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Councillors outraged! No. 104582

TUESDAY JUNE 14, 2016

Price: $80

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- demand copy of parking meter contract; Chase-Green, King and others out of Guyana

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Water receding in Region 5 Page

One of the four mechanical pumps at work in Region Five (GINA photo)

â€œWe need not Three charged Second man 4 be poor againâ€? with cocaine in wanted for KN -President charges diaspora to 18 grenade attack return home and invest 14 frozen fish Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Who’s on page 2 Name: Sherena Gonsalves

Age: 22 Years Status: Single Address: Lot 268, Industry, East Coast Demerara Profession: Teacher at Cummings Lodge Secondary School. Gonsalves is also pursuing an Associate Degree in English at the University of Guyana. She was born to Moses Gonsalves and Hamwattie Gonsalves and followed in her mother’s footstep in becoming a teacher. Hobbies: Music, dancing, and travelling Motto: “Love being me while keeping it simple”

Suspect in Timehri mechanic’s murder ‘positively identified’ THE main suspect in the bedroom stabbing death of 23-year-old mechanic Puranand ‘Andrew’ Baljit of 57 Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been positively identified, and is expected to be arraigned shortly. Police Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan said yesterday that the file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice, and the lone suspect is in police custody. No new suspects have been arrested, he added. The suspect was apprehended on Saturday night at the Georgetown seawall, when he showed up to meet his girlfriend. Prior to his arrest, Ramlakhan said, the suspect was in hiding, but was lured to the seawall by his girlfriend, who has been cooperating with the police

Puranand ‘Andrew’ Baljit on the matter. Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly admitted under questioning that he had entered Baljit’s bedroom earlier that night, and had secreted himself until the victim was asleep. He said that Baljit woke up suddenly, and they had had a fierce scuffle. The girlfriend, arrested on Friday, was questioned and later released, as were two of Baljit’s friends. Baljit was found in his bedroom last Thursday night with several stab wounds about his body. The parttime electronics technician had a lot of laptops and cell phones stored at his home, where he did repairs when he got the time, since he worked full-time with his father at a mechanic workshop housed at their home. Baljit’s father said he heard his son scream on Thursday night, and he rushed over to his bedroom, but found that the door was locked. He then exited the house, climbed through his son’s bedroom window, and found him lying in blood. He said his son was then taken by his stepmother to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Water receding in Region 5 AN on-the-ground inspection of flood- affected communities in Region Five has shown that water has significantly been drained off the land. Officials of the Regional Administration and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), visiting the flood-affected areas on Monday, reported that the water has receded by almost nine inches. During their tour, several mechanical pumps which were installed by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the MMA/ADA were working to drain the land. The team of officials comprised Region 5 REO Roderick Edinboro; Regional Information Officer Sandie Ross; Regional Health Officer (Ag), Dr Steven Cheefoon; Pediatrician Dr Julio Rodriguez

Pena; Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Specialist Dr Enrique Wilson Garcia; General Medical Officer Dr Delon Ramnarine; Major Sean F. Welcome of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); and Community Development Officer of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Kimmon Daniels. Excavators were also seen clearing the main drainage channels within the affected areas of Trafalgar/ Union. A pump was also installed at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice to drain that area. Residents of the affected communities, having detailed to the officials their losses, which include livestock and cash crops, have expressed relief at the pace at which the water was being drained off the land. Trafalgar resident Herbert Hoyte said, “It was

bad! The water was under my house, but quite a lot has been achieved to get the water off the land.” Hoyte is, however, pleading for the Trafalgar outfall channel to be desilted; in his opinion, it is one of the factors that contributed to the flooding. Addressing the issue of losses suffered by the residents, MMA/ADA General Manager Aubrey Charles said the issue of compensation would be discussed by the MMA/ADA Board; and along with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the form of assistance which would be provided would be determined. Region Five Executive Officer (REO) Roderick Edinboro, expressing pleasure at the efforts made so far to bring the situation under

One of several excavators at work clearing the drainage canal control, has committed the Regional Administration to continue monitoring the situation. Regional Chairman

Land which was inundated in Region 5 is actively being drained

Vickchand Ramphal told the Government Information Agency (GINA) via telephone on Monday that water is receding from several affected communities, and the Regional Administration is working with the relevant stakeholders to determine the impact of the floods, and what assistance and relief would be rendered to affected residents. One of the hardest hit areas in Region 5 has been the Indigenous community of Moraikobai, located up the Mahaicony River. Lower Moraikobai is the area worst affected. The team visited that village over the weekend and distributed aid to the villagers, which included food hampers consisting of rice, flour, sugar, corn meal, Quaker oats, sardines and cooking oil. Some 160

households in Moraikobai were recipients of these hampers. Each household was issued with two gallons of rice, four kgs of flour, two kgs of sugar, three tins of sardines, one bottle of cooking oil, two packs of cornmeal and one pack of Quaker oats. These items, donated by the Mahaicony Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS), are meant to supplement the food supply of the residents. Additionally, the medical outreach team provided medical examination and care for 106 residents, comprising 55 adults and 51 children.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Second man wanted for KN grenade attack

Albouystown accident leaves pedestrian with multiple fractures

The injured Orville Valentine A SENTINEL Security Guard narrowly escaped death last Monday when he was struck from behind by a motorcar in Albouystown and flung into a trench. The victim, Orville Valentine, 48, is now warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital with three fractures

to his left leg and more to his left arm and ribs. When the Guyana Chronicle paid him a visit at the hospital yesterday, Valentine, whose condition is listed as serious, was in cast and still on oxygen, and could not give an account of the accident. However, his sister,

POLICE have issued wanted bulletin for Janiel Howard called ‘JP’ for questioning in relation to grenade-lobbing incident outside of Kaieteur News two Saturdays ago. Howard the police said in a release is wanted for ‘attempting to cause explosion’ which occurred on June 06, 2016, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Howard is asked to contact the nearest police station. The 30-year-old Howard is listed as a resident of Lot 322 Section ‘C’, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. This is second man police have issued wanted bulletin for in relation to the grenade attack on Kaieteur News owner, Glenn Lall. Meanwhile, police are still looking for Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’ for the same incident. Police believe the 20-yearold is a key player in the attack. Wilson is said to be from Lot 43 North Sophia, Georgetown and Lot 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown. This newspaper understands that Wilson’s mother has since

Debra, said it happened around noon, and that her brother, an armoured guard with Sentinel, had just finished working and was heading home. She said he was walking in the corner of the road when the car slammed into him. She said someone who witnessed the accident immediately telephoned her and other relatives, while other persons assisted in getting him to the hospital. The vehicle was identified as bearing a DIGICEL Logo, and relatives said that the company has since admitted liability. Valentine, who seems to be taking on his condition, said that he has been an employee of the guard service (formerly COPS) for more than five years, has a good record and cannot come to terms with sustaining debilitating injuries and being unable to work. He is expected to be taken to theatre today for corrective surgery.

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Janiel Howard moved out of her Sophia home. Police apprehend another suspect on Saturday night as multiple persons remain in custody. Initially, 12 persons were in custody, including the 19-year-old driver of Toyota Spacio PSS 5252 which police found abandoned near Norton Street and Mandela Avenue shortly after the grenade was thrown at Lall’s vehicle. The car is impounded at the East La Penitence Police Station. The vehicle reportedly belongs to a Kitty businesswoman, who had rented it to the young driver. Shortly after the grenade attack, the 19-year-old driver gave conflicting reports to ranks at the Alberttown Police Sta-

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tion, but several persons were subsequently arrested for questioning. However, based on investigations, Wilson appears to have the answers police are seeking. This investigation is being spearheaded by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken, and involves ranks from the Major Crimes Unit. Hicken has said he would do whatever it takes and will go as far as it takes to solve this case. When the device was tossed at the publisher’s vehicle, a security staffer heard an unusual sound near the Lexus SUV, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. Upon checking, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near the right front wheel. Staffers were at the time participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, who had passed away earlier the same day. Video footage from a Kaieteur News CCTV camera showed the grey vehicle heading north, but slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The vehicle then accelerated after the device was thrown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Gov’t assistance to Region 5 farmers ‘too late’ --says Rohee, but contends delay in holding Rodney CoI ‘better late than never!’

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said Government’s aid to flood victims in several areas in Mahaicony Creek and Berbice has come at a time when it is too late, but defended his party holding an inquiry into the death of Walter Rodney decades after taking office as “Better late than never!” Speaking to reporters at the PPP weekly Press Conference at Freedom House on Monday, Rohee said the Government’s attitude toward Region 5 farming communities is “callous … and gross disrespect”. He said farms in the region have been under flood waters for several days and its farmers have been ignored by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Communities, even as they cry for Government

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee assistance. But when the accuracy of his statement was challenged by a reporter, who pointed out that Government visited the area up to Friday, Rohee said: “It too late, it too late”.

Contrary to Rohee claims, the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in collaboration with the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) have launched an aggressive programme to mitigate flood conditions in Region Five. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, with Government’s intervention, it is now expected that the flood waters will continue to recede. Lovely Lass, Golden Grove, Trafalgar and Number 29 Villages have been flooded since last week as a result of excessive rainfall, inoperable pumps at Trafalgar (which were vandalised two years ago), siltation of sluice outfall channel at Trafalgar, and the presence

Berbice cops reach out to needy

of much vegetation in many village channels, the Ministry of Agriculture said Saturday. It also announced that two pumps have been deployed to the Trafalgar sluice while another was installed at Bush Lot Village. Four excavators have been moved to the flooded areas, with two currently working at Trafalgar north, one at Trafalgar south and the other at Golden Grove north. Two tractor pumps are currently draining floodwaters in the residential areas of Golden Grove north and Trafalgar north and two additional tractor pumps have been deployed to drain the residential area of Trafalgar south. The Ministry said the floodwaters have receded by two to three inches in residential areas of Golden Grove north and Trafalgar north and

south at 17:30 hrs on June 10. According to Rohee, while both rice and cashcrop farmers are devastated by the effects of the floods in those areas, the future looks gloomy for the entire region. “For months now, the Ministry of Agriculture has proven to be a failure and totally insensitive to the farming community in Guyana irrespective of whether they are cultivating rice or other agricultural products,” Rohee said. However, the Ministry said the NDIA and MMAADA have been working in conjunction with the RDC, Region Five and the relevant NDC and had in May dredged the outfall channel at the Trafalgar sluice, but it was silted up after a few days of sunshine, as a result of reduced flows. Areas affected in the Ma-

haicony River are Mora Point, Pine Ground, First Savannah, Gordon Table and Wash Clothes. Other areas affected are Moraikubai, Trafalgar/ Union and Lovely Lass. The PPP is demanding that affected communities be “given immediate and unconditional assistance to compensate for their losses and to ensure that their livelihoods are maintained and enhanced”. Meanwhile, the party said it joins with Guyana and the world in observing the 36 th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney, and looks forward to the debate in the National Assembly on the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Rodney’s killing, rejecting any attempt to waterdown the recommendations.

By Alva Solomon

THE B-3 DIVISION community police group of Berbice recently made several donations to the needy on the Corentyne, including victims of piracy. Liaison Officer of the Number 75 Village, Corriverton, Berbice Community Policing Group (CPG), Radica Ramanadan, told the Guyana Chronicle recently that the body has been assisting persons in the communities covered by the division. Recently, the group donated items to assist the relatives of Dochan Sukra, 54, of Number 55 Village. The man is among five fishermen whose bodies have not been located after they were dumped overboard by pirates in the waters of the Corentyne River late last month.

The group also donated a wheelchair to accident victim Catherina Bhola of Number 69 Village on the Corentyne. The woman, who was bedridden following an accident, is now able to move around in her

wheelchair. Ramanandan said that in addition to its security activities, its humanitarian gestures also supplement its security mandate.

Liaison Officer of the Number 75 Village CPG, Radica Ramanandan presents several items to the relative of Dochan Sukra, one of the missing fishermen suspected to have been killed by pirates in the Corentyne River late last month

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Uncertainty over ‘gun threat’ file

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The parking meter debacle

AS debates and deliberations continue on the proposed plan of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) to institute parking meters to regulate use of parking spaces and expand the City’s revenue base, the M&CC has to be mindful that the means to achieving this end can withstand scrutiny, and secure public appreciation for the project. The unfolding of the project dates back to an October 2015 statutory meeting of the Council, when a decision was taken to revisit plans to install parking meters and to build bus sheds in Georgetown. The latter project, notwithstanding reservation as to the size of cover for some sheds, seems to be rolling out smoothly. During the recently held Local Government Elections’ campaign, the issue of parking meters was a major debating point among candidates vying for office. In May, the newly installed City Fathers and Mothers made known their intent to proceed with finalising the implementation of the parking meter system. And it is fair to say that at the time of this announcement, residents were unaware that a proposal was before the Council. The provider whom the Council identified for the project has said the project would result in the creation of 100 jobs. In a city and country where unemployment is high, this is a welcome development. The employment of 100 persons would also redound to indirect employment and economic opportunities for others. The proposed resultant positive notwithstanding, here is where everything started going in an antithetical direction to ethics. There was the announcement of an identified contractor soon after the public learnt that, during 2006 and 2007, City Hall had engaged another contractor from whom it had received a proposal for the handling of such a project. When the information became public, City Hall did not deny this previous interface, nor did it deny being in receipt of a proposal from this 2006/2007 exercise. On the matter of the preferred contractor, questions are being raised, including from within the Council, regarding the authenticity of the credentials of this company, and the inability to verify these credentials by Internet research. This is a serious issue, and City Hall would do well to conduct its own due diligence on this company before it potentially saddles the City with another burden the likes of Synergy Holdings or Surendra Engineering Inc. This newspaper continues to provide coverage on the different points of view regarding the matter as those unfold. In having a say in this section, there is no interest or desire to focus on the personalities involved; the exercise is merely to examine the importance of dealing with issues through the application of ethics, which are so badly needed in the management of the city’s affairs. If there is a proposal on a project with the intent to realise, be it expressed or implied, when that project is expected to be implemented, the proposer(s) should be called in and be treated with deserving respect. It is the ethical way of doing business, and speaks to the importance of valuing people or clients -- resident, contracted or entertained. The public is also being denied the benefit of being educated on the project: how and where it will be rolled out, even though this group is a vital stakeholder. Feedback on the

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) representative, Liz Rahaman on Monday told the Guyana Chronicle that the ‘Nigel Dharamlall’ file which was with that office for legal advice has since been handed over to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). She added that the file had since been returned to the Sparendaam Police Station after the necessary recommendations had been made by the DPP. Police Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan told this newspaper that the Divisional Commander, Marlon Chapman was not in receipt of the ‘Dharamlall file’ as yet. He said that it was possibly in the division, but not yet dispatched to him. The alleged gun threat file involving People’s Progressive Party (PPP) backbencher Nigel Dharamlall was with the DPP, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had reported. Dharamlall, a former permanent secretary of the then

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, is accused of issuing threats to an official of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Media reports indicated that the alleged threat was made at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. In a very terse statement, attorney for Dharamlall, Glenn Hanoman, said: “Given the sensational speculations and inaccurate information already in the public domain, I am constrained, on behalf of my client, to clarify the following: we, first and foremost, wish for the matter to be thoroughly and professionally investigated. Secondly, and towards this end, I have advised my client not to comment on the issue or engage the media so as not to interfere with, or prejudice, this process. My client unequivocally denies any involvement in any criminal act,” Hanoman’s statement affirmed.

Nepotism seen in award of stalls at Bourda Market Dear Editor,

ALTHOUGH I have read in the newspapers multiple reports of perverse acts of nepotism and cronyism within the Georgetown Municipality, I was nonetheless shocked and disappointed to observe -- a few days ago whilst shopping at the Bourda Market -- that one of the newly built stalls located at the corner of Regent Street and Orange Walk is painted in a luminous

green; in fact, the first one at the corner, which sells stationery and office supplies, is owned and controlled by the son of a very senior administrative officer of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC). How could the Council, using the citizens’ money, build stalls on the reserve, where goods used to be loaded and off-loaded much to the inconvenience of the legitimate stallholders inside the market, then turn around

and gift them to the relatives of senior officers? With such wanton disregard for ethics, it is logical to assume that, if it has not already started, the next thing one would hear is that this same vendor is supplying the Council with office supplies and stationery. What next? Yours, NADINE JERRICK

How did City Hall get sucked into this deal? Dear Editor,

THROUGH the decency of the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, the public has been made aware of current attempts to improperly shove a parking system down the throats of residents and visitors to the capital city. How could this new Council be sucked in to the ways of the past, in which accountability and transparency are lacking? How could they subscribe to the awarding of a contract for tens of millions of United States dollars for the installation of a parking meter system without this contract first passing through a bidding process that would

have seen expressions of interest coming from both local and overseas companies of repute? Why the rush now to install this parking system when citizens are already suffering from a slowdown in the economy? How could they engage in such a large project before a forensic audit is done at City Hall? The Government needs to step in and have this entire initiative reviewed, before it is too late; as the last Government had to when similar attempts were being made by the previous Council with this same parking meter company. Has anyone visited the locations where this company claims it has de-

ground is not only about addressing the conflicts in City Hall, but also includes wanting to know where the meters would be placed, and concern about what is being considered exorbitant fees that would have to be paid for parking. Our City Fathers and Mothers need not ignore that times have changed. People are demanding that elected leaders conduct themselves with due regard for those who have put them in office, and people want them to manage the town’s affairs in accordance with certain basic universal standards. With the vendors’ imbroglio still seething, the M&CC could have avoided jumping smack into another debacle in the handling of the parking meters. Both issues have one thing in common: the absence of regard, real or contrived, for people. This ought to be of concern to the Council, and efforts must

ployed these parking systems? Are they in possession of testimonials from other cities recommending this company? Is City Hall exempted from Tender Board procedures? Why does City Hall insist on running Georgetown like a town from the Wild West, back in the day? If the city is seriously interested in finding a solution to the traffic congestion and parking difficulties in the city, then maybe its officials could consider building parking garages in the city, and also make it easier for people to leave their cars at home by investing in public transit and pedestrian avenues. Sincerely, SEAN MONIZ

be made to avoid such a perception. Influences of the Internet and social media are drastically changing expectations on how business is conducted, knowledge acquired, information validated; the way people see their leaders, and what they will not accept from them. Best practices in other societies in the management of the people’s business and treatment of them are confirming and driving the need for replication here. Also, where persons who have offered themselves for leadership support the value of such practices, they will do likewise in their decision-making, or be pressured by their peers -- be they in leadership or not -- to confirm. Things at City Hall have to change, and that change must be for the better.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Councillors outraged! - demand copy of parking meter contract; Chase-Green, King and others out of Guyana

WHILE a team from the City Council is meeting in Mexico on the issue of installing parking meters in Georgetown, several councillors on Monday questioned why they could not gain access to the parking meter contract that was signed recently. Furthermore, one councillor questioned why, at the last statutory meeting, the Council was not informed of the reason for this visit to Mexico; and what the purpose of the visit was, considering that the contract was already signed in May. The team in Mexico includes Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, Town Clerk Royston King, Councillors Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett. Councillors were, in the past, promised that they would be able to peruse the contract and provide their feedback. To date, however, the contract has not been made available to either councilors or the public. “Is the contract available for our perusal?” questioned Councillor Akeem Peter, who reminded the Council that they were supposed to be able to study the contract and make their input. Acting Deputy Mayor Sharon Harry-Munroe responded that all agreements and contracts are signed by the Town Clerk, and are therefore kept by him. She

said King would have to be consulted before the contract could be made available.

“In my research, I have not found any company by the name ‘Smart City Solutions’ associated with parking meter systems in any of the places the company is purporting to have done business, like Panama,” he said. Further, he said that in his independent research on Simon Moshevilli, who represents Smart City Solutions, he has found no one with said a name connected with

SERIOUS MATTER Councillor Salima Bacchus-Hinds, however, stood up to remind councillors that this is a very serious matter. She offered that the Town Clerk did not sign a personal contract, and hence that contract needs to be in the public record. Councillor Welton Clarke said procedure seems to be lacking, and that the parking meter issue ought to be trashed out intelligently. “Why are they only now in Mexico? Should this visit have been done long ago? At the last meeting, we were not informed about the reason for this visit. Should we have been included in this?” Clarke questioned. He commented that the group in Mexico does not have any “fresh blood” in it, so as to bolster councillors’ confidence in the details coming out of the meetings. “Are we waiting on the results to make a final decision? If some of us are not privy to decisions, how are we to be a part of them? The route that we’re taking seems confusing to me. I’m not clear if there’s a contract; I’m not sure if we will see parking meters this year,”

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Town Clerk Royston King

Clarke stated. Councillor Roopnarine Persaud said the parking meter issue is troubling.

Chase-Green and King just before they left Guyana. He assured councillors that their questions would be put to King and Chase-Green when they return. In a social media post recently, Duncan had voiced his refusal to support the parking meter system, citing a lack of verifiable information on the parking meter company. He said he was provided with little information by National Parking Systems’ (NPS) Smart City Solutions from which he can make a quality judgment.

BILLS, BILLS, BILLS “It is a monopoly that we cannot afford here. It is not fair. I will not be a part of it, to saddle my constituency with this type of bill. We cannot riddle them with bills and bills and bills.” Persaud said a broadbased consultation was needed, as opposed to only a few persons who are going after the installation of parking meters. Having listened to everyone’s view on the parking meters’ debacle, acting Mayor Sherod Duncan informed the Council that he had made known his views via email to

the said company. In fact, he said, there is no evidence that such a company even exists. “Again, the total lack of verifiable information on the company and its capacity to execute the scope of the project, and in the absence of a contract on the proposed project, I cannot offer my support (to the project), and reaffirm my grave reservation of such a venture,” he declared.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

£512M worth in cocaine intercepted - boat was from Guyana, UK court told A POLICE drugs expert, giving evidence at the trial of a tug boat crew accused of smuggling, has described as "unprecedented” the amount of cocaine netted in that bust. He told a jury that the 3.2 tonnes of cocaine found hidden on board a Turkish tug boat has a potential maximum street value of £512M. Jurgen Wahla, based in Aberdeen, Scotland, was giving evidence at the trial of nine Turks accused of smuggling cocaine from Guyana, in South America, into Europe. On Monday, at the High Court in Glasgow, he was asked by advocate depute Ashley Edwards, prosecuting: “What is the potential maximum street value of the cocaine?” and DC Wahla replied: “If sold in the UK, it would be £512M if sold in gram deals and adulterated to 15 to 20 per cent pure.” Ms Edwards then asked:

“Just over half a billion pounds?” and DC Wahla responded: "That's correct. It is a massive, massive importation, unprecedented in what I've seen in my experience.” The jury has heard that MV Hamal was boarded by the Royal Navy and Border Force officers in international waters in April last year, and taken to Aberdeen harbour to be searched. DC Wahla said he was present while the cocaine was being taken from a hidden compartment in the ballast tanks at Aberdeen harbour. Detective Constable Wahla said that he tested one of the kilo blocks which was unloaded and found it was 70 per cent pure cocaine. Asked how much the cocaine found on the boat weighed in total, he replied: “It was 3.2 tonnes of cocaine.” The court was told by DC Wahla that 41 of the 3,200 kilo bags were tested and

found to contain cocaine. The average purity was 63 per cent, with a range of between 58 and 74 per cent pure. DC Wahla, who is in the Serious Crimes squad and is a member of the Drugs Expert Witness and Valuation Association, told the jury that cocaine is grown exclusively in South America, and distributed worldwide. The jurors were told that he often works with Europol, based in Belgium, and the National Crime Agency. He was asked by Miss Edwards: “What are the recognised trade routes taking the cocaine from where it is grown?” and DC Wahla replied: “It is now south of Venezuela and Guyana, because of a lot of enforcement activity by the USA patrolling the coast. “Enforcement crackdowns, particularly in Colombia, and increased US enforcement have escalated

The MV Hamal was intercepted by the frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter Valiant 100 miles east of Aberdeen the value of countries such and April 2015. They are Ibrahim Dag, 48; Mumin as Guyana in the global drugs further alleged to have been Sahin, 46; Emin Ozmen, 51; market,” he said. concerned in the supply of Abdulkadir Cirik, 32; and Crew members of the MV the class ‘A’ drug between Muhammet Seckin, 27, deny Hamal are on trial, accused April 21 and 23, 2015. the charges against them. of being involved in an inKayacan Dalgakiran, 64; The trial before Judge ternational drug-smuggling Mustafa Guven, 48; Mustafa Lord Kinclaven continues. operation between February Ceviz, 55; Umit Colakel, 39; (Daily Record)

Young make-up artist challenging gender roles

By Akola Thompson FROM CHILDHOOD, in the small village of Matthew’s Ridge, Region one Vincent Shelto dreamed of becoming a makeup artist (MUA), as his admiration for the profession was great. Now 21 years old and living in Georgetown, Vincent stated that it was not until he entered his 20th year did he begin to experiment with makeup on his family and friends. Before long, Vincent was a part of the competitive world of young make up artists with a desire to both solidify his own dreams and to make persons “look and feel beautiful both inside and out.” Vincent has since received tremendous positive feedback regarding his work from followers, friends and clients alike. Despite the lure of make-up artistry he said, the business could often be a taxing and economically disappointing one, as he knows of many skilled artist who struggle to secure a well paying job and many who are often challenged with having to acquire a large amount of funds to start up their small-scale makeup business. He opined that both the public and private sectors could do more as it relates to business startups to assists individuals aspiring to entrepreneurship. New MUA’s he said often make the mistake of diving too quickly, in that they are often not very familiar with the quality of varying products and so, they tend to learn by trial and error. Additionally, beginners tend to break under the criticism they receive from society and individuals who are considered as professional MUAs.

Vincent Shelto

He advised those new to the business to do in depth research as it relates to products they use and to try to not be influenced by the criticisms of others and to have confidence in their abilities. Vincent related that as an MUA who has been continuously criticized, he believes it is important for one to have ‘thick skin.’ “There is a lot of stigma attached to being a male MUA, so while I do get a lot of positive feedback from satisfied cli-

ents and impressed onlookers, I also receive a lot of negative feedback due to the fact that I choose to wear makeup and that has been one of the major challenges I have had to deal with.” A quick glance at Vincent’s Facebook page, which has more than 6,000 followers, would reveal high praises relating to his work and distasteful comments relating to him and his love of wearing makeup. Instead of harboring the negativity and being burdened by it, Vincent said, he chose to use it as a stepping-stone to not only better himself, but also his profession, as both the negative and positive remarks have opened new doors filled with opportunities for him. “My followers are always excited to see what’s coming next and I try to continuously market my work whether or not it is worn by me. Fitting in with the crowd may be best at times but it isn't always what's best. It is okay to be unique, to be you.” Many Guyanese, he said, possess a “stagnant way of thinking- which prevents us all from embracing changes.” Individuals, he believes, can be sensitized as it relates to the fact that changing societies have caused 'gender roles' to become “obsolete.” Through the help of workshops aimed at educating persons on the changing norms and expectations of today’s society he hopes that one day a man can wear makeup and not have a significant part of society try to ridicule and denounce him for it. “Labor ministries can also do more as it relates to training workers to handle sensitive issues such as assuming roles and career choices based on gender. Everyone can be the person they dream to be and work diligently towards that while leaving gender behind.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Rights of Indigenous prisoners -most violated CoI report

THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of 17 inmates at the Georgetown Prisons has found that Indigenous people constitute the population group whose rights are most violated by the prison system. The CoI listed Indigenous people, female offenders, mentally ill prisoners, those with HIV, and children as the most vulnerable groups within the prison system. The CoI report, which was recently handed over

to President David Granger, found that in addition to the general inhumane conditions to which all detainees are exposed at prisons, Indigenous people suffer a range of additional hardships: They are separated completely from their families and communities, and suffer longer delays in their trials. “Prison diet never includes food to which they are accustomed. Indigenous people by nature are less assertive or aggressive than oth-

er population groups. They endure far longer delays in trials due to the unreliability of interior courts. In many cases, a poor command of English isolates Indigenous prisoners almost completely from life around them,” the CoI report said. The report noted that application of this harsh system towards Indigenous people is almost totally ignored by the administration of justice, the Parole Board, and the political administration.

Kuru Kururu ‘wife-beater’ still at large POLICE are likely to issue a wanted bulletin for the man who allegedly beat his reputed wife in the face with a gun two Thursdays ago at her Kuru Kururu home, just off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Police Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan told the Guyana Chronicle late yesterday that the suspect is still at large, since the police have not yet been able to locate him. The woman, Natasha Harry, of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, is reportedly recuperating from the injuries she sustained when she was savagely beaten by the assailant during a heated argument. Reports are that following the beating, relatives of the 31-year-old who live nearby found her lying on the floor and bleeding profusely from the face. On seeing her condition, they rushed her to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, but she was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital GPHC.

Natasha Harry

The report also found that the great majority of female prisoners do not constitute a threat to society: “However, the way society deals with women is simply an extension of what is considered appropriate for men. “When a policy turns out to be inappropriate for men, it is usually disastrous for women, which is clearly the case with the current penal policy”, the report noted. It was noted that women in Guyana’s prisons constitute four per cent of the total number of incarcerated persons, and security arrangements at the women's prison in New Amsterdam, Berbice are extensions of what are in place for the men's section within the same compound. This was described by the CoI as “an unnecessarily depressing multiplicity of locks, bars, barbed wire and

electronic devices in overcrowded spaces”. Mentally ill persons who find themselves in trouble with the law are, in significant numbers, passed through the magistracy into Guyana’s prisons; and according to the CoI, the prison service has no resources, human or financial, for integrating them into an overcrowded prison. “Although the Ministry of Health should provide, statutorily, a full-time medical doctor, the delivery of routine medical services is a constant problem. Services for the mentally ill are even less reliable. This situation works systematic hardship on all aspects of prison life,” the CoI found. The CoI recommended that the Ministry of Health, aided by the magistracy, the police and the prison service, should intervene in this sit-

uation. It was further revealed that the provision in the Narcotics Act -- for persons convicted of narcotics offences to be directed by the magistrate to attend recovery courses at a specialised unit -- has never been made viable due to the Ministry of Health never having created the unit. “Once again, the Prison Service is forced to address this problem as best it can, with no dedicated or professional resources being made available.” The Commissioners recommended that consideration should be given to releasing aging prisoners early, in the interest of lowering over-crowding. It was noted that this category of prisoners is likely to expand, in view of the sentencing eccentricity which the Judiciary urgently needs to correct.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Mason electrocuted while on the job

By Michel Outridge A BEL Air Village mother is in deep shock and mourning at news that her son, Carl Clarkson, called ‘Boy Blue’, was

electrocuted on Sunday morning at his workplace. Marva Clarkson, of Lot 37, Second Street, Bel Air Village, told the Guyana Chronicle yester-

day that the post-mortem confirmed that her son had died by electrocution. She said that, as is customary, on Sunday morning she took lunch for her son at about 11:30hrs

at his lower Robb Street, Georgetown workplace, where he was employed on contract as a mason; but she did not see him. Clarkson said that after calling out for him and receiving no answer, two women from next door came out and asked if she was looking for ‘Boy Blue’. After responding in the affirmative, the mother of five said, they told her he had had an accident and was at the hospital. What aroused her suspicion, however, was that they both began crying. Clarkson said that after composing themselves, the women took her to the Public Hospital, where she saw the lifeless body of her son. Not only was it evident that he had been severely burnt, the distraught woman said, but there was blood seeping through his mouth and nose. She said she was told that her son was standing

on the second floor of the unfinished three-storey building, receiving a quantity of steel rods when a length came into contact

Dead: Carl Clarkson, better known as ‘Boy Blue’

with a live GPL power line. Such was the impact, Clarkson said she was made to understand, that it sent her son pitching into the fence on the ground floor; and though he was immediately rushed to the hospital, it was too late, as

he was pronounced dead on arrival. The woman said that that morning she did not get to speak with the contractor with whom her son had worked for the past 15 years, but he has since reached out to her. She said he gave some money for her to hold a wake, and has pledged to help with expenses for the funeral, which is scheduled for Sunday. Clarkson told this newspaper that ‘Boy Blue’, who had been 41, had provided for her, had been a very hard-working person, and had worked every day from early morning until late into the night. “My son said he would not marry until I deh good, and (he) used to mind me. Now look what happen to him! Why he had to go like that?!” she cried. ‘Boy Blue’ described as a very jovial, easygoing person, had been a vegetarian.

‘Boy Blue’s mother, Marva Clarkson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Stolen vehicles being exchanged for drugs

A REPORT in the Brazilian media has stated that many vehicles, especially motorcycles, which emerge from theft and robbery in the State of Roraima, are brought into Guyana via Lethem to be exchanged for drugs. The report, which appeared on the online portal Folha, said the State Government has signed an agreement with the Office of the General Consulate of Guyana in Boa Vista to curb criminal activities at the border, and to facilitate the return of seized vehicles to their owners. Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that

the issue of vehicle theft has been in existence for some time. He said that authorities in Lethem recently seized 12 to 14 motorcycles whose owners are trying to obtain the necessary paperwork to operate in the area. He said there have been reports of persons making hire purchase agreements on motorcycles in Boa Vista; and according to him, such persons would subsequently sell the bikes across the border in Lethem and nearby communities. “Then they would report it to the Brazilians as being stolen,” he said. According to the report, Data Traffic Management

System Getran, of the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), has shown that in the first five months of 2016, the number of robberies and vehicle thefts in Roraima grew 65.5 per cent, compared to the same period last year. "Most are bikes, (which are) easier to take and exchange for drugs, especially at the border, as in Lethem in Guyana," Leonardo Barronconas of the Bureau of Robberies and Thefts noted. G u y a n a ’s C o n s u l ate General in Boa Vista, Shirley Melville, told the Brazilian media that it was verbally agreed that there would be cooperation agreement between the po-

lice institutions of Roraima and Lethem. "It's important for us to act together and thus avoid this type of crime,” she was quoted as saying. “Furthermore, we can facilitate and enable the return of the vehicles to their owners." Many are not familiar with the type of assistance which the Consulate General’s Office offers in terms of assis-

tance in cases of robbery and theft of vehicles in Brazil, and which are suspected of being in Guyana illegally,” she said. "No one seeks us for help. However, we inform the citizens that we are available to provide the necessary support," Melville said. She said the agreement shows that governments are concerned about solving the problem. "In February, there was a bilateral meeting between Brazil and Guyana, and one of the issues addressed was the issue of stolen vehicles. “During that meeting, it was agreed that we would take appropriate action to

curb the criminal actions, and that soon we will formalise the agreement. We are acting proactively to deal with the border situation," she said. While in the region recently, this newspaper observed the ease in which persons trade items on the border without inspections being done by the authorities on the Guyana side of the border. Many Guyanese would venture into nearby Bom Fin and further into the State and make purchases on various items, including grocery. These are subsequently retailed in the shops at Lethem and surrounding communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

No charge Sherah Alleyne

THE GUYANA Water Inc. has dismissed claims that residents of Diamond on the East Bank Demerara are being charged for water supplied by the company. The company stated that it had several organizations assisting them in distributing a free water supply, including the Guyana Fire Service. One resident claimed that the trucks employed by GWI to deliver water to residents were now charging them for the service, in some instances as much as $5,000 per tank of water. The area has been without water for some time and GWI is unsure when their taps and showers will be flowing again, according to a report. According to notices issued to GWI customers of Diamond, Kaneville and Diamond Public Road, the company was experiencing technical difficulties at the Diamond Well Station and as a result the residents were unable to receive water through their taps. Hence the company is providing water via tankers. The water will be delivered to the affected areas at seven scheduled hours. GWI reminded customers of Diamond and Kaneville, East Bank Demerara that rehabilitation work had been completed on the Diamond Well Station in March of this year. It was supervised by GWI and executed by Nabi Construction Inc. at a cost in excess of G$12 million. However, GWI teams are working to ascertain the reason for the current challenges at the Diamond Well Station. The company stated that they will update customers on any progress, according to a report.

Tuesday June 14th, 2016 - 13:00 hrs Wednesday June 15th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Eusi Kwayana Award gets new life NEW LIFE was breathed into the Eusi Kwayana Award with the presentation of a cheque to the University of Guyana (UG) by visiting members of the Baveghems family from the District of Columbia, USA, whose ancestry is linked to Guyana and tied in particular to Kwayana. The Eusi Kwayana Award was established in 2002 by relatives of Kwayana (formerly known as Sidney King, who hailed from Buxton, East Coast Demerara), after a family reunion of the Baveghems family in the same year. The award from this family seeks to honour the contributions of Kwayana as an educator in Guyana. The award was previously given to a second year student who completed the Certificate in Education, in the normal period of time, with a GPA of not less than 3.0 and who was proceeding to the Bachelor of Education programme. The family explained that the intention was not just to reward good performance but also to offer incentive to teachers to proceed to the Bachelor of Education programme on completion of the Certificate in Education. Given recent changes to the structure of the education programme at

UG, the family has approved amendments to the award. It will now be offered to a first year Bachelor of Education student who is proceeding to the second year of the programme, having completed year one in the normal period of time, with a GPA of not less than 3.0 and with no failed grades. Subject to the app r o v a l o f t h e U G ’s Scholarships and Awards Committee, these changes will be effected from November, 2016. Additionally, the award will now be offered to two students annually. The cheque, which is expected to sustain the award for the next three years, was handed over to the University of Guyana by Joycelyn Thompson, Delores Collins and Rebecca Miskiri-Antoine. The family expressed regret that the award was dormant for a while but advised that it was their intention and desire to maintain the award henceforth. Receiving on the university’s behalf was Daniella King, Assistant R e g i s t r a r- S t u d e n t s ’ Welfare, who thanked the family for their continued support and interest in the development of the educators who are expected to mould the minds of future generations of Guyanese.

Members of the Baveghems family: From left: Rebecca Miskiri-Antoine, Delores Collins and Joycelyn Thompson. Also in picture is Daniella King (right), Assistant Registrar-Students’ Welfare, UG

‘We need not be poor again’

REITERATING that the country can no longer sustain itself with its traditional export earners, President Granger has urged the diaspora in the United States to return home and invest in Guyana. “We need not be poor again,” the President told a large gathering at Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary State Dinner held at the Sheraton Hotel, Manhattan, New York on Saturday night. He charged investors to have confidence in Guyana while being creative, so that this country can prosper as it should. He said investments by foreign countries and entities are welcomed but what is needed more than ever are indigenous Guyanese businesses. “It is better to have Guyanese companies. You can invest and prosper as readily as foreigners. You are family, please,” he told the attendees of the State dinner. Guyana and Guyanese alike, the President said, are proud of its achievements over the years and will continue to work to enhance the country’s image. In reflecting on the achievements, President Granger spoke of advancements in the housing sector, water, drainage and irrigation, agriculture and education. “We Guyanese must continue to pursue a path to pro-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

...President charges diaspora to return home and invest

A section of the gathering at the State dinner last Saturday night vide a good life for our people,” the Guyanese leader stated, while noting that Guyana needs investment to start up its engine of growth. He said Guyanese living in the diaspora can establish companies here, noting that “we need to develop our industry and reduce reliance on the six sisters… we have

to move along the chain of production.” President Granger said it is time Guyana adds more value to its products and to do so there must be innovation. However, he stressed that whatever the investment may be, it must be done in accordance with the standards of a ‘green economy’.

Guyana is divided into two parts said President Granger, “half in North America and half in South America.” As such, he urged the diaspora to do more. “… Exploit our abundant human resources and natural assets.” “A better life is in Guyana… we can do more to exploit the reservoir of talent and capital here in the diaspora,” the President stated. He said the celebration of 50 years of Independence is an opportunity for Guyanese to reflect with the aim of enhancing the future. “Our eyes must remain set on the prize,” he said, while noting that the prospects of a prosperous economy are good. INTEGRAL PART The diaspora is an integral part of Guyana, emotionally, economically and experientially. “The diaspora must be involved in Guyana’s development; it must be developed for all of us but by all of us. We are happy diaspora is part of the change that is taking place in our motherland,” said President Granger. He called on Guyanese to embrace each other so as to embark on a path of development that will empower all to overcome the challenges that exist. Meanwhile, President Granger reaffirmed Guy-

Caricom country and has much to offer, and as such, all of Guyana’s national treasures must be preserved. Those national treasures the President said, include the country’s national animals. President Granger called on all Guyanese to desist from using the national animals as food for they can contribute significantly to the country’s economic and tourism development. “These giants do not belong in Pepperpot and Souse,” President Granger said to loud applause as he emphasised the need to preserve that which is unique to Guyana. “These giants are worth more alive than dead,” the President added while charging Guyanese to “be careful with wild meat parties”. Strategically, President Granger pitched another call to the Guyanese Diaspora to return to Guyana to invest.

President David Granger delivering his address at the event ana’s position on the border He said Guyana can no loncontroversy with Venezuela. ger afford to sustain itself by He said Guyana maintains the use of the ‘six sisters’. that the only way to end the He said rice, sugar, bauxite, controversy is to go to the In- gold, timber and fish are not sufficient during this era to ternational Court of Justice. Guyana and Venezue- move the economy to where la have been at odds over it ought to be. “We need not be poor the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal again,” the President said Award and President Grangas he charged investors to er said “We cannot spend the have confidence in Guynext 50 years in the shadow ana while being creative so of a territorial threat and we are asking the Secretary that Guyana can proper as General of the United Na- it should. He said investtions to bring this claim to ments by foreign countries an end. Let’s go to court and and entities are welcomed but what is needed more settle it,” he said. He said Guyana is the than ever are indigenous biggest and most bountiful Guyanese businesses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Capacity strengthening for food safety sector PROFESSIONALS in the food safety sector are now benefiting from a South-South Triangular Cooperation Project initiated by Chile and aimed at increasing capacity for strengthening the functioning of the Codex Alimentarius structure in Guyana. According to the Representative in Guyana of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Wilmot Garnett, the two-year project is being executed as a technical development cooperation project, in which Chile has partnered with IICA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to achieve stronger Codex systems, not only in Guyana, but also in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia and Suriname. The Codex Alimentarius, initiated in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is a set of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice which contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international food trade. Compliance by exporters ensures that consumers can trust the safety and quality of the food products they buy, and importers can trust that the food they ordered would be delivered in accordance with their specifications. Governments see benefits for health and trade by implementing national standards derived from Codex Alimentarius. Farmers ensure that their produce can be sold at home and abroad by following national standards based on Codex Alimentarius, and the system is seen as a solid foundation for sustaining the profitability of farming worldwide. The technical cooperation activities are being finan-

Minister Holder addressing participants at the Codex workshop. At the head-table, from left to right, are Ambassador Holloway, Ambassador Claudio Rojas Rachel, and IICA local representative Wilmot Garnett cially supported by the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development and the United States Department of Agriculture, and are being implemented with IICA’s support. A one-day workshop in this regard was held in Guyana last week. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder was the guest speaker at that function, held at the Cara Lodge in Quamina Street, Georgetown. Others present included United States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway; Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas Rachel; International Affairs Coordinator and Chile Codex Contact Point in the Chilean Food Quality and Food Safety Agency (ACHIPIA), Diego Varela; Media Manager, ACHIPIA, Eduardo Espinosa; IICA Specialist in Agricultural Health and Food Safety, Trinidad Dele-

gation, Dr Lisa Harrynanan; Programme Manager, Agriculture and Industry at the CARICOM Secretariat, Nisa Surujbally; members of the diplomatic corps, Government of Guyana officials and private sector representatives; Guyana’s Representative at IICA, Wilmot Garnett; local staffers of IICA and members of the Guyana’s National CODEX Committee. FOREFRONT Addressing the workshop, Minister Holder said the importance of Codex in the context of Guyana’s bid to provide safe food locally, enable exports and expand agriculture, has always been on the forefront of Government’s plans for national development. He stressed that it was imperative that Guyana adopt a scientific and technological approach in transforming the agricultural development

Some participants at the Codex Alimentarius workshop

trajectory and in advancing science-based food standards which will help this country to adjust quickly to the growing competitiveness of the international markets. Ambassador Holloway said globalisation of trade, which has contributed to food availability and diversification throughout the world, has increased the chances that the food produced in one place will affect the health and diet of people living in another. “As foodborne and waterborne illnesses kill an estimated 2.2 million people annually, most of them children, the Codex provides an opportunity for all of us to promote human health without putting barriers to productivity and the sustainable development of countries’ economies.” Ambassador Claudio Rojas Rachel said the workshop, as well as others to be carried out in Jamaica, Trinidad and

Tobago, Saint Lucia and Suriname, was carried out as an activity of a project drafted through the Chilean fund against hunger and poverty, with support from IICA. He noted that Chile was appointed as the new Coordinator for the Codex Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean last year. THANKS “I would also like to mention and thank the financial contribution made by the United States Department of Agriculture for this activity, which allowed us to expand the outreach of this first mission to the Caribbean,” the diplomat said. Diego Varela of ACHIPIA told the Guyanese participants at the workshop that they would be expected to send a draft version of Guyana’s Codex Procedural Manual and Strategy by September this year, and then a second draft

around January 2017. “We are hoping to get your final version within a year, so that when we come back to get another workshop, it will be ready for implementation,” he said. Guyana became a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission since 1970, and falls within the Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Guyana’s National Codex Committee was resuscitated on March 05, 2014 through the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), and has been receiving support from IICA. The National Codex Committee comprises 17 members from sectors such as Government, non-government organisations (NGOs), private sector and academia. The GNBS is the Codex Contact Point for Guyana.

Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas Rachel, addressing participants at the Codex workshop. At head table, from left to right are Ambassador Holloway, Minister Holder, and IICA local representative Wilmot Garnett

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Ex CANU officer, accomplice jailed for cocaine in shoe soles

FORMER CUSTOMS Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer, Kurt Sunich and an outgoing US passenger were yesterday convicted for trafficking cocaine in shoe soles last year at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Sunich, 30, and Israel George, 22, were jailed for four years and fined over $1.5M each, after they were found guilty of conspiring with a person or persons known or unknown to traffic 580 grams of cocaine on July 3, 2015 at CJIA. According to reports, the cocaine was hidden in two shoe soles in the lavatory of the departure lounge. The illicit substance was neatly packed in the footwear and was placed in the area for an outgoing passenger. However, the plan failed when CANU officers carried out a routine search and found the drug that was placed there for the outgoing passenger to collect. The ranks reportedly substituted the drug unknown to the passenger, who later took possession of the shoes. He was arrested. According to court facts, the cocaine was hidden in two shoe

JAILED: Kurt Sunich

soles in the toilet of the departure lounge. The illicit substance was placed in the area for George to collect. At the time he was an outgoing passenger. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, during her summing up placed weight on Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers case since he had proven all the elements of the offence to convict the two men. Sunich’s Attorney Euclin Gomes in mitigation said that his client accepted the court ruling and asked the court to impose the minimal sentence that the law permitted. Sunich and George made their first court appearance on July 7 last and had denied the allegation. They were remanded to prison but were subsequently released on High Court bail.

Man charged for attempted murder

KEON STEPHEN Hall, 23, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged for attempted murder. The charge stemmed from an incident on April 20 at South Ruimveldt, where Michelle Darrell was wounded. The unrepresented mechanic was not required to plea to the charge.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones strongly opposed the granting of bail since the accused posed a flight risk. According to Jones the defendant had been on the run for the past month but he was apprehended on June 7, after a wanted bulletin was issued for him. Hall was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned until July 6.

Hall was not required to plead to the charge

DE Jonge had bought a friend ‘fire rage’, and had gone to the defendant to ‘settle the score’ when he sustained injuries. In the New Amsterdam Court on Thursday, Attorney Tania Warren Clement told the magistrate that it was the victim who approached the accused, and her client acted in self-defence. Police Sergeant Phillip Sheriff, prosecuting, noted that the victim is still hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpora-

tion. Magistrate Marcus ordered that the defendant post bail in the sum of $500,000, lodge his passport and report to the Central Police Station every Friday at 1800hrs, until the completion of the matter. Particulars of the charge revealed,that on January 16, at Lot 49 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, with intent to commit murder, Bender wounded De Jonge. The matter is fixed for hearing on February 17.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Three charged with cocaine in frozen fish

FOLLOWING the discovery of over 18 pounds of cocaine in frozen fish at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the police yesterday charged three persons. Minibus driver Shafaur Alli, 27 and his sister Lazena Imrazie, 22, denied trafficking the elicit substance when the charge was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court. It is alleged that on June 8 at CJIA, the siblings had 9.44 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Ali of La Jealousie, West Coast Demerara and Imrazie

Tazim Gafoor of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara were represented by attorneys Peter Hugh and Bernard Da Silva. The lawyers claimed that Ali and Imrazie had no knowledge of the drug, since they rented a fish plant, which is operated by a third party. According to Hugh, Imrazie was clearing pack-

Lazena Imrazie ages at the airport when she was arrested. However, Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones strongly opposed bail for the duo. He argued that no special reasons were provided by the defence counsel for bail to be considered by the court. He pointed out that Imrazie provided conflicting address-

Shafaur Alli es and told investigators that she lived in La Jealousie. But attorney Da Silva explained that Imrazie was the mother of a five-month-old baby and she would usually stay at her brother’s house. Bail was denied and they were remanded to prison until July 7. Meanwhile, Imrazie’s

brother-in-law, 43-year-old Tazim Gafoor, was charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the said matter. It is alleged that the businessman attempted to secure the release of the seized narcotics. Gafoor of Windsor Forest, WCD denied the charge and was released on $200,000 bail. The case was also adjourned until July 7. Prosecutor Jones told the court that the police captured Gafoor during a sting operation when he attempted to bribe the officer. He is sus-

pected to be the mastermind behind the cocaine shipment. But his lawyer, Glen Hanoman debunked the prosecution’s claims. Ranks of the Police Narcotic Branch intercepted and seized the cocaine in a cargo shipment of frozen fish at the CJIA destined for the United States of America on June 8. The defendants allegedly declared 33 boxes of fish to be exported. Routine checks were done on the cargo by the ranks and the cocaine was found concealed inside the seafood.

All four WBD drug accused remanded

SHELEZA Khan, the ex-wife of self-confessed drug-trafficker Barry Dataram, along with three others who were last Friday busted at a house with over 170 pounds of marijuana, has been remanded to prison. Her associates: Balkissoon Ramdass, Felicia Laundry and Andrea Puran, all of West Bank Demerara, appeared with her before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, jointly charged with drug trafficking. The court heard that between June7 and June 9, at

Dataram’s ex-wife, Sheleza Khan 28-year-old mother of two who lives in Evergreen Street, Versailles, WBD. The Chief Magistrate has remanded them until June 24, and transferred the matter before the Vreed-en-Hoop magistrate. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), acting on a tip-off, conducted the raid, seized 170 pounds of cannabis, and arrested the four accused. Sheleza Khan, Dataram’s ex-wife, gained notoriety in December 2007 when she and her threeyear-old daughter were Balkissoon kidnapped by two VenezueRamdass Roraima Housing Scheme, lans, one of whom was later WCD, they had 76 kilograms, shot dead in a confronta910 grams of cannabis in their tion with the police. possession for the purpose of trafficking. Represented by attorney-at-law Mark Waldron, they all denied the charge. Balkissoon Ramdass was separately charged with aiding persons known and unknown to traffic narcotics at Roraima Housing Scheme, WBD. He pleaded not guilty. According to the lawyer, Ramdass is a 54-yearold businessman who lives in Roraima Housing Scheme along with his reputed wife, Andrea Puran, and their three children. Khan is a 34-year-old housewife who lives at Versailles, WBD with her Felicia Laundry and two children. Laundry is a Andrea Puran

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Samuels, openers spark Windies to big... From back page

overs, and from there the required rate was never likely to drift beyond six runs per over. After Khawaja's misses, James Faulkner contributed an excellent cutter to deceive Fletcher, and Adam Zampa struck in his first over with a skidding delivery that pinned Charles in front of middle stump. However, their early work gave Samuels and Bravo time to get established, without Smith being able to pressure the scoreboard through his bowlers. The boundaries flowed momentarily to a trickle, but neither batsman lost his composure, and the target had been whittled down to

99 from 115 balls by the time Bravo was claimed by Zampa with a bouncing leg break that touched glove and pad before looping up for Matthew Wade. Ramdin kept Samuels company as the equation shrank still further, and it was left to the senior batsman to put the result more or less beyond doubt with a trio of sixes off Zampa in the 41st over. The first of these was centimetres away from being caught by the debutant Travis Head, who did take the ball cleanly but was thrown off balance by the proximity of the rope and unable to hurl the ball in for a successful juggle. The

next two cleared him comfortably. Samuels would not be Samuels without moments to counterbalance the brilliance, and a languid single the same over ended his innings when Wade scampered around the stumps and fired a dead-eye throw at the non-striker's stumps. Coulter-Nile found a way through Ramdin and coaxed the thinnest of edges from Holder to keep the crowd on tenterhooks, but Pollard and Brathwaite kept their heads to collect victory with more than four overs remaining.(ESPN Cricinfo)

Brazil crash out of Copa... From back page

replays of the incident on screens in the Gillette Stadium. "It was such a clear handball, but we have no influence over the referee," he said. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca meanwhile insisted his side had deserved to win. "I thought we did enough to deserve to win," Gareca said, adding he had not had a clear view of the handball incident. "I haven't seen it yet. I've heard some comments. But I never think too much about mistakes by officials,"

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he said. Brazil's early exit is certain to pile pressure on Dunga after what was a lacklustre tournament. The Brazilians, desperate to begin the road to recovery after their humiliating 7-1 defeat by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals two years ago, never convinced at any point of the group stage. A 0-0 opening draw with Ecuador -- where a refereeing decision which might have given Ecuador a victory went in Brazil's favour -- was followed by a 7-1 12:00 hrs Pique Sous 12;35 hrs Big City Dreamin Thirsk 09:10 hrs Lady In Question 09:45 hrs Robero 10:20 h 16:00 hrs Miro 13:00 hrs Derulo 13:30 hrs Lasoscar IRISH 14:00 hrs Exit Seven 14:30 hrs Bright Tomorrow 15:00 hrs Pilgrim Way

drubbing of Haiti, arguably the weakest team in the tournament. Another drab display against Peru followed on Sunday, with Dunga's side barely getting a shot on goal in the first-half with the exception of a shot by Gabriel in the 26th minute that was tipped away by Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Dunga, meanwhile, emphasised that Brazil's longterm rebuilding job would take time. "There are no quickfixes," he said. "We will need to be patient." 15:30 hrs Clontarf 16:00 hrs Miro AMERICAN Parx Racing Race 1 Viva La Kid Race 2 Giroux Race 3 Blazeinblairsden Race 4 Lady Sequoia Race 5 Town Policy Race 6 Grey by You Race 7 Copy That Race 8 Spectacular Me Race 9 Your Place Or Mine Race10 Spartanâ€™s Beauty

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Russians trained to fight involved in Euro 2016 clashes ‒ prosecutor

... Two English fans jailed for fighting By Jean-Francois Rosnoblet MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Russians trained to fight were involved in the worst of the fan violence that hit Marseille at the start of the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, the French city's chief prosecutor said yesterday, as two English fans were jailed for fighting. A middle-aged Englishman remained in a critical condition in hospital after he was assaulted, one of 35 people injured during three days of fighting involving Russian, English and French fans in Marseille's Vieux Port (Old Port). European soccer's governing body, UEFA, has said it is "disgusted" by the melees inside and outside the stadium in Marseille and has threatened to expel the Russian and English teams from the championship if the violence persists. "There were 150 Russian supporters who in reality were hooligans," Marseille

prosecutor Brice Robin told a news conference. "These people were well prepared for ultra-rapid, ultra-violent action." Scenes of rival fans wielding metal bars and hurling beer bottles in street clashes in Marseille, as well as incidents in Nice, Lille and Paris, underscore the challenge soccer federations in Europe face in stamping out hooliganism. Further along the Mediterranean coast from Marseille, Nice's prosecutor said violence there involving Northern Irish fans on Saturday night was instigated by remnants of the now-disbanded French fan group known as the Nice Brigade that had ties with far-right circles. England fans have said they were ambushed by squads of Russian assailants in at least one incident, though the Marseille prosecutor made clear that England supporters were responsible for some of the skirmishes in Marseille. Yesterday a Marseille

court began hearing fasttrack trials of 10 people held in police custody - six Britons, three French nationals and an Austrian. All were charged with violence involving a weapon, mostly against law enforcement officers. In the first two cases, English cook Alexander Booth, 20, and psychiatric nurse Ian Hepworth were jailed for two and three months respectively. Both men were barred from returning to France for two years once their sentences were served. "I'm truly sorry. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I'm no hooligan," Booth told the judge before his sentence was read out. BRITISH CONCERNS No Russians had been arrested over the weekend, Robin acknowledged. Asked why not, the prosecutor said they had carried out lightning strikes which made arrests difficult and that closed-circuit television footage was still being

Police and supporters clash at the old port of Marseille before the game. (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier)

studied. "These are highly trained people," Robin said. Robin said some Russian supporters were turned back on arrival at Marseille international airport but that others had arrived overland. French officials say 3 000 England soccer fans had been slapped with banning orders to block their travel to France due to pre-

vious offences, while only 30 Russian supporters were prevented from travelling. A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said his government welcomed the UEFA investigation and it was also vital to review crowd-control methods inside Euro 2016 stadiums. "Are there any lessons

that the French authorities can learn from that for future games ... to look at where the teams’ relevant supporters are and how to manage those issues at the end of the game?" she told reporters. Asked whether a complaint had been made about Russian fan behaviour, she said: "We have raised our concerns."

Chahal puts Zimbabwe into KPMG steps down spin as India claim ODI series

as auditor of FIFA

(REUTERS) - Auditing firm KPMG has stepped down as auditor of FIFA, the global football body said yesterday, saying it was welcoming the opportunity to work with a new audit firm. KPMG confirmed it had resigned, but declined further comment. It said in September it had launched an internal review of its Swiss business over audits of FIFA's financial record-keeping. FIFA is facing serious allegations involving financial transactions under Swiss and U.S. investigations, and President Gianni Infantino has said he has launched a comprehensive financial audit of the organisation's finance function. "The appointment of a new auditor, coupled with the appointments of a new chief financial officer and a new chief compliance officer, is an essential step in this process," FIFA said in its statement.

HARARE, Zimbabwe (Reuters) – Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took three for 25 as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe yesterday to clinch the three-match OneDay International series. India claimed victory in the series opener on Saturday by nine wickets and in this second fixture restricted Zimbabwe to 126 all out after

sending their hosts in to bat at the Harare Sports Club. The tourists reached their modest victory target for the loss of openers Lokesh Rahul (33) and Karun Nair (39) as the latter put on 67 for the second wicket with Ambati Rayudu (41 not out). India had 23.1 overs remaining in what was a one-sided contest between their inexperienced selection and a reeling Zim-

babwe side whose coach Dav Whatmore was sacked on the eve of the series. Only Vusi Sibanda (53) offered any sort of resistance in the Zimbabwe batting innings, with just two other players reaching double-figures as they lost their last seven wickets for 20 runs. The scalps were shared among the Indian bowlers, but Chahal was the pick with

three for 25 in his six overs. The Zimbabwe innings was hampered by the loss of batsman Sean Williams, who injured his finger between the toss and the start of the match and did not bat. The final match of the ODI series will be staged tomorrow, after which the teams will play three Twenty20 matches starting on Saturday.

Future tour dates: Details of forthcoming international series Pakistan women in England (June-July 2016) Pakistan in England (July-September 2016) Afghanistan in Scotland & Ireland (July 2016) India in West Indies (July-August 2016) Australia in Sri Lanka (July-September 2016) New Zealand in Zimbabwe (July-August 2016)

New Zealand in South Africa (August 2016) New Zealand in India (September-October 2016) - dates to be finalised Australia & Ireland in South Africa (September-October 2016) England women in West Indies (October 2016) England in Bangladesh (October 2016) - dates to be

finalised South Africa in Australia (November 2016) Pakistan in New Zealand (November 2016) England in India (November 2016-January 2017) - dates to be finalised New Zealand in Australia (December 2016) Pakistan in Australia (December 2016-January

2017) Sri Lanka in South Africa (December 2016-February 2017) Bangladesh in New Zealand (December 2016-January 2017) Australia in New Zealand (January-February 2017) South Africa in New Zealand (February-March 2017)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

England win series 2-0 as rain ruins final day at Lord's

Jonny Bairstow was named man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series.

ENGLAND were denied the chance to press for a series whitewash over Sri Lanka as rain ruined the final day of the third Test at Lord's. Only 12.2 overs were possible in two spells, during which Sri Lanka progressed from 32-0 to 78-1 in pursuit of a notional 362 to win. Kaushal Silva was the sole wicket to fall, lbw to James Anderson, before play was called off at 17:10hrs BST. A five-match one-day series starts on June 21, followed by a T20. Dimuth Karunaratne finished unbeaten on 37, while Kusal Mendis made 17 not out, hitting Joe Root for

six off the final ball of the match. With both sides taking two points from the draw Sri Lanka's first in 17 Tests - England lead 10-2 in the inaugural 'Super Series'. There are 12 points available in the limited-overs series.

For all England's frustration at the weather yesterday, they can take credit for the efficient manner in which they completed a 2-0 series win over an inexperienced Sri Lanka side exposed by early summer conditions. Jonny Bairstow's return of 387 runs was 95 more than the next best batsman and cemented his place in the middle order, while Alex Hales took a sizeable step towards securing the opener's berth by averaging 58. But England's success was founded on the potency of their attack, led brilliantly by James Anderson with 21 wickets at less than 11 apiece. Stuart Broad's haul of 12 wickets was bettered only by Anderson, Chris Woakes produced his Test-best with bat and ball, after replacing the injured Ben Stokes, and Steven Finn hinted at a welcome return to form

at Lord's. England may hold all but one of the nine trophies on offer against countries in bilateral series, but there remain grounds for concern for coach Trevor Bayliss. Their top-order collapses are still to be eradicated they have lost their first four wickets before reaching 100 five times in the past seven innings. The search for a reliable number three goes on after Nick Compton managed only 51 runs in five innings, and it remains to be seen whether James Vince, who scored only 54 runs at 13.5, will be retained at number five for the Pakistan series later this summer. Despite taking 19 catches - a record for an England wicketkeeper in a three-Test series - Bairstow's glovework has been heavily criticised thanks to three drops and a missed stumping. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 416 (J. Bairstow 167no, A. Cook 85, C. Woakes 66; R. Herath 4-81) SRI LANKA 1st innings 288 (K. Silva 79, D. Karunaratne 50) ENGLAND 2nd innings 233 for 7 decl’d (A. Hales 94) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (Overnight 32-0; Target: 362 runs)

D. Karunaratne not out 37 K. Silva lbw b Anderson 16 K. Mendis not out 17 Extras: (b-1, lb-6, nb-1) 8 Total: (for 1 wicket, 24.2 overs) 78 Fall of wickets: 1-45. Bowling: S. Broad 11-4-27-0 (nb-1), J. Anderson 9-2-27-1, C. Woakes 2-1-7-0, M. Ali 2-1-4-0J . Root 0.2-0-6-0.

Giaccherini, Pelle strikes earn Italy win over Belgium (REUTERS) - Italy's Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle scored delightful goals to earn the former European champions a 2-0 win over the world's second-ranked side Belgium in the first heavyweight clash of Euro 2016 yesterday. Giaccherini latched on to an exquisite through ball from Leonardo Bonucci just after the half-hour mark, controlling the ball with his left foot and slotting home with his right to earn the four-time world champions a deserved win in Group E. In a contest with an authentic big-match feel and quality, Antonio Conte's side spurned

Donald Carr, former TCCB secretary, dies aged 89 Donald Carr, the former Derbyshire and England batsman who went on to become one of the most prominent administrators of the post-war era, has died at the age of 89. In a first-class career that spanned from 1945 to 1968, Carr scored nearly 20,000 runs and claimed 328 wickets with his left-arm spin for Oxford University, Derbyshire and England, whom he captained at Madras in 195152 in his second and final appearance.He also played in the third "Victory Test" against Australia in 1945, alongside the likes of Len Hutton, Wally Hammond, Cyril Washbrook and Bill Edrich, and was a notable footballer too, winning his Blue at Oxford, and playing in front of 100,000 people at Wembley in two Amateur Cup final appearances for Pegasus in the 1950s. Carr captained Derbyshire between 1955 and 1962, and was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960. However, it was his subsequent career in administration for which Carr will be remembered. He was assistant secretary of MCC from 1962 to 1974, during which time he was privy to one of the most contentious moments in cricket history, the omission and subsequent selection of Basil D'Oliveira for the tour of South Africa in 1968. He went on to become secretary of the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) and the Cricket Council until 1986. "Cricket has lost one of its greatest friends," said Colin Graves, the ECB chairman. "Someone who gave a lifetime of service to our game; as a cricketer, a captain, a club secretary, an England tour manager, and, of course, as a senior administrator - serving MCC and the TCCB with distinction in a leadership role as the game moved into

the modern, professional era; and always meeting the many difficult challenges he faced during this period with his customary good humour and charm. "This is deeply sad news for all Donald's many cricketing friends and former colleagues and team-mates across the domestic and international game. He will be hugely missed by those who worked and played with him and we send our condolences and sympathies to all in the Carr family." The President of MCC, Roger Knight, said: "Donald's career in cricket, especially at Lord's, is unlikely ever to be surpassed. As a cricketer, he captained both his university and his county, and after turning to administration became Assistant Secretary (Cricket) of MCC, and Secretary of the Cricket Council and of TCCB from their formation in 1974. "His period of office included the supervision of the first three World Cups in England, the advent of one-day cricket and the introduction of sponsorship in the professional game. "Donald's commitment to cricket, his skills - both on the field and in the committee room - spanned more than 40 years, from his first-class debut in 1945, for England against Australia in the Victory "Test" at Lord's, to his retirement in 1986. "He also served on MCC committees, on the Middlesex committee and as captain of Cross Arrows Cricket Club. He will be deeply and sorely missed across the cricket world. "The MCC flag, over the Main Ground, and the Cross Arrows flag, over the Nursery Ground, have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to a man who devoted so much of his life to the game."(ESPN cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER 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) Quinton de Kock (2) Farhaan Behardeen

Italy players celebrate after the game. (Reuters/Max Rossi)

chances to increase the lead with Pelle heading wide and forcing a spectacular save by Thibaut Courtois before sealing the win with a volley in stop-

page time. Belgium, seeking a first competitive victory over Italy in 44 years, belatedly came to grips with the contest as

Romelu Lukaku and his replacement Divock Origi came close but the Italians go top after Sweden's 1-1 draw with Ireland in Paris.

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI has played most Test matches without ever playing a One Day International? (2) How many Australians have played ODI cricket to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Bolt wins 100m in 9.88 seconds at Racers GP

Triple World and Olympic champion Usain Bolt graced local fans with a blistering season’s best run of 9.88 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres at the inaugural Jamaica National Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium. His is the second fastest time this year in the event, reports CMC. Bolt, the world’s fastest man, won ahead of Nickel

Ashmeade (9.94s) and his Racers Track Club teammate Yohan Blake (9.94s) in a positive 1.0 metres per second wind speed here on Sunday. Former World record holder Asafa Powell finished fourth in a time of 9.98s. The highly anticipated event, which was the highlight of the meet, did not disappoint the spectators in the almost-packed stadium.

Bolt, running from lane four, stumbled out of the blocks but the towering figure quickly recovered and burst through the middle of Powell and Blake, who were in lanes three and five, respectively. Ashmeade, out in lane eight, closed well to separate the big trio in what was a blanket finish for the minor places.

CPL 2016 delights Shimron Hetmyer By Rajiv Bisnauth GEARED towards providing the best opportunity for the Under-19 cricketers from the Caribbean, six stars from the victorious West Indies Under-19 World Cup squad will feature in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). As per CPL regulations, each franchise is invited to select one player from their home country for the fourth edition of CPL, which will take place from June 29 to August 7. The Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and Gidron Pope have also been retained by their home teams St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Zouks respectively. They have been joined by Anderson Phillip, who will represent Trinbago Knight Riders, Shemar Springer (Barbados Tridents) and Oshane Thomas (Jamaica Tallawahs). However, Hetmyer during an exclusive inter-

view has expressed delight to be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors line-up. The 19-year-old indicated that the opportunity is one he is looking forward to, adding that the opportunity is another way he will be able to showcase his talent. “Last year I was with the squad, but this year I am looking forward to playing some games. This will definitely be another learning experience for me and I want to use the opportunity to develop my game so I am looking forward to it,” he said. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will assemble from June 20 for a one-week encampment. With the exception of skipper Martin Guptill and spinner Adam Zampa, all the other players will be available for the camp, which will be held under the watchful eyes of head coach Roger Harper. Guptill is currently playing county cricket in England, while leg-spinner Zampa is part of the Australia set-up for the ongoing Ballr Tri-Nation Series here in the Caribbean. However, as an initiative geared towards the development of young crick-

Shimron Hetmyer

eters, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has widened the pool of Under-19 players, with West Indies Under-19 stars. All-rounder Keemo Paul and wicketkeeper/batsman Tevin Imlach, as well as all-rounder Akshaya Persaud will form the Youth set-up. The youngsters will train with the squad during the Guyana leg of the Hero CPL. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad & Tobago, St Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia.

NAMILCO makes a good investment, according to Nicola Young

Jamaica National Racers Grand Prix: Yohan Blake (L), winner Usain Bolt (C) and Asafa Powell in action during men's 100m race.

Taylor heads strong Jamaican Women squad WEST Indies Women captain, Stafanie Taylor, has been named to lead a strong Jamaica squad at next month’s regional tournament in Guyana. The squad, who will be seeking to reclaim the title, which they surrendered to Barbados last season, will include five other players with West Indies Women experience. They are batters Natasha Morgan, Chinelle Henry and Chadean Nation and spinners Shanel Daley and Vanessa Watts.

"It’s a pretty decent squad, and one that we believe can recapture the title," Jamaica Women coach Cleon Smith said following the official naming of the squad on Friday at Sabina Park. "There is a lot of experience, and some talented young players that we hope will one day move on to the next level," Smith added. The championship is scheduled to get underway on July 3 and end on July 25. Before losing the title to Barbados last year, Jamaica

had won the tournament five years in a row. Jamaica Women Squad: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Chedean Nation (vice-captain), Shanel Daley, Tameka Sanford (wicketkeeper), Natasha McLean, Jodian Morgan, Vanessa Watts, Roshana Outar, Alecia Bookal, Chinelle Henry, Jerona Walcott, Keneshia Ferron, Rashada Williams, Corrine Howell. Reserves: Karla Cohen, Priscilla Wilson, Sherene Burnett, Trudy Ann Mullings. Coach Cleon Smith, Manager Pauline White-Anderson. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Nicola Young and her family at one of the matches.

THE National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) forged a partnership with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to run off one of the country’s most prolonged national youth league, GFF/NAMILCO National Under-17 Thunderbolt Flour Power tournament and one parent by the name of Nicola Young firmly believes

it is a great investment for the youths. “I think NAMILCO has made a good move in the sense that they (officials) have caught on to that idea and the vision that youths are important and if we invest in them, at some point in the future we will not only have a better national team than we have now but also a set of young people that are more

skilled and can represent the county at any level.” The League which will be played on a yearlong basis spans across the various football associations and the mother, who is in full support of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) team Order & Discipline, revealed that she usually takes time out to watch her son play football. Young also posited that “it (watching) is an opportunity to see some local football and the young men that are now developing and probably one day will represent us, providing they continue in the sport and acquire the right skills”. The Milling Company has been in existence since 1969 and produces several health-oriented products such as Maid Marian, Harvest High Fibre Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian Wheat-Up Breakfast Porridge, and Maid Marian Multigrain Flour among many other products. Matches are being played on weekends in the various community grounds and admission is free to the venues.

CPL 2016 delights Shimron Hetmyer Samuels, openers spark Windies to big win over Australia

By Daniel Brettig A rollicking opening stand and a Marlon Samuels special lifted West Indies to their second victory of the triangular series over an uncharacteristically sloppy Australian side in St Kitts. From the strong platform of 139 for 1 after 27 overs the visitors' innings lost momentum, and the target of 266 was vulnerable to an early assault on the short boundaries of Warner Park. Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher duly hurled themselves at a bowling attack, which was missing Mitchell Starc, and were helped by a pair of dropped catches from Usman Khawaja. Those misses helped take the West Indies to an opening stand of 74 inside 10 overs, and that early acceleration allowed Samuels to sculpt an innings in his familiar style - long periods of inactivity mixed with brief bursts of power and inspiration. Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin offered support, and a wobble arrived too late to save Australia from defeat. Khawaja had taken advantage of a promotion

to the top of the order to help guide Australia's innings, but he fell short of what may have been possible again. Bogged down in the 90s, he was ultimately run out when chasing a third run for his partner George Bailey. Steve Smith, the captain, forged 74 without always looking in complete control of his game or the conditions, before Bailey played sensibly to push the visitors beyond 260. Jason Holder bowled an exemplary spell for the West Indies, having started on the best possible note by surprising Aaron Finch with bounce and having him taken at slip for a duck in the first over of the match. Sunil Narine was also economical, while Carlos Brathwaite and Kieron Pollard claimed two wickets each. Fletcher and Charles clearly had boundaries on their minds when they walked out to start the pursuit, helped by the fact there was no Starc to contend with, for reasons of rest. Nine times the rope was reached or cleared in the first seven

Brazil crash out of Copa America after Peru upset

Raul Ruidiaz handles the ball into the back of the net to ensure Peru's progression to the knockout stages and end Brazil's hopes.

Marlon Samuels thumped three successive sixes off leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the 41th over before he was run out off the next ball for 92 off 87 balls

Turn to page 24 â–ş

FOXBOROUGH (United States) (AFP) - The Copa America Centenario erupted into controversy on Sunday after a refereeing blunder sent Brazil crashing to a 1-0 defeat against Peru - and out of the tournament. The defeat left Brazil struggling to digest their worst performance in the Copa America since 1987, the last occasion the five-time world champions failed to make it past the group stage. Brazil, needing only a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals as winners of Group B, looked to be on course for a place in the last eight with 15 minutes to go against Peru. But a rare foray into Brazilian territory from Peru ended with Raul Ruidiaz bundling in Andy Polo's cross from the byline, appearing to use his arm to score. Ruidiaz wheeled away to celebrate and Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha signalled for the goal. Brazil's players protested furiously, swarming around Cunha in a bid to persuade the official to reverse his decision. The protests appeared to have swayed Cunha, who looked to be frantically checking with the fourth official via his headpiece to determine whether the goal should stand. Yet after a chaotic delay of around

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four minutes -- with players from both sides surrounding the referee -- Cunha ruled the goal should stand. Multiple replays from different angles, however, showed that Ruidiaz had used his arm to knock the ball into the net past Brazil keeper Alisson. Brazil pressed forward in the final closing minutes in an attempt to find an equaliser that would take them through but it was to no avail. Elias squandered a golden chance from close range in injury time and Brazil's fate was sealed. A CLEAR HANDBALL Peru will now play Colombia in the quarter-finals after finishing top of Group B. Brazil coach Dunga lambasted the decision to allow Peru's goal. "I am sure the Brazilian fans saw the game and saw how Brazil was eliminated," Brazil coach Dunga said. "There is no way to anticipate imponderables. The team was not eliminated by anything to do with football," he added, criticising the lengthy deliberations between the match officials which held up the game. "I do not quite understand who or what the referee was consulting," Dunga said, adding that he had watched Turn to page 24 â–ş

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016