War veteran Durante turns 99 today
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Rent-a-Gun No. 104736
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016
Price: $80
(VAT Inclusive)
‒ Top Cop says private security firm involved in gun rentals
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This Loulou (fish), measuring some six feet in length and weighing over 200 lbs, was caught in the Essequibo River and put on display at the Rockstone Fish Festival on Sunday
Big catch! Double Not murder rattles so Ekereku Top soon Page 8
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More cops on the streets for Christmas Page 10
Not so soon 2
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
… Dr Surujbally says will not demit office month end Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally said circumstances may not permit him to demit office on November 30 as intended. Dr. Surujbally, who has been at the helm of GECOM since 2001, had formally informed President David Granger, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and the Commission of his intention to demit office on November 30, 2016. But on Monday, he told Guyana Chronicle that circumstances may not permit him to step down as planned. “That was my intention. (But) There are developments and
occurrences that dictate that I might have to stay on for a week or two,” Dr. Surujbally told this newspaper. The Government while accepting Dr. Surujbally’s position has insisted on him creating the platform for seamless transition to his successor. Government has reportedly made it clear to Dr. Surujbally that effective on the day of him demitting office will be the date of the assumption of office, (swearing in of the new chairman.) Additionally, Government has insisted that all arrangements and decisions be made to ensure that the secretariat is stable and that the work programme of the commis-
Scrap metal dealers to know fate by December SCRAP metal dealers are still not certain whether they will be able to ply their trade before Christmas. In August, it was announced that the Ministry of Business was working towards a November 2016 target for the completion of comprehensive reforms and resumption of the scrap-metal trade. Guyana Scrap Metal Dealers Association (GSMDA) Secretary Michael Benjamin told the Guyana Chronicle that dealers are awaiting the promised November deadline to see what happens next. He expressed hope of a confirmation on the issue by November 30, but noted that uncertainty is still high. Recently, Minister of
Business Dominic Gaskin said following the audit report on the scrap metal industry in December last year, it was realised that reforms, which include legislative amendments, new regulations and the application of smart solutions in monitoring the trade, are needed. It further stated, since last year September, the association has been engaging the Ministry on the resumption of exports. “I do understand the hardships that metal dealers are facing and my earlier commitment to resolve the matter still stands. However, we cannot resume under the same terms and conditions which previously prevailed and expect to achieve a different result,” Gaskin stated.
sion continues seamlessly. Speaking on the issue, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee said the party has been reliably informed that Dr. Surujbally will proceed on his retirement following his 90 days annual vacation leave which took effect on September 1, 2016. While not objecting to Dr. Surujbally’s decision to vacate his office, Rohee said the PPP is concerned that since he has been on leave, meetings of the Commission have not been held to deal with substantive issues. “Letters have been written by members of GECOM to Dr. Surujbally requesting
the convening of GECOM meetings to discuss matters of strategic importance to the work of the commission,” Rohee said while speaking at Freedom House. Nevertheless, the PPP General Secretary said the requisite systems will be put in place to pave the way for the appointment of a new chairman. “Approaches will be made at the appropriate constitutional level to discuss the terms of engagement which will have to be embarked upon to appoint a new chairman of GECOM in accordance with the letter and spirit of Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana,” Rohee noted.
GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally
According to Article 161 of the Constitution, the chairman of the Elections Com-
mission must be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly. The Chairman shall be a person who holds, has held or is qualified to hold the office of Judge of the High Court or the Court of Appeal or any other fit and proper person. The Constitution states that if the Leader of the Opposition does not submit such a list of persons then the President shall appoint a person who holds, has held or is qualified to hold the office of Judge of the High Court or the Court of Appeal.
Suspected bandits nabbed in high-speed chase A former police officer is among three suspected bandits who were apprehended by the police along Lamaha Street, Georgetown, following a high speed chase on Monday morning. The men, who were in a heavily tinted Toyota Premio motorcar bearing a false number plate, sped away
from the police shortly before lunch. The police ranks, some of whom were on motor cycles, chased the car which crashed into a drain an hour later along Lamaha Street between Vlissengen Road and Republic Street, Georgetown. Two of the men have been identified as Eloy
The car which the bandits were using (Timothy Bhagwandin photo) One of the suspected bandits being arrested by lawmen at the scene (Timothy Bhagwandin photo)
The false number plate used by the men (Timothy Bhagwandin photo)
Livan, 28, of Lot 47 Richards Town, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara and Devon
Chase, 30, of Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. Chase, a former police rank, has had brushes with the law dating back to 2008 when he was charged for larceny. On Monday morning, police reportedly retrieved a 9 mm firearm and ammunition from the vehicle. The car’s original number plate HC 7294 was covered with a fake registration HB 7412. Scores of persons gathered as the police arrested the suspected bandits. Police in a release said they responded to information indicating that the men were planning to rob a gas station.
Rent-a-Gun 3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
…Top Cop says private security firm involved in gun rentals ‒ firearm was used in a murder
A MAJOR local security firm is being investigated for allegedly “renting” its guns to unlicensed persons. One such incident has allegedly resulted in the rented firearm being used in a murder. Police Commission Seelall Persaud, making this damning disclosure during an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency’s Press and Publicity Unit last week, said: “We have information that security companies that are inherent to business entities are involved in unlawful purposes. Right now we have a murder investigation going on, and one of the lines of enquiry is that a licensed firearm holder for a number of firearms for his security company is renting those guns to persons who are not authorised to carry firearms; and one such incident (has) resulted in the murder of a person -- which we are inves-
tigating.” As he continued to provide details of this damning revelation, Persaud said: “We have heard about this happening in many other instances, and the Commissioner of Police is authorised under the Private Security Act to conduct audits. We have been doing that; however, I think we would need to provide more resources into it, so that we can do these audits more frequently and spontaneously, so that we get evidence of what is happening.” But speaking at the launch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Christmas policing programme on Monday, the Top Cop said the GPF has no evidence linking recent robberies and other gun crimes to licensed firearms that may have been rented. He also said that there was no intelligence or evidence to suggest that the recent upsurge in crime is politically
motivated. Reacting to President Granger’s recent statement: that a crime campaign is afoot to embarrass his Government and the Police Force, Persaud said: “People also respond to sentiments expressed in the media, thinking that this is a cause they may be helping; so indirectly it can have an impact. The question is whether our intelligence is saying that. No, it isn’t saying that!” Persaud told the forum. PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES Amidst increasing incidents of gun violence here, President Granger has said that his administration is looking at tightening up the firearm issuance regime by granting fewer licences to private citizens. Observers say that Government’s move, if accompanied by serious reforms in the
Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud
security sector -- including stricter monitoring of the country’s borders -- would put a dent into gun crimes. Disclosing that there are legitimate firearm licence holders who rent their weapons to criminals, President Granger has said he is working in collaboration
with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to reduce the number of gun licences issued. “So we would like to see fewer weapons in the hands of private citizens. It is my personal view that weapons should be used by law enforcement agencies -– the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force,” he said. The President has promised: “We will try to detect people coming into the country with illegal firearms…. So there is a plethora of measures which will be implemented, and our whole policy is aimed at getting guns off the streets and leaving guns in the hands of the police and the army.” LONG OBSERVED Alliance For Change (AFC) founder the late Sheila Holder had made similar observations in a 2008 article
carried in the Stabroek News. In that article, she opined that the time had come for the authorities to stop issuing gun licences to civilians as one sure way of reducing gun violence and putting a dent on the illegal arms trade. Holder had also said that, too often, criminals would wrest the guns from their victims during armed robberies, and this was only equipping the gunmen with more arms. “The gunmen are using more sophisticated weapons, so what is the point of issuing small arms to civilians? Civilians are not trained to protect themselves with guns. Clearly, the policy has not worked, and it is time we take steps to stop issuing guns to civilians,” Holder was quoted in that Stabroek News article as saying. PPP PERSPECTIVE Weighing in on the issue,
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Trump will get wake-up call when he takes office, Obama says President-elect Donald Trump is in for a quick
wake-up call and will have to adjust his temperament
when he confronts the realities of his new job on Jan. 20, President Barack Obama said on Monday. In a news conference at the White House, Obama said the freewheeling Trump could not be as outspoken as he was during the long and bitter campaign that ended last week with the Republican’s surprise win over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Subdued and carefully choosing his words, Obama gave what appeared to be dispassionate advice to his successor free of much of the partisan rancor that marked the election campaign. “This office has a way of waking you up,” Obama said. “Those
aspects of his positions or predispositions that don’t match up with reality, he will find shaken up pretty quick because reality has a way of asserting itself.” The two men met in the Oval Office last week to begin the transition of power. Obama said on Monday he believed Trump would be pragmatic in office and not approach the country’s problems from an ideological perspective. “There are going to be certain elements of his temperament that will not serve him well, unless he recognizes them and corrects them,” Obama said. “Because when you’re a candidate and you say something that is inaccurate or controversial it has less impact than it does when you’re president of the United States. Everybody around the world is paying attention. Markets move,” he said. Obama declined to wade into a controversy over Trump’s appointment of right-wing firebrand Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist, saying it would “not be appropri-
ate” for him to comment on Trump’s appointments. But Obama, who criticized Trump’s temperament during the campaign, said it was important for Trump to send signals of unity after the hard-fought campaign. He said the political gifts that allowed the Republican to execute his upset of Clinton would be put to good use in the White House. “I’ve been encouraged by his statements on election night about the need for unity, his interest in being president for all people,” Obama said. “In an election like this that was so hotly contested and so divided, gestures matter.” Democrats, civil rights groups and even some Republicans slammed Trump for choosing Bannon as a key aide, saying it would elevate the white nationalist movement into the top levels of the White House. Making his first appointments since last week’s upset win, Trump picked Bannon as his chief strategist and counselor, and Washington insider Reince Priebus as his chief of staff
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on Sunday, saying the two would share the task of steering his administration as “equal partners.” The choice of Priebus was seen as a conciliatory signal of Trump’s willingness to work with Congress. But critics blasted the selection of Bannon, who spearheaded a shift of the Breitbart News website into a forum for the “alt-right,” a loose online group of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. “There should be no sugarcoating the truth here: Donald Trump just invited a white nationalist into the highest reaches of the government,” said Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who called on Trump to rescind the choice. Democrats and advocacy groups on the left called Bannon a promoter of racism and misogyny who is backed by the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan. The Democrats’ leader in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said Bannon’s appointment sent “an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign.” Even some conservatives and Republicans voiced dismay on Bannon. Evan McMullin, who ran as a conservative independent presidential candidate, wondered on Twitter if any national Republican leaders would condemn the pick of “anti-Semite” Bannon. John Weaver, a top strategist for Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich, tweeted that the “racist, fascist extreme right is represented footsteps from the Oval Office. Be very vigilant America.” Kasich was one of 16 Republican presidential hopefuls Trump defeated in the party primaries. Priebus defended Bannon on Monday, calling him a wise and well-educated former naval officer and saying he had not encountered the sort of extremist or racist views that critics are assailing. (Excerpted from Reuters)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Adonis strikes again - faces $500M lawsuit for ‘defamatory’ publication By Ravin Singh CONTROVERSIAL figure Dennis Adonis has once again found himself in proverbial hot water: the Texila American University is threatening to sue him for $500M after he published a “defamatory” article about that university. The Guyana Guardian online news site, of which Adonis is identified as the Editor-in-Chief, published the article under the headline “US Dept of Education says medical degrees issued by Texila American University are not recognised.” According to the article, written by Andrea Fernandes on Sunday last, the US Department of Education was quick to point out that “Texila American University is more than likely a Degree Mill (an institution that issues bogus degrees), and (is) among the list of international so-called universities that are blacklisted” by the Dept. This information could, however, not be found on the US Department of Education’s website when checked by this publication. The article further stated that Texila’s claim of being accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) is untrue. “In a communication exchange with the Guyana Guardian, Mrs. Lorna M. Parkins, the Executive Director at the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), revealed that Texila’s claims were not legitimate,” the article reportedly said. But according to Texila’s Vice President of International Operation, Ashok Kumar, no claim of the university being accredited by that body was ever made. If fact, he explained, the university is in the process of submitting its application to CAAM-HP -– a claim
supported by evidence from the CAAM-HP website. And with Texila having Nigerian students enrolled, the Guyana Guardian article alleges, “The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, had told the Guyana Guardian last week that they were misled into believing that the ‘university’ was accred-
Dennis Adonis ited.” It stated that the Nigerian Government made this discovery after almost all of the returning students who went to Texila were failing the required local exams for clinical admittance into their country’s healthcare system. “The Nigerian officials and many of the affected students have also laid
blame at Guyana’s National Accreditation Council (NAC), for ‘misleading’ them into believing that degrees issued by Texila American University are duly recognised”, the article stated. The article further added that several students accused the NAC of either taking bribery or some other form of appeasement from Texila to allow the institution to take thousands of US dollars from them for a useless medical degree. This was again rejected by Texila, whose Vice Chancellor, Dr. A. Anand, said the university had received three to four visits from the NAC, and its operations and facilities were examined before it was registered. Dr. Anand also pointed out that the article falsely stated that the institution does not have any agreement with local hospitals. “We have an agreement with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation… Not only with GPHC, we also have an agreement with New Amsterdam Hospital, which is also an approved hospital by the Medical Council of Guyana,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Against the backdrop of these accusations and other “derogatory and defamatory” statements made in the article, Dr. Anand said, Adonis will be sued for $500M, since this episode has brought much distress to the students of Texila and to their parents. Attempts by this publication to solicit a comment from the Guyana Guardian’s Editor-in-Chief proved futile. Adonis is no stranger to controversy. In 2010, he was charged with fraudulently converting $542,000 to his personal use after he had been entrusted with the money to purchase 100 modems. Adonis had also collected money from the wider public a few years ago under the pretext that he was bringing professional wrestlers from the US to Guyana. That scheme collapsed after it was exposed by the media. Other scams included the promised provision of a wireless communication service, the Royal Antigua money transfer service,
which collected people’s money from overseas but failed to deliver in Guyana; and there were numerous so-called training schemes. He had also claimed to be an internationally recognised journalist who contributes to the popular Huffington Post, Yahoo and CNN. The “international
journalist” boasted of being among the first wave of journalists on the ground in Liberia during the Ebola Crisis, and on the frontlines in Crimea during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He also claims to have authored 20 published books in at least five different languages.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Establish a moratorium on politicising crime Dear Editor,
Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial THE world is being described as a global marketplace. Each country has a responsibility to put its interpretation to this reality, hopefully a pro-active one where that will see it working to be an active rather than passive player. In Guyana’s case it could present multiple opportunities to be a player in any part of the world plying our products and aggressively competing with others. The potential of this nation’s natural resources could be harnessed for the benefit of the people of this country, and in so doing realise in real term the potential they offer. This nation is among few blessed with pristine forest, gold, bauxite, rice and sugar and should not be contented to only be exporting primary products, absent value added. For instance much of the furniture Guyanese use is being imported. With the amount of lumber at our disposal at this juncture of our development Guyana should have been a major contender at the market in the exportation of furniture made from our wood. For years Guyanese have been told that the private sector is the engine of growth but in development the private sector is but one sector in the tri-sectoral economy of which all have a role to play in economic development. Any country that has become strong in manufacturing has seen research and development as an important factor in moving the process forward, and in the case of countries like China the government has led the way. The making of furniture in this country is long overdue for its deserving attention. As a matter of economic importance pursuing with vigour the furniture manufacturing industry can reap dividends for country and citizens. It may be necessary to get this off the ground with investment made by the government in training artisans to become furniture makers. This can be done by recruiting proficient trainers from countries that are successful in this business. From an economic standpoint government may find it feasible to invest in kilns to dry wood to specific standards. Investment of such nature can create an industry which can put thousands of people to work in an employment line which includes an array of skills from the felling of the trees to that of marketing the product. There is also indirect employment and economic opportunities flowing from these activities, such as food vending, which will rely on the farmers for produce, and so forth. Our forest must be, in the first instance, to benefit the Guyanese society for generations to come. What is required is an indigenous plan and not one that awaits the initiative and direction from foreign investors. As the government embraces the policy of a green economy as its developmental thrust, the society will look forward to the state providing leadership in the sustainable exploitation of our resources, human and natural. From the developed world countries like Guyana are being advised that free market means that the state must keep it hands off of every business. Today China is the world’s largest economy and has achieved this status re-
THE politicising of crime in Guyana is a disturbing trend among political leaders. The use of crime for political advantage is inconsistent with their responsibilities to the people, and is at odds with collaboration. It is therefore not surprising that, over time, the Government has been fixated on making comparisons of crime rates to baselines that are often meaningless and which offer no comfort, while the troubling theory that it is within the interest of the Opposition to see crime spiral out of control is kept alive. Politicising crime is divisive; a moratorium on this is needed Recently, the President indicated that the crime surge (violent crimes) is part of a deliberate campaign to embarrass the Government and the police. This view, expressed from the leader of all Guyanese, is disappointing. Crime is crime, regardless of who is involved; and everyone involved should be handled as criminals. Moreover, it is important to address crime when ANY individual is victimised. The President’s utterances fail to assuage public fear, but may do greater damage by inciting partisan discord among citizens, even as they continue to be affected by the violent crimes. We hope that this is not a precursor to the introduction of disproportionate or burdensome measures to create an aura of
addressing crime. The Opposition is also culpable, given the satire and rhetoric it continues to peddle. The reign of crime over the last twenty years has included -- and continues to include -- violent crimes; white collar crimes such as corruption and organised illicit activities at high levels of society, including trade in narcotics; and crimes across borders. These have raped, and continue to rape, the country of its resources that could advance the well-being of the people. Such crimes continue to erode the social order, and undermine human security. In this regard, the view of the leader of the Opposition -that the crime situation “has never been this bad” (News Source, October 20, 2016) -- lacks sincerity. We have all been moved by the savage and gruesome acts committed in the last twenty years. The citizens are terrified by the apparent resurgence of robberies of businesses and home invasions, given the attendant propensity for brutality and murder. While society recoils, it is unconscionable that our political leaders are comfortable playing politics. The state of crime should instead unite us across political and social divides, and this appears necessary, given that it is a longstanding problem largely left up to the government of the day. Politicising of crime is divisive, and feeds on the wrong class of emotions
within the population. No level of crime is tolerable, and crime is too consequential for such blasé treatment. TIGI calls for a moratorium on politicising crime. Crime should be handled by the police, and not politicians. Make the topic of crime politically neutral. No Government of Guyana has been able to stop crime in the last twenty years, hence no contemporary Guyanese politician or political party can sincerely lay claim to the solution to crime. The political leaders should henceforth band together on this problem, and agree on a moratorium in order to consolidate all available resources in the fight.
of methodological articulation or justification. To put crime into perspective, we need to view trends over long periods. Show trends over, say, the last ten or twenty years, disaggregating the data in various ways to provide more meaningful overviews. TIGI would be more than happy to lend a hand if necessary. However, we consider it better for the data to be released to the public, with appropriate measures to preserve anonymity so that the considerable capabilities of the citizenry can address the issue. This will bring the needed transparency to the murky and untrustworthy crime statistics.
CRIME STATISTICS Much has, in recent months, been printed in the dailies about the level of violent crimes. We have read views on crime being both on the increase and the decline. All in all, we have witnessed confusion about statistics, and have cringed at the realisation that the story sometimes matters more than the problem. Furthermore, a general thread through these articles, perhaps with few exceptions, is fuelling of the political cleavage. Regardless of sophistication of techniques, statistics are essentially ‘garbage in garbage out’. We are unsure about the relative state of the violent crimes discussed in the media since we find key deficiencies in the calculations done and an overall lack
DERELICTION OF DUTY At this time, when there should be a war on crime, it is offensive that the top echelons of the Police Force are bickering rather than spending every moment advancing citizens’ security. This should not be tolerated. This development is a dereliction of duty insofar as it reroutes attention and especially disrupts the functioning of the Force. Furthermore, it is likely to undermine public confidence in the police, leaving the Force as an attractive option to obtain results. TIGI calls on the leaders to end this situation swiftly. Regards, TROY THOMAS, PhD (President, TIGI)
Most US-based Guyanese didn’t vote for Trump Dear Editor,
MRS. Hillary Clinton was projected by all and sundry to be the overwhelming favourite to win the US presidential election. She was the popular choice among immigrant communities, not least West Indians and Guyanese all across America, especially here in the largest concentration of expatriates: “Little Guyana”, or Richmond Hill and environs. Clinton’s defeat surely was not due to money, effort and voter outreach, because she outspent Trump and received more votes nationally than him. So how come Donald Trump won, precipitating one of the most stunning upsets in history, and prompting unprecedented widespread
protests in a country which touts its democratic processes and readily accepts election results? Clinton said the FBI is to blame for her loss after its embattled Director, Comey, sent a letter to Congress based on vagaries and speculation only days before the election, announcing he was reinstating an investigation into whether she had mishandled classified information when she used a private email server while being Secretary of State. Although Comey announced a week later that he had reviewed emails and continued to believe she should not be prosecuted, the political damage had already been done, and the die was cast for Clinton’s defeat. Like the Titanic, her candidacy was doomed to sink in spectacular
jecting the view of the hands-off approach of the state. China has overtaken the United States, which overtook Britain in 1872. The International Monetary Fund has estimated China’s economy will be worth £16.7trillion in 2019 compared to the United States which is estimated to be £13.8trillion for the same period. China’s growth did not happen with the private sector leading the way but the government in a state-led economy. This country has created a model where its state companies are moving to other countries, primarily in the developing world, to invest, bringing their labour and returning the mon-
fashion. In contrast to her primary rival Bernie Sanders, Trump went for the jugular, and an exemplary trailblazer’s life and legacy has been tarnished and truncated prematurely. Here in “Little Guyana,” thousands came out to vote for Hillary Clinton in record numbers. However, our hopes were destroyed - again! We have relived another painful loss, and have been reminded that we are a nation of double standards. The same FBI Department crushed our efforts to attain recognition and empowerment, just as they did when civil rights leader and community activist attorney Albert Baldeo ran for public office in 2010 -- when they overreached an impossible theory that Baldeo’s use of his own money in a City
Council election to repay his loans was a federal crime. Baldeo was acquitted of the underlying charges, but his non-peer Manhattan jury, after a long deadlock, convicted him of obstructing crimes he did not commit, a legal and illogical conundrum. Similarly, the fallacy that the FBI’s actions are as American as apple pie has perfunctorily gutted a great woman’s efforts, and we will, for generations, be the losers for their egregious actions. It is time for Congress to rein in such perverse actions of federal law enforcement officials, who are already immune from accountability. Regards, KIM MILLER 125-09 Liberty Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11419
etary value to the Chinese economy. What China has done and continues to do is to apply political economics not only to meet the needs of its population, but also to become a major player in the global market place, creating various levels of dependency on the country, and by extension increasing its influence on the world stage. Guyana can learn from the best practices of other countries in ensuring the nation’s resources are exploited for the benefit of the country and citizens. This will require a level of self-determination which involves the Executive, National Assembly, stakeholders and citizens. We can and must reach for our potentials.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
GuySuCo should be restructured, not closed
Dear Editor, OVER the past several months, I have penned several missives on the future of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). It is sad that some saw my articles as an attack on the corporation and on some workers; but I know my articles were real and dealt with the true things happening in the industry. Over the past two weeks, GuySuCo has been making all forms of news in the print or digital media. We have also heard that GuySuCo presented a report to Cabinet and Cabinet put together a very competent team to study that report. The team would have to come up with a few alternatives after its study of the report. Some of the alternatives were mentioned by the Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon, during a press conference. I am very saddened to have heard some of the options, but we have to face reality; we cannot run from it. The President was also right when he said that “maintaining GuySuCo is depriving many other sectors”. Too much money is being put into an entity that cannot make a profit and has over $80B in debt. Much can happen with the amount of money being pumped into this failing industry. Something must be done to save the workers and the industry. While many of the workers are fighting about work, GuySuCo is fighting to sur-
vive. Closing down the entire industry would see almost 18,000 workers losing their jobs. It would see families starving, and less children being educated. But workers need to ask themselves: Where is the industry going? Will it survive for two more years? If not, what plans are there for survival? How would workers maintain their families? What can GuySuCo and GoG do to ensure that workers do not lose their jobs and continue being able to maintain their families? We all know that if the industry closes its doors, many will suffer. I don’t think that Government wants to go that way, and create hardship for our people. So we, the people, the workers and Government, must work hand in hand to safeguard the industry. GuySuCo -- and I am straight with this -- needs to do restructuring of the estates. I do not believe that all the estates should be operating. The cost for their continued operation is too high. In Berbice, instead of having four factories, just have two: Albion in Region 6 and Blairmont in Region 5. While one in Region 4 and one in Region 3 can be operating. Albion has the capability to take the canes from Skeldon and Rose Hall estates. Blairmont also has the capability to take canes from Rose Hall Estate. By doing this, it would cut the cost tremendously. This can see GuySuCo turning around, because billions will be saved. While this is being done,
Government can start a diversification programme within the industry, so that workers would not lose their jobs. GuySuCo can utilise some of its lands for this process, and can even offer workers the opportunity to become private cane farmers by providing them with lands to plant canes and supply the corporation. Diversification is not something new within industries, especially in agriculture. There is so much that we can have here in Guyana when it comes to diversification within GuySuCo. We can have several other industries that can be of quality and making profits while maintaining and sustaining themselves. We can do cattle rearing\ meat processing. We can use this initiative to have a modernised meat industry and to produce for local and international consumption\markets. Government will have to put various processing mills in place, and educate our people as to how it’s being done to international standards, so that they themselves can earn more. Our meats can be on the international market by having corned beef, pickled pork, ham, corned mutton, etc. We can also start a milk processing plant and bottle our milk for local and international consumption. During this process, GuySuCo can utilise lands and start an aquaculture\fish farm. This will also create employment and provide various types of
fishes for local and international markets. GuySuCo can also ask workers to privately invest into this. This will see revenues coming into the coffers of GuySuCo. Also during this diversification process, lands can be used for planting of various agricultural crops and for farming. As an example, we can have processing and packaging factories, whereby we would see Guyana producing breadfruit, plantain, potato and cassava chips, etc. We can have various juices, such as cherry, guava, pineapple, cane, etc being properly preserved and sold on the local and international markets. We can have lots of other agricultural things that we can do towards ensuring that our people are being cared for and that they will not suffer. These industries under diversification will see the blooming of the agriculture sector. We could become the food basket of the Caribbean once more. If this is to happen and oil starts to flow, the economy would bloom and we would be on top of the Caribbean. I know that the Opposition does not want this to happen, because they lack vision for a better Guyana. But for this to happen, Government, GuySuCo, the workers and people need to work hand in hand. Systems will have to be put in place. People will have to study the various sectors in ensuring things are being done accordingly.
Spent shell found in teen’s pocket
A 1 9 - y e a r- o l d K i t t y, Georgetown shopkeeper is in police custody after a spent shell of a small calibre weapon was found in his possession. According to a police release, during a stop and
search operation about 14:00h on Main Street, Georgetown, they found the spent ammunition in the suspect’s pants pocket. Investigation is continuing.
Rohee’s home robbery suspect arrested A woman wanted for questioning in connection with the recent robbery at the home of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee has been arrested.
By doing this, Government would maintain and create jobs. It would not allow our children to feel as if cane cutting is the only thing available for them. It would secure our livelihood by ensuring that we have food on our tables, bills being paid, and savings happen. But I know that the opposition may want to lash out at this. Well, they lash out on everything that is positive for Guyana, so it won’t be a surprise to me. But workers need to ask themselves whether they are ready for this, or they want GuySuCo to close down. They can choose to have the industry close its doors, or to work in ensuring that diversification is the way. Some may not want it; some may leave the job; and yes, some will have to go. But workers need to ask whether they are looking at those that will leave the job, and leave; or stay and work towards a better livelihood. I don’t think this caring Government would want to
Police in a release said the arrest was made at about 12: 30hrs on Monday, and the person held has been cooperating with investigators. The robbery occurred last Wednesday.
see the workers and their families suffer. I don’t think this administration wants to close the doors of GuySuCo. What I do know is that there are options available, and I know that this Government will do all that it can to ensure that all options are being explored. Workers need to work hand in hand with the GoG and GuySuCo to ensure that there are better days ahead. Now is the time for all to work together in ensuring that we have a better Guyana. Guyana belongs to all of us, so please don’t let politicians divert you from being a part of the decision-making and future of GuySuCo. Diversification is the way. I call on the GoG to explore these options so that we can have a blooming agriculture sector and a better life. ABEL SEETARAM APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region 5
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Double murder rattles Ekereku Top THE Cuyuni/Mazaruni mining community of Ekereku Top in Region Seven has been rocked by the double murder of 37-year-old Kurt Reynolds of Silverballi Road, Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown and his reputed wife Shelly Norton, which occurred on Sunday, November 13, at about 22:00 hrs. While details are sketchy, reports are that the two persons were involved in a do-
mestic dispute stemming from accusations of infidelity, during which they wounded each other. Police say the woman inflicted chops to the man’s abdomen, and the man retaliated by wounding the woman, which subsequently caused her death. Police say that when they visited the scene, the man was still alive, but after giving details of the incident, he succumbed to his injuries.
Man gets bail for marijuana possession A 37-YEAR-OLD man was on Monday released on $50,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore after pleading not guilty to the illegal possession of marijuana. Joel Chapman was accused of having in his possession 14 grammes of marijuana on November 12, at Lodge, Georgetown. The defendant’s attorney
strongly petitioned the court for Chapman to be released on bail since he had suffered from a stroke two years ago which results in him having regular seizure. Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne objected to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence; however, bail was granted and the matter was adjourned until December 13.
Cousins for court today TWO cousins are expected to appear before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul today in relation to compressed marijuana found in their Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown apartment last Friday. The duo was busted in the wee hours of Friday morning, (November 11) after ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), acting on information received, went to their Second Street, Turkeyen apartment and conducted a search. During the search, which was conducted in the presence of the two cousins ages 20 and 36 years, lawmen found 26 taped parcels of the illegal substance in a bag hidden in a plastic barrel in one of the rooms. The substance weighed almost 44 kilograms.
Rent-a... former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, at a press conference held on Monday at Freedom House, said attempts by President Granger and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to allay the growing fears and anxieties of the Guyanese people over their safety and security will not succeed by these two personalities telling the people that they have “nothing to worry about”, or “not to be alarmed” or “to be patient”. Rohee contended that the Guyanese people have no assurance that they would not be robbed in their homes, places of work, or on the streets simply because Government has responded by “putting troops in targeted areas to allay their fears and to help arrest the crime situation”. He opined that all as-
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surances would fall on deaf ears, unless people begin to see tangible and sustainable results from the efforts of law enforcement operatives in bringing the crime situation under control. Government, Rohee said, must make greater efforts to enforce law and order by including Guyanese at every level. “The PPP had pointed out that crime prevention must be given the same emphasis (as) crime solving. In fact, it is crime prevention that the population is demanding with every passing day… The good life which the APNU+AFC claims that Guyanese are entitled to will not be realized with the constant loss of life, limb and/or property,” Rohee, a recent robbery victim, has said.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
War veteran Durante turns 99 today By Shirley Thomas GUYANA’S oldest surviving veteran from World War II, Mr Benjamin Durante has today turned 99, and is looking forward to seeing 100 next year, God’s willing. “Yes, I would like to be 100, if that is God’s will for me. I consider myself to have lived a productive life and if there is anything I should have done that I did not do, then I ask God to grant me the wisdom and obedience to do it in His name,” Durante pleasantly asserted. For his 95th birth anniversary, he had a birthday bash, but this year he will be spending it quietly at his Goedverwagting Home on the East Coast. He will also be treating children at a Benevolence Home on the West Demerara today, contending: “How could one eat when children are hungry?” But just three days ago (Sunday) he was engaged in a memorable activity which he considers to have brought him much pride, joy and appreciation for the gesture itself. That day being Remembrance Day, he attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph held in remembrance of those servicemen and women who lost their lives during World Wars I and II. Later in the morning Durante was among the nation’s last 21 surviving World War II Veterans acknowledged at the Guyana Veterans Legion’s Remembrance Ceremony held at Coghlan House, the home of the Guyana Legions on Carifesta Avenue. Their selfless contributions as they risked their lives in the line of service to country were hailed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge (performing the function of President of Guyana); British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner, Pierre Giroux; and Guyana Veterans Legion President, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), George Gomes, among others. At the end of the programme, the hundreds of ex-soldiers and veterans enjoyed an afternoon of socialising and informal reflection, during which they were treated to food and beverages by the Legion. Benjamin Durante enlisted as a member of the South Caribbean Forces with headquarters at Eve Leary in
1943 and continued to serve honourably for the next three years until the disbanding of the Force in 1946, following the end of the War in 1945. While in the force he was promoted to Lance Corporal in the Quarter Master Store. After the force was disbanded he was made an offer to become a customs officer, but opted to become engaged in building construction, since he recalled always hearing his father say that “If you do carpentry you can’t be out of a job or a house of your own.” And so he did a correspondence course in construction with the Technical Institute of Great Britain. Bus sadly, what he did not know at the time when he refused the Customs job, was that it was pensionable. Some of the buildings on which he recalls working include: The Girl Guides Pavilion, the Salvation Army at South Road and Alexander Streets, a hardware store at the corner of Camp and Robb Streets; and working alongside Ashe and Watson Contracting firm. ONLY THE ARMY After leaving construction, Durante worked as a stevedore, loading and off- loading cargo on ships as they would come into the Georgetown harbour, but being a true soldier by nature, he found it to be of a different culture which he did not appreciate. This led him to concede: “When you talk about discipline, is only the army has that.” He eventually left the job. He is now enjoying the comfort of his home and hard earned gains, being cared for by a caretaker and one of his younger daughters at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara. Twice married and having fathered 12, (one of whom is now deceased) “Benjie”, as he is fondly called considers himself to have lived a full life, but not before spending four solid years as a serviceman in the South Caribbean Forces at Eve Leary, prior to the Guyana Defence Force coming into being. His first marriage was in 1943, the year before he entered the South Caribbean Force. While yet in the construction business, Durante recalled, he was working on the Salvation Army building on South Road when an employee hurriedly came up shouting “Kabaka (President
Guyana’s oldest surviving World War II Veteran Benjamin Durante
Forbes Burnham) dead!” “At the time I as chipping at a door we were about installing and as I spun around something flew into my right eye. I did not know at the time what it was, but I can tell you it pained badly and had me doing it.” He said his eye was washed and checked, but found nothing until one week later. He said he went to hospital at that stage and was told by the doctor that he had waited too long. A piece of green-heart was in the socket and had poisoned his eyes. The eye became so inflamed it was red like blood, so much so, that children would scream and run when they saw him coming. The net result was that he lost sight in the right eye. Years later the other deteriorated, so that he is now unable to see. That apart, all his faculties are functioning reasonably well; he has a good appetite, and claims to eat ‘just about anything’ his caregiver and daughter prepare for him. Reflecting on his days in the South Caribbean Force, Durante shares an experience which he says has convinced him beyond the shadow of a doubt that the hand of the Lord is upon the nation of Guyana. Durante recalled that one night he was keeping sentry when a German transmission mission was picked on a guard’s radio. The radio indicated that the Germans were in British Guiana’s water, seeking intelligence on what they should do next. Then came the reply: “‘Do nothing! The war is over.’ And that meant that Guyana was saved by the skin of the teeth,” Durante said. Asked what action he thought they might have taken, he forthrightly responded: “They might have blown us apart.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
More cops on the streets for Christmas THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Monday rolled out its Christmas policing plan, which will be intensified from 15th November to January 15th, 2017 to facilitate the Christmas Season, in order to enable citizens to conduct their activities in a safe and secured environment. At a presentation at Police Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken said the Christmas plan will tar-
get crime, traffic congestion and road accidents, while Georgetown will be divided into five hubs. The commander noted that the five sectors were created in order to maximize supervision of Police in the city and its environs. Each sector will be commanded by an Assistant Superintendent, assisted by an Inspector and adequate ranks. Adding that there will also be heightened special operations by Criminal Investigations Depart-
Traffic Chief Dion Moore
ment (CID) Intelligence and other ranks around the banks and other places of business, Commander Hicken said the Christmas plan will include increased foot, motorcycle and vehicular patrols around the city, along the East Bank/ Timehri corridor, and in hot spots. Patrols will also be conducted on the waterways. Foot Patrols will be conducted between 07:00hrs to 12:00hrs and 13:00hrs to 19:00hrs daily while mo-
Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken
tor cycles and vehicular patrols will be done on a 24-hour basis in 12-hour shifts. In addition, between the 22nd to 26th and 29th to 31st December, 2016, foot patrol timings will be adjusted to accommodate late shopping. He also revealed that execution of search warrants, cordon and searches will be conducted regularly by C.I.D and other ranks in areas of interest. In Georgetown, a tow truck will be used to remove illegally parked cars and wheel clamps and vehicle escorts will be provided when necessary. Meanwhile, Traffic Chief Dion Moore said to avoid undue disruption, the
public will be notified via the media of any proposed road closure or diversion of traffic. He explained that special focus will be maintained with respect to: Driving under the influence of alcohol; speeding; using hand-held mobile phone, whilst driving; overloaded mini buses/hire cars; touts operating at bus parks; failure to wear safety helmet; failure to wear seat belt; private-hire cars and obstruction- illegal parking. Moore said in all divisions, cars and motor cycles will be on day and night patrols and foot patrols will be utilised as far as practicable to deter potential errant drivers. In addition, there will be an increased use of radar guns and breathalyzers with usage of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footages. Robb Street will be “NO ENTRY” to east-bound vehicular traffic, between Alexander and Light Streets; Bourda Street will be “NO ENTRY” to vehicular traffic between Regent Street and North Road; Regent Street will also be “NO ENTRY” to east bound traffic between Avenue of the Republic and Albert street on Christmas eve between 15:00hrs to 22:00hrs.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Private sector wants soldiers on the streets
THE Private Sector spokesman on security, Captain Gerry Gouveia, has said that members of the Guyana Defence Force should join the fight against crime. Speaking on Monday at a forum on Christmas policing, Captain Gouveia said that although he is resolutely against the army being involved in crime-fighting, in a small country like Guyana, the time is right for the Guyana Defence Force to become so involved. “I think the army needs to join the fight under the police command, and there should be an increased presence (of army personnel) in armed patrols, especially where the crime statistics show (crime) happening,” he said. “When people lack confidence, they start taking the law into their own hands,” he cautioned. Government, over the weekend, deployed the military in a 48-hour operation to counter a “potential domestic security threat”. That operation saw ranks from both the GPF and the GDF
conducting massive raids at the Georgetown and New Amsterdam prisons. Several contraband items were found during those raids. Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis, who also heads the joint services, was asked why the operation was for only 48 hours’ duration when citizens are clamouring for a much more sustained programme. Lewis responded: “The specific operation is not the police Christmas operation; this is a targeted operation, and it will be concluded within 48 hours…” During the raid at Georgetown Prison, 21 improvised weapons and knives, 20 razor blades, 558 grams of marijuana, 22 cellular phones, five gallons of homemade wine, along with a number of other banned items were found. A lesser quantity of items was found at the New Amsterdam Prison. “Of grave concern to the security forces is that the Georgetown Prison was last searched on September 23, 2016, which means that the
PSC representative on security, Captain Gerry Gouveia
contraband items’ haul had accumulated in just under two months. The Government will continue to work closely with the Guyana Prison Service and the Joint Services to address ongoing security weaknesses at the nation’s correctional facilities,” the Ministry of the Presidency has stated.
The Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force participated in the search operations at the two prisons, which started simultaneously after 05:00hrs. “The Guyana Police Force, along with the Joint Services where necessary, will continue to scale up security activities in targeted areas, to ensure the security of residents and visitors across Guyana as the country enters the holiday season and in light of the uptake in criminal activity. The Government of Guyana continues to urge citizens to cooperate with the security forces,” the Ministry of the Presidency has stated. President David Granger said last Thursday, during his weekly television programme ‘The Public Interest’, that a campaign is afoot to embarrass his Government and the Police Force. The President offered the comment a day after the home of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee was robbed. “I am suspicious… that
there are some persons who are committing crimes to show that the Police Force and Government are weak. We don’t know for sure what is taking place, but many of these crimes have their origin in the weakening of the Police Force in the early days, and so we have a very serious problem on our hands,” President Granger said. He pointed out that while he was satisfied that the Force has made some headway in regard to solving many high-profile and violent crimes, he is aware that the Force is not devoid of rogue elements. “We reckon that the decision that we took to bring the British Security Sector Reform Programme here is the right one, because we cannot proceed in this country with an unreformed Guyana Police Force; and some of the actions which are taking place convince me that reform has to take place, and we are going to do that,” he said. The President said his administration remains committed to doing everything
possible to ensure citizens’ safety. He pointed out that reducing the high incidence of violent crime continues to be a priority. Among the changes to be instituted are the tightening of border security and control -- to prevent the transport of illegal guns and narcotics; implementation of more street patrols; the presence of mounted police in the hinterland and riverine areas of the country; collaboration between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the community policing groups (CPGs); provision of assets such as drones for border monitoring and aerial surveillance; reduction of cash transactions, and the implementation of a ‘Smart City’ programme that would see cameras being installed along strategic points across the country; the yearly review of gun licences; and security sector reform. The President has said his focus is on comprehensive crime-fighting strategies that address the root causes of crime -- to ensure long-term results.
Gov't in move to revive PTAs Amputee on bail for damaging …to set up permanent secretariat THE Education Ministry will be establishing a secretariat to specifically reinvigorate, coordinate and manage Parent/Teacher Associations (PTAs) across the country. In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry said parental involvement in PTA continues to be a challenge especially at the secondary level although it is critical to children’s development. “The support and involvement of parents and the community are extremely important for education. Parents are the primary influence in their children’s lives. They are their very first teachers. When teachers and parents can work together supportively, this raises standards in a school and helps children to achieve their potential,” the Ministry explained. It said while PTAs seem to function at most primary schools, those associations are often small in comparison to the overall population of schools. The Education Minister,
Dr. Rupert Roopnarine has long emphasized the importance of PTAs, saying that it is fundamental to the development of students. As such, he intends to set up a secretariat with the aim of reviving PTAs countrywide. However, in the interim, the Education Ministry said the PTA Coordinator, Nadia Hollingsworth has already started the process of resurrecting PTAs. Hollingsworth has been introducing schools to the Ministry’s comprehensive toolkit on PTAs. “This PTA Toolkit is a collection of guidelines and ideas complied over two years of working with schools and communities in a variety of different settings within Region Six. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of parents and teachers in the Executive Committee and prescribes numbers best practices for a well-functioning parent/teacher association,” the Ministry explained.
Since Hollingsworth’s appointment, she has conducted sessions on Reinforcement of PTA policies and sensitization on the use of the toolkit; Conflict resolution between parents and Head Teacher; Engaged with parents to address their issues; Professional development sessions for members of staff; and awareness sessions on how to facilitate comradery between home and school. Additionally, she has been attending head-teachers meetings countrywide to implore that they provide the atmosphere for healthy parent-teachers’ relationship. Now, it is her intention to hold a series of parent forum across the country to help parents to understand their roles and responsibilities in the education process of their children. These meetings will more than likely be conducted on weekends to ensure maximum participation by parents. Hollingsworth is calling on the Private Sector Commission through the MOE to review its policies on releasing employees to attend meetings.
household items A MAN accused of damaging several household items of his reputed-wife was on Monday released on $25,000 bail by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Peter Thomas, 52, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on November 11, at Georgetown, he unlawfully and malicious-
ly damaged a quantity of household appliances valued $1.5M, property of Rita Howard. The unrepresented man, whose right leg is amputated, explained that on the day in question, he was visiting the mother of his two children. According to Thomas, while making his way
down the step, he accidently slipped and held onto the wall divider which came crashing down with the household appliances inside. Police Prosecutor Simon Payne made no objection to bail which was granted at $25,000 and the matter stands adjourned until November 28.
Men jailed for beating employer TWO men were on Monday sentenced to 24 months imprisonment by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on their employer. Aron Paul, 24, and Imran Peters, 21, confessed to the joint charge, which stated that on November 11, at Princeville, Potaro Backdam, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Calvin DaSantos with intent to maim, disfigure, disable
or cause him grievous bodily harm. The unrepresented men told the court that DaSantos had taken them to work in the Potaro Backdam where he had promise to pay them. However, upon arrival at Potaro Backdam, DaSantos abandoned the men, leaving them alone and without any money or work. The men related that a villager gave them information concerning the whereabouts of their boss and they went to him. When
they reached DaSantos’ Princeville home, a heated argument began, during which time one of them picked up a piece of wood and dealt DaSantos several blows, leaving him in an unconscious state. He was taken to the hospital, where he is still hospitalised. The magistrate in her ruling considered the men’s early guilty plea and their age before sentencing them to 24 months imprisonment.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Bartica Massacre trial…
Witnesses spoke of identifying bodies of victims FIVE witnesses in what has been termed the Bartica Massacre court trial testified on Monday that they had identified the bodies of their loved ones who had been killed in the events that unfolded on that fateful day of February 17, 2008; and they had witnessed the post-mortems conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh. The witnesses each told Justice Roxane George and a 12-member jury that they had each been summoned at the mortuary of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to identify respective bodies, after which post-mortems were done. Led by State Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar, the first witness, Hariff Ali Khan, told the court that he had identified the body of his brother, Ashraf Ali Khan, called “Bolo”, on February 19, 2008. He said that before his death, Bolo used to work on a boat transporting Banks
DIH products to Bartica, Region Seven. Khan related that after the post-mortem was done, the body was handed over to relatives for burial, which took place on February 29, 2008 on the Essequibo Coast. The witness also stated that he recognised the body of Abdool Yasseen, who used to work for his brother. Pancham Singh, the second witness, told the court that he identified the body of his uncle, Baldeo Singh, called “Guptie,” at the GPHC mortuary on February 20, 2008. He added that prior to his death, Guptie used to work on a boat transporting beverages from Georgetown to Bartica. Singh said that after the post-mortem was done, his uncle’s body was released for burial, which took place a few days later. The third witness, Norma Fredericks, told the court that she identified the body of her son, Shane Fredericks,
who had been a policemen attached to the Bartica Police Station on February 19, 2008. She said Shane’s body was interred on February 22, 2008 at the Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown, following a funeral service. On her part, fourth witness Amrita Thomas said she identified the body of her cousin, Ron Osborne, who had been a cop attached to the Bartica Police Station on February 19, 2008. She added that after the post-mortem was conducted, the body was handed over for burial, and this was done at Kamarang on February 24, 2008. Toolsie Persaud, testifying, told the court that he identified the body of his brother Deonarine Singh, called “Papso”, on February 20, 2008; and soon after, a post-mortem was done at the GPHC mortuary. Prior to Singh’s death, Persaud said, he worked as a boat captain employed with Boodhoo’s General Store. He
used to transport goods from the City to Bartica. Persaud related that Singh’se body was buried at Wakenaam shortly after the post-mortem had been done. The matter will continue on Tuesday at 09:00 hrs. Three other witnesses last week similarly testified of identifying the bodies of their loved ones, and witnessing the post-mortems after which burials had taken place.
By Telesha Ramnarine
pality has more than enough resources to run itself. “When we go forward with the right plan and the right attitude, we won’t have to be going back to
ourselves in a weak position when we have to go to Central Government,” Persaud argued. He added: “If I was Central Government, I (would)
RECAP On February 17, 2008, gunmen, descending on Bartica at nightfall, went on a rampage, carting off guns belonging to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after killing three cops, and taking control of the police vehicle to continue their onslaught in Bartica. Nine civilians were killed in that rampage, including five men who were executed at the Bartica Stelling. Those who lost their lives were Bartica residents: Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian
and Irving Ferreira; policemen stationed at the Bartica Police Station: Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne; visiting civilians: Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Middlesex, Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen; Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara. According to the police, Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins had led a gang on that rampage in Bartica, as well as the rampage that occurred at Lusignan, ECD on January 26, 2008. Rawlins was killed during a joint services’ operation on August 28, 2008, and some of those who reportedly participated in the massacre were arrested following an investigation conducted by the police. Three of them were seated in the courtroom. On trial are Mark Roy-
den, called “Durant”; Dennis Williams, called “Anaconda”; and Roger Simon, called “Goat Man”. They each stand indicted on 12 counts of murder for the deaths of nine civilians and three policemen, which occurred at Bartica on February 17, 2008. Besides the counts of murder, each accused faces one count of terrorism, one count of unlawful wounding, and three counts of break and enter and larceny. However, two of the five accused -- Michael Caesar and Clebert Reece -- have since separately pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and will return to the High Court on December 16, 2016 for probation report. This will be followed by sentencing by Justice Roxane George. Royden is being represented by attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood; Williams’s lawyer is Saphier Hussain, and Simon’s attorney is Peter Hugh.
used for all of the intended purposes. He referred to the Auditor General’s (AG) Report that recently cited several discrepancies at City Hall, and urged the City’s
was no evidence that payment vouchers -- totalling $159.968M –- had been certified by the accountant or any other authorised officer. Further, approval by the
cheque #164407587. Councillor Andrea Marks offered that a “bogus system” currently operates at City Hall, and there is no proper way of knowing how much revenue is being garnered from vendors. She said the revenue collectors are “doing their own thing” on the job, issuing receipts whenever and to whomever they feel like. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan had recently complained that the M&CC loses millions of dollars in revenue on a monthly basis because a proper system for collection is not in place. Revenue collectors have, over and over again, come in for criticism regarding the way they operate -- demanding bribes in many instances. For the year so far, there have been several incidents in which the officers were accused and pointed out for the said practice. Meanwhile, other councillors -- Gregory Fraser, Heston Bostwick, Linda Gomes-Haley, Sophia Whyte, Noelle ChowChee, and Welton Clarke, among others -- all spoke in favour of approaching the Government for help.
City Hall seeks Gov’t bailout COUNCILLOR Junior Garrett has moved a motion at City Hall, seeking Government’s intervention in form of a “bail out” for the municipality in the form of $600M. Most of the City Councillors voted on Monday in favour of this motion, and as a result, a delegation will present the motion to the Ministry of Communities by November 16. The money is to be used, inter alia, to assist in clearing City Hall’s debts to its garbage contractors; help with payment of wages and salaries; prepare the City for Prince Harry’s visit; and for additional works that have to be done in time for the Christmas season. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen has said she would have no difficulty if the Communities Ministry prefers to pay the bills instead of physically handing over the money to City Council. The only councillor who opposed the motion was Mr. Roopnarine Persaud, who offered that he does not wish to go to the Government with a ‘begging bowl’, as he believes the munici-
City Hall is seeking a $600M bailout from Government Government over and over and over again. We just had $300M; we spent it out. We are spending like a drunken sailor just arriving in Jamaica; like a pirate. “As soon as we get the money, we (go) wild! Within one month, we have everybody coming here and lining up for money. We put
give no money. We cannot keep going and begging; we have to collect the monies that are rightfully due to us.” Observing that City Council was in a crisis position at the moment, Councillor Alfred Mentore said that if Government granted the money, it should be
administration to spend the money specifically on the purposes for which it was requested. The AG Report had noted that after a total of 212 payment vouchers were examined, a number of discrepancies were found, including that there were 167 instances when there
City Treasurer was not seen on 140 payment vouchers, totalling $143.682M; and there was also no evidence of the Finance Committee approving 58 payments, totalling 48.404M; and likewise, there was no evidence of receipt or payee acknowledgement for a payment of $750,000 to a contractor via
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Rockstone Fish Festival rocks - despite some little fish controversy By Vanessa Braithwaite ROCK STONE, a little fishing community in Region 10, bordered by the mighty Essequibo and enclosed by dense rugged vegetation is indeed a gem to be discovered.
men’s catch was enclosed in their coolers, two fishermen tried to balance their boats with the two giant Loulous caught in the Essequibo River. It was indeed a sight as many persons for the first time saw a giant fish, some
and now they saying that the fish stale, I feel bad and I won’t come back,” he said. Many of the spectators rubbished the allegations saying that the judges are speaking without proof and should hire marshals to monitor the competitors. President of the event Lynette Benn told media operatives that many of their main competitors dropped out of the competition because persons would fish long hours before the stipulated time and would still capture the winning prizes. “This year we would have disqualified two of our competitors because we would
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Rockstone Tourism Authority representative with fisherman Sarwan Kumar (in the white cap) and other participants who won prizes
of Guyana,” Singh said. He said the Rockstone Fish Festival has the potential to become a premier event in Guyana and the GTA will continue to support the festival’s organising committee. In addition to the competitions and the entire family-oriented party atmosphere that was created, patrons spoke of enjoying the boat rides to Gluck Island and the rich flora and fauna of Rock Stone. “The boat ride was amazing, the feeling of being on the waves of the mighty Essequibo, gazing at the surrounding
Fisherman Sarwan Kumar (in the white cap) receiving his prize for the heaviest catch Many persons who pushed the mundane things of life aside and journeyed to this little paradise were able to behold and experience the serenity and panorama of Rockstone. Though the community came alive with electrifying music, delicious food and fun activities over the weekend during the fish festival, what was more important for the residents is that scores of persons had a taste of their paradise. And that was the bait to encourage them to come again. The fish festival, though not well supported as in previous years, because of reasons beyond the control of the coordinating committee, was a success. Hosted for two days, it was revealed that Saturday had very little activity but Sunday saw scores of persons from all parts of Guyana journeying to Rockstone. They were entertained by
six feet in length and weighing over 200 lbs. Unfortunately, however, the giant fresh water unscaled fishes were unable to enter the competition as it was revealed that the fishermen broke the rules as they did not catch it during the stipulated time of 06:00hrs to 12:00hrs on Sunday. HEATED ARGUMENT The disagreement turned into a heated argument among the judges and the fishermen stood to their word that they did not break the rules and it was unfair to be disqualified from the competition. Sarwan Kumar, who confidently defended his position, told reporters that he was being cheated. “The fellow say they disqualify me saying that the Loulou catch since last night but we catch this Lou Lou this morning about 09:00 am,” Kumar said. But judges, looking at the giant Loulou, saw evidence
A section of the crowd at the fish festival on Sunday
cultural presentations from the children of Rockstone and the competitions ranged from fish de-boning, fish scaling, roast fish, smoke fish, fish-cooking and road racing. Attracting the crowds, however, was the fish-catching competition which saw participation from four fishermen. As the boats docked at the Rockstone Landing, everyone rushed to get a glimpse of the fishes that were caught. While some of the fisher-
that the fish was not fresh and went ahead with their disqualification. A 15-year-old fisherman who journeyed from Lethem to take part of the completion suffered a similar fate. The young man, who was a first time participant, was disqualified as several of his Lukanani were said to be iced and stale. “I travelled from Lethem to Rock Stone last night and I start fishing this morning, we catch this fish like 8 ‘o’ clock
to experience again,” said one visitor from Georgetown. A British tourist Genevieve De Abrou, who was sipping on a cold Banks Beer, said Rockstone can be her holiday destination. “It just have this feeling of the beautiful scenes, watching the fish roast on an open fire, smelling the clean atmosphere and of course enjoying my beer while preparing for a bath in the river… nothing can beat this,” she said. “The community of Rockstone is waiting for anyone wanting to come,” one resident said, adding:
Sarwan Kumar displaying his big catch which was disqualified from the competition have checked their catch and saw that they catch some of the fish the day before. We are asking the Government to come onboard and the relevant authorities to support this event so that we can have boats out there to pay marshals to go with every competitor so that we can have a more honest competition,” Benn posited. Fisherman Sarwan Kumar walked away with the winning cash prize for the heaviest catch and the longest Perai. There were also prizes for the longest Arawana, Lukanani and Haimara. CHALLENGES Benn also noted that there were a number of challenges in organising the event as it was not well supported. While the association received much support from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), it did not receive much support from the Ministry of Business. The GTA, she said has remained supportive of the
festival since its inception 11 years, along with members of the corporate community. Benn called for more support for the festival next year, and echoing her sentiments was GTA Director General, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh. He congratulated the Rockstone Fish Festival Association for organising the signature event for the past 11 years and encouraged them to put early preparations in place to make the event bigger and better. According to him, Rockstone has the potential to boost fishing tourism since the little community produces stocks ranging from aquarium fish to scarce fresh water fish. “It brings and drive the demand for local tourism so persons can leave their home and come here in this community to spend money and that is why I encourage Rockstone to do the Fish Festival more than once a year so that it can encourage domestic tourism so that more persons can leave their home and travel from the various parts
Fifteen-year-old Damion Bowen and his sister, who journeyed from Lethem to take part in the competition with their catch scenery, the children playing on the tree swings, the children bathing in the river, is something I don’t see every day and I would definitely want
“We are hospitable people and we welcome anyone to our village, not only for the festival but every single day.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Hague Convention here a catalyst for change ‒ Sir Mathew Thorpe
By Alva Solomon GUYANA’s hosting, in July this year, of The Hague Convention Conference on International Family Law, Legal Co-operation and Commerce is seen as the catalyst for change and the growth of support for the family conventions in the Caribbean. The above assessment was made by Sir Mathew Thorpe, former Head of International Justice for England and Wales, who noted in his Conference Report that, as a promotional conference, the format was “classic”. And he deemed the event -- held at the Pegasus Hotel during July 13-15 under the banners of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, The Hague
Conference, and UNICEF -- “highly successful”. This conference had seen participation of 12 other attorneys general, six chief justices and 13 sitting judges from high courts across the region, besides several judges and other legal luminaries from across the Caribbean. Guyana’s Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General Basil Williams, came in for high praise from Sir Mathew Thorpe for his overall management of the event. According to Sir Thorpe’s report, the event focused on the Child Abduction Convention during its opening session, while it addressed the other three family conventions and international family mediation matters during its sessions. Sir Thorpe pointed to
Sir Mathew Thorpe
several achievements during the three-day event, including the addition of Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname and the Turks & Caicos Islands to The Hague’s
International Network of Judges. He said the new nominations to the network are seen as preludes and preparation for accession at least to the Child Abduction Convention. “This confidence I take as much from the atmosphere and mood of the meeting,” he said. He noted that a meeting of the attorneys general to discuss developments starkly contrasted with the Trinidad and Tobago hosting of the conference 12 months ago. “So, in conclusion, I predict that in time we will look back on the Georgetown Conference as the catalyst for change and the growth of support for the family conventions in the Caribbean,” Sir Thorpe said. During the conference, he had noted that The International Hague Network of Judges is crucial to effective practical communications, as it allows its members to have direct communication with their counterparts the world over. According to a report in the Government Information Agency (GINA), Sir Thorpe
said the convention that speaks to the Network of Judges includes commonly accepted safeguards, and details guidance needed by each Network Judge in order to be effective in their roles. He also asserted that
judges nominated to the network have an important responsibility not to remain within their own domains, but must rather meet to exchange ideas and get to know each other as colleagues.
Motorcycle bandit remanded to prison A FORMER soldier of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was remanded to prison on Monday for several armed robberies committed at gas stations and supermarkets on East Coast Demerara. Uriel Mentore, 26, of Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara was remanded when he appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate, Zamilla Ally-Seepaul charged with four counts of armed robberies and two counts of attempted robbery. Mentore and an accomplice along with an alleged accomplice used a motorcycle to commit a spate of robberies between October 19 and November 11, 2016, taking away in excess of $3.3M in cash and valuables. The motorcycle and two full-faced protective helmets allegedly used during the commission of the crimes are in police custody. Mentore’s girlfriend Fiona Smith of Paradise, East Coast Demerara was charged with receiving stolen article, property of Viscom’s Electronic. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $35, 000 bail. She will return to Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on December 07.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
St Stanislaus, Graham’s Hall win quiz competition St Stanislaus College and Graham’s Hall Primary have emerged winners of the seventh annual Caribbean Statistics Day Inter-School Quiz Competition held recently at CARIOM Secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. Caribbean Statistics Day was commemorated on October 15 under the theme “Improving the lives of People – Advancing the Action Plan for Statistics in CARICOM”. The quiz competition sought to stimulate interest
in statistics in primary and secondary schools in Guyana. Most of the questions were based on statistics. Statistics Day events highlight the critical role statistics play in daily decision-making by individuals, businesses and students. Four secondary schools and four primary schools were selected by the Ministry of Education to participate in the competition and each school provided a team of four student representatives. In the primary category,
Graham’s Hall Primary, East Coast Demerara, gained the top position with St Gabriel’s Primary and Winfer Gardens Primary securing the first and second runners-up position respectively. In the Secondary category, Saints Stanislaus College, Georgetown, placed first, St Joseph’s High School second and Bishop’s High School third. Kishaun Singh of St Gabriel’s Primary won the prize for Most Outstanding Primary School quizzer while
Ishwardat Boodramlall of Saints Stanislaus College secured the ‘Most Outstanding Quizzer’ prize for the senior competition.
The students were tested in areas of Mathematics and Statistics; work of the Regional Statistics Programme; awareness on
current issues in Statistics, Mathematics, Technology and other related issues in the region, CARICOM said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 15, 2016
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 15, 2016
Exciting action on race day THE South Dakota Track was the place to be as Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey and Bryce Jeffrey out of the United States of America (USA) set fire to the track on Sunday with spirited performances. Jeffrey reminded fans of who he was, sweeping the first two events in the CMRC Group 4 category. However, mechanical problems before the start of the last race put a spoke in his plans. The final race was won by Jamaica’s Doug ‘Holly-
wood’ Gore who eventually won the Champion driver trophy. Meanwhile in the Super Bike category, Prince continued his 2016 Moto America Superstock 600 Championship form to win all three of his races. The American was simply in a class of his own. Also going unbeaten were CMRC Group 2 and 3 champions, Mark Thompson of Barbados and Paul Vieira of Trinidad. The duo won all three of their respective races.
English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:25 hrs Marettimo 08:55 hrs High Mark 09:25 hrs Swiss Cross 09:55 hrs Shypen 10:25 hrs Lava Lamp 10:55 hrs Strong Force 11:25 hrs Exchequer 11:55 hrs Mr Marchwood
09:45 hrs Definitly Grey 10:15 hrs Ballymalin 10:45 hrs Cajun Fiddle 11:15 hrs Jaunty Thor 11:45 hrs Agamemmon
Southwell 08:45 hrs High Councel 09:15 hrs Churchtown Champ
South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Tilbury Fort 09:10 hrs End Game 09:50 hrs King Of Thrones 10:30 hrs Royal Honour 11:05 hrs Tambalang 11:40 hrs Aqua Blue American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Bluegrass Rye Race 2 Love That Race 3 Persuasive Girl Race 4 Mr.Bossy Race 5 Power Generation Race 6 Go Bo Go Race 7 Carta Regia Race 8 Like a Lion Race 9 Market Blaster
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 15, 2016
South Africa humiliate Australia in Hobart, win series 2-0
(REUTERS)-South Africa’s pacemen tore through Australia’s last eight wickets before lunch on day four to complete an humiliating innings and 80-run defeat in Hobart today and seal the three-match series with a game to spare. Australia had resumed their second innings on 1212, with hope of saving the match on an overcast day at Bellerive Oval, but their batsmen crumbled to 161 all out in the face of quality seam bowling. Resurgent South Africa won the series-opener in Perth by 177 runs and will head into their first daynight Test match in Adelaide next week confident they can sweep their demoralised opponents. It was their third straight Test series win in Australia after their 2008 and 2012 successes. Australia, meanwhile, face another bout of soul-searching, having slipped to a fifth consecutive Test defeat after losing their first match of the home summer in 28 years in Perth. “For us it was just about trying to fight and spend some time out in the middle,” said Australia captain Steve Smith, who was caught behind off Kagiso Rabada for 31. “It wasn’t the way we planned it, credit to South Africa I thought they bowled beautifully again this morning.” Man of the Match Kyle Abbott, the replacement for injured spearhead Dale Steyn, finished with 6-77, capturing four wickets in the morning session and triggering a stunning collapse that followed the home side’s 85 in the first innings. Rising talent Rabada completed the rout with 4-34, following on from his five-wicket haul at the WACA. “All our bowlers were exceptional,” said Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis. “I’m so happy for Kyle ... every single time he gets an opportunity he puts his hand up.” A number of Australia’s batsmen were culpable in their dismissals, however. Abbott, who sent back openers Joe Burns and David Warner on day three,
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada celebrates with teammates after dismissing Australia’s captain Steve Smith. REUTERS/David Gray coaxed Usman Khawaja into chasing a wider delivery and the top order batsman nicked it to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for 64. That ended a 50-run partnership with Smith and brought Adam Voges to the crease on a pair of ducks for an innings that many thought would save or end his Test career. Voges was out for two, completely misjudging the same bowler and nicking to the slips
with an ugly, aborted pull-shot. Rabada then intervened to remove Callum Ferguson (1), wicketkeeper Peter Nevill (6) and debutant paceman Joe Mennie for a duck in quick succession. Abbott returned to have Mitchell Starc caught behind for a duck and wrapped up the innings when Nathan Lyon (4) spooned a simple catch to Vernon Philander at mid-on.
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AUSTRALIA 1st innings 85 (V. Philander 5-21) South Africa 1st innings (o/n 171-5) S. Cook c Nevill b Starc 23 D. Elgar lbw b Starc 17 H. Amla c Nevill b Hazlewood 47 J. Duminy c Smith b Starc 1 F. du Plessis lbw b Hazlewood 7 T. Bavuma c Lyon b Mennie 74 Q. de Kock b Hazlewood 104 V. Philander c Nevill b Hazlewood 32 K. Maharaj b Hazlewood 1 K. Abbott lbw b Hazlewood 3 K. Rabada not out 5 Extras: (b-3, lb-8, nb-1) 12 Total: (all out, 100.5 overs) 326 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-44, 3-46, 4-76, 5-132, 6-276, 7-292, 8-293, 9-297. Bowling: M. Starc 24-1-79-3 (nb-1), J. Hazlewood 30.510-89-6, J. Mennie 28-5-85-1, N. Lyon 17-2-57-0, S. Smith 1-0-5-0. AUSTRALIA 2nd innings
(Overnight: 121-2) J. Burns c de Kock b Abbott 0 D. Warner b Abbott 45 U. Khawaja c de Kock b Abbott 64 S. Smith c de Kock b Rabada 31 A. Voges c Duminy b Abbott 2 C. Ferguson c Elgar b Rabada 1 P. Nevill c Duminy b Rabada 6 J. Mennie lbw b Rabada 0 M. Starc c de Kock b Abbott 0 J. Hazlewood not out 6 N. Lyon c Philander b Abbott 4 Extras (lb-1 nb-1) 2 Total (all out, 60.1 overs) 161 Fall of wickets: 1-0 J. Burns,2-79 D. Warner,3-129 U. Khawaja,4-135 A . Vo g e s , 5 - 1 4 0 C . F e r g u s o n , 6 - 1 5 0 P. Nevill,7-150 J. Mennie,8-151 S. Smith,9-151 M. Starc,10-161 N. Lyon Bowling: K. Abbott 23.1 3 - 77 – 6, V. Philander 16 - 6 - 31 - 0(nb-1), J. Duminy 1 - 0 - 8 – 0, K. Rabada 17 - 5 - 34 – 4, K. Maharaj 3 - 0 - 10 - 0
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 15, 2016
Hope fires Red Force to nine-wicket win PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Opener Kyle Hope stroked his second half-century of the game to fire Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a convincing nine-wicket victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes inside three days, in their opening round of the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday night. Set a mere 155 for victory, Red Force sped to their target just after the final drinks break of the night at Queen’s Park Oval, with the right-handed Hope finishing unbeaten on 79 to follow up his first-innings 56. He dominated a 61-run opening stand with Jeremy Solozano who made 19, and added a further 96 for the second wicket with Yannic Cariah who was unbeaten on 52 at the end.
Kyle Hope drives through the off-side in his unbeaten 79. The victory gave Red Force 18 points while Volcanoes took four from the heavy defeat. Earlier, the visitors had fallen for 254 in their second innings, after resuming the penultimate day on 135 for four.
Tail-ender Shane Shillingford whacked an attacking top score of 65 off 99 deliveries while Sunil Ambris, unbeaten on 16 overnight, made 43. Volcanoes’ start was a good one as Ambris and Kavem Hodge (16) extended
Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in tri-nations opener
(REUTERS) - Opener Dhananjaya de Silva struck an unbeaten 78 to help Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets yesterday in the opening match of the triangular one-day tournament that also features West Indies. de Silva made his highest ODI score off 75 balls as his side reached their target in less than half the allocat- Dhananjaya de Silva made his highest ODI ed time, after Zimbabwe score, an unbeaten 78. were bowled out for 154 in 41.3 overs. Niroshan Dickwella made 41 in the other significant contribution as Sri ZIMBABWE innings 4-29, 5-46, 6-50, 7-105, 8-136, 9-139. Lanka compiled 155 for two B. Chari c K. Mendis b Lakmal 7 Bowling: N. Kulasekara 8-2-23-2 (wC. Chibhabha lbw 1), S. Lakmal 7-0-19-2, S. Pathirana in 24.3 overs. 18 10-0-44-1 (w-1), N. Pradeep 7-1-21-2 Earlier, the visiting bC.Pradeep Ervine c K. Mendis (w-3), S. Jayasuriya 3-0-24-0, A. seamers scythed through b Lakmal 0 Gunaratne 6.3-1-21-3 (w-1). SRI LANKA innings the top order to leave Zim- S. Raza c Pathirana b N. Kulasekara 1 D. de Silva not out 78 babwe 50 for six before S. Williams stp. Dickwella K. Perera c Raza 9 b Chibhabha 21 Peter Moor (47) and captain b Pathirana Moor lbw b N. Kulasekara 47 N. Dickwella c Mumba Graeme Cremer (31 not out) P. E. Chigumbura c Dickwella b Panyangara 41 fought back. b Pradeep 1 K. Mendis not out 12 31 Extras: (lb-2, nb-1) 3 Sri Lanka meet West G. Cremer not out D. Tiripano c N. Kulasekara Total: (for 2 wickets, Indies at the same Harare b Gunaratne 19 24.3 overs) 155 1 Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-140. Sports Club venue tomor- C. Mumba lbw b Gunaratne T. Panyangara c Jayasuriya Bowling; T. Paryangano 3-0-37row while Zimbabwe’s b Gunaratne 12 1 (nb-1), C. Mumba 4-0-31-0, D. next game is against West Extras: (lb-2, w-6) 8 Tiripano 3-0-17-0, C. Chibhabha 154 2-0-18-1, S. Raza 3-0-25-0, G. Indies in Bulawayo on Total: (all out, 41.3 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-13, 3-14, Cremer 5-0-25-0. Saturday.
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their fifth-wicket stand to 53 before being separated. The right-handed Ambris faced 72 balls and struck four fours and a six before he was one of two wickets to fall in the space of three deliveries from leg-spinner Imran Khan. He went caught at the wicket by Steven Katwaroo and captain Liam Sebastien followed two deliveries later in identical manner, without scoring. Shillingford, who belted three fours and five sixes, then rallied the innings by adding 21 with Hodge for the seventh wicket and 49 for the eighth with Mervin Matthew (10), before Volcanoes were dismissed in the third over after lunch. Imran Khan was the best bowler with five for 81. Barbadian Hope then took
centre stage in an innings laced with eight fours and a six, which came from 122 balls in a shade over 2-3/4 hours. When the left-handed Solozano was lbw to Shillingford, Cariah arrived to fur-
ther the stand by striking five fours in a 102-ball knock. Red Force will host long-time rivals Barbados Pride in the second round of the Regional Four-Day Championship starting Friday.
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VOLCANOES 1st innings 142 RED FORCE 1st innings 242 VOLCANOES 2nd innings (o/n 135 for four) D. Smith b Cottrell 19 T. Theophile b Primus 53 J. Robinson lbw b Imran Khan 33 N. Deonarine c Hope b Jagessar 5 S. Ambris c wkp. Katwaroo b Imran Khan 43 K. Hodge lbw b Imran Khan 16 L. Sebastien c wkp. Katwaroo b Imran Khan 0 S. Shillingford b Imran Khan 65 M. Matthew c wkp. Katwaroo b Ottley 10 D. Johnson lbw b Jagessar 2 K. Peters not out 1 Extras: (b-1, lb-6) 7 Total: (all out, 77.2 overs) 254
Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-78, 3-91, 4-119, 5-172, 6-172, 7-193, 8-242, 9-246. B o w l i n g : C o t t r e l l 11 - 2 - 4 3 - 1 , Richards 10-2-26-0, Imran Khan 26.2-7-81-5, Jagessar 19-4-58-2, Primus 9-1-38-1, Ottley 2-1-1-1. RED FORCE 2nd innings (target: 155 runs) K. Hope not out 79 J. Solozano lbw b Shillingford 19 Y. Cariah not out 52 Extras: (lb-5, nb-2) 7 Total: (1 wkt, 44.1 overs) 157 Fall of wicket: 1-61. Bowling: Johnson 6-1-36-0, Matthew 7-1-16-0, Peters 8-1-30-0, Sebastien 9-0-32-0, Shillingford 14-3-32-1, Hodge 0.1-0-6-0. Points: Red Force 18, Volcanoes 4.
Uitvlugt Warriors secure point needed to win WDFA/ STAG Senior League title … draw 1-1 with archrivals Pouderoyen WHEN positive things occur, `ole people does say, Da ah de boy fuh de gal’, well that was exactly what happened on Sunday when Uitvlugt engaged archrivals Pouderoyen in their (Uitvlugt) final fixture of the West Demerara Football Association/STAG Senior League. The end result was a 1-1 draw that gave Uitvlugt the much-needed one point to capture league championship honours with an unassailable lead of 26 points. Requiring just a single
point, the Warriors came from one goal down to win the title via a Jamal Petty 43rd minute strike. Pouderoyen had opened the scoring in the 20th minute from a Morgan Denny gem of a strike after receiving a cross from the right side while inside the left of the penalty box, and unleashing a left foot volley that directed the ball into the right corner of the opposition’s goal. Six minutes earlier, Denny had placed the ball into
Uitvlugt’s goal from the penalty spot, but the goal was disallowed as the official deemed that a Pouderoyen player had entered the penalty area before the shot was taken. Uitvlugt then grabbed the much-needed equaliser in the 43rd minute when Petty’s tame shot rolled past a diving Pouderoyen custodian Sherwin Bernard – into the lower left corner of the goal. Meanwhile, Eagles secured a walkover victory from Beavers.
First Pakistan Test still on after New Zealand quake (REUTERS) - The first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan is scheduled to go ahead this week after engineers checked the safety of the Christchurch cricket venue following a massive earthquake that rattled the centre of the country early yesterday. The powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake pummelled central New Zealand’s South
Island, killing at least two people, damaging roads and buildings and setting off hundreds of strong aftershocks. It was felt strongly in Christchurch, South Island’s largest city, which was hit by a 6.3 quake in 2011 that killed 185 people. New Zealand Cricket officials told reporters in Christchurch on Monday the match would go ahead.
Both teams arrived in the city yesterday, with the Pakistan side arriving from Nelson, where they felt the tremors. “It was pretty scary, it really was,” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur told TVNZ. “We were on the seventh floor of the hotel and it was pretty scary. “The boys all raced downstairs and most of the guys slept in the team room last night. They were a bit scared to go back up to their rooms.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 15, 2016
Cornwall shines again as Pride fall short of victory target BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Barbados Pride pushed for an improbable win but came up short as all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall once against proved the difference, ensuring Leeward Islands Hurricanes got the better of the exchanges in their drawn opening round Regional Four-Day contest here yesterday. Set 305 for victory off a minimum of 76 overs, Pride tested the Hurricanes’ mettle through half-centuries from Anthony Alleyne who made 84, Shamarh Brooks who stroked 59 and Test batsman Roston Chase, who was unbeaten on 51, before ending the final day at Warner Park on 235 for five. Cornwall captured four for 101 to follow up his first innings five-wicket haul, as he finished with match figures of nine for 218. The 23-year-old West Indies A player had earlier
Rahkeem Cornwall scored 114 runs with the bat and match figures of nine for 218 with ball. lashed his second half-century of the game with a top score of 60, allowing Hurricanes to declare their second innings on 164 for six just inside the first hour. Montcin Hodge made 53 while Test left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican picked up three for 31. Hurricanes walked away with 8.8 points for their efforts
while Pride picked up six. Starting the day on 89 for five, Hurricanes flourished through an 82-run sixth wicket stand between Cornwall and Hodge. The hard-hitting Cornwall, who made 84 in the first innings, smashed three fours and four sixes off a mere 51 balls while Hodge opted for the anchor role, facing 184 deliveries and counted two
fours. Faced with a difficult hour before lunch, Pride lost Omar Phillips lbw to Cornwall off just the fourth ball of the innings as they reached the interval on 39 for one. Afterwards, Alleyne spearheaded two partnerships which put Hurricanes under pressure, and gave Pride an outside chance of overhauling their target. The 23-year-old left-hander, who faced 199 deliveries in 3-¾ hours at the crease and struck 14 fours, put on 110 for the second wicket with Brooks before adding a further 61 for the third wicket with Chase. Cornwall broke the stand when he had Brooks caught at short-leg, after the righthander faced 126 balls and counted five fours, but Alleyne found an ally in Chase to keep Pride’s bid alive. With triple figures beckoning, Alleyne was lbw to one
from Cornwall which kept low, and his dismissal triggered a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 24 runs as captain Kevin Stoute (6) and Kenroy Williams (4) both fell cheaply. With Pride’s challenge
having fizzled, Chase took the time to notch his 13th first class half-century in a 34-run sixth wicket stand with Justin Greaves who made 21 not out, before both teams shook hands.
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HURRICANES 1st Innings 377 Pride 1st Innings 237 Hurricanes 2nd Innings (overnight 89 for five) *K Powell run out 2 K Carty lbw b Roach 1 M Hodge not out 53 C Hughes c Stoute b Charles 28 N Bonner st Rampersaud b Warrican 11 +J Hamilton b Warrican 0 R Cornwall st Rampersad b Warrican 60 Extras (b8, lb1) 9 TOTAL (6 wkts decl., 56 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-13, 3-65, 4-82, 5-82, 6-164. Bowling: Roach 7-0-27-1, Chase 4-0-15-0, Williams 7-1-19-0, Charles 12-4-25-1, Warrican 17-8-31-3, Stoute 9-2-38-0.
PRIDE 2nd Innings (target: 305 runs) O Phillips lbw b Cornwall 6 A Alleyne lbw b Cornwall 84 S Brooks c Hodge b Cornwall 59 R Chase not out 51 *K Stoute c Carty b Bonner 6 K Williams lbw b Cornwall 4 J Greaves not out 21 Extras (lb4) 4 TOTAL (5 wkts, 80 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-116, 3-177, 4-192, 5-201. Bowling: Cornwall 35-3-101-4, To n g e 5 - 4 - 4 - 0 , B o n n e r 1 5 1-46-1, Boatswain 8-2-40-0, Wa l s h 6 - 0 - 1 3 - 0 , P o w e l l 5 - 4 2 - 0 , H u g h e s 1 - 0 - 7 - 0 , Ta y l o r 5-1-18-0. Points: Hurricanes 8.8, Pride 6. Man-of-the-Match: Rahkeem Cornwall.
West Indies looking for upturn in their one-day form HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder hopes the key areas addressed during the recent one-week camp in South Africa will see West Indies turn the page on their dodgy One-Day International form, in the Tri-Nations Series here which bowled off yesterday. West Indies were swept 3-0 by Pakistan last month and have now lost 12 of their last 16 games in the last four bilateral series. They were good enough to reach the final of the Tri-Nations Series against Australia and South Africa in the Caribbean earlier this year,
but lost to the Aussies. “I think it is a situation where we need to come together as a team. We’ve struggled in the last few oneday series in terms of batting the 50 overs and that is one area we have addressed,” Holder said ahead of his side’s first game tomorrow. “In terms of the bowling, we need to be a lot better in the first power-play and then we have to close in the last 10 overs. Those are the significant areas we have paid some attention to. “I think once we do that and we string some big partnerships (together) – in the past I think we have found
West Indies captain Jason Holder
ourselves getting a lot of starts but not carrying on – we leave less for the middle and lower order to do.”
West Indies open their campaign tomorrow against Sri Lanka before taking on the hosts on Saturday in their second outing. Last year, the Caribbean side suffered a 3-0 whitewash away to the Sri Lankans and Holder said they were expecting a strong challenge from them again, along with a tough showing from Zimbabwe. “It’s going to be tough. Obviously they are two good teams. Sri Lanka play good cricket and obviously are of a higher rank and Zimbabwe have a point to prove,”
the all-rounder explained. “They are playing in their backyard as well so they will be (familiar) with their conditions. It’s a situation where we have to assess as early as possible and go out and play some good aggressive cricket.” West Indies endured a long difficult tour of the United Arab Emirates recently, where they were trounced in the Twenty20, one-day and Test series by Pakistan. Their only success came in the final Test in Sharjah when they produced an admirable performance to win
by five wickets. Holder said the camp in Potchefstroom had been a great chance for the unit to re-assess. “We had a good week in Potchefstroom. I thought the guys had a few days off to catch themselves and recuperate after the long series in Dubai,” he said. “It’s just a situation where we got what we wanted out of the training camp and moving into the (Tri-Nations Series) I think we are much better prepared.”
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. Under-17 League
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Walkover victories continue to trend in associations (Tuesday November 15, 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) Alf Valentine (WI vs ENG, Manchester, 1950) (2) Roy Fredericks-105 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches Clive Lloyd played? How many centuries he scored? (2) Where was the first ever ODI played in the Caribbean? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
VICTORIES via walkovers continue to be the trend in several associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). Along with NAMILCO, under its Thunderbolt brand, GFF is running off the National Under-17 League in several associations. Over the past month or two, several teams added points to their tally as a result of their opponents’ failure to show up for their respective fixtures, and this has been the trend in most associations. The latest series of walkover victories occurred over
the past weekend. In the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) leg of the tournament, Mahaica Determinators added three points to their tally without breaking a sweat against Buxton Stars. The same pattern occurred in the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) leg where Den Amstel benefited from three points as their opponents Beavers failed to make an appearance. In the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) leg, it was no different as Order and Discipline were a no-show for
their match against Santos. Meanwhile, in results from matches played over the weekend, Buxton United beat Ann’s Grove 3-0 on Saturday at the Grove Community Centre ground. Niyon Robertson, Troni Semple and Clint Headley scored for the winning team in the 8th, 9th and 21st minute respectively. Playing at the same East Coast Demerara venue, Golden Stars blanked Victoria Kings 4-0 through a double from Ceyon Montrose in the 4th and 58th minutes, while Shawn Adonis and Michael
Wood scored one goal each in the 61st and 68th minute respectively. In the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) leg, Fruta Conquerors mauled Eastveldt 6-0 and Pele edged Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 1-0. On the West Side (WCD), Eagles beat Slingerz by a 2-0 margin and are now placed third in the league with nine points. Beavers, who are now fourth in the points standings, also have nine points, but Eagles have a better goal difference.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 15, 2016
PCL Regional Four-Day Tournament
Jaguars start title defence in style By Rajiv Bisnauth
HOSTS Guyana Jaguars made a brilliant start to their title defence when they beat the Jamaica Scorpions by 181 runs in round one of the Regional Four-Day Championship which ended yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium. The contest was not a cake walk for the defending champions, after middle-order batsman Jermaine Blackwood scored a defiant half-century to ensure the game went into the final hour of play. However, the hosts’ leftarm spinners spun webs around the Jamaican batsmen for the second time in three days. Gudakesh Motie claimed 4-35, while Veerasammy Permaul took 3-63, as the visitors were bundled out for 147. Pacer Keon Joseph played his part, claiming 3-18. Blackwood and Chadwick Walton scripted a spectacular rescue act for the Jamaica Scorpions, with a brilliant 54run sixth-wicket stand, after they were struggling at 38-5, at one stage. Blackwood led the resistance with a classy 96. He batted for 247 minutes and faced 212 balls, inclusive of 13 fours and two sixes. However, had Leon Johnson held the chance offered
… whip Jamaica Scorpions by 181 runs
Jermaine Blackwood scores a defiant half-century to take the game into the final hour of play.(Adrian Narine photos) by Blackwood when he was on 41, the formalities could have been much earlier. Resuming on 9-2, Joseph along with the spinners made instant inroads. With 320 needed on the final day, Joseph, bowling with pace and accuracy, sent back opener Trevon Griffith in the day’s third over for 13. With the Providence pitch already providing some assistance to the spinners, captain Leon Johnson introduced spin within the first hour of play and Motie was rewarded with the wicket of overnight batsman Jason Dawes (3), while Permaul removed Andre McCarthy (2) leg-before-wicket. Blackwood and Chadwick Walton then joined forces together and took the score to 47 when the heavens opened up at 11:00hrs.
WADA suspends Doha anti-doping laboratory
(REUTERS)-Doha’s anti-doping laboratory has had its accreditation suspended for four months after it failed to comply with international standards, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in a statement yesterday. The decision to ban the laboratory in Qatar, host country of the 2022 soccer World Cup, was a direct result of more stringent quality assessment procedures introduced by WADA to ensure laboratories maintain the highest standards. The suspension, which took effect on Nov. 7, prohibits the laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities including all analyses of urine and blood samples. During the ban, samples must be sent to another WADA-accredited laboratory, “ensuring that athletes can have full confidence in continued high quality sample analysis and the wider anti-doping system.” The Doha laboratory has 21 days to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
No play was possible until 14:10hrs. When play finally resumed after excellent work from the ground staff, the visitors were facing an uphill task. They had to survive 42 overs to avoid the ignominy of a huge defeat and the duo did exceedingly well as they denied the hosts any further pleasure for 90 minutes. Blackwood was more fluent than his partner, and raised his half-century off 140 balls. However, Motie broke the stubborn stand when he trapped Walton leg-before-wicket for 13, with a faster delivery, leaving the fight up to Blackwood. The visitors were further jolted when Drval Green
was trapped plumb in front to Permaul without scoring, and Damion Jacobs was taken at the wicket off Permaul for 10. Blackwood, in company with Nikita Miller, provided some defiant response before Motie trapped the latter lbw for 4. With eight overs remaining in the match, Marquino Mindley joined Blackwood, but Joseph was reintroduced into the attack and immediately had Blackwood taken at the wicket, with the second new ball. The Guyana Jaguars will now travel to St Kitts for their second round game against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes from Friday at Warner Park. Pics saved as: Motie and Blackwood
Gudakesh Motie claims 4-35.
SCOREBOARD
JAGUARS 1st innings 298 SCORPIONS 1st innings 208 JAGUARS 2nd innings 238-4 decl. SCORPIONS 2nd innings (target: 329 runs) (o/n nine for two) J. Campbell b Joseph 1 T. Griffith b Joseph 13 D. Thomas lbw b Permaul 3 J. Dawes c Joseph b Motie 3 J. Blackwood c wkp. Bramble b Motie 96 A. McCarthy lbw b Permaul 2 C. Walton lbw b Motie 13 D. Green lbw b Permaul 0
D. Jacobs c wkp. Bramble b Motie 10 N. Miller lbw b Motie 4 M. Mindley not out 0 Extras: (nb-2) 2 Total: (all out, 85.2 overs) 147 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-8, 3-19, 4-32, 5-38, 6-92, 7-93, 8-119, 9-133. Bowling: Hooper 10-3-18-0, Joseph 9.2-3-18-3, Permaul 29-10-63-3, Reifer 7-1-13-0, Motie 30-15-35-5. Points: Jaguars 17.8, Scorpions 4.5. Player-of-the-Match: Veerasammy Permaul.
Bolt wants to be like Ali, Pele USAIN Bolt wants to leave a lasting legacy to match those of Muhammad Ali and Pele when he retires from athletics next year. The Jamaican sprint superstar has won gold in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m in each of the past three Olympics, firmly cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes in history. Now 30 years old, Bolt is planning to step away from the sport following U s a i n B o l t w a n t s t o b e r e g a r d e d the World Championships alongside Muhammad Ali and Pele. in London in 2017 and he has made to remain at Sports. his new film, ‘I Am Bolt’, the very top of his field for “When I retire I want is due to be released later so long. people to talk about me, this month - a behind-the“Looking at Muhammad the drive, the dedication, scenes documentary lookAli and Pele and watching I want them to talk about ing at his preparations for their films and watching me. Rio 2016. them work hard and domi“I want them to put films Bolt says the film has nate their sports - I’m like, on about me, so this is why been made with the aim of you know what, I want to I’m making a film about my showing fans the sacrifices be like them,” he told Sky life.”
Bolt insisted his plans to retire after London 2017 will not change, claiming he does not have the drive to continue to push himself in training. “The older you get the more you have to sacrifice, the more disciplined you have to be and personally I don’t think I have that discipline. I know when it’s time to quit,” he said. “I asked Michael Johnson ‘why did you retire when you were on top? You were dominating, no one was beating you’. He goes ‘I done everything I need to do in the sport’. “If you get to a point where there’s no drive for you to train then just forget it, just stop or else you’re going to start losing races and start embarrassing yourself.” (Sportsmax. com)
Jaguars start title defence in style (See Story on page 23 )
Class of his own! Bryce Prince is Superbike king,
Exciting action on race day (See Story on page 19 )
From crash to champion! Kristian Jeffrey rallies for a race win. (Samuel Maughn composite photo)
Gold Cup spots go up for grabs January 2017 THE playoffs for fifth in the CFU Caribbean Cup will take place on January 4, 6 and 8 next year.The three best second place teams from the respective groups - Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Haiti - have qualified for the fifth place CFU playoff. Trinidad and Tobago will take on Suriname on January 4, Suriname play Haiti on January 6 while Haiti will tackle
Trinidad and Tobago on January 8. On the weekend, the four group winners - Jamaica, French Guiana, Curacao and Martinique – qualified for the semi-finals of the Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup set for June 22-25, 2017. The teams have also qualified for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup set for July 7-26, 2017. Last week Wednesday, French Guiana defeated Haiti 5-2
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to win the group while on Sunday Haiti defeated St. Kitts and Nevis 2-0 in extra time to conclude Group 2 action. Jamaica topped Group 1 after defeating Suriname 1-0. The winner of the CFU playoff will play off for the 5th CONCACAF Gold Cup Spot with the fifth-place team from the Central American Football Union.(Sportsmax. com) TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016