Brooks carried them to 207 for two at tea before batting through the final session to fortify their side’s position. Pride entered the match second in the table on 94.6 points and have so far earned two batting points, while Scorpions, starting third on 91 points, have so far gained no points.

SCOREBOARD

CLE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Barbados Pride captain Shamarh Brooks is watched by Jamaica Scorpions wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton and slip fielder John Campbell, as he swings into the leg-side, on the first day of the 10th round match in the Regional 4-Day Championship yesterday at Kensington Oval. (Photo by Kerrie Eversley)

PRIDE 1st innings K. Brathwaite c Allen b Campbell 32 S. Moseley c Palmer b McCarthy 79 S. Brooks not out 104 J. Carter not out 36 Extras: (b-6, nb-4) 10 TOTAL: (2 wkts, 90 overs) 261 Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-165. Bowling: Green 14-4-30-0, Lamont 17-6-47-0, Mindley 10-0-46-0 (nb4), Miller 24-10-51-0, Campbell 6-128-1, Powell 11-4-28-0, McCarthy 7-1-22-1, Blackwood 1-1-0-0.

as Brisbane Heat routed for 73

S Y D N E Y, A u s t r a l i a , (CMC) – Sydney Sixers were winless in six outings before the arrival of West Indies Twenty20 star, Carlos Brathwaite. With the all-rounder in their ranks, they have now gone unbeaten in three games and he was among the wickets again on Thursday as they trounced Brisbane Heat by nine wickets. Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground in their penultimate fixture of the Big Bash League, Sixers routed the Heat for 73 off 16.4 overs with seamer Brathwaite grabbing two for 20 from 2.4 overs. Fast bowler Sean Abbott led the attack with four for 11 while left-arm spinner Nathan Lyon supported with two for 17. For Heat, four batsmen reached double figures but none passed 15. I n r e p l y, l e f t - h a n d ed opener Daniel Hughes struck 37 from 28 deliveries as Sixers motored to their target off exactly 10 overs. On Wednesday, inform Barbadian seamer Jofra Archer starred yet again but his Hobart Hurricanes had their five-game winning streak snapped, with a 11-run defeat to Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval. Left-handed opener Alex Carey smashed 100 off 56 deliveries to lift the hosts to 187 for four off their

20 overs, adding 171 for the first wicket with Jake Weatherald who made 65. Archer snared three for 27 from his four overs and accounted for the other wicket to fall when he

ery, he bowled Carey with a fast straight yorker and then served up a superb last over which cost just six runs and yielded two wickets, as Hobart reined in the Strikers scoring.

Sydney Sixers’ Carlos Brathwaite … claimed two for 20.

produced a brilliant direct hit at the non-strikers end off his own bowling in the 18 th over, to send back Weatherald. Off the very next deliv-

In reply, Hurricanes got 70 from opener Alex Doolan and 45 from Ben McDermott but came up short of their target at 176 for four.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 19, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Jeff Dujon-183 catches (2) Ridley Jacobs-29 stumpings Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest partnership between two WI players in an ODI game to date? (2) Name the West Indians with a hundred in their hundredth ODI game to date? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 19, 2018

Vickery meets with GOA president Yassin World Cup 2018

TENNIS ace Sachia Vickery, yesterday met president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) J u m a n - Ya s s i n a s t h e world-rated player intensifies her interest to represent Guyana at the Tokyo Olympics and other major international tournaments. The 22-year-old, born to Guyanese parents, Paula Liverpool (Kwakwani) and Rawle Vickery (Linden), had expressed her desire to don the colours of the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ at the XXXII Summer Olympic Games, July 24 – August 9 in Japan. Despite not being born in Guyana, Vickery, at her Grand Slam appearances, would identify with Guyana, even sporting memorabilia of the country’s flag, which caught the attention of Guyanese around the world. “I’m open to representing Guyana at the Olympics.

It’s my home country and that would be something that’s a dream of mine in the future. Even though I wasn’t born in Guyana, I still consider myself Guyanese. I embrace the whole culture and I always love going back, so I do consider myself Guyanese,” Vickery said. Yassin had welcomed Vickery’s intentions, adding “This is great news … this is something the GOA is happy about.” Upon her return on Tuesday, Vickery met with Minister of Social Cohesion Dr George Norton, where she told reporters, “I always feel happy about coming back home. I actually made a last-minute decision to come just because I wanted to see all my family and kind of visit everybody, and also I got a lot of support when I was over at the tournament

(in New Zealand), whether it was messages or people calling my mom, emailing my mom and just congratulating me about the tournament. So I was really happy to come back because I felt a lot of support.” Meanwhile, the World #102-ranked player will be hosting a ‘give-back’ drive today at the GBTI Tennis Court, Bel Air from 18:00hrs to 20:00hrs, “I’m also here to give back to some players, it may not be a lot, but I’m sure that the little token could inspire someone. “I know how it feels to be given something, especially something that you’re passionate about. So I have some racquets and other stuff that I brought back to give to some upcoming players and I hope the tokens take them a far way,” the always smiling tennis player said.

GOA president Juman Yassin (right) and tennis player Sachia Vickery at their meeting at Olympic House yesterday. (Delano Williams photo)

Ashes of former national footballer Coach tells ex-USA gymnastics Winston Callender to be interred today doctor Nassar in court to 'go to hell' THE ashes of former Guyana national footballer and Georgetown Football League (GFL) president Winston `Cally’ Callender will be interred today after a funeral service at the St James-the-Less Anglican Church, located on David Street, Kitty, Georgetown. The service starts at 14.00hrs `Cally’, as he was fondly known, died in the United States of America after a brief illness and was cremated there. His ashes should have been brought back to Guyana more than a week ago, but because of the snow storm currently affecting flights out of the U.S. his memorial here in Guyana had to be rescheduled to today. Callender, a former national footballer and football administrator, served as first vice-president of the Guyana Football Association. Callender, born in Kitty, first made his entry into the administrative aspect of the sport at the sub-association level. Thereafter, in 1997, leading up to the football league’s Annual General Meeting/

Election of Office-Bearers, Callender’s candidacy for the presidency was endorsed by GCF’s Committee members. That particular AGM was historical on numerous fronts. The incumbent

tions the conflict of interest scenario that was inherently in place had to cease forthwith. The subsequent AGM was aborted but when it was reconvened, Callender

Winston ‘Cally’ Callender

GFL President and Honorary Secretary were already entrenched in the respective GFA positions and for the first time ever in the sport’s history, a delinking from the GFL was imminent, since in the Football Association General Council’s delibera-

won by a landslide. Due to a shortened season, the former Banks DIH employee secured sponsorship from his employer for the Banks DIH/Campsite Senior Round Robin K.O. involving both first and second division teams.

By Brendan McDermid

LANSING, Mich. (Reuters) - A coach who sent dozens of young girls for treatment to USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who pleaded guilty to molesting female athletes, told the disgraced physicians on Wednesday to “go to hell” for his crimes. Thomas Brennan, a youth gymnastics coach, confronted Nassar in a Michigan courtroom on the second day of a sentencing hearing for the former doctor, who pleaded guilty in November to multiple counts of sexual assault. “For the record, go to hell,” Brennan said, glowering at Nassar. Brennan’s outburst came as he stood next to one of Nassar’s victims, Gwen Anderson, as she recounted the molestation she suffered at the hands of Nassar. At one point during Anderson’s tearful testimony, Brennan barked at Nassar, “look at her”. Nassar has sat through the proceedings with his head bowed, not making eye contact with the victims. He apologised for his crimes at the November hearing, local media reported. Brennan told Ingham County Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina that he sent more than 100 girls to Nas-

sar, whom he once considered a mentor. “The guilt I feel for that is hard to fathom,” he said. More than 100 victims are providing victim-impact statements during the fourday hearing, prosecutors said.

U.S. Gymnastics team member, Maggie Nichols, who tried to qualify to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games, also criticised Nasser on Wednesday. “A real doctor never sees a child alone,” said Gina Nichols, who said she

Gwen Anderson, standing with her former gymnastics coach Tom Brennan, reads a victim impact statement during Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing

The judge has addressed each victim and repeatedly said she will make certain Nassar gets a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence. “He will die there,” Aquilina told one victim on Wednesday. “The next judge he faces will be God.” Aquilina is set to impose sentence today. Nassar is already serving a 60-year prison term after pleading guilty in July to child pornography charges in federal court. A mother of a one-time

is a registered nurse and whose husband is a doctor. “You’re a serial child molester - a paedophile.” Nichols also criticised USA Gymnastics for not properly vetting Nassar, who served as the team’s physician through four Olympic Games. Olympic gold medallists Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney and Simone Biles have gone public in recent months, saying they were assaulted by Nassar while undergoing treatment.

Vi ck er y m ee ts w ith GO A president Yassin See page 31

Sixth Milo School Football tournament launched By Stephan Sookram

… Technical support for coaches being offered From left: Petra executive Mark Alleyne, Ministry of Education’s Nicholas Fraser and GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood watch Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca collect the winning trophy from Milo Brand Manager Christel Van Sluytman. Executive Officer Jonathan Beepat and other executives look on. (Delano Williams photo)

EIGHTEEN schools in Georgetown will join six outof-town teams in this year’s Milo School Football tournament which is set to begin next weekend. Two teams from the East Coast of Demerara along with one each from Linden, West Bank Demerara, East Bank Demerara and Berbice will make up the out-of-town sides. This was revealed yesterday by co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, at the launch of the tournament at the Beepats Sophia office. Set for a January 27 start, the tournament is expected to run via a round-robin format with six groups of four in the first stage. Following that, the top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-place finishers, will move on to the round-of-sixteen stage. According to Mendonca, the programme has grown from strength to strength. “Six years ago, we launched this programme and our aim then was to revitalise the sport,

See page 27

PCL 4-Day Tournament

Seamers, openers put Jaguars in total control on first day

Raymon Reifer leads his teammates off the field after claiming 5-40. (Adrian Narine photos)

By Rajiv Bisnauth TITLE-holders Guyana Jaguars have taken total control at the end of day one of their final round of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional four-day first-class championship against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force when play ended yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The Jaguars were 116-1 in reply to the Red Force inadequate total of 135, trailing by 19 runs with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 34 and Test batsman Shimron Hetmyer on four. Chandrapaul Hemraj made a fabulous 72 off 111 balls. The visitors won the toss and batted, but their decision backfired as they collapsed to a combination

Chandrapaul Hemraj on the attack during his innings of 72

of good bowling and some injudicious shot-making inside 45 overs. Skipper Denesh Ramdin top-scored with an even 50, Yannic Cariah hit 26 and Jeremy Solozano 21, but the remaining twin-island Republic batsmen never came to grips with the hosts’ bowling attack and lost wickets regularly. They were torn apart by seamers Raymon Reifer (5-40) and Keemo Paul (3-36) while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul finished with 1-30. The morning session had seen a superb spell of swing bowling from Reifer, who jolted the Red Force’s top order. Reifer, the 26-year-old was the most threatening of the Jaguars seamers from the start and fittingly set the tone by dismissing three top order batsmen in as many overs to leave the visitors reeling at 15-3.

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

The Barbadian-born had Amir Jangoo taken at second slip on the rebound by Chandrapaul Hemraj and splayed Tion Webster’s stumps, with successive deliveries before adding the scalps of Jason Mohammed, who was caught at short cover, four balls later. The hosts, after omitting Vishaul Singh and Anthony Adams from the playing eleven, briefly surrendered the initiative with Solozano and Ramdin, adding 37 for the fourth wicket, but the introduction of Permaul provided the breakthrough. He had Solozano caught at forward short-leg. However, Ramdin who survived a lucky break when

See page 27 FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018