Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 08 2016

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17, 2016

No. 104646

Price: $80

Tragic bath at Bath (Vat Inclusive)

… woman drowns, disabled daughter clings to life for hours on weeds

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Deceased Nazmoon Majeed

Uprooted! Heavy winds Tuesday morning uprooted this tree on Main Street, Georgetown, causing traffic and other disruptions Survivor: Sally (Samuel Maughn photo)

Ramayya resigns as Region 6 REO

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Passport office Page9 opens in Linden

‘Old’ cars will be Page dumped, 16 forfeited … GRA warns dealers

Surinamese 13 nabbed with hashish, ecstasy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Tragic bath at Bath … woman drowns, disabled daughter clings to life for hours on weeds

By Clifford Stanley THE body of a 44-yearold woman was Tuesday afternoon fished out of the sideline trench at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice where she and her thirteen-year-old daughter had gone to bathe late Monday afternoon. The dead woman has

been identified as Nazmoon Majeed also known as Do Do of Lot 651, Referendum City Bath Settlement. Her daughter Sally who has several disabilities was found Monday night clinging to some aquatic weeds in the trench, very much alive and apparently none the worse for the ordeal. Zairoon Rahim, the

Deceased: Nazmoon Majeed dead woman’s sister, said that she had left home around 1700hrs Monday afternoon with her daughter to bathe her in the trench some distance

away from the home. “The child likes this bathing in the water and my sister used to take her there almost every afternoon,” the woman said. “Is her

Survivor: Sally regular routine. Me ain’t know how she drowned now,” she added. Rahim said that around 8pm members of the family became disturbed after her sister had not returned home with the child. They alerted neighbours who

formed a search party and eventually found the child who cannot walk without assistance clinging to aquatic weeds in the middle of the trench, very much alive and apparently none the worse for the ordeal. They continued searching for the mother throughout Monday night and yesterday and eventually found her body around 1730 hrs. Relatives said that her body did not have any visible marks of violence. A post mortem examination is expected to be performed today. Police are investigating. Meanwhile neighbours expressed concern about the future of the thirteen-year-old. “This child was born like that and cannot do anything for herself. The mother used to take care of her. Now that she is gone this child will be in a very vulnerable situation,” one concerned resident said. She expressed hopes that the Social Services Ministry would intervene very quickly to take care of the handicapped girl.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Drop-in Centre fire

CoI urges overhaul of child care unit … says fire was waiting to happen

By Alva Solomon THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly fire at the Drop-in-Centre on Hadfield Street on July 8 last has recommended major overhaul of the child protection unit, including recruitment of adequately qualified staff to meet the demands of child care responsibilities. The inquiry, undertaken by lone commissioner retired Colonel Windee Algernon, having examined events which resulted in the deaths of brothers Antonio and Joshua George, pointed to the cause of the fire being the result of a defective electrical point fitted with exposed wires on the eastern wall of the girls’ dormitory at the centre. Recommendations were made by the Guyana Fire Service in 2010 and last year in the interest of improving “life and fire safety”, but those were not followed, the report said. The Algernon Report said the system to protect the two children had failed, and effectively blamed all parties involved. “The system to protect the children failed, and therefore all the players are collectively responsible”, the report stated. It noted that the tragedy was waiting to happen, and pointed to several names at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) being culpable, including the Manager for all Care Centres; the Deputy Director of Policy and Development, who has overall responsibility for administration of the three child care facilities; and the House Services Supervisor of the Drop-in Centre, who has general administrative control of the facility. The supervisor on duty on the night of the fire was not entirely blamed, but because the children died in her care, she could not be absolved from blame. The Algernon Report also recommended that the Ministry of Social Protection focus on cutting red tape and improving the skills and knowledge of social workers, so that they could adequately protect children who are in the State’s care. The report called on the ministry to arrange and conduct inspections of similar facilities nationwide, and to develop emergency evacuation plans to be implemented at all child care facilities. “These plans must include safety protocols”, the report said. As regards personnel, the report said in-house training, including rehearsal, should be conducted for staff in crisis management at all child care facilities. The report also recommended that child care workers be given additional time away from the working environment to relax after a period of work or tension. Among its findings, the CoI said that on July 7, five children were admitted to the facility. At the time of the fire, there were two children under five years; nine children between the ages of five and twelve years old; and the largest group being twenty children who ranged between the ages of thirteen and seventeen years. Using the children/staff ratio, a minimum of six staffers should have been on duty to adequately meet the needs of the children. However, on the fateful night, only two supervisors were on duty. In addition, the House Services supervisor, who had the authority to call out additional staff, failed to do so for no valid reason. The report also said the staff on duty failed to follow written guidelines for management of crisis situations, resulting in confusion and panic which led to the tragic deaths of the two children. The CoI noted that the centre was not in full compliance with the fire regulations, as there were no operational fire escapes, smoke alarms or marked fire exits; and neither were there any signs on the wall providing guidance in the case of

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, receiving the report from Commissioner, retired Colonel Windee Algernon (centre right). Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence, and Acting Chief Fire Winston McGregor (right) also received copies of the report a fire. However, there were fire extinguishers and blankets discontinued” working with the CCPA, while the others have on both floors of the facility, but neither the children nor staff scaled down their association with the child care body. members were trained to use them. Soon after the July 8 tragedy, President David Granger The role of non-governmental organisations(NGOs) was ordered a Commission of Inquiry into the incident which also recognised in the report. It said that the CCPA continues claimed the lives of six-year-old Antonio and two-year-old to recognize the collaborative role of NGOs in strengthening Joshua George, after they became trapped in a section the child protection system. They include Child Link, Blossom of the building. The President said at the time that he Inc and Red Thread, “who provide invaluable services to the was prepared to take strong disciplinary action should children at the Drop-in Centre”. the inquiry into the deaths at the facility point to gross However, it was noted that Red Thread has “seemingly negligence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Turning a new chapter - Domestic violence survivor talks plans for the future

By Alva Solomon SITTING confidently in front of the cameras, Natasha Houston said she is embarking on a new chapter in her life, one that will see her spreading awareness to victims of abuse and those in abusive relationships. She told reporters yesterday, at the Help and Shelter Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, that she wants to bring about a change in the society, whereby she would educate persons on the benefits of speaking out while in abusive relationships, and she wants to seek assistance in the form of counselling from Help and Shelter, the local non-governmental organisation which took her under its wing soon after her life had been brutally threatened, around 18:00hrs on July 31, 2013. On that day, her late husband Richard Lord almost killed her during a chilling episode which lasted for minutes and left her two children, Kimberly Houston, 5, and Saif Amad Lord, 2, dead at their Lot 867 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo home. Lord later committed suicide. As this publication reported last December, Natasha has seen her daughter die, has had shadows of her own death, and has felt her son’s death. As a mother, she fought with one hand, in blood and pain, to save her two-year-old boy; but as she ran to open the door for his safe escape, her berserk husband chopped the fingers off her left hand after severing her right hand, as he displayed his horribly brutish nature and took her a few steps closer to the end.

rehabilitation, inclusive of accompanying expenses such as accommodation and food, is in the vicinity of G$9M.

A CHANGED PERSON But today she is a changed person. Natasha benefited from the assistance of several private entities and individuals, including Help and Shelter’s co-founder Denise Dias, who came to her aid in August 2013 when she was just 21 years old. Dias, who was present yesterday during the press briefing, said she realised that the young woman had within her the strength and courage to continue on her path to a better life. Dias said that after the injuries to her hands had healed, Natasha was taken to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and to assess whether she could be outfitted with artificial limbs. However, her injuries were deemed too severe, as she’d lost her entire right hand, from the shoulder down.

She’d also lost three fingers on her left hand. Dias said Natasha’s journey to rehabilitation eventually began in June 2014, when she made several connections with persons overseas. Help came by way of the provision of meals; an apartment for Natasha to stay in while in the United States; the provision of airline tickets, courtesy of Fly Jamaica; and from a host of corporate entities here and overseas. Eventually, Natasha was ready to meet her “dream team”, Progressive Orthotics and Prosthetics Group of New York. Today, she boasts a prosthetic arm which is mechanically operated, as well as a spare which is more cosmetic in nature. In addition, her left hand has been fitted with a prosthetic glove; hence Natasha appears as normal as ever. The cost of

IN HIGH SPIRITS Natasha was upbeat when she spoke yesterday. She made the headlines recently, both here and in the US, when her story hit the news. Although she is getting used to the heavy mechanical hand, she expressed confidence as she spoke about her experience. She detailed that following the brutal incident, she stayed at home most of the time, locked away in her room. It was almost a continuation of the abuse she’d endured at the hands of her husband, who had never allowed her to leave their home, listen to the radio, or even socialise. “I don’t want it to happen to somebody else, so if I could share my experience with someone else, I could bring them out of that abusive relationship,” she said. Today, she is able to travel on her own, and she happily noted that she had travelled yesterday all the way to Homestretch Avenue from her Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo home all by herself. This contrasts with her recent past. “People use to look at me every time I go somewhere,” she said. “I feel more comfortable now, because before I could not do anything for myself; I feel more acceptable to society. Where before I used to always stay home, now I can come out and see different places…,” she expressed. And while she does not have any plans to restart a family, she has an important message for victims of abuse: “My message is don’t isolate yourself; speak out! Because, the more you isolate yourself is the more you are going to feel down; don’t lock away yourself,” she said. Meanwhile, Help and Shelter Coordinator Margaret Kertzious noted that the NGO has its work plans crafted and in motion in several areas, including communities in Regions 3 and 4 and at Kwakwani. However, it remains strapped for cash, and though it sets out to cover its mandate, the financial sums are beyond the organization to fully carry out its duties. She said the NGO’s doors are always open to the public, including for counselling, which she noted is always available.

DR. Veerasammy Ramayya has tendered his resignation as Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six with effect from September 15, 2016. This was announced by the Ministry of Communities in a statement yesterday which noted that the resignation letter was offered to the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on August 10.

provision of services. In this light, it was disclosed that three prospective candidates have since been shortlisted, and the process of selection will commence shortly. Efforts to contact Dr Ramayya for comment yesterday proved futile. In July, Ramayya was reported to have ceased performing the duties of REO without formally resigning from the position. Vice-Chairman of the Region Democratic

he gone overseas; however, we [Region Six Administration] (are) yet to receive a correspondence from the Ministry of Communities about the issue.” But, days later, The Ministry of Communities confirmed in a statement that approval had been granted for Dr. Ramayya to proceed on 14 days’ vacation leave, effective from July 18, 2016 to July 30, 2016; and resume duties on August 2, 2016.

Natasha Houston at Help and Shelter on Homestretch Avenue yesterday

Ramayya resigns as Region 6 REO According to the Ministry, receipt of the resignation letter was acknowledged, and heartfelt gratitude expressed to the outgoing REO for a shortlived yet “remarkable” tenure. Further, the Ministry sought to assure residents of Region Six that no effort will be spared to ensure the region is provided with a replacement with the administrative skill to deliver the effective leadership to the region in the

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Council (RDC) of Region Six, Mr Dennis De Roop, in a press briefing at the Regional Chairman’s Office at Vryman’s Erven in New Amsterdam, had told reporters: “The region got a setback now, we having a little confusion: the REO has left; I must say he walk off the job. There is no correspondence to say he is on leave (and) there is no approval of leave for him. I am of the opinion that he voluntary walk off the job. I was made to understand

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Outgoing REO of Region Six, Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

‘El Chapo’ Guzman’s son kidnapped in Mexico A SON of Mexican drug lord, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was among criminals abducted in a Pacific coast city on Monday, officials say. They say Jesus Alfredo Guzman, 29, was one of six members of the Sinaloa Cartel seized by members of a rival gang, Jalisco New Generation. The incident took place at a restaurant in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta . Guzman, who is now in jail, had led the Sinaloa Cartel for years. Jesus Alfredo is suspected to be a senior member. The 29-year-old is wanted on drugs charges by the US. The US also wants JoaJesus Alfredo Guzman quin “El Chapo” Guzman to be extradited to the US on charges of smuggling vast amounts of drugs into the country. He was recaptured in January, six months after escaping through a 1.6km (one-mile) tunnel from his maximum-security prison cell. The six suspected gang members were abducted at La Leche restaurant in the early hours of Monday in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state. Local officials say the victims had travelled from neighbouring states for a celebration. The BBC’s Juan Paullier, in Mexico, says the kidnap may trigger a war between two major Mexican drug cartels. (BBC)

North Korean diplomat in London ‘defects’ A DIPLOMAT at the North Korean embassy in London has defected and fled abroad with his family, BBC News understands. The diplomat, Thae Yong Ho, had served as deputy to the ambassador, and was responsible for promoting the image of his country to British audiences. He had reportedly lived in the UK for 10 years with his wife and family, and disappeared from his home in west London several weeks ago. Neither the Foreign Office nor the embassy has commented. “A DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] diplomat in London is going through procedures to seek asylum in a third country,” a report in the South Korean newspaper, JoongAng Ilbo said.

“The DPRK Embassy made belated attempts to figure out the diplomat’s whereabouts, but has failed,” the paper’s report added, citing an anonymous source. The paper said that in this context, “a third country” means one that is neither North nor South Korea. Mr Thae’s main mission in London had been to spread the message that North Korea and its leadership, under Kim Jong-un, had been misreported and misunderstood. In one speech, he argued that it was the British who had been brainwashed by their ruling class. “If the people in this country, or in America, knew that there is a country in the world, where there is a free education, free housing, free medical care, then they’d have second thoughts,” he

said, to laughter from his audience. “That is the reason why the mass media creates all those shocking, terrifying stories about my country.” The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, James Robbins says it now looks as if Mr Thae’s heart may not have been in the task of defending North Korea, one of the poorest and most authoritarian countries in the world. ‘PROVE VALUABLE’ “A high-level defection, if confirmed, will be deeply embarrassing for

the regime,” said John Nilsson-Wright, an expert on Asian affairs at the London-based Chatham House think tank. “London has always been an important diplomatic priority for the DPRK given the amount of personnel stationed there and the considerable resources devoted by the regime to maintaining its presence there,” he added. “The intelligence benefits to the UK and its allies from such a defection are likely to prove valuable.” (BBC)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Governance and the storage bond matter IN TODAY’s environment, no government or country operates in isolation of acceptable international charters, conventions, principles and practices. Even as the world evolves and these are refined, they remain the instruments and standard practices that guide local laws and influence human behaviours. Guyana does not operate in isolation of these conditions; neither will it be allowed to, given that as a member of international bodies that adumbrate the application of these values in everyday governance and living, the country is expected to comply. The parties in the APNU+AFC government, when they were in the Opposition, consistently spoke about, and argued for, the respecting of laws and adhering to international best practices. In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, this group grounded its campaign messages likewise. The electorate was given support in shunning the disregard by the PPP/C Government for the principles of good governance, which was its Achilles heel. Energised and motivated by the campaign core message that “It is Time” to move the management of government in a positive direction, and convinced that the incumbent could do better than its predecessors, the electorate rejected the PPP/C and gave their vote of confidence to the APNU+AFC. That the people -- more particularly the young, who are the society’s majority -- participated in the process of electing a government they think they can trust to conduct the nation’s business in the proper manner, they have communicated signs of little or no tolerance should such be betrayed. The recent matter with the medical storage bond, where a contract was awarded by the Government of Guyana at the behest of Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, has raised eyebrows and attracted public condemnation from all quarters, including from supporters of the government.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

Misplaced criticisms Dear Editor, AS A senior Guyanese citizen, who is interested in seeing that the people of Guyana unite and work together in helping to cause Guyana to progress, I cannot help but make my observation known to the public in relation to the recent issue raised by my former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. Firstly, I wish to clearly state that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. The PPP/C did when they were in power, and the AFC/APNU will make mistakes from time to time. There is nothing wrong if any member of the public draws attention to any mistake; however, when persons deliberately try to misguide the public with observations that are full of half-truths, so as to have the public on their side, it is time to speak up. The incident I am speaking about is the case that was decided against the Government in November, 2015. This case was started while the PPP/C was in power, and Mr. Nandlall has publicly acknowledged that he assigned it to a private practitioner to handle. He is now criticising current Attorney General Basil Williams for being incompetent because Mr. Williams is saying he was not aware of the case, and that a decision was given against

the Government. To properly understand my concern, it is essential for me to give you a short background of my legal experience. I have been practising in Guyana as an attorney-at-law since 1972; firstly, as a prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, then as a special legal adviser to the Ministry of Natural Resources, where I created Guy Oil with the assistance of Carl Hooper Snr. and Mr. Leon Rockliffe, who was responsible for establishing Guy Oil. I then came into private practice, and in 1983 I won a murder case in Barbados at a time when the Learned Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Attorney General Basil Williams, and Neil Boston were final year LLB students in Barbados. I had the opportunity to give them encouragement to become good lawyers, and I think my advice prevailed. Now one can understand that I am speaking from a background of experience. If a private practitioner is appointed to act as the legal representative of the Government of Guyana, that practitioner has a responsibility to keep his clients informed of the status of the case. At this point, I would expect that after the case was finished in the High Court, the practitioner had a professional duty to notify the then current Attorney General of the decision that

The PPP/C Opposition, though when in government engaged in similar and worse conduct, has called for the minister’s resignation, which is a sentiment also expressed by government supporters and well-wishers. The manner in which the contract was entered into with Larry Singh, and the varied stories presented by the Minister as to the reason why -- including what is considered mis-appropriation of taxpayers’ money -has created doubt and suspicion in the minds of citizens as to the manner in which the government is conducting their business. The explanation that the contract brings to an end a contract of exorbitant monthly rental which was paid by the State to the New GPC is only part of the problem. The crux of this issue is not merely about the sums of money that are involved, it is the process that has been applied. In the system of government accounting, there exists a structure that governs how every business involving financing is processed, inclusive of who will recommend, approve, and pay. This system in itself is ironclad, and any departure from procedure should involve calling to account the responsible operative(s). Bringing about and ensuring good governance is not centred on persons, personalities or titles; but is about the steadfast upholding of principles. This government made clear that the days of single sourcing of pharmaceuticals were over. This decision, which has become a policy, would have been made at Cabinet, where Dr. Norton is a

was given. This current Attorney General states he was not informed. The second point is that based on the impression he has given, the former Attorney General would have known of the decision. If he was genuine, he would have personally notified the current Attorney General, but this seems not to have been done. Further, my understanding is that when an office holder is leaving office, he is duty bound to hand down to, and inform, the new official of all the current matters that are at hand. One wonders if this was ever done. Had this been done, it would be obvious that the new Attorney General would have been duly informed of all the unfinished matters. I now ask the question to which I would ask Mr. Anil Nandlall to respond, so that the public could become aware of the circumstances. Until this is done, I would say that Mr. Anil Nandlall has no right to publicly make statements about the current Attorney General and cast blame on him. Speak now, Mr. Nandlall, and let us know who the liar is; and then let us go to the Parliamentary Committee as you are suggesting in the case of Dr. Norton. Regards, JONAS CODDETT

member. To operate contrary to the policy brings into question the regard for Cabinet and that of being a team player in the government. The APNU and AFC, throughout the pre-election campaign, brought to the citizenry’s attention and condemned the mismanagement of the people’s money, the deliberate alignment of procurement to secure single sourcing, and the awarding of contracts to PPP/C friends, families and cohorts. It is therefore not unreasonable for Guyanese to believe it is time to be looking forward to their newly elected leaders moving in the opposite direction. Politicians, including the government, should not be upset or surprised at the people’s outrage, given what they themselves condemned and exposed when in the opposition. In this Information Age, both government and opposition should be mindful that what they say and do can and will be used for and against them. Gone are the days when a party, group or individual could have said and done something which is difficult to retrieve and has high possibility of escaping accountability. The world has also embraced a paradigm shift in what constitutes good governance. Such includes accountability based on respecting rights, laws, rules and time-honoured principles, and embracing internationally acceptable best practices. Consequently, the government will find it difficult on its part and unacceptable on the people’s part to defend the role Minister Norton played in awarding this contract.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

Hindu holy days

Dear Editor, I SEEK, through the columns of your newspaper, to explain the rules and general principles governing the dates of Hindu holy days, with particular reference to Raksha Bandhan and Krishna Janma Ashtmi. RULE NO. 1: “The Tithi, which prevails at the time of sunrise, is considered as the Tithi for that day, till the next day’s sunrise.” Example: A Tithi begins at 8:30AM (after sunrise) on the 15th August and ends at 7:15AM on the 16th. That Tithi ‘catches’ the sunrise on the 16th. According to the Rule, that Tithi is ‘considered to continue’ for

the entire 16th until the next sunrise on the 17th. In all such cases, there are always two (2) nights for each Tithi. Which of the two is ‘auspicious’? The 1st night of the 15th, when that particular phase of the moon is prevailing is auspicious; it is AMAVASYA VRAT or PURNIMA VRAT, depending. The 2nd night is referred to as just Amavasya or Purnima, since the phase of the moon has changed to the next. RAKSHA BANDHAN – PURNIMA Purnima commences at 6:56AM on 17th August

and ends at 5:26AM on 18th. It begins after sunrise of the 17th and ends before the next sunrise, i.e. it does not prevail at any sunrise. The question of ‘sunrise’ and the application of the above rule do not arise. Purnima is therefore the night of the 17th, and Raksha Bandhan can only be on the 17th. KRISHNA JANMA ASHTMI RULE NO. 2: “Where a Tithi requires the performance of a Vrat, (a Religious Rite), the rules governing that Vrat take precedence.” Thus Krishna

Janma Ashtmi, like Diwali, Holi, etc., has its own rules. Krishna Janma Ashtmi is celebrated on the 8th night (Ashtmi) of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapad, where midnight prevails. Ashtmi begins at 12:46PM on the 24th August and ends at 10:37AM on the 25th. Applying Rule No. 1 above, there are two nights here – the nights of the 24th and the 25th. Which of the two nights is Krishna Janma Ashtmi? The following rules govern the determination of the date for Janma Ashtmi. (1) If Ashtmi is present at midnight on the first day only, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the first day. (2) If Ashtmi is present at midnight on the second day only, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the second day. (3) If Ashtmi is present

at midnight on both days, and Rohini Nakshatra is not present on any day, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the second day. (4) If Ashtmi is present at midnight on both days, and Rohini Nakshatra is present on one day, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the day when Rohini Nakshatra is present. (5) If Ashtmi is present at midnight on both days, and Rohini Nakshatra is present on both days, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the second day. (6) If Ashtmi is not present at midnight on any of the two days, then Janma Ashtmi should be on the second day. Rule (1) applies here. Janma Ashtmi should be on the first night, i.e. 24th August. As regards Rohini Nakshatra, the 25th could only be considered if the conditions as at (3) - (5) above were present. As it

is, they are not. It should be noted that Rohini Nakshatra is secondary consideration; ‘midnight’ is primary.

stand that the payments should be less than the original price, as my installments would have been reducing it and the interest would be up to the date of payment. In fact, when I factored in what I have been paying monthly for the last 6 months, I would end paying the original price and approximately 75% on this price in interest in the less than 9 months. I took a 3-year plan. It is like paying for interest not accumulated. When I expressed my disappointment about this, I was told that I can look at it from any way I wanted. How fair is this to me? My third experience is in reference to the Guyana Revenue Authority. When the then Government announced the Mortgage Interest Relief (MRI) in 2013, it came indeed as relief to hundreds of first-time homeowners. I started ben-

efiting from it from 2014, and, with the system then adopted, saw that every three months, the amounts calculated as the relief were deposited in my savings account, which was all administered by my bank. This present government has made an amendment to the Income Tax Act which saw the taxpayer obtaining from the lending institution the Form 4 which comprises the information regarding the interest paid for the year 2015. Most persons would have received their MRI for the first half of 2015 under the previous system. With the new system in place, in completing your tax return for year of income 2015, you had to include the information on the Form 4 (which was attached) and based on your computation, it would be calculated what would be the amount due to you. A cheque with your reimbursed amount would be subsequently issued to you. I followed all the procedures and have submitted my tax return in April of 2016. To date, I have

neither heard nor received any notification on my MRI due to me. So I called the MRI Department at GRA and was told that everything is on hold, as the lending agencies have not submitted the relevant information to GRA. So I called my lending agency and was informed that the only obligation the agency had was to provide the taxpayer with the Form 4 which the taxpayer has to use to obtain their MRI. So why it is then that GRA cannot proceed to process taxpayers’ MRI if the agency is not obligated to do anything else? How fair is this to me? The school holidays are about to end. With no salary increase, no MRI, and mortgage and bills to be paid, my life as a normal citizen is really common, as all that been done so far is only benefiting those at the top; surely not the common man down at the bottom. Regards, ANONYMOUS

and create tensions with its continental neighbours. At present, Guyana’s economic growth is slow, and urgent actions need to be taken. However, if our government plans to create a green economy, then this will have serious implications for mining and forestry if Guyana is to achieve this goal. The extraction of oil will commence soon in Guyana’s territory, and will create more tensions with her neighbor, Venezuela. Our military is not strong or modern to defend this country in any major conflict. Therefore, foreign companies will

depend on their respective governments to protect them from possible military intrusions. They will call on Guyana to accept military protection, and we will end up with a different type of situation. Accepting military protection from any of those countries will create strained relations with other countries that do business with Guyana, and will create a negative spotlight for Guyana on the world stage. It is also a form of modern-day colonialism for another country to occupy a sovereign state. E d i t o r, w e a r e a peaceful people; let’s re-

main that way. We must never allow foreign intervention to cause strained relations among our people. If our government is seeking to be re-elected in 2020, The President must reshuffle his cabinet, include youths in government affairs, upgrade security and land ownership policies, create economic policies that will benefit locals in the hinterland and coastland, and stop playing “Political Monopoly.”

A good life for all? Really? Dear Editor, OVER the last week, three things I experienced left me wondering if there is good life for the ordinary and common citizens of this country. I am a normal citizen with a normal job, and I live a normal life with a normal family. When one notes the 50% salary increase for the Executive, the hiring of former army people to CoI and to head state agencies, the sole-sourcing by the Ministry of Health, the dismissal of employees, the loss of jobs by GuySuCo workers, the everyday robberies (some which are not reported), I ask: is this the good life for me, as a normal citizen? It is easy to talk, but difficult to do the walk. As a normal citizen, I would expect to be treated normally when seeking services in both the public and private

sectors. But unfortunately, being a common citizen, I am treated commonly. My first experience of common treatment is with reference to Republic Bank “Deals on Wheel” promotion. I visited this bank to inquire about a loan regarding the purchasing of an automobile. I was elated when I was told that I had qualified and would be getting a loan at a rate of 9%. I quoted two amounts and was told, based on the payback period, what my installments would be. Subsequently, I checked the amounts that I quoted using an Excel Loan Sheet and with the 9% and payback period, and saw that the calculation of the installments was lower. In noting this, I did some calculations and found out that the bank’s installment includes a further 16.42%. This means that when you calculate your 9% with a

specific payback period, the value you get must be added to a further 16.42 % which is payable to the bank. At no time was this information of the further addition of 16.42 % related to me. How fair is this to me? My second experience is in reference to Courts Guyana Inc. Last December, I took advantage of their “no down payment” promotion and bought an item. I was told the payments for my installments would commence in February 2016. I completed all the related transactions, received my item, and have been paying my monthly installments on time. Last week, I went to inform them that I wish to pay off for my item. To my dismay, the amount that I have to pay off includes the original price of my item and further $150,000. Now, I would under-

Reshuffle the Cabinet Dear Editor, THE change of government last year has not brought much expected relief in economics, security and youth affairs by the APNU/AFC administration. The government ascendancy to power may be the continuation of its predecessor’s unilateral economic policies, systemic security failure, and autocratic rule by those who now sit on opposition benches.

Editor, the youth population had expected the government to promote racial harmony, job opportunities, and inclusive participation in managing our country’s affairs. Instead, the government seems reluctant and more interested in hiring aging party loyalists from the bygone era. Governments across the globe work closely with their youth population and key sectors to develop and maintain their

economies. However, in Guyana, the government is neglecting the youths. Editor, while foreign investments are needed to keep our country’s economy growing, land ownership by foreign companies has become a major issue in Guyana’s hinterland and coastland. In the future, land will become scarce and land occupation by foreign companies in disputed areas will endanger Guyana’s national security

FINAL ARBITER In any vocation – legal, medical, technical, religious – to seek clarity on any matter, the authoritative texts are consulted, and the findings are regarded as conclusive and final. There must be some authoritative texts which should be the final arbiter. The Panchangs (Patras) are the final authority in this matter. All Panchangs -– Kaashi, My Panchang. com, Bhaskar, Kaushik, Bhawani Shankar, and 100year -– confirm this date. We deny or reject them at our own peril. Regards, PT. R. BALBADAR

Regards, DWIGHT LARSON Isseneru Village

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Black people’s hair and today’s society By Akola Thompson OVER the past two years, I have been feeling a more authentic version of myself. This feeling is partly because of, but certainly not limited to, the freedom I feel now that I have embraced my natural hair texture. There was a time in the past when I would have scoffed at the idea of natural hair being respectable, and look on my unruly curls with trepidation. At the time, I strongly believed that the decision to want straight, long locks was mine, and the question as to why I felt this way never occurred to me, because we were never taught to ask; we were just supposed to follow. And for years I invested in European standards of beauty, seeing investment in my own hair as something akin to hilarious. While I do know that there are women who merely relax or cover their hair because of convenience and manageability, their numbers are small in comparison to those who merely do it because they don’t see their own hair as good enough. And I was one of the latter. I have since come a long way in the way I feel about my hair; but I know that the majority of people are still trapped in their illusion of “choice”, and what is considered “respectable” or “professional” hair. CASE IN POINT That’s why, when something Online caught my attention recently, I was not very surprised. After all, black people and their hair has long been “knotted and gnarled by issues of race, politics, history and pride.” A young man working at an insurance company

in Trinidad & Tobago was last week issued a warning by management that if he continued coming to work with his “unprofessional” hairstyle, he could be faced with unemployment. Unsurprisingly, the man who was sent the letter was of African descent, and while his hair was neatly twisted and of similar length with several male employees who have straight hair, he was the one who was singled out because his hair did not readily conform to what the managers considered to be respectable. There were some arguments that, based on the young man’s ethnicity and ‘nappy’ hair, he should keep it low; while other employees, more able to fit into euro-centric ideals, were allowed hair longer or of the same length. While I know that such beliefs exist -- even here in Guyana, as I myself can attest, thanks to an over-exuberant senior Kaieteur News reporter -- I still find it a little hard to believe that ethnic differences are used as a seemingly valid reason to single out an employee. Black people’s hair, unfortunately, can often have implications beyond

the aesthetic level, as beauty standards continue to be defined and reinforced by a dominant culture. DE RIGUEUR Men are expected to have close-cut trims, while women are expected to cover or straighten their hair; and any deviation from that is fiercely frowned upon and beaten into submission. What we have now -- in not only Trinidad, Guyana and other Caribbean countries, but around the world -is a system which continues to perpetuate discrimination through things such as HR policies and middle-class respectabilities, merely because we are a people still hindered by our colonial history and mentality. While we can continue to appease the masses, there must come a time when we embrace ourselves for who we are, and be proud of the strength we symbolise. While I know that not everyone who wears natural hair is trying to make a political statement, I love the fact that more and more persons are choosing to wear their hair in its natural state, despite what their reasons might be.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Passport office opens in Linden … residents overjoyed, anticipate rollout of other services By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of Linden expressed high appreciation to the Ministry of Citizenship on Tuesday as the official launch of passport services took place. The launch took the form of a simple ceremony at the temporary location in the National Insurance Scheme’s compound. It saw in attendance Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, Deputy Director of Community Development Council Sandra Adams, Senior Immigration Officers and Regional Councillors. It was highlighted that the office is part of the Government’s programme to decentralise passport services throughout Guyana for the benefit of all Guyanese. From Today (Wednesday), residents of Region 10 will be able to access services for renewal or replacement of lost, damaged or expired passports. This can be done every Wednesday and Thursday,

materialising of President Granger’s vision. “I do believe it is unfair for persons to have to travel to Georgetown to get these services that can be offered within the township…..it will alleviate the frustration of having to travel…this is just the first step. Minister Felix first made the announcement of the regional passport office at the ‘Meet the Public’ initiative in July. “This (development) is for two purpos-

Mayor Holland cuts the ribbon to open the new passport office in Linden. Also in picture is Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson, and other officials and they can uplift the passport the following Thursday. First-time applicants will, however, still have to travel to Georgetown to process their application. This is as a result of the unavailability of the machinery used to produce first-time machine-readable passports. Minister Valarie Patterson expressed gratitude to Min-

A resident of Linden accessing service at the new passport office

ister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and the Government of Guyana for bringing such services to Region 10. “This is really going to give the people of Linden a boost and Region 10 where they don’t have to spend money to travel to Georgetown to get a passport with the exception of the first time applicants,” she said. The Minister revealed that this is just the first slice of the pie as all of the services offered by the Ministry of Citizenship, including birth certificate will be decentralized. She said that the Ministry is in the process of acquiring a land to build a permanent office which will accommodate all of those services. Similar sentiments were echoed by Regional MP Jermaine Figueira, who also applauded Minister Felix for seeing the wisdom in decentralisation as it allows for the

Ex- soldier found dead under broken bricks THE body of a young soldier who was interdicted from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) almost a year ago for absenteeism was discovered dead on Sunday under broken bricks in an abandoned structure in Quamina Street, Georgetown. The man was identified as 21-year-old Kevon McKenzie of Lot 970 ‘A’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown. The discovery was made a day after he failed to return home. McKenzie only recently got married. Police are awaiting the result of a post mortem examination. According to reports, he left home Saturday morning to trim grass at a yard on Quamina Street, but never returned home. Subsequently, his body was discovered in the same yard. The man was last seen clearing the bushes and weeds from the old dilapidated concrete walls. Residents said although persons traversed the yard Dead: Kevon often, McKenzie was not seen for the duration of the McKenzie day. However, until Sunday night, the man’s mother and other relatives started a search since they found it strange that he did not return home. “I didn’t hear any unusual noise or hear anyone hollering, because if the wall fall on him at least he should have shouted,” one resident said. Other residents said they did not hear anything. The man’s relative are however suspicious about the circumstances that surrounded his death.

es: we realise the need to bring government services in the region, and we need to reduce the unnecessary crowds that we have at the passport office at Georgetown,” Minister Felix had said at the ‘Meet the Public’ initiative. Following implementation of this service in Region Ten, decentralising of passport application services will expand to other

areas, including Mabaruma in the Waini Region (Region One); Anna Regina in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two); New Amsterdam and Corriverton in East Berbice-Corentyne Region (Region Six); Bartica in Cuyuni–Mazaruni (Region Seven); Mahdia in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), and Lethem in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Municipalities sign MoU

THE Ministry of Communities on Wednesday launched a series of workshop aimed at improving the leadership capacity of elected officials at the level of local government. The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED), four municipalities and two Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the Ministry of Communities said in a release. Signatories to the MOUs were Mayors of Linden-Carwyn Holland, New Amsterdam’s Kirt Wynter, Rose Hall’s Vijay Ramoo and Corriverton’s Ganesh Gangadin and Project Director of CARILED, Marion Villanueva. The NDCs of Mocha Arcadia and Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara were represented by Rudolph Adams and Dinesh Singh. During the feature address, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan said the training is another step in the journey of rebuilding the collapsed and fractured administrative sys-

tem of the local democratic organs (LDOs). Bulkan reiterated that central government is committed to the process of shoring up local governance and understands that the country is too large to be managed from the centre. “Prior to the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs) the local democratic organs were treated as step-children to be seen and not heard. There was little respect for autonomy and as a consequence the LDOs could not discharge their functions,” the minister said. According to Bulkan, the two-decade old gap in the election cycle severely damaged the councils’ capacity to provide leadership and the system became dysfunctional. This, he said, was a telling illustration and reminder of the previous administration’s lack of understanding of local democracy and ironic since the constitution provides for an elaborate system of governance. “The Ministry of Communities is tasked with rebuilding the damaged system of local governance by

Seated from right to left: Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, Valerie Patterson, Ministry of Community Ronald Bulkan, Charge D’ Affaires Sharmini Poulin and Coordinator, Marion Villanueva Back row from left: Representatives of NDCs Soesdyke Dinesh Singh and Mocha Arcadia’s Rudolph Adams; Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, Mayor of New Amsterdam Kirt Wynter, Mayor of Corriverton, Ganesh Gangadin and Mayor of Rose Hall Vijay Ramoo building capacity, providing support and training. It’s an ongoing process that will take some time.” The Minister noted that although the councils are made up of new members,

they are tasked with crafting policies, plans and programmes specific to their area. However, there must be a new philosophical outlook as to the roles and functions the council is expected to perform. Charge D’ Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Sharmini Poulin described the collaboration as a flagship project de-

signed to engage municipalities across the Caribbean region. Poulin said it fits into Canada’s regional development programme of fostering a prosperous and secure region and strengthening the local government systems in Guyana. She pointed to the implementation of good governance practices, which cannot be overstated and noted the importance of critical

areas for sustainable economic growth. Poulin mentioned that best practices and lessons learnt can work towards enhancing skills and can have a positive impact at the national level. CARILED is a six-year programme aimed at developing and testing models of Local Economic Development in seven countries of the Caribbean.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Troops being briefed before departure (GDF photo)

GDF tests troops’ readiness for combat THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Field Tactical Exercise (FTX), HOMEGUARD commenced on Tuesday with the final contingent of troops moving into the Exercise Area located in the jungles and savannahs of Ituni and Tacama (Regions 10 and 6). The Exercise will continue over the next ten days and culminate on August 26, the GDF said in a release. Brainstorming of the various scenarios and the totality of the exercise occurred

during the study days and a Command Post Exercise (CPX), which was conducted over the past two weeks. Following these activities, a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT) was conducted. The exercise is designed to assess the GDF troops in Close Country Warfare (CCW) and Open Country Warfare (OCW) simulations of battle. The exercise will also be utilising all available resources and pitting the troops against a simulated enemy,

in order to validate training at all levels. E x e r c i s e HOMEGUARD comes ten months after Exercise GREENHEART, which was conducted in region seven last November. These exercises are all part of the continuous training for the officers and ranks of the GDF, and are also designed to enable them to test theories and develop new strategies related to how OCW and CCW can best be executed.

A section of the convoy on its way to the exercise (GDF photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Water, water everywhere! - South Ruimveldt, environs still grappling with widespread flooding

The state of Unity Place Road in North Ruimveldt late last week (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

By Tamica Garnett THOUGH the constant flooding that has plagued the city for many years seems to have abated somewhat over the past few months, the same cannot be said for south Georgetown. A number of residents of Festival City and neighbouring communities earlier this week voiced their concerns over what they are beginning to believe is a situation that will never go away. “I can't remember when last I saw the street completely dry,” said one Hummingbird Street resident. “It would recede a little sometimes; but since rainy season set in, it doesn't recede much before rain falls again.” As she went on to explain, the situation causes many taxi drivers to ‘jack up’ the fare whenever they have cause to take residents to and from the area. HEALTH CONCERNS One resident was more concerned about the serious health hazard the situation poses. “Well, Blue Mountain is flooded; there always flooded,” she said, somewhat resignedly. “The flood has been affecting us, because it breeds mosquitoes and the water is very dirty; it smells, so people are afraid to walk in it. And a lot of people passing through the street would fall down. There’s nobody digging the drains; we haven’t done anything since May to make the place look better and have some of the water recede; so there’s a lot of water.” For another Blue Mountain Road resident, the situation is time-consuming. “It limits your mobility; completing simple tasks around the community has to be sidetracked.” Over on Barrow Street, the situation is no better. One resident observed that at times the water would even appear to be rising when it hadn’t rained. LOOKING INTO IT But Debra Lewis, Public Relations Officer of the Mayor & City Council (M&CC), says the situation is currently being addressed. She explained that because the communities at reference are somewhat lower than other areas around Georgetown, they are more prone to flooding. She also attributed the situation to the state of the drainage system; but that, too, she assured the Guyana Chronicle, is being looked into by the city engineer, as all the pumps and sluices around Georgetown are functioning. “We are looking at the situation in the South Ruimveldt area; we’re looking at our drainage situation,” Lewis said, adding: “We have a fragile drainage system, and we still have persons throwing garbage in the waterways. This also points to the need for a more rigid maintenance programme to be put in place. The engineer went out, and he was visiting the communities that are affected. All of our sluices are operational and all of our pumps are working.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Strong winds uproot Flamboyant Tree on Main Street THIS Delonix regia, commonly called Flamboyant or Royal poinciana, was uprooted by heavy winds early yesterday on Main Street, posing a traffic hazard. This tree, which comes under the purview of the Mayor and City Council

(M&CC), belongs to the Leguminosae family and originated in Madagascar. It is named after Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, a former governor of St Kitts. According to Wikipedia, this regal flowering tree is now widely distributed throughout the tropics, and

is one of the showiest trees when in bloom. It often reaches a height of 40-50 feet. To control its height, one simply trims the branches two to three times per year. It is used as a shade tree here in Guyana, as well as in many of the Caribbean

The downed Flambouyant Tree on downtown Main Street yesterday (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

islands. When in bloom, there are clusters of reddish-orange flowers with a broad cream to white lip. Each flower has five petals. After flowering, seed pods develop which hang on the tree for several months. There is also another colour in this tree; a golden-yellow, which, though rare, is equally as beautiful as the vermillion variety. The Flamboyant Tree is planted along avenues and in parks, giving shade and people can sit under them and have a picnic. At present, many of these trees are in full bloom, and are readily identifiable on Brickdam and Main Street, as well as along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara.

Surinamese nabbed with hashish, ecstasy SURINAMESE national Rachlie Grad called Blacka, allegedly had Hashish, and Ecstasy, both prohibited narcotics, while he was an incoming passenger at ‘Gloves Landing’ at Number 78 Foreshore, Corriverton, Corentyne. The 31-one-year-old carpenter of Pammanga Straat, Number 58 Paramaribo, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of trafficking in narcotics. Particulars of the offence stated on August 13, at Number 78 Foreshore, he had in his possession twenty seven grams of hashish [a sticky, thick, dark-colored resin (like sap), which is made from the flower of the female cannabis plant]. He is also charged with being in possession of nine grams of Ecstasy, [a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception]. On August 13, Guyana Revenue Enforcement Officers accompanied by the police, were conducting searches on incoming passengers at the ‘back track’ landing. The defendant’s luggage was checked, and in a half pair Air Max sneakers the prohibited drugs were found. In response to questions by the officers, the defendant had revealed that he had brought the drugs from a friend named ‘Ocha’ of Parika. Grad, who was unrepresented has been remanded to prison until August 25.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Rohee sees trouble over revocation of gun licences … says holders must be able to defend gun ownership By Zena Henry FORMER Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee is adamant that local gun owners must first be notified that their firearm licences will be taken away, and then they must be given an opportunity to defend their gun ownership. Rohee, who has already forecast possible “controversy” if the upcoming licence revocation process is not handled property, was speaking directly to those gun owners designated as “wrongfully” being issued with a firearm licence. Persons whose licence application never made it to the Firearm License Approval Board are among those that can be classified as having wrongfully received a firearm licence. Likewise, persons who have acquired criminal records prior to receiving their licence; those who acquired criminal records after receiving their licence, but were able to keep their weapons; and those who met none of the criteria but were issue a gun licence can all be considered as having wrongfully received firearm licence. The possible sale of gun licences has not been eliminated from the equation. Rohee noted that, while in office, he would have personally received letters and information from members of the public about persons they believed were not deserving of a firearm. He said he would receive letters from persons saying that someone was involved with drugs or other illegal practices and did not deserve a gun, “but that was only hearsay,” the former security head stated. He said that when information was then passed down to the police, investigations would show that the allegation was based out of vexation or a vendetta with someone who had a grievance with someone. When asked whether during his tenure he was aware of the possible sale

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

of firearm licences, Rohee questioned, “How does one prove that? You have to get the evidence. Someone must confess, they have to come forward, and that is the problem with them (government). They better know what they are doing, or they will get themselves in trouble.” Rohee said that although Guyanese do not have the constitutional right to bear arms like obtains in the United States, “anyone is free to apply for a firearm”; and that is why people must be given an opportunity to defend their firearm licence, he said. As a feature of natural justice, he continued, they must be given an opportunity to say why they must be able to keep their licence. Rohee opined that if this is not done, the government could find itself with a number of court cases if they do not provide “incontrovertible evidence”. “Who is deserving” of a gun licence is not the decision of the minister or the police force when there is a firearm licensing board, Rohee stated. He said it was for that same reason, based on a ruling by former Chief Justice Ian Chang pertaining to the Disciplined Forces, that a gun licensing board was recommended and then established. The former security minister said that once government finds that firearm licences were sold to the public, then the “appropriate” action must be taken.

He reiterated that citizens must, however, be given a chance to explain themselves, or it will be another witch hunt, “this time on citizens who they (government) think are undeserving of a firearm.” Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed that there are “too many guns” on the streets. He said a review of all gun licences will take place to ensure those who have gun licences deserve same. He said depressed persons are killing themselves and others, while situations under which persons received gun licences have also changed. Some officials are convinced that undeserving applicants legally acquired gun licences through a facility of Police Commissioners, CoPs being the last authority to receive gun licence applications before they are sent to the Board for approval. Former cop, PPP security personnel, and self– confessed death squad member Sh aw n Hin d s stated last year that seized guns were sold to criminals by police. Hinds himself came under fire when the public questioned whether the “questionable” character who body guarded then PPP appointed Town Clerk Carol Sooba had license to carry a weapon in the City Hall compound. It was never made clear whether Hinds had a firearm licence, and whether he had received same under the previous administration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

VAT collection up by 5% THE collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first half of 2016 exceeded that of the corresponding period in 2015 by five percent. However, there was a marked decline on VAT on imports, according to the mid-year report on the performance of Guyana’s economy, presented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The sum of $17.3B was collected in 2016, compared to $16.4B for the corresponding period in 2015. Despite the overall increased collection of VAT, there has been a noticeable reduction on the amount of VAT collected on imports. Collection in this category declined by $1.4B, while VAT collected on domestic supplies increased by $436.4M. While the decline in VAT collected on imports has been attributed to a fall in imports by the wholesale and retail sec-

tors, newly appointed Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said other contributing factors include “a lot of exemptions (VAT) inherited from the previous administration; and secondly, there are a lot of leakages at the import level.” The increased collection of VAT on domestic supplies has been credited to the raking in of almost $125M in VAT arrears and $74.7M from the local manufacturing and services sectors. The GRA Commissioner said efforts will be made to identify shortcomings and ensure compliance at all levels. “We would have to shift our resources to reduce that; and the third thing is that, at the domestic level, we have to also shift our resources into the enforcement mode so that we could go behind the businesses for them to

comply. So we are looking more at enforcement, compliance and investigations, and further examinations so as to increase VAT collection,” Statia declared. Speaking to media operatives at a press conference hosted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan to discuss the country’s mid-year economic report, Statia also stated that, as at mid-2016, the tax agency had paid more than $2B in VAT refunds. “VAT returns were not paid timely since 2013. It has been inherited, and we are trying to bring the system up to date,” the commissioner explained. Minister Jordan had earlier informed media operatives that a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been invited, and is likely to arrive this month to assess the possibilities of reducing the rate of the taxes. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

Linden Mayor wants fresh probe into 2012 killings

LINDEN Mayor Carwyn Holland is calling on the Guyana Police Force to reopen the investigation into the shooting to death of the three Lindeners during the 2012 unrest in that mining community over the electricity tariffs. Dead re: Shemroy Bouyea, Ron Somerset and Allan Lewis who were allegedly gunned down by armed ranks on July 18, 2012. The shooting occurred at the Wismar Mackenzie Bridge during a standoff with protestors and ranks from the joint services. Lindeners were at the time protesting the decision made by the former administration to increase the electricity tariff from $5 per kilowatt to $65. Holland on Monday made a national call for the

investigation into the shooting to be reopened, stressing that the lives of Lindeners matter. “I believe that there needs to be a proper and a better investigation, I believe that the truth must be told as to why those Lindeners were shot and who shot those Lindeners and there must be an answer, those lives must not go down without a proper investigation,” Holland affirmed. He said the he knows the investigation was closed but “there must be a reopening.” Four years after that fateful day, the police have not categorically ascertained the shooters responsible for the death of the three men. Former Deputy Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud stated that shotguns were used in the shooting and four

shotgun cartridges were the only ammunition that was unaccounted for by police ranks after July 18. Two of the slain men were shot in the chest while one was shot in the back. It is believed that the shooters were standing about 15 feet away from the protesters when they opened fire. A five-member Commission of Inquiry into the shooting found the Guyana Police Force culpable in the deaths of three protestors but it failed to unearth direct evidence that any individual ranks shot the protestors. No evidence was given that anyone other than the police ranks were in possession of firearms when protestors and persons in the vicinity were shot. Several civilians, including those who were

wounded, had testified to seeing police ranks shooting into the crowd that had gathered near the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge. A few weeks ago Lindeners commemorated the lives of the martyrs in the form of a wreath laying service and a candle light vigil. The families testified that the absence of their loved once still affects them daily and though 4 years have passed the pain remains the same. It is for this reason and more that they demand justice must be served. Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes in his address contended that the state should compensate for the right to life as the Commission of Inquiry only gave economic compensation. “The state must compensate the citizens

anytime it unjustly takes the life of its citizens….I urge those in charge of the state tonight to consider all of the injustices that were put upon the people of Guyana and begin to take small steps towards rectifying all the in-

justices of the past,” argued Mr. Hughes. The candle light vigil was held at the spot where the three Lindeners were shot while the wreaths were laid on their graves at the Bamia Cemetery.

Old cars will be dumped, forfeited

… GRA warns dealers THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is warning importers of used vehicles that the restriction on eight-yearold vehicles is being enforced, thus persons who violate the restriction will see their consignment dumped or forfeited. The GRA has, in a statement, urged dealers and other importers to refrain from seeking to import vehicles that are banned, since this is in violation of new regulations that became effective on May 1, 2016. The revenue agency noted that the recent legislative changes to the Customs Act restrict from entering Guyana

One of the popular Toyota models that are banned from being imported motor vehicles that are eight years and older from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. The GRA also said that importers should note that the restriction excludes heavy-duty vehicles, namely trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and special purpose vehicles. The agency said it has already issued in the media a number of notices to this effect, and therefore urges vehicle importers to desist from purchasing such vehicles and attempting to import same. Vehicles in contravention of the new regulations, GRA said, will be forfeited and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Customs laws. Other fines and penalties may also be imposed. Ensuring Guyana moves away from being a “second-hand economy” and guaranteeing that the country is greener are the thrusts behind government’s move to ban the importation of used and/or re-conditioned vehicles eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said it was clear that Guyana was becoming an environmentally conscious country, and the new measures are accordingly geared at ensuring a green economy, clean environment, and safer equipment and machinery are being used by citizens. “Take advantage of modern technology,” Jordan remarked.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

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Nestlé zeroes in on youth unemployment, calorie consciousness

Nestlé representatives and distributors who have already pledged their support to the Alliance for YOUth Initiative. They are, from left: Beepat’s CEO, Mr. Kristofer Beepat; Nestlé Corporate Communications Manager, Ms. Denise d’Abadie; DSL Operations Manager, Mr. Bryan Prittipaul; Nestlé Human Resources Manager, Ms. Kristen Ramlogan; Commercial Director, Massy Distribution, Mr. Navin Thakur; and Sales Manager, Nestlé Caribbean International, Mr. Sudesh Mahase (Photo by Delano Williams) By Vishani Ragobeer NESTLÉ Caribbean International yesterday launched two of its ‘Shared Values’ initiatives in Guyana at the Marriott Hotel to help combat youth unemployment and to promote calorie consciousness. Corporate Communications Manager of Nestlé, Ms. Denise d’Abadie, noted that creating shared values is “the way we do business at Nestlé” is due to the company’s cognizance of its corporate social responsibility. As a result, the company will be starting two initiatives in Guyana: The first, ‘Alliance for YOUth’ targets combatting youth employment and the second ‘Orchard: Calorie Conscious’, is a reformed juice targeting diabetics and health conscious persons. Sales Manager, Nestlé Caribbean International, Mr. Sudesh Mahase, noted that this company “takes corporate social responsibility very seriously.” He reflected upon previous undertakings by the company in Guyana to promote youth development and healthy nutrition. ‘JOB EXPERIENCE’ Speaking directly about the ‘Alliance for YOUth’ initiative was Nestlé Human Resources Manager, Ms. Kristin Ramlogan. She noted that this initiative is a part of the ‘Nestlé needs YOUth’ programme which will seek to combat youth employment in Guyana by enabling youths to receive ‘job experience’ through partnerships with the company’s distributors, the University of Guyana and other stakeholders. She also noted that as the programme unfolds, more institutions will be brought onboard to be a part of this initiative. THREE DISTRIBUTORS In Guyana, three Nestlé distributors - Beepats, Massy Distributions and Distribution Services Limited (DSL) have already pledged their support towards the ‘Alliance for YOUth’ Initiative. Each of these three distributors, however, already have some initiatives of their own, which are geared towards assisting youths aged from 16-29 with gaining ‘job experience’, including summer attachments, apprenticeship and mentorship programmes and ‘On the Job’ training. Meanwhile, in promoting calorie consciousness they have created a juice suitable for consumption by diabetics and health conscious persons. This juice which contains 14 grammes of sugar and less than 75 calories per 286ml bottle has received full endorsement from the Guyana Diabetics Association. And according to its president, Ms. Glynis Beaton, a diabetic herself, the juice has proved to be substantial after an independent lab test. She said also that when consumed by a young man with Type. see page 21

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Making waves on the music scene

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016

- a fusion of Guyanese and Italian roots By Akola Thompson BORN to a Guyanese mother and an Italian father, 19-year-old Leavona Genuso is living proof to the popular adage that ‘Guyanese have a bundle of talent’. Growing up in Staten Island, New York, Leavona has only heard stories about Guyana to sate her curiosity about the place that has played such a big part in her being the person she is today. Her mother, she said, made a special effort to “strongly intertwine her roots and culture” into her life. “When I think about Guyana,” she said, “I feel a sense of awe because of the stories I’ve heard. I also feel pride, because I am proud of my mother’s heritage and culture. “My mother always taught me that it was very important to remember where you came from. We never went to

Guyana together, but she would always show me pictures and tell me stories about her and her sisters ‘back home’. “My mother made sure I always loved our trips to Brooklyn around Christmastime, where she would take me to get her ingredients for her Pepperpot. She always called me into the kitchen while she was cooking her Christmas dishes. She told me that it was important to learn her dishes as well as those from my Italian side.” SINCE A CHILD From childhood, Leavona has always loved writing; whether it was essays or poetry, it did not matter. Often she would be the recipient of her school’s award, “Spotlight on Writing”, for essays she would have submitted. However, Leavona always believed that she would become a doctor, as both her mother and aunt were studying to enter that field, and believed she should en-

19-year-old Guyanese singer Leavona Genuso

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 17, 2016 ter it also. During her time in middle school, Leavona’s mother left home to attend Medical School in Antigua, and Leavona would often find comfort in writing poetry. Eleven at the time, it was not long before she discovered she had a love for singing; and eventually, the longing to write songs much like the ones she was singing along to became so great that she soon found a way to turn her countless poems into songs. When her mother returned home from medical school to visit, one year later, and realised her daughter’s passion and talent for both writing and singing, she decided to encourage her, and booked her her first “gig” at the Apollo Theatre in Manhattan, New York, when she was just 12. UP AND UP Since then, Leavona said, “everything has been uphill.” As an artist, she said, she feels as if she has “a burden to share important uplifting and encouraging messages through music.” But she loves it, as she feels as if this was something she was born to do. Asked what it is exactly that sets her apart from other young singers hoping to reach the top in the music industry, Leavona said that one of the things is that she not only sings, but writes as well. She said people often tell her that her voice just stands out because of its timbre; it just doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. “Many times I hear singers sing and they do not move me,” she said. “I feel (that) if you are singing music, you are there as a messenger to deliver. I feel (that) when I perform, I perform and capture the audience in a unique way that many other artistes don’t.” She also believes that artistes tend to conform, and “do what’s ‘in’ to get where they want to be. And this is why many of them are losing themselves when the real trick of the business is to be unapologetically you. “Follow your heart,” she says. “Stay humble, and continue to sharpen your tools and better your craft. Your artistry and who you are as a person, the way you sing the one note, is unique just to you; there will never be another you.” LACK OF SUPPORT Another problem that many young artistes also face, she said, is the lack of support from those around them. Fortunately for her, she’s never wanted for encouragement, and so has at least been very lucky in this aspect. Admitting that there are always a fair number of persons who seem intent on trying to break her down, she claimed that these situations and people have challenged her to continue evolving as an artiste. While the music industry can be competitive, Leavona says, she tries not to look at it that way, and instead just tries to focus on the messages she is sending out into the world. “I believe that everyone has their own journey and race to run in this life, and I’m not focusing on being someone’s ‘idol’; I’m focused on reaching hearts and continuing to better my craft and myself as a person. If being the next best thing comes along with that, it would be a very amazing and humbling experience.” On May 24th last, Leavona released her first album, “Steadfast”, which has 11 tracks. “It’s all about strength and resilience taking precedence over adversity,” she says.

‘West Side’ beauty rocks!

- takes coveted Miss Emancipation 2016 title By Tamica Garnett THE crowd went wild last Sunday night at the National Cultural Centre when Vergenoegen’s Delisha Wright took the coveted Miss Emancipation 2016 title after prevailing over six other beauties. Placing first, second and third runners-up respectively were young environmentalist Jasmine Adams, University of Guyana’s Gabriella Chapman, and aspiring medical doctor and Linden resident Shellon Massiah. Though she wasn’t the crowd favourite early into the contest, things began to change for Delisha when she came out in the evening gown segment, donning a SAS designed orangeand-gold two-piece, accessorised with a gold headdress. But it was in the final-question department that she really hit it big with the audience, who were bowled over by her eloquent answer. Many rose to their feet as shouts of “Beautiful!” and “Well done!” rent the air, causing Ms. Wright at one point to pause and wait for the applause to subside before she could complete her answer. WELL RECEIVED Wright’s speech was particularly well received for her reference to the March 2015 execution of social activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. The defining question, which was read by Technical Facilitator to the Minister of Education, Vincent Alexander, was: “The United Nations has designated 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent; what is the theme for this year? And based on that theme, what would you like to see achieved in Guyana to fulfill the objectives of the theme?” To her credit, Wright knew the answer to the first half of the question, which was: “Recognition, Justice and Development”. This enabled her to move on to the second half of the question. And her response, in its entirety, was: “What I would like to see in Guyana? The road to a free world for people in Guyana is very rocky. They suffer from lack of opportunities to excel; lack of justice, like our dear Brother Crum-Ewing, who has not received justice as yet; they suffer from racial discrimination. Our ancestors did it before, with pressure on them and chains linked to each other. Let us therefore be linked like our ancestors, not with chains, but with love and unity so that we would be able to stand, be heard, and make our mark like our ancestors before us.” Wright also won the award for the “Best STEM Project”, a segment of the pageant that had to be completed before Sunday night, where each delegate had to work on a presentation dealing with some aspect of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The STEM project was worth 30% of the lady’s overall score in the pageant. OTHER AWARDS In other accolades of the night, Faith Harding, Delegate #2, was adjudged as having the “Best Introduction”; while Shomane Daniels, Delegate #3, won the “People’s Choice” award for earning the most Online votes. Gabriella Chapman’s stunning red-and-gold evening gown was a big hit with the crowd, as was Harding’s outstanding off-the-shoulder blue dress. Chapman’s gown was designed by acclaimed local designer Jason Shurland. The night began with a business wear segment, for which Delisha wore a smart green waistcoat and skirt ensemble, paired with white shoes.

Delisha Wright taking her first walk as reigning Miss Emancipation 2016 on Sunday night This was quickly followed by the girls doing their introduction bit. They were then quizzed on their knowledge of certain African historical issues, such as the fact that Africans had populated the Americas even before the Europeans. The questions were based on what was taught in several training sessions that the girls had to attend as part of their preparation for the pageant. The way the questions were put over was often not appreciated by the crowd, with many believing that the questions were too extensive and wordy. One delegate even had to ask that her question be explained further. MISHAPS In another instance, one delegate ended up being given a question that was already given to another delegate, which caused the flummoxed judges to have to apologise. This subsequently confused the delegate, who started off answering the first question, before having to apologise and start all over again. Not done yet, the ceremony was plagued with a number of mishaps, ranging from not-working ‘microphones’ to lighting issues. The event was chaired by media personality Mondale Smith, who at times found himself at odds with the audience, as many patrons often shouted and heckled when things were not going smoothly. On the bright side, however, local singer Abel Stokes was on site to perform. He did a “Smile Guyana” cover of Chronixx’s “Smile Jamaica”, and later serenaded the ladies with a rendition of Taurus Riley’s “She’s Royal”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

UG, Texas Tech University participate in 100,000 Strong in the Americas programme

FUNDED by a grant from ExxonMobil through President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Program, science students from the University of Guyana and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas were afforded a unique opportunity to learn about enhancing capacities to support the oil and gas sector.

Participants of the programme According to a release from UG, in mid-July, students traveled to Lubbock to attend classes at the university and conduct experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories. Students gained a general understanding of the petroleum exploration process, introductory knowledge of the value chain associated with exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Students also gained experience with Petrel software suite and utility in viewing seismic and petrophysical data. Outside of class, they visited the picturesque Caprock Canyons State Park to witness firsthand some of the sedimentary wonders that fascinate geologists today. From July 24-August 3, Texas Tech students reciprocated the visit and were joined by their UG classmates to listen directly to the Minister of Natural Resources to learn the steps Guyana is taking to ensure that the country is prepared for the production of petroleum that is set to begin in the next five years. ExxonMobil geologist Richard McKenzie also spoke to the group and expressed the corporation’s delight in sponsoring such a worthwhile experience for the students. He encouraged students to continue to study the sciences and to be a part of making a positive dif-

ference in their countries–both in Guyana and the United States. Students traveled to Linden to see the bauxite mining areas and were briefed by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer on the history of bauxite in Guyana. Texas Tech students and faculty also went to Kaieteur Falls to experience the power and majesty of one of Guyana’s most impressive natural wonders. U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway expressed his strong support for the program and confirmed to Texas Tech Professors Gad Perry and Dustin Sweet, as well as UG Professor Calvin Bernard, the willingness of the U.S. Government to help Guyana transition into an oil-producing nation. The goal of 100,000 Strong in the Americas Program, President Obama’s signature education initiative in the Western Hemisphere, is to increase the number of U.S. students studying in the Western Hemisphere to 100,000 and the number of Western Hemisphere students studying in the United States to 100,000 by the year 2020. The initiative is aimed at enhancing hemispheric competitiveness, increasing prosperity, and preparing a more globally competent workforce.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

Nestlé zeroes in on youth ... From page 17 1 diabetes there was no ‘glycemic spike’. Senior Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestlé, Ms. Karina Hyland, said that this juice “specifically catered for diabetics” but it is also for “anyone looking at their calories.” She noted that non-communicable diseases are prevalent in the Caribbean, with diabetes being a major disease.

The company sought to tailor a product that would assist in some way and as a result the Orchard Juice was transformed, now with 35-55% less calories. This product, she noted, was launched last November in Trinidad and Tobago and has now been brought to Guyana where studies show that 8% of Guyanese are affected by diabetes. This product will be distributed by Beepats

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ARIES Prepare to journey to the bottom of the Sea of Mysteries today. You probably won’t be very comfortable during this excursion, but you know it’s something you must do to clear the air of hidden feelings. More emotions are brought to the surface than you prefer when compelling Venus trines dark Pluto, but you could return smiling from an unforgettable experience. As author Jack Canfield writes, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” TAURUS Although you are usually willing to wait for what you want, you may lose your cool as the energy builds prior to tomorrow’s Full Moon. A perceptive Venus-Pluto trine enables you to see through the apparent niceties in a romantic relationship, urging you to say what’s left unsaid. Thankfully, your ability to cut past superficial issues and get to the heart of the matter offers closure that has been out of reach. Wake up with determination and go to bed with satisfaction. GEMINI Surprisingly, you’re not in the mood for casual flirtations today. You need to make deeper connections as sensual Venus in laser-like Virgo dances into the shadows of unfathomable Pluto, intensifying your desires. Your eagerness to sink into heavier feelings without analysing them allows you to overcome your fear of emotional vulnerability. Don’t try to escape the complexity of the moment or you could miss the treasure that’s waiting for your discovery. Stay fully engaged until the darkness transforms into the light of awareness. CANCER Listening to a piece of friendly advice may help you become aware of resources you didn’t realise you possessed. Hopefully you are ready to repair a relationship while diplomatic Venus forms a creative trine with regenerative Pluto. Thankfully, you are capable of processing deep feelings now without upsetting the status quo. Relationship problems are more easily resolved and you can address difficult issues with the power and self-control required to produce the desired outcome. Compassion is the key to your success. LEO A friend or partner might not respond as expected, raising uncharacteristic feelings of insecurity. This wave of self-doubt comes at an inconvenient time because an intense Venus-Pluto connection adds undeniable passion to everything you touch today. You don’t want to show your feelings because it only puts you in a more vulnerable position. However, maintaining integrity is more important than anything else now that Venus is visiting your 2nd House of Self-Esteem. Telling the truth may be awkward at first, but the emotional dynamics will quickly improve once everything is out in the open. VIRGO You are not afraid to step into the darker realms of your suppressed desires today. The love planet, Venus, creates an easy trine with intense Pluto to help you overcome complacency and make your needs known. Thankfully, the Aquarius Moon expands your perspective, allowing you to express yourself with sufficient detachment so others won’t be overwhelmed by your disclosure. Deep emotional transformation is just around the corner if you possess the clarity of mind to choose growth over stagnation. LIBRA You may experience intense desires today, yet you must settle your thoughts in order to enjoy the richness of the experience. Although you’re likely to be extra passionate about your cause now, you’re also aware that there’s a fine line between making your case and sounding like a fanatic. Fortunately, you’re able to take care of emotional business productively when Venus in analytical Virgo forms a charming trine with shrewd Pluto. This favourable alignment can also make you highly persuasive without seeming the least bit pushy to anyone around you. SCORPIO You’re able to convey your strong passions to others today, yet you’re not so overwhelmed by your own feelings that you sacrifice your good judgment in the process. Sharp perception shows you the potential in people that others can’t see, while a profound awareness of what you need makes it simple to screen out distractions to get what you want. It’s almost as if you can’t go wrong as desirous Venus aligns in a harmonious trine with fierce Pluto, allowing you to apply your emotions intelligently. Repair a damaged relationship or strengthen a healthy one to take intimacy to a deeper level. SAGITTARIUS You excel at the art of persuasion today, and can easily convince others to give you the additional support you need. Stating your professional goals clearly entices the doubters to fall in line as they join your parade. The synergistic trine between magnetic Venus and passionate Pluto rewards you by revitalising a valuable business relationship or setting a new one into place. Your talent for creating success through connections with others is solidified if you allow the energy to flow without restriction. It takes two sides to make a bridge. CAPRICORN You need to stop and make a decision before proceeding any further if your path to the future is still uncertain. Powerful Pluto in your sign is busy networking with resourceful Venus in your 9th House of Distant Horizons, reminding you to trust your feelings when it comes to setting long-term goals. As the Roman philosopher Seneca wrote, “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable.” Sink into your feelings; create a vibrant vision of your desired destination in your mind and make a promise to yourself to see your dream come to life. AQUARIUS You might feel quite vulnerable today, and your drive for intensity could arouse issues that connect love with power. Addressing your fears can be highly therapeutic, especially if you are able to bring your most secret desires out into the light while the soulful Moon is visiting your sign. Stop thinking about all of the alternatives; you already know what you need to do. Expressing your hidden feelings deepens a relationship as Venus forms a restorative trine to resurrecting Pluto. Don’t build unnecessary walls between you and those you love. PISCES Strong emotional undercurrents take you on a transformational journey today. You’re not willing to accept “no” for an answer when sensual Venus forms a smooth trine to demanding Pluto, strengthening your desires. Unfortunately, it could be difficult to handle these intense feelings while the Moon is visiting emotionally detached Aquarius. But you may be pleasantly surprised with the results if you express your current dissatisfaction instead of suppressing the darker side of your attractions. It’s lack of communication, not distance, that keeps people apart.

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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Vaal 08:45 hrs Khetiwe 09:20 hrs Our Miracle 09:55 hrs Jubilee Line 10:30 hrs Night Editor 11:05 hrs Wanted Man ENGLISH RACING TIPS York 08:55 hrs Ninjago 09:30 hrs Bear Valley 10:05 hrs Idaho 10:40 hrs Postponed 11:20 hrs Eshtiaal 11:55 hrs Mutawather CARLISLE 09:10 hrs Poolstock 09:45 hrs Senator 10:20 hrs Portland Street 10:55 hrs Moonlightnavigator 11:30 hrs New Abbey Angel 12:05 hrs Chiswick Bey 12:40 hrs Scarpeta CHEPSTOW 09:20 hrs Coral Sea 09:55 hrs Notalot 10:30 hrs Curriculum 11:05 hrs Force 11:40 hrs Quantum Dot 12:15 hrs Diamonds A Dancing 12:45 hrs Fandango KILLARNEY 12:50 hrs Adieux 13:20 hrs Intrepid Prince 13:50 hrs Air Vice Marshal 14:20 hrs Prince Jock 14:50 hrs Xebec 15:20 hrs Triplicate AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Unsinkable Race 2 Luteran Miss Race 3 Cashconsiderations Race 4 Akatea Race 5 Super Trip Race 6 Llanita Race 7 Cort Race 8 Transparent Race 9 Made Me Shiver

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Silva ton gives Sri Lanka 288-run lead (REUTERS) - SRI LANKA’S Kaushal Silva roared back into form with a century in the final Test against Australia yesterday,

batting on 44 with Suranga Lakmal yet to open his account at the other end as Australia’s hopes of a pride-salvaging win looked

Kaushal Silva roars his delight after battling through a split webbing to score a crucial century for Sri Lanka. boosting the hosts’ hopes of a 3-0 sweep against the world number one team at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo. A day after the opener split the webbing on his left hand which needed six stitches and dropped down to number three, Silva struck 115 as Sri Lanka reached 312 for eight at stumps on the penultimate day of the Test to lead by 288 runs. Dhananjaya de Silva was

rather dim against the hosts’ formidable spin attack on a final-day track. The day belonged to Silva who, after scores of 4, 7, 5, 2 and 0 in the last five innings, cover-drove an Adam Voges full toss to bring up his third Test fifty in 251 balls. The relief reflected in his animated celebration as the 30-year-old took off his helmet, swung his bat and roared in delight before being hugged by batting partner

Dinesh Chandimal. Resuming on 22 for one, Sri Lanka lost three wickets in the morning session before the 58-run stand between Silva and home captain Angelo Mathews (26) steadied the home ship. Overnight batsman Dimuth Karunaratne (22) fell to a clever piece of stumping by Peter Nevill off the bowling of Nathan Lyon who trapped Silva leg-before in his next over but the batsman used the review option to get the umpire’s decision overturned. Kusal Perera (24) fell to

Jon Holland while Mitchell Starc dismissed Kusal Mendis (18) leg-before to claim his 24th wicket in an otherwise spinner-dominated series. Mathews fell to Lyon (4123) in the second session but Silva added 90 runs with Chandimal (43) for the sixth wicket to consolidate Sri Lanka’s position. Holland ended Silva’s 269-ball stay with Steve Smith taking the catch in slip as the batsman walked out to a standing ovation.

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 355 (D. Chandimal 132, D. de Silva 129; M. Starc 5-63) AUSTRALIA 1st innings 379 (S. Marsh 130, S. Smith 119, M. Marsh 53; R. Herath 6-81) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/night: 22-1) D. Perera lbw b Starc 8 D. Karunaratne stp. Nevill b Lyon 22 K. Silva c Smith b Holland 115 K. Perera c Nevill b Holland 24 K. Mendis lbw b Starc 18 A. Mathews c Smith b Lyon 26 D. Chandimal lbw b Lyon 43 D. de Silva not out 44 R. Herath c Smith b Lyon 5 S. Lakmal not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-3) 7 Total: (for 8 wickets, 95 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44, 3-69, 4-98, 5-156, 6-246, 7-276, 8-297. Bowling: M. Starc 17-4-58-2, N. Lyon 37-7-123-4, J. Holland 20-4-722, J. Hazlewood 12-2-16-0, S. Smith 2-0-13-0, M. Marsh 3-1-3-0, M. Henriques 2-0-9-0, A. Voges 2-0-11-0.

Former FIFA president Joao Havelange dies at age 100 FORMER FIFA president Joao Havelange has died at the age of 100. The Brazilian was predecessor to Sepp Blatter at world football’s governing body, serving from 1974 to 1998. He resigned as FIFA’s honorary president in April 2013 following an investigation into bribery allegations and was admitted to hospital the following year with a lung infection. He was an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from 1963 until 2011, resigning because of ill health. “He had one idea in his head, to make football a global game with his slogan ‘football is the universal language’, and he succeeded,” said former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Havelange represented Brazil in swimming at the 1936 Olympics - the year he qualified as a lawyer - before his election to the IOC. As FIFA president, he led the World Cup’s expansion from 16 to 32 teams, with six competitions held under his tenure. However, his career was also mired in controversy

over bribery allegations. In 2010, a BBC Panorama programme accused Havelange and son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira of taking

Joao Havelange was born in Rio de Janeiro in May 1916. millions of dollars in bribes from Swiss marketing agency International Sport and Leisure (ISL) to retain the company as FIFA’s sole official marketer. His resignation from the IOC five years ago avoided an investigation into the ISL allegations, which Havelange had denied. In 2012, Teixeira stepped down as head of Brazil’s

football federation, a position he filled for 23 years, and resigned from the 2014 World Cup organising committee after coming under pressure over corruption allegations, which he also denied. As well as swimming at the 1936 Olympics, Havelange was part of the Brazilian water polo team at the 1952 Helsinki Games and was chef de mission for the Brazilian delegation at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. And it was as a sports administrator, particularly in football, that Havelange made his mark. He embarked on a career which began as president of the Metropolitan Swimming Federation in Brazil. He also became a member of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and joined the International Cycling Union in 1958. After becoming vice-president of the Brazilian Sports Confederation, he served as president from 1958 to 1973, before he became the most powerful man in world football. In 1974 he succeeded Britain’s Sir Stanley Rous to be elected FIFA president, marshalling support among

those unhappy at the perceived European domination of the world governing body. An imposing figure, with piercing blue eyes, his astuteness as a politician and his adeptness at retaining power enabled him to hold the FIFA presidency for 24 years until being succeeded by Blatter in 1998. When Havelange was elected president, FFA’s Zurich headquarters housed just 12 staff members. But that figure increased almost tenfold over the next two decades as FIFA’S organisational responsibilities and commercial interests grew. Increasing the size of the World Cup to 32 teams gave countries from Asia, Oceania and Africa the chance to shine on the world stage, Cameroon becoming the first African country to reach the quarter-finals in 1990. It was Havelange who launched a wave of new tournaments, notably the world championships at Under-17 and Under-20 level in the late 1980s and the FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup at the start of the 1990s.

Doris finishes a creditable seventh in triple jump at Rio Olympics AFTER three fouls and a good effort, national men’s triple jump record-holder Troy Doris wrapped up Guyana’s performance at this year’s Rio Olympics when his best efforts saw him clear 16.90m in the men’s triple jump final, yesterday, leaving him to finish seventh out of 39 participants in the event. Speaking with Chronicle Sport, online, following his performance yesterday morning the 27-year-old was upbeat about his finish in the final, and now looks forward to his future as an athlete. He said: “I felt really good about the performance. I keep telling myself I can’t be upset at the outcome because I need to put what happened into a different perspective. “It wasn’t just a track meet it was the Olympics. I wasn’t nervous but just focused on trying to execute perfectly and sometimes it got the best of me. I’m happy with 7th. Still going to train and prepare for the last few Diamond League events.” The Iowa University student was competing against the 11 other athletes who made it into yesterday’s final, which was, unsurprisingly, won by USA’s Christian Taylor with a jump of 17.86m. USA also copped silver with Will Claye taking second place in 17.76m, for a repeat from the 2012 Olympics. Doris’ performance yesterday was a marked improvement from the 16.81m that he leaped to in Monday’s preliminaries to make it into the final. In the preliminaries he finished sixth. Doris has a personal-best jump of 17.18m, in an event where the Olympic record stands at 18.09m and the world record is 18.29m. That 17.18m jump, which is also Guyana’s national record, has Doris currently ranked seventh in the world. The mark is also Doris’ season-best after he made the jump earlier in May. Doris’ performance ended Guyana’s part in the Rio Olympics, as Doris was the last athlete to compete. Doris was without a question the best athlete on the six-man Guyana team line-up which also included athletes Winston George, Brenessa Thompson, Aaliyah Abrams and swimmers Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan. None of the other participants made it into the final of their event, or even passed their first round, save for Thompson who gained an automatic promotion to the second round of the women’s 100m heats after she qualified with an ‘A’ standard in the event. Doris made history on Monday when he made it into the final. Many were glued to their televisions, while social media was also buzzing with the news, as Doris reignited hopes of a possible medal moment, something that Guyanese could not dare do in the past years given the level of athletes we would usually send to the illustrious Games. Guyana continues to stand with a singular bronze medal won at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games by boxer Michael Parris. That is the reason Doris performance was so celebrated, given that even though he did not win a medal, he was the closest we have come in over 30 years. Many other stakeholders were also proud of Doris’ performance at the Games “I am elated as this is the first time that Guyana have competed in triple jump in the Olympics or in any major international competition, and have gone to the finals.” noted president of the Guyana Olympic Association, K. A. Juman-Yassin, who is also in Brazil with the athletes. Guyanese Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aliann Pompey, who now works as overseas ambassador for the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), also weighed in on how she felt about the performance. Pompey is also currently in Brazil and took in the Guyanese performances up close and personal. “We were on the edge of our seats with each jump - willing him on. One of those barely fouls would’ve been a huge jump and I’m sure he is upset by that, but it’s a great finish and over the next few years, he’ll be a serious contender. That’s exciting! I am happy for him. As a competitor I know he wanted to do better. At this point, I don’t think anyone can be as hard on him as he would be on himself. We’ve never had a 7th place finisher at the Olympic Games. My best finish was 11th in Beijing,” Pompey said.

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Soaring Da Silva is Brazil’s new darling By Mitch Phillips RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Thiago da Silva won Brazil’s first athletics gold of their home Games on an extraordinary, unforgettable Monday night in Rio, producing an Olympic record of 6.03 metres in the pole vault to beat hot favourite Renaud Lavillenie and send the fans into raptures. A roar to match anything from Sunday’s 100 metres final - produced by a crowd a quarter of the size - accompanied the 22-year-old as he sailed over the bar, leaving the French world record holder and defending champion one more chance to beat him. Lavillenie failed and Brazil had a new, and totally unexpected, hero and their first male athletics gold medal winner since Joaquim Cruz won the 800 metres in 1984. “The gold - incredible,” said Da Silva, who came into the Games with a best of 5.93. “My first time over

six metres. My home town wanted me to win. “The crowd were cheering me too much. I had to fix my mind on my technique, forget the people.” There had already been drama aplenty on a night dogged by heavy rain that caused a brief suspension of action. David Rudisha and Shaunae Miller showed that there are different ways to cross the line first, but their gold medals will be the same after thrilling 800 and 400 metres finals. Kenya’s Rudisha, who won the 800m in world-record style four years ago, delivered a dominant last lap, striding home majestically to become the first man since New Zealander Peter Snell in 1964 to successfully defend the 800m title. Bahamian Miller, conversely, was tying up desperately but hurled herself across the line, crashing to the track in the process, to just get the nod ahead of American Allyson Felix.

There were also gold for Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk, with a world record in the women’s hammer and 19-year-old Ruth Jebet of

Thiago Braz da Silva (BRA) competes in the men’s pole vault final during track and field competition in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) Bahrain via Kenya in the women’s 3 000m steeplechase. After the drama of Usain Bolt on Sunday, it

Roberts cops top award at RHTYC/ Republic Bank Educational Camp AS the RHTYC/Republic Bank 2016 Educational Summer Camp concluded at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall Town Berbice last Friday, Rennacko Roberts walked away with the ‘Student-of-the-Year’ award. Sixty students attended the camp, which ran for a period of five weeks,. It was conducted by

to being involved in twelve sessions on a range of topical youth interests. They were also educated on drug abuse, suicide, personal hygiene, and the importance of education. Other topics included personal discipline, choosing friends, peer pressure, table manners and HIV/AIDS. Students of the camp were

Top Student Rennacko Roberts receives his Award from Samantha Leitch of Republic Bank. Pamela Adrian, a senior teacher from the area. The camp was an opportunity for students to prepare for the transition to secondary school. The students were taught Mathematics, English ‘A’, English B, Social Studies and Integrated Science in addition

also taught the basic of playing cricket by members of RHTYSC, M.S as part of the Club’s Say Yes to Sports Programme. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC Hilbert Foster stated that the camp was very successful and that each student was now fully prepared to make a

looked as if the combination of a poor crowd and heavy rain would produce a flat atmosphere just 24 hours later.

successful transition from the primary to secondary level. Forster urged students to always strive for excellence in addition to always say no to drugs, crime and suicide. Foster also expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for its continued sponsorship of the camp and made special mention of Rose Hall Town staffers Harry Das Ghaness, Samantha Leitch and Seema Brijlal. Camp Tutor Pamela Adrian stated that each of the students showed improvements during the programme and praised the discipline displayed over the five weeks. She also expressed confidence that all the students would be successful in their transition to high school. The full list of awardees at the camp is as follows: Best Mathematics student Jamin Etwaroo, Best English student Karen Narine, and Best Social Studies student Alisa Butcher. Best Science student Rennacko Roberts, Most Disciplined Student Savishkra Sukhra and Best Overall student Rennacko Roberts. The camp was coordinated by the RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division Cricket Teams.

FOCUS OF ATTENTION The pole vault, so often the forgotten event of ath-

letics as it chugs on relentlessly in the background with all the attention on the track, gradually became the prime focus when the crowd realised that the man in green kept clearing. One by one Da Silva’s rivals dropped off but the odds were still stacked heavily in favour of Lavillenie, whose world record of 6.16m meant his final attempt at 6.08 was well within range, despite two failures at 6.03. Brazilians may have been criticised for not being the most sophisticated athletics fans in the world but they knew what was going on enough to take the roof off the Olympic Stadium when the Frenchman failed - though he was unimpressed by their booing as he made his preparations. “There was no fair play from the public,” Lavillenie said. “It is for football, not track and field. “For the Olympics it is not a good image. I did nothing to the Brazilians.” Da Silva’s heroics somewhat overshadowed anoth-

er imperious display by Rudisha, who two months ago was struggling badly with injuries. He bided his time on Monday and then took control just as he did when at his peak to come home in 1.42.15. Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi took silver while fast-finishing American Clayton Murphy grabbed bronze. In the morning session, Wlodarczyk underscored her total dominance of the women’s hammer with a world record of 82.29 metres to win gold by a massive 5.54 metres. Wlodarczyk now has the eight longest throws in history and is the only woman to clear 80 metres. “I thought, ‘this is that day’,” she said. “It was worth giving it a go because you never know if it’s going to happen again - parents in the stands, fans cheering ... I think I’m the happiest woman in the world right now.”

Argentina to face U.S. in last eight By Steve Keating RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Croatia beat Lithuania 90-81 in the final preliminary round game of the Olympic men’s basketball tournament on Monday, vaulting from fifth to the top of Group B and avoiding a nightmare quarter-final clash with the unbeaten United States. Instead, Argentina have drawn the short straw and will face the daunting task of taking down a U.S. team riding a 22game Olympic win streak in their quest for a third straight Olympic gold medal. The other quarter-finals, which will all be played today, feature a spicy matchup between Serbia and Croatia, a tipoff between old foes Spain and France and a contest between Australia and Lithuania. While the U.S. (5-0) finished group play as the only unbeaten team, their performances have, thus far, not won rave reviews. After a pair of blowouts over China and Venezuela to open the Olympic tournament, the U.S. received a wakeup call in the way of narrow threepoint wins over France and Serbia, followed by a battling 10-point victory over Australia. But for all their struggles, no one is ready to downgrade the Americans from their lofty position as gold medal favourites.

“I still think they are the favourites for sure to win gold,” said Argentina’s veteran shooting guard Manu Ginobili. “But after what happened the last two or three games, there are

Manu Ginobili some doubts. “We know that but we still don’t want to play them, we prefer to avoid them because of their athleticism, their talent. “But the tournament looks closer than I thought and it looks like it is not going to be easy for anybody. I was kind of surprised by a couple of their games, they (the U.S.) were one shot away from going to overtime.” BAD TASTE TO FINISH Earlier, Brazilians swallowed their sporting pride and cheered for Argentina but were left with a bad taste when

their bitter rivals lost 92-73 to Spain to end their own hopes of advancing. Under normal circumstances a loss by any Argentine team would send Brazilians singing and sambaing into the Rio streets, but on Monday the host nation were grudgingly in the Albicelestes’ corner, needing a victory over Spain to reach the last eight. Brazil did what they needed to do, beating Nigeria 86-69, but once again their Argentine rivals had the last laugh. At times it seemed Argentina, already guaranteed a top four spot in Group B, were not particularly interested in helping. The Argentines teased Brazilians by racing 8-0 ahead, but then sat back and watched as Spain answered with a 22-3 run to take a lead they never surrendered. “I don’t remember but maybe it happened before,” said Ginobili, when asked if he had ever heard Brazilians cheering for an Argentine team. “I want to make clear we wanted to win too, it’s not that we didn’t care. “We heard many times in the village, ‘Hey guys, we’re going to be cheering for you today.’ “It was kind of awkward but I am disappointed we couldn’t help them out and at the same time (help) us trying to finish one or two.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

‘No accident’ if something England drop Vince for ODIs happens to me - Stepanova By Jack Stubbs in Rio De Janeiro BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro (Reuters) - The Russian runner who helped expose a system of state-backed doping in her country says she fears for her life and has been forced to move after hackers tried to find her location. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Saturday Yulia Stepanova’s online doping management account had been illegally accessed. The doping scandal she lifted the lid on has rocked sport and cost over 100 Russians their place at the Rio Games. Stepanova has been in hiding in the United States with her husband Vitaly, a former Russian anti-doping official, after giving evidence that the Russian government for years facilitated widespread cheating across nearly all Olympic sports. Speaking to journalists on a video conference call just days before the 800 metres final in Rio, in which she has been barred from running following the suspension of Russian track-and-field from international competition, Stepanova said she had moved her family to another location after the hack. “The only reason somebody would hack an ADAMS account is to find out your exact location,” she said. “We decided it was safer to relocate.

Stepanova and her husband have repeatedly raised concerns about their safety in light of the doping scandal they helped ignite and criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not doing more to support whistleblowers. Vitaly Stepanov said he did not know who had hacked his wife’s account but said the couple were being watched by Russian authorities. After she initially fled Russia for Germany, Russian sports officials said they did not know about any threats against Stepanova or her husband that could have compelled them to seek refuge abroad. Stepanova said attending the Games - she and her husband declined an invitation from Olympic bosses to visit as spectators - would have left her particularly vulnerable. General worries about safety and violent crime have cast a pall over the Yulia Stepanova of Russia competes. (REUTERS/Michael Kooren/ Rio Olympics. Most recently, U.S. gold medallist swimmer Ryan Lochte was File photo) robbed at gunpoint by men posing as police officers. “Watching the Olympic Games details into WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System and reading the news about what is (ADAMS) and register a time and loca- happening there, on some level I’m tion each day where they can be reached glad that I didn’t go,” she said. “If by doping testers for an out-of-compe- someone wanted to hurt us, it would be very easy to do it there.” tition test. “If something happens to us then you should know that it is not an accident.” All athletes have to enter their

One female among three lifters for NAPF Caribbean Championships A FOUR-MEMBER team will represent Guyana at the North American Power Lifting (NAPF) Caribbean Powerlifting Championships set for August 15 to 20 in St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The team includes lone female lifter Andrea Alicia Smith as well as male lifters Erwyn Smith and Karel Mars, with Kathleen Paul as the team manager. Ms Smith will be competing in the Women’s 63kg Open Division with her sights set on obliterating the current Squat and Deadlift records in her division which stand at 160kg (352lb) and 142.5kg (314lb) respectively. Mr Smith will be competing in the Men’s 93kg Open Division tomorrow at 09:35hrs while Karel Mars will be lifting at 13:00hrs. kind Team Guyana had been plagued with sponsorship issues for this overseas engagement but timely assis-

(REUTERS) - ENGLAND have dropped James Vince for their one-day series against Pakistan following a disappointing showing in the recent Test series, while Mark Wood returns to the 15-man squad after returning to form and fitness. Vince has been overlooked after failing to pass fifty in seven Tests this season, being guilty of a series of soft dismissals. Mark Wood, who returns to the squad for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in November, takes the place of injured bowler Steven Finn. “Mark has had a couple of operations and with his hard work and advice from our medical team he’s now able to take part in this series,” national selector James Whitaker told the ECB website. Ben Stokes has recovered from a calf injury picked up in the Test series against Pakistan and makes the cut, joining captain Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler who have overcome finger and thumb injuries respectively to return to the side. Joe Root and Chris Woakes, who were both impressive during the Test series, have been included, while Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson is the only uncapped player to have been named. The five-match series starts in Southampton on August 24, before matches at Lord’s, Trent Bridge, Headingly and Cardiff. Squad: Eoin Morgan (capt.), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Linden table tennis Summer Camp comes to an end THE second annual Linden Table Tennis Committee (LTTC) summer training camp ended last Friday at the Mackenzie High School. The camp, held from July 25 to August 12, hosted 45 students from the ages of 6 to 16 and sought to introduce and get players acquainted with the fundamentals of table tennis. The camp also sought to develop the game within Linden. The basic strokes from forehand and backhand drive, push, top spin, and serve were taught by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level One coaches as well as LTTC coaches. Assisting with training were LTTC General secretary Shavin Greene, Chairman Howard James and treasurer Maurice Cummings. Students were then exposed to an evaluation competition after the training. The special Females category saw Shania Barrow secure first. Meanwhile in the 6-9, 10-13 and 14-16 categories, Yohance October, Jamal McCalmont and Kester Albert took first respectively. The LTTC will be looking to implement the National Athlete Development Programme of Table Tennis which will target 8 schools in Linden. Sponsors for the camp included the National Sports Commission, Banks DIH Limited and Sports Plus.

Conceicao secures ... From back page

L-R, Karel Mars, Andrea Alicia Smith, Kathleen Paul (team manager) and Erwyn Smith tance from some members of Corporate Guyana and ordinary citizens made this trip a reality for the trio. Guyana’s team was initially set at 22 comprising of 19 athletes and 3 officials. It was, however, reduced after the competition’s organisers changed the format.

The team was further reduced due to sponsorship issues, which found the athletes applying for individual sponsorship even as the Federation appealed to Corporate sponsors and Government. The Government had chipped in to sponsor the female athlete while other

sponsors were Public Utilities Commission, International Pharmaceutical Agency, Demerara Harbour Bridge Ltd, GUYOIL, Evan’s Brother Automotive, Hand-in-Hand, DIGICEL, Tower Suites, Demerara Mutual, Caribbean Airlines and Sookraj Cambio.

four on him.” Conceicao raised his fist to acknowledge the crowd’s support long before the referee formally lifted it to declare him the winner As he stood on the podium with the gold around his neck, after embracing his family, the crowd stood and sang the national anthem. Brazil won three boxing medals at the 2012 London Games, their first in the ring in 42 years, with Esquiva Falcao Florentino’s middleweight silver their best

performance until Tuesday. “It was magnificent,” Oumiha, whose medal was France’s first in boxing since 2008, said of the atmosphere. “I was expecting it, we talked about it with the coach, but what an experience. “We showed each other mutual respect and it was a good fight. It takes two to make a good fight,” he added “I tried to give it my best shot but at the end of the day he was the better boxer. “He had his whole country behind him, it would have been the same for me in France.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

India chase after ICC top ranking in final Test against West Indies (REUTERS) - INDIA will take over top spot in the world rankings if they beat West Indies in the fourth Test in Trinidad and Tobago that starts tomorrow. Captain Virat Kohli’s men, second behind Australia in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, will relentlessly probe for weaknesses in the West Indies team, says fast bowler Ishant Sharma. India lead the series 2-0 heading into the final game at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. “If we win the next match we will be the number one Test team in the world and there can be nothing better than that,” Sharma told Indian cricket board television. “Test cricket is such a format where you can never be complacent. This is a young team and we want to reach (top spot).” India have dominated the series, overcoming the loss of an entire day due to rain to win the third Test. A day was also lost to bad weather in the second match but West Indies on that occasion rescued a draw.

India have shown a willingness to change their lineup to suit the conditions, using 15 players in the first three Tests to demonstrate their depth.

Trinidad offers a chance to salvage some pride and show the cricket world their well-documented decline has been overstated. Inconsistency has been

Test average is almost 40, made only 41 runs in the first two Tests before finally enjoying a decent third game with 29 and 59. Jermaine Blackwood, af-

India lead the series 2-0 heading into the final Test at the Queen’s Park Oval.

BRILLIANT SPELL Pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was among three players brought in for the third game and justified his inclusion with a brilliant match-winning spell, taking five for 33 in the first innings. For the West Indies,

a huge problem with most of their batsmen making a decent score here and there but also getting dismissed cheaply as often as not. Marlon Samuels, for example, has made 51, 37 and 48 and has also gone for one, nought and 12. Number three Darren Bravo, whose respectable

ter a pair in the first Test, came good with 62 and 63 in the second Test only to fall cheaply again for 20 and one in the third match. As retired West Indies batting great Viv Richards said of the fourth Test: “There are a lot of guys in there who are fighting for their careers.”

Cuba’s Perez leads Caribbean charge into discus final CUBA’s Yaime Perez threw the biggest in the first round of the women’s discus at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil yesterday. Perez leads a field that includes her teammate Denia Caballero, in the final tomorrow. The Cuban had an easy day, needing just one throw, launching the implement out to 65.38 to get into the final, while Caballero had two fouls before her throw of 62.94 got her in.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday August 17, 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) Ravi Ashwin (2) Alzarri Joseph

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Where and when did India win a Test match in the Caribbean for the first time? (2) Who was India’s captain when they won a Test match in the Caribbean for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

YAIME PEREZ The two are the only Caribbean athletes in tomorrow’s final after Jamaica’s Shadae Lawrence could not get it right after her initial throw of 57.09 proved to be her only legal attempt. The Jamaican ended the day 22nd. Another Jamaican, Tarasue Barnett, was much closer to qualification but found her 58.09, only good enough for 16th place. Twelve places were up for grabs in the final. Barnett’s best mark was also her first. She had a foul for her second throw before a 54-metre offering proved not good enough. A third Jamaican, Kellion Knibb, failed to put down any mark.

Paul leads Guyana U-19s to victory over Windwards ... Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica also register wins By Brij Parasnath TRIUMPHANT West Indies Youth player Keemo Paul displayed his all-round prowess and spearheaded Guyana to a thrilling 39-run win over Windward Islands at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St Vincent yesterday. In the other matches, Trinidad and Tobago overpowered Leeward Islands at the Stubbs playing field while Jamaica massacred ICC Americas by nine wickets at the Park Hill playing field. Guyana batted first and compiled 238 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Paul batted aggressively and found a reliable partner in Bhaskar Yadram and together they shared a match-winning fourth-wicket partnership that was worth 96 valuable runs and revived Guyana’s fortune after they had lost three early wickets for only 41 runs. Yadram, who has been the team’s best stabilising force, played another controlled innings before he was run-out for 35 that included four boundaries from the 58 deliveries received. Paul smashed five sixes and two fours off 64 balls for the top score of 58 while Travis Persaud 20, Raymond Perez 21, Ronaldo AliMohammed 19, Marlon Hubbard 23, Sherfane Rutherford 18 and Ronaldo Renee 12 were the other batsmen who got into double figKEEMO PAUL ures. Ryan John (10-0-39-2), Kassim Peltier (9-0-63-2) and Alick Athanaze (10-1-36-2) were the successful bowlers for Windwards. In reply, Windwards’ Johann Jeremiah (32), Anil Matthew (39), Athanaze (33) and Johnel Eugene (31 not out) got solid starts but were unable to press on for big scores as Kheshram Seyhodan (10-0-32-3) and Akenie Adams (10-3-38-3) did the early damage while Paul ensured that Guyana kept up the momentum to successfully defend the WICB Regional Under-19 Super50 crown. Paul completed a very good all-round performance and finished with an analysis of 7.5-0-39-3 while Marlon Hubbard (10-1-34-1) shared in the bowling honours. In the T&T vs Leewards encounter, opening batsman Keagan Simmons (99) together with skipper Kirstan Kallicharran (43) and Brandon Maharaj (51) rallied Trinidad and Tobago Under-19s to an exciting four-wicket victory. Leewards batted first and they amassed a formidable 280 for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Tyrone Williams slammed a belligerent 132 (3x6, 13x4, 139 balls) and featured in a 114-run third-wicket stand with Kofi James who made 50 (1x6, 3x4, 71 balls). Only medium pacer Negus Smith picked up two wickets for 35 runs. Chasing a victory target of 281, the Trinidadians prevailed over the islanders with Simmons being the main contributor. He hammered two sixes and twelve fours off 96 balls. He also shared a 104-run third-wicket stand with Kallicharan who hit one six and five fours off 51 balls while Maharaj slammed three sixes and four fours off 50 balls. The Jamaicans treated the ICC Americas team players with scant respect and taught them a good cricket lesson as they blasted them out for a paltry 133 in 41.1 overs. Only the Patels - Sagar and Arjun - came through with decent scores of 41 and 32 respectively. Javor Harrison (3 for 46), Miguel Smith (3 for 31) and Tyrone Daley (3 for 14) proved too good for the Combined team and raced to victory with 38.1 overs remaining. Michael Frew 40, Jordane Hill 42 and Orande Pearson 43 paced Jamaica to 139 for the loss of one wicket in 11.5 overs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday August 17, 2016

American Taylor retains Olympic triple jump gold

Christian Taylor (USA) and teammate Will Claye (USA) celebrate after winning gold and silver respectively. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) By Jack Stubbs unable to match. silver and gold from within in Rio de Janeiro His American teammate the U.S. team, the rest of the Will Claye took silver and field in Rio fell behind to join RIO DE JANEIRO, Bra- China’s Dong Bin went home the spectators watching Tayzil (Reuters) - Christian with bronze after they re- lor and Claye re-enact their Taylor of the United States corded 17.76 and 17.58 re- Olympic duel from London retained his Olympic men’s spectively, also at their first four years ago. triple jump title yesterday, attempts. “It’s just who executes recording the longest jump “The job is done,” Tay- better on that day. We’re of the year to claim the po- lor told reporters. “I never equally talented,” Claye said. dium top spot. thought on my first jump that “We’re all beatable. I just Taylor, the defending would be the gold medal. have to come back and get Olympic and world champi“I wanted it so much. my win next time.” on, made his mark of 17.86 It came together, the stars A notable absentee was metres with his first jump, aligned.” world silver medallist Pedro staking a claim for the gold In what soon developed Pablo Pichardo of Cuba, who medal that his rivals were into a predictable tussle for would have been a challenger

for the gold, having posted several marks at 18 metres and further in 2015. The 23-year-old has reportedly struggled with an ankle injury and opted not to jump in Rio, smoothing the way for Taylor.` Taylor’s road to Rio has been a rocky one after a worsening knee injury forced him to switch his take-off leg following his 2012 Olympic triumph, a radical move in one of the most technically challenging events in athletics. After a “game-changing” 2015, the 26-year-old was once again clearing the 18-metre mark, making a jump of 18.21 metres at the Beijing world championships to claim second place in the all-time list behind Briton Jonathan Edwards’ 1995 world record of 18.29. Speaking before the Games, Taylor had said the world record was within his sights but his winning mark yesterday fell more than 40 cm short. “I wanted the world record but it wasn’t to be,” he said. “Now the fire burns even stronger because I know it’s in the tank.”

Bolt coasts through into 200m semis By Nick Mulvenney RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Usain Bolt roused a quiet morning at the Olympic stadium as only he can yesterday, remaining firmly on course for his historic ‘triple triple’ by coasting through the 200 metres heat in 20.28 seconds. Racing in the ninth heat and cheered every step of the way by the sparse but vocal crowd, the Jamaican led coming off the bend and was able to take his foot off the gas to progress comfortably to Wednesday’s semi-finals. Bolt secured the 100 metres title on Sunday to take another step on the path to an unprecedented third successive sweep of all three Olympic sprint titles -- 100, 200 and 4x100 metres. The Jamaican considers the 200 his specialist event and has promised to mount a Rio assault on his 1999 world record of 19.19, but that will have to wait for the final. “I’ve recovered but I’m a bit tired,” Bolt told reporters. “I’m not really a morning person, I just came out here to qualify and that’s what I did.

I get nervous because it’s my favourite event and I don’t want to lose. I’ll be much better tomorrow.” The man most likely to beat him, Justin Gatlin, also had no problems getting through, even if he coasted

the disappointment of being beaten once again at a major championship by Bolt after winning silver in the 100. “I’m been motivated since the day I got here and I’ll be motivated until that last

Usain Bolt (JAM) of Jamaica reacts. after winning his heat. REUTERS/Phil Noble through the final 20 metres to win his heat in a relatively pedestrian 20.42. The American said he had already moved on from

shot across the line,” said the 34-year-old. “I’m in a whole different event now, I have to take my 100 metres hat off and con-

centrate on the 200. It’s not even about time at this stage, it’s about execution.” His compatriot LaShawn Merritt is the fastest man this year over the half-lap and he showed no signs of fatigue from winning a bronze medal in the 400 metres on Sunday, a strong finish carrying him to victory in heat eight in 20.15. Canada’s Andre de Gasse, bronze medallist in the 100, ran the quickest time of the session, clocking 20.09 to cross first in the final heat. Bolt’s compatriot Yohan Blake, who finished fourth in the 100 on Sunday, was third on the timesheets, easing up over the last 10 metres to finish in 20.13. “I’m really feeling comfortable,” said Blake. “My chances are really good, I (have) been training really hard and I’m feeling more speed and strength.” American Ameer Webb had to sweat it out to qualify on time after finishing third in the same heat, which was won by Bruno Hortelano in a Spanish record time of 20.12, but his 20.31 ultimately proved quick enough to keep him in the competition.

Biles wins record-equalling fourth gold with floor victory By Pritha Sarkar RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Simone Biles showed off her sassy moves and explosive tumbles on the floor exercise to win a record-equalling fourth gold at the Olympics yesterday. A day after a wobbly performance on the balance beam ended the American’s hopes of leaving Rio with a record haul of five gold for a female gymnast, she was back to her hip-shaking best to capture the floor title with 15.966 points. Aly Raisman completed a one-two for the United States by earning 15.500 while Briton Amy Tinkler burst into tears after a crowd-pleasing floor display to ‘Pretty Woman’ earned her the bronze. However, there was no doubting who was the star

Simone Biles shows off a record-equalling fourth gold.

of the show. “Simone’s an incredible gymnast ... it’s just amazing to be up there competing against her,” Tinkler told reporters. A sultry routine full of hip-swinging moves to samba music had the Brazilian spectators on their feet as Biles flew high into the air to execute her trademark element, a soaring double layout with half-twist at the end. Cries of “oohs” and “aahs” accompanied each of her complex tumbling passes, she drew gasps of admiration as she balanced her entire body weight on her right toes while spinning around twice and had the audience roaring their approval as she bounced her bottom off the floor to strike her final pose. The ear-to-ear grin, which had disappeared on Monday after she ended up with bronze on the beam, was back on show again and Biles gave the crowd a thumbsup as she waited for her score. The mark that did flash up not only earned her a fifth medal at her debut Games, it was also the highest score of her four floor performances over the past 10 days. The 19-year-old team, all around, vault and floor exercise champion became the first woman in 32 years, and fifth overall, to win four gold medals at a single Games. “It’s very crazy. To think what I’ve done, it’s been an amazing experience and I don’t think I could be more proud of myself,” Biles said. So was she disappointed on missing out on the outright record? “Your first Olympics you walk away with five medals, that’s not tough at all. Especially four being gold, that’s just unheard of. I’m very proud.” The Soviet Union’s Larisa Latynina (Melbourne 1956), Hungary’s Agnes Keleti (Melbourne 1956), Czech Vera Caslavska (Mexico City 1968) and Romania’s Ecaterina Szabo (Los Angeles 1984) were the only other women to have four gold at a single Games.

Conceicao secures golden first for Brazil By Alan Baldwin

RIO DE JANEIRO-(Reuters)-Lightweight Robson Conceicao won Brazil’s first ever Olympic boxing gold medal yesterdayy, with a raucous home crowd roaring him on to a unanimous points victory over French opponent Sofiane Oumiha. Oumiha, greeted upon his entrance by loud boos from fans who continued to wave Brazilian flags and crank up the volume throughout the bout, took the silver. Cuban top seed and 2012 bantamweight bronze medalist Lazaro Alvarez, beaten by the Brazilian in the semi-finals, and Mongolia’s Otgonda-

lai Dorjnyambuu won bronze. Conceicao, from Salvador in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia, was on top from the opening bell, his every punch met with roars of approval from a soccer-style crowd that dwarfed the meager turnout for Monday’s heavyweight final. With chants of ‘Brazil, Brazil’ echoing around the arena, the 27-year-old claimed the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. The man in the red corner even turned crowd-pleaser in the second -dropping his guard and showboating, with the odd feint thrown in -- before Oumiha came back stronger in the third. By then, the fight was as good as

OMAR MCLEOD OMAR McLeod secured Jamaica’s first ever gold medal in the men’s 110 metre hurdles with a stunning performance yesterday. Pre-race favourite McLeod had the fastest times in the first round and semi-finals and saved his best for last by coming home in 13.05 seconds. France’s Dimitri Bascou was fastest out of the blocks, but it was McLeod who had the smoother run to the finish

Doris finishes a creditable seventh in triple jump at Rio Olympics See story on page 31

Gold medalist Robson Conceicao of Brazil poses with his medal. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra won and the judges would have had a riot on their hands had the gold gone to anyone but the Brazilian. “This is the most incredible moment,” he told reporters. “I am Olympic champion, my life has changed forever. “I had a very difficult childhood, I had a very complicated start in boxing with no support at all ... and today I’m an Olympic champion. “I knew I had to come after him, because he is so good on the counter-attack and there was no way I wouldn’t be punched,” he said of his tactics. “So, the goal was to receive one punch, and then land three or

McLeod wins Jamaica’s first hurdles gold line. The 22-year-old McLeod cleared his hurdles with ease, joining Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson as Jamaica’s gold medal winners at Rio 2016. Bascou, one of the favourites to challenge McLeod for gold, eventually came home in third for the bronze. Cuban-born Orlando Ortega secured the silver medal for Spain, just unable to catch McLeod on the line.

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Guyana’s Troy Doris reacts to a jump in the final yesterday.

Kipyegon denies Dibaba 1500m gold Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon of Kenya celebrates winning the gold. REUTERS/ Lucy Nicholson RIO DE JANEIRO,(Reuters)-Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon won the women’s Olympic 1,500 meters gold yesterday after unleashing a devastating second half of the race to leave Ethiopia’s world record holder Genzebe Dibaba trailing in second place. Kipyegon, fastest in the world this year, sat in the pack as the runners virtually jogged the opening stages before she and Dibaba took off and pulled clear after a 56.8-second

lap. World champion Dibaba, who has struggled with injury this year, led with 200 to go but the 22-year-old Kipyegon forced her way past and drove for the line to win in four minutes 8.92 seconds. Dibaba held on for silver, with American former world champion Jenny Simpson taking bronze ahead of compatriot Shannon Rowbury. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016