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Best Behaviour No. 104658

MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

…Granger urges top-to-bottom ‘best behaviour’ of coalition

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President David Granger waits in line to cast his ballot at the People’s National Congress Reform election of party officials on the last day of their congress on Sunday (PNCR photo)

Man dies after Crime solving Regent St. boost smash-up

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… police say CID now has capacity and capability

GNBS warns against 8 fake school supplies Page

Bandits grab $2M from businessman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

Man dies after Regent St smash-up

ONE of the passengers involved in an accident Saturday night on Regent and

Albert Streets, Georgetown, succumbed to his injuries Sunday morning.

Dead is 21-year-old Dillon Linton of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Several persons were injured on Saturday evening when a passenger minibus driven by

Dead: Dillon Linton policeman Timothy Andrews crashed into a utility pole at Regent and Albert Streets, Georgetown. Reports are that Andrews, who worked the Kitty/Campbellville route part-time, had challenged another minibus driver to a race, and when that driver told him off, Andrews sped off and, in the process, struck down a motorcyclist. Once that happened, Andrews seemingly lost control of the vehicle, which swerved several times on the road before crashing. The motorcyclist and several persons, who were removed from the mangled bus, including the driver,

were rushed to the hospital by public-spirited persons. Luela Linton, mother of the deceased, said her son was a mason and the fourth of seven children. “He was known as a hardworking and free-handed boy. He was more than a son, he was well known.” She said that she spoke to her son before he left the house to catch the minibus. “He died about after 2AM Sunday.” A post-mortem will be done on the body this week. The other passengers are also hospitalised.

Driver: Policeman Timothy Andrews

Bandits grab $2M from businessman THE owner of Permaul’s Snackette was again robbed on Sunday as he was about to make a deposit at the Rose Hall branch of Republic Bank. According to sources the businessman, Ramlingan Mangali who wholesales beverages was about to deposit $2 million at around 10:30hrs when an armed man approached him as he exited his vehicle and demanded the bag with the money. According to an eyewitness Mangali complied handing over the bag with money and the lone bandit ran off making good his escape on foot before he was picked up in the vicinity of a lemonade factory by a motorcyclist. The man was unmasked. The businessman who operates his business at Albion Village on the Corentyne has been the target of frequent robberies with the last being in 2014 when he was robbed in similar fashion of $10 million, on that occasion an inside job was suspected with employees questioned. Mangali recently rehabilitated his snackette and has not yet re-opened the doors to the public but operates his wholesale business from his bond. Police have launched an investigation.

Best Behaviour

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

…Granger urges top-to-bottom ‘best behaviour’ of coalition

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) wrapped up its 19th Biennial Congress on Sunday with President David Granger remaining firmly in charge of the 59-yearold political organisation and charging his members to be on their best behaviour. Unchallenged for the post, President Granger was returned to the helm. His deputy Basil Williams, who is also Attorney General, was also returned to his position as chairman unchallenged and so was Ronald Bulkan as Treasurer. Bulkan is the Minister of Communities.

candidacy, said. He noted: “Regions: Two, Three, Six, Nine, and 10, we note your outstanding support, East Bank, East Coast and the Overseas Chapter we salute you. As we hold the line of battle comrades and link our arms in unity, we will continue to fight those forces which may attempt to divide us. We recognise the clear message that has been sent. It is now left for us to take up the mantle. Onward, Upwards all are we, Vanguards of our Party and the Green Economy.” For Dr Norton’s part, many felt that the current storm over the medical bond had affected his candidacy,

Returning Officer Michael Somersall and his team at the PNCR elections on Sunday

James Bond and his youth supporters at the Congress In other results coming out of the congress, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence and Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, were both returned as vice chairs. The ministers faced a stiff challenge by Attorney-at-law, James Bond. Bond in a Facebook post before the official results were released disclosed that Lawrence amassed 396 votes; Norton 227 and he secured 148. Clement Corlette received eight votes. “The results show that the party members are prepared to embrace youths at the helm; it’s noteworthy to mention this was a one-week campaign and only two days on the floor campaigning,” Bond, a one-time challenger for the PNCR’s presidential

but he prevailed. Norton told a news conference last Friday that he believes his political future is intact. “I have given my best to the PNCR…for 23 years. I have worked for the party… my track record will show my comrades my intentions are noble, that I in no way would jeopardise the party knowingly and I expect that my comrades who have supported me over the years would judge me by my work and give me their support,” he had said. Meanwhile, in his charge to the elected officers Granger said that the PNCR must show leadership, stewardship, fellowship and statesmanship. The Leader said that the PNCR must show leadership to the Partnership

(APNU), noting that it must inspire and advise, and that “from top to bottom the coalition must be on its best behaviour.” The PNCR leader reminded that social cohesion was a central plank of the Party and the Coalition, in an obvious reference to recent remarks by the Opposition Leader, Brigadier Granger said “we are faced with reckless, racists ranting; we must not go into the gutter with them…” The Leader called on the recently elected leaders of the PNCR to show stewardship to members and supporters, he said “we are their servants; they delegated us to represent them.” In his opening address

at the Congress, President Granger told party members that the PNCR founded 59 years ago on 5th October, 1957, by Forbes Burnham and Joseph Lachhmansingh, “Rests securely on our sacred institutions – our Constitution, our supreme law; the biennial Delegates’ Congress, our supreme decision-making assembly; our quarterly General Council, which administers the party between Congresses and our monthly Central Executive Committee, which functions as a quasi-board of directors.” He said the PNCR’s ideology is inspired, largely, by the ideas of Forbes Burnham, its Founder-Leader, noting that the late leader’s ideas grew out of historical experience and social action. “He employed these ideas as instruments to transform society. The local situation

in British Guiana, during his childhood and adolescence and the international situation and intellectual currents in the British Empire convinced him of the injustice of colonialism and the common destiny of the Caribbean peoples. The unequal distribution of wealth and the denial of opportunity to the masses – at the global, regional and local levels – combined to mould Forbes Burnham’s thought.” Granger said that the PNCR, over the past four years established three new institutions to ensure that our Founder’s ideas continue to inform current leaders and inspire future generations: the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust (BEST) promotes education of the young. BEST, every year, awards bursaries to children from each region, who have

passed the National Grade Six Assessment examinations; the Burnham Book Trust (BBT) publishes and reprints the texts of Forbes Burnham’s Congress addresses and other major political speeches, which express his ideas and the evolution of our party and the Burnham Research Institute (BRI) which preserves the works and conducts research into the Founder-Leader’s ideas and life. He said the BRI enables researchers and scholars to study and discuss Forbes Burnham’s life’s work. These organisations are essential to understanding the PNCR’s policies and the Founder’s vision for the transformation of Guyana.The congress was held under the theme: “PNCR the Vanguard of Green Economy.”

A section of the delegates at the 19th Biennial Congress (PNCR photos)

Crime-solving boost 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

… police say CID now has capacity and capability

By Rabindra Rooplall WITH the solving of a few high-profile cases and the acquisition of modern crime-fighting equipment, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine says the Guyana Police Force (GPF) now has the capacity and capability in the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that is unparalleled. “We have a major crimes management investigation unit that is doing excellent work. We have the first of its kind in the Caribbean – a forensic video analysis unit – we have recently increased some 100 ranks in the CID department,” Mr. Ramnarine told a press conference on Friday. He said currently there is a junior investigators course that has 30 participants all for the CID.

Adding that a lot of what the GPF is currently benefitting from is directly related to the trust and confidence that the Justice Education Society of Canada has in the Government of Guyana, the Commissioner said much needed training has been provided for crime scene investigators, technicians, prosecutors and even magistrates surrounding the understanding of forensic video analysis system and its working. As a result, he said many requests are made to the police force for crimes that occurred years and decades ago to be reopened. “We are convinced that we now have a capacity and capability in the Criminal Investigation Department of this force that is unparalleled, and that is why a number of persons who have been victims of serious crimes some time ago are coming for us to reopen these cases.”

Meanwhile, the Top Cop noted that the GPF is changing in an increasingly positive direction as it continues to forge, build and sustain valuable relationships and partnerships. He said that this is paramount in the realm of public safety and security. As it relates to the relationship between members of the public and the GPF, Ramnarine said that the force has been doing community-based youth work countrywide. “It has been determined that our traditional approach to crime is not sufficient anymore, and, on the account that criminologist studies have revealed that crimes are generally a product of youth and masculinity and that the tendency to commit a crime diminishes as one grows older,” he asserted. Ramnarine pointed out that, “We decided for the larger part of two years or more to

focus on the youths, to increase our engagements of this coun-

Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine try.” He referred to the recent Youth Ambassador Pageant that was hosted earlier this

month by ‘A’ Division and a Youth Camp that was recently held on the Soesdyke/Linden highway, where over 100 children benefitted. He explained that in a developing country, the ultimate goal of policing must surely be to assist in creating an environment where citizens can work, live and play in relative peace, harmony and tranquility. “We have our unique challenges in this facet of public security, both human and material, but we do not and will not own up to the criticism in a negative way. We will own up to the criticisms and use them in a positive way, because that is the best way forward,” the acting Top Cop asserted. He said that the force has a serious responsibility, more serious than any agency or institution in this country, because of its unique responsi-

bility of discharging a mandate of law and order, curtailing the freedom of individuals who run afoul of the law. However, he added that a large percentage of the police force at the lower level consists of young members that are lacking much needed experience, patients and tolerance. However, the management of the police force is working on these members. “There has to be constant supervision and remind them that they have taken an oath to serve, they wear a uniform of the state, and even though they are equipped with basic knowledge. Over and above that from a law enforcement perspective, of the average civilian, they are there to serve and that their conduct and the discharge of those responsibilities is always under focus.”

POLICE STILL WAITING ON DNA RESULTS OF BABITA SARJOU’S REMAINS THE results of DNA samples taken from the skeletal remains of a woman suspected to be Babita Sarjou have not returned yet from a Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Laboratory, Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine noted. He was at the time speaking at a press conference last Friday when he made this disclosure. Police are confident that the skeletal remains that were dug up from a Campbell-

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ville backyard are those of Babita Sarjou, who went missing six years ago. The skeletal remains were found on May 22, 2016 in a shallow grave behind the Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville residence of her ex-husband, Sharadananda Narine. Her relatives had identified clothing and a pair of shoes that were found with the remains. This newspaper had reported that her ex-husband and his accomplice were in May charged for her death. Sharadananda Narine called Anand and Darel Keith Ponton called Yankee appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and were jointly charged indictable

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Dead: Babita Sarjou for the murder of Babita Sarjou. The duo was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that on November 4, 2010, they murdered the mother of one. Narine was represented by Attorney Rex McKay.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

Flea market bust

THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in the process of assessing the flea market initiative, at Bourda, given that vendors at the Parliament View Market continue to shun the project. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle during a telephone interview on Sunday Public Relations Officer (PRO), Debra Lewis indicated that they are currently assessing the situation, given that they have been cordoning off the area between Alexander Street and Orange Walk on Regent Street every week since the decision was made two weeks ago. “This is just a pilot project and we are waiting to see what happens before we make a conclusion on the matter,” said Lewis. When this publication visited the area, vendors were nowhere to be seen once again but constables of the City Constabulary were out there in

on both sides of the street; there were social rejects still sleeping on the pavements at 10:30 in the morning outside of the Bourda Cemetery,” the mayor said at a meeting of the council last week. “I saw the traffic wardens and asked them why the street was not cordoned off. I was informed that they were instructed by the Chief Constable to only cordon off the street if

necessary, or as the vending built up. “Now, I don’t know who could have changed the directive. If the Town Clerk instructed the Clerk of Markets and the Chief Constable about the decision, then the market area to be cordoned off should have been done either by 5 or 6 in the morning and the area properly cleaned…”

Two years for wounding work mate City Constables cordoned off the area between Alexander Street and Orange Walk on Regent Street yesterday their numbers, and the area too costly to move their items ly conditions that existed at was barricaded so as to pre- from the old Royal Castle the intended location, and vent vehicles from traversing site to the Bourda location. was angry that despite orders within that space. Last Sunday was the were given to have the street Meanwhile, it was re- first day that the market cordoned off, the traffic warcently reported in the Guy- was expected to be opened, dens on site would report to ana Chronicle that vendors and when Mayor Patricia her that Chief Constable Anat Parliament View Mar- Chase-Green turned up on drew Foo directed that this ket, however, had resented the site to see how things be done only when it became the idea, complaining that, were progressing she was necessary. among other things, it was “amazed” to see the unsight“There were cars parked

A 22-YEAR-OLD South Sophia, Greater Georgetown man would be spending the next two years in prison after he was found guilty by City Magistrate Allan Wilson on Friday on a charge of unlawful wounding. It was alleged that on February 11, 2016 at Duncan Street Campbellville Jamaul Fraser of Lot 414South Sophia unlawfully and maliciously wounded Daniel Gonsalves. According to police both parties are known to each

other since they worked at the same construction site. On the day in question Gonsalves approached Fraser and accused him of being an informant because he informed someone that he Gonsalves stole a cellphone. An argument ensued between the two and the defendant took a piece of wood and hit Gonsalves in his head. Gonsalves was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was issued a medical certificate, which was presented to the court.

Murder charge for Tucville businessman THE Tucville, Georgetown businessman who shot and killed a man who turned his vehicle on his bridge last week, is to face murder charge today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Last Tuesday, the businessman identified as Robert Benn, a licensed firearm holder, reportedly opened fire with a 9 mm handgun when he saw a car–Toyota Allion PRR 4393 turning on his bridge. The bizarre shooting incident in Perry Street, Tucville, left 24-year-old excavator operator Colin Perreira called “Malcolm” dead and 22-year-old Gailann Chacom wounded.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine described the act as a “murderous murder.” Perreira was shot multiple times about the body and six bullet holes were registered on the front windscreen of the car. Residents had described the businessman as a harsh and ill-tempered individual. “This man is always having problems with people,” one resident said. A cousin of the dead man who requested anonymity said she is traumatized at the senseless killing. “It’s not like he was sick and he died, then it would be different. “He leave the house to make two drop-offs and he never

Dead: Colin Perreira

returned home. This man has a two-year-old daughter who will never know her father.” P e r r e i r a ’s m o t h e r , Cerene Roberts, said she was at a church event at the Melanie School Ground, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday night when at 21:30 hrs she received several calls simultaneously informing her that someone had shot

her son in Tucville. Ms Roberts said she v i s i t e d P e r r y S t re e t , Tucville, where she was shown the area where the shooting had occurred. “I last saw my son at 1PM Tuesday afternoon when he came home to use the washroom...and I never heard anything from him after. “This man [the shooter] must be crazy.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Paying dues to City Hall helps to provide jobs Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Mutual respect

THERE is no denying that given our diverse experiences, pleasant and unpleasant, and the environment within which groups have had to share the same space (Guyana), our history has been marked with conflicts, violent and non-violent. At the same time, Guyanese can be held captive to negative experiences of history only at their choosing. Opportunities always present themselves to use historical experiences, lived or told, to learn from mistakes of the past and build on accomplishments. This nation seems caught in a vortex somewhere between these two options. Where there continues to be a decided preference to not learn from mistakes and move on, but rather engage in the continual game of ‘proving’ who was bad or good, how such serves this nation’s interest is anyone’s guess. Pursuing conversations, calls and actions to dismantle structures and conduct universally accepted practices places the nation on a tightrope and utilises the energies of the people in a non-futuristic direction, which is detrimental to the people and society. A nation cannot be forged with continued efforts to deny the contributions of persons and organisations to society because they are considered bad; neither is it acceptable that those perceived to be good should be attributed the prominence of sole contributor, end-all and be-all for everything. The marking of time, divisive and distasteful features of our politics, have to end, regardless of who practises them. Forging a nation whose frame our national anthem acknowledges is that of a “land of six peoples”, to get to the stage where we are truly “united and free”, requires integrity, civility and respect for self, others, and the nation’s established mores and institutions. For too long have public discourse and treatment of others been poisoned or praised primarily because of the person’s politics or ethnicity. The only place sanity reigns for those refusing to be caught up in the morass is reliance on history through the perspectives of timeline, context and events. In looking at forging nationhood, there are some home truths that need to be faced and accepted. Guyana is a diverse society. Diversity is not a curse; it is a blessing in that it offers different cultural experiences, perspectives on life, skills, interests, solutions, and problem-solving techniques that can work for all. What is required, but keeps escaping attention, is that where there is respect for this and everyone is treated equally and with dignity, such can reduce and eliminate the irascible approach to politics and things political. There is no need to feel that a person has to be liked to be treated with respect and civility. Such treatment should flow from recognition and appreciation of sharing the same space, which that person is entitled to share equally as having access to the nation’s resources, opportunities, and the protection of its laws. There is no need to prove any point to anyone outside of being civil and treating that person the way you would want to be treated. It requires character to be civil and understand that such is not displayed when engaging in tit-for-tat. When one knows better, it is expected that one would

Dear Editor, THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is pleased to announce that several cleaning, clearing and landscaping assignments taking place around the city and in some community areas continue to provide jobs for many persons, specifically young persons. Works ongoing at the Presidential Park, at Parade Ground, in Lacytown and Meadow Brook, to name a few places, have seen almost 100

persons currently conducting rehabilitation exercises. Many of those working come from depressed areas and would otherwise be unemployed had they not secured jobs with the municipality. Town Clerk Royston King has said it is his belief that the Council has a significant role to play in taking care of its citizens, and that would also involve assistance with social problems plaguing communities. Those currently working are clearing and cleaning drains and parapets among oth-

er places, cutting and trimming unsafe trees, and conducting general landscaping under the supervision of the City Engineer’s Department. “This is just another reason why we are calling on citizens to observe their civil responsibilities, so the Council can continue with such initiatives. That’s why we need persons to pay their taxes and outstanding fees to the Council. It goes a long way -- not only cleaning and providing services in the city, but it helps to create employment and keep people off

the street,” King related. The Town Clerk noted that those hired to work, the majority of whom are young men, are involved in gainful employment. The Council has thus reiterated its call for citizens to pay the necessary dues to the city, so that the necessary assistance can be provided in bettering Georgetown. Regards, DEBRA LEWIS Public Relations Officer (ag) Mayor and City Council

Is the President listening to his supporters? Dear Editor, JUST when you think an APNU+AFC self-inflicted scandal is over, another one piles on, threatening to outdo the previous one. Until now, I deliberately avoided commenting on the “Bond gate” fiasco, as individuals who could be considered supporters of the ruling APNU+AFC were daily expressing their outrage in ways that, had the same comments been made by me, they would have been expected as coming from a PPP Parliamentarian, and would not have had the same impact. But the feeling of righteous indignation expressed by the likes of anti-corruption advocate Anand Goolsarran; outspoken WPA Executive Member Dr. David Hinds; Kaieteur News columnists Freddie Kissoon and Peeping Tom is evident that the honeymoon is over and Guyanese are determined more than ever to hold the APNU+AFC government accountable. And so the question must be asked: Is the President listening to his supporters? Judging from his inaction on other embarrassing and controversial events -- which are rapidly becoming the hallmark of his leadership -- it does not appear so.

Minister of Public Health, the Honourable Dr. George Norton, is, in my opinion, the designated ‘fall guy’ for the outrageous decision taken by the APNU+AFC Cabinet to rent an unfinished, uncertified pharmaceutical bond for $12.5 million (US$62,500) monthly from a known supporter/ financier of the party, Mr. Larry Singh of Linden Holdings Inc. Editor, most Americans in the USA do not earn that type of money for the entire year, and the security deposit of $25 million, I’m convinced, was given to Singh to facilitate the renovation of the building he had just bought for the exact amount of $25 million. And to prove just how insensitive the Administration is to public opinion and criticism, Brian Tiwari, owner of BK International, and Larry Singh shared the spotlight at the opening of the 19th Biennial Delegates’ Congress of the PNCR at its Congress Place headquarters. The mere presence of these men there would have been a nightmare for any public relations officer involved in the administration’s damage control. Who in the Administration can be so naive as to ignore the gravity of the BK and “Bond gate” scandals -which had shocked the entire

do better. And when others had engaged in unbecoming conduct when the shoe was on the other foot, civility dictates arising above the boorishness. A person cannot be embarrassed treating them in the crude manner they had treated others. Neither can a society grow and unite/cohere when persons are caught in this display of misconduct to the other. The challenges this nation faces at the social and political levels will not be fixed overnight. No one is delusional. However, what is expected is that Guyanese stops and takes stock of the manner in which we treat each other, and start now to address the decline in social grace, etiquette, protocol and civility. A heterogeneous society, by its very nature, brings with it conflicts, given competing interests, scarce resources,

nation -- by inviting those controversial businessmen to the highly publicised PNCR Congress? Perhaps the strategy was to get the PNC hardliners at that Congress to rally around Brian Tiwari and Larry Singh, and give critical support to the Granger Administration during this crisis. What is evident by Singh’s presence there is that President Granger, the Leader of the PNCR, does not hold Larry Singh responsible for putting his Administration in this scandalous predicament; for no one would have dared to invite Larry Singh to the PNC Congress without Granger’s approval. And if that is so, it is likely that the President’s close advisors may even have been aware of the existing conditions of the proposed pharmaceutical bond before it was discussed at Cabinet level. Whether certain information was withheld from some members of Cabinet is no excuse, as the sheer quantity of the money involved was enough to raise eyebrows and initiate due diligence before any contract was signed. Now we know that the original contract was signed for an executive building, and not a pharmaceutical storage bond -- another piece

of misinformation made to Parliamentarians in the National Assembly. Say what you want about the Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, and the Guyana Times, the independent press must be commended for courageously and objectively reporting the many blunders of the David Granger Administration since it took office. I salute the investigative reporters who fearlessly dig deep to uncover the dealings by an administration that was elected on the promise of being transparent and accountable to the people of Guyana, and to put an end to the “corrupt” policies and practices it has accused the PPP/C of having been involved in. The Granger Administration has been plagued with making terrible choices, either through inexperience or downright disregard for accountability and the rule of law. Many have already been reported on, and there are more to come. I’m yet to see a newspaper article that exposes the exorbitant rates being paid by the APNU+AFC government from hard-earned tax payers’ money to house some of its ministers. Regards, HARRY GILL, MP

and diverse cultural outlook and preferences. Conflict, while it creates the space for animosity and intolerance, also allows for opportunities for bringing together diverse forces to find, arrive at, and work through, consensus. This continues to present a challenge to Guyana, but it is not that Guyanese lack the ability to do so. What is evident is the absence of will to make consensus the guiding principle for engagement, which is important for forging nationhood. Guyanese have to learn to respect and threat self and each other with dignity, or we would perish together as fools.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

‘Massive dose of unity’ needed to move Guyana forward ––Ramjattan

WITH the level of perceived divisiveness in society high, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said “a massive dose of unity is needed to carry the country forward.” This was his message to the youths and people of Guyana following the youth arm of the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s Unity Walk yesterday, which saw a number persons taking to the streets of Georgetown. The walk commenced at the National Park and culminated at the Parade Ground, where the minister used the opportunity to note that, the multi-cultural and multi-racial group which gathered for the march is just an example

of what needs to be portrayed in society. He said, “The initiative by the Youth for Change is a welcome move and the theme unity walk is one which was strategically used, given that we are at a time when there is a lot of divisiveness in our society. Hence, we need as much social cohesion in our country as we can get.” These comments were echoed by the many speakers such as, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe along with other officials of government and members of the AFC.

Minister Ramjattan addresses the gathering Meanwhile, Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, stressed the fact that youths

La Penitence top students honoured at awards ceremony Youths marching along the street yesterday

must step up and take control of their future. “Youths must stop waiting and get involved,” said Carmichael. Further, it was noted that youths must know that they are the largest demographic group in the country, thus, they should recognise their power and organise to effect change. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan also encouraged youths to be the best they can be, especially in their respective groups and roles. “Our country and politics have been divisive for so long…more work needs to be done to bring us together to work towards a common goal,” stressed Duncan.

Ruel Johnson participates in U.S. int’l writing programme GUYANESE writer and Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Education, Ruel Johnson, has been selected to participate in the International Writing Programme (IWP) Fall Residency sponsored by the United States Department of State. Amanda Cauldwell, Public Affairs Officer, congratulated Mr Johnson for his selection into the prestigious programme, a release from the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown stated. Johnson, a cultural policy advocate, accomplished writer of fiction and poetry, journalist, publisher and political analyst is the first Guyanese to participate in the IWP. In expressing his appreciation for the opportunity, Mr Johnson noted that he intends to apply the insights

Ruel Johnson presents one of his books to Amanda Cauldwell, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy

gained from the programme to magnify Guyana’s cultural position on the world stage. Johnson noted Guyana’s rich, unique confluence of African, Indian, Chinese, Indigenous and European cultures, the release added. The IWP brings together foreign literary figures from every continent to the University of Iowa for the largest multicultural writing residency in the world. During the 10-week residency, approximately 35 writers will have the opportunity to share their literary cultures with others, read, write, translate, study and become part of the vibrant literary and academic community at the University of Iowa. Since 1967, over 1,400 writers from more than 140 nations have taken part in the Fall Residency.

Tribunal to decide fate of Carvil Duncan THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will soon decide on whether Carvil Duncan should be removed from constitutional office after being charged for fraud. Government had initially sought to have Duncan remove himself, but the latter has not been cooperating. The Guyana Chronicle was told that Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl A Singh has advised President Granger that the JSC would consider the composition of a tribunal to make the determination on Duncan. President Granger had drawn the attention of the Chancellor to the current criminal charges pertaining to fraud which Mr Duncan is facing whilst sitting on several constitutional bodies, including the Public Service Commission, the Police Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission. Duncan was charged following alleged financial irregularities at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), where he had served as a board m e m b e r. D u r i n g Carvil Duncan during one March 2016, Prime of his court appearances Minister Moses Nagamootoo wrote to Mr Duncan asking him to show cause why a tribunal should not be established to address the question of his removal from constitutional office. The Prime Minister had advised that, as a member of the Judicial Service Commission, Mr Duncan has to defend the charges before officials appointed by this Commission. Mr Duncan never responded to the Prime Minister’s letter. The Prime Minister then advised the President that a tribunal ought to be established to investigate whether Mr Duncan should be removed from the constitutional commissions. Duncan, who is also President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and General-Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union, was charged jointly with former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Aershwar Deonarine, over the unapproved transfer of approximately $29M to their personal bank accounts from the PetroCaribe fund. Duncan, when he was first charged, was placed on $1M bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Police have alleged 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 GYD$27,757,500, property of GPL. He has denied the charges.

Man jailed for gold chain theft JOEL Dapeaser was sentenced to two years imprisonment by City Magistrate Allan Wilson after he was found guilty of break and enter and larceny last Friday. According to the charge, in Georgetown he broke and entered the house of Codris Ramator on March 14, 2016 and stole one gold chain. The facts stated that the

two men are known to each other and on the day in question Ramotar saw the defendant broke and entered his house and a report was made to the police station. When a search was conducted Ramotar discovered his chain valued $170,000 was missing. After an investigation was conducted the defendant was arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

GNBS warns against fake school supplies

AS the days wind down for the back-to-school season, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging parents and guardians to be careful when shopping, since fake products can be passed off as authentic. According to the bureau, standards are available at the GNBS that address the labelling requirements for specific goods, for example: the labelling of Textiles, labelling of Footwear, labelling of Garments, etc. The agency monitors these products according to the requirements of these standards. “Consumers, as you engage in shopping for back-toschool items, take a “timeout” to read and understand the labels of the products you intend to purchase, especially if they are costly. Remember not to compromise quality for cheaper prices. Our children are not always as careful as we are and may need good quality and sturdy back-to-school products to take them through the new school year,” the GNBS noted. The bureau explained that labels are intended to guide consumers by providing key information on the products they intend to purchase. A well labelled product provides consumers with the relevant information to make informed choices and ultimately gives guidance as to the product quality, monetary worth and manner of usage. According to the GNBS, labels state the brand name

which could be “high-end” or “low-end.” “High- end” brands often attract higher prices and are of better quality, but they must be authentic and not fake. Label information such as brand name, Name of manufacturer and name of supplier help consumers to identify who manufactured the product if there is a need to seek redress, because of quality and safety concerns. “Because our children wear clothing and footwear of

varying sizes, sizes are important and must be stated on labels. As long as parents are aware of their children’s sizes, there is no need for them to accompany their parents during the busy shopping season. Items can be bought based on sizes specified on labels. Care and use, warning and precautionary information about products, which most labels carry, help to ensure the health and safety of children who will be the actual users of these products,” the bureau advised “ There are cases where some school items like geometry sets and staplers are recommended for use by children over a specified age.” Further, the bureau noted that parents should be guided by labels during the washing and caring of products such as uniform, caps, rags, bags and footwear which prevent damage and discolouration. Labels of goods imported, manufactured and distributed in Guyana must comply with the requirements of the Guyana Standards Specifications for the labelling of commodities – Part 1: General Principles which is a mandatory standard. According to the standard, product labels must be in English Language and state the brand, type of product, name of manufacturer or distributor, country of origin, and where necessary information on the care, maintenance and precautions for use, and the manufacture and expiry dates.

Revival of mangrove forest at Better Hope underway

APPROXIMATELY, 12,000 black mangrove seedlings are being planted along the Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, foreshore. The planting exercise, aimed at regenerating 450 metres of mangrove forest, commenced last week employing 18 persons from the community. It was expected to conclude last Friday. This project is being funded by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the World Wildlife Fund’s Education for Nature Grant. It is being executed by the Mangrove Reserve Producers Coop with technical assistance from NAREI. The completion of this ac-

tivity is expected to result in the restoration of 450 metres of black mangroves; natural recruitment and extension of the mangrove forest east along the coastline; reduction in garbage dumping along the shoreline; increase in the knowledge of local communities about the importance of mangroves; increased biodiversity within the restored forest; and reduction in overtopping and flooding in the community. In preparation for the planting exercise, several activities were undertaken. NAREI was tasked with surveying the foreshore to identify a suitable site for regeneration. A community clean-up exercise was also done for World Environment Day 2016. NAREI

Persons planting mangrove seedlings at Better Hope, ECD

CEO of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth, observing the planting exercise

was also responsible for contracting five community nurseries to produce 2,500 seedlings each. Further, consultations were conducted between NAREI and the Better Hope/ LBI Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and residents to ensure there was community buy-in, especially since fishing is an economic activity of the community. A small area on the foreshore was identified for community fishermen to dock their boats.

The Mangrove Reserve Producers Coop and NAREI are encouraging the residents of Better Hope to support this effort to restore nature’s sea defence and protect their community from flooding by participating in monitoring the restoration and stop dumping garbage over the seawalls. The project will also see the construction of garbage receptacles at strategic points as a means of encouraging residents not to dump over the seawall.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

CANE GROVE HOSTS VILLAGE DAY

CANE Grove, East Coast Demerara on Saturday held its Jubilee Village Day in celebration of Guyana 50th Anniversary. The event was supported by the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and Region 4 Dem-

The day’s activities began with a medical outreach where persons assembled at a nearby business place to take advantage of free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose testing. This was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health as doctors also

lage, there were also tassa drumming, singing, African dancing, Indian dances. In addition, students from the village business institute preformed a short skit which placed special emphasis on suicide and domestic violence within the home. There

Ninety-year-old Ann James Gonzales showing the audience her fitness

Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Yvonne Cole, handing over the gift basket to Gonzales ocratic Council (RDC). The celebration showcased the cultural diversity of the village known for its agricultural products such as rice and ground provision, even as locals bonded together in an atmosphere of love, peace, togetherness and brotherhood.

made Saturday village day a success as persons were allowed to speak to them about health problems they were experiencing, dietary issues and counseling. Diversity was displayed through musical renditions and dance, which depicted the ethnic groups of the vil-

was also a mini craft and food fair. Top performers from the Cane Grove Primary who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment and excelled in the areas of Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science were also awarded trophies during a formal

Locals trying to walk across the ‘greasy pole’

A Cane Grove villager getting his blood pressure tested opening of the village day. village day. Seeraj expressed John Carter, Guyana’s first The two eldest persons in gratitude as he reflected on ambassador to the United the village, Geneva Roberts, his boyhood days in his vil- States and a key figure in the 92 and Ann James Gonzales, lage, which had developed pre-Independence turmoil 90 were awarded food ham- with the modern times. While that characterizes pre-1966 pers as a token of appreci- addressing the issue of the British Guiana, was born in ation, while Mrs. Gonzales drop in rice prices in Guyana, Cane Grove. treated the villagers to a treat, the head of the RPA urged This beautiful village where she showcased her the Cane Grove community called Cane Grove is acphysical wellness. to remain strong and togeth- tually a very large settleMeanwhile, deemed to er they will overcome this ment made up of smallbe the ‘Son of Cane Grove’, problem. er locations, inclusive of Dharamkumar Seeraj, PeoStanding at sea level Strathavon, Hopeland, ple Progressive Party/Civic on the Coastal Plain, Cane Virginia, Coconut Dam, Member of Parliament and Grove can be found along Manager Drive, Sawai, Waalso head of the Guyana the Mahaica River, about terside Dam, Cane Grove Rice Producers’ Association eight kilometres upstream Estate, Back Street, and a (RPA) was also present at the of its mouth. His Excellency few other locations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

‘Commit yourselves to selfless and dedicated service’

AS an additional 86 medical doctors Saturday graduated from the Guyana/ Cuba Medical Scholarship Programme, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon urged the practitioners to commit themselves to selfless and dedicated service as they begin their profes-

sional careers. The Minister made these comments while giving the feature address at the Graduation Ceremony for the 2016 batch of Medical Doctors, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal. Harmon said that the

Guyana/Cuba Medical Scholarship Programme serves as a testimony to the long and fruitful relationship between the two countries, with Guyana benefitting from Cuba in the areas of health, agriculture, education and sport. “The Cuban Scholarship Programme continues to

Minister Joseph Harmon urged the graduates to commit themselves to selfless and dedicated service perhaps be the greatest area of assistance, with the Medical Scholarship Programme being the ‘flagship project’ of training and support,” the minister said. Moreover, he said that the friendship and solidarity between the two countries will continue to grow under the administration of His Excellency, President David Granger. Additionally, Minister Harmon said that the actual presence of Cuban doctors in Guyana, who provide medical assistance in Guyana, continues to contribute to the overall healthcare delivery system. “It should be noted that prior to 2015, doctors have never been assigned to hinterland health centres. [Today] doctors have replaced the medex service at health centres to diagnose and treat patients in their communities and reduce referrals to hospitals,” he said. In fact, the Minister noted that there has been an increase in the number of doctors in hinterland areas throughout the countries. He said that the graduates can

now add to the government’s existing efforts to deliver quality health care to the people of Guyana. “This is a crucial part of our government’s commitment to providing a good life for all Guyanese,” the Minister said. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton urged that as the graduates enter the public healthcare system, that they work as hard as they can to continue raising the quality of healthcare in Guyana, particularly with regard to the reduction of infant, child and maternal mortality. Minister Norton also pledged the government’s commitment to continue to provide opportunities for doctors to pursue post-graduate studies in areas such as emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine and orthopaedics. “The vision of the Ministry of Public Health is to make sure that all the people of Guyana are among the healthiest in the Caribbean and the Americas by the year 2020, and I know that together we can

make it happen,” the Minister told the graduates. Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio César González Marchante highlighted the importance of solidarity especially in the interest of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship. He said that the Guyana/Cuba Medical Scholarship Programme is a reflection of the solidarity and internationalism that the two countries practice. “Only in solidarity will we be able to face the significant challenges we have at present and to achieve a better world that is totally possible,” he said. As part of the graduation ceremony, the doctors were required to take the Hippocratic Oath. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, administered the Oath. Seven hundred and fifty eight Guyanese doctors have graduated from the Guyana/Cuba Medical Scholarship Programme over the last ten years. (Ministry of the Presidency)

The graduates were required to take the Hippocratic Oath during the ceremony

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

IT is always good to know the function of various establishments in Guyana, you never know when you may need to use one, or even point a neighbour or friend in the right direction. So today on 4 minutes 4 change, we are going to learn 10 things about the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). Why? Well, there are so many misconceptions and myths about what the agency does and the reasons why. 1) The CPA has been in existence for approximately seven years now (since the Childcare & Protection Agency Act was passed in 2009), so it is still early days in comparison to some other human services that have been in existence for decades. 2) The CPA is mandated by law (The Protection of Children Act 2009) to protect children who are ‘at risk’ or who have been abused. This includes children who have been neglected, maltreated, abandoned, physically or sexually abused and those who might be delinquent or are being exploited by adults. 3) Children are removed by the agency and placed into care,only as a last resort. Suitable family members or relatives are always given the first option to care for a child who is at risk of being removed. The intention is always to return children to their families when the environment is safe and after an as-

sessment has been carried out. However, some children spend extended periods of time in care and for various reasons, some end up living in care. 4) The Director of the Agency, Ann Greene, has been working in the field of Human Services for over 30 years and has gained a ‘Masters of Science in Human Services,’ with specialization in family intervention, from Walden University, USA. 5) Her job consists of taking the lead role for the protection of our children which often means making some tough decisions. The director also has the task of holding staff accountable for the performance of their duties, as lapses can result in serious consequences for children and families. 6) There are seven departments at the agency, these are: Intake/ Child Abuse, Adoption, Foster Care, Family services, Early Childhood Development, Operation Care Centre and Family Court Services. The agency also has a child-friendly area and a family-counselling room. 7) The Child Protection Officers who work for the agency are designated to specific areas of Georgetown and regionally: There are Child Protection offices in East and West Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, Bartica, East Bank and West Demerara. There are also CPA officers who cover the interior locations such as

Regions One, Eight and Nine. 8) Child Protection is not limited to the director, the agency and Child Protection Officers alone; it really needs to be a national collaboration and effort. Every adult should know or realise that it is their duty to protect children. 9) This article is part of a public awareness campaign by the CPA to highlight the necessity for us, (NGOs the general public, the media, and child-related entities) to team up and work together,

to assist each other, in keeping children safe. 10) Find out more about the work carried out by the CPA, tune in this evening on NCN Channel 11 at 19.30hrs and watch, ‘Our children need’ a documentary highlighting three cases of child abuse. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227-0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

By Ravin Singh

Wakenaam Night magnetises thousands

ELECTRIFYING performances, non-stop dancing and social interaction char-

acterized the ninth staging of ‘Wakenaam Nite’, held at the Seeram Concrete

Ground. It started almost two hours late because of several

setbacks, but patrons patiently waited for the show to begin, because it is the most highly-anticipated event on this farming island that sits at the mouth of the Essequibo River. Introduction of the activity nine years ago was meant to encourage Guyanese to visit Wakenaam, to bolster domestic tourism, and to create awareness of what Wakenaam has to offer. The event also served as an expo of sorts in earlier stagings, but due to constraints and lack of support from corporate entities, this aspect of the event was not featured at this year’s event. The traditional Wakenaam Nite pageant was also not featured this year due to the very limited amount of females who expressed interest in participating. Chairman of Wakenaam Nite Management Committee, Shiek Ahmad, told the Guyana Chronicle that the success of Wakenaam Nite is because of the tremendous support from the people in and out of Wakenaam, and support from the Government through its various ministries. And this was evident on Saturday night, as thousands flocked the ground on an island with a population of less than 4000 persons. One moment that will undoubtedly stand out in the memories of the patrons was the spontaneous “clash” by two Trinidadian artistes, Rick Ramotar and ‘Sexy’ Vanessa, who had the crowd rolling with laughter. Their chutney and soca performances were just as captivating, as hundreds took their best dance moves to the front of the stage. But it was Guyana’s Jomo ‘Rubber waist’ Primo who set the tone after a slow start. With popular Soca renditions from Machel Montana, Jomo immediately captivated the masses and electrified a seemingly bored audience. Like a magnet, people physically gravitated closer to him, screaming and jumping to his performance, which a 52-year-old

Eight-year-old Chutney Singer, Rohan Ramotar of Wakenaam performing before his islanders

Terry Gajraj was one of the main acts at the Wakenaam Night festivities described as “electrifying”. two budding scholars from This momentum was the island were honoured for maintained by Terry Ga- their outstanding achievejraj, one of Guyana’s most ments at the National Grade renowned chutney artistes. Six Assessment (NGSA) and Performing his popular Caribbean Secondary Educatrack, “Guyana Baboo”, tion Certificate (CSEC) exGajraj commandeered sup- aminations. Those honoured port from even the mid- were Nerisa Seecharran, who dle-aged patrons, most of had attained seven Grade whom were sitting. Loud Ones and four Grade Twos; cheers and applause also and Naresh Jagnanan, who interrupted the performance topped the island at this of eight-year-old Rohan year’s NGSA. Both were Ramotar, one of the island’s honoured with trophies promost talented chutney sing- vided by the Wakenaam ers. Night Management ComAnd late showers did mittee. little to dissuade persons The name Wakenaam is from remaining on scene, as Dutch, and means ‘waiting hundreds milled around even for a name,’ but it is clear after the end of the event was that the residents there announced at about 2:00am are no longer in waiting; on Sunday morning. Apart they are making their own from the performances, name, and securing Wakwhich were without doubt enaam a more prominent the highlight of the evening, position on the map.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Meet Ganga: ‘The man who has to provide 51 meals a day for his family’

By Ravin Singh WHILE the average family of 4 caters for 12 individual meals a day, 57-year -old Donald ‘Ganga’ Rampersaud and his wife, Vanetta Rampersaud, were tasked with finding 51 meals a day for their 15 children and themselves. Married for over 31 years, the couple sat under a rented bottom house and told their story of having to care and provide for their 15 children, six of whom are still in school. Apparently shy, Vanetta allowed her husband to tell their heart-rending story of poverty, determination, and sacrifices which continue even to this day. Ganga explained that he met the woman who would eventually become his wife while living with his mother in a certain village in Wakenaam. The two subsequently became married and remained at his parents’ home. Not long after, his parents asked them to leave; and with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, he built a house out of troolie palm to house his wife. Emotional about this experience, he plaintively recalled that when it rained his family would stand in the house with their bed (a piece of cloth) and wait for it to stop raining before going back to sleep. By this time, he said, the inside of the entire house would be soaked. “Those were real hard times, but we didn’t have a choice,” he explained. After living in his troolie home for about a year, he was eventually able to buy a house from his sister for $27, having saved from the pittance he earned from picking coconuts. But things went wrong again, because despite Ganga having purchased the house, he was removed from the property because the land was not in his name. Thus he started renting a house in another village. Not too long after, he was forced to return to his mother’s place, since his landlord refused to provide him with rent receipts and threatened to throw him out at any time. Now a father of ten, Ganga was able to acquire two donkey carts while he was still working as a coconut picker. His wife also contributed financially from the little she earned from cleaning pointer brooms at the backdam. “Me and my wife wuk mighty hard to tek care of these children,” he declared, adding that insults greeted them at every corner because they were evidently “poor.” He admitted to sometimes stealing coconuts from the people he worked with to make an extra dollar to send his children to school. “I never play with them children schooling. I mek sure they attend school, and they got a good attendance record. I never get away [from them], although it did hard on me. Is me children, so I stay with them,” Ganga declared. The father of 15 detailed that he then took up small-scale farming with his wife, and would travel to Parika to sell the produce there. He added that it was extremely difficult for them because small scale farmers are at the mercy of buyers. He revealed that last year he started planting crops on the Wakenaam sea dam, since many persons were doing likewise. He plants bananas and plantains, which he says are “bursting.” But this, too, has not been without challenges. Ganga explained that his first experience of planting on the sea dam entailed 1500 suckers which were purchased for $105,000. He recalled sending his daughter one morning to check on the crops, and she returned to say that someone had already reaped the produce. Furious, he went to the police, and someone was taken into custody. However, the police subsequently released that person on ground that the sucker plants were not marked. Determined to make a living by hook or crook, Ganga returned to the sea dam and replanted suckers, which presently are in their blooming stage. Aggressive in his tone, the father of 15 said he has been made aware that Government intends to spray the sea dam to rid it of plants. He is, as such, pleading with the authorities not to implement this plan, since the demise of his crops would mean unspeakable suffering for his family. But that is not the only burden Ganga carries right now. One of his sons, 11-year-old Daniel Rampersaud, was struck down by an allegedly drunk motorcyclist three months ago,

The Rampersaud family poses for a photograph and has had the lower part of his leg broken in half. And despite the accident being witnessed by 25 persons, Ganga says, he has not yet been compensated by that motorcyclist, and has been forced to spend more than $200,000 for medical treatment and travel expenses to and from the hospital and court. Ganga says his son had a bright future ahead of him, since he was the best graduating student at Arthurville Primary School, having written the National Grade Six Assessment examinations (NGSA) earlier this year. He explained that five of his other children had also made the best of their opportunities to have an education, but limitations continue to make it difficult for them. The family currently lives without electricity in the home, while other basic necessities such as water and food pose

difficulties in acquiring. “If you mek children you got to mine them. I ain’t asking the Government to mine them for me; but I just asking for a little help, because people in better positions than me get more help than me. I don’t have nothing in me name. I put in for a house lot years now, and I ain’t hear back from anybody yet,” a tearful Ganga disclosed. He hopes to one day be delivered from the vicious cycle of poverty and live a comfortable life with his family, whom he says he would never abandon. “When you poor, people tek advantage of you; you don’t get good people to marrid your children them. So I want try and tek them out of this situation,” Ganga disclosed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Personality Sans Souci: Intellectual hub of Wakenaam Profile By Ravin Singh

Rosana Ramkissoon ROSANA Ramkissoon is more than just the average teenage ‘country girl’ with a pretty smile and a winning personality. This 18-year-old’s bubbly spirit works to her advantage in removing doubt about her being shy, even though she really is. Born and raised on the farming island of Wakenaam, she still lives there with her parents and two siblings. Academically gifted, this Essequibo Islands Secondary School alum managed to secure five Grade Ones and four Grade Twos when she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination in 2014. She currently attends a preparation class for an entrance examination which will be in November. Once she has completed that, Rosana intends to apply for college in the United States (USA), where she would like to further her studies in business management. Unlike the typical teenager, she enjoys dancing and reading, and occasionally attends mandir. Rosana says she plans to migrate permanently after completing her studies.

NESTLED between Good Success to the south, Melville to the north and Noigkidackt to the east, the village of ‘San Souci’ in Wakenaam, an island which sits at the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River, is home to just about two hundred residents. FA R f r o m w h a t t h e meaning of its name actually connotes, which is “without care,” this small village is dubbed the “intellectual hub of Wakenaam”, having produced some most outstanding individuals who have made invaluable contributions to development of Wakenaam and Guyana as a whole. A walk through this quiet but scenic village would take just a few minutes, but the story behind its rich history, documented in the minds of many, takes hours to narrate. Luckily, this newspaper caught up with a few residents who were kind enough to share this story – one of remarkable achievements in a socially cohesive environment. San Souci, a French term for “without care”, is actually far from what was observed in the scenic village of San Souci, Wakenaam. Care, it seems, is what has earned the village the title of being the intellectual centre of the island. San Souci is furnished with a nursery, primary and secondary school; a library; the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC); a Police Station; and several religious institutions, including a mosque and a church. O f Wa k e n a a m ’s a p proximately 15 villages, the achievements of individuals from San Souci are outstand-

A Masjid at Sans Souci ing. Among its prominent individuals, who have made sterling contributions to the island and by extension Guyana, is Dr. Ali Shaw, the first person to have built a private hospital in Georgetown. Dr. Shaw would later donate the piece of land on which the San Souci Primary School has been eventually erected. The first from Anna Regina Multilateral School student to cop the Guyana Scholarship is Basharat Zahoor, was also hails from San Souci. He has not been the lone achiever in his family. His older brother, Dr. Aftaab Zahoor, who even to this day resides in San Souci, achieved his doctorate in natural healing at the age of twenty. Their uncle, Dr. Rahat Zahoor, was also a medical doctor whose services were relied upon by high-ranking officials, including the then Minister of Education, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Members of Parliament (MPs) and other dignitaries. Then there is Dr. Atim

The Sans Souci Police Station

Karim, who achieved two doctorates -- in agriculture and medicine. In the academic field there is Vauld Evelyn, who pioneered one of the first nursery schools in the village. And while intellectualism is not only weighed in academics, many San Souci residents have excelled in the religious field. Among them are the Maluke and Evelyn families, who were prominent church leaders; while imams and pandits have also emerged from the village. ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES The village is highly competitive in academics, but its production-based economy is supported by a highly skilled labour force whose talent in agriculture is unmatched. Residents have boasted of the thriving village economy which, even to this day, relies heavily on rice cultivation and ground provision farming. However, these are not the only jobs, as persons are also engaged in carpentry, wood-

working, fishing and poultry farming. Traditionally, agriculture has always been the driving force of this village’s economy, but one resident pointed out that there has been a “dramatic change” in economic activities since the population declined. Wakenaam’s population tumbled tremendously from over 20,000 thirty years ago to just over 3,000 presently. The resident referenced the fact that, in the 1980s, there were a few goldsmiths in the village who were the sole breadwinners in their respective homes. Those individuals were able to comfortably take care of their families, which comprised eight and ten persons. However, with rapid decline in the population due to several factors, including migration for better job opportunities, markets for goods and services in the community have since contracted significantly.

See page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Wakenaam in fight to keep coconut industry alive By Ravin Singh

CHARACTERIZED by challenges, with production plummeting significantly due to several factors which can be reversed, the coconut industry on the farming island of Wakenaam is “dying a slow death” farmers have said. About twenty years ago, Wakenaam was shipping approximately 120,000 coconuts off the island per week. Prices then were not very attractive, according to farmers, but they were still producing,

since they used to make an extra dollar from ‘copra’, the kernel of the coconut when taken out and dried to make coconut oil. However, as time progressed, companies which were buying ‘copra’ began demanding the actual coconut, since the process to make oil from the ‘copra’ was too lengthy. This eventually led to a decline in the production of coconut oil, and that decline came at a time when prices for coconuts were not as attractive as currently obtains. Copra is

now being sold for $50 per pound. The prices for coconuts were also not as high then as it is presently, and despite farmers receiving a handsome $3000 for every hundred coconuts, production continues to tumble. Thus Wakenaam went from shipping 120,000 coconuts per week to just about 40,000 now. Of this amount, approximately 25,000 are shipped to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Dominican Republic, and the United States. The remaining 15,000

are sold on the local market. Foreign buyers are willing to pay higher prices for coconuts due to the shortage, and this has resulted in higher prices being paid locally for the product. But even with the high prices being offered, the production continues to dip, farmers say. According to large-scale Wakenaam coconut dealer Nadir Mustakeen, a number of factors are to be blamed for this drop in production. He explained that one of the primary causes is that

farmers are not adequately tending to their farms, which has resulted in several trickle-down effects, one of which is diseases affecting the plants and farmers not having the “know-how” to treat them. Years ago, he said, Monocrotophos was used to treat the plants, but it was subsequently banned, and no other form of medication seems to be working. “If attention is not paid to the coconut industry on this island, it can die a slow death. Farmers need to pay attention to their farms. I know they can make a livelihood off the coconut business,” he adamantly declared. Another reason for the drop in production, farmers say, is the small labour force. Like coconut production, Wakenaam’s population has been on a steady decline, moving from over 20,000 people twenty years ago to just over 3000 presently. And because of this small population, comprised mostly of women and children, it has become difficult to find people to work on the coconut farms. Additionally, it was revealed that even though most of the farmers have been in this business for years, they still lack the technical expertise needed to expand their farms and increase production. One point of reference is the fact that farmers continue to “chop-down” healthy branches from coconut trees when they are picking coconuts. Mustakeen, who also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture in the 1980s, said that this is causing the trees to lose their productivity, and this is another reason for the decline in production over the years. “When farmers do this, the production status of the tree is lost and the trees are not able to produce as much coconuts as they would have initially.” He accordingly underscored the need for the Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers with technical advice and financial support in some regards. those are not the only factors hindering the development of the industry. Poor roads on the island and unreliable ferry services contributed significantly to the reduction in production. Farmers are lamenting that these two factors do not encourage them to stay in the industry, and some of them end up venturing into other businesses. And despite the desperate need for the coconut industry to be revived, farmers do not believe that Wakenaam has the capacity to develop the infrastructure needed to process coconuts into value

added products. One farmer, who identified himself as Boyo, said that converting the coconuts into value added products which could be shipped off the island is not impossible, but a number of conditions need to exist. He pointed out that people would need training on how to make these products competitive on the local, regional and international markets; and he noted that small-scale financing is not available to farmers to help them develop their farms. Small-scale financing is crucial to the development of the industry, he said. “On the island, there are people who make coconut oil and sell that on a small scale; but to convert coconut to soap and other by-products, people do not know how to do that. So it is going to be difficult to set up a factory like that,” he said. Boyo was keen to note, though, that such a move could benefit the island in providing employment for residents. However, he explained that it is likely to result in a drop in price for coconuts on the island. But Chateram Persaud, another small scale farmer who makes coconut oil, is of a converse conviction. He believes that if such a factory were set up, it could encourage farmers to produce more, since there would be an increase in demand locally, more specifically on the island itself. He, too, believes that Government and the private sector should assist farmers in accessing small loans as well as in obtaining technical advice. Despite these challenges facing the industry though, farmers agree with one thing: the potential for coconut production on the island is very great, and is poised for a “take-off” if attention is given to it. Farmers contend that they cannot do it alone, and it is not only they who would benefit from revival of the coconut industry, but Guyana as a country. In that regard, they are appealing to the relevant authorities to support their efforts in reviving the industry. Certain coconut trees take about four to five years before they start bearing. Those are called the ‘creole coconut’, or what Guyanese would refer to as “water coconut.” St. Lucian coconut, which is another kind, takes about three years before the tree begins to fully bear. Once the trees begin to bear, farmers hire labourers to go into the fields to pick the coconuts and peel them, after which they are transported to local and overseas buyers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Sans Souci: Intellectual hub ...

From page 14

SOCIAL COHESION But even with a small population and limited opportunities, one of the features of this village is its socially cohesive nature, which subsumes all ethnic, social, cultural and religious considerations. Residents of San Souci identify primarily with one of either three ethnic groups: East Indians, Africans or Amerindians. A microcosm of Guyana’s multiethnic characteristic, San Souci continues as standing testimony to the fact that racial, cultural and religious harmony can exist in a multiethnic and multicultural environment. “The old people have died, but their children and grandchildren were cultured to see everyone the same and treat everyone with love and respect, regardless of political, cultural, social, or religious views and beliefs,” 80-year-old Dr. Aftaab Zahoor said. He said that when there is Qur’anic reading at the mosque, believers and non-believers would all attend. Similarly, everyone in the village celebrates Christmas and Phagwah, although those are identified as religious observances. CHALLENGES Like any village in Guyana, San Souci is not without challenges which confront residents on a daily basis. Topping the list of challenges

is perhaps the issue of alcoholism, which predominantly affects youths in the village. It was revealed that because of limited social activities in San Souci, young people resort to imbibing as a form of socialization. Seemingly embedded in the culture now, it has become a worrying issue for residents since it diminishes the true potential of these young people. In addition, residents underscored the need for training in technical and vocational education. With a high youth population in the village, technical and vocational education would pave the way and chart a path for the personal development of young people, residents say. It was also pointed out that challenges faced in the agricultural sector indicate a need for diversification. As such, it has become imperative for young people to engage in other jobs, such as mechanical engineering, carpentry, welding, and catering among others; the pursuit of which is dependent on the availability of training for them. For years, the economic strength of the village and the island has been on a constant decline due to diminution of the labour force and loss of markets. As a result, many in the village believe that if supporting agencies and organisations work with residents to address these challenges, San Souci would not just be the “intellectual hub” of Wakenaam, but the island’s capital village.

Monday August 29, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Tuesday August 30, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday August 31, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

Two youngsters having a swim in one of the trenches at Sans Souci Village

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 29, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Proteas take control USVI’s Corley ... after Du Plessis century From backpage

By Mark Gleeson PRETORIA,(Reuters)-Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis scored a fifth Test century before his bowlers ripped through the New Zealand top order to leave South Africa firmly in charge after day two of the second test at Centurion yesterday.. Du Plessis was unbeaten on 112 when South Africa declared on 481 for eight before reducing New Zealand to 38 for three at the close with superb fast bowling on a wicket that has both sideways movement and variable bounce. Skipper Kane Williamson is not out on 15 and will carry the hopes of the touring side into the third day, along with Henry Nicholls who is unbeaten on four. South Africa’s opening bowlers, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, both returning to the side for this series after injury layoffs, used the conditions superbly and were unlucky not to find more success. Philander had Martin Guptill (eight) caught at slip by Stiaan van Zyl

Faf du Plessis struck his fifth Test century for South Africa against New Zealand at Centurion on day two.

before Steyn induced an edge from Tom Latham that was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. With plenty of deliveries beating the bat and the scoring rate slow, Ross Taylor (one) showed signs of panic. He took on the arm of the nippy Temba Bavuma at midwicket and was run out to compound the misery for New Zealand. Du Plessis had earlier shown the way with a

patient innings that took 234 balls and was his first test ton in 17 visits to the crease, a timely return to form as he stands in for regular captain AB de Villiers JP Duminy, restored to the team in the absence of De Villiers, missed out on his century, though, falling for 88 caught behind off a wild hook. Neil Wagner, who attended primary and high school with Du Plessis in Pretoria, was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with figures of 5-89 in 39 overs.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA1st innings (Overnight: 283-3) S. Cook c Williamson b Bracewell 56 Q. de Kock c Boult b Wagner 82 H. Amla c Watling b Wagner 58 J. Duminyc Watling b Southee 88 F. du Plessis not out 112 T. Bavuma c Bracewell b Wagner 8 S. van Zyl c Taylor b Wagner 35 V. Philander b Wagner 8 K. Rabada c Nicholls b Santner 7 D. Steyn not out 13 Extras (b-10 lb-4) 14 Total (for 8 wickets, 154 overs) 481 Fall of wickets: 1-133 Q. de Kock,2151 S. Cook,3-246 H. Amla,4-317 J. Duminy,5-342 T. Bavuma,6-426 S. van Zyl,7-442 V. Philander,8-463 K. Rabada

Did not bat: D. Piedt Bowling: T. Southee 35 - 5 - 114 – 1,T. Boult 35.4 - 7 - 107 – 0, D. Bracewell 30.2 - 9 - 98 – 1,M. Santner 14 - 1 - 62 – 1, N. Wagner 39 - 8 - 86 – 5. NEW ZEALAND 1st innings M. Guptill c van Zyl b Philander 8 T. Latham c de Kock b Steyn 4 K. Williamsonnot out 15 R. Taylor run out (Bavuma) 1 H. Nicholls not out 4 Extras (lb-1 w-5) 6 Total (for 3 wickets, 16 overs) 38 Fall of wickets: 1-13 M. Guptill,2-13 T. Latham,3-26 R. Taylor To bat: B. Watling, M. Santner, D. Bracewell, T. Southee, N. Wagner, T. Boult Bowling: D. Steyn 8 - 2 - 18 – 1,V. Philander 4 - 1 - 10 – 1, K. RabadA

Australia beat Sri Lanka in Dilshan’s ODI swansong A magnificent Dinesh Chandimal century proved to be in vain as Australia beat Sri Lanka by two wickets in Tillakaratne Dilshan’s final one-day international to take a 2-1 series lead yesterday. Chandimal continued his rich vein of form with a majestic 102 after he was put down on 40 and veteran opener Dilshan made 42 in his ODI swansong, but Sri Lanka could only make 226 all out in Dambulla after Adam Zampa took 3-38. George Bailey top scored with 70 and Zampa went through for the winning run after he was dropped as Australia got

home with four overs to spare to edge back in front in the five-match series despite being reduced to 44-3. Dilshan was unable to end his ODI career with a win, but the flamboyant 39-yearold struck five boundaries in an entertaining knock and also took a fine catch in his 330th and last appearance in the 50-over format. T h e c ro w d ro s e t o Dilshan, who bowed as he walked off after slapping a full toss from spinner Zampa straight to Bailey at midwicket following early wickets for Mitchell Starc (2-42) and Josh Hazlewood (1-51). Chandimal steadied the

ship, rotating the strike well and making the most of a life after he was put down by stand-in captain David Warner at gully off Hazlewood. The outstanding Chandimal picked out the bad balls, finding the boundary seven times, and punched the air after bringing up his century with a drive through the covers for a single. Zampa was the pick of the bowlers and James Faulkner (2-44) ended Chandimal’s classy knock in the final over to leave Australia needing 227 to win. Dilshan took a good catch for captain Angelo Mathews (2-30) at point off

to see the back of Warner (10) before Aaron Finch (30) was given out lbw and opted not to review when replays showed Amila Aponso’s delivery was missing leg stump. Australia were in trouble on 44-3 when Shaun Marsh (1) fell cheaply, but Travis Head (36) and Matthew Wade (42) made contributions and Bailey’s composed knock frustrated Sri Lanka. The tourists slipped from 187-4 to 222-8, but sealed victory when Dilruwan Perera dropped Zampa and he scampered through for a single.(Omnisport)

referee Eion Jardine to issue a standing eight count. Early in round two,Corley started to use double right jabs which did not deter Gonsalves, who by that time was sensing that he had his man covered and carried the attack to the US based fighter.However,it was not until the third round that Gonsalves broke through Corley’s defence and registered a right uppercut that floored Corley;causing referee Jardine to issue a second eight count. By this time Gonsalves was beaming with confidence and he stepped up the tempo.By the end of the fourth round the Guyanese was leading 39-35, 38-36, 38-36 on all three judges’ scorecards. However, Corley, who lost a split decision to Floyd Mayweather and held Zab Judah to a draw earlier in his (Corley) career, changed his fight plan against the now aggressive Gonsalves who was apparently looking for the haymaker but,Corley with his experience, cornered Gonsalves and eventually caught the Guyanese with a one-two combination that caused the referee to issue a standing eight count.Seconds later, Corley stepped `on the gas’ again and caught Gonsalves with a straight left that floored him yet again for another eight count. By this time, Corley was closing in on Gonsalves’ points lead and at the end of the eight round, led 7674, 75-73, 75-73,on all three judges’ scorecard. For the next two rounds, Gonsalves tried to get on even keel with Corley and seemed to have been doing that as he appeared to be the stronger of the two , but in the final two rounds (11 and 12), Corley seemed to have got a second wind as he started to cut off the ring and connected to Gonsalves with telling punches that the Guyanese had no answer for. It was evident that Gonsalves lost his sting and Corley kept advancing with an apparently new life and in the end, the judges score card read 113-113, 113112, 115-110,all in favour of the 42-year old veteran. After the fight,Corley was presented with the WBC‘s FECABOX lightweight belt by GBBC’s president Peter Abdool. In the main supporting bout of the five-bout card, Jamaica’s Richard `Frog’ Holmes made light work of Guyana’s Mark Austin in

their eight–round middleweight contest. From the first bell, Holmes attacked his man and unleashed some telling blows on Austin;pinning him (Austin) on the ropes and in the process a left uppercut knocked Austin’s mouth piece out of his mouth,causing a 15-second delay to the onslaught. On resumption, Holmes continued the attack and with ap;proximatelyn 10 seconds remaining in the first round, Holmes again connected with a straight-right that floored Austin; he was issued an eight count, but the bell saved him. Sensing that he was in total control, Holmes came out in the second round looking to end the fight as fast as possible.He was able to do just that, as within one minute 52 seconds of the round, Holmes stunned Austin on three occasions causing referee Dexter Torrington to issue three eight counts. The referee eventually called a halt to the proceedings. In another fight that attracted a lot of interest, Quincy Gomes proved that he is way above the caliber of Khan as the former outfoxed his opponent to win by a unanimous points’ decision. From the start of the six-round lightweight contest, Khan, unlike in their last encounter, came out very cautious,using his jabs to good effect and seemed to be ahead on points early in the fight.However,Gomes was scoring a lot of points with his counter attacking approach and after four rounds, Khan decided to step up the pace.Gomes was equal to the task,and it seemed that he (Gomes) was just waiting for the toeto-toe battle which,in the final two rounds,he (Gomes) won as the three judges awarded him the fight by a unanimous decision. The opening encounter was a four-round lightweight contest between debutant Anthony Narine and Keeve Allicock.Narine won the fight after Allicock, who led on all three judges scorecard up to and during the fourth and final round, delivered an illegal blow to Narine,who was counted but was awarded the fight because of Allicock’s illegal blow. In the next fight,Barbados based Guyanese Charwin Estwick registered a points win against Kelsey George in their four-round super middleweight contest.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Belgian Grand Prix..

Rosberg wins as Hamilton finishes third from back row

LEWIS Hamilton recovered from the back row of the grid to finish third at the Belgian Grand Prix as Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg won a dramatic race. The German’s victory from pole position in a race punctuated by a violent crash for Renault’s Kevin Magnussen reduces his points deficit to Hamilton to nine. Magnussen was taken to hospital with an injury to his left ankle after a huge crash at 180mph at Raidillon. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was second, holding off a late Hamilton

Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates on the podium with teammate Lewis Hamilton of Britain and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo of Australia after the Belgian F1 Grand Prix. REUTERS/Yves Herman charge. Hamilton started in 21st place on the grid, after a raft

Sterling nest twice as Manchester City maintain 100% record

Manchester City’s English midfielder Raheem Sterling (up) is held aloft by teammates AF touch passing between NoRAHEEM Sterling scored lito, David Silva and De twice as Manchester City Bruyne, and the pace and defeated West Ham 3-1 at penetration of Sterling. At the back, John Stones the Etihad Stadium to go top of the Premier League. was happy to step into midCity made it three wins field and build play up from from three Premier League the back like a Yorkshire matches under new manager Gerard Pique. But when Pep Guardiola, and for 45 min- England defender Stones utes it was like watching Barce- limped off just after the lona as the home side tore apart break, the tempo of the game Slaven Bilic’s injury-hit visitors. changed. Bilic was alert City were 2-0 up af- enough to take advantage, ter only 18 minutes, with and when Michail Antonio Sterling drilling home the headed home Arthur Masuaopener on eight minutes ku’s deep cross on 58 minfrom a Nolito cut back, and utes, it looked like game on. But City fought back as Fernandinho heading home a second 10 minutes later West Ham legs grew heavy from a sumptuous Kevin De in the closing stages, and Sterling took advantage in Bruyne free-kick. But it was the interplay injury-time with a delicate that stood out as much finish from the angle from as the goals – sharp one- Silva’s pass.

of engine penalties resulting from failures early in the season. His partner back there in probably the most talented back row in F1 history was his old rival Fernando Alonso, who used three engines this weekend. The two made brilliant starts to the race to pass the pits for the first time with Alonso in 11th and Hamilton 13th, helped by a chaotic first lap ahead of them. A concertina accident between the two Ferraris

and Max Verstappen’s Red Bull left all three with damage at the first corner and dropped them down the field - and further back McLaren’s Jenson Button was taken out when Manor’s Pascal Wehrlein smashed up his rear at Les Combes. Starting on the medium tyres, Alonso and Hamilton moved up as others stopped in front of them on their softer rubber and were in fourth and fifth on lap eight, when Magnussen

lost control through the final part of the Eau Rouge swerves. The Renault spun and smashed into the barriers on the outside of the track, the Dane’s cockpit head protection material flying out of the car in the violence of the impact. He limped away from the accident but an investigation at the medical centre showed him to have an injury and he was taken to hospital.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Norman Sue Bakery 15-over final

Dant lift title as Sunshine fail to come out By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada -- It was billed as the clash of the titans, but in the end it turned out to be a “damp squib” as Dant cemented their position as the number one team in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) with a crushing seven-wicket victory over Sunshine in the second edition of the Norman Sue Bakery sponsored 15-over final at the Ashtonbee ground here on Saturday last. Set the modest task of scoring 82 for victory, after inserting and limiting their opponents to an insufficient 81 for nine in their allotted overs, Dant rushed to the required total in 11.3 overs, losing three wickets, with former Guyana captain Damodar Daesrath unbeaten on 21;thereby claiming the Conference A title. The outcome was never in doubt with Sunshine skipper Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth admitting at the presentation ceremony that his team had “failed to bring their A game” into the day’s final,following their win over the same opponents the previous weekend in a regular season contest. Sunshine never got going after batting first, failing to get any substantial partnerships and losing wickets at regular intervals. The only player to reach double figures was Imran Ali,whose 33 included one six and a solitary

KIM Sue of Norman Sue Bakery hands over the winning trophy to Dant’s skipper Looknauth Ramsuchit in the presence of the other players. (Pictures by Frederick Halley) ro l l e d b a c k t h e y e a r s in a devastating threeover spell, claiming an incredible three for four, earning the MVP award for Dant,while Shawn Deonandan supported with three for 12, also from three and Aftab “Hurricane Maxi” Shamsudeen one for 11. There were few alarms when Dant replied,and apart from Daesrath’s top score, extras were again in the limelight, totalling an innings high 29. There was one wicket each for Parasnauth, Anil Etwaroo and Azam Haniff;for eight, nine and 14 runs respectively. With this victory, Dant remained on course to make a clean sweep of this Dant’s MVP Satrohan “Blade” Balkarran season’s championships, a collects his award from Nashenka Sue. feat they achieved in their debut season (2014),but four;an innings that earned tallied 23. the Most Valuable Player T h e e v e r- g re e n S a- which they relinquished in (MVP) for his team. Extras trohan’Blade’ Balkarran 2015. They have already

Imran Ali of Sunshine receives his MVP trophy from Nyssa Naraine, daughter of Kim. carted off the Caribbean Sensation sponsored 10/10 tournament and are well on course to capture the regular season (20-over) competition. Dant’s skipper Looknauth Ramsuchit made it clear that his side is definitely on the hunt to achieve the “triple”,pointing out that they are still disappointed with their performance last year and is extremely confident of more success as the season approaches its conclusion. Apart from pointing out that his side didn’t perform to expectations,Parasnauth also gave credit to Dant, admitting

they were “the better team on the day.” Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Kim Sue assured that the sponsorship was intended to keep the grassroot game alive in Toronto,and her company was proud to be part of that success. She congratulated both teams while alluding to the fact that the real winner was cricket. OSCL president Albert Ramcharran also showered praises on the teams for reaching the final as well as on those who had participated.He also thanked the sponsors for their contribution.

Davies leads Surrey into London Royal Cup one-day final OPENER Steven Davies hit 104 off 116 balls as 2015 runners-up Surrey reached another One-Day Cup final with a 19-run win over Yorkshire at Headingley. After being reduced to 8-2, they posted a score of 255-7 after Davies and Ben Foakes (90) shared a stand of 130. Yorkshire’s run-chase was undermined by a Steven Davies’ century was his ninth in List three-wicket burst from A matches

Stuart Meaker, whose victims included Jonny Bairstow and Gary Ballance. Tim Bresnan made 68 but was the last to go as they were all out for 236. Having lost to Durham in the T20 Blast semi-finals last weekend, Yorkshire were hoping to atone by reaching Lord’s for the first time since 2002. They made the ideal start as Dominic Sibley and

Kumar Sangakkara went inside the first three overs, the Sri Lankan making only four before needlessly giving a catch to cover. But they were left to rue Matthew Waite dropping Davies off his own bowling just after having Rory Burns caught on the boundary. Davies went on to hit a six and 10 fours before finally falling to Waite, who took 3-48 and also dropped

a return chance offered by Foakes. After losing Adam Lyth early, Yorkshire were wellplaced on 75-2, but fast bowler Meaker (3-61) turned the game on its head by ripping out Bairstow (13), who lobbed tamely to mid-wicket, Ballance (32) and Jack Leaning in quick succession. Bresnan and Waite (38) did their best to repair the damage, but 27 off the final three overs was too much and Bresnan holed out at long-off with seven balls remaining. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

President Granger wishes Chess Olympiad team the best PRESIDENT David Granger last Friday received a courtesy call from an eight-member team from the Guyana Chess Federation, at the Ministry of the Presidency. During the visit, the team inducted the President as an honorary member of the Federation. The team will depart Guyana today for Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 2016 Chess Olympiad, organised by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). The team will be headed by President of the GCF, Mr. Irshad Mohamed. During the meeting, President Granger pledged his support and commitment to the GCF. He also expressed an interest in meeting with the team again on its re-

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:25 hrs Big Shot 08:55 hrs Pegged For Glory 09:25 hrs Narina 10:00 hrs Devon Gold 10:35 hrs White Feather American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Pass the Dice Race 2 Investigator Race 3 Firsthand Report Race 4 Ring Knocker Race 5 Speightful Kitten Race 6 Sparkle Factor Race 7 Hamptons Holiday Race 8 Bluegrass Prevails Race 9 Hammers Vision English Racing Tips Chepstow 08:30 hrs Knight Of The Air 09:00 hrs Harmony Bay 09:35 hrs Vincentti 10:10 hrs Oh This Is Us 10:45 hrs Rockliffe 11:15 hrs Ring Eye Newcastle 08:45 hrs War Department 09:15 hrs More Beau

President David Granger is flanked by members of the Guyana Chess team, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of the Presidency

turn home to discuss what measures can be taken to help the Federation to advance the sport in Guyana. “You have my support. We can sit down and discuss some of

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the initiatives that can be implemented when you get back. It is a very good sport and we will like to see it in the schools, the villages. It is a sport like any other,” President Granger said. The President wished the team the best, adding that “Guyana used to have a footprint in this sport years ago. I hope that you can have that footprint globally”. Mr. Mohamed expressed his gratitude to the President for his support and pledged that the team will do its best to succeed.

US Open tennis starts today OLYMPIC champion Andy Murray will meet Czech Lukas Rosol in the first round of the US Open, which starts today. Murray, 29, beat Rosol 4-6 6-3 6-2 in a heated match at the 2015 Munich Open. British number eight Laura Robson set up a first-round match with fellow Briton Naomi Broady after a straight-sets win over Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the final qualifying round. British number two Dan Evans faces American Rajeev Ram while Kyle Edmund will play France’s Richard Gasquet.

Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his men’s title against world number 120 Jerzy Janowicz

Johanna Konta, seeded a career-high 13th in the women’s singles, meets American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, while Heather Watson plays Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp. Top seed and world number one Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his men’s title against world number 120 Jerzy Janowicz, while Spaniard Rafael Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, meets Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. Rosol, 31, shocked Nadal in the second round at Wimbledon in 2012.

Trophy Stall-sponsored darts tourney set for Friday at Malteenoes THE Malteenoes Sports Club will play host to the Guyana Darts Association tournament on Friday September 2. The tournament is sponsored exclusively by Trophy Stall and is scheduled to begin at 19:30hrs. The tournament is opened to all registered members of the G.D.A. and registration will commence on the day at 19:00hrs. There are two categories and will comprise a Male and Female Singles and Luck of the Draw Doubles. Prizes will be awarded to the top three performers in each category.

Mrs. Devi Sunich of Trophy Stall hands over one of the trophies to National Player / Caribbean Champ Luis Ramirez-Merlano

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Ming continues Podium form -‘noses’ to Saturday win IT was a fight to the finish for overseas-based Guyanese Calvin Ming, who carved out his inaugural win for team Pelfrey in the Formula 1600 series,round 17 in New Jersey. Ming stood proudly atop the podium on Saturday;having edged out teammate Phillippe Denes by 0.001 of a second and Neil

K-Hill motor sports Verhagen in the first of the threerace weekend. Following the race, Series officials went to the video, looking at multiple angles, as the finish was too close to call. Officials also inspected the transponder box locations in each Mygale chassis, according to the

Wet outfields wipe out play at Everest and Young Warriors grounds

PLAY on the third and final day in the two remaining matches in the opening round of the Jaguars Franchise League Three-day competition was abandoned because of wet outfields without a ball being bowled yesterday. Both venues, the Everest Cricket Club ground and the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground, were left with several wet patches on the outfields after heavy overnight and early morning rain. After several inspections by the umpires, play was called off at both venues just before 13:00hrs. At Everest, East Bank Demerara were 68-5;batting a second time and with an overall lead of 74 runs.Georgetown were bowled out for 186 in their first innings.At the Young Warriors ground,West Berbice closed on 166-5 in their second innings, an overall lead of 215,after they dismissed Upper Corentyne for 183 in their first innings. Meanwhile, Lower Corentyne whipped Essequibo by an innings and 122 runs ,and East Coast Demerara defeated West Bank Demerara by six wickets in the other two first-round matches which both ended inside two days on Saturday. Round two starts on Friday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 29, 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) 2-0 (in favour of India) (2) 87 (K. Rahul & S. Dhawan, Sabina Park) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich effected during the WI/India Test series? (2) How many dismissals wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha effected during the WI/India Test series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

F1600 site. “It was a good race, at the start. Peter Portante and I managed to get away but in the end everyone came on strong,” said Ming, who drives the No. 82 machine for Team Pelfrey. In race two, a late charge from Verhagen saw him win the first of two races on Sunday morning ahead of teammate Peter Portante,who finished second while Saturday’s winner Calvin Ming was third for Team Pelfrey. Verhagen started the race in last place and moved up before joining teammate Portante. That lead did not last long, however, as Ming and Phillippe Denes, for Team Pelfrey, tracked down the K-Hill duo as the race wound down. But a spirted effort from the two K-Hill drivers pushed them to more than a second ahead when the flag dropped Verhagen completed his double in the final race of the day,with team mate Portante second; Denes finished in third and Ming fourth.

Pelfrey’s Calvin Ming ‘noses’ past his teammate Phillippe Denes in the first race of the day

Calvin Ming stands atop the podium

Isis had plans to attack Aussie cricketers on Bangladesh tour:report

ENGLAND’s tour of Bangladesh later this year faces fresh trouble after details of an alleged Islamic State (Isis) plan to attack Australian cricketers in the sub-continent nation last year emerged. According to reports, the Australian government received intelligence about an Isis plot to target the country’s cricket players during a reception with the hosts in Dhaka. The Daily Mail reported that Australia immediately pulled out of the tour of Bangladesh on security grounds with Cricket Australia not confident of players’ and officials’ safety after receiving this credible security threat. The decision seemed well founded as soon after the Aussie government’s step, extremists attacked

Australia cricket team pulled out of their tour to Bangladesh last year citing security concerns. and murdered a group of Italian tourists in the city. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mal Loye, the former Bangladesh Cricket head of performance, revealed that upon learning of the plans by Isis to attack the Australians he quit his post. “The week I left, the

Australia team didn’t turn up because the terrorists had planned to take us out when we had an event sorted with the touring team. My boss’s wife was arranging the event with the Australians. The Australian government saw the plans from the underworld guys about what was going to

happen. The plans didn’t work out for the terrorists because the Australia team didn’t arrive there.” “The Italians got shot that week. The terrorists obviously thought they’d take a few people out while they were there. That was enough for me. I knew after the shootings that my freedom as a westerner had gone.” England are scheduled to tour the sub-continent nation next month after the board officials decided that they were satisfied with the safety arrangements. However, many of the country’s players are yet to commit to the tour with Jos Buttler expressing doubts with managing director Andrew Strauss confirming that no player would be forced to go on the trip. (Yahoo Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 29, 2016

Police romp to third consecutive win in Boyce and Jefford Classic ...George and Moore take sprint hat- trick By Tamica Garnett IT was a hat-trick of wins for both Olympians,Winston George and his teammate Alita Moore, as they each made a clean sweep of the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints for men and women respectively, to help lead the Police Progressive Athletics Club to its third consecutive win, and a successful defence of their

championship title, as the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic VII concluded last night at the MacKenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden. Entering the second day of competition with a marginal lead over the Guyana Defence Force, Police never let up and continued in the lead until the end,and in the process they amassed 395 points to the

GDF’s Cleveland Forde finishes in first place in the men’s 1500m

329 points tallied by the GDF;thereby taking away the grand $1 million prize. Police is now the first club to take three consecutive wins at the event, which is celebrating its seventh edition this year. For their efforts, the GDF team took home $500, 000 and the second place trophy. The $300, 000 third place prize went to the Linden Combined team with 189 points, while Mercury Fast Laners rounded out the top four with 92 points;taking the $200, 000 cash prize and trophy. Of the remaining teams, the overseas team finished fifth with 49 points, and Super Upcoming Runners team totalled 35 points, to finish in the cellar position. In the individual wins, George was deservedly crowned the Champion Male, after racking up 30 points. Champion female title went to none other than Moore who also had 30 points. George, who had won the 200m on Saturday, returned to stamp his authority on the men’s 100m finals with a time of 10.3 seconds, getting the better of Linden’s Compton Ceasar, who clocked 10.6 seconds, while Police’s Kevin Abbensetts clinched third place with 10.7 seconds. Next it was on to the men’s 400m where George was up for serious competition from his team mate Winston Dummett. Running out of lane one on the 300m track, George, the national men’s 400m record holder, almost seemed set for another easy win, until Dummett challenged him on

Olympian Winston George takes the win in the men’s 100m, on the left Linden’s Compton Ceasar makes his way to second place, while on the right is third place finisher Police Kevin Abbensettes (Delano Williams photos) the final straight for a dramatic end that saw George clocking 49.2 seconds and Dummett following with 49.6 seconds, rounding George’s hat-trick. Matching win for win alongside George, Moore clocked 12.02 seconds in the 100m, and 59.1 seconds in the 400m. In the 100m, Linden’s Onasha Rogers was second (12.03s) and MFL’s Cassie Small took third (12:05s). Earlier, the day started off with the international women’s 1500m where Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal dominated in a time of 5:03.00s, while second place was picked up by Police’s Joanna Archer in a time of 5:12.00s, while Trinidad’s Joanna Rogers came in third. Cleveland Forde then

claimed the men’s 1500m in a time of 4:10.00s, in a win for the GDF. GDF also copped third in the race after Odwin Tudor clocked 4:14.00s.Second place went to Police’s Quacy Morian (4:13.00s). Forde and Tudor also contributed to GDF’s win in the

men’s sprint medley relay. GDF also won the women’s sprint medley. In the field events, GDF’s Natrena Hooper beat Linden’s Chantoba Bright into second place,after she covered 11.85m and Bright could only make it to 11.53m.

Windies take series win after Florida abandonment WEST Indies won the twomatch Twenty20 series against India after no result was possible in yesterday’s match in Florida due to rain. There were high expectations for another classic after the Windies racked up a record 245-6 and India were beaten by only one run following an epic chase. The second and final match of the series at Lauderhill proved to be a damp squib, with World Twenty20 champions the Windies making 143 all out and India 15 without loss after two overs when the rain came. It was deemed by the umpires

Carlos Brathwaite receives the winning trophy from BCCI president , Anurag Thakur after the the 2nd Paytm Twenty20 I n t e r n a t i on a l b e t w e e n W e s t I n d i e s and India at Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida was abandoned yesterday.(Photo by WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography)

that the pitch was too wet for play to restart, so the Windies take a 1-0 victory. Evin Lewis made a sublime century in the Windies’ incredible victory on Saturday, but fell for just seven this time around as fellow opener Johnson Charles top scored with 43 after the start was delayed for 40 minutes due to technical issues. Amit Mishra, recalled at the expense of Stuart Binny, took 3-24, while Mohammed Shami (2-31), Ravichandran Ashwin (2-11) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-26) also shone in a much-improved bowling display from India. MS Dhoni’s side were unable to square the series due to the weather in the Sunshine State. (Omnisport).

GDF’s Natrena Hooper during one of her jumps in the women’s triple jump where she took the win

Police romp to third consecutive win in Boyce and Jefford Classic See story on page 27

USVI’s Corley outpoints Gonsalves to take WBC FECABOX belt ..Holmes stops Austin in two; ---Gomes too good for Khan By Michael Da Silva UNITED States Virgin Islands’ (USVI) DeMarcus `Chop Chop’ Corley secured a points decision win over Guyana’s Dexter `The Cobra’ Gonsalves when the two met in a 12-round fight for the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) FECABOX lightweight title on Saturday night at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. On the same card, which was organised by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Jamaica’s Richard `Frog’ Holmes forced the referee to stop his eight-round middleweight contest against Guyana’s Mark Austin at

one minute 52 seconds of the second round, while the six-round lightweight contest between Imran Khan and Quincy Gomes saw the latter securing a unanimous points decision over Khan; the second such decision between the duo in three encounters. In the main event which was for the WBC’s FECABOX lightweight title,DeMarcus Corley, a former world champion,started very cautiously, allowing Gonsalves to build up points while being on the defensive early in the fight;and this allowed Gonsalves to land a telling straight right to the jaw of Corley causing

(See page 22)

GBBC’s president Peter Abdool (second left) places the WBC’s FECABOX lightweight title belt on USVI’s Demarcus `Chop Chop) Corley after he defeated Guyana’s Dexter Gonsalves for the title on Saturday evening at the Giftland Mall, ECD (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos).

De Marcus Corley (right) connects with a right jab to the jaw of Dexter Gonsalves during their 12-round FECABOX) lightweight title fight. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

DOWN) USVI’s DeMarcus `Chop Chop’ Curley” takes the eight count from referee Eion Jardine during the first round of his FECABOX 12-round lightweight title fight against Guyana’s Dexter Gonsalves on Saturday evening . Corley survived and went on to win the fight by a unanimous decision. MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016