Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16 03 2016

CoI goes to prison No. 104493

WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

... inmate recounts praying for help during deadly fire

Page 3

Page

3

Our roving photographer, Cullen Bess-Nelson captured this aerial view of vessels safely moored at the Georgetown port Tuesday afternoon

Major consultation “We can’t allow Teen killed on Cybercrime sugar to die” 10 as mining pit …Yesu Persaud urges govt to 17 collapses 22 Bill today get right people for the job Page

Page

Page

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Food for the Poor donates to Night Shelter By Shauna Jemmott THE Night Shelter has been equipped with 140 new mattresses as the charitable organisation Food for the Poor (FFTP) strengthened its support, bringing comfort to the destitute. The organisation made the timely donation last Friday, adding to a previous contribution of men’s clothing, detergents, cleaning materials and blankets to help improve the living conditions of some 140 residents of the home. According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Protection, Administrator of the Shelter Sheila Veerasammy was pleased with the donation, espe-

cially at a time when there is an influx of residents at the shelter. “This is an ongoing process by Food For The Poor and other private agencies to help the street people with no place of abode… there is a continuing influx of residents,” said Veerasammy, who recently replaced Dr Clive Jagan as an opposition legislator in Parliament. She added that as the physical infrastructure at the Night Shelter improves, those seeking shelter at the facility managed by the Ministry of Social Protection have increased in number. The Ministry said some of the residents were victims of a daily drenching by business entrepreneurs who

Night Shelter’s Administrator, Sheila Veerasammy

Some of the mattresses donated by Food for the Poor to the Night Shelter

wanted them removed from sleeping in front of their enterprises. Veerasammy has been reaching out to the local corporate sector for assistance and this, she noted, continues to yield fruit. She also praised support by Harris Paints and Continental Agency who provided paint to give the Night Shelter a much-needed ‘facelift’. While the physical infrastructure of the Shelter is improving “so does the quality of the daily meals,” Veerasammy assured. To help lift the morale of the residents and workers of the state agency, the National Task Force, under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, recently provided technical support through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to boost water supply there. “This has reduced our water problem significantly,” Veerasammy said. Meanwhile, Mr Compton Giddings, Field Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Kent Vincent of the FFTP have held discussions with Veerasammy to determine the immediate and long-term needs of the Night Shelter which the charitable organisation wants to continue supporting.

CoI goes to prison

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

3

… inmate recounts praying for help during deadly fire

By Shauna Jemmott AS THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Georgetown Prison riots continued yesterday, a high-level team attached to the CoI visited the Georgetown Prisons and was given an on-location explanation of what transpired during the Prison riots, resulting in the deaths of seventeen remand prisoners earlier this month. The team, led by Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Justice James Patterson (Rtd.), included Commissioner Dale Erskine; Guyana Bar Association (GBA) President, Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram; CoI Counsel, Excellence Dazzell; and Barrister and Solicitor Selwyn Pieters. The team was accompanied by members of the media, who were not allowed to use their cameras for security purposes. Remand prisoner Michael Lewis, 39, who had earlier testified before the CoI, was given the opportunity to give an on-site account of what transpired on March 3 at the Capital A and B blocks of the Georgetown Prison. Lewis had earlier testified before the CoI, at the Ministry of the Presidency building on Waterloo Street, that on the day in question, he’d prayed to Allah as the fire drew dangerously close to where he was lying on the ground, gasping for air by a locked door made of iron grills and ‘riffle mesh’.

Prisoner Michael Lewis wipes tears away during a tearful testimony at the CoI into the prison riot yesterday (photo by Cullen Bess Nelson)

Crying as he spoke, Lewis recalled that after witnessing fellow prisoner Rayon Paddy being burnt alive, he felt so helpless he began to cry out. “I just keep praying and call fuh Allah open the door,” he disclosed under cross-examination by Christopher Ram. But cry as he and other prisoners might for help as the fire raged, Lewis said, “No officer ain’t try once fuh rescue we, sir.” And this was in spite of observing them more than once the week before, doing fire drills, practising how to throw prisoners on their shoulders and run with them to safety in the event of a fire. Lewis recalled that on March 3, after walking out of Capital A alive, “the officer watched me like if is a miracle.” He said the reason he could not complete the written statement he’d submitted to the CoI himself was because he was running late for the inquiry. “De morning dem hurry me up to come to dis inquiry,” Lewis said, so he apparently asked another prisoner to do it for him, though he signed it himself. Back to his testimony, Lewis said prisoners are usually “treated like beast”. A case in point, he said, was being in pain and asking to see the ‘Chief’, only to be told repeatedly by prison officers to “hold on”. Noting that the wait could go on for days on end, Lewis said it is not until the prisoner begins to “bang at the door” that the ‘Chief’ would appear, and help would be forthcoming.

March 2, he was sleeping when he felt droplets of water falling on him. On awaking, he came to realise that a fire was being put out in the corridor outside the prison cells. He also said a second fire had been lit, but had been put out when the fire tender arrived on the scene. He recalled seeing the media on the scene and hearing his fellow inmates calling out to them. His exact words were, “The inmates start to shout; to shout out their problems to the media.” The riot was on ‘Capital A’ division of the prisons, which is where he was housed. He said that on the morning of March 3, prison officers had returned to the building to carry out another search. He explained that when a search is being carried out, prisoners are asked to evacuate the dormitory and enter into an area called ‘the cage’ until the officers complete their search. They would then be allowed to return to the ‘dorm’. On that particular morning, Lewis said, they were asked to evacuate the building; so he packed his belongings and was about to head to the door, two buckets and a pillowcase in his hands, when he heard an officer say: “Lock the door!” On hearing that, Lewis said: “I went back to my bed space. I was standing up by my bed and watching some other prisoners. They were saying officers beating prisoners.” As he stood there, Lewis said, he recalled seeing some prisoners trying to break through the thin concrete wall dividing Capital A and Capital B.

THAT FATEFUL MORNING

HOLD ONE HEAD

Recalling what transpired on the morning of March 3, Lewis said: “That particular morning, all the other location get feed-up, but our location didn’t get feed-up.” The prisoner said a regular morning meal would comprise of “porridge, sometimes bare tea, and sometimes tea-bag tea, Sir.” This, he said, usually happens between 07:00 and 09:00 hours daily. On some Wednesdays, he said, they would get bread. The March 3 fire, he recalled, started at sometime between 11:00 hours to after 12:00 hours. Earlier into his testimony, while being led through evidence by Counsel Dazzell, Lewis had said that on the night of

He also recalled seeing former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier Rayon Paddy, who died of smoke inhalation as a result of the fire, and another prisoner crossing over into Capital B and telling prisoners there, “Ya’ll don’t go out from here; leh we hold one head.” He then noticed a fire starting to blaze at the exact spot where the wall was broken between the two dormitories, and prison officers using fire extinguishers to put it out. He also recalled seeing two tear gas canisters being hurled into Capital A, and hearing Paddy say, “Go low; is tear gas.” And as the entire dormitory became ‘hazy’, he said, prisoners began running helter-skelter in search of ventilation and water, and hollering at the tops of their lungs while covering

CALLING ON ALLAH

their faces. He distinctly recalls Paddy lying there right next to him and 13 others, flat on the ground, gasping for breath by a “riffle mesh” door while some other prisoners sought relief elsewhere. Many, he said, “were hollering for help.” Some openly wept while others repeatedly cried, “Ow meh eye; me eye…!” or “Ow, meh face burning; open the door!” Then, all of a sudden there was silence. Lewis said he ran to the bathroom and tried turning on the pipe there, but no water flowed; so his next course of action was to lie flat on his stomach, face up against the grill, which he did for over an hour, wetting his face every now and then with bottled water he’d somehow managed to lay his hands on. All the while, he said, he watched anxiously as the fire drew dangerously close. Lewis became emotional as he spoke of how he and other prisoners were “hollering for help over a hour and change and no officer come to help… The fire was close to us in the building, and the firemen dem were spraying water close to us.” Then, as if by a miracle, another prisoner, Steve Bacchus, who was recently sentenced and moved to another division, accompanied by one Officer Crawford and fire police, arrived and attempted to break the door with sledge hammer. Shortly thereafter, he said, Bacchus told the surviving prisoners the front door was open, and they ran out. Under cross-examination by Barrister Selwyn Pieters, representing the Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Police Force, Lewis said that during the protest, prisoners were shouting, “Justice delayed; justice denied” and he, too, joined in the shouting and saying “that I was also tortured by Mr. Caesar (a policeman) for four days.”

4

Ministry to roll out special parenting training

THE Ministry of Social Protection will commence its SPECIAL ‘parent-training’ with the first batch of selected participants this Saturday to help boost the parenting skills of fathers and mothers, Head of the Child Protection Agency CPA), Mrs Ann Greene said. Greene said Saturday’s programme will be held at the Dolphin Secondary School, Broad Street, Charlestown, opposite the CPA’s head office. This training is with a difference, since in addition to the group sessions there will be one-on-one therapy sessions with the participants to assist with personal dysfunctions. This would involve professionals from other service agencies, particularly to assist with mental health screening and income generation activities. Greene was quick to point out that, contrary to what is commonly believed in Guyana, that since you mention mental health “is madness” in fact it is not

so. “A number of families is not enjoying good mental health, meaning that they are experiencing difficulties coping with life stressors and maintaining equilibrium. Consequently, they must be provided with support,” Greene said. Saturday’s programme will be the first in a series of 3-hour programmes to be held for the next six Saturdays. The MOSP has also built into the initiative a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) component which will “track the participants for one year,” after the final training session, Greene said. The programme is scheduled to be conducted in all the regions. The M&E of the parents is scheduled to take place every three months. The novelty will be fully funded by the Ministry of Social Protection (MOSP), Greene said. She said Saturday’s programme is part of a wider MOSP initiative to raise national consciousness about child abuse and its devastation and destruction to the lives of children. “Child abuse occurs at every stage of a child’s life. Even before birth a child can be mistreated if its mother abuses (narcot-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

ic and psychotropic) substances,” Green explained. She said that according to experts, the male sperm can also be affected by (for example) marijuana use and this can also help shape what happens to a child

Head of the Child Protection Agency CPA), Mrs Ann Greene while still in the womb. As a consequence, the CPA Head said couples will be targeted during the upcoming national awareness programmes in collaboration with maternal clinics. She indicated that the early years of a child’s life is the cornerstone for subsequent development and pleaded with the nation

DATE: 12/03/2016 K

to understand “how child abuse affects children” and do everything possible to prevent abuse from occurring. “There must be no inactive bystanders,” Greene emphasised. Continuing she said, “We want to remove the notion that child protection is solely a Ministry of Social Protection responsibility.” She described neglect as also “a serious form of abuse” which affects children physically and psychologically. According to Greene, some of the damage suffered by neglected children may even be irreparable. “We also have to stop domestic violence because children who witness it may result with a damaged psyche. She disagreed that the national plan for more awareness and involvement of the populace will somehow violate people’s individual rights; transforming the nation into ‘nosey’ individuals. Under the Child Protection Act “all adults have a legal and moral responsibility to report abuse” Green said. According to the CPA Head “when it comes to child abuse we all have to be “nosey parkers”.

09 14 23 22 18 27 24

15/03/2016

01

04

07

12

22

15/03/2016

2

According to her, reporting child abuse is not tantamount to ‘snitching’ and according to the local laws everyone is “a mandated reporter.” The MOSP hopes to achieve a change in attitude nationwide when it comes to child abuse through the forthcoming initiatives. While Greene’s agency has been on a virtual crusade to save children from abusive environments, it has also faced its fair share of criticisms with the chief allegation being it ruins families by taking away the children . GREENE DISAGREED “We are not the bad guys we are the helpers. We provide support to ensure that children are free from harm and abuse and we need co-operation. ” Greene pleaded with the CPA’s detractors. She lamented that her agency “does not get cooperation” from many parents. “We don’t come to take away children this is the last resort and even when we do this it is temporary, since the goal is to return children to their natural families and to prevent unnecessary separation,”

3

6

15/03/2016

Green explained. Consequently, the Ministry will be going all out to network with religious institutions, community groupings, stakeholders and civil society bodies nationwide to be involved as ‘watch dogs’ to help stamp out abuse of Guyanese children. Green is adamant that males must be empowered if lasting success is to be achieved in helping to stamp out domestic violence in families. She reasoned, that since males are socialised to “mask their emotions… it takes an empowered male to let it go. We have to raise men differently. Men don’t have to get the last word in a disagreement. Emotional development is lacking in men. You don’t have to hurt what you love,” she reminded. Green said the lack of available role models for young men is another deficiency in the effort of empowering men. The ongoing move to merge the Women’s and Men’s Affairs Bureaus is part of a broader MOSP strategy to achieve parity in empowerment among the genders here, Greene said. (Ministry of Social Protection)

02 03 05 11 17 19

20

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

12% drop in serious crime …intelligence-led policing, capacity boost at CID seen as key

MORE robust intelligence-led policing and the boosting of capacity at the Criminal Investigation Department have been cited as the reasons for a 12% decrease in serious crimes, the Guyana Police Force said on Monday. the serious crimes policed by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping. In a statement, the police said that at the end of February 2016, it recorded a 12% decrease in serious crimes in comparison with the same period in 2015, as the Force continues to place emphasis on intelligence-led policing, capacity building of the Criminal Investigation Department, its social crime prevention programme, and enhancing police-community relations. A 6% decrease in serious crimes had been recorded at the end of January. Besides, a total of 25 murders were recorded at the end of February 2016, which was the similar number at the end of February 2015. Of the 25 murders recorded as at the end of February this year, nine were committed during robberies, five were domestic-related, 10 were of the disorderly type, and one is so far undetermined. Four murders have been recorded so for March 2016. According to the police, at the end of February 2016, robbery under arms overall had decreased by 4%, in comparison to the same period in 2015. “The statistics indicate a decrease of 9% in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, while there was a 4% increase in relation to the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.” The statistics has revealed, too, that there has been a decrease of 13% in the number of reports of rape, with 48 reports at the end of February this year, compared to 55 for the same period last year. Additionally, police said, break and enter and larceny and burglary have shown an overall decrease of 11%. Police said there has been a 17% reduction in break and enter and larceny by itself. At the end

of February this year, a total of 10 illegal firearms have been recovered by the police, comprising 5 pistols, 4 revolvers and 1 shotgun. In relation to domestic violence, at the end of February 2016, the police said, a total of 473 reports were made, from which 311 cases resulted. During February this year, a number of persons have been charged for serious crimes following investigations by the Police. These include Ron Morris of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, for trafficking in narcotics; Mark Calvan of Pike Street, North Sophia; Leyland Archer of Pattensen, East Coast Demerara; and Troy Thomas of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition; Ganga Kishna of North Road, Bourda, and Aviskar Bissoon of Enachu and Sheriff Streets, Georgetown, for murder; Saiad Khan of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara; Hale Forrester of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara; Affiba Yankana of Hadfield Street, Georgetown; Shun De Santos of East La Penitence, Georgetown; Joshua Joseph of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Kester McPhoy of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown; and Christopher Niles of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, for separate incidents of robbery under arms; and Colin Bailey of Vryheid Lust, East Coast Demerara; Sonia King of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and Trudy Samuels of Santa Mission, Upper Demerara River for separate incidents of murder. The Police Force said it is continuing in its efforts aimed at crime prevention through its police-community partnership programme, along with social crime prevention interventions in the policing divisions, with special emphasis on empowering youths, such as the Impact Albouystown Project and Police Youth Clubs. Meaningful support in this regard continues to be given by members of the religious community attached to the Cops and Faith Community Network. During the month of February 2016, another aspect of the Police Force’s Community Outreach thrust saw students and teachers from several schools, along with parents in some instances, being accommodated with visits to Police Headquar-

ters, mainly to the Police John Campbell Museum, the Police Band Room, Mounted Branch, Canine Section and Traffic Headquarters. A total of some one hundred and seventy-nine students and teachers from the Mahaicony Secondary School and the Calcutta Nursery School visited Force Headquarters, where they were facilitated by ranks of the Police Public Relations Department and interacted with members of the Police Force attached to the various departments. The Police Force participated in the President’s College Career Fair, where an Exhibition Booth was established and ranks from the Police Narcotics Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Traffic, Immigration, the Police Military Band and the Felix Austin Police College highlighted the development of the various areas to the enthusiastic students. Divisional commanders also continued with community outreach programmes in their respective divisions with the aim of fostering better relationships with the community, among other objectives. As a consequence, in “B” Division (Berbice), footwear and other personal effects were distributed to residents of the Hugo Chavez Home at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice; a number of household items were donated to a family that had recently lost their home to a fire at No. 69 Village, Corentyne; a quantity of cricket gear was presented to twelve-year-old Isaiah King, who is an aspiring young cricketer; and ranks along with members of the community were involved in environmental cleaning in the Number 76 Village Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, and the compound of the St. Michael Anglican Church at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice. In “D” Division (West Demerara/East Bank Essequibo), the police donated a television set, a quantity of floor tiles, steel rods and a number of books for the construction of a library at La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School, West Bank Demerara; and collaborated with the Regional Administration to make workers available for the laying of the tiles. Upon completion of the project, a computer and printer will

be presented to the school to assist in the administration of the library. In “E” Division (Linden/Kwakwani), ranks of the Mabura Police Station, in collaboration with officials of Demerara Timbers Limited, sponsored a cricket competition between residents of Mabura and the community of Fifty-Eight Miles, Linden; the Central Amelia’s Ward Police Youth Club was resuscitated; and Suicide Prevention Walks were held in collaboration with the House of Prayer church of Linden, the ‘Lester and Friends’ organization, and the Police Linden Scout Group around Mackenzie and Wismar, Linden. In “G” Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands), Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, DSM, held a meeting with residents of the Affiance Village community at the Affiance Sports Ground, where, among other issues, the discussions focused on construction of a pavilion on the sports ground as a joint venture among the police, businessmen and other members of the community. During February 2016, a total of nine (9) interventions, supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network, treated with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a pre-emptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps. Since the launch of the Cops and Faith Community Network in September 2013 and unto February 29, 2016, there has been a total of 272 such interventions. In all cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders, and following the involvement of parents/guardians and the victims where necessary, the majority of them were warned and sent away. In relation to the Family Liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence project, which is also under the Cops and Faith Community Network, there were fifteen (15) interventions by members of the religious community in response to attempted suicide and cases of serious crimes, including arson, armed robbery and murder, where the affected persons, victims and relatives were accordingly counselled.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Preserving significant landmarks MARCUS Garvey succinctly said, “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” This statement speaks a lot to who we are as a people and a nation, and where we want to go. Having a past, though thorny at times, cannot be run away from. As Guyanese mark this year with reflection, and gain knowledge of a past that has, in significant measure, shaped the 50th year of our independence, an area of interest is that of national naming. Naming is important, since it carries with it aspects of lived experiences and aspirations. Historically, names have been ascribed to places based on experience or desire, pleasant and unpleasant. For instance, Buxton, a village bought by freed Africans, is named in honour of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, an English Member of Parliament who used his influence in the corridors of power to wage a vigourous campaign for the abolition of slavery. In an era when Africans were seen as subhuman and cargo to trade, use and dispose of at the whim of European ownership, Thomas stood apart in his denunciation of slavery and fight with likeminded persons to end a brutish system. Thus in reaming Plantation Orange Nassau to Buxton, former slaves were paying respect to a man whose influence aided their struggles for emancipation. In the pursuit of freedom, naming honours those who have fought for it, and removes vestiges of those who suppressed man’s innate desire to be treated as equal and with dignity. Thus Murray Street, which was named after Demerara Lieutenant Governor John Murray (1813-1824), was renamed Quamina Street in honour of the slave who led the 1823 rebellion and was executed by his enslavers as a consequence of Murray’s watch. As this nation evolves and necessary revisiting of our history takes place, it is understandable that in instances where honour is paid to those who participated in the dehumanisation of mankind there may be need, after the nation is made to understand the story

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Why no ‘Economic Empowerment through LGE?’ Dear Editor THE central issue is whether this Friday, 18th March, 2016 is about empowering councillors to identify problems and implement programmes and projects to improve the living conditions of the communities, as President Granger has claimed (Chronicle, March 11, 2016). There are two levels to interpret economic empowerment: (a) elected councillors must be willing, and (b) able to offer solutions to wide-ranging problems that are common to the communities, such as the right to be secure in one’s home and property, flooding, and the improved utilization of local resources for the benefit of the communities. Elected councillors have always been, and continue to focus on, only the first part of economic empowerment, which is identifying problems and informing the central government in Georgetown. Councillors don’t have the decision-making ability to tax and spend funds. The communities are not self-financing. The taxing and spending power is centralized by the Ministry of Communities, which will allocate funding for the successful completion of projects that residents voted for. While councillors are directly elected

by the communities, they are not directly accountable, except for the political party. This type of taxation without direct representation is evident from Article 71, where Parliament shall provide a countrywide system of NDCs and municipalities as part of the political organizations of the state. Hence, the communities are seen as political and administrative agencies of Georgetown. It must also be mentioned that the members of Parliament are hand-picked by the political party. They are not elected by the people, though they are charged with the responsibility to make decisions for the communities. This type of political control of the communities can be traced to the former PNC administration, in which only one LGE was held in 1974 over the period 1964-1992. Under the then PPP administration, 1992-2015, there was also one LGE in 1997, but with reasonable explanation. The APNU+AFC, the then opposition party, agreed to postpone subsequent LGE until the necessary pieces of legislation had been enacted to transfer economic power to the communities. This lack of decision-making of local councillors prompted the PPP administration to enact the first four of five pieces of

behind the naming, to engage in acts of remaining. Such is understandable and justifiable in the process of building and strengthening nationhood. In the post-independence era, government has engaged in acts of ascribing names to places based on events, important personalities, and marking significant milestones in the nation’s development. Two places that come readily to mind are Carifesta Avenue and Festival City. Carifesta Avenue is named in honour of the Caribbean Festival of Arts which was first hosted in Guyana in 1972 and was considered a major landmark in strengthening and deepening the people’s quest for integration. Its precursor was the Caribbean Free Trade Association (Carifta) (1965-1972) which was preceded by the West Indian Federation (1958-1962). Festival City was the area where the festival’s artistes were housed, and its name is derived from this experience. This first act of harnessing the indigenous cultural resources of the region for its people’s benefit reflected the spirit of determination of a people who succeeded in dismantling the brutal systems of slavery, indentureship and colonialism. That this major feat resulted in the pulling together of artistes and patrons from various territories demonstratively reflects the vision, capacity and commitment of the regional political leadership to ensure the sharing of common space, diverse dialects, and common message. This determination has been forged out of recognition and necessity for unity, integration, peace, solidarity and

legislation with the intent to empower the communities as listed below: (a) Local Authorities Amendment Act of 2009, (b) The Municipal and District Council Amendments Act of 2013, (c) The Fiscal Transfer Act of 2013, (d) The Local Government Commission Act of 2013, and (e) The Local Government Amendment Act of 2015. So the APNU+AFC’s allegation of the PPP’s failure to hold LGE is untrue. President Granger administration’s promise to empower the communities is yet to be seen. The APNU+AFC rise to power is premised on offering improved security to the local residents. Instead, over the past nine months, the local communities lived in fear, with repeated killings and robberies, especially in Region 6. Police presence is almost non-existent; often, they showed up after the crime took place. Thus, without adequate protection to lives and property, LGE will not improve the living conditions of the communities. The increased incidents of crime, lack of job opportunities, and the misuse of community resources will continue as usual under the APNU+AFC administration. Regards DR. DEV RAWANA

the importance of young and small states consolidating energies and resources to maximise opportunities in trade, production of goods, delivering of services, and remaining relevant in a global economy. Today culture forms a very important element in the Trade Agreement between the European Union and CARIFORUM. It is this recognition, first commemorated in 1972, upon which culture was built as the bedrock in post-colonial development, which now sees it being sold in the international place as a unique product. Achievements and milestones like these need to be preserved, remain intact, and served as inspiration for generations to come, to be retold as often as possible. Where the West Indian Federation failed, and CARIFTA was limited, Carifesta remains the foundational achievement of self-worth and global acclamation that the peoples can hold their own and be competitive. If it were not for Carifesta’s success, the (CARICOM) Caribbean Community and Common Market (1973) would not have been, given that that was the event that energised the integration process through collective participation and involvement. It would be commendable that as Guyana marks its Golden Jubilee and CARICOM its 43rd anniversary, with Guyana’s turn this year to co-chair, fitting tribute be paid to physically upgrading the avenue to mark the historical feat and determination of the Caribbean peoples.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Bitter sweet LGE for me Dear Editor, THE recent realities surrounding the matters of the upcoming Local Government Elections are bitter sweet to me. As I watched the myriad of contestants who graced the stages of the Merundoi-sponsored debates, and as I listened to what was being said, I was both hopeful and disappointed, but mostly disappointed. If there is one thing that shines through among the candidates, it is the lack of administrative and conceptual acumen. It is as if some of those offering themselves to the electorate just woke up one day and decided that they will try a thing. For some, it is obvious that they are running simply to pad the votes for the group or party they represent. For example, of the six individuals seeking to represent my district, only two showed up for a nationally broadcast debate. The utter disregard and blatant disrespect for the constituents cannot be more pronounced. The residents of district 8 must have been very disappointed in those seeking to represent them. And I hope that the voters reflect their sentiments at the polls. We have a very broken country, and the only persons who don’t seem to understand this are those whose heads are buried in the sand. Hardly anything works efficiently in Guyana. What we need at this time in the City’s administration, are people with ideas and plans on where we go from here. We cannot afford to retrogress! And we should not be reinventing the wheel. All the countries attached to us on this South American continent are way ahead of us developmentally. All the countries to which we travel for our business or vacation trips are miles ahead of us administratively. Therefore, all we have to do is piggyback on systems that they have used and are using to stay ahead of the game. We should not be reverting to behaviours and practices of a past failed era. Those of us vying for Councillors’ positions should be revolutionary in our thoughts. It is obvious that we will have to fight to change the archaic statuesque of sameness and “blame gaming”. Mr. Royston King is offending some folks, and well he will. He seems to have a handle on what the City needs at this time. With an objective Council, a little more proactive PR work, and a flexible touch of finesse, I think he will do just fine. Those of us taking up our seats in the Council should ready ourselves to work with the Town Clerk. Most of us who will grace those hallowed halls of the City Hall after the 18th will be newbies, with the much need ‘fresh blood’ and ‘shot in the arm’ that are pivotal at this time. However, we have got to hit the ground running. The

immediate development and sustaining of our constituencies should excite us. The needs of our individual communities should be clear in our minds. We should not be promising to do everything for everyone, because we will not be able to deliver and folks will be disappointed. However, there are some much-needed things that have to be priority. In Constituency 8, we have some infrastructural problems, especially the sewer system and the drainage. However, at the top of my mind is the huge unemployment crisis among our young Black men, many of whom are involved in the buying and/or selling of drugs. We also have a troubling lack of after-school care programmes, a situation which compounds our academic problems and feeds children into the drugs trade. My role as the representative of the Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust area will be to appeal to my fellow councillors for the immediate institution of the Miscellaneous Powers of Councils clause (Municipal and District Councils Act - Article 28:01), which allows for the funding of educational institutions, relief of necessitous persons, agriculture, arts and craft. (Pt. IX 301 {12-16}). Upon assuming office, I will immediately convene meetings in my constituency for all those who are unemployed and under-employed. I will seek consensus from the residents to formulate plans, programmes and entrepreneurial endeavours to assist with the alleviation of our unemployment and academic problems. I would suggest that all capital works being funded by the M&CC in my district be executed - wherever possible - by the residents of my district. This will allow for several community development spin offs: 1. It will engender a sense of community pride, 2. It will make for communal checks and balances, and 3. It will help with our unemployment problem. I will also continue to negotiate for the establishment of a solid waste plant to monetize the garbage collection across the City. The plant will buy the City’s garbage, and then sell its electricity and gas to the national grid. I will take time to explain to my constituents how this will benefit them financially. On the academic front, I will seek assistance from our expanded diaspora, local spiritual organizations, and other civic-minded individuals to provide help in cash and kind to aid with our academic remedial programmes. I will make overtures to retired teachers, professionals and academics, and we will set up coordinating groups and use school buildings, community centres and churches as satellite sites for academic classes and other life skills program. I will also ask to be a member of the

statutory Social Development Committee (Article 28:01 Pt III #58), so that we could expand similar activities across the Georgetown municipality. Guyana needs help, and those of us seeking public office must be willing to put our shoulders to the plow. If ever there was a time for us to put into effect the intent of our National Pledge, it is now: …And to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana. Let us cooperate for Guyana. Editor, another thing that disappoints me in my campaigning is the oft repeated remarks from folks who say that they will vote for a party or group, no matter who the local constituency representative is. I am prayerfully hoping that that is not the case in the upcoming LGE. People need to vote for individuals who will best represent their local causes. I have chosen for my logo a white dove, a symbol of peace and hope. I would like to bring folks together in the spirit of social cohesion for the betterment of my district. Guyanese

need to move away from voting party and race, and we need to elect people based on their ideas and the issues they articulate. After 23 years of disenfranchisement, it would be a sad and shameful day if Guyanese vote along party lines or for their friends and family. That will prove unequivocally that we have not grown politically or informatively. I am counting on the constituents of district 8 to exhibit a level of intelligence that transcends petty partisan politics. The Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust area can become a model community for the rest of the country to follow, and with the right Councillor, we will be well on our way. Can we do it…? Regards WENDELL. P. JEFFREY, PASTOR Independent Candidate Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust, District #8

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Where are the female op-ed columnists? By Akola Thompson A FEW DAYS AGO, I came across a column written in 2013 by Stella Ramsaroop in Stabroek News asking, “Where are the women columnists?” She wondered why newspapers were so reluctant to hire women to write upon “political, business and social issues,” and closed with an ardent wish to see more women in the column pages. Fast-forward three years, Stella is no longer a columnist and the representation of women in the columns section in Stabroek has virtually remained the same. Currently, the majority of journalists in Guyana are women. Despite this, not one woman serves as an editor-in-chief at their respective media houses and a small amount of women ever make it into the column pages. In that small amount of female columnists, there’s even a smaller amount of ones who write op-ed. With this in mind, I would like to take Stella’s question one-step further and ask, where are the female op-ed columnists? I must say now that I do not think the problem lies only in the male to female ratio with op-eds. Diversity in columns, I believe is not only measured by race, gender or age, but content as well. While many news papers have more than four men writing about politics and societal ills, women are seen as a ‘special interest,’ in that one is enough, the same way one colored person in a club filled with Caucasians might be seen as enough for token representation. I am not sure whether editors-in-chief believe that no

one in possession of two X chromosomes has the analytical powers to comment upon their society, but most of the women they do choose to employ as columnists can be seen as mere tokens as they rarely, if ever, cover issues which are not traditionally ‘feminine’ such as fashion, health and make-up. I wonder if the visible small number of op-ed female writers has anything to do with women being more liberal than their male counterparts. I believe this may have a small part in it, as the media these days often tends to be conservative in an effort to not to offend Guyana conservative readership. Currently, there are six weekly female columnists at the Guyana Chronicle, of which only one, yours truly, is op-ed. In Stabroek News, there are three weekly female columnists. Of the three, only one, Mosa Telford whose column is actually more recent than mine, is op-ed. I am not quite sure how many weekly female columnists currently write for Kaieteur News, but what I do know is that none of them are op-ed. Female commentators I believe, threaten editors, as they do not fit into easily marketable niches and often, editors believe women should fit into their ideals of who women are and what they think. When I applied to be a columnist at the Guyana Chronicle, while the relevance was lost on me at the time the editor most likely realised that I would have been the youngest columnist in the country and asked me to write on youth issues. While it was slightly different from the way female columnists are asked to fit into an ideal for

their editors, it was telling. Women remain on the back burner when it comes on commenting upon their country’s issues, be they social, cultural, political or a mixture of all. Reasons for this evident gap includes but are certainly not limited to sexism, reluctant women and resistance to change by editors. I know that there are many women who shirk away from op-ed because they want to be liked or simply do not believe it to be their cup of tea. They choose to remain silent because they know that if they dare step out of their predetermined ‘roles’ they may be attacked. I can understand this fear. Since I have begun writing, I have had my intelligence, analytical skills and mental capacity questioned. I don’t necessarily see these instances as bad ones but satisfying in that I am upsetting those so comfortable in their beliefs and opinions that they cannot see or feel anything else. That being said, I also know that there are many women who have highly analytical skills and who want to write but are hindered by society’s preconceived notions about their gender. Trying to place us into tidy boxes and reducing us to hoary subaltern stereotypes are not giving female oped writers the chance to properly contribute to public discourse. With more than half of our population being given no substantial voice, it is not surprising that not many realize the still patriarchal society in which we live and not surprising that hardly anyone asks, where are the women?

EU injects Euro $10M into Zika research THE EUROPEAN Commission is today releasing €10 million for research on the Zika virus, currently affecting large parts of Latin America. The most affected country is Brazil, where the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the recent cluster of severe brain malformations in new-borns may be linked to the virus. According to a release by the EU while the risk of transmission of the Zika virus in the EU is low, there is currently no treatment or vaccine against the virus and diagnostic tests for infections are not widely available. The funding, which comes from the Horizon 2020 EU research and innovation funding programme, will go into projects that will first have to prove the link between the virus and severe brain malformations reported in newborn children. If proven, researchers could then move on to combatting the Zika virus, including developing diagnostics and testing potential treatments or vaccines. Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "This funding will enable urgently needed research on the emerging global threat of the Zika virus. This shows once again that we are ready to face new epidemics like Zika with fast and effective research." Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, added: “A number of EU citizens have returned from the affected areas with the Zika virus. The Commission is carefully monitoring the situation and, as the summer approaches, is working closely together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the WHO and Member

States to put in place all necessary measures to ensure that the response to the virus is coherent and well-coordinated." Celso Pansera, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil, said: "The partnership with the European Union in research on the virus Zika will be very important to help Brazilian researchers in combating epidemic diseases that affect our country. In addition, the initiative will stimulate research and technology on a global scale for the benefit of the population throughout the world. " The funding will complement a number of other research initiatives currently funded under Horizon 2020 that can aid in the fight against Zika. One is a €40 million call for research on vaccine development for malaria and neglected infectious diseases, which includes the Zika virus. A further €10 million topic on research infrastructures for the control of vector-borne diseases could go a long way to combatting the mosquitos that spread Zika and a number of other prevalent diseases. Finally, the EU is co-funding research on the prevention of infectious diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean under the ERANET programme. The Zika virus disease is a mosquito-borne disease similar to dengue and yellow fever, as well as the West Nile. Until recently, it wasn't believed to cause severe symptoms. However, the recent rapid spread of the virus has suggested a link with an upsurge in brain malformations in new-borns. Cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome, a form of paralysis, have also recently been reported in adults and it is believed that there may be a link with the virus. This EU-funded research will

examine the potential link between the Zika virus and the brain malformations in new-borns and other neurological complications observed across Latin America and French Polynesia. It will fund the development of diagnostics and the testing of potential treatments and vaccines. This research would help public health authorities prevent further spreading and reduce the risks to pregnant women. A total of 41 countries over the past nine months have reported negative cases of Zika virus infection. The countries are mainly in Latin America, where the virus had never previously been reported, with Brazil being the most affected country so far. Some Zika cases have been imported to Europe in recent weeks and reports have circulated of sexually transmitted cases of the disease. The Commission has been working on preparedness and coordination of risk management together with Member States and with the support of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) since the outbreak began. The EU Health Security Committee, established under the Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on serious cross border threats to health is coordinating the exchange of information and coordination of preparedness. ECDC has recommended that pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant should discuss travel plans to affected areas and evaluate the risk with their healthcare providers and consider postponing their travel. Nevertheless, according to the latest assessment by the ECDC, the risk in the EU for transmission of Zika virus infections is currently extremely low.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

23 road deaths recorded A TOTAL of 17 road fatalities from 17 accidents have been recorded at the end of February 2016, in comparison to 19 fatalities from 12 accidents for the same period in 2015, statistics released by the Guyana Police Force have revealed.

The latest statistics have indicated an 11 per cent decrease in road fatalities when compared to the corresponding period the previous year. Notably, one child has died as a result of a traffic accident at the end of February this year, compared to

seven for the same period last year. According to the Police Force, as of March 13, 2016, six more persons lost their lives from six fatal accidents, bringing the total to 23 road deaths for the year thus far.

Guyana to tap £300M UK financing for infrastructural works GUYANA is among eight Caribbean countries and one British Overseas Territory that will soon access funding to build new roads, bridges, ports and other vital infrastructure as the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure (UKCIF) Programme becomes operational. The UKCIF was ratified on March 9th by the Board of the Caribbean Development Bank, paving the way for implementation of the game changing programme. DFID will provide up to £300m in grant financing from January 2016 to March 2020 to Antigua and Barbuda,Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines and Montserrat. “As a founding member of the CDB, the UK has worked hand in hand to chart the future of the region, along with other member countries throughout our 46 years. The UKCIF will boost development and growth in the region,” Dr. Warren Smith, President of the CDB said. He added that: “Beneficiary countries will be able to use this funding to revisit essential large scale projects that have had to be shelved because of the constrained fiscal space and severe indebtedness of many of our countries. We appreciate this grant from the Government of the UK as, successful completion of the projects will result in improvement in the lives of the citizens these countries,” Dr Smith said. It is expected that successful completion of projects under UKCIF will result in employment opportunities; improvements in livelihoods; poverty reduction; increased resilience to climate change; and positive policy action in the region. Investment in infrastructure means better access to services as well as economic opportunities for both men and women. All projects will be submitted to the CDB by the national governments and may be for both capital projects as well as technical assistance. The interventions must be anchored within CDB’s strategic objectives of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development; and promoting good governance. This programme was first announced by Prime Minister David Cameron last September in Jamaica and makes the UK one of the largest bilateral donors to the region.

‘Sorry’ for what happened A JURY AT the Demerara Assizes on Tuesday heard about a cuss-story between two young women ending with one of them facing a two-count indictment for attempted murder. The trial in which Stacey James, an Amerindian, pleaded not guilty to attempting to commit murder and wounding with intent, is taking place before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. According to witnesses the incident took place on January 21, 2017 in the county of Demerara. Stacey is charged by the police with having on the day in question wounded Eunita Mendonca with the intention to cause her grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable her. Police Sergeant Lilian Scotland who is now attached to the Mackenzie Police Station yesterday testified that she was on duty at the Alberttown Police Station in 2007, when she assisted in the investigations. She recalled receiving a report about

wounding involving the accused and the victim, Mendonca. Sgt. Scotland said that the two young women were subjected to a confrontation at the Station. In the presence of the accused Stacey James, Mendonca repeated her complaint, accusing James of cursing her and stabbing her in the chest. According to Scotland, James said that Mendonca during a row between them had struck her on the head and she felt that she was going to fall down, therefore she retaliated. And later in a caution statement to the police the accused admitted that she was sorry for what happened on that day. Further hearing was adjourned to Thursday to provide for the Judge to sum up the evidence in another case today. State counsel Miss Tuanna Hardy is conducting the case for the prosecution. Attorney-at-Law, Mr. James Bond is defending.

The Force also noted that pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities with five such persons losing their lives at the end of February 2016. Additionally, three pedal cyclists, three motor cyclists, four drivers, one passenger in a motor vehicle and one pillion rider also lost their lives. “Speeding has been the

major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of 10 of the 17 fatal accidents at the end of February 2016,” the statistics revealed. It was noted that traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 11,783 cases for this year being made against errant motorists at the end of February 2016. Of this total, 4,080 cases

were for speeding, 442 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 130 for using cell phone while driving, and 379 for failing to wear seat belt. The Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement activities with special focus on speeding and driving under the influence, driving motor cycles without safety helmets and using cell phones while driving a motor vehicle.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Yesu Persaud:

“We can’t allow sugar to die” …urges govt to get right people for the job

ICONIC Guyanese business executive Dr Yesu Persaud Friday blamed “all Guyanese” for the collapse of the critical sugar industry. “This industry was destroyed by all of us because we allowed it to happen,” Persaud said during a meeting between officials of the employers’ organisation, the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI) and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr Keith Scott. Friday’s meeting was held at Minister Scott’s Brickdam, Georgetown office. Persaud, a leading CAGI official, said prolonged negligence by senior Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) officials precipitated the ruin of the sweetener industry. In part, GUYSUCO’s decision-makers paid almost exclusive “attention to the factory but ignored the field.” Guyanese, the retired businessman said,

were paying the price for this blunder. He predicted though that if field practices were favoured again, yields could improve again. Persaud reminded Scott that sugar was a sensitive industry and the government must “for heaven’s sake get the right people…and right advice (lest it) fall into a trap.” “We can’t allow this industry to die, we have to find a way to save it,” Persaud pleaded with Scott. He flayed the national indifference when news of the imminent closure of Wales Sugar Estate was announced suddenly by the government. The West Demerara estate is scheduled to be closed at the end of 2016. In Persaud’s estimation, “the wrong people in the wrong job” precipitated the floundering and eventual collapse of the Wales estate. “I find it depressing that the industry that brought all

Dr Yesu Persaud of us here is in this state. To see it die would be a tragedy, Persaud lamented. The Guyanese sugar industry is the single largest employer with some 18,000 persons directly and indirectly attached to the sector rooted in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and later indentureship. Sugar is simultaneously, a significant foreign exchange earner and user, and, is by far the single largest beneficiary

of annual subvention from the local treasury. In the last five years, the industry has gobbled up annually, an average G$10 billion of tax-payers’ dollars. The industry however can’t compete on the international market because of European Union (EU) unilateral chop in the price for sugar and the huge cost of production for the GUYSUCO product. While the cost of production for Guyana’s sugar is 24 cents, the price on the world market is almost 50 per cent below that at 13 cents. When he addressed the issue, Minister Scott said Guyana must look to the Berbice estates to help reduce the cost of production to match the selling price of sugar on the global market. Otherwise, “other estates will have to be closed,” Scott warned. Scott noted that while Guyana had no bargaining influence for the price of sugar

on the international market the country had to find a way to be competitive against beet and other sweeteners used abroad. Persaud lamented that several estates – for example, Leonora, Diamond, Ruimveldt and Houston – among others were in the past closed “willy nilly” while some had the potential to contribute significantly to the local economy. The current crisis in the local sugar sector was also triggered by Guyana’s bypassing of several regional markets for its sweetener in preference to Europe. “This was an error,” Persasud reasoned. Sugar workers and employees’ organisations here think that closing the Wales estate is an error by the 10-month old government. While sugar workers protested the planned closure of the West Demerara estate, Scott said the APNU/AFC coalition administration was pushing

for a “stable industrial climate” here. As Minister with the Labour portfolio, Scott said his current challenge is to “avoid the mistakes of the past.” Since he has assumed the Labour portfolio, Minister Scott has been holding talks with a number of local stakeholders and foreign investors. Scott reckoned that Guyana “is the land of the future,” and said he would be pushing for a stronger partnership with investors. While Persaud castigated Guyana’s 50-year old clampdown on free expression by nationals which forced many overseas, Scott noted that the Republic was currently in the “season of free enterprise (and expression”) and there was a clear direction where the government was heading and how it plans to accommodate development of the economy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Guyana to participate in regional Tsunami early warning exercise STAFF of the National Weather Watch Centre in Timehri will be participating in a regional tsunami early warning exercise today. Known as Caribe Wave 16, the exercise will test the effectiveness of early warning provisions involving those responsible for the management of emergencies in the region. These include national Tsunami Warning Focal Points, weather forecast centres, national coast guard services, and emergency relief services. The objective of the exercise is to identify possible weaknesses in the Tsunami and other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and adjacent regions. It will test a double scenario including a major earthquake off the coast of Venezuela and another off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. The Timehri Weather Watch Centre is outfitted with web-based equipment that can receive signals from any seismic activity around the world. Tomorrow’s activity will test the equipment’s accuracy. The exercise will feature fictitious messages sent by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) and countries can choose to extend the test at the local level by disseminating the alert via sirens or loudspeakers. Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Panama are planning to test their preparedness through an evacuation exercise for some of their coastal populations. The region has become ever more vulnerable to such risks due to massive population growth, and the development of tourism in coastal areas. Over the last 500 years, 75 tsunamis have occurred in the Caribbean, nearly 10 per cent of the worldwide total over the same period. Whether caused by earthquakes, landslides or volcanic activity, tsunamis have claimed more than 3,500 lives in the region since the middle of the 19th century, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first tsunami warning exercise in the region was in 2011. The Tsunami and other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions was established in 2005 replicating the models of the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic systems. Created under the auspices of the IOC, the Intergovernmental Coordinating Groups help Member States establish tsunami warning and response systems. (GINA)

11

AG clarifies names of members on Advisory Council of Mercy THE ATTORNEY General Chambers has clarified the names of persons to sit on the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The council will be chaired by Attorney General, Basil Williams. The members of the council are: Justice Duke Pollard; Justice James Patterson; Mrs. Yvonne Harewood-Benn, CCH; Mrs. Merle Mendonca-McCormack and Dr. Carl Hanoman. The aforementioned persons will be sworn in by His Excellency President David Granger shortly, the AG chambers said.

Vendor claims abuse by GPL employee A BOURDA market vendor alleged that on Monday she was verbally abused and embarrassed by a Guyana Power & Light worker who with no form of identification disconnected her electricity even though the accounts of her two stalls were settled last Friday by her husband. Indira Baldeo said that she was approached by a man who identified himself as Anderson and said that he was in the employ of GPL and had come to disconnect the light. “He came with a paper and asked for the bill and I tell him my husband have the bill because he had paid it recently. The man holler on me and tell me he don’t have time with that and clipped the wire,” the vendor revealed. She then asked that he show some kind of identification so that she could be assured that he was indeed an employee of GPL and in an abusive manner he said that his badge was in the car. According to Indira, the alleged employee began verbally abusing her while he waited on her husband. Upon the arrival of her husband, it was realised that the GPL cashier had mixed up the payments for the two stalls. “The two stalls are in the names Indira Baldeo and Ignatius Baldeo, but the girl mix up the payment and the bill for Indira Baldeo was paid as Ignatius Baldeo,” she said. The vendor said that she repeatedly offered to show him the bill but he responded by saying she was wasting his time. After realising that there was nothing she could do, the vendor’s husband made a second payment of $3,728 on the bill and paid the reconnection fee. However, the power had not been reconnected up to Tuesday afternoon.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Constituency Nine candidates make pitch to voters By Svetlana Marshall TEAM Legacy First-PastThe-Post Candidate Michael Leonard said once elected into office, there will certainly be a push for residents of Lodge,

Meadowbrook Gardens and Durban Backland to benefit significantly from the construction and operation of the world class Durban Park. Leonard was among four Constituency, Nine candi-

dates that participated in Merundoi’s 2016 Georgetown Constituency Debates Monday night at the National Communications Network (NCN). The others included Martin Gaul from A Guyana Nation Building Corps, and

An artist’s impression of Durban Park two Independent candidates Mia Ritchie and Ivan Bentham. According to Leonard, Constituency Nine has been neglected for more than 20 years, however, change is guaranteed under the leadership of Team Legacy. “We are in a complete state of neglect. More bad news, some of the persons who are attempting to represent us at this Local Government Elections, as some people would say, they are like square pegs in round holes,” Leonard said in his opening remarks. However, he said the good news is – residents now have an opportunity to decide whether they will continue with the “old game of politic” or vote for Team Legacy – a group with a vision to fix the forgotten communities. A part of that vision, Leonard said, is to create employment within these communities starting with Durban Park. The ongoing multimillion Durban Park Project includes the construction of a 50th Anniversary Jubilee Stadium, in addition to other facilities. Though, he believes that there is need for more consultation, the Team Legacy Candidate said the project should be a source of employment for residents in the neighbouring communities. He explained that a high percentage of persons working on the project during and after construction should come from Lodge, Meadowbrook Gardens and Durban Backland. It was pointed that one of Team Legacy’s pillars is youth transformation, and as such, community centres would be established in all

communities to provide safe spaces for youths. “We talk about restoring community spirit but unless we have some kind of programme where persons can come and receive something from the community and give back to the community that is the only way we can rebuild the community spirit.” RESIDENTS IN MIND Ritchie, who hails from Constituency Nine, echoed similar sentiments, positing that the managers of the Durban Park Project should always keep the residents of the neighbouring communities in mind during the execution of the project. Ritchie told her opponents and the moderator Derwin Hunphrey, the Project Manager at Merundoi Inc, that initially she opted to contest in the Local Government Elections “with a small thought” but subsequently garnered the support of residents within her constituency. “I found favour with the residents of Constituency Nine, the wisdom I have gotten from that community (from) the older folks, (and) the strength from the middle age and the youth, we have now decided to bring back a lot of things that were lost,” she posited. The restoration of play grounds, self-help groups and communities centres are some of the plans Ritchie intends to implement once she secures a seat at the level of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Gaul – the Guyana Nation Building Corps Candidate said lighting, crime, traffic congestion, and the need for constant fogging with the notification of res-

idents are among issues he intends to address if elected to council. BOTTOM UP APPROACH However, in addressing these issues particularly in the area of crime and unemployment, Gaul said the Guyana Nation Building Corps will be taking a “bottom up approach”. “We are going to use the bottom up approach starting with the families, consulting with the PTAs [Parent Teachers Associations] at the schools and also religious groups; we will get in touch with them and talk about the families so we can start from the bottom up.” While Gaul is in full support of the construction of Durban Park, he is of the opinion that greater clarity with respect to components of the project and proposed reallocation of the community health centre in the area is needed. For Gaul, drainage and irrigation has been an ageold problem which he intends to address. “That problem has been a sore issue in our community for a long time now, but first you must understand the drainage system… what we need is a complete overhaul,” he posited. Meanwhile, Bentham, during his contribution to the debates, said under his leadership many of the issues plaguing residents in the areas of drainage and irrigation, parking, traffic congestion, and garbage pollution would be dealt with. He also hopes to touch base with residents of the various communities in an effort to harness their skills and talents for the development of their communities.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Washroom placement sparks objection LINDEN vendors operating will be used by the public to the southern entrance of in the Mackenzie Munic- who will pay a small fee for the market. Another vendor, ipal Market are very per- its services. The vendors are Yvonne Drakes, said that the turbed over the placement concerned that the initiative two bins placed in front of of a public washroom facility directly in front of the northern entrance of the market. On Monday morning when the vendors turned up to conduct business, they were astounded to see a newly dug hole and the commencement of the foundation for the facility. Upon enquiring, they were told that it was a washroom facility and this revelation resulted in an uproar. The vendors subsequently tried to stop the The washroom facility presently under construction workers from proceeding at the Mackenzie Municipal Market’s Entrance with the construction, but the police were brought to the scene and they were will adversely affect their the market could not cater asked to desist from their businesses since fumes will for the amount of garbage protest action against the emanate and the sewage accumulated by the vendors construction workers. “We will not be properly chan- daily. This will result in litterjust come to wuk this morn- nelled. “They can’t do that ing and the entire front of the ing and see them man build- man, how can they build a market being in an unkempt ing this toilet and we try toilet right in front hay and state. to stop them so they bring there isn’t even any proper The vendors told the police on we and tell we drainage system,” asked the media that the toilet was bethat we can’t stop them,” vendor. ing built by a businessman said one shoemaker who The toilet is being built operating a shop outside operates his business at the where the dump site for the of the market. However, entrance to the market. market was located; how- when the Guyana Chronicle The toilet facility being ever, the bins were moved contacted the businessman built by a private individual to another location closer known as "Mr. Hoppie,"

he said that the facility was not being built by him but he was in agreement with

the idea, because it would be air-conditioned and not merely a toilet but a complete washroom facility comprising a bathroom, toilet and sink. The vendors also complained that no one from the municipality consulted with them on wheth-

er the initiative would be accepted or not. Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Orin Gordon, said that he is worried that the waterways might be contaminated when the washroom is operationalised.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Youth MPs debate building cohesive societies By Alva Solomon

“IF YOUTHS are not involved in development, then why are we here?” asked Sherina Mayers as youths from the ‘Government’ and the ‘Opposition’ representing various secondary schools squared off Monday at a special sitting of the Youth Parliament. The youth MPs were locked in debate over their involvement in building peaceful and inclusive societies in the Commonwealth. The event was held in observance of Commonwealth Day 2016, which was celebrated on Monday and was organised by the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The youths debated a Motion which was proposed by Arian Richmond, who took the role of Leader of the Opposition. The debate saw a host of countering arguments on various aspects of society, relative to the subject of youth inclusivity. The proposed Motion contended that youth cohesion in building peaceful and inclusive societies in the Commonwealth was lacking. The students touched on several topical issues, including the recent fiery deaths at the Camp Street Prison, infrastructural matters across the country, the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy and the Disciplined Services, among other matters. DEBATE WINNER In the end, after more than five hours of debating the Motion, the Opposition was announced by Chief Judge, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as the

gions, made spirited contributions to the debate. However, it was evident that the Opposition members were more organised and assertive in the presentations. YOUTHS UNDER SIEGE Richmond, in her opening arguments, said that 605 of Commonwealth youth are under 25 years and are not centrally involved in the decision-making process. She said that the youths are “under siege”, noting that the youths must illustrate strong leadership qualities to exist in today’s world.

From right are Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Opposition MP, Joseph Hamilton; and Aleema Nazir of the Rights of the Child Commission. They performed the role of judges at the special sitting Monday of the Youth Parliament the debate. Dr Roopnarine, in his remarks, told the students that he was struck by their thoroughness and commitment. “This was very, very impressive,” he said. He noted that for the first time in his parliamentary life, he had observed such an occurrence, whereby students were pacing and walking while preparing for their presentations. “This also happened in the bathroom; and it also took my breath away, there was a young man pacing,” he said. He congratulated the students for their hard work, but the Education Minister observed that the debate could have benefitted from “a little more energy or waywardness.” He said it was one of the most ‘correct’ parliaments he had ever experienced. “So, I hope that parliamentarians watching your debate today will take something from it,” he said. Parliament is not only about making nice speeches but also about being convinced and passionate about what one wants to say, the Education Minister declared.

A student makes a few last-minute preparations for the Youth Parliament debate Monday

Two students prepare for the debates at the Youth Parliament on Monday (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Young parliamentarians chat prior to the commencement of Monday’s Youth Parliament debates winners of the debate. George McFerlen, who debated in the role of Shadow Minister of Social Cohesion, was adjudged the Best Speaker. Other judges were PPP/C MP Joseph Hamilton and Aleema Nazir of the Rights of the Child Commission. Earlier, Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, and Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux sat in for the opening proceedings. The students, who were drawn from schools across the 10 administrative re-

She said that youth involvement in today’s society is either stifled or least considered. Dominique Clarke, who represented the government in her capacity as Prime Minister, told the young parliamentarians that the youths in Guyana are being catered for. She asked “How involved can a youth be in the governance of his/her country?” She said that like everything else, there is a limit, and informed the Opposition that the government has been engaging youths continually in the decision-making process of the country.

She said the Motion before the House serves as an “apparent depiction of the oblivion in which the Opposition is in.” Clarke spoke on the issue of democracy, and the role citizens in a democratic nation play. She said that citizens participate in public affairs, noting that participation is key to nation-building. She added that this participation includes being able to vote at elections, debate issues publicly, attend community meetings, and being free to gather or protest publicly. Orvin Russell, of the Opposition, spoke with flair when he addressed several topical issues, including the conditions at the prisons. According to him, the government should channel its attention towards improving existing facilities, as well as expending monies on youth programmes. Russell was singled out by the judges for his style of debate, while two other students -- Shawn Shewram and Ave Toney, all of whom spoke on behalf of the Opposition -- were singled out for their contributions to

LIVE STREAM Nazir, in her remarks, told the students that she will be looking forward to seeing some of the faces in politics in the future of the country. MP Hamilton told the students it took courage and the concise use of words to speak in the National Assembly. He said the discussion was being streamed live and he noted that their parents and relatives would have been listening in. He said that the persons who spoke on behalf of the Government were well researched, made good speeches but he noted that the group should have indicated in their remit where the government has established policies. He said the motion debated speaks to how they are including youth in decision-making. Hamilton said as politician he knows that persons in the public domain know who is serious and “who is gaffing”, and to this end he noted some of the speakers brought passion to their presentations. The students gathered over a threeday period to prepare for the debate, the second following last year’s debate. They were expected to be treated to a special dinner at the Pegasus Hotel last evening where some students were to be given awards for their contributions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Major consultation on Cybercrime Bill today A MAJOR public consultation on the draft Cybercrime Bill 2016 will be held today at the Pegasus Hotel (Savannah Suite). The consultation will open at 09:h.The event will be chaired by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams and will see remarks by the United States Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Bryan Hunt. According to a release by the AG Chambers an overview of the Draft Bill will be given by Ms Vonetta Atwell, Principal Parliamentary Counsel. Stakeholders have been invited to attend to offer comments, criticisms and proposals on the draft Cybercrime Bill. Based on the draft when the cyber-crime legislation becomes effective in Guyana, anyone found guilty of computer-related forgery can be made to pay a $5M fine and serve a five-year prison sentence. According to the draft Bill, a person who intentionally and without lawful excuse or justification inputs, alters, deletes or suppresses computer data, resulting in inauthentic data, with the intent that it be considered or acted upon for legal purposes, as if it were authentic, regardless of whether or not the data is directly readable and intelligible, commits an offence. In the circumstance

Attorney General, Basil Williams

United States Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Bryan Hunt

such an individual is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $3M, and to be imprisoned for three years. On conviction, such person/s is liable to a fine of $5M, with a five-year prison sentence. In addition, persons who disseminate information after being convicted will be fined $20,000, and he/she will also be liable to a threeyear prison term. The Bill also outlines the penalties for computer fraud, in the sense that anyone who commits an offence deemed to be computer fraud will be dealt heavier penalties, with a summary conviction carrying a $5M fine, as well as a fiveyear prison term. In addition, if convicted, the penalties will be doubled. Cyberbullying, which is bullying through the use of technology, is also deemed

an offence, according to the Bill. It states that to cyberbully another person, intentionally or recklessly,

Joint Services conducting Exercise Steadfast - no cause for alarm

THE Joint Services on Monday started a field tactical exercise, Exercise Steadfast, in the lead-up to Operation Plexus which will be conducted during the upcoming Local Government Elections. Exercise Steadfast follows the recently concluded Command Post Exercise, Exercise Holdfast, and will see the conduct of several activities including road blocks, vehicular and foot patrols and the establishment of Joint Operation Centres at respective Police Divisional Headquarters. Members of the public are urged to give their co-operation which is vital to the success of the exercise and they should not be alarmed by the increased presence of ranks. Exercise Steadfast will be concluded on March 17, the day before LGE.

is deemed to be committing an offence. According to the Bill, “a cyberbully” is someone who uses a computer system to repeatedly or continuously convey information, which causes fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other harm to another person. The actions of such persons become detrimental to another’s health, their emotional well-being, self-esteem or their reputation. Child pornography, as an offence, is also clearly defined by the Bill. Anyone who intentionally produces child pornography for the purpose of its distribu-

tion through a computer system, or who offers or makes available child pornography through a computer system, is guilty of an offence. In addition, anyone who distributes, transmits, procures or obtains child pornography through a computer is also guilty of an offence. If summarily convicted, such individuals are liable to pay a fine of $5M and a five-year prison term. If convicted, the penalty is doubled. The government has been pushing to pass cyber-crime legislation. The Guyana Chronicle had reported in August last year that the

bill was deemed a priority by the AG, given the advancement and increased dependency on technology here. This newspaper had also reported that a National Cyber-Security Sensitisation Workshop was held with the aim of examining Guyana’s legal framework, and the need to develop a national strategy to address the subject. At the workshop, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told participants that in addition to public awareness and training, cyber security should be taught in primary and secondary schools.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Citizens must be educated on bills passed – Minister Trotman Red Thread says women don’t know their rights

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has said it is about time that Parliament takes stock of the several pieces of legislation that have been passed, to determine their efficacy and status of implementation. Trotman, a former Speaker of the House, has called for an annual “legislatorial pause”, saying this is needed in order to ensure that pieces of legislation that have been passed are properly implemented, and that the public is educated on those laws. Trotman made these comments while speaking at the opening session of the Parliamentary Gender Seminar hosted at Parliament Chambers last Wednesday by the Women and Gender Equality Commission, in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s (UG) Institute of Gender Studies. Trotman said he has been asking himself questions re-

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman garding the implementation of laws passed in Parliament, and he pitched the idea to the group as a recommendation for the National Assembly. “(A) question that I have, and I have been asking myself, is whether at some point in time a legislative house or Parliament should not pause and just gather all the acts of Parliament that it had passed,

and go through them and try to do some form of education and (implementation) review.” He said that, rather than just rejoicing over the passage of laws, Parliamentarians could stop to think about “the weight that we keep adding to different institutions”, and set aside a period to help implement those laws. Referring to a saying about there being “a time for everything”, Trotman said: “Maybe there is a time for passing, and there should be a time to pause and ensure education and implementation and explanation.” He said that while there have been so many laws passed, some 90% of the population, including lawyers and members of the judiciary, may not even be aware that some of those laws exist. Trotman said he believes it a good idea for

Please see page 19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Citizens must be educated ...

parliamentarians to come out of parliament once a year, for a period of two to three months, and focus on explaining the laws that they have passed during the previous year, or over a particular period. They should also use the opportunity to find out how those laws were being interpreted and received by the wider Guyanese society, Trotman suggested. A representative of Red Thread pointed out that because of little or no access to adequate information and services, grassroots women do not benefit from many rights and legal considerations available to them. “We are not aware of many of those laws; we don’t

know our rights; we don’t know what those laws entail; and we don’t know how to access them… And in cases where we read these laws, the language is difficult. How do we make the laws accessible to grassroots people? We have a right to know what’s going on…in terms of the language (that is understandable) to grassroots women,” the woman told the forum. She said that, without proper implementation, it makes no sense that laws are passed; they are being passed just for the sake of the record. “What good are the laws when we just have laws for the sake of laws? When laws are not implemented? We need to look at how we im-

plement the laws that have been passed, rather than making new laws and they’re just there for the sake of new laws,” she reasoned. Facilitator of the forum, Attorney Sadie Amin, said the Guyana Women Lawyers Association (GWLA) is the publisher of pamphlets which present the law in plain, simple language. She said the GWLA has a special booklet which focuses on laws and rights of women. C o - P r e s e n t e r, a t t o rney-at-law Ayana McCalman, said the use of technology was important in sharing laws to the public, and since not every person who received it would have an opportunity to read it, posters should be

designed and shared. She said the pause that Minister Trotman spoke about was not just for personal gains. “It’s not just a personal soul principle… it’s a national principle. As a country, we need to do that. And that is what will move us into being a distinguished house, a house for the peo-

ple,” she said. She also suggested that information out of Parliament should be summarized and shared on social media by the Parliament’s Public Relations Office (PRO). Hosted by WGEC ( Wo m e n a n d G e n d e r Equality Commission) C o m m i s s i o n e r Va n d a

19

Radzik, with panellists being Justice Roxane George; President of the Guyana Women Lawyers Association (GWLA), Sadie Amin; and attorney-at-law Ayana McCalman, the seminar continues on Friday with a discussion on ‘Gender and Development and SDG Goal 5.’

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Three new schools for Region Two

WORKS have started on the new primary and nursery schools in Aurora, Region Two. This new

schools’ project will cost $114M, and is part of a wider $196.352M undertaking being executed this year to

improve educational facilities and accommodation in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

Regional Engineer, Latchman Parswattee told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the single flat building nursery school building, measuring 100ft x 30ft, will serve 100 students, while the primary school, will be a two-storeyed structure, measuring 126ft x 30ft, and will serve 250 students. The project was awarded late December 2015 and construction began in early January 2016. Parswattee explained that to date the project is 33 percent completed and currently the contractor is working on the roof of the nursery, and casting the upper columns of the primary school. The project, which is being executed by Builders

Hardware and General Supply, has a 10- month duration. Meanwhile, the Region is soon to tender for the construction of another nursery school at Akawini; this will be single flat building, 30ft x 60ft, that will serve 60 students. Also on the agenda is the extension of the Flora Nursery (30ft x 20ft) at a cost of $3M, the Better Success Nursery (30 x 20ft) $5.4M, and the Yarashirima Primary School (30ft x 30 ft) $8.9M, to cater for additional classrooms. The dormitory at Wakapoa Secondary School will also undergo extension that will cost $12M, he said. Rehabilitation of the Anna Regina and Cotton Field secondary schools is also on

the programme for this year. Parswattee explained that the works at the two schools, are expected to see over $10M being expended, and will cater for repairs to damaged sections of the schools, including the replacement of timber, concrete, pipes and electrical works. Further, under the wider $196.352M, undertaking, will be the construction and rehabilitation of living quarters at Mashabo, Bethany and Ulele Primary schools, and the teachers’ quarters at Friendship Primary School. Sanitary blocks will also be constructed at Lima Sands Nursery and Karawab and Bethany primary schools. (GINA)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

‘Blackout’ hits East Coast, East Bank SECTIONS of the East Coast and East Bank Demerara were affected by hours of power outages Monday, and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) yesterday sought to explain the attendant circumstances. A GPL press release said that at approximately 10:40hrs on Monday, a damaged line hardware at Clonbrook, ECD resulted in a line trip which caused an interruption in the supply of electricity from Unity, Mahaica to Lowlands until 16:45hrs. Unfortunately, at 23:30 hrs on Monday night, a fallen tree caused severe damage to the network and affected the same area. Owing to the weather constraints and time of occurrence, remedial work commenced at sunrise which resulted in electricity being restored at 09:15hrs on Tuesday. Regrettably, customers from Industrial Site to Houston on the EBD had to be without electricity from 10:00hrs on Monday due to a yet to be determined fault. GPL technicians are at present carrying out detailed checks on the affected feeder to ascertain and subsequently correct the fault. A defective transformer, which has since been isolated from the network, resulted in sections of Houston to Agricola being without power from 10:00hrs Monday to 03:00hrs Tuesday while consumers from Diamond Public Road to Eccles

Prison officers in US for special training SEVERAL officers of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) have left Guyana for the United States (US) to participate in the 18th Annual Mock Prison Riots, at the decommissioned West Virginia State Prison in Moundsville. The ranks are currently undergoing Emergency Response and Riot Training prior to the staging of the Annual Mock Prison Riots which will take place from May 1 to 4. The officers participating are: Assistant Superintendent Kelvin Hutson; Cadet Officers Uditsair Holigon, and Twain Hemerding; Chief Officers Patrick Crawford, Prince Cox, Dazley Granderson, Mickey Pross and Ken Prescod, and Prison Training Instructor, Erwin Mentore and Woman Prison Officer Murrica Murray. The ranks previously named to represent the GPS at the event were unable to attend due to obligatory circumstances. The local prison officers’ participation in the training exercise comes from an invitation extended by the US Government. The training will enable the local ranks to respond better to prison unrest or other similar emergencies, in addition to training other ranks in the effort to build the capacity of GPS officers. The Mock Prison Riot training which began in 1997 offers prison officers from around the world training. They participate and learn the latest techniques and methods used to quell prison disturbances. The sessions feature hands-on training and technology exposure to corrections, law enforcement, military, and public safety practitioners. [GINA]

were affected from 10:00hrs to 18:30hrs yesterday. In the meantime, GPL has assured that every effort is being made to restore electricity to customers still affected

and appeal for their patience. “We extend our sincerest of apologies for the inconvenience caused,” the release concluded.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

18-yearold dies in mining pit accident - GGMC had issued ‘cease-work order’

THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has received reports of a mining fatality in the Konawaruk area, Mining District 2. The Guyana Police Force has since identified the casualty as 18-year-old Trenston Sebastian of Kurukubaru, Region 8, and according to the GGMC efforts are being made to recover his body. A statement from the GGMC said that while details are still to be confirmed about the exact nature of the accident, reports have indicated that at approximately 15:15hrs on March 14, 2016 a pit cave-in occurred while a dredge, purportedly owned by a Sherwin Grenada, was in operation. CEASE WORK ORDER "It was also reported that the dredge was operating on property without permission and for which an order to cease work (CWO) was issued,” the GGMC noted. According to the GGMC, the accident comes at a time when the Commission recently conducted a Mines Safety Compliance Tour in the Potaro and Konawaruk areas. It was noted that several CWOs were issued due to unsafe operations in the Mahdia Redhole, Whitehole and St. Elizabeth areas. “This unfortunate occurrence also comes at a time when GGMC had a wrap-up on March 14, 2016 of a first phase geotechnical engineering training workshop involving some 20 technical officers, who over the past six weeks were exposed to applied aspects of ground structural phenomenon, so that they would be better equipped to objectively identify operational issues that could be hazardous in mining; better tooled to work with miners to effect safer solutions; and more proficient at advocating to miners operational awareness for better technical approaches,” the statement noted. According to the Commission, many of those same officers were involved in a Training of Trainers workshop in collaboration with CIRDI/IDB at Linden R&D and in Mahdia where aspects of Occupation Safety and Health were on the table along with mining efficiency and also involving mining stakeholders. “This unfortunate accident brings to the forefront that even in the last quarter of 2015, after the horrific Mowasi accident, investigations by GGMC officers on regulatory compliance tours in areas such as in the Cuyuni District, miners continued to have a casual attitude to safe mines practices,” the statement concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Harmon ‘preps’ APNU+AFC West Dem. for LGE MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Sunday held what was called a ‘preparation meeting’ with candidates, agents and organisers of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). Minister Harmon, who has oversight responsibility for Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), reportedly told the meeting, “Those other parties and groups competing in Guyana’s Local Government Elections are basically competing against the APNU+AFC.” The meeting was held at Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, and according to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Harmon told the gathering that President David Granger has a clear vision for the nation; a vision that has to be represented from top to bottom. “At the top of the link,” he said, “is the Central Government; and when we won the elections in 2015, that was the Central Government. But at the bottom of that link is the smallest chain, which is what we are dealing with now; and if we don’t have a clear linkage between the NDCs, RDCs and Central Government, then you cannot have the benefit flowing from one to the other.” Over the next four days, the release says, Region 3, like every other region countrywide, is expected to be a hive of activity, as the APNU+AFC teams prepare for what is hoped to be victorious results. As such, Minister Harmon stressed the importance of understanding what happens between communities and Central Government. “All of you represent a vision for Guyana in the communities where you live, and it is through you that the resources of the State will flow,” he told the meeting. Minister Harmon also reminded those gathered that there must be a rearrangement in the way things are done, and that as representatives of the president’s vision for development, they have the full support of the APNU+AFC government.

Retired policeman reportedly commits suicide A retired Police Inspector from Rosignol, West Bank Berbice on Tuesday reportedly committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with his licensed firearm. Dead is former Inspector James Anderson, also known as “Randall”, aged, 79, of Railway Line, Rosignol. Relatives said the septuagenarian lived alone but a relative usually kept his company mainly at nights. According to reports, around 10:00 hrs, Anderson asked the male relative to go to the market to purchase a few items and he complied. But when he returned to the house, he found Anderson in his bedroomed bleeding from a wound in his head, and in an unconscious state. The relative raised an alarm and with help from several persons, the badly injured man was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Anderson was chronically ill and this may have triggered the apparent suicide, reports suggest. Police are investigating the matter.

Sunday’s meeting at Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara

Invest in renewable energy 26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

––tech specialist urges public, private sectors

By Rabindra Rooplall THE public and private sectors should readily invest in renewable energy to improve efficiency and productivity since solar and wind power are runaway leaders in terms of energy investment. This sentiment was

shared by President of STARR Computer Inc, Michael Mohan during an interview with World Wide Fund (WWF) on Guyana’s observation of Earth Hour, which is slated to be held on Saturday. Earth Hour is an annual global initiative organised by WWF to raise awareness

about climate change. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mohan said in Guyana, solar energy is a most practical and economical application to employ. He said a decade ago, STARR Computer which has been in the technology business for over 20 years, decid-

ed to invest in solar and wind turbine hybrid system and that has saved the company 49 per cent of expenditure it paid out to the Guyana Power Light (GPL). Mohan explained that renewable energy is reliable, clean and, safe. While its upfront capital cost may be considered high, a cost benefit

analysis has shown that the investment can be recovered from savings over five years of use in Guyana. And, with a 20+ years guarantee on the solar panels, consumers get 15 years of free energy usage thereafter. Furthermore, if legislation is passed to allow a return of excess power to the local electrical grid via a smart Inverter, then this new incentive will substantially and additionally reduce the

cost and increase savings. Underscoring that this will help Guyana to reduce its foreign exchange depletion and reduction in the carbon footprint, Mohan said the company hosts many free educational sessions, seminars and field trips to the public at its facilities at 59 Brickdam, Georgetown. The free seminar includes 45 minutes of presentation in its training room, a field trip to its solar showroom, and, its roof garden for a demon-

STARR Computer Inc President Michael Mohan

Two captured jag TWO JAGUARS which were recently captured by residents in Essequibo are now housed at the Zoological Park, Vlissengen Road. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman visited the Zoological Park on Tuesday to check on the condition of the animals. He said, they’re still a bit traumatised, having been captured and brought from the interior to an urban setting. Trotman explained that it will take some time before they adjust to their new environment. Additionally, the Minister said that, “we’re exploring the possibility of having the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida, send some experts to give some treatment and also even the pos-

One of the jaguars housed at the Zoological Park

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016 stration of its wind turbine and sun-tracking solar panel installation. He said participants continue to express a high degree of appreciation and excitement for this initiative taken by STARR in leading the way for a cleaner source of energy. In explaining the changes made by the company in order to benefit from renewable energy, Mohan said the hybrid system harnesses 13 Kilowatt of energy. That amount, he said gives STARR Computer 76 Kilowatt hours per day. This was achieved by upgrading the air-conditioning system to the highest efficiency and energy saving units. In addition, heat extracting turbines in the roof and using all LED lights and appliances contributed to the overall savings. He said the capital investment was recovered in nine years, but with the present prices for solar panels and energy efficient items, this can be lowered. Mohan asserted that the energy industry can contribute to economic growth in Guyana in two ways. First, energy is an important sector of the economy that creates jobs and value by extracting, transforming and distributing energy goods and services throughout the economy. Secondly, energy is an input for nearly all goods and services. In many countries, the flow of energy is usually taken for granted. But price shocks and supply interruptions can shake whole economies.

“Lower energy prices reduce expenses for consumers and businesses, increasing disposable income that can be spent in other ways. Second, lower energy prices reduce input costs for nearly all goods and services in the economy, thus making them more affordable,” Mohan explained. In further explaining the benefits, Mohan said energy-related jobs can be placed in three categories: (1) Direct jobs are held by individuals who are employed or contracted by firms in the sector to produce and deliver energy products to consumers, (2) Indirect jobs represent positions created in industries that supply the energy industry with goods and services, and (3) Induced jobs result from the salaries paid to workers in the first two groups. People directly and indirectly employed in the energy industry spend their incomes and create demand for goods and services, thus increasing aggregate demand and employment in unrelated industries. “By virtue of going green and energy efficient, our products reflect that value and consumers buy into the savings because we keep away from refurbished product in totality even though it may come with bargain prices,” he related. STARR has partnered with a group of international manufacturers and engineers, and, local financial Institution to find ways and means to make renewable energy affordable, reliable and safe for all in Guyana.

guars now at Zoo

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman (center) inspecting one of the animal cages in the Zoological Park sibility of relocating them to some other part of Guyana at a later stage.” Minister Trotman also said that, “it’s commendable that the villagers did not kill the animals because of course there’s always a… desire to get back at the animals for stealing cattle and dogs and so forth.” Jaguars (Panthera onca) are Guyana’s national animal and are protected by law. They vary in colour, are excellent swimmers and are the top savannah and forest predators. Jaguars stalk their targets and hunt both in the day and in the night, preying on monkeys, cattle, dogs, fish and capybara. (GINA)

SOLAR PANEL

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GAPSW wants ‘all hands on deck’ - to help counter society’s ills

GAPSW President (ag.) Ms. Akilah Deorris (left) with her predecessor Ms. Lynette Roberts By Navendra Seoraj THE Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) is calling for "all hands on deck" to help combat society’s many ills. The call was made on Monday as Guyana joined in observing World Social Work Day. By "all hands on deck," GAPSW means all social groups, whether government or non-governmental, and individuals and what it ideally wants is that they all band together in the fight against social ills and to realise the importance of a social worker to society. GAPSW President (ag.) Akilah Deorris told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that “the month of March has been designated as Social Work Month, while March 15 is celebrated as World Social Work Day around the world.” During this month, social workers intensify their operations, coming together and planning activities to demonstrate their actual role in society. Under this year’s theme for Social Work Month, “Promoting Dignity and Worth of People,” the GAPSW got on the move to ensure that people know their importance to society. ‘WHOLE OF LIFE’ APPROACH Deorris said that GAPSW’s daily work, apart from this day and month, is to take a "whole of life" approach towards helping individuals, families and groups cope with life’s stresses, to respond to challenges, and advocate for gender equality, among other things. Therefore, in keeping with the international theme of the International Federation of Social Workers, the GAPSW said it will demonstrate its commitment in doing what really matters when it comes to combating social problems such as suicide, depression, abuse, sexual exploitation and other ills that pose a threat to society. According to Deorris, they have planned a number of motivational sessions aimed at schools within Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Moreover, they intend to reach out to third and final-year University of Guyana sociology students in an effort to recruit them and enlighten them about the operations of the GAPSW and its upcoming activities. She reiterated the need for an inclusionary approach towards the alleviation of social ills, highlighting that their mandate is not just to work single-handedly, but to collaborate with other advocates and agencies. This partnership, she said, is needed because of the limitations and scarcity of resources. Therefore, “we must not compete but co-operate, because we want organisations to know about our skillsets in order to work along with us. “We extend our hand in collaboration with the government [and] civil society, because we want them to help us continue the good work, and create a future partnership so that we can make the world a better place,” said the GAPSW president. The GAPSW said it is a professional, non-governmental organisation with a rich and successful history of over 42 years in the area of professional development of their members; creating positive social change in the lives of the disadvantaged and vulnerable; and enhancing the general welfare and well-being of local communities and the country as a whole.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Berbice man charged with chopping wife to death TWENTY-nine-year-old Ravindra Bandoo, also known as ‘Birdie’, appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with murdering his reputed wife on March 8 at their Princetown, Corriverton home. He appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh where he was refused bail and remanded to prison until April 04. Detective Corporal Denzil Frank swore to the accuracy of the information which alleged that the defendant murdered Indrawattee Somwar, called ‘Sharda’, by chopping her to death. Bandoo, who is a carpenter, was unpresented by counsel. Murder accused However he told the Ravindra Bandoo court that he was never charged with any offence. Later in the court yard he was overheard saying that he had given the victim “his all”, having commenced a relationship with her at the age of 16. Somwar, a mother of three, was 40-years-old at the time of her death. Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Godfrey Playter informed the court that statements are currently being reviewed as the investigation into the murder continues. According to neighbours, the duo had shared an abusive relationship and Somwar was at the receiving end. A neighbour had told the Guyana Chronicle that when she heard the quarrel she thought that it was the usual conflict but it quickly escalated to extreme violence. Reports indicated that Somwar realised that the situation was getting out of control and tried to escape from her home by running out of the yard. But her reputed husband reportedly followed her and dealt her several chops about the body. She fell before she reached the gate and her attacker allegedly continued to chop her in the head until she ceased to move.

29

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

31

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

33

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

35

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Wednesday March 16th, 2016 - 11:00 hrs Thursday March 17th, 2016 - 12:30 hrs Friday March 18th, 2016 - 13:30 hrs

37

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

39

40

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

41

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

43

44

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

45

46

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Dhoni bemoans batting shortcomings MS Dhoni said India’s batting left a lot to be desired after they suffered a surprise defeat to New Zealand in the first game of the

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:50 hrs Royal Armour 09:25 hrs Ostentation 10:00 hrs Roy’s Monkey 10:40 hrs Zagora 11:15 hrs For Ever ENGLISH RACING TIPS Southwell 09:20 hrs Sooqaan 09:55 hrs Be My Sea 10:35 hrs Street Duel 11:15 hrs Remarkable 11:55 hrs Ian’s Memory 12:35 hrs Sadie Babes 13:15 hrs Rampers 13:50 hrs Harwoods Star CHELTENHAM 09:30 hrs Yanworth 10:10 hrs More Of That 10:50 hrs Arbre De Vie 11:30 hrs Un De Sceaux 12:10 hrs Josies Orders 11:50 hrs Missy Tata 12:30 hrs Ner to this Town BANGOR 10:25 hrs Definitely Better 11:05 hrs Whiskey Chaser 11:45 hrs Boy In A Bentley 12:25 hrs Zarliman 13:05 hrs Rocky Stone 13:40 hrs Peter The Mayo Man AMERICAN RACING TIPS Gulfstream Race 1 Scam Race 2 Liberty Lunch Race 3 Diplomatic Affair Race 4 Beaukati Race 5 High Heeled Race 6 My Dinah Lee Race 7 Hoarder Race 8 Zoot Suit Race 9 Big N Tasty

World Twenty20 Super 10 stage in Nagpur yesterday. Tournaments favourites India restricted the Black Caps to 126-7 after Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry wicket. But New Zealand’s spinners caused all sorts of problems for the India batsmen and the hosts could only muster 79 all out to leave

an expectant crowd at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium stunned. Mitchell Santner (4-11), Ish Sodhi (3-18) and Nathan McCullum (2-15) came to the fore after pacemen Trent Boult and Tim Southee were omitted to ensure New Zealand maintained their unbeaten record against India in the shortest format of the game. India captain Dhoni, who

top-scored with 30, said: “They definitely exploited the conditions and bowled well but we lacked adaptability. “ I t w a s a l o w - s c o ring wicket definitely but I thought we’d restricted them to a good total. “It was the batting that let us down. There were quite a few soft dismissals. Maybe with the shot selections we

kept putting pressure on and there was no partnership in the middle, we were quite down when it came to the run rate.” I n d i a m u s t re g ro u p ahead of their second Group 2 game against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday, while New Zealand take on Australia a day earlier. (Omnisport).

Petra/Milo Schools Football semi-final set for today WHAT started with 32 teams, boils down to the ‘final four’ as the Petra Organisation’s Milo Schools football tournament prepares to host its semi-final today at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. In the opening game from 16:00hrs, Queen’s College will collide with Lodge Secondary, while defending champions Chase Academy

face South Ruimveldt Secondary. Queen’s College had overcome rivals Bishops’ High school 4-2 on penalty, while Chase were dominant in their 3-0 win over North Ruimveldt Secondary in the quarter-finals to set up today’s interesting contest. Laced with unarguably some of Guyana’s best youth talents, Chase Academy are clear favourites to win their

second title in the competition’s fourth edition. The likes of Kelsey Benjamin and Ryan Hackett are more than capable of taking Chase Academy to Saturday’s final, which is set for the same venue. But while all eyes are on the star-studded defending champions, South Ruimveldt Secondary have been quietly creating a stir in the tournament.

Cecil Jackson, South Ruimveldt’s leading goalscorer, could cause some trouble for the Chase defence who are yet to be really tested in the tournament. However, on the other end of the pitch, interestingly, South Ruimveldt will be hard-pressed to do what few schools in the city have been able to do, which is, to shut down Chase’s welloiled attack.

Bravo releases ‘Champion’ single as Windies World Cup anthem WEST Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will hope that life imitates art, so to speak, following the release of his new track ‘Champion’ ahead of the start of the team’s ICC World T20 campaign. The Windies will be looking for their second hold on the title since first claiming it four years ago

and Bravo hopes his tune, which pays tribute to some of the region’s top athletes, will serve as motivation. In addition to himself and batting star Chris Gayle, who joined the ‘Chalo Chalo’ singer on stage for an impromptu performance on Monday night, the song mentions the likes of the West Indian legend Brian

Lara, NBA star Michael Jordan, U.S. President Barack Obama, former South African president Nelson Mandela, tennis star Serena Williams and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt as being ‘champions’. The regional team, number two-ranked in the world behind hosts India, will open their campaign against

England at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai today.. After facing England today the West Indies will play Sri Lanka on March 20, South Africa on March 25 and finish against Afghanistan on March 27. Only the top two sides of each group will progress to the semi-finals. (Sportsmax.com)

Kiwis humble India ... From back page bowlers,” the Kiwi captain said. “But at the same time we are looking to do the best we can in these conditions. Certainly the spinners paid off today. The wicket spun a lot and they bowled very well on it.” The first three balls of the match contained the kind of drama and excitement that fans would be expecting from the sixth edition of the tournament in cricket’s emotional and financial home in India. After Williamson won the toss and decided to set a target, Martin Guptill nonchalantly hit the first delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin over the bowler’s head for a six. The off-spinner settled the score in the very next ball, trapping the

batsman leg-before with a delivery that, replay suggested, would have gone over the stumps. New man in Colin Munro reverse-hit the next ball for a six but threw his wicket in the next over. As wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Corey Anderson (34) tried to steady the innings and it was Luke Ronchi’s (21 not out) 11-ball cameo that took them past the 125-mark. The Indian fans expected the chase to be a stroll in the park but Santner, who was adjudged manof-the-match, and McCullum had other ideas. They blew away India’s top order, reducing them to 26-4 in the fifth over to derail their chase. Virat Kohli (23) resisted the onslaught for a while but Sodhi struck a crucial blow with his

very first ball to send back the Indian batting mainstay. Home captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni waged a lone battle with a run-a-ball 30 but the celebrated ‘finisher’ could not get his team over the line. New Zealand beat India at their own game with their spinners claiming nine of the 10 wickets but Dhoni insisted the defeat was more down to his team’s careless batting. “It was our batting that let us down,” the home captain said after India’s fifth futile attempt to beat New Zealand in Twenty20 Internationals. “There were quite a few soft dismissals. It was not like the deliveries got a lot of batsmen out. Maybe it was our shot selection ... there was no partnership also,” Dhoni rued.

47

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

United Nations suspend Sharapova from ambassadorial role MARIA Sharapova has been suspended as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations after the former world number one admitted she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium at this year’s Australian Open. The U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), for which the five-time grand slam winner became a goodwill ambassador in February 2007, suspended the Russian until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known. “In light of Ms Sharapova’s recent announcement, we last week suspended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while the investigation

continues. We wish Ms Sharapova the best,” the UNDP told Reuters in an emailed statement. Sharapova’s work with the U.N. focused mainly on helping survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, but links to her profile on the U.N.’s official website (www.un.org) were not working yesterday. “The United Nations Development Programme remains grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support of our work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear Former world number one Maria Sharapova

IOC re-tests Beijing, London samples ahead of Rio 2016 BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - Re-testing of hundreds of athletes’ samples collected at the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Games is underway as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bids to root out cheats ahead of Rio 2016. Doping has overshadowed the run-up to

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach speaks during a ceremony of the one-year countdown to host the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 5, 2015. (Reuters/Sergio Moraes/Files) the Olympics with scandals involving the IAAF, the ruling body of athletics, track and field competitors plus several countries including Russia and Kenya who could be excluded from the Games. “The aim of the (re-testing) programme is to prevent athletes who

cheated in London or Beijing, and got away with it because we didn’t have as advanced methods of analysis as we do now, from competing in Rio de Janeiro,” IOC medical director Richard Budgett told an anti-doping symposium in Lausanne yesterday. “The results will come in a number of weeks or months.” Athletics, the showpiece sport of the Olympics, was rocked last year when Russia was suspended from the sport after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) investigation uncovered a state-sponsored doping programme. Kenya could also be banned if it does not deliver on promises to WADA. Tennis was dragged through the mud last week when former world number one Maria Sharapova announced she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium. The IOC said it welcomed a new WADA task force that would gather information and intelligence and identify athletes who should be included in registered testing pools, and those that should be tested during the four-week period of Rio 2016. Olympic samples are frozen by the IOC for eight years and re-tested using new methods. It also looks for substances that were not known at the time of competition. The first Games in South America will be held from August 5 to 21.

PCL Points Standings after the 9th round ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Following are the Official Points Standings after the ninth round of matches ended on Monday in the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, T-tied, I-incomplete match, A-abandoned match, DP-Abandoned match due to dangerous pitch, MR-match referee awarding match, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points

disaster recovery,” the statement added. Sharapova, the highest-paid woman in world sport, has been losing sponsors ever since she announced the failed test at a press conference on March 7. Nike, the world’s largest sportswear maker, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and German luxury car maker Porsche have suspended their ties with her. The 28-year-old faces a ban of up to four years pending the outcome of an investigation by the International Tennis Federation.

48

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Former cricketers rate Windies World Cup T20 chances as good By Rajiv Bisnauth PROBABLY the most destructive team in the competition, West Indies have all the ingredients to go on and win the ICC World T20 in India.

team comprising Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy should be considered as favourities to win any T20 format. H o w e v e r, w h a t g o e s against them is the perpetual

ing out of important players like Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons for various reasons. If the team can put up a cohesive front, they are a very dangerous team to face. West Indies have been

RAMNARESH SARWAN

MARK HARPER

INDERJEET PERSAUD

As bowling legend Curtly Ambrose rightly pointed out, they have a number of T20 superstars playing in various leagues around the world and a

conflict present in their cricket, with the fight between the players and the board escalating with each passing year. Added to that is the pull-

drawn in Group 1 along with England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Afghanistan (Group B winners). They possess some of the

best match-winners in the T20 format and if they can get past the controversy and infighting that seem to dog them, they stand a good chance of reaching the knock-out stages. The Darren Sammy-led side climbed to No.1 in the ICC T20 rankings in January before India defeated Australia and Sri Lanka to get the top spot and push the Caribbean team to second place with 118 rating points. H o w e v e r, C h ro n i c l e Sport spoke with a few former cricketers enthusiasts about the West Indies chances. Former Guyana batsman and coach, Mark Harper, feels the fearless and uninhibited style of play makes West Indies a dangerous team in the shortest format and a strong contender for winning the tournament. “I think we are doing

extremely well in the T20 format. Obviously India will start as favourties because of the home conditions which will favour spin, and their batsmen are more used to those conditions but having said that West Indies have some dangerous spinners as well. “Once we bowl and field well we definitely have a good chance,” the 58-year-old said. Local cricket commentator, Inderjeet Persaud acknowledged that West Indies chances are as good as any other team. “We have some of the best T20 players in the world; they are proven match-winners in the format, and if they can bring their A game to the table there is no reason why West Indies cannot win the tournament,” Persaud pointed out. However, Persaud too feels India will start as favourties

because of the home conditions. Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan is of the opinion that West Indies allround abilities will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. “We have a number of match-winners, and our allround abilities give us the edge,” Sarwan revealed. The West Indies play England in their opening game on March 16 before taking on Sir Lanka on March 20, South Africa on March 25 and Group B qualifiers on March 27. The full squad reads: Darren Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin (wkp.), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor.

India Women beat Bangladesh by 72 runs in World T20 opener … New Zealand overcome Sri Lanka INDIA opened the Women’s World Twenty20 with a 72-run victory over Bangladesh. Captain Mithali Raj made 42 off 35 balls, Harmanpreet Kaur 40 from 29 and Vellaswamy Vanitha 38 off 24 in India’s 163-5 in Bangalore. Anuja Patil claimed 2-16 and Poonam Yadav 2-17 as Bangladesh managed only 91-5 en route to their second heaviest T20 defeat in terms of runs. New Zealand, twice runners-up, opened their campaign with a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Delhi. Sri Lanka were well placed when Dilani Manodara and Yasoda Mendis

shared 53 for the second wicket, but slipped from 81-2 in the 13th over to 110-8. New Zealand raced to their target with 25 balls to spare, captain Suzie Bates making 37 at a run-a-ball

and Sara McGlashan ending unbeaten on 21 from 14 deliveries. England, winners in 2009, face Bangladesh at 10:00 GMT tomorrow. (BBC Sport)

India captain Mithali Raj made 42 off 35 balls

NOTABLE DATES

DONALD Allison had only lost once in 10 fights when he clashed with Thomas Hernandez for the first of two bouts. The six-round fight was held on March 16, 1990 at the Gleason’s Arena in Brooklyn, New York and Allison won the by points. The second battle between the two super lightweights was held on May 17, 1991. Allison won the 10-round contest by technical knockout (TKO) in the sixth round. Born in Guyana, Allison competed mostly in the USA. He was crowned New York State super light (junior welterweight) cham-

pion in July 1990 following a unanimous win over Jose Avila. In February 1991 Allison made an unsuccessful attempt to capture the International Boxing Council (IBC) title. The Guyanese lost by unanimous decision to American Tony Martin. The fight was held at the Mark Etess Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Allison was born on December 1, 1963 and had his first professional fight in June 1988. His career lasted six years during which time 14 victories, six losses and one draw were achieved. Two of his 21 fights were staged outside the USA.

49

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Hood, Jazz shoot down Cavaliers (THE Sports Xchange) TAKING over games is quickly becoming Rodney Hood’s personal trademark. Hood lights a fire under the Utah Jazz offence every time he shoots these days. That was certainly the case in a 94-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. The second-year guard rattled off 28 points on 9-of-16 shooting -- which included four 3-pointers. Hood provided a huge lift for Utah in the absence of leading scorer Gordon Hayward, who missed the game due to plantar fasciitis. “My teammates were telling me to be aggressive,” Hood said. “I got going early, and stuff started to open up.” Shelvin Mack added 17 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, while Derrick Favors chipped in 19 points and Trey Lyles added 12 points for the Jazz (32-35). Utah shot 44.4 percent (12-for-27) from the perimeter to help secure their third consecutive victory and keep pace with Dallas and Houston in the battle for the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Mavericks and Rockets, both 34-33, are each two games ahead of the Jazz. LeBron James scored 23 points and collected 12 rebounds, notching his 23rd double-double of the season to lead Cleveland. Kyrie Irving chipped in 15 points and Kevin Love added 12 point. Cleveland (47-19) had won three straight and six of seven before falling to the Jazz. The Cavaliers were doomed by poor perimeter shooting, connecting on just 23.8 percent of their 3-pointers, 10 of 42. “We had our chance,” James said. “We definitely settled for the outside shot too much … and didn’t get into the paint. They did a great job of capitalising on our mistakes.” Cleveland appeared primed to run away from

the Jazz early in the first quarter, racing out to an 11-4 lead on an alley-oop dunk from James. Utah quickly fought back. Mack drilled a 3-pointer and Rudy Gobert followed with a three-point play to spark a 13-2 run. Favors and Hood capped the run with another pair of back-to-back baskets to put the Jazz up 19-15. Utah eventually built up a five-point lead in the quarter after Raul Neto drilled a 3-pointer to make it 26-21. The Cavs rallied

did what Rodney does,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. “I’m not sure he was aware of it. He didn’t hunt shots. He was really aggressive when he had a window.” Utah led 61-52 after Hood’s fourth 3-pointer when the Cavaliers finally mounted a comeback. Cleveland used a 14-3 run - capped by back-to-back 3-pointers from Channing Frye and James - to jump back in front 66-64 late in the third quarter. It didn’t last long. Lyles took over in the fourth quar-

Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) is defended by Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) during an NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. The Jazz defeated the Kings 108-99. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) early in the second quarter and briefly went ahead 3534 when Irving drove for a layup. Hood countered with a pair of jumpers to help put the Jazz back up 40-35. He was just getting warmed up. Hood tacked on a 3-pointer and fed Mack in the corner for another 3-pointer to give Utah a 4842 lead with 29.9 seconds left before halftime. His third 3-pointer pushed the Jazz’s advantage to 53-44 early in the third quarter. “I really think Rodney

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday March 16, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Dwayne Bravo-16 wickets (2) Samuel Badree: 4/15 off 4 overs (WI vs BANG, Dhaka, 2014)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which Englishman has played most ICC T20 World Cup matches to date? (2) Who were the losing semi-finalists of the last ICC T20 World Cup?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ter. He drilled back-to-back 3-pointers to put Utah ahead again. It sparked a 16-2 run that helped the Jazz pull. Joe Ingles capped the run with another 3-pointer, giving Utah an 86-73 lead with 4:41 left. Lyles scored 10 points in the quarter before being ejected for committing a flagrant foul against Frye with 3:57 remaining. Frye also was tossed out after being assessed for his second technical. “Trey Lyles was big -hitting threes, getting to the basket,” Hood said. “He created some separation. We’re a really good defensive team, so we got some stops when we needed them. It was big for us.” Making a fourth-quarter comeback proved impossible for Cleveland because it could not crack Utah’s defence. The Jazz forced the Cavs to the perimeter, and that doomed Cleveland on a night when shots didn’t fall. It also thwarted the Cavaliers’ chance of going 4-0 on their Western road trip. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, naturally,” Love said. “It’s bittersweet. We wanted to go 4-0, but three out of four on a road trip where we played two back-to-backs is not bad. We seek perfection. We always want to be better.”

50

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Agricola surge to top with huge win over Diamond in EBFA/STAG League … Soesdyke edge Kuru Kururu

THREE players netted a double each as 13 goals were scored on day two of the STAG/ EBFA Senior League which continued on Sunday at the Grove Playfield. Agricola Red Triangle, behind a brace each from captain Winston Rawlins and Devon Jeffers as well as two own goals, hammered Diamond United 8-0 in the feature match of a double-header to surge to the top of the points table on goal difference ahead of defending champions Grove Hi Tech and Soesdyke Falcons. On a mission to win the championship this time around, Agricola wasted little time in taking command of the game. By the end of the first half they were already 3-0 up. Devon Jeffers opened their account in the 11th minute as Diamond took some time to get into their stride. Agricola were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute which was scored by Jermaine Frank. Custodian Nathanial Paul could not stop the shot. Seven minutes later, Diamond scored against themselves (Reun Williams), the first of two such goals which handed Agricola a comfortable 3-0 advantage by the end of the half. With their tails up, Agricola wasted little time in further consolidating their hold on the game. Two minutes into the half Jeffers completed his double to cap a fine game as he was replaced by Raphael

Bollers later in the half. Collis Samuels made it 5-0 in the 60th minute for Agricola and one minute later, captain Winston Rawlins netted the first of his two as Agricola continued to run riot in the Diamond defence. Trying to clear the ball from another of Agricola’s raids, a defender drilled his spinning shot into the back of the net past the hapless goalkeeper Paul in the 85th minute which took the score to 7-0. Captain Rawlins sealed the game at 8-0 for Agricola with his second goal in the 87th minute - a win which gave Agricola pole position at the top of the points table. Sunday’s opening game produced some exciting football between two sides with a long history of rivalry. Kuru Kururu Warriors, the first EBFA side to be competing in the National Beach Soccer League, took the lead against Soesdyke with a well-taken shot by Ryan Scott who staved off a defender to see his shot glide across custodian John Stell into the back of the net. But that lead was short-lived as the experienced Soesdyke side, boosted with a number of Timehri players (their club no longer exists), clawed their way back to level the score at 1-1. Colin McLean breached the Warriors’ defence and goalkeeper Joseph Walker, Kuru Kururu’s most prolific scorer Cordel Johnson restored his side’s

Food for the Poor assists GABA THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has been given a shot in the arm after receiving a quantity of mattresses from Food for the Poor. The GABA recently collected 25 bunk mattresses from the entity, which would be used at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym in Albouystown. The gym houses boxers preparing for local and overseas competitions. GABA had written to Food for the Poor last year requesting the support and the donation was handed over to Technical Director Terrence Poole. GABA president Steve Ninvalle, while thanking Food for the Poor, declared that the presentation was timely, since the association would be encamping a schoolboys team and a junior team soon. “It is a timely gesture as in a few weeks we will be

commencing encampment for the International Schoolboys and at present those at the Andrew Lewis gym are worn. This would greatly enhance our ability to comfort-

GABA Technical Director Terrence Poole ably house athletes,” Ninvalle said. Food for the Poor Inc.

is an ecumenical Christian non-profit organisation, based in Coconut Creek, Florida, USA, that provides food, medicine, and shelter, among other services, to the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. Apart from Guyana; Food for the Poor Inc. operates in Antigua, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Peru, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent and the United States of America. GABA would be hosting the Caribbean’s first International Schoolboys and Juniors tournament next month. The event would be staged on April 29 and 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. So far Barbados, Jamaica and St Lucia have confirmed participation at the novel tournament.

Agricola’s Red Triangle captain Winston Rawlins (#10) scores his team’s sixth goal in the 61st minute against Diamond. advantage in the 24th minute. But again they were kept in check by the Soesdyke side who were awarded a penalty in the 41st minute and it was clinically put away by the experienced Marvin Joseph in the 41st minute - the first of his two goals. Both sides kept the pressure on each other

as there was great urgency to get the go-ahead goal. The momentum was now with Soesdyke and the players made it count for them as Joseph hammered in the winner in the 62nd minute. Matches will continue on Sunday at the same venue.

Teams P W L D GF GA GD Agricola 1 1 0 0 8 0 +8 3 Grove 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 3 Soesdyke 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 3 Kuru Kururu 1 0 1 0 2 3 -1 0 Herstelling 1 0 1 0 1 4 -3 0 Diamond 1 0 1 0 0 8 -8 0 Mocha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Man City ease into Champions League last eight MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) Manchester City kept a lifeless Dynamo Kiev in check to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time yesterday with a 0-0 draw that came at an injury cost for Manuel Pellegrini’s men. City captain Vincent Kompany limped off after five minutes with a muscle problem and fellow defender Nicolas Otamendi followed soon after as the hosts moved into the last eight with a 3-1 aggregate success that was entirely due to their first-leg victory. There was little in terms of goalmouth action throughout the return leg at the Etihad Stadium, with City having the game’s best chance when Jesus Navas hit the post midway the second half. Pellegrini’s team, who were knocked out in the last 16 by Barcelona in each of the last two seasons and face local rivals Manchester United in a domestic derby on Sunday, only looked like conceding at the end when keeper Joe Hart saved well from Vitaliy

Buyalskiy. City, whose Premier League title hopes were dented with a 0-0 draw at Norwich City on Saturday, suffered a further blow when Kompany was forced off with what looked like a

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany calf problem. Their injury woes were compounded when Otamendi was also substituted with barely 20 minutes on the clock in what was a soporific start to the encounter. With City under no pres-

sure to attack having secured a comfortable first-leg advantage, and Kiev seemingly impotent up front, the first half was played like a testimonial. The Ukrainian domestic champions caused a few uneasy moments for the makeshift City centre back partnership of Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala but created no clear-cut chances. It took 58 minutes for the home side to make any sort of incision into the Kiev defence as Yaya Toure exchanged quick passes with Sergio Aguero before the Argentine striker flashed his shot wide from a tight angle. Navas then crashed an effort against the foot of the post three minutes later as the game showed signs of life while Toure fired straight at Kiev keeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy with 20 minutes to play. Hart was forced into action in the final few moments with a good block to deny Buyalskiy on an otherwise easy night for the City keeper.

51

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 16, 2016

Why the secrecy surrounding the Golden Jaguars Caribbean Cup squad? By Rawle Toney WITH seven days to go before Guyana play Anguilla in the CFU Caribbean Cup tournament, there is great secrecy surrounding the composition of the Golden Jaguars squad. The Anguillans will arrive in Guyana sometime over the weekend for their March 22 match against Jamaal Shabazz’s men at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, but the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is keeping a still tongue when it comes to the shortlisted players. Apart from the fact the GFF’s marketing campaign for the game is very poor, Guyanese, especially those who are active on the various social media platforms, have been voicing their concerns about not knowing who will be representing them in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) showpiece. Thanks to Facebook, we’ve learned that UKbased players Marcel Barrington and Samuel Cox will be making their journey to Guyana to be part of Shabazz’s set-up, but no word on the other overseas-based players, especially captain Christopher Nurse who recently signed a contract with NASL club

Puerto Rico FC. While stating that the best possible team will represent Guyana, GFF president Wayne Forde, since taking office, also stated

riname also saw the return of forward Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson (scored both goals in the 2-0 win) and his Pele FC teammate Travis Grant.

else the country is eagerly awaiting. The GFF was fined 4 000 Swiss francs (G$859 000) for playing Briggs during their 2-0 win over

deliberated over the matter before handing down the sanction.,“the GFF is liable for the violation of Article 5 of the Regulations governing the Application of the

Guyana Men’s National football team, prior to kick-off against Suriname, at the Guyana National Stadium earlier this month. (Photo, compliments of the GFF) that more local players will be given a chance to represent the Golden Jaguars. Recently, the GFF’s boss also backed up those talks by hosting an International Friendly against neighbouring rivals Suriname that featured only local players and those who are competing in the on-going STAG Elite League. The match against Su-

With players like Emery Welshman, the Real Salt Lake striker, along with Colchester United’s Matthew Briggs, all since Guyana’s exit from the FIFA World Cup Qualifier stating their commitment to the National team, the public is more than interested to hear if the aforementioned players will be in the line-up. Clarification on the Briggs eligibility to represent Guyana is something

Grenada in an International Friendly on March 29, 2015 at the Guyana National Stadium. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee conducted an investigation on the participation of Briggs with the representative team of the GFF in the International ‘A’ friendly match. According to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee who met on October 9 and

Statutes as well as Article 55. 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for having fielded the player, Matthew Briggs, without holding the Guyanese nationality”. Pernel Schultz had led Guyana to a 2-0 victory over Grenada, scoring both goals in the first half (18th and 38th minutes). FIFA further noted that the match is declared a loss by forfeit by Guyana (3-0),

citing articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The GFF was also ordered to take all appropriate measures in order to guarantee that the FIFA regulations are strictly complied with. The 25-year-old Briggs, the youngest player to feature in the English Premier League (EPL) with Fulham FC, got his first senior International cap when he represented Guyana against Grenada, leading up to the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. Briggs, who qualified to represent Guyana through his grandmother, had represented England at the U-16 through U-21 levels but never broke into the country’s senior national side. Was this issue settled so that Briggs could represent Guyana at the CFU? There’s much to be desired when it comes to the GFF properly informing the public and the media about the National Team. What about Neil Danns? Will he be included in Guyana’s line-up? What about his condition to play? The last time we heard that the Bolton Wanderers player was unlikely to feature since he was nursing an injury Efforts to contact Shabazz proved futile since the Trinidadian is currently out of Guyana.

GMR&SC National Race of Champions

Mane red card rescinded Deokie hyped after pre-season testing after Southampton appeal By Stephan Sookram

MECHANICS and drivers alike are thrown into high gear for this weekend’s first National Race of Champions 2016 and many are on the homestretch of having their machines ready for action. One such competitor is group one’s Daniel Deokie, who is hyped after completing one of his many preseason tests yesterday at the South Dakota Circuit and according to him, everything

is moving to plan. “Preparations are coming along just fine; we did some testing last week on the car and got some positive results. From a driver’s perspective there is always room for improvement and I’m never too old to learn; and with the car there is definitely room for improvement,” contended Deokie. He noted that with the rule change allowing for additional parts, inclusive of final drives, gearbox ratios and tuneable

Daniel Deokie’s Honda Civic

Engine Control Unit (ECU), the coming year will see him advance his Honda Civic. The Civic pilot added, “I’m looking to bring my confidence over from last November meet so I could start the 2016 season off on a high.” “It wouldn’t be an easy task at all to pull off wins (on Sunday) knowing there are numerous skilled and talented drivers in my group, but having close competition is good. That’s the only way it makes you a better driver,” said the group one driver. His Red Civic is sponsored by Fitness 53 Gym, Toucan Industry, GUYOIL, AAA Girls (Annette, Andrea, Amin) and team ER Racing. GTT and Fly Jamaica are the main sponsors of the Championship to date and admission fees have been set at $500 per child and $1 000 per adult. Race-time is 09:30hrs on Sunday.

(REUTERS) - Sadio Mane’s red card for serious foul play in Southampton’s Premier League game against Stoke City on Saturday has been overturned, the Football Association said yesterday. Mane was sent off by referee Lee Mason in the dying minutes of the match, which Southampton won 2-1, after clashing with Stoke’s Erik Pieters. Southampton appealed against the decision and an independent commission upheld the challenge, the FA said on its website. The Senegal striker will not now have to serve any suspension and is available for Southampton’s next match, at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Southampton’s Sadio Mane is shown a red card by referee Lee Mason. (Action Images via Reuters/ Jason Cairnduff)

Why the secrecy surrounding the Golden Jaguars Caribbean Cup squad? See story on page 51

Kiwis humble India in World T20 Super10 opener

KANE Williamson’s gamble to compromise on speed and pick three specialist spinners paid off as New Zealand humbled hosts India by 47 runs in a spin-dominated Super10 contest of the World Twenty20 yesterday. Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 126-7 in the Group Two contest on a prodigiously turning track at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, seemingly a below-par total against the host nation who are famed for their proficiency against spin bowling. New Zealand’s threepronged spin attack, however, ensured it was more than enough as Mitchell Santner (411), Nathan McCullum (2-15) and the Indian-born Ish Sodhi (3-18) wrecked the hosts who folded for 79 in 18.1 overs. Williamson said it was not an easy decision to drop the pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult to accommodate the spinners. “Obviously that was tough, they are world class See page 46

Prolific opening batsman Rohit Sharma is stumped for 5 in the third over as New Zealand’s spinners began to choke the home side.

Petra/Milo Schools Football semi-final set for today See story on page 46

Chase Academy’s strike force Ryan Hackett, Ralph Parris and Kelsey Benjamin Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9

Bravo releases ‘Champion’ single as Windies World Cup anthem See story on page 46

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016