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Guyanese author Sir Wilson Harris 04 passes on PAGE

Pegasus prepares for oil boom No. 105208

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

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–– launches US$100M hotel expansion project

Empty 03 rhetoric

Fire rips through Pike Street

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–– Greenidge says criticisms fail to look at oil contract in its entirety

Joe Singh is new UG 05 pro-chancellor PAGE

No bail for 09 Coen Jackson PAGE

An all-female group of choral presenters address the negative stereotypes affecting women and expressed their desire to reach for greatness nonetheless at the “I am Woman” cultural programme held at Parc Rayne Inn, Rahaman's Park, Houston, East Bank Demerara on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photo)

‘Dream big’ –– First Lady urges women, as dreams do have a way of coming true

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UG clears 10-acre plot for 03 law school PAGE

Honouring our women

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

The men of the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday treated the ladies with cake, wine and a rose each in observance of International Womenâ€™s Day. In this Samuel Maughn photo, the ladies led by General Manager Moshamie Ramotar,second left front row, pose for a photo moment

Empty rhetoric

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

–– Greenidge says criticisms fail to look at oil contract in its entirety By Lisa Hamilton

ACTING President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge says that there is “little substance” to negative claims being made against the petroleum contract signed between the government and ExxonMobil. The acting president made the comment as he chastised a media house for working against the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity. Coming out of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Summit 2018 held at the Marriott Hotel, Greenidge said news agencies needed to ensure they understood the business of oil and gas before reporting on it. “I saw, for example, a newspaper report comparing us to Ghana and if a news-

paper does not understand the difference between profit-sharing and an arrangement that has a royalty plus normal or near normal profit tax, then it shouldn’t be involved in such discussions,” the foreign affairs minister stated. He highlighted the contributions of Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development, Dr Clive Thomas to the oil and gas discussions, stating that Ghana’s oil contract which, for the past few weeks, has been compared to Guyana’s in the media should be looked in its entirety rather than having portions of it picked out. “I invite you to have a look at his contributions … on petroleum and gas and you will see… that you cannot simply take an agreement fashioned by one country and compare it, mindlessly, to others; take a bit, an element

out of one and compare it elsewhere. You have to look at the specifics,” Greenidge said. He then pointed out that the physical circumstances play a role in the differences between two contracts and that other issues specific to Guyana must be taken into consideration when analysing the agreements. “Offshore isn’t just offshore. Offshore can mean just offshore (a short distance away) or it can mean deep sea. For example, our oil petroleum reserves are quite far out into deep waters. It requires a lot of investment. There are a lot of risks involved because you may know the oil is there but to get it out is another problem. “We face special problems. Both of our neighbours have, at various points, used force against those who are trying to help us develop

those resources. All of those things have to be taken into account,” said Greenidge. On that note, he rebuked one media house for the way it has been reporting on Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector, stating that there are similarities between these reports and that of another state which threatens Guyana’s territory. “Whilst nobody can object to critique, criticism or question, some of this is irresponsible and you could see some of them linked very closely. One newspaper, in particular, (is) pursuing policies which, if you look at them closely are identical to those that are being put out by one of our neighbours who is very much interested in stopping the work of Exxon offshore,” Greenidge said. “Now, why should one of our newspapers be carrying a policy along those lines? The

Acting President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge (Adrian Narine photo) petroleum analysis they’re supposed to be carrying out should be no different from the commentaries in relation to our territorial integrity and we have to look at that,” he said The government has established that it will not

renege on the oil contract signed with ExxonMobil while the Cabinet has since approved the establishment of a Department of Energy within the Ministry of the Presidency for the management of the looming petroleum sector.

UG clears 10-acre plot for law school … Construction cost pegged at US$6M THE University of Guyana Council has approved 10 acres of land to be used by the government to construct the Joseph Haynes Law School and Attorney General Basil Williams said that plans are well advanced to establish the facility. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, said that the matter regarding the allocation of land for the JOF law school was dealt with at their recent council meeting and the decision was made to allocate 10 acres of land to move forward with the construction of the law school. Asked about the financial arrangements for the use of the land, Professor Griffith said: “One of the realities of the university is by virtue, the gift that precludes us from renting or selling land. There will be no rent charged. Our expectations are that services would be funded by the host and services for maintenance would also be honoured by the host.” He added that the dynamics is between the AG and the governing body “so we cannot speak about the timeline for construction

Attorney General Basil Williams but the AG is anxious to get moving, but they have to wait on the organisers at that end as to when construction will begin”. Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that key stakeholders of the projects have already acquired a building plan and designs for the facility which is proposed to be 50,000 sq. ft with three floors. He said construction of the facility is estimated at US$6M. Williams had recently reassured that the school will be opened here. The APNU+AFC coalition government in January last year announced the project. The project comes

after some two decades of lobbying for an alternative to the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. The JOF Haynes Law School is being established through a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Guyana, the Law School of the Americas (LCA) and the University College of the Commonwealth (UCC) and will add to the existing options available to holders of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and who intend to pursue their Legal Education Certificate (LEC). A timeline of 2018 was set for establishment of the local institution and according to the attorney general, whether or not the time line is met, a local law school will be established. “It is a complex issue … we have to have a law school and whether people are putting up obstacles and so, the obstacles will have to be broken down,” Williams told reporters recently. He explained that Guyanese students are faced with hefty sums they have to pay along with the small quota

The proposed design for the front of the law school building of students accepted into the Hugh Wooding Law School. These matters are of concern to his administration. Guyanese students have struggled with the system that allows them entry to the Hugh Wooding Law School and only late last year Williams was able to secure a collaborative agreement between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council for Legal Education (CLE) and UG, paving the way for the top 25 Guyanese law students to have automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Back in December last year Williams had said that he had written the Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, for him to identify the land that Chancellor Desiree Bernard had in early 2001, 2002 identified. He said the decision was made then that the building on the University of Guyana (UG) Campus.” At an earlier meeting Williams, along with the task force looking into the establishment of the Joseph Haynes Law School of the Americas, had met to examine the provisions in the

Revised Business Plan of the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), one of the Jamaican Partners in the Public/Private Partnership intended to establish the law school. The business plan was submitted pursuant to a MoU entered into between the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), Law College of the Americas (LCA) and the Government of Guyana (GoG), which contained a provision for a feasibility study to be done to determine the viability of establishing the law school.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Guyanese author Sir Wilson Harris passes on GUYANESE author and poet, Sir Wilson Harris of Chelmsford, England has passed on, Professor Nigel Harris, Chancellor of the University of Guyana has announced. In a statement Professor Harris said over a period of 50 years, beginning in 1960, the celebrated author had written 26 novels, numerous works of poetry, essays and speeches. In 1987, his novel--Da Silva da Silva--was adapted for a film produced by Tariq Ali of Bandung Productions for Channel 4 in the UK. Perhaps his most cited works are his first four novels: Palace of the Peacock (1960), The Far Journey of Oudin (1961), The Whole Armour ( 1962) and the Secret Ladder (1963), all published by Faber and Faber, which has published all 26 of his novels. In re-

cent years, Faber and Faber has re-issued the Guyana Quartet in a single volume.

the magic and mythology of its people. While in Guyana, he was close to other

Sir Wilson Harris

According to Harris, Sir Wilson attended Queens College in Guyana from 1932 –1937. During the years 1945 to 1959, he worked as a land surveyor, primarily in the vast hinterland of Guyana where he interacted often with the indigenous people who lived there. It is this experience that influenced the imagery of his writing imbued with

Guyanese literary figures such as Martin Carter, A.J. Seymour, Ivan Van Sertima and Sidney King (Eusi Kwayana). He emigrated to England in 1959 and lived there until his passing. He had been the recipient of several awards, including the Guyana Prize for Literature (1987 and 2002), The Premio Mondello dei Cinque Conti-

nenti award (1992), The A i n s f e l d - Wo l f B o o k Award(2014) and honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies(1984) and University of Liege in Belgium(2001). In 2010, he was awarded the Honour of Knighthood for services to Literature by Queen Elizabeth. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature on more than one occasion. Some of his original manuscripts are stored in the Harry Ramsen Collection at the University of Texas in Austin. His writing is sometimes described as complex, but Michael Gilkes in a 1970 article entitled “The Art of the Extremity” writes as follows: “One is aware of a remarkable intellect behind the quality of connectedness that runs throughout Harris’ work. Novels, poems, es-

says, talks, all appear ultimately to explore the same main ideas; the need for a “new vision of consciousness”, a new “dimension of feeling”; the universal creative quality of personal experience when it is “authentic”; the latent associative possibilities in a fiction of “implosions”…. Harris appeals to the open-minded, imaginative reader, and accepts the risk (much as C.G. Jung did with the field of psychology) of being dismissed as “obscure” or “eccentric” In a 1987 interview with Moira Paterson (London, Observer magazine, 14 June 1987) (2), Wilson Harris emphasized the universality of human beings. He is quoted as saying, “Our humanity is impoverished when we seize on either tradition or identity… I am

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not interested in a multi-cultural community but in a cross-cultural community, in ways in which a myth in one can find parallels in the other. I look to create a kind of community that has a literacy of the imagination in it, that can unlock polarisations and fanaticisms that bedevil us”. In the same interview, Moira Paterson (2) remarked, “He speaks as he writes, in organic images of such astounding force and fecundity that the listener can only grasp some of the evolving ideas and hope to hang on”. Sir Wilson was pre-deceased in 2010 by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Harris. He is survived by four children: E. Nigel, Alexis, Denise and Michael Harris, 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

UG wants apolitical council - to lessen members, submit reviewed Acts, Statutes to Education Ministry

By Navendra Seoraj THE University of Guyana (UG) is moving to depoliticise its 26-member council in order to ensure that political biases do not affect the affairs of the tertiary institution. Management of the university wants to assemble people who have the abilities and skills to contribute meaningfully to the university in terms of oversight of strategic planning, financial management and policy making, said Chancellor of the university, Professor Nigel Harris. “Our view is that over the years of the university of Guyana, the council itself was politicised and indeed political biases did not only affect the affairs of council but they did affect other management decisions within the context of the university,” the Chancellor lamented while speaking to reporters during a press conference at the university’s Education Lecture Theatre on Thursday. Over the past 18 months, a team led by Professor Lawrence Carrington conducted an assessment and review of UG’s Acts and Statutes. The team compiled a proposal which was submitted to the management of the uni-

versity during the first annual business meeting of the UG council on Thursday. Although the consideration of the proposal is still ongoing, the Chancellor said

broad-based Guyana community without the specifications within the existing Act,” he explained. Their intent is not to do away with politics completely

Chancellor of UG, Professor Nigel Harris

the same time will be independent in terms of oversight and enabling management of the affairs to occur under the egis of the managers. “The problem that existed previously is that the separation between oversight and management was not always there and the bodies doing the oversight would usually get involved in university business to the detriment of the university,” the Chancellor lamented. As part of the revision that was conducted by Professor

Joe Singh is new UG pro-chancellor

Captain 1970; Major 1972; Lieutenant Colonel 1975; Colonel 1979; Brigadier 1986; and Major General 1999. He is also a graduate of the University of Guyana (Public Administration), the UK Royal College of Defence Studies (Post Graduate - International Relations and Strategic Studies), and of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Greenwich University, UK (MSc in Tourism and Protected Landscape Management).

during his tenure. “I intend to do my utmost in the interest of the university by being a team player… it was indeed an honour to have been elected as pro-chancellor,” said Singh. Singh in 1956 won a Government County Scholarship to Queen’s College where he completed his secondary education and after a short stint in the civil service, was among the first batch of Guyanese selected by the British Army in 1965 to attend an officer cadet training in the UK, in preparation for the establishment of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) of independent Guyana. He is a graduate of Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot (1966); the School of Infantry,

Warminster (1970); the Army School of Education, Beaconsfield (1970); the Army Free Fall Parachute School, Netheravon (1970); the Army Staff College, Camberley (1977); and the Royal College of Defence Studies, Belgrave Square, UK (1995). His service as a commissioned officer spanned 34 years commencing as a Second Lieutenant on June 4, 1966; Lieutenant 1968;

Carrington, he explained that their intent is to revisit the construction of the council and reduce the number of persons within the council but maintain the effectiveness and

Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

but to create a way to remain responsible to the Parliament and people of Guyana without direct political intrusion. In order to maintain their political obligation, Harris pointed out that the council will ensure that arrangements are made for a report on the activities and finances of the university to be submitted to Parliament. “The point is that we are aiming to have a university that can be efficient and effective but still accountable to the Government

MAJOR General (Ret’d) Joe Singh was elected pro-chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) by the university’s council on Thursday. Singh replaced Bibi Shadick who had served in the position for a number of years. UG Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday. A pro-chancellor is an officer of some universities in Commonwealth countries. The pro-chancellor also acts as a deputy to the chancellor and is practically the chairman of the university council. Singh said he is ready to work in the best interest of the team of managers and the university

they want to identify and bring talented individuals to the university instead of designating political groups to be represented since it has not served the university as well as it can. “The proposal is not final but we expect that there will be representation from the ministries of finance and education…we want to do away with the whole question of representation of political parties and other entities… there are still mechanisms proposed to get the input of the

and people of Guyana,” said Harris. UG, he said, intends to create a council that is going to be responsive and responsible to the people of Guyana but at

efficiency of the organisation. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor and Vice Chancellor are also under review. Prior to the review of the Act and Statutes, he said they had not been revised in a major way since the establishment of the university in 1963. Harris believes that

the policies and regulations are outdated and need to be improved in order for the university to be modernised. Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith echoed the sentiments of the Chancellor, especially with regards to the depoliticising of the council. He explained that their intent is to reduce the vulnerability of the university’s operation to political intrusion into the management. “The work done by the committee was not only the view of what happens in Guyana but as the university builds its maturity it has to look at other governance structures,” said Professor Griffith. The vice chancellor as such highlighted that the conversation does not end as yet because there has to be further consultations before they take the proposal of the team to the council and to the Minister of Education before it reaches the National Assembly. Attorney General, Basil Williams is also expected to review the draft proposal before it is submitted to the National Assembly, said Griffith.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Culture must not restrict rights of women THE story of Malala Yosafzai is well known. It was one that shocked the world for the sheer savagery of the attack on a very young Pakistani teenaged girl who dared defy the Taliban’s medieval orders that girls do not need an education, and should remain at home. She defied such a negative, and almost paid with her life for such bravery beyond her young years. Her subsequent battle for survival from life threatening injuries, and eventual triumph over the ordeal, won her worldwide acclaim, marveling at the stand that she took against a terrorist group whose dark, archaic rule in Afghanistan had left a country denuded of many of its historical heritage. She has since become

an activist of iconic status, being a co-winner—the youngest--of the Nobel Peace Prize; authoring her biography; and is a student at the University of Oxford, England. The horrific attack on Malala highlights the grave plight of women in general, but illustrates how some religious cultures are employed in the suppression of women’s rights in some regions of the world. It is undeniable that cultures and customs, of which religion is the pervasive influence, are a guide as to how most humans do live, as it governs their inter–familial relations, and even those with their own kinsmen, and with others unrelated to their way of life. Its various edicts outline the daily conduct of those who are its products. Importantly,

it defines the specific roles for male and female. Of course, we subscribe to the right of every people to live in accordance with their particular culture, as it is their inalienable right. However, we also submit that it would seem to be an anachronism that in a world that has undergone so many groundbreaking changes over the past 100 years or more, that there are cultures which rulers continue to use to subjugate the basic freedoms of their people, particularly women. How can one explain the contradiction in a society that embraces modern technologies as a way for improved daily living, but which culture gives the man the right anytime to a divorce, once he does a verbal ritual, and his wife cannot respond? Or stipu-

lates that she must avoid turning around, but must always look down? Or that she should not speak in a loud voice? These are some rules that are simply archaic, having no time or place in a world where all humans, inclusive of women, ought to be able to have the same rights to legal representation as men; as well as being entitled to make any physical movement of the body in any direction, as males do; and where the manner or tone of verbal expression is unrestricted. It is even more contradictory that a woman who suffers sexual abuse in some societies, are often prosecuted as being responsible for such a violation to their person. In these societies, the right to vote for the elected leader of choice is not restricted

to women, yet women have no say in pivotal issues that affect their womanhood and general wellbeing. Any culture that is premised by any such restrictions, under the guise of religion is clearly repressive, and cannot contribute to the moral and spiritual growth over those that it is intended as a guide, particularly women. Moreover, its many rules/laws continue to inflict the worst kind of mental and physical abuse, often resulting in a self- distorted view of womanhood, and the world at large. This is a denial, and

destruction, of human rights for any woman who is entitled to the same rights for living as her male counterpart. Any abrogation of this cardinal principle cannot be progress in the new millennium. It is for these reasons that Malala Yosafzai, as a woman, decided to persevere for an education, no doubt to escape the mental and physical imprisonment of such a culture. The price that she almost paid underlines the tragic circumstance in which tens of millions of women in some regions of the world still exist.

Guyanese willing to partner with government in mental health care Dear Editor, THE Stabroek News editorial of March 2nd repeated that inaccurate 44% suicide rate which, unlike other rates for that or any other year, had the globally unreported 25% factored in, according to the WHO, and was thus an anomaly, as indicated below. Thus that BBC video that was referenced in the editorial contains inaccurate statistics in addition to no in-depth analysis, wrong information about suicide in Guyana, and little mention about the successes in suicide prevention over the years as a result of the hard work of NGOs and activists. As well, the following were not interviewed: suicide survivors; NGOs that do substantive suicide prevention work; counsellors who handle suicidal and suicide survivor cases. And no suicide hotspots were visited. Also, the BBC’s assertion that Guyanese joke about and trivialize suicide is awfully untrue. In fact, having done work

in six of the ten regions in Guyana over the past four years, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) can testify that Guyanese take suicide very seriously. A survey commissioned by TCV in 2016 found that 96% of Guyanese were willing to engage in suicide prevention if provided with the requisite training. It should also be noted that Guyana is not unique with respect to more female suicide attempts as against more male suicide deaths; this is the global reality, known as the gender paradox in suicide. Incidentally, we once again urge all media to not use the word ‘commit’ when referring to suicide because of its negative connotations. Experts and activists globally suggest ‘died/death by suicide’, ‘suicide victims’ or ‘suicide deaths’ instead. To bring about significant reduction in suicide, the government, per the WHO recommendation for small economies, needs to fully integrate mental health care into the physical health care system with psy-

chologists in all public hospitals, with easily accessible psychiatric wards in all public hospitals, and periodic visits by psychologists to all satellite clinics and community health centres. As well, all medical personnel throughout the current health care system should be trained, with respect to the mhGAP, WHO’s action plan to scale up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries, especially with low and lower middle incomes. And a full module on mental health should be included in the nurses training program so that they can become part of the integration process from the start of their career. Also, the 30 counsellors who graduated late last year from the American University of Peace Studies should be deployed throughout the school and/or health care system while teachers should be facilitated to undertake studies for the UG Diploma in Psychology. Furthermore, basic mental health

training should be included in all training programmes, especially the holistic program to replace HEYS. Also needed is an adaption of the Sri Lankan Model of Hazard Reduction to tackle pesticide suicide. According to WHO, “an important concept in primary health care is that health activities should develop horizontally to involve other sectors working within the community…inter-sectoral collaboration, involving governmental and non-governmental organizations is important in all areas of health.” In effect, a return of the Gatekeepers’ Program, various versions of which have been highly successful in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Uganda and elsewhere. There is also need for updated legislation to overhaul the ossified 1930 Mental Health Ordinance so that a range of deficits outlined by WHO are addressed and the legislation informed by the latest advances in treatment for mental health. To avoid political footballing, we suggest that this be done on a bipartisan

basis. We have already seen the effects of partisan politics when the motion to decriminalize attempted suicide was voted down by the government, even though they supported it in principle. Clearly, a bipartisan approach is also necessary to take this law off the books. The bottom line is that there must be political will to tackle suicide in particular and mental health in general. Collaboration must move beyond words to concerted action and regardless of their outlook, political affiliation or ideology, all stakeholders willing and able to make a contribution must be included in a national effort to deal with suicide and other mental health issues. There are hundreds of NGOs, FBOs and CBOs willing to be involved. We know because we have interacted and collaborated with many of them through our outreaches, training and lobbying efforts and the National Anti-Violence Candlelight Vigil, held on September 10 each year. Besides, as evidenced by

various TCV polls since 2014: ? 92% of respondents believed suicide is preventable, ? 75% felt that the government is not doing enough to address suicide. ? 69% felt that the government is not doing enough to address domestic abuse. ? 79% support the call for the age of consent to be raised from 16 to 18. ? 86% believe that sexual exploitation against young people is on the rise and that government needs to take action to deter such occurrences. ? 80% support the call for a sex registry for offenders. In short, Guyanese not only want more from the government with respect to mental health, but they are willing to be partners in mental health care and to support measures not yet on stream but that would help to make a difference. Regards Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

President Granger off to Solar Summit in India President David Granger departed Guyana early Thursday morning for New Delhi India to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 11, 2018. He is accompanied by Political Assistant, Mr. William Cox and his Aide-deCamp, Colonel Paul Arthur. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge has been sworn-in to perform the functions of President until the Head of State returns on March 13. The Summit is being hosted jointly by the Governments of India and France. President Granger will be delivering a presentation

on solar energy. He will be meeting with Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi and President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron and is also expected to engage in bilateral meetings on the side-lines with selected Heads of State, who are attending the summit. Last Tuesday, the President commended France and India for collaborating on an initiative, which aims to transform rural societies, when he received a formal invitation to the summit from Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana, Mr. Antoine Joly. Guyana ratified the ISA Frame-

work Agreement and is a founding member of the ISA, which was launched on November 30, 2015. It is an action-oriented international and inter-governmental organisation that aims to maximise the harnessing of solar-energy potential, modernise energy systems, universalise access to energy, accelerate economic development and alleviate poverty. Two new programmes — on scaling solar E-mobility and storage, and on rooftop solar — are expected to be unveiled at the summit, which will see a presence of delegations of over 50 member countries, including the two host States. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge taking the oath before Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards to perform the functions of President

President saddened at passing of Sir Wilson Harris President David Granger has extended heartfelt condolences at the passing of eminent Guyanese writer Sir Theodore Wilson Harris. In a message of condolences President Granger said Theodore Wilson Harris was born in New Amsterdam, East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six). He attended Queen’s College from 1932-1937. From 1945 to 1959 he worked as a government surveyor, before taking up a career as lecturer and writer. The knowledge of the savannahs and rainforests he gained during his time as a surveyor formed the setting for many of his books, with the Guyanese landscape dominating his fiction. Wilson Harris travelled England in 1959 and published his first novel Pal-

ace of the Peacock in 1960. This became the first of a quartet of novels, The Guyana Quartet, which includes The Far Journey of Oudin (1961), The Whole Armour (1962), and The Secret Ladder (1963). He subsequently wrote the Carnival trilogy: Carnival (1985), The Infinite Rehearsal (1987) and The Four Banks of the River of Space (1990). Wilson Harris’s most recent novels include Jonestown (1996), which tells of the mass-suicide of followers of cult leader Jim Jones, The Dark Jester (2001), his latest semi-autobiographical novel, The Mask of the Beggar (2003), and The Ghost of Memory (2006). Wilson Harris also wrote non-fiction and critical essays and was awarded honorary doctorates by several

universities, including the University of the West Indies in 1984 and the University of Liège in 2001. Wilson Harris was the winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature on two occasions (1987 and 2002). For his services to literature, Wilson Harris was knighted By Queen Elizabeth II in June 2010. In 2014, Sir Wilson Harris won a Lifetime Achievement Prize from the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. “His Excellency David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extends heartfelt sympathy to the children, Professor E. Nigel Harris, Alexis, Denise and Michael Harris, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the late Sir Wilson Harris,” the message concluded.

Third Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan taking the oath to perform the functions of Prime Minister before Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge who is performing the functions of President

‘Dream big’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

–– First Lady urges women, as dreams do have a way of coming true By Lisa Hamilton

WOMEN of all races, beliefs and professions were empowered and rejuvenated for the journey still ahead at the ‘I am Woman’ programme and cultural event put on by the Ministry of Social Protection Gender Affairs Bureau last evening. The event, which marked International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, was held at the Parc Rayne Inn which opened its doors to scores of women and even

a few men. The programme saw in attendance a number of prominent women such as Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes; Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green; and Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee. In her feature address, First Lady, Sandra Granger presented a series of eye-opening facts about how women can contribute to the family, the community and the economy,

stating that transformation begins with education and empowerment. Among those suggestions were a wider level of activism in the urban, rural and hinterland communities; putting the spotlight on women activists; collaborate for the development of a holistic approach to issues and one voice in advocacy as some of the strategies to implement to accompany this transformation. “Our activists across the country must encourage and train our women

At last evening’s event in celebration of International Women’s Day (Photo by Samuel Maughn) and girls to become involved in decision making at the community, neighbourhood, regional and national levels,” she said, adding: “Our women and girl children must dream big dreams, as through the joint efforts of women across this land, they can and will make those dreams a reality.” STRENGTH OF A WOMAN Beginning with the age-old adage that women are capable of carrying the weight of the whole world, Minister Ally said that life in rural settings should not lead to a lack of access to basic resources, and that being born a girl should not lead to a life of inequality. Having said that, she announced that the Ministry has formulated a National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy to be implemented this year, which will mainstream gender issues into all sectors of society in order to eliminate negative economic, social and cultural practices that

impede equality and equity. According to World Population Fund (UNFPA)’s Mr Adler Bynoe, the day’s observance is about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and actions, knowing that despite the present challenges, works are still on-going to eradicate them. In closing, he renewed the UNFPA’s commitment to the cause, encouraging other organisations to do likewise in the interest of addressing the many different inequalities that keep women from realising their rights and ambitions. The audience was visibly enthralled by the cultural segment produced, written and directed by Press Officer for President David Granger, Ms Lloyda Garrett entitled, ‘I am Woman’, which featured a grand, seamless display of unity and strength. CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS First, a spoken-word piece came from the talented former Miss Guy-

ana World, Nuriyyih Gerrard, followed by a group of dancers displaying the different cultures in Guyana and an uplifting message in song from gospel artiste, Cherlyn Maloney. What really brought the crowd of mostly women to its feet were dramatic presentations from a choral group depicting the struggles of Guyanese women and their continued perseverance, as well as an energetic performance from Calypso Monarch, Onikha Joseph. The occasion was also used to launch the Directory of Women’s Organisations compiled by former head of the National Resource and Documentation Centre of the Ministry of Social Protection, Mrs. Yvonne Stephenson. The directory lists as many as 325 organisations which work to give their service in assistance to the development of women and a copy was presented to the First Lady and several other persons in attendance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Gov’t provides relief for fire victims

SOCIAL Protection Minister Amna Ally on Thursday donated much-needed items to 24 persons who were displaced by the fire that gutted three buildings and damaged another at Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown early Wednesday morning. The minister in brief remarks said the exercise is in keeping with government’s thrust to care for those affected by the blaze. Some of the items presented to the victims include

mattresses, kitchen utensils and cash to get them back on their feet again. On Wednesday, the minister, accompanied by other government officials, visited the fire scene and made a donation of clothing to the victims, some of whom were left only with the ‘clothes on their backs’. One of the fire victims, Clive Brown thanked the government for the support and said he is pleased with the donation. His family re-

One of the fire victims speaks at the simple handing-over ceremony

ceived two beds and some cash, among other things. A total of seven families lost all their material possessions in an early morning fire on Wednesday at Pike Street, Kitty. That day, the minister handed over some clothing to the families. One of the victims, 69-year-old Janette Browne said she is now lodging with a neighbour and all that she has left are ‘the clothes on her back’. The fire reportedly started in the lower flat of one of the wooden houses and by the time the firemen arrived, the building was engulfed in flames which had spread to another building. It is unclear what triggered the early morning blaze but a probe initiated by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is underway to determine the cause. Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes also visited the scene of the fire and provided comfort to the residents. Minister Broomes invited some of the victims--a single mother and her children--to her home, where she prepared breakfast for them.

No bail for Coen Jackson FORMER Bishops’ High School teacher Coen Jackson was on Thursday charged and remanded to prison for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 while being in a position of trust. Jackson, 39, of D'Urban Street, Lodge, was dressed casually in a blue shirt and pants when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. He was not required to plead to the indictable Former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen charge. The offence allegedly Jackson took place at D'Urban and Economics teacher Street, Lodge, between stands accused of sexuDecember 2010 and May al predation of school2011. He was remanded aged girls. He was arto prison until March 15. rested when the matter J a c k s o n i s b e i n g first came to light but represented by attor- was later released. Jackneys-at-Law Sanjeev son has always denied Datadin and Siand Dhur- the allegations levelled against him, but admitjon. The former Bishops’ ted to having two relaHigh School Business tionships with former

students of the senior secondary school. The matter was brought to the fore by Cultural Policy Adviser, Ruel Johnson, who penned a letter to the Ministry of Education about Jackson’s alleged behaviour which resulted in an investigation. Several persons have reportedly given statements which indicate that they are victims of Jackson’s sexual grooming. The matter was investigated at the level of the Ministry of Education and the Childcare and Protection Agency (C&PA) and was handed over to the police. The Ministry of Education had also found that the headteacher Winifred Ellis’s chiding of the female students on the matter was out of place and recommended that she be reprimanded.

Some of the items handed over to the Pike Street fire victims on Thursday

Search intensifies for prison escapee POLICE in ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands) have intensified their search for remand prisoner Leon Prince. Ranks are presently confining their search in the backlands, and have erected road blocks at strategic

points so as to ensure he would not escape. The 22-year-old made a dash for it on Wednesday and has been on the run ever since, police say. According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, when ranks went to check on him at

the Anna Regina Police Station lockups, the first thing that they noticed was that one of the ventilation blocks at the western end was missing. And so too was Prince, who was on remand for several offences, and had been on the wanted list three years now.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Reparations calls grow louder, stronger --as people of African descent meet to chart course for remainder of decade By Lisa Hamilton

PEOPLE of African Descent from around the world gathered here yesterday to openly discuss and meaningfully contribute to the situations affecting the race at the 2018 Summit for the International Decade of People of African Descent (IDPAD). The four-day summit opened at the Marriott Hotel, and saw breakout sessions and remarks being made on the topics of reparations, racism, human rights, health, justice, education, culture and more. Delivering the opening remarks was Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge who said that the work of IDPAD presents an avenue through which very real and urgent challenges faced by people of African descent can be addressed. Although the “historical global legacy of wrongs” meted out to Africans has been acknowledged by the United Nations, the minister said that there is yet to be a full acknowledgement of the moral debt incurred and provision of reparations. “They insist that we should only look ahead rather than

peer into the past. However, the call for both reckoning and reparation, in monetary and non-monetary terms, is one that cannot be ignored or forsaken on the altar of altruism. The call is premised on the principles of justice and ethics,” Minister Greenidge said. Noting that CARICOM is

committed to the pursuit of these matters, he commended the IDPAD Summit Committee for taking the initiative to convene their meeting here, given that the organisation’s position is consistent with Guyana’s. He said that granted that there are many age-old struggles yet to be overcome, the

government of the day is committed to playing its part in achieving the objectives of the Decade. Among the main objectives of the Decade, which runs from 2015 to 2024, are to: * Promote respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental

At the opening of the IDPAD Summit yesterday at the Marriott Hotel: Seated from left are Senior Human Rights Adviser at the United Nations in Jamaica, Dr Birgit Gerstenberg; Chairperson of the IDPAD Summit 2018 Committee, Dr Melissa Varswyk; Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge; Associate of the Congressional Black Caucus, Ms Marcia Johnson-Blanco; PAHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow; and IDPAD Chairman, Mr Vincent Alexander

freedoms by People of African Descent, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; * promote a greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of People of African Descent to the development of societies; and * adopt and strengthen national, regional and international legal frameworks according to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and to ensure their full and effective implementation. In acknowledging those Guyanese of African Descent who have left an indelible mark on the world, among them Forbes Burnham, Hubert

Nathaniel Critchlow, Walter Rodney, Ivan Van Sertima, Clive Lloyd and Eddy Grant, Minister Greenidge said: “The ancestors of current African people have, for many years, fought and championed the struggle for freedom, selfhood, respect, recognition and equality among humanity. “Innumerable persons of African descent have shaped societies across the globe. And while some are known and a few recognised, too often many of their stories go untold.” For that matter, he feels that the story of the People of African Descent needs to be properly documented. “The story of People of African Descent ought to be told, and better told. Beyond the challenges and setbacks, there are also innumerable stories of the people who have come through; who have indeed ‘made it’,” Minister Greenidge said. ONLY FITTING Meanwhile, Programme Manager of Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr Hilary Brown commended the organisers for hosting the summit here, particularly since Guyana is the only country to date to have established a Country Coordinating Mechanism for People of African Descent. She is hoping that even before the end of the decade, many of the challenges which still dog people of African descent, such as unequal access to education, employment, health and unequal treatment in the justice system, can be eradicated. She also spoke against the modern-day slavery of migrants from West Africa being sold in slave markets in countries such as Libya, labelling it “an unacceptable repetition of history” being made possible only because the world has not yet reconciled with the ills of the past. As such, she reiterated previous calls of the governments of the Caribbean community to

pursue former colonial nations for reparations for native genocide, slavery and the trans-Atlantic trade. “It is the view of CARICOM that success in the reparations claim would be a desirable and fitting outcome of the International Decade of People of African Descent,” Dr Brown said. Adding his voice to the discourse, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)’s Dr William Adu-Krow said that since the 1990s, the organisation has taken notice of the vast inequity of health in the region which requires specific intervention to be addressed. Apart from the many works it has since undertaken and completed, Dr Adu-Krow said that PAHO is committed to guiding and assisting African descendants of Guyana and other member states of the region particularly as it relates to health. “A special regional health plan for African descendant youth was elaborated by African descendant youth from the region with PAHO’s technical support,” he said, adding: “PAHO is committed to providing technical support in the implementation of this plan, and guiding Guyana to improve the well-being of our Afro-descent youth.” Senior Human Rights Advisor to the United Nations, Dr Birgit Gerstenberg spoke on behalf of High Commissioner of Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, while the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) also demonstrated their backing of the conference through a letter from New York’s Ninth Congressional District Representative, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, which was read by CBC Associate, Guyanese-born Ms Marcia Johnson-Blanco. The summit is being convened under the theme, ‘Where we are, Where we ought to be, How we get there’, and aims to eradicate the plight of African descendants through the implementation of possible solutions to issues affecting the race.

Part of the audience yesterday at the opening here of the IDPAD Summit (Photos by Adrian Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Pegasus prepares for oil boom –– launches US$100M hotel expansion project By Alva Solomon

BOASTING a plan to “transform the Georgetown skyline” with an elaborate 15-storied beaming tower , the Pegasus Hotel is expected to undergo a whopping US$100M transformation in the months ahead , an investment which Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin termed possibly the largest single private investment by a Guyanese. CEO of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal laid out his plans during a lavish ceremony on Thursday night at the hotel in Kingston to an audience which included acting Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; and Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. According to Badal, the plan will see the country earning as much as $200M annually from value-added tax from the hotel. The expansion project is being undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Badal told the gathering that the facility will boast a 300,000-square feet roof of solar panel to supply energy needs, making it a grade-A building in Guyana. The expansion to the existing structure will boast a conference hall, high-end offices and residence in a seven-floor facility adjacent to the 15-storied tower. High-end Chinese restaurant and dining as well as roof-top gardens with a jogging track are only a few of the additions planned for the hotel, known as Georgetown’s best address. Badal noted that “it will introduce a new brand in hospitality and business tourism,” noting that ex-pat businessmen and women on short-term and long-term assignments will have a top quality option of stay while

Businessman Robert Badal chats with Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday evening in Guyana. “This project is truly transformative for Guyana and for this property,” Badal said, noting that it will bring significant economic benefits for the country in terms of employment, foreign exchange earnings and taxes. He said that there is no better representation of a country’s progress and its people than in its buildings, high rise shopping, restaurants and bars. Badal noted that since independence, no other building was built to match the unique architecture of the Pegasus which has hosted an array of famous guests in the past. He said too that the expansion will be completed to mark the 2020 timeline for oil production in Guyana Meanwhile, he noted during his presentation that government must create a supportive and friendly regime as he lauded the support the entity has received from GO-Invest. He said the fiscal regime itself needs reform, noting that the withholding tax on capital projects should be removed regardless of the contractor’s country of origin. “Why should we tax a

business that is not yet off the ground,” he said, noting that the property tax on the project would amount to more than half of US$1M per annum. “It is not good policy to tax what does not exists or what is being built,” he said, noting that the main reason for lack of investment enthusiasm among the local private sector is the current tax regime. Minister Gaskin noted that the project is a big “private sector” investment and the “best address in Georgetown is about to get a whole lot better”. Gaskin said the project is an investment in business tourism as he recalled that he has mentioned Guyana moving to attain a figure of 500,000 tourists by 2025. He said the problem is that the country cannot accommodate that number of persons annually with current sector support such as food, hotels and transportation. “So there is opportunity for investors, there is room for investment in the tourism industry,” Gaskin said as he deemed the project a good start towards that goal. As regards taxation, Gaskin said he agrees that taxing investors upfront “is

GuyOil slashes prices for gas, kerosene THE Guyana Oil Company Ltd (Guyoil) has announced a reduction in prices for gasolene, gasoil (LSD) and kerosene with effect from today. These price reductions were possible due to declining acquisition cost, guyoil said in a release. gasolene has now been reduced by $2.00 per litre,

gasoil (LSD) has been reduced by $10.00 per litre and kerosene $4.00 per litre. “Guyoil is always cognisant of its role in the Guyana economy, ensuring that quality petroleum products are provided at excellent neprices. "Our vast network of Dealer Service Stations

will continue to ensure that our quality products are made available to you our valued customers along the entire coastland all the way in Lethem. We look forward to your continued support as we continue to pursue our Motto of 'Excellence In Service,'" the company stated.

not the best way of stimulating investment” and he called for more dialogue on the subject. He said government and the private sector need to listen to each other on the subject. A native of the East Bank of Berbice, Badal

acquired the Pegasus Hotel in 2009, an ambitious move by the businessman who operates the Guyana Stockfeeds, the country’s leading producer of animal feeds. The hotel was built in 1969 by renowned British construction firm,

Taylor Woodrow, and it has hosted famous guests including Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Former US President Jimmy Carter and Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bhachan, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Consider living wage, not minimum wage –– chief labour officer urges private sector

AS private sector entities seek to make a profit, Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle believes that employees should not be forgotten but instead be paid a living wage as op-

posed to a minimum wage. On average, according to the labour laws, the minimum wage of an employee in the private sector is $44,200 monthly, $255 hourly, $2040 daily and $10,200 weekly.

“No one in this room can live with that,” Ogle told employers and managers who were present at a sensitisation workshop at the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour

on Thursday. The minimum wage for private sector entities is $15,800 less than what public sector employees receive as minimum wage. Although the conditions are different in the sectors, Ogle said the private sector employers should move from the minimum wage and start looking at a living wage. He reminded the participants that at one point the minimum wage of the private sector was far higher than the public sector, but because of

the yearly increase in wages for public sector, the gap switched. The living wage, which basically means an income that is sustainable in an economy, is being discussed at a tripartite level, said Senior Labour Officer, Dexter Semple. Ogle added that the ministry’s intention is to engage employers of every industry about the rights of employees, their obligations and the labour laws, weekly. “We want to work with

and meet with stakeholders who will not only uphold the laws but also help us to identify trafficking in persons and even child labour,” said the CLO. He believes that the partnership is necessary if they are to end illicit activities and have a professional and safe working environment. Employers were encouraged to follow the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Act, the Child Labour Act and other labour laws.

Participants at the workshop on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Jagdeo strikes sober tone on oil contract WHILE describing the oil agreement as a “fair agreement that allows ExxonMobil to do well in Guyana “, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the firm is investing here because it sees a good opportunity for investment. Jagdeo also told the media on Thursday that every investor should be allowed to make money on their investment here, since that is one way a country can attract investment. Jagdeo noted during the press briefing at the Office of the Opposition Leader on Church Street that “we have made it clear however, we respect the sanctity of contracts “ adding that the government has to decide whether it wants to re-negotiate the petroleum sharing agreement with the American oil giant. He said after the release of the contract by the APNU+AFC government last December, the opposition party mentioned four areas with the contract which it “had difficulties with.” Jagdeo said that the PPP has been consistent in its criticisms of the contract and its benefits to the Guyanese populace. He said he pointed

out in the past that the party had major difficulties with contracts signed in the past and that it displayed respect for contracts signed prior to that party assuming office in 1992. He said that ExxonMobil came to Guyana during the PPP’s term in office and “we believe they have a right to make money on their investment, but we believe that Guyana, these are our resources and the bulk of the benefit must flow to Guyanese. “ He expressed hope that the government would sit with Exxon and re-negotiate the contract. When questioned for clarification regarding his comment on the contract being a fair deal, Jagdeo said “I said we believe that there should be a fair agreement with ExxonMobil, they are not coming here because they love Guyana or all of us, they are coming here because they see a good investment opportunity.” There have been criticisms in sections of the media about the ExxonMobil contract. Earlier this week, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin took a dig at those critics who have been daily finding fault with the

government over its handling of developments here since the discovery of oil. Minister Gaskin noted during an oil and gas forum that the vast majority of Guyanese he has met would like to see the oil and gas industry get off the ground, and to know they can benefit. And to those persons who’ve repeatedly stated that the production-sharing agreement the government has signed with Exxon is “bad for Guyana” among other negatives, Minister Gaskin said that the US$300M this country stands to make come 2020, the first year of production, “is not chicken feed” as they have been wont to say. Noting that that initial agreement has since been nullified by both Exxon and the government, Minister Gaskin went on to explain that back in 1999, there was no formal negotiation process. “The company had a valid agreement with the Government of Guyana which was not up for re-negotiation,” he said, adding that one cannot unilaterally amend a contract after the other party has invested large sums of money under terms of the said contract.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Third suspect charged for raid on Canje ranch

A THIRD person has been charged in connection with a robbery under arms offence committed at a cattle ranch at Potoko Creek, Canje River where a flock of sheep and articles valued $1,375,000, were stolen from farmhand Bharrat Mahadeo last Friday. Rondel Crawford called ‘BV Mouth’ and ‘Bobby Head’, of Betsy Ground, East Canje, was not required to plead when the matter was heard at the New Amsterdam

Court before Senior Magistrate Alex Moore. He was unrepresented by counsel. Particulars of the offence stated that on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Potoko Creek, Canje River, while in the company of others, and armed with guns, Crawford allegedly robbed Bharrat Mahadeo of 24 sheep, valued $1.2M; a solar panel ($75,000), a flashlight valued ($4,000), four lengths of rope ($24,000), 15 ducks ($30,000) a cutlass ($2000), a radio ($2500), a horse bit ($10,000) and a Nokia cellphone ($5,000) totalling $1,375,000, property of Krishna Persaud. Police Inspector Bernard Browne, prosecuting, objected to pre-trial liberty on the grounds that the indictable offence was serious. Further, Browne informed the Court that on March 26, the separate charge will be withdrawn, and a joint charge will be instituted on Crawford, along with Timothy Sampson and Lawrence Van Lewin. On Monday Timothy Sampson, aged 30 of Adel-

phi Village, East Canje and Lawrence Van Lewin 24, of Sand Hills, Berbice River were charged and appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore. They were also remanded until March 26. On March 2, acting on information, Berbice Police Division ranks, headed by the Divisional Detective travelled to Potoko Creek, Canje River, where they intercepted a boat in which Sampson and Van Lewin were occupants. Acting on further information, they found the animals and the other articles, inside another boat. But, as the plainclothes policemen disembarked from their motor vessel, they were fired upon, and, responding likewise, two men, suspected to be gang members, were fatally shot. A twelve-gauge pump action shotgun, a .32 pistol, 11 live cartridges, and five live .32 rounds were found in possession of the defendants, while three spent cartridges and a .32 spent shell were retrieved at the scene. Further charges are to be instituted.

Young mother granted bail on narco trafficking charge THE mother of a six-month-old baby appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of trafficking in narcotics. It is alleged that on March 7 at Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, Kimberly Jupiter, 21, had in her possession 236 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. According to Prosecutor Richard Harris, the file is incomplete but based on the statement provided by the police, the narcotics were found in the defendant’s bedroom. She allegedly told the officers that the narcotics belonged to her boyfriend. Attorney George Thomas asked the Magistrate to grant bail to his client, since it was her first offence and due to the fact that she has a six-month-old baby. He noted too that the accused lives with others at her place of residence. However, the Prosecutor objected to bail based on the serious nature of the offence and added that there is no information that relates to other occupants living in the house. Magistrate Leron Daly granted bail in the sum of $100,000 and the matter was adjourned until April 4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Meet Abel Stokes The singer who wants a change in the Guyanese response to local artistes

Abel joined the MAXX Band and performs at the Giftland Mall every Wednesday

LOCAL singer Abel Stokes wants to develop his talent to the point where he can change the ‘Guyanese response’ to performances by local artistes. He told The Buzz that he finds it weird that Guyanese go all out for foreign performers but sit still when their very own are on the stage. At a show here which featured Trinidadian Soca Singer Machel Montano, Abel recalled how the artiste didn’t even begin his performance as yet when the

Local singer Abel Stokes

crowd started shouting; quite the opposite response was received by another local artiste who was on stage doing his best. That’s why, Abel believes, many more individuals with talent are holding themselves back from coming forward in the industry. “But I believe I can change that,” he said. With his focus on bettering his talent, Abel, 23, is studying musical engineering with the National School of Music. Born and raised in Buxton, on the East Coast Demerara, to parents Lorraine Williams and Desmond Stokes, Abel had no idea what career path he wanted to pursue. Having attended Buxton Nursery and Primary schools and Bladen Hall Multilateral Secondary, he worked for three years

in Suriname, operating the band saw (cutting trees). Working in an interior location and not having many entertainment options, Abel recalled that he would play guitar in his room and others would hear and ask him to perform for them. “My parents are Rastafarians and I grew up as a ‘Rasta’, so music was a part of us. My father is a singer; he does a little chanting as you might call it. So music was in me,” Stokes said. Abel is self-taught in three instruments: the piano, bass and guitar. After leaving his job in Suriname, he decided to come home and pursue music. He formed a band called ACED last year and three of its members, including him, have joined the Giftland Mall MAXX Band. Speaking about ACED, Abel said: “It’s all about young men being creative,” adding, “We did a few weddings but lately, we’ve been focused on the MAXX Band.”

Abel formed his own band last year called ACED

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Charity Secondary School hosts Miss Talented Teen 2018 (From left) Sheema Campbell, Satra Mosses, Francelina Joseph, Lavern Edmonds, Aloma Vansluytman and Alica Cummings

A flyer with the girls that will be vying for the crown

By Indrawattie Natram THE Parent Teacher Association PTA)and teachers of the Charity Secondary School in Region Two Pomeroon-Supenaam),are calling on persons to come out and support the Miss Talented Teen 2018 which will be hosted tomorrow

at the school. The pageant is organised by the PTA in an effort to raise funds for the school, as well as to develop self-confidence, creativity and public-speaking skills in the girls. It is the third of its kind and is said to be a bi-annual event for the school. Six contestants will be vying for the crown, and according to interviews conducted with them, they are all confident and ready for the night. At the moment they are preparing their creative wear based on their platform. Vying for the crown are Sheema Campbell,15; Alica Cummings,15; Aloma Vansluytman,15; Lavern Edmonds, 15; Satra Mosses,14; and Francelina Joseph, 15.

Rémar inks deal with Record label Creative Titans Local artiste, Dominique ‘Rémar’ Weekes, has recently inked a marketing deal with the Creative Titans Record Label. Chief Marketing Officer of Creative Titans, Ron Telford said that the company is thrilled to have the Guyanese artiste as part of the team. “ He is a unique talent embodying the voice of his generation, both musically and lyrically. He is truly gifted and commands impressive musicianship skills. Jonathan Beepat of Wildfire Entertainment brought him to my attention during a visit to Georgetown, Guyana," he said. "Rémar is a star and his following increases with every show. Our entire team is looking forward to a fruitful relationship with him and his management. Together we will take his career to new heights. He is the real deal.” Rémar’s debut single “Baddie” was released in August 2017. It has now been repackaged and re-released on February 27, 2018. The track was recently featured in BroadTube Music playlist on Spotify and is quietly surpassing streaming expectations. Rémar’s music career has been on an incredible trajectory. Currently he is working on his second single, debut EP and writing for several artists; including Popeye Caution and Pleasure P. “Creative Titans’ business sense, passion and enthusiasm for music sets them apart. I look forward to the journey ahead and I’m

beyond excited to share my upcoming releases.” – Rémar Rémar was born in Guyana. The artiste has been on the scene for a few years with his witty Hip-Hop bars and smooth R&B melodies. He gradually gained recognition as a premier artist in South America. He gave opening act support for Rick Ross, Walshy Fire as well as Dancehall superstars Konshens and Popcaan.

The girls have all had to do extensive research based on their platform. The platforms are all centred on social issues affecting society such as the school’s sanitation, Social Cohesion, Fitness and Health and 'Going Green'. The contestants are from various streams within the school and the winner will replace the reigning queen, Juslein Edwards. Judges for the competition include television announcer, Natasha Smith and headteacher, Boodnarine Harrynarine. The Master of Ceremony (MC) will be a former teacher, Miss Nikita James. The programme will also feature cultural performances from other students of the school. The new Queen will be responsible for executing a project which will be beneficial to her school during her reign. The pageant is sponsored by the business community of Region Two.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

THE CULTURE OF NATIONS

And our naive reluctance to educate our people outside of the box THE Exxon debate reveals a peculiar conditioning that has boxed us into a mental comfort zone that, now understood, should challenge our educators to expand our worldview. Our worldview in many ways is still simplistic; we feel that the countries we admire were always hospitable and progressive in thinking; that their well-managed cities always existed; that their economies were blessed by God and are not a result of bullying, exploitation, wars, false doctrines and murder. We long for the good old days, with no knowledge of what was common 70 years ago; that the good old days in Guyana were accompanied by superstition, kero and gas lamps; dirt roads, a madhouse, a leprosy asylum, a tuberculosis facility; male and female juvenile delinquent schools, inadequate and repressive housing and scarce employment; a social caste system, low wages, self-contempt etc. Much of these ailments of the consciousness we have not corrected completely. One of the main attitudes that are counterproductive rest with our politics, but I have hope in the future. It was my youngest that brought me to the quote of Dr. Gordon K. Lewis who I honestly never heard of before, that defined our region: “The amazing fury of the West Indian political partisan, the conviction that politics will cure all”. This was said in the 1960s and in many cases that cultural thinking still stops there. One of the fetters that the current president of Guyana is trying to break, is the culture of ‘micromanagement’. That element requires the president to think, manage, do the homework, scold and implement policies for the people he appoints. President Burnham did it, Hoyte tried to break from it, Cheddi had to do it and failed, Jagdeo loved it and created the worst that micromanagement could develop into. Ramotar didn’t seem to know quite what to do. David Granger designates and expects application and responsibility. To achieve this, with some he needs a firing squad, with others he may just need scrutinised reports. Read the letter columns, we have evolved specific critics who offer few suggestions, thus, there are few doers. The bottom line is, to achieve this requires a bold educational and cultural system, and the enforcement of our Laws, which this system is moving toward. The recent EXXON preamble is a great example of By Michel Outridge

what is not known in the minds of most of the population, leaving citizens in a quandary about assessing information as to whether in the context of reliable or as sensationalised misguided propaganda, with the confined view that all social ailments are the President’s fault. It is funny but tragic, but it revolves around comatose failures of the system. For example, I know of the work of a former People’s Militia Lieutenant, Herbert Edwards who has laboured for years on an easy to read book that started as an illustrated novel on the ‘The Guyana –Venezuela Border Controversy’. Then-Pres-

ident Jagdeo had okayed it, but then-Minister of Education Henry Jeffrey refused to publish it. However this book is very likely to be published in the near future. Though this border issue has haunted our economic growth from Independence to the present, while Venezuela taught their schools the theory of a false border claim, and included Essequibo on their maps, we did nothing (except a booklet in 1982 illustrated by Tyrone Doris and written by Allan Fenty) to sensitise our population to the geopolitical world our young nation had entered into. With the support of UNICEF in 1997 I created the first full length 43-page graphic-comic book on HIVAIDS possibly in the Caribbean: ‘Arnold’s Journey’ Edited by Dr Sarah Gordon’s medical team of authorities in the field. When printed, UNICEF handed the books over to the Ministry of Education. Two years later, a friend came to my home with four of the books. I questioned him, he said that he had gone to the Ministry and while placed on a seat to wait, he saw someone he knew. They started to chat, strolled into a room and there were several packages of the books among other stuff. He picked up a handful and his friend remarked “Them comic books about AIDS deh here a long time” and that was it. Marijuana and cocaine and now dangerous pills, masquerading as ‘Fun Stuff’ have invaded Guyana for the past 30 years.Our streets are filled with addicts and they contribute to a solid percentage of murders. Mind-altering substances that have evolved obviously mentally disabled people at different levels, yet there are no proactive educational directives toward a breakdown of information to our young and vulnerable. It’s a phenomenon of creative inactivity enveloped in the familiar box of accustomed structures. How did this happen? Because, there is enough evidence that there were able thinkers once, though there was always a clash between the haughty colonial spectre and the anxious revolutionary neophyte. The EXXON debate is a grand case study of a merger of information, disinformation and hidden agendas. The poster ridiculous, compared to this or that other situation, but in the whole, before an audience denied the information to construct a valid assessment from the perspective of the real world of the Culture of Nations.

Drumming to his own beat

For 23-year-old Ryan Fredericks, drumming is a passion he is not willing to part with even though he has a daytime job. This enterprising young man is a drummer attached to the Shakti Strings Band as well as the Behold the Jury Band (a rock band) and his job entails creativity, pulse, flair, innovation among other things. Fredericks told The Buzz that although he never received any formal training in drumming, it is safe to say he is good at it. He began playing drums at the South Road Full Gospel Church at age five and it stayed with him throughout the years. As time progressed, he managed to sharpen his skills which later led him to joining the band. Fredricks comes from a family of musicians and feels that drumming is his true calling. He has been a drummer with Shakti Strings band for two years and the other band, Beholder the Jury for five years. He expressed that he is most happy when he is on stage. According to Fredericks that is where the adrenalin rush kicks

The drummer on stage

in and he is truly happy which brings out the best in him performance wise. He has a full-time job as a Customer Service Representative with GTT and practices three times per week at the band room with other band members at North Road. Fredericks plays his drums at special events, parties and other functions the band is booked to perform. He also enjoys playing the Congo and Pajon drums since he grew up listening to jazz and reggae music. Fredericks is a simple guy who believes that when one does what they love it is natural since they are pleased with what they do and it is not a burden. His goal is to open his own restaurant where live music is played for his customers and he says that he will work toward achieving this dream. This talented drummer’s favourite quote is “Success isn’t always about ‘Greatness’ it’s about consistency. Consistent hard work which leads to success. Greatness will come” a motto that has motivated him throughout the years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

IT’S THE weekend and we all want to have some fun after a long week of work! So here are some events that you can start off the weekend with rather than be cooped up at home. Get out and get your buzz on. TODAY For an after-work hang with friends, you can head down to Cheto’s Hot Spot & Pool Bar where you get to enjoy five Banks beers for $1,000. Enjoy games such as pool, dominoes and darts and also enjoy a wide variety of cutters: fish, chicken and wild meat and DJ mixes all night. Jamaican after -work Lime is still on at the Tower Suites Pool & Bar! Enjoy bucket specials on Red Stripe beer and Dragon Stout and great deals on Jamaican cuisine. TOMORROW Buxton comes alive with the party called “Jouvert morning and Wet Fete”. Get soaked and have some fun with paint, powder and water. Featuring Lil Rick from Barbados, Supa Ray and Jumbo. The party goes down at the Buxton ground. Regal Cricket Club - Branding and Communications will be having a Jungle Competition. The GSE Team will be meeting with the Regal Cricket team to have workshops on Branding and Communications ahead of their trip to Orlando. This event will take place at the Guyana School of Etiquette Image Model Management presents a Splash Car Wash. Get your cars washed by super-hot models; this will be from 09:00hrs to 17:0hrs at 27 Gordon Street, Kitty. The Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development invites you to our third annual ‘Women in Business Expo’ at the Pegasus Hotel. This event is hosted by Women’s Association for Sustainable Development and the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA). The event will be held in honour of International Women’s Day. Come out and celebrate women! SUNDAY After a hang out on the seawall you can head down to one of the most popular nightclubs, Blue Iguana - where entertainment it at its best. Music by popular DJ Magnum. For a thrilling and enjoyable night, you can head down to City Vibes Nightclub, where there is music to keep you on your feet all night.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Holder’s unbeaten 99 powers Windies to six-wicket win over PNG

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Skipper Jason Holder agonisingly missed out on a maiden one-day hundred but helped to spare West Indies blushes, as they turned back a plucky Papua New Guinea (PNG) by six wickets, to post their second win of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers here yesterday. Chasing an uncomplicated 201 for victory, the Caribbean side slumped to 58 for four in the 12th over before the right-handed Holder arrived to stroke a classy career-best unbeaten 99, and take his side over the line off 43 overs. Importantly, he added 143 in a fifth-wicket stand with the stylish Shai Hope who ended unbeaten on 49. All told, Holder faced 101 deliveries and crunched nine fours and four sixes while Hope counted three fours in a 115ball innings. Medium pacer Carlos Brathwaite had earlier secured his first five-wicket haul in ODIs with five for 27, to restrict Papua New Guinea to 200 all out, off 42.4 overs at Old Hararians. Captain Assad Vala topscored with 57, Tony Ura weighed in with 37 while Mahuru Dai and Norman Vanua got 35 apiece as Papua New Guinea battled back from 82 for four, to get up to a respectable total. Finding themselves in a must-win situation after losing their first two matches, PNG got off to the worst possible start when they lost Vani Morea without scoring to the third ball of the match,

run-out by Holder off his own bowling. However, Vala and opener Ura, repaired the innings in a second-wicket stand worth 62, as PNG rallied. The 30-year-old Vala struck six fours in a 89-ball knock while Ura, fresh from a superb 150 against Ireland, belted a couple of fours and sixes in a lively 45-ball innings. Seamer Kesrick Williams broke the stand when he removed Ura in the 12th over and the dismissal triggered a slide which saw three wickets go down for 19 runs, leaving the minnows precariously perched on 82 for four in the 19th over. Vala then anchored the second half-century stand of the innings, putting on a further 69 for the fifth wicket with Dai whose knock required just 43 balls and included three fours. Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller (2-25) trapped Dai lbw in the 34th over to end the partnership and Vala perished 15 balls later, caught at the wicket off Brathwaite, as the last six PNG wickets went down for 49 runs. Any hopes the Windies had of an easy run-chase were quickly erased when Evin Lewis (9) fell in the second over, run-out by a direct hit from third man while attempting a third run. In the next over, his partner Shimron Hetmyer departed for six, edging a catch behind off seamer Norman Vanua, to leave the Windies struggling on 16 for two. Veteran Marlon Samuels dominated briefly, lashing three fours and a six in a 21-

ball 24, as he posted a brisk 37 for the third wicket with Hope. But his enterprise cost him in the 11th over when he slashed pacer Alei Nao to a widish solitary slip where Vala pouched a sharp chance. And PNG were back in the game in the next over when Jason Mohammed missed a forward defensive prod at one from leg-spinner Charles Amini and was lbw without scoring. An upset looked likely at that stage but Holder put those

fears to rest, cruising to his fifth ODI half-century off 66 balls in the 32nd over before accelerating to take the sting out of the PNG attack. He romped into the 80s with a six and a four of seamer Chad Soper and was quickly into the 90s when he blasted another six and a four off the next over from Amini. With scores tied, Holder needed two for his hundred with one ball remaining in the 43rd over but could only manage a single.

SCOREBOARD PNG innings T. Ura c Mohammed b Nurse 37 V. Morea run-out 0 A. Vala c wkp. Hope b Brathwaite 57 L. Siaka c Holder b Brathwaite 0 S. Bau b Brathwaite 9 M. Dai lbw b Miller 35 C. Amini c Holder b Miller 7 J. Vare c Nurse b Brathwaite 1 Chad Soper c wkp. Hope b Brathwaite 1 N. Vanua c Powell b Williams 35 Alei Nao not out 1 Extras: (lb-7, nb-2, w-8) 17 Total: (all out, 42.4 overs) 200 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-63, 3-63, 4-82, 5-151, 6-159, 7-161, 8-162, 9-163. Bowling: Holder 8-0-47-0, Williams 7.4-0-44-1, Nurse 6-0-31-1, Brathwaite 10-2-27-5, Samuels 5-0-19-0, Miller 6-0-25-2. WEST INDIES innings E. Lewis run-out 8 S. Hetmyer c Vala b Vanua 8 S. Hope not out 49 M. Samuels c Vala b Nao 24 J. Mohammed lbw b Amini 0 J. Holder not out 99 Extras: (lb-5, w-8) 13 Total: (4 wkts, 43 overs) 201 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-16, 3-53, 4-58. Bowling: Vanua 10-0-36-1, Dai 6-0-32-0, Nao 6-1-16-1, Amini 10-0-51-1, Soper 6-1-40-0, Vala 2-0-6-0, Siaka 3-0-15-0. Points: West Indies 2, PNG 0 Man-of-the-Match: Jason Holder

Vickery to face defending Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza today SACHIA Vickery continues to show that her recent crack into tennis’ top 100 female players in the world was no fluke, when she easily brushed

aside Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) to advance to the round-of-64 at the Indian Wells. While it was the first pro clash between the two, Vickery lost the previous two outings in the junior ranks in three sets, at the Pan American Closed Championships in 2009 and the Yucatan Cup in 2011, but this time, she comfortably claimed the 21st WTA main draw win and clinched the second round in Indian Wells for the second time, after losing to Varvara Lepchenko in 2015. Vickery, 22, after the match, stated “Bouchard is very tough; there is no secret, that’s why she’s been such a successful

player. She always keeps you aware and she’s so aggressive and tough to play. I just tried to play smart and take my chances when I had the opportunity.” The win places Vickery in a position to face her toughest opponent to-date; world number three-ranked Garbiñe Muguruza. Looking ahead to her clash against Muguruza, Vickery pointed out: “I’m just going to take in everything I can from today and try to be ready for the next match physically and mentally.” Muguruza defeated Venus Williams to win the 2017 Wimbledon Championship and the 2016 French Open title. Muguruza first came into prominence by

reaching the last 16 of the 2014 Australian Open, where she scored an upset over current world #2 ranked Caroline Wozniacki who had defeated Vickery in the semi-finals of the Auckland Classic in January. She then defeated Serena Williams in the second round of the French Open that same year (2014), beating the-then world No. 1 in straight sets en route to the quarterfinals. In 2015, at the Wimbledon Championships, she sailed to her first-ever Grand Slam final but lost to Serena Williams then went on to win her maiden premier-level crown by capturing the China Open title.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

97 days to go … The Spanish armada will be expected to go the distance again!

Spain feeling cool, calm, confident thanks to Lopetegui SPAIN have taken the huge burden of past World Cup failures and have become favourites to win the trophy at Russia 2018. After the fiasco experienced at the last European Championships and the embarrassment in Brazil 2014, the Spain national team will head into their first World Cup under the helm of Julen Lopetegui as manager, boasting new ambitions and a solid roster. Spain have yet to play two important friendlies against Germany and Argentina. However, Lopetegui’s Spain have a 16-match unbeaten streak, with 13 wins and three draws.

Marco Asensio in action against Italy. Asensio will be one of the young Spanish talents to watch during this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The inaugural FIFA World Cup, Uruguay 1930 The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men’s national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930. FIFA, football’s international governing body, selected Uruguay as host nation, as the country would be celebrating the centenary of its first constitution, and the Uruguay national football team had successfully retained their football title at the 1928 Summer Olympics. All matches were played in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, the majority at the Estadio Centenario, which was built for the tournament. Thirteen teams (seven from South America, four from Europe, and two from North America) entered the tournament. Only a few European teams chose to partic-

ipate because of the difficulty of travelling to South America. The teams were divided into four groups, with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-finals. The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously, and were won by France and the United States, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0, respectively. Lucien Laurent of France scored the first goal in World Cup history, while American goalkeeper Jimmy Douglas posted the first official “clean sheet” in the tournament. Argentina, Uruguay, the United States and Yugoslavia each won their respective groups to qualify for the semi-finals. In the final, hosts and pre-tournament favourites Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 68,346 people, and became the first nation to win the World Cup.

La Roja was outstanding in World Cup qualifying, with a draw in Turin against Italy and important wins at the Bernabeu (3-0) against the Azzurri and 2-0 at Saint-Denis over France. That’s why Spain are exuding optimism around a side, and a manager who offers a calming presence. First of all, Lopetegui keeps his cool because Spain’s World Cup group is “complicated, tough and hard,” in the manager’s own words. He wanted to shy away any far-fetched confidence following the draw in December. “Morocco advanced undefeated after the qualifiers, Iran didn’t allow many goals scored against them and Portugal are the current European champions,” said Lopetegui. In his opinion, Spain’s opening match against a Portugal side led by Cristiano Ronaldo will be a true baptism of fire. “It could be a final match in advance.” Despite Lopetegui’s restraint, the vibe surrounding the Spain team could not be better. The renovation process, led by the manager, has been satisfying for a team that’s stayed true to their football identity, set first by Luis Aragones back in his days as manager and perfected by Vicente Del Bosque to a new level of excellence before everything fell apart due to a reasonable fatigue within the ageing status quo. It was the dawn of an era; however, it did not mean the end of an approach, quite simply because this New Spain have undeniably kept the football philosophy that worked quite well for previous eras and that they hope will help them to move forward in Russia. The extreme makeover underwent by Spain is evident, especially if you compare the current team to the one that played on June 27, 2016, the day Spain were eliminated from the Euros. Lopetegui is working with a solid core of players and a clear tactical system, led by David De Gea, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and David Silva, undeniable presences in every line-up and all assured their spots in the squad that heads to Russia. Next to them, you will certainly see names like Dani Carvajal, Pepe Reina, Alvaro Morata, Thiago, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Saul, Isco, Marc Bartra, Sergi Roberto or Nacho Fernandez. However, decisions are yet to be made regarding Diego Costa, in particular, and several other youngsters or several snubs - names that used to be sure-fire mentions on former rosters. The likes of Marco Asensio, Iago Aspas, Suso, Jose Callejon, Rodrigo, Luis Alberto, Asier Illarramendi, Vitolo, Alvaro Odriozola or even Gerard Deulofeu could emerge as the definitive players, who will be called upon to attend a very special tournament for Spanish football. La Roja, 10 years after winning the European Championships that marked the start of the best era in its history and placed it atop the world football stage, are trying to reinvent themselves and find success again. They will face Germany and Brazil, Argentina and maybe Russia or Belgium. Who knows? Perhaps England, France or Uruguay will be standing in their path. The first test, however, will be Portugal on June 15 in Sochi. That’s the departure point for another hopeful conquest.

The main players! (TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Bates, Devine give NZ Women 2-0 lead over Windies A 175-RUN opening partnership between Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine gave New Zealand Women an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against West Indies Women in Lincoln. Chasing 195, New Zealand romped home with eight wickets in hand and 19.2 overs to spare, with Bates remaining unbeaten on an 86-ball 101, with 13 fours. Afy Fletcher dismissed Devine for 80 (6x4) and followed up with the wicket of Amy Satterthwaite in her next over, but by then West Indies’ fate had been all but sealed. West Indies had run New Zealand neck-and-neck in a pulsating first ODI, but here their batting failed them. Sent in to bat, they got to a solid 95 for 2, courtesy a third-wicket stand of 54 between Stafanie Taylor and Chedean Nation. But the wicket of Nation in the 25th over sent them sliding, with the off-spinner Leigh

Kasperek running through their middle order to finish with figures of 4 for 44. Taylor battled on, before she was last-man out for 86 (4x4, 1x6), but had little support from the middle- and lower-order, as West Indies lost their last eight wickets for 99 runs.

Suzie bates remained unbeaten on an 86-ball 101

Lea Tahuhu took three wickets, including those of

Taylor and Nation. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES innings H. Matthews c Devine b Tahuhu 18 Kycia Knight c Satterthwaite b Devine 16 S. Taylor c wkp. Martin b Tahuhu 86 C. Nation c Bates b Tahuhu 35 D. Dottin c & b Kasperek 10 Kyshona Knight lbw b Kasperek 9 M. Aguilleira run-out 0 B. Cooper c Bates b Kasperek 0 A. Fletcher c Ebrahim b Peterson 11 T. Smartt c Bates b Kasperek 6 S. Connell not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-2) 3 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 194 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-41, 3-95, 4-108, 5-125, 6-126, 7-131, 8-163, 9-181. Bowling: Tahuhu 9.1-0-42-3, Huddleston 10-0-35-0, Devine 6-025-1, Peterson 10-0-36-1, Ebrahim 3-0-11-0, Kasperek 10-0-44-4. NEW ZEALAND innings S. Devine c Kycia Knight b Fletcher 80 S. Bates not out 101 A. Satterthwaite b Fletcher 3 K. Martin not out 4 Extras: (w-7) 7 Total: (2 wkts, 30.4 overs) 195 Fall of wickets: 1-175, 2-191. Bowling: Matthews 7-0-44-0, Dottin 4-0-14-0, Smartt 4-0-26-0, Connell 5-0-39-0, Fletcher 7.4-0-47-2, Taylor 3-0-25-0.

Radar Security Services and Supplies to establish sports clubs in Region 2

RADAR Security Services and Supplies, of Georgetown, which recently secured contracts in Region 2, has expressed an interest in establishing sports clubs in Essequibo. The firm is providing security services to Government buildings across the Region while affording employment for a wide cross-section of Essequibians. In an invited comment, a source associated with the firm disclosed that it is part of the company’s corporate and social responsibility to generate and promote a harmonious relationship among communities, which, he added, can be realised through sports. “It is the intention therefore to establish sports clubs within the villages that will be engaged in a number of sporting disciplines,” he explained. According to the official, the company will be providing sports gear for cricket, football, basket-ball, volley-ball, circle-tennis and table-tennis, among others. The company will also undertake administrative and legislative support for the efficient functioning of the clubs in order to sustain their viability and success. The formation of clubs across the Region will primarily target youths and the first club is expected to be established shortly in the village of Henrietta where the office of the firm is located. Generally, sports clubs in the Region have been dormant and this has led to the decline in sporting activities and the lack of exposure of promising athletes. (Elroy Stephney)

IOC to implement 25 recommendations to promote gender equality (REUTERS) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to implement 25 recommendations from its Gender Equality Review Project, which aims to promote non-discrimination and greater participation by women across all aspects of sport, it said yesterday. The project, endorsed by the IOC executive board last month, covers areas including sport, portrayal, funding, governance and human resources and aims to create a roadmap to advance gender equality within and beyond the Olympic movement. The release of the IOC’s recommendations coincides with International Women’s Day.

“We are certain that through the implementation of the 25 IOC Gender Equality Recommendations, we as the Olympic Movement – athletes, officials, commissions, federations and executives – can take real steps to enact ef-

IOC president Thomas Bach

fective change together,” IOC president Thomas Bach said. “It is not just the right thing to do. It is in the interest of us all – the fans, the families, and every girl and woman who has been able to fully realise her dreams through athletic participation. “As the leader of the Olympic Movement, the IOC has an important responsibility to take action when it comes to gender equality – a basic human right of profound importance and a fundamental principle of the Olympic Charter,” Bach added. The IOC said a more detailed report would follow later this month.

Dhawan powers India to six-wicket T20 win over Bangladesh OPENER Shikhar Dhawan hit his second successive Twenty20 half-century to help India thrash Bangladesh by six wickets and register their first win in the tri-nation tournament yesterday. Chasing 140 for victory, India rode on Dhawan’s 43ball 55, to achieve their target with eight balls to spare at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. India, who won the toss and opted to bowl, gained the upper hand after pacemen Jaydev Unadkat and Vijay Shankar shared five wickets between them to restrict Bangladesh to 139-8. Dhawan, whose 90 went in vain in India’s opening loss against hosts Sri Lanka on Tuesday then made sure that his side cruised home, despite initially slumping to 40-2.

Skipper Rohit Sharma faltered in his second successive outing after chopping a delivery onto his stumps from left-arm paceman Mustafizur Rahman. He made 17. Dhawan, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes en route to his sixth T20 fifty, and Suresh

Opener Shikhar Dhawan

Raina, who made 28, put on a crucial 68-run third-wicket stand. Dhawan finally fell to Taskin Ahmed’s right-arm medium pace in the 17th over but Manish Pandey, 27 not out, carried the team home. Earlier Bangladesh’s batting faltered with only Liton Das, who top-scored with 34 and Sabbir Rahman, who hit 30 off 26 balls, giving some respectability to the total. Unadkat claimed three wickets with his left-arm pace while Shankar, who took his first international wicket in Mushfiqur Rahim, returned figures of 2-32. Bangladesh will next take on Sri Lanka in the third match of the tournament, which is timed to commemorate the host island’s 70 years of independence tomorrow. (AFP)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

Afghanistan’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread as Scotland storm into Super Six AFGHANISTAN’S dreams of qualifying for the second successive ICC Cricket World Cup were left hanging by a thread when Hong Kong defeated them by 30 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method in a Group B fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, while defending champions Scotland became the first side to progress to the Super Six after notching up their third successive victory in Bulawayo. Elsewhere, the Windies were given a run for their money before beating PNG by six wickets and the United Arab Emirates won their second match in three outings when they handed the Netherlands their second successive defeat. After batsmen-dominated proceedings on Tuesday with as many as five centuries and five half-centuries, honours were shared yesterday with the Windies fast bowler Carlos Brathwaite returning career-best figures of 10-2-27-5 and captain Jason Holder scoring 99 not out against PNG, the UAE captain Rohan Mustafa recording figures of 9.3-2-26-5 with his off-spinners, followed by a classy 78 not out by Chirag Suri against the Netherlands. Coetzer hit a match-winning 88 not out against Nepal and Hong Kong off-spinner Ehsan Khan took four for 33 against Afghanistan. Afghanistan, chasing 242 for victory, were 167 for seven when rain stopped play and resulted in a loss of four overs. The target was revised to 226 runs in 46 overs, but it proved too much for the lower-order who managed only 28 runs as Afghanistan finished at 195 for nine. The victory means that if Hong Kong now win their next game against Zimbabwe, and Nepal lose to Afghanistan, Hong Kong will be guaranteed

a spot in the Super Six ahead of Afghanistan. If this doesn’t happen tomorrow then Hong Kong can qualify for the Super Six if they defeat Nepal on Monday. This is because Hong Kong have a win and a loss after two matches, while Afghanistan are winless from three matches. In contrast, Afghanistan have an outside chance to qualify for Super Six. For this to happen, they will have to beat Nepal tomorrow and Hong Kong will have to lose both their matches tomorrow and Monday. In this scenario, net run-rate will decide who will go through, as both Hong Kong and Afghanistan would end on equal wins and points. Afghanistan are themselves to blame for yesterday’s defeat. They first let Hong Kong off the hook when they allowed them to reach 241 for eight in 50 overs, after having reduced them to 43 for three then 93 for four. Then, in their target chase, they slipped from 26 for no loss to 73 for four then played too many dot-balls to be at 167 for seven in 43 overs at the rain-breakm before finishing at 195 for nine. Off-spinner Ehsan Khan of Hong Kong was the wrecker-inchief of Afghanistan’s innings when he recorded figures of 9-0-33-4, while Nadeem Ahmed picked up two for 37. Dawlat Zadran, batting at No.9, was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 40 not out. Earlier, Hong Kong’s left-handed batsman Anshuman Rath scored a fighting 65 off 90 balls with six fours and six, and added 50 runs for the fourth wicket with Nizakat Khan (28) and 67 runs for the fifth wicket with captain Babar Hayat (31). No.11 batsman Tanwir Afzal provided the late impetus to the innings by slapping three fours and a six in a nine-ball 22. This was Hong Kong’s first victory over Afghanistan in two ODIs. Afghanistan had won the previous encounter in May 2014

by six wickets. Meanwhile, Scotland became the first side to qualify for the Super Six after Stuart Whittingham (three for 35), Safyaan Sharif (two for 21) and Alasdair Evans (two for 24) dismissed Nepal for 149 in 47.4 overs at the Queens Sports Club. Captain Kyle Coetzer then single-handedly steered his side home in 41.3 overs by scoring an unbeaten 88 off 136 balls with seven fours and three sixes. He was later named as the player-of-the-match. Scotland’s last league match is against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club on Monday, March 12, and irrespective of how the match pans out, they are guaranteed to take at least two points into the Super Six. A win over Zimbabwe means they will carry four points with them to the next stage. In the Super Six stage, Scotland will play the top three sides from Group A - the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands - and the United Arab Emirates. Papua New Guinea (PNG), the other side in Group A, are now out of the Super Six race after suffering their third straight defeat and in danger of losing their ODI status at the end of the tournament. Fast bowler Whittingham later said: “This is my first game in the tournament, so it was nice to strike early and to continue that going forward. We have gone really well bowling first so far; we were happy to bowl and chase. There was definitely a lot of swing early on and as the game progressed, the pitch got slower and slower and seemed to die a little bit. It was taking spin very well. “Coetzer is a class player; it was only a matter of time before he got a big score. Hopefully he can kick off from here and keep going. We will take it game by game, that’s how we have gone well so far. We have a big game against Zimbabwe, we are looking to rest up for a couple of days and then go full steam.” Rohan Mustafa and Chirag

Suri scripted a famous win for the UAE over the Netherlands when the former took five for 26 with the ball and the latter scored 78 not out with seven fours and a six, as the ICC World Cricket League Division winners achieved the 177-run target in 44 overs for the loss of four wickets. A delighted Suri said: “I think it was a very, very invaluable win for us. We know the magnitude of this win, so I am really, really happy I could contribute to the winning performance. “Whenever you get the opportunity, you want to cement your place in the side. Once you do that, you can play with more confidence and play your natural game. I’m glad I got this opportunity. Thanks to the selectors and the coaches.” SCORES IN BRIEF: Scotland beat Nepal by four wickets, Queens Sports Club (Group B) Nepal 149 all out, 47.4 overs (Paras Khadka 63, Basant Regmi 24 not out; Stuart Whittingham 3-35, Safyaan Sharif 2-21, Alasdair Evans 2-24) Scotland 153-6, 41.3 overs

(Kyle Coetzer 88 not out; Basant Regmi 2-26, Sandeep Lamichhane 2-31) -of-the-match - Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) Hong Kong beat Afghanistan by 30 runs (DLS Method, target revised to 226 in 46 overs), Bulawayo Athletics Club (Group B) Hong Kong 241-8, 50 overs (Anshuman Rath 65, Babar Hayat 31, Nizakat Khan 28, Scott McKechnie 24, Shahid Wasif 21; Mujeeb Rahman 3-36, Mohammd Nabi 3-48) Afghanistan 195-9, 46 overs (Dwlat Zadran 40 not out, Mohammad Nabi 38, Najibul Zadran 32, Javed Ahmadi 22; Ehsan Khan 4-33, Nadeem Ahmed 2-37) Player-of-the-match – Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong) The Windies beat PNG by six wickets, Old Hararians (Group A) PNG 200 all out, 42.4 overs (Assad Vala 57, Tony Ura 37, Mahuru Dai 35, Norman Vanua 35; Carlos Brathwaite 5-27, Nikita Miller 2-25) Windies 201-4, 43 overs (Jason Holder 99 not out, Shai Hope 49 not out, Marlon Sam-

uels 24)) Player-of-the-match – Jason Holder (Windies) The UAE beat the Netherlands by six wickets, Harare Sports Club (Group A) The Netherlands 176 all out, 46.3 overs (Wesley Barresi 37, Ryan ten Doeschate 34, Scott Edwards 27, Pieter Seelaar 20; Rohan Mustafa 5-26) UAE 177-4, 40 overs (Chirag Suri 78 not out; Mohamad Usman 36 not out; Ghulam Shabber 27; Player-of-the-match – Rohan Mustafa (UAE) Fixtures for tomorrow (Matches start 09:30hrs local time. Matches involving the Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as List-A matches as the two sides don’t have ODI status coming into this tournament Windies v Ireland, Harare Sports Club, Harare (Group A) PNG v Netherlands, Old Hararians, Harare (Group A) Zimbabwe v Hong Kong, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (Group B) Afghanistan v Nepal, Bulawayo Athletics Club, Bulawayo (Group B)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

GAPLF Intermediate/Masters U.S. House panel expands probe Championships set for May 13 of sexual abuse of young athletes

THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) has changed the date for its Intermediate/ Masters Championships. They have now brought forward the competition from May 27, as was initially announced, to May 13. This switch was done with consideration for the federation’s Muslim athletes, who will be observing Ramadan just two days after the championships. This was disclosed by GAPLF Public Relations Officer, Runita White. “We made the change due to the fact that there are Muslims who compete and the initial date would have affected them from competing since it have been during Ramadan.” “Fasting starts on May 15, so in order to accommodate our Muslim athletes the date was changed to the May 13.” Meanwhile, in observance of International Women’s Day, the GAPLF will be hosting a lifting exhibition on Saturday to celebrate Guyanese women in powerlifting, just two

By David Shepardson

The GAPLF Intermediate/Masters Championships have been brought forward to May 13 instead of the initial May 27 date.

days after International Women’s Day. The federation will also seize the opportunity to raise awareness of the sport by providing a forum for those who want to learn about the sport and improve their technique. Members of the GAPLF

executive will be on hand to answer any questions that prospective lifters might have. “Most importantly, we’re trying to break down the stereotypes that people have as it relates to women who powerlift,” White revealed.

The venue set for the exhibition is at fast food restaurant ‘Pollo Tropical’ on Camp and Robb Streets opposite Republic Bank. The fast food franchise is on board the event as a major sponsor and the exhibition lifts off at 11:00hrs.

Blatter says he wants FIFA to reconsider his case By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Banned former FIFA president Sepp Blatter intends to ask the ethics committee of the global soccer body to reconsider his case and lift his six-year ban from the sport. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, was barred for ethics violations in 2015 amid the biggest corruption scandal to shake world soccer’s governing body. The ban was imposed shortly after the Swiss attorney general’s office began criminal proceedings against him on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation. No charges have yet been brought and Blatter has denied wrongdoing.

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“It is now two and a half years, this file has not moved,” Blatter told reporters, adding he had no indication how long the investigation would last. “It is like having the Sword of Damocles over my head

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re-open his case. “I am looking to have a solution also from the FIFA ethics committee to lift the suspension, which is a nonsense,” he said. “I am also trying to see how we can change it. I hope to have a solution in the next three months before we open the World Cup in Russia.” The Swiss attorney-general’s office could not immediately be reached for comment but in the past has said that such investigations can take several years. Blatter also confirmed that he had been invited by President Vladimir Putin to attend the World Cup in Russia in June and July. “I’m honoured and I have accepted,” he said.

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WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters) - The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee said yesterday it had sent requests for information to the U.S. Olympic Committee and 48 national governing bodies of various sports and Michigan State University, expanding the committee’s investigation into sexual abuse within organised sports. A Senate Commerce Committee panel sent a similar request last month as part of a separate investigation. Both committees sent initial letters in January and the House panel has said it plans to convene a hearing on the issue. “Based on information received to date, the committee is concerned that a pervasive and systemic problem exists in Olympic sports. The safety and well-being of all athletes should be the highest priority of the U.S. Olympic Committee and each of the respective national governing bodies,” House Republican and Democratic committee leaders said in a joint statement. The letters seek answers by March 21. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has also opened an investigation and sent letters seeking more information to various entities including Michigan State. Congressional committee staff members have had briefings with Michigan State and others under investigation. Last month, U.S. Olympic

Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun resigned for medical reasons, the organisation said on Wednesday, following months of sustained criticism stemming from the sex abuse scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The USOC last month outlined reforms aimed at protecting its athletes from abuse. The scandal prompted the entire board of directors at USA Gymnastics, the sport’s U.S. governing body, to resign, along with the president and athletic director of Michigan State University, where Nassar also worked. It also spawned lawsuits and criminal and civil investigations. Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment and was sentenced to life in prison. Authorities say Nassar victimised more than 260 women and girls, including several Olympic gold medallists. Nearly 200 of them offered testimonies during a pair of sentencing hearings in Michigan earlier this year. Last month, Senators Jerry Moran, a Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, met with a number of former U.S. Olympic athletes to talk about the abuse scandal. “The young women’s stories we heard today reinforced our determination to root out abuse in youth sport governing bodies,” the pair said in a joint statement.

Sponsors piling up for first National Race of Champions SPONSORS are signing on for the first national Race of Champions, set for the South Dakota Circuit on March 25. Already locked in are the title sponsors Tropical Shipping, STAG Beer and Mohamed’s Enterprise with several others signing up for the event. President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport Club, Rameez Mohamed, believes that this is key if the sport is to progress. “Sponsor confidence, that’s what we are seeing for the first round of the National race of champions and that’s what we like to see. It says that we are doing something that sponsors appreciate,” he said. “What we feel is that once the sponsors have confidence in us then we are going to pull off a great race meet for competitors, fans and everyone else.” Among the sponsors already confirmed are Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machining and Fabrication Workshop, A&R Jiwanram Printery, Jumbo Jet stables and BM Soat. The event is expected to undergo minimal change, if any, with the standard groups getting three races. The street and sport tuner classes as well as the Starlet cup, along with the groups two, three and four as well as bikes will be in action. (Stephan Sookram)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 09, 2018)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 5 T20 Int’ls (2) Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the first ODI of the current WI/NZ women’s series? (2) Who are the members of Group B in the current ICC World Cup Qualifiers? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 9, 2018

GABF National Club Championship to bounce off April 7

FLASHBACK! Colts Basketball Club after winning the Championship last year.

New GTTA executives to be elected at AGM on March 24

THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 24. The election of office-bearers will also take place at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) building, Block XXX Liliendaal Greater Georgetown from 13:00hrs. According to a release from the association - “Notices of motions must reach the General Secretary not later than March 19”. Clubs that are registered with the association are entitled to send as many delegates as they desire. However, only one authorised member will be allowed to vote. The clubs are also reminded to ensure that their annual subscriptions have been paid by March 16 so as to be able to “exercise their franchise”. The agenda for the day will kick off with: Welcome, before the reading of Minutes,/ Matters Arising, President’s Report, Secretary‘s Report, Treasurer’s

Report, Motions, Election of Office-bearers for period 2018-2020, Installation of Office-bearers and Any Other Business.

GTTA president Godfrey Munroe

The current executive is as follows: Godfrey Munroe (President), Dr Pradeep Balram (Senior Vice-President), Jonathan Sankar (Junior Vice-President), Deirdre Edghill (Treasurer), Linden Johnson (General Secretary), Lisa Lewis (Assistant Secretary), Joel Wilburg (Assistant Secretary).

WITH the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament on the horizon, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will be affording some of the country’s top players a chance to impress selectors and also stake claim to the country’s ‘Holy Grail’ of club basketball – the National Club Championship. The logistics and other information surrounding the tournament are yet to be made known by the GABF. Information reaching Chronicle Sport states the event, dubbed ‘Road to Mecca V’, will bounce off on April 7 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The final will be played on

April 28. At last year’s National Club Championship, Colts retained their title after narrowly edging Linden’s Victory Valley Royals in a 85-83 thriller. The win also saw Colts pocket $600 000 while Royals received $400 000. In the third-place playoff Travis Burnett carried the Kobras to a third-place finish for a $200 000 cash prize, following their 7675 extra-time victory over Ravens. The GABF will send a male team and a female team to this year’s CBC Championship in neighbouring Suriname from June 15 to 22 (female) and June 25-29 (male).

Best I’ve bowled in a long time: Brathwaite HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Pacer Carlos Brathwaite said rediscovered rhythm had been behind his career-best five-wicket haul in the Group A contest of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers against Papua New Guinea here yesterday. The 29-year-old said he had made no major adjustments ahead of the match but had focused a bit on his rhythm in recent times with the coaching staff. “I wouldn’t say it is big change. I guess I’ve just been struggling for rhythm a bit but today I found it,” he told media after the Windies completed their six-wicket victory. “I’ve been doing some really good work with Roddy Estwick (former Windies bowling coach) before and now Alfonso Thomas the (current) bowling coach so I guess today is one of those days where everything comes together. “You get the rewards but it doesn’t necessarily mean I did anything different in the lead-up to this game as opposed to the last one I would have played. But it’s always good to see your hard work come to fruition and for the stats to show it as well.” The right-armer fin-

Seamer Carlos Brathwaite prepares to send down a delivery during his five-wicket haul against PNG yesterday. (Photo courtesy ICC)

ished with five or 27 as West Indies held PNG to 200 all out off 42.4 overs. Twice Brathwaite made key interventions. With PNG cruising on 63 for one, he snatched two wickets to trigger a slide where three wickets fell for 19 runs. When PNG recovered to reach 151 for four, Brathwaite struck three more important blows to ensure the final collapse of the innings. “We started well but their batters countered everything we threw at them, while scoring at a decent rate,” Brathwaite explained. “For me, it was just to come in and put the ball in the right area and try to back up what Jason (Holder) and Kesrick (Williams) had started. It’s probably the best I’ve bowled for a long time – I had good rhythm behind me. “I’m not usually known as a wicket-taker so it was good to get a few wickets behind my name, but it was just important at that point in time to be as disciplined as possible, restrict the boundary balls and force them to play good shots to get runs. “I found a good length on the wicket was pretty consistent and reaped the rewards.” Despite picking up

the bulk of the wickets, Brathwaite was quick to hail the role of the spinners in the attack. “Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse and Marlon Samuels played a really important role bowling from the other end as the pacers attacked from one end so it was a complete team effort even though I’m the one that would take the plaudits for the five-for,” he remarked. In reference to Holder’s career-best unbeaten 99, he added: “I think Jason played fantastically to make a difficult run chase look easy and in the field it was a complete team effort.” The victory was the Windies’ second on the trot following their 60-run win over United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, but Brathwaite said the unit were aware the upcoming matches against Ireland and the Netherlands would be more difficult propositions. “I think those UAE and PNG) are the two lower-ranked teams out of our group, so there are tougher challengers ahead and we need to do what we did today, over a longer period of time, and probably five, 10 per cent better when we come up against Ireland and Netherlands.”

GABF National Club Championship to bounce off April

See Page 27

Holder’s unbeaten 99 powers Windies to six-wicket win over PNG See Page 22

Captain Jason Holder hits out during his unbeaten 99 against PNG yesterday. (Photo courtesy ICC)

Elite League Football

Fruta Conquerors-Den Amstel clash to highlight double-header tonight

See Page 22

Vickery to face defending Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza today From left: Andrew Murray, Delon Lanferman, Daniel Wilson and Gregory Richardson

Sachia Vickery (top) will play 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza in the Reound-of-64 at this year’s Indian Wells.

THIS weekend’s matches of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League will be held at the Georgetown Football Club ground, Bourda due to the unplayable conditions of the Tucville venue. Tonight’s matchup will see Western Tigers take on Cougars FC at 18:00hrs and Fruta Conquerors against Den Amstel FC at 20:00hrs. Western Tigers will be hoping to capitalise on the

match to gain the valuable three points over Cougars, which will take them to the top of the table. In the second match of the double-header, Fruta Conquerors FC will have their work cut out against Den Amstel, who have given a reasonably good account of themselves as newcomers to the league. Likewise, a win for Den Amstel would also take them to the top of the table but with one match

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more than the other leading contenders. Action will continue on Sunday March 11, Milerock United will play New Amsterdam United in the first game at 17:30hrs and the evening’s second match will bring together defending champions Guyana Defence Force and Victoria Kings. In the first match on Sunday, New Amsterdam United, yet to pick up a win, will be looking to score points in

order to break their drought so far. The GDF will also be looking forward to tough matches, prior their departure for the Caribbean Shield. In one match they should be challenging point-leaders Victoria Kings. Admission to all matches is $500 but all women and children under 12 years of age will be admitted without charge, according to the GFF. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018