FRIDAY 8th JUNE, 2018
No.105299
Gang leader nabbed … as police break up piracy network
… several witnesses from Suriname expected as probe deepens
PAGES
03&09
PREMNAUTH PERSAUD
BEV workers to get full 15 severance PAGE
…company agrees to pay several other benefits
Champion cyclist in critical condition 10 at GPHC PAGE
President David Granger on Thursday received two special little ladies as guests of State House –Miss Kaylin Klass, a Grade Two School of the Nations student (in blue uniform) and Miss Eliana Ganpat of Mae’s Primary. The President took the students on tour of the heritage building and also gave them a brief on State House. (See story on page 10) (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
Conference centre reopens … President hails ties between Guyana, China
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
UK MP, investor attracted to Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda
UK Parliamentarian David Lammy and Mark Ferguson, an investor and board member of Conservation International (CI) on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President David Granger as part of a tour here to explore business investments. The two officials are currently in Guyana to meet with the heads of government agencies and members of the business community to explore potential areas for in-
vestment, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release. During the meeting at State House, President Granger spoke at length on the country’s ‘green’ agenda, noting that Guyana’s commitment to environmental protection is longstanding and consistent. He also informed the visiting officials that locally there is a greater sense of ownership of the environment, and the message of what the ‘green’ state means
for Guyana is gaining momentum across the 10 administrative regions. The president noted, however, that there is still much more work to be done, particularly as it relates to solid waste management. President Granger also spoke of his vision for Iwokrama, in terms of making it a hub for biodiversity research and studies. The centre can be the means through which greater global awareness can be raised regarding
From left: Mark Ferguson, Board member of Conservation International; President David Granger; David Lammy and Vice-President of CI-Guyana, Dr. David Singh the importance of the Guyana ana Shield is. Guyana can said. Shield. take the lead by creating the Meanwhile, the CI offi“The world is not aware Centre of Excellence, which cial in describing the govof what an asset the Guy- would serve as a hub,” he ernment as very enlightened, said that although the country is on the verge of transformation with petroleum, there is still a strong commitment to safeguarding its natural environment at a time when there is growing recognition in the world of the value of nature. Following his meeting with the President Granger, Lammy met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon, to discuss potential areas through which CI can serve Guyana’s ‘green’ and sustainable agenda. Commenting on Guyana’s beneficial relationship with the organisation, Minister Harmon said, “CI has been good to us. The level of representation from CI and the focus which CI has on Guyana is extremely important to us. We’re extremely fortunate and we’re extremely happy to receive the advice that we are getting from CI.” The minister also expressed his desire for the population to know and understand the importance of conservation and CI’s role in preserving Guyana. “The efforts at conservation in the past have been on … 80 per cent of the See page 8
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Gang leader nabbed … as police break up piracy network
… several witnesses from Suriname expected as probe deepens By Nafeeza Yahya A MAN suspected to be the head of a piracy gang which carried out the gruesome April 27 piracy attack in Suriname waters that left around 16 dead was arrested by the police in Berbice on Tuesday and authorities believe they have dealt a significant blow to the criminal network as several others have already been arrested and charged. Identified as Premnauth Persaud called “Sanbad”, “Sinbad” and “Boy”, the alleged suspect was captured by the police on Tuesday at Number 68 Village, East Berbice Corentyne. His arrest is seen as a major breakthrough for local law enforcement as he was being sought on both sides of the border since the attack. Persaud, who is said to be
the ‘Captain’ of the gang of pirates that carried out the gruesome attack on the five fishing vessels with a combined 25-member crew, was captured by the Police in ‘B’ Division and handed over to the Major Crimes Unit, mere days after the Guyana Chronicle broke the news that he had returned to Guyana following the attacks and was hiding out. According to a source, Persaud is believed to have travelled back to Guyana on the ‘Cristina-1 SK-1221’ shortly after the attack on the fishermen. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the man and others with him allegedly took fisherman Gowkarran Outar called ‘Gavin’ as a hostage when they boarded the Cristina-1 on their journey back to Guyana. As they neared their destination, it is alleged that they
killed Outar and threw his body overboard. The body of the fisherman was discovered at Number 63 Beach on May 10. Investigators have revealed that Persaud is presently being grilled extensively by sleuths in the city, also that arrangements are being made for survivors and other witnesses to travel from neighbouring Suriname to Guyana to give their statements, as charges are expected soon. Meanwhile, Persaud’s arrest comes on the heels of another man 19-year-old Alexander Denhart, who was charged this week for the murder of one of the fishermen. Denhart is the second person to have been charged with the murder of Tillaknauth Mohabir called “Caiman”. The other is the alleged mastermind Nakool Manohar called ‘Fyah’.
Manohar is the brother of Somnauth Manohar, an alleged pirate leader who was killed in a drive-by shooting on the 30th March this year, in Suriname. Fishermen had disclosed that on the day of the man’s funeral, his relatives had pledged revenge for his death. Following the attacks, members of his immediate family were arrested including his son who remains in custody in Suriname. He, along with “Crackhead”, “Bolo” and others remain in custody in Suriname after having allegedly confessed to the authorities their “direct and indirect involvement in the commission of the crimes” according to a police press conference held on May 30th in the neighbouring country. “Crackhead”, “Bolo”, “Dick” and “Sinbad” were positively identified by survivors as be-
ing those who were part of a gang of approximately eight -10 men that carried out the attack. It is unclear if “Dick” is in police custody or is still being sought by authorities. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the remains of Tilaknauth Mohabir, one of the three bodies that were positively identified of the four found, was handed over to relatives and was laid to rest in neighbouring Suriname on Wednesday. The other bodies identified were those of Mahesh Sarjoo called “Cooba” and Gowkarran Outar called “Gavin.” One other body is in the custody of the Suriname authorities awaiting DNA results for identification. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, family members of the victims have expressed satisfaction on the progress made thus far
Alleged piracy mastermind, Premnauth Persaud called “Sanbad” by the police, and are hoping that the men get the full punishment of the law so that they can get some level of closure despite not having the bodies of their relatives. Investigations are ongoing.
Only Parliament can approve spending of oil revenue MINISTER of Finance Winston Jordan has explained that only Guyana’s Parliament can approve government spending of anticipated oil revenue. Critics and letter writers have suggested that the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) will somehow be used to divert or allocate monies for politically directed projects. But Jordan in an invited comment said this was certainly not the case: “All the monies go to the SWF. Withdrawals from the fund will be in accordance with fiscal rules that will be embedded in the legislation and approved by Parliament. The amount to be withdrawn is then placed in the Consolidated Fund and appropriated in accordance with existing accounting rules.” He explained that the “the S in the SWF will be equated to Saving.” This was a point made by Presi-
dent David Granger as early as when he was running for office. In one of his first reactions upon hearing the news of the oil find by ExxonMobil, the future President promised at a rally at the Square of the Revolution on May 10, 2015, that “the profits will go into a Sovereign Wealth Fund to benefit future generations…” Three years later and after exten-
sive consultations and advice from the international community the legislation for its establishment will soon be tabled in Parliament and the SWF will be in place in time for oil production in 2020. The path that oil money would take is quite simple: Once Guyana receives revenue from the sale of its share of profit oil; the money would be placed directly
into the SWF. Making sure Guyana gets its full share is one of the roles of the newly formed independent watchdog Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative which reconciles revenue flows paid by companies with those received by the government. Once in the SWF, withdrawals would be authorized by the Parliament after considering the bal-
ance between preserving the wealth for future generations and the need for investment. The amount withdrawn after approval by Parliament is then sent to the Consolidated Fund. At this point, the
– Minister Jordan
normal procedure takes over. The Minister of Finance prepares an annual budget which can only be approved by a majority of the National Assembly. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
More police ranks ready for leadeship roles – after rigorous three-month training course
AS the Guyana Police Force continues to receive assistance to strengthen its capacity, 21 of its members, from Constables to Deputy Superintendents, were on Thursday awarded certificates of participation in a key opinion leadership course they’d undergone in the last three months. The course was sponsored by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Programmes, while the graduation ceremony was held at the Guyana Police Force Officers College in Georgetown. According to Justice Education Society Project Manager in Guyana, Ms Evelyn Neaman, participants were trained in the areas of crime scene and major case management, investigative interviewing, forensic video analysis and police prose-
cution. They were also exposed to days of playing the role of course facilitators and organisers, and engaging in the reading of books where they shared their thoughts during a review process. Neaman is of the view that the group of 21 officers are now ready to lead, and are prepared to take up leadership roles going forward. And with the Justice Education Project coming to a close here shortly, she said the idea from the inception was to ensure that those who would have undergone training through the project are ready to act as facilitators as the Force seeks to build its own capacity. As Commissioner of Police acting David Ramnarine observed, in today’s world, it is absolutely necessary for policemen and women to understand that policing is
no longer just about having the height, baton, firearm and handcuffs, but also the intellectual armament to continually improve themselves as they serve the organisation. As such, he said, training is not only invaluable, but must be remedial and relevant, and geared to preparing them for qualitative response, knowledge and skills. Said he: “I caution you the ranks to put what you have been taught into good use. Use the knowledge and skills for the god as the force is increasingly under the microscope.” He further stated that of all the things affecting the Guyana Police Force and its professionalism is the fact that ranks know what to do, have the skills to do what has to be done, but the attitude towards executing these things is not right and
Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan; Political and Economic Chief at the US Embassy, Ms Alexandra King; and Acting Commissioner of Police Mr David Ramnarine with the latest batch of Key Opinion Leaders (Samuel Maughn photo)
that usually leaves a huge question mark. Ms. Alexandra King, Political and Economic Chief at the United States Embassy in Guyana sought to remind ranks that knowledge does not decay or rust and as such it’s always there to share with other persons. And in calling on participants to share what they would have learnt in the last three months with their col-
leagues in an effort to bring about positive change among them, Ms King said that a better equipped police force means a safer Guyana, which in turn means a more secure region and by extension a more prosperous world for all of us. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who was the last to speak at the function, urged ranks not to see themselves as vessels to
be filled, but rather as lamps to be lit and shine. “Many times I have noticed that nice programmes come, and when the players leave, the passion and so on die. We must have people who will ensure that it flows from there,” he said. He also called on the Guyana Police Force to get involved in doing more of its own programmes aimed at capacity building.
Deeds Registry ‘false pretence’ trial adjourned
THE trial against registrar of the Deeds Registry (Ag), Azeena Baksh, who is accused of obtaining $4.5
M by false pretence, is adjourned until June 15. Baksh, 33, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara is currently
before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the matter is being heard Baksh, while being employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) between May 1, 2014 and January 31, 2017 in Georgetown, allegedly caused or procured valuable securities in the sum of $4.5M to be delivered to her Nova Scotia bank account for her own use, pretending she was a contracted employee at the Deeds Registry. She is represented by de-
fense counsel Nigel Hughes in association with Attorney Priya Manickchand. She is currently out on $250,000 bail. Baksh was appointed acting Registrar of Deeds from July 16, 2012 with a stipulated salary of $326,171 monthly and was entitled to entertainment and house allowances as well as subsistence allowance when working out-of-district, duty-free concessions every three years, leave passage allowance and 42 days annual vacation leave.
Additionally, she was entitled to security at her residence, paid residential and mobile phone bills and free monthly internet service. There was no mention by the JSC of a bi-annual gratuity as she was employed on the fixed establishment. In May 2014, the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry pursuant to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act No. 4/ 2013. Back in April 2017, the Ministry of Legal Affairs had said that staff of the
Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) had called upon it to investigate complaints of alleged financial improprieties committed by Baksh. Both the Human Resource and Accounting Departments of the DCRA had complained that as Head of the Budget Agency and sole person in authority to approve and sign off the payroll of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority and one of the main signatories of the Authority’s bank account, the acting Registrar allegedly paid herself gratuity, well knowing she was a pensionable employee, having been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 6/06/2018 26/11/2016 7/06/2018
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13 8
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24 22
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26/11/2016 7/06/2018 02 1 409 2010 18119 13 5
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
Guyanese workers to help rebuilding efforts in Dominica Inn on Thursday. According her, the HFH’s role in the project is to ensure persons who get selected are the right ones for the job, because they need leaders who will also help to train the Dominicans because there is a shortage of labour there. Twenty-three persons, including two Guyanese and four Jamaicans, were selected from Trinidad and Tobago
to assist. Daniels said the batch from Guyana is expected to travel to Dominica soon since they are expected to complete the construction of about 270 roofs. Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer of the Ministry of Social Protection, Yolanda Grant, said Guyanese are also provided with the opportunity
for networking. IOM Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello, said they want to complete the reconstruction of the buildings in Dominica so that the citizens will be safe and protected before the hurricane season starts. It was estimated that approximately 5, 425 houses were completely destroyed,
IOM Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean Robert Natiello
By Navendra Seoraj LOCAL carpenters will soon be recruited by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) to help in the hurricane-ravaged Dominica to rebuild homes and other buildings. In September 2017, Dominica was devastated by the Category Five Hurricane Maria which caused
pervasive shelter damage and significant and extended displacement. “We believe that we understand how our brothers and sisters feel and because of the skillset that exist in Guyana, we thought it was a good recruitment ground to get persons from here,” said HFH’s Project Coordinator Natasha Daniels, on the sideline of a sensitisation programme for local carpenters at the Grand Coastal Hotel
Some of the carpenters who were present at the training programme (Samuel Maughn photo)
Boutique owner further remanded THE owner of ‘Glow Again’ boutique was on Thursday further remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for trafficking cocaine. Gavin Blackman, called ‘Boiley’ of Norton Street, Georgetown was charged a month ago for the offence when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Particulars of the offence read that on May 4 at Norton
Street, he allegedly had 1.1 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He denied the charge. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford, objected to the defendant being granted bail, citing the seriousness of the charge. His attorney, Siand Dhurjon, made an application for Blackman to be released on bail on the grounds
that his client had contracted an unknown illness in prison. Dhurjon disclosed that his client complains about severe abdominal pains. Nevertheless, that was not sufficient reasons for bail to be granted by Magistrate Latchman. The matter was adjourned until June 12. According to reports, Blackman was on CANU’s radar as he was suspected to be a drug dealer.
CANU ranks, on the day in question, were conducting surveillance on Blackman when they saw him retrieve a plastic bag from a known individual. He then went into his car and drove away. The ranks reportedly trailed Blackman to Norton Street and, as he was about to enter the yard, they gave chase but the man ran up the stairs and threw the plastic bag with the drugs into the
Friday, June 8, 2017 – 11:50 to 13:20
house. However, the occupant of the home saw the parcel and threw it into the neigh-
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7, 515 highly damaged; 8, 390 moderately damaged and 7 ,940 lightly damaged. It was also estimated that over 20,000 people left the country after the hurricane hit in search of employment abroad, and in an effort to find ways to rebuild or recover their losses. Those who left include most of the skilled carpenters. “In crisis setting, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners for the provision of support to countries in crisis and non-crisis, and in the provision of technical and development assistance,” said Natiello. IOM is the lead agency of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster (CCCM). Through its global network of more than 4000 offices, it is able to bring together governments, civil society and the private sector to establish or respond to different requests for support. bour’s yard. The parcel was retrieved by a CANU officer and the suspected cocaine was found inside.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
National pride NATIONAL pride is an important factor in uniting a people and energising a country to compete with others. Products made in a country, and rightfully labelled so, bring confidence to the citizens and respect for the nation. In some respects, Guyana continues to hold its own in specific areas, but more needs to be done in a concerted and consistent manner to not only ensure psychological benefits, but also social and economic development. Guyana’s rum, sugar, bauxite and gold are known to hold prized positions in the international marketplace. Our rum has won numerous international awards. Sugar is renowned to the point where an American company is packaging sugar brought from other countries, using the brand “Demerara,” which has affinity to the production of sugar here. Our bauxite is known as a sweetener in enhancing the capacity in steel and aluminium processing plants, and Guyana stands out as the only country that produces this specification. The reputation of gold dates back to the fabled El Dorado that saw many expeditions, including the legendary stories of Sir Walter Raleigh and others, in search of it. Being allowed opportunities to produce products from local materials enhances a people’s ingenuity and competitive spirit which are integral factors in growth and development. It would not be lost on the discerning, the
opportunities that can be derived from a new economy which can create wealth in industries that are considered safe and green. For instance, the coconut industry which has been neglected offers economic opportunities outside of the water. Bauxite, in its raw form, can add diversity to the ornament industry. This product comes in a variety of colours and specifications and can be attractively packaged for the market. The forest products industry can add ornaments, jewellery and other special pieces. Similar approaches can be taken to every product and service Guyanese are capable of producing, packaging and marketing. Not to discount the success of other countries in being able to exploit their resources, creating opportunities for their people and entering our markets, the time has come when Guyana and Guyanese must move from being primarily on the receiving end to that of being equally competitive. This would require a new approach that factors in strong and continuous technical research such as in product development, identifying markets, tastes and preferences. Government is expected to play a role through revisiting investment programmes, strategies and laws wherever necessary. It will require stimulating a new economy by exploiting resources with the assistance of new incentives.
This can be done in the form of grants to places such as the University of Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and Institute of Applied Science and Technology to conduct studies. There can be tax and duty-free concessions for businesses that create opportunities at home. Synergies can be forged and made possible in alliance with the tri-sectoral economy. Partnership with Government, private and cooperative sectors should not only come with recognition and appreciation of the unique ability and responsibility of each, but also the importance of cooperating with each other to be competitive at the international level. Guyanese want to build Guyana. And while it is laudable that our procurement law requires at least 20 percent of the contracts be given to small contractors, a similar approach may be needed in other instances in ensuring that Guyanese are allowed to earn, produce and benefit from the nation’s resources and opportunities.
My name is on the list
Dear Editor,
I AM a communications consultant and freelance writer--a profession that suited my previous remote location on the Linden Highway. Three years ago, I began writing for a local newspaper and about a year after that I applied for a full time communications position at ExxonMobil. I was unsuccessful in that instance but was fortunate enough to be recognized and offered a contract as a freelance writer. So, my name is on the recently released list of local contractors for ExxonMobil by the DPI. Whether or not I believe the list should have been released, one thing that I feel strongly about is the response from those who pushed for its publication; that the list is “padded” with individuals. I have a couple of questions: how is my income any different than that of a business? If I was to choose a name for my services and set up a business, would the money I earn be going anywhere else? ExxonMobil pays
me to provide a service as they do to any of the other registered businesses. My wages are spent on the same thing most business owners spend their money on: food, clothes and schooling for my children, living costs, bills, rent and taxes. Just because I offer my service as an individual does not change the fact that the money spent by ExxonMobil is going into a local pocket which in turn supports more local business. There was skepticism out there when the public heard of the high number of companies and contractors that had benefited from the operations here in Guyana; there was a call for those names to be released. Contrary to practice anywhere else in the world, the list was made public and when indeed the numbers were verified, of course there was new critique about who was on the list. Well, I am a name on that list, I earn my living by providing a service to ExxonMobil and I am therefore eligible to be included as local spend. I benefit, as do direct employees, and so do most of you. My income goes right back out to more local businesses.
How can the money being spent and circulated into the Guyanese economy be seen as anything other than a benefit? Every dollar that ExxonMobil spends in Guyana aids our economy. When you work for a company that shows you first hand, as I have seen, its intent, willingness and commitment to building local content in its deed and action, it is extremely frustrating to then be faced day after day with criticisms to those actions. I have the same concerns as other Guyanese about this emerging industry. I have the same hopes for my children growing up. I am wishing for a better life for my family and friends, with better schools, better health care, better roads, and better jobs. So please do not be fooled into thinking I write this letter in protection of my contract; please know that my loyalty lies with those who will operate in a way that protects that better future and I would hold accountable those who do not. The industry is new and there is bound to be some confusion and limited knowledge,
so I urge people to focus on the facts, do not get caught up in the scaremongering; be optimistic about the future. There may be much you don’t know, and much you hear second hand, but you can read the list for yourself to see that ExxonMobil have honored their promise and have been investing in locals. This is just the beginning and there is already clear evidence of benefits. From someone who spends her days researching, I am confident more is to come. I am proud to be part of a company that in my own experience conducts itself in a manner I feel secure in having my name associated with, whether it be on that list, or at the bottom of this page. Regards Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal Contractor for ExxonMobil
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
Queen Victoria statue must be removed Dear Editor.
THE person, or persons responsible for throwing red paint on the statue of British Monarch, Queen Victoria, must be congratulated for their audacious act. Perhaps they chose red to symbolise the blood of our ancestors. I have long advocated for this statue to be removed from in front of the Supreme Court and placed on the grounds of the British High Commission or at the Haags Bosch
dumpsite. This statue is an affront to our ancestors--Amerindian, African and Indian--and our sovereignty, whatever little is left of it. Under the reign of Queen Victoria, the ruthless British Empire expanded, continuing its genocide against the indigenous people in parts of the Americas including Guyana, and throughout Africa and the Indian sub-continent. At one point she referred to herself as Empress of India. How absurd is it that we
have a statue, as if to honour her, on the front lawn of our law courts, where justice and the law are supposed to be upheld. What is wrong with our psyche that there are those amongst us who insist that this statue must stay because it is part of our history? Adolf Hitler is part of German history, does that mean that a statue of him should stand in a place of honour outside their law courts. Statues are erected to honour persons who have contributed in a positive and
uplifting way to our history. When our children ask us who this woman is, and what she did, how will we explain why we chose to erect a statue commemorating someone who was a major player in the genocide of our ancestors and the plunder of our wealth? We must stop acting in a mindless way with regard to both our past and present, blindly following those who colonised us without any thought for our own dignity and understanding of our right to self-determination. It
is this type of mental slavery that has us right where we are today. Forbes Burnham had this statue removed. Unfortunately, he did not destroy it and, under President Hoyte, it was resurrected. Perhaps when we remove it this time, the best thing would be to destroy it so that we can rid ourselves once and for all of this hideous monument to our own genocide and destruction. I am calling on the Pan-African Movement (Guyana Branch), African
Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), Guyana Rastafari Council, Indian Action Committee, Amerindian People’s Association to join with Organization for the Victory of the People to seek the immediate removal of this statue. Let's at least accomplish this much in this International Decade for People of African Descent.
Regards Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)
PPP trying to whip up anti-PNC and associated ethnic politics
Dear Editor,
A few years ago, on the eve of the determination of Gocool Boodoo`s contract as the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, the People`s Progressive Party took to the media, accusing the “PNCR” Commissioners of targeting Indo-Guyanese for dismissal. On that occasion I was forced to break my silence. I made it known publicly that it was Gocool Boodoo who initiated and insisted on the dismissal of two Indo-Guyanese senior staffers of GECOM. On that occasion, the PPP`s resort to ethnic politics, to have Boodoo retained by GECOM, did not work. Boodoo `s contract was not renewed and GECOM no longer had to contend with a CEO who on two occasions, 2006 and 2011, personally presented and vowed
for the wrong results of those elections. Now, on the eve of the determination of Vishnu Persaud`s retention by GECOM, the PPP in the person of spin-doctor, Roger Luncheon, has once again employed the said approach by going to the media and purporting to have been informed that the PNC commissioners are “giving low to zero scores to candidates of Indian origin” and “finding extraneous reasons for eliminating top rank candidates of Indian origin.” There are two issues at hand here. (1) There is no such thing as party commissioners, although that is the exact way that the commissioners appointed by Jagdeo allow themselves to be described. In fact, they act as party representatives rather than constitutional officers nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. They even turn
up at Jagdeo`s political press conferences to take partisan positions on matters pertaining to GECOM. (2) Since when is Mr. Desmond Trotman a PNC or its representative? Mr. Trotman, of the WPA, was appointed by the President after consultations with his coalition partners. It is important to note that Trotman was nominated to be a commissioner after his party had publicly indicated that it would not support or condone rigging of the elections. It is my understanding that Trotman was one of the persons who crafted WPA’s statement prior to its release. To label Trotman as a PNC can only be an attempt to mobilize support on the usual anti-PNC and associated ethnic politics of the PPP. I will not be drawn into the unethical behaviour of discussing the Vishnu matter in public, since it is still, as I write
this letter, to be determined by the Commission. However, it would be remiss of me if I did not disclose that the granting of high and low scores, including perfect scores, is a precedent created by a PPP-nominated commissioner. Luncheon must be judging others by the known standards of his colleagues. To date, three potential employees have been iden-
tified by GECOM. Of the three, one, who has been identified to fill the most critical of the positions, is an Indo-Guyanese. This position has been the source of much controversy in the past, yet the so-called PNC commissioners also gave the nod to the Indo-Guyanese. If Commissioner Benn, who is the main protagonist of
the ethnic balance mantra, is serious, he needs to come up with an evidential basis for his cry and provide concrete solutions in support of his proposition, rather than providing fodder for the politicians. Regards Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Standards essential for construction sector – GNBS executive director
TECHNICAL and vocational students must learn the benefits of standards and conformity assessment which is required for a sustainable and consistent construction sector in Guyana, Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Executive Director Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said. Walcott-Bostwick made these remarks to students in the building and construction sector at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday. The event, themed “Sustainable Construction “ was organised by GNBS and ASTM International, which hosted its Inaugural Roadshow in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana) during the period June 04-08, 2018. The Guyana leg of the roadshow which opened yesterday and concludes today, June 8, features four activities which seeks to educate and inform stakeholders who are users and potential users of ASTM standards, including stakeholders in the building and construction sector.
Representatives from the University of Guyana were among eight technical and vocational institutes that attended the event, themed “Sustainable Construction”. The GNBS head told the students that there is a system in place for the harmonisation of standardisation in the Caribbean. She said in order to have a transition of culture in Guyana, where price takes precedence over quality, “we would like to move Guyana over to a standards driven society.” “We strongly believe that once our students are exposed to the value and benefits of standards, it will help them in their decision-making process, to choose standards and quality over the price of commodities,” the executive director said. Noting that standards body’s worldwide work to provide confidence to consumers, Walcott-Bostwick thanked ASTM and other international agencies for recognising Guyana’s potential and for hosting the
ASTM International representative Jim Olshefsky, addressing students at the lecture on codes and standards (Adrian Narine photo) roadshow. She explained that ASTM International has signified their commitment to partner with developing countries to reduce technical barriers to trade, thus facilitating access to international markets. Noting that ASTM provides over 12000 international standards, the executive director said, these include building and construction materials, oil and gas, solar and wind power, renewable energy, energy efficiency, medical devices and elec-
UK MP, investor attracted ...
From page 2
Minister of State Joseph Harmon shows Executive Director and Vice President of Conservation International (CI), Dr. David Singh and co-Chief Investment Officer of Generation Investment Management and a member of CI’s board, the ‘Giants of El Dorado’ lands west of the Essequibo … 80 per cent of the people are on this 20 per cent and they could not fully appreciate (the need) to focus on conservation, and, seeing no benefit from it was always a challenge to convince the bulk of our population that Guyana needed to conserve. “It is not just about locking off natural resources, but dealing with it in such a manner that it can be preserved, not only for this generation, but for generations to come …,” he said. Minister Harmon also stressed the importance of protecting Guyana’s flora and fauna and their habitats. “The President is very big on
‘the Giants of El Dorado’… Guyana represents the only place in the world where these animals can be found. So, we need to ensure that our conservation activity protects and preserves the environment in which these ‘giants’ operate,” he said. Lammy expressed his interest in seeing Guyana continue to make strides towards achieving its ‘green’ agenda while balancing the emergence of the oil and gas sector. Vice President of CI-Guyana Dr. David Singh and Head of the Department of Environment Ms Ndibi Schwiers were also present at the meeting.
tronics, among others. She said these standards are widely used in Guyana’s manufacturing and technical sectors. ASTM International representative Jim Olshefsky noted, that businesses and governments in the region are already using the ASTM standards in many industries in the Caribbean region in laws, regulations and codes. “ASTM also has 1,700 members in the region, technical experts who participate in our technical committees,
particularly in areas like cement, concrete, steel and other industries that relate to sustainable construction,” he added. Recognising that the future generations have different needs and expectations than the previous one, Olshefsky said that gatherings with students are essential to get an understanding of their needs and choices that will affect their future. He noted that retirement is having a big impact on society and one estimate puts
it globally at 10,000 people per day. As such, he said, hands on expertise or mentors are needed to guide young entrepreneurs and engineers into adopting standardisation and the ASTM in their curriculum. He said the roadshow comes at a time when the region has suffered significant loses and unprecedented damages from three major hurricanes, which together carry a price tag of US$13 billion.
GRA in last warning to pay-up those taxes WITH the first amnesty period drawing to a close on June 30, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to remind the general public to take advantage of this limited-time offer to settle their taxes. Tax Amnesty relates to Interest and Penalties for Income, Corporate, Property, Capital Gains and Withholding taxes up to and including the Year of Assessment 2017 (Year of Income 2016). Principal taxes paid on or before June 30, 2018 will have all interest and penalties waived, while principal taxes paid between July 1, 2018 and September 30, 2018 will enjoy a 50% waiver on interest and penalties. The categories of taxpayers who can benefit from this period of amnesty are those who are delinquent in the filing and payment; those who filed their tax returns but may have mistakenly underreported or understated their income or overstated deductions or credit; and taxpayers who have deliberately not declared their true income and those who are already subjected to completed audits and a determination was made that the additional taxes owed to the GRA are still outstanding.
Since its announcement in the 2018 National Budget, the GRA has been receiving and reviewing numerous applications for amnesty. The Authority has noted, however, that some taxpayers are facing setbacks because of employers not providing them with emolument statements for the periods in which tax returns were due or outstanding. Hence, the GRA wishes to urge employers to move with haste to assist taxpayers with such information. The GRA has also observed that some requests are being made for amnesty by taxpayers who have no records of tax returns submitted. Against this backdrop, the Authority wishes to reiterate that in order to have interest and penalties waived, taxpayers MUST file true and correct returns and pay all principal taxes. It should be noted that the amnesty does not cover outstanding returns and taxes for the current year (i.e. Year of Assessment 2018). Taxpayers who also file incorrect returns during the Amnesty period will not benefit and will subsequently be subject to the attendant penalties.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Guyana confident Suriname will deliver –– evidence sought in high seas piracy as requested
MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan on Thursday said he is confident that local detectives will receive the documents which they have requested from Suriname to aid in the successful prosecution of persons who have been arrested here in connection with the piracy attack of April, 2018. Ramjattan was at the time responding to questions on the status of the request which was made through his office to the office of the security minister in the neighbouring Dutch-speaking territory. Local detectives have requested, among other things, the statements taken in the matters as well as the postmortem reports for those whose bodies were recovered after the piracy attack. The requests
were made after a number of persons were arrested locally in connection with the crime. Some have been charged while others are still in custody. “The requests have been made, and I have not gotten back in contact with them but my treaty officer in the ministry told me there has been no response just yet,” Ramjattan explained. The minister said that he is aware of the processes in that country as it relates to putting together certain files for certain cases, and as such the country ought to be given the time to do its work, since the two countries go about doing their work differently. “They are awaiting for the death certificates and the DNA tests because they want to make sure that there is ev-
idence,” Minister Ramjattan said, adding: “In our law, we would accept the markings and decomposed bodies as our evidence, but with them it’s a different system and we must respect their system.” When it comes to the statements which were requested by the local detectives, the minister said that arrangements are being made to have them translated into English since they were all taken in Dutch, but gave every assurance that those statements would be here shortly, once the translation process is properly done. The minister was also asked about the arrest here, without being charged, of persons believed to be involved in piracy or related activities. Asked specifically
Hung jury in murder trial for alleged killer of poultry farm truck driver
MAHENDRA Bishundial was remanded to prison after a 12-member jury could not reach a verdict in the 2012 murder of Edun Poultry Farms employee, Aga Khan, at Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara. After more than two hours of deliberation, a mixed jury on Wednesday afternoon could not arrive at a unanimous verdict. The jury was split 10 to 2 which necessitated a retrial after which the jurors were discharged. Bishundial, called ‘Tyrone’ appeared before Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a 12-member mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown, where he pleaded not guilty to the murder indictment. The charge against him
alleges that on November 6, 2012 at Buzz Bee Dam,
Deceased: Aga Khan Craig, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Khan during the course or furtherance of a robbery. He was represented
by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes. Leading the case for the State were Prosecutors Shawnette Austin and Seeta Bishundial. A police release had stated that Khan was attacked by four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun and the others with knives. One of the men approached Khan and demanded cash. Khan was driving motor lorry GJJ 2806, owned by Edun Poultry Farms, east along Buzz Bee Dam, when the men walked into the path of the vehicle, causing the driver to stop. The driver was shot to his neck in the process. Three men were arrested in connection with the matter. However, only Bishundial was charged for the crime.
about the legality of keeping those persons in detention for prolonged periods, Minister Ramjattan said: “Well, as long as I think the law allows us, we have methods of doing that. And then we also go to the court and ask for extension of time because these are very serious crimes.” He said that while it is understood that such people have their human rights, the executive and the police must be allowed in these circumstances to do their work. Noting that this is why the
anti-piracy act is so clear, the minister said: “We can use that to extend their stay for a long period, and international collaboration and judges should understand that we need the statements from overseas that would come soon. “You don’t just want to release these guys like that, because if you release them, they are gone. And then we would have to hunt them down and then I will get a lot of criticism as to why did you release them.”
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
President Independence star Eliana Ganpat on State House tour
PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday received two special little ladies, Miss Kaylin Klass, a Grade Two School of the Nations student and Miss Eliana Ganpat, who became an internet sensation when she joined the Head of State on the dais for the Presidential Salute two weeks ago at the Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony, dressed as an officer of the Guyana Defence Force. The two girls, both seven years of age, were excited to visit State House and to meet with the President, who gave them a guided tour of the building, which turned out to be a very good history lesson from no better teacher than the historian himself. Miss Klass, who was accompanied by her mother, Ms. Cameel Klass, was invited to State House after she wrote a letter to the Head of State,
telling him what while she was unable to be part of the Independence celebrations at D’Urban Park, she was very proud to be Guyanese and proud of the President and the work he has been doing. She said that she was excited to learn that Head of State had requested a meeting with her. Miss Klass said that her goal is to become a medical doctor and serve her country. Miss Ganpat, a student of Mae’s also has her mind set on serving her country. However, she is more concerned with protecting the country’s frontiers and has every intention of joining the military when she grows up. She was accompanied to State House by her father, Mr. Bisham Ganpat. The President also gave the duo special coins as tokens which depicted symbols of Guyana’s Independence. (Ministry of the Presidency)
Getting a closer look at the special coins which they received as tokens from the Head of State, President David Granger
First solar farm to provide 17 hours power to Mabaruma SEVEN hundred residents of Mabaruma will by August enjoy seventeen hours of clean and reliable electricity with the completion of Guyana’s first ever solar farm. The $264Million farm in Region One will cover ten acres on Khan’s Hill will provide power to Mabaruma and down to the Wanina area. Currently, the Mabaruma Power Company provides only eight hours of electricity per day. The project is close to completion pending the arrival of some overseas materials. Mabaruma Town Mayor Henry Smith in a visit to the area told reporters last week Friday.
“The lines are already being laid, it’s just to bring in the other input then we connect up, giving us an additional nine hours of current. This added to the eight hours that we have right now will give us 17 hours, out of 24 every day. We hope that by the end of August, it should be up and running.” The mayor was at the time part of a team of officials which included the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams who visited the site. The project, which started in 2017, is being executed by German company Meeco in
three phases: the first saw the extension of the distribution network from its endpoint to a new location in Khan’s Hill; the second stage catered for site preparation and construction of the fence; and the third phase involves the actual construction of the solar farm. Other solar farms at Lethem in Region Nine, Mahdia in Region Eight and at Bartica in Region Seven are planned. These farms are anticipated to generate 800, 400, and 1.5 kilowatts of electricity respectively. They are part of the government’s plan to move Guyana towards becoming a ‘Green State’ and serve to reduce the country’s fuel bill. (DPI)
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Ministerial Adviser, Mervyn William along with other officials visiting one of the sites
Berbice champion cyclist in critical condition at GPHC FIFTEEN-year-old Beyonce Ross, who is battling a brain tumor in the centre of her brain, was on Thursday rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital in a critical state. Relatives confirmed doctors related she is brain dead. She was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Thursday afternoon where she remains on life support. Her drastic decline in health has family
members confused and worried since they were told only two days ago that the tumor was not cancerous, after the result from the biopsy was returned. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, relatives related Ross suffered a seizure early Thursday morning and became unresponsive. She was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where doctors related that she was not responding and was in a vegetative state. She was sub-
sequently transferred to the GPHC where she is presently on life support. Given her present condition, relatives are praying she can make a miraculous turnaround so she can leave the country for corrective surgery, as she has a promising future. Ross, a triple gold medalist and all round athlete, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March of this year. Doctors had told relatives given the location of the tumor, surgery had to be
performed overseas to have it removed since the operation is a high-risk one. Family members have been seeking financial assistance to make arrangements for the surgery and breathed a sigh of relief on Monday evening when they were told the tumor was not cancerous. Ross was said to have been in good spirits and even showed signs of feeling better until things took a sudden turn on Thursday morning.
Beyonce Ross
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Jagdeo cracks the whip on PPP MPs … says dissatisfied with performance at Parliamentary committees
OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo says he is not satisfied with the performance of his MPs who are members of the various Parliamentary Sectoral Committees. At the same time, the Opposition Leader suggested at a press conference on Thursday that the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) who sit on the committee may need preparatory schooling from the more experienced members of the party. Jagdeo in response to a question posed by the media noted that the Opposition has worked on its agenda to hold the government accountable on critical matters. He lamented, however, that the efforts of the party members on important committee is lacking. He suggested that some may not be “specialists “to deal with matters such as the oil and gas industry. Jagdeo said that preparation would help the party. “We spoke extensively on that because it’s a concern of mine”, noting that the party will step- up the level of preparation of its members to sit on the key parliamentary committees. According to the PPP leader he met with Members of the Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday which includes Odinga Lumumba, Pauline Sukhai, Neil Kumar and Yvonne Pearson and
registered his dissatisfaction with their questioning of Ministers and other government officials who appear before the very important Committee. “I told them that they have to prepare before, focus more and seek guidance from the other MPs… with good preparation they can do this,” he added. “Let me also say that it is not just the Natural Resources Committee but all the other Standing Committees we have to step up our representation.” In a recent press statement Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman in responding to Jagdeo’s claims that government was not open enough on matters of the oil and gas sector disclosed that PPP MPs have complimented him for his openness. Trotman said the records of the National Assembly will show that he and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Brooms, have appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on several occasions, and most recently on May 18, where he delivered a full and frank presentation that addressed at length, developments in the oil and gas sector. The Committee is chaired by Lumumba. Trotman said no suggestions were made at any appearances before this Committee
Bandits terrorise, rob East Bank businesswoman, family THREE masked bandits, armed with guns, robbed a businesswoman and her family at their Buddy’s Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara home in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday. Reports indicate that the bandits gained entry to the concreted two-storey building by prising open the kitchen window. They then gun-butted and tied up the family of four, right down to the seven-year-old, before demanding cash and jewellery, and having gotten what they wanted, made good their escape. One of the family members later managed to free himself from the bondage and called the police, who visited the scene and have since launched an investigation into the incident.
that the ministry, or ministers, were withholding information in any way. Instead, he said the ministers have been repeatedly complimented for their open and forthright presentations. It is not the first time Jagdeo has publicly chastised his MPs. Only recently
he said they had dropped the ball on their representation of the party when the Cybercrime Bill was discussed at the level of the Parliamentary Select Committee. “I think we dropped the ball on this matter… because it was only after the meeting that we had
in preparation for Parliament… when we had a good look at the bill that we recognised that this provision had been inserted in our absence,” Jagdeo had said in response to a question on the sedition clause in the Cybercrime bill.
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at his news conference
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Penalties must not drive environmental preservation –– head of UG Environment Department By Lisa Hamilt
University of Guyana (UG), Head of Department of Environment, Shanomae Rose; Executive Member of the Guyana Peace Council, Badrie Persaud (centre); and Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh at the talk in observance of World Environment Day (Samuel Maughn photo)
GUYANESE are being urged to take ownership of their environment rather than waiting on penalties to motivate them to protect and preserve their living spaces. This was the call of University of Guyana (UG) Environment Department Head, Shanomae Rose, during an observance to mark World Environment Day organised by the Guyana Peace Council on Wednesday. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the event was hosted at the Promenade Gardens and saw remarks from Major General (rtd) Joseph Singh. Rose said even as Guyana moves closer towards banning single-use plastic products, citizens must begin to do their part in reducing the volume of plastic in their environment. She listed the numerous negative effects of plastic pollution such as the spread of vector-borne diseases, clogged waterways, flooding and the death of marine animals. The environmentalist added that the country’s ‘litter culture’ continues to be fueled by a “lack of ownership and pride”, which must be corrected by a national change in thinking. “Take ownership. Don’t wait for the legislation to charge you to pay $10,000 before the court. Every one of us, we know where we are supposed to put our garbage, put it there. We know what to do, do not wait for a ‘big stick’, just do it,” she urged. These and other effects, she said, can hinder the rate at which the Ministry of Public Health and other international health organisations are able to achieve the goal of malaria eradication in the
country. Some of the healthy environmental practices put forward were re-using water bottles, replacing plastics with paper and cardboard materials and improved plastic waste management. “We can make a difference; we can join the efforts to beat plastic pollution and we can join them today. It doesn’t take much… if each and every one of us is to do one thing, differently, from today going forward, we will help to reduce the amount of plastics in our environment,” she encouraged. Meanwhile, speaking on the topic of “Environmental Stewardship and the Theory of Change”, Singh pushed for increased conversations on recycling and environmental stewardship and funding for businesses with low carbon foot prints. He also recommended that there be a consensus document which ensures that when governments change, it does not affect plans in progress for environmental development. “The process cannot be a hit or miss one, so that when Government changes and implementing agencies have changes in personnel, we ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater,’” he said. “One fundamental requirement, therefore, is to achieve a political consensus. A strong and broad agreement on what would be the institutional framework and desired outcomes of a Green State Development Strategy… it may be tweaked a little here and there but it remains the principle instrument for the development of Guyana,” he said. World Environment Day was celebrated worldwide on Tuesday and was hosted in India where leading organisations urged, “If you can’t reuse it, refuse it.”
A section of the gathering at the World Environmental Day Talk held at the Promenade Gardens (Samuel Maughn photo)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Exxon shedding Tanzanian gas field to focus on Guyana, other projects-Sources EXXON Mobil is seeking buyers for its stake in a large undeveloped gas field off Tanzania, according to three banking and industry sources, as the company focuses on the development of an even bigger project in neighbouring Mozambique. The planned sale is an example of Chief Executive Darren Woods’ strategy of freeing up cash and narrowing the American firm’s focus on a number of giant projects around the world deemed to have the best prospects, including in Mozambique, Guyana and U.S. shale. Woods, who became CEO in January 2017 after predecessor Rex Tillerson retired and became U.S. secretary of state, has come under heavy pressure from investors over the past year to turn around the world’s largest publicly-traded oil and gas company as its output and earnings sagged. Exxon holds a 35 percent stake in Tanzania’s deepwater Block 2 field that was discovered earlier this decade. It holds an estimated 23 trillion cubic feet of gas, according to the website of Norway’s Equinor, which operates the block and
holds a 65 percent stake. The prospect has faced repeated delays in recent years due mainly to a lack of infrastructure and regulation for the country’s nascent oil and gas sector, complicating any sale. The sources said the value of the asset was unclear due to early stage of development and uncertain future. Exxon declined to comment. A spokesman for Equinor declined to comment on the sale process. He said the company had not changed its plans in Tanzania. Tanzania has moved down the priority list for Exxon after it acquired a 25 percent stake in the gas-rich Area 4 development offshore Mozambique $2.8 billion from Eni last year. Area 4, holding an estimated 85 trillion cubic feet of gas, is one of the world’s largest gas discoveries in recent years, and far bigger than the Tanzanian field. The project is also far more advanced - it is already under development and expected to start production in 2022. Houston-based Exxon has also taken charge of the development of the liquefied natural gas plant at the site. (Reuters)
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Regional forum on CSME opens today in Guyana
THE Regional Stakeholder Consultation for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) opens here today at the Ramada Princess Hotel and will see the participation of Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and former Jamaican Prime Minister Mr. Bruce Holding. The two-day consultation will be hosted by CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on behalf of the lead Head of Government for the CSME). It will see the examination of CSME and its implementation as currently configured and identify what is necessary to make it more effective. The findings and recommendations from the consultation are intended
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to be considered by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and also to inform the review of the CSME being undertaken by the CARICOM Conference
of Heads of Government which will continue in a Special Session at its upcoming meeting next month. The consultation will also, through a series of panels, determine what CSME objectives and priority measures should be; a more and effective CSME; the Free Movement of Persons, Public Awareness, and Labour and the Private Sector. The first session will be facilitated by Dr. Gonsalves and Mr. Golding who will engage in a high-level session focused on making the CSME more effective. Following the high-level session, a series of panels will discuss whether the CSME as currently configured sufficiently supports sustainable growth and development and the free
Former Jamaican Prime Minister Mr. Bruce Golding movement of skills and persons as an integrating measure among other areas. The consultation is facilitated with the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Police charge renegade driver, conductor THE driver of a minibus, Leon Jaggernaught, 38 of Laluni Highway and conductor Joshua Khan, 22 of 560 Golden Grove EBD will make their court appearance today at the Providence Magistrate’s Court after they were caught transporting over 40 people in a minibus recently. Police said in a release that it notes with much concern, a disturbing video of an overloaded minibus with school children circulating on social media on June 6, 2018 and wishes to inform
the general public that swift action by ranks of the Force has resulted in the driver and conductor of the vehicle BWW 7259 being arrested and charged with the offences of: overcrowded front seat; breach of insurance; untidy driver; overloaded minibus; untidy conductor and unlicensed conductor. According to the police the article on Facebook indicated that 45 school children were in the minibus. However, both driver and conductor told Police that there were 24 children.
The overcrowded minibus
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
BEV workers to get full severance … company agrees to pay several other benefits
As fishing company BEV prepares to close its operations officials and the workers’ representative, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) met on Thursday to hammer out arrangements for workers to be paid their redundancy and other benefits. The Company is also working secure jobs for the employees. Some of the workers may have an opportunity to be employed by Noble House Seafoods Limited, an entity where GAWU also enjoys bargaining rights. This possibility will be confirmed early next week. Additionally, BEV is reaching out to other employers with a view to secure jobs for the now redundant workers. In a statement GAWU said through the Union/Company engagement, apart from the statutorily required redundancy payments, the company has agreed to pay workers for their full year’s annual leave, though the years’ service would be incomplete when operations cease. Additionally, the workers would receive too their full incentive payment for July, 2018 though the company would end operations around July 15, 2018. Also, the company agreed to pay the workers 100 hours of their pay rates they would usually receive during the closed season despite the shuttering of the company’s operations before the season commences. The closed season, which would last from August to October, sees a
temporary cessation of fishing operations to allow fish to spawn. GAWU said its relationship with BEV goes back nearly 25 years when the union became the bargaining agent for the workers employed by the company. “Over the years, our union and the company have generally enjoyed cordial relations and through those relations were able to advance the workers lot. In fact just a few weeks ago, the union and the company concluded their 2018 negotiations which resulted in an eight (8) per cent pay rise, among other improvements. At that time, there wasn’t the faintest of idea that a few weeks later that the workforce would be made redundant,” GAWU said. According to union on Thursday in keeping with its obligations as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the Trade Union Recognition Act, BEV officially engaged the GAWU on its intentions. The GAWU was represented by its President, Komal Chand; General Secretary, Seepaul Narine among other union officials and members of the BEV GAWU Branch. According to the union the company explained that several factors influenced its decision to close operations. The union reported owner of the company, BEV Processors Inc; Bruce Vieira contending that in the last few months there has been a substantial decline in the prices
BEV workers during their meeting with GAWU on Thursday being received from his customers locally and abroad. The low prices have resulted in the company having some 600,000 pounds of shrimp on hand. Moreover, GAWU said the company is required by year-end to have Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. On this issue GAWU said Vieira shared that MSC certification process is tedious and it would take about 18 months to complete. “He shared too that sales to overseas markets would be severely curtailed unless the MSC certification is obtained. Vieira was also concerned whether the Government would renew at year-end the concession through which fishing companies are allowed to purchase fuel under arrangements whereby lesser taxes
are paid.” Mr Vieira, in the circumstances, expressed deep fear that his company could suffer heavy losses and huge debts, the union reported. According to GAWU following the engagement with the company, it met with the workforce and apprised them of the outcome of the engagement. The union shared with the workers its dismay that the situation has reached such a sad end. Some workers lamented what life could become if they are unable to secure new jobs. The GAWU said it committed itself to ensuring that the workers’ rights were protected and vowed to stand in their corner.
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Some 700 Cubans visit Guyana every week
SOME 700 Cubans visit Guyana every week and are contributing to this country’s economic development as it aims to strengthen trade between the two nations. This was disclosed Thursday during a meeting between Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Guyana, Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro and Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) President, Halim Khan, at the Cuban Embassy, High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Khan said the cooperation with Cuba is vital to advancing Guyana’s green agenda and overall economic development. The GCSM President noted that not only are some cambios benefitting from the Cubans’ heavy presence
in Guyana, but homeowner, hotels, food establishments, taxis and other businesses are
in the fields of agriculture, engineering and medicine to Guyanese students and young
Ambassador Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro and GCSM President Halim Khan at the Cuban Embassy after their meeting also reaping the benefits. Khan pointed out that Cuba continues to provide a large number of scholarships
professionals. Also, Cuban professionals, who work in the local healthcare system, continue
to provide medical care and attention to Guyanese. The Cuban ambassador thanked the GCSM president for his visit and affirmed that Cubans will always remember with gratitude the four Caribbean nations, including Guyana which in 1972, made the decision to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, a fundamental step against the diplomatic and commercial isolation against his country. He said the government and people of Cuba are also deeply grateful to their Guyanese sisters and brothers for the permanent support against the US trade embargo against Cuba. Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rogelio Sierra Díaz will be visiting Guyana soon to further enhance diplomatic relations between the two countries.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Schoolteacher murder inquiry continues
THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the death of secondary school teacher, Kescia Branche, continued on Thursday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. A 47-year-old taxi driver, Matthew Munroe, who it is alleged committed the crime, is charged with her murder. On Thursday, Branche’s former workmate and friend, Brianna Michael, testified. Also taking the witness stand was Cheddi Griffith, called “Uncle Cheddi’. The matter continues today, Friday, June 8. Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen alive on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night-out with friends. However, she was found in an unconscious state in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row the following day. Her left leg was broken and there was evidence that she had sustained multiple head injuries. The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public Hospital two days after being found battered. A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain
hemorrhage. During the investigation, three suspects who were being questioned regarding the death of Branche were released. The father of Branche’s three-yearold son was released on November 14 and placed on station bail, along with two police constables. The two ranks were later charged departmentally for neglect of duty, consuming intoxicating liquor while on duty, improperly entering licensed premises and acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the Force. At the time of the trio’s release, the police were seeking to contact a taxi driver whose cell phone number appeared repeatedly on Branche’s mobile phone. The taxi driver’s car was impounded at the Brickdam Police Station, subsequent to his reported departure from the country after Branche was found in an unconscious state. Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive. When arrested, the taxi driver claimed that his car was involved in an accident after he drove into a pothole, but according to a police report, the damage to the car was consistent with the injuries Branche received.
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
Conference centre reopens
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…President hails ties between Guyana, China
…salutes President Arthur Chung as outstanding citizen
The Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes exchanged handshakes following the formal handing over of the centre.
By Alva Solomon “China is a serious contributor to Guyana’s development “: President Granger at handing over of refurbished Arthur Chung Convention Centre Those were the words of President David Granger when he addressed a gathering at a simple ceremony which marked the handing over of the refurbished Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal. Among those gathered at the event were: Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, Chinese ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun officials of the Chinese embassy and relatives of the late Former President Arthur Chung. The Guyanese leader noted that the two countries will continue to work together in various areas including invest-
ments in the local economy in international trade and the information communications technology sector. President Granger expressed appreciation to the government of the Peoples’ Republic China for sustained support to Guyana, noting that the refurbished centre will ensure that the contributions of Late Former President Chung, Guyanese of Chinese origin and of China will be remembered and sustained. ”It will remain a monument for the unbreakable bonds of history and a symbol of the friendship between our two republics,” the President said. He said the facility pays tribute to a patriot and public servant, as he reminded the audience that the late former president was an outstanding citizen, being the first Guyanese President of Chinese ancestry. Minister Hughes during
A view of the refurbished interior of the facility.
President Granger chats with Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes while Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (right) looks on. Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun is second from left and he stands alongside relatives of the late former President.
A section of the gathering at the event. From left, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is seated behind Minister Sharma.
her address to the gathering stated that facility was refurbished at a cost of US$7M which was shouldered by the Chinese Government. The facility boasts new features. These include a refurbished main conference hall equipped with new systems and interpretation booths. It has video tracking capabilities, a superior public address system, video conferencing equipment and new Wifi equipment that makes it an internet hot-spot. The main conference hall now has a seating capacity of 500 persons and the conference rooms also have increased seating facilities. The ACCC now has a computer lab, with 20 internet-ready computers and can be utilised for computer literacy training and also as media centre for events. The rehabilitation works included the repaving of the interior
and external flooring including terraces stairs and water-pools. Ambassador Jianchun told the gathering that the undertaking by the Chinese to refurbish the facility is a testimony of China’s commitment to Guyana. He expressed hope that the facility will be maintained and operated properly in the years ahead. He also noted that the government has shown its commitment to the Chinese community here. He said the governments of the two republics can work together in future in a number of collaborations. This year Guyana celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of President Chung. He was born at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara on January 10, 1918 to Chinese immigrants. He served as President from 1970-1980.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
Kids of Sophia Holding Centre, Tiger Bay… – Treated to short films at TFF
THE Caribbean Film Academy (CAFA) has partnered with EPIC Guyana (Enhancing Potential to Inspire Change), a non-profit local organisation, to show some of the featured films from the Timehri Film Festival 2018 to children of the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre and Tiger Bay, as well as students from School of the Nations. Founder of the CAFA, Romola Lucas, and member of the local support team (Guyana) of the CAFA, Sherlina Nageer, hosted the screening and mini workshop for the children at the holding centre. Lucas, an attorney-at-law, manages the organisation’s programming - promotion, screening, production, and distribution of Caribbean films. Co-founder is Justen Blaize, a film artist with a focus on direction and cinematography. The short film, "I'll be There" which Blaize directed, was selected to participate in the 2012 Marche du Film at Cannes. Meanwhile, the films selected and shown locally included “Sunday,” a short film by Jamaican filmmaker Kyle Chin, “SUGAR,” directed by Michelle Serieux and “POTHOUND” by Christopher Guinness.
“These first two films were specifically chosen because they are based on situations and circumstances that the juveniles can relate to,” EPIC’s Director Brian Backer told the Buzz. “Sunday” is based on Randy, a gunman on the run. With a vigilante crowd and the police on his tail, he seeks refuge in the neighbourhood church where he finds himself alone with the pastor. “Sugar” focuses on a young black Jamaican girl from the lower-class who is on the brink of womanhood. She works at a Jamaican resort where she witnesses the influence of tourists on a daily basis. As the de facto breadwinner for her very large family, she faces a crisis of conscience when a tourist couple seems to be the answer to her financial predicament. “Pothound,” on the other hand, is a story from the point-of-view of a street dog as she observes the world around her. She runs into adversity and forms alliances. The children were treated to snacks and drinks donated by ‘Value4u’ a member of the John Fernandes Group of Companies. Afterwards, they were engaged during an interactive session to share what they liked about the films and the lessons they learned. Established in 2012,
CAFA is a New York not-profit organisation created to share Caribbean films and support Caribbean filmmakers, in the region and the diaspora. CAFA’s work provides platforms for the exhibition, production, and distribution of Caribbean stories worldwide. In fact, its mission is to create platforms to support and share the voices and stories of the Caribbean, through film. EPIC Guyana, on the other hand, works with children who have had law enforcement contact and are detained in the Juvenile Centre in Sophia. TIMEHRI FILM FESTIVAL The Timehri Film Festival (TFF) is an annual film festival with the aim of showcasing the work of Guyanese and Caribbean filmmakers. The festival is hosted by the CAFA in partnership with the Caribbean-American culture blog, Rewind and Come Again (RACA). The mission of the TFF is to celebrate and support the work of Guyanese filmmakers, at home and in the Diaspora, and to share films and stories made in other Caribbean countries, with Guyanese audiences. All festival film screen-
ings are free and open to the public. In addition, TFF holds several private satellite screenings for audiences that don’t have access to its venues. These include select schools, community groups, prisons and indigenous communities. For the first time this year, the organisation partnered with award-winning Caribbean director/producer to offer a six day documentary film-making workshop during the period May 29 to June 2, 2018. The workshop focused on the ‘nuts and bolts’ of documentary filmmaking and participants were taught key production techniques and industry best standards.
Founder of the CAFA Romola Lucas
From left, Romola Lucas, Surujdai Mukhram of EPIC Guyana and Melissa Allen, staff member of the Juvenile Holding Centre, after the showing of one of the films
Established in 2012, CAFA is a New York not-profit organisation created to share Caribbean films and support Caribbean filmmakers
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
‘Nothing to Laugh About 11’ thrills thousands
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- To be held over this Saturday
‘NOTHING to Laugh About 11’ (NTLA) did not fail to deliver on its promise to present a show like none before! Wearing the hat of both producer and director this time around, Maria Benschop wowed the thousands who gathered over the fournight period last week, at the National Cultural Centre. Benschop, who seemingly likes to avoid the limelight by primarily working behind the scenes, went the extra mile to promote her artistes whom she described as “awesome, versatile and sublimely talented.” Due to its tremendous response, the show will be held over this Saturday at the same
The show featured satirical presentations of current events, some even entirely altered to turn very serious incidents into laughable material. For instance, the play ‘Alone and Funny’ poked fun at the oneman press conference that was hosted recently by Presidential Candidate Craig Sylvester, who launched the Democratic National Congress Party that he said will be contesting the 2020 National
A ‘Credit and Radhika’ scene.
A scene from ‘Police Report’ featuring Mark Luke-Edwards and Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim.
venue. “We couldn't resist; four sold-out nights and nothing but excellent reviews! For all those patrons who were too late to get tickets because they were sold out, who rang down our phones and bombarded our inboxes; we heard you loud and clear and this show is for u!” Benschop said. Co-producer Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, Benschop’s husband, also worked tirelessly to produce a good show. “My husband, who facilitated the process in every way; your love and tolerance humbles me and I know that there is no obstacle that you and I cannot overcome together,” Benschop said in her ‘Thank You’ remarks on the programme.
Elections. ‘HQC Boss,’ (Headquarters Cathedral) is another sequence which featured the events surrounding the popular Otis ‘Otisha’ Pearson. A song by Kwasi Edmondson which joked about GWI’s Director Richard Van-West Charles’ statement that he proudly drinks water from his tap, was also sung by members of the cast. The song also made fun of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, local television personality Gordon Moseley and the prison story which went viral on social media about prisoners who were drinking Hennessy, Ciroc and other
alcoholic beverages while behind bars. In an interview with the Buzz, one of the well-loved and highly anticipated characters, Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius, said this year’s show features original material and skits with an energy level that could not previously be surpassed. He described it as the biggest comedy show in Guy-
acters and while it was all fun, at the same time it was a lot of work. The highly anticipated show features other local stars such as Kirwyn Mars, Clemencio Goddette, Brian Goodman, Chris Gopaul, Simone Persaud, Mark “Chinee Man” Kazim, Zoya Moore, Ashley Alfred, Kijana Lewis, Ann-Marie Singh, and Jermaine Grimmond. Tomorrow, the show will start at 20:00hrs and tickets which are $1,000, $1,500 and $2,000 can be purchased at the National Cultural Centre, Gizmos and Gadgets, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Payless Variety Store (V/hoop
An ‘Alone and Funny’ scene with Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones and Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius.
‘Otisha’ stole the show!
ana at the moment which holds a certain reputation, and to upkeep such a standing he said the participants worked hard to do their best and put on a great show. One of the reasons people pay their money to see the show, Ignatius observed, is to be entertained. “That’s why I will be putting in 200 per cent; to ensure people get their money’s worth and enjoy a great show.” This year’s show featured more ‘Credit and Radhika’ (Leza Singh) scenes, which have been well received over the years. Another participant, Mark Luke Edwards told the Buzz that played the role of a number of different char-
& G/Town), KFC (Regent St), Sir Mars, Survival Supermarket, Igloo outlet (Providence) and the Giftland Mall. “The creative process, from the germination of an idea for a script to seeing it brought to life by our thespians, always make it worth the while,” Benschop said, adding, “A full house to me not only indicates that our marketing game was on point, but also tells me that we got it right in our previous years. We connected, we made our fan laugh and they came back for more, and that is the ultimate satisfaction for us. To our patrons, Thank You, you are everything.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
The Mae’s Schools Incident
…Rooted in callous prejudice or pure ignorance?
I
WAS reminded by my younger children who both attended school within the recent past about the timeline of this celebration of cultural dress in schools. This is a good idea to familiarise school children of different human variations with each other’s cultural construct.The driving force that motivated that was ACDA’S push to place Emancipation Day on the national calendar some 25 years ago. As a founding member of that organisation, at its inception, the naysayers were all Afro-Guyanese who were certain that our kinfolk would never wear African attire, nor would they be concerned about their history. We proved them wrong, and again wrong. Our efforts were complemented by the publication of the ‘Emancipation Magazine’ published by Free Press owned by then retired Brig. David Granger. And now, the following generation of 2018 Guyanese of all ethnicities, adorn their African-influenced attire in their day to day journeys. Other organisations followed ACDA, Indigenous and Indo-Guyanese.The problem that developed at Mae’s is how we do things in Guyana. It goes like this: if it gets into the media–it’s done. Whatever else is necessary will fix itself. An opposition political figure has commented on the Mae’s incident, as clueless as usual to the topic, but not to his political PR, as is, the Mae’s non-recognition of the missing aspect of the issue. So let’s flashback with the colonial background of Guyana. There are subtle but vicious biases about the origins of Guyanese against the
promoted high culture of the coloniser that are still active in the subconscious perception. Thus, a project like ethnic-cultural costumes does require the comprehensive knowledge base-background of the development of costumes in the Guyanese must know the context of influences and adjustments based on geographic necessity. None of this work was done towards informing the children of an entire generation, of the background of the costumes worn by the people who came to Guyana at different periods through a special public education programme. One reason is that by 1994 there was no effective Department of Culture with personnel that could have constructed such a presentation. And there isn’t one now that can effectively do it either, though there are people there who are willing to learn. The study of costume and material is a very special area mostly developed for museums, the film industry, the high drama stage and the current areas of historical re-enactments featuring time period costumes, encouraged for the education of citizens in the first world and in some old world nations. Initiatives like the cultural day in schools are a great idea, but could always pose an unforeseen problem as occurred at Mae’s, because of the information void, the result of the absence of any hands-on initial management. Popular costumes whether Indigenous, African, East Indian, or Bronze Age European where topless is authentic can be substituted by skin colour close fitting tops. The old-Guyana way where some other esoteric
authority will fix it so don’t fret about it, has to go, as the old children’s game used to say “We have come to mend de waterworks”. My personal experience with costume can be a necessary case study on the subject. When I decided to develop a career with the twin ancestral gifts of writing and art, doing illustrated storytelling, I naively began the tremendous journey into costume and clothing materials over millennia, which was financially demanding, because there’s no single book that covers the entire subject, and the study has to come before the payday, academic books are not cheap, old or new. But it was a journey that has surprised and tutored me in numerous areas, with things we take for granted were not that way at all. In designing the character costume for ‘The Shadow of the Jaguar’ I learnt about ‘Bark Cloth’. I also learnt that for many cultures the female breast is not a sensual item, but sacred to the task of mothering the next generation of the tribe, so walking bare-breasted was not indecent nor unusual, not only in the tropics but in Europe also, before the emergence of Christianity, where, eventually by the 18th century the human body even slightly exposed became indecent and a symbol of heathens, pagans and primitive peoples needing to be civilised, but contradictory none of that was biblical. It, however, coincided with the age when clothing was manufactured for sale. The art of weaving in Africa produced the exotic and popular Kente cloth among the Akan-speaking peoples. There are female designs and male and togas are handed down
It’s the weekend and we all want to have some fun after a long week of work! So here are some events that you can start off the weekend with, rather than be cooped up at home. Get out and get your buzz on. TODAY *** City Vibes presents’’ Trophy Friday 4 Dragon Stout for $1000 **** For a cool and nostalgic environment to watch the NBA Finals G4: Warriors vs Cavs, just head down to the “704 Sports Bar”.
*** Want an after-work hang with friends, then head down to Cheto’s Hot Spot &Pool Bar where you can enjoy five bottles of Banks Beer for $1,000. Enjoy games such as pool, dominoes and darts and you can savour on a wide variety of cutters - fish, chicken and wild meat while the DJ mixes will entertain you all night. *** The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge presents “Latin Night” Get two Desperados or Tequila Beers for $1000
as part of an inheritance. The stuff we get is mainly rip-offs, cloth and clothing development occurred across the continents. In a recent publication I did, I had to visually capture the indigenous peoples coming to South America, specifically to our area in ‘THE MIGHTY ITANAMI’. They travelled from places like freezing Siberia and Mongolia. So I had to research two costumes, that which was departed in and that which was the necessary settling attire suitable to the tropical rainforest that we are now accustomed to. The development of cultural costume moved on different continents from animal skins to bark cloth, to silk, linen, wool, flax, cotton, etc. with various methods extracted from plants and herbs to provide colour and design and with painstaking distinctions for royalty as against commoner. Our task is to either enlighten ourselves at all levels-politician, official, teacher and student-or in ignorance indulge in the blame game as the Mae’s incident has revealed. The immediate future must not be riddled with chasms that will impede on the construct of a more informed society and the economic opportunities possible. Then let’s compile the data and have a website that all interested can explore in the context of all who came to these shores. Without a doubt, Culture, the Arts and Humanities are inseparable in the trajectory of national development and the green economy.
TOMORROW *** United Women for Special Children presents ‘’ Under the Sea Dinner and Dance at 06/107 Lamaha Street, South Cummingsburg. So go out and support. *** Rotaract Club of Stabroek presents ‘’ Cocktails, Comedy, Catwalk & Craft’’ *** Extra Beer presents “Walking Trophy ‘’ dance at the Diamond tarmac *** Trip Lounge brings to you the party call’ Ball out’’
SUNDAY *** After a hang out on the seawall, you can head down to the “Blue Iguana” night club. Popular DJ Magnum will be on the consoles. *** For a thrilling and enjoyable night the City Vibes Night Club is the place to be, with music to keep you on your feet all night. *** Sundays were meant for 70's & 80's! That’s why The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge brings to you Dinner and 70's & 80's music.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 8, 2018
Neval Chatelall, Nirshard M for Essequibo July 2 THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Coast Praant, Region Two, is in the act of sprucing up for the July 2, CARICOM Day invasion of Trinidadian artistes Neval Chatelall and Nirshard M. The duo is scheduled for a live performance at the Anna Regina Community Centre and will be backed by the local Shakti Strings Orchestra. Talented dancers from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh will be added fillip for the Essequibo audience. The Trinidadian singers are known for the popular songs, “Tere bin”, “Chattle Musafa phir”, “Aben Nahee” along with Caribbean tunes. Tickets for the show cost $2,000 and $1, 000 and are already on sale at Total Solutions Internet Café at Affiance, Jainarine Singh Furniture Store at Airy Hall and G and PJaigobin Supermarket at Anna Regina. Gate open from 17:00hrs and showtime is 19:00hrs.
According to President of the Essequibo Coast Praant, Pandit Kaydar Persaud, all proceeds from the show will go towards the completion of the Anna Regina Kendra. The Kendra will serve as a hub for cultural activities and provide the opportunity for youths to hone their music and dancing skills. He said it is the first time in years that the Praant will be staging international artistes and he is urging persons to support the family-oriented entertainment. Pandit Persaud has thanked Essequibo businessmen Jainarine Singh and Ganesh Jaigobin for sponsoring the event.
ART OF WAR 2018
Dancers from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh
IN what is promised to be a night of musical warfare, Empire Media Inc. is once again set to host the highly anticipated Art of War 2018 on Saturday, July 28 at the Sports Hall Tarmac, Homestretch Avenue. This event, which is in its third year, has already created a social media craze with fans all hyped and ready for the battle. Art of War will feature six of Guyana’s elite DJs and Selectors who will do battle for $1,000,000, a trophy and one year's bragging rights. Empire Media Inc. held its Launch of Art of War 2018 on Thursday at the Garage Bar and Grill, South Ruimveldt Gardens. This event saw a fierce interactive session with all DJs’ present. The competing DJs and Selectors are 2016 champions Platinum & Skinny Hype; Magnum and Seen Up of Notorious Sound (Armageddon Clash Champions); Turf Teacha of Trinity Sound : Delly Ranks and Selec-
tor Thunda of Thunderbolt Sound; Nico Hype of One Voice Family; and Spotlight Sound. There will be five rounds in the clash. In the final round there will only be two DJs remaining. This will be a tune for tune round. The Art of War clash will be judged by the fans while the rules will be enforced by the Host/Emcee. The crowd will be asked to judge by show of hands, not by voice or noise. There will also be a three-man panel to help rule on difficult decisions. Early juggling will be provided by Selector Shaq, Selector Matic and Evolution Fraternity. Gates will be opened from 19:00hrs and the Clash starts at 21:00hrs. Entrance fee is $1,000 before 22:00hrs. For more information you can like our Facebook page- ‘Empire Media Inc’, follow us on Instagram @empiremediainc or call Carl Allen on 592-691-3018 or Eusi Davis on 862-233-0494.
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IDB to fund Bartica Solar Farm
THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is set to fund the construction of the first Photovoltaic (solar farm) in Bartica, Region Seven. Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford said the solar farm could be up and running by March 2020, according to a release by the Department of Public Information. On Monday, the Chairman and bank representatives visited the 14-acre plot of land at Daag Point, Bartica to assess the proposed site. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Bradford said, “We have to get the stakeholders on board, including the Mayor and City Council and the business community. There will be meetings to discuss the project.” The Chairman said IDB needed to ensure that the land is not “under contention” before it moves ahead with the project. He explained, “We have 14 acres of land reserved for that. The land has already been applied for and cleared. IDB or any funding agency would not spend money on a land that is contentious.” According to Bradford, upon its completion, power from the solar farm will be
fed into the Guyana Power and Light’s grid. He said the region is seeking to minimize its dependence on fossil fuel as much as possible, which currently flies in the face of the town’s pursuit for green energy. “Clean and green energy is important, if we want to woo investors into our region, we must have a reliable supply of energy”, he added nothing that, “The region has been talking about a new power plant since 2001 and now, here it is!” In the same area at Daag Point, he explained that construction has begun on the new GPL power plant, which will house three 3.5 megawatt engines. This, he said, is more than enough to satisfy the local demand. The solar farm he said would an additional 100 megawatts to the township. The Bartica Solar farm would be the second to be completed, following the construction of the Mabaruma Solar farm which is expected to be commissioned in August. This $264 Million farm will supply all-day power to over 700 residents, who are currently receiving only eight hours of power from the Mabaruma Power Company.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Murder suspect Onderneeming man charged for surrenders to police raping girl (13) TWENTY-one-year-old Sherwin Allen of 654 Onderneeming Sand Pit Village on the Essequibo Coast, was on Wednesday slapped with a rape charge. Allen made his first appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. He is charged for allegedly raping a child under the age of 16 years. He was arrested on June, 4 by a party of policemen after the allegation surfaced. It is alleged that he forcefully had sex with a school girl under the age of 16 at Onderneeming between March 1,2107 and June 1, 2018. The girl is presently 13 years old. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge was therefore granted $150,000. The case was adjourned to July 25 at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.
THE suspect wanted for the murder of Richard Noel, 21, a vendor at Kitty, Georgetown who was stabbed to death on Monday at Cornhill Street in the vicinity of Stabroek Market has surrendered to police. He was accompanied by a lawyer. The suspect was identified as Timothy Mc Kenzie, 20, who is unemployed and lives at Lot 126 Thomas Street, Kitty. He was escorted to the Brickdam Police Station by his lawyer Stanley Moore who handed him over to the police. Noel, a father of one was released from prison Dead: Richard Noel on February, 10, 2018. Reports indicate that Noel and his assailant are known to each other and a misunderstanding due to the physical assault of Noel’s sister recently, resulted in a heated argument on the aforementioned day in the vicinity of Stabroek Market. During the heated confrontation, the attacker who was armed with a knife approached the victim and dealt him two stabs to the left side of his chest. The victim collapsed and was taken to the Geoegetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state where he was examined by a doctor on duty, who treated and admitted him as a patient and was monitoring his condition until his succumbed Monday night.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
One of every 10 prisoners shown arrest warrant – prison survey finds
AN arrest warrant in writing was only shown to one out of 10 inmates when they were arrested, while only 17.4 per cent of detainees were informed by the police that they were entitled to a lawyer, a recently released study titled “Guyana Prison Service Inmates Survey” noted. During the course of the study, which was done under the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme, some four out of 10 inmates said they had been hit or physical force had been used against them to compel them to testify or to change their statement while at the police station. This police behaviour, the survey noted, violates not only the accepted good practices in the treatment of detainees but also it violates the very Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration states that “Everyone has the right to life,
liberty and security of person” (Article 3), and “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment” (Article 5). According to the 2017 survey, a clear policy implication emerges from these results and the police should be monitored more through accountability mechanisms such as functional complaints or external review mechanisms. The obligation to provide effective remedies for violations of the rights of prisoners through the abuse or improper exercise of the powers of discipline and punishment, is also contained in the Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; Articles 2 and 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights; as well as Article 6 of the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish the Crime of Torture” (Penal Reform International 2001:53).
It was stated in the report that the use of torture, that is, the use of any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental is intentionally inflicted on a person, is unacceptable for such purposes as obtaining a third person information or a confession. “The most important principle which governs punishment in prisons is that inmates shall not be tortured or be subjected to any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” the 2017 survey noted. This principle, of course, also applies to detainees in police lock-ups. The inclusion of police custody in the definition is especially meaningful since breaches of human rights often occur during the periods spent in police custody. “Governments have, therefore, a responsibility to see that police administrations are aware and informed about applicable international instruments concerning untried prisoners,” the report stated.
Other policy recommendations emerge from findings indicating that most of the inmates were probably arrested “red-handed” or in flagrance, suggesting that the criminal justice system has low investigative capacity and that only the weakest echelons of crime are detained. It was noted in the report
that legal aid and support should include an appropriate assistance to the prisoners in their due defense facing the legal processes. “Governments have the duty to educate and inform prisoners about their rights…. Also, four out of 10 inmates thought that their lawyers defended them very poorly or poorly. Additionally, when
inmates were asked on how much they thought the magistrate had listened to them, half of the inmates said the judge had listened to them “little” or “very little” (27.6 per cent). This legal aid should also include that when it is needed the prisoner should be allowed to make his defense through a legal interpreter,” the report underscored.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
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I believe we...
FROM BACK PAGE
Johnson pointed out that his vision for Guyana’s football is aligned with that of the GFF, noting, “We’re going to go places; we have to believe we can do it.” Before 2007 when Guyana, behind Trinidadian Jamaal Shabazz, were ranked 90 by FIFA, Guyana’s highest ranking (86) came under coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover. Since then (2010), the country’s other best placing came in 2011 (91) and 2012 (92). One of many areas of development for Johnson will be bringing Guyana back into the top 100 countries. The former Cardiff City, Birmingham City and Notts County defender added, “That for me is also making me really excited about the potential of doing something that is achievable. If it wasn’t achievable I would be sitting here saying, ‘You got no
chance’, but I actually believe in that the vision and direction we want to go is achievable’.” “I believe we can do something with the youth talent, I believe we can get to top 100, I believe we can qualify for the Gold Cup. So that attracted me to the role; now it’s my job to go and attract other members of potentially the incoming staff,” Johnson said, with a smile. The Derby County ambassador posited that for him, “It’s about the process, rather than looking at the result, For me, it’s about making sure the players do the role, do the job. Let the time, let the result look after themselves.” Johnson added, “My role and what I’ve always been about in my coaching and managerial style is making sure my focus is on players. Everything else regarding the result, and, of
course, result is important, qualification is important … But what I can do from now is make sure the players from day one start getting better and better, and the minute I start focusing on that then I think the achievable will start to happen.” After Guyana’s opening game in the recently revamped CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers (Nations League), the Golden Jaguars will play travel to play Turks and Caicos on October 13, and French Guiana on November 20. Guyana will wrap up the Group stage at home against Belize next March. In an effort to truly maximise the team’s chances of qualifying for CONCACAF’s showpiece, the GFF announced that Johnson and troops will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August for an intensive “train and play” camp.
Windies pacers rattle... (SEE SCOREBOARD ON PAGE 30) PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies rattled Sri Lanka with three quick wickets in a dramatic final hour to take firm control of the opening Test, after Shane Dowrich’s second Test hundred had earlier given them the advantage on a rainhit second day of the contest at Queen’s Park Oval. Declaring their innings on 414 for eight, just under an hour prior to the rescheduled close with Dowrich left unbeaten on 125, West Indies wrecked the visitors’ top order to leave them against the ropes on 31 for three from the 10 overs possible. Kusal Perera perished off just the second legitimate delivery of the innings from seamer Kemar Roach, carving a wide, loose delivery to Roston Chase at point, to fall without scoring to the first ball he faced. His opening partner Kusal Mendis (4) fared little better, departing to a catch at third slip by captain Jason Holder after failing to negotiate a length delivery from speedster Shannon Gabriel in the fourth over. Controversy surrounded the fall of Sri Lanka’s third wicket, however. Angelo Mathews, dropped first ball by Holder off Gabriel, survived a pace barrage to make 11 before edging an out-swinger from Holder to Chase at third slip. Replays showed Holder appearing to have over-stepped but with none of the images conclusive, the dismissal was
upheld by umpires. Captain Dinesh Chandimal battled 31 deliveries to be unbeaten on three at the close and was accompanied by Roshen Silva on one. Sri Lanka head into today’s day three trailing Windies by 383 runs. For all the drama created by the Windies pacers late on, it was the remarkable hundred by Dowrich which took the spotlight. Resuming the morning on 46, the right-hander hardly put a foot wrong as he reached three figures with the last ball before tea in an extended post-lunch session. All told, Dowrich faced 325 deliveries in seven hours 37 minutes at the crease, striking 12 fours, in a knock marked by superb powers of concentration. More significantly, he put on a record 102 for the seventh wicket with overnight partner Devendra Bishoo who made 40, before adding a further 75 for the eighth wicket with Roach who scored 39. The two partnerships crushed Sri Lanka’s spirit and enabled West Indies to clinically build on their position of 246 for six at the start. Only about 40 minutes of play was possible in the first session as rain forced a near 50-minute delay at the start and then returned half-hour before the scheduled lunch interval. In the time possible, however, Dowrich brought up his halfcentury off the third ball of
FROM BACK PAGE
the morning when he pulled speedster Suranga Lakmal to the mid-wicket boundary. He was getting into his stride on 57 when the weather returned to end the session with the Windies on 268 without further loss. On resumption, Dowrich and Bishoo put their heads down to frustrate Sri Lanka in a productive stand, which took West Indies comfortably past 300. Bishoo had faced 160 balls in just over 3-1/4 hours and struck five fours when his gritty innings ended as he slashed at one, a wide one from Lakmal, and was taken at gully by Roshen Silva, at 339 for seven. Dowrich never lost focus, however, moving into the 90s with a swept four off offspinner Dilruwan Perera but then remained stuck there for 42 balls. Just when it appeared he would remain on 99 at tea, he turned the last ball before the interval from left-arm spinner Rangana Herath through square for a single to reach three figures, becoming the first Windies keeper to score a century against the Asian side. Afterwards, Roach flexed his muscle, hammering six fours and the only six of the innings, as West Indies passed 400 runs in the final session to pile the pressure on Sri Lanka. Seamer Lahiru Kumara was the best bowler with four for 95 while Lakmal finished with two for 55.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
6 Days to go...
When Italy ruled in 2006 in the face of domestic turmoil WORLD Cup glory often brings some of the greatest stories ever told in football during the modern era: Brazil winning successive tournaments in 1962 - without the talismanic Pele; England lifting the Jules Rimet trophy on home soil in 1966 at Wembley and Germany’s from-the-roots-up build into World Champions four years ago in Brazil. 2006’s tale in Germany, however, is perhaps the greatest and most against-the-odds narrative to ever be written in the sport, when in the face of domestic match-fixing revelations in the top two tiers of domestic football, that had brought Italian sport to its knees, the Azzurri lifted the World Cup in Berlin. It was only two months prior to that famous night in the German capital for Marcello Lippi’s men, that ‘Calciopoli’, as it was dubbed, had been uncovered. The scandal rocked Italian football to the core. After Italian police intercepted telephone dialogue incriminating defending Scudetto winners Juventus and league rivals AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina during the 2004/05 campaign, evidence was uncovered of a network of relations between team managers and referee organisations. Accusations of rigging games by selecting favourable referees began to fly. Italy and the wider footballing fraternity across the globe were left stunned. The result saw Juve stripped of their two league titles, and relegated to Serie B with a six-point deduction.
Whilst the La Viola and Biancocelesti were also initially demoted - with varying point penalties in the lower leagues - the two were both re-instated after lengthy appeals. The Rossoneri and Reggina escaped with a heavy pointsdeduction. It was the biggest crisis Italian football had ever faced. Many thought it was an event from which the men in blue would never recover. However, the players were hell-bent on righting the wrongs of the past 24 months and bringing dignity back to a nation’s sporting reputation. Driven, and led admirably by Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, the Italian national team began the task of restoring the faith of a nation scorned, to the backdrop of a crumbling domestic scene back home. As the Azzurri opened their tournament with a resounding 2-0 win over Ghana, pre-tournament doubt and pessimism swiftly returned after an underwhelming draw with the United States. With Daniele De Rossi getting sent off for elbowing Brian McBride - and his subsequent four-match game ban also - it appeared the poison rife in Serie A, had seeped into the veins of the national team. With a final group clash against the Czech Republic and with the weight of the world on Italian shoulders, Lippi’s men happily claimed a convincing 2-0 win courtesy of Marco Materazzi and Filippo Inzaghi - despite the former’s dismissal, as Italy were reduced to ten men for the
second game on the bounce. Finishing top of the standings, the potential banana skin of Australia awaited in Kaiserslautern, but in a tight game and after Francesco Totti was awarded a last-gasp penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time; the Italians scraped through into the last eight. As the fallout from Calciopoli continued back home, Italy were providing much-needed respite for fans of the Azzurri. Furthermore, with the calibre of personnel the men in blue boasted, Lippi’s side now almost miraculously looked capable of mounting a tilt at a fourth world crown. After dispatching Ukraine, Italy were tasked with facing up against hosts Germany in the semifinals at the Westfalenstadion. Most expected the Italian odyssey to come to a heroic end. Indeed for much of the game in Dortmund, Die Mannschaft looked every inch finalists. However, as Italy dug their heels in characteristic fashion, they grew into the game during extra time. With penalties seemingly on the horizon, Andrea Pirlo found Fabio Grosso in space on the right of the penalty area in the 119th minute, as the full back curled a sublime left-footed effort past Jens Lehmann to plunge the German populace into a stunned silence. For the country, the same Italian press who had been so vitriolic in their words against the establishment suddenly had every reason to be positive, as cities across Italy were turned green, white and red in celebration of reaching
the showpiece finale in Berlin. In a final that will be remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s rendition of a frenzied bull taking on a matador’s red rag, Materazzi levelled after Zidane himself gave France a seventh minute lead. As the game wore on into extra time, Buffon made an outstanding reflex save to deny a Zidane header, before the talismanic Frenchman stamped - or rather butted - his mark on the game and was dismissed as both sides played out time. Italy had become one of the most resilient nations from the 12-yard spot and it showed in a penalty clinic as Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi and Del Piero slotted flawlessly from the penalty spot, after David Trezeguet had unfathomably missed his spot kick. It gave Grosso - who just days earlier had sent the hosts packing - the chance to seal World Cup glory. The Palermo man coolly slotted home to send Italy, the Azzurri fans and the political sporting hierarchy back in Esperia into delirium, able to, for one night at least, forget Calciopoli. With the personnel to be potential champions in 2006, the makeup of the game had surely dampened any hopes of footballing glory in Germany. The Azzurri however, had reminded the world that they could do things right, as they sat on world football’s throne once again. After the pain and recrimination, the long process of returning the smile back to Italian football had begun in glory.
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Warriors beat Cavs to close in on second straight title
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard George Hill (3) during the third quarter in game three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) By Frank Pingue of those shots, I don’t think anybody in the world can (REUTERS) The hit those but him. He was defending champion Golden incredible.” State Warriors overcame a The teams were locked in hot start by the Cleveland a tight battle for most of the Cavaliers to earn a 110- second half and the outcome 102 victory on Wednesday was up in the air until a and take a 3-0 stranglehold Durant three-pointer from on the best-of-seven NBA well beyond the arc put the Finals. Warriors ahead by six and all Kevin Durant torched but sealed the game with 50 the Cavaliers with a playoff- seconds to play. career-high 43 points as the The Cavaliers, who Warriors overcame a 13-point, were powered by a 33-point first-half deficit to close in on performance from LeBron their third NBA title in four James, will now try to seasons. become the first NBA team “That was amazing what to come back from a 3-0 he did out there tonight,” deficit and win a series. Warriors head coach Steve The Cavs had a nearKerr told reporters. “Some perfect start and built a 16-4
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8 , 2018
Nadal fights back to set up del Potro semi-final
lead during a wild stretch that saw James whip the home crowd into frenzy when he threw an alley-oop pass to himself off the backboard. With Warriors guard Stephen Curry suffering a rare off-night, putting up a paltry 3-of-16 shooting, it looked like the Cavs might have a chance to breathe some life back into the series and they led by six at the half. But the Warriors grabbed their first lead of the game during a 17-6 run to start the third quarter, setting the stage for a tense finish to a game that saw 11 lead changes. While it was a quiet night from Curry and Klay Thompson, who finished with 10 points, the Cavaliers simply had no answer to Durant. “He’s one of the best oneon-one players in our league. Top two best players in our league,” said Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue. “Holding Steph to 11 points and Klay to 10, you would think you would win that game. So the guys did a good job on those two guys. “And I thought Durant hurt us with his one-on-one, getting to the free-throw line a little bit. But his one-onone ability really saved them again tonight.” Golden State will get their first chance to close out the series tonight in Cleveland.
DEFENDING champion Rafael Nadal reached his 11th French Open semi-final by ruthlessly turning around his rain-delayed quarter-final against Argentine 11th seed Diego Schwartzman. Top seed Nadal, 32, trailed 6-4, 3-5 when play was halted on Wednesday. The world number one, bidding for a record-extending 11th title, clinched the second set soon after the restart. And he lost just four games in an hour and 42 minutes on court yesterday to wrap up a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory. Nadal said he was a “bit lucky” the match was halted by rain. “I was able to stop, to think, to calm down and to see things a bit with more clarity,” he said. The Spaniard will face fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro in today’s semi-final after the Argentine beat third seed Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 in another quarterfinal that was moved to yesterday. Whoever wins that match will face either Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem or unseeded Italian Marco Cecchinato in Sunday’s final. RAIN DELAYS BENEFIT NADAL
Rafael Nadal Nadal is the hot favourite to win the second Grand Slam of the year, having dominated on the red clay since making his Roland Garros debut in 2005. But the 16-time major winner looked in danger of being beaten here for only the third time in his career, trailing a set and break on Wednesday to an opponent who had never previously been beyond the last 32. Schwartzman started the match aggressively, hitting 20 winners as he became the first player since 2015 to take a set off Nadal in Paris. However, his fearless approach was completely ruined by the rain delays and allowed Nadal to regain control.
The match had already been stopped for an hour on Wednesday, with Nadal trailing 6-4, 2-1, before play resumed at 17:28 BST. The players only managed another 20 minutes on court before more rain forced them off for the night, but it was enough for momentum to switch in Nadal’s favour. Nadal returned with his famed forehand finally firing on all cylinders, earning back-to-back breaks to move within a hold of the set. He led 30-15 when play ended at 18:37 BST, returning at 11:00 BST yesterday to wrap up the set and level in a matter of seconds. (BBC Sport)
Archer wins Linden Town Week chess title MALCOLM Archer played unbeaten to come out winner of the recentlyheld Chess tournament, staged by the Upper Demerara Chess Association and sponsored by the Linden Town Week Committee. Last Sunday, Archer played and won his seven matches for a perfect score of seven points, finishing ahead of Benjamin McBean
who won five matches to place second. Third was Keith Holder who had a similar record but lost on a tie-breaker to be behind McBean. Raymond King was fourth, from six matches played with four wins The remaining places in the nine-man chess tournament were occupied by Ian Ford, Kwayne Adolphus, Colin Anderson, Lennox Douglas and Ulric Harmon.
Bacchus, NOC and Walton Hall through to quarter-finals in South Essequibo T20 tourney DESPITE tough weather conditions and partially wet outfields, Bacchus XI, NOC and Walton Hall Sports Club all secured quarterfinal spots with victories last Sunday. At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, hosts Bacchus XI clipped the wings of Bacchus Eagles to win by 20 runs in the reduced 13-overs encounter. Batting first after winning the toss, Bacchus XI tallied 102-6 from their 13 overs with former National
Under-19 batsman Parmesh Parsotam striking 23 and Wayne Osborne contributing 22 (2x6, 1x4). Leg-spinner Devindra Narine clawed 3-13 in 2 overs for the Eagles who, in reply, flew to 82-6 when their overs expired. Opener Parmanand Motielall made 28 as offspinner Kulraj Persaud had impressive figures of 4-16 from 2 overs to tame the Eagles. At the same venue, New Opportunity Corps (NOC) shot out Gunners to secure a
6-wicket win in the second match. Winning the toss and batting, Gunners posted a paltry 75-4 in the reduced 11-overs affair with National Under-15 all-rounder Sheldon Charles top-scoring with 29 laced with four fours. Fast medium bowler Joel Fortune was accurate as he claimed 4-15 from 2 overs in a fiery spell. In reply, NOC raced to 75-4 in 11.5 overs with National one-day opener Kevon Boodie hitting 31 (2x6, 1x4) while Alexander Richards anchored with 26
(1x4, 1x6). Left-arm spinner Haiman Beharry took 2-15 from 2 overs in a losing cause The third game was played at the Charity ground with Walton Hall proving superior against Pomeroon Oil Mill. In a game reduced to 15 overs, Walton Hall, after winning the toss and batting, posted 92-9 from their allotted overs. Opener Suresh Persaud scored a brisk 26 (1x6, 2x4) while Vishwanauth Lall plundered 24 (2x6, 2x4). Medium fast bowler Gilbert France had fine figures of 4-9
from 3 overs while Gregory Benjamin and Ronald Kanhai claimed 2 wickets each. In reply, Pomeroon Oil Mill were bundled out for 42 in 12.5 overs to lose by 50 runs. Off-spinner Uvindra Balgobin claimed 3-10 from 3 overs while there were 2 wickets each for Daramdeo Lall, Vishwanauth Lall and Lalta Singh. Meanwhile, the remaining teams will battle for quarterfinal spots this Sunday, with Cotton Field vs Rising Stars at Cotton Field ground,
Reliance Hustlers vs Reliance Sports Club at Reliance while Young Achievers vs Jaguars and Bush-Lot Trend Setters vs Sparwin playing their matches at the Imam Bacchus ground. Over $100 000 in cash along with trophies formed part of the sponsorship with ECB Executive member Ramnarine Raghoobar coordinating the competition on behalf of the South Essequibo Cricket Committee. (Elroy Stephney)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Annandale, Diamond Region Two children, teachers receiving table tennis coaching Secondary to clash in REO Inter-Secondary final today By Indrawattie Natram
SEVERAL primary school pupils and teachers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are beneficiaries of table tennis coaching, compliments of the National Sports Commission. The coaching is part of the Commission’s efforts to extend its services across the country. Facilitating the classes is National table tennis coach Mr Linden Johnson, who is gearing the children for the sport by providing the necessary knowledge for the game. Training commenced on Monday, June 4 at the Charity Agriculture Extension Training Centre and included children from the Pomeroon River area. This location was chosen to give those children the opportunity to grasp knowledge on the sport. The coaching session
Facilitator Linden Johnson teaches the children to play table tennis.
will conclude on June 8 at the Queenstown Community Centre. Sports organiser for Region Two, Miss Debra Daniels, said she is happy that children are being taught the basics of the game and wishes that more children develop a liking for same. She extended gratitude to the coordinator Mr Narine and the members of the Queenstown Community Centre for allowing the commission to use the venue for
the trainings and the Department of Education as well as head teachers and parents from the various schools for participating. She also extended gratitude to the National Sports Commission for providing the training something she said was needed in the region. She implored teachers to get involved in the sport and explained that any flat surface including a normal table and the floor could be
used for playing tennis. Angalee Jaigobin, a pupil who benefited from the training, applauded coach Linden Johnson for choosing Region Two. Miss Jaigobin said she enjoyed the fun sessions and asked for more classes shortly. Some of the primary schools that participated are: Abrams Creek, Charity, Sparta, Jacklow, Martindale, Akawini, Marlborough, Queenstown, Taymonth Manor, Lima Sands, Good Hope, Suddie, Fisher, Huist T’Dieren and Aurora. The children would be able to practise their skills at upcoming tournaments. Recently Anna Regina Multilateral students participated in the National table tennis competition. The sports department in Region Two would like more children to participate in the various categories for other upcoming tournaments.
… Regal Sports to assist teams and players ANNANDALE and Diamond secondary schools will compete in today’s final in the Inaugural REO InterSchool cricket competition at Everest Cricket Club ground. However, the eagerness by the captains of both finalists is evident as they are desperately seeking to claim the title. “We’re a school that focuses a lot on sports and sports development and therefore we are very confident of winning this title,” Annandale’s captain Daniel Prashad said. Meanwhile, Diamond
Secondary captain Philip McTurk noted that his team members are upbeat about winning the competition. “We have been winning several matches and competitions over the years and this will be treated like just another match as we remain confident of winning it,” McTurk said. Meanwhile, Managing Director of Regal Sports, Mahendra Hardyal, will be making some major donations to some schools and a number of players, who, he said, have shown significant interest in the sport.
Stephens downs Keys again to Aussies beat Sussex by 57 runs after Stoinis hit 110 reach French Open final By Julien Pretot PARIS, France (Reuters) Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4, 6-4 win yesterday in a repeat of last year’s U.S. Open final. In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in tomorrow’s final. Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters to break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys’ coach - in 2006. “It’s always hard to play someone from your country
PARIS, France - Sloane Stephens of the U.S. celebrates winning her semi-final match against Madison Keys of the U.S. (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)
and such a good friend, but I’m happy I played my tennis,” Stephens said. “This is one of my favourite tournaments and I’m looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t’aime. “I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and
final, there is not much more you can ask for in a player.” Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident. “I think that I have done really well, but I’d like to keep going,” she said. After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line. But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner. Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match. Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.
AUSTRALIA beat Sussex by 57 runs in their opening warm-up match of their limited-overs tour of England. Marcus Stoinis struck 110 off 112 balls and Aaron Finch added 78 from 97 balls as the tourists posted 277-9. But Ashton Agar’s 21 was the next highest score as Australia’s middle and lower order fell cheaply at Hove. Sussex looked in control at 130-2 after Phil Salt (62) and Laurie Evans (57) hit half-centuries, but Agar’s 3-64 sparked a collapse to 220 all out. Australia face Middlesex at Lord’s tomorrow in another 50over warm-up, before their five-match one-day international series against England starts at The Oval on Wednesday, June 13. Tim Paine’s squad will also play one T20 international against England on June 27. New Australia head coach Justin Langer saw his side lose four wickets for just 13 runs in 31 balls of their innings. The tourists had looked
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis strikes 110 off 112 balls.
set for a total in excess of 320 at 167-1, before Finch became one of three wickets for Sussex seamer Jofra Archer. Stoinis held his nerve, though, to guide the innings to 250-8 and later picked up 1-12 with the ball. Australia recovered well after a sloppy start to their fielding performance when D’Arcy Short twice dropped Sussex opener Salt on nought. Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie told BBC Sussex: “They were 167-1 at one point and to reduce them to
277, we were in with a great shout. “We had our opportunities with the bat once again and I sound a bit like a broken record. We’re getting starts, but we’re not going on and doing the job. “These are the things we need to learn from and improve and we’ve got to be better than that. “The efforts were fantastic from the lads; three boys scoring more than 40 but nobody going on beyond 62, so we need to learn our lessons.” (BBC Sport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8 , 2018
Guyana Women depart for Jamaica BCB provides stipends …We must play to our full potential, says Mangru
Tremayne Smartt
Shemaine Campbelle
By Rajiv Bisnauth
will be hunting their firstever regional women’s title. However, for that to become a reality, coach Bharrat Mangru feels his players must play to their full potential in both tournaments. Mangru, who is making his debut as a senior coach, told Chronicle Sport prior to the squad’s departure that while preparation was hampered somewhat by the weather, the players are confident of
THE Guyana National female cricket team and management staff departed yesterday morning for Jamaica to compete in this year’s Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Regional T20 and 50-over tournaments, scheduled for June 7 to 25. Led by former West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle, the Guyanese
doing well, adding that the team would be going all out to win both titles. “We must play to our full potential, and once that is done we can finish at the top. Yes, preparation was hampered by the weather. However, we were still able to use the national stadium for fielding, and we had some net sessions at Everest, so despite the inadequate preparation we are confident,” Mangru, a former coach of the West Indies Blind team reckoned. Asked what he feels is the team’s strength, Mangru, the 47-year-old said “Obviously our strength is our bowling department. We have three players in that department with West Indies experience, and apart from that, the advantage we have this year is that the team has six players who have previous experience
of conditions in Jamaica, so the experience is there”. In conclusion, the coach declared that the team is a well-balanced unit, comprising a number of match-winners. Mangru feels it is the best chance for the Guyanese to win both tournaments. The 14 players selected are: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Sheneta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru, Shabika Gajnabi, Lashuna Toussaint, Melanie Henry, Tremayne Smartt, CherryAnn Fraser, Erva Giddings, Kaysia Shultz, Subrina Munroe, Akaze Thompson, Plaffiana Millington and Katana Mentore. The standby players are: Hema Singh, Shenika Campbell, Latoya Smith, Dian Prahalad, Althea Newark and Casey Charles. The team manager is Carol Nurse.
to National women cricketers
New Zealand coach Hesson announces shock resignation WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - Mike Hesson stunned New Zealand cricket yesterday by announcing he will step down as coach at the end of next month, less than a year out from the World Cup. The 43-year-old, who was appointed to the role in 2012, is to leave the job on July 31.
He said in a statement he wanted to spend more time with his family and felt he could not commit to the job for another 12 months. “This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all-consuming,” Hesson said. “I know what’s required over the next 12 months, but if I’m honest, I don’t feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves. “The idea of
SCORE BOARD
WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 246 for six) K. Brathwaite c wkp. Dickwella b Lakmal 3 D. Smith run-out 7 K. Powell b Kumara 38 S. Hope c wkp. Dickwella b Kumara 44 R. Chase c Mathews b Herath 38 S. Dowrich not out 125 J. Holder c wkp. Dickwella b Kumara 40 D.Bishoo c R. Silva b Lakmal 40 K. Roach c Chandimal b Kumara 39 M. Cummins not out 0 Extras: (b-14, lb-20, w-2, nb-4) 40 Total: (8 wkts decl., 154 overs) 414 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-40, 3-80, 4-134, 5-147, 6-237, 7-339, 8-414. Bowling: Lakmal 29-11-55-2, Gamage 26-6-67-0, D. Perera 35-5-84-0, Kumara 31-4-95-4, Herath 32-9-67-1, Mendis 1-0-12-0. SRI LANKA 1st innings K. Mendis c Holder b Gabriel 4 K. Perera c Chase b Roach 0 D. Chandimal not out 3 A. Mathews c Chase b Holder 11 R. Silva not out 1 Extras: (lb-4, w-7, nb-1) 12 Total: (3 wkts, 10 overs) 31 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-16, 3-30. Bowling: Roach 3-2-2-1, Gabriel 4-0-17-1, Cummins 2-0-3-0, Holder 1-0-5-1.
missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me.” Hesson, who was a surprise choice for the role in 2012, had a rocky start when he dumped Ross Taylor as captain but turned the team around, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final and the world’s top ranking in Twenty20 cricket. New Zealand were also ranked as high as second for One-day internationals Mike Hesson and third for Tests during his tenure, which CRICKET QUIZ CORNER would have officially (Friday June 08, 2018) ended after the May 30COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda July 14 World Cup in Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & England and Wales next year. CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 NZC Chief Executive Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: David White said in a 225-6158) statement he was reluctant to see Hesson leave. Answers to yesterday’s quiz: “Mike has overseen one of NZC’s most successful 1. Curtly Ambrose - 5/37 (ARG, 1997) periods of international cricket, he’s more than 2. Mutiah Muralitharan - 5/34 (ARG, 1997) realised the potential we saw in him back in Today’s Quiz: 2012 and has grown into one of the most 1. How many WI/SL Tests have been played in respected coaches on the SL to date? international circuit. “I tried to persuade him 2. Where and when was the first WI/SL Test to stay on for another played in the Caribbean? 12 months but his mind was made up.” Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Chairperson of the BCB Special Events Committee, Angela Haniff, poses with the female cricketers. Missing is Sabrina Munroe.
THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday handed over financial stipends to the nine Berbicians who are a part of the National women’s team. Chairperson of the BCB Special Events Committee, Angela Haniff, handed over US$450 to the players who are expected to represent Guyana with pride, passion and discipline. Foster spoke at length about the importance of discipline and the need for the nine players to look out for each other as they strive to bring glory to Guyana. Foster informed the players that the tournaments would be vital to their cricketing career as outstanding individual performances could result in players being selected to represent the West Indies. He assured the female players that the BCB would be investing heavily into their careers with special emphasis being
placed on arranging coaching programmes, organising cricket tournaments and hosting personal developmental programmes. The players who collected the $10 000 financial stipend were Katana Mentore, Tremayne Smartt, Sabrina Munroe, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Shabika Gajnabi, Melanie Henry, Plaffiana Millington and Sheneta Grimmond. The BCB president Hilbert Foster also announced that Berbice players who would represent Guyana at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels will also receive their financial stipends when the squad is announced. The BCB’s total investment in the Stipend Programme would be approximately $400 000 for 2018. Berbice is the only cricket board that provides stipends for its players.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8, 2018
Guyana backs joint North American bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup By Rawle Toney WAYNE Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), made it clear that Guyana will be supporting the joint North American bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 when FIFA’s Congress votes on who will be the hosts for the first World Cup of 48 teams. In an attempt to make the bidding process more transparent, there will be an open ballot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, after FIFA’s Council approved the voting regulations for the game’s most spectacular event. The FIFA Congress will convene on June 13 in Russia to vote on the next hosts of football’s showpiece, with Morocco and a joint North American bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico, being the only bids in play. Forde will be accompanied to Russia by Executive
Committee member Dion Innis and General Secretary Rennella Bourne. “It’s just good manners, if you’re at home, you look after home,” Forde told reporters when responding to Chronicle Sport, at a press conference yesterday, to the question of which of the two bidders will have Guyana’s vote. In an article published on April 6, 2018 in the Guyana Chronicle, Forde had told this publication that Guyana’s support was wide open, since GFF had “not been directly approached by either of the two groups bidding to host the World Cup.” However, Forde, this time around, is singing a song of praise for the joint bid, telling the media that “if we’re (joint bid) successful in bringing it into our confederation then it’s going to be the most profitable world cup in the history of FIFA World Cups. It’s projected that it’s going to garner somewhere around $11.5B to $12.5B in
GFF president Wayne Forde profit so why would we not want to do that.” “Of course we would want to see some of that revenue invested particularly in infrastructure in Guyana; so of course I’ll be supporting the joint bid of North America,” Forde firmly stated. Asked by Chronicle Sport if the GFF will take into consideration that they have never played the USA or Canada, and only faced Mexico
Kenyan referee resigns from World Cup officiating team over bribery scam
NAIROBI, Kenya -Kenyan referee Aden Marwa will not take part in the World Cup in Russia from June 14 to July 15 after he was filmed taking a bribe in a past competition in Ghana. The secret video showing Marwa taking bribe in 2017 in a hotel lobby was released by the BBC yesterday. The referee was seen taking $600 from an undercover journalist, who posed as a Ghanaian football official. The money, according to Marwa, was a gift and a show of goodwill to cement their relationship. “Thank You for the gift,” said Marwa. But what is important is the friendship for us to know each other.” According to the BBC, world football governing body FIFA has since confirmed that Marwa has resigned from the World Cup refereeing team. However, the disgraced referee told the BBC he denied any wrongdoing. The undercover journalist
Kenyan referee Aden Marwa has served as a FIFA referee from 2011.
also handed huge sums of money to football officials to influence the match outcome and FIFA has pledged to investigate the scam. Also seen is Ghanaian Football Federation boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, who took a $65 000 gift for shopping to smoothen their prospective sponsorship deal with the undercover journalists. Nyantakyi sits on FIFA’s Council, one of the highest posts in football administration. FIFA prohibits taking of any gifts and says they are keen to protect the integrity of their
competitions. Marwa was to make history as the first Kenyan referee to officiate in a World Cup. In April Marwa told Xinhua that the best antidote to biased officiating is to remain non-partisan as a referee. To do so, he chose not to play football or having any specific club to follow as a fan. Marwa made his first major appearance as a referee at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. FIFA had appointed 16 match officials from Africa out of the 99 officials -- 36 referees and 63 assistant referees -- picked from 46 different countries. Africa has six referees and now nine assistants after Marwa pulled out. The selected referees, assistant referees and Video Assistant Referees (VARs) are all being monitored and supported by FIFA Refereeing on an individual basis to ensure they are fully prepared for the World Cup which starts in a week’s time in Russia.
when the Golden Jaguars reached the penultimate stage of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier, Forde acknowledged in the affirmative, but said there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration. The GFF boss said the current CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani, would have made significant strides in bridging the gap between the usual powerhouses in the confederation and their
Team Guyana departs for CBC warm-up series in Barbados GUYANA’S senior men’s national basketball team departed today for Barbados where they will engage the ‘Bajans’ in the three-game series in preparation for the June 24-30 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championship (CBC) in Suriname. Eighteen-year-old point guard Stanton Rose was named captain of the team which also includes Anthony Moe (Ravens), Shaine Webster (Colts), Timothy Thompson (Colts), Harold Adams (Royals), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Chris Williams (Royals), Kevon Wiggins (USA), Dominic Vincente (Ravens), Nikkoli Smiths (Guardians), Travis Burnett (Kobras), Travis Belgrave (Eagles), and Domair Gladstone (Ravens). Junior Hercules will be the head coach for the team as they look to make a clean sweep over their ‘Bajan’ counterparts from June 8 to 10, at the Sir Garfield Sports Complex. GABF president Nigel Hinds will manage the team with Dennis Clarke as his assistant. At the CBC tournament in Suriname, the Guyanese Men are in Group A, with hosts and rivals Suriname, St Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines while Group B comprises Barbados, Bermuda, Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti and Montserrat. (Rawle Toney)
Caribbean counterparts, and pointed to the CONCACAF Nations League as a prime example. “Montagliani has brought in a new culture of inclusiveness within the operation of football. The Nations League is a good example of breaking that divide. He understands that you can’t have a confederation where you have a handful of the countries doing well, and the bulk struggling,” Forde said. Despite having 31 associated countries in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), only 25 will be eligible (six are not affiliated to FIFA), meaning that the Caribbean’s vote will be vital to the USA, Canada and Mexico. While other continental confederations are likely to vote in blocs, CONCACAF is seeing its support for the North American bid split. The race between the North American and Morocco bids is
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much closer than expected, with the former having the required infrastructure already in place. FIFA inspectors have awarded North America’s 2026 World Cup bid a significantly higher score than Morocco in an evaluation report, and have warned voters that the North African nation’s bid is high risk due to a lack of infrastructure. The report puts pressure on the FIFA congress to follow the verdicts from inspectors, who marked the joint bid from the US, Canada and Mexico at 402 out of 500 and flagged Morocco’s proposals on stadiums, accommodation and transport as high risks in a score of 275. The five-person FIFAappointed task force said it “considers it its duty to emphasise the significant overall risk” of a country needing to build so many key assets, concluding that the bids are at “almost opposite ends of the spectrum.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 8 , 2018
I believe we could qualify for the Gold Cup – Johnson By Rawle Toney
Michael Johnson arrives in Guyana to begin his three-year stint as head coach of Guyana’s senior men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars. (Adrian Narine photo)
GUYANA dropped 38 places on the latest FIFA world rankings, reaching 182, just one place above the country’s lowest, but new head coach Michael Johnson said he expects things to change, as he also promised qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 44-year-old former Jamaican International who was selected from over 200 applicants, according to the GFF, said he’s “excited and can’t wait to get going” in his attempt to change the image of the ‘Golden Jaguars’, Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team. Johnson is a former defender who turned out 13 times for
Jamaica between 1999 and 2003 and is a UEFA ProLicences holder, making him the most qualified to lead the ‘Golden Jaguars’. With his first outing in charge of the country’s flagship national programme coming on September 8 when Guyana host Barbados in their first game of the CONCACAF Nations League. Johnson told reporters at a press conference yesterday at the SleepIn International Hotel that he is looking forward to the challenge of taking Guyana to their first ‘Gold Cup’ tournament, but more importantly, building a formidable national team during his three-year contractual period. CONTINUE ON PAGE 26
Windies pacers rattle Sri Lanka after Dowrich’s unbeaten 125 PAGE
26 Fast bowler Kemar Roach (second from right) celebrates the first Sri Lankan wicket of Kusal Perera with teammates. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
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Shane Dowrich celebrates his second Test hundred (Cricbuzz)
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018