Guyana chronicle e paper 06 09 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 9th JUNE, 2018

Fit and proper decision No.105300

… High Court upholds President Granger’s appointment of GECOM chairman 03 PAGE

Car crashes off Demerara 08 Harbour Bridge GRA officers shot in smuggling crackdown 19 PAGE

Congratulations! Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop (left) and Ralph Thorne (center) exchange pleasantries with Attorney General Basil Williams (right) Friday after Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire handed down her ruling. (Adrian Narine photo )

AG says CJ ruling ‘well-reasoned’ 02 PAGE

…PPP signals move to appeal

Ashni, Brassington charged for sale of Sanata 09 Textile Mill PAGE

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AG says CJ ruling ‘well-reasoned’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

… PPP signals move to appeal By Ariana Gordon

ATTORNEY-General Basil Williams and his team of attorneys comprising Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop and Ralph Throne and Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas, have expressed satisfaction with the ruling of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire who upheld the appointment of GECOM Chairman Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as constitutional on Friday. Speaking to reporters after the ruling was handed down, Williams who was flanked by members of his team described the ruling by the Chief Justice as “well-reasoned”, while noting that it reaffirms that the rule of law in Guyana is alive and well. “It is a well-reasoned decision and it really reconfirms part of the ruling in the Gaskin case, but it confirms what we have been saying from the outset that the President under the Constitution is the only authority to appoint the Chairman of GECOM. There is methodology for him to arrive at his choice but at the end of the day only the President has the discretion,” said Williams. Businessman Marcel Gaskin had approached the High Court last year for an interpretation of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. Gaskin questioned whether the list of persons for appointment as GECOM Chair to be submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo must include a judge, former judge or person qualified as judge; the President is required under the constitution to state reasons for deeming each of the six names on the list as unacceptable; the President is obliged to select a person from the six names on the list unless he has determined positively that the per-

sons are unacceptable as fit and proper for appointment and whether a finding of act by the President that one or more persons on the list is not fit and proper renders the entire list as unacceptable. Justice George-Wiltshire had ruled that persons nominated to be selected as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) do not have to be judges, former judges or persons qualified to serve as a judge. She also ruled that while the President has the ultimate say on who is determined fit and proper to serve in the post, and could also reject the list of nominees, he should provide reasons as to why specific persons are unsuitable. APPEAL Meanwhile, on Friday, Williams said, the Chief Justice’s decision is timely and noted that there is room for appeal should the applicants believe the ruling is flawed. “There is no crime for you to want to appeal a decision, it is all part of the rule of law and it is clear that the rule of law is alive and well in Guyana. So we are happy that the Chairman of GECOM could now comfortably move forward in the interest of the nation itself to organise fit and proper elections, as he has been determined to be fit and proper,” said a proud Williams who lauded his team for their efforts in the case. However, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) indicated that it will be appealing the ruling of the Chief Justice. In a statement to the media, the party said, “we will be filing an appeal to challenge this decision in our ultimate quest to secure constitutional compliance. We are prepared to go all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), if the situation so demands, to reverse what we

Attorney-General, Basil Williams and members of his team at the High Court (Adrian Narine photo) consider an erosion of our Constitutional and The party said too that the decision electoral democracy. We will expend every “strikes at the heart of our Constitutional and effort to ensure that our appeals are expedi- electoral democracy” and has alleged that “It tiously heard, more particularly, at the Guy- has destroyed that delicate balance, which a ana Court of Appeal, since the decision of Chairman is intended to bring to the Guyana the Chief Justice (ag) is already available.” Elections Commission. The party said the ruling by Justice “The framers of the Constitution George-Wilshire has paved the way for intended this Chairman to be appointed future presidents to make “unilateral ap- through a mechanism, which involves an pointments”. “The PPP wishes to express input from both the President and the its profound disappointment in the decision Leader of the Opposition, to ultimately of Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, in the produce a person who enjoys the confimatter filed by PPP Executive Secretary, dence of both. This is the reason why this Zulfikar Mustapha, challenging the con- Chairman is endowed with the power stitutionality of the appointment of Justice of a casting vote to break deadlocks at (Ret’d) James Patterson as the Chairman a bi-partisan Commission,” the PPP of the Guyana Elections Commission statement said hours after the ruling was (GECOM).” handed down.

‘Treat seriously domestic violence reports from men’ – Crime Chief

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is not in support of law enforcement officers who take lightly reports of domestic abuse meted out to either gender, said Crime Chief Paul Williams. Williams made this clear at the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday during a report on the findings of a two-year domestic violence research conducted by Red Thread in collaboration with the US Department of State. The project includes qualitative and quantitative data from five local communities: Lethem, Bartica, Anna Regina, La Parfaite Harmonie and Plaisance/Better Hope. Reports coming out of

these areas showed that in some communities such as Lethem (Region Nine), there is poor response from police officers with respect to domestic abuse. Project monitors reported that, coupled with the challenge of getting domestic violence victims from the hinterland region to speak out, there is the negative effect of some police officers who are unskilled in dealing with the issue. “They would sometimes shout at the victims of abuse and don’t know how to treat the families. They would actually cause the victims to think that they have committed some crime,” one project monitor said. Another remarked: “(Some police officers)

continue to treat sexual violence matters with no respect at all (for) the victims and their families. (They) treat the accused person far better than the victim.” Following these revelations, several calls came from the audience for the GPF to pay close attention the country’s women who they say are dying every day due to domestic violence and society’s indifference. Others called for attention to be placed not only on training officers but also on accountability and on the provision of counselling for officers who may be victims of abusive pasts or subject to present abusive conditions. In response, Williams denounced the actions of law enforcement officials who take for granted cases of abuse and stated that the police must treat all persons who make reports equally, despite gender or sexual preference. As the findings showed that there is an increase in applications for protection orders coming from men,

Williams condemned officers who ridicule men who visit the station to report cases of abuse meted out to them. “The force is not in support of the ways these ranks at any time or any stage behave unprofessionally to persons who come with domestic violence, child abuse or gender-based violence. We must respect people’s rights,” he said, later adding: “Men are being abused. But some of the ranks because of their longstanding culture they don’t feel that men are being abused … they feel domestic violence rests solely on women so when men come, they’re laughing at the men … we have to see this thing on a general (basis) and treat every case the way it ought to be treated.” As the GPF works on developing a modern evaluation mechanism, the Crime Chief encouraged citizens to report law enforcement officials who respond negatively to person in need of help.

“I would like to see people video them. Use your smart phones and video them when you go into the station and go to make complaints and they behave unprofessionally. Bring the evidence and we will deal with them. “Because the policy is that there are guidelines and even if the rank at the front desk is not versatile in terms of dealing with the matter or the issue, it is that rank’s duty to go and inform the subordinate officer in charge,” he stressed. In addition, Williams said that sub-division officers and commanders must make special effort to form partnerships with relevant authorities for domestic violence training. Also present at the event was Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus who called on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to curb the “national crisis” of domestic violence in the country. Isaacs-Marcus related that the information received from the research

will help to provide magistrates with feedback on their performance to address improvement measures to their approach to domestic violence. She presented recent statistics from local magisterial districts which showed the total matters filed and domestic cases during the period of January-May 2018. In East Demerara – there were 3,067 matters filed, of which 333 were domestic violence cases; in Essequibo - 3084 matters filed with 35 domestic violence cases; in Georgetown - 7,972 matters filed with 352 domestic violence cases and in Berbice- 1947 matters filed with 35 domestic violence cases. Among her recommendations to these realities were more safe houses for domestic violence victims, specialised counselling for children, probation and welfare officers to service the courts, magistrates, police support and public awareness on domestic violence.

Fit and proper decision

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

–– High Court upholds President Granger’s appointment of GECOM chairman By Ariana Gordon

CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxane George- Wiltshire on Friday ruled that President David Granger acted constitutionally when he appointed Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “I hold that there is nothing before this court to permit a finding that the President acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to Article 161 (2) [of the Constitution] or to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM,” she said. Executive Secretary of the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Zulfikar Mustapha in October 2017 moved to the High Court to declare that the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of the GECOM is unconstitutional and null, void and of no legal effect. He had asked the Court to grant an order “rescinding, revoking, cancelling and setting aside the appointment” of Patterson, and to choose a person from the 18 nominees submitted to the President by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo submitted 18 names on three lists, all of which were rejected by President Granger. The PPP, through its Executive Secretary, also contended that Justice Patterson does not have the required qualifications nor integrity to be GECOM Chair. The applicant argued that the retired judge cannot be, or appear to be politically impartial and independent in the discharge of the functions of his office on the grounds that: He is a member of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative Mercy appointed by the President; an adviser to the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, appointed by the President, the Attorney-General or someone in the President’s Government; was appointed by the President to head a Commission of Inquiry into a prison break at Georgetown, Guyana during the month of July 2017, and to be part of a panel to review applications for the positions of Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary; as well as served as a pall bearer at the funeral of Former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte. Additionally, he contends that President Granger violated the Constitution by “unilaterally” appointing Patterson and not a nominee from the lists provided by Jagdeo. However, Justice George-Wiltshire dismissed all of the aforementioned claims, describing them as “wholly misconceived”, and awarded costs to the respondent in the sum of $250,000. As the judge made her ruling, Mustapha, former President Donald Ramotar, and PPP Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall among other party officials paid keen attention. The judge said while consensus is desired, the Constitution does permit a unilateral decision to appoint a chairman of GECOM on the rejection of the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition (LOO). As such, the request for a declaration that the appointment of Justice Patterson is null, void and of no effect was refused. WEAK EVIDENCE Similarly, as it relates to the qualifications of Justice Patterson to be chairman of GECOM, the Chief Justice said, “This declaration is refused, as the evidence produced does not permit such a finding.” The Chief Justice also rejected the Applicant’s request for an order directing the President to choose a person from the 18 names submitted to him by the LOP. “Such refusal is a consequence of my decisions

above, and because of my decision that the only list relevant to this application is the third list. In any event as stated, even if I had found in favour of the applicant, it would not have been permissible for this Court to usurp the function of the President by directing him to choose a nominee from the third or any list,” she declared. Finally, the request for an order to rescind, revoke, cancel and set aside the appointment of Justice Patterson on October 19, 2017 as Chairman of GECOM was also dismissed. In giving her ruling, Justice George-Wiltshire said the preliminary issue which arises is which list or lists should be examined. Article 161 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana says, “There shall be an Elections Commission for Guyana consisting of a Chairman, who shall be a full-time Chairman and shall not engage in any other form of employment, and such other members as appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Article.” Subsection 2 of the said Article says, the Chairman of the Elections Commission

provision of subsequent lists so confirms. Put another way, by submitting other lists, the Leader of the Opposition clearly accepted the President’s determination that the previous list and ultimately the two previous lists were unacceptable. Thus, the prayer for a direction by this court for the appointment of one of the 18 persons named in the three lists provided cannot be sustained.” The judge examined two preliminary issues, and five substantive issues. The preliminary issues were whether the court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the application, and whether the applicant has locus standi to make the application. Both questions were answered in the affirmative. As it relates to the substantive issues, the court was called upon to determine whether the appointment of Justice Patterson by the President was unconstitutional, because the President had no power to make a unilateral appointment once a list of six names was submitted to him by the LOO; whether the President is required to give reasons for

In the Gaskin matter, it was held that it would be expected that the LOO would name persons who are prima facie fit and proper; and that it is the President who will ultimately make the final determination of who is fit and proper for the post, since the list of persons must not be unacceptable to him. Mustapha had contended that “not unacceptable” falls somewhere between “acceptable” and unacceptable”, but said that a person can be unacceptable but still not unacceptable. “The latter part of this submission is clearly flawed”, said Justice George-Wiltshire, who noted that it was made clear in the Gaskin case that Article 161 (2) of the Constitution was intended to contribute to the balance and impartiality of the Elections Commission. As such, the President, she said, was entitled to resort to the proviso, once he found the list that was submitted to be unacceptable; but whether it was unacceptable would have depended on an objective analysis of the persons thereon, according to the criteria set out in the President’s letter that a candidate for appointment to the post of GECOM Chair should possess.

REQUIREMENT TO GIVE REASONS The State had contended that there was no basis under the Constitution for the President to provide reasons for finding the list and or persons therein unacceptable, since there is no duty to state reasons at common law, and that the cases demonstrate that the courts will interfere only where bad reasons have been given. In the Gaskin case, it was held that a decision maker should give reasons for decisions made, but the State submitted that the court is not bound by the Gaskin decision, since the English Common Law position is that there is no rule of law which binds one High Court to follow the decision of Attorney-General Basil Williams addresses the media after Chief Justice Roxane another comparable jurisdiction. The State argued, too, that as a matter of George-Wiltshire handed down her ruling on the appointment of Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chair. He is joined by Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas legal comity, High Courts will follow their (back) and Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop (centre) and Ralph Thorne own previous decisions, subject to exactions where the court has to decide which of two (right) (Adrian Narine) conflicting decisions to follow, where a decision is at variance with a decision of the “shall be a person who holds or who has deeming the list submitted by the LOP unac- House of Lords, although the former decision held office as a judge of a court having ceptable; whether the President failed to give has not been overruled, and where a decision unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal any reason for deeming the list submitted by was given per incuriam. “The respondent did matters in some part of the Commonwealth Jagdeo unacceptable; whether a failure by not, however, attempt to show that this case or a court having jurisdiction in appeals the President to give reasons for deeming the falls within any of these three exceptions,” from any such court or who is qualified to list submitted by Jagdeo unacceptable makes said Justice George-Wiltshire while noting be appointed as any such judge, or any oth- the appointment of Justice Patterson uncon- that the State’s submission that the court is not er fit and proper person, to be appointed by stitutional and therefore null and void; and bound by its decision in Gaskin failed. “Even the President from a list of six persons, not whether Justice Patterson is not qualified to if it were not so bound,” she said, “this court unacceptable to the President, submitted be appointed Chairman of GECOM in accor- would decline to not confirm its decision in by the LOP after meaningful consultation dance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. Gaskin. To do otherwise would be to rule with the non-governmental political parties Mustapha relied on the ruling in the inconsistently on the same issue within a year. represented in the National Assembly.” Gaskin case that the applicability of the pro“Nothing the respondent has advanced viso is merely academic, since the President permits such a ruling, therefore the President NUMBER OF LISTS requested more than one set of names, and ought to have, and should have, given reasons The Chief Justice said that while the thus the President could not then activate the for his rejection of the third list submitted by Constitution appears to contemplate only proviso. But Justice George-Wiltshire said the LOO in order to have properly sought to one list, three lists were submitted and were that the ruling was against the backdrop of activate the proviso.” all rejected. She referred to the Gaskin case two lists having being submitted at the time Additionally, the Chief Justice noted where the said court considered it a moot of the hearing of the Gaskin case, and in the that President Granger, in his final letter point whether more than one list should context of a finding that in fact the Constitu- dated October 19, 2017 to the Jagdeo, have been submitted, since both parties tion only contemplates the submission of one disclosed certain factors upon which the engaged in the process of allowing for the list. She said, too, that Article 161 (2) seemed reasonable or rational exercise of his dissubmission of more than one list. to contemplate that if the President rejected cretion was based in resorting to the proviIn the current case, the President chose to the first list, he could proceed to activate the so. These factors being, that it was done in resort to the proviso which indicates that the proviso and select a Chairman from the ju- the “public interest” and to avoid “further only reasonable option would be to examine dicial category; but that since more than one delay”. The judge said it was necessary to the third list. The Chief Justice made it clear lists had already been provided, “my finding determine whether the aforementioned reathat the rejection of the first two lists would could not reverse the submission and rejection sons satisfy the requirement for reasons in have already been accepted by the LOP. “The of the second list.” See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

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accordance with the ruling in the Gaskin case. She ruled that the reasons as stated in the letter by the President seek to explain why he may have sought to resort to the proviso, and the appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chair after rejecting the third list as unacceptable. “I have, therefore, concluded that these reasons cannot be referable to explaining the unacceptability of the list, and I, therefore, hold that in effect no reasons for the rejection of the third list were given.” The Chief Justice posited that the President is required to indicate either specifically or generally the reasons why persons on the list(s) were found by him to be unacceptable in order to justify him rejecting the entire list and resorting to the proviso. There is nothing to suggest that this was done, nor was any submission made by the respondent to so indicate, so it must be concluded that the President has, thus far, failed to give reasons for his decision to reject the list as being unacceptable,” Justice George-Wiltshire stated. WAS APPOINTMENT UNCONSTITUTIONAL? The Chief Justice, in her ruling, examined the persons who comprised the third list as submitted by the Opposition Leader. The persons on the list are: Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, Teni Housty, Sanjeev Datadin, Annette Arjoon, Onesi LaFlue and Krishndat Persaud. The six persons formed part of both judicial and non-judicial categories. She outlined that she examined the professions of each person listed by the Opposition Leader, and placing them in the respective categories, noting that it is against the background of the curricula vitae of the aforementioned persons that the appointment of Justice Patterson must be assessed. The Chief Justice said that Justice Patterson having been appointed, must have satisfied the criteria laid out by the President. The GECOM Chair fell within the judicial

category, which, in and of itself, indicates that he is fit and proper to hold the post. Justice Patterson’s appointment was challenged on three grounds, namely: That he cannot be considered to have the requisite integrity on the ground that he was not Chief Justice of Grenada as stated in his curriculum vitae; he cannot be or appear to be politically impartial and independent in the discharge of the functions of his office, owing to his participation as a pallbearer at the funeral of former president Hugh Desmond Hoyte, and the appearance of his Facebook profile as a member of a group called ‘Rally around the People’s National Congress’; and that he is a reverend and Christian activist and therefore offends against one of the qualities stipulated by the President. Mustapha, in his contention, argued that the lack of evidence supporting the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chief Justice of Grenada impugns the credibility of the GECOM chairman. Evidence presented to the court, which indicates that Patterson did act as Chief Justice, was found acceptable, and the court noted that such cannot be seen as impugning his integrity, as the Chief Justice pointed to persons who have acted as Chief Justice and Chancellor in Guyana for more than a decade. The argument by Mustapha, through his attorney Anil Nandlall, that Justice Patterson served as adviser to the President and as such should be disqualified was found to be flawed, as the Opposition Leader submitted names of persons who served in similar capacities, and those include Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh, Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean, and Attorney Christopher Ram. “This all suggests a lack of consistency in the argument for the applicant, even indicating that it is unmeritorious and therefore untenable. The curricula vitae of the nominee of the LOP, as evidenced in the application, indicate that on the applicant’s side, there is a recognition that appointment to serve on public bodies or in the public service (meaning in the service of the public) does not ipso

Former President Donald Ramotar (right) shares a light moment with Attorney-General Basil Williams and Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop (behind Williams) and Ralph Thorne (left) before entering court to hear the Chief Justice’s ruling (Adrian Narine) facto negate a person’s ability to serve as Chairman of GECOM. So this limb of the applicant’s case has no merit.” POLITICALLY AFFILIATED The Chief Justice noted, too, that in relation to the allegation that Justice Patterson is affiliated with the People’s National Congress (PNC) because he was a pall bearer “at a political segment” of the funeral of former President Hoyte was described as ludicrous. “Apart from a lack of clarity in what is meant by a “political segment” of the funeral, this objection is disingenuous and may even be considered ludicrous, suggesting as it does that paying respects to a departed colleague, friend or relative would mean that one subscribes to the political views and affiliations of the deceased.” She then pointed out in her ruling that Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, then a member of the PPP was also a pall bearer at Hoyte’s funeral and Jagdeo then President of Guyana had made remarks at the said funeral. “They paid their respects. It is therefore difficult to see how the applicant could seek to use this example in this light, but suffice it to sat that this cannot in any way lead to a conclusion that Justice Patterson was or is affiliated with the PNC of which the President is leader or that it impugns his integrity,” the Chief Justice declared. In conclusion, Justice George-Wiltshire noted that the alleged membership of the Facebook group cannot in any way be accepted by this Court as evidence of an alliance with the PNC or any political party. “It is common knowledge, in this techno-

logical age that one cannot necessarily control one’s appearance on social media sites. The exhibit discloses that Justice Patterson was added by one Sheldon Britton on January 22, 2016. There is no explanation in the applicant’s affidavit about this. There is no evidence that Justice Patterson ever acknowledged such addition or participated in any way in the activities on this Facebook page, whether or not it is an official page of the PNC. Therefore, I do not accept the applicant’s contentions on this ground as a valid basis for challenging Justice Patterson’s appointment. Moreover, the ground raised that Justice Patterson’s Curriculum Vitae states he serves as a pastor and as chairman of a local church body prevents bars his qualification to serve as GECOM Chair was also dismissed. The Chief Justice made it clear that on the PPP’s third list Onesi La Fleur, is a pastor and has held a senior position within his church for some time thereby casting a shadow on La Fleur’s suitability by labeling Justice Patterson, “who appears to have significantly less experience in religious bodies and work, as a Christian activist and thus unsuitable for the post of Chairman of GECOM.” Mustapha in his contention has therefore disqualified La Fleur and defeated his argument against Justice Patterson. The Chief Justice ruled that his argument was meritless. The State was represented by Attorney General, Basil Williams; Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop and Ralph Thorne, and Solicitor General, Kim Kyte-Thomas while Mustapha was represented by attorneys, Anil Nandlall, Maonj Narayan and Rajendra Jaigobin.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

Mother, daughter died from fractured skulls … Double murder and suicide at East Bank Berbice THE mother and daughter who were hammered to death at the hands of the man who should have protected them died as a result of fractured skulls, reported Berbice Divisional Commander Lindon Alves. On Wednesday, the double murder and suicide rocked the New Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, just before 10:00hrs, as Jainarine Seeraram called ‘Radio’ went berserk, hammering his wife of 22 years, Bidamatie called Kameel, and his married daughter Suraydai Khan, known as Aneila, before hanging himself under a dilapidated house about 500 metres away. The post-mortem findings by Government Pathologist Dr Vivikanand Brijhmohan also disclosed that as a result of the injury, the victims went into shock, after their blood flowed continuously from their bodies. The perpetrator’s 11-year-old son, Mahesh Seetram called Aaron, was watching television while his sister was asleep in a chair on the upper flat of the two-storey building .His mother lay in the hammock under the house as she had finished her domestic chores. The child, who is awaiting Grade Six examinations results, recalled hearing his mother say “Move from here”. As he ran downstairs, he saw his father, as he attempted to lash him with a hammer. “I evaded him, and instead ran away. But as I ran, I saw my sister Aneila running down the stairs. My father took the hammer and lashed her behind her head. I then ran to my grandmother’s house telling her what happened.” Following the incident, Suraydai was rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival, while her mother was discovered dead in a hammock at their home, minutes before. The perpetrator was found hanging at a unoccupied house some 500 metres away.

85-year-old does not envisage retirement soon By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric AT 85 years old, she remains employed as a Box Supervisor, a position she has now held for over 40 years. Ms Mavis Welch of Reliance Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, was thrust into single parenthood after her husband, George, a welder at Rose Hall Sugar Estate, died in 1966 at age 30, leaving her behind with two under-aged children. Prior to his demise, she was a stay-at-home mom, caring for Carol, now deceased, and Michael. With a desire to put food on the table, one Sergeant Jackman informed her that selections for rural constables were ongoing at Reliance Police Station, and that she should apply. “The pay was good. We later started to contribute to the National Insurance Scheme. As a rural constable, I was tasked with escorting prisoners from New Amsterdam Prison to the Brickdam Station. I also had to take young females to the Girls’ School at Belfield, East Coast Demerara and also to watch over female inmates hospitalised at the New Amsterdam hospital. “But as the children grew, so did the demands. I added to my employment,

a job as a sweeper/cleaner at the-then St Patrick’s Anglican School, now Rose Hall Estate Primary where Rev. Lingley asked me if I wanted to work with the Ministry of Education as an invigilator. “It was in 1968. I did not hesitate. Immediately I applied, and was accepted. I worked in the district of East Canje/New Amsterdam for six years before being placed at the Reliance Police Station as a Box Supervisor in 1974. “In that capacity, I was tasked with receiving from the Education Officer unwritten examination papers for Grades Two, Four and Six, at the Primary level, Grade Nine, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) at the Secondary level, the Guyana Technical Education Exams for post-secondary students, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Association of Business Executives (ABE) for professionals. The papers would be placed in boxes, before being stored at Central Police Station, where they remain until the date set for examinations. “On completing the examinations, the supervisors would return with the written sheets, sign the relevant

log sheets before replacing them in their respective boxes, and placing them in a vault for which I had a key, and a police officer had another. “However, things did not always go as smoothly as planned, especially when waiting for Grade Six examination papers coming from Baracara and Canje River. Many times the papers arrived very late, way into the night. In those instances, because of the Good Friday/Easter weekend, those documents had to be taken to the Department of Education, in the district, where they would remain until the next working day. “Another late keeper was the Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) examinations, especially when schools did not have the required amount of computers, resulting in students having to wait for their peers to complete their exams before they had a chance to do theirs.” Ms Welch said in some instances she was at the station until almost midnight. At those times she would take a taxi to go home. She chuckled whilst tilting her head to the side. Reminiscing over her struggles and achievements over the years, Ms Welch sighed: “I don’t know how

I coped.” But she quickly added: “My son, a Government of Guyana scholarship awardee had been very supportive. “My son was a contented child. He went to school without soles on his shoes. He sold cigarettes at a nearby cinema to assist us. He was an encourager. He braced me all along and we made it.” Despite her age, retirement is not envisioned in the near future. ‘I love what I do, she says. “I get an opportunity to interact and to read, so I will be here for as long as the Lord allows me.’ Ms Welch has a strong message for those like her. “I want women who are thrust into single parenthood, especially those whose husbands are dead to educate and empower, so that they can elevate themselves. “Don’t be pitiful of yourself. Don’t run into relationships, they may hurt you. Pay attention to YOU and trust in the Lord, and He will see you through,” she advised.

Saturday June 09th, - 13:00 – 01:00hrs Sunday June 10th, - 14:30 – 02:00hrs Monday June 11th, - 14:30 – 02:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9 , 2018

GECOM is about elections not racism THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is primarily concerned with the preparation, ensuring, and management of the nation’s electoral process. It is therefore a constitutional body, which gives it a central role in the State’s democratic process. It is because of its being the pivot in its key role of ensuring the will of the people that its process is always under scrutiny with much comment/concerns about its functions, and suggestions for improved functioning. But despite many criticisms about its functions over the decades, GECOM has been able to deliver national and regional election results, endorsed by international observers, thus allaying any doubts/fears about its credibility as a constitutional oversight body, and the transparency of the electoral process. And this is emphasised, although there still remains the question as

to the late delivery of official results and two incidents in 2006 and 2011, where the former Chief Elections Officer had made major blunders. It is against this background that the recent attacks on this constitutional body, by one of its commissioners that had been nominated by the political opposition party, alleging racial imbalance with the racial composition of its staff has raised eyebrows. It is the kind that calls into question the integrity of the Chairman and his stewardship of GECOM; and, as would be expected, the latter quite correctly demanded a substantiation of the commissioner’s accusation. This accusation we find very suspicious, not only because it has had its genesis in a Freedom House Independence lecture series, at which the commissioner had first made such a claim, that he has also extended to the entire public service; but

also, that it resurfaced at an important GECOM meeting that had been convened to finalise arrangements with regards the important Local Government Elections (LGE) due in the latter part of the year. From the smell of it, it is the usual continuation of the dishonest narrative of racial discrimination against Indo-Guyanese, peddled by the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C, since being defeated at the May 2015 polls. It is also the kind of accusation, subtly clothed in statements that attempts to whip up dangerous sentiments against an institution which function is crucial to the exercise of the peoples will, and by extension the coalition–led administration of President David Granger. At best, such statements as they relate to the electoral body, are very surprising; but they are very devious, highly mischievous and misleading in content, given the fact that it is the

same staffing composition of GECOM that has been integral in guiding the electoral processes that oversaw the many PPP/C victories at every poll, before 2011 and 2015. We must again underline this salient fact: That GECOM and its appointed commissioners are constitutional office holders and are therefore not expected to be partisan. They and the senior electoral staff especially, are all referees in a process and are expected to deliver free and fair elections, and not act in, a partisan, dishonest and undemocratic manner as what had been the shocking example by a former CEO in the tabulation of the 2011 results. We see no other reason than attempting to bring the electoral body into disrepute, by placing it in a head-on collision with PPP/C constituents. How egregious and sinister can such self-serving and deliberate anti-national ploy be, at a time when ef-

The duplicity of the PPP Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to a very acerbic letter from Mr Anil Nandalall continuing the very dangerous racial rhetoric about the staff make-up of the Guyana Elections Commission. Mr Nandalall like so many of his other colleagues conveniently speaks about matters like these, but it can be expected from a party whose leader is currently before the court on a charge of race-baiting. Lest we forget this was the ethnic make-up of GECOM in 1999 Senior Managers 1999 Doodnauth Singh – Chairman Stanley Singh – CEO Ganga Persaud – Deputy Commissioner Registration Gocool Boodoo – ACEO Administration Albert Ramsaroop – Chief Accountant

Arnold Depoo – Advisor to IT Department Arun Mangar – IT Manager Totaram Mohabir - Manager GECOM Stores and Purchasing What is instructive is that Doodnauth Singh later became the Attorney General under the PPP administration; Ganga Persaud served in several ministerial capacities; Arun Mangar became a PPP Commissioner and Gocool Boodoo was a Special Advisor on Local Government. Imagine after holding the office of Chief Elections Officer for so many years, right after his exit it was disclosed that it was Boodoo whose miscalculations in the 2006 elections cost the Alliance For Change a seat and also, he was about to repeat the feat in 2011 when Vincent Alexander nabbed him. Guyanese must also take notice that the PPP today has turned to two Afro-Guyanese, Robeson Benn and Dr. Roger Luncheon

to speak out against the so-called African dominance at GECOM. It was the same Dr. Luncheon who went to the High Court and proclaimed that no Afro-Guyanese was qualified to be an ambassador under the PPP, at a time when there was none serving in our overseas missions. Could Commissioner Benn inform this nation, if any member of this present administration’s son or daughter was ever employed by GECOM? For the records former Minister Carolyn Burkett Rodrigues son worked in the I.D Card Production Department during the 2006 Regional and General Elections. So Commissioner Benn, if you are a fan of American actor Anthony Quinn, DON’T CROSS 110th STREET. Regards Former GECOM employee

forts are being made to affect a better understanding of each other as Guyanese, despite our diversity and whatever our political affiliation. Further, the commissioner’s statement and its timing, that is, is called into question, especially at a juncture when another important, national electoral exercise is being planned, albeit at the local government level. If it is intended by such unsubstantiated accusation, at best loaded with ill intentions such as creating doubts in

the minds of constituents, so as to derail the electoral process at the local level – it will not succeed. In fact, the commissioner and his party are best reminded that local government in a free and democratic mould, with people and their communities deciding what is in their best interests with no political interference, is here to stay. It is a process, commenced in 2016, which can only redound to the benefit of all the communities across Guyana.

RPA urges lowering of taxes on fuel Dear Editor, IN the face of increasing financial hardship facing the agriculture sector, the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) is calling on the Government to immediately lower the taxes on fuel to ease the burden on the productive sector. Farmers who are currently harvesting have been experiencing an increase in transportation cost from an average of $200 to $800 per bag because of the poor condition of access. Many have been forced to use a combination of poor dams and weed-infested waterways and this increase in fuel prices might very well be the proverbial last straw. Additionally, most farmers are currently involved in land preparation exercise and sowing of their fields and in the latter case, most fuel is being used compared to the crop duration, so

the increase is coming at a really bad time for the farmers. We are calling on this Government to re-implement the sliding rate on taxes to cushion the impact of international price increases. To do nothing but collect exorbitant taxes will stifle production and affect thousands of lives. This is certainly not the good life that was promised and the Government’s inaction on this matter is not an option, and we are insisting on an immediate reduction in percentage taxes being collected and we know that the government knows that they can still realise the amount budgeted for with a reduction. We will accept no less. Regards Guyana Rice Producers Association

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

O’Jeer’s suspension and the GFF This does not speak well commission of inquiry (CoI) about how we dispense justice in the eyes of the public Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, I AM not a legal person but a common man who like the jurors in a criminal matter must decide on guilt or innocence based on the evidence provided in the particular case. The recent murder case which saw the termination (nolle prosequi) of legal proceedings by the Director of Public Prosecution against two Canadian girls for the murder of their 64-year-old father is a slap on our justice system. It is clear from all the evidences that there must have been even a conspiracy to commit the murder, or being accessories to it, therefore it boggles the mind as to the termination of the prosecution. I have spent 17 years fighting for youths doing what is right and advocating social justice in every sphere of life and it is much to the public and my disappointment that such an

injustice should be perpetrated. The law must send a certain message that certain acts cannot be condoned in society. But what is the message we are sending to the public and our youths? That it is ok to brutally murder your parents since the justice system will be sympathetic to you? This decision is morally and legally wrong when we look at other cases where persons were convicted for murder based on a conspiracy. An example is the recent case where two women were given life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder a US citizen in Berbice. Another example is the Tain murder of a man where a maid and the man’s wife are charged for conspiracy to commit murder and are on remand. Accessories are as guilty as the principal in any criminal matter and charges should have been recommended by the DPP

to suit the facts of the case presented by the prosecution. This matter should not have been subjected to nolle prosequi. In criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime at some time in the future, and in this case the courts should have been asked to decide whether the intention to commit the murder by the two girls was established, since the actions after the murder would have suggested that the intention existed and continued. This does not speak well about how we dispense justice in the eyes of the public and our young generation. Is it that the legal system failed or the enforcers have failed the system? Regards Mr. Gobin Harbhajan RDC Councillor Region 6

Gov’t continues to honour agreement with Guyana Trawler Association Dear Editor, THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a letter published in the June 6, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper, titled ‘We can’t continue governing with our heads buried in the sand like this’ written by Tony Vieira, as well as allegations in a Demerara Waves article alleging that ‘higher taxation’ was a reason for the closure of BEV Enterprises, a fishing company owned by Bruce Vieira. Contrary to Mr. Tony Vieira’s claim, the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Operators continue to reap significant benefits since 2005 as per the agreement which was signed between the Association and the Government of Guyana. BEV Enterprises has also refuted the allegation that ‘higher taxation’ is among the factors responsible for the closure of his company. He was quoted as saying “There is no burden. We have very generous taxation arrangements with the government – duty free, tax free- we get export allowances of 75 per cent directly.”

In a subsequent letter to Kaieteur News, appearing in the June 7, 2018 online edition, Tony Vieira tried to retract his statement, noting that when he wrote the letter he “honestly believed that the government did not grant the request to continue giving the fuel” but that “they were hemming and hawing about it for months.” It should be noted that GRA’s policy is to ensure that persons granted concessions act in accordance with the terms and conditions under which the tax exemptions were granted. As far as the GRA is

aware, BEV Enterprises were utilising its concessions as per the agreement. Whilst recognising the rights of persons to pen letters voicing their opinions, the authority hopes that opinions shared involving matters of taxation will be firmly grounded in facts and not hearsay. Regards Melissa Baird Manager Public Relations Unit Guyana Revenue Authority

WHILE two previous letters in relation to the latter of the above caption went unpublished, I do hope this time around I’ll be granted the privilege in having this letter publicised towards offering my views publicly on the two subject matters. First and foremost is the suspension of the GFF committee member, Keith O’Jeer. Whatever the issue was/ is, did the individual appear before the Federation’s disciplinary committee with prior written notification with the relevant constitutional articulation applicable? If not, was an emergency executive committee meeting convened towards enforcing the suspension? Was the General Council apprised subsequently? My reason for seeking the relevant answers is primarily due to the fact that in all instances, constitutional articulation (s) and parliamentary procedures have to be adhered to, along with the relevant paper trail, while due process and natural justice must be given utmost priority. Editor, strange as it may seem, in January 2018, a letter captioned “Is the Berbice FA, AGM legitimate? For reasons unknown, it went unpublished. My primary point of contention was and remains unchanged. How can the GFF, and by extension the General Council allow O’Jeer to retain the presidency of the

BFA, yet still be serving as a Federation committee member? Apart from being a conflict of interest, this dangerous precedent can have serious repercussions; that with the elections of Christopher Mathias and Wayne Forde as presidents of the GFF, respectively. Both individuals had relinquished the respective positions from the GFA and Fruta Conquerors. So, why didn’t O’Jeer take the same route? Why was a technical development officer tasked with the responsibility of returning officer and not an individual with the relevant administrative qualities? While power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, it’s a sad day for O’Jeer who, under Matthias’ presidency, had contested every other position with the exception of the president. Secondly, and more importantly, is the issue of the Commission of Inquiry into the allegation of sexual harassment by a senior functionary of the Referee’s Association against female referees. With the five-member panel comprising an all-female ensemble, surely, within this context

I have my reservation that at least one male member should have been on board. As a consequence, why wasn’t the alleged perpetrator suspended in the interim, due to the seriousness of [the] allegation? Is the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), within its terms of reference, investigating other factors of sexual harassment? Editor, a failure to acknowledge the hidden scenario can have dire consequences in the long term. For this reason it should be placed on the ‘front burner’. Finally, while it is better late than never, would there be a draft document for circulation to affiliates, with the relevant recommendations for adoption at the CoI’s conclusion? Should the alleged prime suspect be found guilty, based on circumstantial and supporting evidence, will the matter be turned over to the law enforcement agency? If the individual is vindicated, would the federation take private action? Regards Lester Sealey

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

Eight new NDCs, one new town to be formed –– ahead of local gov’t elections in mid-November By Alva Solomon

THE holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) in mid-November this year will see eight new Neighbourhood Democrat-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan announced late Friday at the launch of a public awareness and stakeholder education project on the lawns of the Public Buildings.

government system; one that is effective in the discharge of its functions. Bulkan said the government is cognisant that by simply divolving power without the necessary resources and

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan as he addressed the gathering ic Councils (NDCs) being formed as well as a new

He told the audience that the government views local

Jamal Baggot, a 19-year old who sits on the Beterverwagting-Triumph NDC addressing the gathering (Photos by Adrian Narine) town. In the meantime, the participating order has already been issued and is in the process of being gazetted,

government organs as a critical partner in national development, and that integral to the approach is a better resourced and organised local

support, the system will not work. “Central government is putting monies into this programme,” he said of the awareness campaign. He said the ministry’s work programmes are aimed at strengthening the capacity of the local democratic organs, whereby in the past three years, work has advanced in equipping the local democratic organs to ensure good governance, accountability and transparency through a coordinated programme of institutional strengthening and capacity building. As regards the awareness project, Minister Bulkan said that it is aimed at bringing more information to the populace to ensure more participation in the LGE later this year. Noting that it is hoped that participation will be greater than the 43% which obtained at the last LGE in

March 2016, Minister Bulkan said: “This is why it is important that this public education will serve as a vehicle for more meaningful community involvement in the management and decision-making of our local government areas.” FULL OBJECTIVES He said the project’s complementary objectives include key activities such as additional public launches across the country in each municipality, focus-group interactive sessions such as seminars and also debates and other competitions within the nation’s schools. “So this programme will be taken to the people; to the community so they can un-

According to reports, there was no major disruption of traffic following the accident, as shortly after the driver was lifted out of his vehicle traffic resumed on the bridge. Authorities at the bridge, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle around 7pm, said that they were awaiting the end of the ‘rush hour’ traffic to remove the vehicle from off the pontoon. There have been several accidents and other mishaps at the bridge over the years. (Adrian Narine photo)

He said that in just over two years, there are “exciting developments” taking place, not just in Mabaruma, where

ed by repeated periods of “ comatose “ as he noted that the elections have been held only in the years in 1970 , 1994 and 2016. As a consequence, he noted that there has been a low level of involvement in LGE when the opportunity avails itself. He said too there is little or no development of a local government cadre and he spoke of “rookies” or inexperienced councilors to supervise local government affairs. Alexander said the awareness campaign‘s targets the electorate , potential candidates , local government officials , tax payers , community groups , non-government organizations ( NGOs) , related state agencies and officials with the aim of educating them on the LGE system. He said it aims to provide

Members of the public at an exhibition held prior to the campaign launch outside Public Buildings derstand what is the message of local government; what are some the specific roles, functions and authority of a local council situated within your area; why you must be

Car crashes off Demerara Harbour Bridge THE driver of this car was reportedly hit from behind and ended up crashing off the Demerara Harbour Bridge late Friday afternoon. Fortunately, the vehicle landed on one of the pontoons under bridge. The driver was rescued by commuters and other drivers and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment. Up to press time he was listed as being in a stable condition. At the time of the accident the car was heading east along the bridge.

engaged, participate and at a minimum, why you must vote,” he added. Bulkan told the gathering that the APNU+AFC Government is committed to strengthening the revenue base and financial sustainability of councils by updating the system of property valuation. Cautioning that it is not an exercise aimed at taxation, Minister Bulkan said: “We are aware that without reliable, continuous and locally-generated sources of revenue, it is nearly impossible for local organs to perform the task of community development.”

an ambitious solar farm project is about to be completed, but also at Bartica, home of Guyana’s first boardwalk, and at Lethem, which is fast becoming the business hub of the Rupununi. “The role of Central Government is one of providing support to these townships to enable projects to be executed,” Bulkan told the attentive gathering. He said that the government is not only interested in the “deepening of the system of democracy”, but also broadening its scope across the country. “Each part of our country must develop,” he reiterated. LGE IN HISTORY Vincent Alexander, who sits on the task force overseeing the awareness project, spoke of the history of the local government system here, one that dates back to the African and Amerindian village movements of yesteryear. He said the local government system has been affect-

stakeholders to seek clarity in relation to any aspect of Local government and to enlighten the citizenry on the intended goal of local government as pillar of development. Meanwhile , Henry Smith , Mayor of Mabaruma , North West District’s first town spoke of the benefits the system of LGE has brought to the town including a number of infrastructure projects . At the same time, 19-year old councillor of the Beterverwagting-Triumph Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Jamaal Baggot spoke of his involvement in the system of governance even though he entered the 2016 polls as an independent councillor. Baggot currently chairs the council’s finance committee and has ensured one of his campaign’s objectives, the establishment of community centre, has materialised. He urged youths to get involved in the process as he mentioned its benefits to the development of the community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

Ashni, Brassington charged for sale of Sanata Textile Mill

FORMER Finance Minister under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration, Dr. Ashni Singh, and former National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Winston Brassington were on Friday charged on more counts of misconduct in public office, this time around for the sale of Sanata Textile Mill to Queens Atlantic. However, since the men were not in court for Acting Chief Magistrates Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus to read the charge to them, the matter has been adjourned until June 29. Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Lawrence Harris explained that the matter was filed since Thursday, June 7 at the Court, but begged for an adjournment so the two defendants could be present in Court to answer to the charges. One of the men’s attorneys, Stanley Moore, who was present in court explained that SOCU did not

give notices to his clients to attend court on Friday to answer to the new charge. Moore further said that by luck he was in the courtroom at the said time for another case when the matter was being called. The charge states that Singh, being and performing the duties of Minister of Finance and Chairman of the NICIL, a company owned by the Government of Guyana, and Brassington, being and performing duties of Chief Executive Officer at NICIL between October 20, 2010 and December 20, 2010 at Barrack Street, Kingston by way of agreement of sale and purchase acted recklessly when they sold to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc the Sanata Textiles Complex. The charge further read that the building and erecting thereon, Parcel 4702 part of the Plantation Ruimveldt situate on the East Bank Demerara being 18.871 acres being sold for $697,864,800.00 plus Vat, knowing that the said property was valued $1,042,403,500.00 and was therefore being sold at a

Former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (left), and former CEO of NICIL, Winston Brassington price that was grossly undervalued, thereby breaching their duties. On May 8, Dr. Singh and Brassington were jointly charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to the public law. The first charge alleged that on Monday, December 28, 2009 by way of an agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when

they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, lands amounting to 103.88 acres, property of the State for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (VAT -exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. The second charge alleges that the duo on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by way of agreement of

sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation, land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the State for the sum of $150,000,000 knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate. The final charge alleges that the former finance minister and former NICIL CEO on Saturday, May 14, 2011 by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc. 10, 002 acres of land located at Turkeyen, ECD, property of the State for the sum of $185, 037,000 without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. They were released on $3M each. However on May 21, Justice Franklin Holder had granted a stay of application in favor of Dr. Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington for the three charges. The move prevents the Magistrate’s Court from proceeding with the criminal charges levied against them

by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Justice Holder had handed down his decision in High Court pending the outcome of the Fixed Date Application. Brassington in December of 2015 had said he was willing to undergo public scrutiny in the courts of law, maintaining that he was a man of integrity. One of the forensic audit reports on the operations of NICIL suggests that under the PPP administration, NICIL engaged in malpractices, and had made poor decisions on behalf of the people of Guyana. The audit which was conducted by former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran had recommended criminal and/or disciplinary action against all those responsible for the interception of State revenues totaling $26.858B, in violation of the constitution. Goolsarran had said that several laws were broken. Brassington, who left Guyana in December 2015, was said to be living in Florida, where he reportedly operates a business.

Another man held for ‘Fabulous’murder THE fourth suspect allegedly involved in the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’, who was gunned down in Georgetown in February, is currently in police custody. This was revealed on

Friday by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves in the courtroom of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Three men, namely: Kerwin DaSantos called ‘Buffy’, and George Hope called ‘Gregory’, both 24 years old,

along with 25-year-old Kacey Heyliger of Shell Road, Kitty are charged with Nurse’s murder. Prosecutor Gonsalves noted that the fourth suspect was in police custody, and might also be arraigned for the murder. The prosecutor requested

that the matter against the trio to be adjourned until June 26 to allow the police to finish their investigations against the fourth suspect. The charge read that the trio on February 4 at America Street murdered 47-year-old Nurse during the course of a robbery. They were not

required to plead to the indictable charge. On Sunday, February 4, Nurse was shot in the head after he refused to comply with the suspect’s demand that he turn over whatever cash he had on him. Reports state that after Nurse was shot to his face, the robber made

good his escape. The police were able to make the arrests after reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding buildings. During last year, Nurse was robbed but was later able to identify two of the persons who had allegedly committed the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

21 students to take first shot at Portuguese at CSEC Twenty-one students attached to the West Demerara Secondary School (WDSS) will be the first to pursue studies in Portuguese at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) level. This was disclosed by WDSS Head Teacher Harry Narine, during an interview with the Department of Public Information. According to Narine, the course was added to the institution’s curriculum approximately four years ago. It was intended to provide students with the opportunity to learn a foreign language, thereby enabling them to communicate and better integrate into bilingual communities. It also is aimed at the capacity-building of modern languages teachers within the

Harry Narine, Head teacher, West Demerara Secondary School (WDSS). education system. Narine noted that, while students from Grade 7 to 11 were required to participate in such an initiative, other pupils studying the language this year are expected to perform well, as it will also be considered as a driving force to encourage others to do the same. Narine stressed that over the years, the institution has created a stellar reputation created through academic success and extra-curricular activities. “The school is one in the region that has been able to sustain good results in both the field of academics and extra-curricular activities. This includes excelling in Mathematics and English Language, as seen in last year’s report at CXC with an 89 percent and in 2016, 92 percent…. We are not just a school that provides a curriculum to achieve academic success, our students are equally balanced”, the Head Teacher explained. He noted that the institution’s success is not without the support of the PTA, teachers and the involvement of the public and private sectors. The Head Teacher said that it is the mission and vision of his administration to continue to strive for excellence in the development of young people, and to become one of the top schools in the region.

Department of Co-operatives launches apprenticeship programme

In a move to further the restoration process of the cooperative movement in Guyana, an Apprenticeship Programme was launched on Thursday by the Department of Co-operatives under the Ministry of Social Protection Several trainees were selected by the Ministry to complete a three-month on the job training in their respective regions. The exercise which commenced on June 4 will end in August. The apprentices who will function in the capacity of Regional Cooperative Development Officers in their regions expressed satisfaction in the new programme. Representatives from the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry

of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs attending the launch of the Apprenticeship Programme. Region Three trainee, Julian Monize said she is pleased to have been given this opportunity to work with the co-ops department.” Ready to serve her country, Ashley Johnson of Region Seven said, “I am here with an open mind and will put my best foot forward to take in everything I possibly can within the training period, as I plan to return to my region and serve my people and region and by extension, Guyana as a whole.” Marlon Edwards from Region Nine said: “I know my indigenous people in Region Nine will happily welcome this initiative, since it will create

employment and generate revenue for them.” Also attending the launch was Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma who both commended the initiative as it will create employment and bridge rural and urban relations. According to Minister Scott, the graduating apprentices will be posted in other regions to function in the various co-op departments. The programme comes as part of the government’s vision to revitalise cooperatives across the regions in Guyana. Cooperatives have long played a role in the social, economic and cultural development of the country. (DPI)

Court hears ...

Pedal cyclist lost leg ‘on the spot’

MONTHS after a pedal cyclist was killed in an accident along the Peter's Hall Public Road, East Bank Demerara by a speeding motor car, a 44-year-old businessman was on Friday charged for his death. Ramanand Jagdeo of Section “C” Golden Grove, EBD appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the cause of death by dangerous driving charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that on February 22, 2018 at Peter’s Hall Public Road he drove motor car PRR 4395 in a dangerous manner which resulted in the death of Alexander Appiah. Police Prosecutor Arvil Moore said on the day in question Jagdeo was allegedly

speeding along the Peter’s Hall Public Road in motor car PRR 4395 when Appiah, a pedal cyclist was riding in the eastern lane. It is alleged that Jagdeo swerved in front of the pedal cyclist and collided with him. Due to the force of the impact of the collision, the left leg of Appiah was severed from his body and fell onto the road surface. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Moore made no objection to Jagdeo being released on bail. Magistrate Latchman released Jagdeo on $1M bail and transferred the matter to the Chief Magistrate’s courtroom for June 19.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

Women and Gender Commission calls for sexual harassment legislation

THE Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) said it noted with concern the allegations of sexual harassment by officials of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC). The allegations were made public through letters by the victims and this signals a red letter day for women who have endured abuse but stayed quiet because of the dire consequences, the commission said in a statement. It commended the women for their courage in coming forward to report these acts of sexual harassment. The Commission said cognizant of the problems of sexual harassment, it had initiated a number of

activities that were intended to encourage victims to come forward and report these cases. Unfortunately, the commission notes that victims were afraid to come forward and even when they were bold enough to start the process they chose to walk away rather than pursue it to the end. The body said recent initiatives such as the Me Too movement (or “#MeToo”) which is an international movement against sexual harassment and assault that was launched in October 2017 created a fillip for those who were victims and who felt that they had to endure this harassment. “The fact that dozens of women have come forward and are speaking out against

powerful men signals a new paradigm in dealing with this demeaning phenomenon,” W&GEC said. The W&GEC said in keeping with its mandate to recommend and promote the implementation of legislation and the formulation of policies to enhance and protect the status of women it has completed a review of the Gender Legislations which recommends that Guyana needs to put in place a Sexual Harassment Legislation. “While we note the Discrimination Act of 1997 has sections dealing with Sexual Harassment we feel that there needs to be a stand-alone legislation. This is one of the many proposals which we are recommending to Parliament for implementation.” In fulfilling its constitu-

tional mandate to promote women’s concerns in the wider spectrum of economic and social development and to address the needs of women as being different from those of men; the Commission said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Guyana to support the institutionalisation of a Sexual Harassment Policy. “We have also collaborated with the Social Sector Committee of the Parliament of Guyana to promote training and awareness among legislators in order to signal at the highest level

that sexual harassment will not be condoned.” The Commission said on the occasion of International Women’s Day it initiated a campaign in 2015 where posters were printed and distributed to places of work and schools in an effort to remind the public about this violation. “We also established suggestion boxes at prominent sites such as University of Guyana, Turkeyen and Tain campuses, the Guyana Post Office Corporation, the National Library, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and outside of the Women and Gender

Equality Commission, Peter Rose and Anira streets as well as in all the Regions of Guyana. We see these two letters as being the catalyst for more victims to come forward and expose the harassment which we know is taking place. “The women of Guyana, like the women in other parts of the world, are no longer prepared to accept these violations sitting down. Let us all take a stand against sexual harassment and no one should be afraid to speak up against this abuse,” the commission added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

‘Don’t panic! We got your back!’ –– Min Broomes assures RUSAL staff at launch of task force to address their concerns

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE contract between RUSAL (Russian Aluminum Inc) and Guyana was signed ‘in secret’ and hence to date neither the Chief Labour Officer nor the unions representing workers have been able to peruse it. So said Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes on the sidelines of the official launch of a task force to deal with labour relations issues between RUSAL and its Guyanese workers. Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, after meeting RUSAL workers back in April, had announced that the government wanted to establish the said task force. Said Broomes: “What is surprising is that the Chief Labour Officer has never seen the contract with RUSAL and Guyana. Mr. [Lincoln] Lewis (General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress) said at the time this contract was signed it was top secret. The unions have never seen the contract so the unions don’t know what is in the contract. I myself have never seen the contract.” But with the seven-member task force now established, one of the first things to be looked at is securing the contract and examining it. “We are going to ensure that we get that contract, examine it, and ensure that what is agreed upon is being carried out; look at corporate re-

Members of the task force are, from left: Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle; Region Ten MP Jermaine Figueira; Secretary Alieca James; Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes; Region Ten MP Audwin Rutherford; and Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis sponsibilities, all the areas,” Broomes said, adding: “We’re going to get the contract, which will be shared widely, and we’ll take it from there.” COMPOSITION The task force comprises Minister Broomes as head, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma, Region Ten Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Audwin Rutherford, Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, and Secretary to the task force, Alieca James. It was Cabinet which recommended the establishment of the task force, and hence, Broomes said, the members will have to report in detail what is happening. “This is the level of seriousness we are talking about

here,” she said. “Every aspect of what is happening will be examined and will be dealt with. Recommendations will not only be put forward, but you can expect actions also.” A number of workers have since RUSAL’s troubles began expressed concern about going to work each day, not knowing whether or not they will have a job the following day, and the company not having the common courtesy of explaining to them what is happening. According to Minister Broomes, such slackness will no longer be countenanced; the workers will have to be engaged. “I know the concerns,” she said, “but don’t panic. We will be moving around; the task force will be meeting with the workers, starting from next week, to keep engaging them. They will be

informed first-hand, every step of the way. “What was not happening before, I don’t know. But going forward, what needs to be done will be done. I quote His Excellency that companies are welcome here, [but] they must obey our laws and treat our people right. This task force will ensure that that is happening.” ‘WE GOT YOUR BACK’ The minister said government is there to ensure that workers are protected. “The government is with them; we are here to ensure that they are protected,” she said. “It is our responsibility as a State that even if companies crumble, we have people here; that is why we have the task force to know exactly what we need to do in case of

a worst-case scenario. “I want to say to them that the government is working in their best interest; the government is not taking it lightly, nor are we sending any message that it is well and all is over. It is something that the government has jumped upon very, very early.” Trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis told reporters that citizens need to understand that this matter is more serious than it is being reported. “What is happening here,” he said, “is that as a country, we need to examine what the impacts are, not only on the economy but on the people. It is for that reason the task force is necessary. “And it may be important that we go back and examine from the time when the contracts were awarded; what we gave to them with the

expectation of what they will deliver, and see whether what we have given has borne necessary rewards and look at how they have dealt with their corporate responsibility consistent with the laws.” The Guyana Government earlier this year expressed concern that workers at the bauxite company in Berbice, 90 per cent of which is owned by RUSAL, may face repercussions as a result of the US sanctions imposed upon the company’s head, Oleg Deripaska. The company here is located on the Berbice River between Kwakwani and Linden, with employees from those areas making up the majority of its labour force. Deripaska’s company made it on the sanctions blacklist after the U.S. Government indicated it found Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. general elections.

Another policeman testifies –– in murder of ‘Teacher Kescia’

ON Friday, the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the death of secondary school teacher, Kescia Branche continued before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman as the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. A 47-year-old taxi driver, Matthew Munroe, who it is alleged committed the crime, is charged with her murder. Police Officer Randy Fraser testified. He is attached to the Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station. The matter continues on July 18.

Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen 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-year-old 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 device. 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 is consistent with the injuries Branche received.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

GNBS-led meet puts spotlight on construction sector

–– to bring it in line with int’l standards

By M Margaret Burke

THE Guyana Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in collaboration with the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM), the CARICOM Regional Organisation for

Authority (IRA), Ministry of Social Protection – Occupational safety and Health, Guyana Forestry, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). One of the main speakers at the forum, GNBS Executive Director Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick in setting

GNBS Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwisk Standards and Quality (CROSQ), as well as the International Code Council (ICC) gathered together on Friday at the Herdmanston Lodge to have a full morning of discourse on how building standards in Guyana can be improved while enhancing competitiveness. The team met with representatives from many of the major building and construction industries in Guyana, among them people from government, industry and academia such as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Central Housing and Planning, Ministry of Communities Engineering Services, National Drainage and Irrigation Authorities (NDIA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Inland Revenue

the stage for the road show, remarked that Guyana was very pleased to welcome the team from ASTM, which, for the very first time, is holding a Road Show here in the Caribbean. Guyana, she said, is very fortunate to have been selected as one of the countries in which the road show is being held, along with what she described as two of the most advanced standard bureaux of this hemisphere, these being Jamaica and Trinidad. “The GNBS sees itself as one of the leading agencies in terms of standardisation, and our aim is to ensure that there is improvement in the products and services available in Guyana,” Bostwick said, adding: “And we cannot do it by ourselves; we need the

support of other government departments.” Standards, she explained, are basically used to provide confidence; to ensure that there is reliability; that there is consistency; and to ensure that there are reduced technical barriers to trade. She further pointed out that standards are basically tools that are used for a common understanding, and therefore when there are international standards, it shows that there is global acceptance of agreements for minimal requirements. SEEK ANSWERS Ms. Bostwick invited participants to seek answers to questions she put forward as they listen to the presentations from the experts; questions such as whether there was enough being done to protect the people of Guyana in terms of enforcement, and if as government agencies they were ensuring that there is adequate implementation of standards. “Standards,” she said, “are voluntary, and sometimes we may hear questions about why certain standards are not enforced. And this in itself means that a standard must be made mandatory, or it must be a technical regulation, or it must be an Act before it is utilised. “We want to see Guyana transformed into a standards-driven society, where practitioners; where government agencies or regulators use standards as the basis for decision-making,” Bostwick affirmed, while encouraging agencies to always consult with the GNBS, where there are doubts in any aspect of standardisation.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Zeroing in on the matter that was the main focus of attention at this forum, Ms. Bostwick said that it is good that Guyana was one of the countries chosen by the ASTM with the aim of helping to bring about improvement in the quality of services being offered in the construction industry. ASTM, she explained, has a wide range of standards in construction and construction materials, and these standards are widely used in Guyana. Their intention, therefore, is to basically share presentations and interact with major players in the construction industry to help in whatever way possible. “The session today was to basically meet with our

specifications that have to be met. You must be able to verify that it is meeting those specifications before you accept it, so that the supplier of that steel has to provide a test certificate to show that it is from an accredited lab,” Ms. Bostwick informed. GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE She posited that there are many examples within the country that show that because of not implementing standards there are many “tragedies” in buildings; poor construction; shoddy work and so on. “So, for us to protect our pocket and economic base of the country we have to focus on building right – first time,

must be certified: certified inspectors, certified contractors. There was also general agreement there must be ‘quality assurance’ in the system. According to Ms. Bostwick, as a result of all the sessions and interactions with the ASTM, CROSQ and ICC along with all the discussions with major players, there is billed to come on board a National Quality System project, out of which will be developed a National Quality Policy. “Guyana will actually be going to have a policy for quality for all sectors and with that policy for quality it will bring out the standards required; the testing bodies required; the inspection bodies required; the certification bodies,

At the Road Show. Seated in the foreground are, from left: Messrs Mark Johnson and Chris Mathis of ASTM International regulators to encourage them to implement standards. “One of the things we want to see is standards implemented in the procurement system; for example where there is procurement of structural steel there are certain

every time, and this can only be done with standards and confirm assessments – testing to verify the quality of materials that are being used,” she said. It was therefore emphasised that the practitioners

which makes up the national quality system and we are looking forward for the cooperation and support of all key stakeholders,” Ms. Bostwick told the Guyana Chronicle. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

Treasury Memorandum shows gross mismanagement of public accounts under PPP – Min. Harmon

A TREASURY Memorandum submitted to the Cabinet by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan shows gross mismanagement of public accounts under the PPP administration during the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. This was revealed by Minister of State Joseph

Harmon during a post-Cabinet press conference on Friday. The Memorandum was completed in response to queries by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) about state spending in every administrative region over that period. According to Minister Harmon, “Cabinet also noted the conclusions of the report which stated that there was excessive waste and mismanagement of the public

resources.” Further, he noted that there was lack of financial transparency, accountability and full compliance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Audit Act and the Procurement Act. Minister Harmon said the report provided some of the most detailed responses by the Government in over 20 years and commended the Ministry of Finance for its efforts.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

Hughes sees agricultural robotics as a game-changer … if only Guyana can keep up with changing technology

By Rabindra Rooplall WHILE the buzzword in Guyana these days seems to be oil-and-gas, for Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, the accent is more on keeping abreast with technology. Speaking Friday at the opening of an IDB-led digital transformation workshop, aptly themed “How technology and innovation are improving people’s lives”, Minister Hughes said the sooner both the government and the private sector realise that digital transformation is the only sure way to rapid development, the better off they will be. “Technology can change all of this. In Guyana, we are moving towards the 21st Century where more services can be provided online,” she said. “This country will not transform on the strength of incremental growth and that is why our discussions on exponential technologies are so important,” she told invitees to the workshop, among them stakeholders and civil society leaders. But to make that change, and do so effectively, she said, Guyana must first find or choose a path in which the country can be Number One. “Imagine such an area

can be robotics in agriculture, and everybody that is interested in agriculture and the development of robots for agriculture could be coming to Guyana. And that is a whole industry that we can develop.” Having thus tickled their collective imagination, Minister Hughes urged workshop participants to forget the country’s acknowledged limitations during their discussions and deliberations, and rather envision how busi-

up with practical solutions to the many challenges society faces, Minister Hughes said: “We have made a commitment to provide the environment, as we are liberalising our telecommunications

will not take place. IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen couldn’t agree more with what the minister said, conceding that the world of technology is indeed rapidly

es to do is to make the link between innovative technologies, the digital transformation and the challenges countries are facing. She said that for the IDB to work effectively with

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Ms Catherine Hughes addressing the opening session of the forum

At the opening Friday of the IDB Digital Transformation forum for stakeholders and civil society at the Marriott (Photos by Delano Williams)

IDB Country Representative, Ms Sophie Makonnen nesses and agencies can work together on removing those shackles to competitiveness. Noting that it is essential to move forward and come

landscape so that more private sector companies can get into the environment and business of providing services … not only on the coast but most importantly in our hinterland, rural and poor communities.” She, however, cautioned that should the infrastructure be created and not used, then the hoped-for transformation

evolving. Conceding also that new ways of tackling various problems are also unfolding, Makonnen said that in order to face the new challenges that technologies bring, one needs to acquire the right skillset. And that’s where the workshop comes in, she said, as one of the things it propos-

member countries in fulfilling its mandate, it is critical to take full advantage of technology. But the challenge, however, would be how agile countries are to use the various technologies to leapfrog their development trajectories. She said that in keeping with the IDB’s regional policies, the main goal of the

workshop is to promote the exchange and experiences amongst participants in order to also endorse economic growth in the region. In challenging civil society representatives to adapt quickly, Makonnen told the gathering that modern technology is no longer a luxury, but one of the main components of successful and accelerated development. “Access to the Internet and use of new innovative designs are critical to solving developmental challenges,” she said, adding: “Our goal is to continue to improve lives.”

GRA officers shot in smuggling crackdown … several arrested as police hunt suspects

POLICE are investigating a shooting incident in which two enforcement officers attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) sustained gunshot injuries to their hands after coming under fire from gunmen in three vehicles on Thursday night. Reports indicate that around 21:50hrs on Thursday, the officers went to a house at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara and began speaking to the proprietor. Minutes after, three vehicles - one Toyota Verossa and two minibuses - pulled up at the residence and its occupants began shooting at the GRA officers who took evasive action and returned fire. The vehicles then sped

away. The two Customs officials were treated at a private medical institution and sent away. No one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident as investigations continue. Meanwhile, in a statement GRA said three of its officers were the target of the gunfire. The GRA said acting on information received, around 21:00hrs, a team of officers coordinated an approach to intercept a motor vessel and motor vehicles suspected to be transporting uncustomed goods (a quantity of alcoholic beverages and foreign chicken) in Beehive, East Coast Demerara. During the exercise, the officers observed

a white Toyota motor car turning into the street and stopping in front of the house that was under surveillance. The occupants of the motor vehicle exited and proceeded to maliciously shoot at the LEID officers with an undisclosed number and calibre of firearms. LEID officers were forced to take evasive action and defensively returned fire in the general direction of the perpetrators with their GRA-issued firearms. The perpetrators then retreated to their motor vehicle and sped away, which allowed LEID officers to regroup and exit the location safely. It was then realised, GRA said, that two of the officers sustained injuries

with what appeared to be shotgun pellet wounds to their arms and leg. The matter was immediately reported to the police. According to GRA, despite the constant threat to their lives, LEID officers of the GRA continue to fearlessly execute their duty in an effort to safeguard the country’s revenue and curb the scourge of smuggling. The Authority is enlisting the cooperation of the general public in providing information and assistance in apprehending persons involved in these illegal activities. A number of persons were arrested in connection with this incident. Investigations are ongoing.

guyana CHRONICLE saturday, june 9, 2018

SARA trains more police on role of agency

THE State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) opened a training series on corruption on Thursday targeting hundreds of law-enforcement recruits and officers to increase their knowledge on the operations of the agency and the role of the police. The workshop is being held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre on Camp Road, and according to SARA’s attorney, UK-trained Ronald Bostwick, the objective is to equip participants with the knowledge needed to be professionals with integrity. He explained to the participants that the agency primarily focuses on the civil recovery of assets that were misappropriated by public officials.

SARA attorney Ronald Bostwick addressing law enforcement recruits and senior policemen on Thursday (Rabindra Rooplall photo) Such assets, he said, can be vehicles, land or cash, while the recovery process starts with the investigation and tracing of the items and later recovery of those assets through court procedures.

“Quite recently, there has been a change worldwide towards corruption of public officials,“ Bostwick said. “Formerly, if you were in a high position, it was more or less cool to do whatever

you wanted, protected by the fact that you are always in that position.” He noted that worldwide, there are a lot of prosecutions and convictions of persons as high as presidents, particularly

in Latin America. Corruption involving high-ranking public officials, he said, is usually sophisticated and makes SARA’s job difficult. Assets can also be in foreign bank accounts, Bostwick said, and in such situations, gaining access to such information is not easy, since these banks would have their privacy rules and regulations. “SARA works in conjunction with overseas persons and agencies that are very versed in tracing assets,” he said. He explained that corruption results in fewer benefits for the population of the country, as less is in the treasury to spend on works to develop citizens’ lives. “We would have better medical facilities, better roads,

better everything, and the essence of our fight is to ensure that what belongs to the people stays with the people,” he said. To facilitate SARA’s work, Bostwick said there are many orders that can be given through the courts such as disclosure orders, customer information orders, production orders, restraint orders, search and seizure warrants amongst others. “Ultimately our aim is to get a civil recovery order whereby we will get back the asset to the benefit of the people of Guyana,” he said. Meanwhile, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is the enforcement arm with a mandate to charge and prosecute those guilty of financial crimes.

GCCI, Police Commissioner discuss crime, traffic matters

E x e c u tive M e m bers of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry( GCCI) met with Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine and Senior Officers at the Commissioner's Conference Room on Wednesday and discussed matters related to crime and traffic, matters of mutual interest/ concern and areas for potential collaboration/ cooperation. During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police gave an overview of the crime and traffic situation, and noted that at this point in time there is a 10 per

Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine (Centre) flanked by GCCI representatives and senior officers. cent decrease in serious crimes overall from January 1,2018 to May 31,2018 compared with the same

period last year. Ramnarine however pointed out that in “A Division “(Georgetown and

its environs including East Bank Demerara),there was a 13 per cent decrease in serious crimes for the

same comparative period. The Top Cop also indicated that in respect of the traffic situation, it is still

evident and alarmingly so that speeding, drunk driving and in-attentiveness are the main contributory factors to fatal accidents with pedestrians being the most vulnerable category of road users. The Commissioner underscored the fact that with increased multiple training opportunities both locally and overseas, particularly capability and capacity building in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),that serious crimes are no longer committed with impunity but in a matter of hours and days they are being solved.

White Water residents … refuse to accept results cry foul of village council elections RESIDENTS of White Water in the North West District are disputing the results of local elections held there on Thursday, following reports that dozens of persons from outside the village, including indigenous Venezuelan nationals, were allowed to vote. Reports are that the elections saw the winner Ernest Samuels gain 416 votes as opposed to outgoing Toshao Cleveland De Souza, who barely accumulated a little over 100 votes. According to reports, as many as 150 persons who were not registered to vote were allowed to do so by the Returning Officer, who allegedly has close ties with the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), having campaigned on their slate

during the last general elections. “Yesterday some women came to vote and they were in the line, and when they were asked if they were on the list, they said no, yet the Returning Officer allowed them to vote,” a former village leader told the Guyana Chronicle. The man said that during the afternoon session, persons were questioned by residents about their presence at the village office since they were not residents of White Water. “Some people from Yarakita, Orinoco across in Venezuela, and people from other areas outside the village boundary came here and voted,” he said. Residents also alleged that in the weeks leading up to the elections, regional offi-

Polling Day on Thursday at White Water cials aligned to the PPP held meetings at White Water and other villages at Mabaruma. They reportedly told residents of those villages that if they do not vote for certain candidates, the PPP will not be able to return to power. “They came in here at Yarakita, and they told us that we need to vote for the person who eventually won,

because they will not win the next elections if we don’t vote,” one resident of Yarakita told this publication. Village Council elections are being held across the country, and in many villages this year, new candidates have emerged as eventual winners. These elections are held every three years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

New Zealand Women reset ODI record

(ESPNCRICINFO) - NEW Zealand Women amassed 490 for 4 - the highest total in ODI cricket - to smash records and Ireland women at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin. They threatened to break the 500-run barrier when they were 471 for 4 in 49 overs. Seventeen-yearold Amelia Kerr - the fourth New Zealand batter to cross 50 - drove the first two balls of the last over through extra cover for fours. She followed it with another four to the long-on boundary, but could manage only seven off the last three balls. In response, Ireland folded for 144 in 35.3 overs as New Zealand secured the fourth-biggest win in women’s ODIs - by 346 runs. They achieved the biggest win - by 408 runs - when they ran up 455 for

Suzie Bates and Maddy Green get together, Ireland v New Zealand, 1st Women’s ODI, Dublin

5, the previous highest total in ODIs, in Christchurch in 1997. Ireland Women will also be concerned about Isobel Joyce, who did not bat in the chase after bumping her head on the ground while fielding. She had bowled just one over in the first innings. It was captain Suzie Bates and No.3 Maddy Green who set the tone for New Zealand’s mammoth score with quick-fire centuries - 151 off 94 balls and 121 off 77 balls respectively. Bates and debutant Jess Watkin started with a blistering 172-run opening partnership off 18.5 overs at a run rate of 9.13. The stand ended when Rachel Delaney, a substitute fielder, pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at deep square leg to dismiss Watkin for 62 off 59 balls. Bates, who was on 89 off 59 balls then, went on to score her 10th ODI hundred, off only 71 balls.

Only Australia captain Meg Lanning (11) has more ODI centuries than Bates. She reached the landmark when she tucked leg-spinner Gaby Lewis to the leg side for a single and got a hug from team-mate Green in the middle. In the next over, Bates was reprieved on 113 when Louise Little dropped a return catch that went high. Bates further added 38 to her tally before 17-year-old legspinner Cara Murray, also making her ODI debut, drew Bates out of her crease and had her stumped in the 30th over. New Zealand were 288 for 2. Murray also dismissed Amy Satterthwaite, but ended up conceding 119 runs - the worst figures in all ODIs. Three other bowlers - Lewis, Little, and Lara Maritz - gave away 92 runs each while new-ball bowler Amy Kenealy went for 81 in nine overs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday June 09, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1. 11 Tests 2. ARG, St. John’s, 1997 Today’s Quiz: 1. Who is the first player to face a ball in a WI/ SL Test? 2. Where and when did the WI & SL first play an international game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

WI bowl them out! (CMC) - Kieran Powell’s audacious, unbeaten halfcentury underlined West Indies’ dominance of Sri Lanka yesterday, as the hosts installed themselves on day three, as heavy favourites to win the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval. Starting the day with the upper hard, West Indies bowlers remained clinical to bundle Sri Lanka out for a paltry 185, and secure a healthy first-innings lead of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9 , 2018

WI uproot Sri Lanka for 185, lead by 360 229 runs. The left-handed Powell then hammered an elegant 64 to propel the Windies to 131 for four at the close, an overall lead of 360 heading into today’s penultimate day. Powell faced 80 balls in nearly two hours at the crease, stroking six delightful fours and two sixes, as West Indies turned the screws on Sri Lanka leaving them with a mountain to climb to save

the encounter. The Windies bowlers had earlier maintained the advantage, taking the last seven Sri Lanka wickets to fall for the addition of 154 runs. Starting the day on 31 for three, Sri Lanka found themselves in further turmoil in the morning’s third over when Roshen Silva was bowled off his pads by seamer Kemar Roach (2-34) after adding four to his overnight score.

Tottering on 43 for four and in need of a partnership, the visitors found salvation in a 78-run, fifth-wicket stand between captain Dinesh Chandimal who top-scored with 44 and wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella who made 31. The right-handed Chandimal was circumspect throughout, counting five fours in an innings lasting 121 balls and nearly three hours while Dickwella, a left-hander, struck three boundaries in a 79-ball knock. Chandimal appeared set to take his side safely to lunch when he slashed at the first ball of the final over before the break from Shannon Gabriel (2-48), and gave Roston Chase an easy chest-high catch at point. On 125 for five at the interval, Sri Lanka were not afforded the chance to rebuild on the resumption, as they lost their last five wickets for 60 runs. Dickwella hesitated

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over a sharp single and was run-out about half-hour after the break by Kraigg Brathwaite’s direct throw from mid-on at 140 for six, and Rangana Herath (5) survived 15 balls before tugging a short ball from fast bowler Miguel Cummins to substitute Shimron Hetmyer at mid-wicket. Dilruwan Perera was snared by Shai Hope at short leg off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for 20 before Cummins, who finished with three for 39, claimed the last two wickets as Sri Lanka’s innings closed 25 minutes before the scheduled tea interval. With West Indies opting not to enforce the follow-on, openers Devon Smith (20) and Kraigg Brathwaite (16) put on 36 for the first wicket, though neither of them suggested permanence. Veteran Smith struck three fours in a 30ball innings but was out in disappointing circumstances. He enjoyed a huge slice of luck when

Irish Racing Tips Curragh 09:10 hrs Decrypt 09:45 hrs Chillala 10:20 hrs Rattling Jewel 10:55 hrs Mustajeer 11:30 hrs Aared 12:05 hrs Rashaan 12:40 hrs Latrobe South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Green Archer 09:10 hrs Vice Versa 09:45 hrs Carioca 10:15 hrs Arabian Air 10:50 hrs Queen Moira Haydock 09:15 hrs Podemos 09:50 hrs God Given 10:25 hrs Muthmir 11:00 hrs Dutch Connection 11:35 hrs Summerghand 12:10 hrs Dragon Moon 12:45 hrs Armed Response English Racing Tips Musselburgh 08:55 hrs Reverend Jacobs 09:30 hrs Move In Time 10:10 hrs Hard Solution 10:45 hrs Rita’s Man 11:20 hrs Sebastian’s Wish 11:55 hrs Colour Contrast 12:30 hrs Jacob Black

he was bowled off a noball by Suranga Lakmal but then played on to the very next ball, driving at a wide, innocuous delivery. Brathwaite was caught by wicketkeeper Dickwella diving in front of first slip, after edging a punch off the back foot at enterprising pacer Lahiru Kumara (228), leaving West Indies on 55 for two. Shai Hope followed cheaply for one with the total on 75, brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis jumping high at second slip, off Kumara. Powell counter-attacked, however, unfurling an array of pristine off-side drives as he put on 44 for the fourth wicket with Roston Chase (12), to stem the fall of wickets. Taking a liking to Kumara, Powell twice stroked the right-armer for boundaries in one over before top-edging a pull over the keeper’s head for six, a few overs later. He moved into the 40s with an immaculate straight drive off the same bowler before smashing off-spinner Dilruwan Perera for a straight six, to raise his fifth Test half-century off just 59 balls. Powell lost Chase for 12 near the close, bowled by one from left-arm spinner Herath which kept low.

SCORE BOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings 414-8 decl. SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 31 for three) K. Mendis c Holder b Gabriel 4 K. Perera c Chase b Roach 0 D. Chandimal c Chase b Gabriel 44 A. Mathews c Chase b Holder 11 R. Silva b Roach 5 N. Dickwella run-out 31 D. Perera c Hope b Bishoo 20 R. Herath c sub. (Hetmyer) b Cummins 5 S. Lakmal c Bishoo b Cummins 15 L. Gamage not out 0 L. Kumara c wkp. Dowrich b Cummins 8 Extras: (b-8, lb-16, w-12, nb-6) 42 Total: (all out, 55.4 overs) 185 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-16, 3-30, 4-43, 5-121, 6-140, 7-148, 8-156, 9-175. Bowling: Roach 10-3-34-2, Gabriel 13-0-482, Cummins 12.4.-4-39-3, Holder 7-1-15-1, Bishoo 13-2-25-1. WEST INDIES 2nd innings K. Brathwaite c wkp. Dickwella b Kumara 16 D. Smith b Lakmal 20 K. Powell not out 64 S. Hope c Mendis b Kumara 1 R. Chase b Herath 12 S. Dowrich not out 11 Extras: (b-4, lb-2, nb-1) 7 Total: (4 wkts, 40 overs) 131 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-55, 3-75, 4-119. Bowling: Lakmal 8-1-25-1, Gamage 8-223-0, Herath 11-1-22-1, Kumara 5-0-28-2, Perera 8-0-27-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

5 Days to go...

What if Jesper Olsen hadn’t made ‘that’ costly error? IN 1931, Winston Churchill stepped out onto a road in New York City without looking clearly beaten. Another fine victory, but this was one with a sting in the tail. to see whether anything was coming. Unfortunately, a taxicab was driving down the With just a couple of minutes remaining, and the outcome not in doubt, Frank Arnesen street and it couldn’t avoid hitting him. inexplicably kicked out at Lothar Matthäus after being tackled from behind. A red card Fortunately, both for Churchill and for the freedom of the western world, he survived and an automatic suspension duly followed, forcing Pointek into reorganising his highly the accident. 55 years later, Jesper Olsen also failed to look what he was doing. To him, impressive midfield. however, fate was not be so kind. Even more ominously, Denmark’s opponents in the Until the dawn of the 1980s, Denmark were one of the second round were to be Spain, the nation that had ended also-rans of international football. They’d never qualified their European Championship campaign in the semi-finals for the finals of a World Cup and their solitary appearance two years earlier. at the European Championships, in 1964, was barely That game finished 1-1 after extra-time, necessitating a deserved, given that they only had to beat Malta, Albania penalty shootout. Both sides scored their first four penalties and Luxembourg to get there. Then, suddenly, the stars and, uncharacteristically, it was Elkjær who became the aligned. villain; sending his strike high over the bar. A gifted new generation of footballers came of age Spain scored the remaining penalty, leaving the Danes and, in Sepp Piontek, the Danes found a coach capable to rue what might have been. Denmark then had a chance of harnessing their talents. This new group announced for revenge, but it was an opportunity they would fail to themselves by qualifying for the 1984 European take - and in some style. Championships ahead of England, crucially beating them Spain had recovered from an opening defeat to Brazil at Wembley 1-0. to reach the second round with straight-forward victories At the subsequent finals they acquitted themselves over Northern Ireland and Algeria, neither of whom had admirably, reaching the semi-finals after a five-goal impressed. trouncing of Yugoslavia and recovering from a two-goal Denmark’s coruscating form inevitably made them deficit to beat Belgium. favourites to progress and all appeared to be going to plan The Danes built on that achievement by qualifying for when Jesper Olsen put them in front after half an hour of the 1986 World Cup finals, topping their group ahead of play with a deftly-taken penalty. the top-seeded Soviets. Selected in the squad for Mexico Then, with the game trickling into halftime, the were players who plied their trade for many of Europe’s aforementioned winger committed perhaps the gravest top clubs, ranging from Juventus and Bayern Munich to offence in the history of Danish football. He collected the Liverpool and Manchester United. Indeed, only seven of ball from his goalkeeper just beyond the right hand side of the squad played in the Danish league, and most of them the penalty area, neatly dummied his way past a Spanish would not get to kick a ball at the World Cup. forward then, without looking, played it back to where he Denmark’s globetrotting stars included Morten Olsen, thought the goalkeeper was. Only the Danish goalkeeper an accomplished sweeper; Preben Elkjær, a stubbled getter wasn’t there. of goals, and Jesper Olsen, a waifish left-winger. Chief Instead, the ball landed straight in the path of Emilio amongst their talents, however, was the incomparable Butragueño, who pounced to score; Olsen immediately Michael Laudrup; a player gifted enough to be spoken finding out just why the Spaniard was nicknamed ‘The about in the same breath as Cruyff, Platini and Baggio. Vulture’. To understand how many fine players Denmark had at The Danes simply weren’t the same after that. It was their disposal in 1986, consider the plight of Jan Mølby. almost as if Olsen’s heinous error reminded them that they He was the creative heart of the Liverpool side that won were mortal, that they weren’t the unstoppable force that the domestic double that season, famously inspiring their the group matches had led them to believe they were. Their comeback against Everton in the FA Cup final by creating match against Spain should have been the next stepping two goals and playing a key role in the third. Yet he stone on the way to ultimate glory. Instead, it became the was almost an extra in Mexico, only making the Danish Butragueño show. starting eleven once in the four games they played. The Spanish striker scored a further three goals in the The prospects of Denmark making a mark on the second-half as the Danes chased the game, leaving huge 1986 World Cup were not helped by being drawn into holes in their defence that he eagerly took advantage of. that tournament’s ‘Group of Death’. To progress they One of his teammates also had the temerity to get on the would have to get the better of West Germany; successive scoresheet, but it was only from a penalty that Butragueño finalists in three World Cups between 1982 and 1990; had won. The result was a surprise; the 5-1 scoreline simply Uruguay, the reigning Copa América champions and shocking. Scotland, a doughty side under the leadership of Alex Sadly, Denmark’s World Cup was over, but Spain’s Jesper Olsen in action for Denmark during their FIFA World Ferguson. In the event, they made short work of them all. Cup Qualifying match against USSR didn’t last much longer either. They succumbed to Belgium A goal from Elkjær put the Scots to the sword and in the quarter-finals, who were then dismissed with relative then came the victory that really made the world sit up and take notice: a 6-1 thrashing of ease by Maradona’s Argentina in the last four. Uruguay. Perhaps if Jesper Olsen had been a little more diligent, and Denmark had taken The South Americans had arrived as one of the favourites to take home the trophy, but their lead into half-time, the Danes could have controlled the second-half and they were undone by a majestic display of attacking football. Elkjær secured a deserved continued their progress. If they had, then maybe Maradona wouldn’t have had hat-trick, but the pick of the goals was scored by Laudrup, who waltzed his way past a his moment of glory at all; his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal being no more than a succession of bewildered Uruguayans before sliding the ball home. Next up were the West curious footnote to World Cup history, rather than the pivotal moment it eventually Germans, and while they weren’t battered like the Uruguayans had been, they were still turned out to be.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9 , 2018

EBFA leg of GFF Academy Training Centre setting a solid platform THE initiative was birthed under former Technical Director of the GFF, Claude Bolton, in 2015, but was rolled out under current GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood in January of 2017 with sponsorship from Scotiabank. By now you are aware that we are talking about the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Scotiabank Academy Training Centres which is a nationwide initiative aimed at setting a solid technical and tactical foundation for the next generation of national players, Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags. Bolton, in his wisdom to have these centres going, facilitated a ‘D’ Licensed Coaches Course to equip coaches with the relevant knowledge to empower the main and most important resources, our young players. Former player, president and founder of the Herstelling Raiders Football Club, now GFF Technical Development Officer of the East Bank Football Association, Devnon Winter, was successful in the Bolton-ran course which was the beginning of what is turning out to be an exciting coaching journey. So it was no surprise that the current GFF and TD Greenwood chose Winter as the leader of the Scotiabank/ EBFA Academy Training Centre, which caters for players from age 6 to 17 from all clubs affiliated to the association and which are held primarily on Saturdays and Sundays due to the fact that these kids have to attend school during the week which makes it challenging for during-theweek sessions. Coach Winter: “It has been one year now that the academy is actually up and running. We have been able to get our grassroots sessions running every Saturday targeting players from age five (5) to eleven (11). “We try to make it a fun thing for these kids as we try to get them to like the game. You must note that these are players who have never been exposed to the game these

Shaping the next generation: EBFA Technical Development Ofiicer, coach Devnon Winter (left) and fellow coaches seen with some of the Academy players.

sessions go for one hour, 09:00hrs to 10:00hrs.” Following the grassroots segment of the academy; attention turns to the U-13 players. “This session kicks off at 10:30hrs to last for one hour and it is at this age we teach the basics of the game, like coordination and control of the ball with your feet and head. We do not do any tactical work as yet; we expose them to lots of technical work as laid out in the framework, set out by the GFF’s Technical Department.” Winter informed that the Youth Technical Development Officer of the GFF, Bryan Joseph, circulates on a weekly basis, the framework that should be used by all the academy training centres as all the sessions are run in a uniform manner. “Every academy across Guyana does the same session on a weekly basis, for e.g, if our U-13s are doing passes this Saturday, that is mirrored across Guyana and it also includes the warm-up session. This is repeated for two weeks before we go to something else. So this is the plan that we follow, as set out by the

Youth Development Coach and the TD of the GFF.” The U-15 sessions are almost similar to the U-13s but Winter shared that the sessions are a bit more intense where a bit more is applied to the players when they are on the ball. This is where more tactics are introduced and will flow right into the U-17s. Winter also noted that by this stage, the players would have come through the mill from the grassroots level all the way up and would be model players. The academies are made up of the best players in the associations: “Yes, we have the best players at the various levels mentioned before, the 16 best inclusive of two goalkeepers each. We work to take them to the next level of technical and tactical soundness. “We also focus on ensuring that these players are good ambassadors allround, meaning they are responsible and display the right attitude on and off the field. “We try to teach them basic life skills and apart from that, we encourage them to be positive in their thinking and general outlook.”

Winter also pointed out that weekly reports are sent to the GFF of the past week which would include any incidents as well as suggestions on how they (coaches) feel about the sessions along with suggestions. “Basically, these academy players have to be at their best in terms of their behaviour and mannerisms as long as they are part of this set-up. This is not just about talent and being technically good, there are other attributes that come along with being an academy player.” The multiplicity of youth tournaments played on the East Bank affords coaches the opportunity to scout the best available players at the U-13, U-15 and U-17 levels which prompted coach Winter to say emphatically, that he has the best teams at these levels in Guyana. Another strategy, Winter shared, that is encouraged is that players must know the names of one another, including their call names, as they strive to build a solid chemistry and relationships among the players. The job is by no means an easy task but Winter boasted that he and his team

of seven coaches love what they do. “I have an excited team of coaches working along with me, on shaping the next generation of players in our association and by extension, Guyana. Two joined the fold recently, Dillion Roberts and Cordel Johnson. We are all on the same page before starting every session and everyone has the chance to run sessions.” The other five coaches on board are Winter, Levi Braithwaite, Orien Angoy and junior coaches Walter Scott and Amanda Angoy. In relation to club support, Winter noted that many clubs would have been somewhat hesitant initially. Winter and Braithwaite are full time employees of the GFF. “There is a kind of culture that came from way back where clubs were hesitant to send their players thinking that this is something where a coach just wants to see the players and if they have good talent we take them to a particular club but that is not what we are about. “Our ultimate goal is to get the players technically and tactically sound to make it at the national or professional levels and to

be the best possible players they can be.” Winter is happy that the response now is great, to the extent that more coaches and club administrators are getting on board week in and week out. “I would like to say that the support of the EBFA has been tremendous in terms of support for the ATC. Clubs are responding in a huge way. Sessions are held every week, rain or shine. The GFF also needs to be commended for the vision it has shown in ensuring that the ATC is supported.” Many of the players would have already made the national team. Tyrell Khan made the Under-17 team even as a 15-yearold and is now one of the leading players in the academy. Khan and Shannon Samnauth were part of the historic U-15 team that won the Squaglia Cup in St Martin last year. Other players called at the U-14 level are Shoran James, Devon Padmore, Solomon Austin and Devon Scott. On the radar is Neron Barrow. Winter noted that the player would have been scouted by coaches outside of the EBFA pool. “The work has just started and we are committed to doing our best to ensure that the next generation of national players will be sound, solid and able to represent their nation with pride.” Looking ahead, Winter said that based on an increased pool of coaches, he plans to launch grassroots programmes at Agricola and Kuru Kururu - a strategic move to assist players from that area.. “When this is achieved, there would be three grassroots programmes, run in tandem which would further increase the talent pool on the East Bank.. “I think in time to come, the standard of football from U-15 would be impacted in a positive way at the national level based on the level of work we are doing. The process would be gradual and once we are consistent, we will reap the rewards.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

YBG supports LABA/Regional Schools Basketball C/ship Triple-header on today THE stage is all set for the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s (LABA) Linden YBG Regional Schools Under-19 championship, which bounces off today with a tripleheader at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. Six schools, Mackenzie High, Harmony Secondary, Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary, Linden Technical Institute, Wisburg Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary are involved in this championship which has attracted major sponsorship from Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG). This tournament will be used also to select the top three teams for this year’s National Basketball Festival to be hosted by the YBG from June 24 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, two days after the completion of the Linden Regional final. Additionally, beverage giant Banks DIH has also thrown its support behind the LABA Secondary Schools basketball competition with its Powerade and Aqua Mist Water for the players for

which secretary Joe Chapman said he was grateful. In fact, the Linden Regional championship has a tight schedule of eight playing days starting at 13:00hrs when Mackenzie High face Christianburg/Wismar Secondary. That will be followed by the Harmony Secondary versus Linden Technical Institute at 14:30hrs, with the third game featuring New Silvercity Secondary against Wisburg at 16:00hrs. The YBG is collaborating with LABA for the championship which will continue on Monday and Wednesday with triple-headers. Following that, the remaining playing dates will be double-headers almost every other day until the tournament final is played the following Friday June 22 at the tournament venue. The LABA official also was quick to thank the MSC management committee for the support in making the venue available for the tournament at short notice, in the interest of promoting the sport at the youth level.

Chapman mentioned that the Regional Education Department of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), without hesitation, gave its blessings to stage the tournament which will provide sport competition among the schools. On Thursday, YBG handed over its sponsorship package which included two basketballs, one pair of nets, the championship trophy and an undisclosed cheque to assist with the operational costs for the championship. Secretary of the LABA, Joseph Chapman, said he was very heartened by the assistance given by YBG, which has demonstrated over the years its willingness to further the promotion and development of the sport particularly at school and youth levels.” Director of YBG noted that his organisation felt it necessary to come on board with LABA, as “the best persons to do basketball at the regional level are the associations, as they can also involve the clubs to assist the schools to develop the school players”.

LABA secretary Joe Chapman (right) sponsorship from YBG’s Chris Bowman.

Annual PWD swim meet a success with over 30 participants … King receives NSC’s PWD Sports Woman 2017 Award

Director of Sport Christopher Jones presents Faith King with her NSC PWD Sportswoman-of-the-Year 2017 award.

THE National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Annual Persons with Disabilities (PWD) swim meet was a success with over 30 participants at the Colgrain Pool on Camp Street. Participants came from institutions such as St Barnabas Special School, Diamond Special Needs School, Gifted Hands, HB Davis Special School, David Rose Special School and the Open Doors Centre. Additionally the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones handed over NSC’s PWD Sportswoman-of-the-Year 2017 award to Faith King. The overall results of the meet are as

follows: First place: St Barnabas Special School 5 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze Second Place: Diamond Special School 3 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze Third Place: Gifted Hands - 1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze Fourth Place: Open Doors - 5 gold Fifth Place: HB Davis Special School - 1 gold, 1 silver Outstanding athletes included: Rohit Lowtan (Open Doors) - 2 gold Faith King (St Barnabas Special School) - 1 gold, 1 silver Davena Nauth (St Barnabas Special School) - 2 gold

GFF, MoE exploring possibility of a Primary Schools football programme THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has shown interest in developing a Primary Schools Football Programme and yesterday met with Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, at her Brickdam office. Representing the GFF during the discussion was GFF president Wayne Forde along with Technical Director (TD) Ian Greenwood and Youth Development Officer (YDO) Brian Joseph. TD Greenwood, in an overview, pointed out that the programme will support football development in Guyana at all levels starting from

grassroots all the way up to the senior level. He further explained that the implementation of the programme will result in the increase of player population in the sport and improve the quality of youth coaching. The TD further revealed that the vision of the programme is to propel youth development and to increase the population of persons, male and female, involved in the game countrywide. The programme is also designed to produce players who have the ability to play at a high tempo, can deal with the stress of playing to win, possess

athletic potential, have an efficientbased passing game, along with a balanced view of success and failure as well as possess excellent technical ability. The programme will involve a preseason session which will entail staff training and a regional competition and final. The GFF will also assist in providing material support to the schools as it relates to gear and coaching education for teachers. Following the presentation, Minister Henry thanked the GFF for approaching the ministry with the initiative and highlighted that the programme aligns with the policy of

the ministry. She said that it has been the policy of government to have Physical Education as a core curriculum subject since 2015. Minister Henry said that the Ministry of Education is willing to provide any support that is necessary to ensure the programme is executed successfully. The minister committed to engaging the relevant officers within the ministry to start the process so that the GFF’s programme can be accommodated and executed with the requisite level of support.

collects

A rousing prayer for a national medallist “HOW are we going to live without her? If Lazarus could have risen from the dead, then my only daughter could be healed!” Those were some of the words Yonette Clark declared yesterday as she hoped for the best, even as her daughter, Beyonce Ross, clings to life. Yesterday a team of police ranks from Berbice headed by Deputy Commander Wayne DeHearte paid a visit to the bedside of the ‘brain-dead’ national cyclist who copped three gold medals at the national level. Up to late yesterday the family was receiving constant briefs from doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where the 15-year-old has been hospitalised since earlier this week after being transferred from the premier health institution in New Amsterdam. Yesterday at the hospital the police provided the family with financial assistance to cover some amount of their travelling expenses. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at the hospital, the mother of the ailing athlete pointed out that the family is optimistic that Ross would pull through and this is largely due to feedbacks from the doctors. However, the mother, based on the latest update that the child is brain-dead, says the family is now expecting a miracle. The athlete’s siblings and parents were present at GPH, even as she lay in the Intensive Care Unit breathing with aid. Yesterday the police prayed with the family before moving close to her hospital bed and also praying for her.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9 , 2018

Possible playoff matches BCB secures sponsorship for for Guyana in CPL 2018 By Stephan Sookram

GUYANA may still be on the cards as a host venue for the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2018. While several reports published recently did not feature Guyana as a host venue for any of the matches, an indication that the country may possibly host matches came yesterday. The CPL released media accreditation forms which featured accreditation for Guyana as a host venue, ending many fears that matches might not be hosted here. More surprising is

that said form featured accreditation for playoff matches in Guyana, separate and aside from the Group stage matches. A call to CPL’s Head of PR and Communications Peter Miller, confirmed that matches may be heading this way. “We really appreciate the patience of Guyanese CPL fans as we wait while we finish up the final few details and we are hoping that we can confirm everything that is going to happen with those games, very shortly,” he said. There are seven matches with venues unconfirmed so far. The first is the Guyana

Amazon Warriors (GAW) and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on August 9 with another two days later seeing the GAW take on the St Lucia Stars as well as one on August 12 when the GAW play the Barbados Tridents. Just under a month later on September 8 and 9, GAW face the Jamaica Tallawahs then the Trinbago Knight Riders at unnamed venues. The two play-off matches are also set for September 11 and 12. The other regular host countries already have their fixtures dates and locations with Jamaica to host two matches on August 14 & 15.

Trinidad has three matches between August 8 and 11 and two matches on September 5 and 6 as well as the semifinal and final on September 14 and 16 while Barbados has four matches between August 25 and September 2. The United States has three matches between August 18 and 22 while St Lucia has five matches between August 16 and 25. St Kitts has five matches between August 28 and September 4. Miller continued, “We are currently working with the Guyana Government to bring as many games of CPL cricket to Guyana as possible.”

FIH coach Jagday satisfied with national hockey teams’ CAC Games preparations … Focus on fine-tuning of teams By Michelangelo Jacobus INTERNATIONAL Hockey Federation (FIH) coach, Shiv Jagday, who is currently in Guyana for two weeks to work with coaches, players and officials, has said that he is pleased with the preparations of the men’s and women’s National teams ahead of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games set for July 19August 3. Speaking to Chronicle Sport at a recent practice session, Jagday pointed out; “It’s going very well, I am pleased with the way the men’s National team have prepared for the CAC Games, They are way ahead. The women’s team … they are focused, and they are working hard. We are now in the process; we are working on the finer parts of the game.” Some of the key areas Jagday has pinpointed that work needs to be done are tactical intelligence, reading of plays and developing mental pictures. “As soon as a situation arises they will now know what the solution is and make the right decisions in

FIH coach Shiv Jagday guides a player through his paces on the artificial turf, at GCC. (Adrian Narine photo)

split seconds. It is something that is very hard to teach. As the players grow older it becomes more difficult, but if they are younger it becomes easier. However, they are picking up, they are intelligent players. Of course

other areas are tactics, separating the ball in the bag, creating goal-scoring opportunities, what you do when you have the ball, what you do when you’re off the ball and so forth.” The National coaches, Robert Fernandes (men’s),

Philip Fernandes (women’s) and Damon Woodroffe (women’s) came in for high praise from Jagday, as he pointed out; “they have built a tremendous base and now I’m just building on it.” Jagday learned his hockey in his native India but has coached at the international level in both the USA and Canada. Shiv has been conducting international clinics and coaching teams for the past 40 years. After a successful stint in the 1980s as the Canadian men’s national team coach where he led them to their most successful international period of two Olympic appearances, two World Cups and two Pan American gold medals, Jagday branched out into developmental coaching worldwide. His first such assignment was to Guyana in 1988 at the invitation of then President of the Guyana Hockey Board of Control, Chris Fernandes. During the next two weeks, 40 boys and 30 girls between the ages of 13 and 19 will attend the junior sessions while 30 coaches are also expected to benefit.

double-wicket tournament

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has secured sponsorship for a doublewicket cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne area. The sponsorship would be officially launched tomorrow during the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Awards Ceremony at the Taj Mahal Hotel. BCB president Hilbert Foster, during a face-thepublic interaction with clubs in the Upper Corentyne Area in April, had made several commitments. These included obtaining sponsorships for 20/20, 40-over and doublewicket competitions for Upper Corentyne teams, providing balls for teams arranging coaching sessions and organising an Awards Ceremony for players. With the launching of the tournament, which is valued at just under $200

Hilbert Foster

000, Foster would have fulfilled all of his promises in just three months. The competition would attract pairs from 28 clubs based in the subassociation. The sponsor of the competition is Surendra Ganesh of Nand Persaud Ganesh Packaging.

Mike Parris Schoolboys and Juniors tourney box off today at `Six Head’ gym THE third Mike Parris Schoolboys and Juniors Amateur Boxing Championships will box-off today from 13:00hrs at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym, located at Callender and Independence Boulevard, Albouystown. The event promises to be exciting and action-packed as the country’s younger pugilists face off in three two-minute rounds in each of the 15 bouts scheduled for the day. The event is being staged by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), which is upping its concentration on its nursery in the next two months, beginning with today’s tournament. It all leads up to the Third Caribbean Schoolboys

and Juniors Championships set to be held here in Guyana from August 17 to 19. According to GBA president Steve Ninvalle, today’s tournament will be organised by AIBA’s ThreeStar qualified coach Sebert Blake. Ninvalle said the other dates of the preparation programme will be June 23, July 7 and 21 and August 4 and all of these programmes will be held at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym. Meanwhile, the GBA is expecting boxers from St Lucia, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Suriname and, for the first time, French Guiana, Turks & Caicos Islands and Cayman Islands for the Caribbean Championships.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9, 2018

Sea Otters Swim Club meet a resounding success JUST last weekend, young swimmers got much needed competition as Swim Academy Sea Otters hosted its Inter-Club swim meet. The Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal saw thrilling competition as the usual suspects dominated the pool. Aleka Persaud of Orca Swim Club ran amok in the Girls’ 11-12 category with a win in every encounter. At the end of the day, she took away the 50m backstroke, 50m stroke, 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and the 100m freestyle. Multiple National record holder Leon Seaton of Silver Shark Swim Club also walked away with wins every time he jumped into the pool. He copped the 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly

and the 50m freestyle. Raekwon Noel of Sea Otters and Ethan Gonsalves of Dorado Speed swim clubs went back and forth with their wins. Noel got the upper hand in the 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly. However, he had to take second place when Gonsalves dominated the 50m and 100m freestyle encounters. Daniel Scott of Dorado Speed Swim Club and Shareefah Lewis of Sea Otters also won big in their respective categories. At the end of the meet, the Dolphin Speed Swim Club walked away with the first prize copping 445 points, Sea Otters took second place with 433 points and Dorado Speed rounded off the podium with 427.

Overall winners at the Sea Otters swim club meet.

UK Software firm 1E supports cricket clubs ExxonMobil … Former national middle-distance star instrumental FORMER national middledistance star Waveney Benn was once again instrumental in getting the support of UK firm 1E to contribute to the development of sport in her homeland Guyana. Benn, who dominated the local scene in the late seventies and early eighties, before migrating to the UK, has been making the annual pilgrimage to give back to young athletics, but this time she has ventured into other disciplines as well. Last Wednesday, Benn, who represented Guyana with distinction at the regional level, made a timely donation to representatives of two cricket clubs, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and the Malteenoes Cricket Club (MSC) with the main objective being the further development of young players. DCC was represented by former West Indies and Guyana all-rounder Roger Harper while MSC’s Shawn Holder was the recipient on the club’s behalf. The former middle-distance star has over the years contributed significantly to athletics and even though she emphatically stated that she has not abandoned her sport of choice, the urge to support other disciplines on this particular trip was too

Former national middle-distance star Waveney Benn (centre) poses with fellow staffers and the cricket bats in the UK shortly before she returned to Guyana.

overwhelming to resist. “No I have not abandoned track & field this is the sport that did a lot for me, but I just felt that this was the time to offer my support to other disciplines and I decided to solicit the assistance of my employer - 1E - and fellow staffers; so I’m here today to present cricket bats to the two clubs that were recommended to me,” Benn said. This is not the first time that the UK Software firm 1E has supported Benn in her endeavours and, according to her, CEO Sumir Karayi expressed delight in extending his goodwill once again. Benn also acknowledged

the support given by her fellow staffers, who she revealed did not hesitate when asked for their support. “I have an excellent relationship with my company and staffers and I would like to extend my gratitude to all of them, especially to Mr Karayi and Denise Shillito, we are a family.” The easy-going Benn disclosed she would always search for ways to give back ever since she left Guyana, so whenever the opportunity presents itself for her to return, her mission is always to share something. Reflecting on the source of

motivation, Benn informed that it stemmed from the fact that during her career she too sometimes did not have the adequate footwear and clothing, and she made a promise to help poor athletes so that their talent would not go to waste. However, she insisted that the ones she really loves to help are those who portray the right attitude and commitment because they remind her of her own approach and dedication to sport. She thanked the Software firm for its timely support and wished the relationship would grow from strength to strength in the future. The CEO, she said, was very supportive of her venture and promised to continue assisting her, especially knowing that it is for a good cause. Meanwhile, Harper thanked the track & field star for venturing out of the sport she loves on this occasion to assist another. This he said says a lot about her, adding that it is indeed a tremendous gesture. Holder in his response echoed similar sentiments, adding that Guyana needs many more Waveney Benns and urged more overseas-based Guyanese, especially those who have played sports, to give back.

U-14 Football to commence today

THE much-anticipated inaugural ExxonMobil/Pepsi U-14 Boys and Girls football tournament is set finally to begin today. The tournament, which was postponed from last Saturday on account of the inclement weather, will commence at 09:45hrs with the march past at the Ministry of Education ground. The organisers, Petra Organisation, contended that the fixtures remain the same with Tutorial opening against Buxton Youth Development. Marian Academy will play Uitvlugt, Dolphin Secondary will face Ann’s Grove, Bishops’ High will meet Annandale, Carmel will oppose Vergenoegen and New Campbellville will clash with Brickdam. In the second half of the day, Tucville will challenge Queenstown Secondary, Chase will play St John’s, North Ruimveldt Multi will take on School of the Nations, East Ruimveldt will face St George’s and Kingstown confront South Ruimveldt During a recent briefing, Petra codirector Troy Mendonca noted that with the smaller number of female teams, their competition would not start until the third week of action. In the interval, he said, the Guyana Football Federation has offered to do coaching courses for the female teams and their coaches in an attempt to enhance that aspect.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 9 , 2018

WI bowl them out!

WI uproot Sri Lanka for 185, lead by 360 PAGE

30 Roshen Silva is bowled on the third day of the first Test between Windies and Sri Lanka yesterday, June 8, 2018 at Queenâ€™s Park Oval. (CWI Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

Annual PWD swim meet a success with over 30 participants PAGE

Action at the Annual PWD swim meet at Colgrain Pool.

Possible playoff matches for Guyana in 34 CPL 2018 PAGE

A rousing prayer for a national medallist

PAGE

33 Members of the Guyana Police Force, led by Deputy Commander Wayne DeHearte prayed with the family of Beyonce Ross, a National cyclist who is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018