Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01 08 2016

No. 104630

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

OUTRAGEOUS (See supplement inside)

... Ramkarran says Cheddi must be turning in grave over Jagdeo's race-baiting

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The IFA’s House of Santeria led by Bishop Andrew Irving singing in worship at a libation ceremony at Square of the Revolution last night (Ravin Singh photo)

Man chops 2 woman in public P.

‒ receives sound thrashing from residents

Pregnant woman injured in accident 2

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Brescino crown Miss Moruca 5 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

Man chops woman in public ‒ receives sound thrashing from residents By Alva Solomon A ROUTE 42 minibus driver called “Baboo”, operator of a Grove/ Georgetown/Timehri bus, attacked his ex-wife Wanita Heeralall, 31, at the La Penitence Market in Georgetown, and brutally chopped her about her body after hurling several expletives at her following an argument at about 9:30hrs on Sunday morning. Bleeding profusely from the wounds she had sustained, Heeralall was rushed to the GPHC by a bus driver who was nearby, but “Baboo” was “arrested” by public-spirited citizens on scene and dealt a severe beating before being handed over to ranks of the Ruimveldt Police Station. An eyewitness said Heeralall was standing at a vegetable stall making a purchase when “Baboo” approached her. After speaking to the woman, “Baboo”

A member of the public attends to the injured woman

pulled out a cutlass and attacked her in full view of their son, who was standing nearby. He dealt the woman several chops to her left hand and her forehead. “He (wanted) to kill she, because is plenty blood she lose,” the eyewitness

said. A video recording of the aftermath of the incident was provided to the Guyana Chronicle by a vendor at the market. In the video, passersby could be seen cutting strips of cloth and wrapping the wounded

Heeralall. The video also provided a glimpse of the man being apprehended by the police and members of the public. At the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Heeralall was being prepared for surgery while her son was seen sitting there in despair. According to reports, the couple separated a few years ago after the woman had endured what was termed an abusive relationship. “He use to beat she steady, and she decide to move out because it was too much,” a vendor at the market reported. The vendor also said that the assailant, several years older than his ex-wife, was in the habit of assaulting the woman after imbibing. Sunday’s incident adds to the tally of similar incidents which have been recorded in recent weeks. The most recent involved 39-year-old minibus driver Uttanpad Sewnarine, who

“Baboo” being taken into custody by ranks of the Ruimveldt Police Station

was remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge after he had stabbed the mother of his daughter, Selina Ramotar, several times about her body on June 9 at her parents’ home at David Street, Kitty. Then, on July 10, fisherman Suresh Ganesh, 28, was remanded to prison for the murder of his

reputed wife, Vanessa Sukhram-Persaud, 34, and their son Joel Ganesh. He appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse and was not required to plead to two counts of murder, particulars of which allege that on Friday, July 1, at Best Village, he murdered his reputed wife and their son.

Pregnant woman injured in accident By Daniel Haynes A PREGNANT woman travelling with her husband (the driver) and toddler in Toyota Premio HC 4645 had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital early on Sunday morning after that vehicle became involved in a smash-up with Nissan Dualis PVV 4218 at the corner of Croal and Albert Streets, Georgetown at about 08:45hrs on Sunday. Reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle are that the Premio was proceeding west along Croal Street when the collision with the Dualis, which was heading south into Sandeman Place towards Brickdam, occurred. The Premio ended up with one wheel hanging over the gutter, while the Dualis came to a dead stop in the middle of Croal Street. The woman, injured by the impact of the collision, was pulled by her husband from the car in a bleeding state, and shortly thereafter

The scene of the accident at the corner at Croal and Albert Streets on Sunday (Daniel Haynes photo)

was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by a driver who was near the South Road Full Gospel Church. Her husband and child accompanied her. Karen Vansluytman, driver of the Dualis, said she was heading to her office at the Labour Department at time of the accident. “I was coming to the corner to cross, and I couldn’t see so I eased out the car; and when I saw him I go to stop but my foot was on the accelerator and not the brakes, and I crashed into him,” she said. “I wasn’t travelling at any speed, but he

was speeding,” the woman added. Eyewitnesses have, however, said the taxi was not speeding but was travelling at a slow rate at the time of the collision. Several of the Premio driver’s co-workers, including the owner of the service, described him as one of the safest drivers, and said the woman’s contention that he was speeding could not hold true. Several accidents have occurred at the corner at Croal and Albert Streets. A building, Status Hotel, is at the corner of Croal and Sandeman Place (continuation of Albert Street). Opposite the hotel is a parking lot which some drivers say poses an obstruction to their clear vision of the road ahead. Croal Street is a rightof-way.

OUTRAGEOUS 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

... Ramkarran says Cheddi must be turning in grave over Jagdeo's race-baiting WHAT were considered “racist remarks” made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently in New York have revealed the new agenda of the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) -- which is: to represent their ethnic interests exclusively. This contention has been advanced by former Speaker of the National Assembly and former longstanding PPP Executive member Ralph Ramkarran, who expressed same in his weekly blog, “The Conversation Tree”, published on Saturday. Speaking at a social event in Queens, New York, Jagdeo said Guyana’s political, economic and social conditions were worse than in the 1970s and 1980s under the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government of then President Forbes Burnham. “There is an assault on our democracy. There is an assault on people of Indian origin. There is an assault on supporters of the PPP. What we thought would never return to Guyana in just one short year has returned with full force, and even worse in some regards than the Burnham era,” he told the

predominantly East Indian gathering. According to Ramkarran, this reveals the “new PPP agenda.” “This is a wholly new dimension to the PPP’s agenda; namely, its formal and official transformation by Mr. Jagdeo into an ethnic party representing exclusively ethnic interests,” he said. He added that the founder of the PPP, former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, must be turning in his grave. The political commentator explained that Jagdeo’s remarks that: “we gonna take back Guyana” must mean that “we” own Guyana, that it was taken away from “us”, and that “we” must now take it back. But although the Opposition Leader did not say from whom the country will be retaken, Ramkarran questioned whether it is from the PNC or from Africans. “He clearly meant, even if he did not say it, that ‘we’ will then rule Guyana in ‘our’ interests because it belongs to ‘us’. The big question is who ‘we’ are,” the political commentator said. Ramkarran went on to point out that, in “full hyper-

Ralph Ramkarran

bolic flow,” Jagdeo answers the very question in stating “There is an assault on people of Indian origin. There is an assault on supporters of the PPP”. Ramkarran said this answers the question as to who the “we” are in Jagdeo’s statements. LOYALISTS Having been faced with a torrent of criticism, the former Speaker said, Jagdeo trotted out some loyalists: Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira and Anil Nandlall, as he usually does when under pressure to prove discrimination. But according to the former longstanding PPP executive, charges of discrimination which Jagdeo

and the PPP have made before are not new. What Ramkarran believes is new, however, are the emotive appeals to “defend” Indians “in these dark times”, and the Opposition Leader’s promise to Indians to “take back Guyana” for them. He went on to explain that accusations of racial discrimination in Guyana’s administration by Guyanese politicians are nothing new. He referred to the period between 1957 and 1964 when PPP Governments endured charges of “apaan jaat”, adapted to mean “support your own kind”; the subsequent period between 1964 and 1992, when PNC Governments were consistently accused of racial and political discrimination; and the period between 1992 and 2015, when PPP Governments were targeted by the Opposition for ethnic discrimination. As such, Ramkarran contended, no one should therefore be surprised at accusations by the Opposition Leader and the PPP that racial discrimination is taking place in Guyana. “The realities of Guyana have caused our main political parties to take cognisance of the fact that or-

ganised political expression and activity are driven by ethnic insecurities. Both Indians and Africans feel more secure in supporting parties that they believe represent and protect their ethnic interests. “In order to sustain that support, each of our main parties must appear to represent, or purport to represent, the interests of the ethnic group which supports it. This is one of the factors that explain the accusations of discrimination by the party out of office against the party in office; and their appeals, subtle or open, to ethnic constituencies,” the former PPP Executive said. STATE BOARD APPOINTMENTS He also pointed out that the PPP rejects allegations that it had practised discrimination while in Government; yet, dozens of boards appointed by that party were dominated by Indians, and the predominance of Indians appointed to some Government posts was noticeable. “All ambassadors were Indian on the ground that no Africans were qualified, according to Dr Luncheon,” Ramkarran added. According to him, dis-

putes about race and ethnicity in Guyana took a turn for the worse after 1992 – a year when the PPP assumed Executive office. He believes that the language became sharper and more divisive. In addition, street violence, particularly in Georgetown after the elections of 1992, 1997 and 2001, intensified ethnic fears across the country. During the disturbances after the 1997 elections, former President Desmond Hoyte horrified many by calling upon the security forces to extend ethnic solidarity with their ‘kith and kin’ in the PNC. “These developments heightened ethnic cleavages,” Ramkarran said, adding that the two main political parties had always maintained a posture of being multi-ethnic and of representing both major races in Guyana. However, he believes that from 2006, particularly in the National Assembly, the PNCR began to explicitly say that it was speaking on behalf of its supporters’ interests; and now that the PPP is in opposition, that party has adopted the same posture, as evidenced by Jagdeo’s speech.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Good parents are good planners

- Sociologist Ras Aaron Blackman tells parenting skills forum By Ariana Gordon IN order to be successful parents, young men and women must take their lives seriously, contended writer and Sociologist Ras Aaron Blackman on Saturday as he addressed a group of young persons attending the third phase of the Georgetown Stabroek Leos

Project, U-Turn, which focused on parenting skills. Held in the Conference Room of the National Library, the forum saw Blackman pleading with the youths to be responsible. “If we are going to be fathers and mothers and have successful families, we have got to take our lives seriously… Start planning your lives,”

Youngsters listen attentively to presentations on parenting skills last Saturday at the National Library (Photo by Ivan Bentham) Blackman admonished. He argued that self-development is the most important tool in the lives of those planning to have families. “Young people, self-development is most important… Develop yourselves first before any other person or thing…education, then material things,” he stressed. The Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara resident told the youngsters: “A man who takes care of his family is blessed…God is with him at all times; but when he doesn’t take care of them, it is like a curse.”

Blackman said there are simple traits which young people can adopt. He urged them to be caring and loving, and said caring families produce caring communities; which in turn would result in fewer criminals and less domestic violence and other societal ills. “Take care of your sons and daughters! Guide them… The ‘good life’ starts with fathers and mothers… Work with your children,” he said as he reminded that the absence of parents is a contributing factor to many societal ills.

MULTIPLE STYLES McPhoy said there are multiple styles of parenting, and noted that Guyanese, like citizens from other countries that were once ruled by a monarchy, utilise an authoritative style of parenting. That form of parenting, he said, limits children’s freedom, as parents have absolute control, and affection and praise are rarely given. Additionally, he said, this parenting style does not allow children to express themselves, as children are told what to

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Blackman argued that parenting is not the sole responsibility of the mother, but that of both parents. He said gender roles ought not to be taken into consideration in this regard. “We all have the responsibility of raising a family…there are equal tasks; you have to respect each other,” he stressed. Neil Mc Phoy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Life Changers International (LCI), stressed the importance of “men occupying their rightful places” in the family. He said that when it comes to children and their behaviours, it is critical for parents to understand that “the best teaching is by the example we set”. Children, he reminded, learn best from assimilation, thus he urged the youths gathered at the forum to first plan their lives. McPhoy said, “If it is not written, it is just an idea. You have to plan your life and your child’s,” he stressed. The motivational speaker said the purpose of a parent is to make a great parent of children. “Raise them to be good parents…they must have characteristics that can be passed on from generation to generation,” he advised.

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do and when and how to do it. Children who grow up under this parenting structure, McPhoy stated, are usually obedient but distrustful, withdrawn and unhappy; and are unable to make conscious decisions. Unlike the authoritative style, the permissive style of parenting allows for children to do as they please. He said it provides freedom without limitations, there is little respect for order and routine, and parents generally want to be their children’s best friends. With this style of parenting, McPhoy stated, discipline is lax. Children who benefit from this style of parenting, he said, are usually aggressive, have the least self-control, and are most unhappy. The third parenting style McPhoy highlighted is the democratic style, where children have freedom with limits. There is a middle ground, he argued. “There is freedom… it sets limits and rules…the parents listen to the children and the children make decisions within the limit.” The motivational speaker noted that this style of parenting allows children to express themselves; and with this democratic style of parenting, parents can exhort control and provide encouragement to their children. Children growing up under this method are “usually happy, content, are high achievers and are less likely to be disruptive and delinquent,” he explained. He argued that parenting styles are a reflection of who parents are. “You’re giving your children who you are,” he said. Project U-Turn attempts to break the cycle of absentee fathers, and emphasises the need to enhance parenting skills among young people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Brescino crowned Miss Moruca -- as successful expo concludes

Miss Moruca 2016 Rose Brescino By Alva Solomon MISS Santa Cruz Rose Brescino was crowned Miss Moruca 2016 when the curtains came down on the annual Moruca Expo on Saturday night. The exposition, which attracted both local and overseas visitors, featured a number of events, including a Gospel Fest. That event was held on Thursday evening for the first time in the history of the expo and drew support from several church denominations in the region. The following day football action at the Santa Rosa Recreational Ground saw several communities within Moruca competing for bragging rights as the best team in the area. At the end, the Hurradiah footballers came out on top as the community prepared for a calypso competition later that evening. According to spokesman,

Graham Atkinson, this year’s winner, Ingrid Harris –Chappelle, who goes by the stage name Miss Devotee, out-sang her competitors with her song which centred on Guyana’s sovereignty. On Saturday, a number of events were held, including a road race between villagers from various parts of the Moruca Sub-Region. The four km all-male race which saw athletes run the distance between the villages of Acquero and Kumaka, was dominated by the boys from Kwebanna in all categories. During the day on Saturday, residents competed in aquatic events outside Kumaka and mixed results were produced with the competitors from the communities of Manawarin and Hobo being winners. In the hot-pot event, Santa Rosa’s Trevor Harris out-ate his competitors to win the title in that event. His brother Eugene

Harris was victorious in the crab-quake making event. When the sun set on Saturday, all roads led to the Santa Rosa Recreational Ground where contestants competed in the Miss Moruca Pageant. The competition commenced shortly after 20:30 hrs in various categories, including a talent piece, traditional wear, beach wear, evening wear and an intelligence segment. In the end, it was Brescino who won the hearts of the judges and was crowned Miss Moruca 2016 around midnight on Saturday. First runner-up winner was Miss Kwebanna, Indranie Hacket while Miss Manawarin Nikita Fredericks grabbed the second runner-up post. Atkinson said that the events this year were well-attended, all credit to the Organising Committee. Minister of indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, was in attendance and he also provided areas which could be improved. There were complaints about seating arrangements for the audience and Atkinson noted that it is one of several areas carded for improvement. He said that the exposition received positive views from those who attended. This year, visitors from the city and as far as Berbice and Linden were in attendance, and according to Atkinson, the trend is one in which persons would return home to Moruca several days in advance to be present at the exposition. The Moruca Expo has been on the annual calendar of cultural events over the past 12 years .The event is seen as a catalyst to develop the tourism potential of Moruca.

Delegates who competed in the Miss Moruca 2016 pageant. Eventual winner Miss Santa Cruz Rose Brescino is third from right

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The nation’s patrimony

THE nation’s patrimony belongs to its people, to be exploited in a sustainable manner for their benefit. To do this requires development of national policies, programmes and laws that could deliver for the citizens today and in the future. The issue of our pristine forest continues to be of concern, and is informing conflicting positions among the managers of the country, conservationists, the business community, and the wider citizenship. BaiShanLin (BSL), which is one of the nation’s largest forestry businesses, continues to attract public attention. There was a recent matter involving this company and the Guyana Revenue Authority on the alleged non-payment of taxes for its vehicles, which saw direct intervention of the Ambassador of China and the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The Minister of State, on his return visit from China in March, informed the nation of his engagements on matters pertaining to this company and the pending takeover by LongJiang, a state agency of the People’s Republic of China. As Guyana seeks to develop and shape its policies, it is interesting to note that the properties of BSL have had both guidance and involvement of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. In that it is clear that a state company will own the properties of BSL and may be granted continued operations of its forest concessions by the Government of Guyana, it is not unreasonable to ask why Guyana is allowing itself to be placed in a position where, even as the State is discouraged from doing business of a productive nature, the Government is allowing governments of other countries to form companies, come to Guyana, and be allowed to exploit our natural resources. It should be said that this question regarding indigenous production has nothing to do with being anti-foreign investment, racist, or xenophobia. It is that the action of Government gives rise to the concern why the State is not allowing its citizens, through state agencies, to engage in similar productive endeavours that will not only see the cultivating and unleashing of skills and potentials, but also nationalistic pride that Guyanese can produce and compete in markets, domestic and foreign. The conservationists and persons interested in the management of our forests have brought to the nation’s attention the wanton and unsustainable exploitation of forested areas in Region 10. This abuse of the forest, outside of undermining efforts at establishing a Green Economy, also impacts the psycho-social and economic well-being of those who reside within the areas, or have cause to traverse or do business in the affected areas. In the presence of the stated, there is concern that the required indignation from the Government of Guyana has not been forthcoming. And this also includes the apparent absence of verifiable positions on the enforcement of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Jagdeo’s New York video was disgraceful Dear Editor, I WAS away for a week, meeting with my African friends with whom I grew up, went to school, ate from one plate, slept on one bed, and wore each other’s clothes. I was, however, keeping abreast with what was taking place on social media, and I usually buy the four daily newspapers. I happened to see a video which went viral, with the Opposition Leader belting out his usual racist attack on the Government, and in particular Messrs Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan. This is nothing new; it all started with the Leader of the Opposition on his election campaign way back in his last term in office as the President. What struck me was when he said that Indians were under

attack in Guyana; they are being dismissed from their jobs; their lands that are leased, and for which they have certificates of title, are being taken away; and that he would take back the country from “these people”. To my mind, he is trying to divide this nation and sow seeds of racial disunity among the six races. The PPP was booted out by Indians after being in power for 23 years. The people he was talking to in New York never voted here for his party, so how does he intend to take back the country? Is he going to fly them back here in 2020 with a special-charter jet plane? Well, of course he has enough money to do that! I know that the people voted for an end to corruption and an end to fear. The tactics of Jagdeo have proven wrong. The questions are what does the Government do in dealing

on a long-term basis with his continued racist messages to the Indians, and in regard to the security question? Our major groups have more in common, and more that unite than divide them. The Opposition Leader would do everything to undermine in the Indian people confidence in this Government, and to generate fear and make it widespread. He is opportunistically exploiting the state of Government/ state security relationship, and playing on ethnicity and “kith and kin” appeals. The APNU+AFC coalition has to continue its campaign for a culture of peace and tolerance. It must continue to firmly condemn Jagdeo, Teixeira and Nandlall for fostering divisive politics that would further undermine national cohesion. This requires countrywide condem-

Please pay me, PPP Dear Editor, THE puzzle of the former Office of the President (now Ministry of the Presidency) Permanent Secretary is being unravelled. This is the same individual I was practically begging for my money, owed to me by the PPP Civic Administration for 2015 General Elections TV programmes aired on DTV8 in New Amsterdam; money amounting to more than $1.5M owed to both me and DTV-8, none of which has been paid to date. But it should be noted that the PPP paid $100,000 to me

last November, and said that was all they could afford at the time. Also, one of my guests, Mr Mahender Sharma, after seeing in the media the debacle I created about the non-payment of my money, did the noble thing and paid both me and DTV-8 for two programmes on which he appeared. We were most grateful. Now, only if other guests could follow suit…. But let’s get back to the now- fired Permanent Secretary. Last August, he and I were engaged in an exchange on social media chat. I practically begged the man to

laws and management of the forested areas. Ms. Janet Bulkan has written extensively on this area, and more particularly as it relates to BSL investment, management of the forest, and non-compliance with laws and agreements. Recently, through the media, she felt compelled to make her opinion known that the dealing of this company and the Chinese Government is illegal. Subsequent to Ms. Bulkan stating her position, there appeared comments from the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, under whose portfolio forestry and BSL/ LongJiang investment fall. The minister was addressing issues of natural resources; and on the matter of the forest, reportedly said that Government will not be lectured to through the press on forest concessions. Though it is wont to be believed that the minister was not being facetious to citizens, who use the media to speak on this matter and gain their government’s attention; in like regard, it cannot be overlooked. The role of the media, in large part, is not to lecture to the Government, any group or citizen. Speaking for this newspaper, in our watchdog role, it’s our aim to stimulate and facilitate, among other things, conversations on issues relating to, and impacting on, Guyana and the welfare of Guyanese, domestic and foreign.

enquire about our invoices for those election programmes, ‘IN DEPTH’, aired on DTV-8 from January to May 2015. Both DTV-8 and I continued sending our invoices to the former PS at the Office of the President in Georgetown; tapes too! Now, being the only official of the former PPP Administration still employed (or had been) under this new Administration, and seeing him as a person of hope to provide some answers about our payments, I begged him to provide some answers. He quickly told me that he would most certainly not

nation by all Indians against Jagdeo’s racist venom against Africans. We cannot, and will not, let this continue without a struggle. The Russian poet Yevtushenko once wrote that, for him, the world contained only two nations: the nation of good people and the nation of bad people’. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. And as one of the earliest sociologists wrote, ‘the institution of racism has disgraced the race, and the physiological peculiarities of the race have perpetuated the disgrace’. Yours faithfully, MOHAMED KHAN

approach Minister Harmon. “You want me lose my job?” he said to me via FB chat. He asked me to get in touch with Zulfikar Mustapha for answers, and not him. He said there was nothing he could do, and that there were no invoices at the MoP. HOW??? Where were all the invoices we kept sending? If he wasn’t dealing with them — and during the election time we were told he was looking at the invoices — then where are the invoices?? When he told me he would not approach Harmon about honouring those payments, he said he could only advise me to take a lawyer against the current

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As an aside, though it is unfortunate that the minister sees the media as lecturing Government, notably with reference to an area within his portfolio, in his political growth, the media was courted to advance his views and desire to influence positions and decisions in society. Conversations on Guyana’s patrimony, which includes its forest, would obviously be of concern to Guyanese. Where these concerns exist, citizens have a right to express them through the media, and the media has a corresponding responsibility to facilitate the expression. The growth of this society would be more assured if Government were to see the media as a partner and medium through which issues are transported and facilitated, and a source of feedback on the pulse of the people. Thankfully, President David Granger is respecting of our role. BaiShanLin has at its kernel the nation’s patrimony. Where it is perceived that the Government of Guyana is not facilitating national discussions on this issue in order not to influence its policies, citizens would continue to entertain doubts and suspicions as to the motive of their Government and those with whom it does business on their behalf. The experiences of past administrations serve not only as lessons for the incumbent administration, but also to inform citizens’ reservations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Popular Guyanese pandit passes on in NY Dear Editor, THE Guyanese-American community mourns the passing of Pandit Radharaman Upadhyaya, formerly of Essequibo. He was only 59, but he served the Guyanese Hindu-American community with distinction and honour in a way that few did or have done. He enriched the lives of countless people of all faiths, and he also fostered an atmosphere of compassion for the less privileged. Humble and unassuming, he served as a model of generosity doling out handouts to the poor; and he also advocated unity among Guyanese. His spirituality touched the lives of thousands. Not surprisingly, there was an outpour of admiration and affection for this pandit during the wake held at his home, at the funeral parlour, and at the crematorium, all of which were overflowing with mourners who came to pay their last respects. Tributes came not only from Guyanese, but from nationals from India and other countries as well. I have known Pandit Upadhyaya for some three decades. We both worked at the same NYC school for a brief period, before he moved on to another school, serving as a guidance counsellor to troubled kids, many of them fellow Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals. He was one of the humblest and most down-to-earth persons I ever met, and was an inspiration for young minds. Upadhyaya-ji was a very popular pandit in the Indo-Guyanese American community in the

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administration. I just want to say that this individual is most uncouth; and God forgive me, but whatever he is going through at the moment, —— well, I say no more. He was afraid of losing his job to just go and ask Mr Harmon about our payments. Well, nearly a year later, look what eventually happened. DTV-8 and I will continue to press Freedom House for our payments. It is being peddled that I was VOLUNTEERING my services! Hogwash! That was never the intention, and neither was the TV station, for whom I feel extremely bad, since I had organized with DTV-8, good friends of mine, to accommodate and broadcast those programmes. Not fair, PPP! I hope the truth about the ex-PS comes out. Yours sincerely, LEON SUSERAN

greater New York metro area. He was also among a few Indo-Caribbean pandits who interacted with, and performed services for, nationals from India. Upadhyaya-ji was a well-respected community and spiritual leader; humanitarian; pandit; educator; scholar; activist; and more, all in one. He was best known for his cultural and religious activism. Upadhyaya also played an important role in the struggle for free and fair elections, providing support and making his mandir accessible for meetings. In recent years, he worked closely with Swami Aksharananda to help with the goals of the prestigious Saraswati Vidya Niketan School on West Coast Demerara; swami-ji was at the wake and funeral rites. Upadhyaya was born and raised on the Essequibo Coast. He came from a family of pandits; his father and brothers were also pandits. He attended UG before migrating to the US to pursue higher education. Upadhyaya did a degree in natural science (Physics) at UG. He impressed his lecturers. In Guyana in 1984, he worked on a social science project that studied suicide and alcoholism among Indo-Guyanese. The project (whose Director was Professor Tara Singh of UG) was funded by the Trinidad Maha Sabha. All the major Indian (Hindu, Muslim and Christian) organisations supported the project. The late Dr Balwant Singh was associated with, and gave strong support to, the project. Also, Mohamed Baksh of Test match umpiring fame worked on that project. A lengthy report, with recommendations

on addressing social problems facing Indo-Guyanese, was prepared and presented to the PNC Government, but it was never implemented. Upadhyaya’s social research on Indians won him accolades from fellow researchers and the project director. He was described as a learned scholar, an outstanding researcher, and a terrific writer. It was noted that unlike several other pandits, he worked closely with communities. He not only performed puja, but visited families to address social problems at home, including issues relating to suicide and alcohol abuse. In NY, fellow Essequibian Ramesh Kalicharran, founder of Gyaan Bhakti Satsangh Mandir (GBSM), recruited Pandit Upadhyaya to join GBSM. Upadhyaya-ji served as assistant to Head Priest Pandit Anand Sukul of Gyaan Bhakti Satsangh of Jamaica (founded in 1986) for several years. He eventually branched off to lead his own mandir, the Word Spiritual Fulfillment Centre, located at 210 Street in Queens Village. When the American Pandits Council, USA Pandits Parishad was formed, another idea of Ramesh Kalicharran’s, Upadhyaya-ji was elected as Secretary. He was, until his death, one of only three surviving pandits (others being Pandits Sukul and Bisnauth) who founded the Pandits Council; and his colleagues said he served well during his tenure. Many pandits from near and far came to his wake and funeral rites. Upadhyaya was also with the Phagwah Parade from its inception in 1990. And for many years, he led a group of volun-

teers to distribute free hot chai, coffee and snacks to the multitude of people at the Phagwah parade that was normally held in the dead of winter. He was widely respected for helping to organise Guyanese in the US and in planning activities that benefited the Guyanese and Indian diasporas in America. He spoke out against racism and religious intolerance in the US and Guyana, and he was a model for the Indo-Caribbean voice in America. Upadhyaya lent his support to those of us who led the freedom struggle from abroad. In addition, at a time when it was not popular to do so, Pandit Upadhyaya stood up with a handful of us at the

UN and at other forums to advocate for free and fair elections. He also assisted in the promotion of the Fourth Conference of Indians in the Diaspora that I, Roop Persaud, Dr Mahine Gosine and others organised at Columbia University; and the First Convention of People of Indian Origin held at the Sheraton Centre in NYC. Pandit Upadhyaya was a voice for traditional Guyanese Hindu culture, and he represented Hindus at various forums. He was in the thick of the celebrations of Diwali and Holi. He joined others in lobbying the New York City Council to gain accreditation for Diwali and Phagwah as holidays. His activ-

ism helped to bear fruit with the granting of a parking holiday (cancellation of parking rules) for Diwali. His work in so many areas will be sorely missed, and it is an understatement to say his death is a great loss to the Guyanese and larger Hindu communities in America. Yours faithfully, VISHNU BISRAM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

Bagotvillians cherish their roots By Vanessa Braithwaite

AS Guyana celebrates 178 years since the abolition of slavery, some villages, previously plantations, find such a celebration mandatory. One such village is Bagotville, West Bank Demerara. This village of a mere three square miles -- bordered to the east by the Demerara River, to the west by La Rouse Adventure, to the north by Canal Number 1 Polder, and to the south by Plantation Nismes -- is home to almost two thousand villagers. Formerly a coffee plantation called Mindenburg, which was owned by a Mr Bagot, this piece of real estate was generously given over to

“We had our first Emancipation celebration in 1952. That was headed by the late Mr. Jake Isaac Crooker… Back then it lasted for nine days, or as we would normally call it, ‘nine night’,” Crawford related. Llewelyn Cyrus, a young Bagotvillian, remembers being told stories of the African slaves who toiled to develop the village, and so he proudly participates in these celebrations yearly. “I remember my grandmother Natalie Washington, who was a village leader, would tell us stories of how the slaves dug the canal that runs through the village; and how they worshipped under the tamarind tree that still stands today, or rested

The tamarind tree under which the slaves used to rest and hold religious services

the drums and other musical instruments, awaking neighbouring villages as they make their way to the koker. Upon arriving there, they sing to African rhythms as they “invite the ancestors to join the celebrations”. When it is certain that the ancestors are “within their midst”, the celebrants move over to the community centre for a grand enjoyment. At this time, the centre is filled with spectators, dancers, drummers and

singers, as well as children. At about 18hrs, the libation ends, but not the Emancipation celebrations! A packed programme, prepared weeks in advance, is started at about noon. The villagers gather at the centre once again to witness the traditional concert. This includes African dances and songs; skits; speeches; and most importantly, the story telling. The audience is told of the post-Emancipation period, when the slaves com-

menced subsistence farming to provide for themselves, selling the remaining produce. The women got involved in hat-plaiting and other forms of craft to supplement the agricultural production. African delicacies are also displayed to entice the guests who may have journeyed from the city to experience the celebrations. One of those delicacies is “Shine rice”, prepared “just the way the slaves did it”. When the slave masters gave their slaves discarded parts of meat, including the feet, back giblet and neck of the chicken and tail of the pig, the slaves would fix “a lovely fireside meal” with their gift. That dish was given the name “Shine rice” because it lacked the necessary ingredients for a nutritious meal. From its humble beginnings, Bagotville has developed economically, socially, spiritually, and physically; and can now boast of producing doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals, who all live in harmony and continue to remember their tradition and the struggles of their ancestors, not only on August 1, but every day of the year.

Bagotville drummers proudly participate in the annual Emancipation celebrations

the ex-slaves after the abolition of slavery; and they renamed it “Bagotville” in 1848. Bagotvillians take pride in Emancipation celebrations, as it is believed that they are all descendants of the slaves who once resided there. One of those villagers, Ashton Crawford, who plays an integral role in these celebrations, related that Bagotville is the first village to commemorate Emancipation.

under it while traversing in and out of the village. I often go under that tamarind tree and envision it,” the young man said. Their various expressions of remembrance and celebration that began in Bagotville were copied by other plantation villages, such as Hopetown, Belladrum and Ithaca. Every year, these villages remember the struggles of their African ancestors, and celebrate them by hosting soi-

rees, libation ceremonies, thanksgiving services, and folk festivals. Celebrations at Bagotville begin at the village church, where a thanksgiving service is held at 18hrs on July 31. The service continues until 22hrs, when the villagers are sent home to prepare for the second leg of the celebrations. Many wait in high anticipation for the libation ceremony which takes place at the village koker. They dance and mimic the sounds of

Bagotville Primary School was once used as a ‘logie’ for the slaves

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

Emancipation, affirmative action and self activity: the condition of African-Guyanese has to be addressed

Dr David Hinds

TODAY, Guyanese and African-Guyanese observe Emancipation. The spotlight would turn on this important section of our national tapestry. The sordid history of the African would be repeated. The culture would be elevated to national status. And most importantly, I hope, the current socio-economic and cultural conditions of the African-Guyanese would be highlighted and discussed. The African-Guyanese socio-economic condition is dismal and it needs particular attention. This Emancipation anniversary must be a moment not just for celebration, but also a time for reflection. I am constantly asked to suggest corrective measures that could be taken to aid in African- Guyanese revitalization. My first response is that in order to correct the problem, one has to first get to the underlying causes. My second response was that, coming up with solutions would require two inter-related approaches. First, there needs to be a broad conversation with the people in the communities about how they want to deal with their problems. Second, the experts—economists, educators, historians, lawyers etc.—need to get together with the communities and come up with a plan that is premised on the needs of the communities. In effect, there is need for a two-way conversation. A lot of the problems in the African-Guyanese communities have to do with the challenges that the African-Guyanese economy has had to face historically—the problems are structural. First, we have to start with the challenges within the context of the colonial economy, which saw the African Village economy as a direct affront to the interests of colonialism. Second, we have to look at it within the context of the ethnic competition -- from decolonization to the present-- whereby the ethnic demarcation of the Guyanese economy, itself a legacy of colonialism, has made economic progress in the separate ethnic communities a victim of the larger ethnic politics. Although the decline in African-Guyanese communities is not just economic, I think their economic condition has a lot to do with it. Similarly, although the decline started before 1992 when the PPP government

came to office, one should not disregard the impact of the loss of government by African-Guyanese in our government-centred, ethnically divided society. I think there was a negative impact on the group’s morale and self-confidence and objectively on opportunities for upward mobility. African-Guyanese have traditionally been located in the Bauxite Industry, the Public Service, Pork-knocking and the Village Economy, where farming, small business and vending predominate. Later, they dominated “Trading”—bringing food and clothing for sale from other Caribbean countries. In addition to the above, education was an area of relief from poverty and social mobility. But over the last two decades bauxite has declined, and the Public Service stalled, thanks mainly to the IMF conditionalities and the ethnic interests of the PPP government. Wages have not kept up with the cost of living. Education and Agriculture in the villages have declined. I think the combination of the above is at the heart of the “crisis” in the African-Guyanese community. In addition, the evolution of a culture of accommodation with” political bribery “has led to a weakening of group solidarity, pride and dignity. Finally, the heavy migration has had a negative effect on the community. One of the devastating consequences has been the loss of role models who live day to day in the communities. Finally, one cannot discount the impact of some negative group habits, but these have to be seen within the larger dynamics of post-plantation evolution among the formerly enslaved. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION It is clear to me then that the emancipation of African-Guyanese has become a very urgent necessity for that group and for Guyana at large. There is definitely need for some form of Affirmative Action to correct the structural changes facing African-Guyanese, particularly in the area of business. Unless African-Guyanese can compete again in the business sector, that community would remain dependent and empowerment would be an elusive dream. The government has to muster the courage to implement policies and create institutions that cater to this particular problem. I appreciate that in our fragile

ethnic environment, such a course of action is fraught with political risks. No doubt, the political opposition and the ethnic commentators would lay charges of favouritism. But I don’t see any other way out. If African-Guyanese are to return to agriculture, then the infrastructure in the villages has to be repaired or where they do not exist, they have to be put in place. Another area in which investment should be made is the creation or improvement of small businesses. There is urgent need for a banking institution that provides low-interest loans. The situation with the vendors has to be solved, so that their location offers them commercial benefits. They have to be able to sell in areas where buyers traverse; confining them to a yard which is away from the path of buyers is counter-productive. SELF-ACTIVITY Having said that, African people have to understand that governments are important, the larger institutions of society are important, but it is only you in your collective effort who can draw attention to your situation and thereby can begin to do something to repair it. Once you begin to do something to repair it, then you begin to put pressure on those who are in authority. They will say these people are not only crying out, but they are also making steps, taking steps on their own. You can begin to make small contributions – you can begin to talk about discipline, you can begin to talk about education, you can do something about education, you can begin to talk about how you should not spend more than you earn, you can begin to talk about how to make what you earn work for you and your family and your wider community. Those are some of the things you can begin to do, you don’t have to wait on somebody to come and tell you these things. Dr David Hinds, a political activist and commentator, is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Caribbean and African Diaspora Studies at Arizona State University. More of his writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@ aol.com

Aries There’s so much going on in your life now that it’s difficult to know where to even begin. The paradox is that you really should be completing unfinished business before you launch any new projects. But if you shirk your commitments, reality will grab your attention fast and you’ll be back in the starting gate before you know it. Nevertheless, give yourself permission to be a beginner when you try something for the first time. Your fear of making mistakes is not a valid reason to give up if you’re learning along the way. Martial artist Bruce Lee said, “In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.” Taurus Someone attractive could lure you off your path today, but you can avoid complications with a simple “No thank you.” Nevertheless, you still might regret something you did yesterday as a result of taking your feelings too far. Actually, everything you do now could have significant ramifications in your life, even if you think it’s trivial at the moment. But there’s still room for trouble when things are going your way. Stay cool, calm and collected, because your perseverance won’t let you down. Gemini You’re hesitant to do anything out of the ordinary today while strict Saturn is watching your every move. Normally, you’re happy to make new connections and get projects started on your own. Thankfully, the Sun’s trine to Saturn in your 7th House of Others also helps you build stability in relationships. Taking a calculated risk makes a great deal of sense since you can open your heart, hopes, and even your wallet without fear of serious loss now. When fears are grounded, dreams take flight. Cancer You’re looking to stabilise your routine now and hope to make good progress toward your goals. Your mind is exceptionally well organised and you can accomplish a lot today, even when emotional drama returns in the form of a power struggle. Fortunately, the Sun’s smooth trine to ethical Saturn means that your emotional honesty is more important than anything else now. Even if you’re tempted to take the easy way out, succumbing to indulgent behaviour will only distract you from the work of being yourself. As C.S. Louis wrote, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Leo Recent decisions that may be shaking your life awake now are reaffirmed by a series of highly positive aspects. Controlling Saturn trines the Sun in your dramatic sign today, enabling you to exhibit restraint, patience and self-discipline. Scattering your forces is fun for a while, but it won’t produce the lasting results you desire. Save your best shot for the target you really want to hit. Virgo It feels as if party time is here and you want to pack the most pleasure you can into a short period of time. Romance and fantasy trump reality in a friendly atmosphere where work feels like play. Join others in a collective effort to spruce up a common area or experiment with expressing your creativity on the job. Measurable results will come eventually, but the keyword is fun for now. Libra Your ambivalence doesn’t mean that you don’t care; it means that you are preoccupied with considering multiple options. You may be coming down from an amazing experience where your mind was operating free of social restraints. But the Sun conspires with restrictive Saturn today, preventing you from acting on your newfound wisdom. This constraint creates a split where your head pulls one way and your heart another. Don’t force the issue now, even if you are questioning the status quo. Patience is your greatest teacher if you’re willing to listen. Scorpio Don’t let anyone talk you out of your perceptions today just because stern Saturn is giving you a sobering view of reality. There’s no need to waste time worrying about little uncertainties while you’re standing on such solid ground. Act on the strength of your convictions now. But remember that power is a double-edged sword and you could inadvertently hurt someone by brandishing it unconsciously. Play for keeps, but do it with awareness and humility. Sagittarius Your appetite for pleasure is strong today and following the road of excess is a very real possibility. But it’s prudent to restrain your indulgences if you want to avoid expensive surprises. An object of your desire (whether a person, activity or thing) may not be worth as much as you think. It’s hard to turn off your attraction to excitement, so a bit of adult supervision and moderation is recommended to keep you within reasonable bounds. Capricorn It’s not about the clothing you wear or how you do your hair; it’s more about what attitude you decide to put on for the day. If you choose to show a confident but humble demeanour, real progress will be yours. Your organisational skills are functioning at peak performance and you won’t waste any energy as long as you act with great authority and determination. You will be recognised for your hard work if you persevere with prudence and consistency. Shine your light so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark. Aquarius A coherent presentation of your goals offers the likelihood for success. The Sun in your 10th House of Career creates an easy trine with ambitious Saturn, allowing you to capitalise on your previous experience. Work toward building things that will endure, for Saturn’s law suggests that you will get what you earn. The climb to the top of the mountain is long, yet the best way to ensure that you reach your destination is to initiate strategic action right now. Pisces You are the master of your own universe today with a strong sense of your personal identity. Fortunately, you possess an unshakeable willingness to do what’s necessary to achieve your goals. You have the resolve to cut through social chatter, establish clear priorities and take care of your business. Following a concrete plan and eliminating distractions empower your position of authority and can earn you respect and admiration from others. Don’t just look at the stars, be one.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

A true story – told by a girl child (names have been changed to protect identities)

WHEN you’re a child you do not recognise the shortcomings in your

family life, you just live through them. My mother had left my older

brother and me alone so often that we learnt to strive for ourselves. We

used to make up games to play during those long evenings alone with no

adult to protect us or to give us much-needed support. Our mother brought food into our home and made sure we had clothes to wear, but there was no strategy or regularity to anything she did. I attended school when I had the means, but did not get much of an education. There was no cousin, uncle or grandparent living nearby to nurture my brother and I, we were growing up without any formal “training.” Our m o t h e r ’ s b e h a v i o u r t owards us was indifferent to say the least. We garnered information about life through movies and television or childhood gossip and illicit whispers. I started to hit puberty at the age of 10 and like most children, I became curious about my changing body. However, my relationship with my mother was not one whereby I could ask her about personal things. I remember her shouting at me when I became a “young lady” a year or so later, instead of explaining to me what menstruation is and what was happening to me, she just kept saying things like, “Is now my problems start” and “Oh Lord, girl children is pure problem.” At the time I didn’t understand what she was implying or the reason why. I was about 12 when the games I played with my brother changed: instead of “knock for knock” games, where I never took “Last lick,” we began wrestling on the floor and a lot of touching was involved. After a while he began to experiment sexually and encouraged me to join in. At night, he had different

reasons why he wanted me to lie in his bed with him, but the end result was always the same, we ended up doing what “big people” do and our bodies responded and took over. I became pregnant with Zohanna when I was 14, but my mother did not know until my belly started to show. My heart could have dropped out of my body the day she found out; she behaved badly and I was racked with guilt, even now I still feel so ashamed about what we did. The Childcare and Protection Agency got involved with our family and I was taken into care. That was the first time I heard the word “incest.” My daughter Zohanna was born with delayed learning difficulties and vision problems, I was told that these types of birth defects often occur as a result of incestuous relationships. Some months ago I started taking part-time English and Math classes; I am presently trying to make a life for myself. Family dysfunctions can lead to a variety of problems: parents must monitor their children at every stage of their growth; they must guide and protect them and teach them right from wrong, that is their responsibility. Never take it for granted that children know or understand certain aspects of life. Parents are a child’s first teachers. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2016

Green Generation Guyana campaign launched ‒ to help children make proper solid-waste management a lifestyle of our time. “Children are the perfect vehicle for counter-culture movements, which good solid-waste management practices are in Guyana -– counter culture. Also, with children, we get to train behaviour rather than try to change behaviour.” Alex Graham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tagman Media, the consultant on the project, said, “The campaign hopes to achieve five things: Restarting public education with children in the hope of building a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens; shifting the role of central Government away from education and advocacy

Junior Minister of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams

THE Ministry of Communities, on Wednesday at Camp Wesleyana on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, launched Green Generation Guyana (#GreenGenerationGy), a public education campaign designed to promote improved solid-waste management in the home and community. Green Generation (#GreenGenerationGy) is a multimedia campaign directed at young children with the aim of developing a new generation of citizens in Guyana who grow up with an environmental consciousness and with habits that are green and sustainable. Through the initiative, it is hoped that the next generation of Guyanese would embrace good solid-waste management practices as a natural way of life. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, referred to the assembled children as “leaders of today” and told them: “If you can start leading now with keeping Guyana clean, I know that I can look ahead and see that Guyana would have an exemplary culture of solid-waste management.” Minister Hastings-Williams said her ministry wants to partner with children to create an environment for the growth of a healthy society. “I hope that you would take what you have learned back to your homes and schools and churches to share with those who were not here,” she admonished. The Leader’s Guide for the #GreenGenerationGuyana Campaign states that “Children are a powerful (and under-utilised) force in the family, who often fight for what they have been taught formally. This power must be unleashed to tackle the issue of solid-waste management -– one of the most critical issues

to providing technical assistance and other resources; developing a grass-roots, community-based approach to solid-waste management education; utilising existing programmes instead of creating new ones; and assisting organisations to see where effective SWM practices fit with their doctrine, principles and values.” The launch took place during a session at the Young Teens Camp being conducted by The Wesleyan Church in Guyana. Later in the day, a visit was made to the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, where a camp was being conducted by the New Testament Church of God. Other camps and programmes being con-

ducted by faith-based and other organisations will be engaged during the August holiday period, when many children attend summer educational programmes at various institutions, vacation Bible schools, other religious programmes, religious camps, youth camps, sports programmes etcetera. Children are being urged to Think-Separate-Store the waste generated by their various activities. Each organisation is receiving the #GreenGenerationGuyana Toolkit, and each camp site is receiving bags of two different colours for separating solid waste into organic and inorganic waste, and mobile bins to assist with storage in the camping area.

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Emancipation Day messages

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

The Guyana Trades Union Congress The Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Golden Jubilee year an ideal opportunity to renew commitment to Emancipation ideals ON August 1, 1838, following 200 years of abhorrent enslavement, the freedom of Africans was restored. Captured, brought to the Caribbean and the Americas and forced to work on European-owned plantations, the restoration of their freedom represents the original independence in our nation’s history. The Emancipation of African slaves predates the abolition of Indentureship, the struggle for universal adult suffrage and labour rights, independence from colonial rule and the attainment of republican status. On this occasion, 178 years later, we reflect on the struggles of the indomitable, original freedom fighters – Cuffy, Quamina and Damon and their comrades, with whom they organised and mobilised to effect redress to the darkest of horrors of Caribbean history. On August 1st each year, we celebrate freedom, liberation and emancipation from an inhumane and repugnant system of human enslavement, even as we reflect on the pre-1838 conditions and tribulations of the foreparents of so many of our countrymen and women. While physi-

cal enslavement is a distant memory, as a nation, we must resolve to continue to emancipate ourselves from whatever vestiges of psychological bondage that may persist. Boldly, it is declared in the preamble to our Constitution that “[we], the Guyanese people, proud heirs of the indomitable will of our forebears, in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, proclaim this Constitution in order to: safeguard and build on the rich heritage, won through tireless struggle, bequeathed us by our forebears; affirm our sovereignty, our independence and our indissolubility.” We must continue to organise, mobilise and collectively lift our nation to higher heights socially, economically and culturally. We must elevate our mindset, eschew mediocrity and believe in a culture of excellence. This year, 2016, the year of our Golden Jubilee is an ideal opportunity for us to renew our commitment to these noble ideals. There are, as well, powerful lessons following the abolition of slavery from which we must draw equal inspiration. The movement by the freed slaves to purchase land and establish independent coastal

villages against challenging odds, remain one of the potent lessons of social upliftment in our history. These villages endure to this day and were the precursors to the modern layout of our coastal plain where the vast majority of our population reside. This initiative and the struggles and efforts of our African ancestors redound to the benefit of all Guyanese. As a diverse nation of six peoples we must collectively build on these triumphs, persevere and resolutely aspire to greater heights and a deepening of the spirit of social cohesion. His Excellency, President Brigadier (retired) David Granger, First Lady M r s S a n d r a G r a n g e r, Prime Minister and First Vice-President The Honourable Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and the Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, wish you a happy, peaceful and safe celebration of this most significant occasion in our nation’s history and implore all Guyanese to inculcate in their own lives the lessons of perseverance, intolerance for unacceptable conditions and the struggle for a good life for all.

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress joins with all Guyana in celebrating freedom from the world’s most inhumane system and treatment of man towards man. As Guyanese mark emancipation of Africans from chattel slavery, in a world where injustice to one poses a threat to justice for all, this day is not only a victory and progressive step in relations between the once enslaved and enslaver, but for all. Freedom from bondage came with some measures of expected uncertainties, such as what would life be post-slavery and relationships between groups, where there existed a history of domination and subjugation, built on the unscientific notion of superiority and inferiority. In that Africans, having given of their labour for centuries, under brutal conditions that deprived them of fundamental rights and decency, were able to move off the plantations and set up

progressive life independent of same, is no small feat. Pooling the pennies acquired during the four years of amelioration (1834-1838) and being able from the getgo to use their meagre earnings to buy up plantations, converting them to villages, and establishing an indigenous system of government and economy are remarkable. These achievements speak of a people possessing intellect, though ignored as a justification to enslave them, and the spirit of camaraderie and determination to establish a life and succeed independent of a system that had told them they are incapable of. Outside of laying the topography of coastland Guyana with their lives, blood, sweat and tears, Africans have laid the foundation of the indigenous system of government, which came to be known as Local Government, that laid the foundation for national and regional governments, and a

village economy built on cooperative principles, which is a part of the nation’s tri-sectoral economy. Africans have contributed to every facet of this nation’s growth and development, giving of the labour and talent in the various sectors, processes and areas of endeavour. These achievements and contributions must not only be recounted, but must see the redoubling of efforts to preserve and motivations to grow from strength to strength. For emancipation will mean nothing if Africans, who fought for and achieved this landmark moment in the world’s calendar, were to accept or participate in any action that would threaten or repeat the domination, marginalisation and oppression their forebears rightfully fought against. Onward, upward, we must ever go!

Georgetown Mayor and City Council

HAPPY Emancipation Day! Emancipation is a significant occasion when Guyanese reflect on the past, ponder on the future and contemplate on new and better ways to advance their development and that of the society. It is a time of great historic and ideological significance for the descendants of African slaves, who were transported across the Atlantic, in shackles and chains. Their lives were marred with treatments that were grossly inhumane. History is replete with examples of how the Africans suffered at the hand of rich plantocracy. More so, slavery can be described as the single most horrendous crime ever committed against humanity. No other act can be compared to the

torture of the whip, de-culturalisation and de-humanisation experienced by the African people. However, centuries of slavery could not break the indomitable spirit of the African. In the face of severe challenges they demonstrated resolve, tenacity and courage. More so, they were inspired to make sacrifices, defer gratification, to allow their descendants to enjoy the divine right of freedom. As we celebrate, it is imperative that we remember the struggles, the sacrifices, the pain, sweat, blood and tears of those who gave their lives so that we may experience liberty. Let us embrace the values of discipline, faith, family and community. Further, it is important that we be emancipated for the neg-

ative environmental attitudes, neglect to civic obligations, disregard for the building codes and other social ills that would not promote the mission and vision of the capital city. Even as we pontificate about the rhetoric of slavery, we must make a firm commitment to work together to advance our respective communities and the city as a whole. We at Council urge every citizen to take the opportunity to pledge a full commitment to adopt a more positive attitude towards our city. To keep their respective environment from those things that would pollute it. Let our celebrations go beyond shattered chains. But let it be reflected also in the way we treat the environment. Happy Emancipation Guyana!

The People’s Progressive Party

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) salutes our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters on the occasion of Emancipation Day. This is indeed a fitting moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our African ancestors who were brought to the shores of Guyana in chains in order to provide free labour to the sugar planters. To say that our African ancestors suffered at the hands of the sugar planters would be an understatement. Indeed, they were stripped of their hu-

manity and dignity and made to toil long hours to keep the wheels of the sugar mills turning and in the process churning out profits for the expatriate sugar barons. Many were tortured and brutally killed for standing up for their rights, but the spirit of resistance finally won the day and freedom was eventually won in August 1838. Several epic battles and rebellions took place during the long march to freedom, the most notable of which was the Berbice Slave Rebellion led by Cuffy.

Despite the hardships and cruelty of plantation life, the freed slaves were successful in forging a society after emancipation and by dint of hard work and thrift, purchased a number of villages where they eked out an independent existence despite attempts by the sugar planters to sabotage their newly won independence. There can be no doubt that the foundations of a modern society and economy were firmly laid by our African ancestors who peacefully co-existed with the indentured labourers after

slavery was abolished and in several instances lent mutual support to each other when their interests and livelihoods came under threat by the planter class. The strong bond of solidarity between Africans and indentured labourers, the vast majority of whom came from India, is testimony to the fact that race was never a barrier when it came to the defence and protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to work and to live in an environment of peace, prosperity and

respect. The PPP from its very inception as a political party has consistently embraced the principle of racial equality and a governance mechanism whereby each and every Guyanese regardless of race, colour or creed be given an equal opportunity to contribute to the good of society. The PPP wishes to reiterate this commitment to a free, democratic and cohesive society, one in which their is no privileged race, but where all races work and live in unison to build a strong and

prosperous Guyana. The PPP is proud of the fact that it remains the largest multi-ethnic political party and will continue to welcome all Guyanese into its ranks from all races and ethnicities who, like our foreparents, share the vision of a society where the good life is enjoyed not by a privileged few, but by the society as a whole. Once again, happy Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese, in particular our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters.

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Emancipation Day messages

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Cuffy250 Committee

THE Cuffy250 Committee joins the rest of Guyana in saluting our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters on this 178th anniversary of the abolition of chattel slavery in Guyana. These almost 18 decades have seen Guyana move from the demise of slavery to political independence.

During that time, our people had to endure 138 years of colonial rule which ensured that the promise of full emancipation from plantationhood was further delayed. Emancipation, therefore, has been an ongoing process for the sons and daughters of the formerly enslaved. Although the

physical chains were removed in 1838, the scars of bondage continued to haunt the African in Guyana and the rest of the African Diaspora. In 2016, the African-Guyanese community still confronts structural barriers to full emancipation. These barriers are manifested in the challenges

faced by African- Guyanese, particularly in the economic sphere. While the community has made strides in the face of these challenges, the inability to compete in the private economic sector has served to blunt those successes. It is against this background that Cuffy250 calls on

the African-Guyanese community to use this emancipation anniversary to initiate a movement towards the revival of the spirit of self-realization that was so pivotal to the struggle against slavery and colonialism and for the survival and advance of the community. Cuffy250 intends to lead by example at its 4th annual “State of the African Guyanese Forum” on Sunday, August 7 at the Critchlow Labour College in Georgetown, beginning at 9am. The theme of this year’s Forum is “African Guyanese Self-Realization: Challenges for the next 50 years.” The Forum brings together activists, scholars and professionals along with the wider African-Guyanese community for a day-long conversation on the challenges facing African-Guyanese and crafting an agenda for overcoming those

challenges. Among the topics to be discussed are The Restoration of the Village Economy; Reparations; African-Guyanese and Entrepreneurship; African-Guyanese and Social Cohesion; Education and African-Guyanese Empowerment; African- Guyanese Self-Activity; and Centering African-Guyanese in Guyana’s Socio-Economic Agenda. President David Granger will deliver the keynote address .Other speakers are Dr. Grantley Walrond, Norwell Hinds, Estherene Adams Vincent Alexander, Floyd Haynes, Dr Simpson DaSilva, Eric Phillips, Elsie Harry, Dr. Norman Ng A Qui, Judy Semple-Joseph, and Dr David Hinds. Registration is $300. For early registration please call 231 7888.

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), yet again joins in the national celebration marking the 178th anniversary of the emancipation of the forefathers of our African-Guyanese citizenry. This has become a joyful tradition and one which holds great significance for us. Freedom from physical bondage which brought on unspeakable brutality and exploitation spawned by colonialism/capitalism was undoubtedly a step along the way to our independence, the breaking of the colonial relationships and the forging of a Guyanese nation. It must be noted that freedom in 1838 was won and attained from the heroic and self-sacrificing struggles of the slaves. Today, we must not only give recognition to those struggles, but they should strengthen us as a people to jealously guard our independence and our general sovereignty in times when we are learning that renewed efforts are being made to re-establish colonial relations in the context of today’s conditions. GAWU recognises the major contributions of the descendants of those freed

African slaves in the continuous development of Guyana and in all areas of our country’s life – sport, culture, politics, security, Foreign Service. We are encouraged that so many have received deserving acclaim regionally and internationally too. Not only our Afro-Guyanese citizens but, indeed, our country has come a far way in these past 178 years. We overcame many hurdles, many of which have been rooted in the intrigues of the colonialists and their local collaborators. In our celebration, therefore, we should take pride in the progress made against all odds and let our achievements motivate us all to reach yet greater heights and record other sparkling achievements for our individual lives, our families and in our society as a whole. Though our times are serious and challenging, we can draw strength and heed the lessons from our forefathers. Our hopes for a better life, society and world are realizable in our unity and principled struggles. Happy Emancipation Day! Let us all celebrate this freedom!

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Hamilton opens huge championship lead with win in Germany Chase ends ... By Abhishek Takle

HOCKENHEIM, Germany, (Reuters)-Lewis Hamilton cruised to an unchallenged victory in yesterday’s German Formula One Grand Prix to extend his lead over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg at the top of the world championship standings. Hamilton seized the advantage at the start from pole-sitter Rosberg, who

drove an underwhelming race in front of his home fans, and was never overtaken. The Briton crossed the line 6.9 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who was on the podium for the second race in a row on his 100th grand prix appearance. His team mate Max Verstappen finished third, his fourth top-three result, to give Red Bull their first double rostrum in more than a year.

Rosberg, who had looked unbeatable after topping every practice session, was only fourth after falling back at the start and collecting a five-second time penalty for forcing Verstappen off the track. It was Hamilton’s sixth victory in the last seven races and fourth in succession. The 49th win of the reigning champion’s career left him two adrift of Frenchman Alain Prost’s mark of 51. He now leads Rosberg

From back page

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton gives thumb up after winning the race. Reuters/Ralph Orlowski by 19 points in the standings with nine rounds of a record 21-race season remaining. “It’s been a hard slog for everyone in the team, for the whole year and obviously with ups and downs and the difficulties that we’ve had,” said Hamilton, who trailed Rosberg by 43 points after May’s Spanish Grand Prix. “The real strength that we’ve shown, through and through, these last races has been inspiring for me.” Red Bull’s strong finish yesterday was their first double-podium result since last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix and moves them ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ standings behind dominant Mercedes. “This is two weekends in a row now with a podium,” said Australian Ricciardo. “So it’s awesome to close out the first part of the season.” Ferrari’s form has faded over recent races and the best Sebastian Vettel could manage on his first appearance for the team on his home soil was a distant fifth ahead of stablemate Kimi Raikkonen. Nico Hulkenberg finished seventh for Force India, ahead of Jenson Button who brought home points for McLaren in eighth. Williams driver Valtteri Bottas was ninth ahead of Sergio Perez who gave Force India a double-points finish with 10th. Rosberg had set a scorching pace under pressure to seize pole position in qualifying on Saturday but the German’s weekend began unravelling as soon as the lights went out. He was beaten off the line by Hamilton and the Red Bulls and, struggling for pace throughout the race, was unable to make up the lost ground. Even the stopwatch malfunctioned when he came in to serve his penalty, leaving him stationary for eight rather than five seconds.

lead, including one shot which just shaved the crossbar and another which hugged the outside of the post, but the game remained 1-0. Ceaser ended as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Chase now have one million reasons to celebrate, with Christianburg/ Wismar now attending six finals with four wins. Earlier, in the third place play off, Georgetown South Zone winners Sir Leon Lessons pushed aside Bush Lot 4-2 with goals from Adrian Aaron (30th and 45+1) while Omari James and Keifer Brandt each registered goals, in the 55th and 69th respectively. Tyrone Miller (7th) and Shaquille DeHarte (71st), were on target for the four- time Region 5 winners. Sir Leon now has $400,000 for their win while Bush Lot collected $350,000.

Rahul Test best ... From back page

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings 196 (J. Blackwood 62; R. Ashwin 5-52) India 1st innings (Overnight: 358-5) L. Rahul c Dowrich b Gabriel 158 S. Dhawan c Da. Bravo b Chase 27 C. Pujara run out (Chase) 46 V. Kohli c Chandrika b Chase 44 A. Rahane not out 42 R. Ashwin lbw b Bishoo 3 W. Saha not out 17 Extras (b-8 lb-1 nb-7 w-5) 21 Total (for 5 wickets, 125 overs) 358 Fall of wickets: 1-87 S. Dhawan,2-208 C. Pujara,3-277 L. Rahul,4-310 V. Kohli,5-327 R. Ashwin To bat: A. Mishra, M. Shami, I. Sharma, U. Yadav Bowling: S. Gabriel 23 - 8 - 50 - 1(nb-5), M. Cummins 15.4 - 3 - 54 - 0(w-1) J. Holder 23.2 - 9 - 49 - 0(nb-1, R. Chase 29 - 3 - 91 - 2 , D. Bishoo 25 - 3 - 79 – 1, K. Brathwaite 9 - 0 - 26 - 0

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:35 hrs Conquering Queen 09:10 hrs Gregor The Monk 09:50 hrs In Full Regalia 10:25 hrs Seymour 11:05 hrs Favour’s Pride ENGLISH RACING TIPS Kempton 09:00 hrs Sparring Queen 09:30 hrs Born To Please 10:00 hrs What A Boy 10:30 hrs Sehayli 11:00 hrs Anzhelika 11:30 hrs Argante 12:00 hrs Schoolboy Error RIPON 09:15 hrs Her Terms 09:45 hrs La Asomada 10:15 hrs Absolute Zero 10:45 hrs Snap Shots 11:15 hrs L C Saloon 12:15 hrs Sauter WINDSOR 12:30 hrs Eugenic

13:00 hrs Bee Case 13:30 hrs Stormflower 14:00 hrs September Stars 14:30 hrs Morache Music 15:00 hrs Julia Dream 15:30 hrs Senza Una Donna IRISH RACING TIPS Naas 09:25 hrs Mirdif 09:55 hrs Almanaara 10:25 hrs I Will Excel 10:55 hrs Mr Bounty 11:25 hrs Whitecliffsofdover 11:55 hrs Texas Radio 12:25 hrs Intrepid Prince 12:55 hrs Surprisingly AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Bajan Cash Race 2 Tencendur Race 3 Classy Chris Race 4 Domestic Warrior Race 5 Whatstotalkabout Race 6 Life in Shambles Race 7 Rosedale Arch Race 8 Ava’s Kitten

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Black Caps win first Test after record Williams century

BULAWAYO, (Reuters)Sean Williams scored a maiden Test century in vain as New Zealand clinched a comprehensive innings and 117-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe on day four of the first Test yesterday. Williams, who was battling flu, scored the quickest Test ton by a Zimbabwean off 106 balls before becoming the ninth man out for 119 having smashed 21 fours. Zimbabwe were dismissed shortly before tea in their second innings for 295, with seamer Trent Boult the pick of the visiting bowlers as he picked up 4-52 on a flat batting track. “The fight was excellent. After the first innings, I thought we were soft,” Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer said at the post-

match presentation, before highlighting his teams troubles in the test. “We probably have 10 guys sick in the change room.”

Zimbabwe faced a mammoth task to make New Zealand bat again having been skittled for 164 in their first innings and allowing the tourists to amass 576 for six declared in reply. New Zealand would have had thoughts of a quick finish on the fourth morning as Zimbabwe resumed on 121 for five, especially when Craig Ervine (50) was out in the second over soon after bringing up his maiden Test half-century. But a magnificent 118run seventh-wicket stand between Williams and Cremer (33) took the home side past lunch before the latter was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi. Regis Chakabva (11), who missed the second and

Mandela Avenue, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had to settle on sharing the spoils on night two of the championships. On the opening night, the soldiers who are the defending champions, won

six of eight fights.However, the following night they were put to the test by the other five competing gyms,and would have been hard pressed to dominate the proceedings last evening when the championships,

Sean Williams takes a moment after scoring his maiden Test century against New Zealand in Bulawayo,

third days’ play with a virus, hung around for 41 balls before he was bowled by Tim Southee. A visibly wilting Williams then holed out to deep mid-wicket off Mitchell Santner after scoring 119 off 148 balls. The win was complete when Neil Wagner, who finished with match figures of 8-103, had Donald Tiripano (14) caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling. “The first innings bowling effort after the toss was outstanding, and it put us ahead in the game,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said. “To get the score we did and put Zimbabwe under pressure was outstanding. We’re looking forward to the next match.

Zimbabwe continued their dismal record against New Zealanders and are now winless in 16 meetings, this

being their 10th loss. The second and final Test starts on Saturday at the same venue.

SCOREBOARD ZIMBABWE 1st innings 164 (N. Wagner 6-41) New Zealand 1st innings 576 for 6 (R. Taylor 173no, B. Watling 107, T. Latham 105, K. Williamson 91) Zimbabwe 2nd innings (Overnight: 121-5) C. Chibhabha c Taylor b Boult 7 H. Masakadza c Taylor b Southee 4 B. Chari b Boult 5 C. Ervine c Watling b Boult 50 P. Masvaure lbw b Boult 0 S. Raza c Latham b Wagner 37 G. Cremer lbw b Sodhi 33 S. Williams c Williamson b Santner 119 R. Chakabva b Southee 11 D. Tiripano c Watling b Wagner 14 M. Chinouya not out 0 Extras (b-6 lb-9) 15 Total (all out, 79 overs) 295 Fall of wickets: 1-7 H. Masakadza,2-12 B. Chari,3-17 C. Chibhabha,4-17 P. Masvaure,5-86 S. Raza,6-124 C. Ervine,7-242 G. Cremer,8-277 R. Chakabva,9-285 S. Williams,10-295 D. Tiripano Bowling: T. Southee 15 - 3 - 68 – 2, T. Boult 17 - 3 - 52 – 4, N. Wagner 17 - 1 - 62 – 2, M. Santner 17 - 6 - 32 – 1, I. Sodhi 12 - 1 - 66 – 1,K. Williamson 1 - 1 - 0 – 0.

Gyms share honours on second night of Andrew Lewis novices championships AFTER dominating the opening night of the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Andrew Lewis National Boxing Championships which got underway on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium,

which is being staged in memory of Guyana’s first ever world champion, the late Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis,was to have come to an end. Saturday night saw a display of skill and raw

Bravo, Ramdin lead Knight Riders past Patriots DWAYNE Bravo ensured the ‘Champion’ dance phenomenon made it’s way through south Florida yesterday afternoon, taking four wickets to set up a resounding eight-wicket win for Trinbago Knight Riders over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in Lauderhill. The Knight Riders captain removed Evin Lewis at gully and yorked Faf du Plessis in the fourth over before returning at the death to bowl Shamarh Brooks and take a skier off his own bowling to get Devon Thomas and restrict Patriots to 137 for 6, a total chased down with three overs to spare. Kieran Powell had gotten the Patriots off to an aggressive start, making 23 off 17 balls with an array of classy shots over the off side but Bravo made inroads at the opposite end to pull Knight Riders back in the Powerplay. Anton Devcich, who opened with spin opposite Bravo, then took an athletic one-handed return catch from a

Player of the match Dwayne Bravo gets the Florida crowd doing the ‘Champion’ dance. blitzing Powell drive to make it 25 for 3 in the fifth and from there Patriots struggled to rebuild. Sunil Narine kept the pressure on, getting Jonathan Carter out stumped

with the batsman dragging his foot fractionally out of the crease missing a slog, as part of a wicket-maiden 12th. Narine conceded only nine runs in his four overs but couldn’t remove Lendl Simmons, who finished unbeaten on 60 but received little support. Hashim Amla fell cheaply at the start of the chase but fellow opener William Perkins put on 60 for the second wicket with Denesh Ramdin before falling to end the eighth over. Brendon McCullum’s horrid run in this season’s CPL showed signs of turning around as he struck three sixes in his unbeaten 43 off 28 balls, including a clean strike over the hill on the north side of the ground. Ramdin top-scored with 52 not out and hit the winning single through cover. Knight Riders now await the Zouks in a playoff eliminator next Thursday in St Kitts.(ESPN Cricinfo)

courage from the Army’s representative, Don Cumberbatch, who scored a third round stoppage of Republican (Rep) bantamweight, Ewart Cobis,at 2minutes 37seconds (2:37). The soldiers, who have dominated the amateur sport for years, however, lost their second encounter as Julius Kesney of the Rose Hall Jammers Gym (RHJ) triumphed over Jushaine Ferrier (GDF), to win by TKO in 2:46secs of the 3rd round in their bantamweight contest. In the welterweight encounter between Omar Natuhsokhodo of the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym(FYF) and Mark Blake (GDF), the taller Natuhsokhodo tried using his reach advantage to stave off the soldier.However, the latter went on to win by a unanimous points decision. In other results, John Phillips (GDF) turned up the heat against Orin Rodrigues (REP) and forced the referee to halt their bantamweight contest at 1min. 20secs of the 2 nd round,

moments before lightweight b o x e r Tr i s t o n B r o w n e (GDF), eked out a split decision verdict over his gym mate, Chris Cummings. There were two bouts in the jnr/welterweight division and in the first, Colin Hinds (GDF) won on points from Kenroy Fraser (REP), while Leon Semple (GDF) prevailed over Henry Belgrave (PRBG). Bobby Hou-Yen could not contain his Republican gym mate Joshua Joseph, and lost on points in their welterweight bout while Geraldo Phillips (REP) unanimously won from Jamal Allman (GDF). Joel Peters (GDF) lost by TKO in the 1st round at the hands of Joshua Fraser (GDF) in the middleweight division, while Light/heavyweight Renaldo Niles (GDF) won on points over Sean Kirton (REP) in the heavyweight division, Mark Jhingoree (GDF), lost unanimously to Bryan Leitch (REP), while Germaine Williams (REP) brought the curtains down with a unanimous victory over Ryan Roberts (GDF).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Dolphin Swim Club gives back to members MEMBERS of Dolphin Swim Club chosen to represent Guyana at the XXII Goodwill Games in St. Lucia from August 19-21 were given small donations by the club to assist with their budget for the games. The donations were given at a small presentation ceremony before the club members did their workouts last Saturday at the Colgrain Swim Pool. The games are self-sponsored, meaning that competitors are expected to cover their own expenses. Currently, the Dolphin contingent at the games is made up of seven swimmers: Kenita Mahaica, Lajuan Munroe, Jeremy Sookram, Jeron Sookram, Sekhel Tzedeq ,Patrice Mahaica and Paul Mahaica. Of the seven (7) ath-

Jamila with club members

letes, two are still awaiting sponsorship for the games. Also receiving a donation was Jamila Sanmoogan who would be representing Guyana at the Rio Olympics. Sanmoogan, in addition to receiving the donation, gave a small pep-talk to the swimmers of the club expected to go to St. Lucia, as well as the other club members. “Swimming is hard work, but if you’re dedicated and work towards it, you too can get to the point that I am at” the 19 year old said. The swimmer also gave homage to the swim club, which she credited as the root of her swimming. The Goodwill athletes are expected to cop a few medals in addition to improving their times.

IOC staunchly defends Russian presence in Rio By Karolos Grohmann RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters)-PARTIAL sanctions against Russian athletes over the country’s state-run doping system are preliminary, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said yesterday, defending the organisation’s position amid vocal criticism. The IOC opted not to ban all Russian athletes from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics after revelations of a wide state-backed doping program across many sports. Instead it chose a set of criteria for athletes to meet, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events, that so far has allowed more than 250 out of the original 387 Russian athletes to be cleared for Rio. Many anti-doping agencies, athletes and even senior IOC member Dick Pound sharply criticized the decision, saying the IOC lacked the leadership and courage to ban Russia, hosts of the 2014 Sochi winter Games, outright. Some have even called for Bach’s resignation. “The negative opinions are the ones most likely to be quoted,” Bach told reporters. “In these difficult decisions we will never have 100 percent majority.”

“In such a debate which touches on fundamental principles... if you had 100 percent it would not be a good debate.” Bach said the decision taken this month to allow some Russians to compete was a difficult one but had to be made under severe time

IOC President Thomas Bach constraints due to the start of the Games on Aug. 5. More measures will follow after the Olympics, once the report, commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, is completed by law professor Richard McLaren. “Now we expect finalizing the report and then we will take all the necessary measures,” Bach, a lawyer

by profession, said. Bach defended the IOC’s decision, saying despite the criticism, his organization was not emerging from this scandal with a black eye. “No,” he snapped, when asked whether the doping affair had damaged the IOC’s reputation. “And this is for very obvious reasons.” He said the IOC was neither responsible for the timing of the McLaren report, nor was it for WADA’s failure to act on the information regarding Russian doping it had received years ago. Bach also defended the IOC’s ban of whistleblower Yulia Stepanova from the Games. The middle-distance runner got the ball rolling with revelations on German state television ARD and has since fled Russian for North America for fear of her life. Stepanova, who had herself been banned in the past for doping, was refused a spot, despite being proposed to compete as a neutral athlete by the ruling body of international athletics the IAAF, along with any Russian athlete with past doping sanctions. “With the case of Stepanova we had to take a very difficult decision like with the participation of any Russian athlete,” Bach said. “We have to take all into consideration and also respect the Olympic Charter. It was not easy.”

DCC Summer Camp set to start August 8 WEATHER permitting, the annual Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) summer camp will commence on August 8, at the Club’s Queenstown venue. The camp, in its sixth year, will be managed by national youth Cricket Coach Garvin Nedd. In an invited comment yesterday, Nedd said the two week camp targets mainly the Under-13, U-15 and U-19 age groups, with the aim of developing the youngsters into all-round individuals. Participants will be taught the fundamentals in terms of the technical aspects of cricket, the laws of the game, table etiquette, healthy lifeGARVIN NEDD styles,and road safety among other topics. Nedd said the programme was of tremendous benefit over the years, whereby a number of players went on to represent Guyana at various levels. To this end, Nedd, who recently returned from a successful Regional Under17 tournament, where his side narrowly missed out on the title by .03 points, pointed out that he will use the camp as the foundation for building another youth side ahead of next year’s tournament. Nedd stated that the camp is part of the Club’s developmental programme. Weather permitting, matches will be played on the weekends so as to ensure that the children get hands-on experience of a cricket match

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 01, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 35 balls (2) 96 runs

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which of the franchises won their very first match in Hero CPL 2016? (2) Who delivered the last ball of the first game in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 1, 2016

Upper Demerara Football Association Windwards close at 70 for four; Guyana bowled out for meagre 42 annual Summer Camp a success By Brij Parasnath

T H E U p p e r D e m e rara Football Association (UDFA) recently concluded its annual ‘Fundamental Learning Summer Camp’ at the Bayroc Community Centre last Saturday, in keeping with the UDFA’s mandate to develop lives through football. The Camp catered for both males and females between the ages of 9-17, and provided them the opportunity to discover and explore their talents, interests, and values. Additionally, it offered the campers moral development in an environment which encouraged moral development. This was done in both match situation as well as regular conditions. “The children really enjoyed these camps, as camp allows them to come out of their shells and meet new children their age and make friends” stated UDFA President Sharma Solomon. “It takes them away from their normal routine and exposes them to a whole new football learning environment” Solomon also added. The camp saw over 100 children- both male and female- participating over a one- week period which

Campers display Certificates of Participation with UDFA President and other Executives began on Monday, July 25, 2016, and was held at both Mackenzie and Wismar. It was conducted by the coaches of the UDFA. At the camp’s conclusion,Solomon encouraged all participants to become more than footballers by becoming leaders. He urged the excited participants to adopt the 3

L’s – Listen, Learn, and Lead – in their quest to become tomorrow’s leaders. He also expressed thanks to the sponsors of the camp, in particular, Jacs Bakery, the Linden Enterprise Network, Wilo Variety, Gregory De Souza’s Variety, and James & Sons.

The ‘Fundamental Learning Summer Camp’ officially kick-started the relaunching of the UDFA’s Junior Programme which ended in June. The UDFA’s Under 17 Inter- Club League will begin on August 6, and the Under 23 is scheduled to commence on September 4, 2016.

Zouks close out Hero CPL group stages by beating Tallawahs again THE St Lucia Zouks continued their winning form at the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as they defeated the Jamaica Tallawahs for the second time in two days last night. This win was not enough to secure a place in Playoff 1 where a route straight to the final was up for grabs but they will head to their Playoff 2 match against the Trinbago Knight Riders full of confidence and hopeful of victory. On Saturday when these two teams met at this ground the Zouks batted first and blasted their way to 206-3 on the back of an excellent opening stand from Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles. Yesterday, the Zouks innings was almost a carbon copy as Fletcher and Charles put on 104 runs for the first wicket from 68 balls. Both men were brutal on everything that the Tallawahs’ bowlers served up, and both of them made half centuries in the process as the Zouks made 194-3 from their 20 overs. Having made 74 not out in the last game Fletcher carried on that form as he

laid the foundation for a match-winning total and set up the fifth win for the Zouks in the last six matches. Fletcher eventually fell for 70 (54), also caught by Walton who seemed to be everywhere in the field. Shane Watson took up the boundary hitting on his way to a 17-ball 42 that included five Hero Maximums. 64 runs came from the last five overs as the Zouks set a target of 195 to win. It would take a fine batting performance from the Tallawahs to chase that down and they would need runs from Chris “Universe Boss” Gayle. When Gayle began his innings looking to blast the ball as far as possible from the very beginning he seemed to think that he needed to go big early on to get up the win. He rode his luck in the PowerPlay with several balls landing just out of the reach of fielders. That good fortune did not last for Gayle, eventually getting caught on the long-on boundary by Daren Sammy off the bowling of Watson for 30 from 15

balls. Fellow opener Chadwick Walton also went inside the PowerPlay as the Tallawahs reached 51-2 off

Andre Fletches complied a brutal 71 from 54 balls last night. the first six overs of their chase. Kumar Sangakkara looked to set a base in order from which to launch the chase but he fell for 24 to the first ball of Gidron Pope’s spell to leave the Tallawahs in real trouble at 75-3 with the Andre Russell and Rovman Powell at the crease. Anything is possible

with Russell in the middle and he immediately looked to up the run rate, particularly off the bowling of Grant Elliott who conceded 27 runs from two overs. But his pyrotechnics did not last long either, falling to the bowling of Delorn Johnson for 21. The Tallawahs did a decent job at keeping up with the rate but were losing wickets throughout. When Powell fell in the 16th over there was no coming back despite some lusty blows from Alex Ross as the Zouks won by 17 runs. This match ends the hugely successful Florida leg of the Hero CPL which has seen great cricket and big crowds. Now the tournament moves on to St Kitts & Nevis for the knockout stage. Upcoming Hero CPL finals week fixtures: Playoff 1: Wednesday 3 August - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs, Warner Park, St Kitts (7pm). Winner goes to the final. Playoff 2: Thursday 4 August - St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders, Warner Park, St Kitts (7pm). Loser eliminated.

FREQUENT showers at the Park Hill Ground caused the players from Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands to remain in the pavilion until 15.30hrs, when play finally started on the first day of the second round match in the West Indies Cricket Board 2-innings competition yesterday. Wi t h o n l y 3 0 o v e r s bowled, Windwards, batting first, closed the day at 70 for 4 with their national Under-17 player Emmanuel Stewart not out on 34 runs while Deon Burton is also unbeaten on eleven. Off-spinner Jonathan Bootan once again emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s leading bowler, finishing with three of the four wickets to fall. The QPCC player claimed Alick Athanaze, caught by Keagan Simmons for eight (6b, 1x4), Johan Jeremiah caught by Dejourn Charles for six (30balls, 1x4),and Windwards Under17 captain Johnel Eugene caught by Saiba Batoosingh for 1. Fast bowler Jarlanie Seales (5-2-13-1) removed opener Anil Matthew who was caught by Jabari Mills, who made his debut in place of Brandon Maharaj. Manager Kerwyn John revealed that their plan is to restrict Windwards to a small total and push for first innings points. He said: “we need to get Emmanuel Stewart early or keep him from scoring too much. Plus our bowlers have to work hard and get the other six wickets quickly so as to give the batsmen a chance to get first innings points and build a lead. We want to win to stay close to the top.”

In the other second round matches, defending champions Guyana were shockingly bowled out for a meagre 42 runs in 14.1 overs in their match against Leeward Islands, who has already secured first innings points and enjoy a sizeable lead at 126 for 5 after 46 overs, at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex ,while Barbados posted 149 in their first innings with Jamaica 40 for 2 in reply at the close of the first day’s play at Sion Hill playing field. Scores: At Arnos Vale SC: Guyana 42 in 14.1 overs (Ronaldo Renee 12; Jevy Benjamin 3 for 9, Kian Pemberton 4 for 28, Jerrikson Louis 2 for

0, Camron Pennyfeather 1 for 4); Leewards 132 for 7 after 46 overs, (Tyrone Williams 17, Ross Powell 26, Camron Pennyfeather 42 no, Mrinal Wadwha 15 no; Kheshram Seyhodan 4 for 22. Akenie Adams 1 for 25). At Sion Hill: Barbados 149 off 63.1 overs,(Yvan Grant 24, Nicholas Kirton 42, Shem Watson 28, Joshua Bishop 30; Andre Bailey 4 for 62, Brad Barnes 3 for 18, Javelle Glenn 1 for 20) vs Jamaica who are 40 for 2 in 12 overs (Jordaine Hill 16no, Brad Barnes 16no; Chemar Holder 1 for 6, Joshua Bishop 1 for 25).

Bolt plays down injury worries USAIN Bolt insists he will be in “perfect condition” at the Rio Olympics after his recent injury worries.The Jamaican suffered a hamstring injury at the Olympic trials, putting his 100- and 200-metre title defences in some doubt. However, Bolt has no questions over his fitness ahead of the showpiece 100m on August 13-14. “I feel good. I’ve been training more gently the past two weeks, but I’m happy to return,” he told Marca. “I had to visit the doctor [Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt], I had to travel and I had to train, but now I feel better and I’m running without any problems. “In Rio I will be in perfect condition. “I was in very good shape

before this injury so I’m not worried.” Bolt is the 100m world-record holder, having set his mark of 9.58 seconds in Berlin in 2009. However, he has just the fourth fastest time in the event this year, with American Justin Gatlin running 9.80secs and 9.83secs in 2016. But Bolt is typically confident, saying: “I won’t lose any gold. “If my coach says I can go to the Games and that I will win, then I trust him. “I think every runner who goes to the Games is strong. “For example, this season Yohan Blake is back, and you can look at [Trayvon] Bromell as well, while [Justin] Gatlin is also going be there and will be an interesting matchup.”(Sportsmax.com)

Bolt plays down injury worries See story on page 23

Digicel National Schools Football Championships

Chase ends Christianburg/ Wismar dominance ––Sir Leon Lesson brush aside Bush Lot for third place

Job Ceaser’s (number 10) cannon of a free kick sealed the deal for the Chase Academic Foundation side. (Adrian Narine photos) By Stephan Sookram

Champions! Chase Academic Foundation celebrate ending Christianburg Wismar’s dominance of the Digicel Schools Football tournament and capturing that elusive title.

Rahul Test best 158 keeps India in control

Opener KL Rahul made his highest Test score as India continued to dominate the second Test against West Indies.

INDIA are in complete control of the second Test against West Indies after a KL Rahul century in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday. Rahul made his highest Test score – 158 – as India took a 162-run lead at stumps on day two at Sabina Park. Cheteshwar Pujara (46), Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinkya Rahane (unbeaten 42) also made solid contributions. India finished the day at 358-5, well in control after dismissing the hosts for 196 to begin the Test. Shannon Gabriel (1-50) and Roston Chase (2-91) tried hard for the

Windies, who are staring at a 2-0 series deficit. The tourists had resumed at 126-1 and found the early going tough as Gabriel caused problems, bringing two edges that fell short of fielders. Rahul eventually brought up his third Test century in some style, getting to the pitch of a Chase delivery and smashing a six over long-on. India added just 59 runs, albeit without loss, in the first session before Rahul continued on his way, reaching his highest Test score. The 121-run partnership was bro-

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Christianburg/Wismar Secondary have been dethroned.It took Chase Academic Foundation a Job Ceaser free kick in the 24 th minute to do it; but they have successfully ended Linden’s four- year stranglehold on the Digicel Schools Football tournament, at the Providence Stadium last night . It was an emotional night for both teams with Christianburg’s dynasty being cut short and Chase Academic foundation finally clinching that elusive title. From the onset, Chase utilised the skill of their wings and their midfield to try and get inside the Chris-

tianburg defence but the defending champions were prepared on most occasions, holding a high line and often times catching their opposition offside. However, no one was prepared for Ceaser’s penalty from the top of the box, which cannoned into the top left hand corner and sent the Chase squad into jubilation. Though the Linden based side have been known to play better from behind, that wasn’t the case at the Providence Stadium, as the Georgetown unit continued in the face of their opposition. Several more chances would come the way of the Chase side to extend their See page 20

ken as Pujara ran himself out, caught short by a Chase direct hit despite a dive. A hamstring injury to Test debutant Miguel Cummins added to the Windies’ worries before Rahul fell for 158, strangled down the leg side by Gabriel. Chase took the big wicket of the in-form Kohli, who was caught at short leg by Rajendra Chandrika. Ravichandran Ashwin (3) fell shortly after, but Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha (unbeaten 17) negotiated their way to stumps.(Omni Sport)

See scoreboard on page 20

Gyms share honours on second night of Andrew Lewis novices championships See story on page 21 MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016