Issuu

TUESDAY 21st August, 2018

No.105373

‘We don’t want a

confrontation’

PAGE

– gov’t still working on a solution President Granger says ahead of planned GTU strike

Teachers met on Monday to strategise as to how they will approach their planned strike action (Delano Williams photo)

Gov’t agrees $20 hike in Elderly man killed See page 14 minibus fares in boat collision 12 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Freedom came at a high price --Pres. Granger reminds celebrants of the 1823 Demerara Revolt By Svetlana Marshall “FREEDOM was not an imperial gift but was won through the sacrifice and the martyrdom of ancestors,” President David Granger said Monday. He did so as he reflected on the more than 200 enslaved Africans who were killed during the 1823 Demerara Revolt. President Granger on Monday joined Ministers of Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Guyanese, particularly the residents of Bachelor’s Adventure to commemorate the 1823 Demerara Revolt during a ceremony at the Demerara Revolt Monument at Atlantic Avenue. Delivering the keynote address, President Granger turned backed the pages of history as he painted a clear picture of the revolt and the

events that followed. Involving more than 11,000 Africans across more than 55 plantations along the East Coast of Demerara, President Granger said the Demerara Revolt degenerated into a massacre when the British West India Regiment and other forces deployed to quell the revolt, opened fire upon on a group of 2,000 Africans at Bachelor’s Adventure, slaughtering more than 200 of them at one go. “The rebels were pursued along the East Coast Demerara; brought to hasty drumhead trials, most lasting a few minutes; found guilty on the basis of flimsy evidence, and sentenced to executions and floggings,” President Granger said. “Those sentenced to death were tied to trees and shot immediately. Their corpses were laid side by side on the ground, decapitated,

formal court martial was convened in Georgetown on August 25, 1823 under Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Arthur Goodman, public executions took place on the Militia Parade Ground, on Middle and Carmichael Streets, South Cummingsburg, now known as Independence Park.

President David Granger laying a wreath at the 1823 Demerara Revolt Monument

and their heads placed on

East Coast,” he told those

poles on the public roads in

gathered for the memorial.

front of the plantations of the

He said that while a

FLAME OF FREEDOM President Granger, who read History while at university, said that though the 1823 Demerara Revolt was suppressed, it ignited the flame of freedom. Here in Guyana, he said, August 20 is designated ‘Demerara Martyrs Day’ in homage of the victims of the Demerara Revolt, and he wants all Guyanese to understand and appreciate sacrifice made to acquire freedom. “I urge Guyanese to continue to commemorate this event. I urge future generations to remember that freedom was bought at the high price of the martyrdom of hundreds of Africans on August 20, 1823,” he pleaded. Sports and Cultural Activist, Aaron Blackman said during his presentation that

President David Granger commemorating the 1823 Demerara Revolt

Monday marked the 195TH Turn to page 3 ◄

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

‘We don’t want a confrontation’ – gov’t still working on a solution President Granger says ahead of planned GTU strike

By Svetlana Marshall JUST when the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is spoiling for industrial action over salary increases for teachers, President David Granger is saying there is no need for a confrontation. As the president was at pains to explain, the financial proposals put forward by his government are enough to bring relief to teachers. Based on a report from a high-level committee on public education, the Education Ministry, following consultations with the Finance Ministry, allocated $700M to facilitate salary increases for teachers, in addition to $200 million to address de-bunching for the year 2018. But when Education Minister Nicolette Henry met with the GTU recently on these two critical matters, the proposals were overturned. On the sideline of a com-

memorative ceremony for the 1823 Demerara Revolt at the Demerara Revolt Monument on Monday, President Granger told reporters that the Education Minister is working towards agreement. “We don’t want a confrontation; we don’t want a clash. We value the services of teachers,” he said when approached by the Guyana Chronicle, and posited that while a high-level committee was established to find a solution, that solution has not yet been found, but his government is not giving up. The high-level committee was put together last November to address salary negotiations and other issues affecting teachers. The matters to be addressed included non-salary issues, allowances, de-bunching and matters highlighted during the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector, in addition to the GTU Multi-Year Agreement. “We haven’t found a

President David Granger

solution,” President Granger said, adding: “We are continuing to work for a solution; we are not aiming to have a confrontation. “We know that the teachers have some rights, but we know Government also has some obligations.” Asked whether the government intends to put a

new proposal on the table in light of the pending nationwide industrial action, President Granger said the government’s proposals were announced by the Education Minister following meetings with the Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Those proposals, he emphasised, are still under consideration.

The president said the GTU was urged to consider the obligations of the government to other sectors of the economy in making its demands, as he pointed to the $32B which was pumped into the sugar industry and other initiatives taken to solve the problems it inherited from the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. “I think that some of the demands are justifiable, and we provided the funds, which could, in our estimation, provide relief to the teachers,” President Granger said, adding: “Don’t forget that over the last three years, the salaries of the lowest paid teachers have increased by 50 per cent, so the teachers weren’t excluded; they weren’t ignored; they weren’t omitted.” At the commemorative ceremony to mark the 195th Anniversary of the 1823 Demerara Revolt, Sports and Cultural Activist Aaron

Blackman used the opportunity to make a public appeal. “I pray earnestly that the Guyana Teachers’ Union and the Ministry of Education can humbly, cooperatively and sensibly work to avert a strike that can seriously harm our national development programme for a very long time,” Blackman pleaded. GTU President Mark Lyte, following the last meeting with the Education Ministry, told reporters that its proposed salary increases for teachers are extremely important, stressing that teachers cannot survive on the salary they are presently receiving. The GTU has proposed an across-the-board increase in salary of 40% for 2016; 45% in 2017; and 50% in 2018, 2019 and 2020 be granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators for the years 2016-2020.

Freedom came at ...

A section of the gathering (Photos by Delano Williams)

Anniversary of the 1823 Demerara Revolt. “One-hundred-and-ninety-five years ago our forefathers said enough was enough and downed tools and declared their freedom from slavery, a feat that came 60 years after the revolt that was staged by Cuffy in the County of Berbice,” Blackman said. Using the opportunity to renew calls for ancestral lands to be returned to the people of Bachelor’s Adventure, the activist said: “On behalf of the people

of Bachelor’s Adventure, I am happy to take this opportunity to renew their call for their backlands that were stolen to be returned. We shall continue to struggle to retain our land that was gifted to us through a sealed Licence of Occupancy granted by the imperial Crown of the British Empire in the year 1838 to the landowners of Bachelor’s Adventure as compensation. “This offer was made mainly due to the atrocity committed on these grounds where hundreds of our an-

cestors were slaughtered on that plantation.” CALL TO ORGANISE In moving forward, Blackman said that Afro-Guyanese must organise socially, culturally, economically, politically and spiritually to be respected by other people. “Agriculture remains our pillar towards economic empowerment. Soon, all-weather roads should be taking us into our farmlands of African Guyanese villages,” he posited, while

◄ From page 2

Sports and Cultural Activist, Aaron Blackman

emphasising the need to be vigilant where work is undertaken by contractors within communities to improve infrastructure. He noted that Christian churches located within Afro-Guyanese communities must play a more pivotal role in empowering young people, both socially and economically. He stressed that young people must be given the opportunity to experience immediate moderate transformation. “Youth-friendly spaces to effect youth development

in every village now becomes a greater priority, as has always been the case,” Blackman said, adding: “These centres must be managed by young people. We have for years treated our sports and cultural industry with scant respect, resulting in mediocrity and underdevelopment of an industry that remains most untapped, unprotected yet full of potential to be harnessed and marketed locally and internationally.” He also called for greater attention to be placed on

the education sector, noting that technology must be capitalised upon to advance the sector. Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, other Ministers of Government, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Regional Officials, representatives from ACDA, and residents of Bachelor’s Adventure were among those present.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Pope Francis condemns child sex abuse and Church cover-ups (BBC) Pope Francis has condemned the “atrocities” of child sex abuse and clerical cover-ups in a letter to the world’s 1.2bn Roman Catholics. The letter to “the People of God” calls for an end to the “culture of death” in the Church, addresses failures to deal with abuse and asks for forgiveness. Last week a grand jury report detailed seven decades of abuse in Pennsylvania. The landmark investigation found more than 1,000 identifiable minors had been abused by 300 priests in the US state. Thousands more are thought to have fallen victim. The inquiry found evidence of systematic cover-ups by the Church, with many cases now too old for prosecution. After the report was made

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public, the Vatican said the Pope was on the side of victims against “predator” priests. What did the Pope say? The Vatican says it is the first time a Pope has addressed a letter to the entire Catholic population on the topic of sex abuse. In Monday’s 2,000-word letter he addresses the US scandal directly and acknowledges the Church’s role in failing to act sooner. He describes the “heart-wrenching pain of these victims” that were “long ignored, kept quiet or silenced”. “With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives,” he writes.

The Pope’s letter addressed the “heartwrenching pain” of abuse victims in Pennsylvania after the report was released

“We showed no care for the little ones; we abandoned them.” The Pope’s message quotes a passage from the Bible in Corinthians that says “if one member suffers, all suffer together” and calls for the Church to come to grips with the reality of what has hap-

pened in a “comprehensive and communal way”. “If, in the past, the response was one of omission, today we want solidarity, in the deepest and most challenging sense, to become our way of forging present and future history. “It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable. Let us beg forgiveness for our own sins and the sins of others.” What are the latest cases? The letter’s release comes days before the Pope is due to travel to Ireland to address the Church’s World Meeting of Families. The head of Ireland’s Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop Eamon Martin, has said he expects Pope Francis to meet victims of clerical sex abuse during his visit to Dublin. Child sexual abuse scandals continue to embroil the

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Church around the globe. Last month the former archbishop of Washington DC, Theodore McCarrick, stepped down over abuse accusations against him. US church officials described as credible allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenager nearly 50 years ago. He says he has no recollection of this. In May, Archbishop Philip Wilson became the most senior Catholic in the world to be charged with concealing child sexual abuse in Australia in the 1970s.

What has the reaction been? Margaret McGuckin from Survivors & Victims of Institutional Abuse, a historic abuse charity based in Northern Ireland, said the Pope’s response was “too little too late” and said “nothing will change” with the letter. Anne Barrett-Doyle, co-director of clerical abuse tracking website BishopAccountability. org, said there needed to be “more actions, less words”

from Pope Francis. “He needs an effective discipline process for bishops and religious superiors who are known to have enabled abuse,” she said. Irish campaigner Marie Collins, who was abused by a priest as a teenager, welcomed the condemnation of Church cover-ups, but said more concrete action on accountability was needed. Last year Ms Collins resigned from a Vatican child protection commission set up by Pope Francis because of what she said was the Church’s resistance to change. Voice of the Faithful, a group that was formed after revelations of abuse in Boston in 2002, welcomed Monday’s letter but reiterated the necessity of full accountability for offenders and those who covered abuse up. “Although we applaud the Pope’s expressions of regret and sorrow, as always, we find ourselves anxiously anticipating action to back up his words,” the statement said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Shaw backs Chinese (Jamaica Observer) MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw has come out in robust defence of Chinese investments in Jamaica, telling business leaders here that criticism of such major projects as

highway and road development is “irresponsible”. Pointing to road improvements now taking place across Kingston, last year’s completion of the NorthSouth link of Highway 2000 and other planned highway projects, Shaw said that, “when people come and crit-

icise the Chinese investments that are taking place it is irresponsible. These investments not coming from anybody else; the Americans aren’t doing it …” Shaw was speaking on Saturday at a quarterly parish chambers’ meeting hosted by the Manchester Chamber of

Commerce at the Mandeville Hotel. Last year, former Cabinet minister and current Opposition spokesman on Industry and Commerce Peter Bunting joined those criticising aspects of Chinese investments in Jamaica. In a statement issued then, which sought to clarify initial comments on social media, Bunting said that locals were at a disadvantage, especially

in the construction industry, since Chinese investors are “State-owned enterprises against which local Jamaican contractors cannot be expected to compete effectively…” There has also been strong criticism from worker representatives and from sections of the trade union movement that Chinese employers are often in breach of Jamaica’s labour laws and conventions.

3,500 fewer visitors Jamaica Stock Exchange exploring cryptocurrency trading for Carnival 2018 (Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Toronto-based Fintech company Blockstation to explore the possibilities of offering cryptocurrency trading to investors. “We are excited to implement this service with our clients, satisfying considerable investor interest in digital assets. We are also proud to be at the forefront of bringing innovation to capital markets,” said Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the JSE in a joint statement with Blockstation. “We are very comfortable

Dame Lorraine wine: Tourist (L) Dr Martin Biggs and Graham Biggs visiting Nelson Island heritage site were delighted as traditional carnival artist performed before them on the Island as part of the Nelson Island carnival tour PHOTO BY AZLAN MOHAMMED

(Trinidad Newsday) Visitor arrivals for Carnival were the lowest in five years, recent data from the Central Statistical Office shows. Just over 33,800 people came into the country from January 26 to Carnival Tuesday, February 13, spending $319 million. Trinidad, where most of the festivities were centred, recorded nearly 32,000 visitors, while Tobago had just under 2,000– a 9.5 per cent drop, overall. Most people arrived in the week before Carnival Monday and Tuesday (February 5-11), with the majority arriving on Carnival

Thursday. The average spend per visitor, according to the CSO’s Survey of Departing Visitors, taken in the ten days after Carnival, was $9,416. Of the visitors who came specifically for Carnival, their spend was $10,973. Entertainment and accommodation were the highest expenditure. While the average spend increased from $8,943 the previous year, overall spend fell 4.8 per cent. These figures are only representative of visitor expenditure and not necessarily the total contribution of Carnival to Gross Domestic Product, the CSO said.

moving forward based on the training and support provided by Blockstation, and because their trading platform incorporates familiar compliance rules to ensure a fair marketplace.” Through this agreement, JSE may become one of the first international stock exchanges to deploy an online digital currency and token

trading platform, including trading, quotes, execution and settlement services, in a format that aligns with current regulatory and compliance standards. JSE said the market will be notified of ongoing developments as the framework and platform to effect such trading is currently being examined.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Corruption can be eradicated

OVER the last three or four years, the term “corruption” has been much featured in the media, and invariably used to refer to politicians and those close to them. But the term is not unique to Guyana, since it is now heard in almost all countries of the world. The literature on corruption is vast, and it is rewarding to acquaint oneself with even a fraction of it. Many Guyanese people believe the term refers only to politicians and those aligned with them, and the politicians themselves strengthen this assumption by accusing each other of it. Accordingly, few of those people who glibly discourse about corruption have a precise meaning of the term in mind. One of the simplest definitions is “Corruption is the abuse of a trusted power used for private and personal

gain, which gain may be immediate or less direct”. For convenience, corruption could be broken down into three segments: Political Corruption, Administrative Corruption and Professional Corruption. Political Corruption involves politicians and persons closely aligned with them; Administrative Corruption involves persons at administrative levels both in the public service and in the private sector; and Professional Corruption would involve lawyers, sellers of goods and services and so on. Such corruption is also characterised by their intensity; that is whether they are Petty, Grand or Systemic. These three systems of corruption manifest themselves in a variety of actions, and it is these actions which members of the public experience and know. Such

actions include bribery, embezzlement, theft, fraud, graft, electoral mismanagement and manipulation, extortion and blackmail, abuse of discretion, favouritism, nepotism and clientelism. Many of these actions could be practiced by any of the segments of the body of corruption. For example, the police or politicians or medical personnel could practice bribery or embezzlement or favouritism. Corruption must be resisted, uncovered, punished and exorcised, because it results in the oppression of ordinary folk, leads to a breakdown of morality in any society, weakens and destroys governmental institutions, and results in general underdevelopment. Nigeria is a typical example of such underdevelopment resulting from corruption. Nigeria’s vast oil wealth was never

diverted to economic and social development, but was plundered by locals and foreigners, leaving the country in a state of underdevelopment. Ordinary folk suffer more from the effects of petty corruption, as, for example, when they have to pay the traffic police to avoid them wasting time in the courts on dubious traffic charges. Or in some government offices where one has to give officers bribes to do work for which they have been employed and paid. President David Granger, since he assumed office, has been speaking out against corruption. For example, in February last, while addressing the police conference, he emphatically attacked corruption and told the police that they could not cure corruption by ignoring it or merely transferring a cor-

rupt officer from one branch to another or demotion of a miscreant. Or in May last, while addressing the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments of the Public Service, the President called upon public servants to be professional and to do the work they are paid for and not to try to extort private gain from the people they are obligated to serve. In his own words, he and his administration would show zero tolerance for corruption and bribery. Government has also expressed its disdain of all perceived corrupt practices in other areas of state activity. In Guyana, unlike many parts of the world where corruption is endemic and where it is accepted as a norm, all Guyanese people, irrespective of their political affiliations, reject corruption and would like to return to the time when there was a

clean uncorrupt society. Various standard anti-corruption measures have been taken, such as having camera systems whereby miscreants could be photographed and even recorded. Prosecution of persons accused of corruption. Elaborate money laundering systems have been put into place at the banks and elsewhere. And in many government departments such as the Deeds Registry and the Guyana Revenue Authority where petty and sometimes even grand corruption could take place, the staff which meet the public are periodically shifted around. Even strong whistleblower legislation has been enacted. The war on corruption must continue to be waged on all fronts until and it behooves everyone to join the fight to extirpate it.

No serious attempt to discuss cash transfer proposal Dear Editor, THE Working People’s Alliance (WPA) notes the flurry of responses in the media to its proposal to use part of Guyana’s imminent oil revenues as cash transfers to households. While we welcome the public commentary, we are somewhat disappointed that there has not been any attempt at serious discussion of the proposal. Very few of the responses have sought to discuss its merits and demerits within the context and in the spirit in which it was made. To the contrary, most of them have come in the form of unrelated criticisms of the WPA, and attacks on the ability and capacity of the average

Guyanese to manage money. WPA calls for an informed, rational and serious discussion on what is to be done with the expected oil revenues. Such a discussion should involve Guyanese in their communities and at their workplaces and should be grounded in a desire to lift the standard of living of all, but most importantly the poor and the powerless. WPA is the least bothered about criticisms of, and attacks on the party—that is to be expected in a political culture that privileges invective over reason. This will not be the last instance of the messenger being assassinated as a substitute for informed debate and discussion. In his haste to attack the WPA, one government minister went as far as denigrating “intellectuals” and “bright

people” at a moment when the president is urging the youth to go to school, and in a week when the country welcomes the CSEC and CAPE exam results. WPA takes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to an educated citizenry, and feels honoured to be a party that is an example of, and an inspiration for intellectualism and education excellence. Our party has never been in the business of hiring ghost-writers to craft our releases and letters to the press. Any statement appearing over the name of the WPA or its leaders comes from self- generated ideas and written by the authors themselves. We know who the ghost-writers are, and we urge them to stop hiding behind the gullible and come out into

the open in their own image and name. The same minister launched an attack on WPA co-leaders, Drs. Roopnarine and Thomas and in the process sought to hold the WPA responsible for what he sees as the shortcomings of the government. He joins the PPP leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in labeling the cash-transfer proposal a gimmick aimed at getting votes. We wonder which party or coalition of parties he thinks will benefit from this so-called gimmick? WPA is forced to invoke the old saying— “if you have nothing proper to say, shut your mouth.” Regards, Working People’s Alliance

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

GTU mulls injunction to prevent teachers’ salaries being cut THE Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is looking into the possibility of filing an injunction against the Ministry of Education (MoE) from cutting the salaries of teachers who participate in the proposed strike action. This was disclosed on Monday, at the first of many meetings with teachers, that

the union is carrying out in a bid to continue to garner support, and reassure teachers ahead of the planned strike action set to begin from August 27, and run indefinitely. President of the Union Mark Lyte, disclosed that the union is not prepared to pay strike relief should teachers’ pay be affected, but noted

that the union was expected to meet with a lawyer to look into a suggestion that they file an injunction against the ministry preventing it from deducting teachers’ pay. “We will be contacting the lawyer to deal with that injunction that was raised. We haven’t done that as yet, but we are going to be pur-

GTU President (right), speaking with teachers from the East Coast, at the Enmore Community Centre yesterday (Samuel Maughn photo)

RDC, Region Two saddened by the passing of our young scholar Dear Editor, The Regional Democratic Council of Region Two is saddened to learn about the passing of our young scholar Yogeeta Persaud. On this note; the RDC offers our profound condolences to her parents, relatives and friends. As chairman of Region Two, I can confidently say that her passing came to our peaceful region with great shock; as a people of a small rural region, we are elated to have produced such a brilliant and dedicated child that give positive recognition to

our region and country. The RDC humbly calls on our Government to make every special effort to get the facts of her death known to her parents and to ensure that Yogeeta’s body be brought to her parents home at Zorg village within the shortest possible time for the funeral service. Let it be known that Guyana has lost one of her brilliant scholars. Regards Devanand Ramdatt Regional Chairman Region Two

Defaulting rate payers should help remove waste in Georgetown Dear Editor,

AS the city of Georgetown celebrates its 175th Anniversary, greetings are extended to the Mayor, City Councillors, and the general staff. We are all aware of ongoing challenges faced by the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC), but that is not the focus of this writing. What I would like to suggest are two probabilities for relief to the council, particularly by entities who have outstanding rates and other forms of indebtedness, to the council. Of course, what I’m about to suggest will require structured management and accountability to avert possible abuse or corruption. The M&CC’s massive cleanup in observance of this special anniversary began last week; with parapets being weeded, the clearing of vegetation from drains, and desilting of canals within some wards and extensions of the city. However, the waste from these exercises were left piled on the sides of some roads. As I write, this is the current situation along Dennis Street and some sections of Pattensen and South Turkeyen. My suggestion is for the council to con-

sider having those defaulting tax payers, particularly businesses, assist in the removal of the piled refuge under some sort of bartered arrangement. Some of these businesses, while lamenting their inability to pay outstanding taxes, may have the resources or alternate means to support the council. Another observation is the absence of signs reflecting road names, in several sections of the city. Some roads have lost their initial name signs over the years, while others seem to have never been officially named. Some rate-indebted businesses could be approached to stand the cost of placing or replacing road name signs. They could also subscribe to adopt certain unkempt streets by providing maintenance, under the council’s supervision and assessment, as a deductible in lieu of owed taxes. Such an approach would improve aesthetics in extensions of the city, reduce disposal and maintenance costs to the M&CC, while offsetting their bad debts. We must find ways, whether established or innovative, to improve conditions in this city. Regards, Orette Cutting

suing that. We have to talk with our lawyer and get a document prepared,” Lyte confirmed. On the issue of strike relief Lyte said: “That’s a consideration that the union has to look at, we have to look at our capacity for strike relief, we’re currently assessing that right now. If you’re offering strike relief it would have to be a large sum. The union has other expenses that we have to take care of on a monthly basis. The maintenance of our properties, conferences, we have staff both in Berbice and here [GTU headquarters], two buildings so there’s a lot of money that is spent

to take care of other administrative duties. So there’s not enough money saved for event of this nature.” Nonetheless, thus far the teachers are remaining resolute on their call for a strike, which was initiated after failed talks with the MoE over a raise in salary and other issues. The executives of the union, on Monday, held two meetings with teachers at its headquarters on Woolford Avenue and at the Enmore Community Centre. Further meetings are planned for Linden, Bartica, Essequibo, West Bank, and Region One in the coming days. At the meetings, which

saw the teachers turning out in huge numbers, they were cautioned against possible victimisation and threats, reassuring each other that they are in this together. “Victimization is not something that is supported by our constitution, and all of you must watch, for if anyone tries to victimise the executive or members we must all take a stand. So any instance of victimisation you need to report it, so we can air it because no teacher deserves to be victimised for something that is rightly deserved by them,” warned Lyte.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Mercury-free mining can enhance economic landscape –Mining Specialist

THERE are many mercury-free strategies and processes that can improve efficiency in gold recovery for small and artisanal miners that will greatly enhance the present economic mining landscape. This is according to mining specialist Dr. Bruce Marshall during his presentation to miners at the University of Guyana (UG) on Monday evening. The event was held under the theme “A mercury-free solution for artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Guyana.” Dr. Marshall told the gathering that included UG students, that a small miner’s strategic plan should focus on overcoming the present inherent business factors and modify or change these factors to reduce the risk and guarantee maximum recovery from a mining pit. He said mercury-free techniques are safer

for miners, their families and local communities. They may also help miners market their gold at higher prices. Noting that because of limited access to capital and technology, the small scale and artisanal miners use rudimentary and often dangerous techniques. Dr. Marshall said mercury amalgamation is a widespread technique used by miners to recover gold, but the technique is particularly dangerous as it releases mercury into the air, a dangerous inorganic compound which poses serious threats to the health of the miners and the environment. He said mercury has the ability to bio-accumulate in living tissue, such as fishes, exposing the nearby population and particularly those dependent on downstream rivers. Some of the options for mercury free mining includes: using concentration methods, gravity concen-

tration methods, sluicing, shaking tables, spiral concentrators, vortex concentrators, centrifuges and chemical leaching. Dr. Marshall said about 20 per cent of the world’s gold is produced by the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. This sector is also responsible for the largest releases of mercury into the environment of any sector globally. A major source of air pollution from mercury, artisanal and smallscale gold mining releases approximately 400 metric tons of airborne elemental mercury each year. As such, he told the gathering when mercury is brought into contact with gold particles in sediments or crushed ore, it forms “amalgam” - a soft mixture of roughly 50 per cent mercury and 50 per cent gold. To recover gold from the amalgam, it is heat-

Mining Specialist Dr. Bruce Marshall addressing the gathering of mining officials and students at the presentation.

ed to evaporate the mercury, leaving the gold behind. Mercury is released into air, water, and soil in several of the steps of this process. He explained that mercury vapors in the air around amalgam burning sites can be alarmingly high and almost always exceed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) limit for public exposure of 1,000 Nano gram/ cubic meter. This puts the health of workers at risk along with those persons in the communities surrounding the processing centers. He advised that government make appropriate modifications to the technical measures to include in developing new mercury laws, policies or regulations. Strong emphasis, he said should be placed on encouraging local-level governance and community based monitoring systems. Community stakeholder participation in the processes of policy devel-

opment and field implementation are critically important. Government, Dr. Marshall further advised, should provide ways to assist the artisanal and smallscale miners as well as educate them on environmental management. Technological assistance and capacity/education services should be provided in all areas where there is a high concentration of small-scale miners. It was noted that Conservational International (CI) Guyana and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are preparing to introduce two major projects which will see the reduction of dependence on mercury. CI Guyana in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) will soon introduce the Eldorado Gold Project. The $1.2Billion (US$5.8Million) project will work with artisanal and small-scale miners in Regions Eight and Nine to

explore mercury-free mining by 2025 along the supply chain from prospectors to producers. On August 16, 2017, Guyana ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury bringing it into force. The Minamata Convention is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. Mercury is used in the gold mining industry and can be a threat to human health and the environment. Guyana was one of the first countries to sign on to the legally binding agreement and had done so with the full support of the mining sector, mainly members of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO) following consultations.

Charlestown resident dies mysteriously A CHARLESTOWN, Georgetown resident was on Monday found dead by his father in their Adelaide Street home. He was identified as 33-year-old Ceon Barry by his father, Leroy Barry who related that he awoke around 06:00hrs, and on his way out called out to his son. But on returning around 09:00hrs, the father said he called out several times to his son but got no answer.

As such he decided to look into his room, and that’s when he noticed “blood clot stains” on the bed and Ceon lying motionless. When contacted, the police told the Guyana Chronicle that there were no marks of violence on the body, which was taken to the Lyken funeral parlour to await a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Concerted effort must be taken to address domestic violence’

-President calls on NCW to do more for women’s equality

important means of bringing about equality. “The subordination of women, which still exists in so many societies has been responsible for depriving countries of the contribution that women can make to national development, to their families and to making societies more humane. We are moving to remove any element of discrimination, not only gender discrimination but also access to schools, healthcare, transportation. So we have to start by understanding the importance of equality and removing every trace of inequality in our

A section of the large gathering at the conference at Congress Place, Sophia, on Monday

PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday called for a concerted effort to be taken to combat the scourge of violence against women, noting that failure to take action will result in the persistence of inequality in society. The Head of State said that one of the main thrust and responsibility of the National Congress of Women should be to remove any inequality and to ensure that as far as humanly possible, every woman in Guyana, whether on the coast or the hinterland, has equal access to the resources of the State and is empowered to become the best version of themselves. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 20th Biennial Convention of the National Congress of Women (NCW), the President said that domestic violence, particularly against women, has become a grievous aspect of women’s existence in the country. “Unless we take concerted action to eliminate violence against women, we will never remove the scourge of inequality. People will not find it even necessary to consider providing equal access for girl children to go to school. We need to deal with this problem of violence against girls and women. It is not easy. It is not just sexual violence. It is physical violence as well. It is chopping and killing, murder…It is the daily subjugation and suppression of women…Comrades, the question of violence against women, I don’t want to call it an epidemic, but no humane society, no women’s organisation should fail to take action to suppress or eliminate violence against women and children, particularly children who are women… there are some horrendous rapes…,” the Head of State said. He said, however, that he is particularly pleased to see

more convictions of these crimes, noting that it could be related to the fact that the Chief Justice and Chancellor are women and therefore understand the challenges that women endure. “By the grace of God…it seems that the transformation of the Magistracy and the Judiciary where you have a Chancellor who is a woman, a Chief Justice who is a woman, and a large amount of magistrates who are women. Somehow, it is leading to a large number of convictions. I think after a while, men are going to get the message. You don’t be violent against women and then go to a woman magistrate and expect a simple thing,” he said. However, the President noted that persons should never wait for a matter to reach the steps of the Courthouse before it is brought to an end. Rather, he said that efforts to fight social ills such as domestic violence must begin in the homes and communities. “We must be able to stop it in the home and prevent young men and uncles and boyfriends from exploiting the girl children in the home. This is too widespread and just as we have been able to bring about the elimination of smoking in public places, we have been able to take collective action on other social issues; this is an issue that we must take action on. We must set up hotlines and we must be able to detect and isolate persons who are violent to their partners and spouses…When you treat women humanely, they will realise that they not only expect humane treatment, they will treat their children humanely too. Gradually, I think, Guyana will become a gentler and kinder place,” President Granger noted. The President noted that the gateway to equality is not legislation alone but it is also through education and empowerment. Education, he said, is one of the most

country so that our women are not inhibited or restrained from doing their best. If they do not get the opportunity, it will affect their children and their families. So I charge the National Congress of Women to continue the work of their leaders like Winifred Gaskin, Shirley Field-Ridley, Jane Phillips-Gaye and others decades ago, to continue

removing inequalities…,” he said. President Granger also urged the women’s group to explore the possibilities of agro-processing, manufacturing and other employment opportunities, which will not only create employment but also empower women. “Let us look at enterprises which could Turn to page 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

‘Give teachers their due’ –WPA urges gov’t

THE Working People’s Alliance (WPA) party has come out in support of teachers in their demand for a 40 per cent wages increase or consequential industrial action, positioning that the government should “give the teachers their due”. In a press statement on Monday, the political party credited the country’s “deteriorating public education system” to the current state of the teaching profession whereby teachers are poorly paid. “According to most informed observers, this has in turn negatively affected both the morale and the quality of work of the teachers,” the party said, adding: “It stands to reason, therefore, that any improvement of our education outcomes must be partly premised on improving the

quality of instruction in the classrooms. “It is in that spirit that WPA unequivocally supports the teachers’ demands for increased wages. We see this as an indispensable incentive for improved teacher instruction. Improving the wage package for teachers creates the condition for government to better hold the teachers accountable for improved practice and better outcomes. Better wages for teachers will not automatically turnaround the performances of students —much more needs to be done. But if teachers are better compensated, the opportunities for more commitment by teachers would be enhanced.” Meanwhile, as the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) threatens industrial action

beginning August 27, the WPA also stands with teachers in this regard on the grounds that it is “their civil right to take legitimate action in pursuit of those demands.” The WPA chastised the Ministry of Education for its intent to initiate emergency plans in the case of the strike which may see temporary teachers being hired or schools, where there is no adult supervision, being closed. “Rather than trying harder to arrive at an agreement, the Ministry of Education, according to reports, appears to be more concerned with hiring scab-labour to counter the teachers’ threat. This insensitivity towards the teachers’ reasonable demands is at odds with President Granger’s strident education activism and advocacy for increased and improved access to quality education

by our children,” the statement said. Overall, the WPA referred to the ordeal as “a matter that could be easily solved” further suggesting that “the government is committing political suicide by picking a fight with teachers”. However, at recent interactions between the GTU and the Ministry, Education Minister Nicolette Henry stated just the opposite when she explained that the Ministry, presently, is financial incapable of supplying a 40 percent salary increase across the board. The Ministry had, instead, proposed a ball-park figure to deal with salary and debunching for teachers of $700M and $200M respectively. “We needed to address that issue and so we gave a figure on what is available in terms of financing to address the debunching issue. Once the debunching issue is addressed and teachers in this instance can be categorised and put into scales, then it will give you an opportunity to give

what is allocated to salary increases in the respective categories… There is certainly nothing sinister or there is certainly no ulterior motive in awarding the ball park figure, because that came up in the discussion. I just wanted to provide that clarity because I believe that teachers and the Guyanese people need to understand what was proposed and why it was proposed,” Henry had clarified at a previous meeting. The proposed figure is separate from several arrived-at mutual consensuses under the Teachers Multiyear Agreement which include: improved salaries for senior teachers; specialists to assist head teachers at schools with dormitories; return fare once per term for hinterland teachers; reduction in class sizes for some schools and the addressing of the teachers house revolving fund. Others include duty free concessions for teachers; payment of the Whitley Council leave allowance and others. However, with no agree-

ment on salary and debunching payments, the Union has sustained its plan for strike action later in the month even as it maintains that the Government can afford more. Henry has since responded that there are Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) which guide the ministry in the event of such actions which includes arbitration if negotiation fails. “If we genuinely believe that there are no other steps and we have exhausted all at the Ministry of Education… once they activate conciliation it is out of my hand,” Minister Henry had said. However, she believes that teachers can understand the current financial position of the nation and therefore, stated: “I want to say, teachers, that the Government of Guyana continues to care for you and we will ensure that as far as possible you get what we can afford. We promised a good life for all and we will work on what we have within our fiscal space to ensure the best we can do.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Nurses reminded of pivotal role to society – as region’s oldest association turns 90

By Lisa Hamilton MEMBERS of the Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) were reminded that they are at the frontline of service delivery in country’s the healthcare system by Education Minister Nicolette Henry. Henry was at the time delivering the feature address at the Anniversary and Global Guyanese Nurses Reunion Conference of the GNA. The GNA is the oldest nurses’ association in the English-speaking Caribbean, and is this week celebrating its 90th anniversary under the theme, ‘Uniting Forces, Uplifting Nursing; Celebrating 90 years with Pride’. The Nurses Reunion Conference, also being held, saw in attendance numerous nurses from health sectors stretched across the Guyanese Diaspora. The international organisations represented included, the Caribbean Nurses Association (CNA); Guyana Nurses Association of Guyana Inc. (GNAA) and the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP). In her remarks to the gathering, Minister Henry acknowledged that over the years many changes have

taken place in the medical field, as nurses endeavour regularly to adapt to new best practices. As such, she commended the work of those represented in ensuring that patients across the globe receive the quality care they deserve. “Nurses are cut from a different cloth; a special cloth. It is certainly a cloth that is very similar to that of the teacher or any person that

basis as a nurse or a midwife is not to be taken lightly.” She noted that even with a vast number of nurses within the Caribbean having migrated to other parts of the world, they still have managed to maintain a high level of standards which has branded them as some of the best in the business. “Historically, Caribbean nurses have come to the aid of people all over the world;

Cleopatra Barkoye, who called for greater regulations, policies and working conditions, stating: “These are all issues that have to be addressed and will be addressed.” Throughout the week, August 19-25, the GNA will host a number of seminars and conferences, which include an Education Day today (Tuesday), and a Research Day tomorrow Minister of Education Nicolette Henry

Local and international health workers at the nurses’ confab (Delano Williams photos)

has dedicated their lives to serving others,” Henry said, adding: “I believe that as nurses you are motivated, intelligent people who really care about patients. And so, the education and knowledge that is required on a minute-by-minute

they’ve made their fundamental contribution particularly to the healthcare system the 1940s. Caribbean nurses have been and still are sought after for their professionalism and skills,” Henry remarked. She noted previous remarks of GNA President

(Wednesday), both to be hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal on the lower East Coast. The entire celebration and reunion will see the visitors reflecting and refocusing the GNA; reuniting with colleagues; sharing information and ideas and visiting tourist sites and health institutions in

the country. An awards ceremony, dinner and dance at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday will bring the activities to a close. The GNA was established in June 1928 with the aim of improving the standards of nursing in hospitals countrywide and ensuring that nurses are suitably qualified.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Reduced No. of constituencies, new NDCs a concern for the PPP/C

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has raised concerns about the

newly added Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the reduced

number of constituencies, noting that the party is yet to be formally notified

about the changes and demarcations. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan had announced that with Mahdia being a new town and the establishment of eight (NDCs), there would be 80 local authorities as opposed to 71 in 2016. Chief Whip of the PPP/C, Gail Teixeira said the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is yet to inform them about the demarcations. “This is causing serious delays in commencing and finalising the identification of Candidates and Backers for the 2018 LGE… the geographic identity of the proposed constituents remains unknown,” she said, during a press conference on Monday. Although the party is yet

to get the list, they believe that the demarcation was wrongfully done because residents were not consulted before the decision was taken. The PPP/C believes that persons need to be sensitised about the changes so that there would be a smooth flow on the day of the elections. Executive Secretary of the PPP Zulficar Mustapha said, members of the party had met with GECOM and expressed those concerns, adding that they even suggested that security markers be placed on all requisite forms to be used as part of the process on November 11. Despite the challenges, the PPP believes that they are ready for the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE) which is set for November

11, 2018. “The PPP is very prepared for the upcoming elections and convinced that the party will once again have a strong showing at the local polls,” said the chief whip. Local Government Election was successfully completed in Guyana, after a 22-year delay, on Friday, March 18, 2016. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been allocated some $2.9B for the holding of the election, which will be constitutionally due between the beginning of November and early December this year. The 2016 LGE saw 43 per cent participation. However, the government has set a higher target for 2018.

Elderly man killed in boat collision SEVENTY-EIGHTYEAR-OLD Allan Handy aka `Saga’ of Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two, died on Sunday during a boat collision in the Pomeroon River. According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the incident occurred around 16:00 hours on Sunday, in the vicinity of Grant Good Intent. Information revealed that the deceased left his son’s home in a wooden boat and was heading to his home,

when another boat powered by a 90HP engine and owned by the Love and Faith Ministries Church, unfortunately came into his path. The captain of the boat said that he felt something strange hit his boat and immediately slowed down. He further said that as he turned he noticed the elderly man in the water and his boat was damaged. The captain immediately raised an alarm and persons around the area came to the man’s rescue. However, the pensioner had

already disappeared in the water. A search was launched and the man’s body was recovered. The captain of the boat belonging to the Love and Faith Ministries was remorseful over the entire situation. He claimed that he did not see the elderly man’s craft in front of him. Handy’s body is currently at the Suddie mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination, while the captain of the boat is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

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Concerted effort must be ...

employ women. Let us look at optimising our production and NCW is in a position to take the lead because you know that there are unemployed women, but you know that they are skilled women who, if given the equipment, given the opportunity and given the capital, could enrich themselves to build the economy,” President Granger noted. Along the same lines of empowerment, the President charged the members of the group to take up the challenge of ensuring that every woman is educated on the process of Local Government elections so that they can utilise their powers to bring change in their communities. Similar sentiments were echoed by First Lady,

Mrs. Sandra Granger, who charged the newly elected members of the NCW to ensure than every Guyanese is targeted in their programmes and the ‘good life’ is assured to all. “You have the power within you to change the world. I urge you to use that power to help this great country and all of its citizens, wherever they may be, achieve the good life that we all deserve,” the First Lady said. The First Lady also told the elected members to be worthy of the positions for which they were elected. “Your [organisation] believes in the… spiritual, social, and economic development of every citizen, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

Your organisation believes that every single one of us deserves a good life. I urge your new executives to justify the faith you have placed in them to grow and strengthen the NCW,” she said. Earlier in the day, the First Lady hosted a luncheon for the international delegates of the NCW and Government officials from Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago to allow for them to meet with members from Women Across Differences (WAD), an organisation of which she is patron. The gathering also served as opportunity for members of WAD to share the scope of their work with the special invitees. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

‘It was no surprise’ – North West’s Mark Wilburg’s mom says of his eight Grade Ones

By Alva Solomon DESCRIBED by his mother as gifted academically, Mark Wilburg’s success at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination came as no surprise to his family, although they were nervous in the hours leading up to the release of the results. Wilburg, a former student of the North West Secondary School, is the top performer at the CSEC examinations for Region One (Barima-Waini). The quiet 17-year-old, the youngest of four children, attained passes in 11 of 12 subjects at the examinations, among them English ‘A’ and ‘B’, Mathematics, Social Studies, Integrated Science and Agriculture Science. He attained Grade One passes in eight subjects, a feat he attributed to his strict preparation for the examina-

Mark Wilburg

tions. Now holidaying in Georgetown, Mark told the Guyana Chronicle that while extra lessons, as well as long hours of studies were among the main contributors to his success, he could not have done it without the support of his family. According to his mom, his older brother, Nathan,

who’s a teacher at Bishops’ High, helped with past test papers and the occasional advice, as did his other siblings. “A lot of people helped me,” Mark said, adding: “I have to thank my brothers who assisted me throughout the process.” He said that having understood what the workload would entail, the challenge was to ensure he covered the syllabus for each subject area. Wilburg noted that the school offered the subjects he wrote, and while there was a small hiccup with the exchange of teachers for a business subject during the latter years at school, he praised the efforts of his teachers. These teachers included Sir Uri Broomes and his family, whom he noted provided him with valuable advice and guidance leading up to the examinations. And while he found

Mathematics and Principles of Accounts to be the most challenging of all the subjects, Mark said that once he managed to overcome the workload, his focus was on strengthening his preparation for the other subjects. “I did a lot of studying on my own also, so that worked out,” he said. He started out at Mabaruma Primary and later Hosororo Primary School, where he topped at the National Grade Six Examinations several years ago. Wilburg, whose mother is a single-parent, plans to attend university in the future, but he is still considering what path to pursue. In the meantime, the collective young man plans to return to Mabaruma and provide academic assistance to students there before he embarks on further studies and a career path.

Failure of VC to attend court hearing leads to acquittal JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow ordered the twelve-member jury to return a not guilty verdict in favour of Lizander Pospasingh called ‘Ravie,’ after the alleged victim, Michael Gobin, failed to attend court hearings at the Berbice Assizes. On May 21, 2017, Pospasingh was accused of wounding Gobin called 'Shark Oil' with intent to murder him. An alternative count of wounding with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable him, was also instituted. Pospasingh, had pleaded not guilty to both counts. Meanwhile, following no case submissions by former Magistrate, now Defence Counsel, Mr. Tejnarine Ramroop, the jury was told that since last Thursday, messages and a subsequent summons were issued informing the virtual complainant of the trial, but

despite the Court's efforts and the police involvement, Gobin, failed to appear. Addressing the accused, Barlow said, “there was some drinking ...if alcohol is what caused this you should never drink to a point that you cannot control your actions. Alcohol sometimes lead us to more than we can cope....” According to the facts given, the virtual complainant and the accused were consuming alcohol at a rum shop at Number One Settlement, West Bank Berbice, when an argument ensued between the men. A scuffle also ensued, during which the complainant was punched to the face, before being parted by onlookers. It is alleged that as Gobin was leaving the business establishment, the suspect, armed himself with a cutlass and inflicted a chop on the victim's left ear and right finger, before escaping.'

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Gov’t agrees $20 hike in minibus fares

– operators welcome code of conduct By Lisa Hamilton THE government has agreed on a G$20 hike across-the-board in minibus fares, effective September 1, so that operators can surmount some of the financial challenges facing the sector. This is the decision coming out of a meeting between the Ministry of Business and the United Minibus Union

(UMU) last Thursday. “The Ministry of Business has undertaken to draft the new fare structure for the various zones and routes, and will make this available to the United Minibus Union (UMU) for circulation to its members,” UMU said on Monday in a press statement. “Minibus operators are required by law to display the fare structure in all buses.” UMU President Eon An-

drews, later told the Guyana Chronicle that the fare increase will be based on the most recent fare structure agreed by the government, which should be published soon for clarity. CODE OF CONDUCT The release also states that both parties agreed on the need for an established Code of Conduct for minibus operators, and that engage-

ments in this regard will continue. Andrews said that future engagements with the government could include hospitality training for conductors, prior to their being allowed to uplift their conductors’ licence; guidelines on mode of dress; seating rules; and fare structure display. “These discussions are ongoing,” Andrews said, adding: “As we go along, we may be able to highlight other things that we think

Route 44 operator Andrew Singh

Route 40 minibus operator, Jainarine Sukhdeo, presents his current fare structure to show that he would have no issue with displaying it

UG-Industry operator Tekchand Surujpersaud (Samuel Maughn photos)

should be put in place to get people to do decent things and behave like decent human beings.” Added to this, the two parties when they met on Thursday also discussed the need for the proper enforcement of the Code of Conduct. Said Andrews, “There was a consensus that this [needs] to be urgently addressed with the relevant authorities. “We might request that there be severe penalties for travel violations… We’re trying to see if we can get those road violations incorporated into legislation, because a lot of these things may have to be legislated. “Some of them are there, but it’s just that people pretend as though they aren’t there. At the end of it, we’re hoping that it will be able to obliterate this whole incident of touting.” Andrews said, too, that while the UMU may have pushed for more, they have agreed to settle for these changes for now.

“We may have wanted something more, but the minister has told us that the discussions to address that are not over; but in the interim, we are prepared to agree to let them [minibus operators] get something,” he said. A WELCOME CHANGE When the Guyana Chronicle took to the bus park, many of the minibus operators from various zones were happy about the change and agreed that the government should implement a code of conduct. Route 40 minibus operator of some 24 years Jainarine Sukhdeo, presented his fare structure to show that he would have no issue with displaying it, even as he said that he welcomes the increase. “Many things raise; all parts raise,” Sukhdeo said. “The mechanics raise their prices; the electrical and welding man raised their prices. So it’s not only tyres or gas; Turn to page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

One time here; one time there… where did the gun go? A 21-year-old constable attached to the Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station, was on Monday charged with stealing a firearm from the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Cornell Paul of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, found

himself on the wrong side of the law when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged for stealing a .38 special revolver worth $175,000, a holster valued $60,000 and six .38 live ammunition worth $750, property of the GPF. The

offence allegedly occurred on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Brickdam Police Station. Paul pleaded not guilty to the charge while his attorney, Paul Fung-a-Fat, made an application for bail on the grounds that his client was

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Gov’t agrees $20 ...

all things have been raised, so the increase would definitely help to maintain the busses.” Speaking on the Code of Conduct, he said: “That is right! You’re supposed to be well dressed! You can’t be dressed anyhow and working, because you have people coming in your bus. So that is right; the road service says so.” In total agreement was Route 44 operator Andrew Singh, who very much wants the government to implement a Code of Conduct, based on the many malpractices he has witnessed in his over 22 years on the job. Some of those malpractices he hopes the Code of Conduct will discourage are: busses which operate on ‘hot plate’, overloading, touts tugging at passengers, and police officers who ignore

these actions and more on a daily basis. “There are some very careless drivers on the road; the majority of them are young bus drivers and conductors, so I think the government should look into that, because it is fair enough to give us the 20 dollars because you have to reach the people’s pocket, but passengers must be comfortable,” Singh said. UNIFORM-CLAD Meanwhile, uniform-clad UG-Industry minibus operators have been operating by a set Code of Conduct for years, and operator in this zone, Tekchand Surujpersaud, added his voice to the discussion. “We don’t mind that it’s just $20, because everybody is not rich,” he said. “It’s not a rich person that catches

transportation; rich people have their own vehicle. “It’s poor people that travel in public transportation, so you can’t squeeze everybody. And a $20 increase is not too bad.” Speaking on the proposed Code of Conduct, Surujpersaud said: “This is the only park so far that has a system; this is the only park that doesn’t have touts. “We’re loading our bus ourselves and we’re going; we’re kind to customers. It would be better if this goes across the board, because right now you don’t know who is a tout or a thief.” As September 1 approaches, the Business Ministry and UMU are urging both operators and consumers to adhere to the new fare structure when it becomes effective.

the sole breadwinner for his wife, who is currently five months pregnant. The lawyer told the court that on the day in question, his client was the driver of the Impact Base vehicle and uplifted the revolver when he began his duties. The rank then went to the vehicle and went back to the office after realising that he had forgotten his keys. He then left the gun in the office while he searched for the keys. Fung-a-Fat told the court that after his client found the keys he then went back to the vehicle reportedly forgetting to pick up his service weapon. When the rank realised that he had forgotten his service weapon he then went back to the office where he had left it and it was gone.

Constable Cornell Paul

Immediately, the lawyer noted that the matter was reported to a woman Sergeant, who was the officer in charge at the time. However his superior ignored his claims and left to go home. Fung-a-Fat indicated to the court that the young officer should have been charged departmentally by the GPF because of the particulars. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers made no objection to the constable being granted his pre-trial liberty. Constable Paul was initially released on $200,000 but his attorney told the court: “My client is not that type of policeman… he can’t afford all of that.” The sum was reduced to $150,000. The matter is adjourned until August 24 for report.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

PPP establishes guidelines for presidential hopefuls THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has established guidelines for members of the party who might have an interest in becoming the party’s next presidential candidate. The PPP decided to implement the guidelines, after a member of the party, Charles Ramson Jr., publicly announced his interest in being the presidential candidate of the party. “There are clear guidelines on what is allowed and not allowed… after there was the first blush, we made clear guidelines and I believe that people are abiding by them,” said PPP Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira during a press conference at Freedom House on Monday. She believes, that the PPP in its own wisdom will decide on its presidential candidate within the timeframe which was stated by

Chief Whip of the PPP, Gail Teixeira

the General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo. When asked about her interest in the post, Teixeira said there are serious considerations by all candidates. Teixeira, however, contended that she could beat newly elected Chairperson of the People’s National Con-

gress Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence, at any election. “Maybe Volda coming on might tantalise me because I think I can slaughter her, too, in any elections. But I shouldn’t use the word ‘slaughter’, I retract that word. I can definitely beat her … in any elections,” said the chief whip.

Region 6 hosts successful inaugural agro expo

THE Regional Administration of Region 6 on Saturday last pulled off its inaugural Regional Agriculture and Commerce Expo (RACE), held under the theme “Maximizing the Potential and Productivity of Our Immense Agriculture Diversity”, and based on the response the organisers have already committed to making the event an annual one. Held at the Albion Sports Complex Ground there were over 40 booths displaying a variety of fresh local produce, arts and craft, livestock, as well as other agricultural products and services. While not gathering a massive crowd as that of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, the exhibitors and patrons alike were very pleased with the event. “We are very pleased because everyone that came to our booth were surprised that these items are made and packaged right here in Berbice. We gave samples for them to try at home so they will now start looking for them on the shelves” one exhibitor said. Regional Chairman David Armogan said he felt joy and a sense of encouragement having viewed the various booths, and called on the producers to make use

of the opportunity to expand production so that they can tap into the international market. He noted that in the areas of non-traditional crops there are massive opportunities, especially given that the quality that is produced locally is equal and even superior to those that are imported. He also used the opportunity to call on the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies, to look into the opening of new lands for dairy production as well as farming, since those that are available are already occupied. He, however, stressed the need for access to and from the lands as that would have a bearing on the cost of production. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kim Stephens-Williams said the event is in keeping with the government’s vision to showcase and promote local business. She noted that through RACE the producers have an opportunity, not only to promote and grow their business, but also to learn from others how to better market their products and services to maximise on profits. Patrons who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, have expressed some level of surprise at the quality and pack-

aging of the products and have pledged to start supporting more local producers. “I am very impressed with the quality of the products, they are fresh and prices are reasonable, I am a tea lover and I am very happy to see the varieties of tea being sold here, especially the ‘Tissame’ tea, the packaging is good and I am definitely leaving here with a few packs,” one patron said. The younger children were fascinated by the University of Guyana’s booth that had on display an insect collection, as well as a few preserved reptiles. Another interesting booth for the youngsters was the `Honey’ booth that had a hive with live bees. Several persons spent a long time trying to identify the Queen Bee, but gave up eventually and settled for a few bottles of pure honey instead. Many persons were seen leaving the venue with plants and other products, while others collected literature from the Small Business Bureau and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which both provided guidelines and standards on the setting up of a small business.

After more than 15 hours of voting and tallying, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence was declared Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), even as President David Granger was returned unopposed as Leader of the party. Lawrence, who competed against former Chairman Basil Williams SC, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, secured 346 votes, while Harmon and Williams secured 287 and 183 votes respectively. Williams served as the party’s chairman for three consecutive terms.

GNIC to charge fee to scan containers THE Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) has implemented a fee of $20,000 for any container which is scanned at the Lombard Street facility. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the decision to implement the fee was considered in the Memorandum of Understanding between the authority and GNIC. The administration of this fee will take effect on August 27, 2018 and is necessary to recoup the GNIC’s administration costs and allow for a return on its capital investment. Importers and exporters are also advised that the GRA will waive the fees associated with manual inspections for

containers scanned. Guyana is now in a position to adequately scan containers on a continual basis thereby facilitating reduced trade transaction costs and time of both imports and exports while simultaneously improving revenue collection. Universal scanning of outbound containers is mandatory in keeping with international maritime conventions on trade facilitation. GRA also advised that in partnership with its sister agencies, relief measures will be implemented to ease traffic congestion and facilitate faster scanning of containers. Exporters desirous of further information can contact the GNIC on telephone numbers 223-5887 or 223 9789.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Mariners, seafarers complete various training courses MATPAL MARINE INSTITUTE (MPMI) in collaboration with the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), on Friday held its certificate awards ceremony at its boardroom at Battery Road and Fort Street, Kingston where a group of mariners/seafarers were presented with certificates after successfully completing training courses. Those who successfully completed the Basic Safety Training (BST) and Ship Security Awareness (SSA) courses were presented with certificates by managers of TH&D. In brief remarks, TH&D General Manager Marcelene Merchant told the gathering that she was very pleased to be at the first awards ceremony, in which mariners were trained and some successfully completed the various courses. Merchant said, “T&HD has 156 mariners, 78 are slated to complete the Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarer programme before year-end.

Thus far 47 persons have been trained and the remaining 31 persons might [ be trained] within the next two months.” She related that the training courses which cost $9.8M entailed basic safety and ship management. Those who completed the one-week Certification and Watch-Keeping programmes were charged by Merchant to put into practice what they had learnt to improve their own safety and that of others on ships, and she wished those who were yet to do courses to become successful as well. Meanwhile, Administrator MatPal Marine Institute Coleen Abrams said that with the handing out of certificates a shared dream that had become full circle and, they were hoping to widen the scope of training to cater for oil and gas. She encouraged the awardees to raise the bar of excellence on board the vessels, to keep the TH&D flag flying high and to continue to prove

Awardees poses with TH&D managers following the ceremony

their worth as seamen despite the rough waters of the sea. In giving a brief background of MPMI, Abrams said the company was the only existing maritime school in Guyana, and had been providing maritime training and certification for seafarers for over 18 years. She added that from its inception (October 5, 1999) to present they had been ad-

dressing the training needs of Guyanese seafarers, as well as those from across the region. Abrams disclosed that throughout the 18 years, MatPal Marine has successfully trained and retrained over 1,200 seafarers, en-

abling them to be employed both locally and internationally and more recently also being employed on vessels within Guyana’s oil and gas industry. She stated that all training was carried out in accordance

with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) Standard for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 Convention, as amended in 1995/ 2010 and approved by the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana (MARAD) with certification issued by Panama Maritime Training Services (PMTS) of which they were the satellite in Guyana. During the period May to July 2018, over 50 Deck and Engine Room Officers and sailors of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) embarked on, and completed safety and security training under internationally recognised safety standards, thus enabling them to be industry compliant.

Bartica cyclist warded, dies of multiple injuries – after collision last week with SOCU vehicle

A 25-year-old man has succumbed to injuries he sustained after allegedly colliding with a vehicle operated by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) last week at Bartica. Dead is Martinez Raphael, a porter who was reportedly riding along the roadway when the driver of the vehicle stopped suddenly in front of him. Reports are that an occupant of the vehicle opened a door and Raphael collided with the man and the door.

DEAD: Martinez Raphael

To the dismay of many, the ranks reportedly took the injured man to the beach at Third Avenue and attempted to revive him by soaking him

in the water. An angry group of residents forced the SOCU officers to take the injured man to the Bartica Hospital. The man, who hails from a single-parent family, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he remained on a life support machine until he passed away over the weekend. Relatives and friends of the man are calling on the authorities to investigate the incident.

Escaped from police station because home beckoned A GOAT thief was on Monday sentenced to 18 months’ jail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for escaping from the Kitty Police Station because he wanted to go home. Wazim Perreira, a father of two of North Sophia, pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 19,2018, while being in custody at the Kitty Police Station pending a criminal charge of larceny of cattle, he escaped from police custody. The court heard that Perreira, while in custody at the police station, requested to use the restroom and a police officer slackened the handcuffs on him. The accused pushed the officer and bolted out of the station. An alarm was raised and hours after, the accused was caught at his home. “I just wanted to go

Wazim Perreira

home to see my two children and my wife,” Perreira told the court as he explained that he was frustrated. When the charge was initially read to him, Perreira had told the court that he paid the police officer $10,000 to slacken his handcuffs for him to escape but he later charged his plea to guilty since he did not want to waste the court’s

time. He also explained that he did not steal the goat but instead he was asked by someone to carry the animal to graze and was caught by the police while tying it. The Principal Magistrate sentenced Perreira to 18 months’ jail after considering his early guilty plea.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Merchant said, “T&HD has 156 mariners, 78 are slated to complete the Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarer programme before year-end. Thus far 47 persons have been trained and the remaining 31 persons might [ be trained] within the next two months.” She related that the training courses which cost $9.8M entailed basic safety and ship management. Those who completed the one-week Certification and Watch-Keeping programmes were charged by Merchant to put into practice what they had learnt to improve their own safety and that of others on ships, and she wished those who were yet to do courses to become successful as well. Meanwhile, Administrator MatPal Marine Institute Coleen Abrams said that with the handing out of certificates a shared dream that

Awardees poses with TH&D managers following the ceremony

had become full circle and, they were hoping to widen the scope of training to cater for oil and gas. She encouraged the

awardees to raise the bar of excellence on board the vessels, to keep the TH&D flag flying high and to continue to prove their worth as seamen despite the rough waters of the sea. In giving a brief background of MPMI, Abrams said the company was the only existing maritime school in Guyana, and had been providing maritime training and certification for seafarers for over 18 years. She added that from its inception (October 5, 1999) to present they had been addressing the training needs of Guyanese seafarers, as

well as those from across the region. Abrams disclosed that throughout the 18 years, MatPal Marine has successfully trained and retrained over 1,200 seafarers, enabling them to be employed both locally and internationally and more recently also being employed on vessels within Guyana’s oil and gas industry. She stated that all training was carried out in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) Standard for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 Convention, as amended in

1995/ 2010 and approved by the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana (MARAD) with certification issued by Panama Maritime Training Services (PMTS) of which they were the satellite in Guyana. During the period May to July 2018, over 50 Deck and Engine Room Officers and sailors of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) embarked on, and completed safety and security training under internationally recognised safety standards, thus enabling them to be industry compliant.

Escaped from Police Station because home beckoned A GOAT thief was on Monday sentenced to 18 months’ jail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, for escaping from the Kitty Police Station because he wanted to go home. Wazim Perreira, a father of two of North Sophia, pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 19,2018, while being in custody at the Kitty Police Station pending a criminal charge of larceny of cattle, he escaped from police custody. The court heard that Perreira, while in custody at the police station, requested to use the restroom and a police officer slackened the handcuffs on him. The accused pushed the officer and bolted out of the station. An alarm was raised and hours after, the accused was caught at his home.

Wazim Perreira

“I just wanted to go home to see my two children and my wife,” Perreira told the court as he explained that he was frustrated. When the charge was initially read to him, Perreira had told the court that he paid the police officer $10,000 to slacken his handcuffs for him to escape but he later charged his plea to guilty since he did

not want to waste the court’s time. He also explained that he did not steal the goat but instead he was asked by someone to carry the animal to graze and was caught by the police while tying it. The Principal Magistrate sentenced Perreira to 18 months’ jail after considering his early guilty plea.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 21, 2018

Former cadet officer arrested for assaulting, threatening to shoot wife – Illegal firearm found MONTHS after former police cadet office Franz Paul was freed of shooting then 15-year-old Alex Griffith, during a game of Russian roulette over four years ago, he was on Monday arrested and taken into police custody for assaulting and threatening to shoot his reputed wife. It is alleged that the former cop assaulted and threatened his reputed wife, Racquel Ceres, who with the assistance of a neighbour was able to fight off Paul and relieve him of his gun. Reports indicated that acting on information received and with a sense of urgency, a superintendent from the Ruimveldt Police Station responded promptly and proceeded to a house at Second Street, Alexander Village,

Georgetown after a report was made about the threats and assault. The officer summoned a patrol to escort the three persons who were involved in the altercation to the police station. However, Paul who said he was injured in the scuffle was arrested at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he went to seek medical attention. The superintendent subsequently returned to the scene following reports that a weapon was used during the confrontation. Upon checking in a track of heavy vegetation, an illegal Taurus .32 pistol with one magazine and 13 live .32 rounds were found. According to reports, it is residents who informed the police that the former policeman’s firearm was

hidden in the thick bushes by his fiancé and a “junkie.” Paul, formerly of Lot 189 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on trial for almost four years over the shooting of the teenager which occurred on April 30th, 2014,in Georgetown. He was charged two months after the shooting. During one of the many hearings, it was indicated to the presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore, that based upon advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the charge would be withdrawn. The advice by the DPP came subsequent to an agreement between Paul and Griffith, with the former lawman agreeing to pay the teen a total sum of $2 million over a period of time.

Bandits bully senior pressman, take away motorcycle SENIOR Pressman attached to the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), the publishers of the Daily and Sunday editions of the Guyana Chronicle, is counting his lucky stars for being alive though badly bruised after an encounter with two bandits who got away with his motorcycle on Friday morning. Recalling the encounter, Clint Bastian said his horror began when he left his place of work and rode off on his way home at about 05:40hrs on Friday morning. Bastian added that he rode up to Anira Street, Queenstown and he noticed two men on a motorcycle behind him. At first he wasn’t alarmed until he realised that the duo was trailing him. At this point, the 59-year-old man decided to ride faster in an effort to escape but that only caused the bandits to accelerate. When they came up to him, they held onto him by his collar which caused him to fall off his black motorcycle with licence plate CH 7648. There, while he was bruised and in pain lying at the side of the road at Anira and Laluni Streets, Queenstown, one of the men rode

Injured and robbed: Clint Bastian displaying his injuries.

off with his cycle which had all his documents under the seat. The pressman related that after the robbers left a security guard enquired what had happened and he was encouraged to make a report at the Alberttown Police Station. Bastian added that a taxi driver who was passing offered to take him to the police station to file a report after he told him what had happened. He was badly bruised on his shoulders, arms and legs

when he fell off his motorcycle and is still in pain. The pressman stated that he had been robbed before but on the East Coast of Demerara and had only bought his bike less than two years ago for $190,000 at Jialing. He is hoping to retrieve same since it is his only mode of transportation. Anyone with information regarding the location of the said motorcycle can contact the nearest police station or 500-2814.

Former police cadet officer Franz Paul

The Taurus .32 pistol

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

Guyana retain championship... By Michael DaSilva AFTER three nights of hectic boxing at the National Gymnasium on Sunday night and the dust finally settled, Guyana was declared the overall champion of the Pepsi Schoolboys/ Girls and Junior Caribbean Championships, while Guyana’s Leon Moore Jr, Richard Howard, Alicia Jackman and Romona Agard, along with Jamaica’s Britney McFarlene, were winners of the several individual awards that were up for grabs. Overall, Guyana won ten titles in the Schoolboys/Girls and Junior’s divisions over the three-night period of the championships which failed to attract a large spectator support but which was filled with some very entertaining fights that whetted the appetites of the few boxing enthusiast who turned up to witness the championships. The locals, who have won the overall championships since its inauguration in 2016 right here in Guyana, showed their class and

outscored the opposition in every department and in the end, they were rewarded for their efforts. The march for championship honours began on Friday evening when the Guyanese boxers won two of four international bouts, then followed this up on Saturday night, winning two of two finals in the Junior category. On the final night on Sunday, Guyana won a lone schoolboys gold through Moses Crawford who beat his Guyanese counterpart, Hazel Adams, with a first round stoppage in their 30-33kg contest. This was followed by a points decision win for Jamal Mercier (Guyana) over his teammate Shemar Morrison in the junior division. Also in the junior division, Leon Moore, who on Friday night secured a points decision win against Nyrelle Husein of Trinidad and Tobago in their light bantamweight contest, returned to the ‘square jungle’ on Sunday night and caused the referee to stop his contest against Jamaica’s Ashwaney Lawes at one minute, seven seconds of the second round. Richard, who was adjudged best schoolboy boxer, then took to the ring and stopped Trinidad and Tobago’s Abdul Taylor at one minute 50 seconds of the third round in their light flyweight contest. Guyana’s Jermain Williams then followed up with a points decision win against his countryman

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:35 hrs Peppermint Tea 09:15 hrs Premier Show 09:55 hrs Sovereign Reign 10:30 hrs Norland 11:05 hrs Skiminac

Jevon Thomas in their middleweight contest and this was followed by a win for Alesha Jackman (Guyana) over Alicia King (Trinidad and Tobago in their bantamweight female encounter. Alesha Jackman was subsequently named best schoolgirl on show. Fighting in the Youth category, Francis Sukhu (Guyana) and Christopher Moore (Guyana) then added two more titles to Guyana’s account, as Sukhu won a points’ decision over Tarique Husein (Trinidad and Tobago) in their flyweight contest while Moore forced the referee to stop his welterweight bout against Trinidad’s Joshua Sylvester in a welterweight bout. Guyana’s AIBA accredited referee/judge was subsequently recognized as the best referee/judge throughout the championships, while Jamaica’s Bretney McFarlene was adjudged Best Female Youth for her victory over Trinidad’s Shakira Elias on the opening night and this was followed by a points decision win against Guyana’s Akea Lamazon in the welterweight division. Trinidad and Tobago won two gold medals through Blessings Waldropt who scored a points decision win against Guyana’s Mark Crawford in their light welterweight contest and Faith Ramnauth who stopped Guyana’s Anylais Trellis at one minute, 33 seconds of the first round in their female flyweight contest.

English Racing Tips Hamilton 08:20 hrs Happy Power 08:50 hrs John Kirkup 09:20 hrs Collide 09:50 hrs Royal Shaheen 10:20 hrs Zig Zag Zyggy 10:50 hrs Cool Run Girl 11:20 hrs Handsome Bob 11:55 hrs Lotara

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Brighton 08:40 hrs Entertaining Ben 09:10 hrs Stormy Road 09:40 hrs Iballisticvin 10:10 hrs Brexit meansbrexit 11:10 hrs Dusty 11:40 hrs Lord Murphy

Kempton 09:00 hrs Valentino Sunrise 09:30 hrs Ballet Red 10:00 hrs Enzemble 10:30 hrs Appointment Only 11:00 hrs Catoca 11:30 hrs Right Direction 12:05 hrs Vegas Boy 12:35 hrs Doctor Jazz

Irish Racing Tips Sligo 12:10 hrs Eglantine Du Seuil 12:30 hrs Alfred Wegener 13:10 hrs Varkhann 13:40 hrs The Trigger 14:10 hrs Pass The Ball 14:40 hrs Swingbridge

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

England face record chase after Kohli’s 103 NOTTINGHAM, England (REUTERS) - England will have to set a record for the highest successful fourth-innings chase if they are to win the third Test against India after the dominant tourists declared at 352 for seven with Virat Kohli making 103 on Monday. England’s opening pair of Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings survived a tricky nine overs before the close of play, reaching 23 without loss. That means Joe Root’s side require another 498 runs to win over the final two days of play and history suggests that is highly unlikely. Only four teams have scored more than 400 to win a test, West Indies’ 418 to beat Australia in 2003 being the highest. The highest fourth-innings winning Test total at Trent Bridge is 284 by England against New Zealand in 2004. Having started the third day on 124 for two, India were barely troubled through two and a half ses-

ter 197 balls when he was trapped lbw by seamer Chris Woakes. Hardik Pandya was unbeaten on 52 when Kohli finally decided to declare and let his bowlers give Cook and Jennings an uncomfortable mini-session. England, who lead the five-test series 2-0, suffered a blow during the morning when wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had to leave the ground with what turned out to be a fractured finger. Bairstow, a key part of the home team’s batting line-up, was hit on the end of the middle finger by a James Anderson delivery but is expected to bat in their second innings.

sions of steady, if unspectacular, accumulation under grey skies. After a fruitless morning session for England’s bowling attack, Cheteshwar Pujara, who had been dropped in the morning on 40, was caught at first slip

by Cook off the bowling of Ben Stokes for 72, ending his partnership with Kohli at 113. Skipper Kohli, who was out for 97 in the first innings, took few risks during his patient knock which finally came to an end af-

BCB/Raffik Construction cricket tournament....

RHT Bakewell, Tamarind Root and Chesney through to next round

R O S E H a l l To w n Bakewell, Tamarind Root and Chesney have advanced to the next round in the Raffik Construction 100 balls cricket tournament, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board for teams in the Lower Corentyne area. At the Area ‘H’ ground in Rose Hall Town, the home team defeated Whim by nine wickets. Whim batted first and reached 93-9 off their allotted overs with Joshua Persaud and Yogendra Sooknandan making 19 runs apiece. Off spinner Murphy La Rose took 3-10, while Randall Lewis claimed 2-14 and Captain Keith Simpson 2-16. In response, openers Vidal Crandon and Surendra Kissoonlall added 53 for the first wicket before Crandon was dismissed by T. Harrinarine for a well played 35. Kissoonlall and

Seenauth Joseph

Chanderpaul Govindan then took their team to 96-1 in 14 overs. Kissoonlall was left unbeaten on 32, while Govindan was on 14. At the Hampshire ground, Tamarind Root defeated Toopoo by five wick-

ets. Toopoo was bowled out for 53 inside 14 overs. R. Sookram top scored with 16. Seenauth Joseph claimed 5-4. He received support from Devindra Latchman (3-16) and Michael Ram (2-18). The home team then reached 54-5. Dillip Ramsammy blasted a quick-fire 26, while Surendra Permaul took 3-10 in a losing cause. Meanwhile, Imran Khan hit a superb unbeaten 109, as Chesney defeated Tain Block 4 by 134 runs. Chesney, batting first, made 195-4 off their 100 balls. Andy Naidu with 39 supported Khan. The visitors were then bowled out for 61 from eight overs. Khan returned with the ball to claim four wickets while Chemendra Goberdhan supported with 3-34. Five other first round matches were washed out.

SCOREBOARD INDIA first innings 329; England first innings 161 India 2nd innings(overnight 124-2) Shikhar Dhawan st Jonny Bairstow b Adil Rashid Lokesh Rahul b Ben Stokes Cheteshwar Pujara c Alastair Cook b Ben Stokes Virat Kohli lbw Chris Woakes Ajinkya Rahane b Adil Rashid Rishabh Pant c Alastair Cook b James Anderson Hardik Pandya Not Out Mohammed Shami c Alastair Cook b Adil Rashid Ravichandran Ashwin Not Out Extras: 1b 9lb 0nb 0pen 1w Total: (110.0 overs) 352 for 7 declared Fall of Wickets : 1-60 Rahul, 2-111 Dhawan, 3-224 Pujara, 4-281 Kohli, 5-282 Pant, 6-329 Rahane, 7-349 Shami Did Not Bat: Sharma, Bumrah

44 36 72 103 29 1 52 3 1 11

Bowling: James Anderson 22-7-55 -1, Stuart Broad 16-3-60-0, Chris Woakes 22-4-49-1, Ben Stokes 20-3-68-2 (1w) Adil Rashid 27- 2-101-3, Joe Root 3-0- 9-0. ......................................... ENGLAND 2nd innings Alastair Cook Not Out 9 Keaton Jennings Not Out 13 Extras 0b 0lb 1nb 0pen 0w 1 Total: (9.0 overs) 23-0 Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 3-1-16-0, Ishant Sharma 4-1-5-0 (1nb) Ravichandran Ashwin 2-1-2-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

PCB chief who clashed with Prime Minister Imran Khan resigns By Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi, who has a history of clashes with new prime minister and former national captain Imran Khan, resigned from his post on Monday and was swiftly replaced. Pakistani cricket enjoyed a golden period under Sethi’s management, winning the ICC Champions Trophy and shooting up the global rankings to become the number one team in T20 internationals, cricket’s shortest format. But former cricket star Khan, whose party won power in a national election last month, fell out with Sethi during the pre-

vious ballot in 2013, when Sethi was in charge of an interim provincial government and Khan accused him of rigging the vote in favour of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Sethi was the caretaker chief minister of the vast Punjab province when Sharif won a landslide victory. Khan repeatedly alleged Sethi was behind rigging in 35 constituencies, prompting Sethi to file a defamation case, which is pending in court. “I was waiting for the new Prime Minister to take oath before submitting my resignation as PCB Chairman, which I have done today,” Sethi tweeted along with a copy of his resignation sent to Khan.

Sethi, one of Pakistan’s best known journalists, angered many of Khan’s supporters for writing articles about the military’s alleged role in propelling Khan to power. Khan denies colluding with Pakistan’s powerful army, which has a history of dismissing and promoting politicians it favours. Khan immediately named Ehsan Mani, a former International Cricket Council chief, as Sethi’s replacement. Mani brought vast and valuable experience to the job, the prime minister tweeted. Sethi was credited with helping bring about an end to Pakistan’s lengthy isolation from international cricket, which began in 2009 when

Najam Sethi

Ehsan Mani

gunmen attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lanka team from their hotel to Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians. The incident forced Pakistan to play their home matches in the United Arab

Emirates and the country has since remained starved of international cricket at home, apart from a limited-overs tour by Zimbabwe in 2015. Sethi also introduced the Pakistan Super League (PSL), based on the franchise model of the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash League, and made it a huge success. His role in reviving the

fortunes of the national team drew praise, and the country’s influential Dawn newspaper published an editorial last month urging Khan not to interfere with the current cricketing set-up. The News on Sunday meanwhile urged Sethi to seize the moral high ground by stepping aside in the interests of Pakistan cricket to avoid a damaging “war of succession”.

Over fifty children benefit from ‘Ramps Logistics’ cricket camp

Participants at the closing ceremony of the Ramps Logistics Cricket Camp.

OVER the past ten days, Ramps Logistics hosted a cricket camp for less fortunate children at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda. The camp catered for children, both boys and girls aged 8-13 years old from various orphanages, homes and drop-in centers in Guyana, to give them a hands-on experience in the sport of cricket. Ramps Logistics Business Development Manager, Marisca Jordan, stated that this camp was or-

ganised with the aim of making the children feel special and giving them an opportunity to have fun outside of technology and also to pursue cricket as a profession. Jordan also pointed out that even though this is their first year hosting the camp, the aim is to make it an annual event during the same July/August period. The children were privileged to not only meet the former National Guyanese and West Indian fast bowler Reon King, but they were also coached by

the local talent. Speaking with two of the children who participated in the camp, they both expressed that it assisted in making them better cricketers along with improving their self-motivation. Ramps Logistics is the leading contributor of solutions to logistics across Latin America and the Caribbean. They are affiliated with El Dorado Offshore Guyana and Orbis Caribbean. Two of their services are customer’s brokerage and straight forwarding.

Griffith comes good to take Urban Benjamin Memorial Cycling Road Race title TEAM Evolution cyclist Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith surged to victory in the second edition of the Urban Benjamin Memorial Cycling Road Race on Sunday in Essequibo to take top honours along with an ounce of gold. Griffith came good crossing the finish line in a winning time of two hours, 59 minutes, 53 seconds (2:59:53) beating Rastaff O’Selmo who settled for second while young Deeraj Garbarran of United We Stand finished third. The trio was a part of the peloton but it was Griffith who attacked to great effect to finish first. The race saw the cyclists

pedaling off from Charity before heading to Supenaam and back to the point of origin for the finish along a 74 mile route. Marcus Keiler finished fourth while Warren ‘40’ McKay was fifth and Michael Anthony sixth. McKay was the first Veteran U-45 cyclist over the finish line while Ian Jackson took first place in the Over-45 category. Adealie Hodge was the top junior cyclist with Ajay Gopilall second and Ralph Seenarine third. Ozia McAulay took first place in the Mountain Bike event with Quincy Punch and Julio Melville second and third in that order.

Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith took the first prize of an ounce of gold in the second Urban Benjamin Memorial Cycling Road Race.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

RHTYSC on the move again T H E R o s e H a l l To w n Youth & Sports Club last Friday made several donations, handing over four bicycles and dozens of school bags to a number of students, in addition to a sewing machine and eight cricket bats, with sponsorship from Nand Persaud Co. Ltd and Annirud Construction Firm. The sewing machine was donated to 96 year old Datsie Brusch, who is the oldest resident in Rose Hall Town. The eight bats were given to cricketers from the No. 73, Port Mourant, Albion, Rose Hall Canje and Young Warriors cricket clubs. The donation took place at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre, and is part of another edition of the Patron’s Fund. Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the club, Hilbert Foster, explained that under the Patron’s Fund, the club is expected to donate five hundred school bags, twenty five bicycles and twenty cricket

Pamela Brusch accepts the donation of a sewing machine from Minister Hastings-Williams on behalf of Datsie Brusch.

Students who received cycles pose with Minister Hastings-Williams.

bats to youths. The club is also sponsoring a ‘Green Economy’ cricket competition for the Berbice Cricket

Board and has also made donations to the Buxton Cricket Club, the East Bank Football Association, the Rose Hall Town Coun-

Guyana Amazon Warriors lead points table THREE-time finalists of the Hero Caribbean Premier League-- the Guyana Amazon Warriors-- definitely seem to have a plan this year; perhaps to be in the final and then finally crossing that final hurdle. So far in the competition, the Guyana Amazon Warriors have played four games, winning three of them, which placed them on six points on the chart. Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders, along with Jamaica Tallawahs, are also on six points each, but both have played five games each, one more than the Warriors. According to the fixtures, each team will play a total of ten matches. The top four teams out of the six will then proceed to the playoffs. In the playoffs, the top two teams on the points table will face off in the first Qualifier. The winner of Qualifier 1 will move to the finals directly. The second and third placed teams will take on each other in the Eliminator. The winner of the Eliminator will then take on the loser of Qualifier 1 in the second Qualifier. In case teams finish with the same number of victories, then the side with the better run rate will proceed to the playoffs. The winning team will get two points and in the event of a no-result, the points will be divided. If a match ends in a tie, the team winning the Super Over will be awarded two points.

Teams Guyana Amazon Warriors Trinbago Knight Riders Jamaica Tallawahs Barbados Tridents St Kitts and Nevis Patriots St Lucia Stars

Points Table to date reads:

Played Won 4 3 5 3 5 2 3 5

3 1 1 1

Lost 1 2

Tied 0 0

PTS 6 6

NRR +0.948 0.61

2 1 2 4

0 0 0 0

6 2 2 2

-0.154 -0.2 -0.619 -0.766

cil, dozens of cricket clubs across Berbice and other organisations under the Patron’s Fund. T h e P a t r o n ’s F u n d

would also honour the top students of the National Grade Six AssessmentExaminations from Region Six. The club, Foster stated, is fully committed to assisting youths to fulfil their full potential on and off the cricket field. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hastings-Williams hailed the outstanding work of the

club. The minister urged the club to continue making a positive difference in the Ancient County. She stated that she was pleased that the club is also making every effort to fulfil President David Granger’s Five Bs Programme, which consists of buses, boats, bicycles, breakfast and books.

Knight Riders snatch last-ball win to break Tallawahs hearts FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, (CMC) – Barbadian Javon Searles held his nerve to smash a boundary off the final ball of the match as Trinbago Knight Riders pulled off a sensational four-wicket victory over Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League here Sunday night. Half-centuries from Colin Munro (67) and Darren Bravo (50) had put the reigning champions on course to overhaul their target of 183 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium but they still started the final over requiring seven runs for victory. Fast bowler Oshane Thomas kept Searles scoreless from the first ball and a bungled paddle sweep off the next ball resulted in a leg bye, which got captain Dwayne Bravo (36) on strike. However, Thomas then struck what seemed the crucial blow when he had Dwayne Bravo caught on the ropes at deep point by Kennar Lewis off the third delivery. Searles missed the fourth ball and Thomas then bowled a wide to reduce the target to five runs from the last two balls. When Searles and Denesh Ramdin scampered two to long off, it left TKR requir-

Javon Searles celebrates after hitting the winning runs off the last ball for Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday night

ing three runs from the final ball. Thomas then chose the wrong time to bowl his worst delivery of the over and Searles crashed the wide length ball through cover point to break the Tallawahs hearts. The defeat for the home side was their second on the trot at the venue and it saw them slip to third in the standings on six points, behind the top placed Guyana Amazon Warriors and the second placed TKR only on net run rate. Earlier, opener Glenn Phillips struck 80 from 55 balls while David Miller hit an unbeaten 72 from 34 balls as Tallawahs tallied 182 for five off their 20 overs. Sent in, Tallawahs were stum-

bling on 47 for three in the ninth over, undermined by Man-of-theMatch left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who took two of the wickets to fall to end with three for 19 from his four overs. But Phillips smashed three fours and five sixes, putting on 112 for the fourth wicket with Miller, who belted five fours and sixes, as they turned the innings around. In reply, TKR were in strife at 28 for three in the sixth over, losing the key wicket of Brendon McCullum for eight, caught by Steven Taylor running back from point off Thomas (2-29). Munro and Darren Bravo then combined in the key stand, putting on 107 for the fourth wicket to haul TKR back into contention. The left-handed Munro stroked four fours and sixes off 51 deliveries while Bravo, also a left-hander, notched five sixes in his 35-ball knock. When left-arm seamer Imad Wasim hit the base of Bravo stumps in the 17th over, TKR still needed 48 runs from 22 balls, but the older Bravo arrived to lash five sixes in a stunning 11-ball cameo before Searles staged his last-over heroics.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Gravesande boasts of Guyana’s potential if opportunity is given Linden coach believes Chantoba Bright could be used as prime example

By Rawle Toney IT’s no secret that when it comes to track and field in the Caribbean, Jamaica stands head and shoulder above the rest of the region, with the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago in the tow. However, one award-winning local track and field coach, Johnny Gravesande, believes that with his athlete --Chantoba Bright-- accepting a full scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), it shows that Guyana is not that far behind and with more opportunities given for athletes to showcase their talents with their regional counterparts, the gap will be narrowed. Bright, 18, departed Guyana last Wednesday and for the next four years she will compete on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) circuit and academically, major in natural science. Gravesande was behind Bright’s double-silver show-

ing at the 2016 CARIFTA Games in the long and triple jumps, and since then, coaches from several US Universities came calling. However, he advised “I told her no, I need her to reach 18, then she’ll be going; that way, she’ll do one year as a junior athlete in Guyana and then she’ll be old enough to take care of herself without her mother; so seeing her off to college and a division one college, it makes me feel proud as a coach.” “I feel real proud as a coach that I have an athlete that overseas coaches are interested in because some people say that Guyana don’t have a lot of good athletes like the rest of the Caribbean or like Jamaica. So when I’m home and I see so many emails coming in and coaches showing interest, I know that I’m doing well and my athletes, she’s going great also,” the usually laid back Gravesande told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview. Bright, a former stu-

Johnny Gravesande

dent of the Mackenzie High School (MHS) in Linden, could boast of being the best in the Caribbean in the long and triple jump, since her resumé would reflect her outstanding performances at the many regional championships, including her dominance at the CARIFTA Games. The Victory Valley, Linden resident, at the 2016 CARIFTA Games, won silver in the triple and the long jump. In 2017, she won gold in the long jump and bronze in the triple jump. In 2018, she

Chantoba Bright in action at the CARIFTA Games

won gold in the long jump, bronze in the triple jump and silver in the 4×400 relay. At the IAAF World U-18 Championships last year in Kenya, she finished fifth, while at the South American U-20 Championships, she won gold in the long jump and bronze in the triple jump. Her personal best in the triple jump is 12.60 and in the long jump, 6.30.

She also dabbled in high jump where her best height cleared was 1.65 metres. “A lot of colleges reached out to her, really good ones too, but I left the decision on where she wants to go with her mother, because when Chantoba leaves Guyana, she’ll be working with her mom and whoever is the new coach. I mean, yea, she’ll be working with me, but her mother is the one who need to be comfortable with where

she’s going because this is a female athlete, not a male, so I gave the mother the option to choose the college with her daughter,” Gravesande explained when asked about the athlete attending UTEP. According to Gravesande, “when I met her, she [was] already an A student at Mackenzie High School, but she wasn’t doing so well in athletics because she didn’t had a personal coach. She wasn’t doing so well in the track and her school coach told her to try the long and triple jump and from then we started working together.” Meanwhile, for Gravesande, who also coaches Guyana’s 2017 IAAF U-18, 400 metres silver medallist Daniel Williams, Bright could be used as the perfect example of how to balance track and field and education, pointing to her success at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Vera’s Finally dominant at Guyana Cup 2018 -Ross named Champion Jockey By Michelangelo Jacobus VERA’s Finally of Jumbo Jet Racing Stable was dominant in the feature event of the 12th Annual Guyana Cup--organized by Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee-- on Sunday,

bagging the winning purse of $2 Million in the 1600M ‘C’ Class and Lower event. The return of horse racing to the Rising Sun Turf Club saw patrons, fans and enthusiasts turn out in their numbers to witness a packed-day of thrilling action.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday August 21, 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) Kieron Pollard & Shoaib Malik (2) Dinesh Ramdin (TKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times Ramnaresh Sarwan captained the Warriors? (2) How many Tests and ODIs current Warriors captain, Shoaib Malik, has played for Pakistan to date? Answer in tomorrow's issue

Ridden by ‘Champion Jockey’ Colin Ross, Vera’s Finally led throughout the race at the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Berbice. Cheered on by a large and vociferous crowd, Vera’s could do no wrong as TNT of Nand Persaud Racing Stables and Goodwill Boy could only settle for second and third respectively. The second place prize was $1 Million while the third place fetched $500,000. Earlier in the day, proceedings got off to a punctual start at 12:00hrs sharp with the first race being the ‘L’ Class Fillies and Mares Only. The winner of that race was Miss Anjalie while Awesome Cash and Puppy Tail came in second and third, in that order. Meanwhile, in the ‘L’ Class Colts and Gelding Only race, Red Region took top honours over Plane Land (second) and Catch A Glimpse who finished third. In the G1 and Lower cat-

Vera’s Finally (in the lead) ridden by ‘Champion Jockey’ Clifton Ross who took the marquee race of Guyana Cup 2018.

egory, Storm Bird, ridden by Clifton Ross took the winner’s purse while Keep On Swinging and Red Rocket settled for second and third respectively. Miss Olympic turned in a top performance to win the J3 and Lower race with Pick A Chu coming in second while Stanley took third place. In the race for 2-year-old Guyana bred horses, Is He Perfect took top spot ahead of Princess Tasha and Ebony, in that order. Isn’t She Charming took first place in the H2 and Lower race while Gypsy

Princess took second and Ready to Romance placed third. In the L Class and Lower race, Gold Again took first place, beating out Cash Jet (second) and Prince D who settled for third place. The race for three-yearold Guyana bred horses was won by Not This Time while Perfect Return finished second and The Final Line placed third. In the last race of the day, ‘I’ Class and Lower, the crowd was well entertained as Miss Olympic crossed the finish line in first place while Not This Time took second

and Party Time third place. Ross took the ‘Champion Jockey’ award while Fazal Habibulla was adjudged the best trainer. The champion stable was the Singh’s Racing Stable, while the champion horse was Storm Bird. The Guyana Cup 2018 saw over $15 million up for grabs along with trophies and other prizes. Among the sponsors on board were Banks DIH, B.M Soat Auto Sales, KGM Security, Palm Court, Trophy Stall, Pegasus Hotel (Guyana), Gizmos and Gadgets and Hand-inHand Insurance, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Guyana finish fourth at Goodwill with 32 medals By Tamica Garnett ALEKA Persaud, Ethan Gonsalves and Daniel Scott stood out as Guyana’s star swimmers over the weekend, bringing in most of the country’s 32 medals as Guyana finished fourth at the Goodwill Swim Meet

Ethan Gonsalves

which concluded last Sunday in Barbados.

Notwithstanding the country slip from last year’s third place, this year saw another improved year for the’ Land of Many Waters’, with the team even finishing ahead of long-time rivals, Suriname, who fell all the way to fifth. Of the 32 medals, Guyana collected 11 gold, and 9 silver. The tournament was once again won by longstanding champions Trinidad and Tobago who amassed 1351 points. They were followed by the home side who collected 1032 points. Third place was taken by The Bahamas team, which had 670.5 points. Guyana ended with 553 points, and Suriname’s fall from grace saw them ending with 532 points. Of the remaining teams, Jamaica ended sixth (507.5), St Lucia seventh (285) and Grenada eight (224). With her seven individual medals (6 gold and 1 silver), Persaud continued her standing as Guyana’s most successful swimmer at

Aleka Persaud

the meet. Despite taking on the challenge of being in a new age category this year, Persaud still continued her record-breaking ways , starting out her run in the girls’ 11 – 12 category at the meet by setting three new records during the weekend. It all began on Friday, with the 100m freestyle when Persaud brought the record down to 1.03.13s. She went on a record-breaking rampage on Saturday, dismantling the

200m Individual Medley (2:36.50s), 50m Freestyle (27.95s) and 50m Butterfly records (30.63s). She picked up a silver in the 100m breaststroke with a time of 1:23.21s. On Sunday, she toppled Shivani singh’s record in the 100m Butterfly, shaving off two seconds and setting the new standard at 1:09.17s. There was also a gold to be picked up in the 200m freestyle, where she touched the wall in 2:20.33s. Gonsalves followed Persaud in the line of top performers with his two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Swimming in the boys’ 11 – 12 category, Gonsalves championed the 100m freestyle (1:01.83s) and 200m freestyle (2:12.92s) events. In the 100m butterfly, he finished behind Bahamas’ Msanna Bosland, with a time of 1:09.03 for second place. There was another silver in the 100m breaststroke (1:21.14s) and 200m IM (2:32.46s) events. He finished third in the 100m backstroke (1:14.19s) and 50m freestyle

(28.23s) events. Little Shereefah Lewis, in the girls 8 and under category, had a gold in the 50m backstroke, winning the event in 40.29 seconds. Scott did not manage to pick up a gold, but he was just as much an asset to

Daniel Scott

the team as he rounded up two silver and three bronze medals to add to the loot.

Swimming in the older boys 15 – 17 category, Scott took second place in the 50m butterfly (27.71s) and 200m freestyle (1:59.94s). He took bronze in the 100m freestyle (54.96s), 200m IM (2:20.05s), and 100m butterfly (1:05.15s). Other medal earners on the team included Patrice Mahaica and Monique Watson in the girls 11 – 12 category, winning a silver and a bronze, respectively, and Paul Mahaica in the boys 11 – 12 category with a bronze. The full list of Guyanese medallists at the 2017 Goodwill Swim Meet are as follows: Aleka Persaud – 6 gold, 1 silver Ethan Gonsalves – 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze Shereefah Lewis – 1 gold Daniel Scott – 2 silver, 3 bronze Patrice Mahaica – 1 silver Paul Mahaica – 1 bronze Monique Watson – 1 bronze Relay – 2 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze

Barbados, Guyana still unbeaten after easy Regional Under-19 wins KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – West Indies Under-19s opener Shian B r a t h w a i t e s t ro k e d a half-century to power Barbados to their second win of the Regional Under-19 oneday championship while Guyana also remained unbeaten in the third round of matches here Monday. Playing at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Barbados chased down 154 to dispose of the previously unbeaten Windward Islands by seven wickets with Brathwaite stroking an unbeaten 73. Brathwaite faced 103 balls and crunched five fours and sixes, anchoring three

key partnerships to control a tricky run chase. Firstly, he added 47 for the first wicket with Mekhail Marshall who made 24 before putting a further 46 for the third wicket with Kadeem Alleyne (15). Finally, he paired with Antonio Morris (24 not out) in an unbroken 51-run, fourth wicket partnership which put Barbados over the line. Earlier, fast bowler Matthew Forde ripped through the Windwards with a spell of five for 38 to send them tumbling for 153 all out in the 44th over. Lincoln Durand topscored with 43 and Jeron

Bhaskar Yadram produced a handy all-round performance to help Guyana to victory.

Noel got 30, the pair adding 66 for the eighth wicket after the innings lay in ruins at 64

for seven in the 19th over. At Cumberland, another Windies Under-19

star produced the goods as Guyana marched to a five-wicket victory over Jamaica. Sent in, Jamaica were dismissed for 166 in the penultimate over, with Carlos Brown top-scoring with 79 from 91 deliveries with four fours and sixes. They were struggling on 42 for four in the 14th over but Brown posted 37 with Dominik Samuels (9) for the fifth wicket and a further 52 with Sanjay Brown (14) for the sixth wicket. New-ball bowlers Yadram snatched four for 19 while Joshua Jones finished with three for 38.

I n r e p l y, G u y a n a reached their target in the 36th over with Sachin Singh stroking 32, Kevin Sinclair getting 31 not out and Yadram and Kevelon Anderson, 25 apiece. Opener Singh laid the foundation for the innings, posting 40 for the first wicket with Joshua Persaud (18) and a further 38 with Anderson for the second wicket. In the other game at Sion Hill, Leeward Islands made light work of Canada, bowling them out for 59 and then strolling to their target to win by eight wickets. The fourth round bowls off Thursday.

Pepsi Schoolboys/Girls and Juniors Caribbean C/ships

Guyana retain championship title as five boxers win individual honours

See Page 22

FIFA’s legal chief Villiger leaves governing body

President of the Guyana Boxing Federation (GBF) Steve Ninvalle (first left) poses with the victorious Guyana team along with boxing coach, Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers (right).

ZURICH (Reuters) - Marco Villiger, the man who was the key link between FIFA and U.S. anti-corruption investigators, has left the organisation, soccer’s world governing body said on Monday. Villiger, who was FIFA’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief Legal and Integrity Officer, was one of the few senior members of previous FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s administration who kept his position under his successor Gianni Infantino. “I had the privilege to be part of FIFA in different roles with different responsibilities. After accomplishing a successful FIFA World Director of FIFA’s legal Cup in Russia, the time for me has come to division Marco Villiger turn the page to a new chapter, seeking for new challenges”, said Villiger in a statement released by FIFA. FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said Swiss Villiger had been a “pillar of the organisation”. He came to the fore at FIFA following the 2015 FBI raid in Zurich which saw seven officials arrested on corruption charges. With Blatter, who was later banned from football by FIFA’s Ethics Committee, facing a separate Swiss investigation, Villiger, then head of legal affairs, worked closely with the U.S. law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. The firm conducted an internal investigation of FIFA and helped in relations with the U.S Department of Justice. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, has always denied any wrongdoing. Praising Villiger, Samoura added: “I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his great career within FIFA, in which he has consistently demonstrated his expertise and professionalism, as well as his dedication to this great organisation. “His competence earned him the trust and respect of internal and external stakeholders. I wish Marco all the best in his future endeavours.” Since Infantino was elected FIFA president, senior officials from the organisation have moved on with the Swiss keen to bring in his own staff. More than 40 entities and individuals have been charged by U.S. prosecutors in connection with the FIFA investigation. The probe has resulted in more than two dozen guilty pleas and one trial of three former soccer officials, two of whom were found guilty by a jury.

Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ivan Evelyn (right) hands over the Best Referee/Judge trophy to Ramona Agard.

Badminton World Federation (BWF) CAREBACO Under-19 Junior Champion, Priyanna Ramdhani.

Ramdhani is CAREBACO Under-19 Junior Champion PRIYANNA Ramdhani is now the Badminton World Federation (BWF) CAREBACO Under-19 Junior Champion after winning both the Girls Singles and Girls Doubles finals along with two gold medals on Saturday in front of a large crowd. This is the first time a Guyanese player have ever won the International Championships and the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) said that they are extremely happy that young Ramdhani has made history, being just 16 years old. The evening started out for the Guyanese player with the Girls Singles final when she defeated the number one seeded player in the tournament-- Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad & Tobago-- in sets of 21-10 and 21-4 to take the BWF CAREBACO 2018 Girls Singles Champi-

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onships. She then went on later in the evening playing in the Girls Doubles Final with DeBoulet of Trinidad & Tobago to defeat Suriname’s pair of Imani Mangroe and Faith Sariman in sets of 21-13 and 21-17. In a release to the media, the GBA noted that they are ‘extremely delighted with results in the BWF Under-19 Championships and congratulates the players that represented us and played their best’. The BWF CAREBACO Senior International Championships which will also be held in Suriname starts today and the players taking part are: NARAYAN RAMDHANI, JONATHAN MANGRA, DARRELL CARPENAY, AKILI HAYNES, TYRESE JEFFREY and PRIYANNA RAMDHANI TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018