Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03 08 2016

Help’s on the way No. 104632

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- Commonwealth to help Caribbean access Climate Change funds

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STEM Guyana Robotic Camp opens in 15 Buxton/Friendship Page

Students from the Buxton-Friendship area participating in the STEM Guyana Robotic Camp at the Friendship Primary School

Policemen 11 charged with robbing gold miners Page

GPL promises stable electricity on East, West 12 Bank Demerara

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Pedestrian 4 dies in Corentyne accident Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Iwokrama: Critical to climate stability - but short on funding

IWOKRAMA, Guyana’s gift to the world, is one million acres of pristine rainforest, and one of the four last untouched tropical forests in the world. Located in the heart of the Guiana Shield, its position represents an important transition zone in rainfall, landforms, human histories and biological communities. In 1989, when the Commonwealth Heads of State met in Malaysia, the need for drastic action for saving the environment was high on the agenda. It was there that the late Former President of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, stood up and made an extraordinarily generous offer to the world. The Forest Reserve is approximately 3710 square kilometers (1430 square miles) of pristine rainforest. At 1000

servation and Development, which takes its name from a range of mountains some 400 kilometers inland. Since its foundation, Iwokrama has sought to advance best practices in the sustainable management of the world’s remaining rainforests. PLACE OF REFUGE

Baroness Patricia Scotland meters (3,300 feet) high, the Iwokrama Mountains form the geographic focal point of the Iwokrama Forest. In 1996, the late former president, Dr. Cheddi Jagan signed the Iwokrama Act which officially created the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Con-

According to the Indigenous Peoples, Iwokrama means ‘Place of Refuge’, where members of the Macushi tribe hid from attackers in the distant past. It is said that Iwokrama is the most intact tropical rainforest area left on Planet Earth. Snuggled in the heart of Guyana’s jungle, this facility has, over the years, attracted hundreds of tourists, government officials and those interested in wanting to see,

President David Granger (left) and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger (third right) being given a guided tour of the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre by Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dane Gobin (second left) feel and experience the untouched, lush rainforest. For those seeking an accessible alternative to similarly exotic but far more expensive locales, Iwokrama offers experiences and sights not found anywhere else, from South America’s largest animals such as the Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Harpy Eagle and River Otter to a variety of plants, trees and creatures, some of which are yet to be discovered. Iwokrama forest's ecosystem contains an extraordinary number of animal species that are either threatened or virtually extinct across most of their former geographic ranges. The Iwokrama forest is known to have the most variety of fish (over 420 catalogued thus far), bats (90

documented) and bird (over 800) species. Recently, President David Granger, accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining Iwokrama, and ensuring that it becomes a workable model for development and environmental protection. “We cannot develop this country unless we learn the lesson of Iwokrama; the lesson of biodiversity, sustainable development, renewable energy, climate change and living together, not in conflict, but in concert with nature,” President Granger said, adding: “Unless we solve these problems, Guyana will continue to be poor.” The Presidential party was afforded a first-hand

look at operations at the Centre during a two-day visit to the area. MORE INVOLVED Since its establishment, the Iwokrama Centre has been operating mainly with donor funding. However, in 2015, the government of the day had made interventions so that the Centre could have effected its 2015 plans, in face of “untimely and inadequate donations from international partners”. President Granger opined that Guyanese needed to be more involved in the protection of the nation’s patrimony. “We expect the corporate community and civil society to understand the importance of Iwokrama to the ‘Green’ Agenda, and to the livelihood of Guyana as a whole,” he said. “So, it is not going to be a government project, but a national project… And I expect that

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Help’s on the way

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

- Commonwealth to help Caribbean access Climate Change funds

By Ravin Singh

made available by the UN.

SUPPORT will be offered to Commonwealth Caribbean countries by the 53-member Commonwealth of Nations to assist in the process of accessing United Nations’ (UN) available funds to counter climate change. This was articulated by Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. An England resident, Scotland was nominated by the Caribbean to serve as Commonwealth SG, given that it was the Caribbean’s turn to nominate a candidate for that position, based on the principle of rotation. As the Baroness explained, Climate Change remains an important issue for the Commonwealth because it does not discriminate based on geographic space, and it poses an “existential threat” to our region. Efforts are being made at the level of the Commonwealth to create a climate change financial hub, where expertise that the region needs and those that the Commonwealth has will be in a common place. “Our “spoke” here in the Caribbean will be in Belize, at the Belize Climate Change Centre which was created by CARICOM. So the Commonwealth is going to put a specialist advisor in that hub to try and help those Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean,” the Baroness committed. She noted that if countries so desire, the Commonwealth would provide a financial climate change adviser to assist individual countries to feed into the “spoke”, to coordinate and help the region better articulate its needs, and to get access to the climate funds

GREEN CLIMATE FUND The UN has set aside US$900M to support adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change through the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF is a fund within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), founded as a mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. The SG described the system used to access the funds as “complex and difficult”; it has prevented countries in the Caribbean from drawing down any of that money. Faced with this situation, she again committed to providing support for the region to access these funds to help with climate change. “What we are trying to do in the Commonwealth is to create a mechanism to help and support our region technically, to get their hands on some of that money to help and adapt and change.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland She also expounded on the huge challenges that the region faces in the area of natural disasters, given that it is one of the most heavily indebted regions in the world. And most of that debt, she added, was incurred because of the climatic shocks from which the region has suffered for a number of years. “There has been a cycle of the Caribbean restoring the damage cause by climate change; just about getting things back in order and then another issue hap-

pens,” she said, referring to Tropical Storm Erika which devastated Dominica last year. DOING WELL The SG related that, just prior to the storm, Dominica was doing well by any one standard, having an increase of 4.1 per cent in its Gross Do-

mestic Product (GDP). But when Erika hit, it almost wiped out Dominica’s GDP, as 90 per cent vanished. “In a nano-second,” she said, “Dominica’s development was put back 20 years. All of the debts taken on to improve roads and other forms of infrastructure (were) washed away with it…. And still, having to recover; that is a challenge that our region has seen happen in many countries.” With this being a reccurring feature in the region, the Baroness said, she has been talking to various Caribbean leaders, over the last 22 months, to understand what the Carib-

bean needs are for herself, so as to guard against this phenomenon. And perhaps the most important questions at this time are: “How can the region manage its debt better?” and “Does the possibility of ‘debt swaps’ exist?” Debt swaps, she explained, is a term referring to the swapping of debts that the region has for climate change mitigation and adaptation practices. With no one solution to solve these issues, she reaffirmed her commitment to providing support to the region via the Commonwealth in areas which include and expand beyond climate change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Pedestrian dies in Corentyne accident

PEDESTRIAN David Murray, 26, of Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice was killed last evening when he attempted to cross the village public road at about 18:30hrs and was hit by a car three houses away from his home. According to reports, the blue Toyota Carina AT192, PLL 3946, being

Dead: David Murray

DATE: 30/07/2016 F

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driven in a westerly direction by 19-year-old ‘Matthew’, an overseas-based Guyanese and son of a popular car rental company owner from Williamsburg Corentyne, did not stop at the scene of the accident, but the driver turned himself in at the Whim Police Station. O n e o f M a t t h e w ’s friends, who was in another vehicle, told the Guyana Chronicle that Murray had stepped out from behind a vehicle that was in the opposite lane, and came in the path of the vehicle Matthew was driving. He said that Matthew attempted to stop after the accident, but was scared off by the advance of a group of men. “After he hit the man he guh fuh stop, but a group ah men who went on the road start fuh run towards he car and start cuss up, so he drive off,” the friend said. “He ain’t from here, so he went to Whim Police Station because he didn’t know that right where the accident happen there was a police station,” he explained. Matthew and the car involved in the accident were

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Officer in Charge of Traffic in ‘B’ Division, Boodnarine Persaud, meeting with David Murray’s father subsequently taken to the Number 51 Village Police Station, where he remains in custody assisting with investigations. Police sources have since confirmed that a breathalyzer test done on Matthew has proven that he had not been under the influence of alcohol when

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the accident occurred. S h e l d o n M u r r a y, a brother of the deceased, said he was attending to some of his stock when he heard a loud impact. “I was inside looking after my pigs when I hear a loud impact. My thoughts run straight on David, and I say in my mind, ‘I hope nothing ain’t

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happen to he…’ When I was putting him in the mortuary, I saw he had a long cut on his back and his head was badly damaged.” Their father, Clement Murray, said David was moments earlier at home conversing with friends prior to leaving to go on the road. (Nafeeza Yahya)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Pressure builds on Venezuela’s Maduro

VENEZUELA’S National Electoral Council (CNE) has announced its approval of the first step in an opposition campaign to recall President Nicolás Maduro. It said the opposition had succeeded in gathering 1% of voter signatures in all 24 of Venezuela’s states. The move is the first part of the opposition’s push for an early end to President Maduro’s term in office. In a further twist, the Supreme Court declared the parliament in contempt for swearing in three opposition delegates.

DEEP DIVISIONS The three delegates were elected last year, but the Supreme Court had barred them from taking up their seats over alleged irregularities in the December 6 poll. The National Assembly, which is controlled by the opposition, swore them in last week, arguing that in the months since they were barred, the investigation had stalled and they were innocent until proven guilty. But on Monday, the Supreme Court warned that all decisions taken by the assembly would be null and void until the three stood down. The opposition says the court is stacked with government loyalists intent on preventing the opposition from exerting its power in the National Assembly. Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has deeply divided the country. Shortages of basic goods are widespread, as is looting. The inflation rate is one of the highest in the world, and there are long queues outside shops. The CNE said Mr Maduro’s opponents had cleared the threshold of obtaining 200,000 valid signatures on a petition demanding that the president face a recall referendum. The council did not set a date for the next stage of the lengthy recall process, when the opposition will need to collect four million signatures in just three days. The opposition accuses Mr Maduro’s administration of mismanaging the economy. Mr Maduro was elected in April 2013. His term runs until 2019.

––recall campaign passes first hurdle

The situation in Puerto La Cruz, in north-eastern Venezuela yesterday, as people there mobbed a delivery truck on its way to a supermarket DETERMINED Correspondents say CNE head, Tibisay Lucena provided the president with a major fillip by stating that claims of widespread fraud in the opposition petition should be investigated. Ms Lucena said the authorities had detected more than 1,000 apparently falsified signatures. “The electoral authority will ask the state prosecutor’s office to investigate,” she said. However, she made clear that 98% out of about 408,000 signatures gathered by the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition, twice the minimum required in the initial phase, had been validated. The government made clear that it was determined not to

allow a referendum this year. It has initiated nearly 9,000 lawsuits around the country in an effort to try to halt the referendum push. Correspondents say timing is vital because if President Maduro loses a referendum in 2016 - as polls suggest he will a new presidential vote will be triggered, giving the opposition a chance to end 17 years of socialist rule. But if the president loses a referendum next year, he would be replaced by his vice-president, effectively ensuring the socialist party remain in power until the next presidential election scheduled for 2018. Opposition leaders want Ms Lucena immediately to announce a date for the collection of 20% of signatures in order to trigger a referendum as soon as possible. (BBC)

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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

Developing a One GuySuCo ONE OF THE commonest words at the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) these days is ‘change’. The Board of Directors, management and staff have accepted that while change is difficult, not changing -- and not changing at the right time -- could be detrimental. Hence there is currently a drive to carefully implement the strategy to mobilize employees around the changes taking place, and to keep them informed on those which are expected. No doubt, these challenging times have created the opportunity to redefine the Corporation. GuySuCo currently has seven Estates – Wales, Uitvlugt, East Demerara, Rose Hall, Blairmont, Albion and Skeldon. It also has 17,000 employees; 15 health centres; community centres; an ambulance brigade; a fire brigade; a training centre - GuySuCo Training Centre/Port Mourant (GTC/ PM); drainage networks which it maintains within communities; and earns US$100M annually in foreign exchange, among other things. Therefore, on a daily basis, it contributes significantly towards the growth and development of at least 80,000 persons, which is approximately one-ninth of the population. As the strategy for surviving the transition period and ultimately transforming into a resilient and sustainable business unfolds, serious consideration is being given to the roles and responsibilities of the management in general, and to employees at all levels, to ensure that they are empowered to secure the success of the Corporation. THE ‘ONE GUYSUCO’ This concept is utilized as an approach for implementing the social mobilization programme that promotes greater internal collaboration, synergies, partnerships, and team building to bring employees on board at all locations and divisions; and to promote shared values within the Corporation. Additionally, ‘Putting GuySuCo First’ is the internal campaign used as a mechanism in an effort to achieve ‘One GuySuCo’ and realize the goals and objectives of the ‘New GuySuCo’. This campaign is currently being carried out at all locations, as junior and senior managers undergo a two— day training in ‘Team Building’ over the next month. During these sessions, managers are urged to increase efficiencies in all relevant areas on the estates, and their roles and responsibilities for the transition process are emphasized. CHANGE MANAGEMENT Estate managers and their teams are critical to the transition process to the ‘New GuySuCo’, and to ensuring that the change process is managed effectively. Therefore, it is definitely not business as usual on the Estates and in the Corporation. These managers are

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Cut poor people some slack Dear Editor, THERE seems to be the belief by Royston King and ‘the Dark Forces at City Hall’ that poor people deserve their poverty. Why else would they have rounded up the poor vendors from downtown Georgetown and forced them into the infamous ‘Parliament View Mall’ -- an awful, cramped, out-of-the-way facility, to vend their goods?

Why else would they impose a ‘Container Tax’ that would not be borne by the importers or the shipping companies, but the poor consumer at the end of the line? Why would they force pensioners and other poor home owners in Georgetown to pay an increase in general rates, rather than have a proper valuation exercise done in the city to capture those monstrous buildings owned

by the wealthy who are not paying their fair share? Why would they not pay poor municipal workers on time? The City Council’s tax systems disproportionately burden the poor. It seems as though this Town Clerk has forgotten President Burnham’s maxim of the “De Small man is de real man”; and that, not so long ago, he, King, was also

a small man when he was an office assistant at Inland Revenue Department and when he squatted on the Council’s reserve in La Penitence. As the famous local saying goes: “Never curse the bridge you crossed” He needs to cut poor people some slack, and not forget where he came from. Faithfully yours, JAMES MC ONNELL

Disingenuous utterances Dear Editor, IT IS disingenuous, unkind and misleading for Mayor Patricia Chase-Green to say that, under the city’s by-laws, there is no provision for the Council to provide a vehicle to be designated to the deputy mayor, and that during her tenure as deputy mayor she was never issued a vehicle. There is no city by-law that deals with the amenities and/or resources to be provided to the mayor or deputy mayor. These are merely the trappings of these offices that were provided over time, and therefore the more ingenuous thing that she should have done was to give the history of this matter. In 1996, when then PPP/C Councillor Mrs. Philomena Sahoye-Shury, otherwise known as ‘Fireball’, held the office of the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, she was forced to seek redress in the High Court after the

then Opposition-dominated Council forcefully removed amenities which were constitutionally accorded to her office. The People’s National Congress/Good and Green for Georgetown, now referred to as A Partnership for National Unity, had used its majority to pass a no-confidence motion against Shury simply because she had become the acting mayor after then Mayor Ranwell Jordan had been out of the country attending a conference in Istanbul. They passed a motion causing Shury to lose her secretary, a vehicle and driver, and security guards for her residence. The GGG/PNC officials also boycotted all meetings she called during that period. Persons should remember that, back then, under an accord between the major parties in the Council, it was agreed that every side

exposed to training in the various ways employees may respond to the changes taking place. For example, some employees may rapidly embrace the change; others may be reluctant to accept it, or may be upset by it; while others may not embrace the change at all. The training provides managers with insight on how to support employees through the three stages of change in the Corporation – the current state, or how things are, through the transition state and to the future state: how things will become. DEVELOPING GREATER OWNERSHIP During the transition process, it is important that employees feel a greater sense of ownership, and understand that they have to take greater responsibility for their actions. Thus managers are trained to be leaders in the change process, and to be change agents; to assist employees in developing a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The training focuses on building collective and individual ownership by placing greater emphasis on creating shared purpose, transparency, communicating more effectively, sharing benefits and risks, and leading from the front. DEVELOPING SHARED VALUES ON ESTATES In transitioning the Corporation into a resilient business, changing the industrial relations climate is of critical importance. Consequently, the training focuses on improving relations between GuySuCo and the Unions. The relationship between GuySuCo and the Unions has been combative and adversarial, and that has to be transformed if the corporation is to become more progressive. As such, the training examined how to build strong social capital on estates,

would support the other’s candidate for mayor for one year during the Council’s three-year mandate. GGG leader Hamilton Green had served as mayor during the first year, in keeping with his party’s majority on the M&CC. The PNC’s Jordan was supported by the PPP/ Civic against Green the next year. It was expected that Sahoye-Shury would become mayor the following year (1996), but the GGG and PNC then combined their numbers to prevent this from taking place. Mayor Chase-Green then selectively says -- regarding the issue of security not being provided at the residence of Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan -- that since the deputy mayor does not own the property on which he currently resides, permission would have to be granted by the landlord. The motion that was passed in 1996 forcefully

removed all the amenities which were constitutionally accorded to the Deputy Mayor’s Office, not some; and included the guards at the person’s residence, so it could not be at the discretion of the Mayor or the Town Clerk or the Council to discern which of those amenities could be patronizingly given back to the holder of that office. All that needs to be done is to have a motion passed overturning that evil, depraved and dreadful one that was passed twenty years ago to spite and miniaturize Mrs. Philomena Sahoye-Shury. It is not a law, but merely a motion; that is: a formal proposal made by a member of a deliberative assembly so that the assembly could take certain action, which could be corrected by the passage of another motion that is ethical, principled and honourable. JERMAIN JOHNSON

and to use this as a resource for increasing production and productivity. Social capital refers to the relationships and norms that shape the quality and quantity of social interactions in the Corporation. It is important to understand that Estates play a pivotal role in developing shared values in the Corporation; since, as social relations improve on estates, this will lead to improved relations in the wider Corporation and ultimately increase the possibility of achieving higher targets. The managers are being trained in facilitating more cooperation and mutually supportive relations. As employees develop greater individual ownership and understand that the success of the estates and the Corporation as a whole rests largely on their commitment to their tasks, the estates and the entity, this will undoubtedly create the environment for a smoother transition and change process. SECOND CROP Finally, as the second crop commences, managers on the Estates have pledged to continue to work tirelessly to mobilize and inspire their workforce, not only around achieving specific targets for estates, but also around the goals and objectives of the ‘New GuySuCo’. This change management programme will continue over the next year, and the target audience includes management and employees. It is in the interest of ALL employees (at every level), their families and communities to embrace the change not only in regard to the nature of business, but also in the way the business is done, by changing work ethic and the level of commitment and overall attitude and behaviour. (By Audreyanna Thomas, Senior Communications Officer, GuySuCo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Where have these two unions gone? Dear Editor, CITY Hall has gone right back to the pre-Carol Sooba era; that is: punishing workers by paying them their wages and salaries weeks and weeks after the stipulated times; withholding their contributions to the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority and other agencies, thus compromising the wellbeing of the workers; owing every creditor in town that has given them credit of goods and services; owing all of their contractors, except for one; failing to purchase tools and materials to allow for municipal works to be completed; lacking in the maintenance of municipal buildings; compromising the occupational health and safety standards of its workers with unsafe

and dilapidated buildings and work sites; and much, much more. But in spite of all of the aforesaid, it is evident that during Sooba’s and the other Town Clerks’ tenures, the failure to pay salaries on time resulted in all sections -- inclusive of the Markets, Solid Waste, Drainage, Abattoir, even Gravediggers at the cemetery -- downing tools. Those who didn’t go on ‘GO SLOW’ then were questioned why. Why then and not now? Hope all concerned are taking note. Indeed, politics in Guyana is so interesting! But the real question to be asked is “what has happened to the Guyana Local Government Officers Union and the Guyana Labour Union?” These two organizations were selected to represent the collective interests

of workers of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown in negotiations with their employers over wages, hours, benefits and working conditions. They seem to have been silenced by the Council. Maybe they are making a new movie called ‘The Silence of the Lambs Part 2’. The poor representation by these two unions against the serious issues affecting municipal workers should lead to a loss of confidence in the leadership of both of them. Why is there no serious attempt being made to obtain justice for the workers of the M&CC whom they represent, despite pleas by many for betterment? It is certainly time that the unions are refreshed and new faces installed to fight for the rights of the workers of the Georgetown

Does nobody care for the small miner? Dear Editor, I AM one of a few small miners who have, for several years, worked on government reserve land until a few months ago. We have been informed that this land now belongs to a large-scale miner, and we have to cease working immediately and pack up and leave this land. Sir, we have tried unsuccessfully to get mining permission for this land. Now we are left wondering how this large-scale miner got documents to this piece of land which we, the miners who are actually working the land, could not receive. We have sought audience with Natural Resources Minister Mr. Raphael Trotman, but we have been told he does not meet with small miners, nor does he meet with the public. We tried calling his office many times, and on every occasion we were told he is unavailable. We also wrote him, but we are yet to receive a response. We journeyed to the GGMC to meet with Minister Broomes on her “Open Day”, but we were told that the “Open Day” has been discontinued; and when we asked where we could find Minister Broomes’s office, so we could go there to complain to her, we were told she does not have an office. Sir, it is as if this Government does not want to hear the complaints of small miners, and is pretending

that all is well in the gold mining industry. Oil is the only thing we hear Minister Trotman and this Government speak about, yet oil production is 10 years away. What about gold and the small gold miners? We are Guyanese who have been here all our lives, and we are trying to work today. We need land to work today to support our families today, not 10 years from now. Is there no policy or forum to address the concerns of small miners? Have no provisions been made for us to receive any of the land that was recently allotted and distributed to miners? Sir, the recent distribution of land, which was promised by Minister Trotman to small miners to remedy the historic wrong which resulted in small miners not having any lands to work, came and went; yet most small miners have not received any land, neither do we know what process, if any, exists for us to get a piece of this land. The recent land distribution is like a national secret, nobody knows anything about it. The rampant corruption continues at GGMC. Large and connected miners can, at a moment’s notice, receive mining licences to land anywhere in this country, while miners working small pieces of land cannot get lawful permission to work. And now they have closed the only avenue we had for lodging complaints

against the GGMC and to receive justice in land disputes and other issues. The President told us that Minister Broomes was transferred to the Natural Resources Ministry because of her vast experience in the mining industry. So why is Minister Broomes not dealing with mining issues? Why has she stopped conducting the ‘Open Day’? And why is she no longer meeting with small miners? Where and to whom are small miners supposed to bring their complaints now? We were happy when the President transferred Minister Broomes to the Natural Resources Ministry, and we gratefully brought our complaints to her on Wednesdays at the GGMC when she convened an ‘Open Day’ to meet with the public. We know her, and we know that she knows what does happen in the gold bush. Many small miners have gone to her and have had their problems resolved. Why has this successful initiative been abruptly scrapped? S i r, w e v o t e d f o r change, but we are yet to see that change at the GGMC or in the gold mining sector. Now no one -- no one -- is looking out for the small miner. No one wants to hear our troubles, and no one wants to address our complaints. Nobody cares! SMALL MINER

Municipality. It would seem as though the President of the GLU, Carvil Duncan, is too busy with his legal troubles to pay keen interest to matters which affect the Council’s workers who are represented by his union. Meanwhile, the GLGOU’s new president, Wendy DeCunha, seems more interested in travelling to overseas conferences than in the welfare of the GLGOU’s

membership. It is time for these unions to ensure that municipal workers are paid on time; that they are properly remunerated; that they are not superseded by friends and family members of the ‘Big Ones’ who have been employed en masse; that they encourage equality and fairness, ensure job security, facilitate better

training for workers, and guarantee the health and safety of the workers by repairing and refurbishing the ramshackle municipal buildings and work site buildings which accommodate its employees; and provide appropriate furniture, tools and equipment for employees. Sincerely, SHANTA SINGH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The emancipation of self By Akola Thompson TWO days ago, we celebrated Guyana’s emancipation from slavery. It has been 178 years since Guyana became emancipated from slavery, and the idea that someone was allowed to own grandmothers, fathers, mothers and their children and do with them as they pleased still leaves a bitter taste in our mouths; because, whether we are proud of it or not, we are descendants of those who were once enslaved. So, every year, we look back on the year 1838 and celebrate our foreparents’ liberation from chains and the cruelties associated with chains, and we believe that we ‘have made it.’ Somewhere along the line, our idea of freedom changed; we have come to believe that true freedom lies not in freedom of thought, but in freedom from physical bondage. In this belief, we have forgotten that liberty often is not given, but has to be actively pursued and taken, and the first step in doing that is to realise that we need to be liberated from the oppressive shackles which still exist within our minds and continue to hold down our people. The problem with mental slavery largely remains that not many put too much stock into it. Because how can someone be a slave if that person is not chained,

not owned, not beaten and sold? Who’s to say that not liking the colour of your skin, the shape of your nose, texture of your hair and history of your people is something you learnt on your own, and did not have forced into you? For some reason, many see this knowledge or reminder of our mind’s entrapment as trying to undermine the significance of Emancipation Day and the struggles of our ancestors, when in actuality what we are trying to do is honour our ancestors and acknowledge their right to be wholly, rather than partially, free. Another battle which looms large is not undermining the physical liberation we would have acquired, but rather trying to stimulate true liberation of mind; as we are still blind to factors which continue to influence our decisions and threaten to cheapen the freedom of mind, body and soul that was fought for and gained. There remain so many things which were set up not to educate, but to continue the lack of enlightenment of black people and begin a culture of brainwashing and colonial mentality that continues to undermine African history, culture, opinions, and identity in a shameless attempt at getting us to embrace Western thoughts, visions and appearances. We have become a people who see peace, order and normality in a world filled with

injustice and suppression, because somewhere along the line we became comfortable with this negativity about self and the inferiority which comes with such sentiments and continues to skew Black Nationalist discourse. The sad thing about most of this is that even those who somehow manage to escape and learn of the disastrous after-effects colonialism had and continues to have on us do not see the need to educate, but rather continue to further oppress for their own gain, validating this very same mentality with cleverly veiled politics and policies which have no basis in the logic of their own reality. Largely, while we can’t blame those who let their minds remain enslaved (as we live in a world where we are taught -- through not only the media and history, but our elders as well -- that our blackness is not good enough), there comes a time when we must all seek to question the caricatured representations of ourselves in the media, and question the education and religions which teach us to hate not only ourselves, but others. We must, at some point, remove ourselves from those who seek to become the definers and define us. We must reach a point where our first instinct is not to mimic, but to create and embrace. Only then will we have been truly emancipated.

Automatic distribution system for Old Age Pension by January AN automatic distribution system for Old Age Pension will be introduced by January, 2017, but pensioners will have to be in possession of the new National Identification Card, the Social Protection Ministry has disclosed. In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said that the new system will ensure greater efficiency, accountability and transparency. NEW NATIONAL ID CARD As part of the new system, pensioners will be required to have the new National Identification Card. As such, the Ministry is requesting that all Old Age pensioners who do not have the nine digit identification cards issued in the last Registration Cycle by the Guyana Elections Commission upgrade their National Identification Cards. “The new system will only use the nine digit National Identification Cards. Pensioners are advised to capitalize on the ongoing registration process at the Guyana Elections Commission offices in their areas to have the new National Identification Cards if they have not done so already,” the Social Protection Ministry urged. PHANTOM PENSIONERS A forensic audit and review of the Old Age Pension

“The new system will only use the nine digit National Identification Cards. Pensioners are advised to capitalize on the ongoing registration process at the Guyana Elections Commission offices in their areas to have the new National Identification Cards if they have not done so already,” Social Protection Ministry urges. Scheme had indicated that the Social Protection Ministry, formerly known as the Ministry of Human Services, was in the business of distributing Old Age Pension Books to phantom pensioners during the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government (PPP/C). In a detailed report compiled by Nisam Ali and Company, the Ministry of Finance was informed that there is evidence to suggest that pension books were distributed to non-existent and unqualified persons during the period under review, January 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015. According to the auditors, there were 27 instances when ineligible persons collected pension books. “We attempted to confirm the existence of these persons by

contacting them, however, our attempts were unsuccessful,” the consultants stated. Additionally, there is no system in place to ensure that pensioners in the hinterland are alive, so there is a possibility that Old Age Pension Books are distributed to ghost pensioners. In January 2011, Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament, the late Sheila Holder had contended that 17,640 persons who were listed on the 2010 Old Age Pensioners’ Register were phantoms. She had argued that payments to the ‘phantom pensioners’ totaled some $116M monthly, or $1.3B annually. Holder had told the National Assembly that according to the Guyana Population and Housing Census at 2002, the number of individuals over 65 was 32,030, and had risen proportionately from 3.9 percent of the population in 1980, to 4.3 percent. And according to statistics from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, she said, the number of pensioners, which in 2002 were 33,425, had increased significantly to 44,000 in 2010. It was these indicators, coupled with other computations done by Holder, which resulted in the conclusion that there had been an increase in ‘phantom’ pensioners.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Ramayya refutes claims he ‘abandoned ship’

THE Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Dr. Veersammy Ramayya, says he has never abandoned ship. Refuting claims made last month by Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop, who alleged that Dr Ramayya had “walked off the job”, leaving the council in jeopardy, Dr Ramayya said on Tuesday that DeRoop’s contention was far from the truth. “I would never walk off the job when I can give notice,” the REO said in a statement after returning from a brief vacation overseas. Ramayya explained that when he left work on July 15, there were no unsigned documents, contracts or cheques; and no financial transaction or processing of workers’ payments were hampered by his absence, as Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Bhadase Poonai was performing the functions of REO. Moreover, this information could have been easily verified by both his secretary and Poonai. “When I left here, not one document was on my desk. No contract was left unattended, and I was clearly disturbed by the accusation (that was) widely circulated in the media,” the REO asserted. He said he immediately resumed duties on his return to Guyana on July 26, and has since been conducting the council’s business. However, he noted that because of the allegations peddled in the media, several commercial banks had refused to process business transactions under the council’s account. “When I came this morning, there were about $6M in cheques that could not be processed,” Dr Ramayya explained. Region Six REO, Dr The situation has since Veersammy Ramayya been remedied, and the banks have now resumed doing business with the Regional Administration. “I’ve worked hard to ensure transparency in this region,” Dr Ramayya said. “It is something I have always been fighting for,” he emphasized. He is currently working with the Council to prepare the Region Six budget.

Judge grants accused wife killer bail - after constitutional motion by defence attorney

MURDER accused Azim Khan of Number 72 Village, Corentyne was granted $500,000 bail after Justice Franklyn Holder ruled that his constitutional right had been contravened. Sitting at the Berbice High Court, the judge urged that a new preliminary inquiry be started within 14 days and be concluded in 120 days. Further, it was ordered that the passport of the accused be lodged with the Clerk of Court, and that Khan should report to the Springlands Police Station every Monday at 15:00hrs. In addition, the judge stipulated that Khan should attend each hearing of the preliminary inquiry and trial, failing which he would be arrested and placed into custody until the completion of the matter. The order was triggered after Attorney-at-law Mursaline Bacchus had applied to the High Court, on May 18 last by way of a constitutional motion, for bail under Article 139[3] of the Constitution, which states that if a person is not tried within a reasonable time, he shall be placed on bail. The fifty-year-old Azim Khan, a cane harvester, is accused of unlawfully killing his wife Herowattie Tekram at their home on November 5, 2009. Khan was charged with murder on November 9, 2009, and after a preliminary inquiry before Magistrate Krishndat Persaud at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, the accused was committed to stand trial at the October sitting of the Criminal Assizes in 2011. In May 2012, the depositions were sent to the Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions. In August 2012, the DPP referred the matter to Magistrate Krishendat Persaud to reopen the inquiry, but by then Persaud no longer functioned as a magistrate. On January 29, 2015, the DPP, through a letter to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, purported to discontinue the committal. As a result, Bacchus challenged the committal on grounds that the DPP had no power to discontinue the committal. On October 22, 2015, the Chief Justice agreed with the lawyer and quashed the decision, while the DPP subsequently entered a nolle prosequi in April 2016 and advised that a new charge be laid. The State was represented by Attorney Prithima Kissoon. On November 5, 2009, at about 05:45 hours, Heerawattie Tekram, a mother of two, then aged 43 years, was found lying in her yard, bleeding profusely from incised marks about her throat, face, neck, back and head. Her husband was later arrested and charged with murder.

Berbice triple murder...

Lawyer moving to the High Court

- Defence to challenge magistrate’s decision BERBICE criminal lawyer Murselene Bacchus will be moving to the High Court to challenge City Magistrate Judy Latchman’s decision to have his clients reappear at the Georgetown Magistrate Court, instead of in the district, where the alleged offence was committed. Bacchus told Berbice court reporters that he was not informed when his clients -Carlton Chetram, his son, Jairam, and employee, Tameshwar Jagmohan – were to make an appearance, until they were already before Magistrate Latchman. “But I will move to the courts to challenge the Magistrate’s decision,” Bacchus said, adding: “According to Section 32 of the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act, and Section 57 of the Criminal Law Procedure Act, the Magistrate should have transferrerd the matter to the district where the offence was committed, namely at the Court at Black Bush Polder, and not to the Chief Magistrate’s Court.” Eighteen-year-old Jairam Tajeram, 26-year-old Tameshwar Jagmohan and 38-year-old Carlton Chetram were not required to plea to the charges when they appeared before City Magistrate, Judy Latchman. The trio is indictably charged with, between July 21 and 22, murdering Naresh Rooplall, aged 33; Pawan Chandradai, aka ‘Suresh’, aged 37; and his 15-year-old son, Jaikarran, aka ‘Kevin’. The matter is fixed for hearing on September 6 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

GAWU accuses PM of organising picket exercise THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has accused Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo of organising a picketing exercise against the union and the High Court of Guyana. “The union has information to the effect that the workers who met the Prime Minister at his office were reportedly encouraged to conduct a picketing exercise outside of GAWU’s Headquarters and the High Court around early August, 2016,” GAWU said in a statement on Tuesday. According to GAWU, a report was also received which suggests that the management of Wales Estate has been providing a few selected workers from those aggrieved with the mobile numbers and names of their colleagues, to facilitate mobilization for the picketing exercises. Circulating too, the union said, is information that the 11 workers who met with the Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister have received an “inducement for their picketing assignment.”

It was reported that the Prime Minister met the 11 aggrieved workers on July 27, 2016. It was there, GAWU said, that the PM reportedly informed the workers that, “GuySuCo is prepared to pay the severance and monies have been set aside for same, but the company could not act in violation of the injunction.” Additionally, it was noted that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder also told the workers that GuySuCo was prepared “to effect the payment with immediate effect, should the order of the court be lifted.” In light of this, the union contends, it was interesting to note that the “independent” Board of GuySuCo is seemingly having its work conducted by Government Ministers. GAWU sought to explain that the workers’ severance payment became payable on April 22, 2016, almost two weeks before the issuance of the Court Order, and GuySuCo failed to pay the workers within that timeframe. As such, the union questioned how the Court Order could

possibly frustrate or prevent the payment of the severance allowance. “Obviously, this is simply a ploy,” GAWU said, adding that either the Prime Minister or the Minister of Agriculture were misled by the sugar company, or were “deliberately mischievous” at the expense of the plight of the poor sugar workers. Further, GAWU contends that the objective of the Court Order, at the instance of the two unions, is to ensure that the rights of the other workers (about 1,550) are not trampled upon. “The Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister sought, at the July 27, 2016 meeting with the group of workers, to grab at an opportunity to shift the blame of GuySuCo’s non-payment to the workers, or to resort to legal action at this time. The Prime Minister should know such tactics are not really effective these days,” the statement said. GAWU sought to reason, too, that there is no doubt that, sooner than later, the Court Order would not be in place, since in another eleven weeks the second sugar crop at Wales is scheduled to close and GuySuCo would be required before then to complete its determination on the fate of those workers who are presently in the estate’s employ. As such, the union stated, it understands that the two government officials’ message to the 11 workers is for them to confront the unions, so that they could withdraw the Court Order. “This explains why GuySuCo did not readily contest the Order when it came into being. The corporation’s position obviously was to procrastinate to (cause) further disaffection by the 104 workers with their two unions. It’s obvious that GuySuCo’s lethargic position in dealing with the Order has been politically influenced,” GAWU added in its statement. Meanwhile, the body revealed that GuySuCo has assured both GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) that the unions would be involved in all related discussions as the corporation and the government endeavour to fulfill a decision regarding the closure of Wales Estate. This was reportedly agreed upon at a meeting on January 20, 2016. Sixty-seven (67) Wales workers’ employment was, according to GAWU, selectively terminated without their due compensation in February, 2016. Management deemed those workers as temporary workers. Some workers, including planters and mechanical tillage operators, were directed by the management to take up employment at Uitvlugt Estate, since their work at Wales was deemed redundant. According to GAWU, at the same time, officials from GuySuCo’s Central Office summoned a number of workers to meet with them. Subsequently, 104 were notified in writing that their jobs have been deemed redundant. They were reportedly given the required one month’s notice, with the primary requirement that their severance allowance be paid at the end of the notice period, which was April 22, 2016. However, GAWU stated, this undertaking to which GuySuCo is legally bound has not been fulfilled. As a result, the 104 workers not only have been denied their just severance entitlements, but have not been provided work since April 22, 2016.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Three charged with Black Bush triple-murder THREE men who allegedly confessed to the murder of three rice farmers of East Canje, Berbice appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. They were not required to plead to the charges and were remanded to prison until September 06; the matter was transferred to Chief Magistrate Ann Mclennan. Those charged are Carlton Chetram,38 called “Lima” or “Lie man,” of

Carlton Chetram reportedly instructed his teen son to kill the men

Mibicuri South; his 18-yearold son Jairam Chetram, and a worker, Tameshwar Jagmohan 26, called “Guana” of 222 Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder. The court heard that between July 21 and July 22 at Kokerite Creek Savannah, they murdered Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin” and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice.”

The alleged shooter, 18 – year – old Jairam Chetram, and Tameshwar Jagmohan

The search continues for the fourth suspect, Rakesh Karamchand called “Go to Front”, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, who is still in hiding. It is alleged that the accused men were in a rice field belonging to Sudama Jagmohan called “King”, and were stealing diesel fuel when the trio came to the very field to catch “hassar”. The accused fired two shots in the air, and the trio ran towards the dam but fell. It is alleged that “Lie Man” told the party to “get rid of the evidence (witnesses)”. The shooter, believed to be his 17-year-old son, moved over to the men and shot them each once at point blank range, killing them on the spot. It is believed that the gun he used belong to his father. When the bodies were discovered on July 22 by “King” and his workers, the men still had their fishing gear on them. Rooplall had a cast net hung over his shoulder, his nephew had a bag with fish hung around his neck, while Chandradeo had his cast net in his hand. Fish, body parts and blood littered the scene.

Policemen charged with robbing gold miners FIVE policemen – a Lance Corporal and four Corporals – were charged on Tuesday in connection with robbing three gold miners of a total of $165,000 worth of raw gold. Appearing before City Magistrate Judy Latchman were Lance Corporal Mark Fernandes, 42, of Lot 16 Annandale Railway Embankment, Constables Raphael Lowenfield, 25, of Diamond Housing Scheme; Akeem Thompson, 25, of Bell Air, Georgetown; Kosice Arthur,25, of Linden and Delroy Duncan, 22, of Sister’s Village, West Bank Demerara. The policemen are accused of robbing Sherwin Noel of five pennyweights of raw gold valued GY$55,000; Herilall Gildharie of four pennyweights of raw gold valued GY$44,000 and Urie Samuels of six pennyweights of raw gold valued GY$66,000 on July 25, 2016 at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The men pleaded not guiltily to the three charges

and were represented by Attorney- at-law Patrice Henry. According to Henry, his clients were on patrol duty at the Timehri Police Station when they received certain information via a radio that they should report to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The officers had

received information that three suspects had stolen raw gold from their employer. The ranks upon arrival searched the three suspects but sent them away after nothing was found in their possession. The lawyer told the court that a few days later the miners showed up at the

police station claiming the officers had robbed them of their gold. Police Prosecutor Shellon Jupiter made no objection to bail; however she told the court that on the day in question about 14:20h the miners came out of the interior and were

Corporal Akeen Thompson, Raphael Lowenfield and Kosice Arthur

standing at the Camp Stephenson army base. According to the Prosecutor, the five armed officers who were on mobile patrol arrived and searched the men and stole the gold in the process.

Magistrate Latchman granted each policeman $200,000 bail on each of the three charges and ordered that they report to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters every Friday.

Lance Corporal Mark Fernandes

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Pedestrian killed by allegedly drunk driver POLICE are investigating a traffic accident which occurred on Sunday, July 31, at approximately 21:30hrs on the Ever Green Public Road, Essequibo Coast, and resulted in the death of 53-year-old Lawrence Tans, a pedestrian of Charity, Essequibo Coast. A police report noted that Tans was admitted at the Suddie Hospital after the accident, but succumbed while receiving medical treatment at about 10:00h on August 01. The driver’s breathalyzer test found him to be well above the legally allowable limit of alcohol. He is presently in police custody assisting with the investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

GPL promises stable electricity on East, West Bank Demerara THE supply of electricity on the East Bank and West Bank of Demerara are expected to return to normalcy today following last weekend series of power outages. Last Saturday, the Garden of Eden (GOE) operations were decommissioned

due to damages sustained to the roof as a result of heavy thunder storms. The switchgear and controls were severely damaged due to the heavy downpour. In a statement on Tuesday, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) assured that repairs are being executed to the affected areas to have normalcy restored. Immediately after the thunder storm, GPL said engineers rapidly isolated the area and immediately

secured the roof with a tarpaulin to prevent further damages. However, the damages resulted in a significant number of customers from Hope to Timehri and Yarrowkabra on the East Bank Demerara and La Grange to Vriesland on the West Bank Demerara being de-energised for a lengthy period while alternative sources were employed. “A team of engineers and contractors swiftly im-

plemented a crises management plan that saw temporary roof repairs and environmental mopping up of the Control Room responsible for the switching of power into the GPL Grid areas that were affected,” the power company explained. Testing of the affected equipment started on Sunday and the GOE operations are expected to return to normalcy by today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

One in custody after gunning down of Laing Avenue man - police hunting two other suspects FOLLOWING the execution-style killing of Orin David, called ‘Plait Hair’, on Monday afternoon outside his Lot 89 Laing Avenue, Georgetown home, ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken said that one person is in custody and a vehicle is lodged while sleuths are hunting for two other suspects. The senior officer told this newspaper that a black Fielder wagon, one of the vehicles used during the shooting, is lodged with the police and its owner was arrested pending investigations. Hicken said that they know who they are looking for and they will be apprehended soon.

Dead: Orin David David, 33, who was said to be a taxi driver, was reportedly shot about his body several times on Monday afternoon by a man, following a row over money the

shooter allegedly owes him. The assailant was reportedly accompanied by others. It was reported by relatives that David had bailed a friend, who was identified since he was a frequent visitor to the Laing Avenue home. David had asked him for the money many times but to no avail and was upset that he was not repaid in a timely manner and expressed his dissatisfaction when he encountered the individual on Emancipation Day. The young man left and returned with others and it was then David was fatally shot after a brief exchange of words with the men.

At the time, David was liming in the vicinity of his residence when he was killed in full view of relatives and neighbours. In February 2015 David was freed after being imprisoned for five years over the alleged 2010 murder of Mahaica farmer, Lakhram Bishundial.

Bishundial, called’ Mohan’, was fatally shot during a robbery at Hope Turn, East Coast Demerara. He was on his way home from a city bank after he had withdrawn some money for a sibling’s wedding when he was robbed and killed by two men. Subsequently, David and

another person identified as Shawn Thom were charged for the murder, but Thom was freed a week before David. David was well known to the police because he had several brushes with the law, including possession of an unlicensed firearm. (Michel Outridge)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Police awaiting post-mortem results - in Emancipation Day drowning at ‘Blacka’

A DAY after scrap metal dealer Ryan Jones reportedly plunged into the ‘Blacka’ (Lamaha Canal) for an afternoon swim after a game of football on Emancipation Day, police are awaiting the result of a post-mortem examination

to decide the way forward in the probe into his death. ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken said a post-mortem would be performed on the body on Wednesday, but he noted that the body bore no marks of violence, and so no one

was arrested for questioning. He added that statements were taken from the relevant persons, so police are aware of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Twenty-seven-year-old father of one, Ryan Jones,

had been a resident of Barr Street, Albouystown. He had taken a plunge into the dark waters of the Lamaha Canal, called the ‘Blacka’, after telling some friends he was with that he was a swimmer. He did not surface after the plunge, taken at about 13:40hrs on Monday, and a search exercise was activated by the same friends. He was retrieved in an unconscious state by one of his friends, and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Ryan Jones

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

STEM Guyana Robotic Camp opens in Buxton/ Friendship First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is optimistic about the impact that the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Guyana Robotic Camp will have on participants, through the development of their knowledge about technology and its potential to spark their creativity. The First Lady officially opened the Camp in Buxton/Friendship, East Coast Demerara. Thirty students aged 10 to 14 are registered in the programme, which is being conducted by Guyanese born Ms. Karen Abrams and her four children: Ima, Asha, Caleb and Joshua Christian, all of Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the First Lady said, “I saw all the possibilities of robotics and the increase in knowledge of technology for [the] young people. [It is] a new way of learning, a new way of getting excited about something.” The workshop is for children, who are intellectuals, as well as those who may not be literate or numerate. She also expressed hope that the workshops can eventually be expanded nationwide. According to the release, the STEM Guyana Robotic Camp has its genesis in the Abrams family wanting to give back to their homeland. They publicised their interest in hosting the workshops and several groups and businesses in the United States, Canada and locally have since thrown their support behind the effort. The Buxton workshop is being funded by Ms. Joycelyn and her husband Mr. Morris Wilson and the Buxton/ New York group. Ms. Wilson is also a member of this group. Ms. Wilson encouraged the students to capitalise on the opportunity to learn. “There [are] so [many] opportunities for you guys, all you have to do is stay focused. Know what you want [and] aim high,” she said. Ms. Carolyn Moore, a representative of Team STEM Guyana of the USA, which also provides financial support for the workshop, also attended the opening. Another workshop is also being held at the Lusignan/Good Hope Learning Centre for children from that area. All the sessions are co-ordinated by Mr. Fitzroy Younge, under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady. He is assisted by Ms. Ovian Mansfeld and a team of five trained volunteers, including Mr. Donwin Stuart, Mr. Jamal Mosely and Canadian siblings Ms. Kavya Sony and Mr. Ojas Sony.

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First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger interacts with Mr. and Mrs. Sony, the parents of two of the trained volunteers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Trying to keep drumming alive By Shauna Jemmott

“THE art of drumming is dying,” she said with a wistful look in her eyes. “Many have lost interest in the art, and the few who’ve remained faithful through the years have become disheartened.” It’s a fact that has not been lost on us here at the Guyana Chronicle, which is why we sought out Sister Clementine Marshall, a longstanding member of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), to find out exactly what is happening with what is arguably one of the most precious gifts passed on to us Guyanese by our African forebears. It was she who conceded that the art form is slowly dying, but she was quick to point out that ACDA is trying its best to somehow keep the form alive. “Sometimes we find when we go into communi-

ties,” Sister Marshall said, “many people do not have the time because they have to work. Some just do drumming because they love to drum, but they get disillusioned and put the drums down, and maybe go and do cement work or something else because they get nothing from drumming.” And if they do manage to get something, it’s just a pittance. “If you notice,” she said, “when they are out on the road with their little box, somebody will put twenty dollars. How many twenty dollars you have to get to get a thousand dollars?” But one of their biggest problems is seemingly recognition. “They complain that they don’t think they’re getting enough recognition,” Sister Marshall said, adding: “When somewhere wants drummers, they just ask for drummers… But how are they surviving? They need exposure!” And this is where ACDA

comes in, she said. “In ACDA, we have a youth group. Every Saturday, we have drummers; young drummers that are coming up. We try to see if we could have a continuity of drumming with other people.” She is of the opinion, however, that the Ministry responsible for Culture, Youth and Sport could do a lot more than it is doing for drumming, rather than just focusing on developing and promoting the sport aspect of its work. “We see the Ministry of Culture, they’re looking to sports and all of that, but not at our music and our drumming…. So, in ACDA, we try to encourage them; to bring them out, especially at Emancipation time, so that persons could see them.” FESTIVAL OF DRUMS She has a fair idea how the Ministry of Culture could help drummers get

Sister Clementine Marshall in action last week on Main Street (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson) the recognition they crave. come and showcase their specifically speaking of the “The Ministry of Culture art; to expose them, and promotion and development could put together a festival let them feel recognized. I of African drumming, a fuof drums, where drummers think that would help.” sion of drums would create from all walks of life could She said that while she’s a unique Guyanese sound. “We were at the Marriott the other day, and we had the Tassa fusing with the African drums and it was lovely!” And while on the subject of cohesion, she feels that the government would do well to seriously consider economic and cultural cohesion. “We talk about cohesion, but we have to have it in every sphere: Economically and culturally,” Sister Marshall said.

A lesson in drumming in session Monday at the National Park, where Emancipation Day activities were in full swing (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

POWER OF THE DRUM Drums are important tools for sending messages; but there are also ceremonial drums used in weddings and other occasions, as well as drums that bring healing to the sick, according to http://www. african-drumming.com. “Drums are instruments that, when you hear them, you feel something inside your body because they have this supernatural power which goes into the body and touches our soul and awakens our spirit… The person’s spirit and the drummer and drum spirit come together as one spirit, and that person also has a very high spiritual communication with drum and the drummer… “Drum rhythm is an international language in any culture or tradition…” the website explains.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Public Health Ministry takes ‘nutrition awareness’ to Region 10

NUTRITION Awareness Week begins today, under the theme, “Healthy Eating and Active Living: You, Your Health and Your Future”. And according to the Food Policy Division of the Ministry of Public Health, “This year, we are taking our outreach to Region 10, where we will be conducting a two-day session with pregnant teenagers.” Those sessions, the ministry says, will be held at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) from 08:30 hrs. to 15:30 hrs. daily, with participants being exposed to educational and practical sessions on: * Safe Motherhood; * Healthy Diet and Meal Planning; * Anaemia (including the use of Sprinkles), * Early Childhood Development (focusing on Breastfeeding); and * Empowering Teens to Return to School. As the health ministry has observed in a press statement, “It is a known fact that babies born to teenagers are more likely to have lower birth weights, increased risk of infant mortality, and an increased risk of some congenital anomalies. “The importance of nutrition during pregnancy for the health of both mother and child is well documented. Nutritional needs are high in adolescence as the body grows and develops. Thus, when a teenager becomes pregnant she needs all the help and support she can get. “Further, the survey on ‘Iron, Iodine and Vitamin A Status and Antibody Levels in

Guyana (2012)’ yielded valuable information on the iron status of the Guyanese population.” By World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, the ministry says, “24% of young children under five years old, 20.8 % of schoolchildren, and 41.3% of antenatal women” were found to be anaemic, while “a significant percentage (51.0%) of pregnant women with anaemia were 20 years old and younger.” Noting that the foregoing findings are “of crucial public health significance and concern, as iron deficiency has serious health consequences,” the ministry says: “Mounting evidence indicates that maternal iron deficiency in pregnancy reduces fetal iron stores, perhaps well into the first year of life. An anaemic pregnant woman is at greater risk during the perinatal period. “To address this, recommendations from the Micronutrient Survey has emphasized that pregnant women were not only tested but counseled on the need for iron, when and how to use iron, and how much iron to use. It was also recommended that pregnant women and parents/guardians of young children be counselled on diet. “Awareness activities regarding iron-deficiency anaemia, a preventable health condition, are continuous and ongoing by the Food Policy Division of the Ministry of Public Health. This outreach is another such activity as we continue to strive to achieve our goals in making our population healthier.”

Uncovered McDoom drain poses real danger to pedestrians

IMAGINE a pedestrian striding confidently along the concrete walkway that covers the deep drain on the eastern carriageway of the McDoom public road, East Bank Demerara, just south of the gas station. Then without warning, she encounters a wide gap in the cover over the drain and drops some 4’ down into the smelly, garbage strewn drain. At least two of the concrete panels are missing, leaving the drain of a depth of about 4’ and width about 3’6” uncovered. Additionally, there are other broken panels on the verge of disintegrating, posing serious danger to pedestrians, particularly school children and senior citizens traversing that route at nights. The panels have been missing since the latter part of last year. They were removed, reportedly by City Council workers who had a clean-up campaign in the area, and have since disappeared without a trace. A few months ago, a resident of McDoom happened to be walking home from a wake nearby and stepped off one of the concrete panels and ended up at least four feet below in the drain that had at least 18” of water. She suffered a broken leg and abrasions to other parts of the body, and had to be rushed to hospital. She has been laid up and unable to work for several months. Residents who have children traversing that route on their way to school are worried that something tragic may happen, and contend that it is even more perilous on nights where there is blackout. (Shirley Thomas)

DANGER DROP: A resident who daily traverses the area points to the dangerous gap

It was this tomb-like structure into which the resident of McDoom fell a few months ago (Photos by Ivan Bentham)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Iwokrama: ...

in the fullness of time, not only the Commonwealth would adopt it more fully, but the Caribbean Community will understand its importance to their future.” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also recently visited the centre, and he, too, was left amazed by the reserve’s geological features, saying it has much to offer to Guyanese and overseas visitors alike. Lauding Guyana also for its key role in climate change fight, through the work of the Iwokrama Centre, was Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who recently paid her first visit to the reserve. “The contributions that Iwokrama make to that climatic stability are incredibly important,” Baroness Scotland said, adding: “I think it’s to be applauded, the way Guyana, for the world, has sought to harvest the good things that come out of Iwokrama and preserve them.” CARBON FARMING She further called on

Guyana to consider carbon farming “as a way to slow down the rapidly changing climate.” This refers to farming in such a manner that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. “Many countries in the world now,” the Baroness said, “are trying to meet their COP21 commitments. And the question is: How can they do that within the same framework of their countries? “So, they will be looking for other countries to assess and to assist.” Guyana’s efforts towards preserving its natural resources were also welcomed by baroness Scotland. “Guyana is one of the richest countries, in terms of natural resources: The wonderful flora, fauna, trees. “Guyana has everything: Gold, diamond, oil. So, in terms of how we assist is incredibly good, not just for Guyana, but for the whole region.” Chief Executive Officer of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin, noted that the reserve is still a relevant facility with regard to climate change, sustainable development, and oth-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his family looking at several birds along a trail at Iwokrama er eco-based areas, despite being launched close to 20 years ago. According to the CEO, “Iwokrama’s potential and purpose align well with President Granger’s green agenda.” He stated that plans are underway to change the financial model of the entity. “It cannot continue to rely solely on donors, due to the pressures of other global priorities such as terrorism, natural disasters and poverty.” A main focus is the diversification of revenue sources, and this includes a sustainable forestry project, which will be certified by the Forest

Stewardship Council, Gobin stated. This project will demonstrate viable logging within the area, in a sustainable manner, preserving most of the forest’s integrity. Another focus is on eco-tourism, and ways in which to attract more visitors. This number has increased to around 1,200 annually over the last few years, up significantly from around 100 persons when originally launched. Plans are being formulated to have more Guyanese visit Iwokrama and other hinterland locations. Improvements are being made to the nearby Fair-

view Airstrip which services the area, as well as the Georgetown, Lethem trail, which quite a few of the more adventurous use to drive into the reserve. LAYOUT The Iwokrama Forest is bordered to the west by the Pakaraima Mountains, in the east by the Essequibo River, and in the north by the Siparuni River. Through the centre flows the Burro-Burro River. The area is covered with lowland tropical forest, and dominated by tall trees reaching to heights of more than 30 meters (100 feet). Situated 90

minutes south of the River Lodge is the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. This unique suspended four-deck walkway gives visitors what has been described as a fantastic perspective on the birds and mammals of the forest. Visitors to Iwokrama can also experience the regular dawn chorus from various species of birds and monkeys, or traverse the waters of the Essequibo or Burro-Burro Rivers. The latter gives them an opportunity to observe the myriad aquatic life and the views of those along the rivers banks. Today’s reality is that 14 to 16 million hectares of rainforest are lost every year, and deforestation is thought to be responsible for 20 per cent of the global emission of greenhouse gases. These are the realities of climate change; the enemy of economic stability and sustainable debt management. Hence, it has been stressed that countries must honour agreements made in December at the COP21 climate change summit. Iwokrama is Guyana’s gift to the world, and its contributions to climate stability are critically important! (A GINA Feature)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Shopkeeper accused of stealing gold chain put on $75,000 bail A 29-year-old shopkeeper accused of stealing a gold chain was on Tuesday released on $75,000 bail by City Magistrate Dylon Bess. Orin Favorite of Rosemary Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 28, at Leopold Street he stole Charlie Athmiya’s $135,000 gold chain. Police Prosecutor, Lance Corporal Christopher Morris made no objections to Favorite being granted his pre-trail liberty. Magistrate Bess released the father of one on $75,000 bail and ordered him to return to court on August 16 for statements.

Wednesday Auguat 3rd, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday August 4th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Friday August 5th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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ARIES - Your heart is focusing on such a big prize now that people may ridicule you and accuse you of wasting your energy. Nevertheless, you could have the last laugh when you make your fantasy come true. Although you might be operating with an optimistic outlook on life now, holding a vision in your mind’s eye reinforces the image in your brain. Your path to success is not a straight one. Dream it and then do everything in your power to make it happen. TAURUS - You typically prefer to keep your feelings to yourself, but are inexplicably compelled to express them now. You realise that your desires may lose their power once you share them with someone else. Nevertheless, your logic isn’t strong enough today to overcome your irrational need to receive approval from others. Tread carefully as you traverse this tricky ground. You’re likely to court a rejection if you reveal too much, which ends up being a self-fulfilling prophecy. There’s no need to perform a song and dance when the only person you must prove anything to is yourself. GEMINI - Everything seems to be slightly out of focus today as you explore a variety of approaches to rein in the energy. However, the more you try to regain control, the more daunting the task appears. Instead of looking at your world and seeing it as an obstacle course to be conquered, imagine that it’s a dance to music you’ve never heard before. You must let go of your need to make intellectual sense of the events and just operate directly from the longing in your heart. CANCER - You have big ideas about what you want to accomplish today and are not interested in reconsidering your goals. Unfortunately, your self-esteem could suffer if you just assume that everything will work out as you imagine. Coworkers might resist your plans, thinking theirs are better. Nevertheless, you have an excellent chance of reaching your goals if you set your sights with accuracy and are tenacious in your pursuit of success. LEO - Giving up is tricky business, especially if you’re so close to tasting success. Nevertheless, you might feel as if your choices are limited if you’re not making any apparent progress. However, what you see is not what you get; there’s a whole wide world of action that is sitting behind the veils of illusion. There’s no urgency to sort it all out today; just keep one foot moving in front of the other. Taking little steps is better than taking none at all. VIRGO - You appear to be an armchair general today, issuing commands from the safety of your own castle. Nevertheless, your goal might be nothing short of world domination. However, mysterious forces are working behind the scenes to ensure a positive outcome, even to your misdirected intentions. Rather than trying to control everything in order to hide how little you understand the cosmic forces at work, open yourself to the spiritual lessons at hand. Remember, the power of now contains the consequences of the future. Love is stronger than fear. LIBRA - You might feel as if you’re bumping up against walls, but every time you lean against a structure, it disappears into thin air. Your key planet Venus forms an otherworldly aspect with the keeper of the three-dimensional world, Saturn, informing you that this is not another typical day at the office. You must choose your battles wisely because you do not possess the energy to fight them all. Play a game of elimination until your priorities become clear. Focus on your goal; don’t look in any direction but ahead. SCORPIO - You have your mind set on a fixed goal today and will not rest easy until your work is done. You intuitively realise that you have run out of discretionary time. Your clocks have suddenly been reset and are now ticking in a parallel universe where time can flow in many different directions simultaneously. Fortunately, this means you still have the opportunity to get your work done. Paradoxically, there is not a moment to spare. Get out of the rat race by stepping off the hamster wheel; give your body a chance to recuperate and then fearlessly try again. SAGITTARIUS - You are willing to take on anyone or anything that stands in your way. Mars and Saturn, the bad boys of astrology, are camped out in your 1st House of Personality now, giving you an irrepressible drive that is fuelled by unrelenting determination. However, it’s a smart idea to check your bearings one more time before you head off in the wrong direction. You can manifest real magic today as long as there’s a sensible method behind your madness. CAPRICORN - Sharing your feelings isn’t enough today; you need to be overly dramatic to keep everyone’s interest. Unfortunately, this conversation is less about a colourful presentation than it is about a heartfelt interaction. One-way communication feels empty; you might as well be talking to a wall. It’s all about the feedback you receive that helps you clarify the fuzzy edges of your perceptions. The more you talk now, the more you need to listen. AQUARIUS - You might surround yourself with people who are very enthusiastic today, but this doesn’t give you permission to take the day off. In fact, you have an important role to play by assuming a responsible place within your community. You can keep your opinions cool, calm and collected for now, but will forfeit your objectivity over the next few days. Swinging into action too soon disperses your creative energy. Instead, observe it, sit with it and watch it transform. PISCES - You’re either working extra hard today or you might just be putting on a show to impress everyone with your current role of authority. However, it can be lonely at the top and you could isolate yourself from those you love while establishing your position. It’s challenging for you to see how other people perceive your energy; nevertheless, considering another person’s perspective is a useful exercise to help you gain self-awareness. As Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Don’t just do something, sit there!”

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India, West Indies to play T20 games in United States (REUTERS) - India will play two Twenty20 internationals against world champions West Indies in Florida (in late August, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said yesterday. India lead 1-0 in their four-Test series against West Indies, and the Twenty20 matches will mark the first full member games in the United States in four years,

when New Zealand played West Indies. The games will be held on August 27 and 28 at the Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, a month after six Caribbean Premier League games, were played there. The Broward Stadium is the only ground in the United States that meets international cricket specifications, and organisers say they have invested about

$1.4M to bring it up to standard including tweaking the floodlights to point at the pitch and erecting big video screens. The United States would be a big market to crack for cricket bosses. The Twenty20 format is likely to be the most appealing form of the game, in the face of traditional U.S. sports, thanks to explosive batting and a relatively short matches. “This will be a great opportunity for the cricket fans

in America to watch the two champion sides in action. This will be developed into an annual cricketing event in the United States,” BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. “This will be a great initiative in our continued efforts to develop cricket in the Americas, a very important market,” Whycliffe Cameron, president of West Indies Cricket Board, said.

India close on victory ... SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS GREYVILLE 10:10 hrs Just Vogue 10:40 hrs White Rose 11:10 hrs Coastal Spell 11:40 hrs At Long Last 12:15 hrs Anime 12:55 hrs Jason Argo 13:30 hrs Executive Power 14:00 hrs Hejira ENGLISH RACING TIPS Brighton 08:50 hrs Marquee Club 09:50 hrs Elle Rebelle 10:20 hrs Ravenhoe 10:50 hrs Invade 11:20 hrs Princess Zoffany 11:50 hrs Tahiti One BATH 09:00 hrs Captain Ryan 09:30 hrs Big Lachie 10:00 hrs Go Amber Go 10:30 hrs Forecaster 11:00 hrs Patent 11:30 hrs Mystique Heights 12:00 hrs You’re A Goat PONTEFRACT 09:10 hrs Silver Alliance 09:40 hrs Perfect Madge 10:10 hrs British Embassy 10:40 hrs Stars Over The Sea 11:10 hrs Hilary J 11:40 hrs Echo Of Lightning 12:10 hrs Maureb IRISH RACING TIPS SLIGO 13:00 hrs Future Frontier 13:30 hrs All Crazy Now 14:00 hrs Orangey Red 14:30 hrs Alishan 15:30 hrs Ringside Humour 16:00 hrs Banff AMERICAN R ACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Top Striker Race 2 Smart Alex Race 3 Gianna’s Dream Race 4 Alabama Bound Race 5 Honorable Daniel Race 6 Royal Saint Race 7 Malibu Princess Race 8 Wavell Avenue

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throughout the afternoon prevented further play. With a forecast for mainly fine weather today, the Windies look like going 2-0 down in the four-Test series unless they can somehow survive three full sessions without losing six wickets. The crushing defeat in the first match in Antigua meant the hosts had lost seven out of eight Tests, drawing the other game. It took less than three overs yesterday for the rot to set in as opener Rajendra Chandrika continued his miserable series, bowled by paceman Ishant Sharma for one, the ball striking the batsman’s elbow and deflecting on to the stumps. Fellow opener Kraigg Brathwaite was next to fall for 23 when he skied a short ball from leg-spinner Amit Mishra to mid-wicket. Marlon Samuels then went for a duck, cleanbowled by paceman Mohammed Shami, the ball keeping lower than the batsman was expecting and striking his off stump. Shami then picked up another scalp with what proved to be the last ball of the day when Darren Bravo (20), who had looked shaky from the start, fended a short, rising ball to third slip. It was Bravo’s fourth cheap dismissal in the series. He has made 41 runs in four knocks. “That looks a very soft dismissal to me,” said Richards while commentating on television. “For a top class batsman that’s weak, very, very weak. Darren Bravo may have to rethink exactly how he’d like to play especially having not been successful against the quicks over the years.” Richards, who retired with an average of more than 50, then became more general in his observations of West Indian batting. Saying he did not want to sound unduly negative but could not sugar-coat things, he said: “You cannot be served up sardines and (have) someone saying it’s caviar. “Some of the deliveries that got some of these guys out looked a little bit kindergarten-ish at times.”

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings 196 (J. Blackwood 62; R. Ashwin 5-52) INDIA 1st innings 500 for 9 decl. (L. Rahul 158, A. Rahane 108 n.o.; R. Chase 5-121) WEST INDIES 2nd innings K. Brathwaite c Rahul b Mishra 23 R. Chandrika b I. Sharma 1 Da. Bravo c Rahul b Shami 20 M. Samuels b Shami 0 J. Blackwood not out 3 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (for 4 wickets, 15.5 overs) 48 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-41, 3-41, 4-48. Bowling: I. Sharma 6-0-19-1 (nb-1), M. Shami 7.5-2-25-2, A. Mishra 2-1-4-1.

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Sixteen Olympic Games, more than 75 athletes, one bronze medal … Guyana still seeking that elusive gold medal By Michael DaSilva

At this year’s event which is a matter of days away from the start, six athletes will try AFTER participating in 16 Olympic Games to equal or better Parris’ 1980 performance beginning in 1948 and sending over 75 ath- and from indications and recent performances letes, Guyana is still seeking to secure the the feat seems possible, especially since triple elusive gold medal and is hoping that after jumper Troy Doris is currently rated number winning a sole bronze medal 36 years ago, three in the world and has been showing Guyana can come good this year in Rio de marked improvement is his field in Europe Janeiro, Brazil. where he is based. The Games which opens on Friday is a Another athlete of note that can spring surmere two days away and the Guyana contin- prises is Brenessa Thompson who will contest gent, made up six athletes in two disciplines the women’s 100 and 200 metres track races. (Track & Field and Swimming) is expected to Thompson has recently been in the spotstart arriving in Rio today ahead of the opening light participating at international meets and ceremony, while the Chef de Mission, Garfield breaking and establishing personal-bests and Wiltshire, should have left over the weekend national records at various meets. for Rio. Winston George After participatwho will compete in ing in seven Olympic the men’s 400-metre Games from 1948 to track race is a Lon1972, Guyana finaldon 2012 Olympic ly secured a bronze semi-finalist and he is medal at the next currently in the United Olympic Games they States preparing for participated in, that the much-anticipatwas in 1980 when ed event, but making Michael Anthony the final of the men’s Parris won a bronze 400-metre race in Rio medal in the bantamseems a tall order. weight division of This will also be the boxing champithe case for women’s onships at the Mos400-metre athlete Alicow Games. yah Abrams who is not Since then, Guyreally known in the ana was represented athletic circles locally. by 49 other athletes This leaves the two at eight successive swimmers – HanniGames but failed to bal Gaskin who will medal at any of them. contest the men’s To note, Guy100-metre butterfly ana withdrew from and Jamila Sanmoogan the 1976 Montreal the female swimmer Olympics as they Guyana’s lone Olympic medallist who will compete in joined the African Michael Anthony Parris after winning the women’s 50-metre countries in boycot- bronze at the 1980 Moscow Olympics freestyle. ting that Olympics. It must be noted That year, Guyana boasted its best chances that both swimmers received a Universality of medalling through James Wren-Gilkes, a invitation from FINA to compete and their product of St George’s Primary School and chances of even making it into the quarterfinal Christ Church Secondary School in George- are very slim. town. Looking back at Guyana’s participation Wren-Gilkes had earlier won a Pan Amer- at the London 2012 Games, Guyana was also ican gold in the 200-metre event and was a represented by six athletes who competed in sure favourite to beat Donald Quarry at the three disciplines. Olympics. After Sir Lionel Luckhoo, the Chef Of the six, George qualified for the event de Mission of the Guyana team informed team by sheer grit and determination while 15-yearmembers that the Government of Guyana had old Britney Van Lange was noteworthy as she decided to join the African Boycott, Wren-Gil- had gained enough FINA points in internationkes pleaded with the International Olympic al competition to benefit from a wildcard spot Committee (IOC) to allow him to run as an to get to the games. independent but was refused. That year also, 2002 Commonwealth Since then Guyana athletes have tried but Games gold medallist Aliann Pompey made in vain to win a gold medal at the prestigious to the semi-final round of her fourth Olympic Games which is the biggest sporting specta- Games. cle in the world and president of the Guyana At the moment, all Guyanese are looking Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin forward to a good showing by the locals in and all Guyanese are hoping that this year in Rio beginning next week and are hoping Rio, Guyanese athletes can bring home the for the locals, one or more to capture that bacon. elusive Olympic gold medal.

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Anti-doping system needs complete reform - IOC’s Bach THE way sport deals with drug cheats needs fundamental reform, according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach. More than 100 Russian athletes have been banned from this summer’s Games in the wake of a World Anti-Doping Agency report into state-sponsored doping. Bach said: “We need a full review of the WADA anti-doping system. “The message is quite clear - we want to keep the cheaters away from the Olympic Games.” He added: “The IOC is calling for a more robust and efficient anti-doping system. “This requires clear responsibilities, more transparency, more independence and better worldwide harmonisation.” In the wake of its McLaren report into doping in Russia, WADA had rec-

Thoams Bach claimed a total ban went against “natural justice” for clean Russian athletes. ommended all the country’s competitors be excluded from Rio 2016, but the IOC

devolved responsibility to individual sport’s federations. It then announced that an IOC panel would rule on which Russian athletes could take part in the Games. More than 250 Russians have so far been cleared by their federations, with weightlifting and athletics the only sports to have imposed a blanket ban on competitors from the country. Bach said a blanket ban, which he called the “nuclear option” at the Olympic summit yesterday, would have brought “death and devastation”. The IOC has faced criticism over its decision not to enforce the WADA-recommended blanket ban, but Bach said the IOC decision sent out a “positive message” to clean athletes. “If you are clean you can be successful and rewarded,” he said. (BBC Sport)

Mennie, Stoinis star in Australia-A win SOUTH Africa-A came off second best in their first taste of cricket with a pink ball, beaten by 197 runs by Australia-A at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The local batsmen were too strong, with a first-day century to Marcus Stoinis and a second-innings 94 from opener Matt Renshaw while five-wicket hauls to fast men Chris Tremain and Joe Mennie kept South Africa’s batsmen in check over the course of the game. Scores: Australia-A 396 (Stoinis 120, Patterson 74, Mennie 50*, Philander 3-52) and 7 for 248 decl. (Renshaw 94, Bancroft 71, Olivier 3-28) beat South Africa-A 284 (van Zyl 85, Vilas 60*, Elgar 56, Tremain 5-75) and 163 (Phehlukwayo 55, Mennie 5-38) by 197 runs. Stoinis compiled 120 in the first innings and had assistance from Kurtis Patterson (74) and Mennie (50 not out), as Australia piled on 396. Vernon Philander picked up 3 for 52 for the South Africans. Tremain’s 5 for 75 was the stand-out in South Africa’s first innings of 284, including the wicket of Test batsman Dean Elgar, who was

Marcus Stoinis was the only batsman from either side to score a century in the match. caught behind for 56. Stiaan van Zyl Africa 361 for victory. top-scored with 85. The visitors made a miserable start Already with a healthy lead, the to their chase, though, as Daniel WorAustralians scored quickly in their rall struck twice in the first over of the second innings and a 146-run opening innings. There was a recovery of sorts stand between Renshaw and Cameron Andile Phehlukwayo managed 55 - but Bancroft ensured South Africa would Mennie collected 5 for 38 and finished face a healthy target. Duanne Olivier South Africa off for 163. picked up 3 for 28, including the wicket The series continues with a second of Bancroft for 71, before the Austra- four-day match in Townsville starting lians declared on 7 for 248 and set South on Saturday. (Cricinfo.com)

Germany midfielder joins Man City in £37M deal GERMANY midfielder Leroy Sane has completed his move to Manchester City for a fee of £37M plus add-ons. The 20-year-old has signed a fiveyear contract after leaving Schalke. City manager Pep Guardiola said: “He is a special talent and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching.” Sane, who helped Germany reach the semi-finals at Euro 2016, scored eight goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season as Schalke finished fifth. “He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays football,” Guardiola added.

“He is fast, enjoys creating chances for others, works hard for the team and scores goals too. He also has a very positive attitude and will fit in well. “At 20, he is still developing as a player but he is already a member of the German national side and I think he will be a fantastic asset to our club.” Sane said one of the reasons for joining City was to work with Guardiola. “I think he can make me a more complete player,” said Sane. “I think I will need a bit of time to start with because it’s another league and there’s a different style of play, but I think I can adapt very quickly.” (BBC Sport)

Leroy Sane helped Germany reach the semi-finals at Euro 2016.

Sri Lanka’s Pradeep doubtful for Galle Test (REUTERS) - Sri Lanka suffered another injury setback ahead of the second Test against Australia in Galle with seamer Nuwan

NUWAN PRADEEP Pradeep suffering a hamstring strain during practice, a cricket board official said yesterday. Angelo Mathews’ side are reeling from injuries to their fast bowlers with Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera ruled out of the three-match series, while Suranga Lakmal was

also absent from the opening Test at Pallekele due to an ankle complaint. Another paceman, Shaminda Eranga, was recently suspended for an illegal action. The 29-year-old Pradeep, who has played 21 Tests, was the lone frontline paceman at Pallekele, which the hosts won by 106 runs to take a 1-0 lead against the world’s top-ranked side in the longest format. The victory was a welcome one for Sri Lanka, who lost their two previous Test series in New Zealand and England. The right-arm bowler, who took two wickets in the first innings of the series opener, suffered the injury during training on Monday. “He has a slight hamstring strain on his right leg. His fitness will be assessed tomorrow (Wednesday) morning,” Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake told Reuters. “He could be doubtful but we haven’t taken a decision yet.” Sri Lanka fielded three frontline spinners at Pallekele and were always likely to load their attack with slow bowlers for the second Test.

Kwakwani, six Linden clubs seeking Rock Entertainment basketball title

THE Rock Entertainment Promotions second annual ‘King of de Ring’ Club basketball championship in Linden will bounce off on Saturday with six Linden teams, Retrieve Raiders, Half Mile Bulls, Victory Valley Royals, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Block 22 Flames and Bankers Trust Falcons, along with Kwakwani contesting this year’s championship, set for the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. One of the organisers Colin Adams said that they wanted to attract the best players in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) and that is the reason behind including Kwakwani, which area has produced national players especially at the junior national level, so that the best players will vie for this year’s title. The playing five days of this competition are Saturday August 6, Sunday August 7, Saturday August 13, Sunday August 14 and Saturday August 20 at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. The championship has at stake $100 000 for the top team, a trophy and medals with the second-place finishers gaining $75 000, a trophy and medals. Third-placers will collect off $25 000 and a trophy. There will also be a Most Valuable Player trophy and one for the Most Disciplined Club. The championship will be launched on Thursday at 14:00hrs at the Linden Enterprise Network boardroom and the various clubs are expected to send a representative along with three players in uniform together with their list of players for the championship., The rules of the tournament and the fixtures will be disclosed then. Clubs must complete their registration fee of $5 000 at the launch and their list of 15 players, who must be registered with the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) for the tournament, must be submitted.

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Breaking the mould By Fazeer Mohammed IF THERE IS anyone whose back should be broad enough to cope with the abuse that comes with being chairman of the West Indies selection panel, it is Courtney Browne. Such is human nature that the negatives spring to mind immediately ahead of the positives. So to many throughout the region, he is immediately associated with critical errors behind the stumps from his first to his last Tests - both played at Sabina Park ten years – more than he

is remembered for that unbelievable match-winning ninth-wicket partnership with fellow Barbadian Ian Bradshaw in fading light at The Oval in London in the final of the Champions Trophy against England in 2004. As captain of Barbados, the most successful territory by a long, long way in regional first-class competition, he would have experienced first-hand both the challenges of leadership and the weight of expectation from a demanding and often unforgiving public. So in accepting the task as successor to Clive Lloyd, and given that

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 03, 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) Dwayne Smith (2) 324 runs-7 matches (Knight Riders)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was Darren Bravo’s first victim in Hero CPL 2016? (2) Which two teams did not make the ‘final four’ in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

he was already serving as one of the selectors previously, he would have known what he was in for, even before the thrashing endured by the West Indies in the first Test against India a week ago in Antigua. To be involved in the selection process at the senior level in West Indies cricket is really the classic no-win situation. Players are praised for success, selectors are pilloried after defeat. However Browne has the opportunity to break that mould and develop a more reliable and credible line of communication between the decision-makers and members of a cricketing public who often suspect a conspiracy of some sort around every corner. It may very well be that he is a disciple of the West Indies Cricket Board’s well-established culture and feels there is no need to reach out to an audience who may be inclined to condemn anything he or his fellow selectors say or do anyway. But the dysfunction and disconnect have to be properly addressed at some time, and it can begin with the new chairman of selectors being far more open with the rationale in the decision-making process and the vision that he

Chairman of the WICB selectors Courtney Browne and his colleagues have for West Indies cricket. If they are sincere in their efforts, if they have nothing to hide and are privy to a lot more critical information that informs their eventual selections then there should be no real issue with facing up to the public, via the media, as a matter of course. What prevails at the moment, and has generally been the modus operandi with the odd exception for several years, cannot be considered acceptable. West Indian cricket fans are not required or expected to agree with any and every decision made by Browne, Courtney Walsh and Eldine Baptiste, presumably in consultation with head

coach Phil Simmons and captain Jason Holder. However, if the chairman can explain the thinking behind what may appear to be contentious selections or omissions, then at the very least the sceptical public cannot claim to have been left in the dark. Their selections will never meet with universal approval, but at least there will be an understanding of where they are coming from if the chairman makes himself available to open and direct questioning from the media to allow for an elaboration of the way they are thinking. These carefully manicured one or two sentences in the shape of WICB media releases about the methodology of selection being “further enhanced by the increased use of statistical analysis along with fitness standards” is the sort of corporate-style nonsense that explains nothing and actually fuels the fire of speculation. Even the announcement that 19-year-old fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was being added to the squad for the second Test against India that started yesterday in Kingston seemed to create the impression that he was being drafted in more to be in the senior West Indies team envi-

ronment rather than being immediately considered for selection. “We feel that Alzarri . . . will now benefit from the professional guidance of our coaching staff and the presence of fast bowling legend Joel Garner as manager,” was the comment attributed to Browne in the WICB dispatch last Wednesday. Too many organisations and institutions, both public and private, in these territories of the former British West Indies continue to operate on the haughty need-to-know basis of the colonial era. That the WICB is one of the flag-bearers of that arcane outlook is no secret. At least three commissioned studies over the past nine years have confirmed that. If Courtney Browne really believes he can make a meaningful contribution to West Indies cricket as chairman of selectors beyond his best efforts as a player, it must include greater transparency and a willingness to engage the public. Anything else is just business as usual. (Extracted from Nation News) (Fazeer Mohammed is a regional cricket journalist and broadcaster who has been covering the game at all levels since 1987).

Guyana, T&T set for U-15 photo finish today TRINIDAD and Tobago face Guyana in a top-of-the-table clash in the fifth and final round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) 50-overs Under-15 Regional tournament in Grenada today. The Trinidadians will be going into the match on 25.4 points while Guyana

are on 20.7 points and the match promises to be a ding-dong affair at the Tanteen Recreation ground.. In other fifth-round matches today Windwards take on Jamaica at La Sagesse while Barbados tackle Leeward Islands at Progress Park ground. Results from fourth round matches

that were played on Monday in Grenada. Scores: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 223 for 7 (50 overs) LEEWARD ISLANDS 109 all out (40.2 overs) Result: T&T won by 114 runs Scores:

GUYANA 150 all out (48 overs) JAMAICA 50 all out (41.1 overs) Result: Guyana won by 100 runs Scores: BARBADOS 239 for 5 (50 overs) WINDWARD ISLANDS 140 all out (41.5 overs) Result: Barbados won by 99 runs

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 29, 2016)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 3, 2016

Ansa McAl signs on for Windwards Boyce and Jefford Classic centurion ANSA McAl is the latest company to ink its commitment to the upcoming Boyce and Jefford Classic, set for August 27 and 28 at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. During a brief ceremony yesterday, Ansa McAl’s Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Anjeta Hinds, stated that her company is fully on board for the seventh instalment of the event. “We are a proud sponsor of the Boyce/Jefford Classic and we continue to be on board for the last seven years due to their phenomenal growth and for them keeping it in Linden,” she said, adding that their support is for the development of sports in Guyana. “We look forward to all the participants competing and we could not pass up this opportunity to partner with this meet. I know it was launched already, but it is important for us to do this just to show that we are 110 percent behind the Boyce and Jefford Classic,” Hinds continued. She said that the compa-

Edison Jefford (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Ansa McAl’s Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager Anjeta Hinds yesterday. ny also supports the efforts that are being made to help develop the ground. Ansa McAl has been a sponsor of the meet since its inception

in 2010; the company was also the first to contribute $3M to the development of the MSC ground under its Stag Crown Your Commu-

nity Project. Meanwhile, one of the coordinators of the meet, Edison Jefford, thanked Ansa McAl for its continued support and indicated that the Championships this year will be the biggest so far with new countries confirming their participation. “We started with a vision and a facility that offer very little to athletes and sport development and to highlight the importance of this and these types of sponsorship is to really assess where we started and where we are now and the courage of companies like Ansa McAl to support events like ours,” he said. Overseas-based athletes Brenessa Thompson and Winston George who will be in Rio for the Olympic Games should arrive for the Classic with defending 800 metres champ Kevin Bailey also in the mix. Athletes are also expected from Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and Antigua & Barbuda.

Misbah laments Pakistan’s continuing exile ENGLAND will play their 500th Test on home soil today. Unsurprisingly they are the first nation to reach that milestone. Yet, the fact they do so against Pakistan, a team virtually homeless since 2009, makes for a striking contrast. Pakistan have played 151 Tests in their country but none since the Lahore Test in 2009, which was abandoned after the attack on the Sri Lanka team bus. Their nomadic lifestyle since has been much-storied not least earlier in this series after their stunning victory at Lord’s. Misbah-ul-Haq rarely gives much away the day before a Test. When asked if he knew his team for Edgbaston he said, “We are sure, no doubts,” but refused to elaborate further. “Keep them guessing,” he said with a grin. Yet when a question came about England’s milestone match at home and the stark difference in Pakistan’s situation he became very animated, almost impassioned as he spoke about the risks to cricket in his homeland. He fears for the next generation, with children being drawn away from the sport. That, of course, is not only a situation for Pakistan, but a vast number of countries trying to keep the young active. However, Pakistan has the

added difficulty of so much international cricket being lost to the country. The players can be watched on television, but creating “heroes”, as Misbah termed it, is so much more difficult with the continual distance.

‘Pakistan batsmen need to go big’ - Misbah “The interest of the youth is really losing out to other sports. It’s one area where you can say we are really unlucky and we want international cricket back in Pakistan, just to help our youngsters and just to help cricket in Pakistan,” he said. “If you are not watching the heroes and the top stars in the world in the grounds and you are not meeting them .… That could be a big attraction for them to play cricket. Without that, it’s really difficult for the Pakistan Cricket Board and it can really hurt them financially

also.” From a cricket point of view, there is talk of trying to bring the PSL finals to Pakistan and, as so often, Misbah was asked about the chances of touring sides returning. Sadly, that still feels a long way off for most opposition despite continual hopeful talk of tours resuming and Zimbabwe going for their limited-overs trip last year. The knock-on effect of the challenge of engaging younger generations is encouraging them to play the game. This current Pakistan team are doing their best to be a side to inspire, but Misbah is concerned about the game’s breeding ground. “It can really hurt your overall development as a cricketing nation. Your youth can really be inspired if you are playing internationally back at home,” Misbah said. “Obviously, you can build more infrastructure and people read more about cricket. “At school level, club level, the activity has just dropped a little bit because of that. You can see wherever the World Cups are, or international events, the whole scenario changes, it’s like a fever in that country for that sport. That’s what we have been really missing. “We need more sports atmosphere in Pakistan. We must

understand that even in our schools, our colleges and our homes, how important sports is for a kid.” It was telling, also, that Misbah has been so enthused by the crowds that have watched this series. Even though Old Trafford was not a sellout, and the first two days at Edgbaston are not full, it is still a world away from the empty, rattling stadiums that often greet them in the UAE. “It’s always good to play in an atmosphere like that,” he said. “This is why you play cricket or any sport, that people are there to enjoy and cheer. Sometimes that really helps you to perform and show your skills to everyone. “As for the previous two Test matches, I’ve really enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s really good to play Test cricket here. We are not used to that, we normally have such huge crowds in the one-day and T20 games but not Tests. That’s really good to have in Test cricket.” One day, hopefully, fans in Pakistan will have a chance to cheer their team at home on a regular basis. Right now, all this side can do is try to inspire from afar by bouncing back from their heavy Old Trafford defeat and reprise the scenes of Lord’s. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Anil Matthew frustrates T&T

... Barbados beat Jamaica by 113 runs By Brij Parasnath WINDWARD Islands Under-19s frustrated their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts and made them toil for the whole day yesterday as their second-round encounter ended in a stalemate at the Park Hill playing field. Trinidad and Tobago had secured first innings lead on Monday through the efforts of vice-captain Saiba Battoosingh (45 not out), Keagan Simmons (55), Dejourn Charles (40), skipper Kirstan Kallicharan (20) and Jonathan Bootan (27). T&T had closed the second day’s play at 212 for 9 in 66 overs after Windward Islands had posted 204 (57.1 overs) in their first innings. With the hope of knocking over Windwards cheaply in their second innings, Trinidad and Tobago declared the first innings closed on the overnight total of 212 for 9. But their aspirations did not materialise as Windwards opener Anil Matthew defied the Trinidadians and registered a brilliant century that led the way for all-day batting practice as they reached 298 for 8 after 87.2 overs when play was called off with only a first-innings decision available and the opportunity to split the points. Matthew recorded one six and seven fours off 225 balls and shared a 99-run fourth-wicket partnership with Windwards Under-17 captain Johnel Eugene who made 53 that contained seven fours off 105 balls. Matthew continued his wonderful batting display and in tandem with Ryan John (2x6, 4x4, 99 balls) they posted a 73-run sixth-partnership that enhanced Windwards commanding position to rally for the drawn fixture. John took over the lead role and featured in two more important partnerships that carried his team to the end of play. He and Othneil Lewis 25 (2x6, 1x4, 14 balls) put together 34 for the seventh wicket and then partnered Kassim Peltier 19 (1x6, 2x4, 13 balls) for a 45-run eighth-wicket stand that will boost the confidence of their teammates for the third and final round of the 2-innings competition. In the other match, Barbados defeated Jamaica by 113 runs at Sion Hill playing field. Set a victory target of 178 runs, Jamaica were bowled out for 64 runs in 34.1 overs after they had resumed at 1 run for 2 wickets on their overnight position. Barbados new-ball bowlers Deswin Currency (146-15-6) and Joshua Bishop (15.1-3-24-3) destroyed the Jamaicans in dramatic fashion as they bowled unchanged and finished the job clinically and comprehensively. Scores at Sion Hill: Barbados 149 all out in 63.1 overs (Nicholas Kirton 42, Yvan Grant 24, Shem Watson 28, Joshua Bishop 30; Michael Frew 4 for 62, Brad Barnes 3 for 18, Andre Bailey 2 for 6) and 153 all out in 48.3 overs (Kirton 59, Kilano Brathwaite 22, Jeavor Royal 3 for 30, Frew 2 for 41, Barnes 2 for 32 and Javelle Green 2 for 23) versus Jamaica 125 all out in 55 overs (Jordane Hill 38, Barnes 25; Joshua Bishop 6 for 53, Dante Niles 2 for 25) and 64 in 34.1 overs (Jordane Hill 14, Michael Frew 19; Joshua Bishop 3 for 24 and Deswin Currency 6 for 15).

India, West Indies to play T20 games in United States See story on page 27

India close on victory as Windies collapse again (REUTERS) - West Indies were hurtling towards another heavy defeat when bad weather offered them a lifeline, washing out most of the fourth day of the second Test against India in Jamaica yesterday. Starting the second innings with a deficit of 304 runs, the home team collapsed to 48 for four at Sabina Park in Kingston, another dismal performance that retired batting great Viv Richards described as “a little bit kindergartenish at times”. Only 15.5 overs were bowled before lunch after a late start caused by intermittent drizzle, and heavy rain See page 27

Chris Lynn is the leading run-scorer for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2016. THE 2016 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finally reaches the playoff stage, where in four matches we will come to know the identity of the winner of this year’s title. Guyana Amazon Warriors, who finished the group stage in first place, lost just three out of 10 games while winning seven to finish on 14 points. The Warriors come into this clash on the back of con-

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma celebrate Rajendra Chandrika’s dismissal on the 4th day in Kingston.

Warriors, Tallawahs face off tonight in CPL Playoff 1

secutive wins, and will be in a confident frame of mind, knowing that they have two chances to reach the final. Chris Lynn has been their key player when it comes to the batsman, scoring 398 runs and is currently placed second in the highest run-scorers list while Sohail Tanvir and spinner Adam Zampa have combined to take 32 wickets, finishing second and third on the wicket-takers

list respectively. These three players will need to fire if Guyana are to reach what will be their third CPL final in the franchise history. Their opponents Jamaica Tallawahs who finished second in the league table, lost the same number of games like their opponents, finishing with 13 points from their 10 games. The Tallawahs outfit, though, come into this clash on the back of consecutive

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

losses and will know that this is the best stage to stem the flow of losses. In skipper Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara, Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan, the Tallawahs have players who are capable of winning matches single-handedly and will hope that one of them fires tonight. The absence of premier fast-bowler Dale Steyn has been a big blow with Andre Russell not coming to terms

as the main bowler of the team. The Tallawahs have experience of winning the tournament, when they won the inaugural edition in 2013. However, they will come into this clash as the underdogs, with the Guyana outfit favourites to win tonight. Guyana Amazon Warriors Possible XI: Dwayne Smith, Nic Maddinson, Chris Lynn, Jason Mohammad,

Chris Gayle has scored the most centuries in Twenty20 history. Anthony Bramble (wkp.), Chris Bramble, Sohail Tanvir, Rayad Emrit (c), Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Jacobs, Adam Zampa. Jamaica Tallawahs: Possible XI: Chris Gayle (c), Chadwick Walton, Kumar Sangakkara (wkp.), Rovman Powell, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Imad Wasim, Timroy Allen, Kesrick Williams, Garey Mathurin, Jon-Russ Jaggesar. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016