Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14 04 2016 by Guyana Chronicle

A calculated risk No. 104521

THURSDAY APRIL 14, 2016

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Foreign Ministry says Nawbatt signed contract weeks before elections

US US Embassy Embassy staffer staffer spearheads spearheads Georgetown Georgetown Seawall Seawall clean-up clean-up 19

President urges Harmon compassion, to issue clemency statement ‒ at swearing-in of Prerogative of Mercy Council 9 today 4 P.

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan is among those who joined the US Embassy ‘Take time Tuesday’ clean-up campaign at the Georgetown Seawall last Tuesday

Six-hour closure at Harbour Bridge 10

‘Volatile and Violent’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

‒ Fire Chief relives tension during prison riot By Ariana Gordon FIRE Chief Marlon Gentle believes that the state of affairs at the Georgetown Prison on March 3 could have led to a major jailbreak, given the agitated nature of the prisoners during the riot which led to the burning to death of 17 prisoners. Testifying before the three-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) yesterday, Gentle who has 31 years of fire-fighting experience, described the situation at the Camp Street penitentiary as “volatile and violent.” “There was a potential for anything to happen…persons could break out…there could have been a major jailbreak,” said the Fire Chief who was led by attorney for the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Police Force, Eusi Anderson. He said too that with the situation being so tense and the inmates agitated, he felt that such a situation involving prisoners could immediately be turned around. He said many of the prisoners

were angry and vented their anger from their respective locations. “First responders [firemen] getting into the situations like that can easily become victims…” Gentle added, noting that he was briefed by Officer-in-Charge of Operations, Compton Sparman, before he arrived on the scene that the “situation is grave and the prisoners are at a high state of agitation…” ‘THIS IS A RIOT’ Sparman, he said, told him to expect casualties given the magnitude of the fire. He said he overheard Sparman while commanding the firefighters at the prison saying via the VHF radio to “Proceed with caution! This is a riot!” According to the Fire Chief, there was a possibility that the angry prisoners, some of whom felt that the prison officials were responsible for the burning to death of their colleagues, could have taken the firemen as hostages to retaliate. “When I ventured into the

prison compound to make contact with the director, I was verbally abused…I was spitted on, especially when I was passing an area they call the cage…I took another route for my own safety and not to agitate the prisoners any further,” he added, stressing that “anything could have happened then.” After manoeuvring his way through the prison compound, Gentle said he met with Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels and Commander ‘A’ Division Clifton Hickens who briefed him. “That wooden prison north or north-east of the affected building, that was the area where the ruckus was going on,” the Fire chief said. CAUSING TROUBLE Additionally, Gentle made it clear that from the utterances made by the inmates on the day in question, they had every intention of causing trouble. He said as he passed inmates in their respective areas, he heard them say, “Why the *^#$@# fire chief coming now and we want to *&^$% up the prisons?” Although he was in the compound, the Fire Chief said he didn’t see it necessary to visit the scene of the fire. According to him, the fact that lives were lost meant that

Capital ‘A’ Division would have been turned into a crime scene and the less persons traversing the area, the better for investigators. Asked to speak to how equipped the Fire Service was to combat the fire of March 3 at the penitentiary, Gentle said the resources available on that day were sufficient, while noting that “no fire service has every-

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle testifying yesterday before the CoI

Lead firewoman Sophia Boucher holds a document, while explaining her role on March 3 as the fire raged at the Georgetown Prisons

Section Leader, Guyana Prison Service, Garfield Benjamin makes a point before the CoI

thing it needs.” HOSTILITY Meanwhile, Garfield Benjamin, a section leader of the Guyana Fire Service, told the Commission that the situation at the Camp Street prison was life-threatening. Benjamin said the prisoners were hostile towards the firefighters and resorted to throwing bricks they would have gotten from within the cell at firemen. He explained that the prisoners broke the concrete structure in Capital ‘A’ and threw the concrete pieces at

the firemen. Two of his colleagues were injured. “Well you could see that the prisoners were throwing bricks at us trying to stop us from doing our jobs…I couldn’t really estimate how many but it was a lot,” Benjamin responded after being asked by Attorney Anderson to explain why he felt the situation was life-threatening. After being probed by the attorney, he estimated that approximately 30 bricks were thrown at the firefighters and many averaged 5-6inches in size. The fireman, who has been within the employ of the

Guyana Fire Service for 20 years, said neither he nor his team of firefighters were prepared to deal with the tragedy of March 3. Benjamin explained that while they were part of simulation exercises, it was nothing compared to the reality. He said no amount of training he received during his time as a firefighter prepared him for the events of March 3. “We never had an actual stuff like this happen. We went and do a mock drill at the same location on February 26,” he said, while describing the situation as “kinda gruesome.” “We had to deal with unrest prisoners and it’s always threatening…we never had training to deal with unrest like what happen at Camp Street Prison,” he said, noting that fire-fighting efforts were not hindered by the attacks by the prisoners. The fireman said that as firefighters were attempting to extinguish the fire, they were obstructed by prisoners who were standing along a walkway. However, as the fire spread, firemen tried their best to put the fire out. He heard the prisoners hollering, “Help, help, help” as the heat intensified in the cell, while noting that while he was not inside of the cell he observed approximately seven fires lit in different locations. According to him, fires were lit to the main entrance of the Capital ‘A’ Division. Based on Benjamin’s observation, mattresses were lit by the prisoners. “They light it at intervals… they didn’t light it at one spot. I could not have seen the whole area… just part of the area,” he stated, Turn to page 7 ►

A calculated risk 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Foreign Ministry says Nawbatt signed contract weeks before elections

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is unaware when former High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt would have left his post. The Ministry, in a state-

ment issued yesterday, has revealed that not only did Nawbatt have an arrangement with the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, but that his contract was signed “mere weeks before the May

Voir dire in Linden murder trial By George Barclay

A 12-MEMBER mixed jury was sent out of sight and hearing yesterday while presiding judge Madame Jo-Ann Barlow conducted a voir dire to determine the admissibility of an alleged caution statement by the accused Lakeraj Fredericks. The judge decided on this measure yesterday after defence counsel Lawrence Harris questioned certain aspects of a caution statement allegedly given to the police by the accused. The voir dire (trial within a trial) began yesterday afternoon with State prosecutrix Miss Shonette Austin calling as her first witness former Police Corporal, Troy Yorrick, who is now in the mining business at Port Kaituma, North West District. Accused Lakeraj Fredericks of Linden is indicted for the murder of Clifton Bonus called ‘Nutts’on June 3, 2011. Government Forensic Pathologist Dr. Ne-

haul Singh was among the witnesses to be called on the resumption yesterday. Among other things, he testified that he performed a post mortem on the body of Clifton Bonus. According to him, the body was in a state of decomposition. Another witness, Karen Lashley, the mother of the deceased testified. She, having one leg, was permitted to give her evidence from a chair in the well of the Court. The witness told the Court about her experience in trying to get her son on the telephone but receiving voice mails instead. Sgt. Eon Jackson, the Police expert in Arms and ammunition, said that he had examined a damaged warhead and metal fragment, which had been sent to him for analysis. The voir dire is expected to conclude today when the substantial trial will resume. Lawyer Siand Dhurjon is assisting in the prosecution, while Hewley Grifitrh is assisting Harris with the defence.

11, 2015 general and regional elections.” The statement comes in the wake of a $49M lawsuit filed against the APNU+AFC government by Nawbatt, who claims that the terms of his contractual agreement with the PPP/C administration were breached. But as the government was at pains to point out in the statement, “...there is no record of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs having any involvement in the settlement of the terms of the contract to which Mr Nawbatt has made reference. “The contract on which he is basing his appeal was signed a mere few weeks before the 2015 elections.” According to the Ministry, Nawbatt and other persons signing such contracts would have been aware of the risks involved in signing so close to national elections. “The contracts ought to have been extended to May 11th or 12th or end of May,

Harry Narine Nawbatt

as agreed by the Inter-Party Transition Committee,” the ministry said, adding that that was common practice whenever a change in administration may result in the termination of the service of non-career diplomats, who serve as Heads of Mission at the pleasure of the President of the day on a contractual basis. “In practice, such Heads of

Mission would normally submit their resignations when that administration demits office,” the ministry said. It was noted that in May 2015, only two career diplomats headed Guyana Missions abroad, and that following the results of the May 11, 2015 elections, the services of all political, as well as non-career officers would have come to an end. “Of these political appointees, only Ambassador Bayney Karran, who heads Guyana’s Embassy in Washington, DC and who is also Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States, submitted a letter of resignation,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said, adding: “In doing so, he indicated his availability and willingness to serve the new administration if so desired.” According to the statement, Nawbatt and the other political officers submitted no such letters of resignation or expres-

sion of willingness to serve. “His contract, like those of the other non-career officers,” the Foreign Ministry noted, “can be said to have been thereby frustrated. It is remarkable, therefore, that although not surprisingly given the effrontery of some of those officers, that Mr H. Nawbatt could claim to have been, since May 11, 2015, in a position to give and receive instructions and to discharge duties as a diplomatic representative of Guyana.” Nawbatt officially took up the post on February 10, 2015, and his services were terminated with effect from August 31, 2015. He was written to on June 8, 2015 by then acting Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Jardine-Waddell, who notified him that his appointment as High Commissioner would end on August 31, 2015, and that he would be reposted to Guyana.

Harmon to issue statement today

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon is expected to issue a written statement today following allegations that he acted inappropriately by appointing controversial businessman, Brian “BK” Tiwarie as his personal adviser on business. This is according to President David Granger, who told reporters yesterday that an “extraordinary meeting” of Cabinet was held Tuesday, when a “commitment” on the Harmon saga was made. “It was not a statutory Cabinet meeting,” the president said. “It was convened to discuss specific matters which had been deferred from previous Cabinet meetings. “And as far as the matter concerning Mr. Harmon is concerned, we have a commitment. He has prepared a statement, which was delivered orally to Cabinet, and that will be issued in writing,” he added. Due to this latest bit of controversy involving Harmon, the Alliance For Change (AFC), which forms part of the APNU+AFC coalition

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President David Granger responding to questions posed yesterday by media operatives at his Office government, has issued a statement to the effect that he has too many powers and responsibilities. Besides being Minister of State, Harmon is also Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and Secretary to the Defence Board. But according to President Granger, who has already stated his position

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on the matter, Harmon’s responsibilities are not “burdensome” at all. Harmon has also been accused of intervening in the work of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by halting the seizure of two luxury vehicles belonging to the Chinese company, Bai Shan Lin. The controversial Chinese company is being

13/04/2016

investigated by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), and Harmon was recently photographed with the company’s principals in a private jet during his trip to China. But the President has since offered an explanation for this. “As you know, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China was in China at that time; he had to go to three or four different cities, and the ambassador arranged the executive transport, because of the distance between the cities, and the amount of time he had at his disposal. So it was arranged by the Chinese Government to enable him to travel to different cities…to conduct the business that he was there to conduct.” The Minister of State has come in for scathing criticisms from several organisations, including the Transparency Institute, which labelled his actions as corrupt.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday april 14, 2016

Hughes takes ‘leave of absence’ from AFC ––reiterates unequivocal commitment to Party

MERE days after tendering his resignation, Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Nigel Hughes has decided to take a leave of absence, a statement from the party noted yesterday. The decision, the Guyana Chronicle has learnt, was taken at a high-level meeting involving Party Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, Party General Secretary, David Patterson, and Hughes. According to the statement, during the meeting at reference, detailed and frank

discussions were held on the current political environment in Guyana, but more particularly the coalition government’s first year in office and the AFC’s performance during this period. “After a most productive working session, it was agreed that Chairman Hughes’s resignation will not take effect at this time, and he will instead proceed on a leave of absence from the duties and responsibilities of Chairman for a period of reflection and review, af-

ter which a mutual decision will be taken,” the statement noted. This newspaper understands that besides reiterating his unequivocal commitment to the AFC and its development agenda for the country, Hughes has also given his word that he will remain an active and vocal member of the Party. It was further agreed that during the interregnum of his absence from active duties as Chairman, he will continue political and policy work

on behalf of the AFC by concentrating his efforts on three critical and important pillars of the AFC’s agenda, namely: Constitutional Reform, Broadcast Legislation, and other core legal matters, which the AFC has committed itself to. Said the Party, “The leadership of the AFC wholeheartedly recognises the significant contribution of the Chairman of the Party, and accepts his decision to recalibrate his focus and attention at this time, as the Party

NIGEL HUGHES continues its historic mission on setting Guyana on a firm and steady path of sustained progress.” Hughes announced his resignation on Monday last,

after the AFC issued a statement, calling for Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to be stripped of some of his powers. Harmon is currently embroiled in a bitter controversy surrounding his appointment of controversial businessman, Brian ‘BK’ Tiwarie as his personal adviser on business. President Granger subsequently rescinded Tiwarie’s appointment, noting that there is no need for BK’s services. Harmon reportedly appointed Tiwarie to the post unknown to either the President or other Cabinet members.

PM, US delegation discuss oil & gas sector

A TEAM from the United States (US) Embassy and Deloitte Advisory met yesterday with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to discuss regulatory planning for the Oil and Gas sector. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office notes that the United States has pledged funding for expanding capacity in the Oil and Gas sector under the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI). It was noted also that EGCI is a US Department of State-led inter-agency effort

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and officials of the US delegation

Lower Brickdam closed for repairs today BRICKDAM, between Avenue of the Republic and Camp Street, will be closed today to vehicular traffic to facilitate road repairs. According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the closure will occur be-

tween 16:00hrs and 22:00hrs. As such, motorists and pedestrians are asked to use alternative bypasses for this period, and to pay attention to all caution and directional signs in the area.

to provide a wide range of technical and capacity-building assistance to the host governments of select countries that are on the verge of becoming the world’s next generation of oil and gas producers. According to the release, the team will work closely with the Prime Minister, who has oversight orgovernance matters; the Ministry of Natural Resources, within whose ambit rests responsibility for oil and gas; and various State agencies and ministries.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Human Trafficking GOVERNMENT has signalled its intention to aggressively fight human-trafficking by strengthening existing policies and implementing new programmes. The move is excellent and timely, and if the policy is implemented efficiently, we should see a dramatic decrease in this serious crime. We ought always to bear in mind that any well-designed policy should contain strategies of coherent and coordinated implementation--action! It is not infrequent to read or see or hear about under-aged girls being lured or taken to far-flung places on the pretext of jobs as waitresses, cooks, and so on. They end up being victims of crimes of rape, being bought and sold. The inverse is also true: young girls from the interior (especially Amerinidian girl-children) being lured out onto the coast on the pretext of “jobs.” This governmental initiative should put an end to those kinds of human-trafficking. Victims should be provided relief (safe housing, food, educational opportunities, jobs), and the perpetrators should face severe penalties. There is another and more insidious form of human-trafficking as well: the “matrimonial” selling of under-aged girls especially to legal-aged boys or men . This is done in the full face of often unquestioning society. There are ceremonies held upon this trafficking and the sale of young girls is final and forever. All of this yields a life-time of misery and enslavement. All in the name of some tradition or religion or some other oppression. How many times do we have to witness and how much genius must we have to see the damage? Girls ripped out of schools by the same men to whom they are sold like cheap beef? And we, like the spawn of Sodom and Gomorrah, wonder why suicides happen in these circumstances. There have been several suicides recently that are linked to “romantic” relationships. Many involve under-aged girls. So many girls pregnant from 12! Some fellow kills himself. It is all horrible, but the relationship has had the “approval” and “permission” of “parents” to be “together.” But this “permission” and “approval” are given by parents for a child to be a victim of statutory rape!! Who, then, is culpable and thusly comes under the firm hand of the law? Why is it that no one seems to see the warning signals to murder and domestic violence and marital rape? And the end is either suicide or irreversible psychological damage. We could build a million psychiatric hospitals, but as a nation we need to root out this disease which begins with the low premium at which we hold our girls and women. Pills and feeble chats will not do it, especially when the victims are taken to these hospitals by the very people who are the culprits in the first place. No parent should be allowed to sell children! No man should be allowed to buy a child. The law must take its firm grip and handcuff these criminals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

Things are changing in Guyana at a rapid pace DEAR EDITOR, This letter is in response to Mr. Locke’s published letter titled, “Homosexuality is a mental disorder,” which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle on April 11th. Please allow me the space to respond. Mr. Locke’s letter is reminiscent of a series of letters that were published locally a few years ago. I am concerned to see that the discussion around homosexuality has not progressed since then. Mr. Locke’s letter seemed an anachronistic curiosity. Still, such invective opinions disseminated in a public newspaper should be qualified with newer information. Allow me to do so, using easily accessible information through Google, which I quickly looked up. I urge future letter writers to do the same before subjecting the Guyanese public to uninformed opinion. In doing a search, I came across a publication by the American Psycho-

logical Association, “For a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality,” which can be found at: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/ orientation.pdf. Briefly, the document explains how prevailing negative attitudes and behaviors such as Mr. Locke’s create a social environment that is psychologically abusive to individuals of a marginalized group. Such attitudes held by the public, and given space in public and private media and conversation, perpetrate and perpetuate psychological traumas that instill self-hate, shame and fear into individuals who identify with such groups. In this case, individuals who are attracted to the same sex. Such prejudice, discrimination and even violence result in chronic stress causing mental health problems. The same document describes why homosexuality is not a mental disorder, as demonstrated by decades of research. It also covers how remarkably good parents homosexual couples tend to be, even in the challenging social

circumstances that they live. I hope Mr. Locke and others who might share his view avail themselves of such harmful anachronistic attitudes through education. The internet has been widely available in Guyana for almost 2 decades now, and a vast amount of information of varying views within easy access. I urge the Guyanese public to develop the habit of vetting the attitudes and opinions of others rather than blindly being captivated by them, even if they mirror one’s own. After all, a person’s attitudes are a reflection of what they were exposed to during their formative years. It takes effort to adapt and educate oneself. Things are changing in Guyana at a rapid pace, and I hope that change is infused with aspirations of progress through education. Respectfully, GREGORY KANHAI

It was the PPP that displayed blatant disrespect DEAR EDITOR, It is ironic that the PPP, which denied Guyanese their constitutional right to choose their local leaders for 18 years, now attempts to portray that party as champions of local democracy. On Tuesday, April 13, the PPP held a protest next to the Ministry of the Presidency, claiming that my appointments of a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Regional Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons were unlawful and dictatorial. I can state unequivocally, that I am proud to be part of an administration which held local government elections (LGE) within ten months of being elected to office. I am proud to be part of the government that placed decision-making power into the hands of the people by giving citizens the opportunity to elect persons from within their communities to manage local affairs. Guyanese should never forget that it was the PPP that displayed blatant disrespect for citizens and contempt for the Constitution by denying the people the right to enjoy local democracy. We recall too, that in the 2011 Manifesto, the PPP promised to hold LGE within one

year of being elected, a promise on which they reneged. On the other hand, the coalition has demonstrated the commitment to democratic norms by delivering on the promise of holding LGE. Following the LGE of March 18, there were ties in seven local authority areas – one municipality (Mabaruma) and six Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). In the spirit of inclusion, consultation and fairness, the administration proposed to the PPP that leaders of the tied councils be decided by the party with the plurality of votes. The PPP rejected our proposal. It should be noted that had the PPP accepted, they would have been able to choose leaders in four of the tied local authority areas; the coalition would have chosen only three. Editor, in my opinion, this hardly qualifies as being anti-democratic or dictatorial. After the PPP rebuffed our offer – acting on legal advice and our interpretation of Section 28 (7) of the Local Government Act, Chapter 28:02 and Section 13(8) of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 – I proceeded to appoint leaders and deputy

leaders of the councils in question, from among those with the largest numbers of votes, as stipulated by the laws. The administration desires that local democracy be made a reality as quickly as possible, hence the holding of LGE within months of assuming office. Similarly, the appointment of council leaders was done to ensure that the work of those councils could begin and proceed apace, to the benefit of the affected communities. Clearly, the government has demonstrated that we are committed to democracy, not dictatorship. Finally, contrary to what is being said by PPP officials, including Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, the courts have not made a decision against the government as we are yet to be heard. What the court has done is to grant an interim injunction without giving us a hearing. The PPP’s statements are therefore not only premature but also misleading and untrue. Yours Faithfully, Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday april 14, 2016

The National Tourism Council: a brilliant idea whose time has come MINISTER of Tourism and Public Telecommunications, The Hon. Cathy Hughes, made a momentous announcement to the media last week, which unfortunately has been overshadowed by other, I presume, more salacious and entertaining events, that is, the Minister has formed a National Tourism Council, which will be the umbrella organisation, so to speak, that coalesces all aspects of tourism in Guyana. As a Guyanese who has been advocating the importance of tourism, as an important contributor to Guyana’s economy, I was elated to see Guyana finally coming to grips with what has to be the focal point to a coming vibrant economy. Guyana’s government started its march into independence with leaders who

were averse to the tourism trade, then leaders who were lukewarm and finally, apparently, leaders who have seen the tremendous economic value of it. Last Carifesta X, in August, 2008, I was in Guyana, when The Bahamas Minister of Tourism boasted that The Bahamas hosts some 800,000 tourists every year. With all due respect, The Bahamas are islands, surrounded by a beautiful ocean and beautiful beaches. That’s it. Except for all of the other manmade trappings which were created for human entertainment purposes. Guyana however, has beaches that need work, as all beaches do, once human traffic has invaded them, but we also have a near pristine Rain Forest, with many natural waterways! I have espoused this idea as recently

‘Volatile and Violent’... From page 2

noting that firefighters were “kinda skeptical because prisoners were on the loose between us.” The career fireman added that the door to the cell was “jammed.” “How do you know the door was jammed?” asked Anderson and Benjamin replied, “we were trying to open the door and it wasn’t opening. It was heavily grilled and we depended on a power saw to open the door.” He said the heat from fire caused the metal to swell, making it difficult to open the main access door. Benjamin added that it took firefighters a while to subdue the fire ,but when the access door was opened they were able to “attack the fires.” At that point not many fires were observed as the mattresses used by the prisoners were already “burnt out.” He recalled seeing 12 dead bodies by the doorway, some under the beds and about three in the toilet area. The man said “it wasn’t a nice sight… it was the first time I saw so many persons burnt.” SAVED However, four of the inmates were saved because they followed the instructions of the firemen. Meanwhile, lead firewoman Sophia Boucher told the Commission in her testimony that she was in charge of the Control Room of the Central

Fire Station on March 3 and she recorded the procedures and operations between rsto 14:00hrs. Boucher who has 15 years experience as a firewoman, said there are several books of record used and was asked about the book she specifically used relating to the Camp Street fire. She said a record was made in a green logbook, which detailed the time of the alert that there was a fire to the mechanical problems facing vehicles assigned to fight the fire at the penitentiary. During cross-examination by Glen Hanoman who represented the Guyana Bar Association, it was suggested that a new logbook be created for the purpose of the CoI. Boucher denied the suggestion. “That log book … you were assisted in drafting up logbook for the purpose of bringing it here. You assisted in preparing a brand new logbook to deal with this issue and there is another one,” said Hanoman. “No sir,” replied Boucher. Hanoman then asked her about the location of the previous book used by staff of the Control Room and she indicated that it was at the Central Fire Station. The attorney said he doesn’t find it coincidental that the book was started on March 3, the same day of the Camp Street Prison.

as last December on, CW – AS It Is, a live video interview programme run and hosted by my friend, Selwyn Collins, out of Brooklyn, New York (Minister Hughes was on this programme not too long ago, I might add.), that is, Guyana has about one and a half times its population living as expatriates in other countries, principally, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. If Guyana develops a Mission Statement, with a five-year objective, to have 200,000 of these expats visiting one week a year and modestly spending US$2,000, that would be some US$400,000,000 being pumped into the Guyanese economy. About four times the 2016 Budget, I believe! Such a plan would obviously put an end to the destruction of the Rain Forest, and wild life, through mining and logging of those dwindling resources. Such a plan

would dramatically reduce unemployment and significantly raise the standard of living for all Guyanese. Such a plan would significantly improve the natural surroundings and quality of life. “BUT, nothing good come easy.” Under the umbrella of the National Tourism Council, there would have to be a planning commission of qualified, interested parties from Guyana and possibly the diaspora, who are capable of preparing a comprehensive and successful plan. The best of luck to Minister Cathy Hughes. You have hit a six into the leg side pavilion. (I’m revisiting my cricket roots.) ALBERT R. CUMBERBATCH, PH. D.

TIGI pushing for meeting with Harmon THE Transparency Institute of Guyana (TIGI) plans to write Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to request a meeting about his alleged corrupt action relating to the appointment of controversial businessman, Brian Tiwarie, as a ministerial adviser on business. A statement from TIGI Tuesday noted that it also plans to send Minister Harmon “a set of questions on the matter at hand.” TIGI had initially labelled the minister’s actions corrupt, prompting President David Granger to note that the group should have sought clarifications from Harmon before issuing its statement to the press. According to TIGI, “The statement in general and the sentence that actually imputes corruption to the admission by the Minister of State to making certain appointments, is entirely consistent with the draft Code of Conduct for ministers.” The draft Code of Conduct reads in part: “Public office holders

have a duty to … act with propriety on all occasions in accordance with the public trust and confidence placed in them. Public office holders have a general duty to act in the interests of the nation as a whole…. Public office holders are reminded that they owe a duty to the public and must consider themselves servants of the people. “A conflict-of-interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the State. “Private interests” mean both the financial and personal interests of the official and staff or those of their connections, including … other clubs and societies to which they belong; and any person to whom they owe a favour or are obligated in any way. “They should avoid compromising themselves or their office[s] which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest. Failure to avoid or declare any conflict of interest may give rise to criticism of favouritism,

abuse of authority or even allegations of corruption.” According to the statement, corruption takes many forms. “Not only does it include the more traditional forms of bribery, kickbacks, extortion, nepotism and cronyism, but also abuse of functions, illicit enrichment and trading in influence (UN Convention against Corruption) and patronage, which involves rewarding political support with favours, contracts, appointments, subsidies, prestige and other valued benefits. The draft Code of Conduct and the statement from TIGI, reflect an appreciation of the true nature and extent of corruption in Guyana and the role of public officers who, by virtue of their high profile, are important tipping agents in the quest to dislodge the culture of corruption.” The anti-corruption body plans to launch an education programme that will begin by addressing institutional trust and campaign financing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

THE POLICE CORNER TODAY is the first in a series of weekly publications by the Guyana Police Force titled ‘THE POLICE CORNER,’ which will focus on operations and developments in the Force, as well as key messages for the information of the public Unto Tuesday April 12, 2016, a total of 35 road fatalities from 35 accidents have been recorded in comparison to 30 fatalities from 21 accidents for the same period in 2015, an increase of 17%. Three children have died as a result of traffic accidents so far this year, compared to nine for the same period last year. There have been increases in the other categories of traffic accidents comprising serious, minor and damage, most of which have been damage accidents and without injuries to any person. Pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities with 10 such persons having lost their lives this year. In addition, five pedal cyclists, nine motor cyclists, seven drivers, two passengers in motor vehicles and two pillion riders also lost their lives. Speeding continues to be the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of 19 of the 35 fatal accidents recorded, along with the use of alcohol. However, other causes of accidents in general include inattentiveness by pedestrians and motorists; lack of care at intersections; following too closely behind moving vehicles; overtaking improperly; and pulling out of parked positions and swerving, heedless to traffic. Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 20,948 cases for this year being made against errant motorists upto Tuesday. Of this total, 7,507 cases were for speeding; 626 for driving under the influence of alcohol; 239 for using cellphones while driving and 829 for failing to wear seat belts. While the Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement activities with special focus on speeding and driving under the influence, riving motor cycles without safety helmets and using cellphones while driving a motor vehicle, it is once more urging that all persons use the roadways in a manner that is cognisant of the five Cs – Care, Consideration, Caution, Common- sense and Courtesy. At the same time, the Traffic Department will enhance its traffic education programme through the Road Safety Talk and other media programmes, as well as through visits to schools and bus/car parks for interactive sessions with students and motorists, respectively, and the distribution of flyers and brochures with pertinent information. The Guyana Police Force is taking the opportunity to caution motorists who drive closely behind other vehicles on the roadways (tailgating) and which has resulted in a number of accidents. Remember to apply the principle of thinking distance and brak-

ing distance – the faster the rate of speed, there is the need to be farther away from the vehicle ahead. Motor cyclists and pillion riders are reminded to wear their safety helmets at all times. A number of initiatives that were adopted in 2015 will continue, inclusive of the “Name and Shame” campaign in relation to persons convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of the tow truck and wheel clamps in situations where motor vehicles are parked in contravention of the laws, as the Force strives to ensure road safety. SOME ADVICE FOR ROAD USERS ● Drivers Practise defensive driving which is simply driving to suit the prevailing conditions such as the weather, lighting condition, traffic and road. You should also be prepared to take evasive action when confronted with danger, in spite of the actions of the other road users. Be on the lookout for young children and elderly persons who are using the roads. ● Passengers Speak out when drivers are speeding or making reckless manoeuvres that could endanger your lives. There is no second chance. Often passengers do not get the opportunity to tell their tales. ● Motor cyclists Respect your life and that of others. Do not speed and always wear a safety helmet. Do not tow more than one person and ensure that the pillion rider is also wearing a safety helmet. You should be cognisant that there is not much protection for you, nor the pillion rider, should a collision occur. ● Pedal cyclists Ride on the left hand side of the road and ensure that your cycle has lights, reflectors, bell and brakes. Do not tow persons on the handle of the bicycle and always hold the steering handle when riding on the roads. Wear light-coloured clothing in the night. ● Pedestrians Practise the kerb drill, even if you are using a pedestrian crossing. Do not cross the road in the path of approaching vehicles. Walk on the right hand side of the road, and not more than two abreast. Use avenues and footpaths where provided. Wear light-coloured clothing during the hours of darkness. Always hold the hands of young children in your company. “Be wise, stay alive, stop speeding, don’t drink and drive.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

President urges compassion, clemency ‒ at swearing-in of Prerogative of Mercy Council

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANESE ought to be more compassionate and merciful, President David Granger said yesterday, as he emphasised the need to “transform our political culture from this dog-eatdog mindset” that some people appear to have. The President made this call minutes after swearing in the five members of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy at the Ministry of the Presidency. There needs to be compassionate and merciful relations, the President further emphasised as he underscored the importance of setting good examples for the younger generation. Carl Hanoman, Justice Duke Pollard, Yvonne Harewood-Benn, Merle Mendonca and Justice James Patterson are the five members who took the oath to serve on the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. PROVIDES GUIDANCE The Council, which is statutorily appointed, provides guidance to the President on the implementation of capital punishment. Under Article 188 1 (A) of the Constitution of Guyana, the President has the power to grant any person concerned in, or convicted of, any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful condition. The President may also grant to any person a respite, either indefinite, or

President David Granger being flanked by the newly appointed members of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. From left are: Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Justice Duke Pollard; Mr Carl Hanoman; Ms Yvonne Harewood-Benn; President David Granger; Ms Merle Mendonca; and Justice James Patterson

for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence. He may also substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence, or remit the whole or part of any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence or of any penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to the State on account of such an offence. Article 189 (1) of the Constitution makes provision for the establishment

of an Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which shall consist of the Attorney- General, who is to be chairman, along with not less than three and not more than five other persons who shall be appointed by the President and of whom one shall be a person who is a qualified medical practitioner. Even as he applauded the five members who have stepped up to the challenge, President Granger emphasised the fact that he will be guided by the Council in

accordance with the Constitution. ON ADVICE, NOT IMPULSE It was on this note that he dismissed the notion that he, as President, has been “impulsive.” The dismissal was in obvious reference to mega-contractor and businessman, Brian “BK” Tiwarie’s accusation that the President acted on impulse when he rescinded his appointment as a ministerial adviser on Business.

In addition to being accused of making a rash decision in the case of “BK” Tiwarie, the President was severely criticised last December for pardoning 11 women, all mothers, who had been convicted for non-violent offences. Setting the record straight, the President explained that only 11 women, who had been incarcerated for non-violent offences, had satisfied the criteria, noting, too, that his decision was guided and made after much research.

“So, there again you see, I am not an impulsive person. I did make a thorough check, and I acted on advice,” he said, adding: “Everything I have done for the last 11 months have been in accordance with the Constitution.” Despite the criticisms on the amount of female p r i s o n e r s h e h a s p a rdoned, the President said it was heartening to have received a Thank You card from one of the 11 mothers who were pardoned by him.

Motorcyclist, horse die in collision A MOTORCYCLIST lost his life after he slammed into a horse that was also killed, while he was heading out of Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, Tuesday night. Dead is 20-year-old Shemroy Anthony Cave of Princes Street, Lodge. According to reports the former Banks DIH bartender dropped off a relative on his motorcycle, CH 7934, in Mocha and on his way out he collided with the horse. The accident occurred at 22:00hrs Tuesday night

four miles from the public road in a dark area that is sparsely populated. According to police, the young man was not wearing a helmet, which contributed to his demise and the horse that died was not branded. It was disclosed that based on the impact that killed the horse the motorcyclist was speeding in a 50KM zone. Cave sustained multiple injuries to the body and was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital. In an invited comment, acting Traffic Chief Bood-

narine Persaud disclosed that for the year motorcyclists and pedestrians represented the largest category of those killed on the roads. He said helmets were rarely used by motorcyclists and pillion riders. For 2016 so far, nine motorcyclists and two pillion riders have died, while road fatalities have recorded 35 deaths in 35 accidents. According to residents of Mocha, the area needs street lights since at many points throughout the carriageway there is total darkness.

Dead: Shemroy Anthony Cave

The dead horse at the scene of the accident. (Samuel Maughn photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Six-hour closure at Harbour Bridge ‒ for fitting new $46M pontoon By Shauna Jemmott THE Demerara Harbour Bridge has announced a closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic on Sunday for six hours to facilitate installing a new pontoon which supports the main operating system of the bridge, the hydraulic cabin. General Manager Rawlston Adams announced that the bridge will be closed from 06:00hrs to 12:00hrs to facilitate the maintenance work and those who desire to travel from the West Demerara to East Demerara, or vice versa, are advised to do so early or find alternative ways of getting across. The estimated cost of the maintenance project is $48.8M, with the cost of the new pontoon alone being $46M. During a press conference at his office yesterday, Adams told the media that the closure of the bridge to change a main pontoon is unavoidable, since that pontoon accommodates the hydraulic cabin which houses the main and sensitive equipment which controls the operation of the bridge. “We try our utmost in executing major works on the bridge, not to close [but] because of the technical nature [of the work] the closure is unavoidable. The main focus is the protection of the hydraulic cabin.” The pontoon at span 8.4, which is the last pontoon which houses the hydraulic cabin on the eastern side of

the bridge, is scheduled for a change. “What is so special (is that) this pontoon houses the hydraulic cabin and that’s the main thing here. That is the life of the bridge,” Adams said. Two motors, he explained, in excess of a tonnage are secured in the cabins. The cabin is also known as the ‘equipment control’ station and has to be carefully removed, since it has sensitive equipment which if damaged can result in halting the work of major industries, such as fuel and electricity suppliers, which depend on the bridge for transportation. Adams explained to the press that the bridge has two such cabins housing very sensitive hydraulic components, and in order for the bridge to function, the hydraulic cabin must be re-installed immediately. Replacement of traditional pontoons, he said, is a different process, since those regular pontoons are usually taken out and cabins removed and replaced. The maintenance work is just part of a larger maintenance programme which the DHB company has enlisted for this year, but Adams assured the media that additional work will not entail further closing of the bridge to vehicular traffic, though they may take in excess of five days. “We want to inform them so that they can make alternative arrangements.” The bridge has very little storage capacity to store vehicles, and DHB is collaborating with the

Demerara Harbour Bridge personnel at the press conference yesterday are, from left to right, Maintenance Engineer Christopher Grannum, General Manager Rawlston Adams, Mechanical Engineer Diane Lopes, and Inspector of Works Tariq Singh (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Police Traffic Department to put systems in place to manage such storage. “Six hours is quite a long time to wait… to ease the stress and the inconvenience of the effects of the [operation] to the public.” He explained that the hy-

draulic cabin will be lifted out and hydraulic pipes have to be disconnected. It will be placed on a lowbed for safe keeping, while the pontoon is being replaced. The two hydraulic cabins are on both eastern and western ends of the retractor span

on the bridge, with the bridge opening in the centre of the two cabin locations, and the cabin controlling the bridge’s functions. According to Adams, because of the sensitive nature of the equipment involved, works must be done in day-

light to ensure good visibility, since “we cannot take any chances and any risks. We have analysed all the necessary risks and potential issues and make sure that we cover them.” He said though the pontoon has been there 15 years now, the project had been planned since 2000 and the equipment fabricated in 2014 and delivered. Adams said further that workers’ safety will always be a priority at the DHB. “We take it very seriously at the bridge. Occupational Health and Safety for us is not a month, it is all the time.” He said that taking this into consideration, the DHB always has at the bridge a tug and a boat equipped with life-saving mechanisms.

Bosai urged to dredge the Demerara River COUNCILLORS of the Regional Democratic Council (Region 10) are imploring the Chinese bauxite company Bosai operating in Linden to commence dredging of the river as was done before, during the tenure of Linmine. The Councillors suggested that Bosai should be responsible for dredging the river as their ships often pass through to collect bauxite. The river has not been dredged in a while and this has resulted in it becoming shallow and narrower with the sand beaches extending to the center of the river. Councillor Charles Sampson indicated that the

current state of the river was not the way it was before Bosai started operations and this needed to change as it is now hazardous. As a result of this, the councillor revealed that small boats are stuck at the basin of the river close to the bridge. He revealed that years ago that same basin was used as a turning point for huge ships coming to uplift bauxite from the aluminum plant, and with the current state of the river even the smaller ships cannot turn, since the turning point has become very narrow. “Bosai needs to step up its act…we gotta insist that they dredge the river,” exclaimed the

Councillor. He also claimed to observe the bauxite ships leaning at the dry loader when the tide is low due to the unevenness of the river. Regional Chairman Renis Morian revealed that the state of the river had resulted in a boat accident last February, involving army troops who were journeying to Malali an Indigenous community 50 miles up the Demerara River from Linden. Though the accident wasn’t fatal, it remains an issue of concern for residents residing in the Amerindian communities up the river, who use boats as their main transportation source.

The Chairman promised the council to engage Bosai on the issue and to also notify the Maritime Association on the current state of the river. The process of dredging involves the removal of sediment and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbours and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways because sedimentation — the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream — gradually fills channels and harbors. This can result in the river becoming very shallow as is the case of the Demerara River passing through Linden.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Linden setting an early pace LINDEN’S newly-elected Mayor Carwyn Holland who has taken charge of the council less than two weeks ago, has boasted about the overwhelming progress achieved by his team of councilors during this short stint. One of the greatest achievements is having the Kara Kara toll booth returned to Linden. He revealed that the toll booth would commence operations in a matter of weeks and he was in receipt of a document from the Ministry of Legal Affairs which stipulates that the booth will return to Linden. Currently the two entities are in discussion on having the rates changed since the current amount has been deemed as unfair for small businesses and their development. The Mayor said that the rates needed to be changed for many reasons including the push for entrepreneurship in the town. The Mayor is grateful for the cooperation of Minister Basil Williams in having this primary source of earning revenue returned to the people of Linden and former IMC Chairman Mr. Orin Gordon

for guiding the team through the process. Another achievement of the council which occurred within two days of taking office was the negotiations for the yearly subvention from the government to be increased from $11M to $15M. The mayor said that even though the increase was appreciated, the council would continue to fight for more. The Council has also received assistance from Bosai Minerals Inc to repair all of its machines and trucks that were stationary. This will allow for two garbage trucks instead of one to provide reliable disposal service to the residents. Another one- week accomplishment is the instituting of seven committees to the council namely; Environmental Health, Administration and Legal Affairs, Market and Parks, Works and Buildings, Social Development, Agriculture and Communications. Deputy Mayor Waneka Arrindel revealed that other parties and groups who contested the LGE were invited to join these committees as they all had a common goal

of developing Linden. “Yes we know we have the ability in the APNU -AFC, but we want to have a wide scope as it relates to information all across Linden so that every person can have an input. We are happy to say we are working along with those persons so that Linden will be able to advance and advance as quickly in a way we would want it to go,” she said. Mayor Holland during his one-week tenure has started to revamp the management structure of the municipality so as to empower especially the junior staff and to have their salaries increased since many of them work for as little as $33,000. “We have started with the internal, if we have to fix outside then we have to fix inside here. We would have set a motion that no one is to be called garbage men and it must start with us.” The Mayor said that they were all servants of the people and he saw himself only as a chief servant. Though the new council has inherited close to $200M in debt the councilors are adamant on not allowing this to dampen progress. “The group

Accused claims cops shot at him GODFREY Lynch, a 25-year-old miner of Fifth Street, Alberttown, was placed on $80,000 bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore when he appeared in court and pleaded not guilty on a robbery charge. The Court heard that on January 4, 2016 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, he robbed Joel Prescott of one BLU cellular phone valued $160,000, and at the time of the robbery or immediately after, he used personal violence toward Prescott. The Police Prosecutor opposed bail on the ground of the seriousness of the crime committed and the prevalence. However, bail was granted. Lynch also made an allegation of police brutality, where he accused officers of shooting at him and physically assaulting him when he was at the Brickdam Police Station. The magistrate instructed the prosecutor to investigate the allegation, since they were very serious matters. The matter was adjourned until May 13, 2016 for report.

Godfrey Lynch

of councilors is working to erase those things that are really holding back development within this town.” The Mayor, and in extension, the councilors have a goal to transform Linden from township status to city

status and to do so they will be collaborating with the RDC and Central Government. “We want to work closely with the RDC and Central Government and build a close relationship with our Members of Par-

liament who have to go to Parliament and represent our interest,” posited Holland. He is confident that with the support from the President and his administration, Linden will see betterment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Sea defence project launched

…to benefit more than 45,000 Guyanese By Svetlana Marshall THE GOVERNMENT of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on Wednesday launched a US$30.9M Sea and River Defence Resilience Project estimated to benefit more than 45,000 Guyanese. The multi-million dollar project, which will result in approximately 5.4km of sea and river defences being reconstructed and improved in eight critical areas, had received the financial approval of the CDB in December 2013 but it was only in April 2014 that the loan agreement was signed. In accordance with that agreement, the CDB will loan Guyana US$25M of the US$30.9M and the Government will fill the gap by providing the remaining

CDB Portfolio Manager William Ashby

US$5.9M. The official launching unfolded at the Pegasus Hotel in the presence of the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; the Minister within the Ministry of Public

Infrastructure Annette Ferguson; Chairman of the Sea Defence Board, John Cush; CDB Portfolio Manager, William Ashby, and Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Hector Butts among other officials. The Minister of Infrastructure, in delivering the feature address, said the 5.4km of sea and river defences that will undergo rehabilitation represent approximately 2% of the country’s 425km foreshore that requires protection. Nevertheless, he said this project was very important, explaining that Guyana’s sea and river defences formed part of an integrated system that played a vital role in the protection of people, assets, livelihoods and the environment in the coastal belt. The

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson

integrated system, he added, contributed to the sustainable economic growth and future socio-economic developmental opportunities to the minimization of shore line erosion and the prevention of flooding. In highlighting the contributions made by the Caribbean financial institution to the development of Guyana, Patterson pointed out that at the end of 2013, the bank had approved a number of long term loans amounting to US$255M. In the area of sea and river defence, it was further

pointed out that the first loan totaling GUY$1.8B was issued in 2002 for the rehabilitation of approximately 4.5km in sea defence work in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). In 2006, the second loan of GUY$1.95B was approved and was used to execute a total of 2.4km of sea defence work. The US$25M loan which now forms part of the US$30.9M Sea and River Defence Resilience Project has several components with a primary focus on flood protection infrastructure. The Public Infrastructure Minister explained that though the project will be executed across eight critical locations, project sites have been established in 20 communities in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. The multi-million dollar project also includes engineering services, consultancy services for public awareness and education activities, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation and project management. The CDB Portfolio Manager, in his presentation, reiterated that the project would result in enhanced

resilience to coastal and riverine hazards and the effects of climate change through strengthened sea and river defence systems. He stated that the Government of Guyana had identified the protection of people and productive land through climate change adaptation measures as a priority, noting that the coastal protection strategy had long included efforts to manage the natural sea defences, as well as extending, upgrading and maintaining the system of sea and river defence infrastructure. Subsequent to the launch of the project, the CDB Operations Officer and the Senior Engineer/ Project Manager for the Sea Defence Donor Funded Programme – Work Services Group (WSG) Jermaine Braithwaite were among officials who explained key aspects of the project. These include: the project overview; environmental impacts and mitigation measures; environmental impact and climate change. Discussions on this project are expected to continue today at the Pegasus Hotel.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Guyana free of foot-and-mouth disease ‒ one of four countries in South America

FAO representative Reuben Robertson addressing the gathering at the workshop

By Rabindra Rooplall GUYANA is among four countries in South America to be free of the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is working towards bringing more countries under control. The other South American countries to be so classified are Chile, Uruguay and French Guiana, FOA Representative Reuben Robertson said yesterday during his address at the “One Health Animal Disease Recognition and Response Workshop” hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, on the lower East Coast. EDUCATING STAKEHOLDERS In order to increase capacity to anticipate, recognise, identify and respond to priority exotic, endemic and zoonotic animal diseases across the Caribbean region, the workshop aims to educate stakeholders on the topic. The workshop was attended by Veterinarian Dr Steve Surujbally, One Health Project Leader, Chris Oura, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis and other stakeholders. The goal of the three-day workshop is to increase food

security in the Caribbean region by decreasing the risk of livestock production losses due to foreign, endemic and zoonotic animal diseases. Its objective is to train and improve the ability of Caribbean veterinarians, animal health assistants, livestock keepers and farmers to accurately recognize and respond to priority animal zoonotic and foodborne diseases. In addition, the workshop aims to train national and regional veterinary personnel, livestock production personnel, livestock producers and farmers to identify and respond to priority animal zoonotic and foodborne diseases. Further, participants will receive relevant information to veterinary first responders and trainers from the Caribbean region. Robertson said the major objectives focus on Guyana’s readiness and capacities to deal with any eventual outbreak of devastating diseases, one being FMD. The disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease. The FMD virus causes illness in cows, pigs, sheep, goats, deer and other animals with divided hooves. It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats. Robertson said despite years of efforts to eradicate the FMD from South America the disease is still present

in the region. THREAT TO GUYANA “Its presence in neighbouring countries poses a direct threat to Guyana, mainly through the legal and illegal movement of livestock, livestock products and the movement of people. In addition, the disease is present in large parts of Asia, Africa and Europe which are trading partners with Guyana - the virus could inadvertently appear in Guyana,” the FAO representative explained. Referring to the importance of the livestock sector to Guyana’s food and nutrition security, he noted that the introduction of FMD would undermine the national and economic security livelihood if measures are not put in place to safeguard the country. He said that one of Europe’s oldest commissions is the one dealing with the control of FMD and commenced in June 1954. Robertson said the commission is still very active and the disease is still present in a large part of the Euro-Asia land mass with over 100 countries. He said the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) had provided training for its technical staff for FMD control and

Bail for accused robber By Sherah Alleyne

TWENTY-three-year-old Josiah Bess of Campbellville, Georgetown, was on Wednesday placed before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of robbery. He is accused of robbing Mark Decree of one gold chain valued $230,000. Bess denied the allegation.

Bess’s lawyer, Adrian Thompson, told the court that there was no identification parade and the virtual complaint did not identify Bess as the person who took the chain. The accused was placed on $150,000 bail, and he has to report to the Campbellville outpost until the completion of the trial. The matter is adjourned until May 3, 2016.

response mechanism. “The FAO is pleased to collaborate with all its sister agencies to support Guyana in its drive to remain free of FMD and to strengthen its preparedness strategy,” the FAO official noted. Permanent Secretary George Jervis said the livestock sector needs the best personnel, and the torch should be passed to the youths who need to understand their role.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Mae’s Under 12 teachers resume classes By Michel Outridge

TEACHERS at Mae’s Under 12 private school

yesterday morning called a work stoppage to protest a likely wage cut by the administration, but

they were soon called to a meeting and the matter was resolved and classes resumed.

‒ after wage cut matter resolved The teachers were livid and outspoken at their

school at 19 Third Avenue, Subryanville, yesterday morning after they were shown a copy of a memorandum, which stated that an impending salary cut was on the cards. The salary cut issue caused some teachers to exit the classrooms, and this move resulted in management promptly calling a meeting with teachers, as well as those parents who showed up to collect their children from school, after they were told that classes were suspended until further notice. During the meeting, which was in progress when this newspaper showed up, an official of the school instructed the guard to escort this reporter to the gate, after they refused to comment on the matter. However, parents said

that the differences had been resolved because the students who are preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination would have been affected, so the memo was rescinded, as the administration opted to pay the teachers their full salaries. Teachers for Mathematics, Science and Social Studies refused to teach when they learnt of the pay cut yesterday morning, but went back to their respective classes after an agreement was met. When the school was contacted yesterday, several members of the administration were reportedly locked in a meeting, so the Guyana Chronicle was unable to elicit a comment on the outcome of that deliberation.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Friday, April 15, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Saturday, April 16, 2016 - 13:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Entire drainage network to be mapped ‒ Guyana’s water system in dire need of attention ‒ Expert

upgrade its drainage network on both technical and managerial levels. He confidently emphasised the need for an integrated approach to be taken. He had also said that Guyana’s water system was in dire need of attention, noting that the government’s predictability to water issues must be improved. As a short-term solution, Steijn

Flash Back – Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson (right), with (left to right) Head of Task Force, Major-General (Retired) Joe Singh; CEO of the NDIA, Fredrick Flatts; Ambassador Ernst Noorman; DRR member Judith Klostermann; DRR Team Leader Rob Steijn; and DRR Member Fokke Westebring last November

By Svetlana Marshall WITH the help of the Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team, Georgetown drainage network will be mapped this year, in an attempt to address an age-old problem which has contributed to flooding in the capital city, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed on Wednesday. According to Minister Patterson, in July, four doctoral scholars will arrive in Guyana with the primary objective to map the entire drainage network in the capital city. “When the mapping has been completed, we will model Georgetown on software and we can actually see

where the areas of risks are, where the flood areas are, based on the water-flow, and we can then make targeted interventions,” the Public Infrastructure Minister said. At the time, he was delivering the feature address during the launch of the Government of Guyana and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) US$30.9M Sea and River Defence Resilience Project at the Pegasus Hotel. In November, 2015, Head of the DRR Team Rob Steijn had told the Government that the poor drainage system in the capital city must be tackled from the planning stage right up to the enforcement of legislation. Steijn, a Social Scientist, had said that Guyana needs to

recommended a small-scale dredging. However, Steijn’s presentation was not all doom and gloom. Rather, he noted that the observations were “not all bad”. It was pointed out that The Netherlands had significant experience in drainage, since, like Guyana, it was low-lying. Most of The Netherlands is below sea level. In total, Steijn made seven recommendations, which are: Upgrade modelling ca-

pability; increase flood resilience of people and businesses; upgrade dredging capabilities and improve flow efficiency; develop longterm plans; develop and test a pilot project; develop and apply a life-cycle approach for the drainage assets; and data management through digitisation. His recommendations were endorsed by team members Judith Klostermann and Fokke Westebring, a civil engineer.

SARU meets with Harmon

MEMBERS of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) met Monday with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and brought him up to speed on whatever matters are currently engaging the Unit’s attention. According to a release from the minister’s office, the two sides discussed the various challenges the Unit would have encountered; whatever progress it has made thus far; and together devised a number of plans and strategies for the way forward. Head of SARU, Professor Clive Thomas also advised the minister on the progress made as it relates to the laying of the State Asset Recovery Agency Bill 2016 in the National Assembly. “The members of the Unit pledged their support and commitment towards achieving the Unit’s mandate,” the release noted. Minister Harmon reminded the members of their tasks and responsibilities, and urged all to stay focused.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

––provides progress report

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Professor Clive Thomas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

US Embassy staffer spearheads Georgetown Seawall clean-up By Shauna Jemmott

WITH the aim of beautifying the Georgetown Seawall area, and building a sense of community for other projects, a United States Embassy official started a project titled ‘Take Time Tuesday’ to build on a clean, safe and friendly environment. MD Mitchell, who’s employed at the US Embassy as a Counsellor/ Officer, said he was impressed by the beach from the first day he visited the Georgetown Seawall and thought it needed a little maintenance. As a result, he and his wife, along with two other individuals, decided to start the project on Martin Luther King’s Day, January 18 this year. Having worked in the field of environmental protection before migrating to Guyana late last year to work at the US Embassy, Mitchell said the Georgetown Seawall was the venue for his first sight-seeing outing. “I came here in Guyana in November, and I’m looking for something I could do,” Mitchell said. “This is the first place I ever visited when I came.” While his country, the USA, is probably millions of miles away, he said, “The ocean connects us all; so that is why I picked this place.”

On the first day, the cleaning party met at 15:00hrs, and while they recognised that the heat of the sun could have been discouraging, it did not stop them. They, however, decided to return to the beach every Tuesday at 17:00hrs to clean for one hour; and after word spread through word of mouth and Facebook, the group grew from four on the first day to 50 last Tuesday. He said that looking at the growth of the campaign is “very exciting to watch,” and that even though “we didn’t try to do the big event, we’re just like growing organically; the word is spreading kind of exponentially now, with people telling people.” The band now includes Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan; controversial Chinese businessman, Bai Shan Lin; Guyanese employees at the US embassy; artists; individuals; other Chinese nationals from some of the Chinese businesses here; students, and other individuals; but the majority remains Guyanese. “This is supported by people at the embassy, but it’s not an embassy event,” Mitchell said, adding that the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has been very helpful in cleaning, transporting and dumping of the trash. Four weeks ago, some representa-

tives from the M&CC joined them and made the truck available. And for the first time, the new Deputy Mayor had joined the party. “They came out to see what was going on, and to say, ‘How can we help,’” Mitchell said, adding: “Ever since, the city has just signed on; it is really supportive. We’re hoping to get some leaders to keep it going. It’s not just cleaning the trash, but it builds a sense of community.” The Deputy Mayor, meanwhile, has dubbed the initiative “Awesome!” and called on all Guyanese to follow suit and adopt a space to help make Guyana a green economy. “It’s an awesome initiative by the American Embassy. And if we can have foreigners who can come and see the beauty of our city and try to preserve and enhance and clean up our city, then every resident of Georgetown should be helping to do the same, not only on our seawalls, but in your own little space,” Duncan told the Guyana Chronicle. He also extended an invitation to organisations, businesses and the general public to join the US Embassy campaign every Tuesday afternoon from 17:00 to 18:00hrs. “Let’s help clean up our seawall! It’s ours!” Duncan said.

US citizen, MD Mitchell, the pioneer of the ‘Take time Tuesday’ clean-up campaign at the Georgetown Seawall

Chinese businessman Bai Shan Lin among those cleaning the Georgetown Seawall on Tuesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Women artists redefine women’s work ‒ for 50th anniversary celebrations THE Guyana Women Artists’ Association (GWAA) will, as of Monday, be hosting a week-long art exhibition titled, “Redefining Women’s Work”, at the Centre of Brazilian Studies on upper Church Street, Queenstown. The exhibition, which is being held in collaboration with the Centro Cultural Brasil-Guiana, is in celebration of Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary, and signals a steady shift in the creative output of GWAA members who have committed their energies to ensuring the sustained legacy of the association. In their individual creative practices, members of the association have, in various ways, addressed the challenges of women maintaining their art careers without compromising their roles as primary care givers. Further, they have found new and innovative ways of using media once believed to be decorative and lacking

depth, to highlight the imposition of social, political and economic barriers upon women that often escaped men. Director of the Centro Cultural Brasil-Guiana, Mr. Márcio de Melo Teixeira, has expressed enthusiasm in continuing the long-held tradition of supporting the GWAA in their creative undertakings. Said he: “We at the Brazilian Embassy and the Brasil-Guyana Cultural Centre are happy to host the exhibition, “Redefining Women’s Work”, as a display of Guyanese aesthetics in the works of the women from GWAA. We take this opportunity to congratulate all Guyanese on the 50 years of Independence.” The exhibition continues daily until Friday, from 10:00hrs to 12:00hrs, and from 14:00hrs to 19:00hrs. The final day will also feature a talk and presentation by textile artist, Jennifer Gibson.

Police Sergeant, labourer charged with murder By Sherah Alleyne

FORMER Guyana Police Force Sergeant Colin Bailey of South Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara and labourer Colin Grant of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, were yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after they were jointly charged with the murder of 36-year-old businesswoman, Sirmattie Ramnaress. The murder of the businesswoman, also known as Parvati Singh, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was allegedly committed between August 30 and 31, 2013 during the course, or furtherance, of a robbery. Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the file was still incomplete. The matter was adjourned until May 4, 2016 for report and completion of

the file. In 2013, Ramnaress was found dead in her home at Diamond and it was suspected that she might have been murdered by persons close to her. The 36-year-old was found in the lower flat of her posh home by an employee who had turned up for work. The body bore stab wounds, her house was ransacked and the lower flat drenched with diesel but not set afire. The police had initially expressed an interest in the woman’s former partner who was a serving policeman at the time of her death. However, when her body was discovered, the man was reportedly on escort duties. The Police Force reopened the case last year and arrested a suspect, who allegedly claimed that he was paid to kill the woman and to remove the device that stored her surveillance footage.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 14, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

WADA makes U-turn … Meldonium users may escape doping bans By Dmitriy Rogovitskiy MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - Athletes who tested positive for meldonium before March 1 could have their bans overturned less than four months before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics after WADA said it was unable to establish how quickly the drug, outlawed since January 1, cleared the system. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s notice to national anti-doping bodies is expected to have a major impact on many of the 172 athletes who have tested positive for the performance-boosting drug since January. They include five-time grand-slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova, who was among 40 Russian athletes to test positive for the drug after it was added to WADA’s list of banned substances in January. Sharapova’s lawyer John Haggerty accused WADA yesterday of “poorly” handling the issue and said they were now “trying to make up for it”. WADA said there was “currently a lack of clear scientific information on excretion times”. “As a result it is difficult to know whether an athlete may have taken the substance before or after January 1, when it became illegal. “In these circumstances, WADA considers that there may be grounds for no fault or negligence on the part of the athlete,” it said in a statement sent to anti-doping agencies and sports federations, adding that the presence of less than one microgram of meldonium in the samples was acceptable. The anti-doping body’s notice also gave hope to athletes who have tested positive for the drug since March 1, depending on studies being carried out to determine how long it stays in the body.

Sharapova, who said she had been taking meldonium for more than a decade because of health problems, was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in March after announcing she had failed a test at the Australian Open.

MARIA SHARAPOVA “The fact that WADA felt compelled to issue this unusual statement now is proof of how poorly they handled issues relating to meldonium in 2015,” Haggerty said in a statement. “Given the fact that scores of athletes have tested positive for taking what previously was a legal product, it’s clear WADA did not handle this properly last year and they’re trying to make up for it now.” Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev said Sharapova’s

ban could be addressed in a meeting with ITF head David Haggerty later this month. “The situation with Sharapova could be resolved after April 21 when we meet with the head of the international federation. It is too early to talk about Sharapova competing at the Olympic Games,” Russia’s TASS news agency quoted Tarpishchev as saying. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko welcomed WADA’s decision. “The Russian Sports Ministry supports and welcomes the decision made by WADA because it has shown a willingness to understand the situation, rather than stick to the rulebook,” Mutko said in a statement. “WADA has demonstrated impartiality and being objective in the fight against doping.” Alexei Kravtsov, president of the Russian Skating Union (RSU), said that five-time world champion Pavel Kulizhnikov and 2014 Olympic short track gold medallist Semen Elistratov -- both found to have taken meldonium -- should be allowed to compete again after the WADA decision. “These sportsmen should be allowed to fall under the amnesty due to the amount found in their doping tests,” Kravtsov was quoted as saying by the R-Sport news agency. Two more Russian federations -rugby and cycling -- said their athletes who had tested positive could be free to return to competition. They include rugby player Alyona Mikhaltsova and cyclists Anastasia Chulkova and Pavel Yakushevsky who all tested positive for less than one microgram. Meldonium, manufactured for people suffering from heart problems, can also increase blood flow and improve exercise capacity.

Brazil authorities change match days amid political crisis (REUTERS)- Brazil’s police have ordered football team Corinthians to bring forward a cup tie by a day to avoid a clash with demonstrations scheduled for Sunday, when Congress votes on whether to impeach President Dilma Rousseff. The Football Federation of Sao Paulo state said in a statement that the quarter-final game between Corinthians and Red Bull Brasil had been moved to Saturday.

“The change comes at the behest of the military police and Globo Television because of the demonstrations scheduled for Sunday and the delicate moment the country is going through,” said the statement. It did not explain why Globo Television had made the request. Members of Rousseff’s government have accused the media group of being hostile to her administration and it is expected to

broadcast the vote in the lower house of Congress live. Polls show that roughly twothirds of Brazilians would support Rousseff’s impeachment, with the economy mired in its worst recession in decades. Some analysts say that televising the debate will make a pro-impeachment vote more likely. Rallies are also expected across the South American nation both in favour and against impeachment.

Cameron wants parliament to consider criminalising doping (REUTERS) - MPs should consider making doping in sport a criminal offence, Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday, after a series of scandals that have raised the issue’s profile high on the political agenda. Asked during his weekly question session in parliament what more could be done to tackle doping, Cameron said sport would be among topics discussed at an anti-corruption summit due to be held in Britain in May. “We are going to be looking at corruption in sport and bringing forward new codes of practice that we will adopt in this country, we hope others will adopt,” he said. “There is also the question about whether doping should be made a specific criminal offence which I think is something we should be looking at and debating in this house.” Other European countries, such as Spain and Italy, have already made doping a criminal offence and Germany extended its anti-doping law last November to include coaches and managers. Kenya, at the heart of a series of scandals in recent months, is also in the process of criminalising doping. But most countries, including Britain, still leave anti-doping control to individual sports’ governing bodies and anti-doping agencies, with punishments limited to bans and reclaiming prize money. This month the UK government ordered an inquiry into the way Britain’s anti-doping agency handled allegations that a British doctor prescribed banned performance-enhancing drugs to leading sports people.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Vaal 08:15 hrs Announcing Rain 08:50 hrs Lock Him Up 09:25 hrs Anjaal 10:00 hrs Tabreek 10:35 hrs Caracal 11:10 hrs Resolute Captain ENGLISH RACING TIPS Cheltenham 08:50 hrs Sainte Ladylime 09:25 hrs Bon Chic 10:00 hrs Robins Reef 10:35 hrs Amigo 11:10 hrs Sugar Baron 11:45 hrs Lovely Job 12:20 hrs Meribel Millie NEWMARKET 09:10 hrs Jadaayil 09:45 hrs Zumran 10:20 hrs Linguistic 10:55 hrs Mobsta 11:30 hrs Foundation 12:05 hrs Flash Fire 12:40 hrs Florencio

RIPON 09:00 hrs Coolfitch 09:35 hrs Intisaab 10:10 hrs Mirsaale 10:45 hrs Motdaw 11:20 hrs Eternitys Gate 11:55 hrs Hold On Magnolia 12:30 hrs Victory Bond IRISH RACING TIPS Limerick 09:15 hrs Siberian Vixen 09:50 hrs Paper Lantern 10:25 hrs Routes Choice 11:00 hrs Liclash 11:35 hrs Some Drama 12:10 hrs King Blue 12:45 hrs Balkalin AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Sweet Corinna Race 2 Super Psyche Race 3 Stevie Q Race 4 Jules N Rome Race 5 Ranger’s Express Race 6 Mordi’s Miracle Race 7 Lady Bling Race 8 Sunny Puzzle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

Stokes, Bairstow named as two of Wisden’s five Cricketers-of-the-Year … Smith, Williamson and McCullum complete the list

ENGLAND’S Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow have been named as two of Wisden’s five Cricketers-ofthe-Year. All-rounder Stokes, 24, was named following a “string of match-changing performances”, including his 198-ball 258 against South Africa in Cape Town. Bairstow, 26, scored 1 108 runs in Yorkshire’s County Championship victory and also helped England win the Ashes. Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand pair Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson complete Wisden’s list. Batsman Williamson, 25, was named as the leading cricketer in the world by Wisden, having “confirmed himself as one of the talents of his generation” with 2 692 international runs in 2015.

BEN STOKES

JONNY BAIRSTOW

STEVEN SMITH

BRENDON McCULLUM

KANE WILLIAMSON

McCullum retired from international cricket in February, hitting the fastest Test century in history - off 54 balls - in his final game against Australia in Christchurch. Durham’s Stokes, who was recently hit for four successive sixes as West Indies snatched victory in the World

Twenty20 final, smashed an 85-ball century against New Zealand last May - the fastest Test hundred at Lord’s. While compiling his 258 against South Africa in January, Stokes shared a 399-run partnership with Bairstow - a sixth-wicket record in Tests - as the Yorkshireman scored his

maiden Test century. New Zealander Suzie Bates, 28, was named as the world’s leading women’s cricketer after scoring a sixth one-day century, against England in February, to help “consolidate her status as one of the power-hitters of the women’s game”. The coveted awards,

which began in 1889, are a central feature of the annual Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, the 153rd edition of which will be published today. In the new edition, editor Lawrence Booth describes England’s transformation into a more attacking side over the past 12 months as “the

most uplifting story in international cricket of the year”. Booth identifies the appointment of Andrew Strauss as director of England cricket in May 2015 as a major factor in England’s improvement, along with the decision to bring in Trevor Bayliss as head coach. (BBC Sport)

England teammates react with sadness to Taylor’s retirement JAMES Taylor’s England teammates reacted with sadness after the diminutive batsman was forced to retire on Tuesday at the age of 26 because of a heart condition. “It is an immensely sad day. We couldn’t believe it when we were told this morning,” experienced batsman Ian Bell said. “Thoughts are with ‘Titch’ and for a speedy recovery. He is one of the top blokes in English cricket. It is shocking news.” The 1.65m-tall (5’ 5”) Taylor, who plays county cricket for Nottinghamshire, withdrew from last week’s game against Cambridge MCCU with what was believed to be a viral infection. However, scans showed he had a serious heart condition known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia (ARVC). Middle-order batsman Taylor played seven Test matches and 27 one-day internationals for England

and captained the side against Ireland in May last year. England pace bowler Stuart Broad, a county

IAN BELL colleague of Taylor’s, described his early retirement as “cruel news”. “Gutted for @jamestaylor20,” Broad wrote on his Twitter account. “He’s one of the strongest guys I know with a brilliant family around him.” Jason Roy, one of the standout performers as

England reached the final of the World Twenty20 in India earlier this month, called it “heartbreaking news”. “(He is) a seriously talented and hard-working man. Stay strong my buddy, everyone’s with you,” Roy tweeted. Retired England spinner Graeme Swann also said Taylor was “one of the good guys”. “Devastated for my mate @jamestaylor20,” Swann tweeted. “No one has ever worked harder to achieve his dreams.” Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Geoff Boycott also sent Taylor their good wishes. “Gutted...@jamestaylor20 is one of the great people of our great game.” tweeted Vaughan. “The cricket family will make sure we support his every need.” Boycott said: “I’m sad to hear the news about @jamestaylor20. I admired your talent and wish you well for your operation and moving forward.”

Kenya given until May 2 by WADA to pass new rules KENYA could be banned from the Olympics if it does not pass new anti-doping rules by a new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline of May 2. Kenya has already missed two deadlines to show it is tackling cheating in sport - 11 February 11 and April 5. If Kenya does not legislate to create a new national anti-doping agency, it will be declared non-compliant and move a step closer to missing the Rio Games. Meanwhile Ethiopia has been given until November to perform mass doping tests. The two nations are among the most successful in track and field, and placed first and fifth respectively in the medal table at the 2015 World Athletics Championships. Since 2011, more than 40 Kenyan athletes have failed drugs tests and the country has been placed

on a ‘watch-list’ of nations at risk of breaching the World Anti-Doping Agency

Tw o - t i m e W o r l d cross-country champion Emily Chebet is among the Kenyan athletes to have been banned for doping offences. (WADA) code and told to take legal steps to toughen its anti-doping procedures. But while lawmakers have held a preliminary reading of a bill criminalising

sports doping, two further hearings and presidential assent are still required and the country’s parliament is now in recess. However, Athletics Kenya’s acting president Jackson Tuwei has said he believes WADA is “satisfied with the progress” of the country’s anti-doping efforts. Ethiopia is not in danger of missing the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August, but could face a ban at a later date if it does not comply with WADA’S request to test up to 200 athletes. Results of the drug tests - to which the government has pledged $300 000 (£212 900) - must be provided to WADA and world athletics’ governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). “We are told that we could be banned from the IAAF if we don’t comply with the request,” team doctor Ayalew Tilahun told a news conference. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

SCUA president calls on players to acquaint themselves with rules By Frederick Halley TO R O N TO , C a n a d a – Long-standing president of the Scarborough Cricket Umpires Association (SCUA) Albert Ramcharran has issued a call to players under the umbrella of the body to acquaint themselves with the playing conditions of both the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL). Ramcharran’s call was also echoed by SCA president Shiv Persaud at last Sunday’s annual general meeting of the SCUA, held at Twilight Restaurant and Bar, Scarborough here. Both presidents lamented the fact that players are more inclined to follow the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, while viewing cricket on television, and are not aware of the regulations of the respective associations. However, Persaud pointed out that the SCA intends to address the issue in the future with the aim of bringing them in conformity with the ICC rules. The recently-elected SCA

president disclosed that while he looks forward to working together with the SCUA, urged the umpires to be good ambassadors and also to avoid

doings by players. OSCL vice-president Terry Mathura informed the gathering that there are minimal changes to the rules for the

umpires to report infractions to the OSCL and promised these will be handled expeditiously by his disciplinary committee.

Heading the list was Mathew Francis who is now a West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) qualified umpire and who

SCUA executives: From left are: Mathew Francis (treasurer), Bisham Singh (vice-president), Nazaam Ali (assistant secretary), Albert Ramcharran (president) and Azad Khan (secretary). participating in the usual jollifications after the games. Persaud also encouraged members to continue sharpening their skills and not to hesitate reporting any wrong-

new season and these will be communicated to the umpiring body well in advance of the opening fixtures, set for Saturday, May 14 next. Mathura also advised the

The SCUA also took the opportunity to hand out certificates and extend congratulations to several of its members who were successful at various levels over the past year.

Fury says Joshua will be easy payday, after Klitschko By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - Tyson Fury has labelled new IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua a ‘pumped-up weightlifter’ and said he would be an easy payday once he had defended his own titles against Wladimir Klitschko in July. Briton Fury will face Klitschko in a re-match in Manchester on July 9 after stunning the long-reigning Ukrainian in Germany in November to win the WBA and WBO belts. Olympic champion Joshua won the IBF belt Fury was forced to vacate when he crushed American Charles Martin in only his 16th professional fight last week - fuelling talk of a unification fight between himself and Fury. Joshua said after dispatching Martin that he would “walk through” Fury, but the self-styled Gypsy King launched a counter-attack on his British rival at a news conference for his cousin Hughie Fury’s forthcoming WBO intercontinental heavyweight title fight with American Fred Kassi.

“The British public is fooled by bums,” Tyson Fury, 27, told reporters. “I thought (Joshua) looked like a pumped-

New IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua up weightlifter out of his mind on drugs. “He fought an American who came to lie down and had about as much fight in him as this glass of water there, zero.

“If it hadn’t been for me, Joshua wouldn’t be anywhere near a title. He only got the chance because the IBF stole their belt from me because I had a contract for the rematch with Wladimir. “The only fight I have to worry about is Wladimir. It takes a real man to relieve a great champion of his belts. So let’s not talk about the others until I beat the man that was the man. “Providing I get past him then I’ll fight the other ones. The British ones are the easiest paydays.” Fury clearly holds Klitschko in higher esteem than Joshua, saying he was ‘10 times better’, but he had a warning for the German-based former champion who barely laid a glove on Fury in their first fight. “He’s still the second-best heavyweight. A proper fighter. But if he doesn’t do something different he is in for another hiding. “He has to come and try and fight. He couldn’t fight me the first time with his A-game so he won’t on his second.”

also gained the most marks (92) among the Canadian candidates. Kalamuddin Baksh is the other WICUA umpire with similar accolade while Vish Jadunauth

was successful at the WICUA final written examination. Among the others successful candidates were Awahan Krishan (Level Three), Nazaam Ali (Level Two), Terry Mathura (Level One), Danny Singh (Level One) and Ramnarine Prashad (Level One). Based on the constitution of the SCUA, only three posts were up for grabs at the AGM, that of vice-president, treasurer and assistant secretary. Bisham Singh was elected the new vice-president, replacing Peter Montfort, who was unavoidably absent while Mathew Francis and Nazaam Ali were retained as treasurer and assistant secretary respectively. Members observed one minute’s silence on the passing of the late Uncle Jim, familiarly known as Pops, who passed away late last year, and Desmond Singh, the brother of vice-president Bisham Singh. Uncle Jim, who died at the ripe old age of 103, was an ardent cricket supporter and enthusiast at the Ellesmere ground, Scarborough.

Olympic champion James to open season in Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) - Olympic 400 metres champion Kirani James is set to open his 2016 season at the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational (CBBI) on April 16, organisers have said. The former world champion is preparing to defend his title won in London four years ago when he became the first Grenadian to KIRANI JAMES win an Olympic medal. James will compete in the one-lap event featuring former world and Olympic champion American Jeremy Wariner, Steven Gardiner of The Bahamas, Renny Quow of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tony McQuay and Angelo Taylor of the United States. James last competed at the IAAF Diamond League in Zurich on September 3, where he finished behind American LaShawn Merritt.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday april 14, 2016

Sir Curtly hails Badree, bowling team

BOWLING consultant for the West Indies senior men’s team and former player, Sir Curtly Ambrose has hailed the exploits of leg-spinner Samuel Badree, during the recent ICC World Twenty20 Championships in India. Badree claimed nine wickets in six matches at an average of 13.77 as the regional side’s top bowler for the tournament. “He’s a good T20 bowler and it’s not just playing for the West Indies because he has plied his trade all over the globe in different franchises and has done extremely well so he is not a flash in the pan, overnight or a fluke. He understands this T20 thing and he is a champion in it and he is the number one bowler in the world,” he said. According to the legendary Antiguan, Badree, now the ICC number one ranked T20 bowler in the

world, was under no pressure to deliver during the highly competitive tournament. “There was no Sunil Narine, there was no Lendl Simmons and there was no Pollard and there was no Rampaul. These four guys have been around for a while and have done quite well in this format but one of the things we said to them is that we are going to enjoy the cricket,” Sir Curtly said. “We know what we are capable of doing; we are going to work hard and at no time at all should anyone feel pressured to do well or put themselves under any unnecessary pressure so Badree was quite fine,” he added. Sir Curtly reminded that the team’s exploits with the ball is owing to an overall effort from all involved. He congratulated his players for delivering top

Samuel Badree claimed nine wickets in six ICC World T20 matches at an average of 13.77

class performances in a format of the game best suited for batsmen. “Everything is against the bowlers with front foot no-ball, free-hit and all kind of things like leg-side wide, so I was quite happy with the way we bowled,” the bowling consultant said. “The first game we played England got to 184 and most people figured that, on that pitch, it was a decent total and with the way they (England) started we though, this could be more than 200 so the bowlers pulled back quite well and throughout the tournament, no one really took us apart,” he added. West Indies defeated England by four wickets after needing 19 from the final over. Carlos Brathwaite hammered four consecutive sixes off bowler Ben Stokes to lead the Caribbean team to their second World T20 title. (Antigua Observer article).

Ruthless Bayern book fifth CL semi in a row (REUTERS) - Bayern Munich booked their fifth successive Champions League (CL) semi-final spot with a 2-2 draw at Benfica yesterday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that kept the Germans on course for a treble of titles. Arturo Vidal’s 38th-minute goal cancelled out the hosts’ early lead through Raul Jimenez’s header and Thomas Mueller’s volley early in the second half eased their nerves. The Portuguese side, vying for their first semi-final in more than a quarter of a century, managed a late equaliser through Talisca but still suffered their fourth elimination in their fourth European tie against Bayern. The Bavarians will face Real Madrid, city rivals Atletico, who eliminated holders Barcelona, or England’s Manchester City in the last four. “It was a sensational atmosphere but it was hard work,” said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm, who played his 103rd Champions League game to become joint leader in Germany along with former Bayern keeper Oliver Kahn. “We had to be more

Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters/Paul HannaLivepic)

precise than in the first game, close the spaces between midfield and defence and we did it better tonight. We remained calm after the goal and worked hard,” said Lahm. Benfica were without top strikers Jonas, Gaitan and Kostas Mitroglou through suspension or injury and were quickly on the back foot as expected with the Germans controlling 70 percent of possession. Mueller had the Germans’ first good chance but fired wide after 15 minutes with Benfica’s double backline working extremely hard. “That double line was sometimes even three lines. They were a very difficult opponent,” said Bayern coach Guardiola. The hosts struck following a quick break when Eliseu found space to cross from the left and Jimenez charged past two defenders to score with a flying header. The Mexican went close to adding another but Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer did well to parry his shot. The Bavarians looked briefly rattled by the setback but quickly recovered when Vidal, who scored the winner in the first leg, drilled in

the equaliser after perfectly timing his shot from keeper Ederson’s clearance. Guardiola had surprisingly kept top scorer Robert Lewandowski on the bench and Mueller took over his role, slipping in like a natural centre forward and volleying in a Martinez assist. Bayern, also chasing a record fourth straight Bundesliga crown as well as the German Cup, did not let up and Douglas Costa’ powerful shot hit the post on the hour. Martinez was lucky not to be sent off for a last-man foul and Benfica coach Rui Vitoria was sent to the stands over the referee’s decision to book the Spaniard. But Talisca gave him something to smile about, curling the resulting free kick past Neuer to cap a battling performance against the German giants. “We fought until the end, so I have to congratulate my players and these amazing supporters,” said the Portuguese coach. “We faced a very powerful team that knows how to dictate the pace of the game. We promised we would go eye to eye with Bayern and we did so.”

GCA first division final set for this weekend DEMERARA Cricket Club (DCC) and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will clash in the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) first division two-day cricket competition this weekend at the famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground. Both teams advanced to the final after they registered first-innings points in their respective semi-final game last weekend. The on-field umpires confirmed for the game are: Ryan Banwarie and Shannon Crawford. Randolph Rose is the reserve umpire. Meanwhile, one second division game is scheduled for this weekend. MYO will host GCC, with Peter Montfort and Patrick Garnath confirmed as the onfield umpires.

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE-born Canadian boxer Egerton Marcus won a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and turned professional the following year. Marcus started with a bang and on April 14, 1989 and made his debut in the House of Lords of the sport. The Guyanese light heavyweight took one round to TKO Leroy Moore at the Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The fight was a preliminary on a card that featured Vinny Pazienza versus Jake Carollo. Five years and 14 fights later Marcus suffered his first loss. The Olympic silver medallist was 30 years old when he clashed with German Henry Maske on February 11, 1995 in Frankfurt, Germany. Both boxers were undefeated going into the bout which had the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title at stake. The southpaw Maske earned his 26th professional victory when he triumphed by a unanimous decision. The Guyanese then lingered for two fights in the cruiserweight division before joining the `big boys’ in the heavyweight category. Born in Guyana on February 2, 1965, Marcus represented Canada as a middleweight in the 1988 Olympics in South Korea. He drew a bye in round then knocked out Emmanuel Legaspi of the Philippines and Darko Dukic of Yugoslavia respectively. Wins over Sven Ottke of West Germany and Hussain Shah Syed of Pakistan earned him a place in the final. However, Marcus was forced to take silver after Henry Maske, who represented East Germany, won the final 5-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday April 14, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Sourav Ganguly (KKR) (2) Brendon McCullum-158 (KKR)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the captains involved in the first game of IPL 2016? (2) Which team won the first game of IPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 14, 2016

Rohit, Buttler chase down 188 target IT was entirely bewildering. Mitchell McClenaghan walked out at No.4 for Mumbai Indians. It is not like the side is short of hitters. Mumbai spent INR 3.8 crores acquiring a new one for this year, but Jos Buttler caught fire only after the spark provided by McClenaghan’s eight-ball 20. The events between the 11th and the 15th overs of the chase decided the winner of the match - Mumbai, by six wickets. Scores: Mumbai Indians 188 for 4 (Rohit 84*, Buttler 41) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 187 for 5 (Gambhir 64, Manish 52) by six wickets. McClenaghan’s responsibility - under normal circumstances - was to slip into Lasith Malinga’s shoes. Be the wicket-taker at the start and the enforcer at the end. Yesterday, he was asked to disrupt the Kolkata Knight Riders spinners. And he was given the freedom to do so. Every single shot played by the New Zealand fast bowler was a slog. His second, third and fourth balls cleared the Eden Gardens boundaries. The eighth - a wide full toss that he tried to slog-

sweep - led to his downfall but by then Mumbai had regained lost momentum. An equation of 101 off 60 balls had shrunk to 79 off 49.

Rohit Sharma stands tall and punches off the backfoot in his unbeaten 84. It became 49 off 30 when Buttler followed a straight drive with a pulled six off chinaman Brad Hogg. A scoop to the fine leg boundary - which established Buttler’s finesse - and two lofted cover drives - which established his power - deflated

Knight Riders. Gautam Gambhir, who had taken the record (27) for the most fifties in the IPL earlier in the night, watched the ball soar and the chances for his team sink with every minute Buttler was on strike. When Buttler eventually fell for 41 off 22 balls, Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma, back at his preferred opening position, provided more evidence of why he should be given as many overs as possible in a T20 game. Rohit held the innings together with his unbeaten 84, and even finished it off with an array of beautiful shots - a straight six, a deft glide to third man and an outrageous sweep off an overpitched delivery coming at him with the express pace of Andre Russell from around the wicket. Rohit averages 50.12 and strikes at 145.81 at Eden Gardens in T20 cricket. Mumbai, his team, have won eight out of 10 games at this venue, including the IPL title in 2013 and 2015. Knight Riders’ batting may not have been as eye-catching as Mumbai’s, but it was very efficient. Manish Pandey could find the boundary at will.

He pulled his second ball for four, dominated the spin of Harbhajan Singh and J Suchith by virtue of his quick footwork, and secured his fifty off only 26 balls. The standout shot, though, was a glide to third man off Jasprit Bumrah in the 13th over. The pitch was excellent for batting, but it was allowing the cutters some grip. Pandey saw the variation out of the bowler’s hand, waited for it to arrive and simply let it fly off the face of his bat. His captain Gambhir was a little less adept - at the end of the second over he was only 3 off 8 balls - but a lot more determined. Gambhir hared back and forth for twos - there were eight of them in his innings of 64 - and ensured he was at the crease for as much of the 20 overs as possible. Andre Russell bludgeoned 36 off 17 balls to give the Knight Riders a total they thought was more than par. But their most trusted weapon - spin bowling - was dismantled by Rohit and company. Hogg, Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla cost 103 in 11.1 overs. There was no coming back from that.

Back injury ends Simmons … Martin Guptill IPL season named as replacement MUMBAI Indians opener Lendl Simmons has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2016 due to an injury to his lower back. New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill has been named as Simmons’ replacement. Simmons’ injury is similar to the one that forced him to withdraw from the first stage of the World T20 last month. He later joined the West Indies team for the tournament, in place of the injured Andre Fletcher, and scored a crucial 51-ball 82 not out in the semi-final against India in Mumbai. Simmons was the best batsman for Mumbai Indians during their title run

LENDL SIMMONS in IPL 2015, scoring 540 matches in 13 matches at a strike-rate of 122.41 with six half-centuries. Overall, he has scored 942 runs in 22 matches for Mumbai Indians since 2014. He was out

for 8 in Mumbai’s opening game against Pune Supergiants last week. Guptill was unsold during the player auction in February, despite being listed as one of the

marquee players at a base price of INR 50 lakh. The opening batsman was the highest run-getter in the 2015 World Cup, scoring 547 runs in nine matches, including a knock of 237 against West Indies in the quarter-final. Guptill’s overall T20 record stands at 4 684 runs from 155 matches with two centuries, including one against South Africa in December 2012. Guptill has also played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, apart from stints with Derbyshire and Sydney Thunder. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday april 14, 2016

WIFBSC Short Range champs to defend title in Antigua next month

… Budget of $4.6M required REIGNING West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Short Range champions; Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) has commenced training in earnest ahead of next month’s championships set for the island of Antigua from May 16 to 22. Captain Mahendra Persaud and fellow marksmen began the task of gelling together and getting into rhythm last Sunday at the Timehri Rifle Range as they seek to retain the title which they last won when the championships were held in Jamaica in 2014. Last year there was no competition in the Carib-

bean as the West Indies competed at the World Long Range Championships and Palma Match which were held at Camp Perry in Ohio, USA in August, 2015; eight Guyanese had made up the 16-member West Indies team. Guyana won the team Long and Short Range Titles (Milex and WIFSC Trophies) for an unprecedented fourth time on Jamaican soil in 2014. However, only the Short Range championship will be contested in Antigua which does not have a Long Range. Captain Persaud noted that practice last Sunday took on the Team format that would be done in Anti-

The Guyana team along with other shooters last Sunday before they took to the 600 yards ranges. gua at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges. “The exact format that we would be shooting in Antigua was used at training. We ran the order that we would also be using as we seek to get our form and focus going the way we ought to. I am confident that we will be able to retain

the title as the best in the Caribbean.” Wind coaches are Paul Slowe, Persaud, Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck and Dylan Fields who will all shoot and coach as has been the norm over the years. Lennox Braithwaite is also the defending Carib-

bean Individual Champion and will be aiming to win this accolade for the fourth year in a row, having won in Guyana (2012), Barbados (2013) and Jamaica (2014). Other members of the squad are: Ryan Sampson, Peter Persaud, Terrence Stuart, Sherwin Felicien and Leo Romalho. Training will

continue every Sunday. Meanwhile, GuyanaNRA personnel have disclosed that they are faced with a budget of $4.6M in order to make the tour a reality. Letters have already been sent to corporate Guyana as well as the relevant National ministries soliciting assistance.

Essequibo reach 71 for 2 on rain-shortened day … Demerara 25-1, replying to Select Under-17s first-innings 90

DESPITE losing both openers, Essequibo negotiated two testing periods to close day one of the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company Under-19 threeday cricket tournament against Berbice on 71-2. Only 26.3 overs of play were possible after early morning rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of play until 15:00hrs. When bad light stopped play at 17:14hrs, both batsmen Keemo Paul and Sachin

Keemo Paul (right) and Sachin Persaud leave the field to resume battle today.

Persaud displayed admirable application to be unbeaten on 25 and eight respectively. Paul, the West Indies Under-19 all-rounder has so far struck five sweetly timed boundaries.However, Berbice failed to take the advantage of sending Essequibo in to bat in heavily overcast conditions. Their fast bowlers were not consistent enough upfront to exploit any assistance from the conditions. Both Mark Williams and Nathan Persaud negotiated the testy conditions to reach

22 without loss when a slight shower chased the players off the playing area after nine overs and 41 minutes of play. Williams was unbeaten on six, while Persaud was on eight. When play resumed after 34 minutes, Williams was caught at short extra cover, off pacer Sylus Tyndall for six, at 27-1. Satesh Lachanana joined Persaud, but without the services of medical personnel (physiotherapist), he was forced to retire hurt with a pulled hamstring, on one. Persaud in company with

Paul then took Essequibo to 47 before left-arm spinner Joel Seetram removed Persaud, caught at forward short-leg for a composed 22. In the other game between Demerara and the Select Under-17 at Wales, Demerara were 25-1, replying to the Select Under-17 first-innings total of 90. Ronaldo Renee and Sherfane Rutherford are the not-out batsmen on 23 and one respectively. Play in both games resumes at 09:30hrs today. ( Rajiv Bisnauth)

WICB set to host an Event Workshop THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is preparing for upcoming home series in one-day internationals and Tests starting June this year. That schedule will start with the Tri-Nation with South Africa and Australia and the India series in July along with the fourth running of the Caribbean Premier League. While the players were dominating on the field of play and winning championships in the just concluded 2016 ICC World Twenty20, West

Indies were winning in another key area – Event Planning. Commercial Manager, Nelecia Yeates was also in India and is back in the region where she brings back with her valued exposure and experiences from the recently concluded Championship. That work will be put to a test this coming weekend, when she will be among a small group of the officials from the Secretariat who will share with event planners, operations and

marketing personnel from the cricket community, in a two-day event workshop to prepare staff for the upcoming series in the region. The sessions are being held in Barbados April 15 and 16 and will include 40 cricket officials who will interact with each other on the following topics:: Execution of host agreements Event planning – pre, during and post Medical and security requirements Finance and Planning

WICB Commercial Manager, Nelecia Yeates

Cricket Operations Marketing and use of new media platforms The two-day workshop is aimed at bringing each regional board upto-date with the most recent requirements while offering them an opportunity to share ideas with each other and the WICB. “While the upcoming series are important, in 2018, the West Indies will host the Women’s Twenty20 World Championship, and this is just one in a series of the Event Planning

workshops the board will put on. “We hope to achieve the common goal to maintain and improve on West Indies being one of the top destinations for cricket in the world,” noted Yeates. She added that “this will help to sensitise the cricket professionals around the region to what is required and how the region can benefit from being good hosts”. All the territorial boards and venue owners have confirmed their participation.

Cameron wants parliament to consider criminalising story doping onSeepage 30

British Prime Minister David Cameron

‘Screw’ Richmond Under-18 football

CWSS scorers: From left Shaquille Campbell, Keshawn Dey and Omar Brewley By Joe Chapman PERENNIAL favourites Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) survived a scare from New Silvercity Secondary as they battled to a 4-4 draw in front of an astonishing crowd on Tuesday afternoon at the Wisburg Secondary School ground, when the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Linden Under-18 football championship entered its third day. Entering the tournament with an unenviable record of three straight championships, the defending champions and owners of the DIGICEL National Schools Championship tile for four years running, the ‘Multi’ Boys as they are popularly known, began in fine style as they took an early lead through a 2nd

minute strike from Keshawn Dey and soon were up when Shaquille Campbell doubled the score in the 14th minute. Campbell then added another goal when he netted in the 28th minute and the reigning champions were coasting 3-0 at halftime and looked like they would have blanked the challenge of the New Silvercity Secondary. But the second half began with New Silvercity Secondary striking early through Emmanuel Atkins in the 48th minute and they turned on the pressure on the defending champions when Omar Williams scored in the 51st minute, and then knotted the scores in the 56th minute, for a 3-3 score, that sent the fans into a frenzied state. This meant that the New Silvercity Sec-

Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary held to exciting 4-4 draw

... Mackenzie High clobber Harmony 5-0

ondary guys had secured a three-goal blitz in eight minutes and then three minutes later the tables turned for the worse for ‘Multi’, as the underdogs New Silvercity Secondary nudged ahead into the lead through Tyric McAllister in the 61st minute, 4-3. Under pressure the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary side composed themselves for a great escape and it came. The resurgent champions pressed for the equaliser and the defence of the New Silvercity Secondary panicked, with a ‘handled ball’, which resulted in Christianburg Secondary bailing themselves out with a `gifted penalty’. It was taken by Omar Brewley, who made no mistake in knotting the scores 4-4 in the 70th minute, much to the disbelief of

the many fans who seemingly relished the chance of an upset.The second game was easy sailing for the Mackenzie High School, who fashioned out a 5-0 win over Harmony Secondary. All goals were scored in the first half of play, with doubles coming off the boot of Okocha Peters in the 8th and 27th minutes and Raheem Angus in the 22nd and 39th minutes s and the other by Jamal Allicock in the 45th minute. The championship continues today at the Wisburg Secondary School ground with two more exciting matches. In the first game at 14:30hrs Linden Foundation Secondary will oppose Marcia Craig’s Educational Institute and the second is between Linden Technical Institute and Wisburg Secondary School.

Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival set to renew old rivalries By Tamica Garnett THE Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival will renew some old rivalries among teams on April 24 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, especially among the Joint Services, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) finally getting their chance at revenge. The grouse stems from Guyana Defence Force (GDF) edging Police last year in the controversial 4x100 metres race at the Inter-Service Annual Athletics Championships, despite a superb final leg from Winston George (Police). The GDF and GPF men put on a show last year when Defence Force’s, Davin Fraser collected the baton ahead of George on the final leg of the 4x100m. George ran a superb final leg to catch Fraser for a photo finish that went to the soldiers in the end. The race wrapped up a dominant performance from the soldiers in the relays, prompting talks of revenge in the Police camp for the Boyce/Jefford event next Sunday. GDF ran a combined 40.50 seconds to win the 4x100m last year compared to Police’s 40.60s.

In the 4x400m, the soldiers swept both men’s and women’s events in times of 3:24.30s and 3:59.90s respectively. It means that in their last meeting in relays, GDF held the advantage over Police in the main events. The Police women won the 4x100m last year. The soldiers will be gunning to maintain their advantage over Police in relays events scheduled for next weekend. However, the soldiers’ victory is not guaranteed since several other teams will be coming from all across Guyana to compete. Teams will come from Linden, East Coast and West Coast Berbice. The relay events: Male and Female: 4x100, 4x200m 4x400, Sprint Medley for Females (100m, 100m, 200m, 400m), Sprint Medley for Males (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m), Distance Medley for Females (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m) and Distance Medley for Males (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m). Each relay race carries a total purse of $40 000 with $20 000 for the winner, $12 000 for second place and $8 000 for third place. Technical Director Mark Scott has indicated that all the top clubs and athletes in Guyana will be competing in the Relay Festival.

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Flashback! GDF’s Davin Fraser (second, left) hands over to teammate Wayne Harlequin, while Tevin Garraway (Police) gives way to Winston George in the 4x400m last year at the Joint Services championships. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016