Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 08 2016

No. 104637

MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

CLOCK IS TICKING - President Granger calls on Afro-Guyanese to develop plan for the future

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The abandoned airstrip, village at Wakenaam

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This airstrip at Maria’s Pleasure, Wakenaam, Region Three was completed in 2011 to the tune of $54.4M but was never used (Tajeram Mohabir photo)

Miner shoots Manchester Biker killed boss after fire leaves in Nismes dismissal 5 homeless accident

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

Biker killed in Nismes accident A T W E N T Y- S E V E N YEAR-OLD motorcyclist was killed on the spot in a collision with a mini-bus around 01:30 hrs on Sunday morning while he was returning home with his girlfriend on the Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Timothy Emueal Assing of Lot 4, Old Road, La Grange, WBD, was riding motorcycle CG 5615 with his girlfriend Salome Glasgow on the pillion when mini-bus BVV 2309 collided with them. The father of one received a broken neck and other injuries, while his girlfriend was

Dead: Timothy Emueal Assing not seriously injured and was discharged from the hospital. The driver of the mini-bus was taken into police custody.

The mini-bus that was retrieved from the trench Mother of the deceased, Collene Assing, told the Guyana Chronicle that her son who was the third of five children was returning home from Wales, WBD, after attending a social event with his

girlfriend. Timothy, a painter and trowel-tex applicator, returned from Barbados four years ago and was planning to revisit that country soon. Collene last saw her son Saturday evening when he was leaving with his girlfriend. According to the mother, her son was a quiet and easygoing person and called on the police launch a full investigation into his death.

She also said that her son and his girlfriend were wearing safety helmets at the time of the accident. Reports say that the minibus collided with the motorcycle in the wee hours of the morning after the bus was seen swerving on the roadway. When the bus was pulled from a nearby trench after the crash, beer bottles were seen rolling out of the front seat.

The motorcycle Timothy Emueal Assing and his girlfriend were riding when he met his demise

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

CLOCK IS TICKING - President Granger calls on Afro-Guyanese to develop plan for the future

By Ariana Gordon GUYANESE of African descent have been called upon to unite and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination while putting together a plan of action for the future. This charge was given by President David Granger on Sunday at the opening of the 4th annual Cuffy250, State of the African-Guyanese Forum held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue. Reflecting on the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclamation that 2015-2024 is the International Decade for People of African Descent, President Granger said 20 months have since passed and “The clock is ticking.” He said African-Guyanese must work together to ensure the enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights through their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. The international decade is aimed at promoting respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African Descent, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; promoting a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people of African descent to the development of societies; and adopting and strengthening national, regional and international legal frameworks according to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to ensure their full and effective implementation. Giving his Government’s full support, the Guyanese leader said racial discrimination must come to an end, while emphasising the need for job-creation and access to education for all citizens. “I am not going to be so crass as to ask you to measure the accomplishments so far in this decade, but what I would like to caution you about is that this is the key time to organise, this is the time to mobilise and not to agonise interminably about the condition in which we find ourselves as a nation,” he said. ALL ENTITLED President Granger said each Guyanese is entitled to the country’s patrimony despite ethnic background. He stressed the need for an inclusionary approach to be successful and called for a forum to be created to ensure that there is sufficient consultation to achieve the objectives of the International Decade of People of African Descent. According to the coalition leader, the APNU+AFC is committed to implementing five of the activities that the UN has approved for the decade. He said the colonial masters must apologise for the agony meted out to people of African descent. Germany has apologised to the Jews for the Holo-

President David Granger speaks at the fourth Annual State of the African-Guyanese Forum held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue on Sunday (Samuel Maughn) caust while Britain has done so to the Mau Maus for torture, but according to President Granger, apologising to people of African descent is proving difficult for Europe. “It is a very hard thing for the European Governments which enslaved Africans for over two and a half centuries to apologise… this is a hard thing and the Caribbean governments are insisting on an apology; a crime has been committed and they must say they are sorry,” said President Granger. He told the gathering at the Critchlow Labour College that descendants of Africans must be compensated, and as such, there must be a demand for reparation. “There needs to be now an organisation and a plan in order to ensure the implementation of that programme. Guyana will continue to advocate for reparation for the international crime of enslavement. The Government will work with other Caribbean Governments and non-governmental organisations which represent people of African descent during the remaining years of the international decade,” said President Granger. CANNOT SLEEPWALK Do not “sleepwalk into the future without understanding” that a plan has to be followed, he said, while highlighting the need to formulate a plan and stick to it. The President said the ancestors of people of African de-

scent understood the importance of acquiring an education, as it meant social mobility and a means of lifting them out of poverty and inequality. Their belief, he said, continues to be relevant even today despite the number of school dropouts annually. President Granger said too that any form of discrimination promotes insecurity and social exclusion that has the potential of causing disorder. He called for the plan of action to focus on non-discrimination, as there is evidence of discrimination in the past in both the public and private sectors. “The plan of action that we contemplate must give the assurance that no group or community would be disenfranchised from accessing public services; people of African descent must be assured that they must not be discriminated against and hindered in accessing public services including housing, education, public health and utilities and most important their land rights,” said President Granger. The President’s assertions came following allegations of discrimination against Indian-Guyanese by the APNU+AFC Government. Those allegations were made by former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently. President Granger also stressed the revival of village economies. November 7 has been declared the National Day of Villages. “The villages were cradles not only of a free economy, an economy which gave rise to village markets, but is also the cradle of local democracy because the villagers learnt to run their own communities. “It is the intention of this Government to establish a Lands Commission in order to rectify the anomalies and resolve controversies which up to now still surround thousands of hectares of land which were purchased with hard cash in the post- Emancipation Village Movements,” President Granger announced. Additionally, the President said the unemployment of young school-leavers is of serious concern to his administration and called on the plan of action to address the high incidence of unemployment in the economy and aim at creating an entrepreneurial programme to assist young Guyanese in establishing and managing their businesses. “We no longer have to face the song-and-dance people; we have to plan seriously for the next 100 months of the Decade of People of African Descent. It should not be taken lightly,” he stated. The annual State of the African-Guyanese Forum was held under the theme “African Guyanese self-realisation: Challenges for the next 50 years.” Cuffy250 is an African-Guyanese organisation dedicated to the empowerment and revitalisation of the African-Guyanese community through public education and community engagement.

A section of the audience on Sunday at the fourth Annual State of the African-Guyanese Forum (Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Manchester fire leaves 5 homeless

AN EARLY Sunday morning fire has completely destroyed 59-year-old Emella Chesney’s two-storey home at Manchester Village, Corentyne, East Berbice. Five persons are now homeless, and nothing was removed from the blazing building. No one was at

home at the time of the fire. Ms. Chesney said she was in church when she learnt of the blaze, and reportedly collapsed when she saw the raging flames. “Everything was off,” she contends. “I even cooked before I went to church, and (I) turned off everything.

A distraught Emella Chesney contemplates her next move

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This is a sad thing to see what you build destroy in front of your eyes,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. The fire is believed to have stated in Chesney’s bedroom in the upper flat of the building. She related that there were two other fires in May and June of 2016, but they were extinguished. Both, she said, had started in the upper flat of the house. Thirty-five-year-old Shaundacy Deen, one of Chesney’s daughters, who lives two villages away, said she had seen thick smoke billowing in the air, and when she went to investigate where it was coming from, she discovered that her mother’s home was on fire. “We quickly tried to form a bucket brigade because there was water in front from the trench, but we were unable to save (the house) as (the fire) quickly spread,” she detailed to this publication. Fire tenders reportedly took some time to arrive on scene. “I call New Am-

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Emella Chesney’s Manchester Village, Corentyne Berbice home on fire sterdam, and when I call Rose Hall them phone ring out; and when they finally arrived, everything destroy,” Chesney told the Guyana Chronicle. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

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Miner shoots boss after dismissal A MAN working on a dredge in Arakaka Backdam in the North West District on Saturday shot his boss who is a dredge owner after being told to take a “rest.” The 42-year-old dredge owner identified as Mark Dorway was shot in the abdomen and is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The bullet which struck Dorway is believed to have grazed one of his kidneys and exited his back. According to reports, Dorway had asked his employee known as “Ratty” to assist with cooling down the engine by pouring some water on it, but he refused. The dredge owner then told “Ratty” that he needed to take a rest from the job. Upset at what he heard, the man whipped out a gun and shot Dorway. The suspect then rushed to Dorway, held the gun to his head and told him to beg for his life. The workers upon seeing what had occurred fled the scene. “Ratty” then ran away and Dorway was taken to the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to the GPHC. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Commission to be sworn in today –– to probe conditions affecting GDF veterans, GNS conditions

RETIRED Guyana Defence Force Colonel Desmond Roberts will today be sworn in by Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman as the Commissioner identified by the Guyana Government to examine, advise, and report on the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). A former Director General of the Guyana National Service (GNS), Roberts will also submit recommendations regarding the conditions and circumstances surrounding the GNS. Fifty years ago, the now 71-yearold Roberts had been the first person to hoist the Golden Arrowhead in the National Park when Guyana gained Independence in 1966. In that year also, he led his platoon to the border with Venezuela after the Guyana half of Ankoko Island had been occupied by the Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN). He was promoted to the rank of Major in May 1973, and was designated the first military director of the Guyana Youth Corps (GYC). He became Assistant Director General of the Guyana National Service (GNS) in 1974; Deputy Director General in 1976; and Director

Retired: GDF Colonel Desmond Roberts General during the period 1979-81. As Director General, he was instrumental in launching the International Association of National Service Organisations (IANSO) in Lusaka (1980). Roberts was appointed military

attaché to Brazil (1982-1984), but functioned out of the Defence Secretariat. In 1984, he was given the responsibility of coordinating the North Korean, Guyanese and UNEP consultant terms in constructing the small Eclipse Falls Hydropower project; and in 1986 he served as Commander, Administration and Logistic, until 1990 when he retired. Roberts organised the first GDF Athletics Sports in 1967, and served as President of the Amateur Athletic Association of Guyana (1976-1979 and 1986-1989), managing a team to the Seoul Olympics (1988); President of the Masters Athletics Association (1982-1989); and Vice-President of the Guyana Badminton Association. Ae former Queen’s College student, Roberts was trained at Mons Officer Cadet School in 1965, and joined the newly-formed GDF, subsequently attending the Advanced Infantry Commander (UK) and Army Command and Staff Course (Nigeria). He received his degree in Finance, along with several awards, from the University of Maryland in 1993; and the Master of Urban Planning and Management degree at the New School University in Manhattan.

President, First Lady grace African Heritage show PRESIDENT David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger attended ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’, a dance production staged by the National Dance Company in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday evening. The performance pieces focused on the African identity, spirituality, tradition and culture and celebrated the triumph of freedom and Emancipation. The show, directed and choreographed by Vivienne Daniel, captured the imagination of audience members. According to a release, the production into its ninth year is a calendar event staged around this time to celebrate Emancipation.

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger (centre) are all smiles as they share a photo opportunity with the performers of ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’ Dance Production

Young cop found hanging By Jeune Bailey Van Keric POLICE Constable Shamkumar Persaud, 19, of 12 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, was discovered suspended and motionless on the rafter in his bedroom on Sunday. He was expected to report for duty at the Blairmont Police Station a few hours before the discovery was made. Persaud recently graduated from the Felix Austin Police Training School. His mother Jasmattie Dhanraj, a nurse at the New Amsterdam Hospital, had returned home after the morning shift when she made the gruesome discovery. The 48-yearold woman had Dead: Police Constable Shamkumar Persaud reported that her son left home Saturday night and did not return when she retired to bed. However, when she awoke, his bedroom door was closed and she did not go in. The mother reportedly left for work just before 07:00hrs on Sunday. On her return home at 15:30hrs, she noticed that the top half of the backdoor was opened and the toilet was in an untidy state. As a result, she called her son, but got no reply. However, on checking in his room, she saw him hanging from the roof. An alarm was raised and a neighbor, Davidson Araujo, rushed over to the house and assisted in getting the man down, but he was already dead. A report was made at the Central Police Station and an investigation has been launched into the incident. In the meantime, it is alleged that the policeman’s phone which was charging at the time he was discovered was nowhere to be seen. The body of the cop is at the New Amsterdam Hospital awaiting a post-mortem.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Burnham’s legacy

Dear Editor, THIS month marks the 31st anniversary of the death of Comrade Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, the salutation being that by which I am sure he would prefer to be remembered. In commemoration of L.F.S Burnham’s life and contribution to Guyana, it would be remiss of me to not first acknowledge that Burnham’s brilliance as an orator had earned him prominence as a well-respected statesman in the international arena. He dedicated his life to advancing Guyana’s agenda for social and economic development and forging one nation for our six peoples by initiating the process of crafting the security and equality

of our races into law. Burnham’s efforts were unfortunately caught up in the international politics of capitalism and socialism of the time, the oil crisis of the 70s, the racial tensions that resulted from his split with the People’s Progressive Party, and the state of economic thinking that prevailed. Much has transpired since. The world has advanced through technology and globalization, and the paths to economic and social development are much clearer. Advanced countries are now much more involved in advancing the cause of development in the countries to which they provide aid, and it is becoming a virtual impossibility for politicians to escape

the network of technology and financial tracking systems for rooting out corruption. How could Burnham best be remembered? I would proffer that Forbes Burnham could be best remembered if we delivered on the legacy of his vision for our country. Burnham would have first wanted us to overcome our ignorance and fears of each other’s religious beliefs and recognize the oneness of the Supreme Being who recreated us and the love He expects us of each other. He would have wanted us to put aside our racial and ethnic insecurities, and overcome our stereotypical thinking of each other by actively seeking to understand, appreciate and embrace our diverse cultures. In this rapidly changing

global technological, economic and social environment, Burnham would have wanted us to aggressively adapt and adopt the new technologies, ideas, systems and approaches to economic and social progress. The solutions to our problems today are now no more a mystery than the transition of day to night. Our history is for instruction. The time is now for the present and the future. Let us utilize our skills, talents and resources to deliver on Burnham’s dreams for us in this country of ours, our Land of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

Dear Editor, WE of the Mahatma Gandhi Organization and the Gandhi Youth Organization (Woolford Avenue) would like to sincerely thank Messrs Vishnu Bisram, Annan Boodram and Dr Niamatalli for their timely and important contributions in the print media on the epidemic of alcoholism wreaking havoc in our society. Our organization would also like to note herein the numerous interventions made by Bhai Vidyaratha Kissoon on the subject imploring the

authorities, manufacturers and distributors of alcohol in Guyana to take steps to bring the situation under control, seemingly to no avail Our constitution contains clauses in the aims and objectives section dealing with the need for action to be taken by our membership to caution against the use and abuse of alcohol. As one of the oldest registered Hindu organizations in this country (since 1953), we recognise that there is a major crisis in the country as more and more people turn to this dangerous substance to some-

how “numb” themselves from their daily trials and tribulations. We wish to state that we are available and open to joining in any national effort or initiative to counsel, guide, advise and admonish our fellow Guyanese about the dangers of this substance as highlighted by the erstwhile gentlemen mentioned in the first paragraph of this letter. We would like to call on all Hindu bodies and temples and indeed all other social and religious entities to join the drive to caution against the use of alcohol

and to educate persons about the dangers of consuming alcohol. While we have not carried out any scientific study on the problem, we wish to recommend the following course of action: 1) Relevant Government agencies to meet and commission a study (if not already done) on the cost both socially and financially of alcohol abuse. If the study has been done, publish the results 2) Convene seminars

State of the African Alcohol abuse in Guyana Guyanese Forum PRESIDENT Granger on Sunday delivered the keynote address at Cuffy250’s fourth annual “State of African Guyanese” Forum. The president has performed this task each year at this event which brings together hundreds of African Guyanese to discuss and deliberate on issues affecting that community. That he has seen it fit to address this gathering signals that the president attaches great significance to such deliberations—he has addressed similar gatherings of other ethnic groups before and during his tenure in office. Despite the fact that some have frowned on such ethnic meetings, they have become a fixture in multi-ethnic societies such as ours. These meetings are not in themselves bad, it is what they are used for that often leads to controversy. If they are used as platforms to sow ethnic discord, then they should be so condemned. But, if they are fora for healthy discussion about the state of the group and the condition of Guyana as a whole, the country as a whole benefits. From all indications, this Cuffy250 Forum falls into the latter category. As a diverse society, each group tends to have its own peculiar challenges and in some regards experiences social reality differently. This year’s Forum takes place on the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence and as Cuffy250 has said it is situating the discussions within the context of Guyana’s next 50 years as an independent nation. This is most laudable; it signals that the organizers see the destiny of African Guyanese as wrapped up with the larger national destiny. The Forum, whose theme is “African Guyanese Self-Realisation: Challenges for the next 50 years,” is set to focus on the state of the African Guyanese community. According to the leaders of the community, they are not satisfied with the condition of the community. As Cuffy250 said in its emancipation message, “Cuffy250 believes that 178 years after formal emancipation, the African Guyanese community still confronts structural barriers to full emancipation. These barriers are manifested in the challenges faced by African Guyanese particularly in the socio-economic sphere.”

At last year’s Forum, the president challenged those present to focus on the restoration of the village economy as a pivotal step in the direction of African Guyanese empowerment. Since then there has been a lot of discussion about how to achieve that goal. In this regard, many have argued that the revival of agriculture and small businesses are key to this endeavor. We notice that these items are very much part of the agenda for today’s deliberations. As most Guyanese know, the creation of villages as self-sustaining socio-economic and political spaces was one of the seminal developments in the period immediately following emancipation in 1838. The decline of the villages in recent times is seen as a major cause of the current state of the African Guyanese community. The president’s observation last year is still relevant to the discussions this year. The position of African Guyanese in the private sector has recently come under much scrutiny, especially since the president declared that government is not the medium for providing jobs and instead urged Guyanese to look to creating jobs through entrepreneurship. But African Guyanese leaders and commentators have pointed to the structural challenges to that group’s participation in the private sector. As Cuffy250 observes, “While the community has made strides in the face of these challenges, the inability to compete in the private economic sector has served to blunt those successes.” If African Guyanese are to overcome those barriers then

Yours Faithfully, CRAIG SYLVESTER

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it would take a massive effort on the part of policy makers, but more importantly by the community itself. One our columnists, Dr. David Hinds has called on government to invest in improved infrastructure for the revival of agriculture in the villages. He also pointed to the need to make capital for starting small business more accessible to those who are inclined in that direction. In effect, he advocated for more proactive policy initiatives by the government. We wish to add that government policy has to be accompanied by a change in the mindset of the community. We feel that African Guyanese have to overcome the mindset that they are not suited for entrepreneurship and in the process recover the discipline needed for such endeavors. In that regard this Forum could be a catalyst in that direction. Cuffy250 seems to have recognized this fact in the following comment: “It is against this background that Cuffy250 brings together the African Guyanese community to begin a movement towards the revival of the spirit of self-realization that was so pivotal to the struggle against slavery and colonialism and for the survival and advance of the community.” Finally, we are especially heartened that one of the topics discussed at the Forum was “African Guyanese and Social Cohesion.” In the final analysis, African Guyanese empowerment would be more durable and effective if it is tied to the larger national project. Linkages with other ethnic groups are, therefore, imperative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Alkaline should be banned from performing in Guyana Dear Editor, I SAW on most of our TV stations that the dance hall singer Alkaline is coming to Guyana to sing. These TV promoters are promoting this Jamaica singer as if he is some sort of messiah coming to Guyana to create a revival for our nation. I am no fan of Alkaline and many of his contemporaries, but I can differentiate what is a song from ‘’loud cussing’’ on a video. I took some time to listen to Alkaline’s songs; in his songs he used the F words and tons of expletives and profanities. For example, his famous songs are ‘’Fleek, Wining down, Ride on Me. Side Gyal, One more time, City and a long list of songs loaded with cuss words degrading women. In his music video “Fleek,” he has tons of cash in his hands as he smoked drugs and has a woman practically naked wining up on a pole. In the music video ‘Side Gyal’’ he and a girl are having sex explicitly and he sings his sex song to her ex-

plicitly, depicting sex in a real immoral manner. He starts his next music video ‘’City’’ with tons of F words. My concerns about this Jamaican Dance Hall singer are many. Why would promoters want to bring this singer to our country? Who is responsible for bringing him? Are they aware of what he sings? The facts are clear that his songs have already destroyed thousands of young people in this nation; so why bring him here? It’s no wonder we have so many criminals in our society, because they try to imitate the big lifestyles of these singers so they have to kill and rob innocent citizens to fuel their drug abuse and perverted lifestyles. The lyrics of his songs are obnoxious and very degrading to women and young people. A very careful view of these music videos is musical pornography invading our society, but we somehow are not seeing it. I am calling on the Hon Minister of Public Security and The

Hon Minister of Education and The Hon Minister of State to ban Alkaline from coming to perform here. We must also remember that Kartel is currently serving a prison sentence in Jamaica for murder. Our government should ban all the songs of these dance hall singers to enter Guyana to create a clean society. I challenge our ministers, including our President and Prime Minister to listen to Alkaline’s songs. I bet they won’t hear them for five minutes. Our young people have fallen morally, spiritually and academically, because of all the filthy music entering our nation. I have taken time off to view some of the shows which are replayed on TV. What I have seen and listened to are very immoral and disturbing to my soul. Songs from the Trinidad group by the Hit Man and our own Terry Gajraj and Adrian Dutchin promote rum-drinking, and we are fully aware that rum is the cause of family breakups and domestic violence in

Alcohol abuse ... From page 6

and other similar fora to sensitise the public on the dangers of this product 3) Increase taxes on all alcohol- based products (except for medicinal purposes). In the United Kingdom empirical evidence has demonstrated that increasing taxes on alcohol has had the effect of reducing consumption. 4) Enforce laws against drinking and driving which will have the effect of deterring persons from consuming alcohol and then proceeding to drive. The cost to the country in terms of lives and limbs lost due to accidents caused by drunk drivers must be astronomical 5) Legislate,as is done in the cigarette industry, for warnings to be prominently placed on alcoholic products about dangers to health. 6) Put in place laws to prevent the advertising or selling of alcoholic beverages during school activities. 7) Enforce rigorously, laws relating to opening and closing times of “rum “shops and “beer gardens” and prosecute and fine those who violate the law, including suspending their licences if found guilty.

8) Restrict granting of new licences to persons desirous of selling alcohol. 9) Intensive campaigns in schools should be carried out on the dangers of this substance as research has shown that if teenagers get “hooked” on this product,

then it is very difficult and costly to get them to stop consuming it. At the same time, persons who have never used alcohol say up to 22 -24 years old are very unlikely to start consuming it after this age; hence the importance of nipping the

our society. Many of these songs have sexual overtones, and promote violence against women; yet they are given a stage in Guyana. Some of our own singers join them by singing songs that promote vulgarity of the highest nature. Another song I viewed is called ‘All Night’; the message of the song really promotes sex, but does that really help our nation while we battle against AIDS? Are these singers and entertainers really helping our nation morally? Are they helping our young people spiritually and academically? While some of our singers and artistes are very talented, they can do better by singing cleaner songs with meaning like those of Bob Marley and Eddy Grant. I also observed that lots of singers today are performing in very scantily dressed style, from Lady Ga Ga, Britney Spears, Niki Minaj, Beyonce, Madonna, and including many of our own singers. Most of the females in these music videos are in their underwear gyrating

and ‘wining.’ We have fallen from grace as a nation in this fast-moving world of lawless and ignorant singers, who became millionaires by promoting sex in their songs because sex sells in various forms. It seems to me that those who are bringing Alkaline here don’t care about the harm they are doing to this nation, but their major concern is to make money. God admonishes us in the Holy Scriptures that: ‘’For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’’ 1Timothy 6:10 I discover that people in this world can do anything for money, even if many people have to die for them to get rich. William Shakespeare wrote: ‘’If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.’’

What is the Ministry of Culture doing about these shows that are invading our country? Can we really define our culture, or do we have what it takes to comprehend the meaning of the word “culture”? We also need to take another look at the vulgarity of Mashramani and ask ourselves if these events are helping the moral and intellectual fabric of our society. It’s about time our citizens stop supporting these shows because these entertainers are getting rich from our nation, which is poor. We can only value our nation by what we have produced and achieved over the years, and we have not arrived as yet. As VS Naipaul wrote: “We have produced nothing in the Caribbean.” What we have produced are Carnival and vile music that gives us more poverty, illiteracy, immorality and misery.

problem in the bud. 10) Negotiate with or legislate for manufacturers and distributors of alcohol to contribute say 2 % of their sales to fund rehabilitation programmes Dear Editor, these are just a few suggestions

but previous Governments have not shown much interest in alleviating this problem. Instead of being more reactive than proactive and we hope to have some decisive action be taken by Government

and other stakeholders.

Yours faithfully, REV GIDEON CECIL

Yours sincerely Pandit Sawh Christopher Persaud Mahatma Gandhi Organization Woolford Avenue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

Twinkle Bissoon: The ‘woman’ behind the stereotypes By Akola Thompson GUYANA, much like many countries around the world, has had a very long complicated history with those who belong to the Lesbians, Bisexuals, Gays and Trans (LBGT) group. While those belonging to LBGT groups all have their struggles to bear with public reaction, trans-persons, particularly in the case of transvestite and trans-gender men are often discriminated against and abused on the basis of their appearances as they are not as readily able to toe the proverbial line of societal expectations and ideas about gender and sexuality. That’s why for many, coming out is often a gruelling task which can see them going through life as social pariahs and are continuously denied certain basic human rights. Over the years, there have been several cases in which trans-persons were targeted with some even being prohibited from entering court due to them being dressed in female clothing. David Bissoon, who goes

by the name Twinkle, is one of the women who were turned away from the court after appearing to answer charges of assault laid against her, in conventional female clothing. Long before that incident which shot her to fame in social-rights circles however and long before David became Twinkle and had any real sense of gender and sexuality, she knew she was very different. Growing up in the small village of Best in Region Three, Twinkle from the age of nine constantly feared that she would be put out of her parents’ home as she was constantly warned that if she was different, she would have to leave. “They’d say if you’re gay, you’d have to come out of this house.” It was Twinkle’s relentless playing with her female cousins and the “feminine” way in which she would act and dance which caused her parents to believe she was gay, as they did not understand the difference between gender identity and sexual identity. “Sometimes, I would get

away and sleep with my cousins clothing at night, because that was my comfort clothing, I felt like me in them.” After several years of keeping her true self under lock and key, Twinkle, at the age of 17, finally decided to begin wearing female clothing openly. While the stigma she faced was difficult, the peace of mind she finally felt helped to balance all of that out. “Every day dealing with society I am still faced with verbal, physical and emotional threats in some way or the other, but I am comfortable with me and that’s what matters,” she said. However, it was not until a year later on her 18th birthday that Twinkle fully accepted herself as a trans-woman and stopped letting the fear of being discriminated against hinder her as she was able to come to terms and be proud of who she was. So, how did Twinkle become Twinkle? Interested in going up for a local pageant, she realised that she would have to use a female name. “At the time I had a

David Bissoon, better known as ‘Twinkle’ whole lot of ideas circling in to jobs, public transportation, as much as it can or should be my head and a friend of mine shelter, most importantly lack doing to encourage tolerance told me to just take Twin- to [sic] proper education due and to protect LBGT rights. kle and I thought this name to trans-phobia in schools and “I’m not saying that we suits me. My interpretation access to judicial buildings.” want special rights, we only of Twinkle is someone that Twinkle believes that want basic human rights shines, not only for them- while there is a lot of work which are being denied and selves, but also for others. being done amongst non-gov- violated at every level of Just like how I would shine ernmental organisations in society. There is a big gap not for myself but for the Guyana to encourage toler- in access to human rights trans-gender community and ance for the LBGT group, and equality for LBGT peothe rest of my trans-commit- there are not enough resourc- ple, especially trans-gender tee who suffer and bear the es available to do all the work women like myself who albrunt of stigma, discrimina- that needs to be done. ways dress in female attire tion, police brutality, family Also, she is of the view and this needs to not only rejection, poor or no access that Parliament is not doing be addressed, but fixed.”

4 minutes 4 change

Did you know that there are 4 main types of parenting styles? Which one is yours? Parent 1 Are you the type of parent who determines the rules and boundaries for your child and expects him/ her to follow them without question? Do you dictate what your child must do without involving your child in the decision-making process? Do you consistently assist your child with overcoming obstacles, solving problems and confronting challenges? Do you punish your child for not following the rules? If you answered ‘YES’ to three or more of these questions, read below to find out what type of parenting style you have. Parent 2 Are you the type of parent that makes rules and sets boundaries for your child but realises that there can be an exception to the rule? Do you consider your child’s feelings, or opinions when making rules? Do you talk to your child about the rules and discuss the reasons why they need to be enforced? Do you show your child that you value his/her input? Do you explain to your child that there are consequences to bad behaviour and that privileges will be denied, (or other sanctions imposed) rather than use punishment? If you answered ‘YES’ to three or more of these questions, read below to find out what type of parenting style you have.

Parent 3 Are you the type of parent that allows your child to do pretty much, what they like once they are quiet and seem happy? Do you set irregular rules and boundaries and step in only to defend your child (behaviour, morals and values) if there’s a problem. Do you make excuses to cover up your child’s negative behaviour if someone complains about him/her? Do you treat your child more like a friend? Are you under the assumption that “kids will be kids” and therefore negative behaviour is acceptable because they will grow out of it? If you answered ‘YES’ to three or more of these questions, read below to find out what type of parenting style you have. Parent 4 Are you the type of parent who finds it hard to meet the basic needs of your child? Do you take little interest in your child’s education? Do you fail to make rules or boundaries for your child because maybe you lack the necessary parenting skills? Are you susceptible to substance abuse or alcohol? Do you have low or very little expectation from your child? If you answered ‘YES’ to three of more of these questions, read below to find out what type of parenting style you have. Parent 1: You have an Authoritarian parenting style.

Your child could develop self-esteem problems and lack efficient decision and problem-solving skills as a result. Parent 2: You have an Authoritative parenting style. Your child should be happy and successful and cultivate good decision-making and evaluation skills. He/she should grow up to be a responsible adult. Parent 3: You have a Permissive parenting style. Your child may struggle academically and most likely not appreciate authority and rules. This could lead to low self-esteem, aggression and sadness. Parent 4: You have an Uninvolved Parenting style. Your child may lack self-confidence and the will to succeed academically. He/she may feel somewhat neglected and unhappy inside. Whatever parenting style you have, it is never too late to work towards improvement: so try to find positive strategies that work for you and your child: Parenting tip: To love a child is to bring out the best in him/her. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

The quiet farming island of Wakenaam

AN ISLAND located at the mouth of the Essequibo River was once settled by the Dutch, but they never found a suitable name for this sprawling, picturesque area. They began referring to it by the Dutch word “Wakenaam” which, when translated into English, means “waiting for a

Dorothy Browne name”; and overtime, this became the official name of that island. Early records indicate that in 1690, after the French

had invaded Fort Island, the Dutch plantation owners moved to, and settled on, the island of “Wakenaam”, where they established plantation Maria Johanna and enjoyed a vibrant presence on the beautiful 17.5 square-mile island, the largest in the Essequibo River. Their occupation did not last for too long though, because in 1716 the British took control of Wakenaam, and established more plantations on the island. At one time in the 1600s, the island had 29 grinding sugar estates, and the exponential growth of the sugar industry made it necessary for additional labour to be sought. To fill the gap, slaves were bought from Africa and were traded at the Wakenaam village named Free and Easy, which today is home to a ruined grinding mill. With Emancipation of Africans and other factors, the sugar industry on the island began to decline, and by the turn of the 20th century, many small estates were closed or absorbed in the larger ones. By 1930, the

A coconut farm at Zeelandia Estate, Wakenaam

only three remaining estates were Zeelandia, Better Success and Belle Plaine, and it was not too long before those eventually ground to a halt. Before the closure of the sugar estates, the indentured servants on the island were into rice cultivation whilst the Africans produced ground

provisions. Even to this day they still cultivate these crops, but with the downturn in rice prices on the international market, production of about 70,000 bags of paddy per crop has been slashed by half. Aside from rice and ground provisions, residents

also engage in cattle rearing. HARD WORK Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Browne of Maria Johanna told the Guyana Chronicle that life on the island has changed greatly

in the past four years. “No longer (do) rice farmers use sickle to cut rice in the rice field. In those days it used to be real hard work. Man, woman and children used to be in the rice field

Please turn to page 10

The Wakenaam Cottage Hospital is a referral hospital. Patients are mostly referred to the Suddie and West Demerara hospitals

Maria Johanna

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

- the village where mothers and fathers are guardians of every child

The St James Presbyterian Church at Fredericksburg needs rehabilitation

THE now predominantly African village of Maria Johanna was among the first plantations established by the Dutch colonisers on the island of Wakenaam. Allegedly named after Maria and Johanna, the beautiful twin daughters of a plantation owner, the Guyana Chronicle tried but was unable to locate the name of the original plantation owner; but based on our research, in 1803, the plantation was owed by one Hugenoltz. It was bought by Mr Boddart and Company in 1832, and then by Adam Ramkin in 1851. The plantation was surveyed by Henry Rainford, and 88 house lots were laid out, most of them to accommodate the workers. The Colonial Govern-

ment later took control of the plantation because of bankruptcy, and sold it in April 1871 to a company whose shareholders were predominantly former slaves. The sale price was $700. There were many disagreements among shareholders as to what was the best way to develop the land. Ultimately, the plantation was taken over by the Partition Ordinance in 1914; and in 1921, a village was created, and a tax system was introduced. A visitor to Maria Johanna can still observe evidence of Dutch occupation, and the fact that slaves worked there. There is a unique Dutch sluice which, after centuries, still stands immaculate and spectacular. Every now and then, various types of Dutch

bottles and coins are found when there are excavation works in Maria Johanna and other villages on the island. Residents of Maria Johanna are a peaceful and happy people, who depend on cultivation of rice and ground provision for a living. The community of about 400 residents has three Indian families, who live in harmony among their African neighbours. Residents believe that Maria Johanna is a model for social cohesion, since every mother and father there is a mother and father to every child in the village, regardless of ethnicity. Also, the pastor of the African Methodist Church, a

Continued on page 11

The quiet farming island ... From page 9 from early in the morning to late in the night. It was backbreaking work. Today, we gat combine and tractor to cut the rice and take it out of the field,” she said with a smile. Browne related that while this development is good, in the sense that life is easier

for this generation, the young people are not knowledgeable about their roots, and old customs are gradually dying out. “The African celebrations that we used to see in my younger days don’t happen. The drumming, the dancing, the village day, the cook out, the story telling -- all these have almost disappeared,” she told this publication, pointing out that they have

declined with the passing of the elderly organisers. Browne, a mother of 10 and very active for her age, was not too fond of all the African customs she had grown up seeing. “I used see my mother and grandmother taking out a little of all the foods that they cook and put it in a plate and cover it neatly and carry it in a corner of the room.

They used to do it every day, and they tell me that it was an offering for their ancestors. I used to go to church and I used to believe that it was a very strange thing. I never did it, and when my grandmother and mother died, that custom died with them,” the elderly woman said. She was conducting summer classes at the St James Presbyterian Church at Fredericksburg, the first church built by freed African slaves on Wakenaam. There are churches, mandirs and masjids on the island; and according to Browne, residents of today are more religious.

ATTENTION NEEDED She said young people need attention since, due to very limited employment opportunities, many have left the island, while a few have resorted to “stupidness Wild West”, resulting in a number of cases of teenage pregnancy. Browne is calling on the Government to look at ways of creating employment on the island, home to several large coconut and plantain farms. Wakenaam is a quiet, peaceful place with happy people. And according to residents, robberies on the island are non-existent, and inhabitants usually die a nat-

Plantains at Moor Farm, Wakenaam

ural death or by accident, and not at the hands of robbers. The island has a cottage hospital, a guest house, a gas station, a secondary school, several primary schools, police stations, health centres, shops, and an abundance of farmland and water. Some 90 per cent of its 4000 residents are self-employed. Several old grinding estates still exist today, but in a ruined state. At Maria Johanna, a Dutch koker built in the 1600s still stands, and is in good condition. There are also several Dutch burial grounds on the island. Wakenaam is a closely-knitted community, and residents warmly welcome visitors to the island.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

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Maria Johanna ... From page 10 person of Indian origin, is celebrated by all the members of the village. Visitors to Maria Johanna are warmly greeted by cheerful residents, and their inquiries are attended to promptly. Before the establishment of the African Methodist Church in 1906, Maria Johanna residents and others on the island used to worship at the St James Presbyterian Church at Fredericksburg, built by freed African slaves in 1884. The Guyana Chronicle was told that, years ago, in front of the church’s compound was a silk cotton tree, and residents across the island used to assemble and sleep their on Saturday night in order to catch the Sunday morning mass. Over the years, the church, located next to a burial ground, fell into disrepair, and members have of late been pooling their resources to carry out critical rehabilitation works on the building. Some work has been done, but rehabilitation has been slow due to lack of financing. The church administrators are appealing to the public for financial support to ensure the preservation of this historical site. This place of worship was the first to be built on the island by freed African slaves. There is no Government school in Maria Johanna, and the closest nursery and schools are in Fredericksburg, some three miles away. Residents, however, make concerted efforts to ensure their children attend school, regardless of whether they have to walk or be driven to their place of learning. This publication was told that the village needs a resource centre to train young people in various skills, to ease unemployment among young people. They also noted that greater attention should be placed on fixing the sea defence aback their village, to protect their farmland from erosion. The road in this village is also in a poor state, but Regional Engineer Joseph Patterson told the Guyana Chronicle that Government has allocated $17M towards that project. The rehabilitation contract has not yet been awarded.

This koker, built by the Dutch at Maria Johanna, is still in good condition

The community centre in the village. Here, cultural programmes and indoor games are held

Houses in the village of Maria Johanna

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

The abandoned village, airstrip at Wakenaam IT IS very difficult to locate a private hire car at the Wakenaam Stelling; motorbikes appear to be the popular mode of transportation around this island of 17.5 square miles. A ride around the island

without stopping would take about 50 minutes, but not stopping to make inquiries about villages where houses are very far apart would make the journey less interesting and incomplete. My journey started at

Sans Souci, the first village at the mouth of the island; and on the way, I noticed an abandoned structure which appeared to be a house. On asking, I leant that it was a plantain chip factory that was being constructed under

the previous administration, but construction was halted when the new Government came to power. Residents told the Guyana Chronicle that construction ceased for two main reasons:(1) The factory was close to the Government reserve, and (2) was vulnerable to flooding in event of a breach in the sea defence. Some disagreed with the last reason, pointing out that the nearby sea defence was fortified in recent years, and Government should revisit its decision to halt the project, since it would create

Wakenaam before building the factory. They contend that the island does need a factory, but not for plantains alone; the vast amount of coconuts, mangoes and other fruits should also be given consideration. On assumption to office, this Government had said it was unable to access the development plan for the plantain chip factories at Wakenaam and Leguan. ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX Further up the main road and into the street stands a

thick vegetation dominate the island’s landscape. At Maria’s Pleasure, I came across a neatly fenced, wide, abandoned land almost overrun by vegetation. On approaching the fence, a notice indicated that an airstrip was ahead. The compound was unguarded, and on entering, I saw a huge airstrip in a state of abandonment. According to residents, the project was another poor investment made by the former administration. They told the Guyana Chronicle that, to the best of their knowledge,

This restaurant and bar with a swimming pool on the ground floor is under construction at Good Success employment for Wakenaam residents. A simple inquiry from this newspaper appeared to have sparked a debate among residents, some of whom contended that much thought was not given to the project, and it would not be too helpful for local farmers. Some farmers were of the view that the Parika plantain dealers would pay more for their plantains. They believe that once the factory sets a price, the Parika dealers would try to better it, and their produce would automatically go to the purchaser who was paying more. They opined that it would have been useful if the former Administration had consulted widely with the residents of

huge building; it is a private entertainment centre located next to a play field. This complex houses several buildings, works on which are still in progress. One huge three-storey building houses a hotel on the top flat, a banquet hall on the middle floor, and areas for stalls on the ground floor. Next to this building is a bar, and a short distance away is a modern, two-storey restaurant and bar, with a swimming pool on the ground floor. This publication tried to contact the owner of the complex, but he was not home at the time. And in the company of residents, I continued the journey where rice fields, coconut plantations and

the multi-million-dollar airstrip was built several years ago, but was never put into operation. Residents said they were told that the airstrip was supposed to reduce time and cost of transportation to and from the island; and by facilitating flights to hinterland regions, attract more investors to Wakenaam. COLOSSAL JOKE The latter never happened; and residents said they knew from the inception that, with speed boats around, it had to be a colossal joke to expect the airstrip to reduce transport

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

Wakenaam Night billed for August 27 WAKENAAM Night, an event supported by the Government and the private sector, is billed for August 27, and is expected to be the biggest ever held. Director of the event, Sheik Ahmad, told the Guyana Chronicle that this year several top local artists will be performing, and the foods and rich culture of Wakenaam will be on display. The artistes’ contracts have not yet been finalised,

but Ahmad is hoping to rope in the likes of Jumo Primo, Terry Gajraj, Poonam Singh and Mystic. The one-night occasion has, over the years, attracted former residents of Wakenaam who have migrated overseas or to another part of Guyana. “It is an event that brings people together. It is one where old friends from years gone by get an opportunity to meet up and gaff and

talk about how things have changed over the years. For those who have been out of the region for a long time, the event for them is a time for nostalgia. For the young, it is a time for healthy entertainment, because the rum shops on the island do not provide a forum for a family get-together,” he told this publication. First started in 2008, Wakenaam Night has since been attracting thousands

at the Better Success Playground, where it is held annually. Wakenaam Night is a non-governmental organisation comprised of teachers, labourers, farmers and housewives, among others, who work voluntarily, but labour procured is paid for. Ahmad told the Guyana Chronicle that proceeds from the Night have been used to build the pavilion at the Better Success Playground and to

help construct an access bridge at Good Success. In addition, all first year secondary school students are provided with geometry sets and text books free of cost. The group also financially assists persons in need of medical treatment, and collaborates with doctors and medical professionals to hold medical outreaches on the island, among numerous other activities.

Sheik Ahmad

The abandoned

costs to and from the island. At Caledonia, the largest village on the island, I encountered a road in a deplorable state, and was about to turn around and head towards the rest house at Sans Souci when one of the residents indicated that a private investor had plans in train to build a resort at the beach at Moor Farm, facing the Atlantic Ocean. This project was never previously heard of, and after some hesitation, I decided to go visit the area where the resort was expected to be built. Intense rainfall had left the trail in such a muddy state that we could not help making heavy weather of the journey of just over a mile long. At the beginning of the trail, some excavation work was noticeable, but this was done on less than 20 per cent of the entire trail. Residents told the Guyana Chronicle that excavation ended after the change in Government, and

nothing more was heard about the investment. We pressed on through the muddy, foot- wide tract in an area covered in dense vegetation with plantain suckers along the way, until we finally reached the shore line and were confronted with a breathtaking

This desolate house stand

This beautiful beach at Moor Farm is washed by the Atl

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

The pavilion at the Better Success Playground was built with proceeds from Wakenaam Night

d village ... view of almond trees, compressed brown sand and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The Guyana Chronicle was told that, from time to time, island residents would go to the isolated beach to engage in “bush cook� and enjoy the warm Atlantic breeze.

From page 12

It was soon time to head out, and on the way to San Souci I came across a small village called Amersfort, which had a single house standing with no inhabitant. Residents reportedly abandoned the village in the late 1980s in search of a better standard of living.

ds in the abandoned village of Amersfort, Wakenaam

lantic Ocean

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The Anna Regina chimney

By Mohamed Khan THE tall brick chimney and boiler still stand in the Caricom Rice Mills Limited compound at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, marking the site where sugar workers once stood. The factory that stood there was owned by the Moss family in 1823, but the fine buildings with intricate brickwork that housed the aristocracy of that estate have all disappeared, together with the logies that once housed the workers. The whole place has now been transformed into a rice milling operation with silos, except that a few iron punts which were used to fetch the canes are still in the compound. Behind the chimney of this Anna Regina rice-milling operation is a large area of fertile land which was once used to grow canes. It is now growing rice, but the drainage canals of that cane cultivation era remains. The state of Anna Regina is a standing example of how much development has taken place since 1823. The sugar factory had a design with a water transport that

ran straight out to the sea, at the end of which was a caisson sluice -- an internal canal that was used for shipping. Barges from Georgetown would sail to the lock sluices under the Anna Regina high bridge, and float up to the factory, where the chimney stands, to deliver their cargo and take away produce of sugar stored in the bond. Because this factory had the finest machinery, it produced first-class yellow crystals in an output of 100 tonnes per week. The factory was closed in 1936, following a decline in the sugar industry on the Essequibo Coast; and Mr Brodie, a Scotsman who was the last colonial manager on the estate, gave the Indian immigrants the drained cane fields to cultivate rice. His house and office had been in the building which the Anna Regina Municipality has occupied since it was established as a town in 1970. This information was given to me by my father-in-law Karamchand Gamsundar, who was born in 1912 in a logie on the Thomas Edward Moss plantation at Anna Regina. He died at the age of 98.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016 He told me that his father Garib came on the ship Hesperus, which left Calcutta on January 29, 1938 and landed at Anna Regina on May 10 of that same year. He was one of the East Indian immigrants who worked on the sugar estate. In his youth, my father-in-law worked as the stable boy, attending the mules and horses which were used to pull the laden cane punts from the backdam. After his mother and father died, he was left alone in a logie to fend for himself. Mr Brodie, the manager, rewarded him for good works on the plantation as the stable boy who drove the mules to pull the punts. He gave my father-in-law a plot of rice land and a house lot at Cotton Field, where he and his second wife lived until his death. My father-in-law’s second marriage, to his wife Chandra, bore him four daughters. He had lived with his first wife in a logie next to the sugar estate, and she had borne him two sons. While delivering her third child, she died. He told me that after the sugar estate disappeared, the system of lock sluice continued to operate, and barges from Georgetown would sail up to Anna Regina high bridge to deliver the merchants’ cargoes. Mr Pancham from Lima had a lorry that would then load the goods and distribute same to shop owners on the Essequibo Coast. The first market was near this bridge, and hundreds of vendors displayed their goods, fruits and vegetables there on Mondays.

(photo credit: www.panoramio.com)

Emancipation celebrations at Wakenaam A SERIES of activities designed to celebrate African Emancipation on the island of Wakenaam kicked off with a church service at the African Methodist Church on Emancipation Day. The service was well attended, and villagers all rejoiced and gave thanks to the Lord for allowing them to be free men today. They asked for His divine blessings to enable them to continue growing from strength to strength, and that their personal development and that of Guyana would continue. At the grand fun day on Saturday, residents were entertained by the Congo Drummers. During the days of slavery, communication among the slaves was tightly restricted, and the drum was used as a means of communication. Every sound of the drum was used to communicate a specific message to comrades, and in this way they were able to keep in contact with each other and on track with their plans. At the fun day, African dishes, clothing and dancing were abundant, and practically every aspect of the African culture was on display. The event saw villagers coming together to each have a fantastic time. While it was an African celebration, from the look of things, it was more a Guyanese celebration. Next Saturday, the Wakenaam African Group will be giving out hampers to the elderly, and the Emancipation celebration would conclude with a Spelling Bee competition among the local primary schools on August 28. As part of the celebrations, the Wakenaam African Group intends to repaint the Dutch koker at Maria Johanna as a voluntary project done by its members. African cultural celebrations on Wakenaam have reportedly been somewhat at a standstill since the passing of many of the African elders, but a few years ago, a number of residents bonded together with the aim to ensure preservation of their culture. The Emancipation celebrations are intended to imbue pride in the young generation of Afro-Guyanese on matters of African culture and heritage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

Personality profile

A dedicated teacher

BORN and raised at Maria Johanna, Suzette Ferguson is a senior teacher at The Essequibo Islands Secondary School, located on Wakenaam island. She joined the teaching profession in 1992, and soon after enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), where she was formally trained as a teacher. Upon graduation from CPCE, Ferguson moved across to the University of Guyana (UG), where she successfully read for a degree in History. Now teaching Histo-

ry at Essequibo Islands Secondary School, she told the Guyana Chronicle that she loves working with children. This young teacher related that while she loves the profession, teaching can become a challenge, especially when having to deal with undisciplined students. Ferguson has a passion for reading and writing, likes surfing the Internet, and follows cricket very closely. She is currently writing an adventure novel based on her travels throughout Guyana, and is hoping she would

Suzette Ferguson

Monday August 8th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Tuesday August 9th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs Wednesday August 10th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs

have enough discipline to complete the work. When this teacher is not in the classroom, reading or following a cricket match, she is busy helping underprivileged children to complete their school-based assessments (SBAs), or volunteering her services at the Give Another Chance Foundation, a non-governmental organisation on the island. “I believe that every young person who has fallen down because of a mistake they made should be given a second chance in life; and young people must take their education seriously. Education is the key to success; it is vital for opening the door for a brighter future,� she told the Guyana Chronicle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 8, 2016

ARIES - You might believe that you are going out of your way to be nice to others, but their view of your behaviour could be quite different. No matter how honourable your intentions are now, your brusque manner can make you appear uncaring or even offensive. But what you say is likely less important than how you say it. Rather than shocking someone with your sudden declaration, build up to it with a conversation based on give and take. A little diplomacy is all you need to create harmony in your world. TAURUS - Although people may be dependent on your job performance today, it’s still crucial to balance work with play. The pleasure-seeking Libra Moon brightens your 6th House of Self-Improvement, reminding you that moderation is essential -- not only to your growth, but also to your physical well-being. Instead of trying to power your way through your responsibilities like a Bull, taking regular breaks is revitalizing and enables you to be more productive in the long run. Don’t rush anything; when the time is right, magic will happen. GEMINI - You are thinking of all the ways -- realistic or not -- you could escape from work today. There are so many things that excite your imagination now. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that you can avoid your mundane obligations, so you might as well start your chores early in the day. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand for too long, since every flight of fancy seems like an intriguing distraction. Gently bring your focus back to your assignment as often as necessary until your responsibilities are fulfilled. CANCER - An unexpected change of plans could send you into a temporary tailspin, making it tricky to regain your composure. But your response to the pressures of the day is admirable, even as the Moon encourages you to reconnect with your past. Oddly enough, stirring up your old fears doesn’t necessarily mean you must take any specific actions yet. Just continue to rebuild the present moment on the foundation of old experiences. Your future depends on what you do today. LEO - You’re inspired to share your love, but you might not get very far on your path to fulfilment today. People may be emotionally shut down for one reason or another, unable or unwilling to accept your gift of affection. Additionally, you aren’t willing to change your attitude for the sake of winning someone’s favour. Nevertheless, you can still take the high road and shine your light as brightly as possible. Instead of waiting for others to meet you halfway, express the magic of your heart without any expectations. As Nathanial Hawthorne wrote, “Generosity is the flower of justice.” VIRGO - You may need to risk more than you prefer in order to let others know exactly where you stand. Unfortunately, you face the possibility of rejection or even ridicule if you put your feelings out into the open. But something amazing is about to happen, even if it takes a while to realize the significance of the moment. You are in your element now and people are listening to every word you say. Choose your message carefully for the window of opportunity is already starting to close. LIBRA - Although your friends and co-workers can see through your veneer, they still might not realize the passionate emotions you’re holding quietly behind your personal version of the Great Wall. On the other hand, the gracious Libra Moon enables you to show your feelings within the bounds of social etiquette. Honouring the customs from another time or culture expands your horizons, enabling you to perceive your environment from a wider perspective. What others think is none of your business at this time, but what you think makes all the difference in the world. SCORPIO - You’re driven to make the most out of the social media buzz today, but finding the time can be a bit of a struggle. Your intention is to be more connected with like-minded people while messenger Mercury claims the spotlight in your 11th House of Networking. However, you like your anonymity and aren’t eager to take a more public stance now. Push through your fear of exposure because you can’t have it both ways. The satisfaction of accomplishment will outweigh your concerns once you finally decide to take your rightful place in the community. SAGITTARIUS - Rediscovering your life purpose takes precedence today, whether it’s more of the same or an entirely different ballgame. In either case, your legendary visionary outlook inspires others to tell you their dreams. The good news is you have a clear sense of who you are, a viable plan in place and feel as if nothing can stand in your way now. Just remember to take it slowly or you will expend so much energy that you won’t have any later on when you need it for a second wind. As President Theodore Roosevelt wrote, “With self-discipline, most anything is possible.” CAPRICORN - Although you are working with a clear agenda for getting further on your journey up the mountain, you begin to realize that you might have bitten off more than you can chew. Instead of exhausting yourself as you strive toward the summit, be wise and scale back your plans before circumstances do it for you. If you grow discouraged because you haven’t reached your goal yet, remember that it’s not too late to re-evaluate your progress and adjust your course as needed. AQUARIUS - You can’t take your mind off the wonderful possibilities that lay ahead. But neither can you pick one single path because there are so many things you want to accomplish now that the ambivalent Libra Moon is visiting your 9th House of Future Vision. Nevertheless, you are just as concerned about uncovering the meaning of life, which may be counterproductive to producing anything in the real world. Balancing the spiritual with the material gives you reason to refocus on your work. Ultimately, it’s your dogged persistence that will turn a potential failure into an extraordinary achievement. PISCES - All is well in your world if your relationships are in order. But if unspoken feelings hang thick in the air, you won’t be able to concentrate on your work. Everyone will know that something is out of balance and it’s up to you to rectify the situation. Thankfully, awareness is the first step on the road back to health and harmony. Use your current connection with the fair-minded Libra Moon to help you weigh your various options and choose the best one.

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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:45 hrs Captain Disko 09:20 hrs Conquering Queen 09:55 hrs The Stones 10:35 hrs Sail Intotheclouds 11:10 hrs Lightning Bolt ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ayr 09:00 hrs Honourable 09:30 hrs Reinforced 10:00 hrs War Department 10:30 hrs Vallarta 11:00 hrs Catwilldo 11:30 hrs NicholasT 12:00 hrs Picture Painter 12:35 hrs Dea Dia WOLVERHAMPTON 09:15 hrs Golden Easter 09:45 hrs Little Nosegay 10:15 hrs Storm Over 10:45 hrs Disquotational 11:15 hrs Ilzam 11:45 hrs Coronation Day 12:15 hrs Rebel Estate FFOS LAS 12:30 hrs Arzaak 13:00 hrs The Burnham Mare 13:30 hrs Nonios 14:00 hrs Street Outlaw 15:00 hrs Italian Beauty 15:30 hrs Carcharias IRISH RACING TIPS Ballinrobe 12:40 hrs Bobarlee 13;10 hrs Licklighter 13:40 hrs Persian Wind 14:10 hrs Buyer Beware 14:40 hrs Round Tower 15:10 hrs Supreme Vic 15:40 hrs Borboleta AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Best Play Race 2 Haul Anchor Race 3 Cloud Control Race 4 Trade Zone Race 5 Young Anna Lee Race 6 Syndergaard Race 7 Uncle Sigh Race 8 Ocean Knight

Tallawahs rout Warriors for 93 to claim second CPL title

A REMATCH from Wednesday’s first Caribbean Premier League playoff qualifier between the regular season’s top two teams quickly turned into an uncontested romp for the Jamaica Tallawahs, who rampaged past Guyana Amazon Warriors by nine wickets to claim their second CPL title on Sunday night at Warner Park. For the Warriors, it was a flat effort that left them runner-up for the third time in four CPL seasons, twice to the Tallawahs. The Warriors were the regular season table-toppers and beat Tallawahs in two of their prior three meetings, including by four wickets in Wednesday’s opening playoff match, but stumbled badly after being sent in by Chris Gayle at the toss to be bowled out for a franchise record low total of 93 in just 16.1 overs. The Warriors never won a game while chasing in 2016, going 0-3 when being asked to bat first with two of those three losses coming to the Tallawahs. Warriors were under pressure early when Nic Maddinson became the first of three batsmen dismissed first-ball, edging Andre Russell behind in the first over. A bigger blow came to start the third over when the tournament’s leading scorer, Chris Lynn carved Shakib Al Hasan straight to Jonathan Foo at backward point for 7. Left-handed Sohail Tanvir was promoted up the order to No. 4 in an attempt to combat the left-arm spin threat posed by Shakib and Imad Wasim. On a personal level, the plan worked as Tanvir top-scored with 42 off 37 balls, but the rest of his team-mates struggled. Despite Tanvir’s calm, chaos was ever-present at the opposite end. Dwayne Smith was one of just two others outside of Tanvir to reach double-figures but his stay ended on 17 when he top-edged a pull off Oshane Thomas to Rovman Powell at mid-on, to make it 50 for 3 in the eighth. With the top three removed, Shakib and eventual Man of the , Imad Wasim set about tearing through the middle order in ruthless fashion. Jason Mohammed was trapped playing down the wrong line to an arm ball from Shakib for a golden duck to make it 53 for 4 before Imad took the first of his three wickets as Christopher

Barnwell mistimed a slog to Gayle at short midwicket for 10. Two balls later, Anthony Bramble was bowled backing away for a slog, and Imad claimed his third in four balls to start the 14th when Rayad Emrit was stumped for nought, missing a flick to a legside wide to make it 83 for 7. Kesrick Williams also was on a hattrick in the 16th when he had Tanvir caught by Foo running in from the midwicket boundary, followed by a gem of a delivery that jagged back to knock back Steven Jacobs’ off stump for 7. Adam Zampa survived the hat-trick ball to end the over, but was out one ball later after failing to ground his bat coming back for a second run with Williams’ relay from long leg to Sangakkara producing the end of the innings. Gayle propelled the chase with his third 50+ score of the season, reaching his half-century off 22 balls and ending up with 54 off 27 balls before flicking Emrit to Jacobs at deep midwicket. The Tallawahs captain ended the campaign as his side’s leading scorer with 425 runs, good for third overall behind Lynn and St Lucia Zouks’ Johnson Charles. Not far behind Gayle, fellow opener Chadwick Walton steered the rest of the chase with 25 not out, ending seventh overall in the CPL and second on the Tallawahs behind Gayle with 301 runs. However, it was the old pro Kumar Sangakkara who struck the winning runs with a four smeared wide of longon off Veerasammy Permaul to clinch the title with 7.1 overs to spare. Russell was named Player of the Tournament, thanks in large part to his scintillating century in Friday’s knockout game against Trinbago Knight Riders, hitting the fastest century in Caribbean T20 history off just 42 balls to break a threegame Tallawahs losing streak and put them in the final. The allrounder finished 11th overall with 286 runs - fourth on the Tallawahs behind Gayle, Walton and Sangakkara - and finished tied for 14th overall with 11 wickets at 19.27 and an economy of 8.42. Shane Watson was the only other player to finish in the top 15 in both categories, ending tied for ninth in runs with Jason Mohammed at 287 and tied for tenth in wickets with 12.(ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

England take 2-1 series lead as Pakistan crumble (REUTERS)-Superb pace bowling, immaculate catching and astute captaincy combined to forge a thrilling final-day victory for England, who dismissed Pakistan for 201 to win the third Test by 141 runs and go 2-1 up in the series. England refused to be cowed by a 103-run first-innings deficit, building a 343-

run lead when they batted again and then destroying the tourists with an immaculate performance in the field that saw six wickets tumble between lunch and tea. Pakistan’s most determined resistance came in the final session when a last-wicket stand of 50 between Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali frustrated En-

gland as the overs ticked down and play entered the final hour. But, on 36, Sohail drove a flighted delivery from Moeen Ali straight back at the bowler, who safely clung on to a catch that sparked wild celebrations among Alastair Cook’s side. With a rare sense of symmetry, each of England’s five

England celebrate after taking the final wicket at Edgbaston , yesterday.

Van Der Breggen wins women’s road race By Martyn Herman RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters)-Dutch cyclist Anna van der Breggen produced a perfectly-timed burst to snatch Olympic gold in a dramatic climax to the women's road race alongside the Copacabana yesterday. Her team mate Annemiek van Vleuten was on course for victory but suffered a horrific-looking crash on the descent of the Vista Chinesa climb with around 10km left. American Mara Abbott was left as the sole leader on the flat run in to the finish line but with victory tantalisingly close she was caught by Van Der Breggen, Emma Johansson of Sweden and Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini. Johansson took the silver, Longo Borghini the bronze and it was heartbreak for Abbott. It was the second day running that the Rio course produced a spectacular spectacle and the second day a crash affected the outcome of the race. On Saturday, Italy's Vincenzo Nibali lost control in almost the same spot as Van Vleuten and broke both collar bones. Abbott and Van Vleuten had left their medal rivals, including reigning champion Marianne Vos and world champion Lizzie Armitstead, trailing on the 8.9km Vista Chinesa climb near the end of the 136.9km ride around Rio's lush coastline. Van Vleuten was descending smoothly and had left Abbott in her wake and was almost at the bottom when she locked her wheels and went head first into the banking on the side of the road. She was still motionless as Abbott went by seconds later but she was conscious when taken to hospital, organisers said. "Ms. Van Vleuten is conscious, able to communicate. Further medical checks are currently being made at the hospital," a statement said.

bowlers took two wickets although it required a devastating spell by Steve Finn and Chris Woakes, which yielded four wickets for just one run, to open up the innings. Finn, who has faced criticism for his performances this summer, led the way by taking the vital wickets of Misbah-ul-Haq -- his first wicket in 414 balls this series -- and Sami Aslam. The opener had led the fight with a determined 70, his second half-century of the game. At the other end, Woakes proved equally lethal, trapping Asad Shafiq without scoring and then having Sarfraz Ahmed well caught by Joe Root in the slips for another duck. That wicket was Woakes’ 23rd of a prolific series. Earlier, Stuart Broad struck the first blow, removing opener Mohammad Hafeez for two while Moeen accounted for first-innings centurion Azhar Ali for 38

with a deceptive delivery that was edged to Cook at slip. Jimmy Anderson also weighed in, having Younus Khan caught behind on four and then removing Yasir Shah for seven just after tea.

The result vindicated Cook’s strategy of batting on in the morning when England extended their second innings to 445 for six. The final Test in the four-match series is at the Oval on Aug. 12.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 297 (G. Ballance 70, M. Ali 63; S. Khan 5-96) Pakistan 1st innings 400 (A. Ali 139, S. Aslam 82, Misbahul-Haq 56) England 2nd innings 445 for 6 decl (M. Ali 86no, J. Bairstow 83, A. Cook 66, J. Root 62, A. Hales 54) Pakistan 2nd innings (Overnight: 148-7; Target: 343 runs) M. Hafeez c Woakes b Broad 2 S. Aslam b Finn 70 Az. Ali c Cook b Ali 38 Y. Khan c Bairstow b Anderson 4 Misbah-ul-Haq c Bairstow b Finn 10 A. Shafiq lbw b Woakes 0 S. Ahmed c Root b Woakes 0 Y. Shah c Hales b Anderson 7 M. Amir c Woakes b Broad 16 So. Khan c&b Ali 36 R. Ali not out 15 Extras (lb-2 nb-1) 3 Total (all out, 70.5 overs) 201 Fall of wickets: 1-6 M. Hafeez,2-79 Az. Ali,3-92 Y. Khan,4-124 Misbahul-Haq,5-125 A. Shafiq,6-125 S. Ahmed,7-125 S. Aslam,8-149 Y. Shah,9-151 M. Amir,10-201 So. Khan Bowling: J. Anderson 13 - 3 - 31 – 2, S. Broad 15 - 7 - 24 - 2(nb-1), C. Woakes 11 - 2 - 53 – 2, S. Finn 13 - 5 - 38 – 2, M. Ali 17.5 - 4 - 49 – 2, J. Root 1 - 0 - 4 – 0.

Black Caps pile on runs against Zimbabwe in second Test

(REUTERS)-Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson scored centuries as New Zealand posted a massive 582 for four declared in their first innings against Zimbabwe on the second day of the second Test

...Taylor, Williamson register centuries their innings at tea. However, the day belonged to Taylor (124 not out) and Williamson (113), the latter becoming the 13th and, at 26, the young-

run-scorers as he bagged his third unbeaten Test century in a row against the Zimbabweans with another highclass knock. New Zealand resumed on 329 for two with Williamson quickly bringing up the five runs he needed for his century off 136 balls. He eventually fell chasing a wide delivery from seamer Michael Chinouya as he picked out Craig Ervine

at gully. Henry Nicholls (15) was out leg before wicket to home skipper Graeme Cremer, before Taylor and BJ Watling (83 not out) put on an unbeaten stand of 193. Zimbabwe scored only 22 runs off the first 20 overs of their reply, before upping the rate as the ball got older. They require another 328 runs to avoid the follow-on.

SCOREBOARD New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor (R) raises his bat in celebration after reaching his century on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. yesterday. Zimbabwe, in reply, were 55 without loss at stumps, with recalled opener Tino Mawoyo (20 not out) and Chamu Chibhabha (31 not out) having kept the tourists at bay for 30 overs after New Zealand declared

est player to score a century against all Test-playing nations. He did so in 91 innings, the quickest the feat has ever been accomplished. Taylor passed Martin Crowe in third on the list of all-time New Zealand test

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings M. Guptill lbw b Tiripano 87 T. Latham c&b Williams 136 K. Williamson c Ervine b Chinouya 113 R. Taylor not out 124 H. Nicholls lbw b Cremer 15 B. Watling not out 83 Extras (b-12 lb-3 nb-8 w-1) 24 Total (for 4 wickets declared, 150 overs) 582 Fall of wickets: 1-169 M. Guptill,2-329 T. Latham,3-369 K. Williamson,4-389 H. Nicholls Did not bat: M. Santner, I. Sodhi, T. Southee, N. Wagner, T. Boult Bowling: D. Tiripano 25 - 4 - 102 - 1(nb-5), M. Chinouya 22 - 6 - 64 – 1, C. Chibhabha 12 - 2 - 45 - 0(nb-1), G. Cremer 36 - 2 - 147 - 1(nb-1), J. Nyumbu 34 - 3 - 107 – 0, S. Williams 13 - 0 - 62 – 1, S. Raza 4 - 0 - 17 – 0, P. Masvaure 4 - 0 - 23 - 0(nb-1 w-1). ZIMBABWE 1st innings T. Mawoyo not out 20 C. Chibhabha not out 31 Extras (b-4) 4 Total (for no loss, 30 overs) 55 Fall of wickets: To bat: S. Raza, C. Ervine, P. Masvaure, S. Williams, P. Moor, G. Cremer, D. Tiripano, J. Nyumbu, M. Chinouya Bowling: T. Southee 9 - 8 - 4 – 0, T. Boult 5 - 3 - 6 – 0, M. Santner 7 - 1 - 28 – 0, N. Wagner 5 - 2 - 8 – 0, I. Sodhi 4 - 2 - 5 - 0

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Russia banned from Rio Paralympics By Jack Stubbs RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters)-Russia was barred from taking part in next month’s Rio Paralympics yesterday, with organisers blasting a “medals over morals mentality” as they announced the blanket ban over state-backed doping that Olympics bosses avoided. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven said Russia’s Paralympians were part of a broken system overseen by the Russian government and suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee ahead of the Sept. 7-18 Games. Russia immediately said it would appeal and condemned the move as violating the human rights of its athletes. “Tragically this situation is not about athletes cheating a system, but about a state-run system that is cheating the athletes,” Craven told reporters.

“I believe the Russian government has catastrophically failed its para-athletes. Their medals over morals mentality disgusts me.” The IPC decision follows revelations of widespread cheating in Russian sport which ignited a doping scandal that has threatened to split the Olympic movement and costs dozens of Russian sportspeople their place at the Rio Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stopped short of banning all Russian sportspeople from Rio and said on Sunday 278 of the original 387-strong Russian team would be able to compete after being cleared by their individual sports federations. IOC President Thomas Bach had described a blanket ban as a “nuclear option” in which innocent athletes would be “collateral damage”. But the IPC had no such qualms and its hardline move drew praise from anti-doping authorities.

... to appeal decision to Court of Arbitration for Sport

IPC president Philip Craven “The IPC showed strong leadership today in holding Russia’s state-organised doping program accountable. Their unanimous decision goes a long way towards inspiring us all,” said Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Mourinho dedicates Community Shield win to Louis Van Gaal MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho dedicated the Red Devils’ 2-1 victory over Leicester City in yesterday’s Community Shield to former boss Louis van Gaal. Dutchman Van Gaal was dismissed at the end of last season despite United’s FA Cup final victory, paving the way for Mourinho to take over at Old Trafford. The Portuguese earned his first silverware as United manager as debutant Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late winner on his competitive debut after Jamie Vardy had cancelled out

Jesse Lingard’s fine solo opener. And Mourinho paid tribute to Van Gaal - who he worked with at Barcelona - for the laying the groundwork for United’s victory. “I want to dedicate the win to eight people, the seven players who were not selected and the person who allowed us to be here, which is Louis Van Gaal,” Mourinho told BT Sport. “ Wi t h o u t h i m , w e wouldn’t be celebrating. “It is an important victory but, of course, we have lots of work to do. Some of these guys have been in training

Manchester United celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Community Shield Reuters / Eddie Keogh

for one week, [Anthony] Martial, Ibrahimovic, [Marouane] Fellaini – it’s not a full pre-season. “But it is always important to start with a trophy.” Despite Ibrahimovic netting the winning goal on his first competitive appearance for United, Mourinho expects the Swedish striker to offer more in coming weeks and saved some words of praise for new centre-back Eric Bailly. “Zlatan will be more dangerous when we’re more dominant and play closer to the box,” he said. “He is not a player to play 50 metres from the box and be dangerous. He needs them [United team-mates] to produce for him and we need to change that, this team was more about possession and recycling the ball. “We are trying to change and the second goal is a great example of that. “Bailly was the perfect opponent for them [Vardy and Ahmed Musa] because he is as fast as they are. “You have a question mark when players come from a different level, but without [Chris] Smalling, the way he played was really good, but Daley [Blind] gave him the stability he needed.”

RUSSIA TO APPEAL Russia announced within minutes of the announcement it would be appealing against the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. “It is prejudice and politicisation ... There will be a legal appeal to CAS,” Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. Mutko told Interfax the decision had been made unilaterally by Craven because he was nearing the end of his career, a view echoed by Russia’s Paralympic chief. “This decision is absurd. It is all the ravings of a piebald mare,” R-Sport news agency quoted Vladimir Lukin, president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, as saying. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the ruling

violated the human rights of Russia’s Paralympians. “The decision to bar the entire Russian team from the Paralympics is astoundingly mean and inhuman,” she wrote on Facebook. “It is a betrayal of the very highest human rights standards which are the foundation of the modern world.” Although not widely followed or celebrated in Russia, where rights campaigners say many disabled people are marginalised by regressive social attitudes and inadequate state support, Russian para-athletes are some of the best at the world. Russia’s Paralympians topped the medal table at Sochi 2014 after taking second place behind China at London 2012 and their exclusion from the Rio Games will hit hard in a country which has long drawn pride and prestige

from its history of sporting success. The move also further tarnishes the legacy of the Sochi Olympics, an event held up by President Vladimir Putin to promote his image of Russia as a resurgent world power. Addressing Russia’s Olympic team before they traveled to Rio last week, Putin said Russian sport had fallen foul of a politically motivated plot and the principal of collective responsibility flew in the face of common sense and legality. Craven said he had “deep sympathy” for Russian competitors who will miss the Rio Games but that the decision was taken in the best interests of the Paralympic movement. “We sincerely hope that the changes that need to happen, do happen,” he said. “They are part of a broken system.”

Pogba set for Man Utd medical MANCHESTER United are on the brink of re-signing Paul Pogba from Juventus in a world record £89m deal. United will pay 105m euros for Pogba and performance-related bonuses and other costs could see that figure rise. The midfielder will have a medical in the next few days with the deal due to be completed in midweek. The 23-year-old, who left United for £1.5m in 2012, is set to return for a fee that surpasses Gareth Bale’s £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013. The Old Trafford club still have to agree personal terms with the France midfielder, although that is expected to be a formality. P o g b a ’s i m m i n e n t medical was announced just over 90 minutes before the Community Shield, which United won 2-1 against Leicester. Speaking to BT Sport after the game, United boss Jose Mourinho said: “It’s amazing that such a good player is with us. Finally we have him.

“He comes to a winning side - a team which has won their last two matches, in the FA Cup

Paul Pogba made just seven first-team appearances during his time at Old Trafford without scoring a single goal final and today. He has to work hard to get in the team.” In four seasons in Turin, Pogba, who helped France reach the Euro 2016 final, won four league titles. H e i s M o u r i n h o ’s fourth signing at United,

after Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. It is the first time in 20 years an English club will have paid a world record fee. Newcastle United were the last to do so when they spent £15m signing England striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers. Pogba joined United from French club Le Havre in 2009 as a 16-year-old, but made just a handful of appearances before his contract expired in July 2012. He has made 178 appearances for Juventus, scoring 34 goals, and helped the club reach the 2015 Champions League final. The Serie A side had offered him a new contract, while Real Madrid were also interested in signing him. Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, also represents striker Ibrahimovic, who signed for United on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain, and midfielder Mkhitaryan, who joined from Borussia Dortmund.(BBC Sport).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

DCC summer camp starts today THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has finally confirmed that its annual summer cricket camp will run from today to August 26 at the club’s ground and pavilion on Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. The daily activities will commence at 09:00hrs and conclude at 15:00hrs. The camp is opened to any youngster between the ages of 10 and 16 years who have an interest in cricket and are looking to improve their skills and knowledge of the game. The camp will run from Monday to Friday for just over two weeks, and will include classroom type instructions/lectures,and on-

field fitness and cricket exercises, with a presentation ceremony at the end of the final day. Registration and attendance will attract a small cost. Snacks and beverages will be provided free of cost. Meanwhile, in a re-

lease,the club also bid farewell to Sachin Singh, Qumar Torrington,and Ashmead Nedd, as they leave for England with the West Indies team to participate in the Under-16 invitational tour. These three youngs t e r s a re p ro d u c t s o f

the club’s annual summer camp which has been part of their calendar of events for the past six years. President of the Club, Alfred Mentore, extended best wishes to the youngsters as they embark on their international tour, and posited that

the success of these players is testimony to the importance, need and benefits of the summer camp. Mentore further observed that these players have continued both the high standards set by their predecessors and the rich

Flashback! 2015 annual summer camp – Centre Alfred Mentore, Minister Keith Scott and further right is Coach Garvin Nedd, with a portion of the participants at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), in Queenstown.

legacy of the club in continuing to produce talented players for Guyana and the West Indies. He also took the opportunity to encourage the corporate community to join in sponsoring the camp as the club seeks to identify new talents and ensure the longevity and continuity of this great sport that we all love. Summer Camps serves multiple purposes for youths, families and communities, and is a great social cohesive opportunity to keep children occupied, away from social ills, and an ideal form of getaway during the school holidays, which prevents them from getting involved in delinquent activities.

Captain Kane sets new world record Centro Basket trials begin today

KANE Williamson has entered his name into the history books as New Zealand continued to turn the screws on Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo. In his second Test as Black Caps captain, Williamson made a dashing 113 as the visitors moved to 4-436 at lunch on day two. And upon reaching three figures, the 25-year-old, who actually celebrates his 26th birthday today, became the youngest man in Test history to post hundreds against all Test-playing nations – a milestone he narrowly missed in the series opener when he made 91. Williamson is the first New Zealander to achieve what remains a rare feat among Test batsmen; he joins what now becomes an elite club of 13. Previously, the young-

est man to post hundreds against all comers was Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who reached the mark as a 30-year-old, meaning the

Kane Williamson entered the record books with his 113 against Zimbabwe. brilliant Black Caps skipper is the only man to achieve

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 08, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 24 sixes (2) 17 players

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two teams contested Play-Off #1 in Hero CPL 2016? (2) Which two teams were engaged in Play-Off #2 in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

the milestone while still in his 20s. Sangakkara is one of three Sri Lankans in the club, alongside Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardena. Of course, only batsmen to have played this century – or more accurately, since November 2000, when Bangladesh became a Test-playing nation – have had a chance to score hundreds against nine other Test teams. The other nine players on the list are: Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting (Australia), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar (India), Younis Khan (Pakistan), Jacques Kallis (South Africa) and Brian Lara (West Indies).

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), in preparation for the 2017 FIBA Centro Basket U-15 Championships, announced that Lugard Mohan has been appointed Head Coach for Guyana’s male Under-15 team. The Guyana U-16 male team qualified for the Championship by coming in second place in the recently concluded Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championships held in Guyana in July. The GABF and Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) will host sessions today and tomorrow, beginning at 17:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Twenty-three players have been shortlisted for

the sessions. The sessions are also opened to other under- 15 players who may try out during the selection process.

LUGARD MOHAN The final team will be named after the two-day trials. The twenty-three short-

listed players are Jordan Alphonso, Roydon Glasgow, Kwesi Roberts, Anthony Yansen, Corey Graham, Jeter Harris, Josiah Daniels, Jamal Persaud, Shaquawn Gill, Lugard Mohan, Alistair Agrippa (Georgetown), Yannick Tappin, Leon Benjamin, Kobe Tappin, Isiah Adams (Linden), Jermaine King, Matthew Samson, Rafael Sebastian (New Amsterdam), Isaiah Hintzen, Kadeem Dover, Robin Flatts, Nicholoyd Lowden, Joshua Grannum (Kwakwani). Players are asked to walk with their passports on Monday afternoon to aid the selection process. The Centro Basket Championships are scheduled to take place from August 24 to August 28 in Patillas, Puerto Rico.

Williams sisters suffer first Olympics doubles loss VENUS and Serena suffered their first loss in doubles at the Olympics yesterday, upset 6-3, 6-4 by the Czech duo of Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova in the first round in Rio. The American legends had won gold in 2000, 2008 and 2012; they did not participate in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Though slowed a bit by age, they entered Rio as the top seeds and were favoured to play deep into the tournament. However, Venus’ first-round singles

loss to Kirsten Flipkens on Saturday - a match that lasted more than three hours - did not bode well for the siblings, and they fell in an early hole on Sunday. After taking the first set, the Czechs picked up a key break of Venus to go 3-2 up early in the second, but the Americans immediately broke back to get level. Safarova and Strycova again pounced on Venus in her next service game, though, breaking to earn the chance to serve for the match. This time, Strycova

Venus and Serena Williams was able to consolidate the sealing a massive upset break and serve it out, with for the unseeded Czechs. a mis-hit return by Venus (Sportsmax.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 8, 2016

Ming wraps up another podium-filled weekend OVERSEAS- based Guyanese,Calvin Ming, completed another podium-filled weekend for Team Pelfrey as F1600 action continued in Pittsburgh in the United States. In Qualifying on Saturday, the Guyanese finished just 0.193 seconds off teammate and pole -sitter Phillippe Denes, and almost half a second ahead of his other teammate Kaylen Frederick. The first race of the day on Saturday saw close, keen racing with the leaders changing almost at every lap before Kaylen was pipped to the flag by less than a nose by team K-Hill Motorsports, Neil Verhagen ,; Calvin finished .1 of a second behind his teammate for third place. Race- two was no different as the Pelfrey boys seemed to know the track like the back

The team Pelfrey racers stand with their prizes after race two. Calvin Ming (Left), with K-Hill Motorsports, Neil Verhagen (Centre), and Peter Portane (right)

of their hands, the lead interchanging several times again before the end of the race. However, just about the halfway point, Calvin went into the lead and held on to same, right down to the exit of the last corner, after which Neil drafted in his slipstream and beat him to the finish line, by a quarter of a front wing. “The last lap I was trying to stay ahead but Neil got a big run at the end and got me at the line,” Ming told the F1600 series media, adding. “I think it was a good race from everyone and I think it was a fair race,” Race- three, however, finished behind the pace- car which had to come out on two occasions, due to accidents. However, the Team Pelfrey drivers finished in P1 (Frederick), P2 (Denes) and P5 (Ming)

Hat-trick debut for Lady JAG, Otesha Charles G U YA N A I n t e r n a tional Lady JAG, Otesha Charles, made an impressive debut for her new side Watford Lady Hornets, netting a treble in a friendly away-fixture against Tottenham Ladies yesterday. Charles came on as a substitute after twenty five minutes and her side down 2-0,and immedi-

ately made her presence noticeable with her aggressive moves on goal. One minute from the interval, Charles made her way into the box and scored from close up to narrow the deficit with her first conversion. On the resumption, Tottenham stretched the lead further to 3-1, before Charles took centre stage,

adding two more within ten minutes, to complete her hat-trick on debut and earning a draw for the Hornets. In an invited comment, Charles told Chronicle Sport that she was very happy with her debut performance, and is thankful to her new team mates for making her feel welcome.

“I went out there in a positive frame of mind, since it was my intention to give my best, and my new team mates made me feel very much part of the side immediately and that helped.” “To score a hat-trick on debut for your club is indeed a special feeling, but there is room for improvement”, Charles added. (Ras Wadada)

Team Evolution continues to dominate the 2016 season

Raul Leal wins Reagan Rodrigues 50-mile road race title TEAM Evolution Cycling Club has been dominating the local cycling activities over the past year and is continuing to do so despite the many challenges faced by its individuals riders. Hhowever, despite those challenges, the team has continued itstheir dominance as with Raul Leal leding home two other teammates to cop the top spot in a shortened 12 th Annual Reagan Rodrigues Memorial Cycle Road Race yesterday on the West Demerara. The race was sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited. As a result of ongoing road works on the West Demerara, organisers and riders had to reduce the distance of the race, which normally RAUL LEAL turns back at Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo. Yesterday, the race started as normal at Wales and proceeded to Leonora before the competitors returned, went into the new Parfaite Harmonie Road and then finish just before the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Last year’s winner of the original 50-mile event was Michael Anthony, who registered one hour,56 minutes and 35 seconds. Leal eventually won the shortened distanced in a time of one Hour, 27 Minutes and 02.98 Seconds, covering just around 30 miles or so. Leal’s team mate, Orville Hinds had to settle for second place while reigning National Junior Champion, Christopher Cornelius, just back from the Caribbean Junior Championships in St. Lucia, was third overall and the first junior to cross the line. Shaquel Agard of Linden placed fourth while Ant6hony, also of Linden had to settle for fifth, along with and Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson closing out the top six places. Jackson was the winner of the veteran’s category that was held earlier in the day. Raphael Leung and Jornel Yearwood both of whom also competed at the Caribbean Junior Championships in St. Lucia last weekend, placed second and third respectively in the junior category. Following Jackson to the line in the veteran,s class were Raymond Newton and Paul Choo Wee-Nam, in that order. Ruling the roost in the mountain bike race was Mahaica ’s based Sean Budhan, with the second and third place going to Keon Thomas and Stephan Gobin respectively.

Ming wraps up another podium-filled weekend See story on page 27

Tallawahs rout Warriors for 93 to claim second CPL title See story on page 23

Jamaica Tallawahs captain Chris Gayle celebrates with the CPL trophy after trouncing the Warriors in the final at Warner Park last night.

Shakib Al Hasan goes up with a successful appeal for the wicket of Jason Mohammed. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Jonathan Foo takes a catch on the boundary to remove Sohail Tanvir. MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016