Issuu

TUESDAY 19th February, 2019

No.105553

Plane crashes aback Canal No. 2 ––injuring pilot, lone passenger SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

RUSAL fires 61

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striking workers

…Gov’t toughens stance on company, summons officials to meeting today

President to address 02 Amerindian land-titling issues within a month PAGE

‘If I am a rubber stamp the whole PPP is too’

…Irfaan Ali tells Annai residents

PAGE

A staff of the Ministry of Agriculture displays her costume during the launch of the agency’s Mash band on Monday (DPI, Jules Gibson photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Plane crashes aback Canal No. 2 President to fast––injuring pilot, lone passenger

A team of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces men on Monday evening valiantly weathered challenging conditions aback Canal Number Two on the West Bank Demerara (WBD)to rescue two occupants of a small plane which crashed while en route to the Eugene F Correia International airport at Ogle, on the lower East Coast. The injured men have

A team of GDF officers preparing to travel to the location to rescue the injured occupants of the plane, but those plans soon had to be aborted, as another team somehow managed to beat them to it, and accomplish the mission. (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

been identified as Captain Lincoln Gomez, the pilot of the aircraft, who reportedly sustained a broken jaw and other facial injuries, and Michael Grimmond, a policeman. Reports are that the aircraft, a Cessna 182 bearing American registration N8704T, crashed-landed around 1900hrs on Monday night, having reportedly run out of fuel on its way from Arau, a location in western Guyana, near the TURN TO PAGE

track Amerindian land-titling

––Min. Harmon assures South Rupununi IN an effort to settle the burning issue of Amerindian land titling (ALT)once and for all, President David Granger will be meeting shortly with officials of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sidney Allicock, so that together they can brainstorm the matter and come up with a win-win solution. This was told residents of Sand Creek, in the South Rupununi on Sunday by Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Minister Harmon related that for the entire three days ministers of the government were on an outreach in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the matter of Amerindian Land Titling seemed to have been uppermost on the minds of the various Toshaos and villagers they met, since it was raised at almost every turn. As Minister Harmon hastened to assure them all, the government has the affairs of the First Peoples at heart, and the matter will be dealt with once and for all. “His Excellency, the President, has made a decision that within a month, he will meet with the Lands and Survey Commission and the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs to sit down with them and ensure that all of the hurdles that are blocking the issuing of titles for land to our Indigenous Peoples are cleared,” he said. In Sand Creek, the matter was of major concern to Toshao Maxie Pugsley and residents, since a request for land extension had been made. Toshao Pugsley said that the lands on which the village is currently located are low, and farmers and residents are often affected during the rainy season. He said that an extension is needed for a transfer of farms and other assets in the village, especially during the rainy season. One resident also related that some of the villagers are currently squatting, and would really like for the matter to be addressed at the earliest opportunity. As Minister Harmon assured them all, he is thoroughly against squatting, since it is against the law, and would advise those doing so to desist immediately. He however advisesd that the issue of extensions is an-

other matter altogether, as it has to be dealt with specifically by the GLSC, since many of the applications have proven to be mired in conflict, since many of the villages requesting extensions are doing so in villages other than their own. Warning that those applications without conflict will be addressed expeditiously by the Commission, while others will have to go through the process of conflict resolution, Minister Harmon said, “Where the conflicts exist, then we will have to have some form of a conflict resolution, which will actually entail having to bring the villages together and have a third-party mediate that situation.” He said that the GLSC has internal mechanisms in place by way of using consultants and advisers who are land specialists to deal with these matters. Matters of extension will also be dealt with by President Granger himself,when he meets with the two entities. Amerindians comprise 9.1 per cent of Guyana’s population, and currently own approximately 13.9 per cent of the land, an increase by some 6 per cent to what obtained in the early 90s. The Government of Guyana has set the policy objective of addressing all Land Titling issues by 2015 for Amerindian villages where two-thirds of the adult population request this to be done, based on the principles of free, prior and informed consent. Under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), the government, in 2013, signed a $3Billion (US$11M) document for the implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation project, which concluded in 2016. However, the Ministry requested an extension in 2017, resulting in $165M being earmarked for the advancing of the remaining identified areas for land titling. The ALT project seeks to achieve three primary goals: Completion of land-title issues, and the demarcation of all Amerindian villages that submitted requests, increased use of existing and alternative mechanisms to resolve land titling disputes and thirdly a communication strategy including a handbook describing the process of titling, demarcation and social economic impact of secured land tenure.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

RUSAL fires 61 striking workers …Gov’t toughens stance on company, summons officials to meeting today

By Tamica Garnett THE Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), owned by Russian company RUSAL, formally dismissed 61 employees on Monday, 18 February, 2019, and refused to attend a meeting planned by the Department of Labour. Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle informed that the company has now been summoned to a second meeting today, Tuesday, February 19, 2019, and refusal by the company to attend is not an option that DoL is entertaining in light of the aggravated circumstances. “They will have to meet with us. They have to come here, there's no ifs or buts… we will ensure that they turn up”, Ogle affirmed moments after speaking with representatives of the employees’ Union. The labour official stated, “We are going to meet with the company as of the earliest possible time, which is [Tuesday]. We will deal with the company. A dismissal is serious, so we must treat with this. All the issues the Union would have submitted are serious, serious cause for concerns. Likewise, we have to listen and hear from the company.” The company did not inform the employees of the reason they were being dismissed, nor were the employees individually addressed, or given a chance to query their dismissals. Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) representative, Sheldon Thomas, on Monday produced a copy of the collective correspondence which stated: “This notice is to advise that

GBGWU General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, speaks with reporters following a meeting with the Department of Labour (Delano Williams photos)

the undermentioned persons have been terminated from the company’s employment effective 18th February, 2019” and then went on to list the 61 employees, stating their names and positions. This action comes after employees downed tools and began strike action last Friday, protesting the Russian management’s imposition of a one per cent wages increase. Prior to the termination notice, the company, also last Friday, issued an edict evicting a number of workers and their families from Maple Town, Aroaima, a residential community owned by the company where some 120 employees permanently reside. Following Friday’s strike, the DoL invited both BCGI and GBGWU, which represents the employees, to a conciliation meeting on Monday morning at the department’s Brickdam headquarters. However, when union representatives turned up as scheduled, they were told that BCGI had informed that they would not be attending any

ly. Lewis said it’s all a part of the company’s continual refusal to recognise the Union. “This is customary with the Russians. In 2009, they put the condition that they will be ready to meet with the union, providing that [union representatives Leslie] Gonsalves and Carlton Sinclair are not members of the delegation. It’s a tactic to stall the process, that’s how they behave. There is no way that we as a union can decide who will be the company's representatives. Not even the labour department or the

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle (centre) meets with representatives from the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union

meeting at which the union’s General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, would be present. The union, however, averred that it is not the company’s place to demand which Union representatives should and should not be involved in the process. Further, Lewis said the excuse has been a longstanding tactic of the company, since over the years it has always objected to being willing to deal with one person or the other and has even attempted to get individual union representatives to meet with the company unilateral-

ministry can decide who will represent the union”, Lewis asserted. “We’ve had a new branch, new leaders that have written them [BCGI] to have meetings and they decide that they will talk with one person. They would call one person and say: ‘Don’t worry with this union thing, we will talk to you, you will represent the workers’, or say ‘we can deal with you but we can’t deal with the rest of them’.” In the absence of the BCGI representatives on

GBGWU representative, Sheldon Thomas, broke the news that BCGI has dismissed 61 employees

Monday, the DoL had discussions with the unions representatives to have them outline their grievances. Lewis says the one per cent increase which employees protested on Friday was one in a wide array of grievances. He explained that the issues stretches as far back as 2009. “The one per cent is the straw that broke the camel's back. Over the years, they’ve been dismissing people, suspending people, cut out benefits, for instance, holiday with pay; they’ve cut out that, the question of vacation benefits they cut that. You cannot cut somebody’s employment conditions arbitrarily, it has to be agreed on. This has been existing since between 2009 to now, and we have been writing this company, copying to the labour department about meeting to discuss these matters and they're deciding that they will not, so the strike is the recourse”, Lewis further explained. Lewis believes that the issue has gotten to the point that it requires intervention from the highest level of government, especially since it is a 10 per cent stakeholder in the company. “This is time

for political action, this is time for the President [David Granger] to call the head of RUSAL and put them to sit down. If it was Burnham, even Jagan, they [BCGI] would not have been doing the things that they're doing right now”, he noted. He says the rights of the workers should not be compromised, all in the name of ensuring the business remains in Guyana. “Our politicians nowadays buy into the notion that has been highlighted that the private sector is the engine of growth and you shouldn't question what the private sector does, that's the problem,” Lewis opined. He added, “The question here is, are you prepared to sacrifice fundamental rights and freedom that our forbearers fought for and we have gained for a company to remain here? The laws are the laws, the laws take precedence over anything, the question of economics come after.” Lewis remains firm behind his union members and instructs that they remain at the Maple Town community.

Foundation calls for assistance to save baby with Down Syndrome THE Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) Foundation has called for assistance to fund the treatment for five-month-old Jahziah McKenzie, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Atrioventricular (AV) Canal Defect (a hole in her heart). According to the organisation, they have received less than US$500 so far and without donations, they would not be able to help McKenzie. SHEA said since the baby

was born, her mother, Ephah, has been her sole caregiver. Ephah, who is a single mother of two other girls, reached out to SHEA with the plea for help to save her baby’s life. “Ephah explained that she has faced incredible difficulties in her quest for treatment for little Jahziah. She used her savings to pay for her daughter to be seen and diagnosed at the Balwant Singh Hospital, where an echo-cardiogram test was done; however, the hospital could not offer treatment due to the

lack of equipment needed for pediatric heart surgery,” said the organisation. The distraught mother expressed further frustration in not being able to secure the required treatment at the GPHC, noting that she was told that the results of the echo test which was done at Balwant Singh Hospital could not be used at GPHC. That meant that she would need to have another test done. Her struggle and frustration continued as she could

not get an appointment to have the echo test redone at GPHC, despite numerous trips to the clinic. “Luckily, a few days ago, with the help of the Ministry of Public Health, she was able to get an appointment and baby Jahziah had her echo test done on February 15”, said the organisation. She was advised to go to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for further assistance. Despite all of her trials, including strapping her

daughter to her chest and walking miles to clinic visits, Ephah was told that she may need to seek overseas treatment, since the treatment needed is not available in Guyana. SHEA has since accepted baby McKenzie’s case and is working to secure treatment for her overseas. “We now need your help to save this young life and bring some relief to her amazing mom. Skip breakfast or lunch or coffee and donate to her. Before you go to your

house of worship tomorrow, give to save her life. Share her story. Ask your friends and family to help. Give this baby a fighting chance. C’mon guys we can do this,” the organisation pled. Persons who are interested in making a contribution towards the cause could contact the organisation on SHEA@ SHEACHARITY.ORG or call Mckenzie’s mom on 592 645 3590.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

LGC says still in operation THE Local Government Commission (LGC) in a press statement issued on Monday sought to establish that the agency is “not closed and remains in operation”, notwithstanding its current state of lack of finances following an impasse with the Ministry of Communities (MoC). “The LGC has observed and is alarmed and concerned with an article carried in sections of the media over the weekend which stated: “The

LGC shuts down”. The LGC wishes to categorically state that the Commission is not closed and remains in operation,” the statement said. “The LGC wishes to assure the Local Government Organs and the general public that the Commission remains open to serve the needs of its stakeholders. Please be reminded that the LGC can be contacted on telephone numbers 223-5620/21 or at our Secretariat located at 30 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park,

Georgetown.” It was last Friday that the LGC held a press conference and reading from a prepared statement, Chairman of the Commission, Mortimer Mingo, declared that the Commission was “effectively shut down” over the financial situation whereby salaries have not been paid since December 14, 2018, and the Commission had no money to pay its bills, including utilities and rent. “The LGC… operations

Plane crashes aback ... border with Venezuela. The aircraft reportedly belongs to the Guyana Ad-

ventist Medical Aviation Service (GAMAS), a Christian missionary organisation

are effectively shut down by virtue of the refusal of the Permanent Secretary of the MoC to countersign the documents that would allow for finances to be released to the constitutional body,” Mingo read from the prepared statement. The LGC receives its finances via a subvention under the MoC. After requesting some $305 million in its 2019 budget submission last year, the LGC was allocated a 2019 subvention of $137 million,

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which provides humanitarian flights to hinterland communities. Reports are that the plane was bringing the remains of a man who is suspected to have died at Arau to the city. According to a source, the man died while mountain-climbing near the border. As news of the accident spread, a crowd quickly gathered at the West Demerara Conservancy aback Canal Number Two, several miles away from the crash site to await news of the fate of the occupants of the aircraft.

with $124 million for current expenditure and $13 million for capital expenditure. However, no money has been released to the LGC for the year, with the MoC contending that the 2019 current expenditures submitted by the LGC is above the amount allocated to the Commission in its 2019 budgetary allocation. Hence, the budgeted money will not be enough to cover the LGC current expenditures from January 1, 2019, to December

31, 2019. The MoC’s defence is that unless the LGC submits a 2019 budget that fits the $124 million allocation for current expenditures to release money to the LGC [it] would be in violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMAA) Act which governs spending at the ministry. In their response, the LGC said they have submitted a budget within the limits since February 7.

Off in the distance, flares set up around the crash site to mark the spot where the plane came down, could be clearly seen all the way down at the conservancy dam, giving some semblance of hope to those waiting patiently there. But that glimmer soon gave way to restlessness, as the hours slowly ticked by. Also on hand was a team from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Then, just around midnight, Captain Orlando Charles of Domestic Aviation, who was also on hand to lend whateversupport he could to the the rescue mis-

A replica of the Cessna 182 which crashed on Monday night. (Inset is Lincoln Gomez, the pilot (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

sion, reported that he’d gotten word that the injured men were rescued, and being prepared for travel to the city. Major Michael Charles, a veteran GDF helicopter

pilot, was credited for taking the rescue team into the location in search of the occupants of the plane. The efforts of the GDF team were praised by onlookers.

Tuesday, February 19, 2018 - 04:30 hrs & 14:30hrs

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2, 10, 16, 19, 22

5, 0, 4

5, 5, 9

3, 5, 10, 14, 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

UG student on bomb-threat charge further remanded

Twenty-five-year-old University of Guyana (UG) student, Sheneza Jafferally, was on Monday, February 18, 2019 was, further remanded to prison on the grounds of public safety, after spending one week behind bars for allegedly issuing bomb threats to the university. Jafferally, called Diane, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, made her appearance before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool, at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, who further remanded the defendant to prison until February 25, 2019. An application by Jafferally’s attorney, Latchmi Rahamat, for bail was denied by the magistrate, on the grounds of public safety. The young woman had on February 11, 2019, made her first court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 5, 2019, at Cummings Lodge, Jafferally sent – by means of a public telecommunication device system, for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students

Sheneza Jafferally, called Diane

of the UG – a message which she knew to be false. The chief magistrate had transferred Jafferally’s matter to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. On February 5 and 6, 2019, bomb threats were reportedly made to the university’s Turkeyen Campus, forcing the cancellation of classes. Classes resumed on Monday, February 11, 2019. The Guyana Police Force (GPF), through its commissioner, deputy crime chief and a team of officers, met with members of the UG administration and, days lat-

er, arrested the UG student, Jafferally. According to a source, based on the investigations conducted by the police, a telephone number belonging to the student was linked to the number from which the bomb threats were allegedly made to the university. Jafferally, who goes by the nicknames ‘Shelly’ and ‘Diane’, is the niece of former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Region Six Member of Parliament (MP) and current Region Five Campaign Manager, Faizal Jafferally. The university’s administration, as a result of the scare, took matters seriously and evacuated the campus of students and staff and shut its doors. The threat at the university came even as a string of online threats directed at several city schools had been on-going for weeks. Threats were initially made against the School of the Nations and resulted in the school’s director being shot in both arms, while he was entering his home. A $1M reward is being offered for anyone with information regarding the threats made to School of the Nations.

Designer puts accent on ‘grow more’ campaign –as ‘Agri’ Ministry takes revellers ‘From farm to fork’ this ‘Mash’

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Delma Nedd, and revellers

THE Ministry of Agriculture was in a decidedly festive mood late Monday, judging from the richness of the costumes on display, as they launched their Mash 2019 costume band. Presented under the theme, ‘From farm to fork: grow more, add value’, designer Jermaine Broomes, did a great job of explaining his use of the bright gold and green costumes, to depict the sugarcane and rice aspect of the ministry, much to the delight of Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, who briefly remarked on the creativity that went into making the costumes. According to the minister, the costume band will be representing sustainable, productive, climate-resilient and diversified agriculture, while the main costume will depict

major export crops and the importance of our ever-blossoming agro-processing industry. Minister Holder noted with some amusement that the band’s float is deliberately being kept under wraps for ‘the big reveal’ later. He reminded of the unique “Guyaneseness” of Mashramani, a celebration observed by persons of all ages and ethnicities, even as he encouraged staff and members of the public to join the parade on Mash Day. The launching saw live performances from artistes, the likes of Jumo Primo and Calvin Burnette, who gave the crowd a taste of what to expect from the band, come Saturday, when it hits the road. The king and queen aspect of the band will be launched tomorrow at the Durban Park. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

The burden of showing proof

THE Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo holds a weekly press conference. It is not rocket science to understand what he seeks to achieve by doing so. His party is in the opposition. Being there after more than two decades in government may not be the ideal situation the party expected or desires. That is understood. Having been dealt the hand of being placed in the Opposition by the citizens, the PPP/C owes this society some degree of prudence. It has managed through alleged bribery, to get one of the government MPs to cross the floor and vote with it in a no-confidence motion to topple the administration. That vote is being challenged currently in the Court of Appeal. Having to hear complaints and accusations from Mr Jagdeo, often in the absence of evidence, or, being uptight

when such is sought will not help the growth of this society, or the image of the party. Holding elected office is not an entitlement; it is a privilege granted by the people. Whether this privilege is to serve in the Opposition or the Government, it is not one to be trifled with. The PPP general secretary, at a recent press conference, accused this newspaper and other individuals of stirring up racial tension, when his party since losing the 2015 elections, had been on a campaign accusing the present administration of witch-hunting, racial discrimination and ethnic cleansing, all because corrective measures were taken to weed out corrupt officials who were given succor under his government. Under Jagdeo’s watch, his Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon declared, that no

Afro-Guyanese was qualified to be an ambassador for this country. The state newspaper under him, and his successor, Donald Ramotar, published editorials and other articles demonising Afro-Guyanese. Jagdeo himself had been charged with race-baiting and had the ignominy of standing in a dock to answer to those charges. None is fooled, given historical antecedents of conflicts primarily between Africans and East Indians, the latter being a majority of the PPP/C’s base. Racial discrimination is a serious accusation. It is reasonable to believe that if not both groups, at least one group would want proof. It is understandable why this would and should be a matter of concern, and this is not because Mr. Jagdeo has so accused. Then we read one of the most outlandish claims by

a national newspaper- the Stabroek News in its editorial on Monday, declaring that President David Granger’s appointment of Justice James Patterson as the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), is now leading to the “subversion of GECOM and the work it must complete to comply with the constitutional stricture for the holding of general elections.” What subversion?, what alliance?. Another dangerous claim, which the Stabroek News must prove. Like the opposition, this newspaper seems not to care about the various scenarios GECOM’s technical people have presented to the commission regarding holding elections. Besides, there is no guarantee that elections would be held early, if the validity of the no-onfidence is being contested. Then, for the Stabroek

News to be making political statements, leaves one to wonder. Like with the opposition, if one is to take Stabroek News seriously, credibility/validity has to be established. To accuse the chairman and the President of some sort of mischief is most vile and contemptuous, and we hope that the Head of State and the chairman of GECOM would respond to this claim. The Stabroek News has over time been elevating the viewpoints of all kinds of people as if they were “gospel truth” on the issue of the no confidence motion. No other viewpoints matter. We see the daily self-serving piffle by Ralph Ramkarran-who just formed a political party, and Christopher Ram, a junior attorney making pronouncements about the constitution and being given great latitude to pontif-

icate, but reasoned and more knowledgeable and respected voices are drowned out. We see over the weekend, a most brilliant articulation by Retired Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Professor Duke Pollard on the ruling by the Chief Justice, but this would not make the pages of the Stabroek News. The accusations by the Sabroek News and the PPP general secretary carry concomitant responsibility to show proof, given its dire implications. She/he who accuses shoulders the burden to provide proof. Here is where this society is deserving of being shown the evidence. The task is now for Stabroek News to help all Guyanese, by providing the evidence of the alleged alliance between the President and the GECOM chair that is leading to the subversion of that body’s work.

Jagdeo is playing the private media like an old fiddle Dear Sir, THE former President of the Republic of Guyana, now opposition leader of the PPP political party, should be congratulated for taking a page out of the President of the United States playbook. Publicity is the game, and he is playing the private (independent) media like an old fiddle. Of course not to anyone’s surprise the media is enjoying riding the rhythm. No matter how absurd, in-appropriate, derogatory, blatant lies, threats, or negative suggestions, uttered by Jagdeo, they are all taken in stride by the independent media under the guise called publicity, which really means putting

our boy out front. Every ridiculous statement by Jagdeo is plastered on the pages of the independent media, especially in the Stabroek News he is on pages one, three, 11, 17 and even 21. Of course the independent Kaieteur News is not far behind. If the Guyanese population don’t believe that the media has a dog in this fight then they are overtly mistaken. What is unfortunate, however, is the media claim to being independent, but their political coverage don’t show independence. Independent as an adjective: states clearly “freedom from control, not subjected to anyone’s authority” and as noun; “an independence person or body.” The political

dog whistles that emanates from the media show who they are clearly and which side they are on. We all know who owns the media in this country, and these political people have their own agenda, therefore when Jagdeo makes his ridiculous comments like “we gon take back we country,” the only rebuttal comes from a few letter writers, and even their letters are not often published, which makes Jagdeo’s statement acceptable. The scribes who ply their trade daily and those of the weekend type are mum. We sometimes read about the abject failure of the PPP’s 23 years reign, but never a line about the accomplishments or achievements of the co-

alition’s three years in existence, which has made life easier for scores of persons. The commentary on the coalition by all the scribes and voluntarily contributors in the media is what they should have done, and what they have not done. The coalition as a group and their ministers, individually are lambasted daily by the independent (private) media and all of their ills collectively are put out front and centre. They are of course people who are not worthy of guiding this country. Only if you are daft you will not see the media game. One scribe opines that “the PPP continues to dominate the news,” and he is right. He further states, “that the coalition has

lost the sympathy of the independent media” Sympathy? What is he talking about? There was never any sympathy “or truth” addressed to the coalition at any time. He needs to tell the reading public, when was the last time that anything positive was written about the coalition by any scribe, barring one in the independent media. In all of his writings, this scribe has never given the coalition a good word. With friends like that who needs enemies. He patronised Dr Jagan in an article on April 1, 2017, which was pathetic and helpless. Now here he is again doing his patronising; he is suggesting that; “ since Mr Granger is African Guyanese (Eureka) “I feel strong-

ly that the PM slot should go to an Indian Guyanese woman” why not an Amerindian, or Chinese or Indian man, or an African-Guyanese woman. It must be remembered that this scribe has been given the good `negro’ seal by his fellow scribe who wrote “that when he is talking to his Indian friends he tells them that this person can be trusted.” For all intents and purposes this scribe writing for the independent media, where he does not get paid, don’t know which side of the fence to come down on. Someone needs to pull him aside and tell him that his slip is showing. Regards, Milton Bruce

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

Can the Appeal Court judges please clarify? Dear Editor, I HAVE a few questions for our judges in the Court of Appeal who will be reviewing the government’s application for an interim stay to halt the decision of the High Court, and to preserve the status quo of the Cabinet. I think our constitution is supreme and rightly so. The PPP, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) are all stating that the Cabinet should resign forthwith, on passage of NCM (no-confidence motion) based on the CJ’s (Chief Justice’s) interpretation of the Constitution which is not final. Firstly, if the Cabinet resigns who will the opposition oppose? They can only oppose themselves since the executive branch of the government would be nonexistent with the resignation of the Cabinet. Not sure if that makes sense honourable judges. Secondly, the Constitution states that elections should be held in 90 days after a successful passage of NCM. The constitution also states that the elections can be delayed with a two-thirds vote in Parliament. Presently the Government has 33 MPs

while the opposition has 32. Two-third of 65 is roughly 43. If the Cabinet resigns then there will only be 32 MPs, assuming the opposition does not resign. Hence with only their vote, that threshold of a two-thirds majority would not be met. They can only get that two-thirds majority with the Cabinet being in place i.e. not resigning. If the cabinet resigns then there can be no extension to the 90 days as outlined by the constitution. To me that’s a contradiction, which by its action, will deny a rightfully constitutional act. Clearly, the framers of the Constitution could not have meant that the Cabinet should resign forthwith, but yet state that an already resigned cabinet can make an extension to the 90 days with a two-third majority in Parliament. I wonder if the learned judges can clarify that for me? Thirdly, we all have our right of day in the court. Therefore, if the Cabinet resigns without having a final decision in the highest court, the CCJ, would that not be denying them of their constitutional right? Fourthly, if they resign, call elections then loses the said election, but wins the NCM court case in the higher court then what happens?

Would the newly-elected government have to resign, and if they don’t, can one expect a new cycle of court cases instituted by the once government now made opposition, with appeals and counter appeals, all because of a decision to resign while an active court case is going on? Please clarify this for me honourable judges. Now some questions or rather distance education for Bharat Jagdeo. Since the passage of this NCM with the ensuing court cases, I’ve been using analogies to explain my layman’s understanding of the law. Bharat Jagdeo is now getting into the act. I’m not saying he is plagiarising my mode of reasoning but the closeness of it to my many analogies is concerning. Jagdeo had this to say. “If someone is convicted on a charge of murder, they may appeal the ruling at a higher court. However, they must still remain in prison while such litigation is ongoing” Jagdeo has a point but there is a serious fallacy in his argument. The murderer cannot walk the streets because of public safety, not because a crime was committed but the nature of the crime i.e. murder which is a violent crime. A lesser crime, i.e. nonviolent crime and that criminal would

Eligible persons with disabilities must be allowed to vote

Dear Sir,

My name is Leroy Phillips, prominent disability advocate. As a person with a disability, I wish to bring to your attention a few concerns which undoubtedly my other disability counterparts may share. In light of the December 21st, 2018 No-Confidence motion in our Parliament and the possibility of an early regional and general elections in Guyana, I believe the participation of people living with disabilities, in accordance to Guyana’s Persons with Disability Act, 2010 Sub-Part 1X Voting rights of Persons with disabilities, should be taken more seriously. Further, this constitutional right should offer inclusivity and equality to people with disabilities as their non-disable counterparts. It is my view that in order to not exclude any person with a disability who is eligible to

exercise his / her franchise, House-to-House registration should not be sidelined since; people acquire disability every day even though some persons are born with their disability. It is against this back-drop that, once cases of disabilities are acquired on a daily basis, required measures must be put in place to validate the number of such cases as well as, to cater for the needs of such persons. I, therefore suggest that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) collaborate with the National Commission on Disability (NCD), to ensure required systems are put in place that will guarantee people with disabilities not being disenfranchised at Guyana’s upcoming regional and general elections. Further, it has been too long that the system causes people to be disabled because the authority of the day, never or minimally take into consideration the

notion of “Inclusivity and Equality”. My second proposition is that people with disabilities who are eligible to vote be given the opportunity to do so prior to Elections Day. Whether it be two days, a week or any appropriate timeframe the Guyana Elections Commission sees fit. It is always good to keep in mind that whatever decisions are made by the responsible authority in this regard, there must be consultations with the disability community, since we believe “Nothing about us without us”. All in all, I strongly believe good sense will prevail and eligible people with disabilities will be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise at Guyana’s next upcoming regional and general elections. Regards, Leroy Phillips

be walking the streets like nothing happened. Let’s say Sheneza Jafarally, the PPP bomb child is found guilty, it is very unlikely that she will be bailed if convicted, then appeal because of the nature of her crime. This is evident in her not being bailed, even though she has not been convicted. Let’s say Irfaan Ali, Dr. Ashni Singh and Mr. Brassington and Anil Nandlall are all found guilty. It is likely that they will be bailed if they appeal. This is evident in them being free to do as they wish, as the cases go through the courts. The point I’m making is that the safety of the public takes paramount in any court decision. Also, while the murderer is appealing his case, no terminal decision would be taken against that murderer i.e. he would not be executed until he has exhausted all of his appeal. In essence, he will have a stay of execution until he has exhausted all of his appeals. As a result, I would reason that the cabinet should not have a terminal decision taken against them i.e. resign until they have exhausted all their

appeals. Also, I would argue that they should have a stay to facilitate these appeals. It is not a legal argument since I’m not a lawyer, it is a commonsensical argument. A FEW WORDS FOR NASCIMENTO Finally, a few words for Kit Nascimento. I saw you have written that the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) is on your side. We have Professor Duke Pollard, former CCJ Judge on our side. The Bar Association is a collection of LLBs with one or two LLMs. They should all give deference to Prof. Pollard. Secondly, apparently you are having sleepless nights over my qualifications. Let me give you some medical advice. Stop looking at them and get yourself some sleeping pills from your personal physician. I have earned my degrees. I did not buy them hence, I earned the right to display them. Finally, in that very missive you don’t have a problem with addressing Bharrat Jagdeo as Dr. Jagdeo, despite his doctorate being honorary. By tradition, the title doctor should only be used

in correspondence by honorary doctors with the university that bestowed the said individual with the honorary degree. It should not be used for other communications since it is misleading and disingenuous. Further, it is painfully obvious that you are not only a dinosaur but you are also an elitist in addressing someone as doctor, who is clearly not a doctor, but having sleepless nights over a ghetto youth who displays his hard-earned degrees. In concluding, Kit should be reassured that I have nothing further to say about him, the last living boneless, soup-drinking dinosaur, since my brother Rickford Burke has done a fantastic job of disemboweling him and shredded whatever little credibility he had. Kit Nascimento is therefore dismissed forthwith to the barnyard. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

Guyana to participate in several overseas forums GOVERNMENT has given the ‘green light’ for Guyana to be part of the fourth edition of the Conference on Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices in India. The forum, which commenced on February 14, serves to update countries on developments within India’s pharmaceutical industries.

Director of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, Marlon Cole and Oneal Atkins are representing Guyana at the conference. “Further, it is expected to be a catalyst in providing a platform for foreign companies to get into joint ventures with Indian companies”, said Minister of State, Joseph

Harmon, during a press briefing on Friday. Guyana will also be represented at the Development Bank of Latin America’s ‘Project on Financing Sustainable Fisheries and Food Security Conference’, in Barbados from February 25 to 26, 2019. According to Harmon,

the project “encompasses all fish and stocks being managed and harvested sustainably, legally and supplied.” Guyana will also participate in a sub-regional level two workshop on pollution response conventions in St. Kitts and Nevis, from March 11, 2019. The minister said the

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

convention will be a unique opportunity for Guyana to strengthen regional cooperation and evaluate aspects which will be incorporated into the Caribbean

oil response commission. Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Col. Kester Craig, is scheduled to attend the convention.

Is this how Jagdeo intends to expand the Afro Guyanese base of the PPP? Dear Editor, I HAVE observed that Bharrat Jagdeo (PPP) has started a video collection of Afro-Guyanese expressing their discontent with the government. Might I say that nothing is wrong with anyone expressing his or her genuine feelings of dissatisfaction with any government, the Coalition government included. No government can please everyone, no matter how objectively good it is. In

the same vein, no government, no matter how bad it is, would excite objections from every citizen. What stands out in Jagdeo’s video collection, however, is the fact that his video bloggers are only Afro- Guyanese. I rather suspect that these are not the only shades of people who have disquiet with the government. The singling out of Afro-Guyanese for this venture sends a clear message. It says in bold terms that a government which is seen as a `Black’ government

has done nothing for `Black’ people in Guyana; and it is for this reason, Afro-Guyanese should reject the government and seek refuge in the PPP. It also says to Indo-Guyanese, in my respectful view, that ‘if a `Black’ government has done nothing for its own people, then what do you expect it to do for you?’ I’ll ask the simple question, if the fortunes these folks enjoyed were good under the PPP, then why even support a competitor of the PPP?

We can all agree that the narrative would have been different and the videos would have assumed a different format, if the government employed corrective measures to balance the fortunes of our countrymen. Any affirmative action taken by the government would have been branded as a `Black’ government catering to the needs of `Black’ people at the expense of other races. Is this how Jagdeo intends to expand the Afro-Guyanese base of the PPP? Is this one of

the measures he is employing in his promise to enlarge the Afro-fold of the PPP? It worries me when we as a country, regardless of ethnicity, allow these abuses of our countrymen to translate into political appeal. This approach is not even veiled racism. It is blatantly racist and disrespectful. Jagdeo can scarcely say with sincerity that he cares for these people and their plight (genuine or otherwise). This fashion of presenting them is testimony only of their exploitation

for political mileage. If we are going to provide a platform through video blogging for persons disaffected with the government or with the PPP, let us give a voice to representatives of all ethnic groups. The time has long passed when our countrymen should be pitted against each other in this way. Let us all resist this kind of nonsense. Regards, Ronald J. Daniels

Mr Sittlington should pack his bags and return to the UK

Dear Editor,

I HAVE never written a letter to the newspapers but after reading Friday’s edition of the Stabroek News, I felt I had an obligation to write. It seems that Sam Sittlington has now fully embraced the filthy ways of some Guyanese big people. In Friday’s edition of Stabroek News, Sittlington did not hide his nasty contempt, and made a gallant attempt at besmirching the integrity of his former colleague, Ms Sherronie James. Mr Sittlington has fallen on his own sharpened sword. As we say in Guyana, Sittlington fell in the hole he was carefully digging for M. James.

I got to know Ms James for just over a year now, when I participated in a Business Leadership mentoring programme she undertook at her own expense, to support youngsters like me from deprived areas such as Sophia and Albouystown. These opportunities are rare and meant the world to us, as few successful people ever take the time to give us the encouragement and support that is critical to our development. Ms James undertook this community activity in her own time, and using her own resources, and the knowledge and encouragement she passed on has made a big difference to the success of many of our business ventures. She used the so-

cial commentary in the music that we in the so-called ghettos listen, to capture our attention and to impart novel and innovative ways in our approach to business. In my experience of Ms James, she is one of the most humble but very intelligent, professional and enlightened persons I have ever met. She understood our struggles and won the admiration of many of us. Her mentoring and guidance has played a big part in the success my own business and those of many of my friends. She used her own money to support and sponsor many of our activities when none was coming from other quarters. None of us knew where she worked or what she did, until some quarters of the political di-

vide attempted to destroy her on social media in the last few weeks. Mr Editor, the young people of Guyana are fed up with the way some of our political parties operate. We are no longer of the mindset of the 1960s and 1970s. This nonsense by big people of attempting to destroy innocent people’s lives and reputations must stop. Sam Sittlington of all people should know that you do not throw bricks at glass houses when he is living in one. Mr Sittlington should pack his bags and return to the UK. Guyanese people have seen him for what he really is. Regards, Davon Thomas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

‘If I am a rubber stamp, the whole PPP is too’ …Irfaan Ali tells Annai residents

PRESIDENTIAL Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party, Irfaan Ali, on Monday declared that if he “is a rubber stamp, the whole PPP family is a rubber stamp too.” Ali was at the time addressing a meeting at Annai, Region Nine. His meeting fell on the same day government ministers wrapped up a three-day outreach in the Rupununi. Ali spoke about several issues during his meeting, but during the ques-

outrage over the selection of Ali as the party’s presidential candidate, and even called the ex-government minister, who is facing some 19 fraud charges in court, to step down, contending that his ‘baggage’ will ‘sink’ the party’s chances at General and Regional Elections. Moments after it was confirmed that Ali was elected PPP presidential candidate over former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, supporters expressed profound disap-

presidential candidate??? Like damn!!! Seriously!!!”. Those were the immediate thoughts of Singh as he made a bold call for Ali to step down in an effort to increase

ALI ON PRESIDENTIAL GRANT Meanwhile, in his presentation at the meeting, Ali erroneously told residents that the coalition government had

Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party, Irfaan Ali

Rupertee Councillor Suresh Andries receives the $800,000 presidential grant cheque from Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, during the massive ministerial outreach in the Rupununi (Karime Peters photo)

Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Mervyn Williams, hands over the presidential grant cheque of $1M to Senior Councillor of Annai Central, Zita Enrico, for the rehabilitation of the village’s restaurant

tion and answer segment, Councillor of Annai Central, Michael Williams, stood up and bluntly asked Ali to respond to comments that he was a rubber stamp. “Mr Ali are you a rubber stamp?” Ali responded promptly “I am part of the PPP family, so if I am a rubber stamp the whole PPP family is a rubber stamp too.” Grassroots supporters of the PPP had expressed

pointment as they flooded the Internet to register their concerns. They had blamed Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for orchestrating the selection of Ali. Ali is on record pledging allegiance to Jagdeo. On Facebook, Naresh Singh, a known supporter of the PPP, had said that he no longer has faith in Guyanese politics. “Can you imagine Irfaan Ali being PPP

PPP’s chances of winning the elections. In response to the Facebook post made by Singh, Jaipaul Persaud said: “Do you see what I see? This is the end of the PPP/C. I am in a state of shock. I never voted in Guyana but I feel sorry for the PPP/C supporters.” Celrose Caravaio, a relative of the former Minister of Local Government under the PPP regime, Norman Whittaker, questioned why Ali was elected over former Culture and Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and other candidates who have cleaner slates. The Government of Canada also recently told Ali not to travel to that country due to the fraud charges.

stopped giving out presidential grants. However, a few minutes before his meeting, Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Mervyn Williams, handed over a cheque of $1M to Senior Councillor of Annai Central, Zita Enrico, for the rehabilitation of the village’s restaurant. The money is part of the presidential grant to the community. Besides, on Saturday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, handed over another cheque to residents of Rupertee village in the North Rupununi for some $800,000. Councillor Suresh Andries received the village's presidential grant of $800,000 for 2019. The money is part of the

$235M Presidential Grant Fund for 2019 and the village is among the very first to receive its allocated sum. When the proposal was submitted last year, the money from the grant was to be used to improve water storage and distribution in the village. However, the councillor of the village explained that on Friday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard VanWest Charles and a technical team visited the village. During that visit, the GWI team made a commitment to address the water-storage and distribution issue. It means that the residents can now utilise their presidential grant on another project which will enhance village life. In this regard, residents will meet shortly and according to Andries, they will have to collectively decide how the $800,000 grant will be utilised, given the unexpected intervention of the GWI. Presidential grants are issued through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs and are between $500,000 and $2M. The grants are

geared towards boosting economic and social development for Indigenous peoples in their villages and communities. More importantly, the grants are awarded on the basis of population size and are also based on requests and proposals submitted by the respective villages. Several hundred villages and satellite communities benefit from the annual initiative, which saw some $215M distributed in 2017, following from $280M which was distributed in 2016, the year in which Guyana celebrated its 50th independence anniversary. Villages use the funds for various projects, including the upgrading of sport facilities, supporting women-groups’ initiatives, construction and expansion of village benabs and hostels, among others. Almost $1B has been allocated to the Presidential Grant Fund initiative from 2016 to present.

Bible College student charged for rape Samuel Whaul

A 25-year-old Bible College student was on Monday, February 18, 2019, released on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman, whom he met on Facebook. Samuel Whaul of Diamond Housing Scheme,

East Bank Demerara, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which was read in camera. Particulars of the charge alleged that on October 25, 2018, at the Promenade Gardens,

Georgetown, Whaul engaged in sexual penetration with the 20-year-old woman, without her consent. Whaul was released on $200,000 bail and was ordered to keep away from the victim. The matter was adjourned until February 25, 2019.

According to the report, Whaul is known to the victim, since they had communicated frequently on Facebook. On the day in question, both parties met at the Promenade Gardens and Whaul made several sexual advances towards the victim. The woman

asked Whaul to stop and he became angry. It is alleged that Whaul got on top of the victim, pinned her down and raped her. After the ordeal, the victim reported the matter to the police and Whaul was arrested and later charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

PPP mobilises in Amna Ally’s name

–– dupes Annai residents into believing they were meeting her,but Irfaan Ali shows up instead THE People’s Progressive Party on Monday allegedly mobilised residents of Central Annai to a meeting, saying that they were coming to meet Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, but when the residents showed up, it was their (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali. Additionally, the party and local officials were at odds on Monday over the use of the community’s benab without the permission of the council. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the benab was booked for a school Mashramani activity, but PPP activists went in early and decorated the place with their party’s flags and other trappings. “When we got here, the place was full of PPP flags and the children had to have the show with PPP’s backdrop. This was disgraceful,” Councillor Michael Williams commented.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Minister Ally said she was in receipt of credible information from multiple sources in Annai, Region Nine, that PPP activists in the area told several residents that “I will host a meeting at the Annai Benab, today (Monday) at 11am and en-

dential candidate Irfaan Ali turned up and residents felt betrayed and duped. Many of them left and returned to their homes without listening to the PPP officials,” the minister’s statement read. “I wish to advise the good people of Annai, the wider Rupununi and Guyanese at

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally

The PPP colours decorating the stage of a children’s concert

couraged the residents to attend to engage with me.” Minister Ally said instead, “lo and behold, PPP presi-

large that at no time did I, or my staff, schedule a meeting in Annai today,” Minister Ally noted. “I held meetings

at Parishara and Hiowa on Saturday and Sunday respectively and I was joined by other ministerial colleagues during a historic, massive outreach in the Rupununi over the weekend. Other ministers held meetings in 26 other villages. As scheduled Ministers Winston Felix held a meeting in Annai and Minister Ronald Bulkan also

visited the area. I wish to thank the people of the Rupununi for their overwhelming turnout and look forward to engaging with them again very soon.” Minister Ally also condemned the PPP and their presidential candidate Ali, for what she described as “duping the people.” “That they sought to use my good

name, instead of their presidential candidate’s name, is proof positive of how desperate and weak the PPP has become and that they have lost the support of our indigenous peoples who came out in thousands over the past three days to demonstrate their support for the coalition government.” Minister Ally said: “This deceitful action by the PPP represents a new low in Guyana’s political culture and I unreservedly condemn it in the strongest possible terms. The PPP has become so weak and unpopular that they have admitted that they can no longer use their own name to attract people to their events and are now using the name of the coalition government and our leaders to mislead people into attending their events. This is reprehensible and appalling.”

Attempts being made to obstruct Repeat offender government developments in Region One behind bars again

WHILE the Government of Guyana (GoG) has been making unceasing strides in developing Barima Waini (Region One), more specifically in the town of Mabaruma, and Port Kaituma, person(s) have been trying to thwart the efforts. This was the sentiment of Randolph Storm, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the said region. Storm told the Guyana Chronicle that he had been assigned to the Region about a month ago and had been visiting villages, towns, and sub-regions within Barima Waini, with the aim of familiarising himself, and to ascertain where and what works could be done. Storm said that, during a visit to Port Kaituma, recently, he took the opportunity to visit the newly -constructed Amerindian Hostel which

Regional Executive Officer of Barima Waini, Randolph Storm (Delano Williams photo)

was being prepared for handing over to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). Upon arriving at the hostel, it was discovered that attempts were made to vandalise the secured premises. The REO pointed out that the hostel was ‘broken into’ and a lighted candle

was placed behind the door, resulting in the door and its frame being scorched. Storm expressed how disturbed he was when the efforts of Government appeared to have been disrespected by person or persons unknown. “I believe this was an effort to make the government look bad. This hostel is in a fenced compound, with a locked gate. The person or persons who did this, had to have jumped over the fence, and committed this unscrupulous act. ,” Storm said. Storm added that the act could be regarded as attempted arson and he hoped the perpetrators would be caught and placed before the court. The REO said he reported the matter to the Commander of “E” and “F” Division, and an investigation had begun. Warning persons against

committing such acts, Storm said “the Government of Guyana is unremittingly investing in Barima Waini’s development. It (the government) is doing everything within its power to assist our Amerindian populace. I am pleading and hoping, that persons who are trying to destroy the efforts of the government, will desist from doing so. Let us appreciate and respect what is being done for us, otherwise, persons who commit such acts, will be dealt with, accordingly”. The government, in its 2019 budget allocated and approved $3.4Billion in Parliament late last year, for Barima Waini’s development. The Government has since embarked upon several projects to the benefit of the people of the region.

Police seeking public’s help to identify male body THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public’s assistance in the identifying of the body of a male which was found on February 2, 2019, in the vicinity

of the Zeelugt Foreshore, East Bank Essequibo. The body, which is presently at Ezekiel’s Funeral Parlour, Best Road, Vreeden-hoop, is of East Indian

descent and appears to be in his late 40s. Anyone with information leading to his identification is asked to contact the Guyana Police Force on

telephone numbers ?2682353, ?268-2223, ?2682298, ?268-2222, ?2682328, ?268-2329, 225-3650, 226-1929, 911 or the nearest Police Station.

for alleged robbery FORMER prison escapee, Winston Long, found himself before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs- Marcus on Monday, February 18, 2019, having been charged for robbery. Long, 22, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was read to him. Particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 2, 2019, at High Street, Georgetown, Long, while in the company of others, robbed Sherlock Cummings of a $10,000 gold chain, a $6,000 cell phone along with $3, 000 cash, with the use of personal violence. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Adduni Inniss, opposed to bail being granted to Long, on the grounds of the seriousness and the penalty attached to the charge. Inniss also told the court that Long has two on-going robbery- under- arms matters before the court. According to reports, on the day in question, the victim was walking along High

Former prison escapee, Winston Long.

Street when he was confronted by Long and others. It is alleged that Long dealt Cummings several cuffs about his body and made good his escape with the items mentioned in the charge. Cummings raised an alarm, and police on mobile patrol responded. The officers later apprehend Long at Stabroek Market with the items in his possession. Magistrate Isaacs- Marcus, after considering that Long was a repeat offender, remanded him to prison until March 11, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

MoE signs contract for design of TVET facilities in Bartica and Mabaruma THE Ministry of Education has inked a $114M contract with Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants Inc. (CEMCI) in the first step towards the construction of two Practical Instruction Departments (PID) to improve Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Regions One and Seven. MoE Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke, signed on-behalf of the ministry, a press statement from the ministry said. Clarke, according to the statement, noted that the PIDs will offer Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) levels one and two

training in seven areas. The areas offered are commercial food preparation, masonry/plumbing, electrical installation, furniture making/carpentry and joinery, light motor vehicle repairs, home economic/housekeeping and welding and fabrication. “Clarke… is looking forward to a cordial and working relationship with the consultants who will ensure that any hiccups are ironed out quickly, so that the project can be completed within the timeline,” the ministry said. Representing CEMCI was Managing Director, Ramon Latchmansingh, who said that the company is happy to be on board with

MoE Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke, (centre) signing the $114M contract

the project. He added that timelines are going to be strict because of the stringent requirements. He further noted the compa-

ny’s experience in executing prior works in both regions. Latchmansingh said that he looks forward to completing the job with a high

professional standard, and to bring it within the budget the ministry has identified. The contract provides for CEMCI to prepare the final designs and provide construction supervision services for the expansion and refurbishment of the facilities of the Bartica Secondary School Practical Instruction Department and the Northwest Secondary School Practical Instruction Department. The contract also provides for CEMCI to prepare maintenance plans for the facilities. When the designs are completed, it is hoped that construction work on those facilities can begin by September 2019, after the sourc-

ing of a contractor. The contract falls under the Guyana Skills Development and Employability Project (GSDEP), which is being financed by some US$12,252,000 in funding secured from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). GSDEP Project Coordinator, Theron Siebs, noted that the objective of this undertaking is to refurbish and retrofit the two departments with the aim of enhancing the quality of TVET in Guyana and to bridge the disparity between the coast and the hinterland.

Gov’t to build secondary school, dorm in Karasabai - promises caretakers stipends for helping students from far-flung villages By Svetlana Marshall ONCE re-elected to government, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition will construct a secondary school and a dormitory in Karasabai, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valarie Garrido-Lowe promised. In the interim, the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry will offer stipends to guardians who have opened up their homes to children attending the Karasabai Secondary Department from far-flung villages. The need for a secondary school, a dormitory, and stipends for the guardians were among issues raised during a meeting in Karasabai with Vice-President and Minster of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; and Minister Garrido-Lowe . More than 300 residents from Karasabai and neighbouring villages gathered at Cashew Grove Park in the village nestled in the heart of the Pakaraima Mountains, to hear from the officials and voice their concerns. During the interactive session, it was explained that in September 2018, the Karasabai Secondary Department was opened to accommodate children from the village and neighbouring villages such as Taipong and Tiger Pond. That department now has 173 students, however, 79 of them live with guardians because their homes are located more

363 students from the primary school and secondary department are provided with lunch through the government’s hot meal feeding programme,

with hammocks or beds to sleep on. “Some of the guardians gave up their beds, their bedrooms, and their hammocks, just to accommodate these children,” the headteacher said, as she painted a picture of the situation. “Some of the parents, they just dump their children, they just bring them and leave them there. They are not looking back”, George complained.

from here, pinch a little from there so that all the 30 parents or more can be assisted with a stipend until we can cater for you in the 2020 budget”, Minister Garrido-Lowe said. She also thanked the families in Karasabai for opening their homes to the children. The junior minister of indigenous peoples’ affairs also assured the residents that construction of a secondary

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido in Karasabai on Sunday

than five miles away, in the case of those living in Tiger Pond, and even further in case of other villages. The villagers had taken the decision to house the children as part of their push to have a secondary school in Karasabai, but they are now encountering financial challenges. Marlon Edwards, a resident, requested that a dorm be built in the village to accommodate the students but until that is done, the guardians should receive financial support. “For some parents it is a burden, an economic burden in Karasabai. Some of us, we don’t have a stable income, so to provide for these students, it is a burden. So if we can get some assistance from central government, that would be good.” Edwards said. Headmistress for the Karasabai Primary School and Secondary Department, Michelle George, said more than 30 families accommodate the 79 children, with one family keeping as many as five children. She noted that while the

Headteacher of the Karasabai Primary School and Secondary Department, Michelle George

finding additional food for the 79 children has become burdensome. “The problem is finding food every day. They are getting the hot meals in school but guardians still have to provide them with breakfast and dinner every single day,” George told the Guyana Chronicle on the meeting’s sideline. To make ends meet, the children would have to farm and hunt. “Some of them, they bring their farine but that’s all they are bringing. The guardians take them to the pond to do fishing; the girls, they take them to farm to pull out cassava, to help make cassava bread, just to help out”, George explained. She further pointed out that upon their arrival at Karasabai last September, it was discovered that many of the children had no clothes, nor did their parents send them

A section of the more than 300 residents who gathered at the Cashew Grove Park in Karasabai to hear from the ministerial team on Sunday (Photos by Svetlana Marshall)

Other residents at the meeting expressed similar concerns. In responding to their cries, Minister Garrido-Lowe said while the Ministry did not budget for guardians to be provided with stipends to take care of the 79 students, given the need, the ministry would source finance. “If we had known before, definitely it would have been a line item there to be catered for in the budget, nevertheless…what I can promise you, as soon as we go back, Minister Allicock and I, and our scholarship department, will examine what monies we may have available from different line items….to pinch a little

school and a dorm in Karasabai would be high on the agenda of the APNU+AFC government, once re-elected to office. “I am sure that the APNU+AFC government will consider building a proper school and a dormitory to cater for the Karasabai District in 2020,” she said to loud rounds of applause. Currently, the secondary department is housed in the primary school however; a plot of land has already been identified by the villagers for the construction of the Karasabai Secondary School. Having a new school and a dorm in the village would also provide additional jobs for the villagers, the junior minister noted.

Weighing in on the topic, Minister Allicock said that the issue regarding the guardians could have been prevented. “If things were planned properly, you would not have had this problem. We would have known that so many children are coming, we need stipend, we need transport, we need more equipment, and an extension, and you would have been more comfortable”, Minister Allicock reasoned while assuring the residents that their pleas have been heard. The minister of indigenous peoples’ affairs told the residents that their district regional officer, village councillors, regional councillors and Regional Democratic Council should plan more effectively, and in conjunction with central gvernment to offer the necessary relief. Meanwhile, Seon Kartright thanked the government for offering 13 scholarships for persons in the village to attend the University of Guyana (UG), Guyana School of Agriculture and the Government Technical Institute, and other educational institutions. Kartight explained that the scholarships were secured following an engagement with the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. “Whoever wants to study, whoever wants to go to Georgetown and study, this is the time. The time is now” another resident said. The 13 scholarships will complement the ones being offered by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Guyana, CI to partner for mercury-free mining

GUYANA is among eight countries which will partner with the Conservation International /Global Environmental Facility (CI/ GEF) programme, with the aim of ensuring mercury-free mining worldwide. According to a release from CI, urgent action is needed to protect millions of men, women and children who are exposed to toxic levels of mercury through gold production every year. This is the main contention of the backers of the new $180M programme, in seeking to reform the artisanal and small – scale mining sector (ASGM). The programme–the Global Opportunities for the Long-term Development of the ASGM Sector (GEF GOLD)-aims to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining, and introduce and facilitate access to mercury-free extraction methods, while at the same time working with governments to formalise the sector, promoting miner rights, safety and their access to markets. In addition to Guyana, the programme spans several other countries including Burkina Faso, Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mongolia, the Philippines and Peru. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), are other partners in the programme. “From smart phones to wedding rings, gold passes through all of our hands every day. But for most of us, the source of that gold, and its real cost, remains a mystery”, GEF Director of Programmes, Gustavo Fonseca said. He noted that, “introducing safe, mercury-free technologies into the AGSM sector, will help provide a safe transition to job formality and dignified works for millions, while putting an end to the environmental impacts that can pave the way to sustainably produced gold.” Every year, more than 2,700 tonnes of gold is mined around the world. Twenty per cent of that, over 500 tonnes annually, is produced by artisanal and small scale miners.

These miners and processors, the majority of whom are from developing countries, often work in harsh conditions, minus the protection of the industry regulations on pay, health and safety, to satisfy the global hunger for gold for jewellery, investment and consumer products. It was noted that with many miners relying on toxic, mercury-based extraction methods, the ASGM sector is also the world’s single largest source of man-made mercury emissions, releasing as much as 1000 tonnes of mercury into the atmosphere annually. This translates to 40 per cent of the global total production. “By phasing out mercury use and connecting miners to markets for responsibly produced and sourced minerals, GEF GOLD will help to ensure gold value chain both supports miners and provides consumers with access to ethnically produced, environmentally sustainable gold”, Head of the UN’s Environment Chemicals and Health Branch, Jacob Duer explained. “Promoting and facilitating access to non-mercury processing techniques for artisanal and small-scale miners is vital, not only to reduce emissions, but to protect the health of vulnerable communities”, he added. According to the release, studies indicate that mercury exposure in artisanal and small scale miners are a major, largely neglected global health problem. This puts miners and their communities at risk of impacts from permanent brain damage, seizures, vision and hearing loss, and delayed childhood development. It was noted that as many as 15 million people work in the ASGM sector worldwide, and of that number 4.5 million are women, whilst 600,000 are children. It was noted that while ASGM represents a development opportunity for rural populations , many of whom often have a few livelihood alternatives, miners operate on the edges of legality in many countries with ASGM either banned outright or limited by legislations and licensing procedures which are TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

GRC turns 25 THE Guyana Relief Council (GRC)on January 17 observed 25 years of bringing relief to fire victims and assisting other vulnerable persons. The organisation garners its funding from several fund-raising activities, including a Chinese Food festival, annual Dutch Auctions, donations and a subvention from the government. On February 17 2019, the Guyana Relief Council formally began its ‘Silver’ anniversary celebrations with a church service at the St. George’s Cathedral. The FROM PAGE

GRC’s celebrations continued with at a photographic exhibition at the National Library, which concludes on Tuesday, February 19. According to the GRC, it will provide assistance to the victims of the fires that occurred at Tucville, Triumph, Linden, Sophia and Cummings Lodge communities, which took place recently. The GRC, which is located at Riverview, Ruimveldt, can be contacted on telephone number 592225-3081 or via email at guyanareliefcouncil@yahoo.com.

Guyana, CI to ...

designed primarily for large –scale operations. By supporting the regulatory and policy reforms needed to formalise the work of artisanal and small-scale miners across the eight programme countries, GEF GOLD aims to secure miners’ livelihoods. This is via opening up the access to markets and finance needed to increase incomes and enable the uptake of mercury –free technology. It noted that by phasing out mercury use, the programme aims to achieve eventual mercury emission reduction of 369 tonnes, through supporting the commitment of countries under the ‘Minamata Convention on Mercury’ to reduce and where feasible, eliminate mercury use in the sector. Guyana has been taking steps to eliminate the use of mercury in mining here. Several days ago, a meeting of a National Working Group (NWG) on the ‘Minamata Convention on Mercury’ was convened at the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Main Street offices in Georgetown. Guyana signed the Convention on Mercury on Oc-

tober 10, 2013, ratifying it on September 24, 2014. Guyana was also elected as one of the two vice-presidents from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) to serve on the Bureau of COP 3. At the meeting, Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mariscia Charles, said the Minamata Convention follows and builds on the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions which came into force on August 16, 2017. This was the first global agreement on health and the environment for close to a decade. She reminded participants of Guyana’s participation in the plenary sessions which focused on freeing the Amazon from the impacts of mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. In September 2017, President David Granger attended the inaugural Conference of Parties (COP1) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he affirmed Guyana’s position and committed to the elimination of mercury usage by 2027.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Minibus operators in fracas with traffic officer released on bail

TWO Route 45 minibus operators were, on Monday, February 18, 2019, arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, following a video circulating on social media, allegedly showing the men assaulting a traffic officer and resisting arrest. Carlos Bacchus, a 29-yearold bus driver, and Troy Peters, a 34-year-old minibus conductor, both of Victoria, East Coast Demerara, made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to three charges each. Particulars of the first charge alleged that, on February 13, 2019, at Hinck Street, Georgetown, the defendants assaulted Police Constable Joel Samuels, who was performing his duties. The last two charges alleged that, on the same day, Bacchus and Peters behaved disorderly in public and resisted being arrested by Constable Samuels. Bacchus and Peters pleaded not guilty to the three charges and their attorney,

The defendants, from left, Carlos Bacchus and Troy Peters

Everton Singh-Lammy, made an application for bail. Singh-Lammy, during his application for bail, told the court that officer Samuels and Bacchus were known to each other, since they were both involved in a relationship with the same woman, but Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris strongly opposed to the duo being released on bail. “A strong message should be sent out to minibus operators about assaulting police officers,” Harris told the court. According to the police reports, on the day in question, Constable Samuels was on duty when he saw minibus BTT 9235 loading passengers on the southern side of Hinck

Street and obstructing the flow of traffic. The officer approached the minibus and contacted Bacchus, who was the driver, but Bacchus and his conductor, Peters, got out of the vehicle and started to behave disorderly, although the officer told them to stop. A confrontation ensued and the two minibus operators began assaulting the police officer. Public-spirited persons intervened and a police patrol was summoned. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus overruled the prosecutor’s objection and released the men on $60,000 bail each. The matter was adjourned until March 11, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

GKMS celebrates

–– 26 years of doing business in Guyana GRACE Kennedy Money Services (GKMS), the agent of Western Union and home of Bill Express in Guyana, hosted its 26th anniversary celebration at its oldest sub-agent – C&F Regent Supermarket – on Thursday (February 14, 2019). It was also the 97th anniversary of the parent company, Grace Kennedy. As part of the celebration, customers turned out in their numbers to enjoy the anniversary cake as well as prizes and surprises. The cake was cut by sub-agent owner, Peter Fraser, with support from the staff of C&F. During the celebration, winners of Bill Express’ “Bill the Love” Valentine’s Day promotion, Dibbi Devi Kissoon and Shellon Belgrave, were each rewarded with a dinner at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana. GKMS Guyana Limited was registered in 1992, at 65 Main St. Cummingsburg, to serve as an exclusive agent of Western Union Financial

Services – one of the most trusted money transfer companies in the world. Business operations began at its head office, on February 14, 1993, and, in June 1994, the company added C&F Supermarket (on Regent Street) as a sub-agent. Since then, the network has expanded into villages and outlying areas across Guyana, from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Rosignol to Linden, and to the Essequibo Coast. The company also further extended its services with a one stop bill payment service in its 10th year – BILL EXPRESS - which allows customers to pay their bills, including utility bills, school fees, cable and internet bills and even micro finance repayments. Both the Western Union & Bill Express network has grown to over 55 locations countrywide, over the years.

Building a legacy with ‘Pan Music’ in Guyana STEEL Pan Music has become an annual feature for Guyana’s Mashramani celebrations. There has been competition after competition, and with the advent of technology, persons are incorporating technology into the playing of ‘Pan Music’. Additionally, there has been increased support from the populace for ‘Pan Music’ shows and competitive events. On Sunday February 17 2019, a mammoth crowd attended Republic Bank‘s panorama event held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, as part of this year’s Mashramani celebrations. Sergeant Sparman of the Guyana Police Force, who is the conductor of both the Guyana Police Force Steel Band as well as the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, outlined the importance of pan music to young people, noting

its helps with discipline and builds an appreciation for culture through music. Sergeant Sparman is advocating for steel pan music to be taught at higher levels, more so, as a part of curriculum of courses at the tertiary institutions such as the University of Guyana. He also views the teaching, training and playing of the steel pan as a potential form of employment for youth especially. Like a number of his fellow musicians, the sergeant is calling for the establishment of community pan bands, which he believes will develop the art form amongst young people. Guyana‘s rich history can be brought into perspective through pan music. Sergeant Sparman is urging young people to join particularly the Guyana Police Force’s and the Guyana Defence Force’s steel pan bands if so inclined to make something productive of their lives and learn a skill that needs to be preserved.

GKMS Agent Network Officer, Candacy Gravesande (left) and Marketing Assistant, Tina Seabra-Gibson (right) joined C&F Regent Street branch owner Peter Fraser (centre) and staff during the grand celebration on Valentine’s Day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Stephen Ramphal is Banks Chutney Monarch

By Indrawattie Natram

YOUNG, vibrant and passionate contender, Stephen Ramphal has emerged winner of the Banks Chutney Monarch held on Sunday night at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two. He gained 355 points for his performance – a narrow win by just 11 points from the second-place winner, Bunty Singh. Having heard of his success, tears flowed from his eyes as he entered the stage

and dropped on his knees. It was indeed a proud moment for the father of one, that even as the crowd was cheering him, he could not stop crying. Ramphal won himself $1M in cash and two airfare tickets to any Caribbean Airlines destination. His performance amazed the judges when he sang, “Rang Ke Bhare Main Bhool Jao - Forget about your colour and let’s live in love”. During his performance, creativity was displayed as his team showcased props that sent the

message of diversity. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle immediately after his win, Ramphal said that Guyana is beautiful but citizens need to end racism. He therefore called on Guyanese to live in love and unity in moving Guyana forward. Ramphal is the second place winner for the 2019 Soca Monarch and also third place winner in 2018 Chutney competition. Bunty Singh, 2016 Chutney winner, sought to defend his 2018 title by putting on an energetic performance on

Winner of the Banks Chutney Monarch, Stephen Ramphal

Bunty Singh, second place winner performing on stage

Pooran Seeraj performing

stage when he sang “Polourie - Light up the Chuha”. He copped second place gaining 344 points, with a cash prize of $600,000. Singh is a seasoned singer, songwriter and producer. With much experience he owns his own recording studio in Berbice. He has been singing for a number of years and has assisted a lot of budding artists to produce their songs locally. Third Place winner, Pooran Seeraj, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, said that this year’s competition was very challenging and commented that he has seen that the standard is rising when it comes to Chutney music in Guyana. Seeraj was the Chutney Monarch of Guyana in 2014 and second place winner in 2016. His song was entitled “GT Larki”, and is about his real-life experience in New Delhi India. Putting out a very talented performance was fourth place winner, Arijit Singh, who gained 228 points in the competition. He outshone nine other contestants with his song entitled “Ring on the Lucknee”. Singh is a young devoted singer who started signing at his mandir. He is very versed in the art form and has ventured into chutney since he wants to make his listeners happy with his music. He won himself $200,000 Guyana dollars. Other contestants included Hamesh Rhyna called ‘Entertainer V Star’ with his song – “My dreams”; Christopher Ramphal with

his song – “Sundar Larki”; Sasnaayan Hitnarayan also called “Prince HTN” with his song – “Love and Unity”; Chandarpaul Nathoo with his song – “Mash 49”; Deonarine Balkissoon also called “Nishal B” with his song – “I Proud to be a Guyanese”, Goonwattie Harrynarine and also called “Amrita” with her song – “Dulaha Dulahin”. The competition was judged based on rendition, intonation, musical arrangements, presentation, attire, showmanship, crowd appeal, melody (originality), and construction. The competition was judged by Ganesh Mahipaul, Uma Bux, Ravi D Mohan, Aubrey Adolphus, with the chief judge being Sean Bhola. Convenor, Miss Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud, said in her view all the contestants were winners and admired their efforts throughout the competition. She made mention especially on the point of creativity and initiative displayed by the contestants in the props and back up dancers. The Chutney show was emceed by Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud and comedian, Ravin Tiwari. The singers were backed by the Shakti Strings Band. The show was made possible through the Ministry of Presidency, Department of Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the private sector as part of Mashramani activities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 19, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

BCB/Shimron Hetmyer Intermediate tournament....

RHTPepsi, Albion Community Centre among victorious teams THE Berbice Cricket Board’s Shimron Hetmyer Intermediate tournament bowled off on Sunday last with several matches. Among the teams registering victories were defending champions Rose Hall Town Pepsi, Albion Community Centre, Whim National, No.73 Young Warriors, Dukestown Cricket Club, D’Edward Cricket Club, Skeldon Titans Cricket Club, No.72 All Stars Cricket Club, No. 43 Scorpion and No. 72 Cut and Load. RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: At Chesney: Albion Community Centre Cricket Club defeated Chesney Cricket Club by 63 runs in a match reduced to 22 overs per side. Albion Community Centre 185-7. Kandasammy Surjunarine 58, Sarwan Chaitnarine 33 and Adrian Sukwah 19. D. Harilall 5 for 34. Chesney Cricket Club in reply were bowled out for 122 all out in 18.3 overs. Ricky Amoi 35, A. Gajabi 18, S. Bacchus 17. Sharaz Ramcharran 6 for 20, Kevin Umroa 2 for 21. At Albion: Rose Hall Town Pepsi thrashed Kildonan Cricket Club by 182 runs in a match reduced to 32 overs. Rose Hall Town Pepsi 226-4. Junior Sinclair 62, Jonathan Rampersaud 50, Kevlon Anderson 34, Shawn Pereira 20 not out. Kildonan Cricket Club 34 all out in 13.2 overs. Kevin Sinclair 9 for 13. At No. 73 Ground: No. 73 Young Warriors defeated Scottsburg United by 130 runs. No. 73 Young Warriors Cricket Club 228 all out in 34.5 overs. Lakeram Latchman 32, Aftab Moneer 82 and Odraj Singh 39. M. Raghuraj 4 for 53 and B. Tulsie 3 for 10. Scottsburg United Cricket Club 98 all out in 22.4 overs. Akthar Nahar 37, Calvin Cort 21

not out. Lakeram Latchman 3 for 10, Azad Mohamed 4 for 10, Rajesh Bishnauth 3 for 15. At No. 48 Ground: Dukestown Cricket Club defeated No. 48 Challengers. Dukestown Cricket Club 291 all out in 38 overs. Errol Byass 68, Budram Sukhdeo 71, Clavern Beresford 28. Munesh Lalu 5 for 37. S. Baijnauth 2 for 37 and Delvin Baldeo 2 for 33. No. 48 Challengers Cricket Club made 161. Balram Persaud 26, Devin Baldeo 37, Munesh Lalu 29. Clavern Beresford 2 for 50. At Crabwood Creek: Skeldon Titans defeated Crabwood Creek Cricket Club by five wickets. Crabwood Creek Cricket Club 117 all out in 32 overs. Darshan Challitar 40, Sherwin Murray 3 for 27, Fascid Bacchus 3 for 4, C. Felix 2 for 21. Skeldon Titans Cricket Club 118-5 in 18.3 overs. Gagendra Ramnarine 31, Zerkeel Gordon 18. Devendra Tamessar 3 for 29. At No. 70 Ground: No. 72 All Stars defeated No. 70 M.Y.O Cricket Club by seven wickets. No. 70 M.Y.O. Cricket Club 189 all out in 35 overs. Jameel Asad 31, Niaz Khan 67, Permeshwar Chatterpaul 3 for 39, Pradeep Gobin 3 for 31.No. 72 All Star Cricket Club 193-3 in 29 overs. Soamdat Singh 136 (13x4, 10x6) and Mahendra Bhoj 43. Abbes Khan 2 for 36, Niazi Khan 2 for 19. No. 72 Cut and Load defeated No. 79 Spartan Cricket Club by 20 runs. No. 72 Cut and Load 95 all out in 21.3 overs. D. Jaggernauth 26, Victor Pedro 27. Omesh Khemraj 3 for 16, Omesh Mathura 2 for 16. Naeem Yacoob 2 for 9. No. 70 Spartan Cricket Club 75 all out 18.4 overs. Rayan Yacoon 22, victor Pedro 5 for 37 and D. Jaggernauth 4 for 16. At No. 43 Ground: No.

Impressive Crawford takes 1st Leg of Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Road Race ROMELLO Crawford carried his good form from last weekend to Sunday’s first leg of the Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Road Race by winning in front of his Berbician fans in the Ancient County. The young cyclist was impressive in the 46-mile first stage, riding solo to victory following a late attack to hold off the breakaway riders. Crawford crossed the finish line in one hour, 46 minutes and 59 seconds to take the race which began at Springlands and ended on

Main Street, New Amsterdam. Heading into the second stage, Crawford will retain a 21-second lead on his nearest rivals, Andre ‘Padlock’ Green and Briton John while Andrew Hicks, Geron Williams and Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith are 25 seconds off the lead respectively. The race will continue on Sunday (February 24) from the Mining Town (Linden) to Georgetown with the second stage which rolls off at 07:00hrs and will cover a tor-

rid 65 miles. On the same day at 14:00hrs, the third and final leg (30 miles) begins at Georgetown, proceeds to Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara and back to the point of origin for the finish As has been the case over the years, the race is sponsored by The Forbes Burnham Foundation and organised by the Flying Stars Cycling Club. Prizes and trophies will be up for grabs in the Open, Junior and Veteran categories respectively. FROM BACK PAGE

Semenya appeal against IAAF testosterone rule begins

Shimron Hetmyer

43 Scorpion Cricket Club defeated Yakusari Caribs Cricket Club by 82 runs. No. 43 Scorpion Cricket Club 134 all out in 22.2 overs. A. Grant 29, N. Drepaul 58. N. Ayana 5 for 6, R. Ayana 2 for 25. C. Ayana 2 for 22. Yakusari Caribs Cricket Club 52 all out in 14.1 overs. M. Havery 4 for 29, Y. Danroop 3 for 13 and B. Deen 3 for 2. At D’Edward: D’Edward Cricket Club defeated Bush Lot United Cricket Club by 24 runs. The match was reduced to 20 overs due to rain. D’Edward Cricket Club 170-3. Devindra Lalsa 42, L. Sookra 52, H. Bridgelall 28, A. Khan 20. S. Bhagwandas 2 for 24. Bush Lot United Cricket Club 146 all out in 19.4 overs. J. Dilchand 56, H. Darson 30, A. Maradek 39. L. Sookra 2 for 6, N. Rampersaud 2 for 28. At Whim:Whim National Cricket Club defeated Fyrish Cricket Club by three wickets. Fyrish Cricket Club 64 all out in 21 overs. S. Roopnarine 14, K. Deonarine 3 for 25, V. Samaroo 2 for 14, R. Drepaul 2 for 8. Whim National Cricket Club 65-7 in 21 overs. K. Deonarine 17, M. Charran 18. K. Subramani 4 for 19. Y. Chinapen 2 for 10.

Under the IAAF rule, female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels would have to race against men or change events unless they took medication to reduce it. Athletes who wanted to compete in those events must take medication for six months, then maintain a low-

er testosterone level. It was intended the new rule would be brought in on 1 November last year, but the legal challenge from Semenya and ASA prompted that to be delayed until 26 March. Speaking in June, Semenya called the proposed rule “unfair”, adding: “I just want to run naturally, the

way I was born.” As an 18-year-old, she was asked to take a gender test but no results have officially been made public. The IAAF denied a report on Thursday that lawyers would argue athletes like Semenya should be classified as male.(BBC Sport) FROM BACK PAGE

Gayle thrilled by Windies Test series success

He is the most experienced member of the squad, with 284 matches, and 23 centuries and nearly 10 000 runs under his belt. With West Indies having not beaten England in a ODI series in 12 years, Gayle hopes he can bring his experience to bear on a successful outcome. “It’s a bit of experience

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coming into play. I’ll be looking to share my experience with the youngsters and just enjoy the next couple months with the West Indies cricket team,” the 39-year-old said. West Indies face England in the second match of the doubleheader at Kensington Oval on Friday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

Finch hails ‘special’ Renegades comeback to win BBL title

MELBOURNE Renegades captain Aaron Finch says his side stuck to their strengths as they pulled

off a remarkable comeback against the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League final.

Runners-up in 2015-16, the Stars looked to be cruising to their maiden BBL crown at 93-0 in response to

Melbourne Renegades celebrate with trophy after beating Melbourne Stars in the BBL final on Sunday

the Renegades’ total of 1455 in Melbourne on Sunday. But a stunning capitulation saw them lose seven wickets for 19 runs in 30 balls, eventually finishing on 132-7 at Marvel Stadium. “It’s exciting, very special,” said Finch, who managed only 13 with the bat. “Our boys were fantastic. I didn’t do a hell of a lot to be fair, it was the guys who executed with bat and ball. “We knew batting first it was going to be so hard to chase any total, you can defend anything. We stuck to our strengths and you just

need one little opening, especially in a final with the pressure on.” Player of the match Dan Christian - previously a winner of the BBL with Brisbane Heat - followed up an unbeaten 38 with bowling figures of 2-33, as well as a pair of catches. He added: “I wasn’t expecting that to be honest, an awesome game from everyone. “The bowlers stuck to it all the way. I was lucky to parachute in at the end. “This is right up there, let’s say it’s the best one! We spend a lot of time together, a great bunch of

blokes.” Despite throwing away their chance at the title, Stars captain Glenn Maxwell was full of praise for his players. “Extremely proud, we played some great cricket this tournament,” he commented. “To fall short at the end is disappointing. “Hopefully we’ll win it next year. Great support, they’ve been brilliant for us. “Congratulations to Renegades, we’ve had some great tussles. “To my boys, I’ve asked a lot of you and you’ve delivered in spades.”

BCB/New Building Society 40 overs cricket...

D’Edward through to quarterfinals

D’Edward Cricket Club easily defeated West Berbice powerhouse, Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club by seven wickets to advance to the quarterfinals of the Berbice Cricket Board sponsored New Building Society 40 overs cricket tournament. Playing at the Cotton Tree Ground, Blairmont Community Centre made 46 all out in 33.1 overs after they were asked to bat first. Nigel Deodat made 57 with five fours and three sixes. He received support from Javed Karim with 40 (3x4, 2x6), while Goverdran Khan

supported with 19. The main bowlers for D’Edward were off-spinner Devindra Lalsa with 3 for 34, left-arm spinner Hemraj Harilall, 2 for 18 and veteran Eon Abdel 3 for 19. D’Edward soon found themselves in trouble at 2 for 2. However, Lakeraj Sookra and the Jaipaul Heeralall then added a match winning 135 for the third-wicket. Sookra top scored with an aggressive 70 (4x4, 6x6) before he was dismissed with just ten runs required. Captain Heeralall was left unbeaten on 60 when victory was achieved.

D’Edward Cricket Club will now play Bush Lot United Cricket Club in one of the quarterfinal game on Saturday at the Bush Lot ground. Young Warriors Cricket Club and Rose Hall Canje will on Sunday at the Canje, Welfare Ground. The winners of both matches will meet in the semifinals. Rose Hall Town Bakewell has already reached the finals after defeated Ramnarine Memorial Cricket Club and No. 72 Cut and Load Cricket Club in the quarterfinal and semifinals respectively.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

Zeeburg and Cornelia Ida to battle in WDCA T20 final ZEEBURG Sports Club and the Cornelia Ida Cricket Club will battle in the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 competition after both sides claimed victories in their semi-final clashes on Sunday last at the Joe Vieira Park ground. Zeeburg, who defeated the Rising Stars Cricket Club (CICC) in the Rising Stars T20 final late January, got past the WDCA 50-over champions Independence Cricket Club in the afternoon after CICC had defeated

Christ Ambassadors in the morning. For Zeeburg, one of the most dominant teams in West Demerara over the last three years, the win against Independence CC was seen as revenge, given that it was that team which got past them in the semi-finals of the 50 over competition last month. Rain had washed out their clash (which had progressed a considerable way), but Zeeburg were unavailable for the rematch, which resulted in Independence gaining a walkover victory

Britain’s Fury signs bumper broadcast deal with ESPN

British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury

(REUTERS) - British heavyweight Tyson Fury has signed a broadcast deal under which his fights will be shown exclusively on ESPN platforms in the United States. No financial details were disclosed, but British newspaper the Daily Mail reported on Monday that the deal was worth 80 million pounds ($103 million), while the BBC reported that it covered Fury’s next five fights. Fury and promoter Frank Warren signed the deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, which has a multiyear contract with ESPN, and the agreement calls for Fury to fight a minimum of two bouts per year in the United States. British broadcaster BT Sport will continue to hold the

into the President’s Cup final—a final which they won. On Sunday, Zeeburg won the toss and opted to take first strike. They raced to 159 in their allotted overs with Ushardeva Balgobin scoring 36, Malcolm Hubbard (34), Mark Jeffers (25) and Ronaldo Renee (23). Off-spinner Reeaz Esau, who grabbed six wickets in the 50-over final, again proved his might when he took 4-29 to lead Independence’s attack. Independence in reply, could not keep up with the run rate and were eventually

rights for Fury’s fights in the UK. “I’m delighted,” Fury said. “With ESPN and BT Sport behind me, the biggest sports platforms in the world are now linked up with the best heavyweight in the world.” The deal with ESPN could have an impact on the 30-yearold’s rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The American has been in negotiations with Fury’s camp over a rematch of their Dec. 1 draw at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, but Wilder has a long-term relationship with rival U.S. television network Showtime. Their bout in December was aired on Showtime in the United States, and the two fighters’ relationships with the rival networks could complicate negotiations over the rematch. Fury, however, said his deal with ESPN would make the Wilder fight easier to set up. “As far as I’m concerned, the fight is more make-able now than ever, because we have the biggest boys in the game behind us,” he told BT Sport on Monday. “I’m only a fighter, I can only fight who they put in front of me. I want the biggest fights - the (Anthony) Joshua’s, the Wilder’s of the world and everybody else out there too.”

routed for 125 in 19.2 overs with V. Dhaniram finishing with 31. Malcolm Hubbard and Jamal Gomes finished with three wickets each for Zeeburg, while Ansar Khan took two. The semi-finals opened with CICC claiming a two-wicket win over Christ Ambassadors. Christ Ambassadors won the toss and batted first. They scored 111, before they were bowled out in 17.2 overs with C. Sam leading the attack with 25 (3x6s). Richard Baker and Muhammed Wazidali combined

Ushardeva Balgobin led Zeeburg Sports Club with the bat.

Richie Looknauth had a good all-round game for Cornelia Ida Cricket Club.

with their right arm seam and left arm orthodox respectively to pick up three wickets each, while former national U-17 cricketer Richie Looknauth and current senior national cricketer Akshaya Persaud supported with 2-30 and 1-4 in that order. In reply, Christ Ambassadors made their oppo-

nents work for their runs, but Looknauth saw his team home. He struck five fours and two sixes in a score of 37, while Persaud added 17 (3x4s) and Naveed Ali made 15 (3x4s). E. Martin and K. Boyce led Christ Ambassadors with three and two wickets respectively.

Why players are ill equipped to play short-pitched bowling these days (By Ian Chappell Cricket commentator for Channel Nine, and a columnist) FOLLOWING the tragically unlucky death of Phillip Hughes when he was struck by a short-pitched delivery, Cricket Australia conducted a review into safety in the game. At the time I asked CA’s CEO, James Sutherland, if that review included batting technique. He was unsure but eventually the answer came back that the review didn’t include technique. The ignorance of that decision is now being exposed as batsmen are regularly being hit in the helmet in all forms of the game. As a result of the review, the knowledge about the damage done to the brain by blows to the head has greatly increased and sensible concussion rules have been put in place. The concussion rules are non-negotiable, and if a batsman is unable to pass the on-field test, he can take no further part in the match. This is even more reason why batting technique in respect to short-pitched deliveries should be given far greater importance. With just a few runs required for victory in a Test but only one wicket in hand, a game can be lost if a batsman is felled by a bouncer. The main reason for more batsmen being hit by

inside the line of the ball unless the original path of the delivery placed the head inside the line. There are players who have no intention of hooking but duck immediately on seeing a short-pitched delivery, and in doing so, take their eyes off the ball. This is inviting trouble, especially if the ball doesn’t bounce as high as expected. These days, there’s an increasing tendency to charge Before helmets, fewer onto the front foot, which sometimes ends up costing players were hit in the head, batsmen (Getty Images) because they had an interest short-pitched bowling is the target rather than relying on in avoiding contact: it was advent of helmets and pro- chance. going to hurt. Therefore tective equipment, and the If a batsman is in posi- they tended to watch the increased amount of T20 tion to move onto the back ball closely to make sure cricket, which has led to a foot once he senses a short- they didn’t get hit. drastic change in batting pitched delivery, he can Players who play the technique. make sure his head is in- hook are rarely hit because Before helmets, batting side the line of the delivery, it’s a difficult shot to play technique was more in- thereby ensuring that even and requires the player to clined to the back foot, suc- if he misses an attempted watch the ball closely. The cinctly summed up by for- hook shot, the ball passes biggest danger for a player mer Australia batsman Stan by harmlessly. Once a play- who hooks is of a top edge McCabe’s edict: “Drive or er’s head is inside the line deflecting the ball onto the play back.” Now there’s of the ball he is far more head. With the increased an increasing tendency to likely to watch the delivery emphasis on fast scoring in charge onto the front foot, closely because he knows the modern game, there’s emboldened by the impres- he has reduced the danger. a tendency to encourage sion that the chances of injuConversely, if a bats- young players to practise ry are severely reduced than man is trying to hook a ball fancy shots like reverse in days past. This change that is unerringly on a line sweeps and scoops. in attitude makes it harder for his head, he is almost My advice would be to to evade short-pitched de- certain to avert his eyes. learn the traditional shots liveries, and this is exacer- This is when trouble oc- first, and, as it could cause bated if the batsman takes curs and it’s more likely to injury and the possible his eyes off the ball. happen when the player has loss of a match, ensure When talking to young prematurely charged onto you know how to deal players about playing short- the front foot. Once the with the short-pitched pitched deliveries, I em- weight is planted firmly on delivery before attemptphasise that it’s better to the front foot, it’s virtually ing to practice any fancy ensure the ball misses the impossible to get the head shots.(ESPN Cricinfo).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

United dump holders Chelsea out of FA Cup to pile pressure on Sarri By Clare Lovell LONDON (Reuters) Manchester United’s Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba headed first-half goals to claim a 2-0 win that dumped FA Cup holders Chelsea out of the competition and secured a place in the quarter-finals in an intense tie at Stamford Bridge on Monday. Spaniard Herrera finished off a fine move with a precise header from Pogba’s cross just past the half-hour and United’s French midfielder scored himself when he nodded powerfully home from a Marcus Rashford delivery before the break. It was a measure of revenge for United, resurgent under interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who lost to Chelsea in last May’s Wembley final under their former boss Jose Mourinho. “It is a beautiful win,” France midfielder Pogba, who had been sidelined under Mourinho, told the BBC. “Today was a great

performance from the Chelsea’s fragteam, all of them... The ile defence was split team helped me get to with crosses from my best. I give everyeither flank. Pogba thing for them. They supplied the first in help me score goals and the 31st minute afget assists. We are enter a fast move down joying playing togeththe left and Herrera er.” ghosted into the box After the game Unitto nod the ball down ed were drawn to face past stranded goalWolverhampton Wankeeper Kepa Arrizaderers at Molineux in balaga. the quarter-finals. Until that mo“An away tie again ment a lively game after Arsenal and Chelhad been evenly sea... We’ll have to do poised, with a host of it the hard way, Wolves chances at either end. are a tough team to play Chelsea’s hopes against,” Solskjaer said. were crushed just “The performance before halftime in a tonight was fantastic, speedy United countour tactics worked. We er down the right, Manchester United’s Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba struck firstasked our midfielders to with Marcus Rashpress higher and get into half goals to claim a 2-0 win that dumped FA Cup holders Chelsea ford crossing for Pogthe box and it worked. out of the competition ... ba to head powerfully The defending in the sechome between defendCity. Chants of “sacked in kick headed for the top corond half was fantastic.” the morning” broke out in ner followed by a stinging ers Cesar Azpilicueta and The fifth round defeat the second half. Antonio Rudiger. shot from Pedro. piled more pressure on United were able to drop Three minutes later ArChelsea coach Maurizio DOUBLE SAVE rizabalaga had to fly to his back and defend after the Sarri, whose side were hamUnited’s Sergio Romero left to keep out a Herrera break, making occasional mered 6-0 last week in the had pulled off a fine double strike. The lively Rashford forays up the pitch but alPremier League by Unit- save in the 11th minute from also kept the Chelsea keeper ways confident of keeping ed’s neighbours Manchester a spinning David Luiz free under constant pressure. an increasingly toothless

UG bounce back to beat MSC AFTER suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat on Saturday against Everest, the University of Guyana (UG) bounced back nicely to beat Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) by seven wickets in the penultimate

round of the New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-overs tournament on Sunday. Batting first after winning the toss, MSC made 219 for nine in their allotted overs with opener Stephon

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday February 19, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) Jason Holder - 229 runs (2) Ben Stokes - 186 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI bowler took most wickets in the justconcluded WI/ENG Test series? (2) Which England bowler claimed most wickets in the series? Answer in tomorrow's issue

Browne top scoring with 37 while Nichosie Barker and Joseph Cupidore both contributed 30 to the total. Bowling for UG, off-spinner Dennis Heywood claimed 2-32, Yekin Favorite (2-53) and Devon Paul (2-45). The run chase was then spearheaded by former national youth batsman, Omesh Danram, who made an unbeaten 89 with eight fours and four sixes. His effort saw the students reaching 221 for three inside the 26 overs. The right-handed Danram shared in a 155 runstand with Linden Austin who made 57, inclusive of five fours and a six. The pair came together with the score on 55-2. Godfrey Thakurdin contributed 33 to the winning total. Skipper Nichosie Barker (1-41), Marcus Watkins (1-40) and Delon Dalrymple (1-31) were the wicket-takers for MSC.

Chelsea attack at bay. The home side’s best chance of the half came in the 63rd minute when Eden Hazard, reportedly a target for Real Madrid, jinked his way through, only for the Belgian’s shot to be expertly diverted by United defender Victor Lindelof. The home fans jeered Sarri’s like-for-like substitutions. The Italian has been criticised for stubbornly sticking to his tactics and failing to change games. United, on the other hand, looked like a team on a mission, playing for their coach and each other and brimming with the confidence that comes from turning an ailing season around. Their only reverse since Norwegian Solskjaer took over was last week’s Champions League home defeat by Paris St Germain. The contrast was reflected in the boos from some Chelsea supporters at the final whistle, while a jubilant Solskjaer celebrated with his players in front of the travelling fans.

Ramdhani taking Alberta, Canada by storm GUYANA’s top male Badminton player, Narayan Ramdhani, made history for the Kings Eagles University Badminton team when he won the gold medal in the men singles at the 2018-2019 ACAC Provincial championship, which was played at the Concordia University in Edmonton, Alberta. He will now represent the Province of Alberta at the National Championship in Nova Scotia in March 2019. Narayan, seeded No.2, won in a tense three-setter against Nicolas Pittman of Concordia, with Narayan losing the first game at 16-21. However, he came back in the last two games 2117, 21-17 to win the match. Only two weeks ago Narayan lost to Nicolas Pitman in the finals at the ACAC third tournament, so this win was a great come back for him as he spent the last two weeks in intense training. Narayan had also won the first and second tournament which was played at Kings University & Nait College.

Guyana’s top male Badminton player, Narayan Ramdhani

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 19, 2019

Windies need more consistency from top order batsmen - Bishop By Andrew Both (REUTERS) - Former West Indies bowler Ian Bishop took pride in his former team’s recent Test series win over England, and thinks the current crop is “filled with possibilities” enough to climb up the rankings and put a smile back on the face of Caribbean fans. Despite the unexpected 2-1 win in the three-Test series, West Indies remain eighth in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, bottom of the sport’s traditional powers. The series against England showed that West Indies has depth in fast bowling, but Bishop identified two glaring deficiencies that need to be rectified for the team to have further success. “They are looking for a

spinner to be developed and want more consistency for the top-order batting,” the Trinidadian said in a telephone interview with Reuters ahead of the five-game one-day international series that starts tomorrow. “From speaking with one or two of the people involved with the team, they are very aware of certain areas of the game that need to be rectified.” West Indies played the Tests against England without a specialist spinner, though allrounder Roston Chase took eight wickets in the first test, which West Indies won by 381 runs. They followed up with a 10-wicket win in the second Test, though it could have been a far different story had Jason Holder not won the toss and sent England in on a green wicket.

West Indies openers John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite got the team off to decent starts with partnerships in excess of 50 in all but one innings, but the rest of the top order proved brittle and inconsistent. Shai Hope was out cheaply three times in five innings and his back-to-back centuries at Leeds in 2017 are a distant memory, although Bishop said he was a “phenomenal talent”. “During the (recent) series, and even last year, batting on seamer-friendly pitches, he is getting beaten on the outside of the bat and inside of the bat,” said Bishop, now a respected television commentator in the Caribbean. “He has to decide how best he can position himself at the crease and allow the ball to come to him, because

he is reaching for the ball. He will overcome it. He just needs reps. I think he’s an investment.” Stylish left-hander Darren Bravo, back in the team after a two-year absence following a dispute with administrators, also failed in four of his five innings but with a batting average of more than 38, Bishop said he only needs time to “integrate himself” back into test cricket. Chase also had three failures, balanced by an unbeaten century in the final Test, while Shimron Hetmyer made 81 in the first Test but then fell away. WORKLOAD MANAGED Hetmyer’s problems may stem from a heavy schedule, with the 22-year-old still due to play in the IPL and Bishop said his workload needed

Shimron Hetmyer, an integral part of Windies Test team

to be managed over the next year. “Particularly for next six to eight months, his cricket must be managed,” Bishop said. “He’s an integral part of the Test match team, growing quickly as a batsmen. “Problem is that for such a young kid he is good in all formats of the game. In order to keep fresh, he has to be managed. It could mean time off. If he were to play every game, that’s a lot of cricket.” Bishop thinks West Indies could rise in the Test rankings, particularly with Holder at the helm, but the days of the team that dom-

inated the 1970s and early 1980s are over. “Jason Holder is very important to the team as a player and a leader,” Bishop said. “He has a leadership aura about him that I don’t know everyone sees. “No team can go from number eight to number one or two in a year or two, but that is certainly the route that they should aim to travel. “When I look at the batting of all the teams in world cricket, India and New Zealand are probably the two strongest batting units. “All other teams are susceptible.”

Thrilling clashes lined up in Tang and Dayaram top rivals as ‘Magnum Mash Futsal Round of 16 GuyanaNRA Smallbore section

is Money and arguably Guyana’s most successful futsal team, Sparta Boss, have been just as thorough. Bent Street’s round of 16 assignment comes in the form of Stabroek Ballers, who have had an up and down tournament thus far; that being said, Bent Street are the clear favourites to progress to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Gold is Money come up against Melanie and will feel they have a favourable draw, but anything can happen come Action in the Magnum Mash Futsal game time. Also favourites to championship at the National Gymnasium. progress beyond the round of 16 tie is last year’s finalists, Sparta Boss, who THE Magnum Mash Futsal tournament heads into the round of 16 stage this eve- face North East La Penitence. Led by their talismanic captain Okeene ning at the National Gymnasium with the top two teams from each group heading into Fraser, Leopold Street have drawn the toughest clash of the round of 16 in Future Stars; it action. Defending champions Bent Street have is a match-up that is highly anticipated as the been impressive throughout the group stage Future Stars also boast their own talisman in and are yet to show signs of faltering while William Europe. The remaining fixtures will see the high other stalwarts such as Leopold Street, Gold octane Ansa McAl All-Stars face Buxton Diamond while Sophia will clash with Broad Street, Showstoppers ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES: tackle Tigerbay and North Ruimveldt take on Back Circle. AnsaMcAl vs Buxton Diamond Action begins at 19:00hrs toShowstoppers vs Tiger Bay night at the National Gymnasium. Sophia vs Broad Street The winners will grab $600,000, Gold is Money vs Melanie while the second and third placed Bent Street vs Stabroek Ballers teams will pocket $350,000 and $200,000 respectively. Back Circle vs North Ruimveldt Sparta Boss vs North East Leopold Street vs Future Stars La Penitence

shoots with .22 Pistol competition

Top performers of Guyana NRA Smallbore section display medals

THE Smallbore Section of the Guyana National Rifle Association shot off its calendar events for this year last Saturday with a .22 Pistol competition at the Tactical Services Unit Range, Eve Leary. Emerging as the best shots in the senior and junior categories were Michael Tang and Satya Dayaram. Tang accumulated 195 points along with 14 VBulls to win a close contest from Chad Melville who tallied 193 points and 11 VBulls; third was Surujbali Persaud with 191 points and 8 VBulls. Dayaram was well ahead of his challengers as he tallied 181 points and 5 VBulls; Vivian Crandon followed in second place with 167 points and 2 Vs while the third place was occupied by Royland Fraser with 164 points and 4 VBulls. Competitors shot from 5m, 7m, 10m, 12m and 15m distances.

Gayle thrilled by Windies Test series success

Chris Gayle goes through catching practice at Kensington Oval ahead of the opening ODI against England.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Veteran Chris Gayle says he is thrilled with the Test series win over England in the recent three-match series and hopes that success can it used as a motivation for the one-day rubber which bowls off here tomorrow. West Indies, entering the series as rank underdogs, trounced England in the opening two Tests to reclaim the coveted Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade. They lost the final Test last week in St Lucia as the series finished 2-1. “We had a great Test series. That was one of the greatest things happening in the last 10 years,” said Gayle, who oversaw the last Wisden Trophy success back in 2009 when his West Indies side won a five-match series,

1-0 in the Caribbean. “I was the captain in the last home series [to beat England] and to see Jason Holder lifting that trophy is fantastic and hopefully we as a unit can get the better of England here in the ODI series. “England is always dangerous in ODI cricket as well. They have a great all-round team so it’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be a rollover so I’m looking forward to some great cricket from both teams.” Gayle is returning to the ODI squad for the first time in seven months, after missing tours of India and Bangladesh in the latter half of last year.

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Semenya appeal against IAAF Impressive Crawford takes 1st testosterone rule begins Leg of Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Road Race See Page 23

Caster Semenya arrives at Monday’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne

Romello Crawford took the first leg of the Burnham Memorial Three-Stage Road Race.

OLYMPIC 800m champion Caster Semenya’s appeal against a regulation restricting testosterone levels in female runners began on Monday as the head of world athletics again defended the rule. South African Semenya, 28, is seeking to overturn the regulation at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). But IAAF president Lord Coe said it would “protect the sanctity of fair and open competition”. The case will be heard until Friday, with a verdict expected by 29 March. Before the hearing, Semenya’s law-

yers and Athletics South Africa (ASA) accused the IAAF of breaching confidentiality regulations by releasing a list of five expert witnesses who will testify on its behalf. “Semenya believes the IAAF press release is a clear breach of the confidentiality provisions that was orchestrated in an effort to influence public opinion in circumstances where the IAAF knew that Semenya would not be prepared to respond because she was complying with her confidentiality obligations,” her lawyers said. “As a matter of fairness, Semenya raised

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this issue with the CAS and has been granted permission to publicly release information responding to the IAAF press release‚ including disclosing the experts who are testifying in support of Semenya’s case.” Athletics’ governing body responded by saying it was within its rights to make the witness list public. “CAS left the decision for all parties to release their witness list to the parties involved,” the IAAF said. “This was agreed.”

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019