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Bribery and harassment No. 104546

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2016

Price: $80

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‒ City vendors complain; Chief Constable says needs official report

Mother’s Day babies 11

Alexis Boucher and Scheneka Bobb-Semple with their newborns at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday. The infants were among several delivered at the hospital (Adrian Narine photo)

Operation Dragnet to be further extended 10

Bartica Hospital aims for zero maternal deaths

‒ plans afoot to make country’s leading regional hospital P.10

All set for GuyExpo Thursday 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Enterprise youth group hosts Arrival Day programme THE Enterprise Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) has hosted a grand Arrival Day programme at the Enterprise Primary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Recognising that the current generation is indebted to continue the great legacy brought to this land, the decision was made to last Thursday organise such an event, it was communicated

to this publication. Group president Suresh Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle that, prior to the programme, a small parade was organised around a few streets in the community. That parade attracted a large number of elders, who willingly joined in with “love and determination”, as they celebrated the historical event in the community. “The programme was dominated mainly by patrons

from Enterprise, including members of the Enterprise PYO Group, singer Arjune Boodhoo (President of Enterprise Vishnu Mandir), Uncle Kishore (one of the oldest tabla players in our country), Pandit Suresh Singh, Mr Inshaan Alli, Mr Purai, and many other local artistes,” the PYO president said. More than 300 persons enjoyed food and drinks at the event, while 100 hampers Turn to page 5 ►

Bribery and harassment GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

‒ City vendors complain; Chief Constable says needs official report By Telesha Ramnarine VENDORS at the various municipal markets in Georgetown continue to complain about the harassment they regularly experience at the hands of City Constables, but even so, they prefer not to make reports as they claim that those in higher authority also accept bribes. “So how you gon try the devil case in hell?” one vendor told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday. She was making reference to the fact that some who should provide security to the sellers are the ones who also demand bribes. But Chief Constable Andrew Foo is adamant that those vendors who are affected by bribery on the part of the constabulary officers ought to lodge official reports, and he guaranteed that such will be investigated. Provision is made in the law that even those who give a bribe can be charged, Foo told the Chronicle when contacted on Sunday. The vendors, though, said life on the market is quite hard at the moment and they prefer to stay quiet to avoid victimisation. Those who spoke to this newspaper chose to remain anonymous. One woman, who has been vending for close to 50 years, said the issue of bribery started when the market operated on a first come first served basis. Constabulary officers then started to take advantage of those vendors who came late and could not find a legitimate spot to sell on. “After they see the money in it, they start to harass people. It became a steady thing and they start to put their friends in certain spots all the time. So every week, you (the vendors) give me $1500 and a bag of greens, or $2000 and a bag of greens, or if something happen and they (the officers) late with their mortgage, if you (the vendors) give me half my mortgage, you more secure and nobody can’t move you at all; nobody can’t talk to you at all. Or you just make a phone call,” the vendor related. The authorities make it a point to remove certain

Some vendors are allowed to vend on a 24-hr basis, while others have to pack up and leave at a certain time

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

Vendors pointed out how some business operators are allowed to sideline the laws on the basis of a bribe. Photo shows how one business is taking up road space

vendors off the streets after a certain time in the evening, but their friends are allowed to vend even throughout the entire night. “This big boy got he clique and they can sell whole day; that big boy get he clique and they can sell whole day. But if you ain’t willing fuh pay, you gotta move.” The woman continued that it makes no sense to report the matter, even calling the names of some in authority who also demand bribes. WAY OF LIFE “It has become a way of life now that the officers don’t even have to demand the money; they are given it. Even if they are transferred, they still come back for the money.” This vendor said from the very beginning, she did

not allow herself to be intimidated by the corrupt officers, and she believes that if all of the vendors follow suit, the officers will stop harassing the sellers. “Four times in one month they carry me to court. They said I was encumbering the place and all because I didn’t want to pay a bribe. When they see you frighten, they does intimidate you. I think we need a nice shake up at City Hall. All them who deh up deh, they time gon come to move. They up there doing whatever they feel.” Another woman, vending for about 40 years, told this newspaper that many of the vendors feel that when they pay the bribes, the officers will defend them or shelter them if need be. NOT MONEY ALONE “But this don’t happen.

He (a senior officer who takes bribe) don’t do nothing for nobody. Sometimes I see them (vendors) does give he (the senior officer) $5000. They (the constabulary officers) ain’t want money alone; they does have to get goods too. Every Friday they does come or send other constables to collect for them. Sometimes they carry you in and make you pay a fine of $5000 but don’t give you any receipt,” the woman further related. She too refused to pay a bribe and the officers subsequently backed off. “Selling out here is tough. I don’t have anything to give them. They don’t do me that cause my mouth ain’t easy. I ain’t taking nonsense because me ain’t working out here for them.” Meanwhile, the Chief Constable said the law is

very clear on the issue of bribery. He explained that the City Council has over the years relaxed the laws governing vending and having done so, the issue has become unregulated. “Now vendors who start emerging are aided by constabulary officers and are given spots,” he said. Foo said vendors need to understand if any officer demands a bribe, they have a responsibility to report it. COME FOWARD “But they don’t come in. There is an agreement between the vendors and officers, but whenever the officers have to act, the vendors come up with all sorts of allegations. Now that there is a large-scale movement of people, they are now raising allegations. People who give and receive a bribe can be charged. But no one is coming forward to make official reports. They go to the politicians instead to lodge their complaints but that’s not right. So it remains just an allegation if no one comes in. Why do the vendors do business at the level of a constabulary officer?” Foo questioned. Just recently, scores of vendors who turned up at a City Hall meeting accused officers of the City Constabulary Department of making their lives miserable when they refuse to pay

them a bribe. City Hall’s compound was filled to capacity as the vendors turned out to voice their concerns. Topping the list of their worries was the harassment they experience at the hands of constabulary officers, who reportedly are always looking for bribes. The names of several officers, who create problems for vendors who do not want to pay them, were called. In fact, one vendor complained that the stall-owners are not able to open their businesses on some occasions, if they have no money to pay on that day. But Mayor Patricia Chase-Green chided those vendors who pay bribes, but complain only when they experience a problem. “The constables don’t push their hands in your pocket,” Chase-Green said to loud applause. “Not because you know the Chief Constable or some other officer in authority, it means you will disrespect the constables in uniform. Don’t be no big boy or big girl and jump on your phone.” Chase-Green had also noted that it is equally important for the constabulary officers to be respectful to the vendors and not just break up their stalls and carry away their items without proper explanation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Bolivia says Chile base is a threat BOLIVIA’S President Evo Morales has accused neighbouring Chile of threatening his country by establishing a military base close to their border. Morales said the base about 15km (10 miles) from the border was an act of aggression against Bolivia. He said international norms prohibited military installations within 50km (30miles) from shared frontiers. Chile says it has stepped up military patrols but denies it has established a base. The Foreign Ministry in Santiago said: “No such military installation exists. What has happened is that we have intensified military patrols in Chilean territory to stop attacks against civilians, robberies, contraband and drug traffick-

President Morales argues that international norms forbid installing military bases less than 50km (30 miles) from an international frontier ing coming from Bolivia.” The statement said “the only military installation is in the area of Silala River on the Bolivian side only 1.5 km (one mile) in a straight line from the frontier from Chile. “Bolivia should answer for why it has a permanent mili-

tary presence on the border.” Both countries have been at loggerheads for years over access to the waters of the Silala River. The River Silala rises in Bolivia but flows down the Andes into Chile. President Morales said Bolivia would file a suit against Chile at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the issue of the river. Bolivia says it owns the Silala spring in a border region and that it is not being compensated by Chile for the use of its waters. But Chile says it is an international waterway of shared use.

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Chile uses some of the river’s water for its mining operations in the Atacama Desert. The country is the world’s largest copper producer. Bolivia had brought up another case against Chile at the Hague-based ICJ, demanding access to the Pacific Ocean. In 2013, La Paz took the century-old dispute with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean to the court, which has yet to rule on the issue. Bolivia lost 400km (250 miles) of coast to Chile in a 19th Century war and has been landlocked ever since. (BBC News)

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Panama to fly Cuban migrants to Mexico

PANAMA has agreed to transfer 3,800 Cubans hoping to reach the United States to a town in northern Mexico. The Cubans have been stranded in Panama for months, hoping to reach the US under a decades-old law which gives them privileged entry and a fast-track to residency. Officials in Panama said daily flights to Ciudad Juarez would begin on Monday. Panama had organised some flights in March but had insisted the operation would not be repeated. The migrants have been told they have to pay for the flights themselves. Panamanian newspaper reports said long queues had formed at banks and money transfer shops near Government migrant shelters in Chiriqui province as Cubans waited to withdraw cash sent by relatives in the United States to buy their tickets. Last year Costa Rica and Nicaragua, which lie to the north of Panama, closed their borders to Cubans trying to head north overland. The move created a new bottleneck in Panama for the migrants who fly to South American countries, and then walk or take buses through Central America north towards the US. Between January and March, Costa Rica provided flights for thousands of Cubans to El Salvador and Mexico to clear a backlog of migrants who had become stuck by Nicaragua’s border closure. Panama followed suit by organising flights in March to Ciudad Juarez for 1,300 Cubans. Officials at the time insisted the operation would not be repeated. But since then thousands more have arrived in Panama. The exodus was prompted by President Obama’s announcement in December 2014 that the US and Cuba would move towards restoring diplomatic ties. It sparked a wave of rumours in Cuba that US immigration policy regarding Cubans would change soon -- leading many migrants to risk the journey through Central America. For decades, Cuban migrants have enjoyed special privileges. The so-called “wet foot, dry foot” policy allows Cubans preferential treatment when they reach US soil. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Trump says taxes on ‘rich may go up’ PRESUMPTIVE US Republican nominee Donald Trump has said taxes for rich people may have to go up in an apparent reversal of his stated policy. “On my plan they’re going down. But by the time it’s negotiated, they’ll go up,” Trump told ABC’s This Week. He also apparently reversed his position on the minimum wage, telling the programme: “I’m allowed to change.” Trump is all but certain to become the official Republican candidate for the November presidential election. Several top Republicans have said they will not vote for him. On the Democratic Party side, Hillary Clinton has a

Donald Trump says flexibility is needed

Enterprise youth group...

From page 2 were distributed to elderly persons in attendance. “The strength in the hearts of the residents has made this productive village what it is today,” Persaud declared. “In that light, praise must be given to all residents, and I am very confident that we will

continue to work harder to bring this shining community a much brighter light,” he said. T h e g r o u p h a s e xpressed gratitude to the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC); the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); the Ministry of Education’s Department

Afghanistan hangs six Taliban prisoners AFGHANISTAN has hanged six Taliban inmates in the first executions since Ashraf Ghani became President in 2014. The group “perpetrated grave crimes against civilians and public security”, the presidential palace said. President Ghani has pledged a tougher response to the Taliban after an attack in Kabul last month left 64 dead. Meanwhile, Taliban fighters have attacked police checkpoints on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the main city

Participants in the Arrival Day parade of Culture, Youth and Sport; a few kind-hearted business persons; and especially all those who came out to make the historical event a grand success.

substantial lead over Bernie Sanders. Trump’s tax plan says the wealthiest individuals would get a tax break. But he told ABC his “optimum plan” would be negotiated with Democrats, but not be approved as such. His top priorities would be lowering taxes on businesses and the middle class, not helping the rich. On the minimum wage, Trump said: “I haven’t decided in terms of numbers. But I think people have to get more.” He has previously said he is against increasing the minimum wage. When asked about the change of position, the New York billionaire said: “I’m allowed to change. You need flexibility.” (BBC News)

in Helmand province. The assaults bring to an end a lull in fighting during the annual opium harvest in Helmand, a Taliban stronghold. The Taliban said it overran two checkpoints, killing 15 security officers. But police said 14 fighters were killed before the group was driven off. Opium provides the Taliban with one of its main sources of income and last week a US general warned a bumper crop this year could fuel attacks.

Two of those executed were involved in the killing of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani in 2011, Afghan television reported. All of those hanged were tried and convicted in accordance with the law, the presidency said.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Consultation

WITHIN recent times, the word consultation has not only become part of the nation’s discourse as being important to decision-making, but has, to varying degrees, been the word used from different quarters of society as the desired means to an end. It should be said that the call for consultation, be it on the part of recipients of the decision made or the decision-maker, has not been without moments of sparks and dissatisfaction, moreso by those whom the decision would impact on. It is not unfair to say that, with regard to political discourse and decision-making -- be it national, regional or local government -- citizens see consultation as an important factor in arriving at decision-making. It will be recalled that when the public got wind of decision made by their elected governments that impact on theirs and the nation’s welfare without their input, it created angst in the society. In instances where things went awry, as in the abuse of the forest by some foreign investors and the pharmaceutical scandals, the public used these matters as proof that when decisions are taken without due regard for consultation, they have to suffer the consequences. On the allocation of forests to foreign investors, and contracts entered into with the Government of Guyana with commitments given, inclusive of timeline, where these have not be honoured and the public only got wind of such after the fact, outcries have been created. The outcries happened primarily from the standpoint that were the public, their elected representatives, and stakeholders involved from the outset, input, feedback and oversight could have been had, along with aid in avoidance or minimisation of subsequent calamitous results. In the matter of the pharmaceuticals scandals, which resulted in the loss of tens of millions through overpricing, single-sourcing and expired products, were the Public Procurement Commission established, such wastage could have been avoided through open public processes which allow for complaints to be lodged, investigations conducted, and corrective active -- punitive or otherwise -- taken In an examination of consultation and accusations of the lack thereof by political parties, it is not untrue to say that, when in opposition, the claims of failure to do so and the clamour to ensure so are more pronounced. Similarly, it is not untrue to say that political parties in opposition would take the position of demanding consultation in sync with the people, and even campaigning to ensure so, once in office; and when office is achieved, there exists views dissimilar from those of the public as to what consultation constitutes. Consultation, by its most simple definition, according to the online Merriman Webster dictionary, constitutes “a meeting in which someone talks to a person about a problem, question, etc; a discussion about something that is being decided.” An examination of this word, at its most basic, speaks to a process that is interactive, not one way.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Did Minister Harmon do anything illegal? Dear Editor, I HAVE, with much annoyance, recognised the relentless accusations that are continuously being printed and aired in the media against the Honourable Joseph Harmon; and therefore wish, through this missive, to categorically denounce the unsubstantiated claims that are being made against this philanthropist. To begin with, some vocal members of society have reprimanded Minister Harmon over the appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwari. Their arguments were primarily based on Mr. Tiwari’s alleged involvement with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). No other arguments were made which could have convinced me and other readers and listeners that Tiwari is associated with corruption. When this new Government took over, it was BK Tiwari who began the massive clean-up exercise, and it was BK Tiwari who spoke about the many sluices that were left

unattended by the PPP. I vividly remember seeing him on HGPTV Nightly News publicly chastising the PPP for their complete neglect of the many kokers and sluices. It was BK who spent money and showed the public he was fulfilling his corporate responsibilities. When this businessman was doing the above, none of us spoke; rather, we all sat quietly, and when he was given an honorific certificate -- which basically is a form of appreciation, with no pay -- we all suddenly got the audacity to speak against Harmon. Why didn’t we tell Harmon from the beginning to let BK go, and don’t allow him to do anything for this Government? Why didn’t we do that? Secondly, clarity was already given with reference to Minister Harmon’s trip to China, hence I need not waste ink to reiterate. However, I would like to know if it is a crime to take a picture with anyone? Whether it is accepted or not, let it be registered in the minds of all that Bi Shan Lin came to

Guyana under the PPP, and I am absolutely sure that he has all the legal documentation to show that he is not here illegally. He is an investor, and assuming that he was not conducting himself properly during the PPP’s tenure, then it is quite understandable that Mr. Harmon and Bi Shan Lin would have to meet. The duty of this Government is not to chase away investors or create an unfriendly environment for investors, but to put corrective measures in place so that current and prospective investors will agree and comply. In short, Harmon and Bi Shan Lin had to meet. Thirdly, it is an arguable fact that the Chinese have contributed significantly to the current and continuous economic growth of this country. Even though some people believe that Guyana will soon become GuyChina, it is an undeniable fact that the Chinese have contributed significantly to the development of this country, and therefore what was illegal if the Honourable Minister just

requested a favour to put a hold on the seizure of the vehicles? Remember, it was the ambassador of China to Guyana who requested the favour. Put yourself in Harmon’s shoes and ask yourself what you would have done. In closing, permit me to define the word corruption. Simply put, corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, and it typically involves bribery. I therefore ask the public what was dishonest or fraudulent about Harmon’s action. Did he take a bribe from anyone? I maintain that Minister Harmon did nothing illegal, and it is my opinion that someone, or more than one person, is after Minister Harmon; but I am sure that he or she, or they, will not succeed. Minister Harmon will continue to serve the people of Guyana, and I wish him well in doing so. Yours sincerely, GANESH MAHIPAUL

We need to bring back family structures Dear Editor, CRIME can be defined in many different ways. Different societies may also choose to define crime differently. However, in general, crime can simply be defined as “the breach of laws that are laid down by the ruling authority of the land”. There can be many different causes of crime, and many studies are conducted all around the world to understand and bring down criminal activities. It is a constant endeavour of governments and policing organizations all around the world to bring down the crime rate so that the world becomes a safer place to live in. The fight against crime is not a new undertaking by hu-

manity, who has, since the establishment of society, tried to bring the rate of crime down. I list some of the major causes of crime in Guyana. The first major cause of crime is POOR FAMILY CONDITIONS. In our country, we have lots of people who engage in living home and single-parent relationships. In some cases, some women have children for more than seven, or even ten, different fathers. Most times, these fathers would leave these women alone with those children, plunging them into poverty, which will push young people to commit crimes. The family structure is severely damaged in Guyana. As a Reverend or pastor, I have visited hundreds of

In an interactive process, where civility is held in esteem, it is not unfair to expect that those involved would be treated as equally important and vested in the matter at hand, and the decision flowing therefrom. When such is factored in, the notion of one side determining that its position will hold sway regardless undercuts the premise from which consultation starts. Even if a patient visits (i.e. consults) a doctor, both will have to engage in an interactive process in order to diagnose if an ailment exists, and how to treat same. Moving from point A to B would entail discussions on, and clarification of, symptoms before treatment can be prescribed. And where treatment is prescribed, doctor and patient will have

broken homes and seen real poverty and human degradation. In most homes where there is a missing father or mother, children are brought up with a single parent or a grandmother, aunts or uncles, and there is no one to guide them spiritually, morally, and academically. These children will either become school dropouts or will never have the chance to attend school. Most of them will become illiterates being pushed into a life of crime. Even the rich and educated can sometimes live lives of broken marriages, and their kids grow up on drugs, alcohol, and become total failures in society. Sometimes fathers and mothers will brag and boast about how many children

they have, but when asked about these children’s achievements, they decline to say their sons are thieves or live ghetto lives, or their daughters are in prison. Parenthood in our country has deteriorated beyond repair. Another major cause of crime is DRUG USE: A person addicted to drugs is unable to support the addiction, so they end up in a life of crime to fuel their drug habit. Most criminals use drugs before they commit a major robbery that involves murder, rape, arson etc. Besides that, a large numSee page 7

to discuss and agree on prescription and frequency in administration of treatment, after establishing whether there is any known drug allergy the patient suffers from. A similar approach is expected at the political level, where decisions made impact the nation’s patrimony and the people. Those who will be impacted by the decisions expect to be consulted. Outside of the political representatives in the national assembly and regional and local government councils, stakeholders are also important in the consultative process. And where this country’s principal political objective requires inclusionary democracy, every effort must be made not to deviate from the spirit, intent and definition of consultation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Disappointed at treatment meted out to ex-servicemen Dear Editor,

WITH shock and horror, I witnessed the conduct of (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes, now President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, towards my father on May 1st, 2016 at the Guyana Veterans Legion Hall on Carifesta Avenue, and in front of 149 attendees. This former officer could not give deference to the 92-year-old Gladwin Winston Rudolph Nestor, World War II Veteran, a World War II Military Medal recipient and his superior in any sphere. He would not give him an ear. He sought to berate and tarnish the name of a man whose shoes he cannot fill. He called the man a “fraud” (sic) in my presence. This word is in no way synonymous with the name “Nestor”, a man whose service to the British Constabulary and the Guyana Police Force has been distinguished and unbroken. British Guiana gained its independence in 1966, and Nestor retired in 1979 at the substantive rank of Acting Assistant Superintendent, having served for 37 years. He was honourably discharged on the 31/3/79, and then served in the Guyana National Service from 1979 to 1985. Mr. GWR Nestor, WWII Veteran, is the same man who made it possible by seconding the motion that cemented the merger of the Guyana Legion

and all ex-joint services’ associations. He is now being disparaged. He was a Veteran then, but when it comes to the distribution of Veterans’ grant funds, Gomes apparently thinks, and that quite erroneously, you have to be from the Guyana Defence Force, Caribbean Forces, or senior overseas service to be a benefactor! The Guyana Veterans Legion is NOT an army-only organisation. Let’s make this pellucid! If Lt. Colonel George Gomes feels he is running an army-only organisation, he needs to rethink his role in the Legion. There is no room for biases in a multi-service organisation such as the Legion! In Mr. Gomes’s inaugural address to the seniors of the Legion, he promised to be honest and forthright. He was convincing! What can be summed up now is this old Guyanese saying, “de motion rice gat a pat he nah gat a plate”, meaning he was so nice at the inaugural meeting he was like a lamb. Since he has been at the helm, he seems to have been transformed into a coyote. He has forgotten the motto “Lest We Forget!” Gladwin Winston Rudolph Nestor is not a fraud, and will not allow anyone to defraud him. He would not apply for anything for which he knowingly did not qualify! He fights for what is his! He does not lie down for anyone. He is a man I am proud to defend,

much more against a man of the ilk of (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes. According to a wise old saying, “a certain amount of opposition is a great help to man.” Kites rise against, and not with, the wind; and even a head wind is better than none at all. Therefore, let no man wax cold because of opposition. These funds arrived on the 2nd February, 2016. Nestor was told they are awaiting anti-money laundering clearance, which reportedly takes a mere 28 days. He was told come early in April to uplift the cheque. When he arrived, he was reportedly told the finance officer had refused to sign the cheque. He was patient! On Sunday, May 1st, 2016, Mr. Nestor, World War II Veteran, allegedly sought audience with Retired Lt. Colonel George Gomes, at the Legion’s meeting held on the first Sunday of each month, to find out why he had refused to sign his cheque and deliver money due to him. This money is a yearly grant by the Royal Canadian Legion (RCEL) Canada, Dominion Command to named veterans and legal widows and common-law widows of World War II. It is issued in care of the Guyana Legion, the now Guyana Veterans Legion. This means that neither the Legion nor its principals, (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes et al, have any authority to withhold, rescind or alter a dime from these

Veterans and Widows grants, once approved by Dominion Command. Their role is simply that of a local agency through which these veterans and their beneficiaries uplift their money, period! (Retired) Lt. Colonel Gomes can learn a bit of military history from Mr. Nestor. Instead, he got on his “high horse” in dealing with the man. He and his followers who laughed at my father cannot redefine his or his colleagues’ Veteran status. My father’s military service is older than the Guyana Defence Force! If you do not know ask, read, listen, and pay attention to your elders. What (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes is ignorant of is my father’s status as a World War II Veteran and that of those who served in the British Guiana Constabulary. I deem his display, which I had witnessed, despicable. My father does not have to toot his horn or play tin soldier. He was there in 1942! When he speaks, he speaks about what he can defend. The British Guiana Constabulary members are World War II Veterans who are recognised the world over, and that is a fact that cannot be changed! The fact is: members of the British Guiana Constabulary and their widows, with service between 1939 and 1945, with a minimum of 28 days’ service, are so honoured. They joined their brethren who stood resolutely on the frontline at

home in defence of the homeland. British Guiana did not have a standing army. To qualify for a World War II Military Campaign Medal, one needed to be a full-time paid member of the specially approved colonial and other military forces, militarised police, or militarised civilian bodies that were eligible to qualify for campaign stars. Also eligible to qualify were those with the minimum 28 days of service during the qualifying period, as laid down for the force concerned, of which the British Guiana Constabulary met the aforementioned militarised police requirement for a medal. The qualifying period for this medal in British Guiana was September 3rd 1939 to July 4th 1945. This said, British Guiana Constabulary was the precursor and trainer of the Volunteer Force that is now the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). In 1945, my father received the King George VI Military Campaign World War II Medal. (The operative word here is Military! Eat your heart out George, you probably weren’t born then!) In 1960, my father received the QEII Medal of Service after 18 years of service. In 1966, he received the Medal of Independence. The grants for Veterans and Widows cannot be tampered with, and I urge that all funds owing to the Veterans and Widows be released forthwith. My father was told: “Here

and now you are not a Veteran”, but the facts dispute that false statement! “Here and now” he is a Veteran, and is recognized as such internationally! No one should pretend to know. There may be storms among us, but by our mistakes we learn! I ask that Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Gomes forthwith apologize to 92-yearold World War II Veteran GWR Nestor, whom he treated with disdain; and, with the same gusto, meekly inform those who were misled about Nestor’s status! I urge all those who have relatives who served in the capacity as my father, and were approved for this 2016 grant and prior, to go to the finance office of the Guyana Veterans Legion and demand the release of their funds. If you do not get a favourable response, do not be intimidated by the empty utterances, but contact the Royal Canadian Legion (RCEL), Dominion Command, 86 Aird Place, Ottawa Ontario K2L 0A1; or the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, UK, 199 Borough High Street, London SEI IAA to report any variance or any such irregularity as my father has experienced. Yours sincerely, LOUIS NESTOR Son of a true Veteran

We need to bring back family ... From page 6 ber of people are involved in the drug trade. Though these people may not really be drug users themselves, they often lure others into drugs and crime – murder, prostitution -- to get rich off of those people’s efforts. Though we see the small man on the streets committing crimes, there are bigger motivators behind them controlling and directing them how, where, and when to make a hit. Most criminals in Guyana are either illiterates or are dysfunctional illiterates, so they would need bigger masterminds to craft details of their plans. Most smalltime criminals will never call

the names of the masterminds when they are caught and interrogated by the police. TV AND MOVIE VIOLENCE TV violence has gone up to staggering levels, and it does not help when people are influenced and try to emulate such acts of violence. TV violence is a major cause of crime, especially among younger people who are unable to differentiate between fiction and reality. Since TV has become such an integral part of people’s lives these days, it is important to draw clear lines between what is real and what is not. With the advent of I-pods, I-phones and computers, it is easier for people to download

movies of a violent and evil nature. People who feed their minds on murder movies, violence, and violent music eventually will live a life of crime. Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Bad company is another cause of crime in Guyana. Some very decent kids associate with wicked kids, thus the wicked kids influence the good kids to do wrong things. It’s not so easy to train your

child properly and send then to a school or university to amalgamate among hundreds of untrained students. They suffer from peer pressure and do all sorts of things you will never expect them to do. Money is another bad influence on young people’s lives. Some parents are to be blamed; they give their children sums of money beyond their expectations to spend, and that child grows up with an attitude never to learn to work hard and save; so they follow bad company in a lifestyle to “get rich quick” then they get involved in crime, though they may be educated and rich, because for some parents it’s great to give their children any and

everything they asked for, which is definitely wrong. I know of many rich educated teenagers who don’t work. Their parents give them everything up to age 25, so they find things to do that’s easy: use drugs and thief, then they ended up in jail or die young. This is because their failed parents never taught them to be responsible at a very young age. In conclusion, we need to bring back the family structures by teaching our children to be responsible, and we need to live a life of marriage and be excellent parents for these children. Poverty, illiteracy, drugs, easy money, TV violence, bad politics, failed churches and organizations have contributed significantly

to crime, and the nation has deteriorated. The wise man King Solomon wrote: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 If we teach our children moral and spiritual values, we will live in a crime-free society and our prisons will be empty. Real education starts in our homes and with our parents. I believe the major problems facing our country are moral, spiritual, and educational. We need all three to live decently in society. Yours truly, REV. GIDEON CECIL

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Hundreds in Albouystown receive medical check-up Ravin Singh

IT IS often said that a nation’s health is that nation’s wealth and using this as a mantra, the Technocrat Empowerment Group of the People’s National Congress (PNC), on Saturday provided medical services to the community of Albouystown where close to 500 persons benefitted. The outreach commenced relatively slow, given the light showers which prevailed over the City earlier in the day. Nevertheless, the community, which has not benefitted from activities of this nature responded well as the day progressed. According to Coordinator, Dr Royston Adonis, it was the first venture in the medical field for the group. “Our objective is to target the depressed areas and that is why we chose Albouystown. The next area will be Tiger Bay and then other parts of the country,” he said. Armed with medical equipment, supplies and a few dozen doctors, nurses and other specialists in the medical field, the team operated from booths which were sheltered by large tents. Dr Adonis explained that there was a dental booth where a wide range of dental services, including the cleaning of teeth was done. Then there was also an ophthalmology booth where eye testing was done. This was complemented with the provision of prescribed spectacles. There was also a mental

health booth with trained professionals, since, according to Dr Adonis, “there is a mental health crisis in Guyana”. There was also an infectious disease booth where people received treatment for infections such as malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The same booth, according to the coordinator, also provided treated mosquito nets for patients who were suspected of having malaria. In an attempt to address as much health related issues as possible, there was a designated booth to address chronic illness. This was described as the “largest booth,” consisting of technicians, doctors and nurses, who did Random Blood Testing (RBT), blood pressure testing and other related tests. In addition, doctors treated patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other conditions, while patients were also sensitised on how to deal with and monitor their conditions. With the blood bank recording a shortage as was reported, Dr Adonis noted that the group sought to assist in this process by setting up a booth to facilitate a blood drive. “This proved successful as persons did in fact come and donate blood,” he said. HAMPERS With the community being described as a “depressed” one, given the level of poverty and crime re-

This medical personnel was advising a resident of Albouystown what the dosage of his medication should be

corded over the years, the coordinator revealed that a number of hampers were also distributed to mothers given that Mothers’ Day was the following day (Sunday). He also noted that a technocrat booth was set up and flyers and brochures were distributed to inform people about the group and the work it has been engaged in over the years. As it relates to the response, Dr Adonis said that the team had expected about 500 persons to benefit, however, estimated 400+ had benefitted. According to him, most of the people who benefitted from the services seem to have been affected with dental conditions. “Also a lot of persons came with eye conditions so the ophthalmology booth was also crowded,” he added. And one such person was Rhonda Nichols, who had her teeth cleaned and eyes tested. She told this publication that the idea of a medical outreach in Albouystown was a “good thing” since people in the area are not fortunate enough to afford these medical services. “At least here people can come and check their eyes and know if they need to wear glasses and they could get their medication for cold and whatever. I brought two of my children and I went and clean my teeth and checked my eye,” a happy Nichols said. She also recommended that the event be replicated in other parts of Albouystown, perhaps every

An elderly woman having her blood pressure tested by one of the medical personnel at the outreach on Saturday three months, given the busy schedule of medical practitioners. “A lot of people can’t afford to go to the hospital it would really help the community. Also when they come they don’t have to stay one place, they could move to another location in Albouystown the next time they come. That way they could reach more people,” she said. And while Guyana continues to grapple with a high suicide rate, Victor Vanbuckley, a psychiatric specialist told this publication that approximately 15 persons benefitted from the mental health services which were offered at the outreach. Armed with a domestic violence specialist and a behavioural specialist, Vanbuckley explained that the mental health issues ranged from depression, to suicide

to bullyism among children, particularly in schools. EARLY INTERVENTION With this situation, he noted that the issue of mental health should first be targeted from the level of school since a lot of mental health issues develop from here. “That is where some amount of dysfunction starts. Some of the children were even complaining about bullyism in schools and when we enquired what actions they took, they said they complained to teachers who did nothing to solve the issue. And these can lead to further complications relative to mental health,” the psychiatric specialist said. He explained that people need to know that help is available.

“When someone commits suicide, 10-12 other persons are also affected and we need to help those persons also. So there is a lot of work to be done and we are capable of getting it done,” he added. Cognisant of the fact that environment plays a role in mental health, he advocated for activities such as cleaning-up of communities and the provision of recreational facilities, which, according to him, goes a far way in helping to solve mental health issues. “There is something called milieu therapy and this is where you manipulate the environment to have a positive impact on one’s behaviour. So by cleaning up the area and providing recreational facilities is the way to go. And this must be replicated in other communities,” Vanbuckley noted.

Rhonda Nichols and her two daughters receiving a prescription from a medical personnel

All set for GuyExpo Thursday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

THE National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, is almost ready for Thursday’s grand opening of GuyExpo as exhibitors wind down preparations. GuyExpo Committee Public Relations Officer, Lloyd David said in a press release that a number of exhibitors, especially big companies, have been working around the clock to ensure their booths are attractive and weatherproof for the four-day exposition. He said that large tents with prefab expo booths have already been installed, while other exhibitors are on the ground putting finishing touches to their booths. He added that this year’s exhibition promises to be the best ever, since it’s a part of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The widest range of local products and services will be displayed in one venue, which will be transformed to dazzle visitors. “There are many new exhibitors on board this time around and the experience will be great,” said Tameka Sukhdeo Singh, GuyExpo

Preparations in full swing at GuyExpo site coordinator. “Persons can come, for instance, and have a real feel of the popular Aruwai Resort, which would be amazing.” Patrons can avoid lengthy ticket queues by picking up their tickets any day prior to the event. Tickets are available at the Sophia Secretariat, along with vehicle passes. Adult tickets cost $500 while children are $300 each. Parking with adequate security will be provided with the purchase of a $1,000 vehicle pass. This year fantastic gate prizes will be up for grabs

at GuyExpo. Patrons will have many opportunities to walk away with a number of fabulous nightly prizes, including a trip for two at Aruwai Resort, City Tours, and a night for two at Herdmanston Lodge. In addition, patrons with winning tickets can walk away with expensive pieces of jewellery, furniture, cellular phones and other items. Corporate Guyana will be showcasing in a very big way with tons of great opportunities for all and sundry, the release stated, and this includes the much antici-

Child still critical after motorcycle collision A 12-YEAR-OLD Friendship Secondary School student who was struck down by a motorcyclist on Friday last is still in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The student, Jonathan Ashby, of Diamond New Housing Scheme, was in the vicinity of a gas station in Friendship, East Bank Demerara when a motorcyclist slammed into him as he was trying to cross the roadway. The child was taken to the regional hospital at Diamond and subsequently transferred to the GPHC where he remains in a critical state. Meanwhile, police will be reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the accident, which

Jonathan Ashby occurred during the school’s lunch hour. One report stated that Ashby was playing with his friend on the roadside when he was pushed onto the road, resulting in the accident. However, another report said that the child was try-

ing to cross the road when he was hit by the motorcycle. According to Ashby’s mother, Coleen Johnson, she received a phone call notifying her of the accident and she rushed to the hospital. She explained that her son who appeared severely injured had stitches to the face and swellings about the body. She told this newspaper that her son had internal injuries and was coughing up blood when he was admitted to the public hospital. The teen’s uncle, Derrick Spencer, said that when Ashby arrived at the GPHC, doctors informed family members that his condition was critical. The motorcyclist is in police custody assisting with investigations.

pated offerings of the two telecommunications giants, GTT and DIGICEL, which have traditionally attracted huge crowds.

The training for small businesses is also organised as part of this year’s event, as the Organising Committee is focusing on providing the

necessary skills for small entrepreneurs. According to the coordinator, there will be two business sessions daily, covering key topics such as Packaging and Marketing, Guidelines on Preparing a Business Plan, Access to Finance, Social Media and Website Development. Entrepreneurs and exhibitors who are interested in developing their businesses are encouraged to attend these forums between Friday and Sunday, which will be held in the boardrooms of the National Exhibition Centre, Guyana Tourism Authority and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards at Sophia between 14:30hrs and 16:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Bartica Hospital aims for zero maternal deaths ‒ plans afoot to make country’s leading regional hospital By Alva Solomon THE Bartica Regional Hospital, currently being upgraded, is poised to become one of the leading medical facilities in the country. As Bartica was officially declared Guyana’s newest town on Saturday, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and main operating theatre were commissioned at the hospital. The neonatal facility was

President David Granger (second left) and Public Health Minister Dr George Norton (centre) pose with staff of the Bartica Regional Hospital and other medical professionals following the unveiling of key facilities at the hospital on Saturday

realised through partnership between the Government and the Guyana Help the Kids organization, a Canadian charity group. Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Edward Sagala, said the two medical facilities are significant to the region as they will curtail the transfer of patients to the Coastland for treatment. The addition of the two facilities at the hospital has also seen an increase in medical personnel with a range of medical specialists being added to that hospital’s roster. At the unveiling of the

two facilities, Dr Sagala told a gathering, which included President David Granger and team of Cabinet officials, there are seven medical specialists currently operating at the institution. First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Public Health Minister Dr George Norton; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally; and Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, were on hand to witness the opening of the two facilities. Dr Sagala said that, in less than eight months, the hospital’s team of practitioners climbed from four to 16; and of this total, seven are medical specialists. There is one dentist at the hospital. “We have, for the first time in the history of this institution, medical specialists we never had,” a buoyant Dr Sagala told those gathered. He said the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni region is home to 22 medical practitioners in total, since there are also two doctors each at Kamarang and Issano, and one each at Waramadong and Imbaimadai.

He said the range of specialists at the facility include dermatologists, ear and throat specialists, cardiologist, obstetrician/gynaecologist, general surgeon, anaesthetist and paediatrician. The Bartica Hospital has also opened a mental health clinic, and Dr Sagala noted its importance to the region. He said the clinic is a pilot initiative which is intended for replication in other parts of the country. AMBITIOUS PLAN “In the next year, we intend to become one of the best regional hospitals in the country,” Dr Sagala declared. He said medical authorities in the region are working to improve its health education/awareness programme, which will advance the health sector in the region. Conversely, Dr Sagala said there is need for improvement in the attitudes of medical personnel, which he deemed a “serious problem”. He promised that, over time, this will be given significant attention, as it would add to the general improvement in the region’s medical Turn to page 12 ►

Operation Dragnet to be further extended By Alva Solomon

THE country-wide security arrangement, ‘Operation Dragnet’ will be extended beyond its June 1 cut-off date as Guyana will co-host the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Summit in July. This is according to President David Granger, who spoke with members of the media at Bartica on Saturday. When asked if the arrangement will be extended, the President said “in the sense, yes, because at the time of the launch, we did not anticipate that the Caribbean Community Heads of Government meeting will be held here in July in Georgetown.” The President added, “so there will be nexus, a connect at the end of the Independence and the start of the Caricom Heads of Government meeting.” Operation Dragnet commenced on December 1 last year and was slated for conclusion on June 1, soon after Guyana will have celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary.

The exercise was initiated after a security briefing to Cabinet by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, following instructions from President David Granger as Government seeks to ramp up security in light of various security threats. At the time of its launching late last year, the authorities noted that the operation would see an increased presence of Joint Services members and other law-enforcement agencies at key locations across Guyana. All members of the Police Force, who are not engaged in core policing functions, would be deployed to give an increased “robust presence” to boost public confidence and ensure safety of the general populace. It was launched during the busy and bustling Christmas season late last year. Guyana will co-host the CARICOM heads meeting this year since Dominica cannot, at this time, undertake the responsibility as host country. The Caribbean island suffered significant damage after Tropical Storm Erika had battered it for five hours last August. According to a Com-

muniqué released by the CARICOM Secretariat at the conclusion of the 27th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, which was held in Placencia, Belize, in February this year. The 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference will be held from July 4-6, 2016, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit and will be co-hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Government of Guyana. Prime Minister Skerrit had declared a national disaster after noting the loss of life and physical damage to Dominica. Guyana will assume Chairmanship of Caricom from January 1 to June 30, 2017, according to the rotation schedule for the Chairmanship of the Conference. Meanwhile, as part of his schedule, President Granger is expected to address the National Assembly this week in relation to this year’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The President told media operatives that his address to Parliament surrounds the Independence Anniversary, which he deemed “a very important historical landmark.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

City vendors look ahead with uncertainty

Vendors deem it wise to close their businesses early at the new location

By Telesha Ramnarine STABROEK Market vendors are unsure for how long they will be permitted to vend at the new location, south of Public Buildings. So far, they have been told by City Hall officials,only that an agreement was made with the owner of the spot for them to remain there for three months. The vendors have no clue what their fate will be after this time. Some are wondering if they will be made to endure the current disaster of transition all over again, or if they will settle in and become comfortable at the new spot only to have to leave it

shortly. As it is, no specific details have been offered to the sellers and so many of them are simply guessing their way through, or as one woman said on Sunday afternoon, “We just have to follow the multitude.” Vending for 16 years now outside Stabroek Market, one vendor said if the City Council wanted to move them, they could have made proper arrangements to have them relocated and provide to them specific details on how long they were going to be temporarily removed. “They just gave us a couple days’ notice to move. You are leaving us

out of business. It shows me that this was not properly planned, because if you wanted us to move, you would have prepared the place so we could have had a smooth transition,” the woman complained. It is difficult to reach Town Clerk Royston King for comment, and efforts to contact other City Council officials on the issue also proved futile. Meanwhile, vendors have recently voiced their concern, through protests and other means, that the new site will kill their business. Many of the vendors told this newspaper on Sunday that they have opted to

Mother’s Day babies By Sherah Alleyne A NEW baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope and a dream of possibilities. A new baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankrolls smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living. These thoughts have been expressed by one person or another over time, and one can continue in

describing the bundle of joy that is a baby. That joy was experienced Sunday by several mothers across the country, who gave birth on Mothers’ Day. And the Guyana Chronicle visited the Maternity Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital and spoke to the first two women who delivered babies there on Mothers’ Day. They were both happy and felt extra special that they had received the best gift they could possibly

get when they delivered healthy, beautiful babies. The proud mothers, Scheneka Bobb- Semple, 23, delivered the first baby of the day at 00:55hrs, while Alexis Boucher, 23, delivered her baby boy at 14:08hrs. First- time mother, Bobb -Semple, celebrated Mothers’ Day in a special way as she delivered a beautiful baby girl. When this newspaper visited the hospital, there were five Mothers’ Day deliveries so far.

conduct business mainly between the hours of 06:00 hrs and 18:00 hrs due to security reasons. While they would have taken the chance to continue business into the night outside Stabroek Market, they believe it would not be safe to do so at the new location. The City Council had promised to hand over stalls to vendors on Friday, but they were still doing so on Saturday. Because of this, and other factors such as heavy rains, hardly any business was done on Saturday. On Sunday, hardly anyone turned up for business, except about two clothes vendors and vendors who sell drinks and water. Many more vendors are expected to turn up this morning for business. City Hall had said re-

cently that it is not seeking to put stakeholders out of business, but rather to ensure that vending is done in an atmosphere that is conducive and legitimate, which would be of mutual benefit to stakeholders and Council. The municipality had called vendors to exercise patience as the relocation exercise takes effect. Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan had mentioned to this newspaper that the move by City Hall to re-organise the Stabroek Market Bazaar is perhaps the single largest undertaking in that vicinity since the market was constructed in 1881. According to the Georgetown municipality, if the city is to attain the status of a top international city, change is imperative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

MMA/ADA to grant leases to cattle farmers’ co-op ‒ despite objections by Ithaca residents By Clifford Stanley MEMBERS of the Dominoes Cattle Farmers Co-op (DCFC) who have been occupying State lands at Gelderland and Schumaker’s Lust on the West Bank of the Berbice River for over 30 years will be granted leases, despite the ob-

jections of members of the neighbouring Ithaca Agricultural Land Development Association (IALDA). The members of the IALDA staged a two-hour picketing exercise outside the head office of the MMA/ADA at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, to demonstrate their objections last Friday.

During the exercise, spokesman for the IALDA, Pierre Williams, maintained that the State lands aback of Schumaker’s Lust and Gelderland belong to the people of Ithaca by tradition. He said that although the association had obtained leases for lands aback of Itha-

Protestors from Ithaca outside the MMA/ADA office last Friday

ca and Zorg-en Hoop years ago, members had maintained an interest in the State lands aback of the Gelderland and Schumaker’s Lust Villages for several years. Williams also said that the foreparents of the people of Ithaca had informally occupied these lands, but had allowed members of the DCFC to rear cattle there several years ago out of a sense of brotherhood. A lack of resources had prevented the IALDA from regularising their interest in the state lands in the two villages. The IALDA spokesman charged that a decision by the Board of Directors of the MMA/ADA to hand over the lands aback of the villages to the DCFC was an act of favouritism to friends and cronies. However, in an invited

comment, General Manager of the MMA/ADA Aubrey Charles stated that although disgruntled members of the IALDA had been given an opportunity to provide some sort of documentary proof that the State lands aback of the two villages belonged to them, they have not provided any such proof. He added: “It could be true that they might have had some sort of informal occupation many years ago, but there is no supporting documentation. It’s just these ‘word- of- mouth’ claims. That cannot work.” He said further that the IALDA was given a lease for State lands aback of Ithaca years ago and there was no claim to the lands aback of the two adjoining villages at that time. On the other hand, members of the DCFC had sub-

mitted historical records to prove their occupation over the years. Williams, however, said that the IALDA would examine its legal options to prevent the MMA from handing the lands over to the DCFC. Meanwhile, commenting on another matter in which the members of the IALDA are currently embroiled with a lawyer over the ownership of the front lands at Schumaker’s Lust, Charles said that these lands were privately owned and any dispute was a matter for the court. He stressed that the MMA had jurisdiction over State lands only. And it will forge ahead to give leases for the State lands at Schumaker’s Lust and Gelderland to the DCFC in the absence of any other information to convince the board to do otherwise.

Bartica Hospital aims... services. Dr Narendra Singh, President of the Guyana Help the Kids organisation, noted that the neonatal facility is the sixth opened in the country. He said the first was opened at the Georgetown Public Hospital in 2012, and there are similar facilities at Linden and Suddie, among other areas. The charity organisation’s aim is to decrease the neonatal and infant mortality rates in developing countries, particularly in Guyana. Dr Singh said he perceives a bright future for health in Guyana. He noted that where paediatrics, and specifically babies, are concerned, time is of the essence. He implored the hospital to ensure that the neonatal facility is kept in its

best possible shape. Public Health Minister Dr George Norton noted in brief remarks that the national neonatal mortality rate has been decreasing, and he informed that for the month of April, there were only five such deaths. He said figures for 2015 indicate a seven per cent drop in mortality cases in babies at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He expressed appreciation to the Guyana Help the Kids organisation, noting that, as part of its assistance programme, that body has donated to the Government Cdn $30,000 towards natal care. President Granger told the gathering that the Government’s aim is to reduce infant mortality to zero. “We want to aim at zero

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maternal deaths, not just a reduction. There should be no reason in 2016 for babies to die…we want to ensure that no resident must have to leave his or her region to get access to basic public services,” the President said. He said that, ultimately, the Government would like to establish a National Maternity Hospital as part of it health-care plans. The President said that since Bartica is the country’s newest town, it must possess all of the necessary resources to ensure that residents are provided with all of the services that they need. Bartica was officially declared a town on Saturday, and the green-model town is set to capitalise on its new status, including in the area of medical care.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

MONDAY MAY 9, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

President attends energy summit

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday last joined regional leaders from the Caribbean Community and Central America at the US

State Department, Washington DC, for the US- Caribbean- Central American Energy Summit. The summit was held to

consider the way forward for the Caribbean and Central America, arising out of the recommendations of a Task Force which had been

established to identity concrete steps to promote energy security and clean energy development in the Caribbean and Central America.

The one-day Summit has its genesis in the June 2014 launch, by US Vice-President Joseph Biden, of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CSEI). This was followed in January 2015 by the hosting of the US- Caribbean Energy Security Summit (CESS) in Washington DC. That summit examined the regulatory and coordinating mechanisms needed to attract greater investment in the sustainable energy sector in the Caribbean. The process was further advanced in April of 2015 when US President Barack Obama met separately with the leaders of the Caribbean in Kingston, Jamaica and committed to providing early-stage funding for clean-energy projects in the Caribbean. At the said meeting, the US President had also agreed to establish a Task Force for the Caribbean and Central American Energy Security (US-CCA Task Force) to look at the future

of clean-energy development in the Caribbean and Central America. The summit, which President Granger attended last Wednesday at the US State Department, was intended as a follow-up to the work of the Task Force. It follows closely on the heels of Guyana’s signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change at the United Nations in New York on April 22 last. President Granger while affixing his signature to the Paris Agreement, had promised that Guyana would invest in solar power, wind power and hydropower to transition more rapidly to renewable sources of energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels as part of Guyana’s green development plans. (Ministry of the Presidency release) President Granger was accompanied to the summit by Guyana’s Ambassador to Washington, Bayney Karran.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Standards needed for successful businesses ‒ GNBS

THERE are thousands of standards worldwide that are invisible to most consumers, but industries must implement standards in their operations in order to be successful, according to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The bureau noted that in today’s competitive business environment, standards and quality are two key aspects that determine the market share of businesses, and ultimately these determine who will remain competitive and who will just survive. “More often than not, the tendency is for customers to demand quality products and services that meet acceptable standards. For any company to have a competitive advantage in a business environment where similar products and services are being offered to the same set of customers, consistency, efficiency and reliability must be maintained for that company to remain successful,” the GNBS noted in a

release. Utilising the requirements outlined in an available product, service and system standards integral to ensuring those outcomes are achieved, the GNBS noted, and apart from promoting market efficiency and expansion, when industry utilises standards, the prospects for international trade are good. There is a greater likelihood that through conformity to standards, overseas buyers will have confidence in locally produced products and services. Further, the GNBS stated that conformity to standards and technical regulations helps to remove barriers to market entry for products exported. Therefore, in achieving required standards, local businesses which are finding themselves restrained by a limited share of the local market, can expand beyond Guyana’s borders to earn vital foreign currency. The bureau underscored also that to become com-

Monday, May 9, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - 08:30 hrs

petitive means overcoming the insurmountable task of innovation through the inexpensive use of product and performance standards which facilitate the diffusion of new technologies. “Through the use of adopted standards, new design, performance and testing parameters are transferred from companies that have the resources for product development to those that do not. Small businesses the world over are known to take advantage of these opportunities that standards provide,” the bureau added. Unfortunately, however, some standards can sometimes be adverse to business survival. They can cause a

rise in transaction costs, used to create barriers to trade, and can even constrain innovation. Poor or indeterminate standards can also compromise quality and safety of products and services. Meanwhile, the GNBS stressed that in the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that more local companies and businesses will begin to embrace standards as a key means for competitiveness. “Once called upon, the GNBS will respond to the needs of these businesses by supporting the development and implementation of national or international standards that are crucial for their success,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

‘Radical’ Guyanese scoop podium ... From back page a podium on debut. In the earlies, the double

defending Caribbean group four champion held off the veteran Mark Maloney before the latter’s experience in the radical series kicked in. H o w e v e r, M a l o n e y could not maintain the run as he eventually spun out, leaving Jeffrey second and race winner James Abbot, untouched and untroubled in Front. In Race 1, the roles were reversed with Jeffrey, who started at the back of the pack doing the attacking as Ming defended, while pole-sitter Suleman Esuf ran from flag to flag. Starting ninth, the dual Caribbean champion called on his experience to outwit his competitors as he moved right up to sixth, before a nudge on the exit of corner two pushed him into the gravel, thus causing him to relinquish his

gained positions. In the Suzuki Challenge Swift cup, Jeffrey was on the receiving end of a tough day ending 11th and 12th respectively. Yesterday’s event was headlined by three- time formula one champion Lewis Hamilton, who thrilled fans with his 2013 Mercedes F1 W04. He took on former British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill, aboard his BSB team’s Yamaha YZF-R1 motor bike before shifting gears for stints in the novelty races as well as the shifter-karts. Two lucky fans also had a five-lap session in a Radical with the three-time world champion at the helm. Other events included the Monster trucks on show as well as a superbike challenge and motor-cross riders.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Flamingo Park 08:30 hrs Quid Rides 08:50 hrs Misty Power 09:20 hrs Salesman 09:50 hrs Here We Are 10:20 hrs First Sea Lord

11:00 hrs Here’s Two 11:30 hrs Cambodia 12:00 hrs Storytale

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Brighton 08:50 hrs Monks Stand 09:20 hrs Bahamian Boy 09:50 hrs Gleaming Girl 10:20 hrs Inniscastle Lad 10:50 hrs Ifan 11:20 hrs Togetherwecan 11:50 HRS Pandar WOLVERHAMPTON 09:00 hrs Accl;adora 09:30 hrs Dalaki 10:00 hrs Its Only Mossy 10:30 hrs Daydream

MUSSELBURGH 09:10 hrs Omid 09:40 hrs Valentino Boy 10:10 hrs Gone With The Wind 10:40 hrs Tellovoi 11:10 hrs Testa Rossa 11:40 hrs Madame Butterfly 12:10 hrs Dominannie 12:45 hrs Atreus IRISH RACING TIPS Roscommon 12:40 hrs Admodium 13:10 hrs Ceol Na Nog 13:40 hrs Grey Blue Sky 14:10 hrs Deor 14:40 hrs Merry Night 15:10 hrs Whatareudoingtome 15:40 hrs Go Darsi Go

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

‘Wiser’ Gatlin plots Bolt revenge after Japan win KAWASAKI (Japan) (AFP) - American Justin Gatlin roared to a 100 metres victory in Japan yesterday, , as track and field’s pantomime villain kicked off his preparations for this summer’s Rio Olympics. Floored by Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt in the 100m and 200m at last year’s world championships, twotime doping offender Gatlin clocked a time of 10.02 seconds into a slight head-wind

in Kawasaki in his first test of the season. “Definitely it’s given me motivation, but also it’s made me smarter and wiser,” Gatlin told AFP, referring to his Beijing disappointment. “Usually you can come with a strategy that can combat the whole field,” added the 34-year-old after finishing well clear of Japan’s Ryota Yamagata (10.21) and Ramon Gittens of Barbados

(10.26), despite a sore right ankle. “But when you go against someone like Usain, who is unique in stature and talent, you’ve got to come with a contingency plan, a plan B.”

“I rolled my ankle in November -- it was almost a break. It’s still swollen so to be able to come out here and run this race, just smooth, I’m happy with that.” Local favourite Yoshihide

a personal best of 45.68 with Jarrin Solomon of Trinidad and Tobago (45.77). Wariner, hoping to make the United States team for Rio his country’s Olympic trials in July, faded badly in the home straight to finish

don four years ago. “I’ve got some work to do.” World champion Tianna Bartoletta won the women’s long jump with a best leap of 6.61 metres, the American edging out Australian Brooke Stratton (6.55m) and China’s

Man City Champions League hopes hit by home draw with Arsenal (REUTERS)-Manchester City’s participation in next season’s Champions League is in doubt after they drew 2-2 with Arsenal yesterday to give Manchester United the chance to overtake them. City’s departing manager Manuel Pellegrini had hoped for a winning farewell at the Etihad and exquisite goals from Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, who ran half the length of the pitch and held off four defenders, twice put the hosts ahead. But Arsenal hit back both times, Olivier Giroud ending his barren spell with a simple header from six yards for his first goal in 16 games before the Frenchman laid off Manchester City manager a delicate pass for the advancing Alexis Sanchez Manuel Pellegrini to beat Joe Hart. Substitute Wilfried Bony volleyed against the bar late on for Champions League semi-finalists City, who were booed by their supporters at the final whistle. City stayed fourth in the table with one match left to play, two points ahead of United who have two games left.

Debutant takes 4-62 against Sri Lanka TEENAGE debutant Aaron Beard claimed four wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 254 by Essex at Chelmsford on the first day of their tour of England. Right-arm seamer Beard, 18, took 4-62 as only Kusal Mendis (66) and Niroshan Dickwella (53) passed 30 for Sri Lanka. Jaik Mickleburgh (42 not out) then added 78 with fellow opener Nick Browne who was lbw to Dhammika Prasad for 28 as Essex reached 81-2 by the close. Sri Lanka’s first Test against England begins at Headingley on 19 May. Right-armer Beard, making his first-class debut, had only signed his first professional contract last summer, but was in the national spotlight back in 2013. As a 15-year-old schoolboy, he fielded as substitute for Essex against England in a warm-up game before the summer’s Ashes - and was then asked to act as 12th man for England, carrying the drinks for the national side. (BBC Sport)

Justin Gatlin of the U.S. wins the Men’s 100m during the SEIKO Golden Grand Prix 2016 Gatlin had been unbeaten in 28 races over two years before Bolt’s ruthless Beijing take-down of his American rival, whose frustration at being demonised in the media was plain to see. “It has made me a smarter and wiser competitor to know when to stay within my technique, execute my race and just worry about myself,” said Gatlin, who runs in Shanghai next week.

Kiryu, who has run a wind-assisted 9.87, finished fourth in 10.27, just ahead of Japanese schoolboy sensation Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, the 17-yearold who broke Bolt’s meet record in the 200m at last year’s world youth championships. Former 400m Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner trailed home third behind Jamaican-born teenager Julian Walsh of Japan, who won in

in 46.04. “No excuses,” the 2004 Athens gold medallist and twice world champion told AFP. “It wasn’t what I wanted. My (first) 200 was good but I think the wind got to me down the home stretch. “It is what it is,” added Wariner, who took silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before a torn hamstring sabotaged his bid in Lon-

Xu Xiaolang (6.47m). Canada’s Shawn Barber, who captured pole vault gold in Beijing, claimed top spot in Kawasaki after clearing 5.62 metres. Asian champion Xie Wenjun led a Chinese double in the 110m hurdles, clocking 13.36 seconds with Zhang Honglin runner-up in 13.59 and Japan’s Hideki Omuro third in 13.61.

Djokovic gets the better of Murray again to secure Madrid title NOVAK Djokovic came through a gruelling thirdset battle with Andy Murray to win the Madrid Open for a second time and reclaim the honour of being the most prolific winner in ATP Masters 1000 history. Having impressed on Saturday by beating Rafael Nadal in Spain’s capital for a second year in succession, reigning champion Murray put up a brave fight 24 hours later after being thrashed by Djokovic in the opening set. However, the world number one was not to be denied as he triumphed 6-2 3-6 6-3 to record a 12th win in his last 13 meetings with Murray. Djokovic’s 29th Masters title - and fifth in the six most recent events at this level - takes him one clear of Nadal, who had moved level with the Serbian on 28 wins when triumphing in Monte Carlo last month.

Murray, who will now drop to third behind Roger Federer in the ATP rankings today, demon-

The Briton was comprehensively outplayed throughout the first set, winning just three points

Andy Murray (right) has lost 23 of his 32 meetings with Novak Djokovic strated no shortage of resolve following a miserable start to yesterday’s final.

on his opponent’s serve as Djokovic dominated from the baseline. A shift in momentum

followed, though, as errors crept into the top seed’s game and an improving Murray capitalised to level the match. Murray again fought back in the decider after falling 2-0 down, but was soon broken again as Djokovic, the champion here in 2011, clipped a sideline with a backhand winner. Even then, Murray refused to fold and he saved a championship point when serving at 2-5 before finally succumbing at the end of a marathon game in which he failed to convert seven break points. Djokovic has now won 15 matches in succession against top-10 opponents - dropping just two sets in the process - and his latest victory over Murray came 10 years on from their first meeting, also in Madrid. On that occasion, Djokovic prevailed in three sets. (Sportsmax.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Everest Masters in historic tour to Jamaica

THE Everest Cricket Club Masters team has embarked on a tour to play a series of cricket matches against various teams in Jamaica. While in Jamaica the Guyanese will play Kingston Cricket Club Masters in a 35 overs a-side match at the international venue, Sabina Park. That game was scheduled for Saturday. They will then play a Select X1 on Monday at the Kaiser Sports Club ground in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios. The strong 13-man squad which

winged out of Guyana on Friday will be led by regular captain Rajesh Singh. The other members are Shadeo Hardaiow, Hafeez Ali, Hemraj Garbarran, Rabindranauth Seeram, Shaheed Mohamed, Rohan Sarjoo, Anwar Rahaman, Sanjeev Datadin, Ronald Jaisingh, Basil Persaud, Prakash Balgobin and Johnny Azeez. The Guyanese Masters have been playing as a unit and will definitely give a good account of themselves.

The trip has been made possible through the generosity of IMG, Dinar Trading, Trophy Stall, Professional Printing Services, Carib Food Distributors, Fly Jamaica, Shalindra Etwaru, Robin Bharat, Anand Sanasie and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board while Dave Cameron, Wavell Hinds and Paul Campbell from Jamaica have also contributed in making the tour a possibility. The Everest Masters Team is expected to be back in Guyana on May 12.

Everest Masters as they prepare to leave for their two-match tour of Jamaica

Sunrisers destroy Mumbai Indians to claim top spot ASHISH Nehra produced a sensational spell of pace bowling after Shikhar Dhawan shone with the bat with a scintillating unbeaten 82 as Sunrisers Hyderabad spanked Mumbai Indians by 85 runs in a lopsided IPL match and jumped to the top of the league table. Sunrisers posted a challenging 177 for 3 with opener Dhawan remaining not out on 82 off 57 balls, studded with 10 fours and a six, after being put into bat and then senior pacer Nehra (3/15) triggered a Mumbai top-order batting collapse with a 12-ball spell of thee wickets to help the home side notch up an easy win. Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has been in brilliant touch this season, also scalped three wickets for 16 runs as he cleaned up the Mumbai lower order. With the win yesterday, their sixth in nine matches, the Sunrisers jumped to top spot with 12 points. They are levelled on points with Kolkata Knight Riders but above them on net run rate. Mumbai remained on fifth with 10 points from 10 matches. Mumbai made a disastrous start in their run chase as they were reduced to 30 for five inside five overs with Nehra scalping three top-order batsmen in 12 balls and they never recovered from there at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The defending champions kept on losing wickets in quick succession and were reduced to 54 for 7 at the halfway mark. They did not have any partnership worth the name with 23 being the highest. They finally were all out for 92 in 16.3 overs to slump to an embarrassing defeat. Harbhajan Singh top-scored with 21 not out while only two other batsmen could reach double-digit scores. Parthiv Patel was the first to go for

a duck as he was dismissed LBW by a swinging delivery off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the sixth ball of the innings. Nehra, who also got the early swing like Bhuvneshwar, then brought Mumbai onto their knees as he took three wickets in two overs, including the big one of captain and opener Rohit Sharma (5) from the first ball of second over. A lazy-looking Rohit drove loosely a

Player of the match Ashish Nehra celebrates after picking up a wicket. full length delivery outside off and got a big inside edge which clattered into the stumps. Nehra returned for his second over—fourth of the Mumbai innings— and got two scalps to leave the visiting side in tatters. Ambati Rayudu (6) fell to a gem of a delivery from Nehra as the shortpitched ball got some extra bounce which surprised the batsman who initially committed for a shot but later tried to drop his hands. The ball hit the handle of the bat before it flew to Kane Williamson at backward point. Two balls later, Nehra tempted Jos Buttler (2) with a widish delivery and

the batsman, without moving his feet, only prodded to get a thick outside edge for wicketkeeper Naman Ojha to take a stunning one-handed diving catch to his right. Barinder Sran got Krunal Pandya (17) out in the next over and nothing went right for Mumbai with Kieron Pollard (11), Hardik Pandya (7) and Tim Southee (3) being dismissed in quick succession with pacer Mustafizur Rahman joining the party. By the end of the 10th over, Mumbai were all over at 54 for 7, needing another 124 runs with just three wickets in hand and at an asking rate of above 12 an over. Earlier, Dhawan once again played the sheet-anchor role to perfection for Sunrisers, notching up his second successive unbeaten knock and his third half century of the season. The right-handed opener, who struck an unbeaten 47 against Gujarat Lions in the previous match, bettered himself with a 57-ball 82, which was laced with 10 hits to the fence and one over it. Giving him able support was skipper David Warner, whose 33-ball 48 had four fours and a six. The duo put on 85 runs for the opening wicket in 9.5 overs, providing the perfect platform for the home team to post a competitive total. Another notable contributor today was Yuvraj Singh, who was playing his second match after coming back from an injury layoff. The left-hander produced a 23-ball 39, which included three fours and a couple of sixes. Yuvraj was unlucky to be dismissed hit-wicket after backing up too much off a Mitchell McClenaghan delivery, ending up dislodging the bails. In his four overs, Harbhajan managed to pick up two wickets for 29 runs, which was a commendable effort after the initial assault unleashed by Warner and Dhawan.

Johnson spearheads national cricketers for Jubilee T20 match In Region One THE Mabaruma Settlement Recreation ground in Region One is expected to come alive on Thursday when several Guyanese International and national cricketers converge on the venue to entertainment the fans in a T20 fixture. The game is being organised by Region one 50th Anniversary committee as part of their celebrations and to give the fans an opportunity to interact with their favourite cricketers A release from the committee stated that the entire region is excited about the game which is sanctioned by the Guyana Cricket Board. According to the release, the Region has a lot of untapped potential LEON JOHNSON and the committee feels that this venture will serve as a motivation for the young cricketers. The committee has expressed gratitude to the executive of the Guyana Cricket Board ( GCB0 who are keen to see the outcome and promised to assist with the growth of the game in the area. The GCB has also contributed towards the air fare of seven players, while managing director of Global Technology in Camp Street, George Melville (and family) who hails from the region has assisted with the air fares for seven players. The committee has also expressed gratitude to Sky West Air Line. The visitors will be divided into two teams which will also comprise of players from Region One. The players on tour will be selected from; Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Steven Jacobs, Shimron Hetmyer, Vishual Singh, Rajendra Chandrika, Keemo Paul, Tevin Imlach, Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle. Michael Hyles Franco (Coach).

Notable Dates GUYANESE junior middleweight Kenny Bristol travelled to Manitoba, Canada with a perfect record of 14-0 and had it soiled following a 10-round fight with Wayne Caplette. The Guyanese southpaw matched gloves with Caplette on May 8, 1981 and ended up losing by a split decision. Bristol would have another try at the Canadian southpaw in October of the same year but was disqualified in the fourth round. Considered very tall for his division, Bristol would not be remembered as a boxer who frequently traversed the Knock Out route. The fact is that he had only one KO in a career that spanned eight years and included 20 bouts. His lone stoppage victory came on September 26, 1979. The lanky southpaw Guyanese travelled to Italy to face Celestine Kanynda from Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). Twenty-seven years old at the time, Bristol stopped Kanynda in the seventh round. The victory improved his record to 11-0 and came two months after he defeated Pat Thomas to win the Commonwealth title. The decision over Thomas, who was born in St. Kitts and Nevis, allowed Bristol to become the only Guyanese to win a Commonwealth title on home soil. The gangly southpaw had turned pro in October 1976 and in December 1978 won a hard-fought unanimous points victory over Reggie Ford. He called it quits in February 1984 following a defeat by then unbeaten James Shuler. During his eight years in the ring Bristol scored 15 victories and five defeats.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

Bounty Colts cart off $500,000 first prize THE winners of the recently concluded Road to Mecca Finals were honoured on Saturday night at Palm Court on Main Street. The team took away the first- prize cheque of $500,000, along with the Most Valuable Player and Coach of the tournament trophies. Seventeen -year-old Stanton Rose was named the Most Valuable Player. The Kwakwani youngster was phenomenal for the Colts and played an integral role in the team’s finals win. Dayne Kendall took home the Coach of the

Tournament trophy. The Raiders were presented with the second- place

cheque of $250,000. GABF Vice-President Michael Singh thanked the

participating clubs for the high level of play and promised an even bigger championship

The winning Colts team

… Mexican retains WBC title the third former light-welterweight world champion to win a middleweight world title. The match was made at a catchweight of 155lb, five pounds under the normal middleweight limit. However, Alvarez came into the ring at approximately 175lb and

cagey first round courtesy of a couple of flurries and one well-aimed right cross, although Alvarez did land with a flashing left hook. Khan repeatedly made the champion look clumsy in round two, landing with rapier-like combinations before darting out of range. And

Canelo Alvarez watches as the referee counts out a prone Amir Khan. on points. However, when Khan lost concentration for a split second the champion knocked him cold with a huge right hand. Afterwards, Alvarez said he wanted a unification bout with Gennady Golovkin. Khan, 29, jumped two weight divisions to challenge Alvarez and was attempting to become only

nament’s primary sponsor. He also stated that the company will play an even greater role in the event next year.

Trophy Stall sponsors trophies for Golden Jubilee draughts

Amir Khan knocked out by Alvarez SAUL ‘Canelo’ Alvarez knocked out Britain’s Amir Khan in the sixth round in Las Vegas to retain his WBC middleweight title. Until the brutal ending, Khan had used his superior speed and movement to frustrate the champion and appeared to be well ahead

next year. Also speaking was Jamal Douglas, Mackeson Brand Manager, who stated that Ansa McAl was more than the tour-

was noticeably bigger than his opponent. The fight was the first at the 20,000-capacity T-Mobile Arena, which was vociferously pro-Alvarez on the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo. But the booing and jeering that rained down upon Khan did nothing to cloud his focus. Khan probably edged a

when Alvarez landed with a juddering left hook, Khan stood up to it and returned fire. It was more of the same in the third, with Alvarez, 25, stalking his prey and finding himself confounded by Khan’s blinding handspeed and volume of punches. At this stage Khan’s prediction that speed and move-

ment would trump power looked like it might come true, while he was certainly confounding those critics who said a year of inactivity would blunt his edge. Khan unleashed more flashy combinations in the fourth and while none of his punches appeared to be hurting Alvarez, the Englishman appeared to be well ahead on points a third of the way through the contest. There were signs in the fifth Alvarez was beginning to find his range and at the start of the sixth he connected with a hurtful left-right combination. And when Khan left his left hand dangling soon after, Alvarez exploded an overhand right on his chin, rendering him unconscious before he hit the canvas. Khan was counted out with 23 seconds remaining in the round. Khan took a while to come round but finally clambered to his feet minutes later. “I wanted to go out there as a champion, but unfortunately I didn’t make it to the end,” he said. “This challenge came and it was hard to turn down.” Alvarez improved to 47 wins (33 knockouts), one draw and a sole defeat - by the great American Floyd Mayweather in 2013. Khan now has four defeats from 35 fights, including three by way of knockout. (BBC Sport)

THE Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) will hold a National Draughts Competition on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The competition is part of the Golden Jubilee of Independence celebrations Saturday will see the open competition contested on the 64 square boards. However, on Sunday the players will compete on the International 100 square boards. The six- round Swiss system will be used on both days. Registration commences at 09.30hrs at $300 per person. The players’ draw will take place at 10.00hrs to be followed immediately by play. Players will lose points if they register late. Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall has contributed six trophies for the two- day competition. All Draughts players throughout the country are invited.

Ms. Areefa Yusuf,a representative of Trophy Stall presents the trophies to Jiaram Ramdeen, President of the GDA.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 09, 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) Sunil Narine (KKR) (2) Kolkata Knight Riders

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who faced the first ball in IPL 2012? (2) Which two teams contested the first game of IPL 2012?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 9, 2016

YBG wins for St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy and Plaisance THE Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Schools Basketball Festival, Georgetown & East Coast Regionals continued on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with some seven matches. In the first match of the day, Marian Academy girls defeated St. Stanislaus College 16-2. Jada Mohan topscored with 8 points while adding 2 steals. Teammate Georginna Vyphuis added 4 points and 5 rebounds for the Marian side, while Natesha Seymour scored a lone two points for Saints. St. Rose’s High School took on President’s College in the second female match and defeated them handily, 16-4. Jada Amerally and Jamaica Blair had 6 points between them. Destinie Mc Donald and Annalisa Barclay combined for the PC girls’ 4 points. In the Under-16 contest, Plaisance Secondary edged President’s College by three points in what was a tightly contested game, 33-30. In a show of class, the Plaisance side forced the match into overtime and then took the bacon home. Andrew Johnson had a spectacular match in which he poured in 29 points and 3 steals for the winners. Nigel Bowen added 4 points. Akeem Crandon had 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Kareem Boyle backed him up with 11 points for the East Coast side. Bishops’ High School knocked off St. Stanislaus College in another blowout game. The game ended 3611with the Bishops’ High bench playing most of the second half. Webster Mcrae and Stefan Hamilton scored 9, and 6 points respectively. Brandon Friday poured in 6 of Saints’ 11 points.

In the Under19s, Marian Academy triumphed over Bishops’ High in a game Bishops’ should have won. Jonathan Mangra had 11 points and Judah Stephney had 8 for Marian. Timothy Thompson had an off- night scoring 7 points and picking up 8 rebounds. Mikhail Broomes turned in 7 points for Bishops.’

Plaisance’s Andrew Johnson St. Stanislaus defeated Queen’s College 39-22. Travis Belgrave, Kadeem Bowen and Anfernee Headecker had 15 points, 9 rebounds, 11 points and 10 points respectively. Omari Joseph had 11 points and Damani Thomas had 7 points and 6 rebounds for Queen’s. In the final game of the night, GTI won by a blowout beating President’s College 49-33. Nathan Saul poured in 17 points, while Kerwin Griffith and Keon Marks added 10 points between them. Kadeem Peterkin scored 8 points and Anton Fileen added 6 points and 4 steals for PC. Another round of matches will be played on Friday. The tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyana (Bigger Better Network), Edward B. Beharry (Champion) and Company Ltd and Banks DIH LTD (Powerade).

YBG wins for St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy and Plaisance See story on page 27

Barbados Festival of Speed

‘Radical’ Guyanese scoop podium finishes

Calvin Ming and team pose for a photo (By Stephan Sookram in Barbados, compliments of Ming’s Products and Services) GUYANESE drivers Calvin Ming and Kristian Jeffrey defied their respective qualifying problems to produce podium finishes in the Suzuki challenge series SR3 race cup during the Barbados Festival of Speed yesterday. Debutant Jeffrey picked up a second-place finish in the second race of the day, while a daring Ming tested the damp Bushy Park circuit to finish behind his countryman. In the final Radical race of the day, the qualifying grid was reversed; however, Ming’s troubles from Saturday persisted in race one, leaving him no option but to switch cars. In a race against the clock to get the old car re-set, the mechanics were the eventual victors but only just, as they concluded

work while the other cars were already on the track warming tyres. Eventually on the line despite the odds, Ming again suffered problems, this time with his clutch, which saw him leave the line approximately three seconds later than the competition. Nonetheless, like a man possessed, Ming showcased the F4 class to pass competitor after competitor to finally finish third. He took full advantage of the late-breaking capabilities of the Radical, and dug deep to bring out what his opponents could not find on a damp track, passing the competition left and right on a hell-bent move to the podium. On the converse side, Jeffrey, who started second, opted for a more defensive style in Race two which worked to his betterment, securing valuable points and See page 23

Kristian Jeffrey and his Radical (Ackeem Thomas Photographys) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2016