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Vieira takes charge No. 104553

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016

Price: $80

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... appointed director of field operations at GuySuCo

Agricola Independence Arch nearing completion

The Agricola Independence Arch being placed into position on Sunday (Delano Williams photo)

Deplorable state Father of nine killed by cousin

â€’ Rose Hall Primary affected by bat infestation, porous roof, rotten corridors P.9

Fourth victim 3 succumbs in Essequibo smash-up P.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Mayor Chase-Green bemoans unprofessional constabulary officers CITY Constabulary officers have been compromising the City Council’s decisions with some minibus drivers as it relates to efforts to bring the lawlessness at many bus parks under control. Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green complained about the issue at the Council’s most recent statutory meeting, noting that the practice by the officers often leads to confusion at the minibus parks. Chase-Green said those who are found guilty of compromising the decisions

of the Council will be dealt with accordingly. “If you look at the records, there are allegations that constables are not professional in the execution of their duties. You can’t have your foot soldiers out there not carrying out the duties of the Council,” she offered. According to the Mayor, the issue was raised again recently when certain bus drivers, who felt they were not being afforded the same privileges as others, reported the issue to the City Council. “Those things have to be corrected,” she posited.

It has been observed that some minibus operators are not conducting their business under the new guidelines that were recently established. Some refuse to join the line of empty minibuses and wait for their turn, while others offload passengers where they are not supposed to. Meanwhile, scores of vendors who turned up at a City Hall meeting accused city constabulary officers of making their lives miserable when they refuse to pay them a bribe. The vendors of the various municipal markets in Georgetown continue to complain about the harass-

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

ment they regularly experience at the hands of the officers, but even so, they prefer not to make reports as they claim that those in higher authority also accept

bribes. Chief Constable Andrew Foo is adamant, though, that those vendors who are affected by bribery on the part of the constabulary officers ought to lodge official reports, and he guaranteed that such will be investigated. Provision is made in the law that even those who give a bribe can be charged, Foo told the Chronicle when contacted on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Chief Constable said the law is very clear on the issue of bribery. Foo said vendors need to understand if any officer demands a bribe, they have a responsibility to report it. “But they don’t come

in. There is an agreement between the vendors and officers, but whenever the officers have to act, the vendors come up with all sorts of allegations. Now that there is a large-scale movement of people, they are now raising allegations. People who give and receive a bribe can be charged. But no one is coming forward to make official reports. They go to the politicians instead to lodge their complaints, but that’s not right. So it remains just an allegation if no one comes in. Why do the vendors do business at the level of a constabulary officer?” Foo questioned.

Motorcyclist killed by speeding car By Clifford Stanley TWENTY-ONE-yearold Inshain Jameer of Tempie Village, West Coast Berbice died on Sunday from injuries he sustained the day before when he was hit from behind by a motorcar while sitting on his motorcycle alongside the road at Radboro, also on West Coast Berbice. The accident occurred around 18:30 hrs. According to reports, the car was travelling at a fast rate west along the roadway on the southern carriageway when the collision occurred. Jameer was flung into the bushes several feet away and succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning. A relative said the young man was riding past his farm at Radboro on his way to Tempie when he (Jameer) stopped to have a chat with him (relative). Jameer, the relative said stopped his motorcycle and parked on the parapet. It was while chatting, the relative said, he saw a

Inshain Jameer

white motor car approaching them in a very haphazard manner. The relative said the vehicle was travelling so quickly towards them that he barely had time to shout a warning to Jameer. “I was on my feet and so I could have jumped out of the way but he was astride the motorcycle. He barely had time to look back before the car connected with the back of his motorcycle,” the relative said. The relative also related that the driver of the motorcar helped him to pick up the unconscious man and put him in a vehicle where he was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital for urgent medical attention.

“While helping me I notice that this man mouth (driver) was stink of rum,” the relative said. The injured man was transferred from the Fort Wellington Hospital to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he succumbed. Jameer, popularly known as “Sugar”, was the only son of Mr and Mrs Inshain Jameer. On Sunday, his parents, friends and relatives were in a state of shock at his sudden passing. They said he was a willing young man who always undertakes tasks set by his parents, friends or neighbours in a cheerful and willing manner. Jameer had left home to purchase mechanical spares for a vehicle when he met his death. The driver of the motor car, who is said to be an engineer attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five, is a patient at the Fort Wellington Hospital. He will be asked to assist the police in their investigations into the fatal accident upon being discharged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Green agenda wedded to public health ‒ President By Navendra Seoraj

THE prevalence of vector borne diseases has wreaked havoc in the country over the past years, causing many to fall ill or die, and in light of this, President David Granger has stressed the importance of creating a green and healthier economy. At the ceremonial launch of the “Health @ 50 in Guyana progress health report 1966-2016” on Saturday evening, President Granger reflected on a key health issue, which has been perpetually affecting Guyanese for many years. Vector borne diseases, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, have been an issue for many years, claiming the lives of many, particularly in the hinterland regions. Another key contribu-

tor to the increase in vector borne diseases, especially in the hinterland and bordering areas, is the smuggling of contraband, which adds to the transmission of mosquitoes that bear deadly diseases. However, through the Ministry of Public Health and the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), Granger stressed that more needs to be done, especially when it comes to eradicating diseases and viruses such as Dengue Fever, Filaria, Malaria, Zika and Chikungunya. Some of these diseases have been under control for quite some time, but malaria poses a terrible threat to young people, who seek employment in the hinterland, due to various factors. As vector borne diseases, these threats can only be fought if a cleaner and greener approach is adopted. In that light, there have been

President David Granger

many efforts to clean the City, but this methodology has to be adopted across the country. The declaration of the three new towns -- Bartica, Mabaruma and Lethem -- will also aid in making this initiative widespread and President Granger has called for each one to have a functional hospital, which

would boost the provision of healthcare nationally. However, this cannot be possible without the continued partnership with PAHO/ WHO and other international stakeholders. “We need co-operation and more careful management in our health sector in order to eradicate these ailments at all levels, be it municipalities or RDCs…We must also laud the efforts of the hardworking individuals who brought the sector to where it is today,” said President Granger, as he noted that Guyana cannot continue to be deprived of its prestige human resources due to these maladies. The introduction of the health report will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the past mishaps and address them in order to create a better health sector and healthier environment in years to come. Meanwhile, Minister of

Fourth victim succumbs ‒ in Essequibo smash-up THE fatal accident which occurred at Richmond, Essequibo, on Friday claimed its fourth victim Sunday, when 22-year-old Stephen Benn, who was listed as critical, succumbed to his injuries. Benn, of Dartmouth, Essequibo, was in the minibus in which the other fatalities were, including fellow villager, 19-year-old Esau Cornette and 45-year-old Lavon Gray, who were neighbours. Gavin Lawrie, 19, of Plantation Andrews was also a passenger, who was pronounced dead at the Suddie Hospital. Reports disclosed that the driver of the minibus, BRR 9867, Glenford Stephens, was heading to Anna Regina with 17 passengers and the car, PMM 5867, was travelling in the opposite direction when they collided around 23:00 hrs. The minibus was reportedly negotiating a right-bend and ended up on the western side of the road, which resulted in a head-on collision with the motorcar. As a result, most of the minibus passengers were flung out of the vehicle. Six persons, including the driver, Gavin Lawrie, were in the car at the time. The others who have been hospitalised are Maxwell Lawrie, 18, of Better Success; Ruel Lawrie, 34, of Plantation Andrews; Navin Radish, 21, of Plantation Andrews; Anil Mark, 17, of Better Success; and

Maxton Lawrie, 28, of Better Success. Among those injured from the minibus were Aldred Shepherd, 23, of Dartmouth who is listed as critical; and Kadeen Clay, 17, of Dartmouth, Stephen Benn, 22, who is now dead; Kevin Brummell, 25; Rodwin Barrington, 20; Kevon Clay,

Dead: Esau Cornette

Dead: Gavin Lawrie

An injured and hospitalised Maxwell Lawrie

20; Trevor John, 18; Delroy Barrington, 24; Lancel Caesar, 22; Roven Johnson, 19; Anzel Cornette, 20; and Glenford Stephen, 26. The others were discharged with minor injuries. Reports disclosed that

the persons in the minibus and the car were out partying before the accident occurred. Residents flocked the accident scene and tried to aid in the removal of the bodies from the road. Hospital sources disclosed that many of the injured persons suffered bro-

ken limbs. Traffic Chief (ag) Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud has again called on passengers in vehicles that are speeding to reprimand the drivers, since failure to do so can result in their own demise.

Public Health Dr George Norton, while speaking to the audience stressed that, “though the achievements of the public health sector ever since 1966 are impressive and well recorded, we should ponder as to what innovative health service delivery improvements need to be put in place, particularly as we are facing new health challenges.” With the challenges of a growing and rapidly ageing population, Guyana’s healthcare needs are expected to rise in the coming years. And under the current administration, he said, there will be an expansion in the public healthcare services to ensure that citizens continue to have access to quality and affordable care. And in honour of those who have worked hard to get the sector to where it is today, PAHO/WHO awarded 28 stalwarts of the health sector, who were selected

through an adjudication process. “I will like to congratulate all the nominees, especially those from the Ministry of Public Health, who have championed and worked tirelessly on health initiatives and leadership in reducing health disparities that have resulted in the improvement of the wellbeing of those persons living in Guyana during 1966-2016,” said Dr Norton. As healthcare providers, “it is important that you continue to upgrade yourself throughout your careers to meet the needs of the future. Patients are facing increasingly complex conditions, and expectations of the quality of care are also rising. Thus, it is critical for healthcare staff to continually seek to deepen their skills and knowledge in order to support new care models and to achieve higher care standards,” Dr Norton added.

Father of nine killed by cousin

A FATHER of nine was stabbed to death by his cousin following an argument on Saturday night. Dead is 51-year-old Lennox Norton called “Tip” of Lot 70 Lodge, Georgetown. Reports reveal that about 21:30hrs, Norton, who is a miner and his cousin Aubrey Clerk were imbibing at the abovementioned address when a heated argument started, resulting in Norton being stabbed to the abdomen. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The suspect has not been arrested as yet. According to the mother of the perpetrator, Winifred Garraway, her son is a quiet individual, who only becomes aggressive when he consumes alcoholic beverages. She said Norton was staying at their home, since he did not return to the interior to work because he was unwell. Mrs Garraway said her

Dead: Lennox Norton

son, Aubrey Clerk, who also lives at the same address, was having a drink with Norton when she heard the argument and shouted on them to desist. But, the duo persisted and her calls for peace fell on deaf ear. She is now appealing to the alleged murderer to hand himself over to the police. “Where would he go? He doesn’t even have a phone for me to contact him, all I want him to know is that he should turn himself into the police station and behave, it is not like him to behave like this,” the mother of nine lamented.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RASTAFARI MOVEMENT IN GUYANA (PART 3)

The first Rastafarians in British Guiana were Garveyites! By Ras Leon Saul THE first Rastafarians in British Guiana were Garveyites, who would have also probably been “Jordanites”! Writer Rupert Lewis has

examined political aspects of the origins of the Rastafari Movement at a time when the Garvey Movement was in decline in the 1930s. It was around that time that Marcus Garvey visited British Guiana and first brought the

message of “Rastafari” closer to home. About seven UNIA branches were established here. Lewis’s main intentions were to underscore ways in which Garveyism has affected the evolution of Rastafari, and to identify the many similarities and differences that existed between the two anti-colonial ideologies. Many interpretations of the origins of Rastafari have focused on two events during this period: the Coronation of Ras Tafari as Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, and Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s writings on the significance of this coronation for people of African

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie 1 of Ethiopia welcomes President Burnham of Guyana in the early 70s

descent. But the actual manifestation of dreadlocked Ras-

tafarians in Guyana, practising the ascetic natural way of life and eschewing the temptations and pitfalls of “Babylon system”, did not happen until the mid60s, when Guyanese sailors and travellers to Jamaica, See page 5

DATE: 14/05/2016 M 06 07 11 12 19 20 01

14/05/2016

02 04 07 10 12 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

The first Rastafarians in British Guiana ... From page 4

such as brethren like Orlando Butcher, aka “Ras Lando Judah”; Ras Camo Williams; pioneering agriculturalist Ras Ramsammy (from Queen’s College), who introduced the use of “ital”; Ras Nunki (recently deceased); Ras Akatunde and others returned to this country with reports, reflections and herbal samples of the new “way of life”. Early Rases also included British, Cats, Spanner, Big Daddy, Mister Clean, Kiddus-I, Stone Face, Big Youth from Rasville, Big G, Natty Wiltshire and Ras Kanhai. Some individuals see Rastafari as a political movement, a sentiment that is offensive to religious-minded Rasta people. The Rastafari Movement did, however, gain power and popularity through many social and political aspirations of key Rasta individuals. Publisher, publicist and organiser Marcus Garvey, who is regarded as a prophet by many members of the Rasta faith, used his spiritual, economic, cultural and political Pan-African vision (through the Negro World newspaper) to inspire a new world view within the group. Marcus Garvey’s visit to Guyana in October 1937 was a defining moment in the establishment of “Rasta prophecy” in Guyana. He had declared years earlier…“Look to Africa where a Black King will be crowned…that will be the time of African redemption!” Pan-Africanist revolutionary, Guyanese scholar and renowned historian Dr Walter Rodney also had a seminal impact on the awareness and acceptance of Rastafari philosophy, not only in Africa, Guyana and Jamaica, but the rest of the world through one of his publications – “Groundings with My Brethren”. In 1968, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hugh Shearer, banned Walter Rodney from entering Jamaica…and Brother Walter’s militant conscious Afrocentric advocacy brought more focus on Rastafari here in Guyana. When Walter Rodney of the Working Peo-

ple’s Alliance (WPA) and Forbes Burnham got into conflict, several Rasta personalities, including Colin Carto, aka “Ras Abyssinian”, were involved in the struggle as members of the WPA. This caused some members of the budding Rasta community to be viewed with suspicion by the then PNC-Government, and endured persecutions from the police. Along with the reggae explosion of the 1970s, Rastafari’s acceptance in Guyana also began after Bob Marley’s music became more popular, especially his album “Natty Dread” and the song “Jah Lives” (after the mystical disappearance of Emperor Haile Selassie 1 from the throne) in the mid-70s. This sparked the fire that lit the consciousness of Rastafari in the hearts of many young Guyanese. The visit to these shores by Third World around 1977, at the newly-constructed National Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, helped cement the Rasta message to aspiring Guyanese dreadlocks. Before that, there was the visit to Guyana by Count Ossie and the Royal Sons of Negus to Carifesta in 1972, along with cultural troupes from the Caribbean -- especially Jamaica -- that brought the message home. Indeed, without a doubt, the music of Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Jacob “Killer” Miller and other such roots, rock, reggae bands helped to spread the message of Rastafari in Guyana. Then there were also pioneering brethren like Guyanese drummer and flautist Country, aka “Nya”; Big Dread Palla; Big Beard Basil on 110 Street (Robb and Wellington by the old Metropole); Ital Archie; Zion; Pryor; Sheriff; Champ; the dreaded version of the Alpha crew from Laluni Street, Queenstown (including Cooley I…an early proponent of the use of raw food; Peta Pop and Renny, who now has his coconut water shop on Orange Walk near Bourda Market).

Prophet and King of Reggae, Bob Marley, who sang “Jah Lives”

But there was the original loving “King Alpha” group from Third and Light Streets, Alberttown (including craftsmen Brian Van Rossum, Ras Marcus, Nya Keith, King David, Judah Star, Bongo Tony, Rubber and Pat) who helped establish the presence of dreadlocked Rastamen long before even Guyana’s

Marcus Mosiah Garvey - the “Black Moses” or “John the Baptist” “father of the nation” – LFS Burnham - had travelled to Ethiopia in the early 70s… before the first Carifesta to meet with HIM Emperor Haile Selassie 1. His Imperial Majesty advised the Guyanese leader on aspects of visionary governance that led President Burnham to proclaim the “Feed, Clothe and House” (FCH) programme. This also caused President Burnham

to become sympathetic to the people’s movement of Rastafari. The revolutionary-minded leader granted the Rastafari community large tracts of land at North Fork in the hinterland. This was in 1978, after representation was made by the Rastafari community following the beatings and locking up of hundreds of Rastafarians at the National Park who had attended a musical showcase commemorating the birth anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie 1 on Sunday, July 23. President Burnham even provided transportation and rations for the North Fork agricultural project. But the subsequent attempt at large-scale farming and setting up a community ended in tragic failure with the manifestation of much greed, dissension, divisiveness and death among the brethren. Among those who were part of that failed venture were Big Beard, British, Stone Man and Lepke. But the “black heart” Guyanese Head of State did not despair, and granted land in Georgetown to the Rasta community…thus “Rasville” was created in South Ruimveldt near the aptly named “Roxanne Burnham” Gardens. The Rasville community-building initiative was spearheaded by Ras Lepke, with Ras Polo and Ras Chris Man being prominently involved, along with others, dread and baldhead alike! (To be continued in the next edition: In 1978 – the same year “Burnham legalised obeah”, who was the first Rasta Man to get “12 months in jail” for the possession of marijuana?!)

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The State of Affairs

PRESIDENT David Granger addressed the National Assembly on Thursday last in what was his third presentation for 2016. Listening to him referring to themes that have come to mark the politics he proposes, it behooves examination of the state of affairs under which Guyanese are living. Arguably one of the most powerful statements made by the President was the charge given to the House that, “it must resolve to work together to reunite our nation [and Members], must take the first steps on the long road to social cohesion, to political inclusion, and to economic resilience.” The House comprises members of Cabinet and the governing APNU+AFC parties, and members of the Opposition PPP/C. By addressing both sides in this forum, the President is reminding Honourable Members, and all Guyana, of Parliament’s responsibility, as the nation’s highest decision-making forum, to deliver leadership and guidance to the people. The political system allows for any Member to take a proactive stance and bring issues to the House to be deliberated and/or voted on. The parliamentary committees which allow for collaboration and oversight of the nation’s business include members of the Government and Opposition. There is no reason to question or doubt the President’s vision for Guyana and his charge to the House. Where ordinary citizens harbour reasonable doubts, those are in regard to whether politicians are committed to improving the management of the state’s business and whether they would honour the promises made during the campaigns. It has not escaped attention that the present Opposition, which continues to make allegations of mistreatment by the Speaker and has called for more parliamentary sittings, had, when it held government, paid scant, if any regard, to the then Opposition, which presently forms the Government. That being said, there comes a time in a nation’s evolution when political praxis rises above being one of expediency in the interest of self or party to one of what is good and right for country. If social cohesion is to be achieved, the zero-sum approach in politics is not the appropriate approach. People can cohere only when there is mutual respect

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Cannot be absolved from blame

Dear Editor, THE issue of street vending has been an ongoing issue facing the Georgetown City Council. Some argue that vending has its genesis in the socio-economic constraints on urban dwellers. The issue of street vending has been a challenging situation for the Georgetown Municipality in every context. One side of the debate articulates that urban vending has become part and parcel of urban landscape, while other businesses cry about unfair competition and there are those who argue that encumbrances on the City’s thoroughfares have become unbearable. Beyond the (5) Municipal Markets – Stabroek, Bourda, La Penitence, East Ruimveldt and Kitty -- the council sought to provide alternative venues and facilities for vendors to ply their trade. The Georgetown Municipality has provided alternative venues, such as Stelling View Market, Vendors Arcade, Merriman Entrepreneur, Orange Walk Vendors Facility and the New Vendors Mall, for citizens to ply their various trades. All of these were birthed out of the need to provide alternative facilities for vendors to ply their trade. The Georgetown City Council has always sought to find amicable and cre-

ative measures to help vendors ply their trade. The Vendors Arcade was constructed in 1976 to provide an opportunity for vendors to ply their trade in a legitimate way. In 1988, the Stabroek Bazaar, another municipal facility, was constructed at the cost of $1.6M to accommodate (220) vendors. Again, in 1990, the Stelling View Market, which has capacity to accommodate (250) vendors, was constructed by the Council. The Council continued in its effort to help vendors to operate in an environment that is organized and legitimate; hence two sections of the Merriman Mall were made available for vendors to ply their trade. As more people continued to flock the City Streets to earn a daily living, the City Council responded by building the New Vendors Mall on Water Street, which has the capacity to hold (240) vendors, in 2009. The challenge that persists is that City Council is consistently faced with the drama of finding a new space for each new group of vendors that replaces the previous set. The new development is that many vendors have stalls at various municipal facilities but they use their stalls as bonds. Some have transferred their stalls to other relatives, or have rented

and appropriate treatment. Where there exist isms that shut others out, treat them differently, or assume knowledge of what is right/best for them, cohesion will remain elusive. Yet these are the very practices that have come to characterise political discourses and decision-making, and have given rise to the disconcerting thought that unity matters to politicians only when in the opposition. Where social cohesion is absent or efforts are being made to undermine it, the President’s next charge to Honourable Members to work for political inclusion is threatened. This society is not short of examples of apparent disinterest in political inclusion over the years. This gives rise to concern whether noble ideals are listened to, or seen as important to put into action. At all levels of Government (national, regional and local), inclusive of the Opposition, there are claims and perceptions that elected officials are disinterested in listening to those outside of their inner circles and involving them in decision-making. A challenge is facing this nation, and it is not among ordinary citizens. In spite of daily aggravation by the other or within group, ordinary citizens have carved out space to get along and work with each other, independent of the politicians. It may be of interest to politicians to ascertain what is responsible for such camaraderie, and replicate same when making decisions that impact the people’s welfare.

them and returned to the streets to compete with the new roadside vendors. The combined cleanup exercises done at the Stabroek Market brought out some interesting revelations. The Solid Waste Management Department removed five (5) truckloads of garbage from the canapé at the Stabroek Market, and eleven (11) truckloads from the Stabroek Market Square, sections of Water Street, America Street and contiguous areas. This points to the congestion and difficulty to consistently carry out a regime of cleaning that is absolutely necessary. Besides an unhealthy environment that persisted, another interesting social problem was that many were living on the pavements. In May 2016, The Council had served notices on the vendors who had built structures on Water Street, outside the Guyana Stores Bond, to remove such structures. The vendors took the matter to the High Court and sought an injunction. The injunction was discharged, the lawsuit was subsequently dropped, and the Council was awarded $ 40,000 in costs. The Council is no stranger to injunctions. In December 1996, twentynine vendors who operated outside of The Museum

on Water Street filed for an interlocutory injunction compelling the City Council to allow them to return to that location to sell. The injunction was not granted; the presiding judge made it pellucid that the Council was not seeking to deprive them of earning, but rather the Council was seeking to have them organized by providing alternative spots for itinerants. In 2000, another group of vendors took the Council to court and filed an injunction. The application was dismissed and Council was awarded $15,000 in costs. The decision was appealed, and was heard before another judge. The matter was again dismissed, and the vendors were granted one month to remove from the location and to comply with Section (10)(1) of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, which states that no person shall leave, store or place, or cause to be left, placed or stored, any vehicle, cart, dray, barrel, box, dustbin, tree trunk, branch, limb, or other thing upon any street, parapet, pavement or foot-path; or in any other way encumber any street, parapet, pavement with any vehicle, See page 7

Citizens are aware that elected representatives share cordial relations, as evident in social gatherings. Similarly, citizens realise that when it comes to attending to matters that affect the ordinary man and woman, cordiality is discarded and the landscape is transformed into one of acrimony. Issues are sacrificed at the altar of what the other thinks must be done, and who is right or wrong. Support is refused to the other because the idea is not theirs, or they would be denied acknowledgment for being the initiators and executors. The finessing of this conduct has reached the level of professional craftsmanship that denies opportunity and ability to ensure economic resilience for the ordinary people. This is the state of affairs under which average Guyanese have been living for years. Those who can flee have fled. Those who desire to stay and make the change from within sometimes feel it is a losing battle; while some have tuned out, and others have decided that, for their own survival, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ President Granger continues, in his speeches, to sound the appropriate notes, and citizens expect the politicians to act accordingly. They dare to hope, harbour expectations, and continue to call for actions in keeping with those of the President’s.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

What goes for public servants must go for all Dear Editor, THE Public Service Commission of Inquiry has submitted its report to President David Granger. This report has been awaited with much anticipation, given its Terms of Reference (ToR), and the Granger/Nagamootoo administration’s repeated statements of commitment to a professional Public Service and respect for the right to collective bargaining. It is hoped that this report will shortly be made public, to allow trade unions, public servants and other stakeholders the opportunity to examine and analyse same. This will not only present opportunity for reading the content, the feasibility of what is set out, but will also confirm whether the ToR was addressed, and to what extent. A professional Public Service is important for the nation’s development, given that it is the primary medium for conducting the Government, state and people’s business. Reading the President’s statement on receiving the report, I saw that he reinforced his position about desiring a professional service and took the opportunity to address what he considers lazy public servants, who were put on notice by him that they would attract “lazy persons’ remuneration.” This particular issue can be addressed from several standpoints. One: where it can be said that what goes for the rank-and-file public servants should also be applied to Members of the Cabinet and the National Assembly, who received pay increases without performance evaluation, and where presently some are underperforming by the standards of the people, who are their employers. Another view contends that the President’s comment, as Chief Public Servant,

can stymie the professionalism desired in the Public Service. The 2015 administration inherited a public sector whose workers were insulted, battered, demoralised, abused, and denied by Chief Public Servants Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. The continued approach to label these workers will not bring professionalism to the service. It is important for leadership to set the example of professionalism. Remuneration in the public sector has to be addressed in the following manner: i: The Wage/Salary Scale makes provision for minimum, midpoint/ rate for the job, and maximum. Those who fall within the minimum and midpoint are on the learning curve; provided they display the ability to learn, they are entitled to an increment. Within the midpoint and maximum range, workers are expected to perform at good and beyond to receive merit increment. Increments are usually done through performance appraisals. These appraisals, while compiled at the end of a specific period, can only reflect the performance of the individual as guided by the supervisor. In fact, the supervisor cannot await the end of the appraised period to inform the supervised that performance fell below expectation. Appraisal is a day-to-day process, and where one would have fallen short, that person should be informed immediately, and systems should be put in place for corrective action, which include continuous evaluation and appraisal. ii: Collective Bargaining addresses an array of issues, inclusive of wages/salary increases consistent with pegging same based on the performance of the economy or institution, real wage and inflation. These factors

Cannot be absolved ... From page 6 cart dray, barrel, box dustbin or other thing. The Georgetown Municipality cannot therefore absolve itself from blame, since it often sought to strike a balance between how vending must be done, securing the integrity of the environment and populace, and considering the fact that people need to earn a living. Over the past weeks, some vendors may have experienced some form of discomfort, which the Council regrets. However, several consultations were held, and the consultations are continuing. During these sessions, the vendors were allowed to voice their concerns about issues affecting them, and receive responses to their questions.

It must be understood that the Council does not have an agenda to deprive anyone of earning a living, but is seeking to restore the pride and beauty of the City. Time and again, Council would plead with vendors to keep their immediate environment clean, and to ensure that they have bins. Some have graciously complied, while there are those who could not care less about environmental cleanliness and would not co-operate with the Georgetown Municipality. Over the years, the Council has endeavoured to regulate street vending. Consultations were held with different stakeholders, and several possible locations that would meet and satisfy the criteria of

a constant flow of people were suggested. However, the Stabroek Market Square was never an option, since the location was unacceptable from an aesthetical perspective. S t a b ro e k M a r k e t i s one of the most historic buildings of beauty, and street vending obscures the view of the facility. It is also not the best activity to enhance the feature of this historic treasure. A report done by the Urban Development Programme has suggested that the area be designed as a civic square, to be used for functions of national interest. Sincerely, DEBRA LEWIS Public Relations Officer (ag.)

have nothing to do with the issue of merit increment. Merit increment is given based on the individual worker’s performance. iii: Education in the public sector is not only tied to certification. Certification allows for entry to a particular job, and promotion in some respect. Training, which enhances the skills and competencies of the worker, is necessary for the quality of service delivery, and is a responsibility of the employer to ensure this, if such an interest exists. This is a primary reason why training was considered important in the Public Service, and there were institutions that facilitated same with the Government’s support. iv: The Public Service caters for work-

ers from all levels -- from the cleaner to the permanent secretary. These workers require various levels of education, certification, competencies, and abilities. It is therefore expected that any action taken towards workers would be consistent with universally established principles, conventions, and agreement between the unions and employers. In this process, efforts ought to be made towards delivering a professional Public Service, absent emotions. Yours sincerely, LINCOLN LEWIS

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

‘Sash’ Sawh’s death to be investigated

PRESIDENT David Granger says his administration is committed to establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese during the 2008 crime spree. Speaking on his weekly programme, ‘The Public Interest’, which was aired on Wednesday, May 11, the President said the commitment he made to the relatives of those who died during that criminal upsurge will be fulfilled. He disclosed that a “blood relative” of former Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh has approached him

and he has “committed to having that crime investigated.” President Granger said the former Agriculture Minister’s family are “baffled that the Government to which he use to belong did not even hold an inquiry” into his death. The Head-of-State said he was also approached by other relatives of the deceased during that time and they too are eager to have investigations begin so that they can have some sort of closure. But while the President has committed to having a CoI conducted into the exe-

cution-style killings of those who died, he made the point that many of the witnesses to the killings are either dead or are reluctant to speak for fear of being killed. Some of the witnesses the President spoke of are the prison escapees: Rondel `Fineman’ Rawlins, Jermaine `Skinny’ Charles, Troy Dick and David `Biscuit’ Leander. “We have not actually conducted any formal CoI, we have had only short term CoI, for example, the prison or CANU, but in due course we will initiate investigations. Since so many people have been killed my first commitment is to assure the

Former Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh

relatives that the death of their loved ones would not go uninvestigated,” said the President. While serving as Opposition Leader, President Grang-

er had called for a CoI into the criminal activities that surfaced in the country, resulting in the loss of lives. In 2013, Granger took a motion before the National Assembly and called on the former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration appoint a CoI to probe criminal violence from 2004 to 2010. He made specific mention oh the former Agriculture Minister Sawh’s death, as well as the Lusignan, Lindo Creek and Bartica massacres. The motion put by President Granger at the time was deferred on a number of occasions, due to concerns raised by the PPP/C and the Alliance For Change, (now a party to the coalition gov-

ernment) about the content of the motion. Mr Granger believes that it is important to have the CoI into the deaths, but his administration has thus far failed to establish any such CoI. On April 22, 2006, seven masked gunmen invaded the home of Sawh and fatally shot him, his two siblings, Phulmattie Persaud and Rajpat Sawh and his guard Curtis Robertson at their La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara home. At the time of his death, Sawh was a serving minister of the PPP/C Government. That party failed to investigate the killing of Sawh and his family.

Lindeners complain Diamond-Grove Primary about deplorable roads School gets bus shed RESIDENTS are seriously inconvenienced by the deplorable roads in a number of communities in the mining town of Linden. With heavy rainfall and inundations affecting Linden, this has worsened the situation with the roads and residents are calling upon the relevant authorities to do all they can to prevent erosion from taking. Some of the roads have been repeatedly reconstructed, but months later, they revert to their former state. Some of these are the Main Street in Amelia’s Ward, the Teacher’s Hostel access street, Self Help Scheme access road, Block 22 access roads and Fair Rust access Road. “We begged, we pleaded, we tried self-help, but it is beyond us, the residents of Main street Amelia’s Ward Linden ….talking to the authorities, but just promises even for just a quick fix, vehicles do not want to go down our streets to take us home, you have to wait hours after work with all kind of styles from taxi drivers…. The holes are so deep it is hard to navigate through them. We need help, for years we are begging,” a resident of Main Street Ame-

‒ from Lions Club

A deplorable road at Main Street, Amelia’s Ward, Linden

lia’s Ward told the Guyana Chronicle. Regional Chairman Renis Morian said $55 million has been allocated in the last budget for roads and tenders are out to have them repaired. However, the priority was given to roads leading to institutions such as hospitals and schools. The Chairman told reporters that the region is not in a position to complete all the roads, and appealed to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to come on board. “We know we can’t finish all the roads, so again an appeal was made to Minister Patterson to support us in

getting these roads done,” said the Chairman. He said in the past, several roads were done in communities without any proper survey; hence, some roads were built where drains were to be built. The region has collaborated with the Community Development Council and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to clean drains to eliminate flooding in these areas, which often results in erosion. The Chairman bemoaned the substandard work by contractors and ordered that roads should not be built during the raining seasons.

STUDENTS of the new Diamond-Grove Primary School will now benefit from a bus shed that was commissioned in front of the school recently. Present at the simple ceremony were members of the Diamond-Grove Lions Club, students and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. Lions Club president Eric Benjamin said the club adopted the primary school to ensure the dignity of the children.

Bus sheds will be erected from First Avenue right down to Sixth Avenue, Benjamin said. He said further that resources were pooled and two sheds adjacent to each other were designed. “This will provide shelter and safety for the schoolchildren who are going to be using this facility and boundary lines in the form of posts were erected as a safety guide for vehicles when they stop,” he explained. Meanwhile, Minister

Patterson congratulated the Lions Club and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NCD) for teaming up to erect the bus shed. He also noted that last year there were 118 road fatalities in Guyana and unfortunately the number seems to be increasing annually. Therefore, he said, children must also be educated about how to cross the roads. He also disclosed that there is a tender out for the placement of street lights throughout the carriageway to provide proper lighting for the bus sheds and surrounding areas.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson cuts the ceremonial ribbon in the presence of Lions Club members, students and teachers to officially commission one of several bus sheds within the Diamond Housing Scheme

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Agricola Independence Arch nearing completion

VSH United, the company contracted for the Agricola Independence Arch project, says they are nearing completion. The arch is 27 meters in width and consists of four parts, including a crown at the top, which includes a flagpole. “It is hot dip-galvanized, which is done to make sure that the corrosion is kept out, so it (would) last for years,” a company official told the Guyana Chronicle. It was their first attempt at constructing an arch, he said, and they found it challenging, primarily in assembling the parts, which are made from three tubes. The project costs approximately US$50,000, and it is one of the company’s first major projects with the Government. The structure may be unveiled this week, given that it was already successfully tested. On March 9, 2016, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman at a post-Cabinet

press briefing, said that the project will be undertaken for the Independence Golden Jubilee. He also said that the project will be funded in part by corporate Guyana. “It will mark the eastern and southern entrances to our Capital City,” he said. “It will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in collaboration with the M&CC, as part of the celebration for the Independence Jubilee. They will be identical and will be designed and constructed by local designers and contractors,” Trotman said. Meantime, he was also reminded about the arch that once stood at the entrance to Ruimveldt, Eat Bank Demerara. That arch was one of a pair. which were gifts from the Demerara Bauxite Company. It was erected in 1966. However, the Ruimveldt arch was removed by the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, to facilitate expansion works being conducted on the roadway to turn it into a fourlane carriageway.

The Agricola Independence Arch being placed into position on Sunday (Delano Williams photo)

“Every attempt was made to locate the arch whether in its complete form or in parts,” Trotman said. “And despite our best efforts, and the efforts of the Ministry of Public In-

frastructure, not a single part could be located. We don’t know whether it made off on the high seas as scrap metal or what. So unfortunately a major piece of our history has

Deplorable state

An abandoned classroom at Rose Hall Estate Primary School

A BAT infested ceiling, rotten corridors and railings, along with missing windows and a porous roof, are some of the causes for concern at the Rose Hall Estate Primary School, which has 292 pupils on roll. The rundown condition of the two-storey wooden and concrete building was brought to the attention of the Regional Democratic Council during its statutory meeting last Thursday by Education Committee member, Bruce Causway, called ‘Carlos’. In an emotional presentation Causway lamented the need for urgent works, since a Grade Three teacher had to

seek medical attention after being diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection. This newspaper was informed too that many students over the past months suffered from coughs and colds, while experiencing burning sensations to the nasal orifice. However, it was not confirmed that their illness was caused by their school environment. However, absenteeism has increased in the affected classrooms and the entire western upper block has been abandoned due to the bat-infested ceiling. Recently two teachers, along with three students on

separate occasions, were left suspended on the corridor’s flooring on the western side of the building after the rotting floor boards broke under their weight. The teachers and their pupils had walked unknowingly on the rotting lumber. They had to be assisted by fellow staff members who were nearby. Since then, school furniture is being used to block persons from traversing that walkway. The Grade Three classrooms, which were in the affected area, are currently being housed in the school’s library, after the pupils also complained of a scratching throat and itching skin. But as the Grade Three students await the intervention of the relevant authorities, their peers at Grade Six have to contend with leaky roofs and missing windows. During a visit at the school, the Guyana Chronicle observed that many glass window panes were missing and while it was not raining on Friday, the porousness of the roof was still visible. Meanwhile, when contacted last Saturday, Chairman of the Education Regional Committee, Zamal

disappeared,” the Minister said. Works have already been carried out at the Brickdam arch in Georgetown, which has been restored. The arch has

now become a popular attraction, featuring prominently in the backdrop of various photo opportunities. Banks DIH had promised to finance the Agricola arch.

‒ Rose Hall Primary affected by bat infestation, porous roof, rotten corridors

Hussain, told this newspaper that a contract for $1.4 million had been awarded to Deow Soeknandan, following the opening of tender board awards on Friday. As a result, correc tive works are expected to commence at the learning

institution during this week. The Rose Hall Estate Primary School came into existence following a merger with Reliance Primary School in 1996. The school targets students from Adelphi, Goed Bananen Land and Canefield Villages in East

Canje. In 2008, Jenene Bassant of Rose Hall Estate Primary School emerged among the country’s high flyers at the Grade Six National Assessment, gaining a place at the prestigious Queens’s College.

Vieira takes charge ... appointed Director of Field Operations at GuySuCo AGRONOMIST Anthony Vieira has been appointed Director of Field Operations at the struggling Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), sources close to the industry have confirmed. Vieira, a director of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and a former broadcaster and television owner, will turn out for duties today. He has reportedly resigned his position as a director on the GuySuCo Board, and it is unclear whether he will be asked to relinquish his post on the GNBA. Vieira is the son of Joe Vieira, whose business acu-

Anthony Vieira

men and expertise have been of great importance to the development of Guyana in the agricultural sector. The former Administra-

tive Manager of GuySuCo Estate was appointed Field Superintendent for technical matters in 1965 after obtaining a Diploma in Plant Anatomy and Physiology at the Tropical School of Agriculture in Trinidad and at the University of Guyana. He was promoted to Assistant Field Manager in 1969, and Field Manager in 1973; and finally Administrative Manager in 1976 at the Versailles Sugar Estate. In 1983, Vieira pioneered the first television broadcast station in Guyana, for which he was awarded the Medal of Service.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Email: tajeram_sun@yahoo.com

ANNA REGINA A THRIVING commercial centre is located in the Cinderella County of Essequibo. Surrounded by, and including communities with peaceful and happy people, it is the first town in Region Two, and it got its name through an unfortunate circumstance. Anna Regina was originally a Dutch plantation that was bought over by the British planters soon after Britain took over Essequibo in the early 1800s. Guyana Chronicle was unable to identify the Dutch name for the plantation, but was able to determine that the plantation was a privileged zone, and was owned by an Englishman who had two

The Anna Regina High Bridge, built in 1816

The Anna Regina Police Station and Magistrate’s Court

The office of the National Insurance Scheme at Anna Regina

beautiful daughters: Anna and Regina. From reports, Anna and Regina were fond of swimming, and would, very early in the morning, regularly indulge themselves in their favourite pastime in a canal located in their clean, scenic plantation. The girls were said to be aged eight and 13, but this newspaper was unable to find out which of the girls was 8 and which was 13. However, from accounts, in brilliant sunshine at about 08:30 hrs one day, Anna and Regina set out to swim unsupervised, and all was going well until one of the girls began to sink

below the surface, even as she struggled violently to remain buoyant. It is not clear whether Anna or Regina was the one going down, but on seeing the ghastly sight, the sister who was in the safe rushed to help the one in distress. However, being unaware of how to help a drowning person, her valiant effort proved to be not only an act in vain, but one that engineered a double-tragedy. When a person is drowning, several techniques can be employed to facilitate safe rescue. One: the drowning person can be provided access to a lifeline to enable

a pull to safety. Two: the drowning person can be knocked unconscious so that he/she can be transported to safety without any great danger to the rescuer. Three: the drowning person can be provided with a floating device. It is not advisable that a rescuer should take on this mission believing that he/she can take a struggling person to safety, because ‘the grip of death’ from a drowning person can be overwhelming. This is most likely what happened when one of the sisters tried to rescue the other and ended up being

Continued on page 11 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Essequibo Coast wants UG Campus THE Essequibo Chamber of Commerce is calling for establishment of a University of Guyana (UG) Campus on the Essequibo Coast to serve Region Two and contiguous hinterland regions. UG has at Charity a Distance Education Centre which offers certificate courses, but members of the business community believe that that centre needs to expand in both scope and output. Chamber President Deleep Singh, pointing out that UG campuses already exist in Berbice and Demerara, thinks the time is ripe for one to be established in the resource-rich Essequibo region. “Hundreds of young people from the Essequibo Coast are studying at the University of Guyana, and they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent. It is very costly on them, especially those from poor families,” he reasoned. Singh contended that the coconut industry is gaining ground in the region, and will, in the next few years, rapidly expand, giving rise to a thriving value-added industry. “We will need the expertise in the region to sustainably manage the industry,” he said, as he pointed out that heavy focus has to be placed on the sciences, information technology, engineering, and business education. These he identified as key areas to take the region forward. President David Granger has been calling for greater attention to be placed on agro-processing, and Singh stressed that Essequibo, being an agriculture-based re-

gion, will need the expertise to develop in this regard. “Here is where a branch of the university will be more than useful,” he told the Guyana Chronicle. Primarily agriculture-based, Region Two is heavily dependent on rice, which remains a mainstay of its economy. Rice has, however, been on a downward spiral, and has experienced a significant drop in prices over the past few years. RESEARCH The local industry is at the mercy of the vagaries of international trade, but the Essequibo Chamber is confident that a university focused on research rather than rote delivery can place the region on more secure grounds. “We need research on agriculture; degree programmes on marketing, mining, livestock, aquaculture and tourism and hospitality. These are the areas the region needs to place attention to if it is going to move forward and move away from the heavy dependence on rice. It should not be when rice is not doing well you throw your hands in the air and ask what to do. You will have well developed alternatives to keep business going,” Singh told this publication. His contention is that the proposed UG campus can be a private/public sector partnership so as to satisfy the needs of the private sector and the demands for a welltrained Public Service. Aside from the need for a university campus in the region, the businessman said, stronger attention needs to be paid to the education system, which in its current state is

weak and not too responsive to the needs of the region. “At the primary level, significant attention should be placed on stimulating the creative imagination of pupils, and it should systematically continue in primary schools. What we currently do is that we burden the children with too much books and study, yet the vast majority of them leave primary school unable to master basic concepts in literacy and numeracy. These are issues that should be fixed at the primary level, and should be given prime attention. And you cannot bombard the children with study, study, study and (a demand that) they should always top their class; the children need to be able to understand and apply what they are taught; and importantly, they are children and should enjoy recreation, and should not be consumed by only school work,” Singh contended. The one-time president of the Parent/Teacher Association of the Charity Secondary School said it is also disturbing that a high number of students in secondary schools cannot read and write. Naturally, this problem is due primarily to the fact that, every year, thousands of pupils who fail to grasp elementary concepts in English and Mathematics are flushed into the secondary school system with no robust programme of reform. “This has to be fixed, but some students are not academically inclined, and we should not fail them. From early, we should introduce them to technical and vocational education, so that they can be equipped with

The first masjid in Pomeroon By Mohamed Khan AT 104 years old, the Jacklow Masjid, originally built in 1912 by Mohamed Sarafraz, stands out as a beacon in the Pomeroon community. Sarafraz and his wife, Gafooran, had come to Guyana from India as indentured labourers. Sarafraz was from the province of Punjab while Gafooran was from Uttar Pradesh. They arrived in the county of Berbice in 1885 and were bound to the Hampton Court Sugar Plantation. After serving six years on the plantation under almost slave-like conditions, they were released, and found

temporary shelter at an abandoned estate at Plantation Better Success in 1892. The road link from Dartmouth to Charity in 1908 allowed easy access to the Pomeroon River. Sarafraz and 15 “Jahajees” (shipmates) occupied several 10-acre plots of land between Martindale and Siriki in the Pomeroon River in 1911. Sarafraz Estate was known as “Rabeah”. Hamid, Refeedeen, Kallod and two others supported the first troolie-roof masjid built by Sarafraz in January 1912. The mosque was 12 feet by 15 feet, with manicole walls. It was rebuilt in 1924, and later in 1957. The masjid served an area of

30 miles, where several Muslim families resided. All the Muslim calendar dates were observed, including Ramzan Shareef, the two Eids and the Prophet’s birth date. Muslim brothers travelled by boat to attend mosque. Keeping the Muslim Fard (obligation) alive was a collective responsibility. In the early years, the Imams for Friday prayers were brought from the Essequibo to Jacklow by paddle boat, a return distance of 11 miles from Charity. They were Ali Namaz, Ishmeal Khan, Azee Mullah, Karmaso and Mohamed Shaffee. By 1935, the Imams were Abdul Hamid Ustadin and Sekandar. Turn to page 18 ►

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

a skill that will make them employable or enable them to do their own work. It will ease the frustration of the hundreds of students who drop out of school every year because they believe that the education system does not cater for them,” Singh contended. Contending that the challenges facing the education system are many, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt stressed that a collaborative effort is required to effectively address those challenges. LONG OVERDUE Ramdatt, 37, has reiterat-

Essequibo Chamber of Commerce President Deleep Singh

ed that a university campus in the region is long overdue, and he said he would be happy if such an undertaking could be accomplished under his chairmanship. “Since I assumed this post, less than a year ago, I have been meeting people from a diverse cross-section on the Essequibo Coast. With the information I have received, I am working to formulate a strategic plan for the region, and a university campus is among the list. “There are many students who travel every year to study at the Turkeyen Campus. Their rent is costly, they

have to get money for their upkeep, and they are away from their families. Altogether, individually, they spend about $60,000 every month in rent and other expenses. “Multiply that number by 12 and then multiply the result by four and add all the students from the Essequibo Coast studying at the Turkeyen Campus. That is the amount of money that can be invested on the Essequibo Coast to help create jobs, improve services and bolster the economy of the region. “So we are optimistic about the future of the region, and are hoping that when our plan is completed, it will be given due attention by the Government,” Ramdatt disclosed. The Chairman was also quick to point out that the campus can begin by offering two-year diploma programmes and some degree programmes, and expand as demand increases. Programmes offered, he said, can be in the areas of engineer, banking and finance, social work, agriculture, mining, business and public management, with strong focus on research.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

ANNA REGINA swallowed up by the plantation canal.

DARK HISTORY But the tragedy also told of the dark side of the trenchant racism of the day. Black plantation workers were not allowed to have lands in white areas. Thus the plantation was a privileged zone, and probably the nearest neighbours were Africans. No doubt, Anna and Regina would have screamed for help, but their screams were not loud enough to alert their parents or their closest neighbours.

The tragedy reportedly occurred sometime between 1810 and 1815, and the sisters were interred at a location close to where the Anna Regina Primary School now stands. In death, their memory lived on. In fact, it gave birth to the renaming of the plantation in which they drowned to Anna Regina. From a plantation, Anna Regina was, like the mythical Cinderella, transformed into a town in 1990 by then President Desmond Hoyte. Eighteen (18) villages were merged, and the population

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

From page 10

of the township has since grown from some 7,000 to about 16,000 today. From the Dutch to the British to Independent Guyana, Anna Regina has grown with confidence with each passing year. The British took over Essequibo with 34 sugar mills, but today all have disappeared. Rice factories have been built over most of them, as is evident with the rice factory at Hampton Court and the ones at Anna Regina, Land of Plenty, Aurora, Johanna Cecelia, and Golden Fleece, all located

The Anna Regina Town Council

in the township of Anna Regina. DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Prior to 1980, Anna Re-

gina was the gateway to the Pomeroon River, and was a major centre of development on the Essequibo Coast. There was no road from Bounty Hall to Charity, and the Pomeroon River had to be accessed through Lake Tapakuma. The Pomeroon was then home to the Court Hall and a police station. Anna Regina was supervised by Suddie, then the main administrative centre on the Essequibo Coast; but with the promulgation of the 1980 Constitution, which provides for a regional system of government, that situation changed. The town is also home to a number of historical sites, notably the 1972 Monument at Devonshire Castle which commemorates the first East Indian sugar workers who were killed while protesting for better working conditions; the 1834 Monument (Damon Statue) to the slave leader who was caught and hanged in Georgetown; and the Anna Regina High Bridge, built in 1816 to allow punts from the then

sugar factory at Anna Regina to transport sugar, molasses and rum to Port Georgetown for export to Europe. The Anna Regina Police Station is more than 100 years old, while the Anglican Church in the town is 150 years old. The town is also gateway to three Amerindian settlements, namely St Deny’s, Lake Mainstay/Whyaka, and Capoey. A land development scheme opened in 1957 took firm root in 1960. Soon after, secondary schools, a market and agricultural institutions were built; and later banks, sprawling supermarkets and fuel stations followed. Anna Regina, like the region in which it is located (Region Two), is traditionally a People’s Progressive Party stronghold. At the last Local Government Elections, which were held for the first time in 22 years, the PPP regained administrative control of the township of Anna Regina and the region with relative ease.

Mary Helena Benn THE lovely Mary Helena Benn is a Senior Mistress and current acting Head of Department for English Language at the Charity Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast. This attractive damsel hails from Charity River Dam, is a graduate of the Cyril Potter College of Education, and has been a teacher for the past eight years. She told the Guyana Chronicle that as a child growing up, she always loved children, and was inspired to become a teacher by one of her teachers. In her spare time, this 29-year-old enjoys reading, listening to music, and dancing. She advises: “Young people can achieve anything through discipline, hard work, dedication and determination.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

An apparent white elephant IT IS just over a year since it was built in support of value-added in the rice industry, but the $100 million rice cereal factory at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast is sitting idle while the rice industry declines. Although completed, it is not clear if the building housing the factory is equipped to carry out the work it was intended to do. On a recent visit to the facility, the Guyana Chronicle observed that the building was tightly closed, and

even though there was a guard hut, no one was inside. Close to the factory, inside the compound, a family with several children squats. They laundry their clothes and hang them out to dry on the front fence of the factory. This newspaper was told that the family was there since the former administration was in power, and the Ministry of Communities was written to regarding their relocation, but a response has not yet been received. The Guyana Chronicle

The unused rice cereal factory at Anna Regina, Region Two

was unable to verify whether indeed a letter was sent to the Communities Ministry regarding this matter, but some rice farmers who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle on condition of anonymity believe that the rice cereal factory is turning out to be a white elephant. Former President Donald Ramotar had launched the factory with great fanfare on March 21, 2015, but senior Region Two officials seem to know little about the facility. Region Two Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson told the Guyana Chronicle he knows that the factory exists but knows little else; while Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that when he took over the chairmanship of the region, he neither received nor saw any project document on the factory. He also never requested a briefing from former Chairman Parmanand Persaud. Persaud was described by a few regional and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials as having been a very lax chairman, and it cost him his post after the 2015 General and Regional Elections. Several calls to Persaud for a comment went unanswered. WE NEED IT Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the region needs the factory now more than at any previous time, given that the rice industry is in decline, with falling prices being offered for rice and paddy. “It (Region Two) needs to embrace agro-processing, and the factory will do just that,” he said. The Chairman said he had, one month ago, written Agriculture Minister Noel Holder -- on the instruction of councillors following a meeting -- requesting a status update on the multi-million-dollar facility, but has received no response from

him. Several calls were placed to Minister Noel Holder, but his cellphone rang out. Should the factory become operational, it would reportedly create more than 100 jobs through both direct and indirect employment. Ramdatt said unemployment is a major issue in the region, and making the factory operational would help to ease the problem. It was explained that when the sod was turned for the facility, the factory was touted to produce food at the very basic level, and most of the intended markets were to be local, in the Caribbean, and further afield. The Government Information Agency (GINA) had reported that, when completed, the facility would have had the initial capacity to process 2,000 tonnes of rice per year. It was being built in such a way that if its target market grows, it could easily be expanded to utilise 30,000 tonnes of rice annually. Some observers had hailed the factory as a great foresight of the PPP, contending that they (PPP) saw the lucrative rice deal with neighbouring Venezuela was on a slippery slope and its continuation was not guaranteed. Because of this, a means had to be found to diversify, and encourage more value-added activities in the rice sector. On the other hand, some were not at all enamored about the factory, holding the view that it was a PPP gimmick to appease rice farmers, since it was constructed close to the elections and the PPP knew that rice cereal was tried before and had failed. Whatever the truth of the matter, the factory was supposed to produce rice cereal branded “Morning Glory”, but its operation is yet to see the light of day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

A young, ambitious businessman

Arjune Latchman

AT 22, Arjune Latchman will by all means be considered young, but his youth does not dampen his fiery ambition to grow his thriving distribution shop into a major distribution outlet and supermarket on the Essequibo Coast. Latchman told the Guyana Chronicle that upon completion of secondary school, he knew exactly want he wanted to become from his experiences growing up on the coast, and his desire was to excel at what he does. Having furthered his education at the University of Guyana (UG), from whence he graduated in 2015 with a degree in Business Management, he today operates his own business at Lima, Essequibo Coast, distributing from potatoes to juices to soft drinks to hardware items; and he targets every shop in the region. “A job is hard to get, so I wanted to do my own job. I look at the market and I distribute items that people need against what they want, so that the business survives and be in a position to grow. My intention is to grow it into a supermarket and a franchise distributor for energy drinks, confectionery, and some clothing line,” he disclosed to this publication. Although not the only distributor on the Essequibo Coast, Latchman believes he is savvy enough to be ahead of his competitors, who are medium-scale distributors. “I target what people need. My business, for now, is a family business; it is run by me, my father, my mother and my sister. Since it started last November, things have been going well, even though all is not well with business on the Essequibo Coast. This is a very encouraging sign, and it bodes well for my future plans,” he disclosed. Latchman is always busy receiving orders from customers, or on the road making a distribution run, or checking with shops what items they need to restock. “It is a busy job, but I like it and try to stay ahead of the game,” the young businessman told the Guyana Chronicle.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

The first masjid... With English translation of Urdu and Arabic by 1945, the existing Madarsa (school) built in 1946 promoted a number of persons who could have led all the prayers. Sarafraz’s son, Mohamed Basir, was the official Imam and financial custodian of the masjid until his death in 1983. A man with a vision, he had trained a number of Muslim brothers to lead prayers. From 1955, the new Imams were Abdul Ghanie; Mohamed Yussuf; Mohamed Noor; and Basir’s second son, Magbool Amad Basir. Imam Magbool Basir is also architect of a new mosque at Charity, a small but thriving community with some 6000 inhabitants. The Jacklow Mosque traditionally was a tourist attraction for visiting Muslims, some of whom spent an

From page 11

entire week enjoying the cool river breeze and the many fruits of the Pomeroon. Some of the visitors came from India, Pakistan, Syria, Suriname, England and the USA. Some of the local visitors, Imams Kairate, Raheem, A. Jabbar and Abdool Rahman, were allowed to perform the Friday Jumma Prayers. As time passed, some of the elderly passed on and new brothers replaced their absence in faith, material and community support. One such family was Rahim Bacchus and his son Ayube Rahim, aka “Patsy”. They donated paint and a water tank, as well as a yearly financial support to the masjid since 1945. Mohabally Barakat, who was a close school days friend of Mohamed Basir, was also a regular contributor in many ways. The ma-

terials use to rebuild the Masjid in 1957 were donated by Barakat Sawmill. One small child, Subratee, who came with his parents from India in 1902, was a regular member of the masjid. He lived to be 103 years old. On the gender side, Bacridan, Mariam Baksh, Jaitoon Rahim, Kuslim Barakat, Naselran, Jainab, Fineey Tulla and Saheedan, among others all contributed to the sustenance of the Jacklow Masjid. The regular adzaan were given by Ramjohn, Abbdul Ghanie, M. Sankar and Husman Ally. History cannot be complete without mentioning the relentless support for Islam and the Jacklow Mosque’s upkeep provided by Bacredan Basir, Imam Magbool Basir, and his sister Bibi Neshaw Insanally.

Monday, May 16, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Tuesday, May 17, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, May 18, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Hinds successfully defends ... From back page 7.21:47, was adjudged winner of the junior category ahead of Trojan cyclists Andrew Hicks (7.22:59) and Christopher Cornelius (7.25:05) respectively. Junior Niles finished third overall in the first stage (1.41:14) and was the first veteran to cross the finish line in that stage, placing eighth in stage two (2.36:16) and eight again in the third stage (2.59:09) and won the overall veteran category with a time of 7.16:34. He placed eighth overall. Stephen Fernandes of Team Evolution placed second in the veterans’ category with an overall time of 7.21:57, while Raymond Newton ended third with a time of 7.23:14. Fernandes finished 13th overall, while Newton placed 16th overall. Speaking at the presentation ceremony shortly after the race, Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry, in very brief remarks said she was happy to see that the race was a success and her ministry will continue to support the activity yearly. She noted that this year’s race was part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:25 hrs Lady Casey 09:00 hrs Cute Lady 09:30 hrs Devon Gold 10:00 hrs Cristal Arrow 10:35 hrs Bolt Of Light English Racing Tips Redcar 08:50 hrs Dalton 09:20 hrs Show Palace 09:50 hrs Owaseye 10:25 hrs Anna Barkova 10:55 hrs Soul Brother 11:30 hrs Arithmetic

12:05 hrs Archimento 12:35 hrs Monsieur Glory Kempton 09:00 hrs Cultivator 09:30 hrs Maid Of Milan 10:00 hrs Valseur Du Granval 10:35 hrs Walkami 11:05 hrs Somerset Lias 11:40 hrs Quantum Of Solace Brighton 09:10 hrs Al Sailiyah 10:15 hrs Jaywalker 10:45 hrs Michael’s Mount 11:20 hrs Owners Day 11:55 hrs Heads You Win 12:30 hrs Bunbury Irish Racing Tips Killarney 12:20 hrs There You Go 12:50 hrs Val De Ferbet 13:20 hrs Killaro Boy 13:50 hrs Cape City Boy 14:20 hrs The Game Changer 14:50 hrs Ballyadam Approach 15:20 hrs Be Positive 15:50 hrs Product Of Love American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 Twin Lights Race 2 Too Much Desert Race 3 Fortutious Race 4 L X Sunrise Race 5 Infinite Fiesta Race 6 Ask Chuck Race 7 Magna Fortune Race 8 Watch My Dust Race 9 Dark Moon

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Formula One hails a new Canada U23s young master in Verstappen steamroll Golden Jaguars 5-1 By Alan Baldwin

BARCELONA,(Reuetrs)-Max Verstappen’s sensational first Formula One victory, at just 18 years of age, had former champions and grandees of the sport casting around for superlatives at the Spanish Grand Prix yesterday. Already seen as the next big star, the Dutch teenager made the hype seem almost under-stated with a composure that belied his years as he became F1’s youngest ever winner. “It’s been an unbelievable performance, from the moment Max stepped into the car until the chequered flag, he’s been exemplary. He’s not put a wheel wrong,” said his Red Bull principal Christian Horner. Horner hailed a Formula One fairytale, with Verstappen promoted from the junior Toro Rosso team little more than a week earlier in place of Russian Daniil Kvyat. He also saw signs of a rare but familiar talent. “It’s quite uncanny really,” said Horner. “There’s an awful lot of similarities from when Sebastian (Vettel) joined the team. “The mechanics were telling me that even the way

he gets in the car is similar, the same side, the way he pulls his knee up to get in the chassis. “But he’s his own man as well. He’s a very together young guy. You’d never

Rosso before moving to Red Bull. Ferrari’s race runner-up Kimi Raikkonen, twice Verstappen’s age, recalled competing against the youngster’s father Jos in the early 2000s.

Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands holds trophy after winning Spanish Grand Prix. Reuters/Juan Medina think he was 18. He’s the first driver I’ve had that legally I could be his father.” Vettel, winner of four titles in a row with Red Bull before joining Ferrari, won his first race at 21 with Toro

Asked where he was when Raikkonen won his first race, Verstappen said he had been six -- and probably in kindergarten. Retired four-times world champion Alain Prost, who

did not start racing cars until he was 19, said Verstappen looked “so mature, so calm and so strong. “At the end of the day, he did a perfect weekend with absolutely no mistakes. And that is really impressive,” added the Frenchman. Canada’s 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve said Verstappen had made the most of the opportunity presented by dominant Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton crashing into each other. “That’s what champions do,” he added. “You have to seize the opportunity when it’s there and then he drove with amazing maturity. He’s really stepped up.” Asked whether Verstappen reminded him of seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, Jos’s old team mate and Villeneuve’s title rival, the Canadian shrugged. “You always want to say OK, that’s the new (Ayrton) Senna. That’s the new Michael. He’s Verstappen. “He’s won a race, so let’s see how it goes to his head. Will it make him slower or faster. The way he’s been acting, it should make him only better.”

Man City seal fourth spot, Arsenal pile misery on Spurs By Ed Osmond LONDON, (Reuters)-Manchester City drew 1-1 at Swansea City to finish fourth in the Premier League and Arsenal overhauled their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur to come second on a dramatic final day of the season yesterday. After Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth was abandoned due to a security alert at Old Trafford, Arsenal crushed relegated Aston Villa 4-0 and Spurs capitulated 5-1 at 10man Newcastle United to blow their chance of finishing above their neighbours for the first time since 1995. Champions Leicester City drew 1-1 at Chelsea to end the campaign 10 points ahead of the chasing pack, another staggering achievement in a remarkable season for Claudio Ranieri’s team. Manchester City needed a point to make sure of claiming the final Champions League qualifying spot

but their game at Swansea started in a strange atmosphere caused by the events at Old Trafford. Two stands were evacuated 20 minutes before kickoff and the game was abandoned shortly before the scheduled 1400 GMT start. A controlled explosion was later carried out on a suspect package. Manchester City made the perfect start when Kelechi Iheanacho fired them ahead after five minutes. Swansea equalised on the stroke of halftime through Andre Ayew’s deflected free kick and the visitors endured a few nervy moments in Manuel Pellegrini’s last match in charge before celebrating the point they needed. Spurs, Leicester’s closest challengers in the last few weeks, endured a dismal afternoon at relegated Newcastle. Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the hosts 2-0 up at halftime before Erik Lamela pulled one back.

Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul but Wijnaldum scored his second from the penalty spot and Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmaat completed the scoring at St James’ Park. Arsenal took an early lead against Villa through Olivier Giroud and the French striker added two late goals to complete his hat-trick before Mark Bunn’s stoppage-time own goal completed the rout. Cesc Fabregas’s second-half penalty for Chelsea looked set to condemn Leicester to only their fourth defeat of the season but Danny Drinkwater rescued a point for the champions with a stunning long-distance strike. Southampton climbed to fifth with a 4-1 victory over FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace and West Ham United’s hopes of a top-six finish ended following a 2-1 loss at Stoke City.

GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars were clinically dissected 5-1 last evening by Canada’s U23 Olympic squad at the National Stadium, Providence. Caleb Clarke, Richmond Laryea, Raheem Edwards, Ben Fisk and Jordan Hamilton were on target in the rout in 24th, 29th, 53rd, 73rd and 87th minutes respectively. On target in the loss was Hubert Pedro’s goal in the 68th minute. Guyana’s Gregory Richardson was missing the matchup due to unknown reasons. Guyanas starting XI comprised of Alex Murray, Kester Jacobs, Colin Nelson, Les Charles Critchlow, Quincy Adams, Trayon Bobb, Eon Alleyne, Ishankie Charles, Daniel Wilson, Delon Lanferman, Tichard Joseph. The locals were baffled by the unity and cohesivemes of their opponents while their own mistakes on several occasions costed them dearly. Even their set pieces seemed to have an air of authority around them as they executed like a well oiled machine in front of a sizable fan base at home. The Jags on the attack lacked the patience to execute most of their created chances and missed the absence of Jackie Chan.

Warner tries to have US attorney thrown out of extradition case AUSTIN Jack Warner, the former FIFA Vice President wanted by the United States on charges of corruption and racketeering, has taken a new tactic in his fight against extradition. Warner, a former Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and CONCACAF president, has been fighting extradition in the courts of the twin-island republic ever since a massive United States Department of Justice investigation uncovered massive corruption inside FIFA at the highest levels. Warner, one of the first to be implicated along with his successor, Jeffrey Webb, has said an extradition from Trinidad and Tobago was not legal. During court Friday, British Queen’s Counsel James Lewis, the man leading the case for the United States, was made to defend the country’s presence in a matter that should be dealing with the T&T constitution.

Raptors beat Heat in Game 7, earn showdown with Cavaliers (THE Sports Xchange) - Kyle Lowry scored 35 points and added nine assists and seven rebounds as the Toronto Raptors beat the Miami Heat 116-89 yesterday in the seventh game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Fellow guard DeMar DeRozan added 28 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors, who advanced to the conference final against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which starts in Cleveland tomorrow.. The Raptors led most of the way, took a 16-point lead during the third quarter and were up by eight entering the fourth quarter. Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 16 points each.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

GABF names head coaches for CBC U16 championships –Former national players Lugard Mohan and Abdulla Hamid chosen WITH the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U16 championships fast approaching, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has selected the male and female teams’ coaches. Former national players Lugard Mohan and Abdulla Hamid have been selected to head- coach both the male and female teams, respectively. According to a statement by the GABF, they take this opportunity to identify Mr. Lugard Mohan as the head coach for the U16 young men and Mr. Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid as the head coach for the U16 young women as Guyana prepares for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U16 Championships, scheduled to be hosted in Guyana from July 2-17, 2016,”. The GABF also identified other coaches who will make up the coaching

Lugard Mohan

staff to prepare the National U16 teams for the tournament. The other coaches chosen are Ann Gordon, Mark Agard, Kevin Joseph, Kirk Fraser, Junior Hercules, Kevin Bonnet, Wayne Hinds, Willon Cameron, Julian Haynes and Dane Kendall. The GABF has also enlisted USA-based Coaching Consultant, Larry Davis. Davis will be visiting Guyana to share his expertise with the Guyanese coaches with the hope to better prepare them for the tournament. In a comment to Chronicle Sport , Lugard said “It’s always a privilege representing your country.”He then continued, “I am a teacher as well as a coach and working with young student athletes is my calling and seeing them development is both my payment and accomplishment.”

Pandya powers Mumbai to an 80-run win over Daredevils MUMBAI Indians beat Delhi Daredevils yesterday by a huge margin of 80 runs to keep their hopes of a berth in the playoffs alive. After this victory, Mumbai Indians moved ahead of Daredevils on the table with 14 points and they’ll now face Gujarat Lions on May 21 in a do-or-die encounter. Chasing a huge target of 207, Delhi Daredevils kept losing wickets at regular intervals throughout their innings. (Scores: Mumbai Indians 206/4 (Krunal Pandya 86 and 2 for 15, Martin Guptill 48, Jasprit Bumrah 3 for 13) beat Delhi Daredevils 126 all out (de Kock 40, Morris 20 and 2 for 34) by 80 runs). Youngsters Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Sanju Samson failed to give any fight and were all dismissed in single digits. Quinton de Kock played an entertaining knock of 40 but even his stay at the crease came to an end due to a wrong decision. Apart from de Kock, Rishabh Pant showed some

Player of the match Krunal Pandya dispatches one of his six sixes into the stands. promise but the young batsman couldn’t handle the and Jasprit Bumrah got the better of him.Put in to bat first by Zaheer Khan, Mumbai Indians openers had one of the best starts to their innings this season. Skipper Rohit Sharma looked positive as he hit a boundary and a six off Nadeem in the opening over of the match. Martin Guptill and Rohit Sharma played sensibly

in the Power-play but the skipper was dismissed just after the Power-play got over. It was Krunal Pandya who walked out to bat at number 3 and what followed was absolute carnage. Krunal Pandya hit almost everything out of the middle of the bat and a few of the shots he hit were really mind-blowing. The bowlers bowled in his areas and Krunal kept de-

positing thin the playoffs em over the mid-wicket fence. The aggressive southpaw brought up his 50 in 22 deliveries and had a big 98-run stand for the second wicket along with Guptill. Krunal’s 37-ball 86 consisted of six maximums and seven boundaries. He had a chance to get his first century in the Indian Premier League but Chris Morris cleaned him up before he could do that.

Sunrisers on brink of IPL play-offs, Kings XI out YUVRAJ Singh and Ben Cutting combined for a flurry of crucial late boundaries as Sunrisers Hyderabad all but secured their place in the Indian Premier League knockout stages with a seven-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab yesterday. Having been set a target of 180 in Chandigarh thanks largely to a 56-ball 96 from Kings XI opener Hashim Amla, the Sunrisers required 39 runs from the final three overs after Axar Patel (1-26) conceded just two in the 17th set of six. That equation became significantly easier when Yuvraj (42 not out from 24 balls) and Cutting (21 not out from 11) each struck sixes off Mohit Sharma (0-40) in the next over, which went for 19 runs. And the Sunrisers ultimately made it over the line with two balls to spare, Cutting swiping Sharma to the deep midwicket fence for four to complete the chase. As a result, Hyderabad are two points clear at the top of the table, while the Kings XI’s slim hopes of qualifying are over. Punjab’s loss was tough on Amla, who underpinned a total of 179-4 with a superb innings featuring 14 fours and two maximums. The South Africa international shared 54 with Wriddhiman Saha (27) and 65 with Gurkeerat Singh (27) before falling to Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-32) in the final over. An opening partnership of 68 in eight overs between skipper David Warner (52) and Shikhar Dhawan (25) gave the Sunrisers a solid base in reply. Dhawan was run out by a Mohit direct hit and Warner departed in unusual fashion when he inadvertently stepped on his stumps playing back to Axar. However, Deepak Hooda added 34 from 22 deliveries and the Sunrisers were able to celebrate after Yuvraj and Cutting found the necessary boundaries in the closing overs.(Omnisport)

Prasad ruled out of first Test at Headingley SRI Lanka bowler Dhammika Prasad has been ruled out of the first Test against England at Headingley, which starts on Thursday. The 32-year-old injured his shoulder during Sri Lanka’s first tour match against Essex last week. “We’re hoping that we can get him bowling again pretty soon,” head coach Graham Ford told BBC Sport. Sri Lanka’s latest tour match, against Leicestershire at Grace Road, ended in a draw yesterday. (Final scores: Sri Lankans 367 (Shanaka 112, Mendis 65, Herath 55) and 200 for 4 dec (Karunaratne 100) drew with Leicestershire 375 for 5 dec (Burgess 98, Wells 87*) Prasad took five wickets to set up Sri Lanka’s series-clinching victory over England at Headingley two years ago. “Prasad has had a few tests and the specialist came to see him today,” Ford added. “We’ll have to build him up and get him bowling a number of overs in the nets to have him prepared potentially for the second or third Test.” The tourists enjoyed a better day with the bat on the final day of their three-day match at Grace Road. Leicestershire batsman Tom Wells hit a career-best unbeaten 87 but was stopped short of completing his ton with the home side unaware they were required to declare after 100 overs. Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne made an untroubled century on the flat pitch and Lahiru Thirimanne hit 40. “As we have gone along players have started to find their feet and find a bit of form,” Ford added. “Every day, there is someone new who is starting to look like he feeling a bit more settled in English conditions. “Hopefully with a bit more work the boys will have some good belief about what they can do. It is going to be about mental toughness and handling pressure when the Test starts on Thursday. “Over the next day or two we’ll decide the team but most of the places are starting to sort themselves out.”. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Ming’s Products joins list of sponsors for Rising Star Health and Fitness Walk MING’s Products and Services (MPS) has joined the list of sponsors on board for the Rising Star Track Club’s (RSTC)/ Office of the President Health and Fitness Walk as well as a 5K and 10K run scheduled for Sunday around the Durban Park outer circuit. On Wednesday last, the company handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to former national track athlete Lorrie Ann Adams at the company’s Urquart Street head office. According to the organisers, the activity is being staged in recognition of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary cele-

Former national track athlete and double CARIFTA Games gold medal winner Lorrie Ann Adams (centre), accepts the sponsorship cheque from a sales representative of Ming’s Products and Services.

brations and all aspects of the event will start at the Square of the Revolution. There will be a 5k Health Walk for all age groups and gender and is open to sports associations, clubs and anyone who wants to be a part of it. There will be a 5K run as well as a 10K run and all interested persons are invited to be a part of it, especially athletics clubs throughout Guyana. The route for the walk as well as for the 5K and 10k runs is the start in front the 1763 monument, moves south to Hadfield Street, west up Hadfield Street, north on Mandela Avenue, south down Homestretch

Results of YBG National Schools’ basketball festival matches THE Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Schools basketball festival, Georgetown & East Coast Regionals continued on Friday with four matches played and on Saturday some seven . In the first match of the day on Friday, Queen’s College girls defeated Charlestown Secondary 4-0. Miranna Ogle and Rianna Khan both scored 2 points. Bishops’ High School took on Plaisance Secondary in the second female match and defeated them 7-1. Ruth Sanmoogan had 6 points and 3 steals for Bishops’ High. In the Under-14 contest, St. Rose’s High blew out St Stanislaus College by 19 points in a score of 25-6. Shamar Bristol had 9 points and 3 steals, while Jaheem Burton had 6 points, 16 rebounds with Jaden Graig finishing with 4 points and 11 rebounds for the Rose’s side. Omario Gomeshdin had all 6 points for Saints with 2 rebounds. President’s College defeated Bishops’ High 2216. Jeremy Fraser had 5 points, Akinyelle Derrell had 4 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Richard Semple had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals for the East Coast side. Timothy Richmond had 7 points, 4 steals and Duwon Younge contributed 4 points, 9

rebounds and 5 steals for Bishops’ High. On Saturday, President’s College Girls knocked off St. Stanislaus College in a blowout game. The game ended 12-2 with Demelza Nicholson taking the game

had 4 points and 2 rebounds for Rose’s. In the Under16s St Stanislaus College eked out a one-point win over Queen’s College 16-15. Devon Nedd had 6 points and Nathan Hackett had 4 points and 7

Shamar Huntley lay-up by storm for PC, scoring 10 points with 5 rebounds and a phenomenal 8 steals. Cherub Auter had 2 points for Saints. Marian Academy triumphed over St Rose’s High 19-7. Jada Mohan had 10 points, 5 steals and Georginna Vyphuis had 7 points and 5 rebounds for Marian. Aliyah Howard

rebounds for Saints. Brian Peters had 13 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort for Queen’s College. Bishops’ High School had a strong showing against North Georgetown with Roydon Glasgow having a game-high 11 points, while adding 5 rebounds, and Shemar Greaves turned in 6 points. Jayroll Shep-

herd turned in 9 points and 4 steals for North. In the Under-19s, St Stanislaus College edged St Joseph High 39-37. Travis Belgrave had a breakout performance with 28 points and 11 points, Akesi Cave had 2 points and 7 rebounds for Saints. Lemuel Grant had 9 points and Abevia Perry had 8 points and 5 rebounds for St.Joseph. GTI held their resolve against Marian Academy. Nathan Saul had 17 points and Keon Mars contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds for GTI. Jonathan Mangra had 20 points and 5 rebounds for Marian in a losing effort, while Jordan Alphonso added 6 points and 10 rebounds. St. Rose’s defeated President’s College 4035. Shamar Huntley, Anfernee Jervis and Patrice Agrippa had 15,10 and 9 points respectively for Rose’s. Akeem Crandon had 10 points with 7 rebounds, while Jaleel Duke and Leon Harte both had 9 points with Duke adding 5 rebounds. Another round of matches will be played this Friday. The tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyana (Bigger Better Network), Edward B. Beharry (Champion) and Company Ltd and Banks DIH LTD (Powerade).

Avenue to finish at the place of origin. To date, the organisers have received pledges of support from a number of local businesses including the following: Banks DIH Limited, GTT, Real Value, BK International Inc, Star Party Rentals, S&L Electrical, Toucan Industries, Antarctic Maintainance, Payless Store, Bran’s Security, Kevin Jeffrey, Co-

rona Beer and Cummings’ Electrical. Already on board are: E-Networks, Wartsila , the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Office of the President, E-Networks and just recently MPS. Interested persons can register their names at the Michael Parris Gym in the National Park, or at E-Networks or Fitness Express on Sheriff Street.

Gittens scores fastest goal, Adams nets hat-trick for Silver Bullets RAWLE ‘Boney’ Gittens netted the fastest goal so far in the Linden Guinness Greatest of de Streets football competition being staged during the Linden Town Week, as Jermaine and Son’s Silver Bullets riddled South Stars 4-0, with Robin Adams getting the second hat-trick of the tournament for the winners. Gittens began the game with the opening burst of a 24 second-strike and this was followed by the three running goals from Adams coming in the 12th, 13th and 19th minutes of the game. A number of sweeping wins were seen on this enthralling second night of the competition, which continued on Saturday at the Mackenzie Car Park. Retrieve Unknowns began the evening’s matchups with a 3-0 beating of the goal-less Goal Getters, as Carlton McCalmont who secured in the 5th minute, Akeem Singh in the 7th and 11th minutes, when Shaquille Alexander netted for the winners. Then Deportees seemed at home as they shoved their way past Rough and Rugged 5-0 behind goals from Trevor Phillips in the 3rd and 13th minutes, Jason Swaving (16th), Sherlock Phillips (17th) and Roger Hutson in the 19th minute. That game was followed with Wisrock edging past Highlife 1-0 as the lone goal of the game was scored in the 4th minute by Mark McLean. The fourth game ended with hard Knocks defeating Avengers 3-1, through goals by Randy Small in the 4th and 13th minutes and Trenton Lashley in the 5th for the winners, while the lone reply for Avengers was off the boot of Earl Samuels in the 12th minute. Game five also ended with a 3-1 score for magic stars versus Attackers as Joel Mckinnon netted in the 2nd and 7th minutes, while Kester Randolph added the other goal in the 17th minute for the victors. For Attackers Reyon Venture scored in the 5th minute. In the penultimate game of the evening, Team 25 cut loose against Cutting Clear with a polished 5-1 score as goals were registered off the boot of Ryan Gravesande, who got a double in the 3rd and 5th minutes, Collie Hercules in the 6th, Kwesi Johnson in the 13th and Kennard Simon in the 17th minute of the game. The final game ended 1-0 for the Amelia’s Ward Russians, who defeated Rippling Rullets 1-0 which was scored by Terrence Aaron in the 14th minute. (Joe Chapman)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2016

Ming produces F1600 masterclass

Williams overcomes U.S. rival Keys to lift Italian Open title (REUTERS)-Serena Williams had to overcome a stubborn effort from Madison Keys to win the first all-American women’s tour final for four years in straight sets and lift the Italian Open title in Rome yesterda2y. The world’s best player demonstrated her readiness to begin the defense of her French Open title next weekend with a 7-6(5) 6-3 win but was so impressed with her 21-year-old compatriot that she predicted Keys could become a future world number one.

Calvin Ming leads the F1600 race at Watkins Glen in the United States By Stephan Sookram CALVIN Ming produced another drive of greatness to pick up first place in this weekend’s f1600 series under the team Pelfrey. Starting from 4th on the grid, the overseas-based Guyanese produced another masterclass to end atop the podium. Ming led the final two laps of the timed event to the chequered flag ahead of Neil Verhagen and Saturday’s winner Phillippe Denes in an action-packed round five of the 2016 season. “I was just trying to

keep my head down, keep my marks, and minimise my mistakes,” said Ming. “In the end it worked out. It was definitely a good battle. I would like to thank Team Pelfrey on a great car this weekend.” A gutsy move by Ming in the first corner ensured that he moved from fourth, which he finished in the last race to third behind his team-mate Denes. An enterprising bit of team driving from the duo saw a gap opened back to Bamford and Verhagen, who ran third and fourth, respectively, in the opening laps.

However, that lead was cancelled out, thanks to the safety car which was deployed for a full-course caution for an incident involving Mike Scanlan, Dan Pyanowski and Ryan Bjerke. When the green flag came back out, Ming continued on the prowl, challenging Denes in turn one, with Bamford taking the inside line, three-wide, and powering into the lead. The shuffling continued with two laps to go, as Ming took the lead back and Verhagen closed and made his way to second for

K-Hill. Ming led to the chequered flag for the victory, Verhagen and Denes continued to battle for second place, trading spots in each lap and eventually ending with the earlier being victorious In race three, Ming finished third after falling back on the opening lap. Ming said he was spun in the bus-stop corner by another car on the opening lap, and put in a recovery drive to finish third in the all-green-flag race, round six of the 21-race, triple-weekend format 2016 season. (Stephan Sookram).

Guyanese batsmen, bowlers dominate opening round in ORSCA competition FORMER Guyana Under-19 batsman Rovendra Mandolall struck an entertaining 130 to inspire Sunrisers to a comfortable 53-run win over Challengers on Saturday when action got underway in the opening round of the 2016 Ontario Roundarm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20-over competition. Sunrisers piled up a sufficient 203-8 from the allocation of 20-overs while Challengers responded with 150-7 off 20-overs, losing by 53 runs. The right-handed Mandolall smashed 19 sixes during his stay at the crease while he got support from fellow Essequibian Jaimini Singh who made 36. In Challengers’ innings, Harry Sukhram and Nando Jaglall scored 46 runs each

while former West Indies and Guyana Under-19 opener

Rovendra Mandolall smashed 19 sixes in his entertaining 130

Hemnarine Chattergoon hit 36. In the same West End Division, Rishie Shivrathan grabbed five wickets for 20 runs from 3.3 overs to lift Pegasus to an emphatic 80run win over United Warriors while Rishi Sukhoo also snared five wickets for 27 from 3.5 overs to help Berbice Boys beat 11-Man Army by 73 runs. Other outstanding performances from the East End Division came from Azam Haniff who scored 80 and took four for 19 from four overs to guide Masters Brampton Rangers to a seven-wicket victory. Roy Sitaram grabbed seven wickets for nine runs from three overs, including a hat-trick for Spartans who thrashed Jay Auto Body by a resounding 139 runs. The competition is set to

continue this Saturday with several more matches across the Greater Toronto Area. Meanwhile, president of the association, Mitch Bacchus expressed great satisfaction with the way things unfolded for the opening round and thanked all the teams for their continued participation. A large number of players who would have represented Guyana at the youth and senior levels have turned out to represent their respective clubs again this year. Apart from Mandolall and Chattergoon, some of the other players are: Azib Ali Hanif, Zaheer Haniff, Troy Gobin, Eyaaz Mohamed, Sunil Dhaniram, Shiv Seeram, Devon Ramnauth, Fazil Gani, Damodar Daesrath, Shaun Deonandan, Riaz Kadir and Krishna Arjune among others.

Serena Williams and Madison Keys smile as they pose with their trophies in Rome.Reuters/ Alessandro Bianchi It was Williams’s fourth title triumph in Rome in 14 years, her 70th career title in all and her first since winning in Cincinnati nine months ago. The 34-year-old great has looked more vulnerable of late, losing in the semi-finals at last year’s U.S. Open and final at the Australian Open and Indian Wells this season. Yet even though this was her first claycourt appearance of the season, it was enough to confirm she is in fine shape for Roland Garros, with plenty of room also for improvement. For Keys, it was major breakthrough to reach only her third final and the youngster gave her opponent enough trouble for Williams to tell her afterwards: “I’m so proud of you. You can get to world number one.” Keys broke Williams’s serve in the opening game and, able to match the world number one for power, she pushed the top seed into a tiebreak in the first set before succumbing. Even though Williams looked a little rusty at times and was not quite at her best, she still took control in the second set to wrap up victory after one hour and 24 minutes.

Bolt not bothered after failing to break 10-second barrier

WORLD’S fastest man Usain Bolt claims he is not bothered after failing to break the 10 second barrier on season debut at the Cayman Invitational on Saturday. Bolt clocked 10.05 to take the event ahead of Jason Rogers of St Kitts and Nevis (10.12) and teammate Kemar Bailey-Cole. With compatriot Yohan Blake and American sprinter Justin Gatlin having already broken the 10 second barrier the double world record holder was looking to do the same. He, however, admitted to being somewhat race rusty. “It’s just more races. My coach will determine what I need to work on, but right now it’s just more races” Bolt said following the event. “It wasn’t the best, but as long as I come out injury free, that’s the key thing,” he added “The more races I run, the better I will feel so I am just looking forward to running more races and see what happens. “I am never worried. I’ve been in worse situations. It’s just race rusty. I can tell. I could feel the difference from when you are flying from when you are not.” Bolt will be in pursuit of history at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio as he seeks to be the first man to claim three consecutive sprint doubles.(Sportsmax. com)

Hinds successfully defends three-stage title Overall winner and successful defending champion of the Annual Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race, Orville Hinds (left), accepts his trophy from Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Independence three-stage cycle road race champion Orville Hinds gets the chequered flag from race coordinator Hassan Mohamed yesterday morning as he wins the third stage and overall race event. By Michael DaSilva TEAM Evolution’s Orville Hinds successfully defended his annual Independence Three-Stage cycle road race title by returning seven hours 10 minutes .34 seconds for the 171.4-mile two-day event, which got under way on Saturday in Berbice and concluded on Homestretch Avenue,

Georgetown, yesterday. Hinds, who won the event last year in a time of six hours 52 minutes 26 seconds won the first stage (Corriverton, Berbice to New Amsterdam, Berbice), a distance of 46.1miles in one hour 41minutes 14 seconds, placed second to Anguillan Joseph Hercules in stage two (Rosignol, Berbice to Carifesta Avenue (Georgetown), returning two

hours, 34 minutes 39 seconds for the 64-mile stage. For the final stage (Kara Kara Linden Highway to Homestretch Avenue) yesterday, The Team Evolution cyclist crossed the finish line unchallenged in a time of two hours, 54 minutes 41 seconds (2.54:41). Hinds received 27 bonus seconds for the three stages. He received 10 seconds for

winning the first and third stages and a further seven bonus seconds for placing second in stage two, which makes his official winning time is seven hours 10 minutes .07 seconds. Hinds’s team-mates Michael Anthony, Marlon Williams and Raul Leal placed second, third and fifth respectively. Linden Bauxite Flyers’

Shaquille Agard and Silvio Inniss placed fourth and sixth overall, respectively. Anthony’s overall time was 7.12:46, while Williams’s time was 7.14:02. Agard, Leal and Inniss’s times were 7.14:10, 7.14:40 and 7.15:07, respectively. Speaking with Chronicle Sport after the event, Hinds said: “It is a great feeling to have won the race last year and again this year. Asked if his approach to this year’s event was any different from last year, the Lindener said there basically was nothing different since, according to him, all races are competitive, so he had to know how to approach each stage of the 171.4-mile event. Asked what has been his best feeling since getting

involved in the sport, Hinds said: “That would be when I won the national road race championship last year,” adding, “After winning that championship, I started to look for a way forward and at the moment I’m very dominant.” Hinds said that for yesterday’s final stage, he knew he had bonus time on the other starters so he did not “fight up” too much to be at the head of affairs, but after turning onto the East Bank Demerara road, he stepped up his pace and took over the lead at Coverden and “just kept going until I crossed the finish line.” Meanwhile, Raphael Leung who finished 12 th with an overall time of See page 23

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A desperate slide from a Guyanese defender could not stop Canada’s Richmond Laryea (Samuel Maughn Photo) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016