STEM, MOE launch 04 NGSA app PAGE
No. 105184
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)
PM for heart surgery PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo will undergo by-pass heart surgery today at a medical institution in the United States and is expected to recover fully in the coming weeks, State Minister Joseph Harmon has announced. The Minister of State in a release said that Nagamootoo recently underwent a routine medical examination in Guyana which revealed that he has some cardiac issues. “Prime Minister Nagamootoo was advised to seek further medical intervention and brought forward a planned private visit to the United States,” Harmon stated. “As a result of further examinations, Prime Minister Nagamootoo will undergo by-pass heart surgery tomor-
row, Tuesday February 13th at a medical institution in the United States and is expected to recover fully in the coming weeks. He is accompanied on his travel by Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo. Further updates will be provided.” Meanwhile, in a statement the Alliance For Change said it is heartened that Nagamootoo had a medical issue detected at an early stage and is undergoing medical care to remedy the situation. “The party is pleased that its Elder Statesman is expected to recover fully in the coming weeks. The party wishes the Prime Minister the very best for the successful completion of the medical procedure Tuesday February 13th and calls on all Guyanese to join in offering prayers and in wishing Prime Minister Nagamootoo a
speedy recovery.” The AFC said it stands in support of Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and the Prime Minister's children and immediate family who are by his side and providing him with support and comfort at this time. Nagamootoo, the AFC said has been in contact with party leaders and, as usual, he is in high and jovial spirits, characteristic of his indomitable spirit and positive personality regardless of the circumstances. “The AFC offers its sincere thanks to the medical professionals in Guyana who detected the issue during a routine examination and for acting judiciously. The party sees this as testimony of the fact that medical care in Guyana continues to improve.”
President meets army leaders PAGE
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President David Granger and his team, which includes Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, meeting with the high command of the Guyana Defence Force (MoTP photo)
…to address ongoing border concerns
Homes without letter Cop accused of 15 Revenue 13 raping colleague stream low boxes causing …GWI says in justifying after night at hotel proposed tariff hike 05 headache for GPOC PAGE
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City Councillors seek answer over millions owed to the GRA, NIS and union TOWN Clerk, Royston King was lambasted by Councillors of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown after he announced that the Council owes millions of dollars to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Labour Union and the Credit Union. As a result, the union and the workers of the municipality have threatened to strike today, if the council does not pay over the money owed to the Government agencies. The money was a statutory deduction from the salaries of the employees. Employees are required by law to pay NIS and income tax. Councillors expressed their disagreement with the move since workers were not aware of the decision by the administration of M&CC,to not pay the deductions over to the agencies. Councillor Akeem Peter, who chaired the statutory meeting in the absence of Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikaran, said it is one thing to inform the employees about the decision to withhold the money deducted but it is wrong to not tell them. He then ordered the Town
Town Clerk, Royston King responds to questions from Councillors on Monday
Clerk and the Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke to present a report on the outstanding fees to the councillors. “It can be made available as soon as possible but that would not stop the workers from going on strike...presenting the report does not mean we will be able to remit the money to all these agencies,” said Clarke in response to the demand by Peter. Prior to the request of the report, the City Treasurer presented the sums that are owed to the agencies. He disclosed that the council owes the NIS $116 million with an interest
of $9M, the GRA a total of $138M and in excess of $36M to the credit union. He however pointed out that $10M was paid to the union and $9.3M to the NIS. Income tax deductions and NIS dues were not forwarded since March last year and President of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carville Duncan in a recent statement revealed that $1.5 million in union dues were not remitted for the past three months. “We have started and we will continue to settle … while we are keeping the current deductions up to date,” said the treasurer. King said they have made an arrangement with NIS to pay over the deductions and they will soon meet with the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia to decide on a way forward. “What we sought to do last year was to satisfy wages and salaries demand while we wait to remit the deduction to the various agencies…workers would not have received their money even though there was a delay in payment if we did not do that,” said the Town Clerk.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 13, 2018
35 enlist for First Aid training under Care for the Elderly’ workshop
First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger poses with facilitators and coordinators of the First-Aid Workshop, members of the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) and 35 of the trainees who are participating in the programme. The photograph was taken this morning during the opening ceremony of the First Aid component of the First Lady’s ‘Care for the Elderly’ Workshop at the GRCS, Barrack Street, Georgetown
A ONE week training in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) commenced on Monday for 35 female caregivers who are participating in First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger’s ‘Care for the Elderly’ Workshop. The workshop opened at the Regency Suites, Georgetown. The participants, who are drawn from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Women Across Differences (WAD) and the St John’s Bosco Orphanage, will be trained by facilitators at the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) at Barrack
Street, Kingston, Georgetown, to provide essential first response care. The First Lady, who spoke briefly at the opening, noted that each participant will be involved in an intense week of training that will comprise interactive, practical and theoretical sessions in First Aid. “You are going to learn something that is not only going to help you professionally as caregivers, but something that will help you in your day to day life… It is something that you can take into your ordinary life with your family, neighbours [and] friends, so you will know how to render First Aid,” Mrs. Granger said. Mrs Granger said that at the end of the training, participants will be certified in First Aid, which she added, was a criterion stipulated by the collaborator in the workshops--the Ministry of Social Protection-- as part of the Caring for the Elderly and Child Care programmes. “When you come out and you complete the workshop, you have a certificate that you can take anywhere and it is recognised for a job and it will be certified by the Board of Industrial Training,” Mrs. Granger said. The First Lady also encouraged the women to absorb the teachings of the training which will be conducted by experienced facilitators of the GRSC. Meanwhile, Coordinator of the First Aid programme at GRCS, Mr. Devon Lewis, in
an invited comment, said that the aim of the workshop is to equip the participants with basic training in the American Red Cross First-AidCPR and AED courses and to certify them with a skill that will help save lives. “At the end of the programme the participants will have the full knowledge of CPR, First Aid and the knowledge of AED… The course will contain practical sessions, where they will be lifting, getting down on the ground to do CPR, transporting, and extricating persons with a spinal injury out of a vehicular accident… It is a lot of topics that we will be covering with these young ladies,” Mr. Lewis said. Participant, Ms. Althea Lewis said that she hopes to learn various techniques in First Aid which will benefit her in caring for children. “It is my first opportunity [to learn] First Aid, and I would like to take away a lot because I deal with a lot of children and I feel that First Aid does be the first response to any situation on the ground…this is a nice initiative to have in… any worse case scenario,” Ms. Lewis said. Present at the opening were also Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), Yvonne Smith of the Office of the First Lady, and Administrative Officer of the GRCS, Ms. Bernadette Adonis and other First Aid Facilitators. (Ministry of the Presidency)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 13, 2018
President meets army leaders COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President David Granger on Monday convened a meeting with the Guyana Defence Force high command to among other things discuss ongoing defence concerns, the Ministry of the President said in a statement. There have some level of criminal activities at Guyana’s borders with both Venezuela and Brazil. According to the ministry in wake of the recent visit by a high-level delegation from neighbouring Brazil, led by Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Raul Jungmann Pinto, Minister of Justice, Mr. Torquato Lorena Jardim and General Sérgio Etchegoyen, Minister Head of Institutional Security / Presidency of the Republic, last Friday, President Granger on Monday convened a special meeting with the GDF top brass. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was also present at the meeting, held at State House, explained that
…addresses ongoing border concerns …updates high command on Brazil talks the purpose of this follow-up meeting was to review the discussions that emanated from the deliberations with the Brazilian delegation and to prepare the GDF to chart the way forward in terms of defence cooperation. Last Friday during the talks with Brazil, Guyana stressed the need for greater emphasis on surveillance and her involvement in the Amazon Surveillance System. The two countries also reviewed a six-year-old communique on defence. The bilateral engagement, which was hosted at State House, saw a commitment by both countries to review the September, 2012 Joint Communiqué, which followed the official visit to Guyana by Ambassador Celso Amorim, then Minister of Defence of Brazil. The review is intended to update the agreements in that document and bring them in line
Teen electrocuted after power line falls on him A CANAL Number Two West Bank Demerara boy was electrocuted on Sunday night after a power line fell on him during an errand. Dead is Vivek Bridgemohan of Lot 18, Alliance, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara. The teen’s father, Nizar Azeez told the Guyana Chronicle that his eldest son was returning from a shop around 19:00hrs on Sunday when the elec trical wire fell on him. According to Azeez, his son attempted to remove the wires which fell on his neck. He said he took the young man to the hospital but the teen succumbed during the journey. Guyana Power and Light (GPL) visited the
Vivek Bridgemohan
family on Monday morning even as the live power line remained on the ground behind a cordon. The power company is in the process of installing new electrical poles in the area. The family is calling on the authorities to investigate the incident.
The teen’s slippers were left at the spot where he was electrocuted
with present-day realities, as well as to deepen defence cooperation. During the meeting with the Brazilians President Granger said that the visit, which follows closely after his own State visit to Brazil in late December, was the initiation of the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Brazil. He added that the signing of that 2012 communiqué saw the establishment of a bilateral defence working group. “We would like to review the Joint Communiqué to determine its applicability to present-day circumstances. That agreement contained seven points, which are being implemented, but in light of the present situation in the northern coast of South America, we would like to review that agreement… to put greater emphasis on surveillance and our involve-
President David Granger
ment in the Amazon Surveillance System,” President Granger said. To this end, Minister Jungmann informed delegates that Brazil is ready to revisit the terms and pro-
visions of the communiqué to work out the modalities of how the two countries can cooperate in the areas of defence outlined by the President. “We are willing to review the communiqué. We will do this through our Military Attaché… who will then refer it to the higher authorities,” he said. Speaking of defence cooperation, Minister Jungmann told the President that countries in the hemisphere have to work more closely together to tackle problems such as drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes, which threaten law and order and citizens’ safety. “As Minister of Defence, we have responsibility for the army, the marine and the air force, so whatever we can do to assist Guyana, let us know,” the minister told the President. Meanwhile, also at the meeting was Minister of For-
eign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who updated the visiting delegation on the recent developments of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, which he said is at the heart of Guyana’s national security. President Granger also took the opportunity to place on record, Guyana’s gratitude to Brazil for its support for Guyana in the border controversy with Venezuela. “Brazil, for 50 years, has been a guarantor of our territory and has maintained that it is not interested in any changes to settled boundaries,” he said. Minister Jungmann said that Brazil has the third largest border in South America and the world at large and it has frontiers with 10 countries. He noted that Brazil wants to see the controversy with Venezuela resolved permanently and in a diplomatic manner, which can be achieved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This, he said, is vital for the stability of the South American continent.
Woman stabbed by Accused rapist freed ex-partner DOCTORS at the Suddie Hospital on the Essequibo Coast were up to press time fighting to save the life of a 23–year-old woman who was stabbed several times by her ex-boyfriend, on Monday afternoon. Reports are that at around 16:45 hrs, Shanella Marques was on her way home with relatives to the Upper Pomeroon area when she was confronted by the man, who has since been identified as Leonard Grant. Marques who sustained two stab wounds; one to the shoulder and another close to her neck, was rushed to the Suddie Hospital were
the doctors were attempting to remove a broken part of the knife which was left her body during the attack. Relatives of the young woman related that because of constant abuse at the hands of the suspect the woman had on several occasions moved to her relatives’ home. Recently, she moved in with her mother and this apparently angered the suspect. Meanwhile, Police at Charity are searching for the suspect. The incident comes on the heels of a similar one two weekends ago, when another young woman was set alight by her ex-boyfriend. The matter is currently engaging the attention of courts.
A 52-year-old minibus driver was on Monday morning freed of rape of a teenager after Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall upheld a nocase submission made by defence attorney, Maxwell McKay. As such, she directed the jury to return a formal not guilty verdict. The accused, Jack Mangal calmly exited the court room after being told he was ‘free to go’ Mangal was charged for the rape of a 19-year-old student which allegedly took place on August 2, 2014 in the county of Demerara. The state’s case was led by Seeta Bishundyal in association with Orinthia Schmidt. The matter was
Freed: Minibus driver Jack Mangal
held in the Sexual Offences Court in the Georgetown High Court.
Bicycle bandits attack Cannabis was destined for market vendor ‘tall man’ at the ‘Landing’
FORTY-FIVE-YEAR OLD Gavin Nelson and a 32-year –old taxi driver, Anil Williams, both of whom reside at Bartica, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with allegedly having 88 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the facts read out in court by Prosecutor Arwin Moore, on February 7, 2018 at Five Mile, Puruni, Essequibo, on the day in ques-
tion, a car was dispatched with Nelson as a passenger and Williams as the driver. The latter, it was stated, admitted that Nelson had given him the cannabis which was concealed under food to drop to a tall man at the “Landing”. Both men were denied bail due to the serious nature of the offence and the penalty that the charge attracts. However, the case was adjourned until February 13 and transferred to Court One.
POLICE are investigating an armed robbery committed on a 24-year-old La Penitence Market vendor Chandroutie Mahatoo, who was attacked by two men on bicycles at James Street, Alboystown. According to the police, Mahatoo of Sideline Dam, La Penitence about 13:00hrs on the day in question was being towed by her younger brother east along James Street Albouystown, when they were confronted by the two suspects on separate pedal cycles. The suspects then came off their cycles, blocking the
path of the victim, one of the suspects then pulled out a firearm from his right pants waist and pointed it at them while his accomplice drew an ice pick from his right side pants too. Mahatoo upon seeing the robbers handed over her bag containing 50,000 cash, US$250 currency, a cellphone valued $30,000, one ID card, and a gold chain valued $40,000. The two robbers then went back on their respective pedal cycle and escaped. Police investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.
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STEM, MoE launch NGSA app
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
-as part of effort to improve performance in key subject areas
By Navendra Seoraj SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana has collaborated with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to launch the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) practice exam app, months before the actual examination. Students, teachers and parents could download the app from the Google Play Store where it is listed as “N.G.S.A practice exam,” said Co-founder of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams during the launch of the app at the National Center for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Monday. The advent and rapid advancement of technology has altered the delivery of education and Abrams believes that Guyana has some catching up to do in order to prepare the youths for a future that will be heavily influenced by technology. “Our world is changing faster than ever… and in order for youths to
thrive we urgently need to reimagine education,” said
affected by artificial intelligence and automation.
An official of STEM Guyana, Colin Sawh gives the audience a crash course of how the app works. Seated in the front row are First Lady, Sandra Granger, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and other officials of the ministry and STEM (Adrian Narine photo)
Abrams, adding that research revealed that 65 per cent of primary-age pupils will work in jobs that have not yet been invented. Research also indicated that robots can soon replace 800 million jobs worldwide, while studies on Western countries like Australia estimated that 70 per cent of the jobs that exist today will be
In light of the findings of the studies, she said that persons cannot predict what the future would look like but parents and teachers could equip the children to be prepared for any version of the future world. Abrams believes that the app is a catalyst for advancement in the education sector, especially when considering
the uses of technology in that area. The app will allow students to access past examination papers for the four key primary subject areas which include Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies. “Students should not fail mathematics and science in primary school… we worked to make a tool which will allow access to past test questions, the explanations and the answers,” she explained, adding that parents will be better equipped to monitor how long and what their children study. She said the ministry and STEM also intends to test the overall effectiveness of the app by conducting a research in four schools from various parts of the country. President, David Granger in an effort to aid the research process had donated 90 android tablets to STEM. The MoE on the other hand was tasked with going out to the interior and hinterland locations to inform persons about the app
Tuesday, February 13, 2018 - 3:30 hrs & 14:30 hrs Wednesday, February 14, 2018 - 4:00 hrs & 14:30 hrs
The App available for download in the Google Play Store
and its benefits. “We want to ensure that every student gets the opportunity to be resilient lifelong learners who approach the world with curiosity and think independent and original,” she said. Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry supported the notion of grooming students to be creative and innovative thinkers. She said children should not be just master academics but should also develop their vocational skills which can only be acquired through the provision of compulsory primary education. Their vision is to improve the performance of students at international and external examinations and Henry believes that the app is one such way of doing that. “The app joins other initiatives such as the nationwide mathematics camp…it will help to monitor the performance in core subjects,” she said. The minister however believes that there is a need for more methods to improve the performance in the areas of Mathematics and English. Henry believes that the app will make that a possibility once students pay attention to and take full advantage of it. First Lady, Sandra Granger was also excited about the app and intrigued by the work of STEM Guyana which was established only two years ago. She recalled the 2017 international robotics competition that Guyana contested and ended 10th out of 165 countries. “This shows that our youths have been using initiative, imagination and teamwork…four of the STEM Guyana ladies went to Georgia Tech to be attached to the robotics lab and that is no small feat,” she said. The First Lady told the gathering that more girls need to be involved in the area of technology and by extension STEM. In years to come, she believes that those are the fields that will have the high income jobs so youths need to be more inclined to be a part of it. She again referred to the app that has the potential to encourage persons to value technology. In order to increase the reach of the app, Mrs. Granger advised STEM and the ministry to partner with Digicel which has coverage in the interior locations. She also implored them to piggyback on the websites of other ministries that reach children in the hinterland communities.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
Revenue stream low
…GWI says in justifying proposed tariff hike By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Water Inc has tied its proposed hike in tariffs to insufficient revenue to meet its operational costs even as it argues that it was still functioning under a 2005 tariff regime. This was disclosed when the company appeared at a Public Utilities Commission- sponsored public hearing held at the Cara Lodge to justify its request for an increase in tariffs. At the hearing, several spirited citizens were present and raised concerns over the absence of the water company’s 2016 audited financial statement, the high numbers of un-metered consumers and the absence of comparative data on existing and proposed rates. At the engagement which involved representations from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), interjections originating from the audience caused the GWI to curtail its opening overview and zero in on the proposed increase in tariffs. The increase in rates are being proposed on the basis that the company’s revenue streams are insufficient to meet its total operating costs and the utility is still operating under the 2005 tariff regime. Customers’ cries of “discrimination” and “highhandedness”; filching of water which escalates production costs and water waste were among the reasons justifying the increase which GWI says will also facilitate the improvement of service and water quality
Ramon Gaskin grills CEO of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Dr Richard Van-West Charles on the absence of the company’s 2016 Audited Financial Statements at the joint hearing with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Monday
countrywide. The proposed tariff will see residential and non-residential customers paying a fixed charge of $500 when consumption is zero and will no longer be billed on the compulsory minimum consumption of 10m³ and 15m³ but only on the volume they utilise. As such, to ensure parity and equity, the proposed consumption charge for Georgetown and non-Georgetown metered-residents is $112/ m³ and $150/m³ for metered non-residential customers. For unmetered residents, although the average consumption rests at 25m³ per month, the GWI will charge residents for 13m³ monthly, approximately $1500. Meanwhile, unmetered non-residential consumers will be charged based on the size of the business categorised as: small, $3,750; medium, $12,000 and large $24,000. This change, the GWI
says, will help to subsidise the cost of maintenance of the infrastructure of the company’s service line to the customer and will be shown on customers’ bill tabulation together with the volume of water consumed. Pensioners, however, are exempt from the fixed charge and metered pensioners living alone or with no more than one other person will pay $74/ m³ while unmetered pensioners will pay $740 monthly. It should be noted that pensioners living with more than one other individual will pay the same rate as metered or unmetered residents and pensioners whose volume of water consumption exceeds the average 10 m³ will attract the same rate for every m³ greater than 10 m³. Audited statements At the hearing, Social Commentator, Ramon Gaskin grilled the GWI on its proposals to the PUC for an increase of rates
when the company’s 2016 audited financial statements were still outstanding. He also called for a comparative table of the rates and stated that the “true inequity” lies in the high number of unmetered customers, such as car washes, who Gaskin says pay nothing for their consumption. In response, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Van-West Charles said that the financial statements are in the final stages of being audited with an estimated completion by the end of March. He also said that the issue of persons stealing water would require the assistance of the public in addition to the GWI. “The public has been very responsive in helping us to find many people who are stealing,” he said, adding: “…the people that are stealing are not necessarily small people. They are big people, they are commercial people.” Van-West Charles said, too, “We are metering every car wash and the people
GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard VanWest Charles addresses the concerns raised during the hearing at the Cara Lodge.
to the left, right, back and front of the car washes… if they give access to a car wash, they give access at their cost.” Another resident, who said he was in partial agreement with Gaskin, compiled a document of questions on several matters subsequently presented to the PUC and GWI which the companies have pledged to address before the next gathering. Several other individual concerns were brought to the forefront on matters such
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as poor customer service, incorrect estimates of rates, incorrect meter number and payments made to GWI for works not conducted. These matters were noted by the CEO who promised to swiftly address them while matters relating to customer service were managed by GWI’s Customer Relations Manager, Andrea Khan. Meanwhile, a small commotion erupted at the hearing when differences were observed by Chairman of the PUC, Dela Britton, in separate copies of the Application for Change of Rates. As members of the audience became agitated, the differences which were found in the ancillary rates were subsequently cleared up by the GWI CEO with support coming from Britton who stated that “the differences were not fundamental”. The PUC says that its website will be updated to reflect these new changes and set the next public hearing for Wednesday, 21 February, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Cara Lodge.
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Editorial
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
Tangible recognition for National Awardees THE 18th century Essayist Oliver Goldsmith remarked with sarcasm in one of his essays that the monarchs of Europe received service of the highest excellence from some of their citizens but gave in return yards of ribbon. In the 19th century, the monarchs awarded medals in addition to the ribbons and awardees were accorded some social pre-eminence. Today, citizens have continued to give selfless service to the State and Nation and are honoured with medals but without any tangible recognition. In Guyana, personnel in the Police and Military services, the Public Service, and persons in business, the professions and those engaged in social and religious work have been honoured from year to year but most are soon forgotten. Many honorees are persons of wealth and influence and would consider it infra dignitatem to be offered some tangible reward from the State, in tandem with their national honours. And most others who have served selflessly had no thought of receiving any reward from anyone and to offer any reward to such persons may result in their politely declining. But there are a number of honorees, especially those who had served in the Police, Army and Public Service who have
become very old and have no relatives or even close friends whom to turn, and they do not have savings on which to depend. This group of honorees does need help and the State should accord it. We would not suggest special pensions for the old awardees, but rather that they should have easier access to the facilities of the State, especially with regards to health. We would therefore suggest the following could be done for the State and society to show their gratitude to people who had selflessly given the better part of their lives to the nation:An annual list of all surviving honorees should be published and sent to the hospitals and government departments. The departments and the hospitals should give priority of treatment to any honoree who might identify himself or herself as such. For example, many old honorees have to go to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to pick up a document or make a payment and it would be a great relief to such persons if they could have a quicker service. With regard to the health services and hospitals, an honoree should be able to telephone someone in authority to ensure he/she does not wait in long lines. Such persons, especially the old, should be able to get walking sticks or even a wheel chair by calling at the Public Hospital’s Ad-
ministrator’s office. Or should have their X-rays and operations done with priority. They should also be given some priority with the ambulance services, from the hospital and the Fire Service, once they are identified. We have seen honorees in their 80s, who used to be very senior public servants, waiting in confused lines to see an eye doctor or a doctor in the medical and surgical clinics. Such persons may often be arthritic and in pain. Many old age and NIS pensioners and who are honorees also find great difficulty in uplifting their pension books. It would be a great relief if some arrangement could be worked out where these books are delivered to the honorees’ homes. Supermarkets should be invited to extend discount facilities to honorees and at Christmas, the relevant Ministry should be responsible for presenting food hampers to honorees. On death, the State should assist in meeting the expenses of burial or cremation of the honorees if requested. If the State were to accord such tangible recognition to honorees it would enhance the prestige of the honours and show that the State was caring for those who had given so much of their lives to the service of the Nation.
Victoria/Belfield rice farmers are inconsiderate to residents Dear Editor In response to your Saturday article titled “Minister Holder mandates agricultural agencies to resolve Belfield/Victoria farmers’ concerns” I wish to raise a few concerns of my own. While it is truly welcoming to have a visit from the Honorable Minister Holder to listen to the concerns of the farmers in the Victoria/Belfield area it would have been equally pleasing for the residents of the said area to have voiced their concerns too. As a concerned resident of the Victoria/Belfield area it should be known that we are made to suffer severely due the egotistical attitude displayed by the farmers, especially the rice farmers who have been farming in that area for as long as I can remember. I am sure that the Honorable Minister was utterly surprised with
the state of the Victoria/ Belfield access road he was made to travel on to see the farm lands. The holes on this road are so huge that they serve as ponds for ducks and snakes when it rains. Residents using the road are forced to endure the puddles created by these rice farmers by way of combines and tractors, and the mud that falls from tractors and ploughs. If one wishes to get to work, school or church with tidy shoes then he/ she must be sure to walk with an additional pair to change or remember to have a cloth to clean the one they are wearing. Yes! School children and office workers are made to suffer such plight. We are made to walk in the long distance since most taxi drivers refuse to take us in because of the damage being done to their vehicles, and the few that agree to take us in usually charge extra. The road has been in such de-
plorable state for as long as I can remember and it continues to get worst as the farmers in the area frequently traverse there with their combines, tractors, heavy duty trucks and field ploughs. These vehicles start to utilise the road as early as 05:00hrs and can go as late as 23:00 hrs. We, the villagers, are made to endure the noise being made by these heavy engines and the profanity of the farmers. Without any notice these rice farmers will visit their farms and administer chemical substances, which affect us severally. Babies and young children have been affected so much that it forces their parents to seek medical attention for them. Children are made to suffer with itching from rashes caused by these chemicals and some of them even fall sick for days. One might be wondering how we are affected by the spray-
ing of these chemicals. The farm lands are located on the eastern side of the village with houses to the west. Be it known that the wind is blown in an east to west direction since the sea is in close proximity. Time and time again these concerns have been raised with the farmers, to date this practice continues without any correction. While the rice farmers are anxious and happy to reap their produce we the villagers are made to suffer yet again. After the paddy is cut, loaded and sent away and the fields are left to dry, we the villagers are left to prepare our minds for the catastrophe ahead. Within three days of the fields being cut the farmers come by night to set the fields alight, leaving us to scramble and cover our babies, shut all doors and windows, while having buckets of water in our homes to help us breathe properly while smoke fill
our rooms. Imagine having to imprison yourself in your homes for hours just to escape the heat from a fiery field. The smoke emanating from these burning fields affects persons as far as the western side of Victoria and even the eastern side of the neighbouring village of Cove and John. This is a matter of immense concern to villagers which should be addressed by the relevant authorities expeditiously, since these rice farmers are not from Victoria/ Belfield but from villages as far as Cove and John, Mahaica, Mahaicony and other villages in which they enjoy their roads and clean fresh air. I trust that someone will be mandated to look into our concerns. Regards Maleasa Solomon Displeased Villager
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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Looking forward to the new CEO of GPL ending the constant blackout Dear Sir I WRITE this letter to congratulate Mr. Albert Gordon on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), and to welcome him to Guyana and wish him every success in this new endeavor. Albert, we last saw each other when we travelled out of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands on the same flight after spending days at a very successful conference
of the Organisation of Caribbean Regulators (OOCUR), at which you played a major part and from which you departed holding a major office. Since then, it seems, you have moved from strength to strength. Like me, you have experience at both the utility level and that of a regulator having served the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) – Jamaica’s power utility – and the Organisation of Utility Regulators (OUR) in Jamaica. I am sure that the merging of that experience will
serve you well in a self-regulating company like GPL and am looking forward to your ending the constant blackout, and unstable and unreliable electricity we suffer at the earliest possible time. Welcome again and best wishes for your success. Regards Lancelot McCaskey Former General Manager, Finance and Administration Belize Electricity Board Belize
GGMC’s rental of office space in Subryanville is a matter of concern for the residents Dear Editor IN response to a complaint from residents of Subryanville, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc., on November 6, 2017, wrote the Board of Directors of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to enquire about how the conflict of interest involved in renting a building from a sitting director was handled. In addition to this, we queried the legality of and the message sent by the government agency holding offices in a residential area. To date, we have not received a response from the GGMC. In the intervening time, Kaieteur News addressed the conflict of interest matter in its January 1, 2018 publication and followed-up on January 10, 2018 with comments from the Chairman. The information published so far appears to substantiate that the director in question was not yet a member of the board at the time of the transaction. However, the published comments from the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Commissioner Dennison and the Chairman, Stanley Ming, raise new concerns about the introduction of a conflict of interest once Mr. Shields became a director. One might speculate, for example, about whether Mr. Shield’s membership in the governing body is in any way affecting the haste, or lack thereof, with which the reported instruction from the Minister of Natural Resources to find another rental arrangement is being executed. What is the nature of Mr. Shield’s involvement in discussions and decisions about alternative accommodation for GGMC? That such a consideration, whether correct or not, is relevant indicates that the GGMC has not done enough to clear the air.
GGMC’s rental of office space in the residential area, Subryanville is a matter of concern for the residents. In the unanswered request for clarification, TIGI cited the information that it had received and which indicated that permission to use the premises in question for business was granted to Mr. Shields and is limited to his company, and furthermore that the residents had objected to the construction of the structure when this began in 2010. TIGI noted that “… such an arrangement [rental of office space in a residential area] involves a breach of the laws governing an area so classified especially without giving fair hearing to the residents … would imply official declassification of the area without due process and the inauguration of changes to the environment that the residents have developed for themselves over the years. This is definitely in contradiction with the notion of people empowerment that is inherent in activation of local government and hence also a contradiction of current government policy.” “GGMC, in its capacity as a governmental agency tasked with overseeing mineral fairness in vast swathes of our country, should ensure that the laws of Guyana are upheld at all times. Given that permission to use the premises for business is limited to [business name redacted], GGMC’s use of the premises would therefore be in breach of the laws of Guyana. TIGI wishes to know what justification the GGMC has for using the premises at [address redacted], Subryanville for government business.” The Commission has, through its responses to the articles in the press, indicated that it is in the process of finding alternative accommodation. In fact, this was discussed since August 4, 2017 at a meeting with residents
of Subryanville. A written account of the discussion at that meeting indicates that the contract was signed by Commissioner Dennison on behalf of the GGMC, and that Mr. Dennison did not take the residential status of the area into consideration even though he was aware of its status. Furthermore, the GGMC was not alerted about the residential classification of the area by the proprietor. As the by-laws and ordinances of residential areas are increasingly being violated with the establishment of commercial ventures within them, it is pertinent to ask about the precedent that the establishment of offices in a residential area by the GGMC will leave for the residents of Subryanville to deal with. It seems clear that the rental of the property for business purposes in the residential area by the government agency, will signal to others that it is all right to violate the terms of their licenses to allow unauthorised businesses to operate. If a government agency like the GGMC could do it with impunity, why should anyone else not believe that such behaviour must be condoned? Subsequent to the articles about conflict of interest, other accusations about Mr. Shields in relation to mining permits were published in the press. These other matters were not included in the complaint received by TIGI and we are not currently in a position to address them authoritatively. It would however be important for public confidence that GGMC elaborate on its rules regarding ownership of mining permits, while a person is a director and how conflict of interest is avoided in such circumstances. Regards Transparency Institute Guyana Inc.
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Moblissa gifted with school bus THE children of the community of Moblissa who attend schools in Linden will no longer have to wait hours for transportation. On Monday, the Regional Democratic Council Region 10, handed over a 19-seater bus valued at $5M, to the Community Development Council Chairman of Moblissa. The vehicle which was donated by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs will be used to transport the children living in Moblissa to and from the schools in Linden. Regional Chairman of Region 10, Rennis Morian remarked that it is a “fulfillment of the government’s plan to bring help and support to communities. This bus was presented to the people of Moblissa through the RDC here, in Region 10, for it to be used to support education.” The Regional Education Officer, Region 10, Marcia Andrews highlighted that the children of Moblissa would
Chairman of the Moblissa’s Community Development Council, Arthur Reynolds (right) and residents of the Moblissa community pose behind the bus donated by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs
have suffered for a long period of time due to a lack of transportation to and from Linden. However, she is extremely happy for the children because they will now be able to reach to school on time. “We know if they get to school on time it will give them an opportunity to optimise their performance in school.” Chairman of the Community Development Council
(CDC) in Moblissa, Arthur Reynolds thanked the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs for being timely in their gesture. “Education is at the forefront of the drive for this good life that we expect in Guyana and so we are more than thankful,” he said. Coleen Williams, a resident of Moblissa, told this newspaper that she is happy for the bus since in the past, the children have
had to walk miles to get transportation to attend school. “For couple years now we talking and talking about transportation for the children, cause these children walk like three to five miles, so we are very much thankful for that.” Williams has a child who attends the Linden Foundation Secondary School and will benefit from the initiative.
GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Bandit nabbed after shooting goldsmith during failed robbery bid FIFTY-FOUR-YEAROLD Namedo Hilchand, sustained a gunshot injury above his right knee during a failed robbery bid at Welfare Street, East Canje, Berbice, at about18:40hrs on Sunday afternoon. The goldsmith, who travels door to door in his car to conduct his business, is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Following the incident, a Police patrol from Reliance headed by Inspector Michael Newland, acting upon intelligence garnered, swooped down on a house at Second Street, Number Two Village, where the suspect was found hiding in a condemned fowl pen aback his parent’s home. The suspect is in custody and is being processed to make an appearance in court later this week. Reports are that on Sun-
day, Hilchand, of Lot 42 Experiment, Bath, West Coast Berbice, had moments earlier collected $2,000 from a customer, for whom he had made a gold band. He reportedly re-entered his vehicle and was updating his records when an unmasked, identifiable male pointed a rusty-coloured gun to his head and demanded that he hand over the bag. As the robber pushed hand into the car in an attempt to grab the bag, Hilchand is said to have pushed him away, resulting in him, [the robber] firing a shot at the goldsmith’s right leg. The businessman, a licensed firearm discharged a round in the direction of the suspect but he managed to ride off on his bicycle. The weapon the robber used has not been recovered and an investigation is ongoing.
Maj. (Ret’d) Michalene Maria Wilson laid to rest …remembered as loving, compassionate and disciplined LITERALLY hundreds yesterday turned out at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, David Street, Kitty, to a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the life of the late Maj. (Ret’d) Michalene Maria Wilson, formerly of the Guyana Defence Force and to pay their last respects to the fallen mili-
tary icon. Major Wilson died on February 4, after a brief period of illness. She was 64. Among the distinguished gathering joining the husband of the deceased, Lt. Colonel Ret’d, Victor Wilson and other sorrowing family members in bidding an emotional farewell to the former champion army
rank were: President David Granger, Head of the Disciplined Services; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon; and other Ministers of Government; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West and other senior members of the Guyana Defence Force, (Past and
Pall bearers removing the casket of Maj. Lewis from the church (Samuel Maughn Photos)
Serving) and a wide cross section of other ranks of the army, including the Veterans of the Women’s Army (WAC) who turned out in their numbers. There was also full representation of priests from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown as well as members drawn from the Holy Rosary Congregation
of which Major Wilson was a faithful and dedicated member. Officiating Priest was Father John Persaud who did the Homily as well as the Final Commendation. Meanwhile, there were several glowing tributes during which the late Major was remembered as a selfless, loving and compassionate individual; disciplined and a stickler for excellence, yet well liked by all.
She entered the Guyana Defence Force as an Officer Cadet from whence she soared to higher heights, eventually assuming the rank of Major. Maj. Michalene Maria Wilson leaves to mourn her husband, Lt. Col. Victor Wilson; their children and other family members. Following the Thanksgiving Service, her body was interred at the Le Repentir Cemetery.
Standing at right is President David Granger, next to his wife, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and family members of the deceased
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, February 13, 2018
Commemorative stamp for Dr Jagan’s 100th THE launch of a Cheddi Jagan Commemorative Stamp is among a series of projects and initiatives which the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will roll out in 2018, the management in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications announced on Monday. Though it is an autonomous service provider, the GPOC falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. At a news conference on Monday, Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes disclosed that the GPOC has entered into an arrangement with the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, to produce a philatelic stamp to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Dr. Cheddi Jagan – one of Guyana’s Founding Leaders. The former president was born on March 22, 1918. “The stamp was designed and is being produced by the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation located in New Jersey, USA. This company is a long time philatelic contractor with the GPOC, and I understand that it also produces stamps and related materials for postal services all across the Caribbean,” the minister detailed. The special Cheddi Jagan Centenary stamp will be unveiled and made available to the public in March, she added, while stating that the corporation looks forward to continuing its relationship with the Research Centre. REHAB OF POST OFFICES That aside, Minister Hughes said in moving forward, the GPOC will be carrying out major rehabilitative works on post offices across the country and will simultaneously be equipping them
with the necessary technology to allow for greater efficiency. “In 2016 I found almost every GPO building in a really decrepit state. We intend to change the public perception and at the same time, improve the quality of services we deliver. There are so many benefits all around but the one we want the most is a better relationship with our customers,” she told reporters. The Public Telecommunications Minister added: “We have a lot of work to do - rehabilitating post office buildings, installing computers and Wi-Fi for the residents to use (in city and towns, inland and hinterland regions), and we are upgrading the quality of services we provide, including services for pensioners, while we add to functions of every neighbourhood post office.” A t t h e t i m e , M i n i ster Hughes was speaking in the presence of GPOC’s Postmaster General, Karen Brown; Chairman, Reverend Raphael Massiah; and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Telesha Whyte, during a press conference at the Guyana Post Officer Training Centre in Georgetown. Brown in her presentation, detailed that the post offices in New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Wales and Bagotville will be rehabilitated this year at a cost of $30M. These facilities, she posited, will have a modern outlook. “Offices will be equipped with security systems, adequate ICT, air conditioning, weather protection, seating accommodation, lavatory facilities and accessible by the infirm,” Brown explained. In embracing the Government’s mandate, the postmaster general, said that post offices will facilitate Information Communica-
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes
tion and Technology (ICT) hubs within their parameters: “All of which, will provide a conducive environment for engagement; setting the atmosphere for productivity and cohesion,” she posited. As at December 1, 2017, the GPOC headquarters has been powered by solar system and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) simultaneously, compliments of the Government through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Additionally, in the field of ICT, Brown said GPOC plans to be fully computerised by the end of 2018. Already, 54 of the 65 post offices spread across the country are computerised. And as the GPOC moves to enhance it services, steps are being taken to review a number of internal producers. It is also analysing the possibility of implementing a Postal Code which will aid in mail sortation and delivery. Additionally, the corporation is looking to complete the tasks assigned to it by the Universal Postal Union Operational Readiness for E- Commerce Project (ORE) action plan. “In August 2017 the Universal Post Union launched its Operational Readiness for E Commerce (ORE) Project
for Caribbean Countries. The aim of the project for the Caribbean countries is to address obstacles to online border transactions for customers, help participating Post to modernise operational processes, and use all available standardised IT tools, and End-to-End systems to implement operations solutions that meet e-commerce requirements,” Brown explained. Creating an End-to-End (E2E) process mapping; completion of the Security Self-Assessment tools, which will enable a Security Audit of GPOC’s operations by the Universal Postal Union; and
the acquisition of a an X-ray scanner,” are among the plans earmarked for 2018. The postmaster general noted that the GPOC acquired the X-Ray Scanner through the UPU Quality of Service Fund. She said while it will aid the corporation in improving the efficiency of its mail operations, it will also help to detect illicit items such as drugs. The GPOC has also commenced the process of acquiring ownership of the land it occupies in accordance with the Public Corporations (Post Office) Order No.109 of 1976.
The process has started on an initial five plots of land in Bartica, New Amsterdam, Wismar, Charlestown and Anna Regina, to chart the course. According to Brown, surveys have been completed and the plans have already been signed off by the Lands & Survey Commission and are in GPOC’s possession. It is projected that this initial process will be completed in the second quarter of 2018. She noted that this move will increase the corporation’s asset base and better position it to be modernised. The project is budgeted at $3M.
ANC ‘decides Zuma must go’ South Africa’s ruling ANC party will formally request that President Jacob Zuma step down after he refused to resign, media reports say. The reported decision to “recall” Mr Zuma followed marathon talks by senior party officials that continued into the early hours of Tuesday. If Mr Zuma, 75, still does not budge, he will face a vote of confidence in parliament that he is expected to lose. He has been leader since 2009 but has been dogged by corruption allegations. The ANC has not officially confirmed its plans, but party sources have described them to South African media outlets and Reuters news agency. Mr Zuma has resisted increasing pressure to quit since December, when Cyril Ramaphosa replaced him as leader of the ANC. It is unclear how Mr Zuma will respond to the formal request to step down, which is expected to be issued later on Tuesday. Earlier, Mr Ramaphosa left
the meeting of the ANC’s national executive committee to travel to Mr Zuma’s residence, where he is said to have told the president he would be recalled if he did not step down. He later returned to the ANC conclave. What has Mr Zuma done wrong? Mr Zuma’s presidency has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption which he has always vehemently denied. In 2016, South Africa’s highest court ruled that Mr Zuma had violated the constitution when he failed to repay government money spent on his private home. Last year the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that he must face 18 counts of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a 1999 arms deal. More recently, Mr Zuma’s links to the wealthy India-born Gupta family, who are alleged to have influenced the government, have caused his popularity to plummet. Both Mr Zuma and the Guptas deny the allegations.
What could happen now? Correspondents say it will be very difficult for him to resist a formal request to resign - known as a “recall”. But Mr Zuma would not be legally obliged to step down and he could technically carry on as president of South Africa despite losing the faith of his party. However, he would then be expected to face a confidence vote in parliament. The date for this has already been set - 22 February. Mr Zuma has survived other such votes, but he would not be expected to pull it off again. A confidence vote would be considered a humiliating process for him and the party. South African media is calling President Zuma’s seemingly inevitable exit “Zexit”. South Africa’s previous president, Thabo Mbeki, resigned in 2008. He also had a power struggle with his deputy. The deputy in question was Jacob Zuma, who took over the presidency the following year. (BBC)
Man stabbed to death at Vergenoegen A 30-YEAR-OLD man was stabbed to death during a fight at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, on Sunday night. Dead is Nair Khan a porter of Bud Street, Line Top, Vergenoegen, and whose body was found on Monday morning in a pool of blood. Relatives believe that he was stabbed and left to bleed to death at the hands of a friend and others on Sunday night. According to the police, Khan was found with a gaping wound on his left hand around 06:00hrs on
Monday. An investigation has revealed that about 22:00hrs on Sunday, Khan and a male who is currently being sought, were imbibing at the suspect’s Burn Street, Vergenoegen home when an argument erupted over an accusation that the victim was having a relationship with the suspect’s wife. However, relatives of Khan have disputed the latter. They told the Guyana Chronicle during a visit to the area, that the young man and a friend were imbibing at a popular bar along the
public road at Vergenoegen, on Sunday night. It is said that sometime later, the two men went to the friend’s home where they continued imbibing and after the alcohol was finished the suspect abused his mother-in-law and common-law wife, as he called for more liquor. Neighbours reported that Khan intervened and was physically assaulted by his friend who picked-up a knife and stabbed the man to his left side. They said that the man was placed in a chair where he kept moaning and
repeatedly asked for help. They alleged that the man was stabbed on or before midnight on Sunday. Khan’s aunt, with whom he worked as a porter, told this newspaper that persons at the scene recalled seeing Khan being removed from the house where he was stabbed and placed on the parapet. She said neighbours reported hearing him moaning and calling out for help until around 04:00hrs on Monday. She said the suspect and his in-laws later placed Khan’s shoes neatly
next to his body. At around 06:00hr on Monday , the man’s aunt reported that the suspect’s mother-in-law visited her home, located a few houses from the scene of the incident at Burns Street and in a frantic state reported that Khan appeared “dead” on her parapet. “She only come here because he dead and when they realise he dead they tell the son-in-law to run away and hide,” the woman noted. Reports are that blood was seen at the home of the
suspect, where his relatives are adamant he was stabbed. The dead man’s relatives also noted that the young man recently “started seeing somebody” and refuted reports that he was having an affair with the suspect’s common-law-wife. Investigators have since obtained a statement from the suspect’s wife who was present when the incident occurred. The body is presently at Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem and investigations into the murder are ongoing.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
‘God don’t sleep’
…says ‘Grey Boy’ after Crum-Ewing murder trial sent to High Court By Clestine Juan "GOD don't sleep, I'll get victory in the long run." were the words of Regan Rodrigues, called ‘Grey Boy’ as he was committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. About 11:00am on Monday, Rodrigues walked into the courtroom of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dressed in a black pants and a grey jersey with the writing "Honor, Loyalty and Valor". He held a Bible in his hands as he stepped in being a freedman. But he would soon be weeping, shaking his head as he muttered: “Why is it that I have to go through this over and over again?” he questioned Magistrate Latchman. The courtroom went silent as the Magistrate told Rodrigues that he was being committed to stand trial at the High Court for the capital offence of murder. “This court maintained that there was a sufficient case made out against you,” Magistrate Latchman stated while standing her three pre-
vious ruling of discharging the said matter against Rodrigues. The magistrate further disclosed that based upon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealing her decision in the High Court, she was ordered by Justice Brassington Reynolds to comply with the direction of the DPP to commit him. Rodrigues was then taken to the prison where he will remain on remand until his trial before a judge and jury at the High Court. This decision came after the magistrate lost an appeal for a stay of execution (a delay in carrying out a court order) and was directed by Appealate Judge Dawn Gregory to comply with the directions of the DPP. However, with the matter still ongoing in the Appeal Court, Rodrigues’ committal will not affect the appeal by the Magistrate. In 2017, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed Latchman, via a letter, to commit Rodrigues to stand trial in the High Court. Magistrate Latchman had maintained that a prima facie case was not made out
Peruvian fined for overstaying A 49-year-old Peruvian was Monday fined $15,000 by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and ordered deported to his homeland after being charged for overstaying in Guyana. Joes Beltran confessed that he overstayed between October 4, 2017 and Febru-
ary 7, 2018 after being permitted to stay until October 3, 2017 but failed to seek an extension. According to the facts read in court by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the accused came to Guyana legally on July 4, 2017 via the Cheddi Jagan Inter-
Political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing
against Rodrigues in relation to the murder, causing the DPP to issue a letter to the magistrate, instructing her to commit the matter to the High Court for trial. “In accordance with section 72 (2) (ii) (a) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01, I hereby remit to your Worship the above-mentioned matter and direct you to comply with Sections 65 and 66 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01 with a view of committing the accused,” the letter stated. national Airport and was granted four months stay in the country. Mansfield noted that Beltran overstayed his time and failed to seek an extension and was recently arrested by the police. With the aid of an interpreter, Beltran told the court that he ran out of money while in Guyana and was unable to find work to raise cash to get back home. The Chief Magistrate fined Beltran $15,000 or in default, three weeks’ imprisonment.
Women say crisis in Venezuela made them stay here THREE female Venezuelans were on Monday fined $30,000 each by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for entering Guyana illegally. Maidi Pazver,30; Bianyi Brito,20; and Yriana Martinez, 21, admitted to the joint charge which alleged that on February 7,2017 at Etering-
bang, Cuyuni River, they entered Guyana by sea without presenting themselves to an immigration officer. However, ranks from the Parika Police Station came into contact with the women and arrested them after they failed to present their documents.
With the aid of an interpreter, the women told the court that they came to Guyana to seek betterment because of the crisis in Venezuela. The Magistrate fined the women $30,000 each and ordered immediate deportation.
When Rodrigues heard the contents of the letter, he broke down in tears and dropped to his knees while in the prisoners’ dock. “They want see me convicted for this murder na?” Rodrigues said to the Magistrate. “I can’t take this thing no more… how much time I must be freed from this charge to prove to them that I’m innocent…Is best I kill myself and let these people feel nice,”Rodrigues said then. Despite the objection raised by the DPP, Rodrigues had the murder charge discharged against him again. “There is absolutely no evidence,” the Magistrate had noted, as she dismissed the charge again and told Rodrigues that he was free to go. Latchman dismissed the case on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence against him. In her ruling, the magistrate said that while she was satisfied that the gun, which was used to shoot Crum-Ewing, was found at the home of the accused, the evidence offered by the prosecution did not implicate Rodrigues in the actual murder. Special Prosecutor Nigel
Regan Rodrigues called ‘Grey Boy’
Hughes during that time had said that in one of Rodrigues’ oral statements, there was sufficient evidence that he has knowledge of the murder. According to Hughes, when Rodrigues was first arrested by the police at his home in River View, Ruimveldt, he had said to the ranks: “Officer, yuh can’t arrest me with this gun, this gun used to do nuff thing.” As such, Hughes emphasised that based on this statement by Rodrigues, it shows that the accused had
knowledge of the crime and what the gun was used to do. Additionally, Hughes had said that the fact that the murder weapon was found in the home of the accused showed that there was sufficient evidence for the matter to be committed to the High Court. The bullet-riddled body of Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, on March 10, 2015. The 40-year-old was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head and twice to the stomach. The police in a statement had stated that the political activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body. It was reported that the killer (s) used a .32 pistol to execute Crum-Ewing. The political activist was well-known for his one-man protest outside the office of former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall. Minutes before he was gunned down, he was reportedly heard via a bullhorn urging residents of the neighbourhood to vote against the then ruling PPP/C party.
UG’s administrative fees service-linked
– Vice Chancellor clarifies
THE new administrative fees announced by the University of Guyana (UG) are service-linked and would have very little impact on every student of the institution, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith has explained. Dr. Griffith, speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday said the hue and cry over the new fees at the institution is unnecessary. He said the decision which was made since June of last year saw the input of everyone, including the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS). “Those fees have three categories of persons that they affect… I don’t think that most students are opposed to the fees, but I also know that most people may not have read about the fees.” According to the VC, one category of payments has nothing to do with students directly but applies
to hire car drivers going on campus. Another area is for students who wish to use certain services. Another category caters for prospective students and another for graduates who want to utilise particular services. “All of those fees are service-linked you pay the fees if you use the service.” One such service is the accessing of letters from the university to present to consulates and embassies when applying for Visas. The Vice-Chancellor said that is a service that was being offered free for years. It was agreed that this needed to be reined in. According to Dr. Griffith, people are not appreciating the facts, but are allowing their emotions to take control. He highlighted that many universities right here in Guyana have incomparable fees to UG. “We are mindful of who our students are, but we are also mindful that we have obligations”,
which he explained that the university is at this time unable to meet, noting its current financial position and moreover, he does not intend to allow a budget deficit under his tenure. “I am conscious that whatever we do, we have to get enough income to meet the expenditures…I want to assure persons that there is no profligacy on my part, there is no unilateralism on my part, but the motion attached to the business of paying sometimes forces people not to look at the facts.” UG, in a release recently announcing the increases, said some services were entirely free, but now attract a fee. These also include the re-sit examinations, which now cost $6,000. The release said the fees are only payable if use is made of the services to which they relate and that the new fees do not affect all students. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, February 13, 2018
GTT ready to partner with oil and gas industry – CEO at GIPEX GUYANA Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) stands ready to partner with the Oil and Gas Industry, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd when he spoke at the just concluded Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition (GIPEX). “Our beautiful Guyana is on the precipice of an exciting new era, as an impressive array of the world’s leading energy companies develops its offshore oil & gas fields and marches toward production. As with any large infrastructure development activity, a sustained investment of capital and expertise will be critical in making these projects a success,” Nedd said while extending a hand of partnership. Pointing out that GTT has pioneered many firsts in Guyana such as the modernisation of basic telecommunications, the nationwide launch of cellular services, the first high-speed broadband network, the deployment of LTE-based fixed wireless services, and the submarine cable that serves as the lifeblood of internet connectivity for the country, Nedd committed the company to even greater and better initiative. In 2017, GTT had also launched the nation’s first fibre-to-the-home network, adding to the advanced and secure fibre-based services that it currently provides to businesses. The CEO further pointed out that the company has invested over US$150M in the development of communications infrastructure and advanced communications & information services in the last 10 years alone. Additionally, as the historically leading private employer and tax payer to the Guyana Government, GTT has been a consistent and positive force in the local economy for economic development. Nedd said the company is a strong partner to the Government and the private sector, and is committed to “Do More” for its customers, so that they can do more in their businesses and personal lives. “Of note for the oil & gas companies attending GIPEX, the GTT subsea cable is an impressive example of this commitment.
prise its workforce, or drawing on the best global resources to which GTT also has access, GTT has been steadfast in its commitment to its clients, and the company will bring this commitment to each and every one of its oil & gas partners.” He said GTT is also committed to Do More for the communities it serves.
GTT CEO, Justin Nedd
Built in 2010, the subsea cable currently carries 100 per cent of the nation’s business and private communications traffic that legally transits the nation’s borders, with plenty of additional capacity to spare. Since its inception, GTT has continued to invest in the cable to expand its initial capacity 50-fold (5000 per cent), and is committed to continuing to invest in and expand cable capacity to accommodate the nation’s growing communications traffic. Through access to other subsea and terrestrial cable holdings and partnerships, GTT also provides the diverse redundant fibre paths that ensure always-on connectivity,” he explained. For on-shore needs, he posited that GTT is also Guyana’s leading provider of advanced connectivity and information solutions. He posited that companies like Troy Resources have been partnering with GTT to receive much-needed telecommunication services. “As Troy Resources developed new gold fields, they needed a partner to invest alongside them in building infrastructure to support the new local operations. GTT made that commitment, building new towers, connecting them to its advanced fibre network with high capacity microware links, and with ongoing network monitoring & management to ensure high availability. GTT moved with speed and strong technical competence, allowing Troy Resources to quickly realize its plans for new development,” he stated. Nedd added that “whether it is through the local technical experts that com-
In recognition of the ongoing technical and investment leadership of GTT in the Guyanese information and communications technology sector, as well as the company’s extensive philanthropic investment programme, GTT was awarded the 2017 “Large Business of the Year” honor by the Georgetown Chamber of
Commerce & Industry. GTT also received the 2017 “Corporate Citizenship Award of the Year” for the “Pinktober” initiative, which raised over GY$4 million to help raise Breast Cancer Awareness in association with the Guyana Cancer Foundation. Nedd posited that the role of Platinum sponsor at GIPEX is but one example of GTT’s enthusiasm for the important work that the oil & gas companies are doing in Guyana.
“As the oil & gas industry deploys its financial, technical and business resources for the important tasks that lay ahead, know that there is a reliable partner in GTT who is also ready to invest alongside of you to ensure your success. You have our commitment to Do More in serving as the preferred local communications and information technology partner to the oil & gas industry,” Nedd told those gathered.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Girls need more positive female role models – UN ‘Reps’ By Lisa Hamilton
TO aid in the fight against inequality in the field of science, there is need for the involvement of non-governmental individuals and groups; equal laws, policies and programmes; positive media depiction of women and more female role
models. This is according to United Nations (UN) Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka and Deputy Representative of United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF), Paolo Marchi who spoke on Sunday’s observance of ‘International Day of Women and Girls in
Science’. Tanaka said that the issue of women and girls in science tackles two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, which are gender equality and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Based on available statistics only 30% of the workforce in research and develop-
ment are women, Tanaka said, adding that while things are changing, it is important for women to have much more opportunities in the sciences than those that are available to them today. “Traditionally, in many jobs…there have been more men than women and this
Deputy Representative of United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF), Paolo Marchi
is historical all around the world. But having said that, in the 20th century and going in to the 21st century, there has been, all around the world and in Guyana too, a lot of progress of women breaking in to jobs that maybe in their parents time were all [dominated by] men. “It is happening. It’s not enough but women and girls should be bold, brave and confident to actually pursue that career.” Providing solutions to some of the issues which hinder women and girls from pursuing careers in science, the UN Coordinator, first highlighted the need for affirmative and equal laws, policies and programmes to citizens of Guyana. She said that while programmes, subsidies or incentives are funded by the government they must be designed in such a way that there are equal opportunities. However, she then added: “I think it’s not enough just to be equal. Because of the current gap and the inequality that exists in many areas of women and girls opportunities, there needs to be a little bit more of affirmative action…If there are school competitions, unsure there is gender parity.” This is not a job for the government alone as Tanaka says that politicians, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions all have a role to play in creating an environment where it is okay for girls to aspire for an education and career in science. In addition, she pointed out that the media, through TV advertisements, posters and magazines are guilty of
United Nations (UN) Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UND) Resident Representative, Mikiko Tanaka (Photo by Adrian Narine)
depicting women in degrading images and in conservative and traditional roles while men receive a positive spotlight. To this she says: “Sometimes the way in which women are dressed to promote a product does not really value the woman’s intellectual capacity and the competence women bring. Change that. Depict women in that positive role of a professional, or a very competent, successful employee.” Finally, UN Representative said that the more role models women are exposed to the easier it becomes for them to learn how to succeed in science. Similar views were shared by Deputy Representative UNICEF, Paolo Marchi, who also acknowledged the advancements of the world on the topic in the last five decades. “I think, globally, we have moved from a world in which women are not involved in science. In the last 50 years, globally, there have been more and more women who are Nobel winners in science, so I think that should be taken as an example of how women can be leading in the science area,” he said. Even with this global progress, Marchi says that there is still the need for a change in the way men and women think about their roles in the work force. From a general standpoint, he explained that certain stereotypes and deterrents prevalent in Guyana and other countries continue to hinder women from working as they please and can further contribute to Turn to page 16 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, February 13, 2018
Homes without letter boxes causing …155,873 mail returned in 2017 headache for GPOC By Svetlana Marshall
THE Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will soon launch an aggressive campaign to raise awareness about the importance of letter boxes as it work to cut the high number of returned mail on a yearly basis. In 2017 alone, more than 155,873 mails were returned to GPOC, in many cases, due to the absence of letter boxes. GPOC Chairman, Reverend Raphael Massiah made the announcement on Monday, in the presence of Minister of Public Telecommunication Catherine Hughes, Postmaster General Karen Brown and GPOC Public Relations Officer Telesha Whyte, during a press conference at the Guyana Post Office Training Centre. Massiah said as the country’s housing sector rapidly expands, it is important that home owners erect letter boxes to their premises to allow for easy and safe delivery of postal mail. He said while 65 post offices are strategically placed across the 10 Administrative Regions with the primary aim to help people, organisations and communities transfer their mails, money and information, there is a key element missing in many cases. “There is a little but significant piece that is missing preventing
Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes addressing reporters at the Guyana Post Office Corporation Training Centre in Georgetown on the importance of mail boxes. Also included in the photo are: GPOC PRO Telesha Whyte (sitting on Minister’s right), the Postmaster General Karen Brown (left of the minister) and Reverend Raphael Massiah –GPOC Chairman (DPI Photo)
us from being effective and efficient as we can possibly be and that is the little box… If you travel the length and breadth of the country you will see evidence of brand new housing communities, beautiful houses, beautiful
Letter Box
homes, where people live, raise their children, what is absent, we don’t find these boxes. So what that does, it has a negative impact on the delivery of mail, the effective delivery of mail right across the length and breadth
of our nation,” the GPOC Chairman explained. Absence of mail boxes, in many cases, prevents the delivery of important documents, he said. “We are encouraging our citizens, we are encouraging all household owners, please add a letter box to your beautiful investment and that would guarantee the arrival of your mail, very important mail: local, overseas, and very many other things,” Reverend Massiah pleaded. The Public Telecom-
munications Minister said the public sensitisation programme has become necessary due to the increasing amount of mail that returns to GPOC. “The campaign will begin very shortly with a message of safety and security of postal mail, and of course the convenience to residents,” she assured. Due to the absence of mail boxes, she said, postal workers often have to visit premises more than once to ensure the delivery of the mail and, in some cases put
their lives at risk just to ensure a mail is delivered. “We don’t have to mention again the challenges of postal workers who are attacked by dogs because they know they have an important piece of mail and they venture into a yard or home, only to find that the dog is loose,” Minister Hughes pointed out. The Public Telecommunications Minister anticipates that when the campaign is launched there will be a demand for mail boxes. “The campaign will begin very soon but before it does we have already started engaging all of our technical institutes, the GTI, the BTI, ETI in Essequibo, NATI in New Amsterdam, plus the Lenora, Mahaicony and Upper Corentyne and other technical institutes. Why have we engaged them? We have engaged them because we know, once we put this campaign in place, there is going to be a demand for more post boxes, and really, we are also using the opportunity to challenge our young creative minds to design and construct functional mail boxes, utilizing any durable material they can come up Turn to page 16 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, February 13, 2018
Ninth Actuarial review of NIS underway vide the Government of Guyana, the Board and the Management of the NIS with an analysis that will assist in the reform and strengthening of the scheme. On Monday the actuary also met with the Senior Management of NIS, and the Chairman and Directors of NIS Board. He is scheduled to meet with the following persons during this first mission: represenChairman of NIS, Dr Surendra Persaud in conversation with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Senior Actuary, Mr. Georges Langis while other officials look on
THE National Insurance Scheme on Monday launched its Ninth Actuarial Review being conducted by a representative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The ILO Senior Actuary, Mr. Georges Langis, a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries respectively met with several officials on Monday, NIS said in a release. According to NIS Langis possesses a wealth of experience in conducting actuarial studies
for many countries such as Trinidad, Grenada, Tanzania and Haiti to name a few. The Actuary’s first mission will last for a period of four days when he is expected to meet all key stakeholders of the National Insurance Scheme. Mr. Langis paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan at his office this morning. He was accompanied by NIS’ General Manager, Ms Holly Greaves and other officials of the scheme. The National Insur-
ance Scheme is one of the agencies that fall directly under the umbrella of the Ministry of Finance. Thus, all investment decisions are guided and approved by the Minister of Finance. The main purpose of the actuary’s visit is to: (i) learn about NIS Guyana; (ii) collect data from all stakeholders to assist the Board of National Insurance Scheme in ensuring the long term financial sustainability of the Scheme. The main objective of the project is to pro-
Cops say Bartica man had cannabis in black plastic bag TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Seon Duncan of First Avenue, Bartica, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with allegedly having 1,027 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Prosecutor Arwin Moore stated that on February 9, 2018 at the Bartica Stelling, the
defendant was seen with a black plastic bag in his hand and acting in a suspicious manner. Police approached him and searched the bag in which they discovered the narcotics. Duncan pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to be heard in Court One, today, February 13.
Miner charged with checkpoint drug find A 51-YEAR-OLD miner was charged on Monday with trafficking in 1,181 grammes of narcotics. Prosecutor Arwin Moore stated that on February 9,
2018 the vehicle in which the accused, Shawn David was travelling, was stopped at the Itaballi checkpoint by police ranks who conducted a search. They discovered the narcotics in a haversack allegedly belonging to the defendant. David of Lot 104 Third
Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was refused bail and will make another court appearance today, February 13.
Cop accused of raping colleague after night at hotel THE Police are investigating a report of rape allegedly committed on an 18-yearold Special Constable by a regular police constable, early on Saturday morning at a city hotel. In a release, the police said that the incident occurred about 03:45hrs at a Werk-enRust hotel. An investigation has revealed that the
victim and the suspect who are acquaintances checked in at the hotel after a night-out together. However, the victim alleged that the suspect, who is currently assisting with the investigation, had sexual intercourse with her against her will. Investigators are expected to complete and forward the case file for advice soonest.
tatives of Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI); Chief Statistician, Government, Statistical Bureau; Leader of the Opposition, Office of the Opposition; Private Sector Commission and President, Consumers Advisory Bureau Ltd and the Guyana Trades Union Congress. The Actuarial valuation is mandated by statute and its report is also a public document.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Girls need more positive... the acceptance of domestic violence. “As UNICEF we believe it is very important to encourage women to work, to be active and to earn money because it defies the gender stereotype about who in the family is the bread winner. “In families where there is potential violence or domestic abuse, it has been shown that if women are active, employed and earning a living, they are able to go away from
a violent situation more easily than women who are economically dependent on their partner or spouses,” Marchi commented. The Deputy Representative added that over the years he has observed where the government has taken responsibility of encouraging women and girls to be a part of the science education as early as nursery school. “In Guyana, the Ministry of Education has conducted several programmes in the
past that are really trying to encourage girls to…defy and challenge the common knowledge and thinking that women are meant for certain jobs and other jobs are meant for men,” he said. Continuing on the topic of science education, Marchi advised that teachers ought to play a role in ensuring that girls are not left behind in the classrooms, that their opinions are heard to ensure they develop a stronger voice when
it comes to science. Marchi said that in some other countries, UNICEF has promoted programming courses for women and girls so that they too can learn how to become programmers and become assets to the job market. When asked whether Guyana could be presented with similar opportunities, the UNICEF representative said that with the help of a team of
From page 12
partners and with a proposal which can be sustained, the venture would prove to be an interesting one which can help to push the country ahead. Finally, leaving a few words of encouragement for girls and women in Guyana Marchi said: “There are many examples internationally where women are leading figures in the science world so I think if women from another
country can do it, I’m 100% sure that Guyanese girls can do it even better. “They have the capacity; they need to have the strength to fight to beat the gender stereotypes coming from others. They have the tools it’s just a question for them to wanting it and asking for it and then for the country to give them the platform to do it.”
Homes without letter boxes... with,” Minister Hughes explained. Questioned whether, there was increase in the use of postal services in 2017, the officials, though not equipped with the information at time, explained that there has been a gradual reduction over the years, it has remain constant. However, the Postmaster General
noted that bulk post mail has remained the greatest revenue earner for the Guyana Post Office Corporation followed by coastal money order and swift shipping services. In 2017, bulk postage, which includes mail from commercial banks and utilities, raked in $468.7M, while agency fees total
From page 13
$106.8M. Inland Money Order Commission totaled $154.6M. Minister Hughes while acknowledging that income generated from postal services in Guyana has declined over the last five to 10 years, GPOC has been diversifying its operations to include other services such as the online swift shipping service.
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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GMR&SC mulling ways to allocate points after Sunday’s incident THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is mulling the way forward after being forced to cut short its King of the Strip Drag race meet on Sunday. A racing incident, involving competitor Vevik Joshi in which his car toppled several times during one of the races, cut short the day prematurely, with several classes left incomplete. According to the GMR&SC, because of those incomplete classes and the fact that they are awarding an overall yearly drag champion, they are mulling ways to allocate the points According to president Rameez Mohamed, “We will meet before the end of the week to see what we can do to ensure those races that were not run can see competitors get points or what else can be done.” “We are glad that our safety measures were up to scratch. We spared no costs in ensuring that we did the best possible job and while it’s a system we never want to see tested, I’m glad it did stand up,” Mohamed added. Meanwhile, Joshi yesterday on social media thanked the club for the measures enforced, saying, “Mishaps do happen and they can look real disturbing but good safety
mitigates bad outcomes. This is a testimony to the developments in motor sport in Guyana. We have come a long way. We will continue to learn and improve.” He continued, “This was the race for the winner so I wasn’t going to give up easily since I greatly outmatched my opponent with power. I drove off slowly and thought I could apply a bit more power in higher gears and reel him in since the end of the track was drying up. Unfortunately I applied a little too much power.” His advice to those racing was simple. “I have been drag racing for about 18 years. Motor racing is a very dangerous sport and we assume a big risk when we race. I assumed that risk and I pushed it; this why we must keep it off the road and on the track. Outcomes on the road would be very different.” In the events that were completed before the incident, Pankraj Ramdeo with a time of 15.386 carted off the 15 seconds class while Rayon Brijpal won the 14 seconds class. The 13-second class belonged to Suriname’s Nevin Lalbeharie (13.474) while Joshi won the 12-second class before his incident. He was competing in the 11-second final at the time.
GFF participates in 2018 FIFA Professional Football Congress THE Guyana Football Federation, through their acting General Secretary Rennella Bourne and Competitions Director Ian Alves, is participating in the 2018 FIFA Professional Football Conference being held in Orlando, United
States of America. The conference which will wrap up today, is hosted in collaboration with CONCACAF and will serve as a platform to provide member associations with comprehensive information on professional football matters (such as club licensing and national dispute resolution chambers), to share
best-practice approaches from around the globe and to feature experts on specific areas. The event is open to Club Licensing Managers and other senior managers including General Secretary, Competitions Director, Legal Counsel, League Chief Executive Officer among others.
Red Bull to present new car ahead of F1 rivals
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Former world champions Red Bull will be ahead of their Formula One rivals at least when it comes to showing off their new car, after announcing a February 19 launch date yesterday. The team, who won four drivers’ and constructors’ championships in a row with Sebastian Vettel between 2010 and 2013, will unveil the RB14 a week before testing starts in Barcelona on February 26. No details of the launch were given. Champions Mercedes, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton going for his fifth title, and 2017 runners-up Ferrari will both present their new cars on February 22. Red Bull, with Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Australian Daniel Ric-
ciardo, were one of the last Formula One teams to reveal their car last season and did so with an online launch on the eve of testing. Team boss Christian Horner said last year that Red Bull aimed to make the most of testing right from day one in Spain after some teething problems last season. “We are focussing on a slightly earlier release target, which only involves about five days,” he said then. “But the design is so concertinaed and production schedules so tight, that those five days are actually pretty valuable in terms of being on the front foot rather than the back foot.” Red Bull won three of last season’s 20 races and finished the season third overall.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
Smith, Warner win big on Allan Border medal night
By Daniel Brettig, Assistant Editor, ESPNcricinfo
AUSTRALIA’S captain Steven Smith has crowned a rare year of Test match achievement with his second Allan Border Medal, taking out the most prestigious cricket award Down Under by a wide margin from his deputy David Warner and the spin bowler Nathan Lyon. Smith’s performances over the voting period also earned him the Test playerof-the-year award. Warner instead claimed the ODI award as Australia’s leading run-maker over the voting period, which was characterised by strong displays at home against the eventual Champions Trophy winners Pakistan, before giving way to less impressive results in New Zealand, England and India. Opener Aaron Finch, Australia’s leading run-getter in T20Is last year, collected the T20I player-of-the-year award, while 21-year-old Australia and Western Australia quick Jhye Richardson was announced as the Bradman Young Cricketer-ofthe-Year. In a year when the Australians faced down considerable doubts about their capacity to compete in Asia and then followed up by regaining the Ashes at home, Smith was the central figure in tallying 1305 Test runs over the voting period at 81.56, asserting himself as the pre-eminent long-form batsman in the game and also building his reputation as a leader.
Smith had also accepted the medal in 2015, thus joining Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Warner as multiple winners. An overall tally of 246 votes put Smith well out in front of Warner (162) and Lyon (156). Pat Cummins polled a notable 111 votes in his first year as a consistent member of the Australian bowling attack in all forms of the game after being carefully managed over seven years of injuries and false starts since his Test debut as far back as 2011 in Johannesburg. As the leading figure in both the India series and the Ashes, Smith mastered two contrasting challenges - how to find a way to succeed in the subcontinental conditions with which Australians are most unfamiliar, and then how to deal with the suffocating pressure of a home bout with England - in comprehensive fashion. Though Australia were narrowly unable to beat India away, their efforts won plenty of admiration around the world, particularly when lined up against previously abject displays in the UAE against Pakistan in 2014, and in Sri Lanka in 2016. These performances, which also reaped Smith the Test award, were enough to ensure he wrested the overall garland of the Border Medal from Warner, who claimed it in each of the past two years. Lyon, meanwhile, enjoyed his strongest year in Test cricket, and fell just six votes short of Smith - 32 to 26 - for the award in that format, a result
Belinda Clark Award – Ellyse Perry Test Player-of-the-Year – Steve Smith ODI Player-of-the-Year – David Warner Men’s Domestic Playerof-the-Year – George Bailey Female Domestic Playerof-the-Year – Beth Mooney T20 International Playerof-the-Year – Aaron Finch Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year – Georgia Redmayne Bradman Young Cricketer-of-the-Year – Jhye Richardson Australian Cricket Hall of Fame – Ricky Ponting, Karen Rolton, Norm O’Neill.
Steve Smith won the Allan Border Medal and was named Test Cricketer-of-the-Year.
of outstanding displays against India, Bangladesh and then England in the Ashes. While Lyon has always excelled in Australian conditions, making the most of the bounce on offer and proving an expert at supporting the Australian pace bowlers, in Asia he had struggled. However, he spent most of the summer of 2016-17 working on improvements to the way he would tackle Asian batsmen and conditions, notably improving his accuracy and subtle variations in pace and trajectory to trap batsmen on the crease and force false strokes. He was thus able to be a consistently dependable bowling weapon for Smith in India and Bangladesh, earning the respect of opposition batsmen who had previously needed little reason to fear him.
These performances then worked to build Lyon’s confidence for the Ashes series in more familiar territory, and also against an England batting order that featured plenty of left-handers. They found Lyon’s combination of turn, bounce and nagging accuracy too much to contend with throughout the Ashes, making him the standout bowler on either side and allowing Australia’s quicks the luxury of bowling at their fastest - safe in the knowledge that constant pressure was being applied at the other end. Finch’s win was his second T20I player-of-the-year award, a reward for performances that made him Australia’s leading run-maker during the voting period. Finch seems likely to be entering a new phase of his international career as a
middle-order batsman in T20 matches, with the younger D’Arcy Short keeping his place alongside Warner at the top of the order when Finch returned from a hamstring injury at the MCG on Saturday night. Richardson’s win of the Bradman award comes as a sign of the infinite promise, one that has earned him a place in the squad to depart for South Africa later this week. While lacking the height of many other young pace contemporaries, Richardson has shown plenty of speed and intelligence with ball in hand, so much so that he is now considered the back-up ‘impact’ bowler to Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
American Racing Tips
THE WINNERS Allan Border Medal – Steve Smith
08:35 hrs Sailor Girl
ly and racially abused by an unknown man,” it said. “Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security, and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the man ejected from the stadium.” CSA said it was aware of footage circulated on social media appearing to show Tahir confronting spectators in the stands. “Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or
Race 1 Team Six Race 2 Sheltowee’s Star Race 3 Pleasant Truth Race 4 Geppetto Race 5 Wicked Love Race 6 Grace To Glory Race 7 Arathorn Race 8 Easy way Out South Africa Racing Tips Vaal
09:10 hrs Hokanui 09:45 hrs Brazuca
Imran Tahir racially abused by spectator SOUTH Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir was racially abused by a spectator during victory over India in the fourth one-day international in Johannesburg, says Cricket South Africa (CSA). Tahir, 38, reported the alleged incident to stadium security, who accompanied him to identify the spectator at the Wanderers on Saturday. CSA said it is investigating in a statement yesterday. “Imran Tahir was verbal-
Mahoning Valley
any of the children in the vicinity,” the governing body added. Spectators who engage in racist conduct may be ejected from the stadium and can face further bans and criminal prosecution, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-racism code. Pakistan-born Tahir has played 20 Tests, 84 ODIs and 36 Twenty20 internationals for South Africa and has represented six English counties, including four different stints
10:20 hrs Shenanigans 10:55 hrs Jubilee Line 11:30 hrs Big Bang Theory English Racing Tips Southwell 10:20 hrs Star Ascending 10:55 hrs Cousin Khee Imran Tahir has taken 139 wickets in 84 ODIs for South Africa.
with Hampshire. The Proteas beat India by five wickets on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern
method and trail 3-1 in the six-match series, with the fifth game at Port Elizabeth today. (BBC Sports)
11:25 hrs Coeur De Lion 12:00 hrs Sooqaan 12:30 hrs Volatile 13:00 hrs Red Stripes
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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No spot for cycling in Guyana’s Commonwealth Games contingent By Michelangelo Jacobus WITH just 54 days to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, Guyana’s contingent that was hoping to fly the Golden Arrowhead Down Under has received disappointing news. Prior to past weekend, the athletics department was in disarray with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) in a conundrum in respect to the final selection of athletes. It was recently brought to the attention of Chronicle Sport that the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) was told by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) that there is no place in the contingent for them. This baffling development is an insult to the sport
community in Guyana and a slap in the face of our young cyclists and the GCF, who are looking for development, growth and exposure not only here at home but also abroad. Cycling is one of the most consistent sports in Guyana, year in year out. Almost every weekend National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed organises races at the inner circuit of the National Park and on the roadways as well. Sponsorship for cycling and cyclists is already practically non-existent and the handful of sponsors who have remained committed to the sport must be given kudos. Only recently the GCF, under the stewardship of Horace Burrowes, began receiving the Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) sup-
port and now at this juncture when the sport has started to make upward strides it is dealt this hand by the GOA. A source in the GCF administration who spoke to Chronicle Sport under cover of anonymity said that the GOA head told the GCF that there was no place for them as they are not a medalling sport; However, it should be pointed out that the majority of the other sport disciplines do not medal at the games. In fact Guyana’s last two medals at the games came in Delhi (2010) and Manchester in 2002. With the cycling fraternity turned away, one young cyclist told Chronicle Sport that he was actually preparing for the Commonwealth Games. Jamual John who was last year’s best cyclist said that he was disappointed
Champs Showstoppers aiming to continue impressive form tonight … Hustlers, ESPN, Rising Stars also in action
Part of the action in this year’s West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition.
DEFENDING champions Showstoppers will attempt to keep their quest for title retention on track when they face upset-minded Boom Bang in quarter-final action of the West Demerara/East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition at the Pouderoyen tarmac this evening. The champs, who began the competition in uncharacteristic fashion, earning a slim 1-0 win over Admiral United, have grown in confidence ever since and their easy dismissal of Harmony Ballers in the Round of 16 must have driven fear into potential opponents. Dexroy Adams and Stephon Jupiter have been in scintillating form and they are expected to lead the team’s charge
for a semi-final berth. Boom Bang, on the other hand, have shown a propensity to not be too perturbed by their opponents on the other half of the pitch so ruling out their chances of registering another upset might not be wise. The star-studded ESPN team will face another side who many felt did not have the quality to reach this far, but they did so, at the expense of the much-fancied Brothers United, whom they defeated 2-0 in a penalty shootout in the preceding round. ESPN team is loaded with players of high pedigree in the Lythcott brothers Trevon and Kevon and the slippery Pernell Schultz, all of who have been in terrific scoring form. The Hustlers versus Dream
Team matchup is another encounter that should produce fireworks from the first whistle. The Sunil Logan-led outfit have been kept under the radar so far in the competition, but by now fans and opponents alike will be having second thoughts about ruling them out following a string of impressive performances. Their 3-0 triumph over a strong Mocha unit has put teams on notice about their ability to tear opposing sides’ defence to shreds. Kwame Holder is another one of their players with the skills to destroy the best of defences. Kester Alleyne and Orville Stewart will no doubt be the players whose responsibility it is to lead them to victory. West Side Ballers versus Rising Stars is the other game that is too close for someone to predict the outcome. The attendance and atmosphere throughout the competition to date have been tremendous and the organisers are anticipating another bumper crowd this evening as the event heads into the homestretch. Apart from Banks DIH under its Guinness brand being the main sponsor, Colours Boutique on Robb Street has added its support to the competition.
Guyana’s cyclists have been denied the opportunity to represent their homeland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
as he worked all year for the opportunity to represent Guyana at the games, his dreams of going to the Gold Coast has been dashed. However, the youngster has vowed that he will not let this daunt his spirit. In 2017 Guyana’s cyclists performed creditably at a few international events, markedly improved than in previous years. The Pan-American Cycling Championships road race was held in the Dominican Republic where in the U-23 category, Guyana had
Hamzah Eastman, Jamual John, Andrew Hicks and Romello Crawford. In the 98-mile race Andrew Hicks managed to stick with the 10-man breakaway pack throughout the distance but in the final 10 miles he was plagued with cramps and was swallowed up by the chasing pack which contained Eastman and John. The duo finished 23rd and 25th out of 85 riders which was a very good performance from the Guyanese. It also marked the first time
that Guyana took part in that level of Pan-American Cycling championships. The Pan-American Cycling Federation involves North and South America and provides the highest competition in the western hemisphere of the globe with some of the world’s best cyclists. To reject an entire sport and deny young athletes the opportunity to prove themselves and represent their homeland is deeply disturbing and downright disrespectful.
Holder four-for leads Pride to victory over Red Force WINDIES skipper Jason Holder’s four-for led Barbados Pride to a 32-run win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the CWI Super50 at Kensington Oval on Sunday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat Shai Hope (45) and Roston Chase (46) led the way for the Pride batsmen as they compiled a competitive 2357. In response, the Red Force were in trouble early but clung on grimly before eventually being all out for 203. The Red Force secured an early breakthrough after opener Kevin Stoute was run-out on 5 by Imran Khan. His opening partner Kraigg Brathwaite (34) was next to be dismissed as he was caught by Roshon Primus off a Khary Pierre delivery which left the Pride struggling at 2 for 64. A 47-run partnership between Hope and Jonathan Carter (30), however, put the Pride back in good shape and another lower-order partnership between Holder (32) and Carlos Brathwaite (31) worth 53 runs pushed the score along. Shannon Gabriel was the Red Force’s most lethal bowler after claiming 2 for 43. The victory for the hosts was their second over Red
to boost the Red Force run chase and only powerful lower-order batting from Imran Khan who made 33 from 54 and Sheldon Cottrell 30 from 23 kept the interest going in the contest. Jason Holder
Force in the competition following the opening day result, and it moved them to 23 points with Red Force remaining on 23 in second. A furious opening from Holder seriously handicapped the Trinidad and Tobago response. The Red Force lost both openers Tion Webster and Amir Jango, to find themselves struggling at 2 for 29 when Holder struck twice in the first five overs. Experienced batsman Denesh Ramdin followed soon afterwards as he was dismissed lbw to become Holder’s third victim. Nicholas Pooran (29) and Isiah Raj (39) briefly gave the Red Force some stability with a fourth-wicket stand of 58. The partnership was however broken when Pooran was caught by Hope off the bowling of Carlos Brathwaite before Holder returned to account for Raj. Up next Roshon Primus and Sunil Narine did little
SCOREBOARD PRIDE innings K. Brathwaite c Primus b Pierre 34 K. Stoute run-out 5 S. Hope c Pierre b Cottrell 45 J. Carter c wkp. Ramdin b Primus 30 R. Chase b Gabriel 46 J. Holder c Primus b Gabriel 32 C. Brathwaite run-out 31 A. Nurse not out 1 Extras: (lb-4, w-7) 11 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-64, 3-111, 4-138, 5-173, 6-226, 7-234. Bowling: Cottrell 10-0-60-1, Gabriel 9-1-43-2, Primus 6-0-25-1, Pierre 100-43-1, Narine 10-1-33-0, Imran Khan 5-0-27-0. RED FORCE innings A. Jangoo c Stoute b Holder 15 T. Webster c wkp. Hope b Holder 10 I. Rajah b Holder 39 D. Ramdin lbw b Holder 3 N. Pooran c wkp. Hope b C Brathwaite 29 R. Primus c Carter b Nurse 3 S. Narine run-out 15 Imran Khan c Stoute b Roach 33 K. Pierre c & b Roach 2 S. Cottrell c (sub.) H Walsh Jr b Benn 30 S. Gabriel not out 11 Extras: (lb-1, w-12) 13 Total: (all out, 48.4 overs) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-29, 3-34, 4-92, 5-99, 6-114, 7-125, 8-127, 9-186. Bowling: Roach 7-1-34-2, Holder 10-2-38-4, C Brathwaite 7-1-32-1, Drakes 10-1-44-0, Nurse 10-2-27-1, Benn 4.4-0-27-1.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
Khouri returned as GKF president at Biennial AGM THE Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) held its Biennial General Meeting on Sunday at the YMCA, Thomas Lands, where the federation also held its elections. At the elections, Ivor O’Brien from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) presided as Returning Officer. Amir Khouri was returned as president of the GKF while Roger Peroune and Keith Beaton were elected 1st and 2nd vice-presidents in that order. The secretary of the federation is now Bernice Irving while William Grant is the treasurer. Bhagwandin Persaud was also elected the assistant secretary/treasurer. The elected members
Republic Anniversary `All Ministries’ dominoes competition set for Friday THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs junior staff will be hosting a Republic Anniversary ‘All Ministries’ knockout dominoes competition this Friday. (The competition is set to begin at 16:30hrs and the venue is the Ministry’s parking lot on Charlotte Street. The deadline for teams interested in registering for the competition is tomorrow (February 14) and no late entries will be accepted. Trophies and medals which have been donated by an Hon. Minister will be at stake along with cash incentives for the winners and runners-up. Meanwhile the organiser of the dominoes competition, James ‘Uprising’ Lewis, along with his team UN Entertainment, has planned a grand 48th Republic Anniversary ‘Bat Your Own Tapeball’ Knock-out competition for Sunday (February 25) at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. The entrance fee for the teams is $5 000 and the closing date for entry is February 21. Interested teams for both competitions can contact the coordinator on 628-1656 or 666-5857.
(L-R) The elected members of the GKF: Bhagwandin Persaud, Bernice Irving, Ivor O’Brien (Returning Officer), Keith Beaton, Roger Peroune and Amir Khouri.
Hazard scores twice as Chelsea sweep aside West Brom CHELSEA eased the pressure on manager Antonio Conte with a comfortable win over West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge. Conte’s Chelsea future has been placed under the harshest spotlight following heavy losses to Bournemouth and Watford - but a victory that takes them back up to fourth in the Premier League will ease those concerns for now. The Italian’s name was sung throughout by Chelsea’s fans in an obvious show of support, but Conte needed the brilliance of Eden Hazard to settle early uncertainty on the pitch and in the stands. Ha zard exchanged passes with Olivier Giroud before giving Chelsea a first-half lead and, after Victor Moses slid home a second after the break , sealed v ictor y
with a powerful drive past Ben Foster in the 71st minute. The win took the Blues a point ahead of fifthplaced Tottenham. West Brom are seven points from safety after one win in 25 league games. They were hampered by losing loan signing Daniel Sturridge to injury inside three minutes. Substitute Jay Rodriguez wasted an opportunity to put them ahead when clean through, and Salomon Rondon and Jonny Evans also missed chances with the game in the balance. For Conte, however, it was a satisfying night and the pressure - temporarily at least - is off. Conte walked out to take his place in the technical area with his future as Chelsea manager shrouded in uncertainty. (BBC Sport).
This was Chelsea’s first home league win of 2018
will now serve in their respective capacities for the next two years. The meeting was attended by members of the various affiliated associations Attendees were the Association do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (YMCA Dojo), Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (Shokoguy) (National Park Dojo), Berbice Shotokan Karate Dojo, National Martial Arts Association, National Shito-Ryu Karate Association and the 3 Ryu Karate Club. In a release, the GKF thanked O’Brien for “taking time off of his busy schedule for supporting the Federation and giving his generous support in ensuring the smooth running of this election.”
Windies set to play T20 international series in Houston
Pakistan and West Indies … set to meet again in a series on US soil.
LAHORE, Pakistan, (CMC) – West Indies are set to play a Twenty20 International in the American city of Houston for the first time later this year, as part of a Tri-Nations Series involving Pakistan and Bangladesh. An unnamed senior Pakistan Cricket Board official told the Indian Express newspaper the series, scheduled for August, had been finalised following discussions between PCB chairman Najam Sethi and Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron, on the sidelines of the recent International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai. The series, which will also see matches also played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a reciprocal tour to follow on from the highly anticipated three-match tour carded for March/April when Pakistan are expected to host the Caribbean side. “It (US series) is an arrangement for this year and we will see how things pan out later
on,” the official was quoted as saying. So far, every T20 International to be played on United States soil has been staged at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with the most recent action being a two-match series between the Windies and India two years ago. The proposal for a match to be hosted in the southern United States represents a further incursion into the lucrative North American market. Only last year, the PCB had announced a five-year agreement that would have seen the Windies tour Pakistan annually for a three-match T20 series, with Pakistan contesting reciprocal series in the US, involving the Caribbean unit. But the PCB said this year they had been forced to scrap the agreement because it would not have been financially viable. Meanwhile, the PCB have finalised the dates for the upcoming Windies tour, with matches scheduled for March 29 and 31, and April 1. “Venues will be decided later but initial plan is to hold them in Lahore,” the PCB official informed. The PCB are hoping to have international tours of Pakistan resume, following an eight-year break after the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by militants on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore back in 2009. Following a three-match Independence Cup series involving a World XI last September in Lahore, the ICC praised Pakistan for its handling of security, noting that the success of the event sent a positive message to the international community about safety in the country.
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 13, 2018
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Regional Super50..
SCOREBOARD
Barnwell, Hemraj help Jaguars brush aside USA NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars brushed aside USA Cricket by seven wickets here yesterday, to halt their twogame losing streak in the Regional Super50. Entering the Group B contest on the heels of defeats to Jamaica Scorpions and English county Kent, Jaguars returned to their winning ways by easily chasing down a modest 145 to win with almost 20 overs to spare. Opener Chandrapaul Hemraj top-scored with an entertaining 64 off 59 deliveries, while veteran lefthander Shiv Chanderpaul contributed 39. Jaguars stumbled at the start when they lost young West Indies left-hander Shimron Hetmyer cheaply,
for five, to a catch at the wicket off left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar in the second over, with the score on five. However, Hemraj and Chanderpaul combined in a second-wicket stand of 89, to put Jaguars within sight of victory. The left-handed Hemraj, with just 49 runs from five previous innings, finally found his touch in an innings laced with six fours and four sixes. Chanderpaul, meanwhile, was more measured in a knock that required 62 balls and included four fours and a six. Both batsmen fell 20 runs and 29 deliveries apart, as Jaguars slipped to 114 for three at the half-way stage of the innings.
All-rounder Chris Barnwell scythes through the USA innings with a four-wicket haul.
But with victory virtually assured, captain Leon Johnson (19 not out) and veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell (19 not out) combined in a easy paced unbroken 36-run, fourth-wicket partnership to
Walters confirms will not run for BCB top post
… cites other commitments
By Rajiv Bisnauth VEMEN Walters has shut down the prospect of a presidential bid when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) holds new elections on Sunday. Walters yesterday confirmed to Chronicle Sport that he is not running for the BCB’s top post saying his sights are instead set on other commitments. “Look, I will not run because of other pressing commitments,” he quipped. Walters’ intention previously had garnered the support from a number of influential figures in the local cricket fraternity, who have become increasingly frustrated with the current state of the sport in the Ancient County. A former cricket official in the county, who had spoken on condition of anonymity, believes Walters, who is the holder of a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management is the most suitable candidate and reckons his wealth of expertise can be an asset at the BCB. Another executive member of a leading cricket club in Berbice, who had also spoken on condition of anonymity, said Walters, who is currently the Human Resources Manager at the Albion Estate, can definitely turn things around because he has the experience and certainly the passion for the sport. As it stands, former president
Vemen Walters
Dhierandranauth Somwaru is the only man to declare his intention to run for the board’s top post. Sunday’s elections will be held since the result of the October 8, 2017 elections was annulled by the Court on December 18 last. Somwaru was declared the winner of last October’s vote, but the majority of the clubs and sub-association members complained of widespread irregularities. They had claimed that the elections then were not held in keeping with the Cricket Administration Act, since according to them, some 22 voting delegates were debarred from or refused to take part in voting for various reasons. This had subsequently led to the filing of legal proceedings. High Court Judge Navindra Singh, subsequently ordered new elections on February 18. Sunday’s elections will be held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall from 11:00hrs.
put their side over the line. Barnwell belted a pair of sixes in his 16-ball cameo, the last of which provided the winning runs. Earlier, right-handed opener Jaskaran Malhotra
top-scored with 80 but was without support as USA, sent in at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, were bundled out for 144 in the 44th over. Malhotra faced 116 balls and counted six fours and a six but was one of only three batsmen in double figures and the only one to pass 20. He put on 39 for the second wicket with former Windies batsman Xavier Marshall (19) and after five wickets perished for 19 runs, added a further 40 for the seventh wicket with Adil Bhatti (19). But the innings could not survive Barnwell’s spell of four for 35 or fellow seamer Keemo Paul’s two for 25, and it folded meekly leaving Jaguars with an easy quest for points.
USA innings S. Sohal b Rutherford 1 J. Malhotra c Barnwell b Bishoo 80 X. Marshall b Barnwell 19 M. Patel b Barnwell 0 I. Khaleel b Permaul 0 R. Silva c Paul b Barnwell 0 T. Patel b Barnwell 2 A. Bhatti run-out 19 E. Hutchinson c Johnson b Paul 9 S. Netravalkar c Hetmyer b Paul 3 N. Kenjige not out 1 Extras: (w-9, nb-1) 10 Total: (all out, 43.1 overs) 144 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-40, 3-52, 4-53, 5-56, 6-69, 7-109, 8-133, 9-141. Bowling: Paul 8.1-1-252, Rutherford 6-2-23-1, Permaul 9-1-14-1, Barnwell 9-0-35-4, Bishoo 8-0-33-1, Adams 3-0-14-0. JAGUARS innings S. Hetmyer c wkp. Khaleel b Netravalkar 5 C. Hemraj c Silva b T. Patel 64 S. Chanderpaul c T. Patel b Silva 39 L. Johnson not out 19 C. Barnwell not out 19 Extras: (lb-2, w-2) 4 Total: (3 wkts, 30.1 overs) 150 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-94, 3-114. Bowling: Hutchinson 6-17-0, Netravalkar 8-0-52-1, Bhatti 2-0-12-0, Silva 5-0-351, Jenjige 6-1-15-0, T. Patel 3.1-0-27-1.
Dowrich, Warrican rescue Windies-A on second day FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica (CMC) – Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich was closing in on a fifth first-class hundred after producing a valiant rescue effort, to save West Indies A on the second day of the opening fourday ‘Test’ against England Lions. The right-hander struck a composed unbeaten 90 and combined with tailender Jomel Warrican, who was not out on 54, to lift the hosts to 232 for eight at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium here yesterday. Slumping at 114 for eight, Windies were rallied by the pair who put on a superb 118 for the ninth wicket to frustrate the English. Dowrich, who has already played 18 Tests, stroked seven fours and a six in an innings that has so far required 174 balls and lasted just under four hours. Warrican, meanwhile, who played the last of his four Tests two years ago, has faced 118 deliveries in 127 minutes at the crease and struck two fours and a six – a towering blow over long on off left-arm spinner Jack Leach which raised his half-century late in the day. Burly off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall had earlier finished with a five-wicket haul as Windies-A grabbed the last four Lions wickets for just 19 runs, to dismiss the visitors for 252. The Antiguan added two wickets to his overnight three while left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer claimed two for 50. Paul Coughlin, resuming the day on 51, made 60 while Toby Roland-Jones failed to add to his overnight 18. West Indies-A then found themselves in early trouble when both
SCOREBOARD
Wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich drives elegantly during his unbeaten 90 yesterday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
left-handed openers, captain Kieran Powell and John Campbell, fell in successive overs at the start of the innings without scoring. Powell edged a defensive push at the third ball of the innings from seamer Jamie Porter (2-41) and was caught low down by Keaton Jennings at second slip. Campbell followed in similar fashion in the next over from pacer Roland-Jones, caught by Jennings at third slip, with two runs on the board. Test star Jermaine Blackwood, who scored a brisk 35, then posted 48 for the third wicket with Shamarh Brooks who made 12. The right-handed Blackwood had struck five fours in a typically forthright 44-ball knock when he gloved lifter from Porter to Liam Livingstone at second slip. With four runs added, Brooks advanced to Leach (3-75) but was deceived in flight, and was smartly stumped by Ben Foakes at 54 for four. Their dismissals were part of a slide which saw six wickets fall for just 64 runs.
LIONS 1st innings (o/n 233 for six) K. Jennings c Blackwood b Cornwall 49 H. Hameed lbw b Warrican 13 N. Gubbins lbw b Cornwall 50 J. Clarke c Vishaul Singh b Joseph 1 L. Livingstone b Cornwall 21 B. Foakes c wkp. Dowrich b Louis 16 P. Coughlin c Vishaul Singh b Cornwall 60 T. Roland-Jones c Campbell b Reifer 18 J. Leach lbw b Cornwall 3 M. Crane c Brooks b Reifer 1 J. Porter not out 0 Extras :(b-6, lb-6, w-1, nb-7) 20 Total: (all out, 107.5 overs) 252 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-94, 3-101, 4-129, 5-149, 6-182, 7-229, 8-250, 9-251. Bowling: Reifer 18-4-50-2, Joseph 13-3-39-1, Louis 9-1-27-1, Cornwall 37.5-10-68-5, Warrican 29-9-54-1, Campbell 1-0-2-0. WINDIES A 1st innings K. Powell c Jennings b Porter 0 J. Campbell c Jennings b Roland-Jones 0 J. Blackwood c Livingstone b Porter 35 S. Brooks stp. Foakes b Leach 12 Vishaul Singh c wkp. Foakes b Coughlin 10 S. Dowrich not out 90 R. Reifer c Hameed b Leach 6 R. Cornwall run-out 4 J. Louis lbw b Leach 6 J. Warrican not out 54 Extras: (b-8, lb-2, w-1, nb-4) 15 Total: (8 wkts, 77 overs) 232 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-50, 4-54, 5-76, 6-89, 7-94, 8-114. Bowling: Porter 12-2-41-2, Roland-Jones 8-2-21-1, Leach 296-75-3, Coughlin 9-2-19-1, Crane 10-0-43-0, Livingstone 9-0-23-0.
Regional Super 50..
Barnwell ,Hemraj help Jaguars brush aside USA
GMR&SC mulling ways to allocate points after Sunday’s incident … competitor Vevik Joshi recounts tale
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Vevik Joshi wins the 12-second class before a racing incident ends his and the rest of the competition. (GTRidez photo)
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The high-powered GTRs of Mohamed’s Enterprise were among the cars that were unable to run during the GMR&SC’s King of the Strip race. (GTRidez photo)
GFF participates in 2018 FIFA Professional Football Congress Competitions Director Ian Alves
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Red Bull to present new car ahead of F1 rivals
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General Secretary Rennella Bourne
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TUESDAY FEBRUARY, 13, 2018