Connecting the hinterland No. 104677
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
Price: $80
(VAT Inclusive)
‒ Guyana engages Huawei to expand E-Government network to hinterland
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The sky’s the limit ‒ President Granger tells students at education rally
Bandits batter elderly man, daughter
‒ Gun, ammo stolen
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Students of the St Margaret’s Primary school during the rally yesterday in observance of Education Month. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)
Gunmen snatch Survival Supermarket payroll P.15
Guyana business climate welcoming P.5
‒ says European Investment Bank Vice President
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Reporter robbed at gunpoint P.14
The sky’s the limit 2
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
‒ President Granger tells students at education rally PRESIDENT David Granger has called on students to be disciplined in behaviour, to focus their attention on doing well in school, and to set their sights on acquiring higher education. Addressing a large gathering of students and stakeholders at a grand Education Month Rally, which started at the Stabroek Market and ended at Durban Park on Friday, the President, in his thoughtful presentation, designated September 9 as National School Day, and urged students to guard themselves against ignorance, while imploring parents to be good role models for their children. Calling on male students to respect their female counterparts, President Granger told the gathering that every child in the school system matters, and all have an equal right to a full education. He noted that education is a public good, and religious institutions and communities also have a role to play in the education
Acting Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson; Assistant Chief Education Officer, Leslyn Edwards-Charles; and Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, leading the Education Month march from Stabroek Market Square to Durban Park
of children. On the Government’s part, he said, efforts are being made to ensure every school is equipped with the necessary teaching mate-
rials, and an environment conducive to learning is created. Repairs are being made to schools built years ago to have them accommodate gyms, dining halls, science labs, and assembly rooms with stage areas. The President said Government is providing better schools with the express desire to see better teachers and a clean and green school environment. October 1 has been designated National Tree Plant-
ing Day, in promotion of a greener environment. On assumption to office, President Granger introduced the Bicycles, Boats and Buses Programme (3Bs) geared at getting more students in far-flung communities to attend school. On Friday, he said no child should have to paddle miles in a river to get to school. He pointed out that under his administration, speed boats were provided for children in deep riverine areas.
He thus appealed to students to take their education seriously by making an effort to attend school regularly, to always be on time, and to focus on getting high grades. Despite the efforts to keep students in school, it has not been smooth sailing. President Granger was saddened by the number of school drop-out as well as the number of pupils who did not do well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations. Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who also addressed the gathering, said the needs of the child in a learning environment varies, and called on teachers to pay attention to all their charges. He advised teachers to nurture them to get the best out of them. He said children who are seen as empty vessels must not be left behind, but all have a role to fill them up to capacity.
The minister also noted that the work of teachers needs to be rewarded more, since they play a vital role in producing citizens who are the future builders and leaders of Guyana. But he called on teachers to instill discipline in their students in more humane ways, as he condemned corporal punishment. Disciplining the child, he said, should not cause that child to be distracted from the real task of learning. Acting Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson, in a brief presentation, urged parents to invest in their children’s education, and called on stakeholders to join the Education Ministry in building a stronger school system. The event at Durban Park featured steel band renditions, songs, and physical display. It was well attended by students drawn from schools across the country.
Students doing a physical display at Durban Park
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Connecting the hinterland
‒ Guyana engages Huawei to expand E-Government network to hinterland By Tajeram Mohabir GUYANA has engaged Chinese technology giant Huawei on expanding the US$32M E-Government Network, concentrated mainly on the coastline, to the hinterland regions. Head of the E-Government Unit Floyd Levi told reporters on Friday that discussions were held with the Chinese company following a recent visit to China by a Guyanese delegation. The local delegation which responded to a visit request from Huawei, included Telecoms Minister Cathy Hughes and Public Security Ministry, Citizen Security Strengthening Project Manager, Clement Henry. Guyana in 2010 secured a U.S.$32M loan from the China Exim Bank to build the E-Government Network along the coastline of Guyana, stretching from Corriverton in the east to Charity on the Essequibo Coast. The network goes as far as Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and around Georgetown it is used to connect Government ministries. During the discussions, Levi reported that the local team asked Huawei to consider doing an assessment to
extend the reach of the network since it does not offer services to citizens south of Diamond. “We don’t get to Bartica, we don’t get to Linden, we don’t get to Annai, we don’t get to Lethem and we don’t get to Mabaruma. So there are several areas south of Diamond that we would like to service and we have asked Huawei to consider expanding the network to those areas,” he said. The network was operationalised last year and during that time, Levi said a few shortcomings have been identified in its layout as well as the ability of the E-Government Unit to manage and operate the system. Only four Guyanese have been trained to operate the network since it was built, and the local team also asked the Chinese company to train more local engineers and technicians in this regard. The head of the E-Government Unit said too that apart from technical support, Guyana has requested the Chinese company to provide support in terms of spares for the network. These, he said, will be reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will be signed by Guyana and Huawei in the coming weeks.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes (centre), Floyd Levi, Head of the E-Government Unit (left) and Clement Henry, Manager of the Citizen Security Strengthening project, Ministry of Public Security, during their recent assignment in China
SMART CITY INITIATIVE Henry of the Public Security Ministry praised the visit to China, pointing out that from the ministry’s end, it was interested in securing Smart City Technology for the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme. That U.S.$15M programme seeks to improve citizens’ safety and a portion of the allocated sum goes towards a Safe City Programme. On assumption of office, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan broadened the focus of the Safe City Programme to include
a Smart City Programme that requires the establishment of a data and command centre. According to Henry, the Smart City Programme will allow for better surveillance, real-time analysis and response, improved traffic management, improved quality and quality of data available to the crime observatory and faster response to emergency and non-emergency situations. Following the China visit, he said, the team has recognised the need for a unified data and command centre, and was satisfied
with the possibilities in partnering with Huawei. NEW DIRECTIONS Minister Hughes, who hailed the visit as a fruitful one, said it gave her ministry the opportunity to explore new directions and create new strategies that can propel the development of a green, smart, information-driven Guyana. “It is clear to me today that we cannot solve Guyana’s problems in the traditional way. What’s exciting is that with the use of existing technologies, we have the capacity and many oppor-
tunities to truly connect, transform and innovate. “Here we are talking about establishing an interconnected digital platform that will provide Government services to citizens in an efficient, cost-effective and time-saving manner. It is about establishing 21st Century systems that can manage all Government and private sector data in a safe and secure manner… no more collecting and disposal of mountains of paper after a flood…no more loss of important information that was only available on paper,” she said. She said the thrust is also to increase bandwidth and improve levels of Internet accessibility which are vital for services such as tele-medicine, tele-education and e-commerce. “It is about better telephone and other communication services among all of our citizens. It is an undisputed fact all over the world that improved bandwidth access by citizens has a corresponding, positive effect in their rate of development, their level of education and the country’s per capita income,” Minister Hughes told reporters.
UG delegation makes ‘successful’ NY trip ‒ financial report to be released within a week By Ravin Singh A HIGH-PROFILE team comprising 13 officials from the University of Guyana (UG) made a “successful” trip to New York as part of a fundraising activity earlier this month. This is according to Vice-Chancellor of the country’s premier tertiary institution, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, who could not provide financial reports for the trip, but offered that these will be prepared within a week. The “high-level team” as it was described, travelled to the United States where they participated in a series of activities from September 1-6, 2016. According to the institution, the visit was in response to an invitation from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc (GCA) to “fund and friend-raise” at the association’s 2016 Labour Day Weekend events. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Vice-Chancel-
recognised in and out of Guyana, which underscored the need for such an engagement beyond the shores of Guyana. “Our engagements with the diaspora were very instructive,” the registrar said, explaining that the engagements varied in nature.
From left to right: UG Registrar, Dr Nigel Gravesande; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Designate) for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement, Dr Paloma Mohamed; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Barbara Reynolds; and Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Designate) for Academic Affairs, Dr Michael Scott, at the press briefing on Friday
lor Griffith said the visit was a “successful” one. “Part of the value-added of that meeting is not only how much cash we brought back then. It is what we are setting the stage to bring back, cash, equipment, talent and technical assistance,” he reasoned. Admitting that the expense for the trip was funded entirely by UG, which has been described as “cash-strapped” over the years, Professor Griffith could not provide a finan-
cial report of the expenditure or the amount in donations made. Rather, he offered that these reports will be presented in about a week. “We will produce in about a week or so, a full financial statement. Part of why we cannot do it at this stage are two reasons: all the receipts and accounting at the New York end are not done and we have some of the income [that] will be from the selling of
newsletters and UG T-shirts,” he said, adding that he wants a “comprehensive report.” Registrar of UG, Dr Nigel Gravesande, also said the event was a “successful engagement,” noting that there were fruitful discussions with colleges that UG is trying to partner with. Dr Gravesande pointed out that there is a growing recognition that UG must be a national strategic asset. As such, he noted that this asset has to be
UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, speaks at the press conference in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), UG
Some ranged from intervention in law at UG, to strengthening of health sciences, and development and capacity-building for technology and natural sciences. Dr Gravesande said he was “heartened” at the expression of tangible and intangible support extended by those in the diaspora. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Designate) for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement, Dr Paloma Mohamed, who was also part of the team, expressed similar sentiments. She also noted that the recurring theme on the visit was “reciprocity”, “reparations”, and “reconnect(ion)”. And according to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Designate) for Academic Affairs, Dr Michael Scott, the visit to New York was an opportunity for the visiting team to “brainshare” with the diaspora. Like the vice-chancellor, he too highlighted the importance of academic collaboration, noting that it is essential for any institution looking for vibrancy in the Region and farther afield.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Guyana recommits to strengthening ties with Mexico PRESIDENT David Granger has recommitted Guyana to strengthening ties with the United Mexican States (commonly referred to as Mexico) as that North American country observes its 206th Anniversary of Independence this year. “Guyana and Mexico have committed to deepening the integration process in the Caribbean and on the continent. We will continue to cooperate at the bilateral, regional, and international levels,” The
Head-of-State said at an anniversary reception held at Marriott Hotel on Thursday. Referring to the size of Mexico -- nine times bigger than Guyana, and with a population that is about 165 times greater than Guyana’s -- the President said that symmetries between the two countries in size and population have not hindered relations since establishment of diplomatic ties on March 1, 1973. He said that both Guyana and Mexico share a common
-at country’s 206th Independence Anniversary reception
President David Granger cuts the cake with Mexican Ambassador Ivan Roberto SierraMedel as part of the Independence celebrations. They are accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Mr. Joseph Harmon, and the Ambassador’s wife, Ms. Norma Alizia de la Torre Diaz desire for peace and security would harm the economies. nent,” the President said. -- regional security, climate in the Caribbean Basin, and Instability would deter inchange, and food security. He also committed Guyboth countries want the Ca- vestment, diminish economic ana to continuing cooperation The Ambassador said Guyribbean to remain a zone of growth, and degrade devel- with Mexico at the bilateral, ana has since benefited from peace, which is vital to the opment. Guyana and Mexico regional and international levsecurity-related training initiaeconomic interests of both have committed to deepening els. “Guyana looks forward tives hosted in Mexico within Republics. the integration process in the to working with Mexico in the last year. He also noted “Instability in the region Caribbean and on the conti- the regional and hemispheric that collaboration on climate change entered a new stage associations, to ensure greater when Prime Minister Morespect for territorial integrity ses Nagamootoo and Natural and sovereignty of states, to obResources Minister Raphael serve international law, and to Trotman visited the Mexican promote peaceful settlements Institute for Petroleum. of disputes,” he declared. Sierra-Medel reported Noting that despite existing that, in return, representatives on two different continents, the from the Institute visited Guytwo countries share a common ana to begin bilateral collabointerest in promoting sustainration in the areas of energy. able development, particularly And in the area of food sein the area of renewable encurity, a relevant agenda is takergy, President Granger said ing shape, he said, adding that Guyana looks forward to inthe two countries are working creased cooperation with the closely in looking to implement Spanish-speaking country in a improvements in Guyana’s padcommon quest to ensure greatdy and coconut sectors. er use of cleaner and renewable Outside of these areas of energy sources. interest, the ambassador said, But relations between the a number of Mexican agencies two countries have been more are keen on expanding coopthan just a vision. In fact, Mexeration with Guyana in the ico’s Ambassador to Guyana, areas of education, sustainable Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel, development, and information highlighted that significant communication technology, progress has been made in three among other areas. key areas of bilateral relations “As we move ahead in capacity-building and the bilateral promotion of business, I would like to suggest that the concrete actions that our shared benefits have achieved lay the foundation for further collaboration,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Guyana business climate welcoming ‒ says Vice President, European Investment Bank
Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Pim van Ballekom (centre) is flanked by European Ambassador to Guyana Jernej Videtic (left) and EIB Loan Officer Angel Diez Fraile. Here he addresses the media at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown on Friday evening
By Alva Solomon The economic link between Brazil and Guyana via the Linden/Lethem Road can become a reality, as Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Pim van Ballekom, believes the business climate in Guyana is “welcoming”. While addressing members of the media at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown on Friday evening, van Ballekom said he and other officials of the EIB had met with President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and other Government officials, and had discussed a range of possibilities in a well-prepared encounter. van Ballekom, on his first visit here, said that in addition to discussions on the local energy sector, the
parties discussed the Guyana/Brazil economic link, and he asserted that there are four separate projects which fall under that linkage, among which are the Linden/Lethem road link, a hydropower project, and the rehabilitation of the Georgetown Harbour -- projects which he opined should be undertaken separately. Since they are large projects, van Ballekom said, it is up to the promoter -- in this case the Government -- to determine whether they should be Public/Private Partnership projects, or solely Government-funded. He said the EIB may look for a partner, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to undertake funding, since it does not provide 100 per cent funding for such large projects. He said the Georgetown
harbour being the possible initial project, it “will be a good thing”, and he opined that it would provide access to larger container ships. He noted that, as a stand-alone project, it would be beneficial to Guyana’s economy. He said the EIB possesses “impressive” technical expertise in that field, as it funds habours all across the world. “So our expertise is also available for Guyana,” van Ballekom added. As regards the Linden/ Lethem Road, the top EIB official said he was informed that it is a project which is long overdue. He said a Government minister informed that the roadway should have been built some 55 years ago. He described that project as one which is “mature”, and said the task now is to examine and realise it. The EIB has not under-
taken operations here since 2000, and the visiting team’s trip is aimed at engaging
both the private and public sectors. van Ballekom said Government officials raised similar projects during the discussions, and he described the situation as well coordinated. To this end, he said, if the EIB is to re-engage funding projects here, “we want to have people who are focused on the priorities”. He also noted that Guyana is in order. van Ballekom said the EIB is eager to engage the private entities, either directly or via the commercial banks; since the latter would be familiar with the business opportunities on offer. While describing the EIB as financially sound, he said it makes interventions when the economic climate is not favourable. He pointed out that the EIB’s man-
date is to bridge financial gaps when other banking institutions are not willing to so do. van Ballekom also visited the ports in Georgetown. His visit follows meetings in Suriname. According to a release from the EIB, European Ambassador to Guyana Jernej Videtic said the office is delighted to welcome the EIP delegation. He said investment and financing opportunities will be welcome without doubt, both for the private sector and in light of the country’s green agenda. The EIB is described as the largest multilateral public bank in the world, and 10 per cent of its lending targets investments outside of the European Union. It is owned directly by the 28 EU member states.
Gunmen storm Digicel Sheriff Street outlet ‒ escape with phones, cash THREE armed men on Friday carried out a brazen daylight robbery on Cellular Planet, Sheriff Street, Georgetown, carting off an undisclosed amount of cash and other items. According to reports received, the robbery occurred at about 16:00hrs, a few minutes before the store was scheduled to close for business. The entity is a dealer store of Digicel Guyana Inc.
Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle revealed that the men, armed with guns, demanded that the employees hand over all the money generated from the day’s sales. The men also stole all the store’s high-end handsets, phone cards and sim cards and other electronics. The store is reportedly equipped with surveillance cameras;the men fled in a waiting motor
car. The Guyana Chronicle understands that this was the second time the store was robbed. Last year gun men raided the store and held two of its female employees at gunpoint. The men reportedly got away with several cellphones, long with the victims’ jewellery and cellphones. Meanwhile, Digicel has confirmed reports of the robbery, while noting that a police investigation is in progress.
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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
Acts of saving NIS THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) embodies the future of Guyanese workers, employed and self-employed. It accordingly needs to be considered an important institution by every stakeholder, given that is provides financial protection to the insured and their dependants in times of sickness, death, birth (maternity), injury, disability and pension. Every contributor or dependant, regardless of the size of the benefit, expects that with obligation honoured under the NIS Act, when time comes to receive the benefit, such can be paid. The investments undertaken by the NIS over a particular period were informed primarily by political considerations, and were conceptualised outside the remit of the NIS Board, which has responsibility for its financial and legal performance. Two such investments that readily come to mind are that of the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI). Although these investments were analysed and criticised by stakeholders and financial analysts when they became public knowledge, the then Board of the NIS and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration ignored the voices of reason and concern. When CLICO found itself in financial crisis through what some may term bad investment, NIS invested, and lost, $5.6B in that entity, importantly through neglect on the part of Government to carry out its legal oversight responsibility. In face of this crisis and the threatened viability of the Scheme’s Fund, the PPP/C administration unfortunately failed to act. Has that administration acted to the contrary, it would have ensured the Scheme being placed in a better position to meet its obligations to the contributors, present and past. Equally ignored was a resolution brought in 2009 before the National Assembly, the nation’s highest decision-making forum, calling on Government to execute actions to secure the money lost from this investment. Coupled with the aforementioned in-actions, recommendations from actuarial reports have been ignored even as the Scheme’s viability became increasingly worrisome. Issues such as increasing contributions and extending the age of retirement, as proposed in the reports, were never allowed to be ventilated and discussed by stakeholders and the public. On the issue of the BBCI investment, it would be recalled that when it was learnt that the PPP/C Administration had instructed the NIS to make this investment, such was robustly opposed and condemned by persons such as chartered accountant and attorney-at-law Christopher Ram, among others. The Scheme presently receives little return on this investment, even as it is being asked to forego its dividends, since the company is said to be experiencing financial and economic difficulties. It is no secret that the NIS Fund, as it stands today, is in crisis; and where it remains the nation’s only national safety network, the society can ill afford to have this institution not being able to discharge its economic responsibility. That the APNU+AFC Administration on Thursday signed
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Thieves of VAT and NIS should be exposed Dear Editor, VALUE Added Tax (VAT) is a very important component of revenue collection in Guyana. It is vital to the economy, and the Government can use it to pay our public servants and fund state projects. There is an urgent need for Guyanese to be educated and informed on the value of paying their taxes, and the responsibility we all have to honour that commitment. It has been observed that many local businesses have two or three financial books; and in some instances, more than one cash register. They have, for many years, robbed this nation of much-needed funds through accounting malpractices. Many have shared the experience when they go to buy goods from some stores and producers and are asked, “vat or no vat?” My response will always be to charge me the VAT, and this should be the attitude of all citizens. Many businesses, inclusive of security services, have been blatantly involved in the theft of VAT. Further, the ones that practise this fraud are not afraid of being in the tendering system, as they feel protected. While others are completely avoiding payments, others pay a minimum of the VAT to the GRA, and defraud the state of a significant portion. Some are treating the remittance of VAT, Income Tax and PAYE deductions as if it is a donation or charitable contribution to the Government and nation. Theft of VAT is a major criminal offence. In other countries, persons are jailed and given stiff charges. For example, the IRS in the United States and the Tax authority in
Canada investigate and monitor effectively the criminals that avoid tax payments. There is an urgent need for the law to be properly outlined, so that abusers can be found and properly prosecuted. Sadly, tax evasion is an unpatriotic reality in our nation, and I would strongly admonish all citizens to honour tax payments, as we all desire better police services, more efficient hospitals, more roads and highways, the best educators. This can greatly be achieved through equipping the Government with adequate revenue through VAT and Income Tax. It is known that before elections a few years ago, a Security Service forged a GRA and an NIS compliance document and was never prosecuted. All that happened to that particular company was that it was refused any contracts, for the Regional Security Contract only, for that year. However, the following year, that company was somehow able to secure Government contracts in all ten administrative regions. Because of the theft of NIS and PAYE by this company, which claims a close relationship with Government officials, the owner would tender below cost as the NIS, PAYE and VAT theft would enrich him. The same individual was arrested for the alleged theft of 100 laptops that were stored in his private residence. He was charged and the matter was highlighted locally and internationally. He boasted that nothing would come out of the case, and so said, so done. Following the award the company received, the company’s leader boasted about being unprosecutable, and that he was a “party-man”. I
a Debenture Agreement with the Scheme for an aggregated value of five billion, six hundred and forty-one million, four hundred and thirty-one thousand, four hundred and seventy-five dollars ($5,641,431,475), representing compensation for the financial loss suffered in CLICO, is making good on the 2009 Parliamentary resolution the PPP/C Administration ignored, and commitment given by this administration to ensure the viability of NIS. This is a bold and courageous act, and will aid assurance that pensions and other benefits that workers look forward to are being protected. Other areas of crises in NIS are that of non-compliance, and its investment policy. Compliance with the laws on eligibility and payment of contributions, including those of employers who have not been honouring their responsibilities in remitting the workers’ contributions, timely or otherwise, is deserving of laser
strongly believe that people involved in such activities must be prosecuted by the law. They must not feel above the law, but subordinate to its authority. Another security company never paid its NIS, VAT and PAYE taxes. It was made insolvent by the former Commissioner General. Mechanisms should be set to enable knowledge of the amount of money that is to be collected; and alongside that, the amount of money that has been paid; and importantly, that which is outstanding (as it relates to VAT). For example, if I have a contract for 100 security guards, the NIS must be properly accounted for and paid in full, and the NIS must know if I’m cheating the system, especially if it is a Government contract, each contract mentions the number of security personnel. NIS/FINES Companies are continuing to steal from their workers/citizens of this country in order to fatten and richen themselves. They have proverbially been drinking the blood of the working class, and have been robbing this country of resources it so desperately needs. It is my view that the NIS laws are far too weak and lenient. In many cases, these acts are not labelled as criminal offences. They must be made criminal offences! The law must bite! The law must sting! It was just recently discovered that some of the largest rice farmers and millers in Essequibo never paid PAYE and NIS, creating a massive social and financial crisis in the country. Bankruptcies or ‘planned bankruptcies’ should never prevent the white collar criminal from remitting PAYE
taxes and National Insurance, as they were collected from employees on behalf of the country and the NIS authority. Further, a trade union was allowed to open a security service in order to privatize security guards of the Government, while receiving clearance to operate for seven years. This organization also never paid Income Tax and NIS, causing the state to lose billions of dollars. In the end the company went insolvent. I was told by someone very close to the previous Government that “next to God is a raise”. The legal entities in Guyana must take note of such insanity. One way to ensure this happens is to have private criminal lawsuits levied, and not just the civil lawsuits. The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) would have previously published names of NIS evaders, but this is simply not enough. GRA should move to publish their photographs in the media, and expose these cases at length to the public. There is a case of a company that is being operated by someone allegedly returned to Guyana by the U.S authorities. Workers had starkly complained and protested at the NIS office of that individual’s failure to cover them, but nothing was ever done. Later, he would mock such employees, asking them: “What have you achieved?” I call for companies who fail to pay NIS to be blacklisted for about 3-5 years by the Government and its various arms. This has to be made serious, so that we can give the ‘good life’ to all Guyanese. Regards, ROSHAN KHAN
beam attention and action. In July, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan made known that a sum of $1.3B is owing to the Scheme by delinquent employers and self-employed persons. The nation has been advised by the minister that the NIS Board will be looking at tackling the matter, and it is hoped that such is done with deserving urgency. NIS Board also has to revisit and frankly rid itself of engaging in investments that are unsound and unsustainable. And whereas Government’s financial effort must be commended, the NIS as an organisation must move as a matter of import to have an actuarial study conducted, and recommendations arising thereform made public, discussed with stakeholders, agreements arrived at and implemented. Being the past and present major or only safety network for the workers, the Scheme must be protected and made viable.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
US$5M agreement signed with Germany for protected areas project THE Government of Guyana on Friday inked a US$5M agreement with the German Government to support the implementation of the third phase of an on-going programme to develop protected areas in the country. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of the Presidency between Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Regional Director of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Dieter Lamle. A release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that the signing took place immediately after a meeting between President David Granger and Ambassador Lamle, who was accompanied by Germany’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Lutz Hermann Gorgens and Honorary Consul of Germany to Guyana, Mr. Ben Ter Welle. According to the release, President Granger said that Germany has a long tradition of supporting green development in Guyana and this bodes well for the ‘green’ trajectory that his Government has embarked on. “We appreciate your support and we realise the value
of our forests in the suppression of the effects of climate change… Let me assure that your interest in climate change and your support for the green agenda is well placed,” the President told the Ambassador. The President said that Guyana is part of the Guiana Shield, which is considered the lungs of the earth and that his Government is committed to preserving the integrity of that Shield. He noted, also, that the work that Germany has been doing in the field of biodiversity and in supporting Guyana’s environmental thrust, is essentially providing a global service. The Head of State informed that Guyana has committed, at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), not only to extend existing protected areas, but also to the creation of new ones. He explained that each of the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana has unique and rare flora and fauna that must be preserved. Meanwhile, Ambassador Lamle said that he is extremely happy to be part of the protected areas project and to be in Guyana at a time when the two countries (Guyana
and Germany) are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. He also commended the Government and people of Guyana for maintaining the forest in such a pristine state. Mr. Ter Welle explained that the Guyana Protected Areas Systems (GPAS) Project commenced some 10 years ago and it is being implemented in phases. The first phase saw the disbursement of €3M, of which, a part was allocated to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development for training and the remainder was spent on the setting-up of protected areas and the development of legislation. Phase II, the other hand, saw the disbursement of €4M, which went into the National Protected Areas Trust Fund, which was created through the passage of legislation and which that is managed by a board of trustees. Of the US$5M that is made available in this third phase, US$4.2 will go towards investment in protected areas at Shell Beach, Kaieteur and the Kanuku Mountains. The remainder will be directed towards green initiatives as it is one of the priority areas of the Government.
Merriman Mall now an eyesore Dear Editor, THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown ought to be ashamed of themselves for the eyesore they have created on the Merriman Mall, where they have placed a number of itinerant barbers, hairdressers, cosmetologists and tattoo artists. When one passes along Church Street or North Road, very close to a fast food tent called ‘The Jerk Hut’, which should not have been there either, one cannot help but notice how close in proximity it is to ‘Barbers Row’ from where hair and nail clippings are flying, grimy footbath water is lying in pools etc. But it is the appearance of Barbers Row that is most shocking. There itinerant vendors were provided with some cheap and flimsy tents that are all now broken, faded, and in a dreadful state, having withstood the vagaries of the weather. In order to keep things together and to protect themselves from the rain, these vendors had to bring in pallets and old pieces of wood, old plastic sheets, pieces of metal etc. Without proper infrastructure, like plumbing, vendors sometimes resort to using flying toilets, which are just plastic bags filled with hair, finger and toe nails, cotton pads, etc, which can be tossed into the canal. This area is just hazardous on an environmental level, and should immediately be shut down by the City’s Medical Officer of Health. For persons who do not know what the term ‘Slumming’ means, then they can just go to the Merriman’s Mall Barbers Row for an education. Regards, SEAN MONIZ
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Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Germany’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Dieter Lamle signing the agreement. Looking on are, from left: Mr. Ben Ter Welle, Ambassador Lutz Hermann Gorgens, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Mr. Damian Fernandes, Ms. Ndibi SchwiersCeres and Deputy Commissioner at the PAC, Ms. Denise Fraser
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Bandits batter elderly ‒ gun, ammo taken man, daughter in $3M heist By Jeune Bailey Van Keric PENSIONER Andrew Dos Ramos was, in the wee hours of Friday, awakened from sleep in his Lot 5 Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice home by three bandits, who wrapped him in the mosquito net that was open over his bed. “As they were wrapping me I fought, but they succeeded in duct-taping my feet (and) hands, along with my mouth and nose,” the 67-year-old recalled as he sat in a hammock in his yard. “They twitched my left arm backwards; as a result, it is dislocated. They made demands for the gun, jewelry and money whilst ransacking the bedroom. “However, although my mouth was duct-taped, there was a slight opening, and I managed to scream ‘Thief! Thief!’ “My daughter, who was occupying another bedroom, responded; but after she saw the men, she retreated into her room. They then kicked her door open,” Dos Ramos detailed. And 45-year-old Kamlawattie Dos Ramos, known as Jenny, recalled being awakened by the dog barking. She later learnt that the dog had been fed portions of dhall puri, which were seen outside the partially meshed
yard, into which the bandits gained entrance after cutting a hole. Having gained entry into the yard, the bandits then forced open the bathroom window in the lower flat, gaining access into the house, and thereafter pouncing on the elderly man. Jenny told reporters that two bandits entered her room, duct-taped her mouth, sat on her back, and vised her in the process of demanding her father’s gun, money and jewelry. “I stared at death. I was
Kamlawattie Dos Ramos
Andrew Dos Ramos nursing an injured arm
The house where the robbery took place
fighting the lanky bandit as he was vising me. I wanted him to loose my neck as I was losing my breath. I only got breathing space when they wanted me to answer a question.
“A dreadlocked bandit duct-taped (my mouth) before ransacking the room. They took the money from the metal container, (and) ransacked the wardrobe and the dresser, from where they removed my deceased
mother’s wedding and engagement rings and gold bangles. “They also removed jewels that my father’s parents had given him and he had handed it over to my brothers, but they (the brothers) did not take it to their matrimonial homes; the jewels were left with me. I had my personal jewelry too. All were stolen,” the traumatized woman said. During the hour-long ordeal, the bandits also took her father’s shotgun and seventy-five rounds of ammunition which were recently bought. Several bottles of whisky which
were given to her father by his overseas-based friends, paint intended to rehabilitate their home, and groceries were also carted off. The Dos Ramoses estimate their losses to be in the vicinity of $3M. The woman revealed that, after the intruders had left, she managed to rub her mouth continuously at the jagged edge of her floor model television, ripping off the duct tape in the process. Her feet were not bound. She then called out to neighbours, who rushed over and assisted. “I thank God for my neighbour, because if he
did not respond my father would have died. We called the police on 911, but there was no response. Eventually one of my relatives had a police rank’s number, which we called before help came about a half-hour after the incident.” It was after the incident that she realized that the family car, PEE 9829, had also been ransacked and sums of money intended for grocery shopping had been removed. Just August 21 last, a family was robbed at the Edinburgh Public Road, just a stone’s throw away from the Dos Ramos home.
King snubs Duncan in Mayor’s absence ‒ “There’s no position as acting mayor” By Telesha Ramnarine DEPUTY Mayor Sherod Duncan has complained that Town Clerk Royston King provided him no transportation or any other facility during the recent absence of Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen. The mayor had informed Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan that she was proceeding overseas for a few days on some personal matters. On her return, she was greeted with the deputy’s complaints. But the Mayor and the Town Clerk have both rebuffed the Deputy Mayor’s claims. At last Monday’s statutory meeting, she said Duncan also complained that the Town Clerk had not informed him that he was moving to suspend
vending around the Bourda Market area. King had gone ahead with these actions while the mayor was abroad. In Duncan’s absence at the statutory meeting, ChaseGreen recalled that during her tenure as deputy mayor, she served without transportation and did not complain to anyone. “I did it at my own cost. I walked, took a taxi, used my children’s car, I never made it public; so all of the facilities that are now being asked for by the deputy mayor…I am at a more disadvantage, and I don’t complain. “But it is unfortunate that we just try to get attention every time that we can. And we are not handling the works of the council,” Chase-Green said. She cited as reckless Dun-
can’s statement that “the Town Clerk must go”. “Making irresponsible statements to the public will not help you; you have to solve your problems around this horseshoe table.” NO AUTOMATIC ASSUMPTION And in response to the Deputy Mayor’s complaints, the Town Clerk observed that there seems to be a misunderstanding that whenever the mayor is out of the jurisdiction, the deputy mayor automatically assumes the office of the mayor. “That is not so,” King declared. “Whenever the mayor is out of the jurisdiction, it does not follow that the deputy mayor assumes the office of the mayor. There is no position in the law as act-
Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan
ing mayor; rather, it’s deputy mayor performing the duties of the mayor.” King further argued that, according to the law governing the municipality, if the mayor is unable to perform any functions while she is out of the jurisdiction, the office of the
Town Clerk Royston King
Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green
Town Clerk must be advised. “This was not the case when you left,” he pointed out to Chase-Green. In another argument, the Town Clerk said there were no functions in Chase-Green’s diary to be performed while she was away. “As a result, administration did not provide
transportation for the deputy mayor (as well as) the other facilities, because there were no mayoral functions to perform.” Citing a technicality in the law, King said the facilities in question should be given to the deputy mayor only after seven consecutive days of the mayor’s absence.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
City Hall to consider re-hiring private garbage collectors
By Telesha Ramnarine ALTHOUGH City Hall a few weeks ago boasted that it is equipped with its own staff and trucks to collect garbage and suspended the services of two private contractors, the municipality is now considering hiring them back. City Hall had dropped the services of the two major solid waste companies, Puran’s Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc., because the municipality said it could take care of these services on its own and thus save costs. But Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said last Monday that she was not satisfied with what she is seeing in the city with regard to garbage. “We took over some areas and it would appear to me that we are not capable of doing what we said in that whole area; that we will have to call in back some contractors to give back some areas to them.” The mayor said after suspension of the private contractors, there have been continuous complaints of garbage all over the city. On one occasion, she received a report that one truck had dumped a barrage of tires in the cemetery. She also spoke of instances where garbage was left on
street corners and in front of businesses after City Hall’s trucks failed to pick them up. Meanwhile, there have also been complaints from residents that City Hall’s trucks were not working according to schedule and would turn up without them being informed. This has often resulted in garbage being left at households, and a piling up. Due to the new arrangement, too, City Hall had said that it would only be clearing the central business district in Georgetown once a day as compared to twice previously. On the other hand, residential garbage was removed twice weekly, but is now being removed only once. According to the current schedule in place, City Hall said its trucks would be serving West Ruimveldt on Mondays; East Ruimveldt on Tuesdays; Middle Road La Penitence on Wednesdays; East La Penitence on Thursdays, and North-East La Penitence on Fridays. Town Clerk Royston King had told the Guyana Chronicle that the new system is working well, given the council’s “very, very limited” resources. He said the once daily clearing of garbage for businesses is not sufficient, but is the best the council could do, given its
financial constraints. The council, he added, was optimistic that there would be a different cost for the collection of commercial waste during 2017. He noted that it was unfair for businesses to be paying the same amount as residents. “It’s a very expensive service, and we need to separate the two,” King said, because it is imperative that businesses have adequate garbage receptacles so that refuse does not spill on to the pavements and thoroughfares. King had also said that the suspension of business between the council and the private garbage contractors is temporary. He said the services of private garbage contractors are important, but the council is not in a position to utilise those services currently, due to financial challenges. He disclosed that both garbage disposal companies would be paid their outstanding balances by the end of this month. Together, they are owed more than $200M. “We remain very grateful to these contractors for their patience, understanding and cooperation. They continued working while waiting for their money. We hope that this period will not affect our longterm relationship,” King said.
Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan posted this photo on social media with the caption: “Bin too small? Pick up late? Trying to find the right answer.”
Cheaper medical materials for medical professionals ‒ as PALTEX launches programme in Guyana
PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, Dr. William Adu Krow presents Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings with medical reading materials provided by PALTEX PAHO/WHO
By Ravin Singh GUYANESE medical professionals are now in a position to benefit from cheaper medical instruments and textbooks as PLATEX Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) launched its “Expanded Programme of Textbooks and Instructional Materials” project on Friday. Since its implementation in 1966, PALTEX PAHO/ WHO has established a cooperation strategy essential technique of PAHO. The mission of PALTEX PAHO/ WHO is to contribute to the development of education human resources for health, in order to achieve the strengthening of care in the Region of the Americas. And this is exactly what the programme aims to do in Guyana. According to PALTEX Administrator Specialist, Eduardo Castro, the agency will be providing Guyana with updated medical materials, both in the form of textbooks and medical instruments. However, he was keen to note that these materials (both the textbooks and instruments) will be 40-50 per cent cheaper than the market price. “We bring into the country updated materials and the benefit is that we can offer it 40-50 per cent lower than the market price.” Castro went on to explain that a few years ago when he visited some medical institutions in Guyana, he noticed that students did not have the necessary textbooks; instead, they studied from in-class notes and online PDF documents.
“The basic textbooks that students need, they don’t have it. So they need texts to assist them. There will be a time when most of these materials will be online. But as it is, instead of them having to pay to
tries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Guyana is the second country in the Caribbean to introduce the PALTEX project. Lauding the re-introduction of the project, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, encouraged medical students to seize all opportunities provided through this programme. In thanking PLATEX PAHO/WHO for making the project a reality, she noted that the launch was impeccably timed, since the public health sector in Guyana is experiencing positive reform. “The launch of the project is impeccably welltimed. Presently, the public health sector is under reform and the ministry has been working assiduously to provide quality health services to all Guyanese,” she said. She reiterated that the
PALTEX Administrator Eduardo Castro tells the gathering at Friday’s launch that the agency will be providing Guyana with updated medical materials
ship books into the country, which is usually very expensive, we are bringing them in at a cheaper cost,” he said. Not limited to just textbooks, Castro said that PALTEX will also be introducing an E-library that local medical institutions can pay to have access to. Through that agreement, he added, all students can have access to the materials online. Additionally, he stated that basic medical instruments including the stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer, thermometer, etc will also be available at reduced prices. To date, PALTEX PAHO/WHO has provided more than seven million books and basic diagnostic instruments in more than 530 institutions in 19 coun-
opportunities provided can elevate the quality of teaching and learning and that all medical practitioners and students should utilise the opportunities presented to them. Echoing similar sentiments was Director, Regional Health Services, Dr Kay Shako who expressed the view that this launch comes at a time when Guyana is building capacity in the medical and related fields. She noted too that the country is “moving into the right direction,” and this programme provides an opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge through books. “Let us not waste it” she said, adding that, “If we can all read a chapter a day, it can change the lives of people in Guyana.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Trinidad President to open int’l justice conference here THE President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona, will give the keynote address at the international judicial conference to be held by the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana on Monday, September 19. A press release said judges and magistrates from across the Commonwealth are expected to attend the event, which will be hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. The conference, which begins at 8:45 am on Monday, is organized by the Commonwealth Judges’ and Magistrates’ Association, a London-based organisation, in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana. The event is being held under the theme “The Judiciary as guarantors of the rule of law”, and according to the release, it has recorded intended participation from judges and magistrates coming from a wide spread of countries across the Com-
President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona
monwealth, from as far as Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zeeland, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean region. The aim of the conference is to promote better understanding of judicial independence issues amongst judicial officers of all ranks and from all parts of the Commonwealth, and to explore the approach to those issues in different parts of the Commonwealth. In addition, it is intended that
amongst the magistrates and judges of the Commonwealth, greater awareness would be promoted of international treaties and laws relating to the development and access to justice; and to consider the practical application of that body of law. This engagement will also enhance networking within the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association. The release noted that Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, has indicated that one of the conference’s guests of honour will be President Carmona, who is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech to the conference. The conference has attracted a distinguished array of speakers on a diverse spread of topics on the Rule of Law, the provision of resources for the Courts, anti-terrorism legislation and human rights, Environmental Law and Sustainable development.
Teenager charged with murder S E V E N TEEN-YEAR-OLD Marlon Garrett of Campbellville, Georgetown, was remanded to prison on Friday for the alleged murder of a Bourda Market labourer. Garrett appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the charge which read that on September 11 at Robb Street, Bourda, he murdered a male. The body of the deceased is still at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary and is still to be identified. However, persons in the market identified the man as 34-year-old Omesh Chetram, formerly of Unity, East Coast Demerara. The teen was unrepresented and the matter was adjourned until October 18.
According to reports, the man was fatally stabbed on Robb Street between Alexander and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, around 01:30hrs on September 11. Police had noted in a press release that the man and the suspect were engaged in a heated row, during which he was stabbed in the lower region of his abdomen with a knife, and was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). The suspect, who was identified soon after the incident, made good his escape after committing the act,but he was later apprehended. Chetram had, sometime ago, left his home at Mahaica to seek work in Georgetown and while in the city, he developed an addiction for illicit drugs;
Marlon Garrett
and to accommodate this habit, he began doing odd jobs for vendors in the Bourda Market area.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Vendor plans legal action against City for seized goods “ By Shirley Thomas
VICE President of the Guyana Market Vendors Union, Carol Carter, plans to take legal action against the City Council after ranks from the City Constabulary removed, in her absence, more than $300,000 worth of items from her stall in the Stabroek Market. Carter, who owns a permanent stall from which she vends footwear at the north-eastern end of Stabroek Market, told the media that on Thursday her husband was manning the stall in her absence when, at about 11:00 hrs, he briefly left the stall to respond to an emergency call. Before leaving, he secured the items with a green tarpaulin on the stall, but upon his return, he was appalled to find that the tarpaulin had been removed and a large quantity
of slippers had gone missing. However, persons in the vicinity informed him that ranks of the City Constabulary had removed the items from the stall and taken them away to the Clerk of Market’s Office on the wharf. NO COOPERATION According to Carter, she and her husband reported the matter at the Brickdam Police Station, but were disappointed at the response of the police, who gave them no satisfaction and failed to record the details of the report. Noting that the constables had visited the stall in her and her husband’s absence and removed the items without either their knowledge or permission, the couple is contending that the constables were guilty of trespassing and larceny. However, after getting no satisfaction from the Brickdam
police, the couple returned to their stall to secure what was left of their goods. But unknown to the constabulary ranks, at least one person who was nearby and had witnessed the removal of the items, filmed the entire proceedings and turned the film over to Carter and her husband. “This is provocation to its highest! I feel that my rights as a stall holder, my rights as a businesswoman, have been violated highly by the Clerk of Market and his workers; and I am not going to take this lightly, because it is not the first time that they have seized goods from my business. I need that behaviour to stop. After all, we are not encumbering anywhere; we are displaying, and we have a legal right to display our goods,” Carter said. Carter believes she is be-
VICE President of the Guyana Market Vendors Union, Carol Carter
This is provocation to its highest! I feel that my rights as a stall holder, my rights as a businesswoman, have been violated highly by the Clerk of Market and his workers; and I am not going to take this lightly, because it is not the first time that they have seized goods from my business. I need that behaviour to stop. After all, we are not encumbering anywhere; we are displaying, and we have a legal right to display our goods,” Carter said.
ing targeted because of her position in the Market Vendors Union. Other vendors around the market have substantiated the contention that seizing of their items is the norm with the City Constabulary Revenue employees. Carter contended that, in the market setting, anyone speaking out against the atrocities being committed by certain functionaries would become the number one target for those functionaries. “I feel that are deliberately setting out to frustrate the ven-
dors with the hope that they would cower and bow out, or hope that their actions would force you to commit yourself and get involved with the law. But I am a [psychological] fighter and I shall not back down, I have been wronged and I mean that justice must be served,” Carter said. An elderly woman, who is said to have suffered broken hips and sits in a wheelchair in that same vicinity selling footwear, claimed that in the recent past she had also been a victim of the same kind of atti-
tude by the constabulary ranks, who had swept her stand clean and taken away her slippers. Out of caution, the young man who works at the stall with her decided to count the slippers the ranks were taking away. That incurred their wrath, and they whisked him away to their constabulary depot, where he was charged and has been ordered to appear in court next week. Declaring that enough is enough, the vendors at the Stabroek Market are calling on Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, to allow for systems to be put in place which would ensure that an inventory of items seized from their stalls be made by the owners. That document should also be signed by the City official in charge of the seizing crew, and a copy should be kept by that official.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Jagdeo backs fraud accused Duncan …says tribunal premature, repugnant OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has denounced the establishment of a tribunal appointed by President David Granger to inquire, investigate, and recommend whether fraud accused Carvil Duncan, Chairman and appointed member of the Public Service Commission, should be removed from office for inability to discharge his duties. On Thursday President Granger swore in the three-member tribunal, in keeping with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana. Justice Roxane George will chair the tribunal. The other members are Justice (ret’d) Winston Patterson and Attorney-at-Law Robert Ramcharran. The tribunal is expected to commence its work immediately, and render its report, findings and recommendations to President Granger on or before October 31, 2016.
In offering congratulations and appreciation to the tribunal for taking up this challenge, the Head of State said it is an indication that Guyana is a well-run country. “It represents the commitment of this Administration to due process. We are obliged that when matters are brought to our attention, the response should not be hasty, arbitrary, or whimsical; and that we follow the Constitution both in spirit and in letter,” President Granger said. In a statement issued by his office, Jagdeo said the establishment of this tribunal was triggered by the institution of certain criminal charges against Duncan. “These charges are still pending before a magistrate of the Georgetown Magistrates courts. The very Constitution that the President pledges to follow ‘in spirit and letter’ confers upon Mr. Duncan a presumption
of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law,” the opposition leader said. Since the charges against Duncan are still pending, the establishment of this tribunal is “premature, pre-emptive and repugnant” to the very “due process” to which the President says that his Administration is committed, charged Jagdeo. “Indeed, the establishment of this Tribunal smacks of exactly the opposite: caprice, arbitrariness and witch-hunting. It is public knowledge that Mr. Duncan has been a stumbling block at the Public Service Commission, preventing this Administration from dismissing public servants on ethnic and political grounds, and blocking the hiring of unqualified cronies,” Jagdeo charged. He said establishment of the tribunal would have a prejudicial impact upon the pending legal proceedings, as the President has sent a
Carvil Duncan
clear signal to the presiding magistrate what outcome the Executive expects. “In these circumstances, we view the establishment of this tribunal as a travesty of justice, and an assault upon constitutional due process and the fundamental rights of Carvil Duncan and the thousands of workers whose interests and welfare he protects.” Duncan, President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union, was charged jointly with Aeshwar Deonarine, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), over the unapproved transfer from the PetroCaribe Fund of approximately $29M to their personal bank accounts. Duncan was initially
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo
placed on $1M bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Police allege that Duncan stole $984,900 from GPL on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, after conspiring with Deonarine to commit the act of simple larceny. Duncan is also alleged to have conspired with Deonarine to commit a felony – that is to say: between May 7 and 8 at Georgetown, he conspired to steal Gy$27,757,500, property of GPL. He has denied the charges. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo initiated the process to have Duncan removed following the institution of criminal charges against him. The PM had written Duncan earlier this year requesting that he show cause why a tribunal should not be established, as provided for by Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, to
address the question of his removal from the constitutional offices of Chairman of the Public Service Commission and member of the Police Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission. Nagamootoo made the decision in view of the offences for which Duncan has been charged, which are at present engaging the attention of the Court. Nagamootoo was reported as having advised Duncan via letter that the procedure has been invoked on the basis that the offences for which he has been charged place him in a position where it is necessary for him to defend the charges before the Court. And further, that there is concern that during this period, he would be unable to perform the duties imposed upon him by the Constitution in relation to the aforementioned constitutional offices that he holds. Nagamootoo had further advised Duncan that the letter was his “opportunity to inform the exercise of his (the Prime Minister’s) discretion to advise His Excellency, President David Granger, whether to establish the tribunal.” That letter, dispatched on March 29, 2016, requested that Duncan respond within 14 days of receipt, but he has never responded.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Aries The winds of fate are blowing your way today, giving you permission to be your naturally spontaneous self. It's time to bend the rules creatively and try original solutions to personal and professional problems. Having conviction in your beliefs empowers you to take advantage of this cosmic opportunity. The Moon's return to reactive Aries, combined with an electric Mars-Uranus trine, can give you a shove in a new direction at exactly the right moment. Don't think about it; just act on the intuitive flash and know that something magical is about to happen. If you build it, they will come. Taurus Reacting without thinking today can bring you thrills you don't usually seek. Electric Uranus is giving you an itch for excitement as it stimulates rowdy Mars in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Review the emotional costs before you reveal what's in your heart, because you might not see the possible pitfalls until it's too late. But don't hesitate too long if everything makes sense or you could miss your chance. As the great science fiction writer Frank Herbert wrote, "Truth suffers from too much analysis." Gemini It's as if someone opened the floodgates to allow a surplus of original ideas to flow through your imagination and you can't wait to act on each and every one of them. Fortunately, a rebellious Mars-Uranus trine increases your ability to clearly express your unorthodox thinking. But just because something sounds good on paper doesn't mean it will work in reality. Aside from Mercury retrograde, there is not a lot to hold you back right now, so it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before jumping into a project you will soon regret. Look before you leap. Cancer Although you might encounter a surprise or two along your way today, you are likely to have a banner day if you possess the courage to express what's in your heart. You're more inclined to take a chance and try something new, even if you're simply doing your chores. Reach for the top of the mountain and don't fret if circumstances slow your progress. Simply refine your plans by making necessary adjustments and keep on going. Thankfully, a round of lightning strikes from Uranus the Awakener can clear the obstructions from your path, finally freeing you to move forward. Leo You may not be able to think your way through the sudden rush of feelings you experience today. However, you'll be left with a powerful sense of accomplishment if you can surrender control and trust your intuition. A fiery Mars-Uranus trine could shake up your personal life and strain your ability to remain logical. Allowing your heart to open without reservation is your key to thriving as your adrenaline rises. Rumi wrote, "Reason is powerless in the expression of love." Virgo Staying focused on the present isn't easy when you see so many options shining in the distance. The harmonious hook up between self-directed Mars and futuristic Uranus can clear the cloudy thoughts from the air. However, Mars is activating your 4th House of Domestic Conditions, inspiring you to exercise your creative self-expression at home. But before you start a major renovation project, make sure to consider all the ramifications since Mercury is still retrograde. You can avoid a mess by recognizing a potential trap ahead of time. Libra Breaking out of your comfort zone may be necessary to add some extra pizzazz to a current relationship. In any event, you must be prepared to take a risk, even if it means approaching someone in order to establish a new friendship. If something triggers your emotions, be ready to leave the security of your cautious routines to entertain a wilder and crazier existence. Ben Franklin wrote, "The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." Scorpio Innovative thinking can open doors that lead to new sources of income while revolutionary Uranus forms a favourable link to action-hero Mars in your 2nd House of Personal Resources. Re-evaluate alternatives that were previously set aside now that circumstances are no longer holding you back. Follow your own creative impulses today to broaden your financial horizons. Give your mind room to roam and remain receptive to solutions that may arrive in a flash of insight. Whether your plans concern money, fun or love, the warm winds of hope are about to carry you to success. Sagittarius A sudden blast of energy motivates you to get physical today. It may even be impossible to kick back and relax while electric Uranus zaps energetic Mars in your fiery sign. You might opt to do something productive, like working on a project around the house. But Mars in adventurous Sagittarius likes open spaces, making this a fantastic time to explore the great outdoors where you can see the horizon. Whatever activity you choose, it's crucial to express yourself with boldness and originality in all that you do. Capricorn Your hopes of a relaxing day can be shattered as a series of unexpected events demand your full attention. A rambunctious Aries Moon might be enough to disturb your regular weekend routine, but it's the trine between feisty Mars and unpredictable Uranus that allows you to enjoy the surprising change of pace at home once you accept the inevitable. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, you must be willing to relinquish the day you planned so you can have the one that is waiting for you. Aquarius Your genius for coming up with original solutions and unconventional methods when faced with a problem is evident today. Luckily, an activating trine between pioneering Mars and brilliant Uranus plants the seeds for breakthroughs to complications that have stumped you in the past. Others may be amazed with your technical wizardry or your unique style. In either case, move ahead with your ideas, even if they are counter to the prevailing currents. It's not always in your best interest to go with the flow. Pisces You're exhilarated by surprising changes that free you from boring routines today. Even if you sense something in the air, the actual events probably turn out differently than anything you might imagine while spontaneous Mars forms a superconductive trine with electrifying Uranus. The thrill of being so involved in an unplanned activity can catch you off guard. Nevertheless, taking a chance brings positive results as long as you cover all your bases before swinging into action.
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Reporter robbed at gunpoint FRUSTRATED after being at the receiving end of several robberies, one as recent as Thursday evening, Safe TY reporter / presenter Rehana Ahamad believes justice would be best meted out to thieves by having them repay financially for the things they stole. Ahamad, who has chalked up several years of experience both in the print and television media, told this publication that she was attacked by two bandits on Thursday evening as she walked out of David Rose Street in South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown after work.
She said she was heading to the main thoroughfare, the Aubrey Barker Road, to catch transportation when she observed two motorcycles speed past her. “Next thing I know, a young man who looks just about my age (21) is yanking on the handbag hung over my left shoulder,” she noted in a Facebook post of her experience. She said two young men attacked her, using expletives; and as she instinctively raised her right fist in defence, she noticed “a black gun emerge from (the) back pocket (of one), and was frighteningly aimed at my abdomen.” She said she sud-
Rehana Ahamad
denly became helpless and, out of fear, gave the young bandit her handbag. The assailant then ran off to one of the motorcycles and they sped away, leaving her in fear on the dark roadway. She said she observed a lady watching from a window, but the woman closed her curtains and she was left to plot her next move. She said she had her passport and identification card among other valuables in her bag. “This hasn’t been a good year for me. First (was) the break-in that left my home empty, then my phone (got stolen); now this,” the young woman stated. “I’m 21, and way past my quota of traumatic experiences. If it was someone else, I would’ve probably told them they need prayers,” she said.
On Independence night in May this year, after celebrating the country’s Golden Jubiliee anniversary that evening, Ahamad said, she and her family returned to their Parfaite Harmonie home on the West Bank of Demerara to find the house cleaned of valuables, including various electronic devices. In 2012, Ahamad was walking along Regent Street when someone snatched her mobile phone. “I pick up a brick and pelt the guy while he was running. Onlookers chipped in, and I got my phone back,” she said. The young woman said she reported her Thursday night ordeal to ranks at the East La Penitence Police Station, and is hopeful that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
Saturday, September 17, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Sunday, September 18, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Monday, September 19, 2016 - 05:00 hrs
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Gov’t begins repaying NIS …for failed investment in CLICO By Shauna Jemmott IT was indeed a happy day for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on Friday when government signed a Debenture Agreement of over $5.6B to repay the social security agency for losses suffered when the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) collapsed back in 2009. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said the NIS had lost billions of dollars in the investment and CLICO’s famous bankruptcy has had “traumatic effects” on the various parties involved.
happy day for NIS,” he said he hopes that NIS has learnt its lesson about “reckless investment.” “It is a sad day for taxpayers,” the minister said, and added that the taxpayers are the ones to bear the burden of the payments, which will be made over the next 20 years. Each of the 20 debentures has already been prepared and an agreement signed by Minister Jordan and NIS General Manager Doreen Nelson, who was handed the first of 20 and a copy of the signed agreement yesterday. The others will be collected in January of each year
Finance Minister Winston Jordan signs the debenture agreement for $5.6B
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and NIS General Manager, Doreen Nelson after signing the agreement
Minister Jordan said government stood to its campaign for NIS’s repayment during the reign of the last regime, and has now decided to “give NIS as close as possible to what they invested in CLICO in close to 20 years.” Declaring that it is “a
until 2037, with an accumulated value of $5,641,431, 475. Nelson said “We are extremely happy… this is a timely intervention.” She was thankful to government and the Ministry of Finance and said at a time when NIS has been stum-
bling financially, the repayment will guide them into a brighter future. Back in August, Jordan had announced that NIS would receive $5.6B from the Government of Guyana as compensation for the financial loss suffered as a result of an investment made in the now bankrupt
Gunmen snatch Survival Supermarket payroll BANDITS attacked and robbed a female employee of Survival Supermarket on Friday afternoon, while she was in a taxi at a traffic light at the junction of Sherriff Street, Georgetown. The incident occurred at approximately 17:00hrs and according to reports, two
men snatched the company’s payroll after tracing the woman from a city bank. One of the men reportedly gun-butted the woman, demanding that she hand over the money before making good his escape. At the time of the robbery, the woman was returning to the supermarket at the Sherriff
Street location. This newspaper understands that the company would usually utilise its own taxi service, but was forced to use another service since none of their own was available. Reports indicate that the taxi driver is in custody as investigations continue.
Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO). Jordan had disclosed during a media briefing that Cabinet consented to repay the NIS through non-negotiable debenture certificates. The repayment would be made over a 20-year period at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 per cent per annum, the principal sum being four billion, eight hundred and eighty-two million, four hundred and forty-six thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dollars ($4,882,446,199). He said yearly payments are to begin from January 1, 2017, and at the end of the 20-year period, Government would have paid over five billion, six hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and thirty-one thousand, four hundred and seventy-five
dollars ($5,651,431,475) in terms of principal and interest. “It is the best that the Government can do at the moment, but it is substantially more than NIS would have had if this investment continues to be impaired,” Minister Jordan said. The decision to repay the NIS followed a motion by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), when in opposition, to call upon the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government to take all steps necessary to guarantee that policyholders of CLICO Guyana would suffer no financial loss. That motion, moved by then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and seconded by Winston Murray, sought to have Government give an unequivocal guarantee to all contributors and beneficiaries of the NIS that there would be no consequential loss in benefits to them as a result of CLICO’s bankruptcy; and that the Government, and not contributors, would take up the slack. Resolution 82, passed by the National Assembly on March 12, 2009, called upon Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that there would be no financial loss to any policyholder or depositor of CLICO (Guyana); and to take all possible actions to secure the investments made in CLICO (Guyana) by the NIS on behalf of contributors and beneficiaries
of the scheme, to prevent any consequential loss in benefits to them. The National Assembly had endorsed the statement by the government of the day, guaranteeing the savings, pensions, investments, and insurance of all investors, depositors, policy holders and contributors of CLICO (Guyana). The Finance Minister said the NIS has been “impaired” as a result of the CLICO situation, and was finding it difficult to provide the beneficiaries with assistance. “NIS investments in CLICO are impaired, with extreme unlikelihood of getting back that money,” Jordan said, adding: “As a result of that impairment…not only NIS, but the beneficiaries in NIS are suffering terribly; because their ability to raise benefits will obviously be constrained by the fact that they don’t have this money, and this money cannot be put to earn additional monies for them.” NIS invested more than $6B in CLICO (Guyana), and CLICO reportedly invested some US$34M in its Bahamian counterpart, which became liquidated. The liquidator of the CLICO (Bahamas) company said in 2010 that, based on a preliminary view of documentation, policies were not issued by CLICO Bahamas, and as such, premiums received from Guyana and Suriname were never paid to the Bahamian company.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Protecting, preserving and promulgating the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana
President Granger is presented with a token of appreciation during the Launch of Indigenous Heritage Month 2016 THE Indigenous peoples of Guyana make up over ten percent of our population, and reside in 215 communities scattered across 30,000 square kilometres of our national territory. In honour of their heritage, Guyana observes Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of September. This year, the month is being observed under the theme “Our Culture, Earth’s Future; Saving the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way”. The culture of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana serves
as a core foundation of our patrimony; and as our first peoples, the protection, preservation and promulgation of their cultural heritage is therefore enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. At the opening ceremony of the Indigenous Peoples festivities’, President David Granger renewed Government’s commitment to ensuring that the right to the preservation of the heritage of Indigenous peoples is not diminished. However, the President acknowledged that the cultural heritage of our Indige-
nous communities is under threat due to issues affecting them, including the slow pace of economic growth within communities, and limited economic activity over the past two decades. The President said that issues such as these have caused not only distress, but, in many cases, the loss of human capital due to migration. These concerns add to the existence of social issues, such as low levels of education, vector-borne diseases, trafficking in persons, teenage pregnancy, crime, and other social ills.
The President has said that though significant strides have been made by the Indigenous Peoples, there still exists inequality in hinterland communities. Since taking up office, the Head of State has also outlined key areas of interest, and proposed solutions that hold the key to developing the way of life of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. With education as a major focus on his agenda, the President has pushed the importance of education in these communities. While speaking at the Heritage Day Celebrations at Mainstay/ Whyaka, at Pomeroon-Supenaam, the President said, “We, too, have an obligation to our children: that if the children are to be productive citizens, we, their parents and grandparents, have to make sure that we plan for their education, upbringing and welfare.” He added that education must also include Information Communication Technology (ICT,) so as to stay on par with the ever changing technological age. At this event, the President also announced that Government would seek to develop ICT by ensuring that every public building -- particularly schools, hospitals and airports -- is equipped with WIFI.
President Granger has also plugged entrepreneurship as a means of economic advancement for the hinterland communities. During visits to communities across the country, the President has urged citizens to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship, which will serve as a means of tackling unemployment in those areas while they utilise the abundance of resources the hinterland has to offer. Efforts to promote entrepreneurial development can be seen through establishment of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), which is aimed at providing skills training for approximately 2,000 young people in those areas. The HEYS initiative was announced by President David Granger last year at the National Toshaos Conference, and it is now coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs. Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, has described the HEYS initiative as a programme aimed at investing in, and strengthening, the youth, as the Indigenous Peoples need strong leadership to help them to move forward successfully. Plans to expand the initiative, the Minister said, are well
on the way, since investing in young people is an investment in the future wellbeing of the Indigenous Peoples. “It is our intention to inject into the curriculum of HEYS a cooperative module, because we believe in the ways of the Indigenous Peoples is to be working together. Unity is strength. We expect that our youths will strengthen the resolve of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana to self-determine and to attain a higher level of economic independence,” the Minister said. President Granger has also commended the Ministry for helping to push entrepreneurial development, stating that it creates an enabling and empowering environment for young entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the push toward entrepreneurship is also seen as a gateway for the development of value-added products, as residents will move to make use of farm produce beyond raw production. But moving towards the improvement of the lives of our Indigenous Peoples must also come with administrative policies which would seek to ensure that priorities are managed and that their interests are addressed in a timely and responsible manner. Apart from the Ministry,
The President interacts with students from Barima-Waini (Region One) during a visit to commission a school bus under the Five Bs Initiative
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
The Surama Dancers are one of the country’s most recognised Indigenous culture groups and have travelled across the country to perform at several events the structures responsible for managing the affairs of Indigenous Peoples are the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the Village Councils located within individual communities. The NTC meets annually to discuss matters affecting Indigenous communities and to implement decisions that seek to solve their concerns. It was at the National Toshaos Conference in 2015 that President Granger outlined a 10-point action plan for the hinterland region. The Plan sought to address issues such as youth employment, infrastructure, tourism, culture preservation, land titling, and other areas which develop hinterland communities. At opening of the Tenth Annual National Toshaos Council Meeting in August this year, Minister Allicock said the Ministry he heads has made considerable progress with the implementation of the plan. The Minister also encouraged the Toshaos to bring to the fore issues affecting the people, so that the communities could get the best representation and have their concerns addressed. Meanwhile, President David Granger called for the establishment of a five-person National Indigenous People’s Authority which will oversee and monitor the implementation of decisions taken by the NTC and other local indigenous bodies, and aid in better administering the affairs of the Indigenous Peoples within individual communities. “It is… very difficult for a single annual conference to ex-
have resonated with the people within many of the communities, who believe that working together would also help hinterland communities to move forward. These words were echoed by Regional Chairman of the Barima-Waini region (Region One), Mr. Brentnol Ashley, on the occasion of the commissioning of the twelfth school bus to the region under the President’s Five Bs Programme. “I firmly believe that the issue of development needs all people on board. Every one of us has the God-given responsibility to better our
President Granger greets a student from Mabaruma Primary School during a visit to Barima-Waini (Region One) ecute day-to-day management of these complex problems of which I have spoken about over such a vast area from north to south and east to west. The conference must therefore ask itself whether there can be a different administrative approach to resolving these problems, rather than meeting once a year and not being able to monitor the implementation of your decision for 365 days,” he said. The President said that body would not take away from the role of the NTC or the Ministry, but would aid in the effective implementation of decisions taken by the Council. This year’s conference also sought to deal with
amendments to the Amerindian Act, which has received proposals to be renamed the Indigenous Peoples Act; as well as effects of mining in hinterland communities and land titling concerns, the latter of which remains a top priority for Government. On the September 2 edition of the Public Interest, President Granger explained that the matter of land titling would be addressed expeditiously by his government. “My intention is to re-establish a form of Indigenous Peoples Lands Commission. This is what I have committed to, so that demarcation can be done to the satisfaction of both sides. I don’t feel it is fair for us to go further into the future
without dealing with this issue. Land is life for the Indigenous Peoples; they are not interested in house lots, they want land to hunt, farm, fish, cut timber… We have to deal with this issue once and for all… This is my commitment to the Indigenous Peoples, and it is going to happen,” the President said. The President has, however, continued to spread his message on the benefits of education, entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency as a means of encouragement for hinterland communities to aid in their own development, even as the administration continues to work toward infrastructural measures. The President’s words
community,” Mr. Ashley said. But overall, it is believed that the betterment that Government is aiming for can be achieved only through a collaborative effort of all Ministries, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. The Ministry is therefore collaborating with other Ministries to address issues of infrastructural, social and other issues that need addressing, while also looking to develop other projects and strategies that would aid in improving the lives of our Indigenous Peoples.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
100 educational institutions connected to Internet ‒ distribution of laptops to teachers to start in two weeks SINCE the commencement of the new academic term, some 100 educational institutions have been connected to high-speed Internet services and the Government in the next two weeks will begin distribution of laptops for teachers. Head of the E-Government Unit Floyd Levi said every secondary school in Regions Three, Four, Five
and Six is now connected to the E-Government 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network which extends from Skeldon, Berbice to Charity, Essequibo Coast. In addition, all high Schools in Georgetown and its environs have also been connected to the fibre-optic network that surrounds the city. Regional Democratic
Council (RDC) offices in the respective regions have been connected to the same networks as well, a release from the Public Telecommunications Ministry said Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes sees this development as the beginning of a long-overdue process that will ultimately enhance Information Communication Technology
(ICT) literacy across Guyana. She told reporters on Friday that getting schools connected can really start the transformation process Government envisions, pointing out that Guyana is moving in the direction where students can now access textbooks online. “For developing countries like Guyana that are
dealing with several financial challenges, it really can change the way we do a lot of things,” the minister said, as she informed the media that the distribution of laptop for teachers will begin in the next two weeks.
TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Only last week, the Project Management Team in the E-Government Unit announced that it had completed installing equipment to connect the computer laboratories at all secondary schools and the technical/ vocational institutes in East and West Berbice and East and West Demerara. By the end of the week, all high schools in Georgetown and its environs had been connected as were all technical/vocational institutes. The latter includes the Upper Corentyne, New Amsterdam and Mahaicony Technical Institutes in Regions Five and Six; the Government Technical Institute, the Guyana Industrial Training Centre and the Carnegie School of Home Economics in Region Four; and the Leonora Technical Institute in Region Three. The teams will very shortly move to Region Two, Essequibo Coast, to connect approximately six schools before heading to the far inland areas and hinterland regions. To date, 16 schools in Region Six, including Tagore Memorial and Winifred Gaskin Secondary have been connected. Seven secondary schools in Region Five were connected, including Mahaicony and Bygeval Secondary schools. In Region Four, between Mahaica, East Coast Demerara through Georgetown to Covent Garden Secondary, East Bank Demerara, some 41 secondary schools have been connected to the fibre-optic network. At West Demerara, 11 schools up to Parika are now connected to the Internet via their computer labs and administrative offices. This initiative is a vital part of the Ministry of Education’s five-year strategic plan which was drafted some years ago. It was hinged
on operationalisation of the ill-fated fibre-optic cable that the previous Government had ‘landed’ from neighbouring Brazil. This cable was supposed to have been laid sub-terraneously along the Linden to Lethem corridor, then along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway to connect with the fibre-optic Internet network in the city.
BADLY HANDLED A studied analysis of the severely damaged cable is still in progress. Reports state that it was very badly handled by the contractors who should have buried the full length of the cable at least three feet below the top soil. Because this cable is currently unusable, Internet connection for schools and public service agencies in inland and hinterland communities will now take longer than the original Education Ministry strategic plan for education connection had anticipated. The E-Government Unit is determined to satisfy the original ministry’s objective of completing the connection of all schools and institutes located within the radius of any LTE tower within the first two weeks of this 2016 academic Christmas term. The specified timeframe is mainly to accommodate students preparing for the next round of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations. They are required to submit their School-Based Assessment (SBA) projects online, and many of their reading materials are available only in e-libraries. Easy connectivity at schools will make the Internet much more accessible for many students. In addition, the simultaneous community-connection programme taking place in the same geographical regions will make it even easier for students to access the Internet for their reading and research materials. The inter-connectivity programme is progressing well and the ultimate objective is to have every single public entity connected to the national ICT network, the Public Telecommunications Ministry said.
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Stunning Henderson strike helps Liverpool beat Chelsea By Toby Davis (REUTERS) - A stunning strike from Jordan Henderson helped Liverpool secure a comfortable 2-1 win at Chelsea yesterday that ended the London club’s unbeaten start to the season and underlined the growing potential of Juergen Klopp’s side. Liverpool largely dominated the encounter and took a 2-0 lead after Dejan Lovren was left unmarked to steer home the opener and Henderson bent the ball into the top corner from 30 metres to put the visitors in command at halftime. Chelsea fought back after the break when Diego Costa side-footed home from close range after 61 minutes but there was little further goalmouth action as Liverpool comfortably held on. The win moved Liverpool level with Chelsea on 10 points after five games and prevented the Londoners from going top of the table. “We played football like hell,” said Klopp, whose side have now played Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea away from home in their opening fixtures. “It was really nice to watch. In the second half it was a bit more difficult. After their goal, we managed it well.” Liverpool were sharper from the start than Antonio Conte’s
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Chelsea, who seemed content to sit deep and invite pressure from the visitors, who happily set up camp in the hosts’ half in the opening stages. Daniel Sturridge threatened after only two minutes, curling a shot from the edge of the area that slipped from keeper Thibaut Courtois’s grasp and almost trickled over the line, but it was not long before Liverpool grabbed the lead. Typical of a sluggish Chelsea performance, Liverpool opened the scoring by catching the hosts napping at the back. A free kick found its way to Philippe Coutinho and his deep cross found four Liverpool players unmarked at the far post, with Lovren applying a cool side-footed finish past Courtois. Rather than prompt a Chelsea response, the hosts seemed to retreat further into their shell, making sporadic forays upfield but rarely threatening Liverpool’s goal. Henderson’s stunning second arrived after 36 minutes and was a fully deserved reflection of Liverpool’s first-half dominance. Gary Cahill cleared the ball to Henderson 30 metres from goal and he took aim before curling beautifully into the top corner. Having been completely outplayed in the first half, Chelsea briefly came out fighting after
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Liverpool’s James Milner clears. (Reuters/Dylan MartinezLivepic) the break and pulled themselves back into the game on 61 minutes when Costa grabbed his fifth Premier League goal of the season. Nemanja Matic, anonymous in the first half, did brilliantly to
carry the ball to the byline and pull back for Costa to sidefoot past Simon Mignolet and wake the home crowd. The striker then had a great chance to level four minutes later, swivelling
on the ball before shooting straight at Mignolet from 15 metres, but if Chelsea were hoping to lay siege to the Liverpool goal in the closing stages, it never materialised.
Dorado swimmers to compete in Maracas Open Water Classic in TT
By Daniel Haynes
THE Dorado Swim Club will see three swimmers compete in the Subway Maracas Open Water Classic tomorrow in Maracas, Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The swimmers, Daniel Scott (16), Alex Winter (15) and Soroya Simmons (20) are entering the competition on the heels of the trio taking all the medal positions in the Sawai Bartica to Riversview Open Water Swim last Sunday. The day saw Scott finish first, Simmons second and Alex third. Tomorrow both Winter and Scott will have their first attempt at swimming in such an event in sea conditions in the men’s 2,650m event. Simmons who placed third last year in the 2,650m swim, will try the 5k. Chronicle Sport was able to speak with the three athletes and one of their coaches,
Stephanie Fraser, at the National Aquatic Centre after a training session. All three athletes were in high spirits and brimming with confidence ahead of the event. According to Scott, “This is my first open water swim at this level and I’m a bit nervous but I’m confident that I’ll be able to handle myself.” The St Stanislaus Lower 6 student who is pursuing Science at the institution is hoping to return with a personal best of under 58.02s and a medal. Winter, also a St Stanislaus student in the Fourth Form Science stream is looking to secure his personal best and hopefully get a medal. “I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m both nervous and confident at the same time.” “I competed in the swim last year and finished third overall in the women’s open category, but this year I’m
doing a longer distance and I’m hoping to do my very best,” said Simmons.“ The swimmers are carrying the expectations of their coaches and were given a vote of confidence by coach Fraser. “Alex is a well-rounded swimmer capable of swimming both in the pool and open water, and Daniel is built for swimming in open water and we’re expecting both boys to do well despite it being their first time,” stated Fraser. She also added, “Soroya is experienced in this course since she swam it last year and we know she’ll do even better this year.” “Guyana has never had representation in long course swimming at the Olympics and that is Soroya’s goal.” The team departs today for Trinidad and Tobago and will return on Monday, hopefully, with medals and personal bests.
track and field, football or swimming.” Meanwhile, Director of Sport Jones reminded those in attendance of the recently concluded Rio Olympics and the amount of talent the world had on display there. He likened the games as the spotting ground for future Olympians, saying “We’re looking at the heritage games to be a step upwards, to have more
competition and to have many more teams come out, those who have not had a chance to showcase their skills.” The event kicked off yesterday with football action while today will feature archery, cricket and volleyball. The event is being held under the theme: ‘Our Culture, Earth’s Future - Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way’.
Heritage Sports ...
From back page ‘Playoff before the games in order to give them as much games preparation as possible through a knockout competition. She added, “Let’s see some of the talent that you have that we will know exactly where to focus our attention … whether it is archery, whether it’s football,
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
WADA leaks raise a lot of questions - Putin By Jack Stubbs MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) records leaked by hackers raised a lot of questions with healthy athletes seemingly taking banned substances,
TASS news agency reported. “It raises a lot of questions,” Putin said. “It seems as if healthy athletes are taking drugs legally that are prohibited for others, and people who are clearly suffering from serious illnesses, major disabilities, are suspected of taking
some kind of substances and banned from the Paralympic Games.” “What they did, cannot fail to be interesting to the international community, the sporting community first of all,” Putin said. His comments came just hours before hackers
Russian President Vladimir Putin
released a third batch of drugs test data involving 11 more athletes. As recently as Wednesd a y WA D A h a d c o n firmed athlete data had been leaked by a Russian cyber espionage group with hackers releasing information on 25 athletes from the United States, Germany, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland, Romania, and Russia. The hacking group, known as APT28 and Fancy Bear by U.S. cyber-security researchers, was also blamed by WADA on Tuesday for posting medical data about U.S. athletes Simone Biles, Elena Delle Donne, and Serena and Venus Williams. The group yesterday posted further doping test results of athletes f ro m B r i t a i n , S p a i n , Australia, Germany and Denmark. Among them were several Rio Games champions including Britain’s cycling gold medallist Laura Trott and boxing champion Nicola Adams as well as Australian rowers Kimberly Brennan, who won gold, and silver medallist Alexander Belonogoff.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called the release of the data an “outrageous” breach of confidentiality and offered to assist WADA in communicating with Russian authorities over the matter. “This is an unacceptable and outrageous breach of medical confidentiality that attempts to smear innocent athletes who have not committed any doping offence,” IOC president Thomas Bach said yesterday. “In some cases, it is also a breach of confidentiality for athletes whose cases have not yet been finalised.” WADA considers the attacks are being carried out as retaliation for the agency’s investigations that exposed state-sponsored doping in Russia and led to virtually the entire track and field team being banned from last month’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Russia was also banned from sending a team to the Paralympic Games. “The IOC fully supports the actions taken by WADA to deal with the leak, including the measures that are being taken to bring this activity to an
end with the help of IT experts and in requesting assistance from the Russian authorities,” Bach said in his statement. “I have informed the WADA president Sir Craig Reedie that the IOC will also assist WADA in any way required, including communicating with the Russian authorities, to underline the seriousness of the issue and request all possible assistance to stop the hackers.” WADA has said it believes the hackers gained access to its anti-doping administration and management system (ADAMS) via an IOC-created account for the Rio Games. According to WADA, the account includes confidential medical data such as Therapeutic Use Exemptions, which are issued by sports federations and national anti-doping organisations to allow athletes to take certain substances. The agency’s independent McLaren report, released in July, said that Russians had swapped positive doping samples for clean ones during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, with the support of the Russian secret service.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
Imagination and lies, says Infantino of UEFA election link By Brian Homewood
ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed as “imagination and lies” any suggestion that he lobbied in favour of Aleksander Ceferin who was elected head of European soccer’s governing body UEFA this week. Ceferin, little-known outside his native Slovenia until three months ago, swept to a resounding win on Wednesday, picking up 42 of the 55 votes cast by UEFA’s member associa-
FIFA president Gianni Infantino
tions. The other 13 went to his only rival, experienced
Dutch administrator Michael van Praag. “Mr Ceferin has said it
as well, this is imagination and lies and I think the result speaks for itself,” former UEFA general secretary Infantino told reporters. “It’s an insult to the intelligence of the 55 associations who go and vote ... convinced by a programme.” In July, world soccer’s ruling body FIFA denied a report in the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant that Infantino was interfering in UEFA’s election. However, the allegations have continued to gather momentum and a report
by the Norwegian website Josimar last week, which made similar claims, led to a brief spat between the two candidates. van Praag said in a tweet that he was “shocked” to read the story and that UEFA was back to its old way of doing business. Ceferin, elected president of Slovenia’s football federation in 2011, replied that his rival was trying to pollute the campaign. Infantino said Wednesday’s voters were looking for a fresh approach from the replacement for Michel Platini who had governed
UEFA since 2007 and been re-elected twice until he was banned by FIFA in October for ethics violations. “It was a very convincing success,” explained Infantino. “He has some very good ideas, he is a new face for many but he is a very competent person, head of a national association. “I think the associations who voted have sent a clear message they wanted somebody new. This is the democracy, it was an important success because also with the numbers it gives him the legitimacy to do the reforms.”
England pick teenager Hameed, Batty for Bangladesh tour By Steve Tongue LONDON, England (Reuters) - Teenaged opening batsman Haseeb Hameed was one of the three uncapped players named yesterday for England’s forthcoming tour to Bangladesh. Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett are the others, while Ansari’s 38-year-old team mate Gareth Batty returns as one of the four spinners, 11 years after he was last selected for a Test. Opener Alex Hales and one-day captain Eoin Morgan had decided not to tour Bangladesh over security concerns. Most interest will now focus on whether Lancashire’s Hameed can succeed where Hales largely failed in solving the longstanding problem of an opening partner for captain Alastair Cook. The 19-year-old has been prolific in county cricket this season, scoring more than 1 000 runs at an average of 52. He would become one of the youngest players to appear for England since the second world war. “For someone so young, he has had an impressive season,” national selector James Whitaker told the England and Wales Cricket Board website (www.ecb.co.uk). “His four centuries, against some of the best
bowling attacks in the country are testament to his outstanding temperament and attitude. “Ben Duckett merits his call-up to both squads after showing his qualities as an attacking batsman. “His 220 not out for the England Lions in a 50-over game against Sri Lanka A earlier this summer was very special.” Selecting four spinners for the Test matches will offer “plenty of options”, Whitaker added. “Alongside Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, we are excited about the qualities that Zafar Ansari and Gareth Batty bring to the squad. “Zafar has great potential both with bat and ball and Gareth’s experience as one of the country’s best slow bowlers and his ability to be effective in subcontinent conditions will be beneficial.” Ansari was selected for the Test squad to tour Pakistan last year but had to withdraw with a thumb injury. England play two Tests against Bangladesh next month, after three one-day internationals that begin on October 7. After Morgan’s decision to stay at home, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will be the oneday captain. Batsman Joe Root has been rested from the one-day squad.
(From left): Haseeb Hameed, Ben Duckett and Zafar Ansari feature in a slightly bigger than normal 17-man squad
England Test squad: Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Zafar Ansari, Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance, Gareth Batty, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Haseeb Hameed, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. One-Day International squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Williamson finds form in New Zealand’s warm-up NEW DELHI: Half-centuries from skipper Kane Williamson and Tom Latham fired New Zealanders to 324 for seven declared on the opening day of the threeday practice match against Mumbai yesterday. The Black Caps, invited to bat first at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi, rode on a 85-run second-wicket partnership between Latham, who retired after scoring 55, and Williamson to put up a challenging score. The Aditya Tare-led Mumbai were 29 for one at stumps, trailing the visitors by 295 runs in the first innings. N e w Z e a l a n d ’s p a c e spearhead Trent Boult claimed
Kane Williamson
the only wicket of opener Jay Bista, who was caught behind for nought. Kaustubh Pawar on five and Armaan Jaffer on 24 were at the crease. However the day belonged to the New Zealand batsmen, who scored at more than four runs an over against a Mumbai attack that used nine of their bowling options. Ross Taylor, who made 41, and Mitchell Santner, whose 45 came off 59 deliveries, also made significant contributions. The two sides have 15 members each, with only 11 allowed to bat and field in the only warm-up tie before the three-match Test series starting September 22 in Kanpur.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
GAPLF 2016 Raw national championships …
Fitness Express, Trophy Stall on board
FITNESS Express and Trophy Stall have stepped in to show their support for the GAPLF’s Raw Nationals set for tomorrow at Critchlow Labour College. For almost a decade Jamie McDonald and Fitness Express have played a pivotal role in the development of powerlifting by sponsor-
ing individual athletes and competitions hosted by the GAPLF throughout its calendar year. Trophy Stall has also renewed its relationship with the GAPLF, that was forged several years ago, through its contributions to 2 competitions so far in 2016; Trophy Stall looks forward to contin-
Dowlin, Barnwell in line for Floodlights debut
FORMER international players, Travis Dowlin and Christopher Barnwell have been named in a 14-man Floodlights squad to play the feature match against the visiting G-Square Cavaliers from Wakenaam on Saturday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown Georgetown. Dowlin and Barnwell are both members of DCC and will line up with the seasoned softball cricketers, namely captain Ricky Deonarain, Dharam Persaud and Lloyd Rooplall, in the 20 oversa-side match beginning at 18:00hrs. G-Square Cavaliers team will come from: Heera Sukhram (captain), Chandrika Ragnauth, Jagarnauth Manbode (wicketkeeper), Kamal Khan, Satnarine Sahadeo, Bheesham Bhagpattie, Lokram Narine, Ghansham Samwaru, Mahendra Dindial, Tulsie Sahadeo, Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon, Tamesh Persaud and Tameshwar Persaud Floodlights squad: Ricky Deonarain (captain), Reyaz Husein, Khalid Baksh, Anil Beharry, Dharam Persaud, Rakesh Arjune, Patrick
Trophy Stall owner Ramesh Sunich hands over the winner’s trophy to a GAPLF representative.
Travis Dowlin
Khan, Travis Dowlin, Surendra Nauth, Lloyd Rooplall, Christopher Barnwell, Lalta Gainda, Yusuf Unos and Romeo Deonarain. This match is sponsored by Factory Price of King Street, Georgetown, through proprietor Tulsie Sahadeo who will also be part of the action when he suits up for G-Square Cavaliers. Floodlights, more known for their exploits in the softball arena, are very competitive in the hardball category and will next play the Guyana Media XI at a date to be announced. Admission is free and there will be food and drink (on sale) as well as musical entertainment.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Saturday September 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) 127 (2) 69
Today’s Quiz: (1) How many T20 Internationals the WI & PAK have played against each other to date? (2) In how many the WI have been victorious? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ue working closely with the federation as it grows from strength to strength. Tomorrow’s competition was anticipated to be the largest the federation will host for some time and has proved to be exactly that with a total of 45 lifters, of which 8 females are registered. Athletes will be competing Unequipped in various categories such as Male and Female Sub Junior, Male and Female Junior, Male and Female Open and Male and Female Masters. Several seasoned national lifters have put aside their knee wraps and squat suits to test their might in this more modest form of lifting. Spectators will be treated to an exciting day of lifting as ‘Big’ John Edwards returns to the platform after 3 years out of competition and will be challenged by Berbice strongmen Farouk Abdool and Roshan Ali.
There will also be other keenly contested divisions as Romario Gonsalves of Life Gym seeks to hold dominion over the 59kg Open and Junior categories.
He will be rivalled in the Open division by seasoned campaigners the likes of Kevin Bridglall, Sohail Hussain and Navendra Tamasar. This will be the most keenly contested weight class with a total of 9 lifters in the Open Division. Vijai Rahim will seek to make his mark on this class of powerlifting as he has achieved total dominance over the past years of the Equipped Division. The 74kg division will see national athlete Osmond Mack coming up against junior lifters Donnel Perry and the 2015 Senior Nationals 74kg champion Demetri Chan who will also be contesting in the Junior category. The 83kg class will feature 2015
Fitness Express’ Jamie McDonald commits his bit to this weekend’s GAPLF 2016 Raw national championships.
Senior Nationals Best Lifter Hardat Tarson who will be making his Raw debut against the likes of Paul Adams, Phillip Romalho and Dike Utoh. Carlos Peterson of the 93kg Junior and Open Division will be seeking to dominate the Raw Division as he has done thus far for 2016 but he will first need to dispatch Errol ‘Rugged’ Henry and other seasoned Raw athletes in his bid for supremacy. There will be a Masters Division which will see a clash of the mature lifters when the likes of Errol ‘Rugged’ Henry, Big John Edwards, Joseph Stoll, Jagdesh Budhram, Farouk Abdool, Martin Webster and a few others take to the platform to show what athletes 40 years and above are capable of doing. Nadina Taharally will be seeking to establish dominance once again, as she did at the Intermediate/Masters competition in June 2016 against other seasoned lifters like Nessa Bhagwandin, Jackelyn Toney, Chittra Ramlochan, Lisa Oudit and youngsters Tineisha Toney and Britny Mack who will also be contesting against each other in the Sub Junior Division. Overall, Sunday promises to be a very exciting day of powerlifting and the GAPLF encourages all powerlifting enthusiasts to come out in their numbers to support the federation and the athletes.
Windies eager to maintain momentum - Brathwaite
WEST Indies Twenty20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite says the team will be eager to maintain momentum when they face Pakistan in a three-match series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next week. The third-ranked Windies have been in superb form recently, following triumph in the T20 World Cup, with a win against second-ranked India in Florida last month.
Carlos Brathwaite Brathwaite, who took over the captain’s role from Darren Sammy last month,
believes claiming a victory in Pakistan would be another feather in the cap of a team still somewhat in transition. “I think this is another important series. We just defeated India and it would be a fantastic boost for the Caribbean people for us to come to Dubai, which has been Pakistan’s home for the last few years, come into their backyard and get a series victory against them as well,” Brathwaite
said. “It would say a lot about us as a team, going overseas and contesting a three-game series and coming out on top.” The Caribbean side will open the tour with a warmup game against an Emirates Cricket Board XI on Tuesday before facing Pakistan in the opening T20 International three days later at the Dubai International Stadium. (Sportsmax.com)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 17, 2016
GFC joined by Brazilians for new season By Ras Wadada
THE Georgetown Football Club (GFC) yesterday officially introduced their new Brazilian head coach as well as several new players who will appear for the ‘Bourda Blues’ in the upcoming Elite League’ new season. General Secretary (GS) and General Manager (GM) of the oldest football club in Guyana (114 years) Faizal Khan, told the Media, ‘We believe this is a historic moment, not only for the club but the Elite League and football clubs throughout Guyana. “Today we are officially welcoming our new head coach, as we go into a new dawn at club football here in Guyana. Mr Fabiano Agrippino, on behalf of all at GFC, we welcome you sir. Thank you very much for accepting our kind offer. We are honoured to have you join us. Thank you”. The 42-year-old Agrippino who hails from Sao Paulo is no stranger to the Caribbean, having played for Joe Public and W Connection and coached teams, Ma Pau and
Brazilian speedy forward Renato and Coach Fabiano, new additions at GFC for the upcoming Elite League. Westside Superstars in Trini- philosophy consists of many dad & Tobago. His experience strategies, but “for this first as a player was also garnered season it will be to compete in his native homeland, Mexi- and develop players. This is co, Austria and Slovakia. a new era and we will work In his brief comments to hard to get the results”. the Media, yesterday, the BraCoach Fabiano also zilian thanked God and GFC brought with him a comfor the opportunity to share patriot from Sao Paulo, his expertise here in Guyana 27-year-old free agent forwith the club and the play- ward Renato, who told the ers. He said that his football gathering that he was happy
to be in Guyana and feels welcome and warm. He promised that he will use his speed and skills to help GFC win the Elite League and other championships. When quizzed on the eligibility of Renato, the GFC’s GS stated that he was verbally assured by the Rev. Alves, who is head of GFF’s Competitions Committee, that the closure of the transfer window will not affect Renato of being eligible to play since he is a free agent before the transfer window timeframe, based on his documentation. Also introduced to the Media was former Golden Jaguars, USA-based Kevin Beaton who said he was looking forward to a wonderful season at the club, both on and off the field. Beaton, who was the first new signing for GFC during the transfer window period in July, promised to give his best and he hopes GFC can finish at the top of the table at the end of the season. GM Khan also informed the Media that he will be strongly recommending to
Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day Tournament
Hemraj falls short of ton on first day … Kamash Yadram hits half-century By Rajiv Bisnauth LEFT-HANDED batsman Chanderpaul Hemraj fell 19 runs short of a century on day one of the fourth round game in the Jaguars Franchise League Threeday competition between East Coast Demerara and West Berbice yesterday at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club ground. His innings of 81, on a shortened day, propelled East Coast Demerara to 294-6, when bad light stopped play at 17:33hrs. Former Guyana Youth player Kamesh Yadram also slammed a compact half-century. Amir Khan and Vivian Albert will resume today on 39 and three respectively. Off-spinner Collis Butts took centre stage, with 5-75 off 29 overs, after his skipper decided to make first use of the pitch. However, apart from Butts, the other bowlers failed to provide the support and the hosts cashed in significantly on the batting-friendly pitch. When play began 75 minutes late due to the soggy state of the bowlers’ run-up at the northern side of the ground, the hosts reached 30, before Butts made the initial breakthrough, bowling Gavin Boodwah for 13. Hemraj then joined opening batsman Bhaskar Yadram, and the pair added 67 for the second wicket. Both batsmen gradually grew in confidence, and by the interval, the hosts reached 87-1. However, immediately after the interval, Yadram, after hitting four fours and a six, was run-out for 48. Hemraj was joined by Kamesh Yadram, and the pair then steadied the innings without conceding another wicket during that session. The pair swung the momentum the hosts’ way with some impressive stroke play, but at the same time showed perfect temperament, mixing patience with aggression.
Collis Butts
Chanderpaul Hemraj
They were never hesitant to step out, step back and concentrate on finding the gaps. The West Berbice bowlers had some frustrating moments in the post-lunch session. However, Hemraj was finally dismissed off Butts after tea and ended the 83-run third-wicket partnership. His innings spanned 97 balls, 199 minutes, inclusive of nine fours and four sixes. Also during that session, ECD lost Yadram, Ramnarine Chatura (34) and Vishwanauth Ramlakhan (14), all to Butts. Yadram faced 128 balls, with five fours and a six. Meanwhile, summarised scores from the other three games are as follows: At Lusignan, Lower Corentyne closed the day on 227-7 with Seon Hetmyer on 51 not out and Devon Clements on 28 not out. Gajanand Singh scored 43 and Jonathan Foo hit 42. Earlier, East Bank Demerara won the toss and elected to bat but could muster only 105 all out on a good batting track. Danny Narayan top-scored with 48. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Kassim Khan took 5-37 while Devon Clements had 5-43. At Bourda: No play between Georgetown and Essequibo called off at 13:30hrs. At Tuschen: Play between West Demerara and Upper Corentyne was called off shortly after lunch due to rain.
coach Fabiano that former national forward Vibert ‘Dordee’ Butts be part of the technical staff, starting with the Youth Academy. Khan acknowledged the presence of the former Pele FC captain at the Press briefing as well as another new signing for the season, 24-year-old Jamal Codrington who is the younger brother of another past outstanding forward Nigel Codrington.
GFC’s Sponsorship and Marketing Manager of the Elite Team, Lisa Ahmad, disclosed that since the acquisition of coach Fabiano at the club two businesses and an individual have verbally committed to sponsorship. Last season the ‘Bourda Blues’ propped up the 8-team table and this season they are determined to improve on the pitch and bring new Brazilian fans to the League.
M Faizal Khan and new signing Kevin Beaton at yesterday’s Press conference at GFC
Toby Radford returns as West Indies batting coach FORMER Middlesex and Sussex batsman Toby Radford has been hired by the WICB as the batting coach for the UAE tour. Radford will join the West Indies squad, who have already reached the UAE, where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs, and three Test matches against Pakistan from September 23. “He has been contracted just for this series,” WICB CEO Michael Muirhead said. “He knows the youngsters well and had done well especially with them.” Asked whether Radford could retain a long-term position, Muirhead said: “Highly unlikely. We’ll engage as and when we need him.” Radford’s appointment is a surprising development considering earlier this week the Welshman had quit as manager of the national academy in Ireland citing “family reasons”. Incidentally Radford had taken the role at Cricket Ire-
Toby Radford land only in July, having left his job as head coach at Glamorgan last December with one year remaining in his contract. Radford is well acquainted with West Indies cricket and most of the players having worked as assistant coach (batting) during Ottis Gibson’s tenure as coach when West Indies won the World T20 for the first time in 2012. Radford will assist Henderson Springer, who has been appointed caretaker coach after the WICB sacked Phil Simmons earlier this week. (ESPN Cricinfo)
GFC joined by Brazilians for new season (See Story on page 31 )
Heritage Sports 2016 kicks off
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, blocks a delivery from Director of Sport Christopher Jones during yesterday’s opening ceremony of the Indigenous Heritage Sports 2016. (Samuel Maughn photo)
Part of the female football action at the Everest Cricket ground yesterday. (Delano Williams photo)
Dorado swimmers to compete in Maracas Open Water Classic in T&T (See Story on page 27 )
T
W O m o re d a y s o f sporting action among Guyana’s finest Amerindian regions will take place at the Everest Cricket Club ground in Georgetown. The Indigenous Heritage Sports 2016, a feature of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs commenced yesterday with a brief opening ceremony at the venue, followed by the ceremonial bowl-off by Director of Sport Christopher Jones to Minister within the
Indigenous People’s Affairs Valarie Garrido-Lowe. With over 600 athletes expected in competition over the weekend, the ceremony was fittingly addressed by the minister, who called for a weekend of competitive activities. According to Minister Garrido-Lowe, her vision is for the regions to have a
See story on page 27
T&T U-20 beat Alpha United 2-1
L-R Daniel Scott, Soroya Simmons, Alex Winter Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
TRINIDAD and Tobago’s U-20 footballers, currently on a one-week training camp here in Guyana, scored a 2-1 victory over former national champions Alpha United in a practice game played yesterday at the Leonora Stadium. Jabari Mitchell opened the scoring for the visitors in the 8th minute and Delon Lanferman levelled the score in the 77th minute. Two minutes from full time Moses Jaikerran netted the winner. The young ‘Soca Warriors will next tackle a combined Elite Clubs Selection, tomorrow, at the same venue, beginning at 19:00hrs. The Trinbagonians are due to return home on Tuesday where they will continue preparations for next month’s CFU U-20 finals to be played in Curacao. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016