Police nab serial robber ‒ was behind a number of serious crimes No. 104661
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
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Learn about the customs of others ‒ President urges at the beginning of Indigenous Heritage month P.8
Kariyatomo Paul offers a Wai Wai prayer during an interfaith service Wednesday evening at the Indigenous Village, Sophia, Georgetown to usher in Indigenous Heritage Month. (Samuel Maugh photo)
Four local youth entrepreneurs for Obama’s Young 2 Leaders initiative P.
Improve lives of veterans 3 P.
‒ solid recommendations made at start of Commission of Inquiry
Brazil's Rousseff ousted by Senate 4 P.
Brazil's former President Dilma Rousseff, who was removed by the Brazilian Senate from office earlier, speaks at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, August 31, 2016. REUTERS/ Bruno Kelly
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Cabinet not on recess
‒ sittings deferred to allow Cabinet Secretariat staff time-off THE Government of Guyana on Wednesday refuted a report in an article carried by this newspaper captioned “Cabinet on recess.” “It is not true that Cabinet is on recess for a month,” the Prime Minister’s office stated, saying that the August 31st report in the Guyana Chronicle was an “editorial opinion.” According to the statement, Cabinet last met on August 16 for its “regular, periodic, weekly session which invariably lasts from 10am to 6pm.” The Prime Minister’s office said that on August 16, it was decided that subsequent sittings would be deferred to allow Cabinet Secretariat staff time-off. “It was also decided that the agenda for two sessions would be deferred to September 6th, when Cabinet would meet again,” the statement added. According to the statement, in the interim a Cabinet Sub-Committee would meet to process urgent matters, some of which require Cabinet’s “no objection” and are mainly submissions from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
(NPTAB). The Office of the Prime Minister said the Cabinet Sub-Committee comprises President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State and Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Harmon, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. “In the meantime, Cabinet and other ministers continue their routine functions even though Government and Opposition Members of Parliament are on leave, resulting from the ongoing, two-month parliamentary recess,” the Prime Minister’s office stated.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Improve lives of veterans ‒ solid recommendations made at start of Commission of Inquiry By Shirley Thomas A PUBLIC Inquiry designed to look into conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service and to make recommendations to ensure their health and welfare commenced Wednesday. The inquiry is being led by Colonel (Ret’d) Desmond Roberts, with Colonel Denzil Carmichael as Secretary. The first witness was Retired Lt Colonel Lelon Saul. He presented a report containing findings and recommendations based on the complaints of veterans with a firm resolve to chart a positive way forward. The report looked at what action could be taken to make for a smooth and less painful transition from a life of active service to civilian life. The report reflected, not only the individual views of the testifier, but the Veterans’ Legion of Guyana of which he is vice-president Some of the areas resolutely and critically perused were:
● The quality of welfare service that promotes dignity and independence while generating adequate incomes to see the veterans and their families through ● The inadequacy of benefits for veterans ● Veterans’ pensions ● Compensation and appropriate medical care for veterans injured on the job ● Management and conditions at the veterans’ home in Lamaha Springs ● The importance of acknowledging and rewarding dedicated service on the job ● Housing for veterans ● A scheme to be devised for making available, lands to veterans to pursue agriculture and form co-operatives Saul said he was very concerned about the state of veterans in Guyana and strongly believes that there are several factors contributing to the state of veterans. He observed that many of the skills gained while in service are not really transferable to the civilian world. Hence, it becomes difficult for the veterans (as young as 40+) to become employed after retirement. It is in this regard that he
Lt Colonel (ret.) Lelon Saul testifies at the Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)
alluded to the crisis faced by veterans, to the extent that the majority are absorbed into security service, which does not augur well for their dignity. He was critical of the compensation packages for persons working with security companies. He said pensions and other monetary incentives are “woefully inadequate.” Hence, veterans are hard put to maintain themselves. In this regard, Saul recommended that particular attention be paid to the human resource considerations: Remuneration and Emolument; Training and Development and also Recognition and
Rewards. “I believe these areas, if adequately addressed, will certainly go a long way in addressing the deficiencies, especially since the salaries they receive while in service would influence their superannuation benefits.” He recommended that attention be paid to training and development in the named disciplined services, adding, “In so doing, they would be in a better position to prepare the ranks to go into retirement, because at some point in time while in service, you will need to address the whole issue of resettlement.” It was Saul’s opinion that
the Guyana Defence Force no longer places a high premium on reward and recognition for long and dedicated service. “I believe that organizations should recognize and reward people for their services, and the reward may be a medal or something,” he stated. He claimed that even officers and warrant officers who had given distinguished service are not awarded medals such as the Military Service Medal. Saul reasoned that any veteran would like to know that they can be recognized for serving the army. “We need to correct that,” he stressed. Welfare service extended to veterans Saul spoke of the many soldiers who were injured in the line of duty, but were left to “foot it” on their own. He alluded to the soldiers who were injured in the Camp Groomes explosion and another who was injured in a standoff with Lindon “Blackie” Lewis and others. One of the soldiers, he said, was shot in the face and is now mentally unstable. . Asked by Col Roberts
what recommendations he had to change the system, Saul said some entity should be identified to manage those soldiers or perhaps the GDF can do it in the short term. The soldiers should be called in, properly assessed and continuous medical care provided for them. He also recommended that the army medical corps be made to offer medical care to veterans who would otherwise have to access the services of the Georgetown Hospital. Veterans’ Home He noted that there seem to be no guidelines that regulate the functioning of the Veterans’ Home, the appointment of staff and how they should go about managing that facility. As such, he recommended that the Veterans’ Home and the GDF and government have a mechanism in place to appoint a board to manage the Home. Professional staff must be placed there, and there must be guidelines to manage the facility, he said. Col Roberts rated the report presented by Saul as an excellent one and said that he was satisfied with the observations and proposals submitted.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Brazil’s Rousseff ousted by Senate, Temer sworn in
(Reuters) BRAZIL’S Senate ousted President Dilma Rousseff on Wednesday, ending an impeachment process that polarized Latin America’s biggest country amid a massive corruption scandal and brutal economic crisis. Senators voted 61-20 to convict the country’s first female president for illegally using money from state banks to bankroll public spending, marking the end of 13 years of left-
ist Workers Party rule. Rousseff ’s opponents hailed the removal of the former leftist guerrilla as paving the way for a change of fortunes for Brazil. But her conservative successor, Michel Temer, the former vice president who has run Brazil since her suspension in May, inherits a bitterly divided nation with voters in no mood for the austerity measures needed to heal public finances. Until just a few years
Brazil’s new President Michel Temer reacts during the presidential inauguration ceremony after Brazil’s Senate removed President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia, Brazil, August 31, 2016. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino) ago, Brazil’s was booming economically and its status was rising on the global stage. The economy then slid into its deepest recession in decades, however, and a graft scandal at state oil company Petrobras tarnished Rousseff’s coalition. Millions took to the streets this
year to demand her removal, less than two years after she was re-elected. A string of corruption scandals, led by the Petrobras scheme, has engulfed vast swaths of Brazil’s political class and business elites over the past 2-1/2 years. Temer, who was sworn in by Congress to serve the
remainder of the presidential term through 2018, will likely face tough opposition from the Workers Party both on the streets and in Congress to his agenda of privatizations and reforms to Brazil’s generous pension and welfare laws. Standing outside the presidential residence flanked by supporters, Rousseff insisted on her innocence and said her removal was a “parliamentary coup” backed by the economic elite
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that would roll back social programs that lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty over the last decade. “They think they have beaten us but they are mistaken,” Rousseff said, adding that she would appeal the decision using every legal means. “At this time, I will not say goodbye to you. I am certain I can say ‘See you soon’.” The end of the Workers Party’s long grip on power sparked angry reactions from leftist governments across the region. Venezuela, B olivia and Ecuador announced they would recall their ambassadors, while Cuba’s Communist government branded Rousseff’s ouster part of an “imperialist” offensive against progressive governments in Latin America. The U.S. State Department voiced confidence that strong bilateral relations with Brazil would continue, adding the country’s democratic institutions had acted within the constitutional framework. In an unexpected move, Brazil’s Senate voted 42-36 to allow Rousseff to retain the right to hold public office - in a break with Brazil law that specifies a dismissed president should be barred from holding any government job for eight years.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Nine Haitians fined for entering Guyana illegally
NINE Haitian nationals were Wednesday fined $20,000 each after admitting to entering Guyana illegally. They appeared before city magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Through the translation of an interpreter, Feird Jean , the Haitians -- Dom-
inique Homme, Maccus Samuel, Pawel Thomas, Ricot Zulmas ,Emmanueul Ollean Calles Jorrd Jean, Fedlin Jeane, and Horat Fedeen -- pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them. T h e c h a rg e s t a t e d that on August 29, 2016 at Springlands, Corentyne, they entered Guyana
by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer and they failed to present themselves t to the nearest immigration officer. If the Haitians fail to pay the fine, they would be sentenced to two weeks imprisonment and would be deported after.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
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Editor-In-Chief Nigel Williams Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle. com wnigel 10 @hotmail. com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
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poverty ON Monday, 29th August, Facebook CEOMarkZuckerberg met Pope Francis and said among other things, they discussed the use of communication to alleviate poverty. The 79-year-old Pontiff has brought freshness to the papacy, and is admired by Catholics and non-Catholics around the world for his stance on many social issues and matters pertaining to the Church, including his un-abashed approach to dealing with issues that some within his denomination find uncomfortable. Where the Pope in his Apostolic Exhortation (Joy of the Gospel) challenged the Church to an ambitious goal to end hunger by 2025, the reach-out to Zuckerberg is indicative of a desire to lead the flock in achieving the goal, and which obviously is also informed by a sense of modem media savvy. Demonstrating a fierce knowledge of what spawns poverty and the anti-social spill-off of the poor, in his exhortation the Pope condemned the trickle-down theory and a financial system whereby money rules rather than serve, pointing out that "Money must serve, not mle!" In examining the correlation between poverty and violence, he noted that "Until exclusion and inequality in society and between peoples are reversed, it will be impossible to eliminate violence. The poor and the poorer peoples are accused of violence, yet without equal opportunities the different forms of aggression and conflict will find fertile terrain for growth and eventually explode. When a society -whether local, national or global - is willing to leave a part of itself on the fringes, no political programmes or resources spent on law enforcement or surveillance systems can indefinitely guarantee tranquility." The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination with an estimated 1.1 billion adherents. A significant number of Catholics are from poor countries in Latin American and Africa. And where Francis, before moving to the Vatican, lived in Argentina, he would have had upclose interaction with poverty. Latin America has chronic poverty and one in five persons is considered poor, based on a 2015 report. But evidently the Pope's interest in helping the poor goes beyond denominations. According to the World Bank Review on Poverty (April 2016), recent estimates in 2012 have indicated that 12.7 percent of the world's population lived at or below US$1.90 a day; though down from 37 percent in 1990 and 44 percent in 1981, the decline is unevenly spread across the regions and those living in extreme poverty
Friend or a Foo to its employeesP Dear Editor, AS one reads the article titled: 'Chand says cooperation needed to resist any bid to reprivatize sugar' that was published in the Stabroek News on Sunday August 28, 2016, one gets the impression that Mr Komal Chand is saying some of the right things but in the wrong context. The theme for the recently concluded Guyana Agricultural And General Workers Union (GAWU) congress was, 'United Struggles for Workers' Rights, Democracy and a Secure Future.' The nine resolutions which were approved by the congress included,' Safeguarding and defending workers' gains in the sugar industry; rejecting re-privatization and closure of the sugar industry; education and training; unity of the working class; wage/salary improvements and Annual Production Incentives; and solidarity with the workers of Wales Estate'; these were the resolutions which are specific to GuySuCo. While the militancy of GAWU is commendable, the challenge with the resolutions relevant to GuySuCo and the tone of the congress from a GuySuCo perspective are contextual. The impression one gets, is that GAWU perceives GuySuCo as a foe and not a friend; hence the very design of the theme and the resolutions are aimed at fighting this foe. GAWU's approach might have been more appropriate in 1832, but definitely not in a dynamic and changing environment
in 2016. GuySuCo would like to encourage GAWU to be militant and inspire our workers to support their union; however, this militancy has to be in the right context. The resistance is against what and against whom? Against a corporation that provides free medical benefits to them and their families? Or one that is struggling to keep 17,000 employees on its payroll and needs its employees to channel their energies into making it as efficient as possible, so that they can contribute towards securing future employment for themselves and their colleagues? Against a corporation that provides them with the necessary tools and safety gear to do their jobs in a safe environment? A corporation that provides transportation to take them to and from work every day in keeping with agreements? A corporation that pays wages and salaries and increases, even though it is not making a profit? Resistance against an Interim Management Committee that is one year old and is trying to find solutions to a problem that was not created by them, but nevertheless has taken responsibility to lead GuySuCo through these tough times and craft a strategy for a prosperous future? One would have thought that with the level of awareness that Mr Chand and GAWU have of the challenges facing the sugar industry, the focus of this year's congress would have been to motivate and inspire our workers to develop a greater sense of ownership which is funda-
still remain high. The bank has set a goal to reduce poverty by 2030. Social media in many instances have transformed the global media landscape and also played major roles in influencing support or action, one way or the other. In that Francis has two million likes on facebook and 9.75 twitter followers, evidenced his understanding and recognition of the power of the medium in reaching out and bringing about change. Where some have used it to engage in unsavoury conduct, or have gotten into trouble with the content placed, by and large outside of it is being a medium to link up and stay connected with friends, has been a major venue and avenue for galvanising action. The average person owns a cellphone or has access to someone with, and with internet can have access to facebook or its content relayed via email, text messages, or other applications. And with the tools at one's disposal, properly utilised that person can be a change agent. Whilst communication plans consistent with the Pope's
mental for the successful turnaround of the corporation, and to support the five pathways which the corporation has developed to achieve the goals and objectives in its strategic plan. These pathways include; mobilization (financial, human, etc.), developing skills and expertise, encouraging flexibility and adaptability, improving the industrial relations climate and becoming a highly disciplined business entity. The call was made by GAWU for workers to stand up and defend their rights. This is no doubt a noble call. However, GuySuCo wishes to remind GAWU that the 'rights' message has to be disseminated to workers in the context that 'rights have responsibilities.' As a matter of fact, rights are only made valid based on the responsibilities which are attached to them. An analysis of the outcomes from the congress indicates that it fell short on the responsibilities component of the message to our workers. GuySuCo would only be as successful as the sum of its parts and the employees are a key part of the whole. Another point is that, while some of our employees are members of GAWU and the union focuses on the rights of these members, there is need for balance in this engagement, since the members of GAWU also have a responsibility to ensure that the rights of other employees who are not members of the union are upheld. On the point of re-privatization, GAWU would add much value to the process of ensuring the sustainability of
GuySuCo by encouraging our workers - its members, to instead of channelling their energies and resources towards fighting the corporation, their focus could be on increasing production and productivity; turning out to work on their estates and going the extra mile; being flexible and adapting to the changes and contributing towards the development of a highly disciplined workforce; confirming to appropriate work standards which are imperative for a successful business. It is obvious that GuySuCo and GAWU have different motives and motivations. The corporation is of the view that the leadership of GAWU needs a paradigm shift; this will pave the way for more positive and progressive engagements with the corporation and its employees and would contribute significantly towards accelerating the growth and development of the sugar industry. Finally, while GuySuCo does not expect its stakeholders, for example GAWU, to adapt readily and rapidly to all of the changes taking place in the industry, there is a reasonable expectation that the union would understand that the corporation mns a business and has to manage it that way. Additionally, the corporation is open to engage GAWU when the union settles down and is ready to discuss its realities and possibilities. Yours faithfully, AUDREYANNA THOMAS Senior Communications Officer GuySuCo
vision on poverty alleviation are yet to be made known, no doubt given the global scope of facebook (1.71 billion active users per month), including its multilingual settings, international spotlight will be shed on the issue and galvanise action to bring about change. In that Francis has exhorted that "Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society [and] this demands that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor and to come to their aid," he no doubt will be guided by said principle to improve the lives of the poor amongst us. It is also reasonable to assume given the Pope's teaching of oneness and his penchant for inclusivity across the socio-economic, cultural and political divides, synergies will be formed with institutions, groups and individuals not only in the sense of benevolence to deserving communities, but to also empower the poor to engage in acts of self-development.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Rohee shares vision of what SARA would look like Dear Editor,
OUR country is on the cusp of dramatic national security upheavals. These upheavals have ominous characteristics. The contours of this impending, ominous development are becoming more and more pronounced with every passing day. The unmitigated and relentless militarisation of the State and government has brought the impending upheavals into bold relief. This situation must not be seen in isolation, it is part and parcel of a strategy aimed at strengthening and expanding the influence of military doctrine and its dominance within the state and government structures. Recently, two organisations have risen to prominence – one has already been established, the other is in the making. I refer to SOCU and SARA. SOCU is now a branch of the Guyana Police Force, an organization that takes general orders and directions from the Minister of Public Security. It is vested with enormous powers, but SOCU has since been eclipsed by the much more powerful State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). A close examination of SARA’s powers will show that it is fundamentally anti-people and reactionary in nature. Some mistakenly believe that SARA was set up solely to target the PPP, but it is not; on the contrary, it is anti-PPP plus. The Grang-
er-led coalition administration has created a Frankenstein monster. The powers vested in SARA are so enormous they are absolute, and we know what absolute power does; it corrupts absolutely. Never in the history of Guyana has such an organisation existed. The victims of SARA will be not only from the PPP, but the citizenry in general. Make no mistake about it. SARA operatives will be immune from prosecution, particularly its director, whose rule will be tyrannical. In other words, SARA’s staff will be above the law, they will not be outfitted in dashikis, but will be neatly dressed thugs. By moving to establish SARA, the Granger administration has signalled once again, its deepseated distrust for the ranks of the Guyana Police Force, the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions and staff members of the Guyana Revenue Authority. This instinctive distrust of these entities and semi-civilian institutions is a hallmark of military doctrine, but above all, it is a reflection of the political insecurity tormenting the Granger administration with every passing day, particularly as regards its future electoral fortunes. The power enjoyed by SARA will clearly and unequivocally result in the emasculation, usurpation and silencing of civilian institutions who, in one way or another,
will gradually but inexorably be absorbed into an ever-expanding militarized state. Guyanese will witness all the powers of the GPF, GRA, DPP and the Judiciary centralised into a single organisation called SARA. SARA will have the authority to impound, eventually seize and sell off private property, to criminally prosecute and to put before its own court, with its own judges, persons who are suspected to have illegally accumulated state assets. In this way, SARA will assume the role of judge, jury and prosecutor. It will come as no surprise if power struggles and turf wars develop between the heads of constitutional bodies and SARA to whom they will provide succour. Moreover, it will not be surprising that, apart from having its own enforcers, prosecutors, magistrates and judges, for SARA to have its own detention centre. The visit to the Mazaruni prisons some months ago by government officials is an indication of the thinking of the administration in this direction. SARA’s courts will most likely be designated “People’s Courts” to provide a veneer of popular support for the kangaroo trials that will take place in those institutions, where the presiding magistrates and judges would be selected on the basis of their loyalty to the current political administration. It was widely rumoured that
Motion to secure Green’s property deceptive Dear Editor,
THE motion moved by Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen and seconded by Councillor Heston Bostwick at the Georgetown City Council’s most recent statutory meeting to have the services of the City Constabulary Department extended to former Mayor Hamilton Green, with the provision of security guards at his residence is deceptive, disingenuous and self-serving at best, but more importantly it contributes to a gross impropriety. This motion seeks to mislead persons into believing that this service will now be provided to the mayor, when in fact Mr Green never stopped enjoying the service after demitting office five months ago. This includes city policemen posted at his residence 24 hours a day, along with 24-hour body-
guards protection, a chauffeur, gardening staff, etc., all paid for by the citizens of Georgetown. So why the motion now? Is someone becoming afraid that the cover will be blown on this transgression and it will become another big scandal for the council? Why did the current mayor decide to move this motion? Is she hoping that in the next seven months when her term of mayor comes to an end, that she too will be provided with these benefits? And why did the motion not include the entire battery of staff that he is being provided by the council? Are they afraid that the citizenry will cry out about this financial burden that has been foisted upon them? These facilities that are being provided to a former mayor are unprecedented and exceeds those given to former presidents of this country. How shameful.
But what the council needs to know is that passing a motion to commit an illegal act does not make it legal. This expenditure was not budgeted for, which makes it more illegitimate. The hypocrisy is that this mayor told the deputy mayor that he is not entitled to any such facilities, and then turns around and flippantly awards them to a former mayor. This is exactly the reason why persons are reluctant to pay their property rates, because they know that City Hall will unlawfully squander it. No former mayor nor former prime minister is entitled to, nor benefited from such perks, but the council couldn’t care less; it is just perks for their pals. The rape and pillage of the city continue. Regards SEAN MONIZ
the building housing the Walter Roth Museum was identified to be the headquarters of SARA to clothe it with a veneer of respectability and civility and to camouflage its outrageous functions. SARA will establish and rely on its own network of informants and spies. The process of recruitment and screening of agents has already started. These agents will be trained in surveillance, entrapment, intimidation tactics, bribery, threats, and to hack into computers and cellphones. SARA operatives will target suspects who show signs of self-sufficiency and wealth, even though they have no criminal record, but are suspected to have accumulated their wealth under the PPP/C administration due to perceived unlawful acts and alleged misconduct while holding public office. SARA’s agents will rely on hundreds of snitches to carry out their dirty work. SARA’s greatest weapon will be fear and the fear it will generate amongst the populace. And like the part U.S. House
un-American Activities Committee, SARA will compile lists of persons suspected of committing unlawful acts while holding public office and they will be directed to hunt them down and to finish them off politically. Given the mandate which it has been assigned, SARA will inevitably evolve into a criminal organization abusing its powers to trample on citizens’ constitutional, civil, political and human rights. SARA is bound to end up committing crimes against humanity in Guyana. SARA will fail to recognize the characteristics that distinguish the law-abiding individual from the potential suspect. SARA will be notorious for breaking laws. It will have the largest bio-metric database in Guyana listing persons of interest. The call to set up special courts to try persons suspected of “unlawful acts” while holding public office and to amend the Constitution to give the right of passage to SARA, must be viewed with deep suspicion and must be reject-
ed. SARA will be the embryo for the creation of Guyana’s first-ever State Secret Police whose task will be to ruthlessly go after the political opposition, mainly the PPP. Others will not be spared its wrath. SARA will be the vehicle the APNU+AFC will use to consolidate political power and entrench itself in office. At the end of the day, it is Guyanese who will suffer at the hands of SARA. Guyanese must open their eyes and recognise the danger unfolding before them and take a stand before it is too late. Guyanese must reject the emerging dictatorship reminiscent of the Burnham era that is masquerading as providers of the “good life” and “social cohesion.” Who will live to see; “History repeating itself, first as a tragedy and second, as a farce?” (Marx). That is the question. Regards CLEMENT ROHEE General-Secretary People’s Progressive Party (PPP)
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Region Six RDC accused of ignoring budget proposals by NDCs THE People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) dominated RDC in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) has been accused of disregarding recommendations for projects emanating from Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), grassroots organisations and leaders in the formulation of their 2017 budget. “They asked the people to participate in keeping with the principle of good governance but then having got the proposals, they simply dumped these projects and a few people. At least two of them, Vice-Chairman Denis DeRoop and the Regional Engineer Roopesh, decided what they wanted to do and did it. None of the grassroots proposals were taken on board in this budget, which is now being concretised by the Ministry of Finance,” Regional Councillor Gobin Harbhajan said. He said that the planning of the capital works was mostly done by DeRoop and Roopesh, who neglected to reflect the priority projects submitted by many of the NDCs, much to the chagrin of the chairpersons and overseers. Harbhajan, who is also the representative of the Prime Minister in the Region, has been supported by the Head of one PPP/C NDC and a few Councillors who have expressed disgust at the way the PPP/C Region 6 administration handled the recommendations from the NDCs. “Guyanese have a deep desire to be involved in decision-making about what kinds of services and infrastructure are to be delivered in their local area. They have enough knowledge to decide what is needed to improve the quality of life where they live. Sadly this principle
Assistant to the Prime Minister in Region 6, Gobin Harbhajan
was total neglected by the current administration of Region6,” Haseef Yusuff, who is Chairman of the PPP/C dominated Kilcoy/ Hampshire NDC said last week. He added, “There they are these two guys driving around in a 4x4 vehicle and deciding what they wanted to do, totally ignoring the views of others. They are completely forgetting that not everybody in Region 6 is a PPP/C supporter.” He said that the arbitrary actions of the administration had resulted in a farce of budget. “Among other things, there were no consultations with the Chambers of Commerce within the Region. Nothing new. The Region 6 budget is all about repairing this, rehabilitating something else. There is not a single sustainable development project. There is nothing that can give the Region a necessary economic boost,” Yusuff said. Councillor Takie of the Lancaster/Alness NDC made similar disparaging remarks about the way NDC proposals were dumped by Vice-Chairman
De Roop and the Regional Engineer Roopesh. He said, “Whatever projects we put in from the NDC levels, what we find is that the two men rejected these. They altered the preferences of the NDCs and the grassroots community leaders to suit themselves.” “We had local government elections. The communities are supposed to be empowered. They said we giving power to the people. Where is the power to the people? The people are just like rubber stamps. The PPP/C people just going right ahead and doing what they want to do.” Takie also noted that the arbitrary approach to the 2017 budget had some implications for accountability. “I have seen an engineer’s estimate for the construction of a bus-shed in an NDC at a cost of $500,000. Why so much? Any NDC can build a bus-shed for between $300,000 to $350,000, or even less. Why not give the money to the NDC and let them do it at a far cheaper price?” he queried.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Learn about the customs of others ‒ President urges at beginning of Indigenous Heritage Month
Ministers Valerie Garido-Lowe, Sydney Allicock of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, First Lady Sandra Granger and President David Granger pray during the interfaith service Wednesday evening to usher in Indigenous Heritage Month
By Svetlana Marshall INDIGENOUS Heritage Month 2016 was ushered in last evening with an Interfaith Service at the Indigenous Village, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, under the theme: “Our Culture, Earth’s future.” During the service, which attracted Guyanese from all walks of life, there was a menu of prayers and religious citations from the various faiths, particularly those practised within indigenous communities. President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger; Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, were among officials in attendance. On the sidelines of the interfaith service, President Granger underscored the importance of respecting one’s culture and religious beliefs, noting that education is important in this regard. “Recently, I was at Blairmont. I went to a Hindu Mandir. There was a ceremony; I learnt a lot about the ritual surrounding the worship of Lord Hanuman and
I think other ethnic groups should do that - learn about the rites [and] customs [of other cultures],” the President posited. He noted that it is only through education that people can enhance their understanding of each other’s culture. As such, he said the national education system must be broadened, so that Guyanese can have a better understanding of religion and the ethnic groups. “So there is no place for ignorance; once there is ignorance there is going to be misunderstanding and conflicts,” the President said, noting too that the best people to speak about their own culture are the people themselves. President Granger’s comments were in response to statements made by Pandit Deodatt Tillack of the Shri Samayapuran Mariamma Temple, who during the interfaith service, condemned what is perceived to be the culture of some of the Amerindian nations. Pandit Tillack turned heads when he contended that through their cultural practices, fractions of the indigenous community condone “statutory rape.” “Their culture, being a woman at just 12, and man at 16 or 17, conflicts with our constitution, because why
it is ok for you to get married at 12, for a 17-year-old boy to marry a 12-year-old girl? Our constitution speaks against that,” Pandit Tillack contended. He added: “Our conventional things conflict with your indigenous way of life.” As the Pandit was speaking, Advisor to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, was seen walking out of the benab where the ceremony was being held. When approached by reporters, Williams said he was “extremely uncomfortable.” “I believe this to be a very sacred occasion; it is centrally invoking the blessing of god by whatever name you call him on our activities, and I think there was a misconception of some issues, and those issues having been misconceived, led to an in appropriate presentation,” Williams noted. The event opened with a worshipping chant by the Hallejah Group Tasserene, followed by prayers from various Amerindian nations, the Bahai community, the Anglican church, the Muslim community and the Rastafarian Council. Also in attendance was the Circle of Love group, which was recently renamed the Victoria Regia Quartet.
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UG/UWI collaboration for discussion at Antigua meeting
A PROGRESS report on the collaborative agreement between the University of Guyana (UG), the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) is expected to come up for discussion soon. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Tuesday said the report is expected to be delivered at the 48th Meeting of the Council of Legal Education, which begins today and ends Sunday. The Special Meeting of the Executive Council will be held today and that would be followed by the Meeting of the Council of Legal Education Friday. “The business of the latter meeting will include financial contributions to Council, the collaborative legal agreement between UG/
UWI and CLE for a progress report, and elections for the position of chairman, as well as members of the Executive Committee to be held at the end of the Council,” Minister Williams explained. He said UG is currently in discussion with UWI on “The Revised Final Draft of the Collaborative Agreement.” Under the proposed agreement, Guyana is hoping to not only gain automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School for Guyanese students but also non-Guyanese graduates. The original agreement came to an end in 2013. In August, Minister Williams was successful in his bid to the National Assembly to approve funds to assist Guyanese law students at the Hugh Wooding Law School.
Police nab serial robber ‒ was behind a number of serious crimes
EAST Coast Demerara Police have been able to solve a number of serious crimes committed within recent times, following the apprehension of a serial bandit. According to Police headquarters, the man was nabbed last Monday in Bare Root, having allegedly along with others, robbed an Enmore grocer, stolen a motor car and discharged rounds at law enforcers. The suspect, Police stated, has confessed to the allegations. He also confessed to being a member of a gang which committed a series of armed robberies on the East Coast of Demerara. Further, the suspect was positively identified during several identification parades conducted Wednesday in relation to six recent armed robberies. He will be charged and will appear in Court today. His charges will include six counts of robbery under arms, two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, and one count each of possession of arms and ammunition without licence.
“Parliament recently approved the payment by the Government of 25 per cent of the economic cost of the fees paid by Guyanese Law Students attending the Hugh Wooding Law School for each of the two years for the academic years 20162018. The annual sum for 50 law students is $17.9M or US$85,000 per annum,” the Legal Affairs Minister explained. While in the National Assembly, Minister Williams had noted that the cost for one student, per year, at the Hugh Wooding Law School, is approximately $2.83M but with Government’s intervention that cost will be minimised and the students will now pay about $2.47M each.
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Tribute to My Grandmother CANCER patients have learnt to live their lives with great uncertainty but some of them do it so well they convince the rest of us that they do have all the time in the world and we, wanting to believe this, do the same. My grandmother was one such remarkable person. In her very late 70s, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumour. She refused to undergo chemotherapy - which because of her age and di-
abetes- she did not want to remember her last years being sick. My gramaa (as I call her) was a strong and independent woman, who always enjoyed life on her terms; living with diabetes for over thirty years didn’t impede her lifestyle. Gramaa would eat whatever she wanted to and if anyone objected she would respond by saying, “I only got a few years left, let me enjoy it!” This would be followed by the insertion of her daily dose of insulin, a shot she was accustomed to giving herself over two
decades; I still cringe at the memory of seeing her do it but gramaa was a bossnothing scared her. I don’t recommend anyone follow her lead but it worked for her. After surgery grandma bounced back to her almost normal selfshe wanted to cook everything everyday but the surgery left her right arm a bit weak and lifting heavy pots had to be abandoned. I have been lucky to have age on my side to aid with my post recovery- I regained most, if not all of my arm functions, but gramaa’s muscles/cells
didn’t heal in the same way. Gramaa wasn’t interested in having her cancer treated via pharmaceuticals - she would try to eat fruits that were rich in anti-cancer properties, e.g. soursop, but she insisted that she wanted to just live her life how she wanted to and make the most of the time she had left, enjoying things and also by ‘things’ she mostly meant food - she was a big foodie and a magnificent cook…her black cake is legendary; I remember her sending me to pour rum onto the cakes every day
for almost a month, we had to ‘soak’ it according to her. One year I recall just passing the room with the cakes soaking and getting drunk from the smell alone. My grandmother, even as the cancer began spreading to her bones, making it painful for her to move around and do things - she still did them. She continued to push herself until she couldn’t do anymore. On August 22, 2016 she went to sleep in this world and woke up in another with my grandfather, who had been waiting on her for eight years. My gramaa lived longer than expect-
ed (without treatment); I think because she wanted to, she willed herself to and she did it. She was realistic about her situation and chose to live the rest of her life as comfortably as she could and to enjoy the small things in life – for her this was some ice cream & pizza here and there, also visits and conversations with family & friends; these things made her happy. My grandmother never existed in a place, she lived, she flourished, she owned it; she had presence. May you rest in peace gramaa, your fighting spirit is inspirational.
48 months jail for man caught with illegal gun, ammo TWENTY-two-year old Darrel John, who was found guilty last Friday for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment and fined $60,000 for both charges. The sentences, which will run concurrently, was handed down by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. John, of Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, was charged with having a .38 revolver in his possession on September 27, 2015, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He was also charged with having six .38 rounds of ammunition, four 9mm rounds of ammunition and two .32 rounds of ammunition in his possession, on the same day. Magistrate Latchman found John guilty of being in possession of the revolver and the six matching rounds of ammunition, but found
that no case was made out in relation to the four 9mm rounds and two .32 rounds after insufficient evidence was presented by the prosecution. According to a police report, on the day in question, John whipped out a firearm and threatened to kill several police ranks who were on patrol, when they requested to conduct a search on motorcar PRR 7001 he was driving. However, Magistrate Latchman recounted the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick, which stated that on the day in question, John was stopped by a group of police officers who attempted to conduct a breathalyzer test on him; he retaliated and started to behave in a disorderly manner. The magistrate ruled that she found that the defendant did have knowledge and control of the firearm and ammunition, and that he did brandish the weapon at the police.
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Suspicious, tinted vehicles will be investigated – Traffic Chief Ministry of Public Security. These include diplomatic vehicles, those belonging to senior government officials and those exempted by application waivers. Within recent times, motorists have been wantonly violating the law, with some even going as far as tinting
CRIMINALS using tinted vehicles to execute their attacks on victims under the guise of having a permit will be dealt with condignly, according to Traffic Chief Dion Moore. He said many of these vehicles use fake number plates and police are advised to take down these number
plates and report the vehicle to the supervising authority for investigation. The Guyana Police Force is warning those whose vehicles are tinted, but do not have a permit, to remove this tint or face immediate prosecution. Exceptions to the tint rule are authorized by the
Former Crime Chief to Command ‘D’ Division Former Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Leslie James will take up the mantle of ‘D’ Division (West Demerara and East Bank Essequibo), effective from today, while the substantive commander is on leave, police confirmed. Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell, who was commanding the division, proceeded on annual leave. This newspaper had reported that public servants are being urged to take their leave when it is due or it will be forfeited, according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. “We are saying, as a general statement, as from 2015 going forward, that when you are entitled to your leave, you have to take it in the year. If you don’t use it, you are going to lose it,” he said. Minister Harmon explained that Government is facing significant challenges
Assistant Commissioner Leslie James
with regard to public servants and their leave, particularly as it relates to senior officers who have accumulated hundreds of days leave. In the Police Force, there are several senior officers who are on leave, including Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken, Assistant Commissioner of Police Brian Joseph and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud.
their front windscreens, making it almost impossible for the occupants to be identified. The issue of tinted vehicles has been a topic for much discussion ever since it was introduced several years ago. One senior police officer noted that the need for tint
permits became necessary because Japanese firms embed the tints to the actual glass of the windows and windscreens, and hence the vehicles are imported that way. The law stipulates that a vehicle is only permitted to have tint that allows 67
percent light to pass through its glass, and any darker will require the permission of the Minister of Public Security. Anyone found driving a tinted vehicle without a permit can be charged and could be made to pay a fine at the discretion of the Magistrate.
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Four local youth entrepreneurs for Obama’s Young Leaders initiative
Abbigale Loncke
FOUR Guyanese have been selected to participate in President Barack Obama’s 2016 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellows Programme. The Guyanese chosen are: Dason Anthony, one of the owners of 592 Dresses, which assists boutiques and local designers to sell, market, and advertise their products through its online marketplace; Judason Bess, co-owner and manager of the Farmacy, which focuses on making agriculture and
Judason Bess
food production more sustainable; Abbigale Loncke, owner of Community Health Care, an agency that delivers home- care needs for the elderly, sick, disabled, and children in the comfort of their homes, while training women who are in need of employment and second chances to take up roles as care-givers; and Shaunda Yarde, founder of Coconut Grove, which makes Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits. They are joining over 200 other young leaders
Shaunda Yarde
from Latin America and the Caribbean from October 5. YLAI, one of four programmes within the Young Leaders Initiatives, is a part of President Obama’s commitment to empower young people around the world and ensure they have the tools, skills, and networks to tackle our shared global challenges. The participating young leaders will benefit from internships and skills-building workshops, a statement from the U.S. Embassy in George-
town said on Wednesday. President Obama launched YLAI to build linkages between young leaders across the hemisphere and to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society leaders. Over the five-week programme, the fellows will learn and share their experiences in start-ups, small businesses, non-governmental organizations, and similar entities in cities throughout the United States and in partnership with community
Dason Anthony
groups and American universities. Additionally, the participants will further develop their business or social venture plans through an entrepreneurship curriculum and workshops, and by working alongside their American counterparts. The 250 selected business and social entrepreneurs represent 35 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and have demonstrated the energy of this generation to build
stronger, more prosperous, and more secure communities throughout the hemisphere. Their areas of interest include agriculture, clean energy, consulting, e-commerce, education, entrepreneurship development and support, food and beverage, food security, health care, hospitality, LGBTI rights, marketing and branding, mobile applications, and women and youth empowerment. The programme will conclude in November.
Indian call centre firm eyes Guyana HINDUJA Global Solutions (HGS), a leading Indian call centre company has expressed a keen interest in establishing operations in Guyana, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Wednesday. The statement follows a meeting between the president of the company, Narasimha Murthy and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The meeting was arranged by the Guyana Office for Investment. A release from the Prime Minister’s office noted that an HGS delegation had previously visited Guyana in May of this year. It was noted that HGS entered the Jamaican market four years ago and is keen on partnering with the government of Guyana to expand their footprint in the Caribbean and South America to promote digital marketing and competitive business services. “Prime Minister Nagamootoo conveyed that Guyanese youths have embraced new technologies and would welcome training and
additional job opportunities. He reiterated Guyana’s openness and commitment to doing business with all credible investors,” the release noted. Mr. Murthy explained that HGS could incrementally create jobs for several hundred persons who, at the same time, would be trained to meet growing demands for digital services and e-commerce. The HGS delegation also included Vice President, Subhankar Ghosh and Business Analyst, Rawool Sahu. They were accompanied by GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Owen Verwey and Senior Export Promotions Officer, Uchenna Gibson. HGS, which is headquartered in the Indian metropolis of Mumbai, operates worldwide in 67 locations and in 37 languages. The company employs 40,000 persons.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and officials from Hinduja Global Solutions
Be more involved in your children’s education
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‒ Mrs Nagamootoo urges parents MRS Sita Nagamootoo has urged parents to be more involved in their children’s academic life. Mrs. Nagamoootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, made the call while speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of the first anniversary of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Daycare/ Playgroup and Learning Centre at Shieldstown in Region 5. She said the first five years of a child’s life can determine his or her future and hence it is important that parents play a critical role in their children’s pursuit of education. “My dad was a model teacher. He taught me, as well as other siblings, English and Maths almost every day. He took me to school for many years, and took a personal interest in
my homework, so as a parent and an educator, I understand firsthand the importance of a parent’s role in the education of their child,” she stated. Mrs. Nagamootooo, however, noted that she is well aware of the challenges facing some parents. “Sometimes, education could take a seat on the back burner when we lack resources for books, snacks or transportation. However, educating our children remains a priority in determining their success in life,” she noted. Mrs. Nagamootoo said while poverty, negative influences, and lack of a role model may contribute to children’s underperformance, the relationship they share with their parents is among key contributors, which may help them to do well. “What we do not stress enough about is the impor-
tance of relationship and the importance of human connection in learning. One writer, James Comer, once said, ‘No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.’ And he is absolutely right. No one will learn from someone he or she dislikes or with whom he or she cannot connect,” she stated. Mrs Nagamootoo added: “As parents, we need to be motivated and excited about the education of our children if they are ever going to be inspired to want to learn. As parents, we need to cultivate a home that is conducive to learning and development. We need a child-friendly home, because while formal education for the most part takes place in a classroom setting, education starts in the homes of our children.” Parents, she emphasised, are the first teachers.
Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, headteacher Miss Jackie, and two students join in cutting the cake to mark the first anniversary of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Daycare/Playgroup and Learning Centre at Shieldstown, Region 5
‘Therefore, as parents and teachers, we need to work and collaborate to ensure
that our children, the future leaders of Guyana, are given the right opportunity
to develop and grow and become productive citizens.”
Chief Justice (ag) recuses self in Zana Frank case ACTING Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has recused herself from the case involving the Deputy Deeds Registrar Zana Frank and the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams. This is according to the Attorney General. On Tuesday he told reporters that the matter was expected to come up on Monday but Justice Cummings-Edwards recused herself on the basis that she was among interviewers when Frank attended an interview at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). As such, the case has been transferred to Justice Brassington Reynolds. In an affidavit in answer filed in the High Court, the Legal Affairs Minister denied aversions made by Dep-
uty Deeds Registrar that suggested he gave directions for the JSC to appoint Penelope Whyte to the post of Deputy Registrar of Deeds (ag). Frank earlier this month moved to the High Court to have the directive preventing her from functioning removed. The Deputy Deeds Registrar alleged that the Attorney General attempted to block the decision of the JSC to appoint her, but instead influenced the appointment of Penelope Whyte as the acting Deputy Registrar, though she is not an attorney. But Williams has maintained that Frank is unsuitable for the post. In his affidavit of response, dated August 26, he has asked for her application for the Writs of Certiorari, Mandamus and
Chief Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Prohibition to be discharged. According to the affidavit, Registrar of Deeds,
Azeena Baksh, by virtue of a letter dated December 1, and addressed to Williams,
indicated that only a Deputy Registrar can act on her behalf when she proceeds on vacation. Baksh, according to the affidavit, suggested a “virtual shutdown” of the authority if she were to proceed on leave and not have a Deputy Registrar in place. Williams submitted that the suggestion by Baksh was “erroneous, since by virtue of Section 13 (2) the Assistant Registrar of Deeds could perform the functions of the Registrar of Deeds, subject to her instructions.” In November 2015, Penelope Whyte, who is said to have 15 years’ experience in the Deeds Registry and 29 years in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, had applied to the board for the post of Assistant Registrar of Deeds. Additionally, by virtue of
a letter dated November 16, 2015, Registry Supervisor of the Deeds Registry Aretha Quinn wrote the Secretary of the Board complaining about the trend of sidelining persons for unknown reasons and the need for employees to be treated fairly based on their experience, qualifications and in accordance with workers’ rights. As a result of the letters, the board at its meeting on December 10, 2015, discussed the content and supported the Minister of Legal Affairs proposal to appoint Whyte the Assistant Registrar of Deeds on the grounds that the holder of the post must have an LLB Degree and two years experience in conveyancing or 10 years experience in the authority.
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Son of former Works Minister Xavier admitted to the Bar JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds on Tuesday welcomed the son of former Public Works Minister Anthony Xavier to the Bar and granted him permission to practice his profession in the courts of Guyana. Michael Xavier’s petition
for admission was presented by Attorney-at-Law Mishka Puran, who said the young lawyer had been successful in his studies and was assured of success at the Bar. The admission ceremony of the young lawyer attracted a crowded courtroom of
From left to right: Sharon Boatswain (mother-in-law), parents Elizabeth and Tony Xavier, Attorney-at-Law Mishka Puran, Justice Reynolds, Michael Xavier, Mikhaila Puran-Xavier(spouse) and Cathryn Xavier-Carew (sister)
family and friends. Xavier began his stellar rise in the world of academia at the prestigious Bishops’ High School in 2003 where he was successful in attaining eight subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations. The young lawyer also received a 1st Degree Bachelor of Science in International Relations (Merit) (20042009). He also received the Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies (Distinction) (2009-2010) and 2nd Degree in Bachelor of Arts in Law (Distinction) (2010-2013). Xavier was also on the Principal’s Honour Roll in 2015 for his Legal Examination Certificate and was called to the Bar in Trinidad and Tobago on November 20, 2015, where he currently worked with Lionel Luckhoo Junior in Trinidad at Allum Chambers. The former Bishops High School scholar in his remarks expressed gratitude to the Judge for accepting his petition. “This journey to become an Attorney-at-law began many years ago and anytime anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I remember immediately thinking and saying that I wanted to be a lawyer,” the young man said. He said he would not have been where he is today without the assistance, guidance and sacrifice of many individuals along this journey. “I would like to recognise and give thanks to God for
all that I have accomplished, for without His guidance, none of this would have been possible,” he added. “For as long as I can remember, my dad Carl Anthony Xavier and mom Elizabeth Xavier never stopped supporting and encouraging me to pursue my dream…. That being said because of their sacrifices, their prayers, their nourishment and their support, the dream has materialised into reality,” he further noted. He also expressed gratitude to his wife Mikhaila Puran, who he deemed “the rock” in his life. He also thanked his siblings, professors, teachers and lecturers throughout his time at University of Guyana and at the Hugh Wooding Law School. The new lawyer pledged to continue to earn the respect of all the members of the legal profession and those he may come into contact with over the course of his career. “ It’s my intention to return here to contribute to the development of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s jurisprudence and practice with honesty and integrity… and this is my life plan your Honour, attempting to complete the tripod’s three legs and only then will I be able to say that I have been successful,” he said. Judge Reynolds, in accepting his petition to practice, told him that he was pleased to accept the application without any reservation to practise law in the Courts of Guyana.
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Finch, Bailey and Hastings inspire Aussies to ODI series win AARON Finch only just missed out on fastest ever one-day international half-century and George Bailey also put on a show after John Hastings set Australia up for a six-wicket win to seal a series triumph over Sri Lanka. Finch (55) reached 50 in only 18 balls, just two shy of the record set by AB de Villiers, to equal the quickest half-century by an Australia batsman in an ODI and the inform Bailey made 90 not out as the tourists reached their victory target of 213 with 19 overs to spare in Dambulla. All-rounder Hastings took 6-45 and Dhananjaya de Silva (76) was the only
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Elliot Vieira eyes Bushy Park lap record By Stephan Sookram
SUPER-stock rider Elliot Vieira has set his sights on retaining the circuit record at the Bushy Park Raceway when the third leg Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) heads there this weekend. During his last outing there, the CMRC defending champion had set the lap record, a blistering 1:04.269 (one minute four point two six nine) seconds which was later reset by the home nation’s Brook Miller with a Aaron Finch races to a half-century from only 18 balls in Dambulla. Sri Lanka batsman to make a significant contribution in their total of 212 all out. Angelo Mathews (40) suffered a calf injury while batting and the captain was unable to bowl as Australia took a 3-1 lead with one game to come in Pallekele on Sunday. Mitchell Starc (1-51) trapped teenage debutant Avishka Fernando lbw without scoring and Sri Lanka were in the mire on 31-3 when Scott Boland (1-36) had Dinesh Chandimal (5) caught behind. de Silva and Mathews combined for a much needed stand of 84, with the opener playing some elegant strokes to make his maiden ODI half-century.
Sri Lanka were dealt a big blow when Mathews had to retire hurt after injuring himself taking a run and De Silva’s innings, which featured nine boundaries, was ended by the impressive Hastings. A procession of wickets followed, with Mathews returning to the crease limping heavily but still able to add a couple of late boundaries almost on one leg before he became Hastings’ sixth victim from the final ball of the innings. Finch was in no mood to hang around, starting his innings with four boundaries from as many balls off Amila Aponso and taking 18 off the next over from Thisara Perera in a brutal onslaught.
time of 1m 04.192s “Hopefully, when I go over there I can retain my circuit record. Brook is pretty quick out there so it’s going to be no easy task but I am up for the challenge,” he told Chronicle Sport. Following a damaged bike in at the second round in Trinidad due to a defective master brake cylinder, Elliot says the bike is in working condition with very minimal work to be done ahead of round three. “I’ve completely gone back to the stock brakes,
the OEM, factory brakes, callipers,” he added, noting that for now, the entire bike currently just requires suspension work. “I know that I’m really far back in the points as it relates to my title defence and I’m hoping to make most of those points back up in Barbados and I will continue the fight if it is possible.” Elliot currently sits fourth in the standings with 43 points, behind Jamaica’s Robert McDonald, and his cousins Matthew (105) and Stephen (122) of Guyana.
GCA/NBS launches 5th Division ... From back page especially the young persons in our country, and we think that it is appropriate that we should contribute in a meaningful way to the development of sports in Guyana, particularly cricket. McDonald pointed out, that while the game locally has been faced with some challenges, the financial institution will continue to play positive roles in promoting the game throughout the country. The chairman commended the GCA for the initiative taken, regarding the development of fast bowlers. He urged the GCA to take the necessary steps to develop
the game in general, despite the difficulties with the management or administration of the game at certain levels. McDonald believes that cricket is here to stay and the game will blossom as the years progress. GCA president Roger Harper thanked the NBS for so willingly continuing the partnership with the Association in running this tournament and investing in youths. Harper, a former West Indies vice-captain, noted that the GCA was focused on the development of young cricketers and also in taking the game to a higher level. Harper, the Guyana Ama-
South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Excellency 08:55 hrs Strut Your Stuff 09:35 hrs Babbling Brooke 10;15 hrs Gaisce Gold 10:50 hrs Hashtag Strat 11:25 hrs Divar English Racing Tips Salisbury 08:40 hrs Deningy 09:10 hrs Inner Circle 09:40 hrs Contentment 10;10 hrs Argenterie 10:40 hrs Perfect Angel 11:10 hrs Show Stealer 11:40 hrs Sam Missile 12:10 hrs Knight Of The Air Haydock 09:00 hrs High Command 09:30 hrs Swiss Storm 10:00 hrs Alqamar
zon Warriors head coach, explained that the competition was not only an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent, but also serves as further development for the youths. He explained that last year the tournament has produced 12 players who have represented Guyana at the various youth levels, and out of the 12, one (Tevin Imlach) represented the West Indies at the ICC Youth World Cup earlier this year in Bangladesh. Harper assured that the tournament will be run at the highest standard and the GCA’s commitment to the NBS will be fulfilled.
10:30 hrs Marbooh 11:00 hrs Muwaary 11:30 hrs Stars Over The Sea 12:00 hrs Correggio Sedgefield 09:20 hrs Omid 09:50 hrs For Goodness Sake 10:20 hrs Anti Cool 10:50 hrs Gabrial The Great 11:50 hrs Vic’s Last Stand 12:20 hrs Sand Bllast American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Willow Race 2 Sweetrayofsunshine Race 3 Warranty Race 4 T R Crew Race 5 Grey Stark Race 6 Bareeqa Race 7 Hudson River Gal
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RHTY&SC receives $200 000 in uniforms from Gizmos and Gadgets T H E R o s e H a l l To w n Yo u t h & S p o r t s C l u b (RHTY&SC) Gizmos & Gadgets first division team last Monday received a major boost for the 2016 season when the official sponsor handed over 25 new cricket uniforms worth $200 000. According to a release from the club, the city-based company Gizmos & Gadgets, has been sponsoring the RHTY&SC first division team since 2010. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Hilbert Foster, during the simple presentation ceremony at the company’s main office in Wellington Street, Georgetown, said under the sponsorship the team won several major Berbice tournaments in-
cluding; Tenelec 50 overs tournaments in 2012 and 2015, Ramcharitar Construction 40 overs tournament in 2011, Berbice River Bridge 50 overs tournament in 2015, ABS 40 overs tournament in 2010, Universal DVD 20/20 tournament in 2011 and Busta Champion of Champions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. The team also successfully completed a total of 417 self-development programmes under the subheadings of sports, charity, youth development, coaching, anti-crime, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, education, community development, jobs for youths and economic development among others, Foster expressed grati-
NEW YORK, NY - Wimbledon champions Andy Murray and Serena Williams powered into the second round of the US Open as the stars came out on Arthur Ashe Stadium court on Tuesday night. Williams, launching her latest bid to rewrite the record books, started strong and didn’t let up in 6-3, 6-3 victory over 29th-ranked Ekaterina Makarova. The US world number one appeared untroubled by the baulky right shoulder that has hindered her in recent weeks, delivering a dozen aces and 27 winners overall in the 63-minute contest.
“I knew today I needed to be focused because I’ve played her. She’s gotten to the semi-finals. She goes deep in majors,” Williams said of the Russian lefthander who beat her in the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open. “She knows how to play big matches on big courts. She’s not intimidated. I knew I had to really come out today. It was my only option really.” Wi l l i a m s s a i d s h e wouldn’t know until she’d slept on it how her shoulder might respond to the effort. “Every day, I’ll just see how it goes,” said Williams, who is chasing a record sev-
Gizmos and Gadgets Company Secretary, Malicia Gomes, hands over the uniforms to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in the presence of members of the club and the company.
tude to the Management of Gizmos and Gadgets for their continued investment in the team. He reassured the company that the RHTGG team will continue to uphold the high standard it has set itself in the past. The RHTGG, Foster stated, will continue to represent the Gizmos and Gadgets brand with pride, passion, and a high level of discipline. Marketing Manager Earl Gomes, in handing over the 25 pairs of uniforms, stated that his company was proud to be associated with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, and congratulated the RHTGG for representing the company’s brand at the highest possible level.
Serena, Murray cruise into US Open second round
enth title on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows where she first triumphed in 1999. A victory would see her break the Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam titles she now shares with German Steffi Graf and close in on Margaret Court’s all-time mark of 24 major titles. While Williams has struggled since Wimbledon, Murray went from claiming a second title at the All England club to a successful defence of his Olympic gold in Rio. Vying to become the fourth man in the Open Era to reach all four major finals in a calendar year, Murray, too, produced a dominant service performance in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Czech Lukas Rosol. “I don’t think I had any break points against me, which is very good,” the Scot said. (AFP)
Serena, Murray cruise into US Open second round
Highest totals in one-day internationals Following is a list of the highest totals in one-day international cricket after England amassed 444 for three against Pakistan in Nottingham on Tuesday: 444-3- England (v Pakistan), 30 August 2016 443-9- Sri Lanka (v Netherlands), 4 July 2006 439-2- South Africa (v West Indies), 18 January 2015 438-9-South Africa (v Australia), 12 March 2006 438-4-South Africa (v India), 25 October 2015 434-4- Australia (v South Africa), 12 March 2006 418-5-India (v West Indies), 8 December 2011 418-5-South Africa (v Zimbabwe), 20 September 2006 417-6-Australia (v Afghanistan), 4 March 2015 414-7-India (v Sri Lanka), 15 December 2009
Premier League clubs spend record £1B
PREMIER League summer transfer spending has surpassed £1B for the first time. Clubs had spent a combined £1.005B as of 08:30 BST on yesterday’s transfer deadline day, according to sports business group Deloitte. The previous record of £870M, set last year, was passed on Thursday, six days
before transfer deadline day. Arsenal’s £52M double-signing of Lucas Perez and Shkodran Mustafi on Tuesday helped push spending beyond the £1B mark. At this stage last year, gross Premier League spending was £780M. Premier League clubs are benefiting from a new £5.1B
television deal coming into force, meaning they have more spending power, and 12 teams have broken their transfer record this summer. Earlier this month Manchester United set a new British transfer record when they spent £89M on Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. But some managers have complained that Brit-
ish clubs are being asked to pay too much for players on the back of the TV deal. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte last week said the market was “crazy”, and that he was being asked to “pay £50M for medium players”. The transfer window in England closes at 23:00 BST on August 31. (BBC Sport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
FIFA chief to be paid 1.5 million Swiss francs a year (REUTERS) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino will be paid a salary of 1.5 million Swiss francs ($1.53 million) a year, less than a quarter of that received by his predecessor Sepp Blatter, soccer’s world governing body announced yesterday. Infantino, who was elected on February 26, will also get a “car and lodging free of charge during his term and contribution to expenses in accordance with FIFA’s expenses regulations,” FIFA said in a statement. He is also entitled to bonus payments, though there would not be any this year because the bonus system had been open to “dysfunction and abuse” and needed to be reformed, FIFA said. “Bonus payments from 2017 onwards will be award-
ed in accordance with objective criteria related to FIFA’s mission and operations as well as the outcome of the organisational reforms, now being implemented,” said the statement. FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura will be paid 1.3 million Swiss francs per year plus the same benefits as Infantino, FIFA said. “The FIFA president’s annual compensation represents less than 25 percent of his predecessor’s compensation (average 2010-2015 including bonus),” said the statement. FIFA had said in June that Blatter and two other leading officials were involved in a “coordinated attempt” to enrich themselves through annual salary increases and World Cup bonuses.
Steady Kerber advances to third round
(REUTERS) - Second seed Angelique Kerber stayed on track in her quest to unseat Serena Williams as world number one by beating Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia 6-2, 7-6(7)yesterday to reach the third round of the US Open. Australian Open winner Kerber rifled home an ace to finish the first set against the free swinging, 34-year-old Lucic-Baroni, then won a see-saw second set in which each player was broken three times on the way to a tiebreaker. The Croat held two set points during the decider before losing it 9-7. The left-handed German was one match win away in Cincinnati from ending Williams’ long reign as number one before losing to Czech Karolina Pliskova in the final and has another chance to leapfrog the American at Flushing Meadows. Lucic-Baroni raised her game in the second set but could not overcome the steady Kerber as the big-hitting Croat blasted 37 winners while gifting the German with 55 unforced errors.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 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) 94 Tests (2) 18 wins Today’s Quiz: (1) How many players have now represented the WI in Tests? (2) How many players have now represented the WI in ODIs? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
FIFA president Gianni Infantino
FIFA said an internal investigation revealed that the three officials, who also included former secretary general Jerome Valcke and ex-finance director Markus Kattner, had received 79 million Swiss francs in compensation over five years. “Given misunderstandings and misrepresentations concerning this process and my compensation, I am pleased that this matter is resolved and that I have a signed, valid employment agreement,” said Infantino. “I am determined that
abuses of the system will not happen under my presidency.” Tomaz Vesel, head of FIFA’s compensation sub-committee, said the amounts were “absolutely appropriate considering the challenging duties” which Infantino and Samoura faced. “The FIFA president plays a key role as the leader of FIFA,” said Vesel. “He leads the organisation, setting its overall strategy with a clear mission to develop and protect the game. He also has a great responsibility in the reform process that has begun in FIFA.”
Walsh to become Bangladesh bowling coach COURTNEY Walsh, the former West Indies captain, is likely to become Bangladesh’s new bowling coach. Although neither the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) nor Walsh has made any public comments, ESPNcricinfo understands Walsh has signed a contract that runs until the 2019 World Cup.Walsh, who is set to arrive in the country in the coming week, replaces Heath Streak, who served as bowling coach for two years until May. This will be Walsh’s first major coaching role in international cricket since retiring in 2001 as the-then leading wicket-taker in Tests. He has since worked
Former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as a cricket administrator in the CPL and as manager in various roles including of the West Indies Under-19 West Indies selector, men- team. tor with Jamaica Tallawahs Most recently, Walsh
THE Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) will stage its post-Emancipation Day horse race meet on September 18 when a large number of the country’s horses are set to invade the facility at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. Eight races are carded for the day, and jockeys, stables and horse owners have until September 11 to register to participate in the event. The day’s programme will be highlighted by the
feature A3 and Lower race, which will carry a winning purse of $1M, over seven furlongs. The runner-up in this race will receive half that amount. When action gets underway the horses in the L W/A (non-winners) category will take to the track in a race over five furlongs for a top prize of $120 000. There will also be heated action in the D3 Maiden and E and Lower Open category over seven furlongs. The winner in that event will be
served as part of the We s t I n d i e s s e l e c t i o n panel. Walsh will be the second high-profile West Indian in a coaching role with Bangladesh. Gordon Greenidge, the former West Indies opener, was the coach who steered Bangladesh to the 1999 World Cup via victory at the 1997 ICC Trophy. Walsh takes on the role with Bangladesh’s pace bowling on the rise. Streak oversaw Bangladesh’s best year in ODI cricket, 2015, when they won a series each against South Africa, Pakistan and India. The team also reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup. (ESPN Cricin-
KMTC releases revised provisional programme for September 18 meet $600 000 richer. The H1 & Lower event over seven furlongs has a winning purse of $240 000, while the race for L (W/A) category will see the owner of the winning horse take home $120 000. The two-year-olds Guyana-bred race has a winning tag of $200 000, while G1 and Lower and J1 and Lower race winners will receive $280 000 and $180 000 respectively. Horse owners are reminded that the meet is being
conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and all applicable rules will be enforced. Owners and trainers are also reminded that they could have their horses registered through Justice Kennard (226-1399, 2254818 or 623-7609), Roopnarine Matadial (325-3192), Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Dennis DeRoop (609-9143), Fazal Habibulla (657-7010) or Compton Sancho (6021567).
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 1, 2016
Beacon FC celebrates 31 years today By Ras Wadada
GEORGETOWN and Guyana’s football powerhouse club of the early to the mid-90s is today celebrating 31 years since its formation in 1985 under the guidance and foundation of player/coach, Gordon ‘Ultimate’ Brathwaite and players who represented Region Three in the Guyana Games. After a full season in the-then Georgetown Football League’s (GFL) Second Division in 1986 the YSM Beacon earned promotion to the 1987 Demico League Division One of the GFL. Their debut performance was nothing short of dismal as they ended the season at the bottom of the table and, together with Pele FC who finished above them, had to contest a promotion and relegation competition which they both survived to remain in the City’s top flight football. They improved season after season in the Demico League as they earned the reputation for playing
Gordon ‘Ultimate’ Brathwaite
attacking and attractive football and by 1993 finished fourth. The club had dropped the YSM off the name of the club the year before and by this time was providing a number of players for the national youth team. Beacon also dominated the youth levels of the GFL in the 90s, but their crowning moment must be the double they captured in 1995-96 when they won the coveted Demico League and the prestigious Kashif and Shanghai annual KO,
where they took the lion’s share with 9 prizes. Among the players of that era were: Claude Phillips, Mark Pollard, Rawle Prince, Dexter ‘JJ’ Cort, Ola ‘Solo Tallboy’ Pedro, Andre Trotz, Wayne Dover, Julian Masdammer, Sherwayne S c o t t , Tr i l t o n L u k e , Shawn Prince and brothers Martin and Mortimer Stewart. Most of these players went on to wear the senior national colours. The year 1996 also saw club member Nigel Denny lead the National Under-16 and two years later the son of coach Brathwaite, Kayode, also emulated the feat. In 1998 the club received a serious setback as Brathwaite departed for the USA and so too did many of its players to other clubs during the four-year absence of the coach. It was the beginning of the club falling apart in terms of the quality of football for which it was well-known. Along the way the club has gone through many changes with re-
Windies continues to languish at bottom of ICC Test rankings
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — West Indies continues to languish at the bottom of the standings in the longest format of the game while cricketers from the region have made little progress in the player rankings. However, South Africa has moved up a few notches and pacer Dale Steyn has stormed back to the number one position in the latest ICC rankings released yesterday. We s t I n d i e s , w h o recently lost a Test se-
ries against India 2-0, remained number eight in the rankings above Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Their highest-ranked batsman is Darren Bravo who is in 28th position while Kemar Roach at number 23, is the region’s highest ranked bowler. Pakistan currently tops the team standings while there were no major changes in the list for batsmen, with Australia skipper Steve Smith leading the table. Steyn reclaims the number-one position for Test bowlers after pro-
ducing a match-winning performance in the Centurion Test that helped his side complete a 204-run victory over New Zealand on Tuesday. Steyn, who grabbed five for 33 in the second innings in what was his 26th five-wicket haul, finished with match-figures of eight for 99 to regain the top slot. Meanwhile, the 1-0 series win has pushed South Africa up two places to fifth in the Team Rankings, while New Zealand slipped two places to seventh.
gard to administration, migration and coaches and currently it languishes in the GFA’s top tier football. As the club celebrates 31 years today it welcomes again as the head coach, former national captain and the foundation coach, Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Brathwaite. Past and present players abroad and at home are determined to return the club to its former glory days of football. A special training session is on at 16:30hrs. this afternoon at the Parade Ground (Independence Park) where it all began.
Jaguars Franchise League Three-day tournament continues tomorrow … Lower Corentyne lead after round one
ROUND two in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League Three-day tournament continues tomorrow with four matches playing simultaneously countrywide. East Coast Demerara will clash with Upper C o r e n t y n e a t E n t e rprise Busta Sport Club ground, West Demerara come up against East Bank at Everest Cricket Club ground, Lower Corentyne oppose Georgetown at Albi on and Essequibo face West Berbice at Young Warriors Cricket Club ground. During the first round of matches, Lower Corentyne and East Coast Demerara emerged victorious over Essequibo and West Demerara respectively, while the matches played between East
Veerasammy Permaul
Bank and Georgetown and West Berbice and Upper Corentyne ended prematurely due to persistent rainfall on the third and final day. Jonathan Foo stroked an attractive 152 to be the leading run-scorer, while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul had a match-haul of 10-80. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, leg-spinner
Jonathan Foo
Amir Khan and left-arm pacer Raymon Reifer, each claimed five-wicket haul in the opening round. Meanwhile, Lower Corentyne lead the points standing with 19.4 points, followed by ECD (15.2), West Berbice (7), Upper Corentyne (6.4), East Bank (6.4), Georgetown (6.3), West Demerara (3.8) and Essequibo (3).
Beacon FC celebrates 31 years today See story on page 23
GCA/NBS launches 5th Division 2 tourney
… 15 teams to compete By Rajiv Bisnauth
W
ITH the aim of providing quality competition for the city’s clubs, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) for the fifth consecutive year has partnered with the New Building Society (NBS). Yesterday, the two entities officially launched the GCA-sponsored NBS 40-over Second-Division competition that will target 15 city teams, at the financial institution’s location on North Road and Avenue of the Republic. The tournament is scheduled to bowl off on Saturday, and as was the case last year, the competition will be played on a league basis where points will be allocated. Like in the previous year, the GCA will again place much emphasis on developing fast bowlers. According to Chairman of the GCA’s Competitions Committee, Shawn Massiah, at least 40 per cent of the overs in the game must be bowled by fast bowlers as stated in the playing regulations.
The tournament will be divided into two Zones and the teams listed to participate are: defending champions Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Everest Cricket Club, Sophia, Diplomats, Police, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Third Class, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Transport Sports Club (TSC), Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), Muslim Youth Organisation, Gandhi Youth Organisation, University of Guyana, Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and Ace Warriors. St Stanislaus College will not participate in the competition this year, due to unforeseen circumstances. Meanwhile, NBS Chairman Floyd McDonald, in his remarks said that the organisation was pleased to be associated with this tournament for the fifth consecutive year, since, according to him, sports plays an integral part of nation-building. “We at NBS consider sports in general to be a very important aspects in the lives,
Turn to page 20
‘Road to Portugal’ halted
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Tuesday stated that the fundraising campaign for the National U-17s tour to Portugal in October has been cancelled. According to a release, acting president of the GFF, Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell, met with the parents who formed the fundraising committee, last Tuesday, to inform them of the cancellation of the ‘Road to Portugal’, while expressing regret and thanking them for the enthusiasm and support shown in the fundraising campaign which was launched on August 19. The GFF further advised that the organisers of the first FUTURE Cup U-17 Portugal, ‘We Believe’, declared that they failed to attract the number of teams they anticipated. Additionally cost factors and European U-17 qualifiers were other issues that led to the cancellation of the international tournament. The First FUTURE Cup U-17 Portugal was set for October 14 to 23 in the city of Aveira and was intended to be an International development tournament with teams from North, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. (Ras Wadada)
NBS Chief Executive Officer Anil Kishun hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCA president Roger Harper. Sharing the moment are members of the NBS Board of Directors and executive members of GCA.
Elliot Vieira eyes Bushy Park lap record
See story on page 20 Elliot Vieira is seen during last year’s CMRC action in Barbados.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016