Issuu

SATURDAY 28th July, 2018

No.105349

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun presenting President David Granger with an artifact symbolising the Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Looking on at right is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Guyana, China relations enter

‘new and promising chapter’ 03 PAGE

–– through historic ‘Silk Belt and Road’ pact

GECOM Chair Dead bandit’s appeal set for licence, 'ammo' found October 4

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in abandoned car

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Dead bandit’s licence, 'ammo' found in abandoned car By Leroy Smith

DETECTIVES found an abandoned vehicle in the Ruimveldt Industrial Site and they suspect it to be the property of Ian Forde, one of the five bandits who were shot dead by the police on Tuesday morning as they attempted to carry out a daring wee-hours robbery at a property located at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. On Friday, the police acted on information about the car being in the area for a prolonged period. When detectives got into the vehicle, they discovered the driver’s licence for Forde as well as several rounds of ammunition. The police are working

on the theory that the men might have travelled to that area with Forde’s car and then joined the taxi which was found at the crime scene on Tuesday morning. The police were up to late yesterday moving to review CCTV footage from the area to see what other useful information they can come up with. The car PNN 8866 was discovered Friday morning after security guards who operate in the area realised that the vehicle had been at the location untouched for some time. On Friday, with the exception of Levi Braithwaite, post-mortems were conducted on all other bandits who were killed on Tuesday morning.

They are Timothy St. Hill, Andrew Daly, Eon Forde and Jermaine Doobay. The post-mortems were conducted by a government pathologist. Two of the men died from multiple gunshot wounds about the body, while the other two died from gunshot wounds to the head. A police source indicated that Braithwaite’s post-mortem was not performed as his relatives showed up late to sign certain papers which were critical for performing the post-mortem On the morning that the men were attempting to invade the house, they were reportedly trying to gain access to a safe which was in the house. However, there

has been no indication or disclosures as to what the contents in the safe were. Meanwhile, following the development on Tuesday, the owner of the home

who was slated to move to Guyana with his family immediately decided that he was no longer willing to do so. He indicated to close

relatives here that he would be putting the house on the market for sale and will remain in Florida, where he and his immediate family presently reside.

Young toshao passionate about his community’s development KENNY Thomas of Apoteri Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is passionate about developing this small Indigenous reservation that sits near the Rupununi River. Thomas is the youngest village leader ever elected in the North Rupununi village. The 27-seven-year-old said that he owes everything to the Hinterland Entrepreneurial and Youth Service (HEYS) programme in which he had participated and was able to build his capacity in the area of management. Thomas, who is a carpenter by profession, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he plans to return the once-booming community (known for its balata trade), to its former glory through tourism.

The community on the western bank of the Upper Essequibo is surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. It already has a $5Million Eco-lodge which was constructed under the Community Development Plan (CDP) project. The village has a primary and nursery school, a health centre and a guest house. “Apoteri is a research place, a lot of persons from overseas visit the area to do research, we have an airstrip. We have an Eco-lodge and I am taking this opportunity to begin this tourism venture in the village which will create jobs and generate income for the Village,” Thomas said. Thomas explained that over the next three years, the Village Council will be seeking to strengthen its relationship with the gov-

Toshao Kenny Thomas ernment and other agencies to advance the livelihoods of the of the 300 Macushi and Wapishana peoples residing in the village. The name ‘Apoteri’ comes from the Arawak word for tree. (DPI)

The entrance to Apoteri Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Guyana, China relations enter ‘new and promising chapter’ –– through historic ‘Silk Belt and Road’ pact

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) thereby creating a window of opportunity for both parties. The agreement was signed within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, and well see Guyana benefitting significantly in the areas infrastructure development, trade and investment and other critical areas of mutual interest. It was signed on Friday by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the presence of President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister of Education Nicolette Henry. The pact will foster enhanced cooperation between the two countries in five critical areas, namely: Policy coordination; facilities connectivity; trade and investment; financial integration; and people-to-people interaction. Moments after the signing, Minister Greenidge told reporters that major emphasis will be placed on infrastructural development during the initial phases of the implementation of the agreement. Noting that Guyana’s inadequate infrastructure serves as a constraint to investment, Minister Greenidge said: “It also serves as a constraint to identification and access to markets, so

one of our main priorities at this time is to work on the development of infrastructure.” “That would include assistance with the designs of roads and harbours and the like, as well as access to funding for the construction for such facilities,” he explained while pointing out that through the Silk Belt and Road Initiative,

and explore the possibility of using funding from the Latin America China Funds to fund the road; that is something very much on the cards, and something we are working on.” The road at reference is the stretch of road from Kurupukari in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

of the bridge. The Chinese Ambassador told those present that the signing represents a new and promising chapter for our two countries, and that Guyana is the first country in South America and the first English-speaking one in the Caribbean to sign such a treaty with China. “Without clear and cor-

constitute the primary contents of the Belt and Road Initiative. “Without the proper and practical mechanisms and principles, we cannot successfully build the Belt and Road,” he explained. Ambassador Cui noted that the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative was devel-

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun signing the ‘Silk Road MoU) on cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (Photo by Adrian Narine) the Chinese Government has already made available over US$50B in funds for utilisation by Member States within Latin America and the Caribbean. Noting also that Guyana and Brazil have already considered tapping into multi-billion-dollar fund, Minister Greenidge said: “We have been speaking to all bilateral and multilateral partners. During our discussions with the Brazilians, we did discuss

Essequibo). Guyana has already secured funding for the paving of the road from Linden to Mabura. The minister did not rule out the possibility of Guyana securing finance under the Silk Belt and Road Initiative for the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, saying that seven Chinese companies were among a batch of eleven companies that submitted tenders to prequalify for the financing, designing and building

rect roads, people cannot move; things cannot flow,” Ambassador Jainchun posited while noting that the five priority areas would set the stage for peaceful development. “Without prioritised cooperation areas,” he said, “we cannot best utilise our limited resources and tap into our unlimited potentials. Policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, people-to-people bond and cooperation

oped in 2013 by China’s President Xi Jinping. “Over 2,000 years ago, around 130 BC in China’s Han Dynasty, our ancestors, trekking across vast steppes and deserts, opened the transcontinental passage connecting Asia, Europe and Africa, known today as the Silk Road. Besides the land Silk Road, our ancestors, navigating rough seas, created sea routes linking the East with the West, namely, the Maritime Silk Road,” Ambassador Jaichun narrated as he put the initiative into historic perspective. Guyana is the 74th country to sign onto the Belt and Road Initiative, which was also signed unto by 28 international organisations. Guyana and China established diplomatic relations in 1972.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Guyana, China relations enters ‘new and promising chapter’

–– through historic ‘Silk Belt and Road’ pact

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Way now clear for formation of regulatory body – with passage of AML/CFT Amendment Bill By Svetlana Marshall THE way has now been cleared for the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Co-ordination Committee, now that the National Assembly has passed the Anti-Money

Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill. The bill was passed on Friday despite major objections from the parliamentary opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – on the basis that it not only replaces the AML/CFT Authority with a Co-ordination

Committee, but is in breach of the constitution. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, in defence of the bill he tabled, told the House that in January 2018, the Government of Guyana was informed by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) that the AML/CFT Authority was not in compli-

ance with Recommendation 2 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 40 recommendations. Recommendation Two states that countries should designate an authority to have a co-ordination [body] or other mechanism that is responsible for national Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Policies. “The CFATF commented that the authority as presently constituted was too narrow in scope and applies solely to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU),” Minister Williams told his colleagues sitting on both sides of the House. It was on this basis that Clause Three of the Bill amends Section 7A of the Principal Act by substituting it with a new 7A in keeping with recommendation two, the Legal Affairs Minister said, while noting that the amendment now allows for

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams removal of the authority and the establishment of a committee. The committee will comprise the attorney- general and legal affairs minister as the chairman, the director of public prosecutions, the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Director of the Financial Intelligence

Unit, the Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Chairperson of the Guyana Securities Council, the Gaming Authority and the Chief Cooperatives Development Officer. Turn to page 5 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018 From page 4 ►

Way now clear for ...

The committee, when established, will be mandated to develop Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing Policies informed by the risks identified by the National Risk Assessment (NRA), develop a national plan, co-ordinate Guyana’s participation in the international effort against money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation-financing issues and dissemination of relevant information to the public. Clause Four of the Bill makes provision for funding of the committee, while Clause Five of the Bill deals with the financial year of the committee. Another critical aspect of the bill addresses targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation in keeping with recommendation seven, which calls on countries to implement targeted financial sanctions in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) relating to the prevention, suppression and disruption of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its financing. UNSCR 1718 and 2231 mandate countries to freeze without delay. As such, Clause 13 of the Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act by inserting after section 68D new sections, namely 68E, 68F, 68G, 68H and 68I to fulfil the freezing obligations under UNSCR 1718 and UNSCR 2231. “It mainly provides that no person or entity shall deal with the property of any listed person or entity and establishes the procedure for the DPP to apply for a judge in chambers, within five days, for a freezing order in respect of the funds or other assets of a listed person or entity and for the judge to immediately grant the freezing order,” the attorney general explained. But the justifications put forward by the attorney general did not sit well with the opposition. PPP Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill told the House that the bill was being debated at a time when the House was expected to adopt the 6TH Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments, which addressed the appointment of members to the AML/CFT Authority. Edghill reminded the House that it was the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, which had amended the

AML/CFT Act in 2015 to make provisions for the authority. Bemoaning the fact that the Bill provides for the attorney general and legal affairs minister to Chair the Co-operative Committee, the PPP Member of Parliament pointed out that the authority is headed by an individual elected from the 10 persons who were selected through a rigorous parliamentary process.

and legal affairs minister, under the amended legislation, would not be responsible for the payment of salaries and allowances to the staff of the Co-ordination Committee. Weighing in on the issue, PPP back-bencher Harry Gill objected to Clause Four, Section Seven B of the bill, contending that the committee should not be funded from monies and properties seized. “To get more funding they would have to seize

PPP Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall Those persons were drawn from the Guyana Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Association of Bankers, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana, Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated, the Bar Association of Guyana, the Insurance Institute of Guyana and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers. Edghill contended that in addition to empowering himself, the attorney general

more bank accounts and the committee would be a breeding ground for corruption,” he told the House. Like Edghill and Gill, the opposition’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall took umbrage with the structure of the Co-ordination Committee. Nandlall went one step further and accused the attorney general and by extension the government of creating a breach of the constitution,

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (Photos by Adrian Narine)

stating that while it is important for the country to comply with its international obligations, it must be done in a way that does not infringe on the rights of Guyanese and constitutional agencies and institutions. Referencing a section of the bill, Nandlall pointed out that “When the Director of the FIU gets information about someone in Guyana having assets and that person is listed on the UNSCR, the Director shall notify the DDP and provide all information received from the person or entity of the person’s contracts or accounts involved and the total value of the funds and other assets…and the DPP shall immediately on that notification by the director apply a freezing order to a judge in relation to those funds.” For Nandlall that is a major problem. He argued that the DPP is an independent constitutional office holder, and as such is not subject

to the direction of any other authority. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told his colleagues that the bill was necessary to bring the country on par with its international obligations, noting that the government would ensure that the necessary systems are put in place to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. Minister Williams, in his rebuttal, told the House that the PPP is misinformed, and it is a clear indication that its members did not thoroughly read the bill. He told his colleagues on both sides of the House that no effort should be spared to combat money laundering. The Legal Affairs Minister also made it clear that in his capacity of Chairman of the Co-ordination Committee, he would be mainly dealing with policies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Anti-bullying campaign

MINISTER of Education Nicolette Henry earlier this week met with representatives from the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) to discuss among other issues, bullying in schools. At the meeting, Minister Henry said she was open to partnership on a National Anti-Bullying Campaign proposed by the GRPA and SASOD, organised in collaboration with other key stakeholders for Education Month in September. The organisations and the ministry agree that through this campaign, secondary school students will be sensitised on the various forms of violence, and made aware of social support services and redress mechanisms if they are being bullied. According to them, the campaign will include a nation-wide essay competition for Grades 7 to 9 students on bullying and discrimination based on gender in schools. The campaign will run

into Bullying Prevention Month in October and culminate on Spirit Day, which is commemorated on the third Thursday of the month, October 18, this year. It is no secret that bullying in schools has not been tackled frontally by parents, teachers and the Ministry of Education over the years and this proposed campaign is a necessary step in the way forward. We have seen in the past, videos on social media of physical fights between students with their fellow classmates cheering them on and only last year a 14-yearold student of Lusignan Secondary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was stabbed in the neck by another student during a fight in close proximity to the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station. From the report this newspaper had carried, these two young women had an ongoing issue and from all indications, nothing was done by the authorities to prevent it from escalating.

I had to pay $1200 just like that Dear Editor, AROUND 08:15hrs on Thursday, 26th July, I stopped at a snackette in the Stabroek Market to purchase some snacks. Upon ordering a puri and fishcake, I decided to eat one too and drank a bottle of peanut punch. During the process of ordering, I put a 1,000 dollar bill on the counter and the lady selling collected the money, whilst serving me with part of my order. Upon completion of giving me all my orders, the woman told me the total cost and I said okay, you have change for me. Surprisingly, the woman said I have to pay her. Immediately, I told her to check as she had collected the thousand. The woman just glanced in her pocket and said no, she didn't collect the money. During the course of the argument the woman's son entered the stall and informed me that he's her son and I shouldn't raise Turn to page 7►

School bullying has probably been around since the 18th century. It is a negative human condition that has evolved along with the mind and psyche. Bullying started with children ‘picking’ on each other or parents believing that they are teaching their kids “discipline” by beating them. Adults used to believe that kids fought only to be “best friends in the end.” Bullying also resulted from conforming to prejudiced social norms like gender stereotyping of men and women. The idea of “boys will be boys” and “girls are catty” has given way to accepting unacceptable negative social behaviour. However, with awareness and strategies, bullying in school can be controlled. Incidentally, last year, the GRPA hosted a street fair to increase awareness on the subject, in recognition of its National Bullying Prevention Month, but nothing has happened since. According to a report in one of the daily newspapers, in May of 2012, a call was made by lecturer attached to the University

of Guyana’s Tain Campus, Maureen Bynoe, for the Ministry of Education to adopt a national anti-bullying strategy to target students of all ages. The report stated that Bynoe’s proposal was premised on a survey she had conducted, aimed at assessing the extent to which bullying has infiltrated schools along Central Corentyne, Berbice. The study discovered that ethnicity was a major factor that contributed to bullying in the school system. Aside from the reasons as to why students bully each other, the study, according to Bynoe, focused on the forms of bullying, the consequences of bullying on the victim, what strategies have been effective in dealing with bullying and whether there was a significant difference in the form of bullying due to gender. While this lecturer’s study focused on schools in Berbice, we believe a similar study needs to be conducted by the Ministry of Education, focusing on schools across the country with major involvement

of students, parents and teachers. With this study, we will know the core issue that leads to bullying and from there an action plan can be drafted and implemented. The bullies will be identified and get the necessary help. Parents and teachers need to work together, as they play an integral role in preventing bullying. Teachers especially need to pay more attention to students’ behaviour. For a start we urge that a national anti-bullying awareness campaign be launched across schools; the implementation of firm, school-wide rules with severe punishment for bullying; spread acceptance and respect; include anti-bullying messages and information in school-related publications, newspapers and signboards and also schools should implement the random acts of kindness culture with rewards for the kindest and most creative student. The time to act is now and we need to protect our children.

Country’s foreign currency laws must be respected Dear Editor REFERENCE is made to “Currency crackdown: Central Bank zeroes in on Cambio businesses trading in USD” in the Guyana Chronicle, dated July 22, 2018. It would seem that there are some elements within the private sector who believe it is their right to dictate to the state authorities on how to conduct the business of the state; and that they covet this right because of their known traditional value and importance to the national economy. The problem with this belief of pre-eminence, is that it stems from the over two decades of functioning in a state in which there were no adherence to the rule of law, as the latter became subservient to many within the sector, making fat profits at all costs; being granted concessions and waivers, the latter which were fraudulently requested in many instances, and not used as intended and of course, not paying

their fair share of taxes, in many instances. Even if the entire economy was being kept afloat by the Cubans, as the franchise holder views the presence of Cuban traders, it is still no reason for there to be transgressions/shunting aside/ignoring the country’s laws as they pertain to the trade of foreign currency. And it is a red herring for him, and by extension the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) boss to raise the weak defence of persons with large sums of monies being robbed when they enter/exit Cambios. They are at the same exposure/ risks as other citizens. Both these private sector personalities should explain the posting of a notice displaying exchange rates on the premises of a Chinese store, when they are not an authorised/licensed agency, and is in contravention of the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act, 1989.

As an aside, it is good to read that the franchise holder is saying that the economy had been slowing down since 2014, and not after May 2015, as most of his fellow businessmen have been dishonestly contending, in order to blame the coalition government. Why did he not go public with such a fact earlier? The fact that he did not, immediately informs of the pervasive plot to embarrass the coalition government, as to the latter being responsible. It was a Bharrat Jagdeo narrative, dishonest in every way, which refrain was then sung by the political elements within the private sector. It was well orchestrated. No country is ever going to permit this serious infringement of its currency laws. This is outright lawlessness, and a violation of the financial laws; and this must not be; not for the sake/thanks of foreigners who come to do business. To do so, can only lead to a distortion of the legitimate mechanism

for the tracking, and management of the nation’s foreign exchange flow. Also, from the statements alluded to him, the GCIC chairman appears to have axes to grind with some sectors; be it as it may, it is still no reason for his advocating the financial control laws being throttled or set aside because of ‘’being grateful’’ to the foreigners who bring business to Guyana, even if “locals are benefitting significantly”, as he contended. Even if the Bank of Guyana might have applied “suasion”, from all appearances the laws are still being ignored. It is time to act, lest bigger problems emerge. Finance Minister Winston Jordan is absolutely correct: “The law is the law and we should be enforcing the law”. It should be applied before it is too late. Regards Earl Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

A criminal state and its former leaders Dear Editor, READING well-known political activist, Tacuma Ogunseye’s letter to the editor, “For there to be healing the truth must be told”, in the Guyana Chronicle, dated July 20, 2018, should serve to remind that all of the problems that afflicted this country under the Bharrat Jagdeo People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government. He alluded to, and discussed irrefutable facts, that I would have illustrated in so many of the pieces, that I am thankful to have had published in this newspaper, from time to time. What in effect has been occurring since post-2015, is a well-orchestrated blitz of lies, and misleading information, designed by the PPP/C to sani-

tise, and re-create itself, as past paragons of good governance, as Brother Tacuma has clearly outlined. This is a criminality that has been aided and abetted by sections of a hypocritical private media, in the name of opportunism, and of course, furthering a political agenda against the current government. One gets the particular impression that this media house, does not favour an African Guyanese – led executive. We have been witnessing a collusion of the worse sort, of stupendous contradictions, never before witnessed in this country. Here we have a certain print media that led the fight against the PPP/C crooks, exposing the wanton corruption and sleaze, committed by former high state officials. It even

was viciously attacked, verbally, by a former high-profile senior cabinet officer, who even threatened the entity and staff with violence. Since 2015, this journal has been willing in its facilitation of these heavily discredited personalities, via published pieces that are ethnically poisoned in content, and which are shameless in the avalanche of lies that it daily perpetuates. No media of such an egregious mind, is ever going to be truthful to the nation in terms of honestly explaining the truth of the enormous damage, criminally done by those that it has been seeking to renew. But, one needs to see this orchestration as also including some sections of the business community who, no doubt, holds a grudge against the gov-

ernment for closing the many loopholes, through which many of this collective formerly had eluded their obligations to the state revenue coffers. For the PPP/C, truth is a distortion that suits its equally twisted narrative of its past stewardship. It has left a state that under its watch has been so wanton and deliberate in creating inherent socio-economic imbalances, which has resulted in the total exclusion of African-Guyanese from having a fair opportunity in deriving personal economic benefits. Such is among the dark legacies of the Jagdeo PPP/C to Guyana. Regards Troy Garraway

From page 6 ►

I had to pay ...

my voice. I told him this is blatant robbery and let her check her money. The market hadn't opened too long and I’m quite sure she would know how many sales she accumulated so far and would see the difference. She refused to do that. Many things transpired, but to make the story short, first time in my life I encountered such an embarrassment and all because of what I considered dishonesty. I paid for the puri and fish cake that I took and left. It might not sound as a lot, but I lost $1200 just like that and my appetite was cut. Editor, I've penned numerous letters about the affairs of the Stabroek Market with the aim that things would change and changes would be made, so that more people would feel comfortable to do their purchasing inside the market, but surprisingly, it seems as if they are crooks vending too. As of today, I will ensure that I don't venture back there for any purchasing, even though I would sometimes take my kids there for snacks too. Regards Sahadeo Bates

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

GECOM Chair appeal set for October 4 By Ariana Gordon

THE Court of Appeal on Friday afternoon set October 4, 2018 as the date for the hearing of an appeal against the High Court ruling which upheld the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In June, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled that the appointment of Justice Patterson was constitutionally done by President David Granger. The Court of Appeal, led by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory determined that the case will be heard on October 4, 2018, just over one month before the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE). Earlier this month, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha requested an early date for the hearing and determination of the appeal. Mustapha, who is represented by attorney Anil Nandlall, is contending that the setting of an early date for the hearing of the appeal is critical, as it is a matter of national and public importance. Both Nandlall and Attorney-General Basil Williams, SC, who is representing the State, have indicated that they intend to appeal the court’s decision on the said matter at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) when the appeal is completed. In reading the court’s decision, the Chancellor said that in view of the named date for LGE, the court has agreed that the appeal should be conducted in a short timeframe. “We are of the view that given the pending date of the elections and given the fact that there are matters which touch and concern the decision of the learned trial judge, an appeal should be heard, or an hearing of the appeal should be conducted in a short space of time,” the chancellor said. “This is not to say that we are not mindful of the other matters that are before us, but for such matters of

national importance which have been dealt with before,” she added. Justice Cummings-Edwards pointed to previous cases that were fast-tracked given their nature, and the fact that they were of national importance. As it relates to case management timelines, she said that a record of appeal must be prepared by August 27, while written submissions are to be filed and served by September 10. The respondent has until September 24 to file and serve its response, while submissions in reply are to be filed and served, if necessary by October 1, 2018. Just after the court determined the date for the appeal, the Attorney-General told reporters that he is not disappointed in the result, as October 4, 2018 does not reflect an urgent date. “Mr. Nandlall must be disappointed; he asked for an early hearing but didn’t get it,” said Williams who noted that the very points raised in the fixed-date application will be raised in the substantive appeal. It should be noted that the court is going into recess sometime next week. “We believe the only court with jurisdiction, once elections are afoot to deal with complaints would be the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court after the outcome of the elections. It is a matter we feel strongly about and we will appeal. We feel the president properly appointed the GECOM Chair; the Chief Justice confirmed that appointment,” said the Attorney- General. Williams iterated his earlier argument that the State’s position is that the LGE date has been announced and elections preparations are afoot. “The law will tell you, quite clearly, the court shouldn’t stop any elections by an application made before the holding of the elections. The volume of money and activities that would have already been spent, it won’t make sense,” he stated. RECESS Meanwhile, Nandlall told reporters that

he is not disappointed in the date provided by the court, since it will be going into recess soon. “It is a date we will have to accept,” the former attorney-general said, adding: “Fortunately, the court recognised the importance of fixing a date for early hearing. Had the court not done that, it is quite possible a date would have been fixed very close to national elections.” He noted, too, that the LGE are not as important as national elections, stressing that his applicant is more concerned about at national elections. Nandlall expressed satisfaction at the fact that the court has recognised the importance of the issues and the importance of hearing and determining those cases at the very least before LGE. “The LGE can always be postponed; it is not fixed in stone,” he said. “The minister can reissue a date, and in any event, the LGE elections were originally fixed for December. I don’t see any harm being done if the court rules in a particular way which would cause the elections to be postponed,” said Nandlall who reminded that enough time has to be given for the aggrieved party to appeal to the CCJ. The CCJ too, he said, must be given enough time to hear and rule on the case before general and regional elections. Meanwhile, on Friday morning when arguments were presented before the court for just under an hour, Williams argued that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal. “I respectfully submit that this court has no jurisdiction to entertain this application as it relates to the legality and validity of the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, and in effect the validity of the LGE to be held on November 12, 2018,” he said. “I further submit respectfully that this issue affecting the validity of the LGE can only be determined by the High Court exercising a special and exclusive jurisdiction conferred upon it by Article 163 (1) (b) i.”

He posited that the High Court could determine any question, whether generally or in any particular way, an election has been lawfully conducted. “The Motion before the court seeks to abridge the time to hear the appeal that has been filed here,” said the Attorney-General, who noted that the affidavit in support of the Motion filed by Nandlall “clearly questions the legitimacy and validity of the upcoming elections.” “In effect, the learned attorney is saying that that the LGE cannot be validly conducted with the presence of Justice Patterson as Chair of GECOM, as he was unlawfully or illegally appointed,” Williams told the court, while stating that a date has already been announced for the elections, as it was published in the Official Gazette on July 18, 2018. “I submit that those elections to be held in November can only be lawfully challenged after elections are held by way of elections petition. Questions as to the validity of the appointment of the GECOM Chair cannot be made before elections, since the electoral process has commenced by the publication of the Elections Day date. The law is very clear,” the attorney-general added. According to him, the elections process began on July 18, while clarifying that the point could not be made before the trial judge, as the elections process had not started. “The effect, therefore, is since Article 163 (1) (b) I establishes jurisdiction in the High Court, it would follow that only special jurisdiction in the High Court could entertain the Motion,” the attorney-general said. The High Court, he stressed, cannot entertain the case in its ordinary jurisdiction, and as such “this court would be acting in vain.” URGENCY When asked by the court to address the question of urgency, Williams declared that the Ventose case, as was relied on by Nandlall, was not applicable to the existing case, but noted a myriad of

Attorney-General, Basil Williams, SC cases which supports his contention. “I respectfully submit that the applicant has not established that he has an arguable case that the Chief Justice erred in her judgment,” Williams said, adding: “His Excellency resorted to the proviso of Article 162 (2), and did so properly; and that was confirmed by the Chief Justice. The President is not obliged to select anyone from the three lists provided by the Opposition Leader.” As such, he said “the court ought not to retard the holding of elections” as he pointed to preparations for the November 12 elections. On the contrary, Nandlall argued that the AG’s contentions were “wholly irrelevant, unmeritorious and premature”, while noting that as his client’s application only sought to persuade the court to fix an early date for the hearing and determination of the appeal filed relative to the appointment of Patterson. Speaking on constitutional democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution, Nandlall said, “This applicant approached the High Court as the guardian of the constitution alleging that the constitution was violated when the appointment was made by the President of Justice Patterson.” He noted that the complaint was initially entertained by the High Court which heard and determined

the matter in favour of the state. “The next step in the litigation process is contained in the Court of Appeal Act which confers upon every person who is aggrieved by a decision of a final nature of a high court judge to come to this court to appeal that decision. “This applicant capitalised on that statutory right and has filed a Notice of Appeal against the decision of Chief Justice George. Nowhere in the Court of Appeal Act which confers that right of appeal are there exceptional cases touching and concerning electoral matters. Nothing at all!” declared Nandlall. The attorney noted, too, that that could only be changed by statute. “If we are going to suspend the statutory right of litigants to appeal certain matters, we can only do that by statute. This application is simply to accelerate the process of having that appeal heard early as a result of issues involved, issues of national importance,” he said, maintaining that the Motion does not seek to abridge time. Every appeal, he stressed. should be heard at the earliest practical time, adding that there is no timeframe fixed for the hearing of the appeal. He referenced, too, the timeline used in determining the appeal in the Ventose case, which matter was heard and determined in a matter of weeks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Maths institute inspires students to engage in critical thinking

THE Queen’s College of Guyana Alumni Association New York Chapter (QCAANY) is hosting its third annual Summer Maths Institute to inspire students to engage in critical thinking and to hone their personal capabilities. Explaining the purpose of the programme, President of the QCAANY, Karen Wharton, said, “We think that Math and STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are a way of thinking and students need to have strong backgrounds in STEM across the field, whether or not they are pursuing studies in these areas.” And the institute which began on July 23 and will culminate on August 3, has sought to integrate components of mathematics that are not necessarily part of the school curriculum, so that students may harness the critical thinking skills

needed. The sessions are held daily and are led by Renowned Professor in Math, Dr. Terrence Blackman and doctoral student in Applied Math at the North Carolina State University, Cleveland Waddell. “What we are doing is exposing them to a different way of looking at Math, to excite them to get them to see Math as something beyond Algebra, integrals and calculus,” Wharton affirmed, while adding that the two-week programme is not meant to be extra lessons. Member of the QCAANY, Shindy Johnson, also affirmed that other components of the programme include the promotion writing skills, because the ability to communicate transcends all areas, and the promotion of socialisation among all the students. Importantly for her also, is to have the students under-

stand the value of what they are bringing to them and to come prepared to benefit. And though the programme is being hosted at Queen’s College by the alumni body, it has not only benefited QC children, but students from St. Stanislaus College, Bishop’s, St. Roses, Tutorial, St. George’s and Tucville High Schools as well. For Wharton and the association, the programme is another opportunity to give back to the community and she related, “The goal is to inspire kids.” These students are exposed to higher-level mathematical theory, but the programme was designed to encourage fun learning, so there have been trips to the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) in Berbice. Mathematical software

Students engaged during the maths institute was also introduced, so that students are exposed to use some of theories to apply to everyday situations, according to Wharton. A challenge to the programme however, is that though it is needed tremendously in Guyana, the organisation can only facilitate so many children. To this end, Wharton called on other organisations to take up the

mantle to facilitate such programmes for Guyanese youth. “It’s hard to put on this calibre of programme on our own, without any support from the government and from the institutions in Guyana,” the President noted and added that while there are some private donors, the institute is majorly funded through the efforts of the QCAANY.

And attesting to the merit of the programme was veteran participant and student Maria Shakoor, who noted that each year the programme affords her an opportunity to meet new people and learn new things. “It helps you to process faster,” Shakoor said, while noting that she has seen a transformation in the way she views mathematical problems in school.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Packed programme for Hopetown Emancipation celebration By Clifford Stanley

MEMBERS of the Soiree and Cultural Committee of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, (WCB) have planned a week of observances and celebratory activities in the village in memory of the 180th anniversary of emancipation from slavery. Chairperson Renai McAlmont disclosed that

there will be a designated area for a Soiree Village, where no sale of alcohol will be allowed, but where visitors and celebrants can enjoy traditional African dishes such as conkee, metagee and numerous other delicacies. The Soiree Village will be open from 14:00hrs on July 31. McAlmont disclosed that the first event was a well-attended and success-

ful Soiree Cultural presentation by the Seaview Cultural Organisation of Hopetown, held at the Society Hall Wednesday night last. The week of activities will see a cultural pageant at the Fort Wellington Secondary School tarmac beginning at 19:00hrs tonight; a family fun day at the Community Centre ground on Sunday at 14:00hrs and a pre-soiree celebration at the Angli-

can Church Hall on Monday 30, commencing at 1900hrs; an athletic road race and relay from Naarstigheid to Hopetown on Tuesday 31, commencing at 14:00hrs; a children’s Road Parade from Bel Air to Hopetown on Tuesday July 31, commencing at 16:00hrs; and a candle light parade from Church Dam to Bel Air and back on July 31, commencing at 21:00hrs. The candle

light parade will feature a cultural programme commencing at 22:00hrs at Red Shop Square, Cemetery Road and conclude with presentations on Emancipation and other elements of the celebrations, including the libation ceremony up to

midnight. The final event of the observances at Hopetown, McAlmont said, will be a Soiree Cup Basket- ball tournament on Friday, August 3, at the Basketball Tarmac, Hopetown, commencing from 18:00hrs.

GPF responds to newspaper articles THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) responded to two newspaper articles, one published in the Guyana Times and the other in the Kaieteur News editions of July 27, 2018, under the captions, “Berbice businessman allegedly beaten by police” and “Bush rum sold under the noses of the police”, respectively. The police said investigations into both matters have been launched by the divisional commanders. According to a Guyana Times article, Jameek Hakim, 19, of Fourth Street Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was reportedly picked up by the police at his home and taken to the Whim Police Station, where he allegedly was physically assaulted. He has shown marks on his upper body which he alleged resulted from the assault. Hakim says he sells household items and operates as a huckster. According to him, when he was arrested he was not told the reason for his arrest. “They take me to the station and put me to kneel down, and start beating me in my head and my shoulders with a black wire. They stamp me in my back,” he said. Hakim claims he was kicked and slapped until his ears started to hurt. “When they finish beating me, they bring a pail of water in front of me and then ask me where is the gold chain that I snatch? I tell them that I don’t know what they talking about… Then [one of them] hold my head and duck it into the water. I don’t know for how long, but if he did not raise me out I would drowned, because I drink a lot of water that night. When he pull out my head, he put several plastic bags over it.” Hakim also alleges that the officers placed pepper in his mouth, and slammed his head into a wall.

Arrest warrant issued for traffic cop

TWO police ranks have been charged but only one appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with bribery. The charge alleged that on December 7, 2017 Chris Brown along with Mark Collins while being at the Ruimveldt Police Station and being agents of the State obtained $10,000 from Iyana Hudson as an inducement or reward to forego charges against Dwayne Dover for carrying more passengers than the permit allowed. The 28-year-old Constable Brown, who resides at Parfaite Harmony, West Chris Brown Bank Demerara, denied the charge that was read out to him in court by the chief magistrate. Meanwhile Constable Collins did not appear in court and an arrest warrant was issued for him. Brown was represented by Attorney George Thomas who made an application for reasonable bail to be granted to his client. Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objections to bail. Bail was granted in the sum of $5,000 and the matter was adjourned to August 6, 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

No charges for Minister Broomes By Michel Outridge

JUNIOR Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources will not be charged for the ‘parking lot fiasco’ according to the police on Friday. Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan in a press release said relative to a press release sent out on July 09, 2018, “Incident involving a Minister of the Government, her driver

and two security guards at a popular established business parking lot at Providence, East Bank Demerara,” a follow-up bulletin was issued on Friday. He said that the file was completed and sent for legal advice, which was obtained to the effect that based on all the statements and video footage, no charges were advised. Following the incident, two security guards were

arrested and later released, after it was alleged that one of the men pointed a shotgun at Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and her driver at the Massy parking lot at Providence, East Bank Demerara on the evening of July 8, 2018. Reports indicated that the minister was also threatened by the 53-year-old security guard who was armed with a

Guyanese stand on shoulders of freedom fighters –– says Eric Phillips in Emancipation Day message GUYANESE enjoy the benefits of a free country, thanks to the struggles of three fallen heroes, Cuffy, Quamina and Damon, says ACDA’s executive member, Eric Phillips in acknowledging the upcoming Emancipation Day. Cuffy, who was captured in his native West Africa and stolen for slavery to work on the plantations of the Dutch colony of Berbice, in 1763 led a revolt of more than 2,500 slaves. While his year-long attempt was futile, it was considered the first true attempt in the Region by enslaved Africans to gain their freedom. It is, for this reason, Phillips believes that Cuffy is the true father of the nation: “We hear this argument that somebody is the father of the nation in political terms, but the true father of the nation is Cuffy. That is why he is our national icon, our national hero, but because of this dialogue about who is the father of the nation, and it not being historically correct, we find that few Guyanese fully acknowledge Cuffy as our

national hero.” Meanwhile, Quamina was instrumental in the uprising of more than 10,000 enslaved Africans on Plantation Success, Demerara, in 1823. His action, according to researchers, fast-tracked the emancipation process. Here’s a fun fact: Quamina Street was once named John Murray Street, after the Governor who put down the rebellion. The street was renamed in the freedom fighter’s honour in 1985. A monument to him was erected at the junction of Quamina and Carmichael Streets. According to Phillips, Damon who led the 1834 rebellion in Essequibo, was the first to advocate non-violent protest before the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Damon’s ideology for non-violent protest is not something that is recognised by Guyanese as noteworthy. “We should really appreciate Damon, we do not. The statue is in Anna Regina, so it is far away from where the majority of the people are, but before there was a Ma-

ACDA’s executive member Eric Phillips hatma Gandhi, before there was a Martin Luther King, Damon was the icon [of] non-violent protest, but we do not recognise Damon in those terms, but that’s what he did. He was a precursor to Mandela, the precursor to Mahatma Gandhi in terms of how to solve problems.” August 1, 2018, will mark 180 years since enslaved Africans along with the rest of the Caribbean gained their freedom. (DPI)

Robbed after visit to bakery By Michel Outridge AN elderly resident of Charlestown was robbed at gunpoint by one of two robbers after making a purchase at a bakery in the area on Wednesday night. The victim, Aubrey Eversley, 66, was robbed of two cellphones and a car alarm, all totalling about $144,000. Eversley went to a bakery on Ketley Street and as he was exiting the shop he was confronted by the sus-

pects, one of whom pointed a handgun in his direction while his accomplice reportedly dealt him several cuffs about his body and took away the items that were in his pants pocket. The perpetrators then made their escape south on Ketley Street into Albouystown. In a separate incident, Roger Dyal, 53, of Norton Street, was walking along Princes Street on Thursday night, when a male he can identify approached him to borrow a lighter.

Dyal, a musician, heeded the request of the man and while he was at Hardina Street, the same young man, accompanied by another came up to him on a bicycle, brandished a handgun and robbed him of one grey Apple iPhone 5S, a gold case, a small amount of cash, six cigarettes and the lighter, all to the total value of $41,050. The men then escaped south along Hardina Street. The police are investigating both incidents, but no arrests have yet been made.

shotgun. Security sources revealed that Minister Broomes had alleged that she and her driver went to the Massy Parking Lot at Providence to purchase food when the driver parked the vehicle. The two guards approached the vehicle and became abusive. Broomes later identified herself to them but they continued and that is when the guard cocked his

shotgun and pointed it at her. The police were summoned and the two security guards were arrested and the shotgun seized and lodged with the police. The police launched an investigation statements were taken and the CCTV footage at the Massy Parking lot was reviewed. The security guards were later released on their own recognizance.

Minister Simona Broomes

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Green Paper on management of oil revenues with Cabinet – to be presented before parliamentary recess

GOVERNMENT’S green paper on management of the emerging oil-and gas- industry will soon be reviewed by Cabinet before it is

tabled in the National Assembly. The paper was reviewed once, but is to be reviewed again by Cabinet at its next meeting, said

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in an invited comment on Friday. He said that government hopes to finalise the paper and present it at the

last sitting of the National Assembly before the parliamentary recess. “On the other hand, the bill for the Natural Resource Fund/Sovereign Wealth Fund is with the AG’s Chambers where it will be put into legal language,” Jordan said, adding that they are working hard to ensure that it is tabled before the end of this year. After drafting the Bill, the Attorney General, Basil Williams, will pass it on to Cabinet where it will be reviewed and then tabled in the National Assembly. It was reported in sections of the media that Guyana intends to spend the billions of dollars that is expected from oil production in the coming years, in the context of its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). The GSDS will guide Guyana’s economic and sociocultural development over the next 15 years. The objective of the strategy is to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reduc-

ing reliance on traditional sectors and opening up new, sustainable income and investment opportunities in higher value adding and higher growth sectors. Experts had forecast that Guyana will earn as much as US$380 million annually from royalties in the first three years of oil production, beginning in 2020 at 120,000 barrels per day from Liza Phase 1. Based on seven other oil discoveries offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil forecasts daily production at 500,000 barrels in another five years. Guyana’s first development, Liza Phase 1, will use a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel to produce 120,000 barrels of oil per day, starting by early 2020. Liza Phase 2, which is targeted for sanctioning by the end of this year, will use an FPSO vessel designed to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day and is expected to be producing by mid-2022. ExxonMobil said on Monday that it has in-

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan creased its estimate of the discovered recoverable resources for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels and has advanced its evaluation to support a third phase of development and consideration of two additional phases. The collective discoveries on the Stabroek Block to date have established the potential for up to five FPSOs producing over 750,000 barrels per day by 2025. There is potential for additional production from significant undrilled targets and plans for rapid exploration and appraisal drilling, including at the Ranger discovery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Government receives US$35M loan from World Bank –– funds to support emerging oil-and-gas sector and strengthen financial sector

GUYANA’S financial sector and emerging oil-andgas sector are expected to be enhanced incrementally through financing from a US$35 million (GYD7.2B) loan which the government has received from the World Bank. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and the World Bank’s Senior Country Officer to Guyana Pierre Nadji, officially signed an agreement on Friday, paving the way for government to access the funds. The loan, which is a development policy credit, will provide financing on the basis of action which Guyana has already undertaken with regard to financial and fiscal stability; and under the conditionality that Guyana maintains an adequate macroeconomic policy framework. According to Minister Jordan, the US$35 million will also support the emerging oil-andgas sector. The loan is part of the US$90 million which the World Bank had recently made available to Guyana. The funds will be available over the next three years.

“The loan is part of that facility [US$90M] and we are developing another facility to look specifically at the oil-and-gas sector, since this one is generally for balance of payments support,” said the finance minister. Jordan said although the money is welcomed, government’s aim is to put measures in place to ensure that the financial sector is efficient. As an example of their aim of creating an efficient system, he made reference to the four financial bills that were recently passed by the National Assembly. Among the bills were the National Payment System bill, the Bank of Guyana bill and amendments to the Deposit Insurance Act. “The four bills that we passed were complex pieces of legislation, but were very much needed to modernise the natural architecture in our country,” said Jordan. The recent bills were complemented by recent legislation such as the insurance and credit reporting Acts. Those bills are also expected to be complemented by modern legislation for a

stock exchange. Nadji echoed the sentiments of the minister, noting that he was glad that the latest bills were passed in time for the agreement. The World Bank’s representative said the loan will be used to build on what is already in place. He said it will help in stabilising the financial sector and in preparing the ground for sound fiscal management. A US$20M loan was recently approved by the World Bank for capacity-building initiatives ahead of first-oil in 2020. Those initiatives include finalising critical legislation and the establishment of critical units, such as a Petroleum Revenue Unit at the Guyana Revenue Authority, among others. According to a Guyana Chronicle report, Jordan said: “We have a loan coming up from the World Bank, I think about US$20M for oil-and-gas development.” The minister had said some of that money will be going towards preparing and finalising various pieces of legislative instruments pertaining to the sector.

CCAC recovers $8M in exchanges, refunds for customers THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has recovered more than $8M in exchanges, refunds and repairs on behalf of consumers for the period January to June 2018, Director Dawn Holder-Cush has said. The CCAC was established to administer and enforce the Competition and Fair Trading Act 2006 (CFTA) and the Consumer Affairs Act (2011, a release from the body said. “The Consumer Affairs Act is one of the most effective Acts which gives the Commission the authority to defend the rights of consumers in Guyana”, said the director. According to the release the recovery of the over $8M, came mainly from businesses in the auto, electronics, furniture, clothing and accessories and construction materials supplies industries. These cases account for 100 of the 150 cases received by the Commission for the first half of the

year. The remaining cases are ongoing investigations. Complaints to the value of $122, 782, 719 were investigated in 2017 with an 91% resolution rate. The Commission urges consumers to take advantage of their inherent rights given to them through the Competition and Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs Acts, and encourages consumers to seek redress with the Commission should they feel disenfranchised by the purchase of a good or service. The Commission can be reached on telephone numbers 219-4410/3 or by visiting the office at the National Exhibition Site Sophia. Consumers are reminded that among some your rights are: the right to a refund and the right to return goods under specific conditions. It is the responsibility of consumers to always demand proof of purchase, inclusive of a receipt and contracts where necessary.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Two cops charged with traffic licence fraud

TWO police ranks appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday on 38 counts of misdemeanour charges. The charges allege that on April 12 at Georgetown, with intend to defraud the public, Shenese Frazer conspired with other persons to commit misdemeanours -- that is to say, she uttered questionnaires knowing same to be forged and that they were not written by the18 persons whose names were given. Thirty-one-year old Fraz-

Ryan Grey

er who is the confidential Secretary of the Acting Traffic Chief and who resides at South Sophia, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The woman who has served the Guyana Police Force for seven years was yesterday represented by attorney Patrice Henry, who applied for reasonable bail to be granted his client. Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objections to bail, but asked that conditions be attached. Bail was granted by the

Shenese Frazer

chief magistrate in the sum of $150,000 on the condition that the defendant lodge her passport and report to CID headquarters every Friday. It was also alleged that on the same day at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Ryan Grey conspired with persons to commit misdemeanours -- that is to say, he uttered questionnaires knowing them to be forged and that they were not written by the 20 persons whose names were given. Twenty-five -year old Grey, who has served the Guyana Police Force for seven years as a corporal, was not required to plead to the indictable charges. The policeman who resides at De Silva Street was represented by Attorney Mark Conway. According to the facts that were given in court by Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the police force had announced that the Office of Professional Responsibility had launched an investigation into what it described as “massive irregularities” in

the Guyana Police Force’s learner-driver’s theoretical examination, which took place on April 12, 2018, at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown. The investigation was launched after a report was made by a senior pastor serving as chaplain to the commissioner of police (ag), indicating that after the examination had finished, his pastor colleagues reported that some 174 persons were registered to write the said examination but 106 persons presented themselves on the said day. However, 207 scripts were received at the conclusion of the examination and 155 of the 207 scripts were completed. Bail was granted by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the sum of $160,000 on the condition that the defendant report to the CID headquarters every Friday. Fraser and Grey were expected back in court August 17, 2018.

Remanded on attempt to commit felony charge A 20-year-old man was on Friday remanded to prison on an attempt to commit felony charge. The charge alleged that on July 25, 2018 at Regent Street, Georgetown, Randy Bowen while being in the company of others and armed with a dangerous weapon (a chopper), attempted to rob Rajkumar Ruper. The construction worker who resides at Durban Street denied the charge that was read to him in court by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted due to the serious nature of the offence and the fact that the injured man was a serving member of the Guyana Police Force and also because the defendant was previously charged with a similar matter in another court. According to facts that were presented in court by the prosecutor, the virtual complainant was on his way to work in a minibus and the defendant and his accomplices were passengers in the same bus. They attacked the victim with a chopper and attempted to rob him. However Ruper managed to escape from the bus and the matter was reported to the police. Bail was refused by the chief magistrate and Bowen was remanded to prison until August 3, 2018 Bowen was charged three months ago with a similar

Randy Bowen offence. He and a 16-yearold boy on March 16, 2018, at Irving Street, Georgetown, in the company of others, allegedly robbed Julian De Luz of a cellphone valued $24,000. It was further alleged that on the same day at Irving Street, a group robbed Royston Beveney of a cellphone, valued $20,000. The prosecutor stated that De Luz was standing on Irving Street awaiting transportation when the accused approached him and demanded the cellphone. A report was made at the Kitty Police Station and Bowen was subsequently identified by the complainant. He was searched and De Luz’s cellphone was found on his person. Both of the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted and Magistrate Judy Latchman granted the accused $100,000 bail for each charge.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

‘I operate a bar, not a strip club’ – Diamond businessman says By Leroy Smith

KARRAN, a Diamond, East Bank Demerara businessman is refuting claims in sections of the media that a bar he operates in the community is a strip club. The businessman told the Guyana Chronicle that he has been tending bar for years, and it was only last year that he decided to register his as “The Coin Restaurant Bar and Pool Hall”. He said that his estab-

lishment features clean entertainment, and is in no way involved in the trafficking of humans or entertaining strippers. Karran said that one evening a man showed up at his house asking for girls, and he had to advise him that he was not in that line of business. Not satisfied with the answer he got, Karran said that the enquirer, a taxi driver, then left and returned claiming that his Karran’s nephew, who is a policeman, sent him to collect

some girls. Karran said that at that point he became suspicious, as he felt he was being prepped for a robbery, so he asked the taxi man to leave his premises. But to his surprise, Karran said, the taxi man went to his bar where he saw his nephew and promptly told him that his uncle sent him to collect some girls. Having been briefed by his uncle about the previous visits to his home by an individual fitting the description of the man who

was now making the “girls request”, Karran’s nephew, the policeman, asked the taxi man to leave the bar. The man, however, insisted that he needed some girls, as they were for a group of popular West Demerara men whom he described as drug dealers. At that point, Karran said, his nephew identified himself to the taxi man as a cop and ordered him to leave the premises. Subsequently, both he and his nephew began receiving calls on their cellular phones from a man claiming that the taxi driver was alleging that the police-

man had assaulted him but that he was willing to settle the matter. According to Karran, the man at the other end of the line was previously at the centre of a Commission of Inquiry back in 2017. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the informant told him and his nephew that the taxi driver was about to make a report to the police about the alleged assault and that they operate an illegal strip club. He said that the taxi driver was willing to settle the entire matter for a fee of $5M, which both he and his nephew refused to entertain,

knowing that no such thing as an assault ever happened. Karran said that the price demand then began to drop until it finally reached $250,000, but both he and his nephew declined to make any such payout, and urged the man to go to the police if he felt that his rights had been violated. The man has since reportedly approached the Police Office of Professional Responsibility and reported the matter, and Karran’s nephew and a colleague policeman who allegedly owns and operates a strip club were immediately transferred.

Gun-toting bandit invades M&M Snackette at Houston

A LONE gunman on Friday bravely walked into the M&M fast-food snackette at Houston, East Bank Demerara and robbed the cashier at the facility of an undisclosed sum of cash. The man who had

his gun tucked under his clothes walked into the establishment under the guise of being a customer. Once at the counter he whipped out the weapon, pointed it at the cashier and demanded that she hand over the cash.

Without any hesitation, the cashier complied and handed the money over to the bandit who quickly concealed same and exited the establishment. The matter was reported to the police who immediately launched an

Gary Moses spared the gallows –– as death sentence commuted to life imprisonment

THE Court of Appeal on Friday commuted a death sentence imposed on convicted murderer Gary Moses to that of life imprisonment. Moses, the court ruled, must serve a minimum of 30 years before being eligible for parole. “Given the circumstances of this case,” Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said, “we are of the view, even though the time spent awaiting the retrial was excessive… considering all the circumstances, we do not believe that his conviction should be quashed or the hearing should be stayed. “In the circumstances, we will review the sentence, taking into consideration the delay and therefore the appellant’s sentence to death would be commuted to life imprisonment. “The felon must serve a minimum of 30 years before any eligibility for parole.” The felon had appealed his conviction and sentence for the 1993 murder of Leila Barrow of David Street, Kitty. The man, who was represented by Prithima Kissoon who sat in for Nigel Hughes, had argued in his appeal that the trial judge failed to adequately tell the jury his client’s defence of having no knowledge of the crime, as was told to the police. On July 24, 1993, Leila Barrow was found murdered in her home, and according to a post mortem examination, she was sexually assaulted. Moses was indicted with Barrow’s murder and was tried before a judge and jury and

found guilty of the offence and sentenced to death. Moses was first convicted in 2003, after which he appealed his conviction but was unsuccessful. In the case, the prosecution argued that Moses along with two others entered Barrow’s home and in the course of committing a felony thereof murdered her. The two other co-accused’s were charged and tried separately. At Moses’ trial, a co-accused testified against him, and he appealed on the grounds that the trial judge failed to adequately direct the jury on the need for corroboration of the testimony of a convicted felon. He argued, too, that the death sentence imposed on him was unconstitutional and a breach of his fundamental rights, and that it was excessive. The man, through his attorney, said the death sentence was not mandatory, as the judge had discretion as to determine whether or not the capital punishment would be handed down. However, the prosecution argued that such discretion was provided for after the amendments to the Criminal Law Offences Act 2010 were effected. Moses was convicted for the crime before the amendments. Moses was on death row for about 14 years. The decision was handed down by Justice Cummings-Edwards in the presence of Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud and High Court Judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds.

investigation. The bandit, after carrying out his attack, then left the area on a bicycle which he arrived on. Police sources are working with intelligence that he might have come from

the McDoom, East Bank Demerara area. One police source indicated that the incident took place after 15:00hrs. This publication was told that the location generally does not have many cus-

tomers at one time. The gunman’s image was captured on CCTV footage and the police are working to enhance the quality with the aim of bringing the perpetrator to justice.

QC alumni chip in with $1M for school’s playfield

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

Miss World Guyana visits Mrs. Nagamootoo

Captain of the Queen’s College cricket team and student, Amos Sarwan, receives the cheque of $1M from alumnus Dr. Terrence Blackman alongside the rest of the team, other QC alumni and Chairman Alfred Granger (fourth from left) QUEEN’S College (QC) alumni from at home and abroad have chipped in with $1M (or $5000USD) in funds to renovate the school’s playing field, which has fallen into a deplorable state. Chairman of the Queen’s College board of governors, Alfred Granger, said he is “effusive” in his gratitude to the alumni-- spearheaded by Dr. Terrence Blackman-- who responded to the need of the school without the funds being solicited. “The donation is going towards the [rehabili-

tation] of the field and so that’s a project in itself,” he explained to the Guyana Chronicle. Rehabilitating the field involves constructing proper drains, building up some parts of the nine acres of land, the field and weeding. The field had deteriorated over the years, causing the students of the college to use nearby fields for their sporting events. The administration was also forced to rent the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground at Bourda in order to facilitate the annual school sports for the past two years.

In response to this, Granger highlighted that alumni at home and abroad had pooled funds earlier to clear the weeds that had taken over the field. This time however, the funds were raised to completely renovate the field, so that it may be used by the students. The group has also contributed over $6M to this school for various projects during the past school year. And though repairs will be made to the field, it is unlikely that the annual school sports will be held there come this September, according to the chairman.

Relatives of missing man anxious as unidentified remains surface FORTY-two-year-old Patrick Vyfhuis has been missing for two weeks now and the decomposed remains of a male which were found by the police on Wednesday have his relatives very uneasy. The remains which were clad in clothing identical to what the missing man was wearing have relatives convinced that it is their loved one whose remains were found. Detectives said that the remains were clad in blue sneakers, grey jeans and a t-shirt. The relatives are contending that the man’s death might involve foul play, since he was taken to an interior location to work with a man and when efforts were made to contact him, they were

given strange responses. A relative of the dead man indicated that his employer called in the police after he had stumbled on the remains of the man. Prior to that, the relatives had heard that the man was missing, but nothing official was communicated to them. Patrick Vyfhuis is a father of three children and had travelled to the interior in the past to earn to take care of his family. One police source indicated that DNA samples will have to be taken from either the man’s children or a sibling to confirm that the remains which were discovered are indeed his. While no one had been detained up to press time last evening, a post-mortem is also expected to be performed on the remains soon.

“The problem we have [currently] is the drains of the field,” Granger noted and he explained that the field becomes inundated because of the poor drainage it currently has. “Trying to get the field ready for sports is going to be a problem,” he posited, but said that it may be used for standard trials, which are the field events activities leading up to the annual sports, which do not require the use of the entire field. This will only be possible if the middle of the field can be fixed in time.

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo presents Miss World Guyana 2018 with a token of appreciation (DPI photo) MISS World Guyana 2018, Ambika Ramraj on Friday paid a courtesy call on Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, at their Official Residence. During the interaction, Mrs. Nagamootoo and the reigning Miss Guyana Queen discussed issues such as healthy living and cultural celebrations. Ramraj also shared with Mrs. Nagamootoo the various projects that she is currently involved with, while Mrs. Nagamootoo shared information about her charity. Both parties pledged to work together. (DPI) Ramraj was accompanied by her mother Surujdai Ramraj.

Prashad’s Pharmacy to host blood drive today PRASHAD’S Medical and Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Guyana Red Cross Society and the Blood Bank, will be hosting a blood donation drive and health fair on Saturday for members of the public. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle was owner of the pharmacy, Paras Prashad who noted that the event was organised to give persons in the community an opportunity to contribute positively to a meaningful service while benefiting themselves. He shared that all donors will receive a free gift and there will be door prizes, free sampling of products, free medical advice, and other giveaways.

At the health fair, there will be free testing for blood sugar, pressure, haemoglobin, cholesterol, and tests for all high school entrance students. “We are a community pharmacy and our objective is to promote education in the community,” Prasad said. With this objective, he noted that the health fair allows for persons to get free advice with the hope that they may treat any health issues that may arise in a timely manner. The blood drive, which will be hosted at the Prashad’s Medical and Pharmacy at Lot 62 Second Street, Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), will run from 10:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Steyn likely to quit ODIs, T20Is after World Cup PLAGUED by injuries over the last couple of years, South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn is aiming to retire from limited-overs formats after the 2019 World Cup in England. “I will be trying to get to that World Cup (in England). But after the World Cup I don’t see myself playing white-ball cricket for South Africa. By the time the next World Cup comes, I will be 40,” Steyn said at a promotional event in Mumbai on Thursday. Steyn was hopeful that his experience would help him earn a place in the World Cup squad. “If you look at the (South Africa) batting line-up, our top six have played 1 000 games, but lower half - from eight to eleven who are currently playing - not even 150 games. You need to draw on experience. “I hope that will be my trump card when the selection comes to the World Cup. I may not necessarily play all the time. But I think my experience will help, with

me just being there.” Steyn last played an ODI nearly two years ago - in October 2016 against Australia. Steyn has not been picked in ODIs since then and the team management, including coach Ottis Gibson, has previously made it clear that the quick should focus on red-ball fitness. Steyn was also not included in South Africa’s ODI squad to play Sri Lanka in five matches starting tomorrow. However, Steyn said that he would love to continue playing Test cricket even after 2019 World Cup. “When it comes to Test cricket, I would like to play as long as possible. I have finally come out of a cloud of injuries. I broke my shoulder and in my first game on return (against India in Cape Town), I landed in a foot hole. It was rotten luck. “It’s quite difficult to come back from a broken shoulder, especially with your bowling arm. I feel that’s gone and now I am fit. I played two Test matches without an injury (against Sri Lanka recently), bowled

at good pace and never went off the field because of niggles. It’s a big plus.” Steyn, however, struggled for wickets against Sri Lanka. He picked up one each in the two innings of the opening Test and none in the second, leaving him level with Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker on 421. “Wickets are something that’s not guaranteed. I am happy I came out 100% (fitness-wise). That’s the biggest cloud I have gotten over, especially after the last two years.” About South Africa being hammered 2-0 by Sri Lanka, Steyn complimented the hosts for playing to their strength, relying on spin in helpful conditions. “ T h e w i c k e t s w e re tough to play on,” he explained. “Sri Lanka also played good cricket. They played their cards right. Preparation was difficult (for South Africa). They came out trumps. Hats off to them; they played the better cricket.” (Cricinfo

Yorke ready for managing role in English Premier League K I N G S T O N, J a m a i c a (CMC) – Former Aston Villa and Manchester United player Dwight Yorke believes he is the right man to manage a team in the English Premier League (EPL). However, the Trinidadian has bemoaned the fact that while managers in the EPL were continually being recycled, new persons were not being given the opportunities to prove they were competent managers. “I think I made my intentions clear … I am now 46 years of age and I feel that it’s a good time to get into management. I feel like I have got my mojo back so to speak, where football is concerned. “I feel that it’s been a football merry-go-round when you look at the Premier League, (as) it’s the same managers who are getting the sack and coming round and all that and I feel that there is a young generation bursting to get in there, let alone black managers,” Yorke said. Yorke scored 123 goals in the EPL, which was a record for a non-European until Sergio Agüero broke it in 2017.

He represented Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and also served as assistant manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team. Yorke said it was especially hard for black managers to get into the EPL. “Truth be told, there are 92 football league teams in England (and) there are only two, possibly three black managers. And when you think of the number of black players that have represented in the Premier League … I know for a fact that there are black players out there wanting to be managers, but it’s the lack of opportunity. So that in itself is another challenge,” he said. “I have made it clear that I want to be a manager, I want to be given an opportunity to manage. I have put in my CV (curriculum vitae) for the Aston Villa job, also for the Sunderland job, and got very little in return for doing that. So I know that there are challenges, but I feel that I am ready to do it and by doing that I need an opportunity.”

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Winning Factor Race 2 Western Breeze Race 3 Consensus Thinking Race 4 Fair Regis Race 5 Olympic Express Race 6 Uncle Gio Race 7 Engage Race 8 Imperial Hint Race 9 Sadler’s Joy Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Pure Purity Race 2 Victor’s Real Life Race 3 Letthebighossroll Race 4 Kissoffire Race 5 Hemp Hemp Hurray Race 6 Rockbarton Race 7 Deed’s Legacy Race 8 Lookin To Strike Race 9 Lookin At Matteo South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:30 hrs Dagmar 09:15 hrs Twist Of Fate 10:20 hrs Made To Conquer 11:00 hrs Sunset Eyes 11:40 hrs Tap O’ Noth 12:20 hrs Lady In Black 13:00 hrs Kapen Pride 13:40 hrs Traces Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:25 hrs Queen Medb 08:55 hrs guanabara Bay 09:30 hrs Waitingfortheday 10:05 hrs Zarena 10:35 hrs Coach Bombay 11:05 hrs Shiela’s Hope 11:40 hrs Magnetic North English Racing Tips Ascot 08:50 hrs Royal Intervention 09:25 hrs Corrosive 10:00 hrs Arbalet 10:40 hrs Poet’s Word 11:15 hrs Nate The Great 11:50 hrs Normandy Barriere 12:20 hrs What A Welcome York 09:05 hrs Get Knotted 09:40 hrs Enjazaat 10:15 hrs Forest Ranger 10:50 hrs Baronial Pride 11:25 hrs Slunovrat 12:00 hrs Morticia 12:35 hrs Deputise Newmarket 09:15 hrs Dubai Dominion 09:50 hrs Kaanoon 10:25 hrs Victory Wave 11:00 hrs Stormbringer 11:35 hrs Star Of The East 12:10 hrs Mountain Peak 12:40 hrs Bedouin’s Story

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Thomas set to win Tour as fading Froome drops down to fourth

By Julien Pretot

LARUNS, France (Reuters) - Geraint Thomas was in prime position to win his maiden Tour de France after he retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey in a lively 19th stage won by Slovenian Primoz Roglic, as defending champion Chris Froome slipped down to fourth yesterday. Roglic powered down the final descent from the Col d’Aubisque to beat Thomas by 19 seconds and leapfrog Froome, whose star continued to fade, into third place overall. Dutchman Tom Dumoulin stayed second ahead of today’s decisive individual time trial. Thomas leads Dumoulin

by two minutes five seconds, Roglic by 2:24 and Froome by 2:37 before the 31-km solo effort against the clock between Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle and Espelette. France’s Romain Bardet took third place at the end of the 200.5-km mountainous trek from Lourdes, after he and Spaniard Mikel Landa attacked more than 100km from the finish. Former ski jumper Roglic tried to drop Thomas several times in the last climb up to the Col d’Aubisque but the Team Sky rider kept his composure and controlled the situation throughout. “It’s very nice to win today, what can I say? Tomorrow it will be a crucial time trial I will try everything,”

said Roglic. “I’m surprising myself on this Tour but we’re not in Paris yet.” In a last attempt to snatch a podium finish in Paris, Bardet and Landa jumped away from the main pack in the ascent of the Col du Tourmalet and they bridged the gap with the breakaway riders in the descent. Roglic’s team mate Robert Gesink pulled hard at the front of the yellow jersey group to reduce the gap from 3:00 to 1:30 in the Col des Borderes before the final climb via the punishing Col du Soulor. In that section, Dumoulin accelerated but Roglic, Thomas and Froome, his face a mask of pain, jumped on his wheel.

India with top order concerns ahead of first Test with England INDIA will enter next week’s first Test against England with questions over their top order after batting failures on the final day against Essex. Opener Shikhar Dhawan fell for his second duck of the match, while number three Cheteshwar Pujara made only 23. India reached 89-2 in their second innings when rained ended the match half an hour after tea. Essex declared on 359-8 in their first innings of the tour match, giving up a deficit of 36 runs. The home side kept the tourists in the field for well over a day and, if they had not made the sporting decision to declare, could have made India’s bowlers toil longer. Dhawan was then partic-

ularly guilty of wasting the hosts’ hospitality, completing a pair when he was bowled by Matt Quinn. After bagging a golden duck in the first innings, Dhawan has faced only four deliveries in the match. Pujara at least made a start before falling to Paul Walter, leaving KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane to ease their way to the premature close. Earlier, India remained reluctant to employ their spinners, with all but 11 of the 94 overs in the Essex innings sent down by fast bowlers. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was struck on the hand in practice on Thursday, bowled five overs while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was employed for only four.

Kuldeep, impressive during the limited-overs matches against England, conceded six runs an over and was the victim of some brutal treatment from Walter, who made 75. Walter was dropped on 29 by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik off Mohammed Shami and took advantage with some meaty hitting. After James Foster went for 42 and Matt Coles for nought, both to Umesh Yadav, Walter was supported by Aaron Nijjar. They, like Feroze Khushi who followed, usually ply their trade either in the Essex second team or in club cricket, but were not fazed by India’s international attack. The first Test begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Jamaica registers four boxers for third juniors and schoolboys championships JAMAICA has joined Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago to register boxers for the 3rd Annual Junior and Schoolboys boxing championships which will be held here in Guyana from August 17 to 19 at the National Gymnasium. According to Guyana Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle, Jamaica will be represented by one female

and three male fighters along with a manager and a coach. Grenada was the first country to register its boxers and will be arriving with four boxers, a manager and a coach. To date, Trinidad & Tobago has registered the largest contingent and will be represented by 12 boxers – eight males and four females, who will be accompanied by

six officials. Four parents of six of the fighters will also be with the touring party, making it the largest contingent. St Lucia and the Cayman Islands have also confirmed their participation, while the GBA is still awaiting word from Barbados, Suriname, Antigua and the US Virgin Islands.

Great Britain’s Geraint Thomas sprints to the line ahead of Romain Bardet to finish in second place on stage 19. (Photograph: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images)

The move hurt Froome, however, as the four-time Tour champion cracked before the top, only managing to come back in the short descent leading up to the Aubisque, where Bardet and Landa were caught by Thomas and the other top favorites. In the descent, as the riders tore through a thick fog, Roglic found the best trajectories and never looked back, Thomas winning the sprint for second place. Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe was in the day’s breakaway and secured the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification, which he will officially win if he reaches Paris.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Ming secures maiden 2018 USF2000 podium By Stephan Sookram in Ohio, compliments of the National Sports Commission, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Mings Products and Services. OVERSEAS - BASED Guyanese Calvin Ming staked his claim in the Cooper Tire USF2000 campaign with his first podium finish of 2018 as Rounds 10, 11 and 12 rolled into Lexington, Ohio this weekend. Ming, who was satisfied with Thursday’s official test, was able to surgically carve his way from sixth on the grid to third during race one,

late yesterday afternoon. Starting on the third row behind his American team mate Kaylen Frederick (second on the grid), Rasmus Lindh (third) and Lucas Khol (fourth), Ming knew he had work to do. And work he did. Frederick had an incident with Lindh which left the former down to last and the latter with a drive through penalty. Ming used his wits and reflexes to navigate that incident and when the safety car came out, he was up to fourth. He was then able to pull

off a stunning move in the fourth corner of the track, holding the outside of the fourth corner just enough to take the inside of the fifth on the flip. Despite coming under some pressure, Ming was able to keep his cool, securing his first USF2000 2018 podium for the Pabst Racing team, behind team mate Khol (second) and Cape’s Kyle Kirkwood (winner). He spoke exclusively to Chronicle Sport saying, “It was a hard race, I think there was a lot of contact, I was just trying to stay out of

it but it’s definitely a great feeling.” “He did a pretty good job of guarding the inside so I kept trying the outside in different corners and it was to a point where he was trying to run me off the track.” He added that after another safety car session, the mechanics demanded the pass. So on the next lap, I got

the drive I needed and just did it in turn four, and I nearly went off; I was two wheels on the grass but I made it stick.” Earlier in practice, Ming, Guyana’s Sportsman-of-theYear, finished ninth in a field where positions two through 13 were decided by half of a second. He posted a 1:21.857 sec-

ond time with Lindh producing a best time of 1:21.399. Cape Motorsports Kyle Kirkwood was second with Team Beniks’ Michael d’Orlando third. Frederick finished eighth and Khol finished 11th. Round 11 is set for today with qualifying at 08:45hrs and the race set for 12:35hrs.

GABF to reward CBC champions tonight with $100 000 each

PLAYERS and coaching staff of the historic national men’s basketball team, who won their first Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Caribbean Championship in June, will tonight each receive $100 000 from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) as a token of appreciation, at the recently refurbished Burnham Basketball Court. Playing undefeated through the group stage, Guyana demolished Barbados 81-75 in the semi-finals, before going on to rout Antigua and Barbuda 83-70 in a closely-contested final, to lift the trophy for the first time in 37 years. The John Yates Trophy has returned to Guyana! Yates, in 1981, pioneered the Caribbean Basketball Championship, with the inaugural tournament hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Guyana had never won the title for the tournament which is now known as the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship, until a team, led by an 18-year-old point guard from Kwakwani, Stanton Rose, invaded Suriname (where the 2018 tournament was held), and won the trophy named after the man who fashioned the regional showpiece.

Rose (captain), Shaine Webster, Harold Adams, Orland Glasgow, Travis Burnette, Travis Belgrave, Kevon Wiggins, Timothy Thompson, Dennis Clarke (assistant coach) and Junior Hercules (head coach) are the members of the team who are currently in Guyana and will be present to receive their cash According to GABF president Nigel Hinds, “other members of the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Championship team who are now overseas (Ray Victor, Anthony Moe and Denzel Devonish) will receive their moneys by wire transfer.” Rose was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for his sensational performances, which included a tournament-high 41-point performance in Guyana’s 104-102 double overtime win against St Vincent and the Grenadines. Rose, who totalled 106 points (third overall), led the tournament in steals, totalling 15 at an average of 2.5 per game, was third in points per game (17.7), third in assists per game, eighth in rebounds per game and was the fourth best efficient player. He will go down in history as the youngest (18 years) to ever captain Guyana at the

CBC Championship, and the first captain to bring Guyana their ‘elusive’ title. British Virgin Island-based (BVI) shooting guard, Ray Victor, also had a good showing in Paramaribo, finishing as the team’s highest aggregate scorer (108 points) and averaging 18 points per game. Victor’s best performance came against Suriname when he netted a game-high 28 points, and against Barbados, dropping another game-high scoring night with 24 points. The former Warner University guard then teamed up with Rose to become a lethal back-court combination for coach Junior Hercules, as they progressed in the FIBA AmeriCup tournament. Anthony Moe, the 6’9” forward came up big for Guyana in several games, having been forced to play the centre position because of Guyana’s lack of ‘big men’. Nonetheless, Moe finished with a 13-point average, and the team’s leading rebounder. Meanwhile, Guyana, ranked 112 in the World by the game’s governing body FIBA, will move on, along with Antigua and Barbuda, to the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers tournament which starts in September.

Lusignan Golf Open billed for August 4-5 THE Lusignan Golf Open is scheduled for August 4 and 5 at Guyana’s lone Golf Course, Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara. The two-day event is an open tournament which permits any player with a verified handicap to participate. Non-members, except for Lusignan residents and caddies will pay greens fees in addition to tournament fees. It is the first look at the talented players, who are

expected to compete in the Guyana Open set for November 3 and 4. Registration will be completed by August 2, with a fee of $7 000. Confirmed registrants will join for a cocktail/media event at the clubhouse on August 3 from 18:00hrs. The draw will be announced during the course of the evening. Practice rounds will be played on Friday, while play commences at 12:30hrs on Saturday and

10:00hrs on Sunday. Prizes will be awarded for best gross overall, places 1-3 and Best Net in all three flights for places 1-3. There will be prizes for longest drive and nearest to the pin on day two, which will be showcased at the conclusion of the round. There are 22 companies who will be a part of the event, and will be on hand to promote their products and services.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

RHTYSC donates

school bags to the less fortunate OVER the last twenty years, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and its ten cricket teams have placed special emphasis on assisting students to stay in school and obtaining a sound education, while pursuing their dreams of becoming sports men and women. The club, under its highly successful ‘Say Yes, Say No’ campaign, has shared out over $12M worth of school bags to thousands of youths. The donation of the first set of school bags for the new school year that starts in September was made possible by contributions of Integrated Security Ltd and Bissoondyal Singh of Bissan’s Trading. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Hilbert Foster, stated that the school bags project was one of the most cherished project of the club and its ten cricket teams and was done as part of its Patron, President David Granger 73rd birthday. The club will also be sharing out bicycles, exercise books and cricket bats as part of its Patron’s fund. The club would also pro-

Security Services Berbice Manager Daureen Deonarine makes the donation.

vide funding for the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) to host the second edition of the Patron’s Green Economy cricket tournament. Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster at the simple presentation ceremony, stated that the objective is to assist hundreds of less fortunate students with a school bag. Education, he stated, is the most important asset a person can have, as it is the

Club (FACC) and coordinated by Randolph Roberts. According to the organisers, changes that have been are: participants will rollstart from Felix’s childhood village and will ride for three miles to Canefield, East Can-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 28, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

21 ODIs

(2)

16 times

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI played in the first but not in the second ODI in the current WI/BANG series? (2)

3.2 million euro in tax evasion case MADRID, Spain (Reuters) – Cristiano Ronaldo will be fined 3.2 million euros ($3.7M) and sentenced to 24 months in prison, a sentence he is unlikely to serve, after settling a tax evasion case with Spanish tax authorities, the prosecutor said yesterday. The 33-year-old is accused of evading 5.7 million euros in taxes. He has denied the allegations. Ronaldo is unlikely to go to prison as Spanish law states a sentence of under two years for a first offence can be served on probation. The football star will be

foundation to a successful future. The club, he disclosed strongly believes that every child should be given the opportunity to fulfil his/her full potential in the classroom. Assistant Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to the Management of Integrated Security Services and Bissan’s Trading for their assistance.

Changes made to 5th Annual Grenville Felix je, Berbice where they will Memorial cycle road race receive the green flag and CHANGES have been made to the 5th Annual Grenville Felix Memorial cycle road race set for tomorrow in Berbice. The event, which is open to cyclists from across the country, is being organised by the Flying Ace Cycle

Cristiano Ronaldo fined

Who replaced him? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

from there they will battle all the way to the #51 Police station before turning back to finish at Canefield Village, a distance of 62 miles. Other changes are: there would be no race for veterans or females and there will be no juveniles either. Instead juniors will now take the place of juveniles. The top ten finishers as well as the top three juniors and the top three boys 12-14 will compete for podium spots. Also, the top four FACC finishers will be rewarded. There will also be 10 sprint prizes on offer. The defending champion is Paul DeNobrega and he will be out to successfully defend his title The event is being sponsored by the Felix family in memory of the late engineer who passed away five years ago at the age of 96.

Cristiano Ronaldo required to pay the 3.2-million-euro fine plus the 5.7 million euros in back taxes, 1 million euros in accrued interest and 250 euros-perday for the 48 months covering the prison sentence.

This amount is likely to be only part of the striker’s fines over the case, but which are expected to rise to around 19 million euros in total.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

Guyanese boxers lose; heartbreak for National Men’s hockey team

The National Men’s hockey team

DESPITE a brilliant performance, Guyanese bantamweight pugilist Keevin Allicock could not progress

beyond his quarter-final bout, while light welterweight Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis also suffered a quar-

120 youths complete RHTY&SC academy LEVEL Three coach Winston Smith, National senior player Eon Hooper along with Pre-Level One coach Joel Pike, last Friday, conducted the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Cricket Academy at the Area ‘H’ Ground. RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu served as Director of the Academy, the 28th of its kind to be organised by Guyana’s most dynamic youth and sport organisation. Matthew Prass copped the prestigious cricketer-of-the-academy and most committed player awards. Other awardees were Jonathan Rampersaud (best batsman), Jeremy Sandian (best bowler), Collis Williams (most disciplined), Matthew Pottaya (most improved), Akeela James (best female) and Rampersaud Rampertab (most promising). Four players - Christopher Deroop, Rampertab Ramnauth, Asif Marimuthu and Arif Marimuthu - received special prizes for their hard work. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, hailed the Academy as the most successful of the club’s history Over the years the Academy has produced six West Indies players, 16 national players, 56 national juniors and 105 for Berbice at all levels. Foster urged the young cricketers to develop a culture of hard work, personal discipline and dedication. He committed the club to continue investment into their careers and to make sure that they fulfil their commitments on and off the cricket field. Smith expressed pleasure at the huge turnout, which surpassed expectations, and stated that he was delighted with the high level of discipline displayed at the Academy. The Academy was sponsored by funds donated by RHTY&SC Patron, President David Granger, and the Guyana Goldfields Inc.

ter-final loss as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games continued in Barranquilla, Colombia,

yesterday. Meanwhile, the Guyana National Men’s hockey team played their hearts out but lost 1-0 to Mexico in their semi-final matchup. Taking to the ring first, Allicock faced El Salvador’s Christian Jimenez; it was a bout of energetic ‘pound for pound’ boxing with the momentum swinging both ways. However, at the end of the three rounds, Jimenez was adjudged winner via split decision. The judges had scored 3-2 in favour of the El Salvadorian. Lewis then took to the ring to face Mexican Roberto Zarinana Gomez. The latter was much more aggressive catching the lanky Lewis on

Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club rolls out football training camp By Colin Bynoe Jr OVER 100 registered aspiring footballers will be engaged in a four-week long football training camp, courtesy of the Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club. The camp, which spanned across two decades, will continue to “Teach them Young” in its bid to identify and develop disciplined young people. This exciting instructional football training camp opened last Monday at the All Saints Ground and will conclude on August 17. The sessions cater to kids from 6 to 16 years old, but it was noted that any person desirous of learning more as it relates to football can join the camp. The aim of the training camp is to expose all involved to the rules of football, techniques of the game and actual game scenarios, along with several life skills. Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Kenrick Bowry, senior member of the Hearts of Oak Football Club, expressed his excitement for this edition of the camp. “This is a regular programme for us; our purpose is to teach youths the basics techniques in football. We have people from the refereeing council who will be coming to teach the kids the laws of the game; we also have facilitators who will be sharing on morals and discipline”. Bowry pointed out, too, that their focus is not just football, “We will be having

the Fire Department speak to the youths on fire prevention, while next Tuesday we will be having the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division to deal with the road safety aspect of our training.” The young trainees will be placed into the following groups: 8 years and under, 9-12 years, 13 years and older, which will allow them to engage effectively with their age group. For this year’s “Teach them Young” camp the Ministry of Social Cohesion has showered its support towards the Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club’s annual venture. Other notable donors include New Building Society (NBS), Dave’s Photo Studio, Young’s Studio, and Bob Supermarket. Sessions start from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs daily. In attendance at Monday’s launching was Region Six sports organiser Godwyn Allicock, who gave the feature address and declared the event open. Also in attendance were the coaches/facilitators of the training camp, Kenrick Bowry, Colin Bowry, Neil Humphrey, official from the Berbice Football Training Academy, Randy Sears and other officials of the Hearts of Oak Masters Club.

quite a few occasions and as a result at the end of their light welterweight bout, the judges had scored 4-1 in favour of the Mexican. HOCKEY The National Men’s hockey team faced Cuba in the first semi-final and got off to a fairly good start. However, Cuba’s Carlos Consuegra managed to breach their defence in the 17th minute and swept home a field goal to put Cuba up 1-0. The Guyanese fought back valiantly but could not find an equaliser before fulltime and had to accept a loss. This means they will now face the loser of the Mexico-Trinidad and Tobago semi-final in the third-place playoff for the bronze medal. The Guyana Women’s hockey team failed to repeat their victory over Jamaica in the qualifiers for CAC by losing in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 final score in regulation time on Thursday.

The Guyanese ladies battled well throughout the match and although they started slowly, had Jamaica in some trouble towards the end of the match. The penalty shootout, however, was disappointing as Jamaica only needed four of their five attempts to secure the victory. The Guyanese strikers had failed to make good on any of their attempts. Guyana are now left battling for the wooden spoon today against Guatemala. SQUASH The Guyana Women’s squash team of Ashley Khalil, Mary Fung-a-Fat and Taylor Fernandes defeated Trinidad 3-0 in their final match of the games. This gave them a final placing of 5th overall. The Guyana Men’s squash team of Sunil Seth, Jason-Ray Khalil and Nyron Joseph lost to the Cayman Islands by 1-2 to give them a 7/8 final placing.

Seven Seas, Rodrigues Memorial cycling meets set for next weekend

Flashback! 2017 winners, organisers and family at the 13th Reagan Rodrigues Memorial cycling road race

CYCLISTS will return to action on the weekend of August 4-5 as first they head to the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday (August 4) for the 15th Seven Seas 11-Race cycling programme then to the roadways of West Demerara for the 14th Annual Reagan Rodrigues Memorial 46-mile road race. The 15th Seven Seas 11-stage cycling programme is being sponsored by Massy and will be organised by National cycling coach Hassan Mohammed. Raul Leal was the winner of last year’s feature event, the Schoolboys and Invitational 35-lap, clocking a time of one hour 17 minutes 56.94 seconds. However, this year will see a new winner being

crowned as Leal is out of the country. The winner of the Junior/Juveniles 10lap race was Nigel Duguid with a time of 23 minutes 11 seconds while Ian Jackson took the Veterans U-50 5-lap race in 11 minutes seven seconds. Over in the Mountain Bike 5-lap event, Nigel Jacobs was the winner. The presentation of trophies and prizes will be done by Nirvana Thakur who is the Products Specialist attached to Massy Distribution. On Sunday (August 5), the cyclists will head over to West Demerara for the 14th Reagan Rodrigues Memorial 46-mile road race, which is being sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Indus-

tries. The race will begin at the Demerara Harbour Bridge on the West Bank of Demerara before heading to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo and back to finish at the point of origin. Jamual John was the winner in the Seniors category last year with a time of one hour 56 minutes 48.59 seconds while Briton John (Juniors), Ian Jackson (Veterans) and Talim Shaw (Mountain Bike) were the other category winners. The Rodrigues family will be there to distribute prizes and trophies. The late Reagan Rodrigues was a former Champion motor racer and cyclist, as well as a former president of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 28, 2018

WI, Bangladesh face off in series-decider today … Close win gives Windies momentum, says Holder

FOLLOWING West Indies’ thrilling three-run win over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Guyana on Wednesday, captain Jason Holder feels his side now have the momentum heading into today’s final ODI here. The Windies lost the opening ODI by 48 runs but rebounded to level the threematch series 1-1, despite Bangladesh being in control for the greater part of the contest. However, with that gutsy win, Holder said the mood in the camp was upbeat and the players were looking forward to a series-winning victory.

Shimron Hetmyer on the attack during his innings on Wednesday last

“We’ve got the momentum at the present time. To

win a close game like that should bring a lot of encour-

agement into the group. Everybody is obviously upbeat

about the last game because obviously, we have a chance to win a series. “I guess at the start of the innings [(n Wednesday night) a few heads dropped and we probably lost a little belief, but credit to the guys the way they fought and stuck it through. It was a total team effort and one which they should be proud of,” Holder said. While he credited Wednesday’s victory to teamwork, the Windies skipper heaped praises on Shimron Hetmyer for his masterful knock of 125, the backbone of the team’s eventual total of 271. He said the team’s slow bowlers were also hugely responsible for slowing down Bangladesh’s innings after they had gotten off to a whirlwind start. “Credit must go to Shimron Hetmyer. It was an outstanding innings from the youngster. He showed a lot of maturity, which is something we ask of him at such a young age. I thought his innings was really, really out-

GFA clubs pledge BCB seeks legal advice on Allicock’s allegations full support for IMC CLUBS affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) expressed readiness to support the work of the recently installed GFA-Interim Management Committee (IMC), according to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). This commitment was made during a successful meeting with president Wayne Forde last Wednesday at the SleepIn International Hotel, where the members were formally introduced to the IMC members. In his introductory remarks, IMC Chairman, Trevor Williams, expressed willingness to serve in his capacity and advocated an open engagement approach to enable a mutually beneficial relationship. President Forde, during his presentation, assured the members that the appointment of the IMC was in complete alignment with the GFF’s statutes. Additionally, he informed the members that the GFF Executive Committee, CONCACAF and FIFA are aware of the efforts by some to destabilise football in Guyana and, as such, the international football governing bodies are consulted on all important constitutionally sensitive decisions of the GFF. President Forde outlined the level of support the members will be given in the coming months that will allow them to organise the critical developmental competitions and improve the administration of the sport. A GFA Competitions Committee was appointed by the members who will commence the organisation of competitions immediately. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) said it has sought legal advice on allegations that suggest “wrongdoing” at the board level, by former executive and treasurer of the board Godwyn Allicock. Allicock posted on his facebook account that the BCB collected millions of dollars but those moneys were never deposited in the BCB’s bank account. He is also alleging that the board treasurer has not signed a single cheque when, constitutionally, he is required to do so. He is also claiming that the board has failed to carry out its mandate, since they took up office. However, the board maintained that the allegations are baseless, adding that the allegations “appear triggered, not by fact or evidence, but an emotional reaction by Allicock. These allegations are completely false, and seriously damaging to the reputation of the board and its members. The BCB further explained that every legitimate procedure regarding the financial affairs of the BCB has been carried out, whereby moneys or cheques collected, have been deposited into the board’s account at Republic Bank in New Amsterdam. The board is also maintaining that the treasurer is a compulsory signatory and therefore every cheque has to be signed by that individual.

Godwyn Allicock is expected to face the courts soon.

For any withdrawal to be made, the board said that a strict process has to be followed, where a voucher is prepared, authorised and then certified by various BCB’s officials. According to the board, a monthly financial statement is available at the board’s office. Meanwhile, the BCB is very concerned that, Allicock who is responsible for sports in the region continues to spread such falsehood, and at the same time is making all efforts to destroy the board and cricket in Berbice.

standing and it’s good to see a young player like that come through for us,” Holder said. “I always knew that we would be able to pull back the game because the nature of the pitch dictated that the slow bowlers would come in and have an effect. Credit to all the slow bowlers who bowled; Bishoo (Davendra) obviously leading the way, Ashley (Nurse) who was very supportive and Chris (Gayle) looked the part as well. “I think the overs by those guys really pulled the game back for us and the seamers were able to come back and finish off the job for us. I want to say credit to Keemo Paul as well for showing the encouragement and courage he did … I really fed off his energy and I thought that for such a young guy he was able to execute a good penultimate over,” Holder added. (CMC)

Banks DIH on board with Guyana Cup horse race meet LOCAL beverage giant Banks DIH Limited yesterday confirmed its deal sponsorship deal with organisers of the 12th annual Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet. The one-day event is billed for August 19 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice. During a simple ceremony at the company’s head office at Thirst Park yesterday, Alisha Mohamed, wife of Nasrudeen Mohamed, promoter of the event, received the trophy from Banks DIH Limited representative Shenisa Fredericks in the presence of Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, and other company officials. Communications Manager Troy Peters said that Banks DIH Limited and the organisers of the Guyana Cup have had a long and fruitful partnership which has grown over the years. “The Guyana Cup is the premier horse racing event locally and our sustained support has aided in the development of the sport in Guyana,” Peters said Nasrudeen Mohamed, expressed gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the Guyana Cup for another year. Over $15M in cash and prizes will be up for grabs in the one-day event, which starts at 12:00hrs.

GFA clubs pledge full support for IMC see story on page 31

President Forde is flanked by members of the IMC and club representatives.

Banks DIH onboard with GABF to Guyana Cup horse race meet reward CBC see story on page 31

Alisha Mohamed of the 12th annual Guyana Cup Horse Race Meet organising committee, collects the trophy from Banks DIH Limited representative Shenisa Fredericks, while Mortimer Stewart, Rawle Nedd (Banks Beer Manager) and Dennisa Paton share the moment.

champions tonight with $100 000 each see story on page 28

WI, Bangladesh face off in see story series-decider today on page 31

… Close win gives Windies momentum, says Holder

Jason Holder exults after West Indies’ last-over win on Wednesday last . (Getty Images)

(L-R) Harold Adams, Stanton Rose and Travis Belgrave celebrating with the winners’ trophy following their CBC title win in Suriname.

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018