SEE INSIDE
See inside: Fighting fire with fire ► Page XXXII
‘I want to be IX free’ ► Page
Gross motor lesson with Occupational Therapist, Jen
A session with Speech Pathologist, Kerry
The Importance of special education
The Step By Step School tackles Autism ► Page
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No. 105045
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Price: $140 (VAT Inclusive)
President woos Diaspora – ‘We need your investments to develop industries’
Villagers outraged over ...as bound body teen’s killing pulled from river
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Bandit shoots, robs GRA staff Page 21
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– in his West Ruimveldt neighbourhood
Melanie residents object to 'bogus' co-op society Page 19
– say petition being drafted to make it null and void
More attention needs to be paid to Indigenous women’s health Page 12
Scores of residents follow the hearse as it leaves the village
Diaspora meeting hears...
Use innovation, creativity – to get young people on board the engagement process
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Craig residents welcome development in their area Page 14
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Diaspora meeting hears...
Use innovation, creativity – to get young people on board the engagement process By Svetlana Marshall in New York A CONSULTATIVE meeting on Guyana’s draft Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan was held in New York on Saturday with the Inter-
national Organisation for Migration (IOM)’s Consultant, Mr Arnon Mantver, underscoring the importance of having a sustainable diasporic relationship. The consultative forum, which was supported and funded in part by the IOM,
was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge; Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow; Guyana’s Consul General in New York, Ms Barbara Atherly; the IOM
Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean Chief of Mission in Guyana; Head
operational areas, namely: Diaspora Communities, Home Country, and IT Social Media. Describing the strategy
IOM Consultant, Mr Arnon Mantver
Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge addressing the Diaspora Engagement Consultation Forum in New York
of the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael Brotherson; and members of the diaspora in New York. In his presentation on the draft strategy at York College in Queens, Mr Mantver detailed key aspects of the strategy, pointing out that the 26 suggestions therein were divided into three
as very practical, Mantver, who travelled from Israel for the forum, said there are four key aspects of the strategy that ought to be implemented. The first of those key aspects, he said, is the strengthening and expansion of the Diaspora Unit in Guyana, which was established in 2011. “You have to build the centre; a professional
centre,” he said. “Four people alone cannot deal with the diaspora, and to put policies and to analyse realities, and to come up with solutions… So, you need a strong centre.” Having a strong centre, on the other hand, Mantver said, calls for immediate implementation, which will allow the unit to communicate and collaborate effectively with the diaspora. Turning his attention to the second critical area for the strategy, this being Short and Long-Term Youth Programmes, Mantver said this aspect is not so difficult to implement. This aspect, he posited, Turn to page 8 ►
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
President woos Diaspora
‘We need your investments to develop industries’ By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger implored the diaspora to invest in Guyana’s development when he delivered the feature address during a Meet and Greet Reception in New York on Friday. To the room fill with distinguished Guyanese men and women at the Princeton Club of New York, President Granger said the country needs to tap into the intellectual capital of the diaspora. “We welcome your investments. Guyana has the resources and the doors are opened to business, to investments,” the President told the diaspora in New York, noting that such investments were needed to transition the country from producing raw materials into the realm of well-manufactured products. “We can do it. Other countries have done it. Other countries use our gold, other countries use our timber, other countries use our bauxite, other countries use our fish. So we need your investment, to help to develop these industries, so that we can become an important manufacturing country and not simply an exporter of raw materials,” he added. While acknowledging that the “six sisters” in Guyana – rice, sugar, bauxite, timber, gold and diamonds – have and continue to play
Members of the diaspora
President David Granger addressing members of the diaspora in New York on Friday
critical roles in the development of the country, President Granger said there was a clear and urgent need to diversify the economy, but said the Government and those residing in Guyana, cannot do it alone. “We have to ensure that our children have a future other than being cane-cutters, our children have a future other than felling timber. We have to go into manufacturing, we have to go into the industries,” he emphasised. But while Guyana is well on its way to becoming an oil-producing state, and is taking key steps to diversify its economy, the President made it clear that such developments will not be done at the risk of the environment. “We are not going to destroy our biodiversity, we are going to ensure that new industries fit into our landscape and fit into our plan
for economic development of our country.” The petroleum profits, he told the diaspora, will be used to develop the country and its human resource. That aside, the President in turning his attention to the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, reminded the diaspora that the meeting scheduled for Monday (tomorrow) September 25 with Guyana and the United Nations (UN) Secretary- General António Guterres was a critical one. “We will go to see him to plea on your behalf to use his authority to bring this controversy to a successful conclusion.” Venezuela is claiming that the international Arbitral Tribunal, which provided ‘a full, perfect and final settlement in 1899, is null and avoid. The tribunal’s award had given more than 90 percent of an area to
then British Guiana which was claimed by Venezuela. Venezuela denounced that arbitral award in 1962. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his successor, Mr. Guterres, in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had agreed that if by the end of December 2017 significant progress has not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the International Court of Justice would be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise. President Granger is anticipating an update on the progress made, if any, at the level of the Good Offices Process when he meets with the UN Secretar-General. On Friday, he said Guyana had suffered for too long at the hands of Venezuela. “We have been denied investment. Businessmen have been chased out. Foreign warships have come into our waters and expelled -- it is no secret -- expelled
peaceful exploration vessels. We cannot go forward in the future if other countries deny our people the right to exploit their God-given resources,” he stated. “As the country embarks on a new industry – the petroleum industry – the UN ought to be minded of its duty to protect small states like Guyana,”the President said. “We want the United Nations to recognise that in this community, in this hemisphere, it has a duty to protect small states like ours,” he emphasised. Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger had accompanied the President to the well-attended reception which was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow and the Honourable Consul-General of Guyana in New York, Barbara Atherly. Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams; Senator
for the 19th District of New York, Roxanne Persaud; and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddel,l were among the officials present. The consul- general, in brief remarks, applauded the Guyana delegation led by the President for putting Guyana first. “We want to say thanks to the delegation for so aptly representing our country, keeping at the forefront of the debate the Guyana/Venezuela controversy…” President Granger and his high-level team are currently in New York for the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72).
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
North Korea says rockets to U.S. ‘inevitable’
North Korea said on Saturday targeting the U.S. mainland with its rockets was inevitable after “Mr. Evil President” Donald Trump called Pyongyang’s leader “rocket man”, further escalating rhetoric over the North’s nuclear weapons and missile programmes. North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho’s remarks to the United Nations General Assembly came hours after U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers escorted by fighters flew in international airspace over waters east of North Korea in a show of force the Pentagon said showed the range of military options available to Trump. Ri’s speech capped a week of rising tensions between Washington and Pyongyang, with Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un trading insults. Trump called Kim a “madman” on Friday, a day after Kim dubbed him a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard.” On Saturday, the mudslinging continued with Ri calling Trump “a mentally deranged person full of megalomania and complacency” who is trying to turn the United Nations into a “gangsters’ nest”. Ri said Trump himself was on a “suicide mission” after the U.S. president had said Kim was on such a mission. ”‘President Evil’ is holding the seat of the U.S. President,” Ri said, warning that Pyongyang was ready
to defend itself if the United States showed any sign of conducting a “decapitating operation on our headquarters or military attack against our country”. “Now we are finally only a few steps away from the final gate of completion of the state nuclear force,” Ri told the annual gathering of world leaders. He said sanctions would have no effect on Pyongyang’s resolve to develop its nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal being “balance of power with the U.S.”
was the farthest north of the demilitarised zone separating North and South Korea that any U.S. fighter jet or bomber has flown in the 21st century, the Pentagon said. “This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat,” said Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White. “We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies.” North Korea has launched
terres after delivering his speech. Guterres expressed concern to Ri over the escalating tensions and appealed
Organisation, which monitors nuclear tests, and officials of the South Korean meteorological agency also said they be-
US President Donald Trump
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un
Trump announced new U.S. sanctions on Thursday that he said allow targeting of companies and institutions that finance and facilitate trade with North Korea. Earlier this month the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted its ninth round of sanctions on Pyongyang to counter its nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes. The U.S. bombers’ flight
dozens of missiles this year, several flying over Japan, as it accelerates its programme aimed at enabling it to target the United States with a nuclear-tipped missile. Pyongyang conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 3 and has threatened to test a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific. Ri met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gu-
for de-escalation, the United Nations said in a statement. The Pentagon said the B-1B bombers came from Guam and their U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts came from Okinawa, Japan. Previous shows of force with bombers have stayed south of the demilitarised zone. The patrols came after officials and experts said a small earthquake near North Korea’s nuclear test site on Saturday was probably not manmade, easing fears Pyongyang had exploded another nuclear bomb just weeks after its last one. China’s Earthquake Administration said the quake was not a nuclear explosion and had the characteristics of a natural tremor. The CTBTO, or Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty
lieved it was a natural quake. The earthquake, which South Korea’s Meteorological Agency put at magnitude 3.0, was detected 49 km from Kilju in North Hamgyong Province, where North Korea’s known Punggye-ri nuclear site is located, the official said. All North Korea’s nuclear tests registered as earthquakes of magnitude 4.3 or above. The last registered as a mag-
nitude 6.3. Tensions have continued to rise around the Korean Peninsula since Pyongyang carried out its sixth test, prompting a new round of U.N. sanctions. Trump told the United Nations on Tuesday the United States would “totally destroy” North Korea if it threatened the United States or its allies. North Korea’s nuclear tests to date have all been underground, and experts say an atmospheric test, which would be the first since one by China in 1980, would be proof of the success of its weapons programme. The United States and South Korea are technically still at war with North Korea because the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. The North accuses the United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, of planning to invade and regularly threatens to destroy it and its Asian allies. (Reuters)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Flood danger remains at Puerto Rico dam The danger of flooding on a Puerto Rico river remains “due to the threat of a failure” of a dam in the wake of Hurricane Maria, officials say. The National Weather Service (NWS) extended flash flood warnings for two areas downstream of Guajataca Dam. All 70,000 residents in the areas under threat were initially told to flee but there are reports that the evacuation zone has since been narrowed. At least 10 people have died since Maria ripped through Puerto Rico. The hurricane - which is now expected to move into
the open waters of the west Atlantic - also knocked out power to the whole island.
Roofs were ripped off as strong winds battered Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan.
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello tweeted (in Spanish) that he had assessed the damage to the dam by flying over the area. Mr Rossello - who is gathering mayors from across the island for crisis talks - reiterated an earlier call from the authorities for local residents to leave their homes. The Guajataca Dam, at the northern end of Lake Guajataca in the north-west, began to show signs of failing at 14:10 local time (18:10 GMT) on Friday, operators said.
Maria, a category three storm with maximum sustained winds of nearly 185km/h (115mph), was about 1,030km south-south east from Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update at 21:00 GMT on Saturday. “On the forecast track, Maria should move away from the Bahamas into the open waters of the western Atlantic today,” the NHC said. The hurricane has claimed more than 30 lives
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello (right) flies over the threatened area
The NWS on Saturday warned of flash flooding in Isabela and Quebradillas areas. The agency has been urging residents to move to higher ground in an alert posted
on its website. Mr Rossello earlier called Maria the worst hurricane in a century, warning that it could take months to restore electricity to all 3.4 million of the US island territory’s residents.
New quake halts rescue efforts in Mexico
moles”, are leading the volunteer rescue efforts. The group was formed in the wake of the devastating 1985 earthquake that killed up to 10,000 people. Tuesday’s quake struck shortly after many people had taken part in an earthquake drill on the 32nd anniversary of the 1985 disaster. (BBC News)
The rescue efforts were temporarily suspended in Mexico City
A strong tremor in southern Mexico temporarily suspended the search for survivors of this week’s powerful earthquake in the capital, Mexico City. People ran into the streets as alarms sounded after the magnitude 6.1 quake hit the state of Oaxaca, some 520km (323 miles) south of Mexico City. Some buildings already damaged and a bridge collapsed in the state. Tuesday’s quake left at least 305 dead. Hope is fading that more survivors can be rescued from the rubble. Saturday’s earthquake struck near the city of Matias Romero at 07:53 local time (12:53 GMT) and was relatively shallow, with a depth of 9km, the US Geological Survey said. Mexico’s disaster agency said it was an aftershock of the magnitude 8.1 earthquake that hit the state on 7 September, in which at least 90 people died. The tremor was mild in Mexico City but thousands of residents, many wearing pyjamas, ran into the streets when seismic alarms sounded.
“We were about to have breakfast and drink coffee when we felt the movement and we got up and stood underneath the door frame,” resident Antelma Lopez told Reuters news agency. There were no reports of new damage in the capital and rescue efforts were
still the priority, Mexico City’s Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera said on Twitter (in Spanish). He said that two people had died from heart attacks - local media said the victims were women aged 58 and 83. The country’s elite team of rescuers, known as “the
across the region, and is the second devastating storm to hit the Caribbean this hurricane season. The first was category five Irma earlier in September. Maria also caused widespread destruction on the small island of Dominica when it hit on Monday night, leaving at least 15 dead and 20 missing. US President Donald Trump has pledged to visit Puerto Rico, saying it was “totally obliterated” by the storm. He has yet to declare the island a disaster area, but has made federal emergency aid available. (BBC News)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
ExxonMobil promises local opportunities LAST week Mr. Stephen Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, gave President David Granger the company’s commitment to building local capacity. This intent was made known to the President during his visit to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, and was later reiterated to Guyanese journalists who were covering the UN events. The projection that has been made by ExxonMobil for the involvement of Guyanese in 90 percent of its production activities when it becomes operational in 2020 needs to be examined and a plan be put in place to reap the benefits. Guyana has less than three years to prepare for this. Achievement of the 2020 goal will require strong and structural leadership coming from the national level that recognises and appreciates the importance of the involvement of education and training institutions. These institutions will be required to empower citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to not only be eligible for opportunities available, but also to be able to perform at optimum. It need not be overlooked however, that
the fruition of the aforesaid would require a rethinking of the education curriculum, public/non-governmental partnership to provide requisite training and education, and laws to ensure Guyanese labour participates and is protected and respected. While oil and gas will be extracted during the period when the state is pursuing development within the context of a ‘green’ economy and fossil fuel could be seen as a threat to this and therefore of concern, the proceeds from this extractive sector could be used for strengthening the pillars upon which a ‘green’ economy is built. For instance, in addition to ensuring, through strong legislation and other reinforcement measures to safeguard the environment, in the extracting of oil some of its revenues can be channelled to strengthening our sea defences through increased mangroves cultivation. In the agriculture sector, which is important to the ‘green’ economy, programmes need to be aggressively pursued to ensure that its contribution to human development and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) does not decline. Experience can be drawn from Trinidad and Tobago, a sister CARICOM country,
where agriculture has suffered a decline since less emphasis was placed on this sector in preference to oil and gas. The production decline in this sector has seen the loss of employment and economic opportunities, an increase that country’s food-importation bill and extraction of scarce foreign resources. We must seek to learn from and avoid similar pitfalls. Opportunities for oil and gas must not come at the expense of opportunities for other sectors, even though it is important not to be caught ill-prepared when it kicks off. The training of Guyanese ought not to only be the responsibility of the state and government. Exxon has a corporate responsibility to make significant contributions in preparing the skills base required in realising an operation that performs at its optimum. Building the capacity of our environment by educating the wider communities, outside of the oil-and-gas workforce, to equip them with knowledge to identify, avoid, and report threats that may flow from this sector is critical. For instance, if an oil spill occurs, whatever the size, what ought to be the measures applied from recognition to reporting to clean-up and other attendant
consequences. Citizens will look forward to direct and indirect opportunities from the sector, such as in the form of supply of goods and services, improvement in purchasing power and overall quality of life. The expectations will also be that revenue from the sector can see reduction in blackouts, improved services in public institutions such as education and health, better roads, drainage, irrigation and sanitation. The retirees community will too hold hope that pensions would increase commensurate with cost-of-living adjustment, and there will be needs-based financial adjustment in social services such as water, electricity and health care and state-run elderly and convalescent homes. The truth is every demographic is hoping to benefit from oil and gas, and those who cannot derive direct benefits through employment and economic opportunities, look forward to benefit indirectly. Recognition of the aforesaid expectations and the ability to meet them or otherwise are twinned and where importance is given to their recognition, systems could be but in place to address and manage same.
Needed – legislation to give meaning to rights and freedoms Dear Editor: REFERENCE is made to the symposium held by the University of Guyana Tain campus that dealt with the Guyana Constitution which thankfully continues to receive attention by Stabroek News, as it aids further conversations, knowledge and awareness of this instrument as some clamour for reform. Attention is drawn to statements made by key presenters as referred hereunder: 1. Ms. Jean La Rose, who represents the interest of the Amerindian community, reportedly advised the
symposium that the Constitution needs reform, given its alleged failure to acknowledge the importance of land to this community. The Constitution declares all citizens equal under the law (Article 149D), insulates all Guyanese from discrimination on the ground of race (Article 149); expressly addresses the rights of the indigenous peoples (Article 149G), protects every citizen’s right not to be deprived of property (Article 142), and enshrines the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission (Articles 212S; 212T). Under all the stated articles, what Ms. La Rose seeks can be addressed and
therefore nullifies the contention for constitutional reform to address her concern, for such concern is already addressed and safeguarded in the Constitution as a matter of “Fundamental Rights and Freedoms” (Title 1). What is needed is legislation to give meaning to these rights and freedoms which is a responsibility of the National Assembly and must see advocacy from the people to bring it about. 2. Terrence Campbell, who was the speaker representing the group Reform, Inspire, Sustain and Educate (RISE) reportedly called for constitutional reform to bring about a constituen-
cy-based system which from his perspective can bring more accountability to governance. This organisation is hereby advised to refer to Article 160 which speaks to the electoral system and the authority of Parliament to make laws responsive to the people’s desire. The Peoples Representation Act, Chapter 1:03, addresses the format under which our elections are conducted. This again does not make the case for constitutional reform, given that where RISE’s interest lies it can be addressed in the Act and this group may find it beneficial to engage the political parties in the National As-
sembly to examine its desire. Accountability in the political system does not rely on constitutional reform. Even the most perfect of constitutions in the absence of will and commitment by society to hold persons (elected and appointed) accountable, accountability will never be achieved. RISE is therefore being encouraged to add its voice to the few who are prosecuting such interest. While I applaud the symposium held by the Tain campus, like the symposium held by the Carter Centre earlier this year, panellists seem not to be mindful of
the importance of being equipped with knowledge and understanding of the Constitution before speaking to the issues they are raising. This is a troubling feature and makes it more urgent for public education and the importance of understanding the Constitution before proceeding to reform. Article 119A in the Constitution facilities such a process through a Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform and this body must do its work and citizens must ensure this. LINCOLN LEWIS
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
‘Knowledgeables’ had 23 years to change face of GUYSUCO Dear Editor, LETTER writers should know that resorting to personal attacks on me will never suffice in any argument -- the ad hominem fallacy is as old as mankind itself. We must address and attack issues, not personalities or whether I have been the author of my letters. Many parliamentarians, ministers and presidents have their speeches written for them, but in the final analysis the speech is attributed to them. Is the GAWU General-Secretary Mr. S. Narine writing his own letters? I hardly think so, but I never questioned his letters on that basis; I questioned the factuality of his statements contained therein. These writers need to be aware that ‘red herring’ and ad hominem fallacies do not win an argument, though it may appeal to the
more gullible readers. They should provide facts against the propositions on the issues which I have argued for in my letters. They never argue on all aspects of the subject matter, if they talk about increased production, they are omitting increased costs and losses during the PPP era. They never seem able to make an all-round assessment and analysis. They are only interested that the Government should not close or privatise and that it must continue to subsidise. However, Mr. Narine himself admitted in his letter to the press wherein he stated that, ‘…our union accepts the fact that the Government cannot support the sugar industry ad infinitum.’ They also seem bent on confusing the issues of privatisation, diversification and closure. I have stressed in all my letters that I support the privatisation of the industry, not closure or diversifica-
tion of Guysuco. I have provided ample reasons why it should be privatised and have stressed the fact that the labour turnout being at just over 50% will not warrant the laying off of the majority of workers as being currently peddled. In fact, the same or more workers will be needed. At this time, Rose Hall workers are not being laid of; Albion needs more workers and so does Skeldon Estate. In their letters, Mr. Narine and Mr. Sookram Persaud always stressed that I am ‘not au fait with the industry, its challenges and solutions to make it into a viable industry’. I must seriously remind these ‘knowledgeable sugar men,’ that they had 23 years to change the fate of GUYSUCO and they have miserably failed and the Skeldon Estate which was supposed to be producing 110,000 tons of sugar per annum became the millstone around the
neck of Guysuco. Jagdeo’s Skeldon Modernisation Project ‘vampirized’ the entire sugar industry. What solutions are Mr. Narine now proposing? Did he not give these proposals to the PPP while they were 23 years in Government? Is it to be understood that now he and his union have all the solutions? There was too much ‘political’ flavour in the sugar and it became too bitter. This Government needs to move away from this type of behaviour and adhere to the findings of the CoI. No amount of subsidies will ever bring the shattered Guysuco out of the ‘black hole’ it currently is in. This reminds me of the last line of ‘Humpty Dumpty’--‘All the King’s horses and all the King’s men, couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again’. No Government with all its resources can put Guysuco together again -- it is time to privatise. I wish to quote what I said in one of my letters, ’There has been an increasing decline in production and productivity and this was reflected in the increasing losses from $2.3 billion in 2009 to over $16 billion per annum in 2016. This has forced this and previous governments to inject
billions of tax dollars with no solution in sight, (more than $60 billion to date, including $32 billion by this Government). But the costs forbid such subsidies. These subsidies can be more beneficially used to further economic development in depressed areas in the country. Knowing that the sugar industry depends on bailouts from the Government, GAWU keeps on agitating for increased wages, pushing it from $14.5 billion in 2010 to over $20 billion currently. Can Guysuco continue to increase wages when labour is more than 65% of total costs of production? Yet this is exactly what the union is agitating for, creating more hardships for the industry. Harping about election promises about 20% wage increase for sugar workers is utter rubbish. Nowhere in the APNU+AFC manifesto have I seen this. Circular reasoning will not help the industry. We cannot start with the wrong premise that workers will lose their jobs if the industry is privatised. Privatisation will make the industry efficient and profitable and once this is achieved, then workers’ wages and work-
ing conditions will improve. I could recall that in the days before nationalization, workers used to be paid profit-sharing as well as other incentives by Bookers Limited. It was the nationalisation of the industry which paved the way for the decline of the industry--corruption, theft, cronyism, squandermania, lack of capitalization, in addition to the harsh sugar levy (implemented in 1974) which the PPP held onto until 2002. If the industry were not nationalised, what would have been its fate today? Would Bookers have closed it down? I doubt it. But the sugar levy forced the nationalisation process. The politicians wanted total control, but failed to keep the ‘milking cow’ in good and healthy shape. I wish to stress that privatisation is the only solution to Guysuco’s problems. Do we want to try all the failed solutions all over again? Yours sincerely, GOBIN HARBHAJAN Former Board Director, Skeldon EIectricity Inc. (SEI) Regional Democratic Councillor, APNU+AFC
COUNTRY FIRST 8
OCTOBER 3 will mark 118 years of the Tribunal Award on the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The Award is binding under an international Treaty “as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitrators.” The Arbitration Tribunal was appointed to determine the boundary-line between the then colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela. It comprised five eminent international jurists. One of the issues they had to examine was which country occupied what portion of land, undisturbed and exclusively, over many years. The Treaty refers to this criterion as “adverse holding or title by prescription.” The findings were binding on all parties.
BACK-PEDALLED Venezuela has back-pedalled on its treaty obligation to accept the Award, and did so for the first time, only in 1962. It has since been recognised that Cold War forces were behind Venezuela’s contention that the Award was void. The ensuing intrigues and interventions were aimed at pressuring Great Britain not to grant independence to Guyana under Cheddi Jagan as Head of Government, during that period of anti-communist
hysteria. With the Cold War over since 1989, a fresh political air of new thinking should influence Venezuela-Guyana relations. Assertive Venezuelan leaders still have time to dislodge themselves from the embrace of the divisive, colonial Cold War monster. In his address at the United Nations on September 20 last, Guyana’s President David Granger reminded the world that Venezuela has claimed two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. Later, Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice-president Carl Greenidge, explained at a UN Social Media platform that there is no other case in the world where one country claims two-thirds of another country. He stated that that claim includes ALL of Guyana’s maritime space.
FATAL EFFECT President Granger underlined the fatal effect of Venezuela’s false claim as it is intended to deny Guyana not only access to the sea, but entitlement to our fishing, and oil and gas potential. He told the world: “We depend on our territorial and maritime resources for development and for the release of our people from poverty.” Irrespective of ideological leanings, the world respects adherence to international law, and would eventually agree that only a
juridical settlement to Venezuela’s contention, before the International Court of Justice, is the clear path to peace and justice. MANY FRIENDS Guyana has many friends, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a whole host of advocates and experts including former Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson and Sir Shridat Ramphal, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. Guyana has enjoyed solid support from the Commonwealth with its Ministerial Group re-affirming just last week in New York its unequivocal and collective support of Commonwealth member governments for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders, in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award. I am grateful to journalist/diplomat Peter Halder for sending me ideas from time
Use innovation... should include an exchange programme for youths, which would allow them to build international ties from an early age, while gaining a wealth of experience. “You had programmes,look at what worked and what didn’t work,” he said, adding: “It is also important to learn from failures and try to build a programme for young people, who, maybe, are interested in the gas industry, so they can be exposed to it and become engineers.” INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY He also underscored the importance of bringing innovation and creativity to the table that would attract young people into becoming a part of the process. Remittances, in the form of philanthropy, is another area of significant interest,
the IOM Consultant noted. “Remittance is private money,” he said, and there are two elements: How you spend the private money; you can either waste it or you can use it for self-development of the family, education, improving infrastructure or supplementing basic needs, but remittances also can be allocated for the public good.” While he noted that this has been the trend in places such as Israel and Mexico. He, however, warned against abuse and mismanagement. In general, he believes that the government, through the unit, should focus on critical areas before branching off to other areas of concern. “Don’t spread yourself thin all over the place,” Mantver said. “Focus on your area of success; focus on the areas where you feel you
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have strength. “In order to mobilise diaspora, you have to strengthen diaspora. It isn’t always money; sometimes it is recognition.” Minister Greenidge, in his remarks, said he is cognisant of the concerns some members of the diaspora have with respect to the draft strategy, and as such, the consultation that will continue in Canada would allow additional views to be incorporated into the draft report compiled by the IOM. “The exercise we are undertaking today is intended, in fact, to deal with the challenges of trying to ensure that between the homeland and the diaspora, there is the synergy; the level of communication; the level of interchanging of ideas that would allow us to get financial benefit from having a dynamic diaspora which
SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
to time on how we should promote awareness about our border issues. He suggests that on October 3, all schools should raise the Guyana flag and that our children should sing, in unison, Dave Martins’ now celebrated song, “Not a Blade of Grass.” That we should have a unified voice that says “Country First” and a collective, patriotic heart that beats and lives for our beloved Guyana, must be accepted by all. We cannot split hairs over the sanctity of our borders. TheGuyanese people are still baffled by statements attributed to Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo that he was considering a “slight concession” of Guyana’s river territory to Venezuela. (Inewsguyana - October 23, 2015). Reporter Jomo Paul quoted him as saying under his tenure he would have considered the option of surrendering parts of Guyana’s riverain territory to Venezuela. He said: “You could probably
on the maritime area, give Venezuela a channel out to the sea”.
WE CANNOT SELL OUT At that time, too, Presi-
dent Granger had retorted: “We cannot sell out. We cannot give away. We cannot offer the adversary any corridor or any passage.” I am sure that the opposition leader has since regretted that he had made those unacceptable utterances. What I know, for sure, is that the PPP does not support any give-away posture, and defends Guyana’s territorial integrity. In this cause, we are solidly united! The next three months would be crucial in the search for a definitive resolution of Venezuela’s contention and its rejection of treaty obligations. It is time that the friendly and peaceful Venezuelan people tell their government to let go of this false claim, and to allow our two countries to coexist peacefully apart. In the meantime, all Guyanese – here and in the diaspora – should resolve: Country First!
is outside of Guyana’s borders,” the Foreign Minister said. He, however, conceded that while he is aware of some of the concerns being expressed, he is also aware of the misinformation being peddled by some with regard to the draft strategy.
Noting that governance is clearly an issue for the diaspora, the minister explained that there are different bodies representing the diaspora on different levels, whther culturally, geographically or politically. “No one grouping overseas can speak comprehensively on behalf of all the others. And I want you to understand that, because when a lot of the contentious materials; a lot of the noises are being made, it is a view that this is the diaspora; this is the diaspora’s view,” Minister Greenidge said, while noting that it is often the view of a single person or group with a particular interest. He said, too, that the process of formulating and finalising the draft strategy and action plan is not a simple task. “We have to understand that this is not an easy exercise,” he said. “But on reflecting on the work that is being produced, it was decided that
the IOM would fund an additional set of consultations, because it was recognised that the first round needed to be supplemented and that is the purpose of this exercise.” Cabinet has had a preliminary examination of the draft strategy, and has mandated a number of ministers, including the Ministers of Citizenship, Business and Public Security, to review the proposals with the intention of providing recommendations, in addition to the ongoing consultation. Mr Brotherson, in his capacity as Head of the Diaspora Unit, told journalists following the meeting that once the consultations are completed, the report will be returned to Cabinet for an analysis of the recommendations and whatever changes are to be made before pronouncing on it. Brotherson said the unit is hoping to have the document finalised within the next few months.
STILL BEING FINALISED Currently, the IOM and the Foreign Affairs Ministry are still finalising the draft as it receives additional inputs from members of the diaspora participating in the consultative process. “The point where consultations took place between the consultants and the various representative groups of the diaspora clearly could have benefited through wider participation,” Minister Greenidge said. “And let me say, it is not my understanding that there was inadequate consultation,” he added.
SALAMI EFFECT In a reaction to what Jagdeo had said, Stabroek News (October 24, 2015) referred to what former President Forbes Burnham had described as the “salami effect,” that is, once you gave Venezuela one slice, it would come back for more. At that time too, Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, a former PPP leader and a Guyana-appointed UN Good Office representative, did not share Jagdeo’s uneducated views. He stated that Venezuela doesn’t need a channel, since it already has innocent passage to the Atlantic. Under the Tribunal Award both Guyana and Venezuela enjoy rights of ships on shared rivers, such as the Amakuru and Barima.
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Licensed childcare facility is ‘big business’ – many success stories though challenges great THE establishment of the Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) more than three years ago has made significant strides in ensuring that childcare centres improve the safety and delivery of service to the nation’s children. As Childcare Protection Week unfolds, parents can be comforted to know that day and night-care centres for their children are being monitored and guided in acquiring the standard for registration and licensing required by law through the diligent work of the Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) within the Childcare Protection Agency. This unit came into being in 2014 but the regulations
which govern the unit were laid in the National Assembly in 2016 and enacted on May 4, 2016. The strict guidelines in fulfilling the unit’s mandate are covered under the Protection of Children Act (2009), the Childcare Development Services Act (2011) and other laws to ensure the safety of children in care facilities. “These regulations simply mean that all childcare facilities (Day and Night Care Centres) whether operated out of a home or otherwise, must meet the minimum standard required by law to be in operation”, Administrative Manager of the ECDU, Concheeta Gray stated. To be a licensed facility means “big business,” ac-
cording to Executive Officer, Ms. Lovern Thorne. She continued, “And that’s what the agency is about, keeping the nation’s children safe, while ensuring facilities adhered to the laws which govern them.” However, as the unit recounts its successes, the journey to bring facilities up to standard has not been smooth sailing. “When we think of children, we think of safety and so all must be done to protect them while in care facilities”, according to Licence and Registration Officer, Simone Blair. Blair recounted one of her experiences she believes is a success story although the challenges were calculable. “There was one Day Care
centre that had to change location due to the dilapidated state of the building. To get them to do that was a task but with constant visits to the facility, they relocated, this time to a less than desirable environment. The building was good but the area had stagnant water, swampy areas, and the smell of sewage. This was not a healthy environment for children. So we had to work with this facility to bring it up to standard and we were determined to help them. Soon after, they drained the stagnant water. Sand filled the swampy area and the sewage system was fixed. It took a great effort to help them see the need for investing in the upgrade. However they did it and we provided the training for the Caregivers and the creation
of a teaching curriculum. To date we have a great working relationship with this facility and now this facility is registered and licenced.” When asked how the attitudes of the Caregivers changed with an ungraded environment Blair said; “when I visit the facility now, I am greeted with hugs. I am no longer seen as an impediment to their business but helping them ‘lift’ their business standard.” Blair added that the Caregivers in that facility are empowered and are now pursuing improvements to their childcare training at reputable institutions. To date the ECDU has identified 319 childcare facilities countrywide, registered 252 and licensed 52. As the unit concludes its third year of existence,
bringing every childcare facility to the minimum standards required by law are high on their agenda. When asked what they would want childcare facilities to know, Concheeta Gray said, “I want the facilities to know when we visit them we are not there to close them down, providing that the facility doesn’t form an immediate detriment to the children. We are there to help them improve their business with our priority of protecting the children. I also want to encourage parents to choose facilities not just out of convenience but one that is best suited for their children’s health and safety. So the next time parents go to a Day or Night Care centre, they should find out if that facility is licensed.”
Water quality testing heightened in Mabaruma THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), through the Water Quality Department has made a timely donation in the form of a “Del Agua” water quality testing kit to the environmental health unit in Mabaruma. This kit will now allow the environmental health officers to frequently monitor and analyse the microbiological safety of the water supply in Mabaruma and nearby villages within Region One. An intensive training was executed by senior personnel of the Water Quality Department of GWI with the Officers of Region One. This training covered: proper sampling procedures using aseptic techniques, sample storage, transportation and handling and testing procedures using membrane filtration technology. The DelAgua Dual Incubator Kit is a portable quality-testing kit designed for microbiological water quality monitoring via detection of indicator organisms (coliforms, E.coli and other faecal contamination). It is designed to help provide
information about the safety of water supplies where laboratory facilities do not exist. In Mabaruma, there is no water-quality laboratory, however, with this Del Agua kit, water quality can be monitored onsite, generating adequate information about the safety of the water supplied to the community. The kit is capable of monitoring pH, turbidity, residual chlorine, thermotolerant bacteria and coliforms, all of which are important parameters to determine the microbial safety of drinking water based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Prior to now, samples had to be transported to Georgetown via domestic commercial flights, to be tested and the results were made available days and possibly weeks after. This was very difficult to manage, since no timely interventions could be made immediately in the cases of any contamination detected. Similarly, samples had to be transported on ice in coolers so as to preserve the quality of the water. If there were any de-
Handing over of the Del Agua Kit by GWI’s Head of Water Quality, Mr. Deon Anderson (centre right) to the Senior Environmental Health Officer (Reg# One) Ms. Andrea Bazilio (centre left), in the presence of Doctor in Charge, Dr. Vishaul Ramjas (second from left) and other senior personnel of GWI’s Water Quality Department and the Environmental Health Unit, respectively
lay in delivery or submission of samples, then the samples would no longer be valid, as they must be tested within 24 hours maximum. This however, is now a thing of the past, as GWI stepped in to provide the environmental health officers with the requisite tools and skills set to be able to
monitor the water quality on a regular basis. The kit can be taken into the fields as it is equipped with batteries to last more than 48 hours. The water quality in schools, health centres, and of the general public can now be monitored on a routine basis and the information fed to the central laboratory, so that
the data can be trended and assessed and necessary interventions can be made should any water quality issue be detected in the community. Similarly, GWI is making every effort to ensure that the water supply is free of any contaminant that can compromise the water quality, such
as pathogens and other microbiological or physio-chemical contaminants. GWI remains committed to ensuring safe, adequate and affordable water of the highest quality, for improved public health and sustainable economic development throughout Guyana.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
The Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett Issue—putting, Blackness and our public discourse on Race and Ethnicity in perspective
THERE is understandably a lot of chat about the issue surrounding the young lady, Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, who referred to her Indian-Guyanese colleagues by the term that is both officially derogatory and to some extent informally accepted and used even by some Indian- Guyanese. Ms. Garrett apparently used this term while chatting with others in a private online chat room. Another fact worth noting is that she was exposed by an Indian- Guyanese young man who himself was accused of derogatory language and sentiments against African-Guyanese. I have described most of the commentary surrounding Ms. Nicholas’s comments as “chat,” largely because they have tended to skirt around the real issue, while at the same time attributing interpretations to the young lady’s comments that are more in keeping with people’s partisan feelings rather than their concern about ethno-racial dignity of all our ethnic groups. And this is precisely the problem with public discourse about race and ethnicity in Guyana—it is simultaneously simplistic and partisan. In fact, it is simplistic because it is partisan and worse, because it is generally not grounded in any understanding of the meaning of race and its history. For example, most of those who chat about race confuse the meanings of race and ethnicity—although they are in some instances related, they are not the same things. In Guyana, we use the two terms interchangeably. While that is not problematic for those who
know that they are different constructs, it leads those who don’t know the difference into empty conversations. So, for example, we hear charges of racism levelled against Ms. Nicholas. What nonsense! Only someone who is ignorant of the meaning of racism would translate mere reference to IndianGuyanese as “coolies” to mean racism. We in Guyana are not historical enemies—no group enslaved the other. In that sense, our relations are not historically grounded in race. But given our quest for ethnic, political and economic domination, we employ race as a tool in pursuit of that goal. That’s where the problem is and that’s where we should focus our energies. Do we have ethnic prejudices? Yes—all groups harbour those. It would be surprising if we didn’t have those. But prejudices by themselves are not the problem. It is when we give meaning to those prejudices through bigoted policy, politics, economics, laws and religious teachings that we transform them into racism. I am not defending Ms. Nicholas here—she or anyone should avoid the use of such terms, especially in formal and semi-formal settings. In that sense, she was out of order and should be told so. But Ms. Nicholas is the victim of a kind of shallow collective attitude to matters of race and ethnicity by young Black professionals. The truth of the matter is that Ms. Nicholas’s generation of Black professionals is very superficial about Blackness and race—they don’t demonstrate the same sense of Black cultural pride as their parents. They are
more likely to say” I am not African- Guyanese, I am Guyanese.” That generation of African- Guyanese only become African for a day— Emancipation Day. They are likely to stay very far away from a Hinds or Phillips or Ogunseye—they see us as too Black. They wouldn’t attend a Cuffy250 Forum or appear on an African TV programme. They care little about 1763 or 1823 or 1838. I was part of a group that unsuccessfully tried this past week to put together a panel for an African-grounded TV show on the issues arising out of the Garret-Nicholas issue. The show collapsed because the young invitees either felt the issue was not important, or that they could not speak on an all-Black panel—they insisted on getting Indian -Guyanese on the panel. Here are young Black people who do not feel confident speaking publicly among themselves on an issue that threatens to lynch a young black woman—they are seemingly afraid of articulating an African-Guyanese perspective on the issue. I say the above not to belittle the young people in question, whom I happen to love and admire, but to point to the nature of our political culture when it comes to ethno-racial discourse. While it is laudable to reach for a multi-ethnic perspective, that perspective would be hollow if it is not informed by a sense of groundedness in identity. Our multiracial icon, Walter Rodney, was deeply grounded in a sense of his Blackness. You simply can’t feel for others in a deep, ethno-racial sense if you do not feel the same for yourself. But these young black
professionals live in Guyana and are socialised here. They experience anti-black prejudices and racism every day. But they don’t know how to deal with it, because the first step in answering anti-black prejudice and racism is Black Self-Love. And since they run away from that, they are left defenceless. They then resort to ethnic and racial name-calling in private, while publicly parade as non-racial. It is a bind in which a lot of Black people -- especially the young professionals -find themselves . They often mistake Indian- Guyanese self-love or clannishness for racism, because they themselves lack those qualities. And because the society denies them and they deny themselves a public expression, they lash out in private So here is my point. I do not believe Ms. Nicholas’s comments were driven by any deep hatred for Indian-Guyanese. Her comments I think reflect the superficiality of the public discourse on and understanding of race and ethnicity that pervades our elite culture. When people cannot sensibly talk about race, they resort to clichés such as “race don’t
exist”, “we are all Guyanese,” “them coolie people”, “them buck man”, “them blackman” etc. Further, if you are deeply jealous and prideful of black dignity, you are less likely to utter words that are injurious to the dignity of other ethnic and racial groups. The truth of the matter is that young black people cannot cope with Indian-Guyanese Self-love, anti-black prejudice and political and economic racism at the institutional level. So, they do as the young lady did, hide in the shadows and throw ethnic stones. There are, therefore, large lessons to be learned from the Nicholas-Garret incident. First, we must liberate our public discourse from the shackles of ignorance and fear. Second, we must make it easier for our people, especially our young people, to express ethnic and racial pride without feeling guilty of some social sin. Third, we also must educate our younger population about race and racism—their meanings and manifestations. Fourth, we must talk about ethnicity, race and prejudices in the open--discuss, debate, educate. It is only through that
process that we will discover our sameness in difference and our difference in sameness. Anyone who speaks as we in Guyana do about our sameness (Guyaneseness) as something outside of our differences is fooling the country and forcing the Lloyda Garretts to resort to private name-calling. We must stop equating expressions of ethnic and racial pride and dignity to racism. Racism involves a sense of ethic superiority of your group and using political and economic and other forms of institutional power to normalise such feelings. In that sense, we do have some racists among us, but Ms. Garret is not one. But Ms. Garret and her generation must come out of the shadows and confront ethnicity and race in an open, sensible and grounded manner both as African- Guyanese and Guyanese. More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
Husband facing murder charge By Jeune Bailey Van Keric A 60-year-old pensioner who dealt his wife a blow to the head with a piece of wood, causing her death, is expected to be charged for murder. Initially, Randolph Tahal had reported that his wife Janet may have fallen and injured herself at their Lot 95 Smythfield, New Amsterdam, home. The pensioner had reported that after returning home from a friend’s wake in Stanleytown, he opened the front door of his house and saw his wife lying in a pool
of blood with a wound to the left side of the head. Accordingly, he took her to the New Amsterdam Hospital and made a report at the Central Police Station the following day. Following the report, the police visited the location and saw that the house was secured, but managed to retrieve a bloodied pillow and pillow case, which were seen concealed in a corner of the yard. According to neighbours, verbal and physical abuse used to occur at the home, and the pensioner happens to be a former member of one of the disciplined forces.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Villagers outraged over teen’s killing ...as bound body pulled from river By Nafeeza Yahya SCREAMING and wailing mixed with anger and disgust filled the air as the body of 13-year-old Leonard Archibald of East Bank Berbice, who was brutally raped, was brought to Sister’s Village where hundreds gathered on Saturday. The lad’s badly decomposed body was discovered around 15:00 hrs on the banks of the Berbice River in Kortherbraadt Village, East Bank Berbice. That is three villages away from where he was allegedly dumped overboard by two men who savagely sodomised him until he was unconscious. The discovery was made by a quartet from a search party that was out since Friday combing all corners of the Berbice River after one of the suspects confessed to the heinous crime. According to Radesh Ramkarran, 40, who was the first to leave the boat, the lad’s body was found in a crouching position, badly
decomposed and bound. “When we reach halfway by Kortherbraadt we see some carrion crows and right up till in the corner of the mudflat we notice the khaki pants he had on and we pull in… he did lying down fold up like he sleeping and when we reach closer, we see he tie up like a guana… like the tide wash he up and is a good thing we find him now cause if the tide did rise again he would a move and we probably won’t find he, cause the body done did start fuh loose up,” Ramkarran said. He explained that they notified the police and they placed the body in the boat and bought it to a mooring facility behind the Sister’s Police Station and there investigators took control of the body. At the scene, the child’s mother Abigail Archibald stood in a state of shock with tears running down her cheeks, while relatives tried to offer words of comfort as undertakers removed the remains of her son from the boat to the hearse. As the body was being
Dead:Leonard Archibald
moved, scores of villagers started shouting expletives, wishing that the suspects suffer a similar fate and rot in jail. Many questioned the motive behind the act and whether the suspects were human. Moments before receiving the dreadful news, Abigail spoke with the Guyana Chronicle and expressed hope that her son, the sixth of 10 children, may still be alive somewhere as she kept in touch with members of the search party. GOOD CHILD She describes young Leonard as a “good and willing child,” pointing out that if anyone asked for a favour, he would go out of his way to ensure it is done. The mother recalled on Sunday evening before leav-
Abigail Archibald (in black skirt) stares as undertakers remove the body of her son from the boat
Left to right: Orin, Rakesh and Chilsolm, three of the four persons who discovered the teen’s body
Leonard’s mother Abigail (centre) makes her way to the scene after learning that the body of her son was found
ing to bring his sisters safely home, he asked her for food. “I take out his food and he eat and left to collect his sisters, he never came back, my son never come back home,” she said in tears. Meanwhile, the news of the teen’s demise has sent the closely knit community of East Bank Berbice into a state of shock with many calling for implementation of the death penalty. “I am a parent of five, three are boys and even though none are this boy’s age, I am placing myself in that parent’s shoe and cannot imagine what she was going through. What happened has rocked this community, we are all restless and cannot sleep at night, how can someone do such a thing to a child, they are just heartless. I am happy we found the body so we can give him a proper send off,” said Petrula Wilson, a resident of Glasgow Housing Scheme Many residents were of the view that the suspects should be given the death penalty, so that the family can have some sense of satisfaction. “I think justice should be served immediately, they don’t need to go to court,
they should be hanged, don’t waste our taxpayers’ money feeding these creatures. The family has been through a lot, it’s the least they deserve and unless you are a parent, you won’t understand what they must be going through,”Delroy Barron, a resident of Sisters Village, said. CALLS FOR JUSTICE Earlier in the day, a walk organised by the community and the teen’s family was held Saturday morning in honour of the teen, calling for justice. It commenced at Rotterdam Village and concluded in front of the house of one of the suspects at Sister’s Village. Young Leonard was last seen riding his bicycle along the Brother’s Public Road in a pair of trousers. He was going to collect his three sisters who were at a birthday party at a nearby village. According to information, the teen collected his sisters and was accompanying them home when he told them he was riding ahead and will meet up at home. However, when the girls arrived home, the Overwinning Primary School teen was not there and a search
conducted failed to locate him. Following an intense investigation, several persons were questioned and two main suspects were arrested. On Friday, the duo confessed to detectives that they snatched the teen, sodomised him and later dumped his unconscious body in the Berbice River. Many residents who requested anonymity, said the suspects were involved in several other incidents in which they had raped and abused other children in the area. Residents were relieved that the suspects were captured and said in previous incidents, they would have settled the matters before they reached the court. “Them always molesting me when I was small, one time them beat me up and I always living in fear since then; I does try to avoid he as much as possible and I does get nightmare. I hope after today he never get to see the light of day again,” one resident said. Police say charges are being prepared and the suspects are expected to be formally charged for murder early next week.
Residents and family members at the home of Leonard Archibald after his body was found
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CoI on alleged plot to assassinate President overstepped boundary and authority THE progressive trade union’s principal objective is the creating of a just society and it views good governance as a primary factor in such a pursuit. When the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) took strident positions against the excesses of the PPP/C governments, it was not because, as Bharrat Jagdeo once publicly made known, the PPP is a “coolie people party.” GTUC’s position was influenced by concern that the country was heading down a wrong path that could have resulted in open racial confrontation, our limited resources remained disbursed among a few, and the ordinary man and woman were sinking further in the abyss of despair and hopelessness. The Guyana Constitution allows every eligible person, irrespective of race, the right to contest for leadership of this country and when elected allowed the privilege to serve. Guided by this, there shall be no subscribing to any race, including mine, thinking Guyana belongs to one group who can treat its own or others with contempt, mismanage the nation’s resources, trample the rights of citizens, and violate the Rule of Law. I strongly believe that labour must be treated with respect, all must have equal opportunities for employment and economic upliftment.
The threat on the life of any individual is illegal, and where it was alleged to be on the life of the President, in addition to its illegality it carries political connotations for the nation’s stability, peaceful transition of power, respecting the will of the people and removal of persons through ballots, not bullets. In the examination of this it would be remiss not to note the hundreds whose lives were snuffed out in the 2002-2006 crime spree, some of which were state-sanctioned-- where justice still awaits and hope remains that the promised commission of inquiry will materialise -and the narco-militarisation of the state during the Jagdeo administration. The trumped-up charges of treason where the lives of persons, namely Mark Benschop, Leonard ‘Junior’ Wharton, Carol-Ann Munroe and Bruce Munroe were altered and freedoms denied in what were evident attempts to drive fear into the society still haunt. This is the environmental reality in which this government operates. Moreso, there is full awareness that making plain some facts would be discomfiting to those who hate them and run the risk of posing a threat to the survival and respect for the trade union as a constitutional and important stakeholder in society. This government has made some positive strides,
but such must be expanded in all areas and its leadership must resist and reject temptations to repeat the wrongs of the PPP and/or add further harm to the society. Of particular interest in this instance is the treatment of labour with contempt, and the misplaced notion that workers can be discarded at the whims and fancies of some, though people remain the most vital resource in the production and development chains. This government seems to have a penchant for disrupting what is working well and seems not to know when it’s on to a good thing, and it can only be because the leadership is lacking self-confidence and feels most comfortable having people in positions whom they can manage and and control, not because of performance. The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged assassination plot of President Granger, based i on the report made public in this newspaper, has given rise to concern about what was its scope, authority and mandate and what it set out to achieve. From the report, recommendations have been made for members of the hierarchy in the force to be disciplined, removed, and their performance and leadership questioned. To this government’s credit, the Police Force’s performance under its steward-
ship has seen improvement, statistical evidence shows crime on the decline, officers have been the beneficiary of higher- level skilled training, more resources have been to the force’s avail, and there seems to be less political intrusion into its work. This is a step in the right direction which must only get better with the concomitant space allowed for same. Let me preface what I’m about to say by making known that the trade union is a creature of functional conflict, since we agitate for labour/workers to be treated with respect and dignity, justly rewarded for their sweat (brain, muscle, etc), their security and well-being assured, and have a fair share of the nation’s pie. When threats are posed to these values by management, employer or government, the trade union will confront and challenge. Should the trade union stay silent in the presence of these, it would be abrogating its responsibility to society and participating in the process to retard and reverse development, human and societal. In any employment relationship, performance evaluations and assessments have to be done within the confines of setting out what are the major job objectives and the minor objectives, the latter referred to as one’s day-to-day activities, and how both are linked. In the
specific case of the CoI it has pronounced on the performance of Wendell Blanhum, Crime Chief and head of the Criminal Investigation Department, and recommended penalties. It is said that Blanhum lacks leadership skills and must be transferred with a view for him to acquire experience. Performance is judged on the basis of achievements. In this specific case, the department this man leads has reflected significant improvement under his leadership, and to say at this point that he lacks leadership skills shows disregard for scientific evaluation. The issue of where one observes an error or a breach in one single case and arriving at the conclusion that the leader is a poor performer cannot be countenanced. If in his appearance before the CoI there was cause to question his conduct and what he said was felt to be inappropriate or untrue, what the commission could have done is recommend an inquiry into these concerns, but the move to the point of making judgement/pronouncement as to whether what was done was right or wrong, questioning leadership ability and performance are incredulous, given such was not its mandate. The performance of individuals and departments can only be judged on the basis of the objectives set, the day-to-day
workload, the tools available, and the human-resource capacity. It is not the place of the CoI to determine penalty, but to identify what went wrong and where lapses occurred, who were involved in the lapses. The issue of penalty can only be determined within the confines of the law and the responsibility for same is vested in the administration, which is the Police Service Commission and government. While the report may have found where the lapses occurred, the moment the commission has overstepped its boundary and authority it brings into question the body’s intent and credibility, and this would make it difficult for any Government to sell in a society that is as fractured as ours. The entire CoI Report must be made public soonest and as advised by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who has policy responsibility for the force, he is to meet with President Granger to discuss the report. Both gentlemen must factor in the foregoing before moving to act. A society such as ours where labour was initially treated as property and indentured and deprived of deserving respect, all efforts must be put in place to ensure we do not return to this dark period, even though the thinking and penchant for same remain amongst us.
More attention needs to be paid to Indigenous women’s health ASIDE from being the poorest and most vulnerable group in the country, a study done by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) andthe Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) has revealed that indigenous women have a higher chance of dying through birth complications than those in the cities and/or
coastal areas. Nine villages from the 10 administrative regions were studied by researchers, who did a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the lives of indigenous woman and children who populate those villages. Based on the secondary data which was analysed and the interactive studies that were conducted, it was
discovered that although numbers for maternal mortality are not available for different ethnicities or socio-economic backgrounds, anecdotal information suggests that women living in the interior of the country or the hinterland regions are more likely to die during the birthing period. Cases of maternal mortality were reported in three
out of the 12 villages. In addition, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2014 data on child mortality, indigenous boys and girls in Guyana are surviving birth, but are dying between their first month of life and their fifth birthday. Child mortality for the indigenous children is reportedly 12/1000 live births,
in comparison to the national rate of 8/1000. This needs to be further investigated, the report advised. If the child survives, there are still challenges in the nutritional status of those children. For most of the nutritional indicators, the situation of indigenous children is poorer than the national average. “One in every four in-
digenous children is stunted, creating serious consequences for their cognitive and physical development. There are no specific studies about the possible factors that cause or influence the poor nutritional status,” the report stated. The MICS 2014 report however found that the problems start during the Turn to page 17 ►
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(Minister within the Ministry of Public Health)
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business THERE is nothing more rewarding and honourable than that of being able to save the life of another human being! Being able to ensure that a person is afforded the opportunity to live and be a part of whatever community he or she shares is one of the most meaningful things a person can do for someone else. Therefore, it is imperative that we be each other’s keeper and look out for each other every day. We must collectively develop a consciousness that allows us to be aware of the pain and suffering of those around us, and to ensure that we provide the necessary support when and where needed, so as to prevent the loss of life or the onset of serious injuries. Suicide remains a major public health concern in Guyana. Though suicide is complicated and tragic, it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help for at-risk individuals can help save lives. It is very important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention. These signs should not be ignored. Often, family and friends are the first to recognise the
warning signs of suicide and can be the first step towards helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that does not mean that help is not desperately needed. Most people who commit suicide do not want to die — they just want to stop hurting. They want the pain to go away. Thus, suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. If you know something, say something. Fortunately, in Guyana we now have a Mental Health Unit within the Ministry of Public Health where persons with mental illness can seek help. While today we focus on suicide prevention, it is important to also focus on the prevalence of attempted suicide. Substantially more people are hospitalised for non-fatal suicide behaviour (suicide attempts). Such persons are often treated in an ambulatory setting utilising precious emergency services as medical personnel
work to save their lives. We must recognise that the trauma of suicide attempts leaves the victims permanently scarred -- physically, psychologically, and emotionally At the Ministry of Public Health, we believe that suicide is preventable and that suicide prevention works. In order to accomplish our mission and goals, we will continue to utilise media campaigns and educational activities to raise awareness of suicide. We will be utilising a strong educational approach to dispel the myths about suicide, and to let others know about the realities surrounding this national public health crisis. The Ministry of Public Health continues to forge ahead with implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020, which plays an integral part in our National Health Strategy -- Health Vision 2020. We are striving to reduce and eventually eliminate as far as we possibly can, the whole epidemic of suicide in Guyana. Therefore, this strategy relies on the cross-cutting values and principles of universal coverage, human rights, evidence-based practice, life-course approach, and the multi-sectoral approach. The importance of working collaboratively to bring about
Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Cummings has 20 years of experience in the public health field, having worked as a government medical officer and a primary care physician, a regional health officer, medical superintendent of Region Four and as medical registrar of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Dr. Cummings holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.), a Medical Degree (MBBS), a Master’s of Public Health (MPH), a Post-Graduate Certificate on Leading and Scaling Early Childhood Initiatives from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Programme, a Honorary Doctorate in Public Health D.PH (h. c) and is completing doctoral studies in public health. an end to suicide cannot be overemphasised. In fact, this collaborative effort is absolutely necessary. We will strive resolutely to achieve positive outcomes, including the Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 of Good Health and Well-Being, for all Guyanese. Let us work together to take Guyana further down the list of most suicides committed globally. There is the political will, support, and the passion to enforce and implement all aspects of the Action Plan to achieve the proposed goal of 50 percent reduction in the number of suicide cases annually. A better goal will be to take Guyana off the list altogether, however humanly possible that is. The Ministry of Public Health through its Mental
Health Unit has commenced mhGAP training of non-specialist doctors across the 10 regions of Guyana. This training component intends to provide non-specialised doctors with the requisite skills and knowledge to better screen patients and provide diagnostic assessments that include treatment and long-term care options for persons living with mental health illnesses. The strategic aims of the mental health learning module in the mhGAP programme are to increase General Practitioners’ skills and confidence in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions using evidence-based strategies and tools; increase physicians’ awareness of community mental health resources; increase physicians’ ability to
develop care plans; improve family physician collaboration with psychiatrists and mental health clinicians in the community; improve the patient experience; and promote the engagement of patients in the management of their mental health conditions, within the constraints of a primary care practice. As we continue to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, so must we significantly increase and improve education about suicide. Each person must be a messenger and a teacher. Spread information about suicide awareness and do your part to help decrease stigmatisation regarding suicide. Every life matters. Let us all say yes to life and NO TO SUICIDE!
Caribbean Diaspora to host ‘Day of Giving’ SATURDAY, October 7, has been designated “Caribbean Day of Giving.” On that day, the Caribbean diaspora and friends of the Caribbean will be taking action in the form of a radiothon to support Caribbean countries affected by the recent hurricanes Irma and Maria. “Caribbean Day of Giving” is a full day of concentrated efforts by the diaspora and friends of the Caribbean to donate to relief efforts in the affected Caribbean countries. The radiothon will feature
notable interviews, music and updates from affected countries. During the radiothon, appeals will be made for individuals to give through various platforms including direct calls, text messages and internet. Opportunities for individuals wishing to donate in-kind goods will also be featured. Donations will be made to the Caribbean Tourism Organization Relief Fund 501(c) 3, an arm of the tourism agency Caribbean Tourism Organization, which has already raised over $12,000 in re-
sponse to the disasters. The radiothon will be a whole-day event and incorporates programmers on WVIP-FM (93.5), as well as other participating stations in the Tri-State area. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us in the diaspora to come together to help these countries severely impacted by the hurricanes, as well as to demonstrate the collective will and power of our Caribbean diaspora community,” said Mrs. Akelia Lawrence-Maitland, Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board
Member to the Northeast USA. “To this end, we extending an open invitation for all radio programmers, community groups and businesses to become a part of this most important day,” she concluded. The relief efforts on the “Caribbean Day of Giving’ will benefit the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which is the official body co-ordinating relief efforts to the various Caribbean countries affected by the hurricanes. CDEMA
works with the disaster management agencies in the various countries and will prioritise action in partnership with the countries. They are also officially affiliated with CARICOM. The Caribbean Day of Giving is being organised by a Caribbean Diaspora Disaster Relief Coalition, representing and promoting a collective Caribbean diaspora response to the disaster relief. The coalition, consisting of various community leaders, was organised to urgently respond to the current disasters and
develop a long-term structure. The goal is to directly develop and coordinate relief activities, while co-sharing other credible initiatives. Additional Caribbean Day of Giving information may be found on www.caribbeandayofgiving.com. For Further Information: Contact: Anthony Turner or Karlene Largie Phone: 845-206-5906 or 516-713-8270 Email: anthonyhturner@ gmail.com or karlenemlargie@aol.com
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Craig residents welcome development in their area – Minister Broomes promises to lobby for more improvements
RESIDENTS of Craig, East Bank Demerara have expressed excitement over the work that is being done to enhance the community, especially its infrastructure. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes during a visit to the area was met by cheery faces and elated individuals who expressed their gratitude for the work the central government and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) have been doing in their community. Broomes told members of the media that Craig was one of the communities that
was neglected in the past, so the government is doing its best to remedy that situation, particularly in the area of infrastructure. “Government is doing a lot to repair the main access road. Then we will move to the internal roads,” she said, adding that they have been getting the assistance of the private sector to do the internal roads. The NDC recently got BK International to assist them with the asquisition of “crusher run” for the enhancement of the deplorable roads within the community. The project is ongoing, and is expected to be completed
soon. Minister Broomes pointed out that the wellbeing of local communities is very important to the government, as evidenced by their push for Local Government Elections (LGE). Through the LGE process, she said, persons were elected to the local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to work with the government to identify areas that need to be addressed. “Although there is some resistance from PPP Councillors, it is important that Councillors highlight issues that are overwhelming for
Some of the ongoing road works in the area (Photos by Adrian Narine)
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes (right) during an inspection of the infrastructural works at Craig. With her is Councillor Colin Weeks
the council, so that the government can try to assist,” Minister Broomes said. She said the government will be working closely with other communities to ensure that there is improvement and development. A member of the NDC which governs Craig, Mr Colin Weeks, told members of the media that they appreciate and welcome the assistance given them by the government and the Private Sector. He pointed out that one of the government’s recent interventions, this being the work on the Sideline Dam, has given Craig residents the opportunity to have two accesses to and from the community. “We only had one access in the past, because these areas were neglected for
ages,” Weeks said, adding: “It was a travesty to live in such an environment, where the roads were terrible and the drains were clogged.” Although a lot has been done to enhance the community, the NDC is still seeking
the government’s assistance in clearing a canal which has been clogged for years, and capping the playground at the Craig Primary School. On that score, Minister Broomes has promised to lobby for those requests to be fulfilled.
The playground at the Craig Primary School which is in need of a facelift
SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Meeting the Diaspora
ELEGANTLY dressed, and overflowing with excitement, members of the Guyanese Diaspora turned out in their numbers to meet President David Granger and the First Lady, Sandr Granger at Meet and Greet Reception held in New York on Friday evening. The well attended reception was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow and the Honorable Consul Genera of Guyana in New York, Barbara Atherly. Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams were among the officials present. Here are scenes from the Meet and Greet Reception held at the Princeton Club of New York.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
More attention needs... From page 12 foetal stage, given that 16 per cent of indigenous babies are born below 2,500g (5.5lbs). This is reportedly because, anaemia is high among indigenous women and the cost of food in the villages is higher when compared to the cities. The low intake of nutrients is also a factor that can be explored for possible cause. The findings however revealed that some of those complications are influenced by low levels of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care; low quality of health care; children who are not fully vaccinat-
ed; poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices; difficulty in accessing healthcare, lack of transportation and the influence of cultural factors. Lack of sensitisation in particular was a key contributor to the recorded deficiencies. The study revealed that because the social services are not readily available to those communities, disease and infections are directly and indirectly contributing to the death of mothers and children before the age of five; and they permanently affect the health of children and adults.
Some of the common health issues that affect children in those communities are reportedly diarrhoea, the common cold and malaria. These disease are related to seasonal cycles, but are also influenced by low levels of nutrition; limited access to improved sources of drinking water and the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene among children and adults. On the other hand, for the indigenous women, cervical cancer is a major issue. While there is no consensus on the main causes of cervical cancer, a study conducted in Guyana shows a relationship be-
tween higher prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and early sexual onset, increased number of births and low socio-economic status. During presentation of the findings at Umana Yana on Friday, UNICEF’s Representative to Guyana Sylvie Fouet said it will take a collective effort to address the issues which affect the indigenous communities. “There is space for more cooperation and inclusive growth,� said Fouet, who went on to say that she supports an action plan that will be put in place to deliver the results they are looking forward to.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Providence residents complain about tap water quality By Clestine Juan
RESIDENTS living in Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara are complaining bitterly about the poor quality of water they are receiving from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). According to the resi-
dents, they are currently receiving rust-coloured water with sediments inside which is both bad for their health and homes. Despite several reports to the water company, the residents say that their complaints seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as they still have to put up with the poor
quality of water. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Dian Hollingsworth, a resident in the area, explained that she was forced to install two water filters in her home. And within less than 12 hours of installing the filter, she said, the mesh was clogged and turned bright
orange from the rust in the water. “The smell from the water was rancid, and you could also get a whiff of the iron in [the] water,” Hollingsworth said. Another resident in the area, who gave his name as just Dave, explained that the water is not safe for
consumption, and is a health hazard. According to Dave, the water is also bad for doing household chores, since it would leave rust stains on buckets, pipes, washing machines and etc. “I stop washing with the pipe water, because of the discolouration on my washing machines and clothes,” the man stressed. He also noted that although the GWI has installed a water well in the area, they have failed to set up a treatment plant to supply quality water to its residents. On the other hand, the resident did say that although the quality of water
The state of Dave’s washing machine caused by the rust-coloured water is bad, there is always running water; 24/7. But this is poor comfort to residents, since they still have to buy bottles of distilled water to do their chores. But what about those who cannot afford to do that? According to Dave, they just have to drink the contaminated water and pray to God that nothing happens, or boil and strain it before drinking, which in itself is another added cost. And they were quick to point out how efficient the GWI is in sending their bills on time, and to disconnect their supply of water although it is of poor quality. Residents are, therefore, calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter in an effort to have the situation rectified.
The water filter with the rust sediments after 12 hours of being installed Recently, the government inked a US$31M water treatment project undertaken by a Chinese company, which will see three water treatment plants being built at Uitvulgt, West Coast Demerara; Diamond, East Bank Demerara; and Sheet Anchor in Berbice. Residents in Plantation Providence will be part of the 9,292 households on the East Bank Demerara that will benefit from the treatment plant at Diamond. The project will see 70 kilometers of transmission and distribution mains being replaced and installed. GWI Managing Direc-
The state of the bucket Dave uses to fetch water tor, Dr Richard Van-West Charles had said that the project is important to the company in terms of its focus on water quality. He said that it fits into the mission of GWI. “These new treatment plants will be in addition to the existing 24 treatment plants,” he said, noting that the plants represent one of the modalities that the company is using with respect to water quality in the country.
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Melanie residents object to ‘bogus’ co-op society
SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
–– say petition being drafted to make it null and void
By Alva Solomon RESIDENTS of the village of Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara are up in arms against the actions of a co-operative society following a recent incident in which the body objected to the construction of a sanitary block near the village market. As such, moves are in train to have a petition drafted in order to remove the Vigalstra Housing Co-operative Society Limited at Melanie from dictating the affairs of the village. At the same time, persons close to the society are claiming that the body is attempting to restore order to the manner in which village affairs are being managed. On September 18, the body wrote a letter to a young businessman in the area, raising its objections to the recent construction of the sanitary block close to the marketplace. The body has stated that seeing that the businessman is not a registered stallholder at the market, he has no permission from the society or the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)’s health inspector to build such a structure. While attempts to reach the administration of the society have been futile, since the requisite persons are overseas, this newspa-
per was told by residents that for years, the society had been “dormant” and did “nothing” regarding development of the village. “There is no accountability from this body that claims to represent the village,” one resident noted. Another said that for many years, their pleas for toilet facilities at the market have fallen on deaf ears, and that all the young businessman has done is try to remedy the situation by providing the community with one, using his own money so the public could make use of it free of cost. A health inspector visited the location, and reports are that the official reported that the location was not healthy. However, according to Melanie residents, for years they have had to put up with a pig sty that was built adjacent to where the sanitary block is located, which they noted affects residents and despite numerous complaints, nothing has been done to remedy the situation. It was noted that a septic tank, complete with running water, is being installed at the sanitary facility, which they say can be easily accessed by residents. A Melanie resident told the Guyana Chronicle last Sunday that he has discussed the matter with persons in the village on a way forward regarding the soci-
ety. “They have been there for decades, and I have no idea how they are functioning,” he said, adding: “They don’t have the community behind them in terms of membership, and they are still acting.”
Reports are that there are lands at Melanie which have been leased by the society, but according to an informant, no one from the body has informed the community as to how and on what the funds collect-
ed were spent, nor has the body given any account for lands that have been distributed in the village. “It’s a whole lot that has been happening in the dark, and no one said anything. But the time for that is
over,” the passionate resident maintained. “A whole community is suffering,” the young man added. Melanie residents plan to call a protest action if their concerns are not addressed by the authorities.
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Work on Bagotville Bridge commences
SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
–– should be done in a week
THE rehabilitation works on the main access bridge to Bagotville has commenced with the building of a temporary bridge to facilitate the flow of traffic until the main bridge proper is rebuilt. The temporary bridge, which is being built from greenheart lumber, is expected to be accessible within a week, with workers working around the clock. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure
sought an additional $120M under its bridges programme for the reconstruction and critical rehabilitation works for the Bagotville Bridge on the West Bank of Demerara, which had started to sink. The rehabilitated bridge would be modified into a steel structure within three months. The emergency rehabilitation was as a See page 21
The old main access bridge to Bagotville
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 24, 2017
Work on Bagotville ... Bandit shoots, robs GRA staff From page 20
–– in his West Ruimveldt neighbourhood
POLICE are investigating an armed robbery in which an Enforcement Officer of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was shot by an assailant on Saturday morning. According to the police, the officer, who has been identified as 35-year old Ariel Banjamin, is presently at a private medical institution in a stable condition nursing a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen. The police said that around 04:30hrs SaturThe ongoing works on the temporary bridge (Photos by Adrian Narine) result of the cries of persons in the West Bank of Demerara community and motorists who transit the Bagotville Bridge daily.
The bridge’s support beams were damaged due to erosion and heavy rains. Heavy-duty vehicles also added to the deterioration.
day morning, the Cactus Street, West Ruimveldt man was about to enter his home when he was pounced upon and shot by a male suspect armed with a handgun. His assailant relieved him of a pouch containing a service pistol with 17 live rounds during the course of the robbery before fleeing. A spent shell was recovered at the crime scene, while two males have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
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Grove High Tech maintain ... From page 31 brace in each half. Their second goal was converted by Jamal Cordis in the 14th minute. The biggest upset of the league came when defending champions Agricola Red Triangle lost to `new kids on the block’, Diamond Upsetters, 2-0. The Diamond side wasted little time in putting Agricola on the back foot by scoring in the first minute of the match, Shafeek Russell doing the honours. The exchanges thereafter were intense between the sides but the Diamond lads sensed that they were up to something special. The insurance goal for them came off the boot of Russell in the 22nd minute which resulted in them
grabbing full points from the match. Mocha Champs were led to a big 5-3 win over Herstelling Raiders thanks to a helmet-trick, the first for the league from Daniel Bradford who hit the back of the net in the 11th, 14th, 18th and 28th minute. The other goal was scored by Neil Garraway in the 13th minute. Herstelling Raiders got all their goals from Solomon Austin in the 17th, 22nd and 25th minute The other match of the day between Samatta Point/Kaneville and Friendship All Stars ended in a 1-1 draw. Friendship drew first blood in the 18th minute through an Anthony Christian goal but that advantage was cancelled out by Samatta Point/Kaneville’s Shamar Lyken’s 23rd minute strike.
CGF Americas and Caribbean countries ... From back page at branding, governance and partnership. They also had an overview of the Equip and University Network Update and how the programme will be implemented, as well as the format. Meanwhile, at today’s forum which begin at starting at 09:30 hrs, Minister Nagamootoo will declare the meeting open. Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, who also holds the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Guyana and Suriname Representative, Ms. Sylvie Fouet will also speak. Today’s meeting will deal with a number of issues, where the CFG Americas and the Caribbean group will hear from the Regional Anti-Doping Agency (RADO), and more importantly, representatives from the Gold Coast; the host for next year’s Commonwealth Games.
President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin is also slated to address the Caribbean and Americas group. The 21st (XXI) Commonwealth Games will be held in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, April 4-15, 2018. It is the fifth time Australia will be hosting the Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games (known as the British Empire Games 1930–1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games 1954–1966, and British Commonwealth Games from (1970–1974) is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then. The most recent Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS PLUMPTON 08:50 hrs Gibson Park 09:20 hrs Lord Huntingdon 09:50 hrs Fort Gabriel 10:20 hrs High Wells 10:50 hrs Holly Bush Henry 11:20 hrs Ramore Will 11:50 hrs Magical Thomas UTTOXETER 08:40 hrs Mileve Roller 09:10 hrs Whoshotwho 09:40 hrs As You Like 10:10 hrs Knight Commander 10:40 hrs Petrou 11:10 hrs GI Jayne 11:40 hrs Black Kettle 12:10 hrs Eddy
IRISH RACING TIPS Naas 09:00 hrs James Cook 09:30 hrs Mary Tudor 10:30 hrs Would You Believe 11:00 hrs Quiet Reflection 11:30 hrs Monsieur Joe 12:00 hrs Kew Gardens 12:30 hrs Espoir D’ Soleil SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 09:00 hrs Flying Silver 10:30 hrs Ever Dear 10:05 hrs Tsessebe 10:40 hrs Vision To Kill 11:15 hrs Miss Malbecg
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Five- star Manchester City sink sorry Crystal Palace LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City ran riot in the second half at the Etihad to thrash Crystal Palace 5-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, while Manchester United made hard work of their 1-0 win at Southampton. City were second-best for much of the first half but Leroy Sane’s goal just before halftime gave them the momentum to go on to rout Palace who became the first side in English Football League history to lose their opening six games of the season without scoring. United were far less convincing in their success at Southampton but Romelu Lukaku’s first-half goal was enough to ensure they stay level on points with leaders City. Referee Craig Pawson’s decision to send manager Jose Mourinho to the stands late on put a dampener on the result at St Mary‘s. The Portuguese declined to be drawn on the incident but was full of praise for his side’s defensive efforts. ”We fought hard,“ Mourinho said. ”We did for 20, 25 minutes what many teams do for 90 minutes which is to play with five at the back. So many teams are always defensive.
“That being said, we had two incredible chances to kill the game. Our attacking players were not sharp.” One striker very much on form was Alvaro Morata, whose hat-trick helped Chelsea to keep pace with the Manchester clubs. Antonio Conte’s men remain three
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
points behind in third after their 4-0 win at Stoke. Liverpool won 3-2 at Leicester City in typically heart-in-the-mouth style when Simon Mignolet comically conceded and then saved a late penalty, which Jamie Vardy fired too close to the Belgian’s body. The spot-kick save was Mignolet’s fifth from his past eight attempts. Tottenham climbed into the top four after a thrilling
Roland-Jones to miss rest of the season with stress fracture LONDON (Reuters) Middlesex said on Friday that England pace bowler Toby Roland-Jones will miss the remainder of the domestic season with a stress fracture. Roland-Jones was a strong contender to be named in the national side for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, having taken 17 wickets in his first four Tests for England. However, the stress fracture to his lower back will mean he will be out of action for the foreseeable future. England name their squad for the five-Test series next Wednesday at The Oval. A Middlesex statement revealed the results of Ro-
3-2 win at London Stadium over West Ham. Two goals from Harry Kane and one from Christian Eriksen helped Spurs to ease into a 3-0 lead but goals from Javier Hernandez and Cheikhou Kouyate ensured that the visitors, who had Serge Aurier sent off with 20
Toby Roland-Jones
land-Jones’s scan which took place on Thursday, with damage to his L5 vertebra (lower back) identified. Roland-Jones did play for Middlesex in their county championship win over Lancashire this week, taking two wickets in the first innings before being withdrawn.
minutes to go, were hanging on at the death. SLICK FOOTBALL In Manchester, Sane’s brilliant first-half goal for City seemed somewhat undeserved but Palace struggled to cope with their slick football in the second half. Raheem Sterling helped himself to a quick-fire brace after the break, before Sergio Aguero got a goal 11 minutes from time.
Fabian Delph’s late stunner ensured City became the first side to score five or more goals in three consecutive top-flight games in the same season since Blackburn in 1958-59. While manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with City’s second-half showing, he admitted being concerned about their sluggish start. ”We started well, in the first five or 10 minutes, but after that we were not good,“ Guardiola said. ”We did not move the ball well but in the second half we were at our level; we regained our tempo. “Eight players did not play in midweek and when you change for different competitions you are not as sharp as when you play every three days.” Wayne Rooney went off with a bloody eye injury after a clash with a defender as Everton hosted Bournemouth and his replacement, Oumar Niasse, decided the match, netting a double to earn a 2-1 win after Josh King had given the visitors the lead. In south Wales, Richarlison scored a last-gasp winner to earn Watford a 2-1 victory over Swansea -- the Hornets’ third away success in a row.
From page 30
Huge challenge for regional...
enough support around the board table to make things happen. “I think I have the support of the majority of the members at CFU and I think that is why they put me in the position of first VP at this time,” he said. “I know that I would get all the support and assistance in charting the way forward. “I just have to perform in a way that the members could have more confidence in terms of putting me at the helm and I look forward to that opportunity.” For now, Harris said the CFU will be working closely with CONCACAF, its hemispheric governing body, to advance the devel-
opment of the sport in the Caribbean. “The members of the CFU voted for one CONCACAF programme which is the coaching programme and in that programme, it really seeks to work closely with the CFU in the development of the game,” he said. “We really look forward to working together [with CONCACAF] not only in terms of that kind of development, but in terms of competition because next year in March you will see a new kind of competition, our CONCACAF Champions League where the countries of the Caribbean will play a lot more international games.”
Haris Sohail
Pakistan name five new caps for Sri Lanka Tests (REUTERS) - Pakistan selected fast bowler Mir Hamza among five uncapped players in their 16man squad for the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates starting later this month. Batsmen Haris Sohail and Usman Salahuddin have both played one-day internationals for Pakistan but are yet to make their test debuts as Pakistan start life without retired batting greats Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. Long-serving captain Misbah and former skipper
Mir Hamza
Younis retired from international cricket at the end of Pakistan’s Test series in West Indies in May. “We are trying our youngsters. Usman Salahuddin and Haris Sohail have been part of the squad in the last two to three series so that we can play them when the seniors retire,” Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ulHaq told reporters in Lahore. “I wanted to give them opportunity in home conditions to boost their confidence. We are hopeful they can fulfil the spots left by the retirements.” Opener Sami Aslam, who last played a Test for Pakistan in December, was also recalled. Left-arm fast bowler Hamza, 25, was picked for his strong domestic form, having claimed 216 wickets in 46 first-class matches. Spin-bowling all-rounder Bilal Asif and left-arm Mohammad Asghar were the other players in the squad yet to play in tests. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah and top-order batsman Azhar Ali have both battled recent injuries but were declared fit and named in the squad. ”Yasir was supposed to undergo a fitness test yesterday but he had pulled a calf muscle,“ former captain Inzamam said. ”He’s taken the test this morning and been passed fit. “Azhar Ali has a cyst in his knee and the doctors have advised him to play after taking an injection. He isn’t experiencing any pain, so we’re hoping he’ll remain fit to play.” The series, played in the UAE due to security concerns, will start with the first test in Abu Dhabi from Thursday followed by Sri Lanka’s maiden day-night Test in Dubai from Oct. 6. The two teams will also play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches, the last of which will be played on home soil in Lahore on Oct. 29, subject to security clearance. Squad: Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain, wicketkeeper), Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Asghar.
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Massy Guyana donates electronic substitution board to GFF THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) recently received a Referees Electronic Substitution Board from Massy Guyana Group of Companies, following a simple presentation at the company’s Ruimveldt headquarters. Dion Inniss, GFF’s Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the National Football Referees Council (NRFC), as well as GFF’s Head of Referees, Stanley Lancaster, both thanked the company for their timely contribution, which will certainly go a far way in helping to enhance the game of football in Guyana, they said. Massy Guyana Group Chairman, Deo Persaud, who made the presentation stated that Massy Guyana was “happy to assist sports on the
Dion Inniss, GFF’s Executive Committee Member (second from left) receives the Referees Electronic Substitution Board from Massy Guyana Group Chairman, Deo Persaud.
whole and, in this case, football in particular. We do support several sporting disciplines and bodies across Guyana. So we as a group (Massy Services and Money
Gram) continue to support and give back to the community, it’s part of Massy’s corporate philosophy to give back. ”
Support in for Prime Minister’s T20 Cup
INDUSTRIAL Supplies and Services has confirmed its support towards Guyana’s Premier Softball Tournament “Prime Minister’s T20 Cup”, billed for October 27, 28 and 29. The confirmation came last Thursday when the business entity’s Manager, Thelisha Case, presented a cheque to Treasurer of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., Russel Jadbeer, at the company’s 51 Robb and Albert Streets, Bourda, business location. Prior to the presentation, Case said the company is pleased to be a part of such a prestigious event. Jadbeer in reponse expressed gratitude to the business entity for their support, and at the same time indicated that cricket fans will witness a new dispensation of softball cricket.
The tournament will be played in two categories, Masters and All Stars, and entry is open to any number of teams interested to be a
SVC Mafia; along with New York Hustlers, the New York President’s X1 and the Tri-State Masters, will add some international flavour
Manager of Industrial Supplies and Services, Thelisha Case, hands over the sponsorship cheque to Treasurer of the GSCL Inc., Russel Jadbeer.
part of the tournament. To date, a number of local teams have confirmed their participation. Additionally the confirmed participation of the Toronto Cup Masters Softball cricket tournament 2017 winners,
to the event. A requirement for players wishing to play in the Masters’ Category is that they must be over the age of 45 years, but the All Stars format is open to all ages. Teams registering for
the Over-45 category must submit photo identification, preferably valid passports for every member of their 15-man squad. The Over-45 category will make the champions $500 000 richer, and in the All Stars category the winning team will collect $600 000. While, the entrance fee is free, the organising committee is urging the participating teams to have their teams properly uniformed with colour clothing, since the tournament will be played with while balls. Registration forms can be uplifted from Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Lot 13, Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, or any member of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.
Gayle declared fit for today’s third ODI against England BRISTOL, England, (CMC) — West Indies will hope the return of Chris Gayle to their line-up will trigger the spark that leads to a series-levelling victory over England in the third One-day International today. The Windies trail 0-1 in the five-match series, following an eight-wicket defeat in the first ODI at Old Trafford, but they did not feel the full impact of Gayle’s absence with a hamstring injury for the second ODI, due to the weather allowing just 14 deliveries in the entire contest at Trent Bridge. As they look to identify a group of players that would form the core of a squad for the 2019 World Cup qualifiers next March in Zimbabwe, this match will mark the formal start of the Cricket West Indies selection panel-s search — and Gayle is expected to be a key prong. “I think Chris is good to go,” West Indies captain Jason Holder said on the eve of the match. “I think the last game was more precautionary than anything else. He seems to be raring to go. It’s good to have him back. We hope we can have him for the duration of the series.” Though Gayle celebrated his 38th birthday on the day of the Trent Bridge ODI, he gave a glimpse of his batting prowess in the Twenty20 International that preceded the ODI series and the first ODI too, so England will be wary of him. “He definitely brings a lot to the team, a wealth of experience and his record speaks for itself,” said Hold-
Chris Gayle declared fit for today;s third ODI against England.
er, exhorting confidence in his side to draw level and eke out the results that would give them a rare series victory. “There’s definitely still an opportunity to win the series,” he said. “We need to learn from that defeat at Old Trafford, but put it aside now, and take it step by step. We head into these last three games with full confidence.” Holder also said that the players will play the game with the tragedy that has taken place in Dominica following the passage of Hurricane Maria. “It’s obviously a very sad time,” he said. “Dominica has suffered so much damage. There were just recovering from the previous storm (Erika) and to be hit by another one of this magnitude is devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people there.”
Barca, Real and Atletico all win in La Liga MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona opened up a four-point gap at the top of La Liga, maintaining their 100 percent start as they cruised to a 3-0 victory at Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday. An own goal either side of the break and a Luis Suarez strike in his 100th league appearance for the club 21 minutes from the end were enough for Ernesto Valverde’s team to secure the points in the first-ever league meeting between the sides. Having seen Atletico defeat Sevilla 2-0
to move into second place and a Dani Ceballos double help an unconvincing Real to sneak past bottom-of-the-table Alaves 2-1 earlier on, Barca made light work of their opponents, even if two of their goals were fortunate. “There was pressure on us given the results in the other games and the atmosphere here today,” Valverde said. “It’s a derby, a great atmosphere and we needed to play with our heads as well as our hearts. “We needed to combat Girona’s enthu-
siasm and we got the job done. Of course, I’m delighted with how things are going -– I’m not going to complain when we win. I’ll do that when things aren’t going well.” Real returned to winning ways following their shock 1-0 defeat to Betis in midweek as two first-half goals from Ceballos in his maiden league start for the club sandwiched a Manu Garcia header for hosts Alaves. here were missed chances at both ends in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo, who
is yet to score in La Liga this season, and Alaves substitute Alfonso Pedraza both struck the woodwork twice, while Sergio Ramos fired over an open goal late on. However, Zinedine Zidane’s side hung on to claim a thirdleague win of the season and move on to 11 points. Second-half strikes from Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann helped Atletico to leapfrog Sevilla into second place. They remain unbeaten with four wins and two draws after six games.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Khan throws out challenge Windies team honour to `13-second’ competitors former fast bowler
DRAG RACING action will be back on track in just a week with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Caribbean Invasion and `13second’ champion, Imran Khan, is throwing out a challenge. Khan, who spoke exclusively to the Chronicle Sport, has contended that his machine is race-ready and he has been out doing some testing ahead of Sunday’s meet. “The car is really great. I feel ready for the meet and I know I am going to do well,” Khan told Chronicle sport, adding “I know there are a lot of people who are going to be coming for my crown, but I’m here to defend it,” he said. Khan continued, “ Preparation wise, I hadn’t to do much to the car; just basically service her up and ensure that all the lines are good and all
Imran Khan collects his `13-second’ trophy from Ms. Desiree Lee
the brakes and clutch and everything is ready and just drive.” He noted that while there
are specific competitors he will be keeping his eyes on, he does not intend to take any battle lightly, adding that the
competition in the class will be stiff this time around. Asked about the challenge between himself and Marlon Wilson in a West Demerara vs Berbice battle, he replied, “may the best man win,” adding, “I’ve seen him, the car is fast and If he gets in my class then it’s obviously going to be a battle, we are going to have to see who wins [next] Sunday.” Khan was tight-lipped about specifics on how he plans to dominate the competition come next Sunday but called on fans to come out and support his car # 20, while also heaping praise on his sponsors. They include A1 Auto Value, S/R Auto Spares, GFX Racing, Centre Spot Speed Shop, Shawn Auto Repairs, DANNY AUTO BODY WORKS, and his team Ajay and Sanjay.
Hicks cops feature Laparkan Holdings 35-lap cycle race
BERBICE cyclist, Andrew Hicks, riding for the Trojan Cycle Club, rode a well-calculated race to win the feature Laparkan Holdings 35-lap cycle road race in the National Park yesterday, when Cycle Coach Hassan Mohamed staged the 13th edition of the annual event. Hicks returned a time of one hour, 18 minutes 30.28 seconds in winning the event along with two prime prizes. Guyana Defence Forces’ Alonzo Ambrose placed second, while Paul De Nobrega was third, followed by Jamal John, fourth, Raul Leal, fifth and Silvio Inniss in the sixth position
Last year’s winner of the event, Junior Niles, failed to place among the top six but won three of the prime prizes, while DeNobrega, Christopher Griffith and Inniss won one each. From the start of the event, Hicks stayed with the leaders throughout and made at least three attempts to break away from the pack, but on each occasion he was pulled in back by the peloton. However, with one lap remaining, Hicks jumped the pack and rode across the finish line unchallenged and ahead of the field. After the event, Hicks said he is overjoyed to win
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday September 24, 2017)
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) Graham Gooch-881 runs (2)
Viv Richards-1619 runs
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which English player has taken most wickets in ODIs against the WI? (2) Which WI player has taken most wickets in ODIs against England? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
the event, his second victory for 2017 and will be using yesterday’s win as a warm-up for today’s Victor Macedo’s 75-miler road race, which wheels off from Macedo’s Peter Rose Street, Queenstown residence. The race will proceed to Long Creek on the Linden Highway before returning to finish on Homestretch Avenue. In other results from yesterday’s 11-race programme, Nigel Dugid was first to cross the finish line in the juvenile’s 10-lap race. Second was Adealie Hodge and finishing third was Jason Cameron. John Niles won the three-lap race for BMX boys
12-14 years old, while Marvin Knight was the winner of the BMX boys and Girls 12-14 years old three-lap race. Second was Zab James. Jaikarran Sukhai was the winner of the five-lap race for veterans over 50 years of age. Second was Junior Niles and finishing third was Leer Nunes. Kennard Lovell won the five-lap race for veterans over 50 years of age ahead of Linden Blackman and Shameer Baksh respectively, while Ozia McAulley and Nigel Jacobs placed first and second, respectively in the five-lap event for mountain bikers.
Winston Davis
West Indies captain Jason Holder (right) and batsman Chris Gayle (left) pose with Winston Davis, as Ron Headley looks on. BRISTOL, England, (CMC) — Former West Indies fast bowler Winston Davis was honoured by members of the current team during a special event staged on his behalf on Friday night. The former St Vincent & Grenadies and Windward islands captain has been wheelchair-bound since a accident nearly two decades ago. He now lives in the United Kingdom where he played County cricket during his career. The event was organiSed by Steve Stephenson a stalwart in the West Indian community in the U.K and staged at a local cricket club. Also in attendance was Ron Headley, a former West Indies top order batsman and son of the great George Headley. “I want to thank the West Indies team for what they have done for me tonight.
Seeing them is great and brings back those wonderful memories of when I played and represented the people of the Caribbean,” said Davis. “I also want to congratulate them on the fantastic win in the second Test in Headingley. That was a magnificent performance and filled all of us with joy. “I urge you to keep working hard and I know we will see many more performances like we saw in that match.” Davis was a member of the all conquering West Indies in the 1980s under Clive Lloyd and then Viv Richards. He played 15 Tests and 35 One-Day Internationals and is best remembered for his remarkable seven for 51 against Australia in 1983, which remain the best figures by a West Indian in ODIs. West Indies face England in the third ODI of the five-match series here today.
Huge challenge for regional administrators to restore CFU’s image-Harris BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) — Regional football administrators have a huge challenge to restore respect and confidence from fans and stakeholders of the game inside and outside of the Caribbean. This is the view of Randy Harris, the president of the Barbados Football Association(BFA) and first vice-president of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), following the suspension for six years of CFU president Gordon Derrick by FIFA, the sport’s world governing body, on
BFA president and CFU first vice-president Randy Harris
charges of misconduct. Antiguan Derrick is the third regional administrator behind Trinidad & Tobago’s Austin “Jack” Warner and Caymanian Jeff Webb to fall from grace following charges ranging from accepting gifts and other benefits, mismanagement of funds, abuse of position and disloyalty. “Based on the events that occurred over the past eight years, we definitely have to look at our credibility as an organisation,” Harris told the Barbados Today newspaper about the CFU.
“What we need to do now is come up with strategic plans and to put things in place, so that some of the things that occurred in the past will stay there. I don’t think it is so difficult. We have a number of bright people on the board of CFU and I believe we would move in a more positive direction going forward.” Harris is expected to take the reins of leadership in the interim until a new president is elected next year and indicated he had Turn to page 28
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Five clubs receive Grove High Tech maintain CONCACAF Club Licenses unbeaten run in EBFA Ralph
WESTERN Tigers FC, Milerock FC, Ann’s Grove United FC, New Amsterdam United FC, and Den Amstel FC are the latest clubs in Guyana to receive their CONCACAF Club Licenses, as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) pushes to ensure all the local clubs are on the same level. Representatives of the clubs received their certificates from GFF President, Wayne Forde, at a simple ceremony at the Federation’s Secretariat on Friday last. “The Executive Committee is indeed very proud of the effort that each and every one of the clubs represented here this afternoon, would have invested in securing their CONCACAF licenses” Forde said after the presentation of certificates to the clubs. “We know it’s a challenging task. As you may know, many of your colleagues at the club level were invited to participate in the process and the Federation did its part in supporting, lending advice in any area that we felt was wanting at the club level. As it turned out, we now have five clubs that were able to satisfy those conditions and criteria set out by the CONCACAF Club Licensing process,” the GFF boss added.
Green U-11 League
..wins also for Diamond Upsetters, Mocha Champs
GFF’s President Wayne Forde flanked by recipients of the CONCACAF Club Licenses
Roger Moe, Second Vice-President of Western Tigers FC, in an invited comment said his club was happy to have acquired its club license, adding, “It’s long overdue but we’re still excited to acquire same. Our club is a community-based club; it will be very good for the community because we have a community with a lot of young men who love sports and football and it will serve the community great.” While noting that Ann’s Grove FC has a huge football base, Lieutenant Col. Raul Jerrick, President of the club said “I am elated. This is a sense of accomplishment for us. I, along with the secretary and some other persons were elected in 2013 after the club was almost dissolved, so this is an accomplishment for us.” Lennox Adams, Secretary of the New Amsterdam
FC has also expressed his club’s pleasure at acquiring its license. According to Adams, the club is happy to “reach this stage of our development and we’re hoping to do good in the future. We have some seasoned players and some young players who we’d like to step up to give them a chance to play.” Milerock FC President, Claude Williams said his club is extremely happy to receive its license, since “this was something long overdue and it could only be for the better. Our club is properly structured and has the capacity to perform at the highest level and we are honoured to be here.” Also expressing gratitude to the GFF for the support provided through the process was Den Amstel FC President, Patrick Burgess. He said, “Acquiring the club li-
cense is overwhelming. This is an opportunity we’ve been waiting for a very long time and we’re happy we have fulfilled the criteria. …We have it now, so on behalf of our club; we express a hearty thanks to the Federation for accepting us.” Forde said the journey to acquire a club license is a process which he hopes more clubs will embrace. “We not happy that we have five clubs out of a body of almost 20 clubs which participated ,that were successful but I think there is a natural order of progression ...acquiring the license is just one step in the process.” And according to him, the Federation remains committed “to create as many possibilities and opportunities that we can for the development of the players and clubs.”
Grove High Tech scorers: Jevon Pluck, Dwayvon Cliffe and Jamal Cordis.
GROVE High Tech continued their unbeaten run, first-timers Diamond Upsetters trounced defending champions Agricola Red Triangle, Mocha Champs arrested Herstelling Raiders while Samatta Point/Kaneville and Friendship played to a draw when rivalry in the East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green Under-11 League continued yesterday at the Grove Playfield. Grove ran away easy 4-0 winners over Diamond Unit-
ed thanks to a double off the boot of Dwayvon Cliffe in the 27th and 29th minute. Jevon Pluck had earlier opened the scoring in the 11th minute to break the deadlock. Diamond United looked good for most of the first half and had a few opportunities to take the lead but were denied on account of some excellent goal keeping from Ramesh Persaud. Onec Grove was able to score, they continued in that vein with a Turn to page 27
Franchise League 3-day tournament….
East Coast in command after Sattaur’s 105 -
Brain Sattaur
By Rajiv Bisnauth A composed century from former national youth player Brain Sattaur powered the East Coast franchise to a commanding position over West Berbice at stumps on day two of the fourth fixture in the Jaguars Franchise League three-day cricket tournament yesterday at the Bush Lot ground. Sattaur, the left-handed opener smashed an enterprising 105, as East Coast were bowled out just before the close for 321, an overall lead of 277 runs. West Berbice closed on 27 without loss after 10 overs,
Essequibo need 38 runs for victory, with five wickets in hand.
still needing a further 251 for victory. Displaying his wide array of strokes, the left-handed Sattaur batted with good composure in an innings which spanned 179 balls, inclusive 12 fours and four sixes. Sattaur received support from National middle-order batsman Chanderpaul Hemraj, who made an attractive 78. Meanwhile, at the start of the day’s play, the hosts after resuming from an overnight position of 179-9, extended their first innings total to 187 before fast bowler Cordel Mars, who finished with figures of 2-34, wrapped up the home side’s innings when he bowled Keon Joseph for 37. Fellow fast bowler Royston Simon (4-48), Rodulph Singh (3-24) and Bhaskar Yadram (1-34), were the other bowlers who have created the problems during the latter part
of day one. With a first innings deficit of 44 runs, the visitors openers Rajendra Chandrika and Brain Sattuar added 26 for the first-wicket before a breakdown in communication between the pair, saw the Test opener run out for 16. The young Yadram then joined Sattaur, and hit four fours in a breezy 27-ball 28 before he was removed by pacer Steven Harris at 64-2, but thereafter the visitors were able to build on a substantial amount of momentum through the Sattaur-Hemraj association. While Sattaur was a little tentative at the beginning of the innings, the left-handed Hemraj quickly settled down, and was quite confident from the onset. On a pitch that had little during that period, the duo didn’t face any difficulty as
the partnership progressed, and by lunch the visitors were 124-2, with Hemraj remained undefeated on a well-crafted 42 while Sattaur was on 30. Upon resumption the pair displayed even more purpose, and brought up their respective fifties in their partnership 121 for the third-wicket before Hemraj was removed by Harris. His innings spanned 83 balls, with six fours and four sixes. His dismissal triggered the quick removal of Joshua Persaud (1) and Kamesh Yadram (17). Persaud was Harris’s third victim while leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie claimed the wicket of Yadram. However, the left-handed Sattaur was unperturbed at the other end, and was unbeaten on 94 at the tea break in company with Ramnarine Chatura on four. He brought up his hundred
immediately after, but thereafter Motie and Andrew Dutchin engineer a batting collapse. Only Ameer Khan (46), of the remaining batsmen could provide some sort of determination with the bat. Motie finished with figures of 4-91, while Dutchin had 2-47 to complement Harris, who ended, with 3-76. Meanwhile, at Young Warriors; East Bank were bowled out for 139, replying to Lower Corentyne’s first innings total of 148. Batting a second time Lower Corentyne closed the day on 43-5. Nial Smith has so far taken all five wickets. At Port Mourant; Upper Corentyne resuming on 2677 were bowled out 317. In Reply West Demerara were bowled out for 133. With a first innings lead of 184, Upper Corentyne have decided to enforce the follow-on. West
Ricardo Adams
Demerara batting a second time reached 59-1. Tagenarine Chanderpaul in unbeaten on 20, with Akshaya Persaud on 33. At Tuschen; Georgetown resumed on 13-0, were bowled out for 245, with Leon Johnson 91 and Christopher Barnwell 48. Ricardo Adams and Akeeni Adams took three wickets apiece while Keemo Paul picked up two wickets. Set 193 to win, Essequibo reached 155-5, with Ricardo Adams on 95 and Mark Williams on 34. Barnwell has so far taken 4-37. Essequibo needed a further 38 runs for victory, with five wickets in hand.
East Coast in command after Sattaur’s 105 see story on page 31
Panthers crush Yamaha Caribs 39 – 0
GDF ready to test ‘sting’ of Pepsi Hornets today
Part of the action between the Panthers’ 39 – 0 win over the Yamaha Caribs in the GRFU Bounty Farm 15s.
P Godfrey Broomes, caught by Chronicle Sport photographer, Adrian Narine, about to score a try against Yamaha Caribs at the National Park, yesterday. Panthers defeated the Caribs 39 – 0. (Adrian Narine photos)
By Rawle Toney
ANTHERS Rugby Club picked up their second win in the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Bounty Farm 15s tournament, crushing the Yamaha Caribs 39 – 0 yesterday at the National Park. Panthers came into the game looking for redemption after suffering a 26 – 36 loss at the hands of the hungry-looking, Pepsi Hornets last weekend, and thanks to tries from Rondell ‘Bull’ McArthur, Godfrey Broomes, Malcolm Rhodia and Lancelot Adonis, the eventual winners raced to a 20 – 0 lead at the end of the first half. Theodore Henry, despite his presence, could not have helped the aged Yamaha Caribs team, who had no stops for Lloyd Anderson in the game’s second stanza.
Anderson scored 17 points in the second half – three tries and a conversion – while Broomes made good of one conversion to put the Panthers tally to 39 – 0. Meanwhile, from 16:00 hrs today, in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest clash of the Bounty Farm 15s, Pepsi Hornets will look to keep their ‘sting’ in the tournament alive when they collide with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). National Captain Ryan Gonsalves, will team up with the likes of Rickford Cummings and others, as he attempts to out-muscle a very stubborn GDF team. Last week, the Hornets had the ‘beast’ Kevin Mckenzie in their corner, but, today, with the country’s top player heading back to Australia, it will be interesting to see how Gonsalves and his troops fare against Patrick King, Avery Corbin and Dwayne Schroeder, who are the usual top performers for the Army.
CGF Americas and Caribbean countries begin two-day work-shop Nagamootoo, Dr Norton to address body today
THE Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) meeting of the Americas and Caribbean held day one of their workshop yesterday, and today, Acting President, Moses Nagamootoo will address the gathering of countries. At yesterday’s session, hosted by the
Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) at their new headquarters at Liliendaal, the group dealt with the operational plan for the Caribbean and the Americas and an overview of the transformation of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where they looked See page 27
Huge challenge for regional administrators to restore see story CFU’s image-Harris on page 30
Some participants at yesterday’s CGF Meeting of the Americas and Caribbean, held at the GOA’s Headquarters, Liliendaal. (Delano Williams photo)
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017