Issuu

MONDAY 28th May, 2018

18-year run ends No.105288

– suspect who butchered father of three arrested

–– had allegedly committed the act after the man disapproved of relationship with his daughter

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The house in Enmore, East Coast Demerara where murder suspect Deonarine Singh was arrested Sunday morning (Leroy Smith photo)

Banks records $1.4B mid-year profit Youth stabbed Prison wardens 04 'Trigger woman' to death in 18 busted with ganja Daby granted $750,000 09 gambling dispute PAGE

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... after being paid $20,000 to deliver to inmate

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Prisoner hospitalised in Camp Street brawl

TWO convicted prisoners, one for armed robbery and the other for possession of arms and ammunition, faced off on Friday in the Camp Street Prisons, resulting in one of them being hospitalised due

to a stab wound. While the name of one of the prisoners was withheld by prison authorities, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the other inmate who was rushed to the Georgetown Pub-

lic Hospital (GPH) has been identified as Shawn Thom. According to Director of Prisons, Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels, Thom was referred to the hospital on Saturday. He had earlier been relocated from one area of the prison to another area after he reportedly stabbed the other inmate with a mop stick during a fight.

However, on Saturday while checks were being made on him in made in his cell, prison wardens found Thom with a swollen face, hence the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were activated and he was taken for medical attention. Contacted late Sunday afternoon, Samuels told this publication that the mop stick which was used to inflict the injury

on the other prisoner was among the regular items issued within the prison for cleaning purposes. He said there are times when prisoners would be required to clean their own spills and in some instances their dwelling area, as such items such as brooms are issued to the prison dorms. Asked if he will revisit the issuing of such items, Samuels said that

prisoners would always seek to improvise despite the best efforts of prison management, to restrict the use of some items within the prison system by the prisoners. He made reference to prisoners being in possession of tooth brushes which can also be converted into weapons. An investigation has been launched into the incident.

18-year run ends

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

– suspect who butchered father of three arrested –– had allegedly committed the act after the man disapproved of relationship with his daughter By Leroy Smith

“I did the research after I got old enough. I bought a Bible for $2,050 and I woke up every morning at 03:00 hrs and start to pray and I asked the Lord that the man who murdered my father should come to justice, we must not harm him, he must walk into the eyes of God and so said so done.” Those were just some of the moving words from Deochan Singh, 28, as tears flowed from his eyes as he spoke with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday afternoon. His father, Daniel Singh, was chopped to the head with a cutlass reportedly by Deonarine Singh, who was 35 years old at the time. Deonarine had attempted to strike up a relationship with Daniel’s 19-year-old daughter, a relationship that the deceased Daniel had disapproved of. On May 21, 2000 at Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, Deonarine, according to reports, had barged into the yard of the now dead man with a cutlass and attempted to attack the man and his three children who were at home at the time. Daniel is said to have prevented the aggressor from entering his house and in the process was chopped to the head, causing him to fall on the ground. When his father fell, Deonarine stood over him and continued to fire chops about his body, the young man who was 10 years old at the time recalled. Following the incident, Deonarine fled to neighbouring Venezuela. But on Sunday, police swooped down and arrested Deonarine at the home of his sister, who he had gone to pay a visit in the company of his father. The Guyana Chronicle was told that Singh arrived in Guyana recently and was seen at the funeral of a resident of the community.

the suspect’s father served on the neighbourhood council as a representative of the said political party and too as the party’s district organiser. On the morning when his father was butchered it was in the presence of children- two sons, Deochan, 10, Roopan, 12, and daughter Baghwanti 19, the man recounted and recalled too, how his siblings had forced their head through the windows of their house hollering for help. “My brother and I pushed our heads through the window screaming for help and no one came and he chopped my father like piece of fish,” Deochan recalled with tears in his eyes. And, when he (the suspect) had finished chopping up their father, he turned his attention to them and the family pets. “We had three dogs who were attacking him and he killed all three dogs. He went into the house to chop me and my brother up and we hide. We did not hide under the bed but between two mattresses. My brother took me and he said don’t make noise come under here he cannot find us here and we were there and when my sister ran out of the house I ran behind him after he chased after her and closed the door,” Deochan, now a businessman recalled. He said his sister managed to get refuge in the home of a neighbour and with that, the suspect who was only clad in his brief, fled the scene and subsequently the community. The man said his father was picked up and rushed to the hospital where he remained on life support for five days before he was taken off of the machine. He remembered that the doctors had initially indicated to his relatives that his father would not survive. He was taken off the life support machine on May 26, 2000, three days before his ( Deochan Singh) birthday.

MEDIA FRIEND He was accompanied to the funeral by a former senior member of the media, who is said to be a close friend of the family. In recalling the ordeal, Deochan Singh told this publication that his father’s alleged killer managed to leave Guyana unhindered because of the close ties he had with persons associated with a certain political party at the time. He recalled that

HAD NEVER GIVEN UP “My birthday is the 29th of May, my father was chopped on the 21st of May and he was pronounced dead on the 26th of May. Today, my father gave me a gift for my birthday. My life was never happy every time the month of May begins,” Deochan Singh told this publication. He said his family had never given up hope that one day the man who murdered

their father would be brought to justice. It took a lot of personal efforts and the assistance of God, he said. He said his family had hardship after the incident because his father was their sole bread winner at the time. The young man related that prior to the incident, his mother and father had separated, but after his death she returned home to care for her children. While she was away from the home, however, Deochan said his father got up every single morning at 03:00 hrs to cook for them in order to send them to school. Daniel was the chair bailiff at the Supreme Court but left that job due to what he considered a poor salary and took up a job at GuySuCo as a planter. Recently, Deochan said he began receiving information that his father’s killer was spotted on numerous occasions in Lethem. He said more recently, he received word that the man was in the community but in an effort to appear disinterested of his presence, he brushed off the news as a means to distract those who were giving him the information. What they did not know, however, was that the young Singh was informing his lawyer and the police about the information he was receiving. Deochan said he was even made aware that the man after moving to Venezuela, opened a shop and was living an easy life operating as a small businessman. “He was taken to a funeral in the community by the former Editor-in-Chief of a local newspaper. He was at the funeral and we were tracking him all the time but we were not getting a place of stay. And residents coming to us all the time and say he will come at so and so time and he will be at so and so place,” the man informed this publication. He added: “Acting on information that his father took him over at his sister’s house, this morning (Sunday) at 6 o’clock, we went to the home and we saw him. I, my lawyer and two officers arrived at the home and the police spot him, called him by his name, he acknowledged his name and he was told of the offence and was arrested. I was working very hard on this case, I went to meet the crime chief, I went to the library to read up about the matter after I got older and then I started talking to God. I bought a bible for $2,050 and I

woke up every morning at three and start to pray and I asked the Lord that the man who murdered my father should come to justice, that we must not harm him but that he must walk into the eyes of the Lord and the hands of the law and so said so done. This morning I was at the beach to take a bath and when I returned home I receive a call that the man’s father brought him home,” Deochan said. ‘WE PUNISHED’ Deochan said that after his father died, a sitting judge at the time took care of them by helping the family financially so that he and his siblings could complete school. He said the judge treated them as if they were part of his family. Still crying, the young man recalled leaving to go in search of a job at the age of 14, while his mother sold to assist in taking care of their family. He said on his job, he received an injury and he sued the company and judgement was in his favour. The young man said the family always wanted justice for the death of their father. Today, they are now taking care of their mother. Deochan related that one of the biggest regrets of the family today is that their father is not around to see how they have all grown up to be independent and leading their own lives. “Today, I wished if my father was alive to see the people we have turned out to be and to also see the face of the man who fractured his family. We have everything that we want in this life, but we don’t have our father and that is hurting us,” he stated. He said that forgiving the man for the murder of his father is not something they will think twice in doing but before they do that, he must first speak the truth about what happened on the night in question and own up to his mistake. “It’s a very painful story, I want to forgive him but it’s a painful story, we will set him free in our hearts but he has to speak the truth. We know our father cannot come back but if you know what it takes to grow without a father at that age, it is very, very painful, and to tell you what was more hurtful was to live among these things because people who knew where he was never urged him to turn himself in,” Deochan said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Prison wardens with ganja US sanctions on Venezuelia to stay busted ... after being paid $20,000

US Vice-President Mike Pence says sanctions will remain on Venezuela despite the release of a US prisoner and his wife on Saturday. Joshua Holt and his Venezuelan wife Thamy arrived in the US accompanied by Senator Bob Corker, who helped negotiate their release. Mr Holt later met President Donald Trump at the White House. Mr Holt and his wife had been imprisoned in Venezuela for two years on charges of concealing weapons. “Very glad that Josh Holt is now back home with his family - where he has always belonged,” Mr Pence wrote in a tweet. “Sanctions continue until democracy returns to Venezuela.” The couple were detained in 2016 at her family’s house in the capital Caracas while waiting for US visas, and

accused of hiding weapons. Both were jailed for two years. Mr Corker had held talks on Friday with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US senator shared a picture of himself with the couple after their release, adding: “We are on our way home.” Sitting alongside Mr Holt in the Oval Office, President Trump told him he had been “incredibly brave.” “It’s amazing that you were able to take it... that was a tough situation,” he said with Mr Holt’s family looking on. Mr Holt said he was “overwhelmed” to be back home. “I’m just so grateful for what you guys have done, and for thinking about me, and caring about me, just a normal person,” he added. “It

really touches me.” A spokesman for Mr Maduro said the couple’s release was a “gesture” aimed at improving dialogue between Venezuela and the US. Mr Maduro was re-elected to a six-year term last week, but Washington has refused to recognise the outcome. The election was marred by an opposition boycott and allegations of vote-rigging. The US had previously accused Venezuela of using Mr Holt as a bargaining chip towards changing Washington’s sanctions policy on the country. Venezuela has not discussed the nature of the talks with Mr Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but said they were “good news for the Venezuelan people”. Mr Holt is a former Mormon missionary from Utah who had travelled to Caracas in June 2016 to marry his Venezuelan girlfriend, Thamy Candelo. She is also a Mormon

and the couple intended that Ms Candelo and her children would move with Mr Holt to the US following the marriage, but they were arrested instead. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who said he had worked with two presidential administrations and various contacts, including President Maduro, on the release, said that he “could not be more honoured to be able to reunite Josh with his sweet, long-suffering family”. Mr Maduro has frequently accused the US of trying to overthrow him and the US has tightened sanctions recently. Only on Tuesday, he expelled the senior US representative in the country, Todd Robinson. Venezuela is five years into an economic crisis, suffering from hyperinflation and severe shortages in food and medicine. Turnout was low in last Sunday’s election, boycotted by much of the opposition. Mr Maduro was credited with winning 68% of the vote. (BBC News)

to deliver to inmate

TWO prison officers have been arrested after they collected a parcel containing seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be marijuana from a civilian, while on duty at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday night. Director of Prisons, Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels said an operation was setup, the bus they were travelling in was stopped on the East Coast Bus Park and

The items taken from the prison officers by police on Sunday when a search was carried out by the police the suspected marijuana in a black bag was found in the possession of a prison officer. “The two prison officers who were together were escorted to the Brickdam Police Station. The police carried out their required functions and when the two parcels were weighed it amounted to one pound. A prisoner officer admitted to collecting the item from a civilian to take for a prisoner to eat. He said he was paid $20,000. They are presently in police custody,” Samuels said in a release.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Humbled, honoured and elated ‒ national awardees react to recognition by the State By Svetlana Marshall FOUNDER of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana, Karen Abrams said she is truly humbled to be recognised by the people of Guyana. Abrams is among 96 outstanding Guyanese, who come October, will be presented with National Awards ranging from the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) to the Disciplined Services Medal (DSM). Forty-nine women from various fields are among those who will be conferred with National Awards by President David Granger, and Abrams tops the distinguished list. “Truly I am humbled to receive this prestigious award, but it really reflects the work of an entire village of people who funded, encouraged, volunteered for and otherwise supported the STEM Guyana mission. To the entire village, I am grateful,” Abrams said. On October 6, when the Investiture Ceremony is held, she will receive the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement Award. “It was important to develop the STEM Guyana programme because of the technology future which awaits Guyana’s young people. I have long been convinced that once given the opportunity, our young people would rise to the challenge every time and indeed there are many instances of this in the news. “Although we do not

Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul A. Williams

know what the future holds, we know with 100 per cent certainty that our young people’s future will include technology, so whether they intend on becoming lawyers, doctors, entertainers or entrepreneurs, technology will profoundly impact their careers. Robots and artificial intelligence will impact nearly every job in existence in some way and we wanted to prepare our young people for that,” Abrams told Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, as she reflected on the importance of STEM. Founder of the Nations University Brian O’Toole is also among the 41 Guyanese identified to receive the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement Award. O’Toole told this newspaper that his accomplishments were achieved with the support of many. “Like any award, be it for cinema, literature, or business, there are always many, many persons who contributed to the award, in our case it is the almost 200 staff that meet the needs of

Health educator and actress Desiree Edghill

Founder of STEM Guyana Karen Abrams

Educator Gail Primo

the 3,000 students at Nations,” O’Toole said. He noted that there are exciting times ahead for the university, even as he pointed to recent developments. “One of our most exciting developments now is the partnership we have with the Ministry of Education to offer the Certificate in Educational Leadership course from Cambridge University throughout Guyana. “We are also about to introduce 14 masters courses from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK. The Golden Arrowhead will surely be an invaluable cata-

Television and radio personality Basil Bradshaw

NCN Programme Manager Wendy Hermonstine

Founder of Nations University Dr Brian O’Toole

Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie A. James

lyst to these various plans,” the educator said. From the batch of 96 awardees, 46 are in line to be bestowed with the Medal of Service, representing the largest group of awardees. Desiree Edghill, who is undoubtedly a household name in Guyana, is among the outstanding Guyanese who will this year receive the Medal of Service Award for their contributions to Guyana in various fields. CONTINUE ON PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

LGE on the horizon Now that the festivities of our 52nd Independence celebrations are over, Guyanese will now have to focus their minds on Local Government Election (LGE) later this year. It would be the second time after a 23-year hiatus that citizens will determine their local leaders via the ballot. The well documented absence of these elections under the PPP administration has no doubt dealt a crushing blow to local democracy, the fallout from which we are still experiencing. It should also be noted that after a prolonged debate over Local Government reforms, in which the major political parties could not find common ground, the coalition parties vowed that, if elected, they would hold these long overdue elections. True to their promise, they

succeeded in ensuring that Guyanese got the opportunity to decide who their local representatives should be. As one of the countries in the Anglophone Caribbean with a long and rich tradition of Local Governance, it is fitting that Guyana once again takes its place as a beacon of local democracy. Indeed, it was our much acclaimed village movement that pioneered Local Government in the larger Caribbean. To go to the polls and elect local representatives is a fitting tribute to our foreparents, who had the vision to transform former slave plantations into vibrant communities and spaces of freedom from servitude. While the turnout at the March 2016 election was not as large as had been expected,

that should not, in any way, sully the exercise. Generally, LGEs have not excited the same level of participation from the citizenry as General Elections, because citizens tend to attach less significance to the LGEs. This, of course, is an area that needs attention as we continue to build a democratic process and culture. This is a responsibility of not just the government and political parties, but also all civic and social organisations, including churches, trade unions and other NGOs. This matter goes to the heart of our Independence and the role of citizen participation. Having said the above, we must salute those who turned out to cast their votes; they are an example to those who, for various reasons, did not go to the polls. Salutations are also in order

Be careful when purchasing security cameras Dear Editor, THERE are many reasons available for blaming the crime situation and many people are investing their hard earn money for some sort of protection. One of the most comforting means for them is security cameras. Now a lot of unscrupulous people are obtaining outdated/condemned CCTV systems from overseas and selling people at exorbitant fees and these systems are not providing the proper service as expected. Some of these dishonest people are using footage from other systems and even from what makes the news, and are promoting themselves on social media as if the system they are selling is responsible. While they cannot be charged for false promotion, these unsuspecting victims’ money is being wasted because they eventually have to buy new systems while not getting the service from the waste they purchase. Quite a few people have been scammed and l bluntly told them after I was asked to look at their system after they

encounter problems. A while back, I penned a series of letters advising on the type of system and camera one should look for and the setting for their system, to help get better footage. Editor, recently a woman’s shop was broken into at Zeelugt early one Wednesday night and again three days after, the Saturday night. A few weeks after, the [business] was broken into again and each time she suffered great losses. Now she [the woman] had a security system installed but they couldn’t locate the footage on the DVR so they call me after the first two times. I went and was able to locate the footage which shows four boys committing the crime. The footage, however, couldn’t identify any of the criminals properly so no one was charged. The result of that was because the cameras were not properly set up and the lightening was bad. On my advice she allowed me to rearrange the cameras and lights and was quite pleased with the results afterwards. The footage was hard to locate because the CMOS battery had gone bad

in the DVR, thus, every time the DVR is switched off or there is a blackout, the DVR goes back to the manufacturing timing and starts recording. So what you have is a DVR with multiple footage of same dates and timings all over the hard drive. One way to eradicate that problem is, if you notice your DVR timing/date going back to the default settings or DVR malfunctioning, chances are that the CMOS battery is bad and should be changed immediately because definitely you would encounter problems when you try to retrieve footage. These are simple problems but apparently many socalled experts cannot solve this minor problem. Criminals are becoming weary of cameras and people should explore the possibilities of installing cameras and concealing them. Security system installations have many issues to deal with but as I listed, these are some of the main faults which I hope would help people. Regards, Sahadeo Bates

for the candidates who had offered themselves up to serve even as we expect heightened interest in this year’s poll. Unlike General Elections, LGE requires a larger pool of candidates. That many citizens answered the call is most refreshing. We wish to commend especially those younger candidates, and others, who entered the fray for the first time. There is no better nursery for leadership than Local Government. It is in this arena that future leaders get opportunity to acquaint themselves with the proverbial nuts and bolts of representative governance. No doubt political parties, especially the major ones, would use the upcoming polls to test their strengths as we head into 2020 for general elections.

In the 2016 elections there were much criticisms about the level of voter education, with some observers concluding that this was largely responsible for the low voter turnout. While there may be some truth in that conclusion, this year presents another opportunity for both the Guyana Elections Commission, political parties and other stakeholders to make a concerted effort to reach voters. The problem is that the voter education can have its desired effect only if the population is open to

it. In that regard, perhaps the approach should be for there to be a more longterm education initiative, rather than one that revolves around the elections. The 2016 polls were also violence-free. There was, moreover, the relative absence of race-baiting on the campaign trail. In our ethnically polarised society, that is a huge achievement which we hope will be the case this year as well. Whatever happens in the next elections, one thing is certain: citizens will be in a heightened state of anxiety as we head into 2020.

Guyana Times getting a lot of state ads Dear Editor, I THOUGHT I would look at the Internet editions of the daily newspapers in Guyana to get an idea as to where their advertising support comes from. The Guyana Times, owned by Dr. Bobby Ramroop, a close friend of former President Jagdeo, gets about 70 per cent of its advertising support (in terms of space.

I can’t speak to revenue ) from government ministries including the ministries of the presidency, public health, agriculture, education and public infrastructure and agencies such as NICIL, GECOM etc. Sunday’s (yesterday’s) edition of the Guyana Times has a full page of private sector ads from Caribbean Airlines, GT&T, Beharry’s and Banks DIH.

The bulk of the advertising is from the State. This is encouraging and a positive sign that there is no discrimination on the part of the State in placing ads, to ensure it gets value (exposure) for its money. This is the kind of fairness that Guyana needs across the board. Regards Wesley Kirton

Give non-custodial sentences to persons with small amounts of marijuana Dear Editor, I wish to add my voice to the call for an amendment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, for the non-custodial sentencing of persons found with and convicted of having a smoking utensil and/or small amounts of cannabis (marijuana), for personal use. From the humane, social and economic standpoints,

I do believe it is the correct thing to do. Once the amendment has been passed and assented to, I also think that presidential pardons should be granted to those incarcerated persons who have been convicted of the abovenamed offence. We have been speaking about innovation for some time. Herein is an opportunity for Guyana, via institutions like our University of Guyana, to conduct research and

add to the existing body of knowledge on medical uses of marijuana. However, with our current act, this kind of research would be unlawful in several respects. Thus, this is another justification/reason why our Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act should be amended. Yours sincerely Valmikki Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Humbled, honoured...

MANY HATS Edghill is a woman of many hats – a health educator with focus on raising awareness on HIV/AIDS and actress just to name a few. Edghill told the Guyana Chronicle that she feels honoured to be recognised by the people of Guyana, noting that her work was done out of love.

“It is always great to be recognised for work done to help make my country a better place, and I have had many awards for both my contribution to theatre in Guyana and my work in addressing social issues, although I did it all out of love. But I was humbled when I got the call, even got emotional. I had to ask Mr. Vic Persaud for a minute to compose myself, before we continued the conversation. Although I can’t explain the feeling, I will never forget

it,” she said. Reiterating that she is thankful, Edghill said she could not have done it alone, as she singled out her “dear friend, brother and soul mate, the late Keith Andre Sobryan,” who was responsible for her getting involved in the HIV programme and theatrics. Television and Radio Personality Basil Bradshaw would also be placed in the spotlight on October 6, when he takes the stage to be bestowed with the Medal of Service. “It’s indeed an honour to be rewarded nationally for my nationalistic efforts over the years, born out of true patriotism. This will, in fact, encourage me to redouble my interests in my country’s affairs. With 37 years of broadcasting experience on radio and television, this should not be too difficult to achieve,”

he told this newspaper.

AN HONOUR Gail Primo, an educator, told Guyana Chronicle that to be recognised by the State and people of this nation is an honour. “I am humbled and grateful. I am overjoyed to be awarded for doing something that I loved and still do,” she said. Primo will also receive the Medal of Service Award. “In my 37 years in the profession I have always made my students’ development my primary focus, not only academically but also morally and socially. Knowing that I would have played a role in moulding children to become worthwhile citizens gives me a sense of satisfaction that cannot be compared to anything else,” she said while reflecting on her life’s work. Wendy Hermonstine,

Programme Manager at National Communications Network (NCN), is among those who will be bestowed with the Medal of Service Award. She started her career at the Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Food Processing and Allied Group in 1979 in the Public Relations Unit. Then, on completion of her BSc in Communication Studies from University of Guyana in 1992, she was encouraged by the late Kester Alves to join Guyana Public Communications Agency (GPCA) as a producer attached at GTV. She has never turned back since. “I kept working beyond the call of duty and this helped me to climb the ladder. Along the way I was able to achieve a post-graduate diploma in International Relations and did media training in Japan, Jamaica and China. I was always passionate about my career

Italian president faces impeachment call The leader of Italy’s biggest political party has called for the president to be impeached after he vetoed a choice for finance minister. Luigi Di Maio of the populist Five Star Party said President Sergio Mattarella had caused an “institutional crisis”. Efforts by PM-designate Giuseppe Conte to form a government collapsed on Sunday after Mr Mattarella rejected eurosceptic candidate Paolo Savona. Five Star had been trying to form a government with the right-wing League. Italy has been without a government since elections in March because no political group can form a majority. Mr Conte has now stepped down and correspondents say President Mattarella has been in talks with former IMF economist Carlo Cottarelli, who is tipped as a potential stop-gap prime minister. But the BBC’s James Reynolds in Rome says such an arrangement is unlikely to last and early elections may have to be called. There is now a real argument between the president and the populists about Italy’s position in the EU, he adds. Mr Di Maio called for impeachment under article

President Sergio Mattarella said he agreed to all the proposals except that of the finance minister

90 of the constitution, which allows parliament to demand a president step down based on a simple majority vote. If the vote is in favour, the country’s constitutional court then decides whether to impeach or not. “I want this institutional crisis to be taken to parliament... and the president tried,” Mr Di Maio said. “After tonight, it’s truly difficult to believe in the institutions and the laws of the state.” League leader Matteo Salvini called for fresh elections. “In a democracy, if we are still in democracy, there’s only one thing to do, let the Italians have their say,” he told supporters in a speech in central Italy. Mr Conte, a political novice, was proposed by the two parties as prime minister

in an attempt to break Italy’s 11-week political deadlock. He went to meet Mr Mattarella to put forward choices for his cabinet but the president vetoed Paolo Savona as finance minister, citing his fierce opposition to membership of the eurozone. “I asked for... an authoritative person from the parliamentary majority who is consistent with the government programme... who isn’t seen as a supporter of a line that could probably, or even inevitably, provoke Italy’s exit from the euro,” Mr Mattarella said. He added that Mr Conte had refused to support “any other solution” and then surrendered his mandate to be PM. Under Italian law, the president has the right to reject the appointment of a cabinet member but his deci-

sion was a controversial one. Mr Mattarella said he would wait before deciding whether to call fresh elections, and summoned Mr Cottarelli for talks on Monday. Mr Cottarelli, 64, worked at the IMF from 2008 to 2013, gaining the nickname “Mr Scissors” for making cuts to public spending in Italy. President Mattarella warned on Sunday that the prospect of a populist government had “alarmed Italian and foreign investors” and worsened the “spread” the gap between Italian and German 10-year government bond yields. The spread rose to 215 basis points on Friday - the widest in four years. Ratings agency Moody’s warned that it might downgrade Italy’s sovereign debt rating to “Baa3” - one notch above the junk rating. Mr Savona, who served as industry minister during the 1990s, has been an outspoken critic of the EU and an opponent of austerity programmes. That has prompted concern over the proposed coalition’s commitment to the EU and its ability to rein in the country’s massive national debt - equal to 1.3 times its annual output. (BBC News)

because it allows me to travel and serve my country in a number of ways. I have been able to empower and guide a number of individuals who passed through GTV and NCN. Seeing them learn, develop their skills and improve gives me a sense of purpose,” she said. Though elated, Hermonstine said she is very humble to be a Medal of Service awardee. “I give God praise and thanks for favour and I am grateful,” she added. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force offered congratulations to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) Leslie A. James and Paul A. Williams. James and Williams will be receiving the Disciplined Services Medal (DSM) Award for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force, on the occasion of Guyana’s

FROM PAGE 5 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations. They are among three persons to receive the Disciplined Services Medal (DSM). In the other categories, three persons – businessman Komal Samaroo, Justice Oslen Small and Professor Alvin Thompson – are in line to receive this year’s top award, the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH), while three other persons will receive the Military Service Medal (MSM). President David Granger has said that the conferral of national awards is recognised as a mechanism, provided under the Constitution of Guyana to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens, and he has committed to ensuring that these national honours are conferred regularly.

Gideon Cecil missed the point Dear Editor, I HAVE read Gideon Cecil’s letter on May 18, 2018 in the Guyana Chronicle, and I think it requires some clarifications on what the issue should be. The letter is a good biography of the Guyana Prize, but misses the point. The very title ‘Guyana Prize’ was not a true definition from its inception of the perception that the ‘Guyana Prize’ created. The prize was never a testimony of the best literature done in Guyana in any year, or in all areas of literary presentations created in any of the years at any time from its dawn. It was in true sense a competition that was construed as the definite account of the written art in this country. First on Al Creighton, Cecil’s remark of Al not being Guyanese is off the mark, frivolous and out of context. I have had differences with Al Creighton, but he has carried the torch of the arts in the media and no other columnist can find him wanting in the area of consistency and relevance to Guyanese, Caribbean, and related art influences. The initial intention according to Dr. Denis Williams who I shared a discussion with on the Guyana Prize back then, was that it was intended to attract Guyanese talent from overseas to stimulate local talent, it was honest and filled with good intentions,

but that concept with its details of workshops etc. did not happen. I never entered, as well as many of the talents who have self- published in this country. That it morphed into a ‘cliquism’ is not the exclusive fault of Creighton, a parallel observation can be made with the ill-fated Caribbean Press that Frank Anthony presided over a few years ago, some of the same culprits appeared there also and that was also poorly managed. The problem lies with the absence of any policy, or the need for it through recognising the creative arts and culture of which national literature is inclusive, as having the economic and national development importance and not just as a tolerated annoyance. Any venture left on its own, that has economic benefits and some prestige will summon the creature of cliquism, if not seriously managed as an embryo towards further development. The concept should continue to exist as ‘The National Literary Competition; it will take a break away from the sterile to evolve the cognitive spark to fully comprehend what can be harnessed from a well-managed Guyana Prize, don’t make Al Creighton the scapegoat for far more complicated sins. Regards, Barrington Braithwaite

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Banks records $1.4B profit –– in first half of the year

BANKS DIH Limited has recorded an unaudited profit after tax of $1.43 billion for the first half of this financial year as compared to $1.32 billion in 2017, an increase of $119 million or nine per cent during the corresponding period. According to the company’s interim financial statements for the half year which ended on March 31, 2018, the unaudited operating profit before tax for the parent company was $2.21 billion compared to $2.09 billion in 2017. The report also recorded an unaudited profit before taxation for the group, of $2.61 billion for the same period as against $2.54 billion in 2017, an increase of $70.8 million or 2.8 per cent. In addition, the company’s third party revenue recorded for the six-month period was $15.83 billion compared to $14.94 billion for the corresponding period in 2017, an increase of $894.5 million of 6.0 per cent. The improved results achieved by the local conglomerate came mainly from an increase in dollar sales, physical growth in case sales and the efficiencies in manufacturing processes derived from capital investments in

Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis flanked by board directors new plant and machinery for the production departments. “During the period under review, the company continued our capital development strategies with the completion of the new vehicle workshop and parking facility which were commissioned along with our new offices for the workshop administration, environmental and safety department and the building and property department. A new plastics and PET chipping facility was also constructed,” said the company in its report.

In the second half of this year, the company plans to complete another phase of their solar energy programme at their OMG restaurant, the installation of new biscuit and ice-cream packaging lines, the drilling of a new well with storage facilities and the purchase of trucks and forklifts. Although a lot are in the pipeline, the company reflected on some of its accomplishments which included the gold and grand gold medals by Monde Selection International Quality Institute

for their beers, rum and water products. Banks beer; GT beer; rain forest water; XM five-year old and 10-year old rums achieved gold, while 12-year old and 15-year old rums were awarded grand gold. As a result of its accomplishments and increased profits, the directors of the company have approved an interim dividend of $0.28 per share unit to all shareholders whose names appear on the register as at 18 May, 2018. The cost of this dividend payment will be $238 million.

Citizens Bank Guyana Inc., a 51 per cent-owned subsidiary of the company, achieved an unaudited profit after tax of $277.7 million compared to $288.7 million in 2017. In light of the of the bank’s performance, the report said it (the bank) is ready to respond to the opportunities which are presented by the petroleum and gas sector, and the need for local content input. In January, the beverage giant had announced that the company’s profit after tax

increased from $2.9 billion in 2016 to $3.5 billion 2017, a $636M or 21.6 per cent increase Chairman and Managing Director of Banks Clifford Reis in his report had stated that in the prior year, the company benefitted from the one-off gain of $1.4 billion accrued as a result of the disposal of the Investment Securities held in Banks Holdings Limited and Desnoes and Geddes (Jamaica) Limited and the dissolution of BCL (Barbados) Limited.

Fire destroys home of GPL official

IT was a devastating sight Sunday afternoon in D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown as a senior officer of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) watched her home go up in flames. Firefighters were called to the location to battle the blaze which started in the upper-flat of the woman’s home shortly after she left to attend a work-related meeting. It was reported that there was no other person in the upper-flat of the building when the fire started. Efforts to ascertain if the lower-flat and the upper-flat of the home were connected proved futile. According to reports, a woman indicated that she saw smoke emanating from the house sometime after 16:00hrs. When Guyana Chronicle arrived at the location, the firefighters were out and about trying to put out the blaze. After some time fighting the fire and preventing it from spreading to a nearby building, the firefighters were forced to seek

water from a nearby source as their tenders which all came filled, were exhausted. The men worked under the watchful eyes of residents and some of the woman’s colleague who abandoned the meeting to go and render assistance. She did not say anything definitively about the fire but indicated that it was ‘The Lord’ who provided her with the house and he will continue to provide. Shortly after, the distraught woman verbally abused a journalist from a television station after she observed him interviewing a woman who claimed to have been the first to notice the fire. The GPL employee also lashed the woman who was providing the interview several times on her back to get her to stop speaking with the reporter. Houses which were situated close to the burning building also suffered some amount of water damage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

The D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown home that was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Wakapoa residents want new bridge By Svetlana Marshall

RESIDENTS of Borada and Myrie in the village of Wakapoa are calling on the authorities to construct a new bridge that would link the two communities together. The existing structure, commonly called the Myrie-Borada Bridge is currently in a deplorable condition with several boards missing. Constructed 17 years ago, the wooden bridge, now rotten, is the main link between the communities of Myrie and Borada, and is two feet wide, 114 rods long and stands four feet above the stream below it. Though residents depend on the bridge heavily to access their farm lands, schools and other facilities, it has become a safety and health hazard. A number of residents have fallen while using the bridge and in some cases

resulting in injuries to their bodies. According to reports coming out of Wakapoa, three persons had to seek medical attention after falling on the bridge in recent times. “The bridge is rotten, and residents are afraid to use it because several persons have been injured,” said Joyce Fredricks, 65. Fredricks, who has been living in Wakapoa for the past 24 years, was recently rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital after falling through the bridge. “I got damage on my knee. I got my bone scrape,” Fredricks told the Guyana Chronicle, while further noting that she had to be rushed in an ambulance to the Suddie Public Hospital following the incident. According to the elderly woman, there are many more residents who fell on and through the bridge while using it. “Recently, we had

a girl who is training to be a doctor, she fall and got her foot damaged too,” Fredericks pointed out. At nights, it is even more difficult and dangerous to use, the 65-year-old said adding that there are missing boards. It is also a safety and health concern for children who use it to get to school, Unis Thomas said. “We having school children and many times when it rains, it is slippery, so it is even harder to use,” she said.

Phillip Robinson

Viera Boyan

Joyce Fredericks standing on the bridge

“I am hoping that there is somebody who can look into it because we have people

What residents are calling for it is a new and improved structure, Thomas told this newspaper. “I would be very grateful if the authorities look into this matter,” she said. Viera Boyan, another elderly woman, said she uses the bridge to access her farm, noting that it is often difficult to use when returning with “load” or produce from the farm. “Right now the bridge is broken, it has missing parts and it is hard to use,” Boyan complained.“We are in need of a bridge right now,” she added. Eileen Charles echoed similar sentiments while pointing out that the bridge is very narrow.

who were placed into the community as leaders but they care nothing about us…. We have children going to school Monday to Friday, and we have the pensioners and the clinic mothers using that very bridge, and it is not safe but we have no choice,” Phillip Robinson said. The 76-year-old man said while it serves an important purpose, it is “very dangerous” to use. “We don’t know how many more will be injured on this bridge but what we do know is that we need help,” Robinsons said. Wakapoa Toshao Erold Williams told the Guyana Chronicle, that three years ago the Village Council made a formal request to the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for a new bridge to be constructed to link Borada and Myrie, but to date the council is waiting on a response. Williams is hopeful that the RDC and/ or the Public Infrastructure Ministry could intervene, and construct a new bridge in the interest of the people.

A section of the Myrie-Borada Bridge in Wakapoa

A closer look of the bridge

'Trigger woman' Daby granted $750,000 bail by High Court TWENTY-five-year-old Maryann Daby was on Friday granted $750,000 bail at the High Court just in time to enjoy the Independence celebrations in Guyana. Daby was on remand for the past three weeks after being refused bail on two occasions at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on May 13, 2018, at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Daby dis-

charged a firearm at police constable, Christopher Kissoon, with intent to commit murder. The two other charges alleged that on the same day, Daby had a .32 pistol in her possession along with six rounds of .32 ammunition for which she has no licence to carry. Last Friday, Daby’s attorney made an application before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court.

The application was made in the chambers of Justice Kissoon, who granted the woman $250,000 bail on each of the three counts. Daby was seen parading the streets and enjoying the Carnival celebrations with her friends and family. Daby, who is the Finance Manager of United Commodities, allegedly discharged several rounds in the compound of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports

Club (GMR&SC) at Thomas Lands and later pointed her firearm at a police officer. During her first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, her attorney, Mark Waldron explained to the court that his client was a licensed firearm holder since 2014. However, she had updated her licence for a 9mm pistol in 2018, which she is still to attain. Waldron further stressed

that his client was tested for gunshot residue but that no spent shells were found in the GMR&SC compound. According to police reports, on the day in question, Constable Kissoon approached Daby after she was seen firing several shots in the air. When the officer approached Daby, she placed the gun to his forehead and pulled the trigger. However, the gun was empty.

Twenty-five-year-old Maryann Daby during one of her appearances at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Enough talk, time for action

DO you know what the schools, the health service, the police force, communities and churches, mosques and temples all have in common? All these establishments are frequented and manned by people who can help to prevent child abuse. Preventing child abuse is not such a hard thing to do; it just requires adults to know their role and to act accordingly by being proactive and by doing the right thing. But while some people are genuinely uneducated and need guidance on their role and responsibility towards children: others simply turn a blind eye because they cannot be bothered to make the effort. They do not want to get involved or caught up in criminal or court proceedings. They purposely ignore the plight of abused, neglected or abandoned children, or they see it as a job for the ‘authorities’. When it comes to working with families and their children, no one establishment can work in isolation, there needs to be a collaboration and partnership where information and advice can be networked, linked and tracked,

making the workload less burdensome and more manageable. Professional agencies, like the Police Force, the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Probation & Social Services, the Health Service and schools, must work together to help families who need help. Some professionals, like teachers, day care workers and health workers, are in the perfect position to spot early signs of child abuse or domestic violence. For instance, young children at play usually act out scenes they have witnessed at home. Children even use language that they are accustomed to hearing from their parents. Any signs of strange behaviour while at play could be a good indication that something is not right at home. Early recognition (or screening) of potential problems could make matters easier in the long run. These young children do not have to grow into pre-adolescents and adolescents who ‘act out’ in school, or who become delinquent: If some form of intervention is taken when ‘potential problems’ are noticed in the early stages, measures can be put in place to help

the child and his/her family. Parents and teachers are the main adults who mould the minds for the future. So, wherever help and guidance may be needed, a ‘care of duty’ must be enforced and the relevant authorities should be notified. People in communities congregate in churches, mosques and temples on a regular basis. This is a good place to teach people the importance of child protection and how to prevent child abuse. Child-related issues need to be kept on the front burner so that people will recognise that every adult has a role to play in the safe-keeping of our children, it is not just one agency’s job. The more organised we are as a people at trying to prevent child abuse, the better our solutions will be. However, systems need to work at every level and the adults who are fore-runners in anything which is child-related must firstly understand why children must be protected, and secondly they must realise the positive long-term benefits for children due to timely intervention. Although it is possible that child abuse

exists on a global scale, 90 per cent of it is preventable. It simply takes the right person in the right place with the right information, to intervene or pick up the gauntlet on behalf of children and make a difference. The Protection of Children’s Act 2009 (46:06 in the Laws of Guyana) states that any professional (or lay) person who knows that a child is being abused, yet fails to notify authorities, can be prosecuted. If we look around us, we can find ample opportunities where information on child protection can be passed on, discussed and re-enforced. If you’d like to find out more about preventing child abuse or child protection please speak to one of our officers at the Childcare and Protection Agency on (2274420; 227-4082; 231-8405; 227-7542) If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com . A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Misconception between hemp and marijuana must be addressed –– says GHI as it reiterates call for legalisation of hemp REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Hemp Industries (GHI) have renewed their calls for the legalisation of hemp which they predict will benefit the country at the launch of Hemp Awareness Week on Sunday. The launching took place at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) headquarters on Brickdam, Georgetown, where a group in support of the use of plant turned out to view the mini-exhibition put on show. Among those present were Chairman of GHI

Verman Bedessee and Co-Founder Vishnu Bandhu. According to Bedessee, much work has been done by the organisation to sensitise the public on the benefits of hemp which he points out is different from marijuana although the two come from the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa. The chairman explained that within marijuana, there are high amounts of cannabinoids called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is credited for causing the marijuana ‘high’ while hemp contains some 0.3 percent or less THC.

Bedessee believes that this common misconception between marijuana and hemp continues to contribute to there being no legislation for organisations such as the GHI to make use of the product. However, the body remains hopeful that this will change, even if supporters must settle for a farming permit. “I’m very confident [that hemp will be legalised in Guyana] but I don’t know when….Guyana needs to be in the leading stage by taking action now and legalise hemp or if they don’t want

to legalise it give permits like America and Canada do. “They’re issuing a driver’s permit for persons who don’t have a license, it’s the same thing. If we don’t have a law in Guyana for hemp let’s issue a permit to the farmers and have it be controlled,” Bedessee suggested. He made reference to the United States (US) Hemp Farming Act of 2018 which is a proposed law to remove hemp from Schedule I, controlled substances, making it an ordinary agricultural commodity. The same in Guyana, he said, could prove to be very

Supporters of the GHI display some of the by-products of hemp

Chairman of Guyana Hemp Industries (GHI) Verman Bedessee beneficial to locals with its some 60,000 uses. Some of the uses he listed were bio-degradable hemp plastic bags; hemp paper; bio-composite hempcrete for building; bio-diesel fuel; hemp flour for 50 per cent more protein than regular flour and more. In addition to this, the GHI wants to introduce hemp knowledge into the school curriculum. “We want to have it in the curriculum and once we get a hemp permit going we can we get a plantation and we will then take some of

that profit and start talking to the Ministry of Education… about educating everyone about hemp,” he said. This is the body’s strategy to ensure there are eventually mechanisms within tertiary institutions which further promote scientific studies on hemp. Under the week’s theme ‘Removing the Barriers: Don’t Block Industrial Hemp’, the organisation will host public forums, exhibitions, concerts and sports activities in other areas such as Berbice, Linden and Essequibo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Medical, Nursing Councils accused of ‘cover up’ ‒ in investigation of matter involving transferred nurse

TRANSPARENCY Institute Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) has rapped the Guyana Nursing Council (GNC) and the Guyana Medical Council (GMC) over their alleged failure to disclose details on an investigation involving nurse Sherilyn Marks. Nurse Marks, who was stationed at Fort Wellington Hospital, was transferred after she exposed the abuse of power by a councillor attached to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – a major arm of the coalition government – to access prescription narcotic injections. Nurse Marks was transferred

from her post on April 19, 2017 and she remains in that state to date. TIGI in a press statement on Saturday, said that the GNC, the GMC and the Public Health Ministry had promised to launch an investigation to determine where Nurse Marks had breached any of the public service rules, but to date an update on the investigation is still to be given. “These investigations would have uncovered whether Ms. Marks was in breach of the public service rules, whether doctors were complicit and whether the actions against her were

inappropriate,” TIGI stated. TIGI wrote to both the GNC (delivered on November 20, 2017) and the GMC (initially delivered on December 21, 2017) to enquire about the status of investigations. In those letters, TIGI sought to get an update on the status of any investigation and on the actions that the GNC had taken in relation to the matter. “We would like to know, specifically, how the investigation has progressed to date and whether it has been closed. We would also like to know whether Ms. Marks

was found guilty or cleared of breaching any rules or codes of ethics,” a section of one of the letters read. According to TIGI, the GNC responded (received on December 18, 2017) to indicate that it is not in a position to provide an update. “This response failed to even indicate whether or not investigations were initiated. We find this to be appalling. Even if the council does not wish to divulge details of the investigation, there is nothing preventing it from indicating whether or not there was an investigation and whether or not it was completed. There is a differ-

ence between confidentiality and secrecy. The former is thought-out and key information can be deleted; the latter lacks such finesse,” the transparency organisation stated. “But this response, or lack thereof, is more than that received from the GMC to date,” it added. On January 10, 2018, TIGI contacted the council and it was then revealed that the letter delivered on December 21, 2017 was misplaced. “We then sent an electronic copy on January 10 and receipt was acknowledged the following day. We followed-up by email

on February 8, 2018 (no response) and again on February 28, 2018 and a response was received on February 28, 2018 indicating that the matter was still engaging the attention of the council. To date (now May 26, 2018) we have not received a response to the content of the letter from the GMC,” TIGI disclosed. TIGI believes that the failure of both the GNC and the GMC to take action in this matter—or at the very least, to respond to its legitimate questions on behalf of the Guyanese public—smacks of a cover-up.

Remove vendors outside Woodlands Hospital ‒ Councillor Smith urges City Council

Councillor Phillip Smith

COUNCILLOR Phillip Smith has asked the City Council to look into removing vendors from outside the Woodlands Hospital on Carmichael Street, whom he said are continuing to increase daily. At a recent City Council meeting, Smith said he spoke

to the vendors, who operate between Lamaha and New Market Streets, about the procedures involved in vending. The councillor said because the vendors are inconveniencing residents and businesses, he decided to contact both the City Engineer and City Constable who

Social Protection Ministry takes control of GPSU credit union …expressed dissatisfaction over performance of management team THE Chief Co-operative Development Officer (CCDO) has taken control of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) Ltd. The takeover took effect on Friday May 25, 2018 in conformity with the provisions of the Cooperative Societies Act, Chapter 88:01. “This means that the management team which hitherto superintended the affairs of the Credit Union was relieved of its responsibility and replaced by a new team,” the Social Protection Ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the new team will be revealed soon. It explained that the decisions were taken following careful consideration of the unsatisfactory performance of the previous management team. That team reportedly

did not manage the affairs of the society in the best interest of its members and within the parameters of the relevant laws. “It was revealed by the ministry, that it has been monitoring the performance of the replaced delinquent management team for several years and was not satisfied that the affairs of the Credit Union were being handled within the realms of integrity, transparency, and most of all professionalism,” Amna Ally, the Social Protection Minister noted. In July 2017, the Ministry issued a release on the matter which was reported in the Guyana Chronicle under the caption “Government slams poor management of the GPSU Co-operative Credit Union”, but not only was the ministry uncomfortable with the state of affairs in the entity, several members had also expressed their

displeasure with the management. The laws provide that the accounts of every Credit Union (Society) shall be audited at least once annually, after which an annual general meeting ( AGM) would be held to discuss important matters including the determination and payment of dividends to members. However, in the case of the management committee of the GPSCCU Ltd, audits were not done expediently. All GPSUCCUL employees are asked to report to the Department of Cooperatives, Ministry of Social Protection, Cornhill Street, on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. instead of the union’s office on Hadfield Street. The ministry is assuring the GPSUCCUL membership that the union will reopen for business on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

undertook to look into the issue. “I’m asking them to be removed. It’s illegal and it must be controlled because tomorrow someone else will wake up and do the same,” Smith noted. Town Clerk Royston King responded that this is

precisely why a policy on street vending is needed. “We need to bring order, not remove anyone. How can we clear one area and not the next? How do we remove them in the absence of a proper policy?” King questioned. King recalled that when the City Council attempted to

remove those vendors outside of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), some councillors were angry. The vendors have since crept back into the area. Smith is asking, though, that the existing rules on street vending be applied in the meantime the policy is being developed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

QC students benefit from career guidance SEEKING to encourage students to begin thinking about their future, and even aligning themselves with the local oil and gas industry, Queen’s College held its annual Career Fair and Open Day activity at the school on Friday. At the event, a host of agencies edified the students on the opportunities available after school, regardless of whether they intended on furthering their studies first or diving right into the world of work. Addressing her students, Principal Jackie Benn-Ralph, spoke glowingly of the opportunities presented through the career fair. “It is especially designed to exhibit our students’ abilities, skills and talents,” she noted, adding that it was also a forum for tertiary education institutions and the private and public sector agencies to showcase the opportunities students have after completing high school. Speaking directly about the career opportunities presented, the Principal noted, “We also desire for our students to be exposed to career choices that they may want to pursue; this we believe, will empower our students to make sound career choices.” This year, while a myriad of career choices was illustrated, there was a great focus placed on the oil and gas industry and geared at promoting President David Granger’s vision of a ‘Green Economy’.

Colonel Desmond Roberts who graced the Career Fair with his presence

“As a developing nation, the educational sector needs to focus on honing the skills of the human capital,” BennRalph said and added, “As we approach 2020, our system must adequately equip our students with the necessary skills to be able to function in a more technologically advanced environment, which will move this country forward.” Fostering this agenda was a presentation made by QC old boy and an internationally recognised oil and gas expert, Dr. Dennis Peters, on career opportunities in the oil and gas industry. He sought to explain the intricacies of the oil and gas industry, beginning from exploration to marketing, and attempted to dispel some of the misconceptions that the young people may have.

Peters advanced that the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) area is not the only leeway for persons to penetrate the field. Peters noted that the sector also needs lawyers and businessmen and women. “Everything is timing and opportunities and I’m sure the same thing will happen to you in your lives if you keep working hard,” Peters said. Also addressing the students was Colonel Desmond Roberts, an old boy of the college and who had hoisted the Golden Arrowhead atop Mount Ayanganna when Guyana achieved Independence on May 26, 1966. He too encouraged the students to make the best use of the opportunities afforded to them, but reminded them that their school days will

Students listen carefully to a representative from ExxonMobil at the Career Day Fair

A group of students happily enjoying the colourful chemicals on display at the Science Department’s section of the Career Fair and Open Day

forever be the best days. This was the second year the college embarked

upon conducting a career fair alongside its Open Day activities which have been

part of the college’s calendar of event for some 14 years.

Young Chronicle journalist wins oil-and-gas essay prize

Young Guyana Chronicle journalist, Vishani Ragobeer, receiving her third place prize in the Oil and Gas essay competition from English Language expert, Dr. Joyce Jonas (Samuel Maughn Photo)

THE winners of ‘The Guyana Annual’ competition were honoured at a simple but lively presentation

at the launch of the 2018 edition of the magazine at the National Library on Thursday.

Among the awardees was Guyana Chronicle journalist Vishani Ragobeer, who placed third in the Oil-and-

Gas essay contest. Awards were given out in 11 categories which included new additions of photography, journalism, cartoon, drama and oil and gas. The oil and gas essay competition was sponsored by Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, who is credited with resuscitating ‘The Guyana Annual’ back in 1998, with the help of Petamber Persaud, who has been the magazine’s editor since 2004. This new category of competition sponsored by Dr. Singh had a first place prize of $250,000, with the second and third place winners to receive prizes of $100,000 and $50,000, respectively. Persaud said the magazine has outlived many other such publications, undergoing numerous modifications to meet the need of its readership and to carry out its mandate of cultural integrity.

“The main noticeable change to the publication over the years was its name; started as the Chronicle Christmas Annual [in 1915], it was renamed the Guyana Christmas Annual and finally in the new millennium it was labelled The Guyana Annual becoming a truly national magazine while maintaining its traditional year-end Christmas-oriented flavour,” Persaud noted. Persaud, a television producer and columnist said that for all of its 100 years of service, the magazine was the prime launching pad for ‘every Guyanese writer who eventually wrote his name into regional and international recognition’. Magazine Editor Danielle Swain said the event was important since it marked 20 years since the magazine was reinstalled, and the return of the competition aspect.

“The Annual has come home. She has returned to her roots, which was and still is, to nurture and sustain emerging talents whilst honouring those who have come before us,” Swain said. She noted that the judges selected for the contest were among those who have excelled in the creative industries over the years. With the outsourcing of print magazines, the Guyana Annual aims to keep alive the traditional style of print medium. “Our stories need to be told, whichever medium we use to tell it. Our wish is that contributors and readership alike see the importance of the creative industries to the development of Guyana,” Swain noted. The magazine is available at Austin’s Bookstore, the National Library, Amazon and Guyenterprise at a cost of $1000.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Ituni-Kwakwani road to be rehabilitated soon

Region 10, sub-region two, Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Leola Narine

A CONTRACT is expected to be signed soon for the rehabilitation of the Ituni-Kwakwani road, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford announced on Friday, but residents say what is needed is a permanent solution to this age-old problem. Though the road underwent repairs in April, it is now back in a deplorable condition. Several sections of the road which stretches from Linden to Kwakwani are almost impassable. In the past, it took residents approximately two hours from Linden to Kwakwani but the journey is now four to five hours. Ituni and Kwakwani are located in sub-region two of Region 10. When he addressed a ceremony on Friday to mark Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary in Kwakwani, Rutherford, though not disclosing much, told residents gathered that a

Resident of Kwakwani, Jocelyn Morian

contract is expected to be signed soon. In a recent interview with Guyana Chronicle, sub-region two Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Leola Narine, who is stationed in Kwakwani, said the road ever so often offers a ‘horrifying” experience. According to the REO (ag), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Public Infrastructure Ministry, based on experts’ advice, a medium to longterm solution should be developed to tackle the issue. Narine further noted that in the past, three engineering companies assessed the Ituni/Kwakwani road, but results of those assessments were never made public. She is now calling for an engineer’s assessment to be done by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, and for the results to be made known. “What I am suggesting is that we need professional work to be done on the road…. The road needs to be built to facilitate logging

trucks; it needs to be built with drainage so during the rainy season the water can easily run off the road. There is drainage at certain parts of the road… but I think a proper job needs to be done with the Ituni-Kwakwani road,” the REO (ag) posited. Narine said that she has taken stock of the road works done in Mahdia, Region Eight. “When I saw Mahdia got concrete roads, I commented on my Facebook and said minister please don’t forget the Ituni/Kwakwani road, because we are suffering and I have been assigned since 2013 to Kwakwani, and that road has been in a terrible state for the past five years,” she told this newspaper. According to Narine, she is aware that the Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, has written a number of letters requesting that the road be fixed as soon as possible. Resident of Kwakwani, Jocelyn Morian, told Guyana Chronicle that it is time that the people of Ituni and Kwakwani be afforded a “proper road”. According to Morian, in recent times, residents have seen some improvement but said there is much to be done. “Based on what we are seeing, there are efforts being made to have the road done properly… It is only now we are seeing that there is drainage being implemented.” Alluding to the materials that are currently stock piled on the sides of road, the

In this photo, which was taken on Saturday morning, a driver--Jason Sampson, who plies the route on a daily basis walks into a large pool of water to determine the best part to drive

Kwakwani resident urged that they be utilised for the up-keep of the road. “We know that there is nothing that can be done presently but when the dry weather was here, some effort should have been made to have the road done properly,” he posited.

Morian also expressed the view that the projects be done in sync with each other. “The persons who are working on the road to create that drainage, they could have used some of that same material to full some of the pot holes, but

we were told that the person who was doing the drain, they are only focussing on trains and the soaker way. So the materials are just left at the side of the road. The people of the sub-region continue to suffer because of the approach,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Youth stabbed to death in gambling dispute ‒ father and son in custody A FATHER and son are in police custody following the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old at a barbeque at Third Street, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, early Sunday morning over money won by the deceased at a chic-chic board game. According to a police report, on Sunday morning at about 00:15hrs at Third Street, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, the deceased Brian Dwarka, called “Blackie”, 23, of Lot 128 Mon Repos South, went to a barbeque located a short distance away from his home with a group of friends. The deceased was with his friends when he was reportedly approached by the two suspects, businessman Suraj Singh Mei, 50, who operates a grocery shop at Lot 257 Third Street, Mon Repos Pasture and his 24-year-old son, Andrew Singh Mei, a mason of the same address. Police reported that Andrew Singh Mei had a knife in his hand. An argument then ensued during which the friends of Dwarka ran away, leaving him with the father and son. According to one of the friends of the deceased, he returned shortly to check on Dwarka and found him in a nearby yard motionless in a pool of blood. The matter was reported to the police and the deceased was rushed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Arrest Acting on information received, police went to the home of the suspects and Andrew Singh Mei was arrested after he was found hiding in a toilet. It is reported that his father, Suraj Singh Mei had gone to the Beterverwagting Police Station after the alleged incident where he made a report that the deceased robbed him and beat him up. Cops there were not aware that he was involved in the alleged murder, so he was issued with a medical after which he left for the GPHC where he was

Dead: Brian Dwarka.

arrested by ranks who had escorted the deceased there. A knife, suspected to be the murder weapon, was recovered in a nearby trench and is lodged with the police pending investigations. The deceased, Brian Dwarka, received a single stab wound to the right side chest. Shocked Meanwhile, at the home of Dwarka, relatives were still shocked and related what they heard had transpired which caused the death of their loved one. His aunt, Chandramattie Sanichara, with whom he grew up, said Brian, better known as “Blackie” was like her own son and that she took care of him since he was a baby and his death has caused her immense grief. She recalled that on Saturday night he was at home and after he had dinner, told her he was going to the barbeque. She recalled giving him money and warned him to return home early. Sanichara added that he did return home at around 22:30 hrs for some money and said he would be back but she never saw him alive again. She, however, retired to bed and was aroused by loud screaming in the street at midnight and was told that “Blackie” was stabbed. Stabbed In her haste to get to “Blackie,” she and other relatives ran up the street and went to the scene, where they found him in a yard close to where the barbe-

que was held. They then removed him, barely alive and ‘panting’ for breath, and transported him to the hospital. A cousin, Lisa Sanichara, told the Guyana Chronicle that when they arrived at the scene, although most of his friends drove there, no one was willing to assist them in taking him to the hospital. She recalled she had to beg for a phone call to summon the police and even pleaded with villagers to lend them a sheet to absorb the blood. When they found “Blackie” he was still bleeding from the single stab wound to his right side chest. Chic-chic board game Giving an account of what transpired at the scene, Dereck Mahadeo, a close friend of the deceased, told this newspaper that “Blackie” was playing at the chicchic board and was winning, much to the dislike of the two suspects, who were also in the gambling game at the barbeque. He added that the businessman’s son first approached them and expressed his displeasure as to “Blackie’s” winnings and said he wanted back his money, since they were cheating. It was then, Mahadeo reported, that there was a row after which the father and son began hurling empty bottles at them. They ran off to avoid being injured but “Blackie” was not so lucky. Mahadeo stated that he was not aware that his friend was not in the group until he went in search of him and found him in a yard in a pool of blood. He is of the opinion that “Blackie” was cornered and knifed to death and left there for dead after they ran off. The 23-year-old was described as a quiet, willing person who went about his business in a simple way. He worked as a mason/carpenter/painter. His mother, who resides in Suriname, has since been informed of his demise and funeral arrangements are being made.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 28, 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) (1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Rishabh Pant-37 sixes (DD) Shikhar Dhawan (SH) & Ravendra Jadeja (CSK)-10 catches each

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in the preliminary round of IPL 2018? (2) What was the highest partnership (by runs) for any wicket in the preliminary round of IPL 2018? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Police investigating death threats against Karius

Loris Karius made two mistakes in the Champions League final

(BBC) - MERSEYSIDE Police says it is aware of death threats made to Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, after the Champions League final. Officers said any threatening behaviour on social

media would be investigated. The 24-year-old and his family were the subject of threats after his two mistakes helped Real Madrid to a 3-1 win. “We take social media posts of this nature extremely seriously. Offences will be investigated,” police said. “Officers are aware of a number of comments and threats made via social media. “Merseyside Police would like to remind social media users that any offences, including malicious communications and threatening behavior, will be investigated.” The German gifted Real striker Karim Benzema an easy goal for the opener in Kiev on Saturday night. Karius later allowed a Gareth Bale shot to squirm in for Real’s third as the Spanish club won their third consecutive Champions League trophy. He was in tears at the final whistle and apologised to fans. “I’m infinitely sorry to my teammates, for you fans, and for all the staff,” he tweeted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

17 days to go

…

A career overview of Brazil's 2002 World Cup hero, Ronaldo “The head wants to go on, but the body can’t take any more. I think of an action, but I can’t do it the way I want to. It’s time to go.” The parting words of Ronaldo as he brought an end to his illustrious career in February 2011 on the back of a two-year spell in Brazil with Corinthians, after enjoying the heights of European football for almost 20 years A player who seemed to see no boundaries, one who was willing to test the accepted - showcased no more than featuring not only for both Barcelona and Real Madrid at club level but also Internazionale and Milan. Although undoubtedly one of the modern greats and a player possessing unique talent, Il Fenomeno - the nickname afforded to the striker during his time in Italy - was not one which found overwhelming glory domestically. “The lack of Champions League success at any of his high-profile European clubs is the only black mark on Ronaldo’s CV, that and the nagging suspicion that he kept playing for the right clubs at the wrong time, or vice versa,” claimed Guardian writer Paul Wilson in the immediate aftermath of his retirement. Goals, fame and second-tier continental, as well as league success, came to the Brazilian, who became only the second man to break the world transfer record twice, all before his 21st birthday. Yet the pinnacle of today’s club game continued to evade the frontman until the very last. However, that was not the case on the international stage. Although seen as a Galactico; a Camp Nou legend; a San Siro hero, Ronaldo’s lasting contribution to the world of football will always be remembered in affiliation to the grandest stage - the World Cup. At the point of his retirement, Il Fenomeno left his life’s love with several records and history-making moments to his name, including the leading goalscorer in World Cup history. Although subsequently surpassed by Germany’s Miroslav Klose in the years following, at the time, there had never been a man to

grace the competition with such prowess since the days of Gerd Müller, even offering more to his nation than the likes of Pelé from the same number of tournaments. But if there was one defining summer which placed Ronaldo into the annals of history, it would be his golden trophy-winning offering during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Although influe n tial in 1998, eight of Brazil’s 18 goals four years later came via The Phenomenon, a feat only bettered three times in the competition’s

88year history - Sánd o r Kocsis (1954), Just Fontaine ( 1 9 5 8 ) and Müller (1970). However, it was not merely the number, but more so the timing. Seleção’s first o u t i n g a g a i n s t Tu r k e y, a match for a nation which depends so much on its footballing success had been billed as an opportunity for redemption following the disappointment of Paris two years before the turn of the century. Yet as Hasan Sas gave the underdogs the lead on the stroke of half-time, fears of the effects of France’s not only

physical but also psychological victory in 1998 seemed evident. Brazil simply had not recovered. However, just five minutes after the second half began, Ronaldo netted maybe the most important goal of the tournament and one which defined his country’s path. Rivaldo found space on the left-hand side before delivering a cross to his tireless team-mate, who slotted home on the volley to bring the scores level once again. It was a small moment on their route to glory; however, undeniably one which brought Brazil back to life. No longer were the South Americans haunted by the memories of Zinedine Zidane. It was a new chapter, one defined by a great. More goals came during the remaining fixtures of the group stage, with Ronaldo adding further gloss to his side’s 4-0 win over China while assuring top spot heading into the knockout rounds, and reducing Costa Rica’s comeback to little more than conciliation with two strikes in three minutes. His ratio of more than one goal a game continued as Brazil met Belgium in the tournament’s round of 16; latching his toe onto the end of Kleberson’s cross to set up a quarter-final contest with England - in which proved to be the only match he failed to find the back of the net that summer. However, despite the lack of Il Fenomeno’s contribution on the scoresheet, Seleção set themselves up for their third successive semi-final, and from here on out, the World Cup belonged to Ronaldo. Overcoming Turkey again proved a difficult challenge, yet, coincidently as was the case in the group stages, around five minutes after half-time the nation’s hero stepped up once again, beating Rüştü Reçber with a toe-poke from inside the area after latching onto a pass from the surging Cafu. The talisman’s solitary effort was enough to force a date with destiny, 90 minutes against the Germans where the heartbreak of 1998 could finally be forgotten, and The Phenomenon was at the centre of it all again, although Oliver Kahn played a significant role. Rivaldo’s initial long-range effort was spilt by the Bayern Munich stopper, with Ronaldo having the foresight to gamble and be in a position to turn home the mistake 12 minutes before his bending effort from the edge of the area sealed the victory and the World Cup in style. In truth, Il Fenomeno, in years to come, may not be held in the same regard as today’s greats of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in terms of domestic success. The Brazilian did not shape the history of Real Madrid or Barcelona in the way the aforementioned pairing have. However, there are not many, if any, which can claim to have had a similar effect on the international game as the Rio-born striker, and that is why he will continue to be held as one of football’s all-time greats.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Pakistan Crush England in first test

Ricciardo wins in Monaco

Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq celebrate Pakistan’s victory in the first Test, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 4th day, May 27, 2018 ©Getty Images

(REUTERS) - PAKISTAN wrapped up a crushing nine-wicket victory over England on Sunday to inflict the hosts’ first defeat in a May test match at Lord’s. England’s last four wickets tumbled in 27 minutes and Pakistan knocked off the 64 runs they needed in less than an hour on the fourth day to put the touring side 1-0 up in the two-match series. “We were not good enough if I’m being brutally honest, we have been outplayed in all three depart-

ments,” England captain Joe Root said at the presentation ceremony. “Pakistan’s bowlers exploited the conditions well but we played some poor shots and you can’t afford to do that.” England resumed on 235 for six after Jos Buttler and debutant Dom Bess had shared an unbroken partnership of 125 in the final session on Saturday to save their team from a humiliating innings defeat. Buttler fell in the second

over, trapped lbw by man-ofthe-match Mohammad Abbas for 67 and failed to get the decision overturned on review. Mark Wood hit one four before he nicked Mohammad Amir, bowling with the second new ball, to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed. Stuart Broad edged Abbas to Sarfraz without scoring and Amir comprehensively bowled the 20-year-old Bess for 57 to dismiss the hosts for 242 as England lost their last four wickets for the addition of six runs.

James Anderson bowled Azhar Ali for four with a fine delivery that knocked out his off stump before Imam-ulHaq (18 not out) and Haris Sohail (39 not out) shared an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 54 to see Pakistan to their target. “I am very proud of my team,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz said. “We have a very inexperienced team but we are very confident in our players. Our bowlers did a great job for us.”

Salah confident of playing in world cup

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing and Lewis Hamilton (L) celebrate on the podium during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

(REUTERS) - DANIEL Ricciardo brought back memories of Formula One great, Michael Schumacher in his prime on Sunday as the Australian nursed a wounded Red Bull to Monaco Grand Prix victory in the team’s 250th race. Winning from pole position for the first time in his career, Ricciardo drove for nearly two thirds of the race — some 50 laps — with a car down on power due to problems that emerged on lap 28. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, last year’s race winner, finished second — easing off towards the finish to save the tyres — to cut Lewis Hamilton’s overall lead to 14 points after six of 21 rounds. Hamilton, the reigning world champion, was third for Mercedes. “You have done an amazing job today,” team boss Christian Horner said after Ricciardo took the chequered flag 7.3 seconds clear of Vettel for his second win of the season and seventh of his career. “That is right up there with what Schumacher did in 1995 and this is payback for 2016.” Ricciardo’s only previous pole had been in Monaco two years ago, when he lost out to Hamilton on strategy and finished runner-up. Schumacher won in Belgium in 1995 with a famously defensive drive on dry tyres in the wet. “I had half the power it seemed and I felt like it was going to come to a stop,” said Ricciardo. “For a few seconds I just wanted to close my eyes and start crying.” Mohamed Salah sits in pain after a shoulder injury in the UCL 2018 finals against Real Madrid

LIVERPOOL and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah says he is “confident” of playing in the World Cup after suffering a shoulder injury in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid. Salah, 25, left the pitch in Kiev in tears after a first-half

challenge with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. “Your love and support will give me the strength I need,” said Salah. Egypt play their first game of the World Cup in Russia on 15 June against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg. After the game in Kiev,

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp described the injury as “really serious” and it did not “look good” on the Liverpool website. But the Egyptian FA tweeted that Salah’s X-ray showed he had a “sprain in the shoulder ligaments” and that it was “optimistic” he

would be fit for Russia. Salah, who scored 44 goals for his club last season, tried to carry on after the tangle with Ramos in the 26th minute. However, he was forced to leave the pitch a few minutes later and was replaced by Adam Lallana.

LOSS OF POWER Ricciardo had made a clean start and, controlling the race, looked as much of a nailed-on certainty for victory as ever exists on Monaco’s treacherous metal-fenced streets. And then he reported a loss of power. “OK mate, we can see what’s going on,” his race engineer replied after a pause. “You just need to keep it smooth, keep focussed.” “Will it get better?” enquired the Australian. “Negative,” came the reply.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Sri lanka aiming for maiden Bravo hails Chennai Win series in the Caribbean CMC – SRI Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal believes consistency will be the key as his side chase their first series win in the Caribbean. The Asian side left here Friday for their three-Test rubber against West Indies, hoping to change the narrative of three previous tours which have seen them win a single Test in six attempts. “We are all looking forward to the challenge. West Indies will be playing in their home conditions and we need to stick to our strengths and game plans,” Chandimal said before the squad’s departure. “We have made lot of sacrifices in the last couple of months. We have trained hard and now we need to be consistent. We will take it match by match and I am sure if we live up to expectations, we can win this series.” For Chandimal, it will be his first tour of the Caribbean, having not yet played international cricket the last time Sri Lanka toured the region. He made his debut three years later and has since be-

come one of the side’s leading batsmen, averaging 43 from 46 Tests. Last year alone, he plundered over 1 000 runs and is looking forward to extending his healthy run.

he said. “I hope to be consistent. This is the first time I will be playing a Test series in West Indies,” he explained. “Although they have been

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is gunning for success on their Caribbean tour.

“Last year was a very good one for me and I had worked extremely hard,”

using Kookaburra balls, now they seem to have converted to Dukes brand. As batsmen, it

is another challenge for us as Dukes balls help the seamers a lot more. We are well prepared for these challenges.” Sri Lanka have had inconsistent results in their last 11 Tests over the last 11 months, winning four, losing four and drawing three matches. Of note, however, was their impressive showing against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last October when they swept the hosts 2-0. “It was a big achievement to end Pakistan’s unbeaten run in UAE last year,” said Chandimal. “It was a very competitive series. Every individual in the team has contributed for the success and we need to maintain that. “Overall we have struggled a bit, but our Test cricket is in a good shape at the moment.” Sri Lanka open their Caribbean tour with a threeday warm-up match against a West Indies President’s XI on May 30 before facing the Windies in the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval on June 6.

Watson gifts Chennai IPL 2018 trophy

CMC – WEST Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo says Chennai Super Kings’ Indian Premier League triumph was made all the more special because of the many recent challenges encountered by the franchise.

Dwayne Bravo

CSK were banned from the IPL for the last two seasons but completed a fairytale turnaround when they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in Sunday’s final at the Wankhede Stadium, and lift their third title. “It’s been good, a special moment because the team hadn’t played together for two years,” said the former Windies one-day captain. “For most of the guys, this was the first time with the franchise. Then we had to move from Chennai. Lots of things were going wrong, but we kept focus. There’s

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Chennai Super Kings are crowned 2018 IPL champions; Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2018, final, Mumbai, May 27, 2018 ©AFP

(ESPNCricinfo) - FINALLY, the IPL trophy has come back to its spiritual home, Chennai. The city’s franchise did run into rough waters but it still boasts the best IPL crowds and the most consistent team, which won its third title with a chase that was as much perfection as it was a tribute to their captain, MS Dhoni’s philosophies. Ridiculed as dad’s army for

picking players a little long in the tooth, Super Kings won the final on a century from the 36-year-old Shane Watson, all but hobbling through for most of his runs after having taken 11 balls to get off the mark. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan, champion bowlers both, went for 17 and 24 in their allotment of four overs each, but that brought no panic to Super Kings’ ranks. It was crucial

that these two were not given a wicket; a maiden rather than a wicket. Ruthlessly, meanwhile, Watson targeted the young bowlers from Punjab, Siddarth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma, who went for 95 in their seven overs. If the chase was to perfection, Super Kings were asked to dig into their defensive reserves when they bowled first. Sunrisers batted a little like Super Kings: take it slow at the

start, keep wickets in hand, put pressure on the bowlers and go big at the death. Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur, though, bowled well to restrict them to just 52 runs in the last five overs. It was the fourth time CSK had beaten Sunrisers in four meetings this season, an emphatic record against the team that had finished top of the league stage.

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nothing better than winning titles. That’s why I’m very happy for the team.” Sent in, Sunrisers piled up 178 for six off their 20 overs but then watched as CSK easily chased down the target to win with nine balls to spare. They were spearheaded by an imperious unbeaten 117 from Australian opener Shane Watson, who anchored a crucial 117-run, second wicket stand with Suresh Raina (32) to put the team in a winning position. Bravo said the seasoned campaigners in the unit had always backed their experience to shine through in difficult situations. “We always said experience will get the better of youth. The amount of games all of us have put together are for moments like these,” the Trinidadian explained. “Shane Watson batted on one leg, struggling with a hamstring injury, but his experience got him through. He’s a world-class player and I’m very happy for the entire team.” Bravo finished with 141 runs at an average of 35 and grabbed 14 wickets with his medium pace at an economy rate of nearly 10.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Petra hands over Hero Fan GSSF strengthens partnership with GPF award for Corona Futsal tournament

Phillip DeFlorimonte collects his prize of a motorcycle from Hero Motorcycle representative, Devon Pyle, and Jacklyn Boodie of the Petra Organisation.

PETRA, over the weekend, handed over its ‘lucky fan prize’ for the recently concluded Corona/Namilco futsal tournament. Phillip DeFlorimonte is the winner of one Hero Bike after his name was pulled on the final evening of the games. Throughout the tournament, patrons filled up their coupons and dropped them into a box for drawing at the semi Finals.

(from left) GSSF treasurer, Mr. Ray Beharry; GSSF director, Mr. Aleemul Ali; Mr. Withrithe, OC, TSU; GSSF secretary, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon; Asst. Commissioner of Operations, Mr. Clifton Hicken; GSSF director, Mr. David Dharry; GSSF president, Mr. Ryan McKinnon; Senior Supt. Watt and Senior Supt. Thomasits

DIRECTORS of the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation, led by its president, Ryan McKinnon, had a successful meeting with the Guyana Police Force at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. During the visit, they apprised the Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Mr.

Clifton Hicken; Senior Supt. Thomas; Senior Supt. Mr. Watt, and Officer in Charge, TSU, Mr. Withrithe, of their plans for the future and gave an update of the progress of the GSSF and its programmes thus far. Areas of mutual interest were discussed, including the increase of collabora-

tion between the GPF & the GSSF, and the foundation’s supporting role in assistance with steel challenge shooting as a sport on the GPF sports calendar The foundation looks forward to continued collaboration and partnership with the Guyana Police Force.

MOE /GCB/GTM Inter-Secondary School Under-17 Cricket Championship League

Anna Regina thrash Abram Zuil by 10 wickets to retain title

ANNA Regina Secondary retained the championship crown after beating Abram Zuil Secondary by 10 wickets in last Wednesday’s

final, played at the Imam Bacchus Ground. Anna Regina Secondary won the toss and decided to field first, bowling out Abram

Zuil Secondary cheaply for 30 runs in just 13.2 of their allotted 18 overs. It was a poor batting display by the losing side.

Saied Haq was the top-scorer with 8 not out as no other scorer passed 5. It was a clinical bowling perfromance from Anna

Regina Secondary as Lance Roberts bagged 3-7 off his 4 overs and Kamesh Lall 3-1 from just one over. In reply, Anna Regi-

na Secondary cruised to 31 without loss in just 8.1 overs to retain the championship for the third consecutive year.

Spot fixing claims outrageous – Root (BBC) - CLAIMs that England players were involved in spot-fixing are “outrageous”, says Test captain Joe Root. The allegations are made in a new documentary by broadcaster Al Jazeera, released on Sunday. In the programme, an alleged criminal match-fixer says three England players spotfixed part of a Test match against India. The England and Wales Cricket Board has spoken to the England players, who “emphatically deny the allegations”. “It’s outrageous that England players have been accused of this,” Root said. Similar claims are also made against two Australian players, which cricket chiefs in that country

have equally vociferously rejected, calling for any evidence to be released. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already begun an investigation. “There is nothing we have seen that would make us doubt any of our players in any way whatsoever,” said Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB. “The limited information we have been given has been discussed with all the England players. “They emphatically deny the allegations, have stated categorically that the claims are false, and they have our full support.” England coach Trevor Bayliss was equally emphatic, telling BBC Test Match Special: “It’s outrageous to be honest.

We’ll just leave that up to the ECB to deal with.” Australian cricket chiefs said they were not aware of “any credible evidence” linking their play-

ers to alleged corruption. “Although not having been provided an opportunity to view the documentary or any raw footage, our long-stand-

England Test captain Joe Root

ing position on these matters is that credible claims will be treated very seriously and fully investigated,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said. Alex Marshall, the general manager of the ICC anti-corruption unit, said: “We are taking the contents of the programme and the allegations it has made extremely seriously. A full investigation is now under way to examine each claim made. “We have been in ongoing dialogue with the broadcaster, which has refused our continual requests to cooperate and share information, which has hampered our investigation to date.” Some of the claims in the programme - Cricket’s Match-Fixers - relate to

the Sri Lankan Test venue in Galle. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket said it would give its “fullest co-operation” to any investigation into match-fixing. The Pakistan Cricket Board said it was “in the process of reviewing reports regarding the alleged involvement” of one of its players in the documentary. According to Al Jazeera, an undercover reporter spent 18 months posing as a wealthy businessman in order to speak to members of criminal gangs in India involved in spot-fixing, who it says were filmed on a hidden camera giving details of how they allegedly paid professional cricketers to fix parts of matches.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 28, 2018

Persaud continues winning form Guyanese Rayden Persaud continued his fine form of karting when he visited Canada last weekend to pick up a first place trophy in the Canadian Karting Challenge (CKC). Competing at the Innisfil Karting Club’s (IKC) Mini Indy, Rayden continued to impress with his driving, picking up first place against a stacked

Rayden Persaud (right) stands with his team member Stefan Jeffrey

field. Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he said, “I felt a little bit nervous but I got the win and brought it home. It’s very nice to win again, especially in another country.” Earlier, he out qualified the field with a blistering pace, a pace which he carried through the pre-race to finish first there as well.

He made it a perfect day when he carted off the actual race in fine style before the rains cancelled the rest of the day’s program. Persaud, who competes in the GT Motorsports Grand

Prix, currently leads the 125cc junior class after two wins and one fourth place finish in the last round earlier this month. He had support from Stefan Jeffrey and Joe Laluni.

‘Lady Jags’ bow out of CONCACAF Women’s Caribbean Qualifier! --Bermuda defeats Suriname 1 – 0 to advance

Guyana’s Cameo Hazlewood had the best chance to score when she went one-on-one with Barbados’ Rhea Holder in goal, but her attempt went sailing over the cross bar. (Samuel Maughn photo) For the first time since 2010, Guyana’s senior national women’s football team, more commonly known as the ‘Lady Jags’, have failed to advance out of a group stage, after failing to do so in Group E of the CONCACF Caribbean Women’s Qualifying tournament, following a scoreless draw against Barbados last evening at the Leonora Track and Field Centre. Needing a win after seeing Bermuda gaining three points against Suriname (winning 1--0) to sit on top of the group with seven points, Guyana, despite having the better team, failed to connect on their many chances against a shabby ‘Bajan’ defence. Guyana entered the game with a superior goal advantage, having won their previous

game 6–1 (against Suriname) and drawing their opening game 2–2 against Bermuda. It was an unsatisfactory start to coach Ivan Joseph’s campaign at the helm of the women’s programme, as the Canadian said he intends to build a viable women’s programme where the ladies will see regular engagements internationally. Guyana finished second in the group with five points (one win and two draws) with Bermuda (two wins and one draw) being the only team to go through the round. Suriname ended with four points (one win, one draw and one loss) while Barbados failed to score any points. Details in tomorrow’s edition.

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MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018