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Audit Skeldon Min Sharma

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No. 105172

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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RESPECT (VAT Inclusive)

THE RULING By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger has said that the decision by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to refer the Guyana/ Venezuela territorial controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should be respected by both countries. But his counterpart in Caracas, Nicolas Maduro, has rejected the decision, saying that it wishes to continue negotiations at the bilateral level. Guyana and several other diplomats had warned that Venezuela was using the Good Offices process as a stalling tactic. On the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony at State House on Wednesday, President Granger told reporters that the decision to have the UN Secretary-General decide on a method of resolution to the controversy was mutually agreed by both countries. “Sending the matter to the secretary-general was a course of action that was mutually agreed on, so this outcome should be accepted by both sides,” he said. According to facts presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Venezuela after agreeing and honouring the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award for half of a century, the Spanish-speaking country in 1962 unilaterally and without any basis or evidence contended that the 1899 Award was null and void. The 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana). continue on page 3

…President urges respect for UN SG ruling …but Venezuela rejects decision, wants to return to Good Offices process

President David Granger responding to questions from journalists on the United Nations’ ruling on the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela at State House on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Former diplomats say Guyana has strong case

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Retired judge heads Lindo Creek inquiry

RETIRED Justice Donald Trotman has been appointed to lead a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek Massacre which claimed the lives of eight miners, allegedly at the hands of the Joint Services some 10 years ago. Justice Trotman, a distinguished Guyanese, was sworn in as Chairman of the Commission by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and presented with his instrument of appointment by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. The Commission will commence its work today, February 1, 2018, for a period of three months with the possibility of an extension. The State Minister, in giving reporters an overview of the inquiry, said the Commission was appointed under the directions of President David Granger in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act. “It has been directed to investigate all matters in relation to the killing of eight miners: Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong at Lindo Creek in the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region, on, or, about June 21, 2008,” Minister Harmon explained. He said based on the findings, the Commission of

Retired Justice Donald Trotman

Inquiry will make recommendations on actions to be taken against all persons and or organisations that are deemed responsible for the deaths of those persons. These, he said, are in keeping with the two Terms of Reference (ToR). “We as a government feel that such an inquiry is necessary to determine precisely what happened at Lindo Creek,” Minister Harmon said. Noting that the commission will be equipped with the necessary resources including researchers, he assured that the Commissioner will have full access to all records conducted by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. “The Commissioner has full access. He has the powers of a high court judge to summon witnesses, to summon documents, anything that in the opinion of the commissioner could assist him in carrying out the responsibilities assigned

to him under this commission; he has that power to do it,” Minister Harmon explained. Describing Justice Trotman as a distinguished Guyanese, the State Minister said that he is more than fit to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Massacre, adding that Government is pleased to have at its disposal an individual with decades of experience in the judicial system. “I am confident that the inquiry will be conducted at the highest professional level,” he said while urging persons with knowledge of the massacre to avail themselves to the commission. “I urge all persons who may have any information to cooperate with the commission by submitting statements and memoranda and be prepared to give evidence before it,” Minister Harmon urged. In his acceptance speech, Justice Trotman said he is pleased to have been appointed as the Commissioner to conduct the inquiry into the mass killing and expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the eight miners. Stating that it is not a one man commission, the retired judge noted that he will be supported by secretarial and executive members of the commission. “We wish to note that the commission also will be comprised of all persons who know

the truth and have a duty and the responsibility to come forward and tell us in the commission what they know. They too are part of the commission de-facto. So while the legal aspect and constitution of the commission is placed into one person and his team, in a social and conceptual context, the commission is made up of several persons and will

said there must be integrity, independence and impartiality, emphasising that its main objective is to find the truth and bring healing and closure to the bereaved families and friends. According to him, following the completion of all the pending inquiries into the period of ‘Troubles” (2002-2008), Guyana will be in a much better position to have healing and reconcilia-

nation that full investigations will be done into the deaths of the hundreds of Guyanese, including the former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh. On Thursday, he told Guyana Chronicle that the outcome of the Lindo Creek Massacre will lead to the other commissions, stating that this is just the first in a series. Under the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo (Au-

Retired Justice Donald Trotman taking the oath of office before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (Adrian Narine photos)

conduct its inquiry in the national interest and in the best interest of the families and the people and the Government of Guyana,” Justice Trotman said. Referencing to a biblical term, Justice Trotman said “and he shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” while positing that the nation cannot be really free unless it knows the truth. Alluding to the commission, he

tion. “We are looking to the past in order to make peace for the present,” he said. On the sideline of the swearing-in ceremony, Justice Trotman told Guyana Chronicle that while the work of the Commission will commence tomorrow, it is his hope to have public hearings and visits to the scene of the massacre within two weeks. In recent days, President David Granger has reassured the

gust 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011) there were three massacres: Lusignan– where 11 people were killed; Bartica — where another 12 were killed; and Lindo Creek — where eight miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings, with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro-Guyanese males were gunned down.

National cyclist spared again; wife withdraws charge EMBATTLED national cyclist Alanzo Greaves was on Wednesday again brought

to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for assaulting his reputed wife.

Greaves appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore charged for unlawfully assaulting his reputed wife Janelle Cox on January 28 at Garnett Street, Kitty. It is further alleged that Greaves maliciously damaged Cox’s Suzuki vehicle to the tune of $205,200 on the same day in question.

Greaves pleaded not guilty to the court but his reputed wife explained that she would be dropping the charges against him on the ground that Greaves be placed on a bond of good behaviour. The magistrate who happened to preside over the last case involving the

National cyclist Alanzo Greaves

couple dismissed the charges against Greaves. According to reports on the day in question, the couple had a misunderstanding and Greaves became annoyed and dealt his wife several slaps about her face. Greaves then armed himself with an object and damaged his wife’s vehicle. The woman became fearful and called the police.

Last year, Greaves was charged for a string of similar offences against his wife but they were later dismissed, since the woman did not want to offer evidence against him. Greaves is currently banned until 2020 from participating in any cycling event sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (ICU) or any of its affiliates thereof, including the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF). In 2015, Greaves tested positive for doping when his urine sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for a prohibited substance (testosterone), after the Caribbean Regional Anti-doping Organization’s (RADO) carried out random tests on 10 cyclists who participated in the `Tour of Guyana’ Five-Stage road race which concluded on November 1, 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Respect the Ruling President David Granger

By February 1966, the Geneva Agreement was reached. It was under that agreement that both Guyana and Venezuela in 1982 requested the intervention of the UN Secretary-General in deciding on the method to bring the controversy to an end. At the time of the interview, President Granger expressed the hope that Venezuela would have displayed some level of maturity and accept the decision of Mr. Guterres. ‘The Geneva Agreement was signed in February 1966, even before we became Independent and we hope that Venezuela’s Government has the maturity to accept the decision of the secretary-general,” he said, while reiterating that the course of action was mutually agreed by both countries.

tegrity of our Homeland and maintain political negotiation based on the 1966 Geneva Accord, as the only way to reach a peaceful solution, practical and satisfactory for both parties and in favour of our Peoples,” a statement issued by the Government of Venezuela read. It said too that it will continue to defend its sovereign rights. President Granger has expressed the hope that the SG decision would not trigger negative behaviour by Venezuelans, noting that Guyanese have suffered enough. “We have already been victims of unwanted migration even by soldiers, by miners, we have been victims of violence, persons who are destitute looking for food, we have been victims of attacks by what they call Syndicatos, which are armed gangs,” he pointed.

REJECTION However, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Wednesday rejected the decision of the SG, stating that it remains firm in its position. “The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, faithful to its historical tradition and in accordance with the Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, reiterates its firm disposition to defend the territorial in-

MOBILISING FUNDS Notwithstanding Venezuela’s objection, President Granger said the government will mobilise the necessary funds to ensure Guyana is properly represented at the ICJ and is given the best legal advice. “It is very important, we have waited a long time for this, but now that the matter has reached this stage we will embark on a prudent course to ensure that we get the best representation [at]

THE Guyana Chronicle wishes to retract an article published Wednesday, January 31, 2018 in our newspaper headlined: "Criminal charges for Coen Jackson...DPP recommends criminal charges against Bishops' teacher". The information for this article was provided by a staff of the Chambers of the Director of

the ICJ. It is not going to be a swift process, we are aware of that, but we are very confident that the outcome would be one that our children can thank us for,” he told reporters. The President said government hopes that the matter will be called before the ICJ as soon as possible. “We are anxious to have this matter go before the court as quickly as possible. It is not in our hands, the court of course like any court has procedures and we have to abide by those procedures. But I am happy that for the first time since independence we have reached this far and I am very glad that the entire country is

maritime space as we know is the zone of successful petroleum exploration, so we feel that this is a good move for Guyana and the international community must know the threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity will be removed by peaceful judicial means by the ICJ,” he stated. The ICJ will make a final ruling in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Mr. Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 agreement, had agreed to refer the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy to the ICJ if significant progress was not made in arriving at a full agreement

President Nicolas Maduro

united behind this move.” Stating that the controversy has stymied development in four regions – Barima-Waini, Potaro-Siparuni, the Rupununi and the CuyuniMazaruni, the President said he is confident that the 1899 Tribunal Award will be vindicated and boost investors’ confidence in the country. “So we are confident that this will contribute to our development, it will contribute to the confidence investors have in coming to Guyana and will contribute to the infrastructural development that we engaged other countries with Brazil and China, they would like to know that they are operating in a safe region of Guyana that is not under claim. Equally, our

for the settlement of the controversy at the level of the Good Offices process. UN STATEMENT On Tuesday, Spokesperson for the UN SG, Stéphane Dujarric, said the long-standing controversy arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. In the Geneva Agreement of 1966, Guyana and Venezuela conferred upon the secretary-general the power and responsibility to choose a means of peaceful settlement from amongst those contemplated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Geneva

Agreement also provides that if the means so chosen does not lead to a solution of the controversy, the secretary-general is to choose

lished on page 3 in the Guyana Chronicle dated Wednesday, January 31, 20L8 headlined "Criminal charges for Coen Jackson... DPP recommends criminal charges against Bishops' teacher", please be advised this advice WAS NOT given by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to the named newspaper and/or reporter. The DPP's Office wishes to state

gaged in intensive high-level efforts to seek a negotiated settlement to the controversy. “The secretary-general has carefully analysed de-

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

another means of settlement. “Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon communicated to the parties on 15 December 2016, a framework for the resolution of the border controversy based on his conclusions on what would constitute the most appropriate next steps. Notably, he concluded that the Good Offices Process, which had been conducted since 1990, would continue for one final year, until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation. He also reached the conclusion that if, by the end of 2017, his successor, Secretary-General António Guterres, concluded that significant progress had not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he would choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly requested that he refrain from doing so,” Dujarric said. He added that in early 2017, Secretary-General Guterres appointed a Personal Representative, Mr. Dag Halvor Nylander, who en-

RETRACTION

Public Prosecutions, who is now denying ever doing so. Guyana Chronicle nevertheless, unreservedly retracts the erroneous article and offers our sincerest apology to Mr Jackson, his lawyers and everyone else involved in this matter. Below is the full statement issued by the DPP Pursuant to an article pub-

that the police file with regards to the Coen Jackson matter was received on December 8, 2017. lt was given due legal attention and was returned on December 18, 2O17 to the Guyana Police Force with legal advice for the police to conduct further investigations and upon the completion of the further investigation, the file is to be returned to

velopments in 2017 in the good offices process and has concluded that significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy. Accordingly, the secretary-general has fulfilled the responsibility that has fallen to him within the framework set by his predecessor in December 2016, and has chosen the International Court of Justice as the means to be used for resolution of the controversy. In reaching this decision, the secretary-general has also reached the conclusion that Guyana and Venezuela could benefit from the continued good offices of the United Nations through a complementary process established on the basis of the powers of the secretary-general under the Charter of the United Nations. The secretary-general, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, remains committed to accompany both States as they seek to overcome their differences regarding this border controversy,” the statement ended.

the DPP's office for further legal advice. The published article in today's edition of the Guyana chronicle is totally false and misleading. We strongly urge the Guyana Chronicle to issue a retraction of its published article together with an unequivocal apology to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Unravelling the criminal network …President says Lindo Creek CoI will shed light into intellectual authors of Jagdeo-era killings

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger said the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek Massacre is pivotal in unravelling the tapestry of criminality that engulfed this country between 2000 and 2008. Speaking on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony for the new Cuban Ambassador at State House, and minutes before Retired Justice Donald Trotman was sworn in to head the CoI, President Granger on Thursday reminded reporters that eight innocent lives were lost at Lindo Creek on June 21, 2008 and gave the assurance that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. He said while there were approximately eight massacres during the period of the “Troubles,” the investigation into the Lindo Creek Massacre is critical in exposing the intellectual authors behind the criminal network that wreaked havoc under the Bharrat Jagdeo administra-

tion. “We feel that the way in which the investigation was handled indicated that there was a high level of collusion by the government of the day. We feel that this will be a pivotal investigation, which will unravel the criminal network, which was behind the killings in what is now called the Jagdeo era, during the troubles,” the President said. He said the report of the Donald Trotman-led CoI will lead to other inquiries, including that of former Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh. “It is really beyond belief that a president of a country could have one of his Cabinet ministers assassinated and not even hold an inquest, not even hold an inquiry,” President Granger posited. While stating that he is heartened by the fact that the former President Bharrat Jagdeo now leader of the opposition has expressed a willingness to provide evidence, President Granger shot down the opposition lead-

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er’s claims that launching inquiries into these crimes committed against humanity will polarise the nation. “What has polarised the nation is the killings, the troubles, the death squads, ministers using state letter heads to sign for people to get permission for equip-

Granger stated. Back in 2003-2006, convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here, including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-traffick-

President David Granger

ment. That is what polarised this nation. The role of the government under President Jagdeo polarised this nation more than anything else in our history,” the President

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

ing interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006, while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities. Although the PPP gov-

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

ernment had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in advertisements in local newspapers that he was fighting crime on behalf of the Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial. Meanwhile, owner of the mining camp at Lindo Creek, Leonard Arokium, had accused the joint services of killing the eight miners. He had said that the servicemen at the time might have mistaken the men for members of the Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins gang. Over at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who presented Justice Trotman with his instrument of appointment, in justifying why the Lindo Creek Massacre was selected against any other, explained that while the Lindo Creek Massacre occurred close to 10 years ago, it is one of the most recent incidents to have rocked the country during the crime wave. According to him, the crime is still fresh in the minds of Guyanese, and there are still persons who can come forward and give evidence.

“Only recently I received a letter from the mother of one of the persons who was killed at that time asking for something to be done,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, in a press statement issued hours after Justice Trotman was sworn in, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has taken note of the launching of the inquiry into murder of the eight miners - Dax Arokium, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres – whose burnt remains were discovered on June 21, 2008 at the Lindo Creek. Contending that the commission has a political objective, the PPP opined that persons with vital information may be reluctant to come forward due to the alleged lack of impartiality. “The PPP would find it difficult to participate, given the nature of the commission’s establishment, including the decision to start an inquiry with the incidents at Lindo Creek, as opposed to a more comprehensive review of the crime wave,” it stated. It also registered concern over the appointment of Justice Trotman who is the father of a sitting Cabinet minister and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), one of the partners in the coalition government.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Guyana has strong case against Venezuela -- former Guyanese diplomats

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA has a very strong case against Venezuela, retired Guyanese diplomat Rudolph “Rudy” Insanally said as he welcomed the decision by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres to refer the territorial controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final settlement.

Former Foreign Minister, Dr Rudy Insanally

The Guyanese diplomat, who once served as Guyana’s permanent representative to the UN and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, was among several distinguished Guyanese who supported the SG’s decision on the controversy which dates back to 1962 when Venezuela back-ped-

alled on the 1899 Tribunal Award, claiming that it was null and void. Approximately 118 years after that award was issued, the Government of Guyana holds strongly to the view that a juridical course of action is the only means through which this matter can be permanently resolved. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Insanally said he is pleased that the controversy has taken on a new direction provided for under the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Former Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and current Secretary-General Guterres, in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had agreed that if by the end of December 2017, no significant progress was made at the level of the Good Offices process in arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the ICJ will be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise. Mr. Guterres has upheld this decision and has referred the matter to the ICJ. On Wednesday, Mr. Insanally said Guyana has a very good case, emphasising that the matter was already settled by way of arbitration.

“The matter was already settled by arbitration. It all depends on what the court has been asked to do. There is one thing to do. Confirm that the result of the arbitration and to say that Venezuela’s argument that the 1899 Award is null and void is indeed null and void,” the retired Guyanese diplomat told this newspaper. He said Venezuela cannot change its position more than a half a century after agreeing to the 1899 Tribunal Award.

Former Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Henry Jeffrey

He believes that once the case is properly put to the ICJ, then the matter could be settled. “A lot will depend on the cooperation of Venezuela but the procedure should be given a chance and Government (of Guyana) should be

well armed to defend our position,” Mr. Insanally said. Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson said he too is happy that the UN Secretary-General has referred the matter to the ICJ. “I am glad at the end that this decision was made. We welcome it because it was the logical thing to do,” Mr. Jackson said. He said Guyana had been preparing for this a long time now and he expects her lawyers will do a great job in representing the country’s case. Asked whether he anticipates any untoward reaction from Venezuela, the former Foreign Affairs Minister said “I hope that they cooperate because this is a United Nations decision…” He said all Guyanese should be proud of this decision as it was a long struggle. “We all hope we get a definitive answer and we go forward from here,” he commented. Former Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Henry Jeffrey said the nation must pay keen attention as Guyana prepares for judicial settlement. Dr. Jeffrey said the role of the ICJ in resolving this controversy must be clearly stated. “When the matter is sent to the Court by a UN agent

like the Secretary-General, the court is required to give an opinion on the issue; it does not settle the matter. When two countries agree to go to the court, the court settles the matter, a decision is given,” he said based on his understanding.

“Successive Governments of Guyana have since sought steadfastly to peacefully resolve this dispute and, for the last 27 years, have relied upon the United Nations Good Offices process. The announcement that the matter will finally

Former Foreign Minister, Rashleigh Jackson

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) – established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations. “The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies,” the ICJ website states. Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said the Secretary-General’s decision is long awaited.

be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is long awaited and most welcome,’ the PSC said in a statement on Wednesday. It said Government must be highly commended for its unwavering efforts to spur decisive action on the part of the UN in a bid to finally free Guyana to achieve her potential without this albatross around her neck. The PSC said it stands firmly behind the Guyanese Government in all matters relating to the sovereignty of Guyana.

The Barbados economy is slowing down, warns IMF The Washington based International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern about Barbados’ large fiscal deficit, high debt and low foreign reserves. Executive Directors concluded in the Article IV consultation that after an improved economic performance in 2016, the Barbados economy is slowing down. The directors emphasized that a stronger macroeconomic framework and bolder structural reforms are needed to achieve fiscal and debt sustainability, address the large financing needs, build adequate international reserves, and boost growth. While they welcomed the authorities’ consolidation efforts over the past two fiscal years, they stressed that additional efforts will be necessary to balance the budget over

the medium term, given the urgency in tackling the high debt, meeting the funding requirements, and addressing the balance of payment needs. They recommended that adjustment measures should focus on expenditure, primarily supported by reform of the State?Owned Enterprises (SOEs). “Efforts to contain the wage bill and reform of government pensions, while

improving revenue administration and broadening the tax base, including by reducing exemptions, would also be important,” the lending agency said. The directors emphasized that a comprehensive restructuring of SOE operations is critical to address the structural imbalance in the public sector, in particular by reducing government transfers. They also said

priority should be given to defining clear objectives for SOE reform and implementing the Public Financial Management and Audit Act, as well as other measures. The IMF also

encouraged the authorities to continue efforts to phase out direct financing of the government by the central bank and to reorient monetary policy towards supporting the fixed exchange

rate regime. The Washington based institution called for steps to ease the recent increase in statutory requirements for banks to hold government securities. (CMC)

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Breaking the final yoke of domination THIS month, Guyana marks 48 years as a republic. Republican status means that Guyanese have broken the final yoke of domination and are solely responsible for charting our destiny. It is a destiny (common aspiration) grounded in One People (Guyanese), happening in One Nation (Guyana). Having achieved this status, Guyanese have secured the right to self-determination, having crafted our own constitution, which has been assented to by a president of our own. This is a departure from the past, where laws were assented to by the representative of the Queen. In this process of self-government, we developed our own laws and we need not lose sight of the

importance that, at all times, our laws ought to be consistent with the constitution. Every element of our laws and their application are required to reflect the society’s cultural conduct, i.e. our experiences, given that laws are made for society, and not vice versa. Having come thus far, we have our own National Assembly, which, according to the constitution, is the nation’s democratic organ or highest decision-making forum that is tasked, among other things, with the responsibility for making laws, a President with Executive responsibilities; and an independent judiciary. As we celebrate these achievements, it requires dexterity to use our laws and other institutions to protect

and advance the desires of all Guyanese. Republican status was not only an aspiration, which started with the resistance exerted by the first enslaved. It was a continuous struggle waged for centuries, with an earlier significant marker on the 23rd February 1763. This, as we know, marks the rebellion by Cuffy and the other enslaved in Canje, Berbice. This was a struggle deeply rooted in the inalienable right of man to be treated as equal in dignity and respect. Some have argued that this rebellion failed, but failure only happens when one’s dream and struggle for the right to self-determination dies. In spite of the odds and hurdles, once persons are prepared to never give up, relent and keep hope alive,

they can overcome. Forty-eight years after, even as celebration in various forms has started (calypso competition, children’s costume competition and so forth) to mark this significant milestone in our development, such must also be accompanied by introspection and actions that would strengthen and deepen our resolve to be free from the shackles and bondage of any form of oppression -- domestic or foreign. For the republican spirit imbued in our people not only lies in the determination to bring about positive changes in their lives, but also to ensure that the society and its institutions work for and on behalf of them, not against them. They are persons

The crime triangle Dear Editor,

THERE is a concept called the Fire Triangle - Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot continue. Without fuel, a fire will stop. Without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue. Therefore, oxygen, fuel and heat must come into play for a fire to start or continue. Correspondingly, there is what Cohen and Felson’s Routine Activities Theory described as The Crime Triangle-Without an offender, the crime will not occur. Without a victim, the crime cannot occur. Without a location for the offender and victim to come into contact with each other or sufficient proximity, the crime cannot occur. According to Ralph B Tay-

lor, the Crime Triangle is a model that illustrates how three elements -- motivated suspect, suitable victim and adequate location -- are required for a crime to occur. He argues that crime is presumed amenable to suppression if any of the three legs of the triangle is removed or neutralised. In the crime triangle, location is a critical element. However, many law-enforcement agencies place greatest focus on the criminals and to a lesser extent the victims, while the location is almost left untouched. At some locations, issues may arise be it political, economic, social, technological, legal or environmental, which may greatly contribute to crime. Unless they are effectively addressed, crime will flourish. As the police

dismantle one gang, others will emerge because issues in the environment which are conducive to crime and criminal behaviour are not sufficiently dealt with. This is because the root cause of crime is neglected. There is another crime triangle presently in place comprising the government, the police and the community. The government input includes providing resources and the establishment of several government ministries and departments to focus on the communities to make them safer and to promote a better life for all. These ministries and departments are doing a good job in patches, but there is the need for them to strive for excellence at all times. The honeymoon is over. It is time for delivery. On the

other hand, the police have been involved in many community-oriented, problemsolving activities in a large number of communities to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell had been carrying the gold medal for police community activities. Like the legendary Olympics and World Games gold medalist Usain Bolt, Mansell has quietly slipped away into retirement. He is seeking a new career. Thank you Stephen Mansell for a job well done. Hope that the police will find a way to utilise his knowledge and skills and that others will pick up from where he left off. Also in progress is the reform of the Guyana Police Force. I am not aware what form it will take. The British secu-

in our midst who would rather prefer the nation flounder if they are not at the helm or in charge. Yet, among the so-called negativity and condemnation, there are citizens who are equally protected under the law, and may offer something worthwhile or can spark a brilliant idea. As this nation grows, so, too, must our tolerance for the right to expression, and cultivating the keenest of minds to be discerning, or as our older folks would say, “pick sense from nonsense.” As social beings, let’s not forget the desire to express ourselves comes naturally. From

rity expert has submitted his report on reform. It is not yet public knowledge. Bladen (1998) suggests another way to deal with the significance of location -- “the hunt and the habitat “ He explains, “ I can’t think of two special-interest groups more philosophically opposed to each other than the hunters and animal rights activists, yet, there are two things they agree upon: the species will survive the hunt; it will not survive the loss of its habitat...If the ultimate goal is to eliminate the criminal species forever, surely the best way to do that is to eliminate the habitat that spawns and sustains the species. Structured as it is, the criminal justice system puts 95 percent of its resources into the hunt, while the habitat is left almost untouched. We cannot win working that way, because the habitat never stops supplying new customers for the hunt. “ According to Karen

expressions we are able to understand each other and issues; shape and impart knowledge; cultivate value systems; plan, develop and execute programmes; and trade, all of which are necessary in our quest for self-determination. Our republic is grounded in our common struggle to free ourselves from domination and control, by forces near and far, and to chart a course that is consistent with our common needs, hopes, dreams and aspirations. To lose sight of this noble vision is to lose sight of ourselves and what our ancestors have struggled for and bequeathed to us.

Hess and Christine Orthmann (2012), another way of viewing location as an element of crime causation is to consider incivilities, or signs of disorder. Wilson and Kelling’s “broken window” theory suggests that incivilities lead to higher crime rates, victimisation rates and residents’ perception of the fear of crime. The challenges faced by the police are many. They defy any one-shot solution. However, involvement among the government, the police and members of the communities in dealing with the root causes of crime is an effective tool to promote crime reduction and reduce the fear of crime. It calls for a great amount of cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders. The strategy will be fruitful. There must however be sustainability. Regards CLINTON CONWAY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Attorney freed of Guyana, Global Fund discuss ‘causing death’ charge Funding for Malaria

continuation of programme

IN an effort to enhance the delivery of public health to all Guyanese, government on Wednesday engaged in discussions on the possible continuation of funding for the Malaria Programme by the Global Fund at a forum held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East Coast Demerara. There, the Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCM) which comprises civil society partners, key and vulnerable populations, communities and other relevant stakeholders, met to take part in meaningful, open dialogue on the matter. Speaking at the event was Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who attributed much of Guyana’s progress in the fight against malaria to the assistance of the Global Fund. “Undeniably, with the help of Global Fund, Guyana has made significant progress in being able to detect, treat and prevent malaria. These efforts

include: innovative diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, vector control products, and improved mechanism for surveillance and response,” Dr. Cummings highlighted. During the last two decades, Guyana has seen a reduction in malaria cases, according to the minister, which has prompted an increased global dialogue on the elimination and eradication of the disease. Cummings added, however, that although the country has made its strides, it was necessary for the country to build on these gains made over the years, by implementing new approaches, novel tools and better surveillance mechanisms. The minister then established that if the Malaria programme is to experience sustained success and widespread coverage, it would require additional assistance from the Global Fund. “In moving forward with our national malaria programme, particularly as

we aim for universal coverage, will require additional funding,” the Health Minister pointed out, adding that this funding was essential to aid in a number of initiatives being undertaken in the hinterland. “We are looking to be able to cover approximately 80% of the hinterland population, including miners and loggers, some of whom have received and others who are to receive, with long lasting, insecticide-treated nets,” she announced. Added to that, persons in the hinterland and coastland areas will soon benefit from the CareStart Malaria Rapid Diagnosis Tests (RDTs) through which malaria test results can be received in as soon as 20 minutes. The minister also stated that with the help of international funding, a new Entomology Unit is earmarked to be established at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. “This unit will be out-

fitted with equipment and personnel trained to conduct tests on mosquitoes with the aim of asserting their resistance to drugs used for treatment,” Cummins explained, continuing: “Such a unit will certainly help us to shift the parameters for the treatment of Malaria, thus safeguarding more lives.” Also present at the function were Executive Director of the Global Fund Project, Morris Edwards; Director of Vector Control Services (VCS), Horace Cox; Coordinator of the National Malaria Programme, Quacy Grant and Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Secretary, Maria Niles, among others. The Global Fund partners with a number of countries to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. Over the years Guyana has reported a decline in Tuberculosis cases and has managed to stabilise HIV.

Beware of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance Dear Editor,

BEWARE of false knowledge, it is more dangerous than ignorance. The recent declaration by Georgetown’s mayor that the land is owned by the M&CC, is just simply shocking.

This uninformed comment is in reference to the plot of land that is located along Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, and which is earmarked as the Bel Air Park playground. How could officials of a municipality and who would

Review time allotted to view exhibition at GIPEX Dear Editor,

I HAVE observed from advertisements in the press on GIPEX 2018 that the visiting time for the exhibition is two hours each day and only the afternoon period. So to visit all 65 booths, one would have to go every day. Have the organisers taken into consideration out-of-town persons, schoolchildren and other members of society who

would like to visit the exhibition, but would not be able or possible to do so every day? Surely, a review of the time allotted to view the exhibition should be done in order to give everyone a chance and opportunity to visit this historic event. Maybe some time during the morning period can be considered for viewing. Regards SHAMSHUN MOHAMED

have access to the transport and other documents related to this property not know that this community reserve forms part of the mandatory open-space requirements established by the Town and County Planning Act, the Public Health Ordinance, and the Housing Act, necessary for Bel Air Park to remain a residential community? How could the mayor and town clerk not be aware that there exists a specific prohibition on the use of the property in favour of all residents of Bel Air Park for purposes other than recreational purposes. The records show clearly that historically, this piece of land known as R3 existed as an open space, first as an airfield, then as a horse race course and thereafter was maintained by the M&CC and Housing Department from the 1960s through the 1990s as a park, used by residents as a playground and cricket field. The circumstance that the land has since been taken over by weeds and overgrown and the fact that the mayor declared that the land was

there all along and no one was doing anything with it, when it is the Council’s responsibility to maintain all open spaces including this one, is a reminder of the crudity and inanity of City Hall. The burning question in all of this that one has to ask the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is what has happened to the plan they had to pursue with the restoration of the renowned “Garden City,” doing so is within an eco-friendly, green-environment framework. City Hall was supposed to engage in the restoration of recreational areas for public convenience. They said they were going to restore recreational parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and other social areas where the young and old could meet and talk, where uptown can meet downtown and dwell. Building luxury homes for municipal officers on recreational property would not achieve this. Regards JAMES MC ONNEL

A CHARGE of causing death by dangerous driving was dismissed against attorney-at-law Keisha Chase, due to the prosecution’s lack of evidence after almost two weeks of trial into the accident, which led to the death of a 47-year-old man in 2015.

Attorney-at-law Keisha Chase

Magistrate Allen Wilson on Wednesday upheld a no-case submission made

by Chase’s attorney, Roger Yearwood. Magistrate Allen ruled that police prosecutor Vishnu Hunt failed to prove his case due to the lack of evidence. Chase was charged with driving motor vehicle PRR 8181in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Julian Leitch on November 10, 2015, at Duncan Street, Campbellville. She was out on $250,000 bail during the trial According to reports, Chase fatally struck Leitch on Duncan Street, Georgetown. Leitch was attempting to cross the roadway when he was hit. Police in a release had stated that the driver reported that she was proceeding east along Duncan Street, when she heard a loud sound. Upon investigating, she saw a man lying on the road. He was picked up by public-spirited persons along with the driver and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He reportedly suffered multiple abrasions to his body and died while receiving treatment at the medical facility.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Berbice workers thankful for severance package

By Nafeeza Yahya WORKERS at the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales estates on Monday received severance payments in keeping with a promise made to them by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo last Thursday. In East Berbice, the 3000 plus workers, mainly cane harvesters, started lining up at the respective pay offices in Skeldon and Canje early Monday to uplift their monies. Senior staff members received their severances on Wednesday. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, many of the workers thanked the Government for keeping its word on making the payments and are eagerly looking forward to the fulfilment of other promises made. “I just want to thank the President and the Government fuh keeping they word and I happy fuh this lil money, at least I get something in me hand now and I can decide what to do with it,” one of the workers said. Many others have heeded the call for patience and con-

as a cane harvester, said he is pleased the Government honoured its promise despite receiving only half of the severance package due to him. He is optimistic the Government will pay the remainder in due course. “The Prime Minister and Sharma tell abee straight up what was happening and the PPP only been a fool abee

week and them pay. They promise them a wuk fuh get people to tek over the estate in Skeldon and get jobs fuh we so abee gah try but til that happen but I believe in them cause them tell abee straight up.” Jainarine Temal, a cane harvester for 20 years, was accompanied by his wife to uplift his severance cheque.

nah deh so me ah just hope,” he said. Ramdhari related that he was told that he would be paid for his services at the Skeldon Sugar Estate for the last 20 years but was disappointed when he saw the amount he was paid. “I work since 1990 but meh had a problem and I went in jail for two years but

Jagdesh Ramdhari

fidence in the Government by the Prime Minister, who assured the workers in Berbice that the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) is working with 80 plus investors to find jobs for them. “We want you to have confidence in the Government that we will not abandon you, we will not cut you loose and we will work on all fronts to bring about some benefits so you can start meaningful activities in your life and for your family,” the Prime Minister had promised. Ramsingh Sahadeo, 45, who worked half of his life

Workers wait to receive their severance cheques at the Rose Hall Canje Estate

all the time, nothing can’t happen overnight. Moses promise them guh pay this

Like many others, he too is satisfied and is thankful to the Government, pointing out that the money will go a long way in helping his family. He however raised concern over the amount as it did not reflect his 20 years of service. Temal noted he will now have to bring the issue to management to be “straightened out”. HOPEFUL Jagdesh Ramdhari, 50, told Guyana Chronicle he is pleased to collect his cheque but is saddened over the estate closure and is hopeful that all the workers can find employment soon. “It is very hard, but we gotta try. If the wuk deh you nah ah mind wuk but if you nah ah get the work money

when meh come out and guh back to work them say meh gon continue… them at the meeting even tell me I will be paid from since 1990 but me nah know what happen,” the cane harvester said, pointing out that he will query it with the estate’s management. Amid massive bailouts and huge losses, the Government has taken a decision to close the Rose Hall, Skeldon, Enmore and Wales estates and concentrate on the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion estates in a bid to re-vitalise the sugar industry and make it profitable again. DIVERSIFICATION The plan seeks to concentrate on the three estates and diversify the industry by getting into aquaculture,

dairy, fruits crops and rice cultivation, in addition to sugar production. Testament of the Government’s plan to move ahead is the advertising of tenders for reinforced concrete bridges and all weather roads at the Albion Estate. With the closures, it was anticipated that close to 9,000 workers would have been on the breadline; however, the Government was able to reduce the figure by more than half by absorbing the employees though the various ministries and the remainder were issues letters of redundancy with full compensation based on years of service. Government has taken a decision to honor full payments to workers whose severance package is $500,000 and lower while those above will receive 50 per cent before month-end and the remainder in the second half of the year. With many workers expressing a desire to invest their severances, Government has set up two ‘Business, Financial and Investment Forums’ and four ‘Coaching Clinics’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Business for the former workers so that they can be guided accordingly. The forum is a part of the ‘Economic Resilience’ component of the ‘Sustainable Communities Programme’ for the sugar industry. Clinics will be held on February 5, at the Enmore Community Centre; February 6, at the Wales Community Centre; February 7 at the Rose Hall Community Centre; and February 8 at the Skeldon Community Centre. The clinics are expected to held between 09:00 hrs– 03:30 hours.

Student robbed of passport with US Visa A 19-year-old student of Lamaha Park, Georgetown was robbed of his Guyana Passport with a USA visa, along with cash and other valuables on Tuesday at Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Reports indicate that

two men, one armed with a handgun, committed the robbery at minutes to midnight when the student exited a minibus. Investigations revealed that the victim exited a route 41 minibus and proceeded to walk along Kaikan Street. While standing at the double

corner which is poorly lit, he felt an object placed on his back. Upon turning around he saw a man pointing a firearm at him while his accomplice checked his pockets. They seized all his valuables before escaping on foot.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

City councillors hail Garrett’s selfless service

City Councillors and members of staff of City Hall paid tribute to Junior Garrett (Adrian Narine photo)

By Lisa Hamilton

CITY councillors on Wednesday eulogised their late colleague Junior Garrett, saying that despite the fierce debate around the horseshoe table at City Hall, the former finance committee chairman was loved by all. Councillor Junior Garrett, also a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), died suddenly last Friday shortly after attending a meeting of the Finance Committee. City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, in her reflections told the gathering that she had grown closer to Garrett over the years and although the two had their disagreements, at the end of the day, they both made the decisions that were in the best interest of the citizens they serve. “We know the character of Councillor Garrett that we once had at this chamber, we will never get another person like Councillor Garrett,” the City Mayor remarked, adding: “Councillor Garrett, at the end of the day, after all

the ranting and raving…was loved by all.” She then told of many of the acts of kindness and benevolence which were done out of the spotlight by Garrett, saying: “I know the pain that some councillors and some staff are feeling because Councillor Garrett did a lot of charitable work, a lot of assistance he would have given to persons without ringing a bell [sic],” the Mayor remarked. Also attending the assemblage was Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who expressed his condolences to the family of Garrett, as well as the Mayor and City Council members. Speaking to the spirit of selfless service and volunteerism which he says largely drives the effectiveness of the Local Government; he acknowledged Garrett’s contribution to the country. “The City of Georgetown has lost an individual that has such service over an extended period of time,” Bulkan stated, adding: “I believe that efforts of Councillor Garrett bare testimony and that as he

makes his final departure and exit that his record of contributions can be a testimony.” He then encouraged the members not to become daunted by the passing of their colleague and friend but to strive each day to make the world and their communities a better place. Former Prime Minister and Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, described the late councillor as a man of “trust and zeal”, who was snatched away at the prime of his life. “To me, the loss is fundamental and we must begin to wonder how we will replace a man of his energy and calibre,” Green said. Beginning his tribute by repeating the words of the hymn, ‘Now the labourer's task is o'er’, former City Mayor, Ranwell Jordan, later said that although he and Garrett had at times “crossed swords” they nonetheless shared a cordial relationship even after he (Jordan) exited the council. Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Lionel Jaikaran, remarked that although he did

Tried to smuggle ‘weed’ into court lock-ups

A 20-year-old Charlestown resident was on Wednesday charged for smuggling cannabis in two cheese stick packets into the Georgetown Magistrates' Court (GMC) lock-ups. Tia Gittens, a mother of one, appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore and denied that on January 29 at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court lock-ups, she smuggled 6.3 grams of cannabis into the prisoners’ cell. According to reports on the day in question, Gittens was seen with a black plastic bag with the items inside, under the pretence that she was taking a care package for her child’s father Steve Howard, who is on remand for the murder of 56-yearold Fizal Shaheed.

The ranks searched the package and found the drugs inside the two cheese stick packs. Gittens attempted to run out of the court compound but was nabbed by the police. The magistrate released Gittens on $25,000 bail and adjourned the matter until February 28. Last week, 29-year-old Bourda mechanic Leon Smart also appeared before Magistrate Azore for attempting to smuggle contraband to two murder accused in the court’s police outpost. Smart was busted on January 22 at the GMC by alert police officers as he had prohibited items such as two packs of cigarettes along with a bottle of vodka in a Sprite bottle,

Tia Gittens.

intended for remand prisoners Calvin Johnson and Joshua Meredith. He is currently out on $25,000 bail.

A portrait of Councillor Garrett at City Hall on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

not know councillor Garrett for many years, he described him as “a man of principle” and “a very punctual man” whose passing shook him to the core. Meanwhile, many of the council members were visibly emotionally distraught at the loss of a man whom several similarly described as a “confidante”, “brother”, “friend” and a source of endless financial advice. Garrett served the council from 2002 to the time of his death.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Ex-Wales workers sensitised about job opportunities By Navendra Seoraj EX-sugar workers of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara (WBD) were sensitised about the hundreds of employment opportunities in the private sector at a job fair at the Patentia Market Square (WBD) on Wednesday. The fair was organised by the Private Sector Com-

mission (PSC) and received support from various ministries, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and over 20 local companies. Early this year, cashstrapped GuySuCo had to lay off some 4,000 workers in order to keep the sugar industry viable, but government had forged ahead with training for those former employees, with support from the Small

Business Bureau and other stakeholders. PSC Chairman Edward Boyer said the fair is part of the commission’s effort to ensure the retrenched sugar workers do not remain unemployed for too long. On Monday, the PSC took the fair to the Enmore ground where former workers of the East Demerara Estate were told that the

Hundreds of ex-sugar workers and residents of Wales turned out to enquire about job opportunities in the private sector

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) alone has 200 companies which are members of the chamber. The PSC’s membership extends further than 200 companies, so the chairman believes that they can absorb most of the workers who lost their jobs. Most of the ex-sugar workers were excited to know about the opportunities that are available, but some were skeptical because they are not educated. “I ain’t know how I gone get a work here boy but I see places like Banks and Sterling here, so I hope I get in to at least make some money… I feel we really need the fair,” said one of the ex-sugar workers, Michael (only name given). Michael said he had been moving from job to job since he was laid-off in 2016, but he hopes to find a stable job very soon. He encouraged the younger ex-sugar workers

The GPF booth attracted a number of people (Samuel Maughn photos)

to participate in the fair in order to find good jobs, so that they could sustain their families. GCCI President Deodat Indar had told ex-workers at the Enmore fair that some employers might want to exploit them by paying low wages/salaries because they believe that they (the workers) are not educated and do not have any kind of skill. “It is a hard time but do not believe you are alone,

some men are facing the same struggle but in a different way… we are not going to allow you to be beaten down,” said the GCCI President. He added that the former workers must stand strong for their families and encouraged them to take a low-paying job, if necessary, until they get a job that is fitting to them as opposed to not having any source of income.

Miner admits man gave him drugs to keep A 39-year-old miner was on Wednesday charged and remanded to prison by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for drug trafficking. Randy Grant of West Ruimveldt denied that on January 29 at Lot 72 West Ruimveldt, he had 704 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, the cannabis was discovered in

Grant’s yard following a raid in the West Ruimveldt area by ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch. The drug was reportedly found under a plant pot concealed in a black plastic bag. Grant, under caution, admitted that the drugs had been given to him by a man to keep. The Magistrate remanded Grant to prison until February 28.

Randy Grant.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Min. Sharma calls for audit into Skeldon factory Zena Henry JUNIOR Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma has reiterated his position that a forensic audit should be held into the Skeldon Sugar Estate after the massive US$200M investment failed to bring the facility into full operation. Sharma told a gathering of retrenched workers during a ministerial visit to Skeldon last week that huge sums of money was pumped into the estate but it never performed as it should. He laid the blame for Skeldon and the eventual failure of the industry squarely at the feet of the previous administration, stating that not only had they taken money from other sectors, many of which were in financial disarray, to build Skeldon, but also other sums of money were “secretly” injected into the facility to fix problems that arose after its construction. Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that apart from finding out what really happened at Skeldon, it is necessary that the failure of such a huge project should attract some type of audit or report. “If you look at the Commission of Inquiry report, you will see that the factory never functioned as it was intended. It never did what it was supposed to do and if you have a project of that size failing, there must be a report. You must know why it failed, what went wrong, what happened.” As former chair of the Economic Service Committee, Sharma said he was interested in having such an audit done but it did not manifest during his time. The junior minister is adamant that there is a lot of information to be unearthed involving the Skeldon project based on surface information which could only be confirmed by way of an audit or investigation. Sharma had said to sugar workers in Skeldon that some US$72M had been taken from the sugar company to invest into Skeldon. It was around that time the current troubles facing the sugar industry began. He said GuySuCo by then had no money left for the factory, field, plant maintenance and payrolls, while severe fertilizer shortages was upon the industry. Sharma went on to say that the Skeldon project was originally pegged at a whopping US$165M but ended up at a final figure of US$192M

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma

as more money had to be found to fix major defects of the Chinese-built plant. “It is around that time that Guysuco had to start burrowing money to meet basic demands,” a clearly upset Sharma said. He continued that authorities suspect that a forensic audit of the project might well show that up to US$50M might have been siphoned off during the project life. “That was the nail in the coffin for GuySuCo regardless of what Mr. Jagdeo and others might want to say. Money for Skeldon should have come from the sale of Guysuco’s lands, but they simply took it from the company and that was the beginning of the end.” Sharma recalled Jagdeo’s reassuring words back in October of 2010 that he personally intended to see the success of the Skeldon project. The former president had told the nation that if the Skeldon project did not work, “well the sugar industry is dead.” Skeldon was supposed to be a hallmark for the Jagdeo presidency but the factory faced crisis after crisis and failed to perform accordingly. Jagdeo said that his government would not let Skeldon fail. “This is a US$200 million facility. Unfortunately, it’s not delivering the results we expected it to. They have too many mistakes going on there and I intend to fix it. It has to change. We’re not going to make that sort of investment to have a few people mess it up. So even if it means personally I have to get involved, I will get involved to ensure that it is fixed, that it’s delivering the kind of results that it should deliver so that we can safeguard the sugar industry. Today Skeldon is among the three major estates closed for poor performance. Authorities are adamant that the nation will face greater financial constraints if the Skeldon facility is kept in operation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Blind Society seeks police protection

…after several members robbed of small sums of cash over a bag to the police that one of the bandits apparently forgot at the society, which contained a black jersey and two small black gloves. NO POLICE RESPONSE President of the Society, Mr. Cecil Morris, had already

President of the Society, Cecil Morris

By Telesha Ramnarine ARMED bandits wearing masks swooped down on members of the Guyana Society for the Blind on Tuesday night and forced them to lie on the ground, face down, as they made their way through their pockets. It was after 9 pm when Anthony Robinson, a member of the society, and his friend Linden Stewart called ‘Smoker’ went into the yard of the Lot 44 High Street, Werk-en-Rust building to pick up clothes. The area is also referred to as ‘St. Phillip’s Green.’ Stewart finished first and went inside, but as Robinson was making his way in, he heard footsteps and thought it was another friend. On calling out, he got no response and the strange cologne the person was wearing alerted him to the fact that there were intruders present. Robinson was escorted inside by the bandits and the society’s handyman, Mr. Selvin Jacobs was ordered to lie on the ground and keep quiet. Jacobs was the only sighted person among the victims that night. When they all got inside, Robinson told the Chronicle he was pushed to the ground, hit across his chest, and threatened that he would be killed if he did not keep quiet. Musa Haynes, Vishal Mohabir and Leroy Phillips were all manhandled during the ordeal. “They find $300 in Vishal pocket and throw it back to him and said they don’t want that and keep asking for money and keys.” Jacobs told them it was

robbed steady and the police does come an hour and so after, but this is the first time they come this far,” Morris said, adding, “They treat us as though we’re not important. I want to appeal to the commander that we have to do better than this.”

company is willing to give us a security guard; or the City Council can give us a constable, or something.” “We have no neighbours here and night time, people get robbed out here all the time. It’s been years now we have been calling for help

someone was shot. Someone in the hierarchy of the police force needs to act immediately. We had a number of reports previously of robbery and blind persons being harassed in the area, but no concrete action. The time has come for the police force

Selvin Jacobs, the only sighted person among the victims, had a gun placed to his head.

a place for the blind and that there was no money there. The bandits nevertheless tried unsuccessfully to open several of the rooms in the society. So far, only a laptop has been missed. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Jacobs recalled the ordeal: “I saw Anthony coming in from

The Society is bordered by an empty lot, a church, and an empty building.

retired to bed and was in his room when he heard unusual noise outside. He called

According to Morris, Leroy Phillips called a friend of his, who then called a police

at the back here. A security guard would definitely be a deterrent,” Singh said.

The Society’s drive-way is full of garbage, bushes and vagrants who defecate and sleep along the way.

picking up clothes and three other men coming in behind him. The one with the blue jersey put on a mask on his face and told me not to move. Another came and put a gun to my head and asked me for keys and money. They had me on the ground. “They push their hand in my pocket and take out my testament and keys. One of them tell the one with the gun not to do me anything because he know me. It was very terrifying.” Jacobs said he handed

the Brickdam Police Station twice and no one visited until Wednesday morning. “The girl who answered the phone the first time sounded like a little child. I told her St. Phillip’s Green and she asked where is that? She asked one question over and over again.” The officer on the phone gave Morris another number to call and when he did, the person answering asked him the same questions all over again and promised to get to them. “This is the farthest the bandits come. We does get

friend. The officer is the only one who paid a visit to the society that night following the personal contact that was made with him. Executive member of the Society, Mr. Ganesh Singh, said this is not the first time that the police have failed to come through for members of the society. “We’ve had a lot of incidents here with limited or no police action,” he told the Guyana Chronicle. He is calling on the relevant authorities to step up and provide some security for the society. “Maybe if a security

In a social media post Wednesday morning, Singh said two officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited to talk to the victims. “These CID officers took no pictures, fingerprints or notes. The response given when asked about the lack of interest was that a crime scene team will visit during the day.” Around 3 pm, one police officer was seen at the society taking a statement from Jacobs. “I wonder if the response would have been different if

to act more professionally,” lamented Singh. Volunteer Administrator, Ms. Theresa Pemberton, told this newspaper that members of the society are robbed on a regular basis. “Their laptops are taken away, their bags, phone. One time a 72-yearold man, they take away his lil coffee and milo he had in a bag and threw him in a corner.” Pemberton said they were elated at the thought of the Ministry of Social Protection being relocated to the building in front of them, as they felt they would now have more security around the place. But that project does not seem to be moving forward. “The blind people clothes are stolen. They sit down and have their radios and these people push their hands and pull it out. This been going on quite some time and nobody seems to listen,” Pemberton said. Commander of ‘A’ Division, Mr. Marlon Chapman, told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the accusation made of no police response will be investigated. The society is bordered by an empty lot, a church, and an empty building. Its drive-way is full of garbage, bushes and vagrants who defecate and sleep along the way.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Mobile phones can benefit education delivery in schools …Ed Caesar tells UG forum

By Alva Solomon THE use of mobile phones in schools as an education delivery tool was one of several suggestions which came to the fore on Wednesday evening at the University of Guyana Turkeyen and Tain Talks. The event was held at the Pegasus Hotel under the theme,” Education as freedom: Education Reform & Socio-Economic Development in Guyana.” Speaking to a gathering which included academics and other members of the public, former Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar told the audience that the system of reform requires creativity. To this end he recalled that the education ministry had placed a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools. He said that speaking about the subject of reform, “the time has come for us to train our teachers, how to first of all use the cell phone to do academic work.” Caesar said having achieved this step, the students can then be trained to use the device as a learning tool to undertake additional work in the classrooms. “Don’t let us remove from them something that they

like; let us use what they like to teach them,” Caesar said. During his presentation, Caesar, who is the chair of the Education Reform Commission, also called on the powers that be to consider those persons who are born with various forms of disabilities in plans for the reformation of the sector. He said that if a method is not found to make such persons resourceful, much more will be have to be done in the future to make them comfortable and live the good life. He said that the sector at all levels “has to find a way to craft and create programmes that will be relevant to the challenge.” Caesar noted too that the time has come for extensive manpower and community surveys. He elaborated that education training has to be more specific, deliberate and relevant. He spoke of the government’s Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, one which he termed successful, noting that young persons were trained to “do things which are relevant to their communities.” Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson told the gathering that the min-

istry has started to engage stakeholders in improving the quality of education at various levels. He said the country’s education system can be best described as a “work in progress”, noting that the ministry is

cognizant of the fact that it still has a far way to go in enhancing the sector. Hutson also pointed to the need for support from all concerned in bettering the sector. “Any attempt at reformation without a holistic

Businessman Christopher Fernandes during his address at the forum

Chair of the Education Reform Commission, Ed Caesar as he spoke at the event

Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson during his address at the forum

approach will not get very far,” he said, as he cited the need for partnerships. Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) office in Guyana and Suriname, Paolo Marchi also underscored the importance of education reform. He said that the quality of education is an essential block in the sector. Panelists during their contributions spoke of reformation of the sector. Businessman, Christopher Fernandes speaking in his capacity as chair of the board of the Saint Stanislaus College, called for the improvement in remuneration for teachers. Noting that there is no “short-term fix” to the education system, Fernandes said that while the oil industry can greatly enhance the country’s economic welfare, there is need for competent, educated and well trained human resources to properly utilize the capital which is likely to be made available in the future. Fernandes said that a start can be made by attracting better qualified candidates into the teaching profession. ”This can only be done by making the teaching profession attractive enough

to encourage the bright young minds on leaving school to consider a career in teaching as an attractive option,” he said. He suggested that one step the authorities can make is to make the remuneration of trained, qualified teachers be free of income tax with certain conditions such as having attained certain levels of qualification. In addition, he suggested that duty-free entitlement can be made available to teachers at the end of a determined period, a suggestion which also drew applause from the audience. Housing concessions and extending the age of retirement of teachers were also recommendations which Fernandes brought to the table. The forum also saw presentations from Professor Michael Scott, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement at UG; as well as Dr David Singh , Vice President –conservation International Guyana; Guyana Teachers Union representative, Coretta McDonald; National Science Coordinator , Petal Punalall-Jetoo and Joel Simpson of the Guyana Equality Forum.

Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) office in Guyana and Suriname, Paolo Marchi as he addressed the gathering (Adrian Narine photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

72 police ranks trained as first responders SEVENTY-TWO ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been certified as basic first responders to scenes of emergencies on Wednesday. Topics covered in the course include qualities of a first responder, purpose of the seminar, steps in life support, scene management, trauma, chest compression and how to assist a conscious or unconscious casualty. There were also illustrations and demonstrations on Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), scene safety, removal of casualty and recovery position. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said capacity-building is important for the force, especially in a changing environment where there is need to do constant reviews based on demands and operations. “We respond to scenes of violence, we also respond to scenes of accidents, road accidents, industrial acci-

dents -- all kinds of accidents where people receive injuries,” Persaud said, adding: “We are in the practice that

He said law-enforcement officers must be trained and equipped to respond to virtually any situation, while police

The commissioner said the newly trained ranks also have an obligation to teach their colleagues what they have

He lauded Dr Baux for his efforts to eventually have all ranks of the force trained in the basic first responders’

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud (centre, seated) flanked by Dr Zulfikar Baux and Dr. John Paul Rohde with senior officers and ranks who were certified in the basic first responders’ training course (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

once we are on the scene, we identify injured persons and take them for further medical assistance.”

officers will need to use a system of command to achieve a coordinated and effective incident response.

learnt, even if they have to ask their supervisor for some separate time to conduct such an activity.

course. Dr. Baux said it is a passion of his to collaborate and assist the GPF whenever nec-

essary, since ill-prepared police ranks at the scene of an accident can also cause damage and trauma to an injured person if they are not knowledgeable on the techniques that can save a life. He said the course can stand up to international standards, since colleagues from the Vanderbilt Medical Centre, USA, assisted with development of the programme. “My goal is to get all officers in the GPF over time trained as first responders, so you’re not going to be looking at persons who are taking care of criminal issues, but you’re going to be looked at as life-savers,” Dr. Baux said, adding: “We want a GPF filled with life-savers.” Also in attendance at the closing ceremony were Force Training Officer (ag), Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham; Assistant Commissioner (Administration) Clifton Hicken; and other senior ranks of the force.

STEM to certify more than 50 new coaches Agreeable solution for Marudi Mountain miners SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana, in association with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, will soon conduct a series of certification programmes for technology ‘buffs’. According to a press statement from STEM, the technology buffs include youth leaders and teachers who are interested in starting technology clubs in their own and nearby communities. The one-day sessions will be held over three consecutive days from February 1 to 3 and each is expected to accommodate about 20 participants. The certification programme is the brainchild of co-founders of STEM Guyana, Leon Caleb

Christian. “It will be co-ordinated by other co-founders, Karen Abrams, a Start-up Inclusion Consultant, and Ima Christian who is pursuing studies at Stanford University, California, USA. STEM Guyana’s local Master Trainers will also be on hand to facilitate,” the press statement noted. The potential coaches will learn all about the International STEM League; about the best ways to organise and lead a technology club; how to use the league’s competition software; the rudiments of building and programming robots; and the fundamentals of MIT Scratch programming. Scratch is a programming language and online community where techs

Man robbed at route 44 Bus Park

FOUR robbers relieved a 27-year-old man of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara of his valuables in the wee hours of Wednesday morning in the vicinity of Longden Street, Stabroek at the route 44 Bus Park. Reports indicate that the victim was proceeding north at 05:30hrs on the pavement along Longden Street, when he was confronted by four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun and another with a knife. The perpetrators then proceeded to relieve the victim of his valuables before fleeing. A report was made at the Brickdam Police Station and police have since questioned several persons as investigations continue. Persons in the area where the robbery occurred said that one of the suspects was identified as under the alias “Lil Boy”.

get assistance to create their own interactive stories, games and animations. Following the certification programme, the new coaches will be expected to form clubs and then prepare their teams for competition in the upcoming Scratch and Robotics nationwide (Guyana) tournaments. These will be officially launched by STEM Guyana at the end of February 2018, and community teams led by more than 50 coaches are expected to participate. The seminars will begin with 20 coaches from across the country who had signed up online. On the second day, Friday, February 2, STEM Guyana will host 20 teachers from local public schools, while teachers from Bartica along with several private schools will be prepared for certification on Saturday, February 3. Each day the session will begin at 08:30 hrs in the Ministry of Public Telecommunications Conference Room. Interested teachers and youth leaders should email stemguyana@ gmail.com to request additional information.

THE Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) says it is committed to working towards an agreeable solution regarding mining in the Marudi Mountains in the Rupununi. The Ministry in a release said it has noted the concerns raised by the Rupununi Mining Association and assures the body and its members that it has been working assiduously to arrive at solutions that are agreeable to all. “This Ministry is committed to the mining sector and has been working and will continue to work towards seeing the sector progress in an environmentally sustainable manner,” the release said. The Ministry noted that it was instrumental in the signing of a landmark mediation agreement among the different parties – mainly the miners of the Rupununi, including women miners, the Amerindian villages

of the South Rupununi and Romanex Mining Guyana Limited on whose property the miners operated. It noted that the agreement paved the way for mining to be continued once the environmental, safety and health issues stipulated in the mining regulations are adhered to. The mediation agreement called on Romanex Mining Guyana Limited to conduct the necessary social and environmental impact assessments with a view to integrating the Rupununi miners and the concerns of the indigenous communities. “We can confirm that of the 70 operators who were active when the mediation agreement was signed, just 39 now remain,” the ministry said. The MNR also noted its recent announcement that a number of blocks of land have been set aside for displaced miners,

including women miners, in an effort to ensure that their economic livelihood is preserved. “We ask that miners continue to exercise patience as we work towards solutions,” the Ministry said. The MNR recalled that on Friday, September 8, 2017, that in the apportioning of available lands, preference will be given to those individuals who were cooperating with the conformity process. Miners were advised to prospect the lands allocated before pronouncing on the geological viability of those lands, in the spirit of the agreement they signed in 2016. The MNR said it will ensure that the GGMC supports the process of prospecting the lands to ascertain geological viability and will also be engaging miners shortly to discuss and agree on a way forward.

Pope to send envoy to investigate Chile sex abuse claims Pope Francis is sending the Vatican’s top expert on sexual abuse to Chile to investigate accusations that a bishop covered up for an abusive priest. The Pope met the priest’s victims on a recent visit, but then affirmed his belief that Bishop Juan Barros was innocent, and accused people of slandering him. He later apologised for the comments. Critics have insisted the choice to ordain the bishop should be reviewed, and asked for further action. A statement on Tuesday said new information had emerged in the case and announced that investigator Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, was going to the country to “listen to those who

want to submit information in their possession”. He is known for prosecuting a number of cases for the Vatican’s doctrinal body from 2002 to 2012. Bishop Barros has not been accused of abuse himself, but of being present when another priest, Fernando Karadima, molested young boys. Karadima was accused of molesting several teenagers in Santiago, starting in the 1980s. The Vatican found him guilty and he was sentenced to a lifetime of “penance and prayer”, but did not face criminal prosecution in Chile. The Pope has been criticised since Bishop Barros was announced bishop of Osorno, in south-central Chile, in 2015 despite stiff opposition.

His recent visit to the country was met with protests, and he was then sharply criticised for defending the bishop. “The day I see proof against Bishop Barros, then I will talk. There is not a single piece of evidence against him. It is all slander. Is that clear?” the Pope had said. Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a key papal adviser, accused the Pope of causing “great pain” with the words, and several of Karadima’s victims held a news conference saying it was “offensive and unacceptable to say that we need to provide concrete evidence”. On his way home, the Pope then apologised for upsetting any of the victims. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

Sixteen customers win shopping sprees, free glasses for life

COURTS Guyana Incorporated and Courts Optical have maintained the practice of rewarding their customers for shopping with the handing

over of prizes to 16 customers. During the Christmas season, Courts Guyana Inc. had its LG promotion during which six customers

who purchased LG products were eligible to win $500,000 each in the Courts shopping spree. Around the same time, Courts Optical held its

One of the opticians of Courts Optical (centre) shares a moment with the winners of the Sight for Life Promotion

“Sight for Life Promotion” which gave ten customers the opportunity to win free glasses every two years for the rest of their lives. Those 16 customers

were chosen under the watchful eyes of their external auditors and internal control department. “Courts is proud to be able to thank its customers

in such a tangible way,” said one of its representatives during the presentation of the prizes at the Courts Main Street office on Wednesday.

A representative of Courts flanked by winners of the LG promotion (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 1, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Tottenham ease to win over Man. United in front of record crowd

(REUTERS) - Tottenham Hotspur solidified their top-four credentials with a dominant 2-0 win over Manchester United in front of a Premier League record crowd at Wembley yesterday. Christian Eriksen gave the hosts the lead after 11 secs - the second fastest goal in Premier League history.

United’s woeful defending was exposed again for Tottenham’s second, as Phil Jones turned the ball into his own net after 27 minutes. The win lifted Tottenham two points behind third-placed Liverpool and Chelsea in fourth as second-placed United dropped 15 points behind leaders Manchester City.

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Alabama Bound Race 2 Ekhtibaar Race 3 I’m An Ocala Dude Race 4 Storm Prophet Race 5 Racing Raven Race 6 Rapid Route Race 7 Greatreviews Race 8 Northernstreetgal South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:10 hrs Charity Queen 08:55 hrs Until Dawn 09:40 hrs Imoto 10:15 hrs Sing And Dance 10:50 hrs Jamra Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 10:30 hrs Paddy’s Day 11:05 hrs Al Sahem 11:40 hrs Sir Maximilian 12:15 hrs Boynton 12:50 hrs Championship 13:25 hrs Claim The Roses 14:00 hrs Gold Star English Racing Tips Wincanton 09:20 hrs Molineaux 10:25 hrs Drops Of Jupitor 11:00 hrs Captain Cattistock 11:35 hrs Grand Vision 12:45 hrs Hideaway Vic Southwell 09:30 hrs Something Lucky 10:05 hrs Ignacio Zuloaga 10:40 hrs Ray Purchase 11:50 hrs Symbolic Star 12:25 hrs Majestic Moon Towcester 09:40 hrs The Vocalist 10:15 hrs Doc Carver 10:50 hrs Snowball 11:25 hrs Dr Des 12:00 hrs Norse Light 12:35 hrs Café Au Lait

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Thirty-two teams to battle for $800 000 in Magnum’s Mash Futsal Championship YESTERDAY the inaugural Magnum Mash Futsal Championship was officially launched at the poolside of the Windjammer International Hotel and Cuisine in Kitty. The championship, which will be held across eight days, is set to commence on Saturday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, and will see 32 teams battling for more than $800 000 in cash and prizes. The first four days are set for group stage action and upon conclusion of the round robin, the top two teams from each of the eight groups (four teams per group) will advance to the knockout round. Meanwhile, at the launch, Edison Jefford, Magnum Brand Coordinator maintained: “It’s a historic moment for football and especially for Magnum and Legacy Entertainment.” He further revealed that

the tournament is being used as a platform to expand the brand locally. In addition, Esan Griffith, representative of Legacy Entertainment stated that all logistics are in place, despite the initial challenges, for the successful staging of the competition, noting that he expects a very competitive and thrilling tourney. Also present at the launch was Brian Smith, National Sports Commission (NSC) Deputy Director of Sport. Smith noted; “The NSC is pleased to be associated with the tournament. These tournaments are fertile ground for grassroots development.” According to Smith, the development of sports cannot be undertaken solely by the government, declaring, “I am happy to see corporate Guyana come on board in such a big way.” He further pointed out that the commission is

happy to be a part of such events and will continue to support similar initiatives for the foreseeable future. Among the marquee teams who will do battle are Gold is Money, Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Future Stars, Bent Street, Leopold Street, Albouystown-A, Tiger Bay, New Market Street, Broad Street, North East La Penitence, Channel-9 Warriors, Tucville, California Square, Showstoppers, MBK AllStars, NK Ballers, Swag Entertainment, Ol Skool Ballers, Mocha, Buxton Diamond, YMCA and Ansa All-Stars. The winners of the event will pocket $400 000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up receive $200 000 and the corresponding accolade. On the other hand, the third- and fourth-placed finishers will be compensated with $100 000 and $50 000 apiece and the respective trophy.

U.S. prosecutors investigating global sports corruption - NYT (REUTERS) - U.S. federal prosecutors are conducting an extensive investigation into global sports corruption, including at FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, and the international and U.S. Olympics organisations, The New York Times reported yesterday, citing a grand jury subpoena. As part of the probe, the Justice Department is looking at possible racketeering, money-laundering and fraud charges related to two track and field world championship events and the business executives who have consulted on bids for various other elite competitions, according to the subpoena, the Times reported. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the

Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, which has previously investigated FIFA and systematic doping in Russia. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment on the report. The subpoena, one of a number that were delivered in January, solicited documents, testimony and financial records dating to 2013, the Times reported. Since then, the United States has won bids to host the 2021 track and field world championships in Eugene, Oregon and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The subpoena did not explicitly refer to the Los Angeles Olympics bid, but did focus on the world governing body for track and field, the International Associa-

tion of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the newspaper said. The IAAF awarded the sport’s 2019 world championships to Doha, Qatar, and the 2021 event to Eugene. The people who were asked to provide information, including personal and corporate bank records, were expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn as early as this week, the Times reported. A spokesman for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) declined to comment yesterday and a spokesman for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not immediately respond to a request, the newspaper reported. A spokeswoman for the IAAF said it had not been contacted by U.S. investigators.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

First Test in Chittagong

Magnificent Mominul hits unbeaten 175 on first day MOMINUL Haque put Sri Lanka’s attack to the sword with a masterful unbeaten century as Bangladesh dominated day one of the Test series in Chittagong. Sri Lanka head coach Chandika Hathurusingha

could only watch as the side he turned his back on just a couple of months ago piled on the runs, closing on 374-4 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Mominul was the tourists’ tormentor in chief, reaching

three figures in only 96 balls - the second-fastest Test hundred by a Tigers batsman - and moving on to 175 not out at stumps yesterday. Mushfiqur Rahim made a superb 92 in Bangladesh’s first Test since he was removed as

captain, putting on 236 for the third wicket with Mominul before Suranga Lakmal (243) removed the wicketkeeper-batsman.

off only 46 balls before the same bowler got one to nip back in and bowl the lefthander through the gate. Kayes followed for 40,

Mominul Haque slices behind point in his unbeaten 175.

The magnificent Mominul was still there at the end of the day, though, having struck a six and 16 fours at a stadium where he has made all but one of his five Test hundreds. Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes got Bangladesh off to a good start after Mahmudullah - standing in as captain with Shakib Al Hasan ruled out won the toss and the openers put on 72 for the first wicket. The destructive Tamim (52) came down the track to loft Dilruwan Perera for a straight six and raced to fifty

opting against reviewing a leg-before decision awarded to Lakshan Sandakan when the ball would have gone

over the top of the stumps. Diminutive left-hander Mominul looked in great touch from the start of his innings, bringing up his half-century from 59 balls and motoring on to a hundred in quick time, reaching the landmark with back-to-back boundaries off Sandakan. Mushfiqur was comfortable at the other end, keeping the scoreboard ticking and looking set for three figures before edging Lakmal behind late in the day after striking 10 boundaries without the pressure of the captaincy on his shoulders. Liton Das went first ball when he shouldered arms and was bowled but Mominul was just six runs short of his highest Test score when stumps were drawn.

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st innings Tamim Iqbal b Dilruwan Perera 52 Imrul Kayes lbw Lakshan Sandakan 40 Mominul Haque not out 175 Mushfiqur Rahim c Niroshan Dickwella b Suranga Lakmal 92 Liton Das b Suranga Lakmal 0 Mahmudullah not out 9 Extras: (nb-4, w-2) 6 Total: (90.0 overs) 374-4 Fall of wickets: 1-72, 2-120, 3-356, 4-356. Bowling: Lakmal 17-3-43-2 (nb-2), Kumara 12-1-64-0 (w-1), Perera 24-4-98-1 (nb-2), Herath 20-1-100-0, Sandaka 13- 1- 58-1, (w-1), Dhananjaya de Silva 4-0-11-0.

Fixtures confirmed for GCB Inter-County U-15 tournament

… Demerara, President’s X1 teams named

THE fixtures for this year’s Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County Under-15 tournament have been confirmed. The one-day tournament is set to bowl off on Sunday with two matches being played simultaneously at different venues. According to the local governing body, GCB, three rounds of cricket will be played before the top two teams advance to the final. Demerara and Essequibo will open the tournament when the they meet on Sunday at the Lusignan ground. Berbice will play the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President’s XI the same day at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. The tournament continues on February 6 with Berbice facing Demerara at Everest while Essequibo will battle the GCB President’s X1 at Tuschen. The final round will be played on February 8. Demerara will oppose the President’s X1 at Lusignan while Berbice and Essequibo clash at Everest. The final is scheduled for February 10 at GCC. Teams will gain six points for a win, two points for a washed-out or abandoned match, and 0.1

point for each fast bowling wicket. Meanwhile, the Demerara and President’s X1 squads have been confirmed.

Ajay Gainda, Yohance Anjoy, Chad Tulesh Shivrattan and Aryan Persaud. As customary, the President’s X1 squad is made up of

Mavindra Dindyal (Kaieteur News photo)

The Demerara squad reads: Mavindra Dindyal, Nicholas Rajpat, Zachary Jodha, Rivaldo Phillips, Rommel Datterdeen, Chandrapaul Rajpat, Shemar Yearwood, Krishna Singh, Inderjeet Nanan, Alex Alli, Thaddeus Lovell, Shafeek Khan, Darius Andrews and Vishal Persaud. The coach is Latchman Yadram. The reserve players are: Sanjay Persaud, Shahid Vieira,

the reserve players from the three counties. The squad reads: Terre n c e S o f t l e i g h , Av i c k Ramdial, Tomesh Kellawan, Hemendra Goordial, Vikash Singh, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Saffie Shazad, S h re e d a t R o o p n a r i n e , Rudra Goberdhan, Sanjay Persaud, Shahid Vieira, Ajay Gainda, Yohance Anjoy, Chad Tulesh Shivrattan and Aaron Persaud.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Roach, Cummins stun Red Force to give Pride commanding 171-run win

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados CMC – West Indies seamers Miguel Cummins and Kemar Roach stunned Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with lethal spells, as Barbados Pride made a successful start to their Regional Super50 title defence with a commanding 171-run win here on Tuesday. Asked to chase 279 in the day/night Group A match at Kensington Oval, Red Force crumbled spectacularly for a disappointing 107 off 21.3 overs, undone by the homeside’s pace attack. Cummins snatched four for 35 while Roach picked up three for 33, while medium pacer Carlos Brathwaite supported with two for 32. Roach was superb up front with the new ball, taking three wickets in his opening spell, which sent Red Force crashing to 17 for four in the seventh over. Sunil Narine, batting at eight, smashed an explosive 28-ball 51 but Cummins and Brathwaite combined to wreck the remainder of the innings. Sent in earlier, Pride rallied to 278 for nine off their 50 overs, with all-rounder Kevin Stoute stroking 74 and

Test batsman Roston Chase gathering exactly 50. Windies stroke-maker Shai Hope carved out a typically elegant 47 while lefthander Jonathan Carter hit 37. Jamaican left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell (3-52) and Roshon Primus (3-70) both ended with three wickets apiece while off-spinner Sunil Narine claimed two for 29. Pride’s start was less than enterprising however, as captain Kraigg Brathwaite nicked a push at Cottrell in the fifth over and was caught at the wicket for nine. Stoute then rebuilt the innings by anchoring two successive half-century stands. Firstly, he put on 97 for the second with Hope before adding a further 67 for the third with Carter. All told, the right-hander faced 107 balls and struck five fours and a six. Hope looked en route to a half-century when he attempted a third reverse sweep at Narine and was taken at slip by Evin Lewis in the 24th over. Stoute, eyeing a maiden regional one-day hundred then perished in the 35th over, pulling Cottrell to Nicholas

Pooran at mid-wicket. Pride lost their way as four wickets went down for 33 runs, leaving them with much to do on 216 for six in the 43rd over. Chase, who punched two fours and three sixes in a 47ball knock, posted a crucial 55 for the seventh wicket with Ashley Nurse (19), to get Pride up to a challenging total. Red Force were in trouble from as early as the opening over when Tion Webster drove Roach to Chase at mid-off, to depart without scoring with a single run on the board. Roach removed the left-handed Amir Jangoo also without scoring in his next over, superbly caught by a diving Nurse at second slip and Cummins got the prized wicket of the dangerous Lewis (5), also caught by Nurse at second slip. In the very next over, West Indies one-day vice-captain Jason Mohammed (4) was caught at the wicket to give Roach his third scalp and leave Red Force in disarray. Captain Denesh Ramdin (18) and Pooran (12) stemmed the flood of wickets with a 31-run fifth-wicket partnership but once both

fell in the space of two balls in successive overs with no addition to the score at 48,

the innings was thrust into terminal decline. The left-handed Narine, however, played with abandon in smashing seven fours and three sixes, to get Red

Force up to three figures. But the innings – and his 40-run, last-wicket stand with Shannon Gabriel (6 not out) – proved merely academic.

SCOREBOARD

PRIDE innings K. Brathwaite c wkp. Ramdin b Cottrell 9 K. Stoute c Pooran b Cottrell 74 S. Hope c Lewis b Narine 47 J. Carter c Mohammed b Narine 37 R. Chase c Webster b Cottrell 50 S. Brooks c Narine b Webster 6 C. Brathwaite c & b Primus 8 A. Nurse c (sub.) b Primus 19 K. Roach not out 3 S. Benn b Primus 3 M. Cummins not out 0 Extras (lb13, w6, nb3) 22 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 278 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-116, 3-183, 4-185, 5-201, 6-215, 7-271, 8-272, 9-278. Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-52-3, Gabriel 4-0-31-0, Primus 10-0-70-3, Pierre 10-0-39-0, Narine 10-1-29-2, Webster 5-0-33-1,Mohammed 1-0-1-1.

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach rocked Red Force early with three quick wickets.

RED FORCE innings E. Lewis c Nurse b Cummins 5 T. Webster c Chase b Roach 0 A. Jangoo c Nurse b Roach 0 J. Mohammed c wkp. Hope b Roach 4 D. Ramdin c wk.p. Hope b Cummins 18 N. Pooran c Benn b C Brathwaite 12 R. Primus c Nurse b C Brathwaite 0 S. Narine c Roach b Nurse 51 K. Pierre c wkp. Hope b Cummins 0 S. Cottrell b Cummins 0 S. Gabriel not out 6 Extras: (b-1, lb-4, w-6) 11 Total:(all out, 21.3 overs) 107 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-3, 3-15, 4-17, 5-48, 6-48, 7-48, 8-50, 9-67. Bowling: Roach 8-0-33-3, Cummins 9-2-35-4, C. Brathwaite 4-1-32-2, Nurse 0.3-0-2-1.

Reliance Hustlers claim 10/10 title Jofra Archer ‘doing the maths’ to achieve England ‘dream’ after defeating Bush Lot Trend Setters By Elroy Stephney

FOUR teams participated in the inaugural 10/10 championship, hosted by the Reliance Sports Club in Essequibo. Last Sunday, a large gathering, including current and former Essequibo players; witnessed Bush Lot Trend Setters set the tone by defeating Cotton Field Sports Club by 8 wickets in the first encounter. Batting first Cotton Field amassed 84 all out in their allotted 10 overs with Rajiv Kissoon top-scoring with 21 laced with three fours, while Rovendra Parasram made a brisk 20 with two fours and a six. Medium fast bowler Leroy Roopchand had impressive figures of 4-8 from his 2 overs while captain Keith Blackman supported with 3-16 from his 2 overs of medium pace as well. In reply, Bush Lot Trend Setters raced to 85-2 from just 6 overs with Nathan Persaud hammering an unbeaten 44, which included four sixes and two fours. Carlos Yhap also contributed an unbeaten 22 with three fours. Antonio Bholo had 2-25 from his 2 overs in a losing cause. In the other match, Reliance Hustlers easily disposed of Reliance Masters who could have posted only 45-4 from a reduced 8 overs

with Latchmikhant Narine scoring 15. In reply, Reliance Hustlers reached 47-1 in the 4th over with Narendra Mandolall hitting an unbeaten 34, laced with four fours and two sixes to lead his team to a convincing nine-wicket win.

Narendra Mandolall was named best batsman in the tournament.

The final then took centrestage in what was an exciting affair and much to the delight of the fans. It was Bush Lot Trend Setters who won the toss and batted and it was Nathan Persaud who again led the way with a scintillating knock of 65 studded with seven sixes and four fours, while Shiva Bridgemohan also had a fluent innings of 36 which included three sixes and four fours.

At the conclusion of the 10 overs Bush Lot Trend Setters posted a competitive 131-4 and thought that they had done enough to claim the title However, Reliance Hustlers had other ideas and were skilfully led by a savage innings of 82 (12 sixes and one four) from former Essequibo inter-county batsman Narendra Mandolall whose destruction of all the bowlers was quite a spectacle. Reliance Hustlers reached the target of 13-3 from 9.3 overs and celebrated their seven-wicket victory and the title. The winners and runners-up received trophies sponsored by G&P Jaigobin and Son. Narendra Mandolall also received trophies as being the best batsman in the tournament and man-of-the-match in the final. The best bowler prize went to Leroy Roopchand. Meanwhile Chairman of the Reliance Sports Committee Trevis Simon during the presentation thanked the teams for participating and encouraged the players to remain disciplined and committed as the club seeks to further promote sports in the community. The Reliance ground was recently rehabilitated with support from the Anna Regina Town Council and members of the Reliance Sports Club.

SUSSEX all-rounder Jofra Archer says he is “doing the maths” to ensure he qualifies for his “dream” of playing Test cricket for England. Barbados-born Archer, 22, is not eligible for England until the winter of 2022, when he will have completed the seven-year residency period. He needs to spend 210 days a year in England to complete his residency. “I think I have a longer career in England than I would have in Barbados,” he told Stumped on BBC World Service. Archer, who was sold in this month’s IPL auction, for £800 000, impressed with his pace and athleticism in the field in Australia’s Big Bash League. He says he is able to manage the tournaments he plays in to ensure he meets the qualification criteria. ‘Not playing Test cricket too young is a blessing’. Archer, who grew up in Barbados, played three times for West Indies Under-19s but was left out for the World Cup in 2014. His Sussex team-mate Chris Jordan, who was also born in Barbados, has gone on to represent England in Test and limited-overs cricket. “It was really upsetting and I think I took it too seri-

ously. That summer was the first summer I went to England,” said Archer. “After playing with Sussex, I really think the conditions in England suit me. I saw that it’s possible to play for England.”

Archer has attracted increased attention since England lost the Ashes in January, with former England spinner Graeme Swann saying he is a “player to get excited about”. “I live with my bowling

Jofra Archer

Archer, who will be 27 by the time he qualifies to represent England, said the experience he will gain over the next five years would help him to be more confident in his game. “I’m still young now so I think it’s a blessing really, not to play so young. Who knows - I could have a bad game or a bad series, and that could be me,” he added. “It’s really good that I have some time to get to know my game inside out before I actually play Test cricket.”

coach at the moment, so hopefully this year I can get my family over to come and see some of the (T20) Blast, some of the four-day stuff,” he added. “I hope to get my own place so I can bring most of my family over and let them experience some of England.” Jofra Archer will play for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash semi-final against Perth Scorchers today. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

England Lions bracing for tough challenge in Caribbean conditions LONDON, England (CMC) – England Lions left for the Caribbean yesterday, bracing for a tough challenge in foreign conditions, but confident of executing, following an intense training camp Down Under. The squad, headed by Test opener Keaton Jennings, will clash with West Indies-A in three four-day ‘Tests’ and three one-dayers in a tour running from February 5 to March 11. Jennings, skippering the side for a second straight overseas tour, urged his players to adapt quickly as Lions looked to take positive results against the hosts. “West Indies will be a different culture for us all to experience, and it’s an exciting prospect to be playing at Sabina Park in Kingston, where we’ve got our warm-up match next week as well as the second Test,” Jennings said. “Then we head to Antigua, and after that for those of us lucky enough to be in the North-South Series as well, we play at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. “I expect the atmosphere to be similar to last year’s.

You get put under pressure both by the opposition and our own coaches. You have to be able to adapt to unknown opposition in different conditions.” He added: “There’s also the element of trying to im-

only six Tests. He leads a strong squad which includes wicketkeeper Ben Foakes and 20-year-old leg-spinner Mason Crane, both of whom were part of the recent Ashes squad. Jennings said the recent

England Lions captain Keaton Jennings

press the coaches and selectors who will be out there – and if you look at our squad, there are a few guys who will be vying for different positions. But we will also be trying our utmost to win the series.” The 25-year-old Jennings is a left-handed opener who hit a hundred on debut against India 14 months ago but was subsequently dropped after

training camp in Australia had been a valuable one and the Windies-A series represented the ideal opportunity for players to showcase their skills in a match situation. “The focus in Australia was on training and practice, with the bonus of a three-day game against Queensland and a T20 series against Perth Scorchers,” he

explained. “Now we switch to focus on playing matches, with the three Tests against West Indies-A followed by a one-day series. “It was similar last winter, with our training camp in Dubai and Abu Dhabi before Christmas and then the great experience of touring Sri Lanka. “England go there next winter so for any of the Lions guys who have managed to force their way in, they will have a first-hand experience of playing in places like Kandy and Dambulla.” England-A open the tour with a three-day tour match at Sabina Park on February 5 before clashing with Windies-A in the opening ‘Test’ at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Complex starting February 11. The second match is scheduled for Sabina Park February 18-21 before teams head to Antigua for the final ‘Test’ from February 26 to March 1 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. All three matches in the 50-overs series will be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground also in Antigua.

Fraser Jones too hot to handle for Bangladesh FRASER Jones dismantled Bangladesh with a five-wicket haul as South Africa cantered to a win and finished fifth in the ICC Under-19 World Cup with an eight-wicket win in Queenstown yesterday. Bangladesh were shot down for just 178 and Raynard van Tonder helped the team polish off the chase in 38.3 overs. In all fairness, the Bangladesh challenge had fizzled out by the tenth over of the game. Opting to bat on a batting-friendly wicket, they were left gasping at 33 for 5. Jones had picked up three wickets of those five while Akhona Mnyaka bagged two to put South Africa in a position of strength. Afif Hossain (63 off 59) and Shakil Hossain (61) tried to revive the innings when they got together. While the latter chose to play cautious cricket, Afif counterattacked his way out of trouble. He also reached his half-century first, off just 44 balls, to take the team to 129. However, Mnyaka

ended his stay at the crease in the 28th over to put the pressure back on Bangladesh just when it looked like they were heading towards a challenging score.

half-century, Bangladesh were already eight down with a paltry score on the board. With the job half-done, the South Africa open-

impact on the batting side. In fact, van Tonder picked up the scoring rate and stitched a quick-fire 117-run stand with Hermann Rolfes to ensure a smooth ride past the

Over $20M up for grabs in Jumbo Jet ‘Triple Crown’ horserace championships THE Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee will stage the first-ever Triple Crown horserace championships in Guyana at two venues with over $20M up for grabs in the planned three-day event. According to information received, the championships will get underway on February 18 at the Rising Sun Turf Club and will continue on March 4 at the same Arima Park, West Coast Berbice race track. The third and final day of the championships is scheduled for Easter Sunday, (April 1) at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice. Both days at the Rising Sun facility there will be the follo0wing first-place cash prizes in the respective classes: `C’ and Lower $1M; `F’ and Lower/E’ non-earners/last start $400 000; three-year-old Guyana bred $350 000; `H1’ and Lower $300 000; `J/K’ and Lower $240 000; `K’ non-earners/ last start $230 000; `L’ and Lower $200 000. (Note), cash prizes will be awarded from first to fifth places). For the final leg in Corentyne (Port Mourant), the stakes will be higher and are as follows: `C’ and Lower

$1.2M; `F’ and Lower/`E’ non-earners/last start $500 000; Three-year-old Guyana-bred $400 000; `H1’ and Lower $350 000; `J’/`K’ and Lower $240 000; `K’ non-earners/last start $200 000; and `L’ and Lower $150 000. There will be bonuses for any horse that wins all three races in the `Triple Crown’ event, with a maximum bonus payout amounting to $500 000. According to the organisers, horses will not be promoted or demoted for any event in their classes, to give them the opportunity to win the bonus and to be hailed the `Triple Crown’ champion of their respective class. A deposit of 50% of the total entry fee must be paid before February 11 with the balance to be paid on or before February 11. In order to win the bonus a deposit of $5 000 for each of the three races must be paid on or before February 11. For further information, racehorse owners/trainers can contact Chandra Ramkissoon (624-9063, 608-9063, 232-0633); Alan Padmore (232-9115, 619-1909) or Nikita Ross on 662-4668.

Estwick joins Windies-A coaching team for England Lions tour Roddy Estwick

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams yesterday confirmed that Roddy Estwick will not be travelling with the Windies Team to the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in March. “We have decided that Roddy Estwick will join the Windies-A coaching team for the 6-week tour against the England Lions. Roddy is a highly regarded

South Africa finished the tournament In fifth position. (Getty Images)

With Afif gone, Shakil needed to anchor the innings and help the team march forward. He did his bit, more than that in fact, but, with very little support from the lower-order batsmen, there was very little he could do. By the time he reached his

ers made a cautious start. Jiveshan Pillay was the first one to fall but Matthew Breetzke (36) and van Tonder propped up the side with a steady stand. Breetzke fell to Roni Hossen in the 18th over but the wicket didn’t have any

finish line. Brief scores: Bangladesh 178 in 41.4 overs (Afif Hossain 63, Shakil Hossain 61; Fraser Jones 5-32) lost to South Africa 180-2 in 38.3 overs (Raynard van Tonder 82*) by eight wickets. (Cricbuzz)

technical coach working within CWI and his experience will be invaluable to our A-team as they compete against a strong England Lions side over the next few weeks in Jamaica and Antigua.” The England Lions are now in the region and will play three four-day matches and three one-day matches before departing the Caribbean on March 12. (CWI Release)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday February 01, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Daniel Lawerence-174 (ENG) (2) Cakacaka Tikoisuva-6/59 (Fiji) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2016? (2) Which WI had the best bowling figures? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 1, 2018

Permaul, Bishoo wreck Kent to give Jaguars opening Super50 win NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Spin twins Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo wrecked English County Kent, to propel Guyana Jaguars to a comfortable 35-run victory in their opening Group B match of the Regional Super50 here yesterday. Defending a seemingly inadequate 233 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Jaguars appeared en route to defeat with Kent cruising on 119 for one in the 28th over. But Permaul snatched four for 46 and leg-spinner Bishoo, three for 34, to scythe through the innings and send Kent crashing for 198 all out in the 47th over. Zak Crawley top-scored with 60 while Sean Dickson got 29 and Daniel Bell-Drummond, 28, but the remainder of the batting failed to come to terms with the Jaguars’ attack. Earlier, veteran former West Indies star, Shiv Chanderpaul, stroked 67 at the top of the order and got support from wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble who made 39, as Jaguars were bowled out for 233 off 49 overs. Tail-ender Romario Shepherd chipped in with 29 and Sherfane Rutherford, 24, as

the contest. Stumbling on 129 for four, Kent never recovered as Bishoo had captain Will Gidman caught and bowled for 16 and trapped Alex Blake lbw for

nine. Fast bowler Romario Shepherd also chipped in with a brace of wickets, and Permaul weighed in, to accelerate the decline.

SCOREBOARD

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul finished with four wickets.

Jaguars recovered from a sloppy start, rebuilt, before scrambling for runs in the dying stages. Fast bowler Mitchell Claydon was the best bowler with five for 31 while fellow seamer Will Gidman (2-37) and off-spinner Ian Thomas (2-62) claimed wickets too. Opting to bat first, Jaguars were quickly in trouble when they lost Test batsman Shimron Hetmyer (19), Chandrapaul Hemraj (0) and captain Leon Johnson (0) to decline to 33 for three in the seventh over. Chanderpaul, opening the batting, then patched up

the innings in two successive half-century stands. He first put on 56 for the fourth wicket with West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer (16) before adding a further 58 for the fifth with Bramble. The 43-year-old Chanderpaul struck five fours and a six off 97 balls while Bramble produced a 34-ball cameo with three fours and two sixes. Both, however, were part of a slide that saw three wickets tumble for 30 runs in 40 balls and it was left to Shepherd and Rutherford to provide the late flourish for Jaguars in a 38-run, eighth-wicket partnership.

Kent, in reply, started positively, with the 19-yearold Crawley energising two consecutive half-century stands to put the overseas side in command. The right-hander faced 73 balls and counted four fours, adding 58 with Bell-Drummond for the first wicket and another 61 with Sean Dickson (29). With the game slipping away, Permaul got the breakthrough when he removed Dickson in the 28th over and when Bishoo claimed Crawley and wicketkeeper Adam Rouse (0) in successive deliveries in the 31st, Jaguars were back in

JAGUARS innings S. Hetmyer c Haggett b Thomas 19 S. Chanderpaul lbw b Gidman 67 C. Hemraj c & b Claydon 0 L. Johnson c &b Claydon 0 R. Reifer c Haggett b Gidma 16 A. Bramble lbw b Haggett 39 S. Rutherford c Crawley b Claydon 24 K. Paul c wkp. Rouse b Thomas 9 R. Shepherd b Claydon 29 V. Permaul c Crawley b Claydon 4 D. Bishoo not out 9 Extras: (lb-6, w-7, nb-4) 17 Total: (all out, 49 overs) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-33, 3-33, 4-89, 5-147, 6-155, 7-177, 8-215, 9-219. Bowlers: Claydon 10-1-31-5, Thomas 10-1-62-2, Haggett 9-0-25-1, Tredwell 10-0-46-0, Gidman 8-0-37-2, Qayyum 2-0-26-0. KENT innings D. Bell-Drummond b Permaul 28 Z. Crawley b Bishoo 60 S. Dickson c Paul b Permaul 29 W. Gidman c & b Bishoo 16 A. Rouse run-out 0 A. Blake lbw b Bishoo 9 C. Haggett c Johnson b Shepherd 16 J. Tredwell b Permaul 10 I. Qayyum stp. Bramble b Permaul 4 M. Claydon not out 11 I. Thomas b Shepherd 6 Extras: (lb-2, w-7) 9 Total: (all out, 46.3 overs) 198 Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-119, 3-129, 4-129, 5-148, 6-153, 7-169, 8-175, 9-183. Bowling: Shepherd 8.3-0-43-2, Paul 9-1-30-0, Reifer 9-0-43-0, Permaul 10-0-46-4, Bishoo 10-1-34-3.

Trophy Stall donates trophies for Hamilton Green Webb given more time to pay debt to U.S. government post-83rd birth anniversary football tournament

In photo, Trophy Stall’s Graphic Artist and former Pele Football Club player, Brian Sealey (right), hands over the winners’ trophy to tournament organiser Lennox Arthur.

TROPHY Stall of Bourda Market has donated all the trophies for the Hamilton Green Inter-Ward Nine-aSide Football tournament which will conclude on Sunday at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara, with the semi-finals and final. According to information

received, the first- and second-place teams will receive $70 000 and $30 000 respectively, compliments of Banks DIH Limited, while Trophy Stall’s Managing Director will sponsor the trophies for both sides. Ricks and Sari Agro Industries will donate nine food hampers to the winning side

and Food for the Poor will be donating nine blankets. The player scoring the most goals in the competition will earn a dinette set (table with chairs), compliments of China Trading, while the runner-up for most goals will be presented with a lazyboy chair from A.H & L. Kissoon Furniture Store.

E M B AT T L E D f o r m e r CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has been given more time to pay on debts owed to the United States government stemming from an asset forfeiture agreement. As part of a plea with U.S. authorities in the much publicised FIFA corruption case Webb was expected to complete another US$1.7 million repayment to authorities by the end of this month. The majority of the amount, around US$1.43 million was deposited into t h e U . S . g o v e r n m e n t ’s Seized Asset Deposit Fund last June, leaving another US$270 000 outstanding. The amounts have been garnered from the sale of Webb’s properties in Georgia. However, according to documents presented in court earlier this week the former CONCACAF boss’ attorney pointed to two failed deals as responsible for a further payment delay.

“While Mr Webb’s realtor located serious buyers for three of these four properties in Georgia last year, only one of these properties remains in sale negotiations,” Webb’s attorney Ernie Gao told the court.

conditions were discovered that needed to be modified.” The prosecution did not object to giving Webb until July 23 to complete the payment. As part of his November 2015 guilty plea in the FIFA investi-

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb

“Sale negotiations for the other two properties fell through in December 2017, due to certain unforeseen circumstances; one buyer was unable to obtain bank financing to fund the purchase, while the sale of the other property could not close after

gation, Webb agreed to forfeit a total of US$6.7 million in cash assets and property, which included a 9,851-square-foot home in Loganville, Georgia. His sentencing date is currently set for March 7. (Sportsmax)

CPL 2018 commences August 8

The Guyana leg of CPL always attracts huge support and this year is expected to be no different as Guyana is set to host matches in the opening round. THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have agreed on a window for the 2018 edition of the tournament. This year’s event will take place between August 8 and September 16. The opening round of matches will take place in Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

This window means that there will be no clash with international fixtures. All West Indies players will be available for the tournament in 2018 and will be able to submit their names for this year’s draft. In 2018 the very best Caribbean cricketing talent will be on display at the Hero CPL. Speaking about the agree-

ment to host the tournament when there are no international commitments for the West Indies, Pete Russell, Chief Operating Officer of the Hero CPL, said: “Here in the Caribbean we are blessed with some of the most exciting cricketers in the world and it is fantastic news that all West Indies players will be available in 2018. It will help make the Biggest

Party in Sport even bigger.” Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies, said: “The Hero CPL is now the start of our domestic season and we are delighted that we have found a window when all of the best cricketers from the Caribbean will be available to take part. We are sure that 2018 will be the biggest season yet.” (CPL)

Thirty-two teams to battle for $800 000 in Magnum’s Mash Futsal Championship

Permaul, Bishoo wreck Kent to give Jaguars opening Super50 win

See Pag e 27

Angry fans steal players’ pizzas after 3-0 defeat SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Fans of Brazilian football club Portuguesa, angry at their team’s 3-0 defeat, intercepted a delivery of fast food to the home dressing-room and ate 10 pizzas destined for the players, one of the supporters told Reuters yesterday. The Sao Paulo club lost 3-0 against Oeste on Tuesday and the club ordered pizzas, as they usually do, for the players to eat after the game. But fans at the Caninde stadium, who were angry at the club’s recent record of one win in five games, intercepted the delivery. “I think the delivery boy came in the wrong gate, he was supposed to go to the home dressing-room but he drove in front of the fans who were leaving the ground,” Lucas Ventura, a Portuguesa fan and owner of Netlusa, a fans’ forum, told Reuters. “One guy said to the

delivery boy, ‘Who’s that for?’ and when he said, ‘the players’, the fans got the money together and paid him 300 reais ($94) for them,” Ventura said. “They gave four to the cleaner and the guy on the turnstile and other staff and kept the other six for themselves. The fans were furious. But they cheered up a bit after eating the pizza.” Reuters tried to contact the club by telephone, but they could not be reached for comment. Portuguesa were once one of the biggest clubs in Sao Paulo but have fallen on hard times since being relegated from the national league’s Serie A in 2013. They fell to Serie D last year and are struggling in the second division of the Sao Paulo state championship. Tu e s d a y ’s d e f e a t leaves the club in 12th place in the 16-team table with only four points from a possible 15.

U.S. prosecutors investigating global sports corruption - NYT See Page 23

See Page 23 IOC logo

Members of the launch party for the inaugural Magnum Mash Futsal Championship at the Windjammer International Hotel and Cuisine, Kitty. In the photo are NSC’s Brian Smith (3rd from left), Legacy Entertainment member Esan Griffith (4th from left) and Magnum Brand Coordinator Edison Jefford (3rd from right). 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

FIFA logo THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018