Issuu

MONDAY 5th November, 2018

Bring out every voter

No.105449

BBCI wants 40- year concession period 09 PAGE

–– in exchange for withdrawal of massive toll increases

PAGE

–– Minister Harmon tells APNU LGE Bartica rally

The National Diya was on Sunday lit up at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown, ushering in the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali (Samuel Maughn photo)

Stabbed convicted prisoner in stable 11 condition PAGE

Less than 40% of disciplined –– Chief Election Officer services voted in LGEs 02 Keith Lowenfield PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Less than 40% of disciplined services voted in LGEs –– Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield

Ally told this newspaper. Ally, however, said that on November 12, the situation would be different, explaining that the members of the disciplined services would join the regular citizenry to vote in their Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

By Svetlana Marshall

LESS than 40 per cent of the police, soldiers and prison guards listed to vote in the Local Government Elections last Friday did so when the poll stations were opened to facilitate early voting for the disciplined services. A total of 7,917 members of the disciplined services were deemed eligible to vote during last Friday’s elections, but only 3,147 or 39.7 per cent of them did, according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Lowenfield disclosed that only 1,938 members of the Guyana Police Force voted in the Local Govern-

AFC Deputy Campaign Director Juretha Fernandes ment Elections from a list of 4,693. In the case of the Guyana Defence Force, he detailed that 2,773 soldiers were

URP leader Vishnu Bandhu

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally

listed on the Official Voters’ List, but less than half – 1,022 – cast their ballots. The Guyana Prison Service had a total of 451 eligible voters, but only 187 exer-

cised their democratic right to elect their local leaders. Ballots were cast at 63 locations across the country. On Friday morning, only a few members of the disciplined services had voted. Chairman of GECOM Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson had anticipated that the voters’ turn out would have picked up later that day; but Lowenfield said based on the current statistics, it is clear that it never did. He noted, however, that members of the disciplined services who were registered to vote but did not, will have another chance next Monday; then, the civilian population are expected to cast their ballots in this year’s Local Government Elections. Amna Ally, general-secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the party that forms a major part of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), told the Guyana Chronicle that the omission of voters’ names from the official list may have been a contributing factor to the low voters’ turnout. “Some of them said their names were not on the list, that’s one, and some of them said that they did not know the candidates whom they have to vote for; so I figured that posed a little difficulty,”

WILL UP SENSITISATION “I don’t think there is going to be a problem in terms of voters’ turnout, but not taking any chance; we in the APNU, we are going to up our sensitisation campaign in all the areas to make sure that we do everything possible to get the voters out,” she said. Leader of the United Republican Party (URP) Dr. Vishnu Bandhu told the Guyana Chronicle that the low voters’ turnout among the disciplined forces indicates that Guyanese have grown tired of the major political parties – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). “People are fed up really with the two major political parties…. They are completely fed up with them; and I think that is the reason why there is a low voters’ turnout, because of the disappointment they are having,” Bandhu told this newspaper. URP is contesting in several Local Authority Areas (LAAs) in this year’s Local Government Elections; and though Bandhu admitted that his party did not campaign among the disciplined services to draw their support, he is hopeful that some of the votes went to the URP. He said while campaigning across the various LAAs, there was a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration being experienced by the people. SAME OLD “If you go to the man in the street, we are begging them and telling them that

you have to go out and vote. Many of them have said that they are not going and vote, because it is the same thing over and over… They all are fed up, totally fed up,” Bandhu said The Alliance For Change, another political party contesting in the Local Government Elections, is of the opinion that many Guyanese have not yet grown accustomed to the elections and are still grappling to understand their importance in the process of local democracy. AFC Deputy Campaign Director Juretha Fernandes told the Chronicle that the low voters’ turn out by members of the disciplined services comes as no surprise to the AFC; she posited that it was anticipated that it would have been lower. “It is not something new, this is the second LGE for over two decades; so persons are still not in tune about the level of importance for these elections; and it is our job as political parties and GECOM also to educate the people about the importance of these elections,” Fernandes told this newspaper. Local Government Elections were held in Guyana for the first time in 22 years in March 2016. They will be held again on Monday, November 12. The AFC deputy campaign director opined that not enough has been done to educate voters on the importance of Local Government Elections. “I don’t think anybody has done enough to educate the public; because being on the campaign trail, speaking to people on the ground, the people that actually have to vote, the voters themselves they are still not very clear as to what Local Government Elections is [sic] all about,” she pointed. In recent interview, GECOM’s chairman told reporters that the Elections Commission has done more than enough in the area of voters’ education. “We have gone out of the way to use the media. Our staff has been on orders to spread the message. I am confident that we have done our part,” the chairman emphasised.

Bring out every voter

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

–– Minister Harmon tells APNU LGE Bartica rally

BARTICA’S mayor, regional chairman and three government ministers collectively hammered the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at an APNU rally held in First Avenue, Bartica, on Saturday evening. The tough rhetoric came as they called on supporters not to become distracted or allow anyone to spilt the party’s votes at the upcoming LGEs. Hundreds of persons braved the rain to listen to the speakers, who asked for support in the upcoming election to further advance development in the region and community through the municipality. Minister of State Joseph Harmon said he along with other APNU representatives

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally during her speech

Thirty bicycles were donated to students of Bartica before commencement of the APNU rally

travelled to Bartica to throw support behind Mayor Gilford Marshall and team. He said Bartica has no colour other than green, since it will be the first ‘green’ town under the Green State Development and Strategy. Calling on the crowd to shout APNU loudly so that the President can hear even though he is in Cuba, Harmon charged the crowd, which responded positively. “We believe that local democracy can only be strengthened if you have what is called democratic renewal; this starts with regular local government elections, so that if you have representatives in your community that do not perform, then every two years you have a chance to say good bye, and welcome to people who can perform,” Harmon told the mostly green-coloured t-shirt gathering. He said the PPP during their tenure had disbanded local democratic organs and replaced them with Interim Management Committees (IMC). “When the PPP comes to you, what do you tell them,” Harmon said to a crowd that shouted back “No!!!”. “When any other party comes to you what do you say,” Harmon said, receiving a resounding “No!!!” once again. Telling the gathering that elections are not about rallies, Harmon encouraged

the gathering to bring out their friends and families to vote in the LGEs. GO HOUSE-TO-HOUSE Addressing the delegates contesting the elections, he told them he wants everyone to visit each and every house and ensure that they educate persons on how to vote and identify themselves as APNU candidates. “Do not skip any house,” he told the gathering. Social Cohesion Minister George Norton said APNU does not represent a oneparty state, but a collection of parties that work for the

benefit of the country. “We were convinced that the winner takes all could not work in Guyana and because of that, we were generous in our negotiations… it shows when only one of our negotiators who receive 11 per cent of the votes cast, yet they enjoy 40 per cent of the seats we gained,” Norton said, while reflecting on the Cummingsburg Accord. He explained that the AFC is enjoying the political benevolence of the APNU; as such, that party should not show interest in Bartica because it encourages See page 8

Minister Joseph Harmon and Mayor Gifford Marshall share a light moment with a tailor during a walkabout in the Bartica market before the LGE rally on Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Italy storms: Two families killed in Sicily house (BBC) Two families have been wiped out in Italy after a river burst its banks submerging their house in Sicily.

Nine people died in the incident in Casteldaccia from children aged one, three and 15 to their grandparents. Only three people who were

outside the house at the time survived. Three other people died when their cars were swept away on the southern island. Days of heavy rain and winds have killed at least 17 other people in Italy, mainly in the north and west. Some of the worst damage was to roads around Belluno in the northern Veneto region, after days of storms had dislodged mud, rocks and water. Six regions remain under alert - from Veneto to Sicily and Sardinia in the south. The tragedy in Casteldaccia occurred overnight on Saturday. Twelve members of two families had gathered to spend the night when water

The flooded house where the tragedy occurred

from river Milicia swamped the house. Three of those on the

Monday. Nov. 5, 2018 03:00hrs. - 04:30hrs./14:30hrs. - 16:00hrs.

premises had lucky escapes. A father and daughter had gone out on an errand at the time. The third - another father of two - survived by climbing onto a tree. In addition to the three children, the dead included the mother of two of them, her brother, sister and their parents - and the mother of one of the surviving fathers. One of the neighbours described the scene minutes before the incident. “I heard the dogs barking. It was around 22:30 (21:30 GMT). I told my husband to go out to see what was happening. He opened the door and water filled the house,” said Maria Concetta Alfano. Town mayor Giovanni Di

Giacinto spoke of a “frightening tragedy” - given the Milicia was only a small river that had never had much water. “It has never presented a threat to Casteldaccia, and it wasn’t a very rainy day, anyway,” he added. Elsewhere in Sicily: A man and a woman died when their hired car was swept away in Cammarata A petrol station worker’s body was found in his jeep in Vicari And rescuers are looking for a doctor who was heading into Corleone hospital to start his shift. His car has been found abandoned in a part of the road hit by flooding and landslides.

Saturday 3, November, 2018

02 13 18 19 24 27 20

2, November, 2018

05 07 14 18 21

05, 13, 14, 22, 24

1, 4, 3

5, 9, 5

03, 04, 08, 09, 10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Continue striving for excellence – Prime Minister Nagamootoo urges SVN graduates

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing the SVN graduands

A section of the gathering at the graduation

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has urged graduating students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Secondary School to continue aiming for excellence. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of President, issued the charge on Sunday at the school’s 14th graduation exercise. “This school has imparted to you the important

and necessary foundations of learning. You must now yearn to reach the pinnacle of your education. You must, as I wrote over 45 years ago in a poem to my first child at her birth, ‘lasso a star and take a ride in the sky’,” the prime minister told the graduating class. Motivating them further with the words of Martin Luther King, he urged the students to “keep moving” and to make full use of

the world of opportunities which now awaits them. “Go forward and be counted. Be a somebody; not just any body. Aim to achieve distinction. As Guyanese, prepare yourselves for these opportunities in our new economy, mainly in the petroleum and green growth sectors. I ask you to aim at becoming our future engineers, environmentalists, agronomists and agro-processors, project

planners and other technicians. The vision of our Green State Development Strategy includes you, the leaders and creators of the new Guyana,” he said. The prime minister, in congratulating the students on his own behalf and on behalf of President Granger for completing an important chapter in their lives, also praised their parents and teachers for their hard work. “The personification of

both teachers and parents, of course, is Swami Aksharananda, your esteemed Guruji who, as principal of Saraswati Vidya Niketan Hindu School, has guided you towards achievement of outstanding results. Thank you Swamiji for your leadership,” he said He added: “To the SVN graduates, I share the elevation of your soul in pride, and I sincerely congratulate you, personally on our own behalf, and on behalf of the Government of Guyana and His Excellency, President David Granger. The President has himself attended both the 11th and 12th gradua-

tion ceremonies and, had he been in Guyana, I am sure that when the roll-call was taken, he would have gladly answered, ‘present, Sir!’ I want to endorse and share what His Excellency had said in 2016: ‘The values of education are concerned with producing persons of quality. Education must edify the mind, enhance skills and emancipate the mind from arrogance, from anger and from hatred. Education can achieve these ends only if it embraces certain values… Education instills respect for others, respect for authority… respect for the property of others’.”

Giant ‘Diya’ ushers in Diwali the diya, there was a cultural evening of dances, skits and music to portray the significance of the national holiday. According to member of the HSS and one of the coordinators of the event, Aravind Narian, “It’s been customary for the four years that we would come up with a design or a structure and light it up as a national event.” Furthermore, he said: “Diwali is not just about Hindus, it is about all Guyanese because we have a multiethnic nation; and we would like to

A cultural dance performed during the evening’s show

THE Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, was ushered in on Sunday night at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown, with the illumination of a giant diya created by the Hindu Swayam-

sevak Sangh-Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS). The diya is touted as the country’s National Diya and this is the fourth National Diya created by the HSS. Along with the creation of

have everyone involved in the celebrations.” This year, the grand Diya was created with a specific symbolism. Narain explained that there are five Diyas on the structure, which signify the five nights Diwali is observed by Hindus. Moreover, each of the five Diyas is coloured in the colours of Guyana’s national flag- the Golden Arrowhead. And there is an ‘Om’ at the top of the structure, which represents Hinduism. Youths of the HSS spent about three

weeks, sometimes working until 1 0’clock in the mornings to get the design perfected. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and the lights and diyas are lit to signify the driving away of darkness and ignorance, as well as the awakening of the light within one’s self. But importantly, according to India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam, “The most important [significance] of Diwali is the spirit of togeth-

erness.” He explained that during the festival, families and friends come together to share in the special moments. Additionally, he highlighted that women are revered during the festival. For some, Diwali is observed to honour the Hindu goddess Mother Lakshmi, who is the giver of health, wealth and prosperity. Diwali also signifies the return of Lord Rama to his home in Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

The Main Street incident

ONCE again, society has been informed about an incident outside a popular city nightclub in which a disabled man was brutalised. The matter is currently before a court, so we will refrain from commenting on the case itself; we will say only that the alleged assailant Abdul Imran Khan was last Thursday morning remanded to prison for assaulting Romario Baljeet, called ‘Short Boss.’ The 32-year-old Khan, who lives at 11 Austin Street, Campbellville and who is the owner of a construction company, made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the facts of the case, it is alleged that on October 28, 2018 at Main Street, Georgetown, with intent to kill, Khan unlawfully and maliciously wounded Baljeet. According to the prosecution, on the day in question around 02: 00hrs, the virtual complainant went to the Palm Court nightclub where he and a friend spent an hour. As they were about to leave, the accused and another male were standing at the gate in the path of the duo. Baljeet and his friend decided to walk between the accused and the other man, when the accused dealt the victim two punches to his head and face causing him to fall. The accused

then took a glass bottle and drinking glass and smashed it on the right side of the disabled man’s face, causing him to sustain injuries. He then allegedly kicked the disabled man. The victim was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Woodlands Hospital where two surgeries were done on his face. The alleged incident is reminiscent of what had been nurtured out of an understanding of the acquisition of wealth; what it meant for those who came by it, and the varied connections that it brought. Of course, some of these perpetrators became known to law enforcement, except that no action was ever taken against many of them de-

spite complaints, because of their perceived connections. They became known as the untouchables. Much of this kind of anti-social conduct that had often infringed every aspect of the law, has been on the decline since the beginning of the current dispensation; law enforcement has since signalled its intolerance to any such kind of degeneracy, by bringing the offenders to court. A current case which involves the wounding of a well-known Trinidadian entertainer is currently engaging the attention of the local magistracy. But the apparent, unprovoked attack against a reportedly disabled citizen, whose only offence may be that he had to walk between

a gathering of persons to gain access to his car, has once again shown that such type of citizen(s) is still present, and who still believes that such brutality is natural and is a right. This kind of attack, based on media reports and CCTV footage, is unconscionable and wanton to say the least. What was even more disturbing is that no one appears to have attempted to stop the attacker, or even intervene on behalf of the helpless man. This attack must be unequivocally condemned. But, we live in a society in which some sections are selective in what incidents are categorised as criminal; and this is often based on what segment of citizenry is in-

volved, specifically as it relates to the perpetrator. This is unfortunate, for regardless of the ethnicity or race of the wrongdoer, all society must speak out. To give criminal acts an ethnic colouration is to court the undermining of the collective abilities of society to overcome its threat. Further, it is grossly deceptive to continue giving spin, for political, or whatever reasons that may give comfort to one’s mental security, on any act of criminal wrongdoing, or what may be constituted as such when it must be condemned. This act of violence against a citizen, who is also reported to be disabled, must be condemned by all law-abiding citizens and justice must be served.

Deepavali, the festival of lights

Dear Editor,

INDIA is a land of festivals where you will see at least one major festival each month. Deepavali (or Diwali), which literally means “rows of lamps” is one such festival. Throughout the world, all Hindus celebrate Deepavali with great pomp and enthusiasm; it is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. You are aware that the days become shorter and nights longer from around September each year. The shortest day of the year, (and the longest night), occurs on the last day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik, (Oct. – Nov.). Deepavali is celebrated on this night. This year it falls on Tuesday, November 6. Institutions survive only if the values around which they are organised remain relevant to the participants. Deepavali, a religious institution, originated in prehistoric India as the inhabitants observed the life-giving sunshine decreasing with every passing night. Lamps had to be lit earlier and earlier each day. The lighting of many “lights” on the longest night of the year was believed to assist in ‘turning back the tide of darkness,’

so to speak. Periods of misfortune, hardship and inequity, both physically and morally, are symbolised as “times of darkness.” This darkness has also been likened to spiritual darkness, which must be removed by the saving Light of Knowledge. This is reflected in our prayer: “Om Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya. O Lord! Lead me from darkness unto Light.” Light is the nature and character of God. God is light itself and the source of light. All ancient civilisations associated light with God and His word, with goodness, with truth, and with life. Light is one of the most universal and spiritual symbols. In the religious history of the world, whenever God wished to communicate with man, He chose ‘Light’ as His medium of expression.

‘Light’ is feminine in gender. This divine symbol has been personified for the purpose of veneration and worship in and through the form of Lakshmee, the Holy Mother-Goddess. Hindus focus on the worship of the universal Goddess representing light, wealth, beauty, purity and auspiciousness. The grace of God is personified in Her as one who brings welfare and happiness. Diwali is celebrated over five days – two

days before and two days after. The first day is Dhan Teras, on which most business communities begin their financial year. People also set about cleaning and decorating their homes and surroundings. The second day of the festival, Narak Chaturdashi, marks the vanquishing of evil in the form of Naraka by Sree Krishna. On the third day, people worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. The earth is lit up by lamps and the skies are coloured by the multi-hued lights of fireworks. Govardhana Puja occurs on the fourth day of Diwali. The fifth day of the festival, called Bhaiyya Dooj, celebrates unique and fun customs. Every brother dines in his sister’s home, and, in return, presents her with gifts. In each legend, tradition and story of Deepavali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepavali and the lights that illumine our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light – the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to God. While Deepavali is popularly known as the

‘Festival of Lights,’ the most significant spiritual meaning is ‘the awareness of the inner light’. Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman – soul. The celebration of Diwali as the ‘victory of good over evil’ refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance. With this awakening come compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things. Deepavali is the celebration of this inner light. Deepavali, like other observances, reflects in a most remarkable manner the various aspects of the Hindu way of life; in this, purity of thought, action, devotion to God, love and tolerance to all, and the concept of the family in the social structure are given great importance. Deepavali, therefore, signifies light over darkness, good over evil and truth over falsehood. Its message is to keep the Light of God forever shining in the heart. Regards, Pt. R. Balbadar Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region Three

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Still living with expectancy Dear Editor, I READ with joy and expectancy the news which was captioned, “Region Seven Indigenous residents receive firearms.” I say ‘with joy’ because Indigenous peoples throughout the hinterland of Guyana are in dire need of maintaining their livelihoods and this is a very good gesture. I say “with expectancy” because I am quite confident this government does not discriminate. I say with expectancy because implicit in that very news headline that the government will be handing out shotguns to Indigenous persons of other administrative regions; and a handout of shotguns is hopefully not for Region Seven and Region Seven alone. There are others, too, who have complied with the amnesty and, even prior to the amnesty, to other conditions as well. Mr. Editor, please allow me to record my own experience as

an Indigenous person. As a result of my father’s death 18 years ago, I was asked to surrender a shotgun through the Charity police. The shotgun A2454A was surrendered as instructed by police since, they informed me, I was only a joint holder and the sole owner was my deceased father. My father died in 2000 and so far I have been unable to retrieve the firearm. Subsequent applications (I can’t remember how many) in an effort to retrieve the firearm failed. All requisite certificates and/ or letters from my siblings, etc. etc., saying they are all in agreement for me to become the new owner have all been submitted, but to no avail. A visit to Eve Leary afforded me the opportunity to speak with one Sgt. Blair of the Firearms Section. He did inform me that the firearm was unserviceable. Editor, my next move was to apply for a new

shotgun altogether, but so far it has yielded nothing. Sir, after a change in government, a past permanent secretary of the Indigenous Affairs Ministry (I know Mr. Vibert Welch) visited my community. He requested of me the duplicates of all my applications, letters of acknowledgement, character references, etc., as he had faithfully promised to ‘work on them.’ Several calls later to his office went unanswered and today I’m no better off. Editor, it is my hope that with the publication of my letter the relevant authorities would use their kind offices to render some assistance, so that the firearm I surrendered years and years ago could be returned to me. I still live with expectancy! With thanks. Yours truly, Fr. Joseph C. Atkinson

Luxury ship, the MV City Corruption, is sinking Dear Editor, THE luxury ship the MV City Corruption that has been riding high on the waves of excesses, fraud and mismanagement for the last three years and beyond, seems to have sprung a leak and is now quickly sinking. There is clearly panic aboard, with the captain very frightened and dispensing blame to everyone and everywhere he can, both to the living and the dead; and it is now ‘every man for himself,’ with senior officers grabbing every available life jacket and abandoning ship. Listening to the Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the goings-on at the Georgetown municipality, one is left amazed at the ridiculous responses, the irrational positions being taken and the twisted logic being advanced by some to defend themselves. The chief engineer had the temerity to tell the commission and consequently that rehabilitation works had been done at the City Constabulary Training School to the

tune of $47 million; yet, he says, that the space remains uninhabitable. Now come on, which Constabulary Training School is he talking about? Not the old House Service Department in Water Street? Not even seven million dollars has been spent there for years, let alone $47 million dollars. I suggest that the chairman of the commission and members of the Local Government Commission pay a visit and thoroughly inspect the facility. It is ruinous, looks abandoned, and ramshackle. Indeed, it looks like when junkies are finished with a building. The windows, doors, fittings, furniture and just about everything else is gone, even though this place is guarded 24/7; it is leaking badly, it is in the worst state that I have ever seen a public building in. I challenge the engineer to produce a detailed expenditure report on the building with accompanying receipts; he should also take building experts with him to inspect the building to verify the $47 million in works. Then you have the solid waste director

waking up like Rip Van Winkle arising out of a slumber to declare that City Hall should ditch the garbage contractors and do the waste disposal work itself. Oh please, now that the council and the government have frittered away billions upon billions of dollars, this gentleman gets this epiphany of the council going back to do what it did for decades since when it had its own animal-drawn garbage carts. And now blaming bad management of the administration. Hasn’t this guy a part of the administration for the past four years?. Then we have the King himself declaring that the city is too broke to tender for goods and services. Well that’s the icing on the cake! The city is too broke to adhere to a regulatory arrangement that is conducive to transparency, economy, efficiency, openness, fairness and accountability in public sector procurement; but rich enough to award contracts to friends and relatives at grossly inflated prices. Best regards, Sambu Jacobus

Bring out every ... 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

From page 3

the PPP to camp out in the community, thereby causing strife. “This government is concerned with the state of affairs of our youths

but would choose instead to dabble in corruption and illegalities. She told the residents of Bartica that they are benefiting from central and local

the squeeze; many of our children can get to school on time and in comfort,” the PNCR/R general-secretary said. Minister Ally said the

they want to use you and then lose you; they want power, but we will keep the power and work for you and so I ask you to ensure that we keep the power; so support this government and progress will continue,” she said to loud applause. DON’T ALLOW THEM Rising from his seat with a musical intro of “the truth will be revealed”, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford sang along and told the

Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton, during his presentation

A section of the gathering at the APNU Bartica LGE rally and only recently contracts were signed for two more synthetic tracks, one in New Amsterdam and the other in Linden,” he said. Adding that the President has endorsed the idea that every region should have its own sports complex to benefit the youths, Dr. Norton said Bartica has the youngest mayor in the country; and the APNU will be focusing on the youths to develop themselves into leaders in every field. PNCR/R General-Secretary and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally told the gathering that the PPP does not like law and order,

government development in all spheres. “In Bartica, the coalition government has made your life better, you have begun to enjoy the good life that was promised to you by your President David Granger,” she said. Under the 5Bs programme, Minister Ally said residents are benefiting from the David ‘G’ buses and a number of bicycles and under the PPP, 23 years there was never a vision to implement such a programme to assist residents in a tangible manner. “But our adults and children feel the ease and not

President’s vision is for all youths to have a good education. Telling Barticians that they deserve to be treated properly and not like animals, Minister Ally said the coalition government is humane and will improve everyone’s lives. She said the government through the regional administration has ensured that projects such as a new stelling are being done, along with all other aspects of development in the region. “During the PPP 23 years they did nothing for you, don’t trust them,

Minister Harmon interacts with market vendors during his walkabout in the Bartica market crowd that “we must not allow people from the red party or people from the yellow party to take what belongs to us.” Noting that Bartica is clean, ‘green’ and pristine, the regional chairman said the PPP has run out of gimmicks until they are sending “gimmicks in the region to convince us that we should change from green.” Bradford called President David Granger a visionary since even in opposition he had declared that when he becomes President, Bartica would be given township status; he added that no other party has done more for Bartica that the APNU government. “A few nights ago the PPP had a meeting at Fifth Avenue where they had six people other than their supporters that turned up at the meeting… and it was said that the combination of Bradford and Marshall is a human disaster,” the regional chairman said. He continued: “Every project and development that comes to the fore under the APNU+AFC coalition government is a nail in the coffin of the PPP; so we are indeed a human disaster, but for whom? We are a disaster for the PPP, because they realise that they cannot

fool the people all of the time, they could only fool us some of the time.” Further, Bradford said under the Town Council there has been tremendous change in Bartica. Reflecting on an AFC meeting recently, Bradford said all of their speakers acknowledged the good works done under APNU, but want to promise that they are capable of doing more. “Well I want to know if I so foolish to have a bird in my hand and lose it to grab at a bird that is flying in the air, which I may never catch,” Bradford said. Telling the crowd that a promise is a comfort to a fool, the regional chairman said no party has a magic wand; “but some people just dreaming that they will run this township and they will do everything, promises, promises, promises.” Asking if there were any fools in the crowd, Bradford got a resounding “No!!!” Mayor Gifford Marshall in his address said the PPP has its agents spreading untruth in the region; and the party is preying on residents of Bartica to confuse voters into believing that the PPP can do something which it could not have done in 23 years, when it

was in power. “Come November 12, go to the polls and vote for APNU. If you neglect your democratic right to vote, you will live to regret it, your children will live to regret it and all of us will live to regret it,” he told supporters and residents of Bartica at the rally. He called on everyone to ensure that their relatives, friends and family members vote to ensure that development continues. The mayor said that under the PPP, an IMC was installed to manage the affairs of the region. “They didn’t believe in democracy, they believed in dictatorship, so they decided who will manage the affairs of the town; and everything went down the drain.” He said that through cronyism the PPP made Bartica a nightmare, reminding Barticans of the massacre that happened in the region under the previous government’s rule. “I want to say to you that we have a caring government… our best days are ahead of us only if we vote right on November 12; our children have a bright future only if we vote right,” the mayor said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

BBCI wants 40-year concession period ‒ in exchange for withdrawal of massive toll increases

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson

By Lisa Hamilton THE Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has stated that it will withdraw the proposed toll increases on the single condition that the government increases its concession period from 21 years to 40 years. The government will soon be discussing the company’s proposal at Cabinet but has indicated that it still has no intention of abandoning its pursuit of legal advice. These revelations came following a letter from BBCI’s Board of Directors, dated November 2, 2018 and addressed to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. The agreement is being sought by the company’s board of directors which stated that it will be avoiding the implementation of the toll increases announced on October 16, 2018, and the implementation of increases in the immediate future. “We believe that such an extension, with full government support, will provide BBCI, as the concessionaire, the opportunity to approach its lenders to re-negotiate terms and conditions of the various debts. “If these negotiations with the lenders are successful, it will provide much-needed relief to the cash requirement burden and, therefore, [no] need for toll increases at present and in the future. We are convinced that this proposal will allow the tolls to remain as [it] is and provides opportunities for toll reduction in the near future, removing the need for government subsidy on

the tolls and maintenance of pontoons,” the letter stated. The BBCI further proposed that both the government and company, upon mutual agreement to the above, issue a joint statement and the company would no longer proceed with the toll adjustment. The company also said: “Given the urgency of the current circumstances, the company looks forward to hearing from you by Monday, November 5, 2018 and to meeting with you in order to address this matter before November 11, 2018.” In a release published in the newspaper dated November 2, 2018, Minister Patterson responded to the BBCI’s letter. ALL AVAILABLE OPTIONS “The ministry wishes to publically state that while it supports and welcomes the BBCI’s request for transparent discussions, the ministry is also currently engaged in obtaining legal advice on the matter and the Government of Guyana will be reviewing all available options under the confines of the law as well as possible actions proposed by BBCI prior to any meeting with the BBCI,” Minister Patterson said in the release. Just after the BBCI laid out its intention in October to increase the bridge tolls some threefold, Patterson had announced to the public that the ministry would be seeking legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers. He also condemned the proposed increase and, most recently in the National As-

The BCCI believes that an extension of the concession period will allow it to approach lenders to re-negotiate terms and conditions of the various debts

sembly, stated: “The Coalition Government has no intention of approving the toll increases proposed by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. and assures the people of Guyana that in the interest of peace, order and good government, we stand ready to protect their legitimate right to a peaceful life in Guyana.” Regarding the BBCI’s request for a meeting with the minister, Patterson said the company’s letter would rather be up for discussion by other members of the government as the issue remains a national one. “Notwithstanding the above, the BBCI’s revised proposal will be shared at the next Cabinet meeting slated for next Wednesday, after which a meeting with BBCI to communicate Cabinet decision, and hopefully move this process forward. “The ministry wishes to note that this response to BBCI is by no means refusal to meet; rather, it serves to ensure that Government of Guyana continues to stand ready to advance the best possible option to all Guyanese in continuing dialogue,” he stated. Within his public response to the bridge company, the minister also dispelled assertions that the government had refused to meet on previous occasions, listing its previous encounter as October 11, 2018, as well as several other correspondence by letter. As requested by the government, the BBCI which reports over G$6B in debt, has since presented its audited accounts but only partially

and the government awaits the remaining information for onward transmission to the Ministry of Finance. “At this time, the min-

istry wishes to assure our Guyanese people that it remains committed to working towards a legal solution in the public interest and

urges BBCI’s public commitment in achieving a mutually agreeable position for the benefit of all Guyanese,” Patterson said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Honesty–the best policy

WHEN children tell lies, parents usually get very upset, even if the parents tend to tell lies themselves in front of their children. ‘Lying’ falls under the classic adult rule of: ‘Do as I say and not as I do.’ Children usually lie for one of four reasons. Reason number one: they do not want to get into trouble, so they attempt to ‘cover up’ whatever they’ve done with a lie. Reason number two: they lie to evoke some type of response from their parents: if they are feeling neglected, a lie might just do the trick to make them the centre of attention. Reason number three: children sometimes lie to make their story sound better or to make them sound better in a story,(adults tend to do this often). Reason number four: children tell lies to deliberately mislead their parents, usually because they are aware of how their parent(s) will behave if they were to tell the truth. Children are not born with the instinct to tell lies, it is not a natural trait; but around the age of three when they are interacting verbally, they usually realise that adults can’t always tell whether they are

telling the truth, so they can say things that aren’t true without adults knowing. Children learn to perfect their ‘lie- telling skills’ as they get older by adding facial expressions, body language and by altering the tones of their voices to suit. As they develop, children grow increasingly aware of how people think and what kind of responses and reactions to expect from others (and their parents). They are therefore able to adjust their mannerisms, words and occasional ‘lies’ to work in their best interest. It is a fact that by the age of eight, children are able to lie without getting caught out. If parents are astute they will realise when children are trying to pull a ‘fast one’ and would question them and get them to explain themselves. This usually results in children being exposed by their vigilant, thorough parents or ‘coming clean’ and owning up to telling lies. Parents should explain to children the importance of telling the truth as soon as they are old enough to understand the difference. They should support and encourage their children to tell the truth naturally, without fear of the consequences. Above

all, in order to get the best out of children, adults should not tell lies, especially in front of their children, or to their children. Children distrust and disrespect adults who lie to them, even though the adult may not be aware of the fact and the disrespect and distrust may not be apparent while the child is young. But as children grow, they work out truth from lies, even if their parents are bad examples. If you are a parent, a guardian or childcare worker, it is your responsibility to emphasise the importance of honesty in your family or work setting. You can do this by praising children for their honesty. You can say things like, ‘I am glad you owned up and told the truth.’ You must avoid calling or labelling children, ‘liars’. To label a child with any negative title is harmful to their self-esteem and their social/emotional development. A child who is constantly called a liar might tell even more lies, believing that there is no point in telling the truth, if everyone thinks he/she is a liar. When a child tells a lie, adults should explain how sad and disappointed they feel about the lie and children must be made aware that there

are consequences for their actions if they persist with unacceptable behaviour. On the other hand, sometimes it is useful to do a little detective work, depending on the circumstances, to find out the reason behind the lie. It is up to adults to teach children the difference between using their imagination to tell a story and telling lies. It is good to encourage a child’s imagination; but the difference needs to be pointed out, so bad habits are not formed while the child is young. With clear rules and boundaries from adults and with the knowledge that there are consequences to unacceptable behaviour, a mutual understanding between children and their carers should exist in their households, their care settings and/or their schools. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail. com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

GNBA to soon commence courtroom-style hearings – chairman SOON, broadcasters in breach of the Broadcasting Act 2011 and other guidelines will be subjected to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority’s (GNBA’s) quasi-judicial courtroom-style as opposed to the current boardroom set-up. This was relayed by GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers who was, at the time, addressing the authority’s recently conducted preliminary hearings with six errant broadcasters against whom complaints were made. They were brought before the authority’s Special Investigative Committee for evidence of a breach of good taste and decency, through the broadcast of obscene language in songs and audiovisual content, during prime time hours. Providing an update, Sobers stated: “Explanations were given and undertakings were also given to ensure there are no reoccurrences. Some of the complaints were not of a nature that would require any drastic, punitive measures. There were complaints that were legitimate, but still not that grave and even the two that were brought to the full

board, they were dealt with and [the board] gave undertakings.” However, this style of dealing with errant broadcasters will soon change, the chairman explained. “What we are going to be doing, however, in the future after the Special Investigative Committee would have made their determination as to whether the matter can be concluded at that level or referred to the board, the broadcaster will not be attending a board meeting as such; we will have a hearing panel and that hearing panel will be three persons: the chairman and two others. “We will do it like a courtroom [setup] because the broadcast authority has quasi-judicial functions. So the rules of procedure and laws of evidence would be applicable. Then, when all the evidence is presented, the three would go into caucus and come back out with a decision as to whether they will impose a fine or some other penalty, such as suspension or revocation.” However, Sobers explained that agency’s aim is not to conduct a witchhunt, as complaints made do not always lead to the ultimate end result.

He said: “We are always monitoring the airwaves and broadcasters are always making mistakes, but sometimes we have to evaluate whether the mistake is of such a nature that you need to have an investigation into it.” What the GNBA does take opposition with are broadcasters who have a special inclination for playing music with vulgar words, thereby showing disregard for their influence on Guyana’s youthful population. “They put on air what is called the ‘broadcast version’ which is supposed to be a clean version, which is supposed to have eliminated the bad words and they do that; but people know where the bad words are blotted out…they can fill in the gaps. So when we play it on national airwaves what we’re actually doing --- and I’m trying to cause broadcasters to realise this – is endorsing those songs as being appropriate. And if it’s appropriate for national airwaves, albeit with the vulgar part obliterated, it still is subliminally saying to our youth that this sort of music is acceptable,” he posited.

Sobers believes that this type of “vulgar music” can also negatively influence lifestyle choices and mess with the belief system of children. “When the younger generation starts acting a certain way, showing disrespect for females; showing disrespect for the whole act of procreation, believing it’s something you can play with and you can regard a woman in any kind of manner, these are the kind of things that we find becoming prevalent among our young people; and it all has do with what we expose them to,” he said, adding: “If anyone thinks I’m wrong, look at how many men are taking violent actions against their spouses…somewhere along the line we need to take action.” The GNBA stands against fundamental breaches of the broadcasting legislation, with the aim of ensuring that the national airwaves are reflective of local and international best practices in broadcasting. Its mandate also states that due sensitivity should given to vulnerable groups in society, as it adheres to legal and social obligations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

GNBA targets increased accessibility for persons with disabilities THE Guyana National Broadcasting Agency (GNBA) is working to increase accessibility to information for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)

by 2019 with specific focus on the hearing-impaired. Speaking with this newspaper GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers said that

Stabbed convicted prisoner in stable condition

EON Ward, a 25-year-old convicted prisoner who was stabbed by another inmate of the Timehri Prison on Saturday is hospitalised in stable condition under police guard. Ward, who is serving a four-year sentence for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, was stabbed at the Timehri Prisons by a 38 -year- old inmate who is serving an 81-year sentence for murder. Reports are that the two prisoners were confined in the security block and on Saturday morning, Ward Stabbed: Eon Ward was talking to a prison guard when he was attacked by the other inmate. Ward was dealt several stabs about the body including his stomach, hands and head. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by prison officials where he was admitted a patient under guard. The prison guard sustained stab injuries to his right hand and forehead, but was treated by the medics of the prison.

the agency is already in the planning stage and such a change can see greater inclusion for those often excluded in society. “One of the things that the GNBA will be looking at very shortly is the accessibility of persons with disabilities to broadcast materials. That is going to be very soon on the agenda because we have come to realise that a considerable amount of Guyanese are persons with disabili-

ties, especially those with hearing impairments,” he stated. In many countries it is not uncommon to see sign language services being provided, especially during television news and emergency broadcasts catering for the deaf or hearing-impaired. Although this provision only tackles one disability, Sobers believes it is a just cause and necessary step towards greater inclusivity.

“We may not be able to do anything much for those with visual impairments, but for the hearing-impaired there’s more that can be done for the thousands of persons in Guyana who are left out of the information flow. “There is signing for the news and signing for other events. I know some persons have tried -- E-Networks and NCN -- but we don’t have a

policy to say that television stations must have at least one broadcast per day or one newscast per day with signing. We don’t have that, but we will be considering things to that respect,” Sobers said. In understanding the wide spectrum of challenges which come under the umbrella of being hearing-impaired, the GNBA will also be working to ensure that the right degrees of loudness are adhered to by broadcasters. “Are the broadcasters transmitting at a uniform level, so that when persons move from one station to the next you don’t have to adjust the volume of the television or your radio? All those things will be examined as we prepare to increase the accessibility to information for the hearing-impaired,” Sobers said. Research shows that individuals with hearing loss cannot understand speech in noisy places and noise often worsens the symptoms for those with disorders such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. Meanwhile, according to a 2002 census, there were 42,577 disabled adults and 5,842 disabled children in Guyana of which 4,287 were hearing-impaired.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Always be inquisitive

– Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle tells medical research conference

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle

By Lisa Hamilton DOCTORS, nurses and medical students in Guyana were briefed on new research and findings in the local medical field and how they can use this information during the 11th Annual Guyana Medical Scientific Research Conference. The event took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday and was hosted by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpora-

tion’s (GPHC) Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE). Held under the theme: ‘Refining Health Care in Guyana through continuous Medical Research’, the conference focused on a range of fields and topics such as diabetes, breast cancer, seizures, neonatal care, neurology and more. During the opening ceremony, IHSE Director Dr. Alexandria Harvey stated that the conference places

Health booths at the conference on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

special emphasis on local research conducted on Guyanese patients. With research being a key role in the development of quality health care, she explained that focusing on local research makes all findings directly applicable to the

Guyanese society Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle encouraged the

and social factors and the consequential behavioural and biological processes that act across all stages of life to affect disease risk. Telling of a recent trip to

to mitigate them.” This, she stressed, can only be accomplished through a drive to know more and a willingness to serve the underprivileged in most re-

Members of the audience at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

audience to never lose their capacity to be inquisitive. She underscored the need for medical practitioners to utilise research to increase their capacity on how several external factors can influence the health of Guyanese in different regions. “I challenge you to see each patient [not only] as a unique opportunity to apply all that you have learnt to improve the quality of patient care and management; but also to see each patient as an opportunity to learn how the individual’s history, place of birth, where they grew up, played, worked or lived can impact their ability to achieve optimal health,” she said. The DCMO also took the opportunity to spread awareness about the ministry’s Life Course approach; this approach recognises the environmental, economic

Region One (Barima-Waini), Dr Gordon-Boyle highlighted that there are still inequalities and patterns of morbidity in some regions of the country, which may be linked to social factors. “I recognised that a young man between the ages of 18 and 30 in that region is much more likely to interface with the health services due to stab wounds, lacerations or other violence-related injuries, than would another of a similar age in, let’s say, Region Four,” she said, adding: “These social inequalities and morbidity patterns are stark reminders that when planning for our health services we have to have the human being, the person in mind… and need to ensure that we counter the social, cultural and geographic cluster of risk factors with health services specifically designed

mote regions of the country. “[You must recognise] that this is an opportunity to take all that you have learnt to make the biggest impact where it’s needed most; to change the landscape of disease patterns by including quality of healthcare one patient at a time, but doing so where it is needed most,” Dr Gordon-Boyle advised. To further encourage research, since its last conference, the IHSE has introduced a hands-on training workshop on research and statistics, as well as a mandatory residency training programme in research. Meanwhile, the programme also allowed for breakout sessions for discussions; for the viewing of health booths and for questions to be asked and answered at the end of each session.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Region 6 students benefit from water project Jones; representative from the Department of Education – Primary Level, Lalchand Sadick; teachers and students of the school and members of the community. A number of other entities have committed to joining with the RCNA to continue with the initiative. Cumberland, Fort Ordinance, Sheet Anchor, St Therese’s, and Edinburgh Primary Schools, along with Canje Secondary School, have already benefitted from this project. (DPI)

Students taking a drink of water from the newly installed purified water system (DPI photo)

THE Rotary Club of New Amsterdam (RCNA) commissioned its seventh Public Schools Pure Water Initiative on November 2, benefitting thousands of children in the East Berbice-Corentyne area. The RCNA, in collaboration with the Bank of Nova Scotia, commissioned the clean water system at the All Saints Primary School in New Amsterdam. The project ensures water is collected and then goes through a filtration process, after which the filtered water is stored in tanks and released for drinking or

cooking. Current President of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam, Rafeek Kassim, assured that the RCNA will continue to carry out projects that will positively impact young people in the East Berbice-Corentyne area and thanked the management and staff of Bank of Nova Scotia for coming on board the project. Also present at the commissioning ceremony were Regional Chairman David Armogan; Manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia New Amsterdam Branch, Vibert

Liat delivering better on-time performance ( Tr i n i d a d N e w s d a y ) LEAVE Island Any Time, Look Immediately for Alternative Transport, Luggage In Another Terminal and Last In Airport Terminal are some of the popular phrases used jokingly by many Trinis whenever reference is made to Caribbean airline Liat. Acknowledging that the company has had some issues in the past, its corporate communications manager Shavar Maloney told journalists on a Liat-sponsored press trip to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands last week, that a lot of work has gone into turning its image around and delivering a better service. “We’ve had to step back and work on ourselves and fix those issues. What has happened because of that, is that our on-time performance for the year, so far, is trending above 80 per cent – the industry standard is 85 per cent. For some months we have actually ranked number one in Latin America and the Caribbean and we have been in the top five for last month and September.

Persons are seeing that we are working hard in ensuring that our flights are on time and persons receive their bags. We are working on our customer service and a lot of people are now experiencing the new Liat.” He said many people within the region are also quite happy with the return of Liat to the Antigua-St Thomas route after the service was suspended in June 2017. “We restarted service on July 1 with a direct flight which operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and so far the response from the public has been good.” Asked by Newsday why the service was discontinued, Maloney said the airline was doing a route analysis which revealed several issues. “First of all, the flight was not direct –we actually passed through St Maarten. There were some issues there. We also had port charge increases which were very exorbitant, and we also had to look at stabilising our schedule.

RCNA President Rafeek Kassim

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Group directs focus to Emotional Intelligence

THE Give Another Chance Foundation (GACF) is hoping to direct much-needed focus to Emotional Intelligence, particularly for children, in Guy-

ana. Emotional Intelligence, commonly known as EQ, is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions; and to

handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. According to President of the foundation, Alechia Amos, “For many children the ev-

eryday joy of playing, learning and expressing their feelings is limited. We believe that emotional development is part of a child’s well-being and we are doing

something to make this better for children our community.” To achieve this mandate, the GACF will be coordinating a Walk for Awareness and a ‘Pop-up’ festival on Sunday, November 18 at 07:00hrs. The events aim to honour the United Nations Universal

President of the Give Another Chance Foundation (GACF), Alechia Amos Children’s Day and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, observed on November 20. Founder of the GACF and businesswoman, Miranda Thakurdin, highlighted: “Part of the drive or thrust to ensure that we bring awareness to emotional intelligence, is so that people can understand that children too have feelings, not just adults.” And in fostering this understanding, Thakurdin said that being attuned to EQ helps children to become more rounded adults. Also supporting this venture is Retired Justice Desmond Trotman CCH. He explained that this organisation endeavours to assist people who failed in initial parts of their lives and want to give up to have

Retired Justice Desmond Trotman CCH a another chance. A key ingredient to this process is understanding that people have emotions and those who are down in life need to be raised up, he said, adding, “Emotional intelligence involves feelings.” But while the group is currently advocating primarily for children, he stressed the need for inter-generational communication. “Just as children need to have their EQ tapped into and promoted, the older persons also need to have their emotions in reaching out to people and children. It is this two- way flow of strength and development that gives strength to each other,” Trotman highlighted. Another member of the foundation Sophia Dolphin shared too that EQ allows children-and adults-- to become more self-motivated and would help them in their daily livs. It also fosters better leadership skills, she affirmed. For the awareness event, the organisation will be working with local schools and organisations, serving 250 participants. There are also over 50 volunteers working to make the event possible. The GACF is a registered non-profit, non-governmental organisation in Guyana, that has been supporting communities in Guyana for the past eight years. The objective of the foundation is to help children and youth generally.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Hundreds participate in Linden Cancer Awareness Walk

THE streets of Wismar and Mackenzie on Sunday became a sea of pink when hundreds of men, women and children came out to lend support to the annual Cancer Awareness Walk. Along with survivors, other participants representing various organisations, NGOs, youth groups, along with their families,

walked, ran, jogged, cycled and skipped as they wended their way along the route. Many of the participants also decorated their pink attire with hopeful words and slogans; others had the photos of their relatives and friends who have succumbed to the disease. The Operating Theatre staff of the Linden Hospital Complex were the centre

The gathering at the annual Cancer Awareness Walk in Linden on Sunday (DPI photo)

Regional fisheries experts brainstorm sustainable management of the queen conch FISHERIES experts from across the region met this week in Panama to discuss the sustainable management and conservation of the queen conch (Strombus gigas) in the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) countries. “The queen conch is highly vulnerable due to its biological characteristics (slow growth, migration to shallower waters for reproduction and late maturing), which makes necessary the establishment of management measures that ensure the sustainability of this resource,” said Zuleika Pinzón, General Administrator of Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP) during the opening of the event. “The activities related to the harvesting of this resource contribute to food security, employment and economies of several countries, especially The Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica and Nicaragua. The state of the resource calls for proper governance and a coordinated management in order to ensure an ecosystem based management approach, that enhance partnership and collaboration throughout the region,” stated Jogeir Toppe, Fisheries Industries Official of FAO’s Subregional Office for Mesoamerica. The gathering took place from 30th October to 1st November 2018. It was hosted under the third meeting of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC), the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation (OSPESCA), the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) working group on queen conch. Participants of the meeting included more than 30 prominent international experts in the field of queen conch biology and sustainable management from WECAFC member countries, as well as partners and regional organisations.

During the meeting, members of the working group were expected to formally reinforce their commitment to implement the Regional Queen Conch Fisheries Management and Conservation Plan as a matter of priority. “Two years after the endorsement of this important instrument (the regional plan), it is essential to take stock of the latest scientific developments, gauge progress made, identify challenges in its implementation of and propose the best possible way forward to advance its application,” said Yvette Diei-Ouadi, Fisheries Officer at FAO’s Subregional Office for the Caribbean and Secretary of the WECAFC. This meeting was organised with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), European Union, CFMC, and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service. The working group last met in November 2014 in response to a recommendation adopted at the 15th Session of the WECAFC. This recommendation called for development of a regional plan for the conservation and management of queen conch for adoption by WECAFC at its 16th session in 2016 and other actions to enhance regional cooperation in the sustainable management and trade of species. Discussions focused on strengthening contributions to national, regional and international responsibilities and commitments for the management and conservation of and trade in queen conch and related or interacting species or fisheries in the Western Central Atlantic. Participants also considered how to strengthen the livelihoods of the people depending on these resources by following the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and in accordance with management goals agreed in previous meetings.

One of the groups participating in the photo) of attention with their military attire and encouraging chants to keep the faith, as persons can be victorious soldiers in the battle against cancer. The activity commenced from two locations, the Wisroc Junction and Burnham Drive on the Wismar shore; it culminated at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on the Mackenzie shore, where a short programme was held. The event, coordinated by the Women on the Move Cancer Awareness, was aimed at creating awareness of all forms of cancer including breast, cervical, skin, prostate and lung cancer. The activity also shed light on early detection and how both men and women can play their part in regular body checks. It was also one of the events that closed off the observation of Cancer Awareness Month. At the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, sensitisation talks were conducted by medical personnel and prizes were presented to groups for the best banner, uniformity, best chants,

annual Cancer Awareness Walk (DPI oldest male and female finisher, best-dressed couple and the largest participating family. The Linden Hospital Complex emerged winners in the large group category, while uniformity went to the LHC’s Operating Theatre staff ;the Operating Theatre also copped the prize for the best chants, followed by the GECOM Linden Branch and the One Mile Health Centre. This is the 18th year since the Women on the Move – Cancer Awareness Group has been hosting the event. Each year, it attracts a larger crowd, while more sponsors and recognised organisations have come on board. Regional officials including Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell; and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune also participated. Cancer Awareness Month was observed in October and several organisations, NGOs, schools and individuals hosted walks and sensitisation activities in an effort to promote awareness. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 5, 2018

Advertise in Guyana Chronicle Classified Ads. For All Your Classified and Space Ads. Call 225-4475.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 5, 2018

Forde reigns supreme!

Leicester City players attend funeral of Missigher, Thomas round off top-three late owner in Thailand

Leicester City players arrive to owner Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s funeral in Bangkok, Thailand .( REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun)

By Juarawee Kittisilpa BANGKOK (Reuters) Leicester City players attended the funeral for club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, killed in a helicopter crash a week ago, at a Bangkok temple on Sunday on the second day of a ceremony due to last one week. The 60-year-old Thai bil-

lionaire died on Oct. 27 with four others when his helicopter crashed next to Leicester’s King Power Stadium. The seven-day funeral started on Saturday in Bangkok. The team - including manager Claude Puel, striker Jamie Vardy and dozens of others - were seen arriving at the temple clad in black suits to pay their respects to the King Power

founder. They travelled to Thailand on Saturday after winning an English Premier League match against Cardiff City, where tributes were brought onto the pitch before the game in memory of Vichai. Vichai bought Leicester in 2010. The team went on to stun the soccer world by winning the Premier League title against the odds in 2016.

GYO beat DCC in NBS 40-over low-scoring encounter THREE consecutive sixes by Darshan Persaud sealed an exciting victory for Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) over home team Demerara Cricket Club, Saturday, in the New Building Society (NBS) 2nd Division (40-over) cricket competition.

decided to bowl first and they restricted DCC to 105 in 19.2 overs, before replying with 110-7 in 21.3 overs. Medium pacers Keishan Singh and Leon Leacock did the early damage for the visitors. The pair had the home team, who had a star-studded

Darshan Persaud had a good all-round game for GYO.

Despite the flamboyant stroke-plays in the last over of the game, the battle was a low-scoring affair which could have gone either way. GYO won the toss and

lineup of players, struggling at 19-4. Leacock got three wickets, including that of Sachin Singh (1), who had slammed 171 runs against the Diplomats Sports Club in the first game of

the competition a few weeks back. After the opening bowlers exited, spinners Trevon France and Persaud continued the dominance, and it was only a defiant 40 by former national U-19 cricketer Steven Sankar that added sanity to the home team’s innings. Sankar hit five fours and a six, but he became a victim of Persaud. In the end, Persaud finished with 3-32, Leacock 3-25 and Singh and Trevon France with two wickets each. GYO could not put together any early partnerships in the middle overs and victory looked improbable at 79-7. But France joined Persaud and the two hunted the singles before Persaud exploded for his three sixes off of Keanu Harry to end the game. Persaud finished with a game-high 41* (4x6s), while France, who also hit a six, finished with eight. Q u m a r To r r i n g t o n , Ashmead Nedd and Xavier Smith finished with two wickets each for DCC.

CLEVELAND Forde continued his stranglehold on the South American 10K Road Race and proved that he just might be the best Guyana has ever seen in the distance, when he ran a tactical race to clinch the second leg in dramatic fashion, crossing the line ahead of local rivals, Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas, yesterday. Forde, who never took the lead until the 8K mark on the JB Lachmansingh Road, clocked 34 minutes, seven seconds (34:07), ahead of Missigher (34:09) and Thomas (34:18). Ironically, it was the exact finish for the first leg, which was held in Suriname last weekend (October 28). Johnathan Fagundes (34:51) and 19-year-old Rickie Williams (35:08) rounded off the top five for the male category, while

in the females, Grenada’s Kenesha Pascal finished ahead of Guyana’s Sheoma Tyrell and Kezra Murray in the race which will now head to Peru for the third final leg. The athletes were sent on their way by Roberto Gesto de Melo, President of CONSUDATLE, South American governing body for track and field, and from then, Forde tailed everyone who would’ve led the race. Trinidadian Curtis Cox carried the race for the most part, but by the time the first bunch made the U-turn at the University Of Guyana road, he began to fade, and it was Fagundes who started to carry the pace. As they headed back on the opposite side of the Rupert Craig Highway just before Conversation Tree, Williams, followed by Missigher, Thomas and Forde, start-

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Charter Jet 08:50 hrs Selvan’s Jet 09:35 hrs Just Ask Me 09:55 hrs Alraune 10:25 hrs Movie Show

11:00 hrs Lamh Ar Lamh Hereford 09:45 hrs Damier 10:45 hrs Roll The Dough 11:15 hrs What’s Occurring 11:45 hrs Wisecracker

ed to make their move. The group stayed together until they reached Kitty Public Road, where Missigher took the lead, while Thomas and Forde stayed closely behind. As they turned on the JB Lachmansingh Road to head into Thomas Lands, Forde, who was showing signs of fatigue earlier in the race, turned up the pressure, indicating that it was time get down to business. As they entered the National Park and neared the finish line, the crowd didn’t seemed surprise to see Forde powering home, while Missigher and Thomas gave chase. P re s i d e n t o f t h e Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) said that he was happy with the event this year, and applauded the athletes for helping to make the second leg of the South American 10K a success.

15:00 hrs Fieldsman 15:30 hrs Enmeshing American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 Nellie Mac Race 2 Brilliant Worth Race 3 Somedreamscometrue English Racing Tips Kempton Race 4 Jeezum Jim Plumpton 12:30 hrs Fabiolla Race 5 Lady Racer 09:30 hrs Marettimo 13:00 hrs Cloudlam Race 6 Texas Two Step 10:00 hrs Roses Poses 13:30 hrs Salute The Race 7 Flashndynamite 10:30 hrs Between The Soldier Race 8 Checkbouncin waters 14:00 hrs Crowned Eagle Billy 10:30 hrs The Tin Miner 14:30 hrs Contrive Race 9 Marq One

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 5, 2018

Another series sweep for Pakistan …Babar Azam breaks Virat Kohli’s record as Pakistan notched yet another Twenty20 victory BABAR Azam became the quickest batsman to reach 1,000 Twenty20 runs as Pakistan whitewashed New Zealand 3-0 with a comfortable 47-run win in the third and final match in Dubai on Sunday. The 24-year-old - ranked number one in Twenty20s - hit a punishing 58-ball 79 with seven boundaries and two sixes while Mohammad Hafeez hit a 34-ball 53 not out with two sixes and four boundaries to lift Pakistan to 3-166 at Dubai Stadium. Pakistan spinners Shadab Khan (3-30) and Imad Wasim (2-28) then hastened New Zealand’s demise to 119 all out in 16.5 overs as the Kiwis lost their last eight wickets for just 23 runs. This also becomes Pakistan’s second series whitewash after romping past Australia 3-0 last Sunday. Kane Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with a 38-ball 60, with eight boundaries and two sixes, while opener Glenn Phillips made 26.

Azam, when on 48, completed 1,000 runs in Twenty20 internationals in just 26 innings, bettering India’s Virat Kohli’s record of reaching the mark in 27 innings. Azam’s rise has matched Pakistan’s elevation to the world number one ranking in Twenty20 internationals since making his debut against England at Old Trafford in 2016, when Sarfraz Ahmed took charge as captain. Since then Pakistan have won 29 of their 33 Twenty20 internationals with only four defeats, taking their tally this year to 17 wins in 19 matches with two defeats. Sunday also represented Pakistan’s ninth T20 win in succession since losing to Australia at Harare in July this year. Williamson and Phillips added 83 for the third wicket after New Zealand lost big-hitting Colin Munro for two and Colin de Grandhomme for six. But once both were dismissed in the same Shadab over, the innings fell apart, with

Babar Azam hammered 79 to help Pakistan recover. He also became the quickest to 1000 T20I runs.

only Ish Sodhi reaching double figures with 11. Ross Taylor (seven), Mark Chapman (two) and Tim Seifert (nought) also fell in quick succession with debutant birthday boy Waqas Maqsood also chipping in with 2-21. “Another brilliant team effort from us. We needed 160-plus, and our batsmen did it,” said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. “Throughout the series we’ve taken wickets with the new ball, and we’ve done well with the bat too and created so many records.”Shadab also became the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket this year with 28 in 19 games. Shadab also became the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket this year with 28 in 19 games. New Zealand skipper Williamson rued his team’s spectacular collapse after being well set on the run-chase. “At the halfway stage, on that surface, that was a very good total from Pakistan but

we lost our way after being well set,” said Williamson. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’ve got to put that behind us and look ahead to the one-day series.” The two teams start a threematch one-day series with the first match in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Earlier, Azam and Hafeez set the tone for Pakistan’s big total after they won the toss, adding 94 runs for the second wicket after Fakhar Zaman fell for 11. Hafeez smashed two sixes off leg-spinner Sodhi’s 11th over of the innings while Azam smacked two sixes off Munro to complete 100 runs in the 15th over. Azam registered his eighth fifty in Twenty20 cricket while Hafeez’s half century was his tenth in the shortest format. Shoaib Malik a made nineball 19 with three boundaries. Pakistan won the first match by two runs in Abu Dhabi and the second by six wickets in Dubai. (AFP)

Khachanov shocks Djokovic to win Paris Masters crown South Africa thrash hapless Australia in Perth PARIS (Reuters) - Karen Khachanov caused one of the shocks of the tennis year by overpowering Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-4 in the Paris Masters final to end the Serbian’s remarkable spell of dominance in the men’s game on Sunday.

Khachanov, a strapping 6ft 6in huge hitter with surprisingly fleet movement around the court, took advantage of Djokovic being a little under-the-weather after a week struggling with flu-like symptoms.

Karen Khachanov of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, EPA-(EFE/IAN LANGSDON) The 22-year-old Russian has for some time been seen as one of the rising young talents of the sport but few could have envisaged his demolition of the Serbian superstar, who was on a threemonth, 22-match winning streak. Djokovic was expected to celebrate his return to world number one on Monday with a record-extending fifth Paris title but he went down in one hour 37 minutes amid a hail of 31 crushing winners from the Muscovite’s racket. “To finish my season like this is a dream,” Khachanov told the crowd in the Bercy arena, explaining how Djokovic had always been an inspiration to him. He even took a leaf out of the Serb’s book of celebrations by bending down to kiss the Centre Court.

Yet even though the Serb admitted he was not feeling his best after his epic three-hour win over Roger Federer in Saturday’s semi-final, he had nothing but praise for the outstanding quality of Khachanov’s attacking game. “All credit to Karen, he did a great job today. He deserves the trophy,” Djokovic told the crowd.” Earning his fourth straight win over a top-10 player this week, Khachanov, whose muscular game resembles that of his childhood hero Marat Safin, a Russian three-times winner in Paris, picked up the biggest title of his burgeoning career. It was his third triumph of the year, all on indoor hard courts, and will rocket Khachanov from 18th in the world to a career-high 11th on Monday. Even better news for a sport

always on the look-out for the next bright young thing to challenge the established order of Djokovic, Federer and Rafa Nadal, Khachanov looks to have the equipment to offer them a real threat. “I’m sure we’ll see a lot of great games from him in the future,” conceded Djokovic. That seems assured. What was most impressive about Khachanov’s victory was the manner in which he bullied Djokovic around the court with the depth and booming accuracy of his groundstrokes and his confidence in his ventures to the net. The only previous time they had met, Djokovic crushed the Russian in straight sets at Wimbledon and, momentarily, it seemed as if the same fate could await Khachanov again as he was out-rallied to go 3-1 down in the opening set. Instead, up against a great champion who was looking for a fourth consecutive tournament win, following his victories at the Cincinatti Masters, the U.S. Open and the Shanghai Masters, he immediately broke back. Khachanov redoubled his attacking intent, while not giving up another break point in the rest of the match with his efficient, heavy serving. Constantly keeping the master of defence on the back foot, he converted a decisive break point at 5-5 with an irretrievable backhand at full stretch before taking the set in 57 minutes. Then, with Djokovic clearly breathing harder, he earned the decisive break to go 2-1 up in the second set after Djokovic had pushed a weary-looking backhand into the net.

By Joel Dubber

PERTH (Reuters) - Dale Steyn claimed two early wickets as South Africa’s pace attack combined superbly to heap more misery on Australia with a six-wicket thrashing to take a 1-0 lead in their three-match one-day international series on Sunday. Sent in to bat, Australia succumbed to 152 all out in 38.1 overs and the victory target never looked like troubling the visitors who romped home with 20 overs to spare following a breezy 47 from opener Quinton de Kock. “We were exceptional with the ball and in the field,” said South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis. “It was a very good day in the office and brilliant to have Dale back. It’s good to have that X-factor in your bowling attack.” Steyn, who suffered a career-threatening shoulder injury on his last visit to Perth two years ago, showed there was plenty of life yet in his 35-year-old body with a miserly early spell. The paceman (2-18) found the outside edge of Travis Head and D’Arcy Short, while Lungi Ngidi (2-26) reduced the hosts to eight for three when he trapped Aaron Finch lbw for just five - a decision the Australia skipper should have reviewed. Australia tried to steady the ship but progress was slow and they were subjected to some sarcastic applause from the by the sparse crowd of 24,342 at the end of the 12th over

when Chris Lynn struck the first boundary of the innings. Lynn’s vigil was shortlived as he was caught-behind soon afterwards for 15 off the bowling of medium-pacer Andile Phehlukwayo, who led the wicket-tally with three for 33.

got South Africa off to a blistering start as Australia’s seam attack struggled to utilise the conditions. Aiden Markram added 36 to the score and Marcus Stoinus (3-14) added some degree of respectability to the final margin, but at no stage were

The Proteas bowled with great discipline, ensuring that Australia’s inexperienced batting unit could never settle on a pitch which offered plenty of the pace and bounce that the nearby WACA traditionally offered. Nathan Coulter-Nile’s cameo knock of 34 – including one majestic pull for six - was a rare high point for a side missing David Warner and Steve Smith because of the suspensions doled out for the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. De Kock and opening partner Reeza Hendricks (44)

the tourists threatened as du Plessis guided his team home with 10 not out. Australia, who will defend the 50-overs World Cup in England next year, were desperate for a morale-boosting win after a miserable nine months for the sport Down Under since the ball-tampering scandal. “Guys probably at times are doubting themselves,” said Finch, whose side have won only two of their last 14 one-dayers. “When South Africa bowled as well as they did today, you have to be at your absolute best.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 5, 2018

Bangladesh batsmen fail as Zimbabwe open up 140-run lead ZIMBABWE seized control of the first Test with Bangladesh as they opened up a 140-run lead before bad light stopped play on day two in Sylhet. Fourteen wickets fell on Sunday as Bangladesh failed to make an impression with the bat after taking the final four Zimbabwe first-innings wickets for just 46. The tourists lost Regis Chakabva early in the day for 28, leaving Peter Moor (63 not out) to add what he could while the tail failed to wag. Moor went past 50 off 145 balls but was quickly losing partners and Taijul Islam ripped through the lower order, the seamer finishing with 6-108 as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 282.

Bangladesh’s reply was far from convincing as seamers Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara reduced the hosts to 19-4 inside 10 overs, the latter claiming three wickets. Only Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided support to the unbeaten Ariful Haque, the trio scoring 93 of their team’s 143. Jarvis removed Mushfiqur for 31 as he edged a short delivery behind to Chakabva, before Mehidy followed soon after as Sean Williams claimed a rare Test scalp. Ariful was left stranded on 41 as Bangladesh were bowled cheaply, with Zimbabwe’s second innings only seeing one run from two overs before light stopped play early.

SCOREBOARD

ZIMBABWE 1st innings Hamilton Masakadza lbw Abu Jayed 52 Brian Chari b Taijul Islam 13 Brendan Taylor c Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 6 Sean Williams c Mehedi Hasan b Mahmudullah 88 Sikandar Raza b Nazmul Islam 19 Peter Moor Not Out 63 Regis Chakabva c Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 28 Wellington Masakadza c Mushfiqur Rahim b Taijul Islam 4 Brandon Mavuta lbw Nazmul Islam 3 Kyle Jarvis c Mehedi Hasan b Taijul Islam 4 Tendai Chatara c Liton Das b Taijul Islam 0 Extras: 1b 1lb 0nb 0pen 0w 2 Total: (117.3 overs) 282 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-35 Chari, 2-47 Taylor, 3-85 Masakadza, 4-129 Butt, 5-201 Williams, 6-261 Chakabva, 7-268 Masakadza, 8-273 Mavuta, 9-282 Jarvis, 10-282 Chatara Bowling: Abu Jayed 21-3-68-1, Taijul Islam 39.3-7-108-6, Ariful Haque 4-1-7-0, Mehedi Hasan27-8-45-0, Nazmul Islam23-6-49-2, Mahmudullah 3-0-3-1. ........................................................................ BaANGLADESH 1st innings Liton Das c Regis Chakabva b Kyle Jarvis 9 Imrul Kayes b Tendai Chatara 5 Mominul Haque c Hamilton Masakadza b Sikandar Raza 11 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c Regis Chakabva b Tendai Chatara 5 Mahmudullahb Tendai Chatara 0 Mushfiqur Rahim c Regis Chakabva b Kyle Jarvis 31 Ariful Haque Not Out 41 Mehedi Hasan c&b Sean Williams 21 Taijul Islam c Regis Chakabva b Sikandar Raza 8 Nazmul Islam c Brian Chari b Sikandar Raza 4 Abu Jayed Run Out Brendan Taylor 0 Extras: 7b 1lb 0nb 0pen 0w 8 Total: (51.0 overs) 143 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-8 Kayes, 2-14 Das, 3-19 Shanto, 4-19 Mahmudullah, 5-49 Haque, 6-78 Rahim, 7-108 Miraz, 8-131 Islam, 9-143 Islam, 10-143 Chowdhury Bowling: Kyle Jarvis 11-2-28-2, Tendai Chatara 10-4-19-3, Brandon Mavuta 6-0-27-0, Sikandar Raza 12-2-35-3, Wellington Masakadza 8-2-21-0, Sean Williams 4-0-5-1. ........................................... ZIMBABWE 2nd innings Hamilton Masakadza Not Out 1 Brian Chari Not Out 0 Extras: 0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 0 Total: (2.0 overs) 1-0 Bowling: Taijul Islam 1 - 0 - 1 - 0, Nazmul Islam 1 - 1 - 0 - 0.

Windies fall as India survive Thomas burst to take T20 series lead

KOLKATA, India, (CMC) – West Indies made a fist of it but the lack of runs courtesy another batting implosion proved their downfall, as they slipped to a five-wicket defeat to India in the opening Twenty20 International here Sunday. Defending an inadequate 109 at Eden Gardens, West Indies were in the contest after reducing the hosts to 45 for four in the eighth over, as debutant fast bowler Oshane Thomas produced a fiery spell to unsettle the top order. But India steadied themselves through a fifth-wicket partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey, to get over the line with 13 balls remaining and extend West Indies’ misery on tour. Karthik top-scored with an unbeaten 31 off 34 deliveries while debutant Krunal Pandya chipped in with 21 not out off nine balls, delivering India’s 12th victory in their last 15 T20 Internationals for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The 21-year-old Thomas, who made his international debut in the just concluded one-day series, shone brightly with two for 21 from four

overs which included 17 dot balls, while skipper Carlos Brathwaite was outstanding with two for 11 from his four overs.West Indies had earlier fallen apart spectacularly to finish on 109 for eight off their 20 overs – their lowest-ever total against the Indians and their eighth lowest overall. All-rounder Fabian Allen, on debut, top-scored with 27 from 20 deliveries but he was the only one to pass 20. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav continued his excellent run on the tour, claiming three for 13 from his four overs, as West Indies lost wickets from the outset and never recovered. The rot set in from early when Denesh Ramdin wafted at a wide ball from seamer Umesh Yadav and feathered a catch through to Dinesh Karthik for two with 10 runs on the board in the third over. Tragedy followed in the very next over when Shai Hope (14) called Shimron Hetmyer (10) for a sharp single but then hesitated, and comically ended up at the non-striker’s end with his partner, in a devastating run out.

The left-handed Hetmyer learnt little from the experience and skied a pull at a short ball in the next over from pacer Jasprit Bumrah, for wicketkeeper Karthik snare the catch running around to short square leg. Veteran Kieron Pollard’s return to international cricket for the first time in 15 months was met with disappointment, labouring 26 balls over his 14 before failing to clear long on in the 10th over from left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya. And Darren Bravo’s first appearance for West Indies in two years was also an unflattering one, the left-hander scoring just five before tugging Kuldeep to Shikhar Dhawan at long on in the 11th over. When Rovman Powell (4) and Brathwaite (4) perished at the hands of Kuldeep seven runs and 15 balls apart, the Windies were rocking at 63 for seven in the 15th over and in danger of falling for under the 100-run mark. But Allen arrived to lash four fours, adding 24 for the eighth wicket with Keemo Paul (15 not out), as West Indies passed triple figures

thanks to the best stand of the innings. Thomas then gave West Indies a sensational start

when he removed openers Rohit Sharma (6) and Dhawan (3) cheaply to leave India on 16 for two in the

Fast bowler Oshane Thomas celebrates one of his two wickets during the opening T20 International at Eden Gardens. (Photo courtesy BCCI Media)

third over. First, the right-arm Thomas got one to bounce and jag back and clip the Rohit’s inside edge, for Ramdin to take a smart catch above his head going to his left at the end of the first over. In his next over, Thomas completely up-ended Dhawan with a quick one that straightened and removed middle stump, beating the left-hander’s uncertain prod for pace. Brathwaite piled on the pressure in a stingy spell, forcing an impetuous Rishabh Pant (1) to sky to Bravo at cover point in the sixth over and then getting KL Rahul (16) to pull a short one into Bravo’s lap at deep square leg in the eighth over. Karthik, who belted three fours and a six, repaired the innings alongside Pandey who made 19 off 24 balls before pushing one that stopped in the pitch back to debutant left-arm spinner Khary Pierre at the end of the 15th. However, India required only a further 27 runs from 30 balls at that stage and Pandya upped the tempo with three fours in a breezy knock to see his side home.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 5, 2018

Ethiopia’s Desisa takes NYC Marathon, Keitany is women’s winner

Mary Keitany of Kenya celebrates after winning the women’s division of the New York City Marathon (USA Today).

(REUTERS) - Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa surged to the men’s title and Kenya’s Mary Keitany won a dominant fourth women’s crown at the New York City Marathon on Sunday. Desisa, coming on strong in the final mile, claimed the victory in an unofficial two hours, five minutes and 59 seconds as he and fellow Ethiopian Shura Kitata (2:06:01) passed defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor, who finished third in 2:06:26. “Today is my day. I am very, very happy,” said

Desisa, a two-time Boston Marathon winner who had finished second in New York in 2014 and third in 2015 and 2017. Keitany, second to American Shalane Flanagan in 2017 after three New York victories, returned to the top with a runaway performance. The 36-year-old won by more than three minutes in 2:22:48. “Last year I was second but I did not give up,” said Keitany, who returned home to train hard for this year’s race. She had won in 2014, 2015 and 2016 before Flanagan ended the streak. London champion and fellow Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot was a distant second in 2:26:02 as Flanagan, with a strong finish, took third in 2:26:22 in what may have been her last competitive marathon. Molly Huddle was fourth in 2:26:44 and Boston Marathon winner Des Linden sixth (2:27:51) in a solid showing by American women. American Daniel Romanchuk surprised three-time champion Marcel Hug of Switzerland for an historic

GCB Female League U-17 cricket….

Wins for Essequibo, East Bank and Lower Corentyne ESSEQUIBO, East Bank and Lower Corentyne recorded contrasting wins in the latest round of the GCB Female Franchise league Under-17 T20 tournament, played yesterday at the various grounds. Essequibo beat Upper Corentyne while East Bank trashed West Berbice and Lower Corentyne humbled East Coast. At Enterprise, Upper Corentyne won the toss and elected to field. Essequibo then took advantage of the well prepared surface, scoring 78-2 from a reduced 10 overs due to early morning showers. Number three batter, Lisa Charles, made an aggressive 40 from 14 balls, hitting eight fours. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Briteny Mc Allye was the lone wicket-taker. In reply, Upper Corentyne struggled to get to their target, and were restricted to 47 from 10 overs. Analesia D’Aguiar and Onicia Stoby were the most successful bowlers, grabbing 2-8 and 2-11 respectively. Essequibo won the match by 31 runs. In the second encounter, East Coast won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored 69-3 in a reduced 15 overs match. Shemika Edwards made an unbeaten 22, and gained support from Shanaza Majeed with 14 not out. Lafona Gilgeous grabbed 2-8 and Nivaneen Ramnauth took 1-15.

Lower Corentyne in reply, raced to their total, scoring 70-6 in 11 overs. Captain Lafona Gilgeous top scored with 12. Bowling for East Coast, Tillaya Mohamed grabbed 2-12. Lower Corentyne won the match by 4 wickets.

only managed 127-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Shamaya Daniels was the most destructive bowler, grabbing 3-25 while she was supported by player of the match, Africa Gentle with 2-37. East Bank won the match by 60 runs.

Player-of-the-match Africa Gentle (L) collects her trophy.

Meanwhile, over at Bush Lot, East Bank won the toss and elected to bat, scoring a massive 187-1 in 20 overs. Captain Africa Gentle hit an unbeaten 109, and Shamya Daniels 15 not out. Tia Issace was the lone wicket taker. West Berbice in response, failed to reach their total and

The action continues today with East Coast facing West Berbice while West Demerara will go against Upper Corentyne at Enterprise ground. Essequibo will face Georgetown while Lower Corentyne will do battle with East Bank at the DCC ground. Matches start from 09:00hrs.

Lelisa Desisa fends off Shura Kitata to claim the men’s division of the 2018 New York City Marathon(ESPN).

men’s wheelchair win. The 20-year-old Romanchuk became the youngest New York winner and the first American champion in clocking an unofficial 1:36:21 to nip Hug by one second. Kenyan runners eye top prize at NYC marathon The title was the second major win for Romanchuk, who also won Chicago in October. Swiss Manuela Schar defended her women’s title, overtaking American Tatyana McFadden for the victory in 1:50.27. McFadden clocked 1:50:48.

Gittens and Ramdeen lead MYO to 198-run win over Everest A 220 third-wicket partnership between century maker Chien Gittens and Khemraj Ramdeen led the Muslim Youth Organisation to a 198-run win over the Everest Cricket Club when action in the New Building Society (NBS) 2nd Division 40-Overs cricket competition continued yesterday at the MYO ground. Gittens started with a barrage of fours before he went over the top. In total, he smashed 14 fours and five sixes in his score of 117 runs. For skipper Ramdeen, the win was a bit personal. The game was his first against his former club. The 28-year-old, who is a former second-division captain and the 2015 second-division batsman of the year for Everest, stroked 14 fours in a score of 85, which helped the home team to 347-7 in the reduced 35-over game. That mammoth total did not always look possible for MYO. Everest, who won the toss and bowled, had sent back the home team’s openers Abdool Kadir (18) and Shafeek Ishmael (15) to leave the score on 43-2, before Gittens joined Ramdeen. After a lengthy period of dominance, Dwayne Adams stopped the onslaught by capturing the wickets of both batsmen in his fifth over; MYO were, however, not done as middle order batsman, Safraz Esau, played some aggressive shots to lead the team past the three-figure mark. Esau hit seven fours and two sixes in his 47, while towards the end of the innings, Anthony King (20) belted two sixes and a four. Adams and Travis Mohamed finished with two wickets each for the visitors.

THE CHASE Everest lost four early wickets in the chase (4-14) with opening bowlers Gittens and Timur Ayube grabbing two each. Ritchie Looknauth (60) and Matthew Nandu (38) then added 96 runs for the fifth wicket, which was the high point of the visitors’ innings. Nandu, who struck five fours, was bowled by King, before Riyad Sattaur and Looknauth fell to Parsram

Parmanan in one over. Abdul Kadir (who burst his hands in the process) caught Sattaur after he had attempted to bullet a shot through mid-on; while two balls later, Looknauth was bowled. Dinesh Mangal (22) hit three fours and a six towards the end, before the overs expired with Everest on 149-9. The opening bowlers, Parmanan and King finished with two wickets each for the home team.

Chien Gittens (left) and Khemraj Ramdeen scored 117 and 85 runs respectively for MYO.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 05, 2018)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: India 3, WI 1, Tie 1 Virat Kohli (India)

(1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: How many times the WI & India have now contested T20 Int’ls against each other? What is the scorecard? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 5, 2018

Persaud, Sukhram retain Guyana Open Golf tournament

The respective winners. AVINASH Persaud delivered the perfect ending of the 2018 edition of the Guyana Open golf tournament to capture his ninth title when the two-day tournament ended yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Course. Persaud defended his title with ease, to finish with an amazing 144 gross, while Richard Haniff with a gross 147 came in second. Kevin Dinanauth finished in third place after shooting a gross 148. It was hard work out there, but I enjoyed every bit of it,”

Persaud said after the win. Meanwhile, Dr. Joaan Deo surrendered her first day lead to end in third position with a gross 177 and a net 145. Reigning champion Christine Sukhram, who started yesterday with a gross 88, showcased her true talent and character to retain her title. She ended with a gross 171 and a net 149, while Shanella Webster claimed second position with a gross 171 and a net 139. More details in subsequent edition.

Rookie fast bowler Oshane Thomas has the world at his feet: Brathwaite

KOLKATA, India, (CMC) – West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite believes rookie fast bowler Oshane Thomas has a bright future once he continues to improve on the encouraging start to his international career. The 21-year-old Jamaican was fast-tracked into the Windies limited overs side for the tour of India after playing just two first class matches and though he has not experienced overwhelming success, has raised a few eyebrows with his raw pace. Sunday’s opening Twenty20 International was a case in point as Thomas bowled with express pace in a four-over spell to claim two for 21 as India wobbled before recovering, to reach a paltry target of 110 at Eden Gardens. “I don’t know what the long term plans would be for him from the selection panel but I had a few chats with him about using this opportunity,” Brathwaite said. “He’s in the best place he can be, the place where he wants to be playing in international cricket, representing himself, his family, where he’s from and it’s just for him to understand the opportunity he has, continue to get fitter, get stronger, continue to bowl rapidly and continue to grow as a cricketer and as a person. “For him, the world is at his feet. I’ll try to guide him as best as I can and ultimately it is for us – the West Indies cricket system – to pull him along and

create what could probably be another Joel Garner and Michael Holding.” Thomas’s display was perhaps the brightest spark in an otherwise dismal West Indies performance as they went down by five wickets to fall behind in the three-match series. Once again, the Caribbean side were let down by their batting with debutant all-rounder Fabian Allen, who scored 27, the only batsman to pass 20. “I didn’t think we applied ourselves, we never got into second or third gear,” Brathwaite explained. “We were either too defensive or too attacking and you

Fast bowler Oshane Thomas celebrates another wicket in Sunday’s T20 International

can see from the way Fabian and Keemo [Paul] finished that if we had a little more wickets at the back end we could’ve gotten up to 130 and 140, which from what we see in our bowling session, would’ve probably been a winning total.” West Indies entered the contest with a depleted squad, missing the likes of Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis who were unavailable and Sunil Narine and Andre Russell who are both injured. Allen and Thomas were among three debutants, with leftarm spinner Khary Pierre also included for his first match. Brathwaite said despite the inexperience, the squad was anxious to prove their worth on the world stage. “It’s a young bunch of guys and we want to be fearless and express ourselves. We understand it is a privilege to be representing the West Indies,” he said. “A lot of guys grew up watching the legends and now we have our chance. Obviously West Indies cricket is not where we want it to be and we’re tasked with getting it back to where it should be. “So what you saw in the last innings there was the determination, the expression from a young bunch of guys that want to do well, working hard and just happy to be here, and expressing themselves on the biggest stage.” West Indies take on India in the second T20 International on Wednesday in Lucknow.

Christine Sukhram is all concentration, as she retained the female title. (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

Pakistan skipper upbeat about campaign after crushing warm-up win ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Pakistan skipper Javeria Khan says she is thrilled with the focus of her squad after they trounced South Africa by 90 runs on Saturday, in their official ICC warm-up match in preparation for next week’s Women’s Twenty20 World Cup. Choosing to bat first at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Pakistan tallied 162 for five off their 20 overs with Ayesha Zafar top-scoring with 46, Umaima Sohail stroking 30 and Nahida Khan and Aliya Riaz both getting 27. In reply, off-spinners Nida Dar (2-7) and Sana Mir (2-13), along with left-arm spinner Anam Amin (2-11) all finished with two wickets each as South Africa were dismissed for 72 off 15.1 overs. Marizanne Kapp topscored with 29 while Sune Luus chimed in with 23 but the remainder of the batting crumbled meekly. “We couldn’t have asked for a better start. Everyone played their part and everyone was clinical. Be it batters, bowlers or fielders, everyone executed the plans very well,”

Javeria said. “Beating South Africa so convincingly is a good sign for this team. We will be fearless and try and carry on in this way.” South Africa’s Chloe Tryon said the side had under-performed in all areas but would regroup and look to make improvements.

well,” she lamented. “I felt like all three departments failed us [on Saturday] and we are disappointed but will reflect on this game as a team and come back stronger.” Meanwhile, the other match between England and Australia was abandoned before a ball was bowled due to heavy thunderstorms.

Masabata Klaas of South Africa misses a swing and is bowled during the official ICC warm-up against Pakistan. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

“Pakistan played really well up front and unfortunately our plans didn’t work out with our bowling and we cost ourselves in the field as

The official warm-ups are in preparation for the Women’s T20 World Cup which bowls off Friday in Guyana.

Forde reigns supreme! PAGE

Missigher, Thomas

round off top-three

Grenada’s Kenesha Pascal crossing the finish line

MAKING A MOVE! Cleveland Forde takes the lead ahead of Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas after passing them just after the 8K mark on the JB Lachmansingh Road. (Samuel Maughn photos)

COOLING DOWN! Trinidad and Tobago’s Curtis Cox leading the bunch after the first water point near Ocean View Hotel

Three-peat for Campbell, Suriname’s Setropawiro is overall winner at Stage of Champions III

Emmerson Campbell made it three in a row by copping the Men’s Physique title at the third edition of the Stage of Champions.

GUYANA’s Emmerson Campbell followed through on his promise of a three-peat in the Men’s Physique Category at the Stage of Champions III while Surinamese Wendell Setropowari copped the overall title on Saturday night at the Theatre Guild in Kingston. Guyanese Marlon Bennet was the Surinamese’ closest challenger, eventually settling for second place while another Surinamese athlete, Shawn Roberts, copped third place. Earlier, in the Men’s Physique competition,

Campbell was the clear favourite, rousing the crowd with his well chiseled body and well balanced proportions. Copping silver in the same category was Rudolph Gerowcosta (Suriname) while Randall Haakmat (Suriname) closed out the top three. Bennett was adjudged the best welterweight bodybuilder with Donald Lindie and Darius Ramsammy placing second and third respectively. Over in the bantamweight category, Tejpaul Sammy did just enough to clinch

first place ahead of Faraad Mohamed and Ghamshan Goberdan. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Caerus Cipriani copped top spot in the welterweight class while his compatriot, Ravendra Persaud, claimed second place. It was an all Suriname affair in the sizzling Ms. Bikini competition, with first to third place being occupied by Stefini T Jon-A-San, Jawelle Singoojojo and Priscilla Calor, in that order. In the clash of the ‘Titans’-- the heavyweight class-- Set-

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

ropawiro took top spot, but second and third was claimed by Guyana’s Jermin Jones and Carlos Petterson-Griffith. The event, which attracts international competitors because of the lucrative cash prizes on offer, was of a higher standard than in previous years. Organiser of the event, Videsh Sookram deemed the event a success and expressed optimism of a fourth e d i t i o n n e x t y e a r, which he is planning to make bigger and better. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018