Guyana Chronicle E-paper 09-08-2018 by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 8th September, 2018

Charges to be laid soon No.105391

–– as SOCU about to wrap up ‘Pradoville 2’ probe 02 PAGE

President David Granger shares a light moment with CLE Chairman, Reginald Armour; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; and Attorney-General Basil Williams shortly after the CLE meeting was declared open here at the Guyana Marriott on Friday (Photo by Delano Williams)

Make legal education more accessible ... President urges CLE centre page

High Court frees father of three –– spares him doing time for 8g of ‘ganja’

PAGE

Charges to be laid soon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

–– as SOCU about to wrap up ‘Pradoville 2’ probe

By Svetlana Marshall WITHIN days, charges are expected to be instituted against persons fingered in the Sparendaam Housing Project, AKA Pradoville 2, land scam, according to a well-placed source. The Guyana Chronicle has been given to understand that investigations into the housing project are near completed, and that charges could be laid as early as next week. Since last year, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been investigating the suspicious financial transactions of State officials that bordered on, or amounted to, corrupt practices and/or abuse of office while under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration’s watch. The investigations are based on a Forensic Audit

which found that several persons close to the last government had received prime seafront property belonging to the State at extraordinarily low cost. When contacted on Friday, SOCU Head Sydney James told the Guyana Chronicle that the Pradoville 2 file was with the Police Legal Adviser, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, but was returned to SOCU for additional work. “We have been directed to do some additional work, which should be completed next week,” James told this newspaper. He said that once completed, the file will be sent back to the Police Legal Adviser, and it is she who would determine whether charges will be laid or not. Justice Singh, when contacted by this newspaper, declined to comment.

Last March, former President, now Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, along with several former ministers of the PPP/C government and Party representatives were arrested and questioned by SOCU in relation to the alleged Pradoville 2 land scam. PUT SYSTEMS IN PLACE The State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) had recommended that Attorney-General, Basil Williams put systems in place to facilitate charges of “misconduct in public office” being laid against Jagdeo and five ministers of the former administration, namely: Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud; Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford; Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; Labour Minister,

Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul; and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee. It was in 2016 that the Ministry of Finance handed over the final reports of the forensic audits done on the Pradoville 2 (Special Investigation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority) to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), thereby paving the way for the criminal investigations to be opened in the matter. The case was, in 2017, handed over to SOCU. The APNU+AFC Government has long indicated that those found culpable in wrongdoings with respect to the sale of lands at the Pradoville 2 Housing Project should be prosecuted. Forensic audits done on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) had revealed that some $257M were spent on developing

Pradoville 2, and that the value of land there should have been $82.8M per acre, instead of the significantly less sum for which an acre was sold. According to the audit report: “Instead of accumulating all the costs associated with the Sparendaam Project — including the market value of the land — in a special account to be applied in arriving at the price to be charged per house lot, NICIL’s Board and Cabinet were complicit in charging the related costs of $257.049M to NCN in the form of equity investment, and to CH&PA in the form of receivables. “The fact that several key Cabinet members are the beneficiaries of the house lots renders it highly inappropriate for the very Cabinet to approve of the charging of the expenditure to the accounts of NCN and

CH&PA.” The report, which was released by the Ministry of Finance, said the use of “a conservative estimate of $985M for the 2009 market valuation of the land on which the Marriott has been constructed prior to infrastructure being undertaken on a similar size land (makes) the total value of the Sparendaam project work out to $1.242B or $82.8M per acre. “This figure should have been used to compute the price per lot. It is not clear: (a) how many lots are involved, and their respective sizes; (b) the basis under which the recipients were selected; (c) how the price of approximately $1.5M per lot was determined; and (d) which entity — NICIL or CH&PA — received the proceeds from the sale of the plots.”

Venezuelan –registered aircraft remains grounded at Ogle

A VENEZUELAN registered aircraft, which was detained by the authorities

at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle soon after it arrived

The aircraft which is currently barred from leaving Guyana. there three weeks ago, remains grounded. Reports are that the aircraft, a Beech Baron 55 bearing registration YV 2377, which arrived from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela on August 19, was barred from leaving as part of money laundering investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

SOCU Head, Sydney James told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that the investigations are still ongoing. The aircraft is said to be owned by a Guyanese. Its landing and departure arrangements were being handled by Roraima Airways. Airport sources told the Guyana Chronicle, on Fri-

day, that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has instructed that the aircraft remain on the ground until further advised. In July this year, another aircraft which arrived from Venezuela was detained by the authorities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. It was revealed that the pilots and passengers were

invited to Guyana by Mr. Michael Brassington, who was at the airport to receive them and the “Handling Permission Form” listed Roraima Airways Inc. as the handling agent for the aircraft which bore registration YV 2493. The aircraft and crew were later released by the authorities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

CLE wants treaty-compliant study for law school By Svetlana Marshall

JUST when Guyana thought it was one step closer to establishing its own law school, it is now being told that the feasibility study it submitted is not in compliance with the treaty that established the Council of Legal Education (CLE). The hammer dropped on Friday when CLE Chairman Reginald Armour announced that the Government of Guyana and its joint-venture partners, the Law School of the Americas (LCA) and the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), have been asked to revisit the study. “We have asked for a better feasibility study,” Armour told reporters on the margins of the opening ceremony of the CLE meeting at the Guyana Marriott on Friday. Guyana’s Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, on July 4, 2018 submitted a copy of the feasibility study to the CLE for consideration. That study was examined by a sub-committee of the Council for Legal Education, and it was during that examination that several loopholes were detected. According to the CLE Chairman, who also chairs the sub-committee, there were three primary concerns. “One, the feasibility study is not treaty-compliant; it does not fit within the treaty that the Council for Legal Education operates under,” Armour explained. According to Article 1, Section 3 (b) of The Treaty establishing the Council of Legal Education, the Council is mandated “to establish, equip and maintain law schools, one in Jamaica, one in Trinidad and Tobago, and in such other territories

CLE Chairman Reginald Armour as the Council may from time to time determine, for the purpose of providing post-graduate professional legal training.” The second major concern, Armour disclosed, is that the feasibility study does not satisfy the quality assurance that the CLE requires. “Thirdly, we would need to see a curriculum; we need to see a curriculum,” he said. CONTINUED DISCUSSIONS A full report on the proposed law school was presented to the full Council on Friday by the sub-committee, and according to Mr Armour, a timetable would likely be set up for continued discussions with Guyana and its joint-venture partners, LCA and UCC. He, however, stopped short of indicating whether Guyana would be given the green light if it provides the council with the required information. All he said was, “When those things are submitted, we will look at them.” But for Guyana’s AG, it is simply a matter of pro-

viding the Council of Legal Education with additional information, rather than doing a new study altogether. He explained that it was the intention of the government and its partners to utilise the Hugh Wooding Law School’s curriculum, but it was not included in the document that was submitted to the CLE, and it will be now. On the issue of quality assurance, Minister Williams told reporters that additional information was requested, and will be provided. The attorney general said the partners in Jamaica have already sent some of the information that is required. Addressing the concern that the feasibility study is not in compliance with the treaty, the attorney general pointed out that while Article 1, Section 3 (B) of the agreement establishing the Council of Legal Education identified Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, it creates provisions for other law schools to be established. He noted that it was under the said agreement that the Eugene Dupuch Law School was established in The Bahamas, and stressed that it is necessary for Guyana to have its own law school. Ahead of the meeting on Friday, the CLE sub-committee met with the attorney general and officials from the LCA and UCC, including LCA Chairman Courtney Wynter at the AG’s Chamber on Tuesday. MAKE A STRONG CASE Like the attorney general, Wynter and his partners continue to make a strong case for Guyana to be granted the necessary approval to establish its own law school; one that

An artist’s impression of the proposed JOF Haynes Law School

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams speaking to reporters Friday would be recognised by the CLE. “For years the students of Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean have been disenfranchised; one, because of cost, and two, because of the allocation into the Norman Manley or the three existing law schools,” Wynter said.

“And so, because of the space availability of the three existing law schools, we have Caribbean nationals who are struggling to continue their legal education,” he added, noting that the proposed JOF Haynes Law School will help to meet the demand. The JOF Haynes Law

School, when constructed, will be located at the University of Guyana (UG). The state-of-the-art facility is expected to cost $6M, and with the Guyana Government having already secured the land, its private partners are in line to finance the project.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

George Papadopoulos: Ex-Trump adviser jailed in Russia inquiry (BBC) The former Trump adviser whose remarks in a London pub sparked the US inquiry into possible collusion with Russia has been sentenced to 14 days in jail. George Papadopoulos, 31, told the court in Washington DC he was a "patriotic American" who made a mistake by lying. He pleaded guilty last October to lying to the FBI about the timing of meetings with alleged go-betweens for Moscow. He was the first ex-Trump aide arrested in the probe into an alleged Kremlin plot to sway the 2016 US vote.

George Papadopoulos and his wife Simona Mangiante Papadopoulos arrive at US District Court for his sentencing

US President Donald Trump reacted by taking an apparent swipe at the cost of the investigation into the former aide. In Friday's sentencing, Papadopoulos was also handed 12 months of supervised release, 200 hours of community service, and a fine of $9,500 (ÂŁ7,350). He said in court that his "entire life has been turned upside down" and he hoped "for a second chance to redeem myself". Papadopoulos concluded by saying "this investigation has global implications, and the truth matters". The Chicago native was a London-based petroleum

analyst before he joined the Trump campaign in March 2016 as a volunteer foreign policy adviser. Papadopoulos soon made contact with a mysterious Maltese academic, Joseph Mifsud. The professor told Papadopoulos the Russians had "dirt" on Mr Trump's Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton in the form of "thousands of emails". The young political operative told Mr Trump, then a Republican presidential candidate, and other members of the campaign's national security team that he could set up a meeting with President Vladimir Putin ahead of the

November 2016 election. A pre-sentencing statement last week read: "While some in the room rebuffed George's offer, Mr Trump nodded with approval and deferred to Mr Sessions, who appeared to like the idea and stated that the campaign should look into it." Papadopoulos told CNN in an interview aired on Friday that Mr Trump "gave me a sort of a nod" and "wasn't committed either way" about the idea of a meeting with the Russian leader. But he said then-senator and now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions "was actually enthusiastic". Last November, Mr Sessions testified to Congress that he had "pushed back" against Papadopoulos' offer. American authorities were alerted in mid-2016 after Papadopoulos told an Australian diplomat during a drinking session in a London pub about his meetings with Professor Mifsud. The envoy alerted US investigators. When the FBI interviewed him in January 2017, Papadopoulos falsely claimed he had met two individuals with Russian ties before he joined the president's team in March 2016. He had actually met them after joining Mr Trump's campaign. One individual was a Russian woman who Papadopoulos believed had connections to the Russian government. Outside court on Friday, Papadopoulos' lawyer, Thomas Breen, said his client was a "fool" and had acted "stupidly" in lying to the FBI. But the attorney said "the president of the United States hindered this investigation more than Papadopoulos ever could". He said Mr Trump had hampered the inquiry by calling it a "witch hunt" and "fake news".

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

Petrotrin survives union boycott calls senteeism was reported in OWTU stronghold, Trinmar, but fields continued to operate with morning tower crews and senior staff. All contractor vessels reported for work. Tank Farms were man-

The Petrotrin refinery at Point-a-Pierre. The Government has announded that the 101-year-old refinery would be shut down. PHOTO BY ANIL RAMPERSAD.

(Trinidad Newsday) Petrotrin has survived the Joint Trade Union Movement’s calls to stay home. Despite the closure of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery being a major point of contention among the labour movement, and in particular, the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union, the company remained largely unaffected by today’s call for a “day of rest and reflection.” In a release today, the

company said there was “mixed levels of absenteeism” across the organisation but there was no disruption to its supply, and operations continued uninterrupted. “Reports from the company confirmed that its operations were not affected by the Labour Movement’s call for workers throughout the country to stay away from work,” Petrotrin said in a release. The highest level of ab-

Finance minister urges media to report Gov't statistics responsibly (Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, says media practitioners, particularly those involved in delivering news and current affairs content, have a key role to play in how official government statistics are communicated to the public. Speaking at a recent Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) media sensitisation seminar at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew, Clarke said that as the administration pursues Jamaica's development as a market economy, data and official statistics will become increasingly pivotal to the planning process. “Those who are best able to interpret and best use them will have an advantage… and media practitioners… have a crucial role to play in, first of all, understanding these official statistics, and communicating them to the public,” the minister said.

He acknowledged that in an increasingly “fluid and fast-paced” news culture, there is pressure on and competition among media houses to creatively report on current developments, which could lead to miscommunication, particularly on economic data. “The adjectives and adverbs… that we use around issues such as inflation [at times] become misplaced. So verbs like 'jumped' and 'plunged'… those kinds of sensational words that we use, sometimes, do not add to the public good,” he contended. The minister suggested that official data should, ideally, “just be reported in a neutral way”. “If you look at the international financial news channels… when [journalists] are discussing matters like inflation, the gross domestic product and unemployment [they are] having a rational discussion around the numbers,” he pointed out.

aged and operational, and Production Fields, while not fully manned, were still fully operational. Custody Transfer, HSE, and Fire Sections were manned and operational. “Generally, we are op-

erating thus far with no disruptions in production. Many senior and professional staff members are at work,” a company spokesperson said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

Inclusionary democracy and opposition dialogue PRESIDENT David Granger, commenting recently on his high hopes for engagement with the leader of the opposition, has restated government’s commitment to inclusionary democracy. The President iterated that the door remains open to talks with the opposition. Inclusionary democracy is the constitutional ideal prescribed by Article 13 of the constitution, which states that: “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” The administration has repeatedly emphasised its determination to the full realisation of that ideal. Further, the coalition believes that true inclusionary democracy may best be achieved by strengthening social cohesion. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines a cohesive society as, “[one that] works towards the well-being of all its members, fights

exclusion and marginalisation, creates a sense of belonging, promotes trust, and offers its members the opportunity of upward mobility.” The national society is made up of communities and a cohesive community is defined as, “[One in which] the diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued, those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities, and strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds and circumstances in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.” Government subscribes to those definitions, and will work towards their actualisation, as a step along the path to inclusionary democracy. President Granger, in recognising the need for social cohesion, has identified obstructions to its realisation in Guyana. According to His Excellency, “. . . differences between various social groups continue to threaten mutual trust.” Such differences, says the President, include economic, ethnic, political, religious, and class differences. The President has stated that, “We have to re-

pair that damage.” With that goal in mind, and, having identified the obstacles to its achievement, The President, at the Roundtable on Social Cohesion on September 3, 2015, articulated a five-point plan. First, elimination of extreme poverty. Too many Guyanese, being extremely poor, cannot afford a minimally nutritious diet. On the other hand, some Guyanese are very rich. This disparity in economic circumstances between the large masses of poor people and the wealthy few is an impediment to cohesion. Thus, government must continue to create the conditions to narrow that gap. Second, elimination of inequality. Gender, geographic, and other forms of inequality must be removed. Everyone – male or female, coastlander or hinterland resident – must have equitable access to developmental opportunities. Segregated communities, which foster ethnic insecurities, must be abolished. Government, through such initiatives as hinterland electrification, and the establishment of capital towns will continue to work towards decentralised engines of develop-

ment, and towards real equity for all Guyanese. Third, promotion of political inclusion. This inclusion will start at the neighbourhoods and extend through regional and national tiers of government. While government will actively encourage citizen-participation, individuals and groups must make use of the opportunities to actively become involved in political activities, and offer themselves as political representatives. Fourth, employment and social protection. Government will work on the legislative level to promote fair employment practices, equitable opportunities, safe workplaces, and environmentally sustainable practices. Enforcement of existing laws are also part of the agenda. Labour bodies, unions and other workers’ representatives also have a role, as they should treat fairly with government and private employers to create the best conditions for all concerned. Fifth, Equal access to education. Education is the great equaliser. As such, the administration will continue to pursue an agenda of equity of access to quality education. As was recently iterated by The President,

the drop-out rate continues to be of great concern. Therefore, while enrolment is being monitored, continuation will be on the front-burner. Further, government recognises that for a child to learn he must be fed, clothed, and sheltered. He must also have a home environment conducive to learning. Government programmes will continue to be implemented with those considerations in mind. President Granger has repeatedly emphasised that greater integration among groups will foster a sense of belonging; no one should feel left out. All cultures must be respected and admired for the beauty that they bring to the national tapestry. President Granger’s emphasis on continued dialogue with the opposition – which represents almost half of Guyanese – should, therefore, come as no surprise. Such continuous engagement is fully in line with the administration’s stated goal of inclusionary democracy as prescribed by the constitution. And while government pursues that agenda, opposition leaders should also commit to actions which will engender cohesion at all levels of society.

Con-men with friends in high places Dear Editor THERE was a letter in the Guyana Chronicle about six middle-aged men who can be seen underneath the Demico establishment operating the three-card game. Mr. Editor, everything the writer said was true. Unfortunately, nothing is done

by Law Enforcement to stop this illegal activity. These guys would operate their three-card business underneath Demico or on America Street. If things are slow with their three-card game, they would then venture outside of the Stabroek Market in front of the Digicel booth, or the

Muneshwer sidewalk by the Mon Repos bus park. They can even be seen by the Berbice bus park on High Street. Every time they rob somebody, they can be seen going to the police outpost at the back of the Stabroek Market. I was told that they would go there to inform the police of what had trans-

pired and leave a raise with them. I’ve learned that they have top police friends at the Brickdam Police Station who would protect them from getting any problem. When they rob someone, and whenever someone makes a report to the station, the police would tell them that they were gambling illegally and all of them

“the victim and the perpetrator” would be charged for that. The victim has no other choice but to beg for the story to finish. Most of their victims are hapless Amerindians who came into the city to conduct business. The writer of the letter appealed to the crime chief to

focus some of his attention in this area. However, nothing was done, as these guys continue their trade unhindered. I am personally appealing to the new commissioner of police to please do something about this illegal activity. Edwin Adams

A ‘priceless’ idea worthy of emulation Dear Editor I AM reading that Linden has appointed a junior mayor and

junior councillors too. The junior mayor is in the person of student Devon Beckles. The idea was birthed as it was

recognised the struggles councillors face and have to cope with following LGEs, where they have no experience, knowledge or training

in the execution of their functions. The idea is priceless, and should be considered and emulated in other municipalities.

Kudos to the Linden municipality for this bold initiative. Shamshun Mohamed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

Manickchand responds to her critics Dear Editor, APPEARING in the letter columns of the September 7th, 2018 edition of the Guyana Chronicle was a letter purportedly written by one Ms Elizabeth Williams. The letter comprised the same contents and tone of paid government propagandists over the last few days on social media platforms, to wit, that I had said to teachers “if you don’t like your salary, quit.” In what was clearly an organised but colossally failed attempt to distract attention from the nationwide teachers strike, government bloggers and Ms. Williams resurrected an article dated 31st May, 2012 and published in the Kaieteur News, whose publication was admittedly an error and which said article had been withdrawn. Like those bloggers, all Ms Williams’ accusations and assertions are based on that said article. It has already been widely circulated on those same social media platforms that the article, which was being used as gospel, was withdrawn and an apology issued to me for its contents. I copy here in its entirety, the subsequent Kaieteur News article dated the 1st day of June 2012, apologising to me. I do this for the benefit of your readers. “On Thursday, March 31, 2012, this publication carried a story with a headline “IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE SALARY, QUIT – MANICKCHAND.” The story gave the distinct impression that teachers at a consultation in Berbice said en masse that they did not want the automatic promotion policy to continue, as they were not being paid for the remedial classes and that the Minister of Education had said to teachers that if they do not want to do the remedial classes for students as a result of the automatic promotion policy, then they should quit the profession. We are satisfied that the story inadvertently misrepresented the views of both the teachers as well as the then Minister of Education. It is true that a teacher raised the issue of payment for the remediation classes, citing the needs of families of teachers. The minister perceived that as one of the reasons the programme was not as successful as it was envisioned to be and duly recorded the reason. It is also true that during the course of the day, the

minister did indeed have an inspirational talk with teachers, which had absolutely nothing to do with automatic promotion and/or remediation classes, where she praised teachers for being much more than teachers every day, discussed with teachers their almost sacred duty to mould minds and emphasised that what teachers do today will determine what Guyana looks like tomorrow. It was during this session that the minister indicated that the ministry had no space for the handful of teachers who are comfortable with turning up to school late every day, putting their heads on a desk, not teaching and at the end of the day, saying that salaries were not enough, while still receiving those salaries. We apologise to the minister and to the teachers for any confusion, hurt and/or strained relations that our story would have unintentionally caused.” In other words, Mr Editor, I simply did not say what the letter writer alleges I had said. I would be happy to sit down with Ms Williams, if she exists, and answer any and all questions she may have about what was done under and by the PPP/C Government for teachers and the education system as a whole, what our plans were, what we think are remaining gaps and how we plan to fix those. I would be happy to hear from her too about what she proposes. In the meantime, I doubt that teachers and the GTU and/or parents and children have forgotten and/or will be distracted from the fact that our teachers were forced to strike and march the streets and dams and mountains of the nation and sing and chant and protest against the government to force the said government to treat with them respectfully and fairly. I doubt they have forgotten that it is the Minister of Labour of this government that said teachers are "selfish" and "uncaring," or that the President after he appointed a Task Force, close to three years after the last multiyear agreement expired, to address the issue of teachers’ salary and conditions of work, ignored the recommendations of the Task Force. Sincerely, Priya Manickchand, M.P. Former Minister of Education.

Guyana, Brazil relations ‘never been stronger’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

–– Pres. Granger declares at anniversary reception

By Vishani Ragobeer PRESIDENT David

Granger has affirmed that relations between Guyana and Brazil have

never been better and stronger, on the observance of the countries’

50 years of bilateral relations and the 196th Independence Anniversary of Brazil. Speaking at a reception Friday evening to mark Brazil’s independence anniversary, President Granger said: “Brazil’s Independence celebration this year is auspicious; it coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two States.” Noting also that “High-level engagements [between Brazil and Guyana] have intensified over the past year,” President Granger said that among those engagements was his meeting Brazil’s President Michel Temer on the margins of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017, followed by his State visit to Brazil in December of the same year. He said that during his visit to Brazil, key agreements were inked, among them the Complementary Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding which creates the “Guyana-Brazil Joint Commission to Develop Infrastructure Projects”, and the Complementary Agreement on Technical Cooperation for the Implementation of the project, “Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region 9 of Guyana”. The president also acknowledged other instances where ministers and other officials from the Brazilian government visited Guyana to strengthen relations between the two nations. “Pace and intensity of contacts between these two neighbouring republics have been gathering momentum,” President Granger said, adding: “Guyana and Brazil relations have never been stronger; the prospects for renewed cooperation and collaboration have never been brighter.” And while Guyana and Brazil have been fortifying

President David Granger and Ambassador Lineu Pupo de Paula cut the ceremonial cake to mark the two anniversaries (Photos by Delano Williams) their longstanding friendship with each and every passing year, President Granger said that most importantly, “Guyana continues to work closely with Brazil to advance infrastructural integration by way of the planned paved Mabura Hill-Lethem Road.” Friday evening’s reception was held at the residence of Brazilian Ambassador, Lineu Pupo de Paula, who shared with his guests Brazil’s commitment to the advancement of the road project, and similar sentiments as President Granger about the deepening of ties between the two nations. Besides affirming Brazil’s unwavering support to Guyana’s territorial integrity, Ambassador Pupo de Paula seized the opportunity to announce that pretty soon, communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will be benefitting from

the creation of a few artesian wells, and that some 64 Guyanese public servants will be receiving specialised training in their particular fields. This is in addition to the pre-existing agreements the nations have, particularly in the areas of health, infrastructure and defence. Guyana and Brazil relations, as noted by President Granger, are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on the borders and international law, and the maintenance of international peace and security. “I would say that over the last 50 years, Brazil has been a faithful and solid supporter of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and we are very proud to have a neighbour like Brazil, which adheres to the rule of international law and for peace in this continent,” the president said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

GTU likely to go int’l for arbitration panel –– would have been ‘comfortable’ with 20% increase

By Tamica Garnett THE Guyana Teachers Union will be looking to its Caribbean affiliates when it comes to finding a chairman and representative for the arbitration panel, which will overlook and settle its salary increase dispute with the Ministry of Education (MoE). “It is very important for us to look for someone who will provide a neutral balance for both teachers and government. The chairperson being chosen, it is extremely critical that we have somebody that is going to bring balance; the challenge is finding someone who will not be politically influenced, someone that will bring that neutral balance to the team,” Lyte said at a press briefing Friday at GTU’s Woolford Avenue Headquarters.

“We have a few options; we have several affiliates from around the Caribbean that we could call upon to be part of the panel; it doesn’t exclude outside persons being included on the panel, so that might very well be an option going forward,” he added. Lyte said that regardless of the outcome of the talks, both sides will have to adhere to the results of the arbitration process, even though the GTU would’ve actually been willing to accept a 20 per cent increase for 2016 had the government offered it. Negotiations between the GTU and MoE ended in a deadlock after the former held out for a salary increase of 40 per cent for 2016, and incremental increases of five per cent for the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 to be

granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators. Said Lyte Friday: “We would have been comfortable with 20 per cent when we did our calculations, that would have been reasonable. “But in negotiations, you can’t put forward exactly what you are requesting; and that’s a point missed by many persons across Guyana. In negotiations, you cannot start at a figure that you intend to get; you always have to find a way to negotiate downwards. So the Union could not have been aiming for 20 per cent and ask for 20 per cent in the front; it would have been broken down.” In counter-proposing the GTU’s demand, the ministry had addressed Year 2018, offering a ballpark figure of $700M for salary increases, and $200M to address

de-bunching. Aside from salary, there were also several other financial and non-financial issues in the GTU’s proposal. Though the two sides were not able to agree on the major issues, they did come to a settlement on several other issues. However, Lyte says when the arbitration panel reviews the issues between the MoE and GTU, even the issues already agreed upon may very well have to be readdressed. “It behooves the committee also to address some of the matters that were already agreed on, because if you have a panel to look at the whole multi-year proposal, then they have to look at everything afresh. So it’s a fresh look at the proposal that was submitted by the Union,” Lyte said, adding:

“The dispute revolves around salary matters, and the outstanding debunching that is due to the Union since 2011; they’re all financial in nature, and those will be the major issues the panel will be dealing with. First of all, they will be looking at what percentage would be adequate for teachers to have a liveable wage, debunching, clothing allowance, risk allowance, several things proposed that are of a financial nature. Those are the ones that be on the front burner.” It was last Thursday that the MoE and GTU agreed to move towards arbitration to settle the dispute, after the GTU refused to go through the conciliation stage of the process. The arbitration process will be presided over by a panel comprising a mutu-

GTU President Mark Lyte ally agreed upon chairman, a representative from the GTU and a representative from the MoE. The outcome of the arbitration process will be final in settling the dispute between the two sides.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

High Court frees father of three –– spares him doing time for 8g of ‘ganja’

By Clestine Juan THE High Court on Friday upheld an appeal on a three-year sentence imposed on a man by a city magistrate for the possession of 8.6 grams of marijuana. The appeal was filed by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes on behalf of Carl Mangal, who was sentenced to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman back in May. It was alleged that on May 18, 2018, at Princes Street, Georgetown, Mangal had in his possession 8.6 grams of marijuana, to which charge the 27-year-old pleaded guilty. According to evidence presented by the prosecutor, on May 18, ranks acting on information went to Lot 2 Princes Street, where a search of the defendant’s home unearthed two Ziploc bags of stems and leaves of what looked suspiciously like marijuana. Mangal admitted to the police that the marijuana was his, and was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station. After sentence was passed in the lower court, Mangal’s family members broke down in tears, begging the magistrate to be lenient. He was subsequently put on $40,000 bail pending the appeal. When the matter was called on Friday during a Full Court before Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and Justice Sandil Kissoon, State Prosecutor Shawnette Austin, who is attached to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Chambers, indicated that the DPP would not be objecting to the appeal being allowed. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, in delivering the ruling of the court, indicated that the court would allow the appeal on the following grounds: That Magistrate Latchman failed to enquire of the unrepresented defendant, whether the facts related by the prosecution were true and correct; and that failure to do so and to determine based on his response, whether the plea should be sustained or changed to a not-guilty plea, before sentencing, nullified the sentence imposed by Magistrate Latchman. The Alliance For Change (AFC), of which Mr Hughes is a member, had called for swift action to remove custodial sentencing for persons found with small amounts of ganja. The case has also

FREED: Carl Mangal revived calls for reform of the laws prohibiting the use of ganja here in Guyana. “Custodial sentences serve, in large measure, to criminalise young people, particularly young men who have been caught with small quantities of marijuana – an offence which is a mere error in judgment and not representative of criminal behaviour,” the AFC had said. AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, since 2015 had tabled a Bill in the National Assembly for debate, but it has since been languishing on the Order Paper, being deferred time and time again. Said the AFC: “The time to act is now. We must no longer sit idly by and allow our young men and women to be sentenced to several years of jail time alongside hardened criminals, murderers and rapists. “We will not be found complicit in destroying the lives of our young people and wounding our society rather than acting to heal it.” The party has also announced that it will commence plans to host, in the near future, a national symposium on the issue, at which all stakeholders and sectors of society will be invited to deliberate and exchange views. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was quoted as saying that he believes marijuana penalty laws must be reviewed to address the number of young people being locked up. “I share the view that Guyana should review sentencing guidelines, and liberalise laws that make custodial sentencing mandatory for small quantities of marijuana. Too many of our young people are in jail as the law, as is, provides for imprisonment for quantities above five grams and does not give magistrates a discretion.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

FITUG optimistic about 2019 national budget

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), has expressed optimism that the 2019 national budget would give positive consideration to reducing the difficulties of everyday life. Through an invitation from the Ministry of Finance, the body met with Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma and other officials of the ministry on Thursday to offer its suggestions for the 2019 Budget. In a press release issued on Friday, the Federation contended that the Budget ought to be developed within the context of the government’s objective to deliver “A Good Life for All Guyanese.” Noting that it will be the final budget before Guyana

becomes an oil producing state expectedly in 2020, the body said, “We also pointed out several concerns shared regarding the arrangements for oil production and contended that a better deal should have been hammered out.” It noted the proposed establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) “which we felt, on paper, was a good initiative but noted there is strong need for institutional safeguards and appropriate policies if we are going to avoid the pitfalls that many countries have faced and are facing.” The body urged the Finance Ministry to be careful about assumptions regarding the budget. The Federation noted that between 2014 and 2017, tax revenues have ris-

Linden health workers get Mental Health training THE Ministry of Public Health is making strides in reducing stigma and discrimination as well as the harmful effects associated with mental health, since Guyana continues to be seriously affected by various mental health issues, especially those related to suicide. Approximately 112, 000 - 150, 000 citizens which is 15-20 per cent of the population are affected by mental health. This was related to the medical practitioners who were graduating from a four day mental health training on Wednesday, in Linden. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings in addressing the graduates, told them that the training has equipped them with the skills needed to provide clinical interventions for effective treatment in Region 10 and the country at large. “I want to exhort you today, to combine the knowledge and skills you have gained to better serve the people around you, that need your expertise and talents, to combat stress and trauma associated with mental illness, be committed to reducing the harmful effects of mental illnesses in Guyana.” She encouraged them to display qualities such as patience, concern, tolerance and confidentiality when dealing with mental health. Cummings highlighted the strides made by the ministry in effectively managing

mental health issues, as she alluded to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation now being able to accommodate walk-in patients. “The training you received will place you in an excellent position to do your part in contributing to the overall, national effort of comprehensively and competently addressing mental health issues in Guyana,” she said. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong encouraged the graduates to make full use of their training as it will be valuable to the community and to also get involved in community sensitisation programmes. This is the second batch of Linden medical practitioners in the form of doctors, nurses and medics that were trained in mental health. The first training was done in 2017. Armstrong noted that the aim is to have similar programmes done twice a year, until all medical practitioners are trained since mental health is becoming a big issue in the region. Over the last four days, the graduates were trained to effectively screen, recognise and manage conditions that contribute to mental health disorders. They were also trained how to recognise and manage depression; the leading cause of suicide. Training in how to deal with stigma and discrimination, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental health disorders and alcohol and substance abuse disorders was also completed.

en from $136.5B to $171.5B with the VAT and Excise receipts growing by nearly 25 per cent and income tax revenues rising by just over 31 per cent. “We felt that this was a substantial increase, especially noting the timeframe. The large rise took place despite a reduction of the rate of VAT and improvements in the Income Tax regime and has greatly eaten into the imposed pay increases the government has awarded and boasted about,” FITUG said. The body urged the government to consider increasing the tax threshold to $100,000 per month; introducing relief for taxpayers with dependents; removing the 1/3 income tax threshold and replacing it with a second tier at $200,000 per month; removing VAT from electricity, water and private health care; widening the income tax base through capturing those engaged in tax evasion; and re-aligning tax exemptions with employment creation and national development goals. FITUG also offered advice on the sugar industry and proposals to cushion the effects the closures have had on workers. The body said it is hopeful that the government would favourably consider its suggestions for the 2019 budget.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

CDC, GPF and GDF distribute relief items to Venezuelan refugees

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), with assistance from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and the Regional Democratic Council of Region One (Barima/ Waini), conducted a distribution exercise to assist Venezuelan migrants in the North West District on Thursday. CDC Head, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig told the Guyana Chronicle that 46 non-food hampers and 36 food hampers were distributed to the

migrants at Khanâ€™s Hill outside Mabaruma as well as at White Water Village and Gajah landing near the indigenous village. The food hampers were distributed to the CDC by DeSinco Trading while the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) also provided hampers. Craig said a new group of migrants entered White Water village this week and the CDC has advised the Ministry of Public Health to conduct normal screen-

A Guyana Defence Force rank records information from a woman during the exercise at Khan Hill outside Mabaruma on Thursday.(CDC photos)

Venezuelan migrants after they received the hampers during the exercise on Thursday.

ing procedures including vaccination. He said another relief exercise if planned for the region in the new week. The Guyana Chronicle recently reported on the plight faced by the migrants, including indigenous Warraus, who have taken up residence at Khan Hill and also at White Water Village. During the visit the migrants reported the difficult circumstances under which

they fled the Bolivarian Republic including being shot at by law enforcement officers as they left for Guyana. They related to the Guyana Chronicle that the situation at the moment is one of survival as they try to settle on these shores. Many of the migrants are here for the first time while others have relatives in Guyana and have returned to build a new life here.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

Shell awards Back-to-School winners THREE deserving Shell customers won the Back-to-School grand prizes in Sol Guyana’s “Let Shell upgrade you with the latest technology promotion,” when the drawing was held on Friday at the Shell Regent Street Service Station, Georgetown. The event was the culmination of a six-week long promotion showing support for education and technological advancement in Guyana. The first-prize winner was Keith

Blackman and he won a laptop, desk, chair, printer, tablet, cellular phone and Shell fuel; the second-prize winner was Collis Greaves, who won tuition fees for one year and a tablet and the third prize went to a “Brian” of Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, who won a package of school uniform, back pack, shoes, books and a tablet. Renee Armstrong-Joseph, Retail Sales Executive of Sol Guyana Inc,

A route 44 minibus driver who has been a Shell customer for several years volunteered to pull the winning coupon at the event. (Delano Williams photo) who made the announcement after the drawings said Sol Guyana was pleased to lend its support to Back-to-School activities. “Our company envisages a future where all Guyanese benefit from the best available technology and an improved quality of life. We make this commitment to our customers as suppliers of Shell’s world-leading fuels and lubricants. The deserving students who will benefit from the prize drawn are also our investment in the future and we’re pleased to make this contribution of school supplies and

equipment,” Armstrong-Joseph said. The company also distributed school supplies to students after the promotion was completed. Shell customers, who spent $3000 in Shell V-Power or Shell Fuel Save received coupons, which they completed and dropped into the boxes provided at participating stations to be eligible for prizes under the promotion that ran from July 25 to September 5, 2018. There were also weekly draws of laptops and tablet computers for customers buying $5,000 Shell fuel.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

Construction of Hosororo hydro imminent

IN order to add power to the Mabaruma’s energy grid, government will proceed with the construction and operation of a 20kW hydropower facility at Hosororo, Region One, which will supply energy to the Mabaruma Power Company. According to the Official Gazette of September

burg, Georgetown, a petition to the minister objecting to granting of the Licence,” the Official Gazette notice stated. The L-shaped, reinforced concrete weir, with coordinates 8°10.113’ N, 59° 48.456’ W, is identified as the place designed to be the area of diversion at the Hosororo Creek.

US$165,175 project received US$91,108 in financing from the Government of Guyana and US$74,067 in financing from GIZ/REETA. According to the GEA, a lot of work was done over the past three years to reach the current level of the project’s realisation. The resuscitated hydro-

(Flashback) Dr Mahender Sharma, CEO of GEA explaining the different components of the hydropower plant to stakeholders back in June, during a visit to Region One 1, 2018, an application was made for a Hydro-Electric Power Licence. The company applying is the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc/Mabaruma Power Company. The application was made since May 11th, 2017. The offices of the companies are located at the Wight’s Lane compound of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, which is also in charge of the electricity sector. “Any person(s) may within twenty-one (21) days of the first publication of this notice, lodge with the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Lot 295 Quamina Street, South Cummings-

The Hosororo Hydropower Project was one of 67 sites identified in 1976 as having hydropower potential. Situated at the Hosororo Creek about 4.6 km bees flight to the south-west of Mabaruma, the initial plant was built in the late 1980s to supply electricity to an agricultural produce processing facility that was built nearby. The project was abandoned some years after its inauguration. In 2015, the German Government, through its German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) initiative, committed to assisting the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) with developing the project. The

Gunman robs minibus conductor A MINIBUS conductor was attacked and robbed by a lone gunman in the vicinity of Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Thursday night, police have confirmed. Reports indicate that the 32-year-old man was walking towards his home when the perpetrator came from behind and tapped him on his shoulder. As the victim spun around, he was confronted by the man who was holding a gun to his face. The robber then relieved him of $45,000 in cash and escaped in an unknown direction. After the man left, the victim raised an alarm and immediately made a police report. Police ranks reportedly went to the location as they conducted their investigation. No arrests have so far been made.

power project will feature a new design that was conceptualised by GEA’s engineers and will entail the construction of a 20kW run-of-theriver type micro hydropower plant, inclusive of weir/ intake and penstocks, but will use the existing powerhouse after it has undergone repairs. Construction time has been estimated at eight months, with commence-

ment before year-end. The GEA will use the knowledge and experience gained from this project

to continue its efforts towards the development of hydropower in Guyana, in keeping with its vision

to provide reliable energy in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable framework.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

Make legal education more accessible ... President urges CLE By Svetlana Marshall

PRESIDENT David Granger, while acknowledging the contributions of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) to the development of jurisprudence in the Caribbean said the Council should seek new ways of improving the access and delivery of affordable legal education. The president issued the challenge while delivering the keynote address during the opening of the 50th Meeting of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) here at the Guyana Marriott on Friday. The call comes at a time when Guyana is making a strong case for a law school to be established here in response to the financial, educational and social challenges faced by LLB students in pursuing studies at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. According to President Granger, embracing new technologies is among avenues that can be explored to improve the access and

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams delivery of affordable legal education in the Region, and that the Council should ensure non-discriminatory admissions to regional law schools. Presently, there are three law schools operating under the treaty that established the CLE, namely: The Hugh Wooding Law School, the

Norman Manley Law School, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School. “Guyana’s need for a greater number of trained legal practitioners cannot be satisfied by the present quotas imposed on our students by regional law schools,” President Granger said. On an annual basis, only 25 Guy-

anese have automatic access to the law school in Trinidad. Guyana’s Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, in his address to the Heads of Judiciaries, Attorneys-General, and Heads of Bar Associations of CARICOM countries, while noting that this is an interesting time for legal education, called on the CLE to step up to the challenge. WIND OF CHANGE “There is a wind of change blowing through the legal profession, and the CLE must rise to meet the demands and challenges that come with such change,” he said, adding: “We do not know how our world will look in 50 years, but what we do know is that it will be different to what it is now. “The challenge, then, for legal education is one of helping tomorrow’s lawyers meet the needs of that future.” According to him, those who crafted the agreement

President David Granger delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 50th CLE meeting at the Guyana Marriott that established the CLE envisioned this change, and as such outlined the role of the Council in facilitating such change. “The preamble sets out, inter alia, that legal education and training must be suited to the needs of the Caribbean, and in addition to teaching

legal skills and techniques also pay due regard to the impact of law as an instrument of orderly social economic change,” he explained. He said that in the case of Guyana, the country is on the verge of social and economic transformation with the coming of oil and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, and CLE Chairman, Reginald Armour with Heads of Judiciaries, Attorneys-General, and Heads of Bar Associations of CARICOM outside the Marriott on Friday (Photos by Delano Williams) gas; that such development is also taking place at a time when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government is embracing the concept of a “green state with a green economy” in an effort to tackle climate change and its impact. These developmental changes, Minister Williams posited, would require specialised lawyers in various fields. “This shift will see the emergence of environmentalist and environmental lawyers,” he said, adding: “We are also pushing our young people in the areas of STEM, and have been developing and implementing programmes to spark their

interest in technology. “These areas are new for Guyana. Similarly, other emerging sectors and disciplines are sprouting up all over the Caribbean.” He said it is necessary for legal education in the region to keep up with the evolving times, warning that if it lags behind, the profession’s ability to meet the new demands of society would be hampered. As is the case in other parts of the region, Minister Williams said there is an increasing number of Guyanese pursuing studies in law. NEW LEGAL RELATIONSHIPS “Our citizens want to be active participants of and

beneficiaries in the development of their country and the region. Their zeal should therefore be encouraged, as emerging sectors and disciplines will result in the birthing of new legal relationships which our legal profession must be able to understand and properly advise,” he said. However, he said there are many stumbling blocks in the path to acquire legal education. “Every year,” he said, “Guyanese law students are facing an enormous financial burden with fees of TT$98,000. “Our students simply cannot afford this high cost, and therefore are deterred from a legal career. “As Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Af-

fairs, I have received many calls and visits from students who have excelled at the undergraduate level, but because of cost cannot complete their legal education.” The Government of Guyana, over the past two years, has covered 25 per cent of the cost. He noted, too, that the quota of only 25 Guyanese per academic year is no longer practical, as more Guyanese are pursuing a legal career. Recommendations 43 and 44 of the Final Report on the Survey of Legal Education in CARICOM States, which was prepared by IMPACT Justice with funding from the Canadian Government, state that new law schools should be set up as soon as possible

as part of Utech in Jamaica, UG in Guyana and possibly in Antigua and Barbuda. The report says, too, that the CLE should assume the role and functions of regulator, licensor and accreditation body of regional law school providers, existing and perspective, following the Kenya and New Zealand models. According to Minister Williams, consideration and implementation of the recommendations would address equal access to legal education, and entry into the legal profession in the Region. Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and CLE Chairman Reginald Armour also addressed the

Council, and among officials present were: Principals of the Hugh Wooding, Norman Manley, and Eugene Dupuch Law Schools and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. This is fifth CLE meeting to be held in Guyana since 1994. Guyana played a pivotal role in the Council’s establishment in 1970, with the Agreement being signed here in Georgetown. The country is a founding member of the Council, together with CARICOM Member States Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago along with the University of the West Indies and the University of Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 8, 2018

Policeman arrested attempting to smuggle contraband into Lusignan Prison

A POLICEMAN was arrested after he attempted to smuggle several items including a mobile phone into the Lusignan Prison, East Coast of Demerara, early Friday morning. Reports indicate that

station. Friday’s incident occurred one day after a joint search of the Georgetown Prison on Camp Street by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Prison Service, unearthed a number of pro-

The items which were retrieved by prison officials around 04:18hrs, the rank who was slated to work at the said location, went next to the fence. While there, he attempted to retrieve a black plastic bag which was caught in the razor fence. He was observed and other security personnel raised an alarm and promptly arrested him. The bag contained a mobile phone, one mobile phone charger and seven packs of cigarettes. The rank was handed over to an inspector of police on duty and later escorted to a police

hibited items. Among the items seized are: 19 cellular phones; five phone chargers; one flash drive; 15 cigarette lighters; two packs of cigarettes; five pairs of scissors; seven improvised weapons and 500 grams of cannabis. In recent months, there have been numerous attempts by persons to smuggle contraband into the prisons, including the Lusignan prison. Critics have argued that it is corrupt officials at the prison who have been facilitating the activities.

Police seeking driver for accident with MNR vehicle

THE Guyana Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public in locating the driver or owner of motorcar PSS 9375, which was involved in an accident on September 4, 2018 with a vehicle PWW 2396, belonging to the Ministry o wf Natural Resources. Based on information

received, the owner of motorcar PSS 9375 is said to be Kashief Rodney who resides at lot 332 Section ‘A’ Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He is asked to report to the Brickdam Police Station, urgently for the completion of an ongoing investigation.

The Toyota Premio PSS 9375 that was involved in the accident

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

The result feels like a loss – Johnson By Rawle Toney GUYANA scraped a point in their CONCACAF Nations League opening game against Barbados last evening when the Golden Jaguars roared to a 2-2 draw. However, head coach Michael Johnson said the result feels like a loss, especially taking into consideration, that Guyana created more chances that their ‘Bajan’ counterparts. “It’s a good point in the end (but) it actually feels like a loss, because in the first half, we could’ve been three or four (goals up). It could’ve gone to our side, and then, I don’t know what slackness/lazy play we conceded two silly goals but fair play to the team, they found it in themselves to dig deep,” a usually candid Johnson told reporters at the post-game press conference. Johnson’s disappointment could be reflected in the match statistics, which showed that Guyana were by far the superior side on the pitch. The Golden Jaguars had 14 shots to goal as compared to Barbados’ eight, but six of Guyana’s attempts were off target, one hit the woodwork, while five went to ‘Bajan’ keeper. Trayon Bobb’s goal in the 46th minute placed Guyana in the lead, but Carlisle United talisman Hallam Hope netted twice (65th and 73rd) before Neil Danns scored in the 78th minute. This turned out to be the game’s decisive goal that salvaged a point for the Golden Jaguars. Danns doubled down on Johnson’s comment, that “the game feels like a loss. A couple of years ago we would’ve been jeering the result, but today, the standards are set so high for the team based on what we have, so this does feel like a loss, but what we do, we take the positives and just move on as a team”. The former Leicester City and Crystal Palace ace also opined that “it was a difficult turf to play football on, there’s a lot of quality within our team, sometimes it’s hard to show that on the pitch, but we had a game plan with the gaffer implemented in the first half and like he said, we could’ve been three or four but on another day, we are going to take the positives from the game. We went 2-1 down and the boys showed real character to come back and clinch that game”. It was Johnson’s first time in charge of a senior National team and the former Derby County defensive standout made it clear while he was certain of a positive start and securing three points, “it’s great to obviously get a result first and foremost, but moving forward it will be better, because I’m learning about the players, where they prefer to play, the combination of certain players.” “For me, this has been an absolute massive positive all round; number one we get the result, we also scored goals and the learning the staff and myself have will make us better going forward,” said Johnson, who also played internationally with Jamaica. The Golden Jaguars will now travel to The Turks and Caicos Islands for a meeting between the two countries on October 13, followed by an encounter against French Guiana on November 20, before hosting Belize in March, 2019.

Cook denied as England fail on Day 1 (REUTERS) - ENGLAND’S Alastair Cook fell short of a dream farewell century as India’s bowlers roared back to leave the hosts reeling on 198-7 at stumps on day one of the fifth and final Test at The Oval yesterday. With England having built an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series after victory in Southampton last week, all eyes were on their record Test run-scorer Cook’s bid to end his international career just how he

began it 12 years ago - with a century against India. Displaying trademark fortitude he grafted his way to within 29 runs of three figures as the hosts reached 133-1 after tea, having won the toss on a day seemingly made for batting. But when the 33-yearold played on to fall for 71 it sparked an all-too-familiar England collapse with skipper Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran failing to trouble the scorers. Moeen Ali played and

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

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Alastair Cook’s innings ends. (Getty Images)

missed countless times to score a 167-ball 50 but by the close a tenacious India were in the ascendancy with England relying on Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid to repair the damage. Ishant Sharma, who had Cook dropped on 37, took three for 28 while recalled spinner Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah took two apiece as India raised hopes of a first Oval win since 1971. With blue skies punctuated by cotton wool clouds,

a lush outfield and an Indian guard of honour to welcome him to the crease for his 161st and final Test, the stage looked set for Cook to mark the day with a 33rd Test century. Even the cricketing gods seemed to be smiling on England’s greatest accumulator of Test runs when he was dropped on 37. But having reached his 57th Test half-century in typically gritty style, his luck ran out.

SCOREBOARD

English Racing Tips

ENGLAND 1st innings Alastair Cook b Jasprit Bumrah

Keaton Jennings c Lokesh Rahul b Ravindra Jadeja

Moeen Ali c Rishabh Pant b Ishant Sharma Joe Root lbw Jasprit Bumrah

50 0

Jonny Bairstow c Rishabh Pant b Ishant Sharma

Ben Stokes lbw Ravindra Jadeja

Jos Buttler not out

Sam Curran c Rishabh Pant b Ishant Sharma

Adil Rashid not out

Extras: (b-25, lb-3) Total: (seven wkts, 90.0 overs)

28 198

Fall of wickets: 1-60, 2-133, 3-133, 4-134, 5-171, 6-177, 7-181. Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 21-9-41-2, Ishant Sharma 22-10-28-3, Hanuma Vihari 1-0-10, Mohammed Shami 22-7-43-0, Ravindra Jadeja 24-0-57-2.

Bryan, Sock claim US Open Doubles title (REUTERS) - AMERICAN Mike Bryan claimed a record 18th Grand Slam men’s doubles title when he and compatriot Jack Sock beat Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo 6-3,, 6-1 in the US Open final yesterday.

The meeting between the last two Wimbledon champions proved one-sided as Poland’s Kubot and Brazil’s Melo, seeded seventh, had no answer for the tactical game deployed by the third-seeded American duo. Bryan and Sock, who

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Jack Sock and Mike Bryan of USA celebrate victory with the winners’ trophy following the men’s doubles final against Lukasz Kubot of Poland and Marcelo Melo of Brazil on Day 12 of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center yesterday, in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

also triumphed at Wimbledon this year in their second event as a team, won all of their service games and converted four of their 10 break-point opportunities to secure the win. With the win the Americans became the first team to

win consecutive Grand Slam titles since Bryan and his twin brother Bob, who has been side-lined with a hip injury, swept four straight starting at the 2012 U.S. Open. Bryan also moved past Australian John Newcombe on the all-time list of Grand

Slam doubles titles. “This is not just about me. It’s a team effort,” said Bryan. “Takes a lot of people behind the scenes to get this 40-year-old body on the court and win a couple matches.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

Windies B emerge champions of Canada’s T20 Cricket-fest (CMC) – WEST Indies ‘B’ won all three of their matches in Cricket Canada’s T20 Cricket-fest to emerge as champions when the tournament concluded at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club here over the weekend. The Windies easily defeated Canada, Canada ‘A’ and the Toronto Bears to be the only team to end with a 3-0 record. They defeated Canada ‘A’ in their first match, led by a dominant batting performance from opener John Campbell. After limiting their opponents to 127 for three off their 20 overs, Campbell clobbered three sixes and nine fours in an unbeaten 83 off 46 balls, as the Windies finished on 129 for one in just 14.3 overs to record a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. The victory was engineered by a fine unbeaten second-wicket partnership of 97 between Campbell and Barbadian Justin Greaves, who scored 33 not out.

West Indies B won all three of their matches to be crowned champions.

The Windies then continued their winning ways with a five-wicket win over Canada’s national side. They dismissed the hosts for 146 in 19.5 overs, before reaching the required target with two overs to spare. Greaves produced a brilliant performance with both bat and ball, claiming four wickets for 25 runs and scoring 40 runs to help lead his side to victory. Recalled Test player Sunil Ambris led the way with a top score of 54, laced

Windies Women camp set to begin today in Barbados

(CMC) – Ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa, the West Indies women will partake in a training camp here starting today. The players are expected to start with a training session at the Police Sports Club in the capital city, before moving to Kensington Oval, where the first phase will include net sessions as well as fitness and training. The Windies will host the Proteas Women next week in a One Day International (ODI) series, which will form part of the ICC Women’s ODI championship and qualification for the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand. Following that will be an all-important five-match T20 series, as the two sides warm up for the Women’s T20 championship which bowls off in the West Indies from November 9 to 24. The tournament will feature the best 10 teams in the world. Defending champions, Windies, are in Group A along with Bangladesh, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka, while Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group B.

with five boundaries and one six and featured in a third-wicket partnership of 83 with Greaves. The visitors then easily disposed of the Bears by six wickets in their final game to wrap up a successful tour. The Bears made just 124 for seven in their 20 overs, with the Windies making light work of that total as they raced to 127 for four off 11 overs. Former Guyana and West Indies One-day player, Royston Crandon, led from

the front for Toronto Bears, spanking three fours and four sixes in a top score of 47. But Windies’ wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman Jahmar Hamilton raced to an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls, laced with five fours and four sixes to claim the Man-of-the-Match award. The victorious West Indies B pocketed Cdn$5 000 and a trophy for winning the T20 four-team tournament.

Increased interest in new CPL franchises (CMC) – EXPRESSED interest from investors could see the number of teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) being increased. This word has come from CPL’s Director of Operations Michael Hall, who has said the addition of franchises to the T20 competition is a distinct reality. Since its establishment in 2013, six teams have competed in the CPL; the Trinbago Knight Riders (formerly TT Red Steel), Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Stars (formerly St Lucia Zouks) and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. In 2015, the Patriots replaced the Antigua Hawksbills that competed in 2013 and 2014. But Hall explained that the CPL was always looking to expand in an attempt to make the international tournament bigger and better. “The CPL, since I joined five years ago, has always been in expansion mode. I know that there has been, at least I have heard that there has been some heightened interest from potential investors looking to create some

other franchises. “There is always that possibility. I know that discussions take place regularly and certainly the CPL as a league is in the market to have more teams. Whether that will happen in 2019 or 2020 it is hard to say, but we certainly would not be averse to increasing the number of teams in the league,” Hall said. He said the tournament had continued to attract some of the best international players, with the highest number of interest being shown at this year’s draft. “Ahead of the draft that was held in March of this year we had more players registering for the draft than we ever had before. “It is clear that the tournament is one that players have an interest in coming to play in and I think the players that we have here [are great], obviously outside of Indian players who are not allowed to play in any other league except their own, “I think you can point to the international players who have been here and say that we really do have some of the best of the best,” Hall said.

Indigenous talent to represent Guyana at International chess tournament NATIONAL female chess champion, Nellisha Johnson, will be among a 10-member team (5 females, 5 males) to represent Guyana at the 43rd Chess Olympias in Batumi, Georgia, USA from September 23 to October 6. The 17-year-old champion on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, ahead of her departure for the games. Johnson, who hails from Orealla Village, Region 6, continues to improve her performance. Following her engagement with Minister Garrido-Lowe, Johnson said, “I know it’s going to be a challenge because is really good players there but I will have to focus on my game and not really on the player. The focus has to be there. I would also want to come back with my

National female Chess champion Nellisha Johnson is flanked by her parents and coach. From left, Glen Johnson, Carmelita Johnson, Minister Garrido-Lowe and coach Rai Sharma.

ratings points improved and I will represent Guyana to the best of my ability.” Her parents, Glen and Carmelita, who have always been by her side providing that support, said they are confident their daughter will make Guyana proud. Mr Johnson said, “This will

be a good learning experience for her and I am happy that she has taken up the game because I never, to be honest, expected her to meet this far but now I have lots of expectations. I am also very grateful to the Ministry for supporting her and I know she will make Guyana proud.” Johnson, who is the 4th high-

est-rated layer in the country, last represented Guyana at the 7th Junior CARIFTA Championships in Suriname in March when she emerged the only female player who received 1123 ratings points following the tournament and a spot in the team for the Olympias. She is looking to improve on her ratings points when the 43rd Chess Olympias concludes. Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe who was in high praise for Johnson and her achievements said, “We are proud of you and the ministry will continue to support you and other indigenous athletes so that everyone can excel at what you do.” Johnson also excelled at the 2018 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination as a Hinterland Scholarship Student who attended St Joseph High School.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

BCB/RHTYSC Patron Green Economy 10/10 Trophy

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets defeat archrival Albion ROSE Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos & Gadgets on Wednesday came out determined to defend their below-par score of 62 from ten overs and defended it they did, through brilliant fielding, hostile fast bowling and tight spin bowling. The end result was a victory by 16 runs over Albion in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised RHTYSC Patron Green Economy 10/10 cricket tournament. This is the first time in over three years that a First Division tournament was hosted in Berbice by the BCB. The entire match was played under lights at the historic Albion cricket ground in front of a fair-size crowd, de-

spite being played mid-week, due to the overwhelming schedule of the BCB. RHT Gizmos & Gadgets won the toss and immediately elected to bat first on a slow track. The Albion Cricket Club used their home track experience to their advantage and restricted the visitors’ scoring. After losing wickets early, the RHT side eventually limped to 61 for 7 off their allotted 10 overs with National Under-19 player Kevin Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson top-scoring with 14 and 19 respectively. Bowling for Albion Cricket Club, Kevin Umroa (2 for 6) and Gudakesh Motie (2 for 17) were the best bowlers while Jonathan Foo

and Gourav Ramesh each took a wicket. Albion, on the other hand, found things harder when it was their chance to bat, with only Kevin Umroa reaching double figures with 11. Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper. Kevin Sinclair and Keon Sinclair each took one wicket to support Junior Sinclair who snapped up 3 for 7 in a super bowling effort. Earlier, Rose Hall Canje defeated favourites Blairmont to cop the third prize of $50 000 and a trophy. President of the BCB and Secretary/CEO of RHTYSC MS, Hilbert Foster hailed the Patron’s 10/10 Tournament as an resounding success and stated to loud applause that Berbice Cricket was on a path of reclaiming its former

The winning RHT Gizmos & Gadgets team pose with Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings.

glory. The Patron’s Tournament was the second to be completed in 2018, out of the 22 that the BCB has committed to hosting in 2018 and Foster praised the spirit of coopera-

tion and discipline that have been the hallmark of the 2018 season so far. Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, stated that she was very impressed with the

discipline of all four teams and praised both the BCB and the RHTYSC for organising the tournament in honour of His Excellency, President David Granger’s 73rd Birth Anniversary.

Fragile middle-order a matter of concern for the Amazon Warriors By Rajiv Bisnauth THREE-time finalists, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, might have made it to the playoffs in this, the sixth edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but all is probably not well in the Warriors camp. The Amazon Warriors have won five of their eight games to date on the back of the performances of only a few players. They tackle powerhouse Jamaica Tallawahs this evening from 20:00hrs at the Guyana National Stadium Providence, but are yet to work out a “settled” middle order along with “depth” in their lower order batting. At a pre-match press conference yesterday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, the Amazon Warriors head coach Johan Botha, admitted the importance of a win in tonight’s encounter. “Yea, we are happy with our progress so far in the tournament. Obviously we have five wins out of eight with three games to go, but

Amazon Warriors coach Johan Botha, Guyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul share the table with Jamaica Tallawahs captain Kemar Roach and coach Mark O'Donnell .

tomorrow (tonight) is a big game and everyone knows that, so we are looking forward to it,” Botha said. The Amazon Warriors have won their last three encounters against Tallawahs which included the 71-run win over them earlier in the season. They will leapfrog St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to the second spot if they secure a win in this match. The Amazon Warriors faced a heavy 67-run defeat at the hands of Trinbago

Knight Riders in their last match, but prior to that, they had registered back-to-back wins against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Barbados Tridents. They have home advantage on their side and they have won four of their last five matches at this venue. History will favour the Warriors unit. They have faced Jamaica Tallawahs 15 times in the history of the CPL and are leading the scoreline 9-6. Meanwhile, fast-rising

all-rounder Keemo Paul, who also shared the head table yesterday, said he is fit and ready for the weekend. Paul had picked up a thigh strain during the Warriors win over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and missed the games against the Barbados Tridents and Trinbago Knight Riders. On the other hand, the Tallawahs find themselves in the fourth position on the CPL 2018 points table with five wins and four losses from nine league matches and they will remain on the

fourth place if they happen to lose this match. After beating St Lucia Stars and Barbados Tridents by 21 runs and 5 wickets respectively, the Tallawahs suffered a heart-breaking seven-wicket defeat to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their last match. Tallawahs have lost four of their last six matches and four out of the seven matches they have played away from home this CPL. But the Tallawahs head coach Mark O’Donnell said the Tallawahs cannot afford to take the hosts lightly, especially their threat on home soil. “Crucial game on tomorrow night (tonight)! The front four have been decided and is the question of order of finish...and the order of finish is very important so we need to beat Guyana to make sure we have a chance of making the top two or top three,” O’Donnell said. The Providence stadium has hosted three matches so far this CPL season out of which the most recently played two have been won

by the side batting first. Since the wicket here tend to assist the bowlers more during the second period of play, the toss will be crucial. Guyana Amazon Warriors team squad: Rayad Emrit (c), Sohail Tanvir, Luke Ronchi (wkp.), Chadwick Walton, Imran Tahir, Devendra Bishoo, Jason Mohammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Cameron Delport, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Green, Keemo Paul, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Akshaya Persaud. Jamaica Tallawahs team squad: Ross Taylor, Kemar Roach, Samuel Badree, David Miller, Steven Jacobs, Andre Russell (c), Krishmar Santokie, Colin de Grandhomme, Johnson Charles (wkp.), Ish Sodhi, Steven Taylor, Jermaine Blackwood, Kennar Lewis, Glenn Phillips (wkp.), Kirsten Kallicharan, Andre McCarthy, Oshane Thomas, Rovman Powell, Elmore Hutchinson.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 8, 2018

COURTS 10K turns 8

Guyana’s largest 10K road race set for September 30 COURTS Guyana Inc., in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), will host its eighth annual COURTS 10K Road Race as the event continues to grow and garner support from athletes, gyms and other health enthusiasts from around the country. The race will be held on September 30, and will pedal

off from the COURTS Main Street Store at 06:00hrs. The event, which is now a part of the AAG calendar, sees some clubs, athletes and gyms participate every year, with COURTS annually having the largest 10K race in Guyana. In total, the company is investing in excess of $2M in this year’s race to ensure the success of the event as

the company is proud of the growth it has seen throughout the years. “A year without the COURTS 10K in Guyana is unimaginable,” Aubrey Hutson, president of the AAG stated. According to Hutson, the COURTS 10K is a staple in Guyana’s track and field and this year, he’s happy that the company is investing more, since it reflects the

‘Candy Man’ Hardy makes ring return against Brandon Baue tonight By Rawle Toney JULY 7, 2017. The last time Guyana’s Simeon ‘Candy Man’ Hardy stepped into the ring his opponent was American Eric Moon. Hardy lost by Unanimous Decision and since then, the Brooklyn-based fighter has been crafting his course back to the ring. Hardy, whose ring record stands at 13 wins and two losses from his 15 outings in the ring, will have 31-yearold American Brandon Baue as his target when the two meet in a six-round encounter tonight, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, Kansas. “This is my comeback fight after a year-long layoff and double setbacks within a three years’ time frame,” Hardy told Chronicle Sport during his preparation phase for the battle. “I’ve made adjustments in preparations and feel like a newer, stronger and complete athlete. I’m looking forward to a positive outcome tomorrow (tonight) against a tough and more experienced resilient opponent,” the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) welterweight

Pernell Cummings, COURTS Guyana Inc. Marketing Manager (L) makes a presentation to AAG’s Mayfield Taylor-Trim. (Adrian Narine photos)

growth of the event. The COURTS 10K is open to runners in the juniors, seniors and masters categories for both males and females and COURTS will be handing over $1.5M in cash, prizes and trophies. The race will start and

end at the company’s Main Street headquarters. A 3K event will be held simultaneously for the company’s staff members and the first- to third-place winners (both male and female staff members) will be awarded with cash prizes and trophies.

Vieira happy with Barbados performance FRESH off his exploits in Barbados at the third round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships last weekend Matthew Vieira is happy with his performance. Vieira, who spoke to Chronicle Sport after the event on Sunday, contended that he was satisfied over the weekend, especially considering the competition. “I was the fastest Caribbean-based rider there.

I think that the times were also very competitive when compared with the other Caribbean Guys and I am proud of my performance.” “The English riders are in a class by themselves. They are professionals and they have cutting edge machinery,” he continued. When quizzed about what’s next, the Guyanese responded, “The next leg of the CMRC is in Guyana and I have some time. Where I go

Simeon ‘Candy Man’ Hardy after his weigh-in ahead of his welterweight clash against American Brandon Baue at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, Kansas.

champion said. According to Hardy, his first taste of professional boxing was against Patrick Batson in 2010. Training ahead of tonight’s fight with Baue has been “awesome and unlike anything else”. Hardy’s first blemish on his record came against Armenian Vito Gasparyan where he suffered a Unanimous Decision loss, despite a good showing in the ring. Ten of Hardy’s wins came from knocking his opponents out, using his no-

torious right hand. Before migrating, the 31-year-old Sophia native had kayoed Iwan Azore to win the vacant CABOFE welterweight title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Hardy’s last fight in Guyana was against Howard Eastman in 2012 where he picked up a Majority Decision win after out-boxing the former Commonwealth middleweight champion.

Pernell Cummings, COURTS Guyana Inc. Marketing Manager, said, “COURTS is proud to be able to continue to host this event every year and make good on its commitment to sports in Guyana.”

Matthew Vieira (Stephan Sookram photo)

from there is left to be seen.” “However, if I could get my hands on the technology that the two riders have, then I think that I’d be able to compete with them,” he contended. Sponsorship, he noted was the major hindrance to this, taking the opportunity to thank Hisco and his father Mark Vieira for the assistance in Barbados.

The Jamaica Tallawahs get ready for their match against the Guyana Amazon Warriors this evening from 18:00hrs. (Adrian Narine photos)

Fragile middle-order

a matter of concern for the Amazon Warriors 30 PAGE

The Guyana Amazon Warriors during a training session on Friday

The result feels like a loss â€“ Johnson 27 PAGE

Trayon Bobb was effective in the wider areas of the pitch. (Samuel Maughn photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018